Upon returning to his residence, Li Xi was soon summoned to the palace by the emperor.
"Minister Li, you've returned just in time. I have a troubling matter that only you can resolve." The emperor's voice carried a hint of weariness and anticipation. He gently raised his hand, gesturing for Li Xi to step forward.
Li Xi pondered inwardly, but remained outwardly composed. He respectfully bowed and said, "Your Majesty flatters me. Although I am not talented, it would be my honor if I could share Your Majesty's worries. May I ask what Your Majesty is worried about?"
The emperor sighed softly, his gaze seemingly piercing through the palace walls as he looked into the distance. He slowly said, "Recently, border wars have broken out frequently. Although our generals and soldiers have fought bravely against the enemy, the enemy is cunning and has repeatedly used unexpected tactics. Our army has suffered repeated defeats, and the people on the border are suffering terribly. I am deeply worried and cannot sleep at night. Now I do not know why the battle report has not been delivered yet."
He glanced at Li Xi, paused, and continued, "I know your maternal grandmother is exceptionally capable, and I hope she can lend a helping hand. The reward will certainly satisfy her."
Upon hearing this, Li Xi was alarmed: "Your Majesty is too kind. It is the greatest honor for me and my family to serve Jingyuan. However, although my maternal grandmother has some minor abilities, she has long since retired to the mountains and forests and has not been involved in worldly affairs for many years. She often says that all the troubles of the world are just fleeting clouds, and she only wishes to enjoy the happiness of family life in her remaining years."
She changed the subject: "But since Your Majesty has this worry, although I cannot make decisions for my maternal grandmother, I am willing to do my best to relieve Your Majesty's worries."
Li Xi's words were sincere yet tactful, which eased the emperor's expression and brought a hint of appreciation to his eyes.
"Minister Li, you are indeed a man of great wisdom and righteousness, which greatly comforts me. Since your maternal grandmother does not wish to be involved in worldly affairs again, I will not force her. But I believe that you will inherit the wisdom and courage of your family and share my burdens."
The emperor pondered for a moment, then continued, "It is said that the soldiers who delivered the battle report disappeared in Shu. All the men I sent went nowhere, and now we can only place our hopes on you."
She naturally understood the emperor's meaning.
It is likely that the emperor already knew that her maternal grandmother was from an ancient tribe.
If it were just a battle report, the emperor wouldn't need to panic so much; he could simply send someone to pursue it again.
What was lost was probably not just the battle report, but perhaps something even more important.
Upon hearing this, Li Xi pondered inwardly, but remained outwardly composed, respectfully replying, "Your Majesty's request is my duty. The terrain in Shu is complex and sparsely populated, so there may indeed be unpredictable events. I am willing to set off immediately to Shu to investigate, not only to retrieve the battle report, but also to bring back any possible clues or information for Your Majesty."
The emperor nodded, a hint of trust and expectation flashing in his eyes: "Very well, Minister Li, I will send you to Shu. Be sure to act carefully and return safely. I know you are both wise and brave, and I am sure you will live up to my expectations."
Li Xi bowed and accepted the order, understanding the emperor's intention.
He knew all the information he possessed.
As the maternal grandmother of an ancient tribe, she did not show any allegiance to any country, which the emperor would certainly have been wary of.
Although she was already the emperor's appointed general, the bloodline and abilities of the ancient people have always been the focus of contention among nations.
"Your Majesty, I will certainly live up to your grace and do my utmost to fulfill my mission."
The emperor ordered her to travel in secrecy, suggesting that the lost item was of paramount importance.
However, considering that she might be being watched, she decided to travel on horseback this time, as the golden eagle was not suitable to appear in public at the moment.
"Lan'er, I have to go to Shu. My return date is uncertain. If anything happens, ask Chen Quan to send me a message," Li Xi said, looking at Meng Zhelan who was drying herbs in the courtyard.
Upon hearing this, Meng Zhelan gently shook the herbs in her hand: "Will there be any danger?"
Li Xi understood her concerns: "Don't worry, I'll be careful. I'll bring you local specialties."
"good."
The two exchanged a smile, both knowing that they had their own things to do.
After leaving Tingfeng Academy, she went to Baichuan Academy.
"Big brother, you're here!" Li Yi was overjoyed to see her after school.
"I've come to see you. I'm going out tomorrow, so if you need anything, go find your Lan'er and Ling'er sisters. If anything comes up, have Chen Quan send me a message." Li Xi handed him a package.
The thought of his sister leaving again made Li Yi's eyes flash with a hint of reluctance, but he quickly became determined. He knew that his sister always had her own mission and path to follow.
He took the package and felt its heavy weight; his sister always cared for him deeply.
"Brother, where are you going? Be careful on the road and remember to take care of yourself." Li Yi's voice was full of concern.
Li Xi smiled slightly, her gaze gentle and profound. She patted Li Yi's shoulder lightly, "Don't worry, I'm just going to take care of some important matters."
Neither the original owner nor she has any blood relation to Li Yi.
But this bond, which transcends blood ties, is deeper and more sincere than any blood relation.
Passing by the Duke's mansion, she originally wanted to say a few words to Qin Xiaolin, but the gatekeeper said he had already gone out.
Just as I was about to leave, I ran into Shen Xu coming out of there.
"Brother Li, what a coincidence to run into you here."
With a smile on his face and a hint of surprise and delight in his eyes, he quickly stepped forward, cupped his hands, and said, "It's been a long time. Brother Li, you're still as dashing as ever. How have you been these days?"
She smiled slightly and returned the greeting, saying, "Brother Shen looks radiant. I originally had something to discuss with Brother Qin. I didn't expect him to be away from home. It's quite a coincidence that I met Brother Shen here."
Upon hearing this, Shen Xu's eyes flickered slightly, as if he had remembered something, and he sighed softly: "Brother Qin... has indeed been extremely busy lately. He has many affairs in the court, and there are also many trivial matters at home that he needs to handle personally, so he often goes out."
Li Xi: "In that case, why not just meet by chance? Shall we go for a drink?"
"good."
Since joining their startup team, Shen Xu has been extremely busy, traveling all over the place.
Now she is essentially the think tank behind their startup team.
"Brother Li, let me toast you!"
Shen Xu raised his glass, the wine shimmering gently within, reflecting his sincere smile.
Li Xi took a sip of wine: "Brother Shen, since you joined us, our entrepreneurial journey has been blessed by the gods. Many problems have been solved with ease, and the morale of the entire team has also been greatly boosted. Come, this glass is a toast to the hard work and wisdom you have put into our team."
After saying that, Li Xi also drank the wine in his glass in one gulp. The two looked at each other and smiled, their eyes full of tacit understanding and trust.
"Actually, when I first joined, I never expected to integrate so quickly and make good use of my strengths."
Shen Xu gently swirled his wine glass and continued, "Thanks to you all, you gave me such a stage, allowing me to put what I've learned and thought into practice."
"Well said!" Li Xi slammed her hand on the table and stood up. "Come on, let's keep drinking."
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