The blatant gesture of goodwill was laid bare before him, and Cui Renshi's kind smile seemed like a gentle breeze.

But at this moment, Tang Huan felt somewhat uneasy.

Since he had no relation to Cui Renshi, the sudden show of goodwill from Cui seemed rather odd.

"I appreciate Prime Minister Cui's kind offer, but I cannot accept such a reward without having done so much, and I am afraid Tang Huan is not up to the task..."

Ignore him, just refuse him first.

If you actually agree, who knows how many troubles will follow?

Moreover, since he already has an empress as his backer, why would he need to find an unpopular and treacherous minister?

Choi In-seok was somewhat surprised by the result, and Choi Won-jo was even more astonished.

Cui Yuanzhao turned around and stared at Tang Huan.

"Lord Tang, with such great abilities, why stay in a small place like Qihuai County? The capital is so big, it's enough for you to show your skills. Plus, my father appreciates you, so you're sure to rise to high positions in the future. Don't you want to become a high-ranking official?"

Tang Huan shook his head. "I'm used to being a minor official. If you really put me in a high-ranking position, I'm afraid I wouldn't be able to handle it."

"How could that be? If you ask me, you're much better than those good-for-nothings in the court right now. Those people who come to see my father every day are all sycophants, but when it comes to actually doing something, they're utterly useless. They're not even a tenth as good as you."

Cui Yuanzhao spoke without any mercy, cursing everyone in Cui Xiang's faction.

Tang Huan didn't know who in the court served Cui Renshi, but upon hearing these words, he couldn't help but smile.

On the other hand, Cui Renshi already had a hint of anger in his voice, "You brat, if you don't speak, no one will think you're mute."

Cui Yuanzhao retorted, "Am I wrong? Even Redding is the same way," he said, "He can only act arrogantly because of his position as a minister. Anyway, I don't like him."

Tang Huan understood when Dao Xin was specifically mentioned.

No wonder Cui Yuanzhao and Lei Yan don't get along; he just doesn't like Lei Yan's father.

"Please excuse my son's careless remarks. He doesn't think things through. Please don't take it to heart."

Cui Yuanzhao clearly disagreed with Cui Renshi's words, but in front of Tang Huan, he did not continue to argue with Cui Renshi.

"Speaking of which, there's something I still want to thank you for."

"Is what Prime Minister Cui referring to—the cooperation between Yuan Zhao and me?"

“That’s right. Although the business of comic books and novels isn’t very big, at least it gives him something to do, so he won’t be as idle as before.”

This is also why Cui Renshi wanted to meet Tang Huan.

For the past ten years or so, Cui Yuanzhao has never given anyone a moment's peace, but recently he has suddenly become well-behaved.

This is fantastic news for Choi In-seo.

As for how much money could be made from comic books and novels, Cui Renshi did not inquire, only considering it as Cui Yuanzhao's small-scale dabbling.

“Yuan Zhao likes novels, so it’s not a bad thing that he can do this. After all, it’s hard to say whether a person can do what they like in their lifetime.”

Upon hearing this, Cui Yuanzhao immediately looked at Tang Huan with burning eyes.

Lord Tang really understands me.

During this period, he became so engrossed in the novel business that he felt he had realized his life's value.

It seemed like there was nothing more joyful than this.

"What are Lord Tang's ideals?"

Cui Renshi followed up on the topic and asked questions.

"In the past, I dreamed of entering the court as an official and serving the country, but unfortunately some bad things happened later and I was banished to Qihuai County."

"Later, my thoughts became very simple: I only wanted to get rich and lead the people to a better life."

Cui Renshi asked with slight surprise, "Most people want to get promoted and make money, but Lord Tang only thinks about making money and not about getting promoted?"

Tang Huan shook her head, "Promotion involves too many troubles. You have to consider this and deal with that. It's really incredibly annoying..."

Worried that Cui Renshi would continue to harp on this topic, Tang Huan pointed to the hot pot.

"The water's boiling, time to add the vegetables."

Cui Renshi then gave up asking questions, and the group began to serve the dishes one after another and started eating.

During this time, Cui Renshi had some fine wine brought over and invited Tang Huan to drink a few cups with him.

Tang Huan did not refuse.

After a few drinks, the conversation became much lighter.

However, Cui Renshi was still trying to steer the conversation toward important matters of the court, so Tang Huan pretended to be confused and kept talking about various trivial matters in Qihuai County.

In addition, Cui Yuanzhao, after drinking a few cups of wine, became flushed and kept asking about interesting things in Qihuai County, which provided a good cover for Tang Huan.

A full hour later, Tang Huan got up, swaying slightly.

"Thank you for the invitation, Prime Minister Cui. I am not a good drinker, so I will take my leave now and visit you in person another day."

Cui Renshi glanced at the two empty wine jugs in front of Tang Huan and nodded slightly, saying, "Yuan Zhao, see Lord Tang off."

"good."

Cui Yuanzhao reached out and helped Tang Huan up, immediately feeling her weight.

He complained, "Father, Lord Tang can't drink, but you still insist on making him drink so much with you."

"Get them back right now, stop talking nonsense!"

Cui Yuanzhao muttered to himself as he helped Tang Huan out of the private room.

Once the sounds around him had faded, Cui Renshi finished the last sip of wine in his glass and put it down.

His gaze fell on the spot where Tang Huan had just sat, as he recalled the events that had occurred within the past hour.

"How many people would be grateful and weep with joy at my overtures, yet he politely declined? How many people like him are there in the capital?"

"Do you only want to get rich and not get promoted, or do you look down on these lowly official positions? Are you completely unambitious, or are you too ambitious?"

Cui Renshi did not appear to be drunk, and he was well aware that Tang Huan was not drunk either.

Who can remain astute enough to avoid their own topic and evade the subject when drunk?

Cui Renshi slowly got up and looked down from the window.

At the entrance of the restaurant, Li Daikui took the man from Cui Yuanzhao's hands.

Even with two people supporting him, Tang Huan still walked unsteadily, and even pulled the two people with him to the ground several times.

Cui Renshi couldn't help but wonder, "Could I be wrong? Is he really unable to hold his liquor?"

Was all of this just a coincidence?

Looking at the empty wine jug on the table, it was indeed filled with quite a bit of wine; an ordinary person would certainly be drunk.

It seems I was just overthinking things.

However, one question still lingered in Cui Renshi's mind: "Why did His Majesty summon him to the palace?"

I can't figure it out.

"Zhao Quan!"

Cui Renshi shouted loudly towards the door.

Zhao Quan immediately pushed open the door and walked in. "Sir, what are your orders?"

"Investigate. Find out everything Tang Huan has done over the past few years. I need to know if he has had any further contact with His Majesty."

"yes."

Cui Renshi did not believe that His Majesty would suddenly be interested in a county magistrate.

There must be something else hidden in this.

Meanwhile, the three unsteady figures had already walked away.

After walking far enough, Tang Huan, who had been staggering, suddenly stood firm, the confusion on her face vanished, and her eyes became incredibly sharp.

Li Daikui complained helplessly, "Sir, do we have to pretend for so long?"

Qin Yu, standing to the side, was dumbfounded. "Is he faking it?"