Who is it?
"Qi Nian, Lord Qi."
Zhao Huan sat up abruptly, exclaiming in surprise, "Why is he here?!"
"Quickly! Let him in... no, I'll go get him myself!"
Zhao Huan immediately got up and walked outside.
Qi Nian.
The former prefect of Jingdong County retired a few years ago and is now seventy-six years old. Zhao Huan, who is in his fifties, is considered a junior to him, but few people know that the two are actually close friends despite their age difference.
Although he was old, Qi Nian's hair was not completely white, and his face was rosy, showing that he took good care of himself. Compared to him, Zhao Huan's slovenly appearance made him look like a beggar.
"My dear brother, it's so good to see you!"
Zhao Huan took Qi Nian's hand and walked into the courtyard, immediately ordering that fine wine and food be prepared.
Qi Nian said, "I can't drink much wine, and I only need a little food. I don't eat much on weekdays."
Zhao Huan said, "A weekdays are weekdays, but today we must eat and drink our fill!"
If Zhao Cheng were here and saw Zhao Huan and Qi Nian looking like this, he would definitely complain about it.
None of the sons knew about the relationship between Zhao Huan and Qi Nian.
In fact, when Zhao Cheng was developing his business in Jingdong County, Qi Nian retired at that time and recommended Huang Zhen, who had a good relationship with Zhao Cheng, to take over as the county governor. Zhao Cheng suspected that Zhao Huan was secretly pulling strings behind the scenes.
After the two ate, drank, and chatted for a long time, Qi Nian's complexion became even rosier.
"Wen Tai has become king."
Qi Nian suddenly spoke.
Zhao Huan laughed and said, "You old codger, you live a carefree and happy life every day, why are you concerned about the situation of the world?"
I don't care about the world situation, I care about you.
Qi Nian, imitating Zhao Huan, half-reclined in the chair, resting his cheek on his hand, and said, "Isn't it about time?"
Zhao Huan said, "Is that necessary? Although Dongjing is still surnamed Yuan, the future of the empire is in the hands of my Zhao family."
Qi Nian said, "I know you care about your reputation, but right now your reputation is not legitimate. If this goes on for a long time, people will see you as a powerful but treacherous minister."
Zhao Huan said, "So what? I can handle it."
What happens after you die?
"You old man, you're cursing me!" Zhao Huan glared at him like a child and said, "You've lived to this age, do you think I'd die younger than you?"
Qi Nian said quietly, "That's hard to say, we look about the same age."
Zhao Huan said confidently, "Even without me, that kid Zhao Cheng can keep things under control."
Qi Nian said, "Zhao Cheng is indeed impressive. His prestige reached its peak during the decisive battle between Yun and Jing, which is why I came to find you this time."
"Rise with the wind, for time waits for no one."
Qi Nian picked up his wine glass, then put it down and picked up his teacup, saying, "I believe Zhao Cheng can keep things under control, but don't forget, your daughter-in-law's surname is Yuan, and she's a woman with powerful connections. There are some things Zhao Cheng can do, but might not be able to do well. You should think about his situation."
Upon hearing this, Zhao Huan's brows furrowed.
"Only by becoming king and establishing an heir early can you truly rest easy and live a carefree life like me."
Zhao Huan asked doubtfully, "You mean the fourth brother?"
Qi Nian shook his head and said, "This is your family matter, and I won't speculate, but you and Zhao Cheng should be wary of Zhao Zhan's style of doing things."
Qi Nian took a sip of tea and continued, "It's normal for children to have desires and ambitions. It might not be a bad thing to give up those thoughts as soon as possible."
Zhao Huan adjusted his lying position and said, "Old man, what do you want?"
Qi Nian said, "I don't lack anything, and my children don't have any great ambitions. I'll just let Zhao Cheng give them some of the business in Jingdong County. I came to see you this time, firstly to chat about these things, and secondly to say goodbye."
Zhao Huan asked doubtfully, "You're not able to do it anymore?"
Qi Nian wasn't annoyed and smiled, "I want to know what's on the other side of the sea."
"You're going out to sea?"
"Um."
Qi Nian nodded and said, "I've done what I was supposed to do, repaid the favors I was supposed to repay, and now it's time to do what I really want to do."
Zhao Huan said, "The sea is rough in Jinghai. Can your old bones withstand the turbulence?"
Qi Nian said, "I have spent my whole life with the sea, and even if I am buried in the sea, it is my destiny."
Zhao Huan sighed, "What I don't understand the most is your kind of behavior. You're perfectly fine, yet you insist on courting death."
Qi Nian smiled and said, "Living too well is so boring..."
Zhao Huan sat up and said, "Alright, leave your little brats to me. I'll make sure they live a life of wealth and luxury."
Qi Nian also sat up and poured tea for Zhao Huan and himself, saying, "I will contact the old ministers of Dajing, such as Mu Shanyue. As for the court, you can let Zhao Zhan handle it. He is motivated, and handling these matters is one of his strengths."
Zhao Huan looked at the lake, his eyes sharpening.
...
August 1st, the second year of the Dongjing Restoration.
Tianze Palace.
"By imperial decree, all officials are summoned to court!"
After the civil and military officials entered Tianze Hall one after another, they saw that Emperor Yuan Wushang was already sitting on the dragon throne, while the chair below the steps was empty.
Xu Shouli, He Yin, Li Shu and others, who were standing in the front row of civil officials, glanced at Yue Jiti, Xiao Luofeng and others, who were standing in the front row of military officials.
At this moment, the eunuch's voice rang out again: "By imperial decree, the Prime Minister is granted the privilege of entering the palace with a sword and shoes, and may bow without being named!"
Upon hearing this, all the officials looked outside the hall and saw a group of people walking into the hall.
Zhao Huan, dressed in full armor, walked in front, followed by Zhao Cheng, Zhao Yan, Zhao Zhan, Lian Zhongyi, He Zhi, Yang Taozhi, and others.
Those with keen eyes noticed that Zhao Huan was not only full of energy today, but his eyes also looked more dignified.
"The Prime Minister has arrived!"
"The Prime Minister actually attended court today?"
Have you heard anything? Is something big happening?
The officials were buzzing with discussion, but immediately fell silent after Zhao Huan entered the hall.
Yuan Wushang also quickly stood up, looking at Zhao Huan with some nervousness.
Contrary to his usual dejected state, Zhao Huan appeared serious, head held high, and bowed to Yuan Wushang at the bottom of the steps before sitting down in the chair prepared for him.
"Long live the Emperor! Long live the Emperor!" the officials shouted in unison.
"Rise." Yuan Wushang glanced at Zhao Huan before sitting down, though he appeared extremely reserved.
Zhao Cheng and the others stood in front of the officials, and Zhao Zhan gave a wink to the crowd.
Minister of Rites Li Shu stepped forward and said, "Your Majesty, since the fourth year of the reign of Emperor Dajing, the Prime Minister has repeatedly saved the country from peril by leading northern expeditions against Yedan and pacifying the western regions. When the treacherous minister Wen Tai wreaked havoc in the court, it was the Prime Minister who was the first to stand up and lead the righteous cause, expelling Wen Tai from the palace. When the Southern Zhou took advantage of the chaos to launch a northern expedition, it was also the Prime Minister who personally led the southern expedition and drove the villain out of the country!"
"The peace of Jingdi and the stability of the court are all thanks to the Prime Minister. The Prime Minister has braved wind and rain for more than twenty years, his merits are renowned throughout the land, and his name resounds throughout the East. I urge on behalf of the Prime Minister to be granted the title of King and to be given the Nine Bestowments to commemorate his merits!"
Upon hearing this, Yuan Wushang was stunned and almost slid off the dragon throne.
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