Chapter 309: It’s All Zhao Xiang

Yan Qi was filled with anger and reluctantly nodded. He tried to maintain his composure, as if he didn't care about the matter at all. He bowed and nodded to Minister Yang, "Thank you, uncle!"

The two chatted for a few words and soon went their separate ways.

Minister Yang felt heavy-hearted, and Yan Qi felt even worse. He had to go and discuss this with his father and the Imperial Concubine.

Zhao Xiang, it must be Zhao Xiang!

Yan Qi's father, Concubine Yan's eldest brother, was not in good health and had no knowledge at all, so he did not hold an office in the court. Instead, he was given the title of Marquis Cheng'en and stayed at home unemployed.

Although he is just a marquis, there is naturally a difference between an idle marquis and a powerful marquis!

For example, Marquis Cheng'en, although he did not hold an official position, was aware of all the affairs in the court, big or small, and no one ever dared to underestimate him.

Today he and some old friends were sightseeing around the hunting grounds and were in great spirits. Yan Qi couldn't wait to learn from the housekeeper where he had been and immediately rode over to find him.

When Marquis Cheng'en saw his eldest son coming in a hurry, he had a bad feeling.

If it wasn't an emergency, his son wouldn't have done this!

When the others saw the eldest son of the Yan family coming, they guessed that something must have happened. Naturally, they would not be ignorant and wanted to listen, so they all found excuses to go out and play.

Marquis Cheng'en no longer cared about them. He said a few perfunctory words and looked at his son: "What happened?"

"Dad!" Yan Qi was angry and embarrassed, and pursed his lips and said, "The emperor has dismissed me from my position. Now I am no longer the Junior Minister of the Dali Temple!"

"What? How is this possible?!"

Marquis Cheng'en blurted out, then felt something was wrong and asked hurriedly: "What's going on? What happened?"

"It's all that bastard Zhao Xiang's fault!" Yan Qi gritted his teeth. "Nothing good has happened since he returned to the capital! Nothing happened when he was away, but as soon as he came back, problems kept cropping up. Damn it! He shouldn't have come back. He should have died in Lingnan!"

"Okay, let's put all that aside for now. Tell me what happened. Think carefully and tell me everything. Remember, it's best not to leave out a single word. It's already happened. What's the point of blaming others? We should think of a solution. Besides, the Second Prince is still here, and the Imperial Concubine is still here. What are you worried about? Can the Emperor really not give our Yan family face?"

"Yes, Dad."

Yan Qi's heart gradually calmed down. His father was right. As long as the emperor still doted on the second prince and the imperial concubine, his family would be safe and sound. There was nothing to worry about.

"My son just can't get over this!"

Yan Qi couldn't help but curse a few more times before telling the whole story.

In fact, as he gradually calmed down and his brain started working again, Yan Qi had thought of some details himself without the need for Marquis Cheng'en to remind him.

"Damn it! It was that damn Zhao Xianshang who put the eye drops in his eyes! He was stirring things up in front of the Emperor!"

No wonder the emperor is so angry!

No wonder the emperor, who seemed to have calmed down and whose tone had softened, suddenly became angry again. This had never happened before, and they had no idea what was going on. They were all completely confused!

Then, continuing to beg for mercy would be tantamount to going against the emperor.

Making one mistake after another.

"Zhao Xiang, he and I are irreconcilable!"

Yan Qi's face was grim, his teeth gnashing. How could he not hate him? He had always been the one bullying and scheming against others. When had anyone dared to do the same to him?

Not only did they target him, but they also succeeded in doing so in front of the emperor, leading to his dethronement.

Even if he is reinstated in the future, the shame he suffered now is an indelible fact!

Marquis Cheng'en sneered, "We, him, and the one in the Eastern Palace are irreconcilable. Is it any wonder he's plotting against us? It's you, on the other hand, who've been living in comfort for so long that you've become complacent. Otherwise, you wouldn't have fallen for his tricks so easily. Qi'er, you should reflect on this."

Yan Qi bowed respectfully: "Dad is teaching me a lesson. I was careless this time. I promise, this is the last time. Zhao Xiang won't have another chance!"

"Admitting one's mistakes is the best way to improve," Marquis Cheng'en nodded in satisfaction, his demeanor still relaxed. "It's not a bad lesson, though. Just keep a low profile for a few days and we'll talk again in a few days. If you rush to beg for mercy now, it'll seem like you're forcing the Emperor."

With the identity and status of the Yan family, even if Yan Qi was deposed, nothing would happen in the next few days to shake their foundation.

Both father and son were actually very calm and composed.

Marquis Cheng'en smiled and said, "The scenery here is quite nice. Since you are here, why don't you accompany me for a stroll? Enjoy this beautiful scenery and cultivate your spirit."

Yan Qi smiled and nodded: "Yes, Dad!"

As the setting sun gradually sank to the west and fell towards the distant western mountains, the golden sunlight slanted across the sky and earth, and everything was dyed with a layer of light gold, and the ordinary scenery became extraordinary.

Teams of warriors who entered the hunting grounds came out one after another with their hunted prey.

The emperor's mood improved again. Together with Concubine Yan, court officials and female relatives, he waited for the hunting team to return with a great harvest.

Today is a chance for the Erlangs to practice, and in two days, the Emperor will personally participate, and that will be the real fun!

There are many prey in the hunting grounds, not to mention small animals like hares and pheasants, but also wild sheep and wild deer, as well as some other large beasts.

In short, as long as you have some real skills, you will definitely not return empty-handed after entering this hunting ground!

Seeing the teams coming back, bowing to the emperor and showing off their prey, the scene was filled with deafening cheers, one louder than the other.

What everyone was most looking forward to was naturally the two teams led by the Second Prince and Prince Zhao Liya of Zhou.

The matter of the bet is known to everyone.

"The Second Prince! It's His Royal Highness the Second Prince!"

"Ah, Your Highness and the others are coming out!"

"Look! What did they hunt, Your Highness? I-I really think I saw a bear!"

"It's really a bear! And there are lots of wolves! Your Highness and the others are amazing!"

"As expected of His Highness, you are truly amazing!"

"Your Highness! Your Highness!"

I don't know who took the lead, but soon many soldiers and guards started to make a commotion, and the atmosphere was extremely lively.

The court officials and their families who supported the second prince were all delighted and beaming with joy.

The emperor was equally delighted and laughed heartily: "Good, good! Second brother is good, he didn't embarrass me, hahahaha!"

Concubine Yan smiled and said, "As the saying goes, a tiger father will have a dog son. Mo'er was taught by the emperor himself, so his ability is naturally extraordinary! Ultimately, it's the emperor who is extraordinary!"

All the ministers praised the emperor one after another, saying, "Your Majesty is wise! Your Majesty is mighty!" and made the emperor smile from ear to ear.

(End of this chapter)