Lin Su came closer, lifted his robe, knelt, and said, "Your Majesty, long live His Majesty."
Although he knelt below, Emperor Mingcheng truly felt that this man did not take him seriously. He had no fear of the emperor and possessed the power of ghosts and gods. If he was not eliminated, he would be unable to sleep or eat peacefully every night. "Lin Su, do you know why I called you here?"
"I would venture to speculate that it's about yesterday's lantern display," Lin Su said, bowing. "During the Lantern Festival, I was tempted to celebrate with the people, so I had many lanterns made and released into the sky for everyone to enjoy. These are not uncommon in the southwest city, but they are rare in the capital. I guess Your Majesty has this question."
Guessing the emperor's mind is something that ministers should keep in private and cannot speak openly. After he said this, the palace became even quieter.
Emperor Ming Cheng looked at him and asked, "Is this common in Southwest City? Is this how Southwest City pretends to be so mysterious?"
"Your Majesty, you have misunderstood. This thing is used by the army to report enemy situations. If a lamp is launched into the sky, it can be seen from dozens of miles away, which is very convenient. That is why we won a great victory in the southwest war. It is a gift from God. God has made the war go smoothly and the people live in harmony. Your Majesty should not misunderstand this thing." Lin Su said.
His words completely blocked Emperor Mingcheng's words. If it was something evil, Emperor Mingcheng would have had reason to complain, but since it was used by the army, he said: "Since this thing is used by the army, how can you take it out casually? Isn't that revealing the army's property?"
"That's right. Your Highness the Crown Prince is really being willful and reckless." A minister echoed.
"As the commander of the army, it is a big taboo to disregard military discipline. If everyone is like the prince, the southwest will be in chaos." Another minister echoed.
Your Majesty, some of your thoughts can be guessed by the ministers. Your Majesty has wanted to deal with the southwest for a long time. Sometimes, complying with your Majesty's wishes is much more pleasing than giving unpleasant advice.
"Your Majesty, this thing was created by me. It will not belong to the army. Whether it is used for military purposes or for the enjoyment of the people, it has its purpose." Lin Su said.
"That's ridiculous! Since it's used by the army, it's their private property. To release it so blatantly? If those disloyal people steal it, wouldn't it disrupt the government of our Xiao State?" Emperor Ming Cheng reprimanded. "Lin Su, not only do you not know your crime, but you also dare to speak so flatteringly. It truly chills my heart and the hearts of the soldiers at the border! For leaking military secrets like this, I must punish you. Come!"
"Your Majesty, may I ask if anyone knows the mechanism behind last night's lantern?" Lin Su looked at the Minister of Works. "Your Excellency, you are knowledgeable and experienced. Do you know the secret?"
The Minister of Works bowed and said, "Your Highness's lamp is ingeniously designed. I have not yet grasped the key to its design, but if I study it carefully, I will certainly discover its beauty."
"It doesn't matter even if the Minister notices it, because that lamp is just an obsolete item in the army. I have already found other ways to notify people of the news. Even if it is a hundred miles away, the news can be received instantly. That is what the southwest army uses now." There was no fear in his tone, but it was this understatement that made Emperor Ming Cheng, who was sitting on the high seat, take a deep breath.
Although what Lin Su was talking about was the military notification message, he was also saying that if he dared to act rashly, it would only be a matter of time before the southwestern army entered the city.
He was threatening, but such a blatant threat made Emperor Ming Chengdi quite wary.
"It's faster than this thing. I wonder what His Royal Highness is talking about?" The Minister of Works became curious.
Emperor Mingcheng also asked, "What is this thing that the prince is talking about? It can actually transmit messages a hundred miles away. I have never seen such an object before."
"Your Majesty, this is a military secret. If it is leaked rashly, it will delay important state affairs." Lin Su looked up at him.
It's not that he is arrogant, but once he is weak, the emperor may press him step by step. He has imprisoned more than ten emperors. People of this era are afraid of him, but he is not afraid at all.
It was precisely because of this fearlessness that Emperor Ming Cheng felt uneasy, and he used his own words to interrupt him: "The prince is a man who keeps secrets."
"Thank you for your praise, Your Majesty." Lin Su bowed his hands in thanks. "May I ask, Your Majesty, am I guilty of any crime?"
"Your Highness loves his country and protects his family, so he is innocent. I misunderstood you. Will you be offended?" Emperor Ming Cheng asked with a smile.
"Since Your Majesty has admitted his fault, how can I, a minister, continue to harp on you?" Lin Su asked. "The affairs of the court are about discussing politics. I have done nothing wrong, and I have no responsibility to discuss politics. May I take my leave?"
His words were not polite at all. There was silence on the high throne for a while, and all the ministers lowered their heads. Even in this cold season, some people had sweat on their foreheads, but they didn't dare to wipe it.
…
When Xiao Tang woke up, he still felt a little dizzy. He got up from the bed and the eunuchs came forward to serve him.
Because of the incident at the New Year's Palace Banquet, he now has a lot more people serving him.
However, it did allow him to take the opportunity to bring his trusted people to his presence. This place was still like an iron barrel, and would not give others a chance to infiltrate. Xiao Tang let others help him put on his clothes. Thinking back to what happened last night, he always felt that it was a bit unreal.
He was so intimate with that person, he must have been possessed by the devil.
"How did I get back last night?" Xiao Tang asked.
"I heard that His Highness fell asleep after drinking and came back lying in the carriage. When we were supporting him, we had never seen His Highness sleep so soundly." said the eunuch.
He drank the wine, and then his emotions surged, so he leaned on the man's shoulder. He felt extremely relaxed, but he didn't expect to fall asleep.
"Did I have anything on me when I came back last night..." Xiao Tang's words stopped abruptly, his expression a little vague.
Men are most easily moved, especially when they are alone. He... he should be a gentleman, but how could a gentleman kiss him without his consent?
The eunuch didn't hear his last words and subconsciously asked, "What did your highness say?"
"Are you saying that I didn't bring anything back last night?" Xiao Tang asked.
It would be a great pity if the fox lantern had not been brought back.
"I put the things I brought back in the outer room. If Your Highness the Crown Prince wants to see them, I will get them for you." said the eunuch.
"Go ahead." Xiao Tang said.
The eunuch hurried back, holding a lantern in one hand and a box in the other, which he placed in front of Xiao Tang. "This fox lantern is truly exquisitely crafted. His Royal Highness the Crown Prince and Miss Lin are truly thoughtful."
Xiao Tang did not answer, but picked up the fox lantern. This lantern was not the one he picked up yesterday, but the one Lin Su picked up.
Different from the cute lamp in front of him, the fox on the lamp in front of him had nine tails, which looked like they were about to explode, and he looked a bit silly.
Xiao Tang opened the box and found an envelope lying inside. He opened it and saw the words written inside: This lamp is the token of love between you and me. Seeing the lamp is like seeing the person.
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com