But is that even possible?
“If the banished immortal truly possesses such abilities,” Grand Secretary Zhong said through gritted teeth, “I can understand Liu An’s actions.”
What's the position of Grand Secretary? With the Immortal in charge, getting it is just a matter of asking.
Only a long lifespan is what elderly people like them, whose time is near, desire most.
"Not necessarily, let's wait and see."
Despite saying this, a burning desire rose in Grand Secretary An's heart.
If Liu An were to truly return to his prime, he would completely believe that immortals truly exist in this world!
Because of their suspicions, An and Zhong unconsciously adopted a cautious attitude, and even the officials behind them dared not act casually anymore.
When Huang Chuan came out, he had already changed into his court robes, and Huang Shu and the others had also changed into new clothes.
The four, who were initially apprehensive and thought they would face all sorts of difficulties, found that things went much more smoothly than they had imagined.
The moment I saw Ji Xuan again, I finally breathed a sigh of relief.
"Your subject Huangshan pays respects to Your Majesty."
"Please rise, my dear minister," Ji Xuan said with a faint smile. "You must be tired from your journey. We will host a welcome dinner for you later."
The undisguised favoritism and bias drew scorn from the officials.
They couldn't understand why their own emperor would treat them so kindly when they were being treated so dismissively.
"Thank you for your grace, Your Majesty."
After the four people bowed respectfully, they handed over the gift list.
Although she already knew what it was, Ji Xuan still curled her lips when she saw the gift list.
"This banquet is not only to welcome Marquis Liuxian and his entourage and wash away the dust of their journey, but also to allow the emperor and his ministers to enjoy themselves together. Ten jars of wine, ten chickens, and ten ducks are to be presented to the imperial chefs for all the officials to taste."
Before she could finish speaking, Ji Xuan was already feeling a pang of regret.
These people will understand how rare these things are in the future.
Even as an emperor, he did not indulge in such extravagance as to eat such delicacies at every meal.
Upon hearing this, Grand Secretary An's eyelids twitched. "Your Majesty, all the civil and military officials are here."
Ten pieces? Could you reduce the number even further? So that each person can have a sip of soup?
Ji Xuan gave him a cool look and asked, "What are your thoughts, An Qing?"
The strong warning and pressure made Grand Secretary An's heart tighten, and he immediately compromised, "This old minister dares not."
Upon hearing this, Ji Xuan nodded in satisfaction and then instructed, "Xiao Yuanzi, you personally go to the imperial kitchen and keep an eye on them. Remember to watch them put the vegetables into the ice cellar."
"Yes, ma'am."
Is it because they're afraid of too many people using it?
Yuan Gonggong, having grasped his master's meaning, felt a flock of crows fly through his mind.
When did my master become so stingy?
However, thinking about the taste of those vegetables, he finally nodded heavily and decided to choose the smallest and leanest chickens and ducks for the imperial chef.
Ji Xuan did not stay long. After meeting with the group, he left, and the main hall immediately became lively after he left.
The courtiers, sensing something amiss in the king's attitude, all gathered around, regardless of their true thoughts.
The speed at which they changed their expressions was so fast that it took people no time to react.
"Make way," Elder An cleared his throat and said, "Marquis Liuxian and the young masters have had a long journey. Let them rest first, and we can have a proper chat at the banquet tonight."
"Thank you for your understanding, Grand Secretary Xie An." Huang Chuan forced a smile.
He never wants to experience what happened today again in his life.
Even after showering and changing clothes, I still felt smelly all over.
“It’s alright,” Elder An said kindly. “I will take you to the side hall to rest.”
No sooner had the words left his mouth than a voice came from behind, “His Majesty has decreed that the Marquis of Liuxian and the three young masters may have a discussion in the Imperial Study.”
Upon hearing this, Grand Secretary An's face darkened, but he forced a smile and said, "Since His Majesty has summoned you, I will not keep you any longer."
He suspected that the person had guessed his plan and deliberately called him away.
"Thank you for your understanding, Grand Secretary Xie An. I will take my leave now."
After Huang Chuan finished speaking, he immediately led his younger brothers away quickly.
Upon arriving at the Imperial Study, he could no longer contain himself and hurriedly wiped the cold sweat from his forehead.
"Are you feeling unwell?" Ji Xuan's words were full of mockery.
He looked at the group of people with the same tolerant and gentle gaze he would give his own younger brothers.
Seeing this, Huang Lao Er relaxed, saying, "I'm exhausted, I'm never coming to the capital again."
From the moment they entered the capital, they kept falling into pits, yet they still didn't understand what was going on.
"No pain, no gain. You'll see later that today's hard work won't be in vain."
"Your Majesty," Jiang Chao asked suspiciously, "was today's event your arrangement?"
Upon hearing this, Ji Xuan lowered her eyes and gave an ambiguous answer, "Not entirely."
"When can we go home?" Huang Lao Er said angrily. "The capital city is no place for humans to live."
That was so hurtful, it will leave a lifelong shadow on you.
"It will take at least three days; I still need you to take care of some things."
We've finally managed to establish the image of the celestial being; if we don't solidify it completely, all the previous arrangements will be wasted.
"Will I get beaten up or verbally abused? Or will I get hit with all sorts of things?"
Upon hearing this, Ji Xuan couldn't help but laugh, "It seems you all harbor deep resentment about what happened today."
Upon hearing this, Huang Lao Er looked terrified. "People in the capital are too fierce. We can't afford to offend them, so we can only hide."
It's such a waste to throw vegetable leaves at them; it's better to feed them to chickens.
“That is not true. The capital places great emphasis on education,” Ji Xuan said softly, “What happened today will not happen again.”
After saying that, he rubbed his forehead.
It seems to have really scared people.
"Does Aunt know?"
"Know."
"That's outrageous!" Huang Lao Er exploded. "Does Mother really want us to jump into a fire pit if she knows?"
Are you sure they're biologically related?
"She's doing this for your own good."
Although it was a bit harsh, it was undeniably very effective.
At least I understand what the phrase "the wickedness of human nature" means.
Having such forward-thinking elders is undoubtedly a blessing.
“I believe it!” Huang took a deep breath. “She has always been afraid that after the family suddenly became rich, we brothers would forget our original intentions and unknowingly go astray.”
Even so, I still feel really heartbroken.
Being tortured both physically and mentally is really hard to bear.
This incident completely extinguished their longing and expectations for the capital, and even made them more wary of people.
Suddenly I feel that humans are crazy and terrifying beasts, and at certain times they will stop at nothing.
"The scene we encountered today was just a minor skirmish, a prelude for you to get used to it," Ji Xuan said with a slight smile, but his words were chilling. "This is just the tip of the iceberg of the struggle. Everyone in the officialdom, including myself, is walking on thin ice, every step is fraught with danger, and the slightest mistake will lead to utter destruction."
The four of them were startled, their eyes widened instinctively, and they unconsciously took a few steps back.
"Grow up quickly," Ji Xuan sighed softly. "Now that you've taken this step, don't think you can stay out of it. I can protect you for a while, but not forever. From now on, you'll have to rely on yourselves."
He was willing to create a haven for these people, but only if they could hold onto it.
Only after being polished can a rough gem shine. The people in front of us are like children carrying gold into the market. They are guilty of possessing a treasure, but they have no ability to match it and can only be slaughtered by others.
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com