The words of the King of Xiu contained a hint of threat. After saying this, he turned and entered the palace gate without looking back.

He stood there for a while, feeling immense pressure.

He Yunze knew that this time, he could only succeed and could not fail, otherwise everyone would know what happened to Prince Xiu yesterday, and he would not be able to bear his anger.

Did Ruo'an actually meet the owner of Pinxianglou at this moment?

Why is the owner of Pinxianglou so strange, even though he is willing to meet with me?

He Yunze was restless and his heart was pounding. Even when he went to court, he was terrified and didn't listen carefully to the discussions between the emperor and his ministers.

"Young Minister He? Young Minister He?"

He Yunze raised his head blankly and saw the emperor staring at him intently, while the eyes of the officials behind him were also focused on him.

Feeling the gazes of everyone on his back, He Yunze shuddered and hurriedly knelt down: "Your Majesty, I deserve to die. I did not hear what Your Majesty just said."

Upon hearing this, Emperor Guangqi's gaze sharpened slightly, and then he spoke again: "I just asked you about the Tibetan delegation's visit to the court. Do you have any suggestions?"

He Yunze snapped out of his daze upon hearing this.

Tibetans came to pay tribute?

He's been so stressed out about the incense issue lately that he didn't even get two hours of sleep last night. His mind is a complete mess right now, and even though he could usually come up with something, he can't come up with any suggestions right now.

Moreover, he had been completely focused on incense lately and hadn't even noticed the Tibetan delegation's visit to the capital.

"Your humble servant... Your humble servant..."

He lowered his head heavily, his mind racing as he recalled the events of his past life when the Tibetans came to pay tribute.

The emperor noticed his stammering and his expression changed slightly before he said, "It's alright, it doesn't matter if you don't have a plan."

"However, I see that you seem somewhat uneasy. Should I have the imperial physician examine you?"

He Yunze felt ashamed of Emperor Guangqi's concern, but the emperor did not blame him, which relieved him: "Thank you for your concern, Your Majesty. I am fine."

Upon hearing this, the emperor did not say much, but instead turned his gaze to the others: "Do any of my other ministers have any other ideas?"

"The Tibetans have come to pay tribute with utmost sincerity. Our dynasty and Tibet have maintained peaceful relations for thirty years. How should we treat them?"

He Yunze slowly stood up, pondering the matter, when he heard Su Mingli's voice ring out: "This humble subject has some shallow thoughts."

Emperor Guangqi's eyes held a rare hint of satisfaction: "Go on."

Seeing the emperor's pleased look, He Yunze's heart tightened.

"After the year ends comes the annual Fengshan ceremony. Since Tibet has been paying tribute to our dynasty for more than 30 years, why not invite the visiting Tibetan envoys to participate in this Fengshan ceremony as well, to show the great grace of our dynasty and to express His Majesty's trust and friendship."

"This move will surely strengthen our friendly relations with Tibet, and it will also set a good precedent for other tributary states, ushering in a golden age of peace and prosperity, and a great situation where all nations come to pay tribute."

At this point, the emperor immediately praised Su Mingli, saying, "Excellent! My dear Su, your idea is far superior to their banquets and marriage proposals!"

"As expected of you! In this peaceful and prosperous era, all nations come to pay tribute! With a minister like you, such a golden age is just around the corner!"

Upon hearing Emperor Guangqi's words, all the court officials' eyes lit up, and they all praised the idea, finding it feasible.

"How many brilliant ideas has Lord Su come up with for His Majesty? From the initial Two-Tax System to adapting to local conditions, and now he has come up with the brilliant idea of ​​a peaceful and prosperous era with all nations paying tribute!"

"Sure enough, young people's minds are so sharp, making us old folks feel ashamed of ourselves!"

Grand Tutor Xin shook his head, his words tinged with shame, yet his face betrayed an undeniable pride.

Upon hearing this, the emperor looked at Su Mingli's gentle and refined face and felt as if he had forgotten something.

Before he could speak, Prime Minister Lin raised his head and said with great interest, "Your Majesty, you once said that you would reward Lord Su for his merits, but I interrupted you and the matter was put on hold!"

"Although Lord Su does not mind, this old minister is truly ashamed!"

Upon hearing this, Emperor Guangqi suddenly remembered that he had forgotten about this matter.

He originally intended to promote Su Mingli to the position of Grand Counselor, but he was so impressed by He Yunce's idea that he missed the opportunity.

Emperor Guangqi thought about it and recalled He Yunze's performance just now. He shook his head and said, "Prime Minister Lin is right. I had forgotten about this matter."

He Yunze felt the emperor's gaze and gritted his teeth, but the emperor's next words made his heart leap into his throat.

The thing he had been on guard against for so long was taken advantage of today because of his preoccupation!

He finally got promoted and surpassed Su Mingli, but he offended Prime Minister Lin, so the old matter was brought up again!

He Yunze was unwilling to accept this!

He hurriedly looked towards the direction of the King of Xiu, hoping that he would speak out against it.

Prince Xiu clearly received He Yunze's gaze, so he slightly bowed to Emperor Guangqi and then spoke:

“Father, promoting Lord Su is what the people want, and it is what Lord Su deserves.”

He Yunze was completely stunned, as if the blood in his body had frozen at that moment.

He looked at King Xiu in disbelief, but King Xiu only smiled slightly at him.

My dear reader, there's more to this chapter! Please click the next page to continue reading—even more exciting content awaits!