"Just now," Han Yi said excitedly, never dreaming that he would be chatting and laughing with the emperor, "I have been speculating about your identity, but I have not found anyone who fits the description. Your and Eunuch Qi's behavior is not like that of ordinary people, so your status must be extraordinary. Just now, I narrowed down the possibilities to the smallest possible level."
If the two hadn't been so obvious, he really wouldn't have dared to guess.
The fact that the ruler of a country would appear in a small place like Ping'an County is far more shocking than when I first learned that the top scholar would be passing through!
My heart is still pounding with anxiety.
He exhausted all his efforts to find a benefactor he could rely on, but little did he know that the most esteemed person had already quietly arrived.
Seeing Han Yi's restraint, Ji Xuan sighed inwardly, "Did you come here to tell me your choice?"
"Your Majesty's favor is a great honor for this humble subject."
Upon hearing this, Ji Xuan's lips curled into a slight smile.
Then, Han Yi continued, "However, I feel ashamed to accept such a gift and dare not do it."
Ji Xuan's smile immediately froze. "What do you mean by that?"
"After my father learned of what happened yesterday, he thought I was dishonest and immediately punished me according to family law. This morning, he even forced me to go to the Huang family to apologize with thorns on my back. I deeply agree with this. I have failed His Majesty's favor and I am terrified."
Upon hearing this, Qi Yong was somewhat incredulous, "You dare to disobey the imperial decree?"
Is this guy out of his mind?
Instead of seizing such a good opportunity, he bluntly refused. Does he know what he's doing?
Such good fortune, yet they don't know how to cherish it, aren't they afraid of divine retribution?
"To plead guilty with a bundle of thorns on one's back?" Ji Xuan lowered his eyes. "This matter was due to my oversight; it has nothing to do with you."
If it weren't for my coercion and enticement, Han Yi wouldn't have revealed the Huang family behind him. The root of the problem lies with him.
However, Ji Xuan did not regret doing so.
"Your Majesty is mistaken. This humble subject was blinded by greed and has nothing to do with Your Majesty."
Han Yi only now understands why Qi Yong had such confidence back then.
If a ruler of a country wants to investigate something, even if he doesn't say anything, he can't hide it for long; at most, he can only delay it for a few days.
Thinking of this, Han Yi admired Jiang Nuan even more.
Knowing the Emperor's identity, he was still able to protect Fangzi. Putting aside strategy, in terms of courage alone, he couldn't compare to him!
"I am aware of this matter," Ji Xuan said calmly. "Very well, since you are unwilling, I will not force you."
I originally thought that Han Yi was close to the Huang family, so it would be more reliable to entrust the matter to him.
Since others are unwilling, he cannot force them.
In short, with so many people wanting to climb the ladder, you're bound to find someone useful.
"Thank you for your understanding, Your Majesty!"
After finishing his business, Han Yi left without staying long.
When facing such a distinguished person, one must carefully consider one's words and actions, for fear of offending them in any way.
Actually, he was very unsure of himself.
He had refused the emperor's arrangement, but the emperor hadn't given him any response. He wondered if he would be punished.
"It shouldn't be that bad," Han Yi murmured to himself. "He doesn't seem angry!"
After Han Yi left, the hall fell silent.
Realizing something was amiss, the seasoned veteran Liu Zhiyuan immediately retreated, saying, "Your Majesty, I still need to prepare your medicine, so I must take my leave."
Go!
"Master," Qi Yong said with great dissatisfaction, "Han Yi is indeed unfit for important tasks!"
Even the emperor has shown him such favor, yet he still doesn't know what's good for him. He deserves to be a businessman who can't stand on the high stage for the rest of his life.
Be careful what you say!
Ji Xuan was in a bad mood.
He realized something: in the hierarchy of Heaven, Earth, Ruler, Parents, and Teacher, he had been placed last.
This feeling made him quite uncomfortable!
They were also very disappointed in Han Yi.
He is talented and intelligent, yet he doesn't think about sharing the burdens of the ruler; it's truly disheartening.
Suddenly, most of her goodwill towards Han Yi vanished.
"I didn't say anything wrong. Knowing your master's status and still daring to refuse is treason!"
"Since ancient times, loyalty and filial piety cannot be reconciled," Ji Xuan said calmly. "Some people choose loyalty to the emperor, while others choose filial piety. It is only natural. I have not shown any favor to Han Yi, so his choice is understandable."
“I’m still not reconciled,” Qi Yong complained, her eyes red. “Han Yi’s actions have clearly implicated his master in an unjust way.”
If the master is accused of being dishonest, wouldn't that mean His Majesty is forcing people to act unjustly? Such an act would tarnish His Majesty's reputation and should be thrown into prison.
“You’re overthinking it,” Ji Xuan shook his head. “He’s not like those court officials; he wouldn’t think that much.”
Court officials are used to scheming and plotting against each other, and every word they say has a hidden meaning, while ordinary people do not.
"Yes, perhaps I really am overthinking things."
Han Yi had also figured out the problem that his master and servant had raised.
Immediately, disregarding the upcoming prodigy competition, he spurred his horse and galloped to Huangjiakou.
"Auntie, help! Your nephew has gotten himself into big trouble!"
Hearing the sound, Jiang Nuan looked up at the door and asked in confusion, "What happened?"
"Why is that brat back again?" Han Qi asked with a look of disgust. "And still acting like a coward?"
He was very curious as to why his son, who was always so arrogant, was in such a panic.
They've even cried for help; tsk tsk, they might really be in trouble this time.
Thinking of this, Han Qi quickly picked up his tea, looking completely at ease.
Seeing this, Jiang Nuan's lips twitched incessantly; she was truly speechless at the sight of this father and son.
Perhaps, the two were enemies in their past lives!
When Han Yi came in, he was covered in sweat. He paused for a moment on Han Qi before speaking, "Father, I have something to discuss with Aunt. Please excuse me for a moment."
"Why should I?" Han Qi asked, his neck stiff. "Is there anything I can't know?"
Then, looking at his son suspiciously, he asked, "You're not planning to murder your own father, are you?"
Upon hearing this, Han Yi couldn't help but roll his eyes. "My son would like to say, if there were no divine retribution."
"Hmph, I'm sitting right here and not moving. If you don't want to talk, then get lost!"
Han Qi was angry when he was chased away for trying to help his son, even though it was a rare opportunity for him to do so.
“Auntie, please persuade my father. We really can’t let him make a fool of himself like this.”
"Is it about the young master of the Wang family?"
Han Yi nodded, his face solemn, but he did not speak.
Seeing this, Jiang Nuan made a guess, "Brother Han, the pear blossom cake should be ready by now, could you help me check?"
Upon hearing this, a flicker of sadness crossed Han Qi's eyes, but he immediately replied with a carefree laugh, "Okay, I'll go take a look right away."
After Han Qi left, Jiang Nuan asked directly, "You already know Wang Xuan's identity?"
Although it was a question, the tone was very confident.
"Well," Han Yi said with a wry smile, "My nephew just learned his identity and already offended him."
Sure enough, the intricacies of officialdom were something a merchant like him couldn't possibly understand.
"Mother," Xie asked, puzzled, "what is Young Master Wang's identity?"
"Extremely valuable!"
These words made Xie even more confused, and even Wang, who had been keeping her head down, raised her head.
"Mother, can you tell us?"
Jiang Nuan thought about her two daughters-in-law's usual behavior, nodded slightly, and then whispered, "Wang Xuan is an alias. His real name is Ji Xuan, and he is the Emperor of the Great Zhou Dynasty!"
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