It was already evening when I left Baoyue Tower.
"So it turns out that not all facial cleansers are the same. Yuyao is indeed exceptionally talented."
Xiao Yu felt a sense of lingering enjoyment and decided that next time he came to see Ningxiang, he would also invite the courtesan Yuyao.
"No, each of the ten courtesans has her own unique characteristics, so why should I put all my eggs in one basket?"
"Take it one step at a time."
Xiao Yu stretched comfortably, and as he left, he also took the gluttonous Da Sha with him...
As for Xiao Zhan and the other soldiers, Xiao Yu did not disturb them, because no one would pay attention to them.
"Remember what I told you before: don't tell Niannian about our visit to Baoyue Tower."
To prevent any mishaps, Xiao Yu repeatedly gave instructions.
"Um."
Da Sha nodded seriously, then blushed and stammered, "When will we come next time?"
"???"
After confirming that he hadn't misheard, Xiao Yu patted Da Sha on the shoulder and said, "Remember, Er Sha is an upright person and rarely comes to Baoyue Tower. Next time, Captain Xiao Zhan can bring you here."
"I'll remember that, you silly goose."
Da Sha carefully remembered it and decided to have Xiao Zhan bring him next time.
Soon, the two returned to Prince Xiao's residence.
"elder brother!"
Yang Niannian was overjoyed to see Da Sha. It was the first time the siblings had been separated for so long, and the little girl's eyes were filled with tears. She said, "You're finally back. How have you been at the workshop these past few days? Are you tired?"
"Not tired."
Da Sha shook his head and said, "Captain Xiao Zhan taught me a hammer technique that saves a lot of energy when forging iron. Also, I eat very well every day and am happy to be with everyone."
"That's good."
Yang Niannian knew that the people from the Xiao Prince's Mansion wouldn't bully her brother. She asked this simply because she wanted to know how Da Sha had been doing these past few days.
“Brother, everyone has been very kind to me during my stay at the Prince’s Palace. Sister Youyu taught me a lot of words.”
Yang Niannian said with a smile, "I can also teach my brother to write in the future."
"good!"
Big Fool nodded happily.
Seeing how close the brother and sister were, Xiao Yu smiled like an aunt, watched for a few seconds, and then went back to find his wife.
...
the next day.
After practicing his shooting, Xiao Yu ate breakfast.
Zhao Haining, accompanied by several young men dressed as eunuchs, approached Xiao Yu, bowed, and said, "Your Highness, he is under the command of Eunuch Wei... He said he is here on His Majesty's orders to take Your Highness to the palace."
"oh?"
Xiao Yu looked toward the head eunuch.
"Your Highness, my name is Xiao Chunzi. I've come to invite you to the palace."
The young eunuch in the lead spoke in a soft, effeminate voice.
Xiao Yu had indeed met this Xiao Chunzi twice before, when Eunuch Wei took him with him when he went to the workshop.
"good."
Xiao Yu guessed what it was about, nodded, and said, "Thank you for your trouble, gentlemen."
Afterwards, he asked Zhao Haining to inform Madam Xiao, and then left with several young eunuchs.
The Xiao Prince's Mansion is located in the city center of the inner city, not far from the palace, about half an hour's walk away.
We arrived at the palace gate.
Looking at the tall and majestic imperial city, Xiao Yu couldn't help but sigh, "This imperial palace is really huge... It seems that the Great Xia Kingdom is more powerful than I imagined."
"That's right. With the ability to withstand the combined forces of nine great nations on its own, Great Xia is undoubtedly the strongest among the ten nations!"
"It's a pity that this battle severely weakened the Great Xia Kingdom, otherwise, would the tiny Sun Kingdom have dared to send envoys to show off its power?"
As Xiao Yu thought to himself, Xiao Chunzi, who was walking in front, took out a token, and the Imperial Guards opened the city gate, allowing the group to enter the imperial city.
Along the way, Xiao Yu kept looking around at the majestic imperial city, which was magnificent and beautiful, but also full of oppressive atmosphere.
It is not court time now.
Therefore, Xiao Chunzi brought Xiao Yu to the Imperial Study.
"Your Majesty, Prince Xiao has arrived."
After Eunuch Wei first informed the Empress and received her consent, he then invited Xiao Yu to the Imperial Study.
This time, Xiao Yu met Empress Wu Xuanhuang, who was wearing a red robe.
Unlike her usual appearance, the First Empress of Great Xia was dressed in a dazzling dragon robe... yes, a bright red dragon robe. Golden dragon patterns adorned the red silk.
The golden dragon embroidered on the red silk is so lifelike, it seems to be alive, soaring through the clouds, baring its teeth and claws, raising its head high, and gazing with piercing eyes. Every detail of the dragon scales is perfect, it is simply a masterpiece of craftsmanship.
This empress is dazzlingly beautiful!
She wore a bright red robe embroidered with gold dragon threads, her hair was styled in a high bun, and she wore a golden phoenix crown adorned with five-colored gemstones.
She stood there quietly, like a fire goddess from the heavens, breathtakingly beautiful, yet possessing an extremely strong aura.
Xiao Yu was completely stunned. Compared to Zhen Ruohua before, she was like a completely different person... It wasn't until he heard Eunuch Wei cough softly that he came back to his senses.
"Your Highness, I, Xiao Yu, pay my respects!"
Xiao Yu quickly performed the kneeling ceremony between a ruler and his subject.
"Rise."
The Empress's voice was solemn. Although it was the same as Zhen Ruohua's voice before, it was now very majestic and had a very strong aura.
Xiao Yu stood up and glanced to the side. He saw several other people around him. Although he didn't recognize them, he could deduce their identities from their official robes.
The first-rank civil official dressed in blue robes was none other than the Grand Secretary, Zhao Jingzhong.
He was around seventy years old, with white hair and beard, but he was full of energy and spirit. Although he was slightly hunched over, it did not affect his aura.
As Xiao Yu sized him up, Zhao Jingzhong also gave Xiao Yu a cold look.
"His eyes were quite hostile... That's right, he's in cahoots with Duke Liu and Prince Rong, and they'll come after me sooner or later."
Xiao Yu thought to himself, then looked at the other person.
The other person was about the same age as Zhao Jingzhong, only four or five years younger. He wore a purple official robe and looked refined yet dignified, with a reserved demeanor. He was none other than the current prime minister, Murong Zhong.
"My future father-in-law!"
Xiao Yu cried out in his heart, but seeing that the other party completely ignored him, he didn't know whether to be happy or sad.
"He doesn't hate me, so I should be happy, right?"
Xiao Yu thought to himself.
Then, his gaze turned to the third person, a handsome young man dressed in magnificent brocade robes.
Unlike Chief Minister Zhao and Prime Minister Murong, this young man was sitting in a chair... well, he was the Empress's younger brother, Prince Rong.
Prince Rong did not glance at Xiao Yu once from beginning to end, as if the man could not arouse his interest.
He acted as if he had never heard the name Xiao Yu before.
"He's a bit cunning."
Xiao Yu narrowed his eyes, looking at the seemingly foolish Prince Rong, and then at the Empress... It seems that the Empress is unaware that Prince Rong sent Sun Wudi to assassinate him!
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