Inside the palace, wine cups were clinked and toasts were exchanged, and the guests were all satisfied with the meal.
As the undisputed number one contributor, Mu Zi'an naturally had to deal with social obligations.
Fortunately, the alcohol in Dali is all low in alcohol, which is still within Mu Zian's acceptable range.
If it were his own homemade strong liquor, Mu Zian would probably have collapsed long ago.
In the middle of the night, Mu Zian was about to return to his residence when he was stopped by Eunuch Cao.
"Lord Zhenguo, His Majesty requests your presence."
Although she didn't know why Xiao Yu had called her in the middle of the night, Mu Zi'an still followed him.
Inside the Hall of Mental Cultivation, wisps of smoke curled upwards.
Although it was midnight, the palace was brightly lit.
Beside his desk, Xiao Yu was engrossed in painting.
Xiao Yu can definitely be considered a wise ruler. Under his rule, the power of the Great Li Kingdom flourished.
Perhaps it's because he wasn't in line to inherit the throne that he strives for perfection in everything he does.
"Your subject pays respects to Your Majesty."
Mu Zian bowed respectfully.
Xiao Yu, who was painting, did not look up, but simply said casually.
"Come here and take a look at my painting."
The two seemed to have a relationship that was not one of ruler and subject, but rather that of longtime friends.
Only the Duke of Zhenguo in the whole world can enjoy such favor.
Mu Zian stepped forward and saw a lifelike tiger on the Xuan paper.
"Your Majesty has excellent calligraphy skills."
Xiao Yu laughed heartily upon hearing this, then put down the fine wolf-hair brush in his hand and said.
"This was a good battle. Thirty thousand against one hundred thousand, and the opposing commander was Gongsun Yi, who was known as the Heavenly Warrior. It is truly remarkable that you were able to win so cleanly and decisively."
Mu Zian smiled.
"It is the result of the unity of all the generals, not my achievement alone."
"If you weren't greedy, you would really have some of your father's traits."
"sit."
Xiao Yu and Mu Zi'an sat side by side; if this scene were to spread, it would probably shock countless people.
"Pei Jianzhi lost three thousand elite soldiers of Dali in one battle. In principle, he should have been punished according to military law. However, many voices in the court believe that a minor punishment is sufficient as a warning. Therefore, I did not punish him today. Do you have any resentment in your heart?"
Mu Zian remained calm upon hearing this.
"I harbor no resentment, but I feel sorry for the three thousand soldiers who lost their lives in Luzhou. They could have had a bright future."
Xiao Yu gave Mu Zi'an an approving look.
Mu Zian's magnanimity is precisely the essential quality of a general.
A narrow-minded person will never go very far.
"Although I am the most honored person in the world, there are some things that I cannot control alone. The relationships among noble families, officials, and the court are complex and intertwined. I need someone who can remove all obstacles for me."
Xiao Yu's words could no longer be considered a hint; they were a clear indication that he intended to treat Mu Zi'an as a trusted confidant.
However, being the emperor's confidant means standing on the opposite side of everyone else and becoming a lone minister.
Conversely, as long as you can maintain the emperor's trust, you will always be the one who holds immense power in the court.
With this thought in mind, Mu Zian clasped his hands in a fist salute.
"Your Majesty, I am willing to go through fire and water for you."
Xiao Yu's smile was barely concealed.
"With the Pei family of Qinghe behind Pei Jianzhi, what about Lu Yunxue? As the deputy commander, she is also to blame."
"Although Lu Yunxue was defeated, she did not desert her post. Her merits and demerits should be judged by the court's laws."
Upon hearing this, Xiao Yu's opinion of Mu Zi'an immediately rose by three points.
There are very few people who can be so fair, just, upright and incorruptible.
He saw in Mu Zi'an all the virtues of a renowned minister.
Tolerant, fair, and exceptionally capable.
With this thought in mind, Xiao Yu touched his chin and made up his mind.
"In this battle, you have enhanced the prestige of my Great Li Kingdom and killed three thousand Qiang cavalrymen. I should reward you handsomely."
"However, you are already a high-ranking official with a large army at your disposal, and you are still too young. Promoting you to a higher rank and title may attract criticism, and rewarding you with money is too commonplace."
Xiao Yu changed the subject and laughed.
"Therefore, I will bestow upon you a marriage today."
Upon hearing this, Mu Zian froze on the spot, but before he could react, Xiao Yu continued.
"I have thirteen children in total, among whom Xiao Jiu is my favorite. If she were not a girl, what difference would it make if I made her the crown prince?"
"Over the years, I have been looking for a suitable husband for Xiao Jiu. Now, all of Xiao Jiu's other brothers and sisters have already married, leaving only him. I am inevitably anxious, but I would rather have none than to choose a bad one for Xiao Jiu."
"Now that I have finally found a good husband for her, I am at ease entrusting Xiao Jiu to you."
Upon hearing this, Mu Zian froze on the spot.
Seriously? The surprise came so quickly?
Xiao Xiuning's face, as beautiful as a fairy, floated into Mu Zi'an's mind.
Mu Zian scratched his head and smiled.
"Isn't this a bit inappropriate? What if the Ninth Princess doesn't like me?"
Xiao Yu glared at him upon hearing this.
"Since ancient times, marriage has been decided by parents and arranged by matchmakers."
"Whether you like her or not can be cultivated later. You're a grown man, surely you can handle a little woman?"
"If I find out you dare to bully Xiao Jiu, don't blame me for not showing any mercy!"
"Let's leave it at that for now. I will have the Imperial Astronomical Bureau select an auspicious day and then issue an edict to allow the two of you to get married."
Xiao Yu gave Mu Zi'an absolutely no room to refuse.
After saying that, he kicked Mu Zian out.
Even after leaving the Hall of Mental Cultivation, Mu Zian still felt a little dazed.
"That's what Eunuch Cao, who was leading the way, said with a smile."
"Congratulations, Your Excellency! Congratulations!"
Mu Zian smiled wryly upon hearing this.
Xiao Xiuning was no ordinary woman; her beauty was merely the least noteworthy aspect of her.
To be honest, Mu Zian felt a lot of pressure marrying a woman like this, being the most talented woman in the capital.
Mu Zian could only feel helpless at this moment. This evil feudal society!
Compared to getting married, Mu Zian had something else more important on his mind.
That means becoming a lone minister, and throughout history, those who have become lone ministers have never had a good ending.
Because being an emperor's loyal minister makes one a natural target.
Although one can rise to the highest position and wield immense power, one will also be subject to countless open and covert attacks from others.
One's own father is the best example to learn from.
However, for Mu Zian at the moment, it's like having too many lice and not feeling any itch.
Since there are plenty of people in the court who want him dead anyway, he might as well go all out and make a big splash.
They've stirred up such chaos that the whole world is in turmoil!
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