Chapter 42 I will punish you for all the riddles and puzzles you did in your youth...

Ying Xi pressed her lips together tightly.

—The barbarian king is pushing his luck; this dowry is much larger than what Hua Chao received back then.

The southwest could not possibly have been affected by the disaster, there was no report to the emperor, and besides, why would silk be used for disaster relief?

Popular support and national strength are the foundation of Ying Xi's confidence throughout her life.

He calmly suppressed his anger: "What else did the envoy have to say?"

Zhu Zhao's gentle voice rang out: "The rest is all idle talk. The envoy inquires about the sights and sounds of Chang'an, as he wishes to tour the capital."

Ying Xi frowned: "Did you cause any trouble?"

"Everything he sees is fascinating, but he has never caused any trouble."

After a brief silence, Ying Xi, having pierced through the surface to grasp the essence of the matter, concluded: "They are here to test our strength."

In the past, war raged across the land, and the barbarian king's envoys came aggressively to force a marriage alliance. They committed atrocities in Chang'an, harming many people.

Although the barbarian king made exorbitant demands, his men remained obedient and law-abiding, clearly having been instructed beforehand not to act rashly, given the limited strength of the Qin state.

The fact that the envoy has remained calm until now without being reported by the city patrol guards shows that he knows he cannot afford to offend the Great Qin.

Ying Xi sneered, "The barbarian king is asking for an exorbitant price, hoping I'll settle for whatever amount I ask for. He's just looking for an excuse to extort money from you."

If it weren't for the old debt from his past life—the barbarian king extorting and torturing Princess Huachao—and the fact that Ying Xi is currently waging war against the north and has just confiscated hundreds of thousands of taels of silver from the barbarian king's property, he might actually give him some money to send the barbarian king away.

I can only imagine my younger sister, with her bright eyes and lively spirit, in Yunyong Tower.

The barbarian king is asking for money this time; will he come for people next time?

Ying Xi was filled with remorse and shame, a dangerous glint flashing in her eyes. She decisively blurted out, "I'm sorry to trouble you, Imperial Tutor, to tell the envoys to get lost. I will not accept this."

The Weiyang Palace, bathed in a soft, shimmering light, was enveloped in the gentle trembling of incense smoke.

The extreme blandness creates a chilling sharpness; Ying Xi's aggression is hidden both in the tangible and the intangible.

Compared to their meeting at the secret location, Ying Xi is even more sharp, reminiscent of ruthless decisiveness, thunderous methods, and stormy weather...

No teacher dislikes an outstanding student. Especially one they have personally mentored.

Ying Xi displayed such courage, and the emperor who was growing up before him was compared to Li Yilong, who was far away and could not be seen. Zhu Zhao's throat tightened slightly.

Zhu Zhao, moved by the call, said, "I have a way to quell this matter, which will not only leave the envoy speechless, but also serve as a warning to the barbarian king."

"Please speak, sir."

Zhu Zhao slowly replied, "We agree to the barbarian king's request, but Great Qin has conditions. The relief supplies must be escorted to the southwest by Great Qin troops for distribution; otherwise, there's no point in discussing it."

Ying Xi curled the corners of her lips into a smile.

This rhetoric was respectable, but the underlying scheming was clear even to Sweet Commander. Sweet Commander chuckled in his ear, "Haha, if the Barbarian King dares to accept it, then let the troops take the money and provisions and beat him to a pulp!"

I never expected that Zhuzhao, who had already distanced himself from the court, could still offer such a good plan. Zhuzhao's abilities are beyond doubt.

Zhu Zhao then gently requested, "However, I also hope that Your Majesty will send people to inquire whether the southwest has been affected by disasters. If it is true, the Qin army's advance into the southwest would be taking advantage of the situation and would damage Your Majesty's reputation."

The words gradually settled in the study of Weiyang Palace, and the Imperial Tutor bowed.

Ying Xi remained silent for a few breaths, barely managing to salvage two or three points of her impression of Zhu Zhao. The Imperial Tutor possessed a compassionate and empathetic heart, truly unique to the Great Qin Dynasty.

Ying Xi secretly cast a scrutinizing glance at him.

His deep gray eyes revealed a hidden thought.

Compared to previously neglecting Zhuzhao, it's inappropriate to allow a traitor to continue receiving a salary from the court.

The emperor's pleasure could also be to command his enemies to serve him, to make traitors work tirelessly for the court, and to keep the traitors in a state of constant fear, only then could he be satisfied.

System task: Make a pinky promise with any character (0/1)

Having decided on his next move, Ying Xi waved his hand, dismissing all the servants, and the study immediately became empty.

The candlelight did not reveal the reason.

The emperor rose from his dragon throne and walked around the desk.

The emperor, high above, gradually closed the distance. His imposing presence caused Zhuzhao to bow and lower his eyes, his gaze falling on the emperor's brightly colored heart adorned with dragon patterns.

"Sir, I hope you will grant me a request."

Yingxi extended her finger to Zhuzhao, the tip of her finger was snow-white and shiny, her nails were like shells, and her knuckles were like a jade belt hook of the finest quality.

Zhu Zhao's thoughts were drawn to this small gesture, and in an instant, he felt as if he had returned to the Fanglan Palace.

At that time, Ying Xi was neither the crown prince nor the emperor; his identity was secret, and his movements were not free.

After becoming acquainted with Zhuzhao, who was his teacher, Zhuzhao was often asked by Zhuzhao to agree to some harmless things by making pinky promises.

For example, bring a few books to pass the time.

For example, they could conceal his acquaintance with Young Master Xie to protect his only friend.

When they were children, Yingxi's actions represented trust, a tacit understanding that once belonged only to teachers and students.

Zhu Zhao was in a daze, and subconsciously hooked Ying Xi's little finger again. The knuckles were still soft and delicate, like willow branches in spring.

"The situation in the north is crucial to the fate of the nation. If the internal situation is stable, Qin will have the resources to deal with external enemies."

"I have countless officials on my desk who have volunteered to help the bandit strongholds in the north, but this is a matter of great importance, and I only trust you, sir."

"Please, sir, you must assume the role of the chief envoy for the surrender!"

"..."

System Task: Make a pinky promise with any character (1/1)

Quest Reward: Charm Points +50

In an instant, Zhuzhao almost stopped breathing.

The position of chief envoy of the pacification mission was a promising one, destined to be remembered in history, and had already attracted a frenzy among the court officials.

Feeling guilty, Zhu Zhao didn't dare to recommend himself, but unexpectedly, Ying Xi entrusted him with an important task. Zhu Zhao's suspicion that he had been alienated by the emperor vanished in an instant.

A surge of intense, burning heat, rising from my heart to every part of my body, was intensified.

What place did he hold in Ying Xi's heart?

He couldn't figure it out.

Zhu Zhao felt as if countless huge stones were pressing on his chest!

It was as if one could see Ying Xi as a child through the Ying Xi before them, that small figure who always waited at the entrance of Fanglan Palace.

His voice was clear and crisp when he called out to his teacher. Every time they met, he would take the book from his hands first, and then, when they parted, he would glance at his wide sleeves with a hint of eagerness, hoping that there was a gift hidden inside.

"gentlemen."

"Sir, now that we've finished reading this volume of the Zizhi Tongjian, shall we tell you a story?"

"Sir, I'm giving you a genuine sable hair brush. I supervised the horseman as it chased it halfway up the mountain before finally catching it..."

“Sir, if you have any official business to attend to, you can bring it with you, and I can help you with that.”

Sir, sir.

gentlemen……

"My lord, I will lead the Great Qin out of this long night."

As the boy grew into an emperor, his personality and temperament changed, but Ying Xi, who had once trusted him so much, still trusted him now.

Zhu Zhao's eyes are becoming blurry.

It felt as if knives were churning inside his chest, reminding him of a fact that was ugly and cruel.

He betrayed this young man during the most difficult time for the Qin Dynasty! And he even tried to use the people to cover up his cowardice!

Zhu Zhao's eyes were burning hot, and his jade-like face was flushed. He just wanted to find a crack in the ground to crawl into.

He deserves to be in this dilemma.

Zhu Zhao secretly thought about his code name in the Jiangnan Army:

—Morning Glow.

This identity once represented hope, but now it's a hot potato.

Zhu Zhao finally said in a hoarse voice, "Your Majesty, I am willing to share your burdens."

"But I am of limited ability and fear that I am not up to the task. I hope Your Majesty will reconsider."

The second half of the sentence is, of course, just a polite remark.

Aside from a prodigy like Su Xueyi, no one would make a promise before even starting work; Zhu Zhao's words were tantamount to an agreement.

If you agree, then the cattle and horses are already trapped.

Ying Xi suppressed her joy, seemingly nonchalant, and comforted her, echoing the polite words from before: "Sir, there's no need to feel pressured. I will go with you in disguise as your deputy. With you and me, master and disciple, working together, what difficulty can't we overcome?"

Zhu Zhao: "..."

The emperor is actually leaving Weiyang Palace!

***

Ying Xi's decision to travel to the countryside on official business was hasty, but it was not a spur-of-the-moment decision, nor was it solely for the purpose of monitoring Zhu Zhao.

In this life, he has traveled incognito from the palace three or four times, each time allowing him to see different people and different customs.

Born in the deep palace and raised by women, Ying Xi did not want to be that kind of emperor.

The Qin Dynasty should not be a vague castle in the air in his eyes. Since he has the opportunity in this life, he wants to understand the country thoroughly. That is why he chose to travel with Zhuzhao. This trip will not be too long.

What about the palace?

The real favorability points raised by those fifty-one "Xu Fangxin Gift Boxes" were enough for Su Xueyi to stabilize the court from the rear.

He had a jade mirror to cover up his illness and avoid court, and he could use wild geese to send messages to keep track of the world's affairs. He could even return to his study at any time.

What is he afraid of?

The more Yingxi planned her escape route, the more she looked forward to this long journey.

He couldn't wait to arrange everything he had just thought of, including his public identity, and to buy a few appropriate outfits so that Xu Fangxin's gift box could be used smoothly.

Sweetie yelled, "This time, Prime Minister Su will definitely bow down before your dragon robe!!!"

Ying Xi had long been used to ignoring its random bumping and didn't care much.

Not long after, the Ministry of Personnel sent word that Su Yin had recovered. Su Xueyi immediately canceled her leave and completed the necessary procedures. Su Xueyi was about to come to Weiyang Palace to meet the Emperor—Ying Xi decisively refused.

You dare to leave whenever you want? Do you think you can just see me whenever you want?

As evening fell and the sun set, the emperor flicked his sleeves and left the Weiyang Palace area without a second thought, going wherever he pleased.

Having encountered a precedent before, Su Xueyi was extremely clever. Once he got tired of waiting, he would find a way to sneak into Weiyang Palace under any pretext.

Ying Xi didn't want Su Xueyi to confront her at the door.

So, carrying the jade mirror, the master and servant went out through the north gate. If Su Xueyi were to enter the palace, she would have to go through the south gate, as the two were going in opposite directions.

The north gate of Weiyang Palace, though not the main gate, was still the only way for the emperor to reach Shanglin Garden, where he could stroll and relax. With its pine and bamboo groves, pebbly paths, and tranquil, casual layout, it was a place of peace and quiet.

The evening breeze rustled the bamboo leaves, and Yingxi took a deep breath.

With my eyes closed, I could only feel the fragrance of spring plants everywhere, refreshing my lungs.

But when he opened his eyes again, Yu Jing beside him had already stopped walking, and Yu Jing even bowed and took half a step back: "Duke of England".

Ying Xi looked towards the north gate.

Even with the vibrant sunset, eye-catching green bamboo, and perfectly straight gateposts...

However, none of them were as striking and eye-catching as Xie Qianli in his white robes and silver armor. Ying Xi's heart tightened, and she was instantly captivated by him, so she looked away.

Ying Xi said in a deep, displeased voice, "Why is Minister Xie standing outside my palace?"

Xie Qianli bowed to the emperor, as if a snow-capped mountain had sunk halfway down.

His straight nose gave him a very handsome profile, and his gaze fell directly on the tips of the emperor's boots. The boots were white with golden dragon patterns embroidered on them.

Xie Qianli silently stared at the dragon's eye for a moment; it was peacock blue. The stitching was exquisite, and it shimmered with a faint light.

Xie Qianli frankly said, "I had the chief steward inform His Majesty this afternoon, but His Majesty is resting. I did not want to disturb him and have not yet received a summons, so I strolled here and did not dare to go far."

The evening breeze stirred the bamboo grove once more. Yu Jing lowered her eyes, secretly furrowing her brows, sensing that something was amiss with those words.

The emperor asked, "What is the matter that you wish to report?"

Xie Qianli stood up and showed the emperor the finalized military supplies: "I have heard that the chief envoy is Mr. Zhuzhao, and the delegation to offer amnesty will depart tomorrow."

He was more than half a head taller than Ying Xi. The emperor could reach his chin.

But the emperor did not need to look up, because the Duke of England deliberately lowered his head slightly: "Yes, I grant your request, and it shall be carried out according to this procedure."

"I obey the order."

Was the long wait all for this brief report?

If they couldn't wait, they could ask her to bring the documents into the study herself. Yu Jing felt a strange unease and became even more hesitant to approach.

But the British explanation is reasonable.

"Your Majesty's gift of grapes is a great honor, and I am deeply grateful for Your Majesty's boundless grace. Perhaps it will be more than a month since we parted, and I have come to express my gratitude and bid you farewell."

Ying Xi: "I understand. If you don't finish the fruit, I will punish you."

Xie Qianli thought to himself, "As expected," and raised his voice slightly, "I have brewed them into wine."

Ying Xi's eyes flickered.

Countless riddles and puzzles from my childhood remain vivid in my mind, lingering in my memory.

For a fleeting moment, Ying Xi forgot her hatred and almost blurted out, "Ju'er is indeed very clever."

He felt a pang of sorrow as he thought of calling Xie Qianli by his childhood name, and amidst the pain in his heart and lungs, he decided to leave without looking back. Yu Jing quickly followed.

Xie Qianli faced Ying Xi's back and knelt on one knee. The ground was covered with the afterglow of the setting sun, tinged with gold and orange-red. His voice was steady: "Your Majesty, take care."

wrong……

Ying Xi stopped.

There was something he forgot to tell the British public intellectuals, otherwise he would have been exposed tomorrow. With those roughnecks in the Longwu Army, they wouldn't have been able to hide it at all.

Ying Xi absolutely did not want Lian Qing to expose his identity directly, and if the three armies shouted "Long live the Emperor!", how would he leave?

Ying Xi suppressed the soreness in her throat and said, "There's no need to say goodbye. Get ready. I'll change my identity and be in the amnesty team."