"Brother Xia."
The journey together was short, but when Xia Xiao was about to leave, Du Chun stopped him. This upright man looked at Xia Xiao and gave him a warning.
"Be very careful."
"Thank you, Brother Du."
Xia Xiao said, and he and Shu Shuang turned and left. The two walked down the corridor, with the spirit of facing the world. Although Du Chun and Li Dong were both talented, they were ashamed of themselves.
There were fewer people in the corridor, and Su Zhongmou and Su Huanhuiyue were waiting there. Earlier, Xia Xiao and Shu Shuang were a little slow, so they walked behind them.
"Uncle Su."
Xia Xiao bowed, but was helped up by Su Zhongmou. Although his Su family had helped the Xia family for so many years, this bow was not acceptable in the current situation!
"We'll talk as we go."
This place is very far from the front hall, and Su Zhongmou chose a remote road. It doesn't matter if he takes a few more detours, but if he wants to, he should tell him in advance. Anyway, there are still two hours before the lunch banquet starts, so even if he has to climb, he can still reach the front hall.
"How are the preparations going?"
"We have all the evidence and witnesses."
"So how are you going to start?"
"Your Majesty will definitely give me a chance, such as some hints."
Su Zhongmou and Xia Xiao were talking, and the three girls walked behind them. Huiyue was a little hesitant and asked Shu Shuang.
"I want to go to the front hall too?"
"Yes, lunch."
"But I..."
She was a commoner, and she couldn't think that she had really flown to the top and become a phoenix just because she was wearing gorgeous clothes. Rather than being embarrassed, it was better to withdraw voluntarily. Huiyue was very satisfied to be able to see the grand ancestor worship process today.
Shu Shuang held Sister Hui Yue's hand and was about to comfort her, but Su Zhongmou said:
"It doesn't matter. This is also what His Majesty meant. The more people are involved, the harder it will be for them to escape responsibility."
"I'm sorry Huiyue suffered this time. Is there any news from Siying?"
After Si Ying was injured by him the day before yesterday, there was no news. In the imperial capital, it was difficult for Xia Xiao to get information, so he had to rely on Su Zhongmou. He was always in the imperial capital and had people everywhere.
"He didn't die, but he was seriously injured. His life is ruined."
Huiyue also knew about private matters. She didn't expect Xia Xiao to be so harsh. He was a member of the royal family and the grandson of the grand elder of the National Elders' Council.
"Just what I want."
Xia Xiaoyun was calm and composed. Such a filthy person was lucky to be able to save his life. If Si Buwen had not been there at that time, Si Ying might have been reincarnated by now.
"In compliance with His Majesty's wishes, I have discussed with the Minister of Rites and have arranged a good position for the three of you in His Majesty's name. You will be able to observe His Majesty's eyes directly then. Do you understand?"
"Thank you, Uncle Su."
"Don't be so polite. I have two good news."
Xia Xiao looked at Su Zhongmou, a little curious. Now that things were not finished, could there be something good to be happy about?
"Fei Que Pavilion has sent an urgent letter, followed by a fast horse. It is estimated that by noon today, General Xia will receive the emperor's edict and prepare to return to the imperial capital."
"Your Majesty is really thoughtful. So, my Xia family's courtyard and house are also intact?"
"That's right. Since you left, I have been working with a few adults to guard the house. As long as you give the order, someone will clean it up immediately and we can live here tonight."
"That's not necessary. I want to go back and take a look tonight."
"good!"
The red walls were magnificent and festive, but Xia Xiao always felt uncomfortable when he walked under them. His Majesty's arrangements were good, but he always felt deceived and controlled. Or was this a gift and encouragement from His Majesty?
After walking around a few times, we came to the main hall. Maids serving food kept coming and going, and ministers were talking loudly and enjoying themselves. Some people were silent and dared not speak out. Now the National Elders' Council will fall, and the party members will all fall.
In comparison, the contestants who made it to the finals were dignified yet restrained, like sharp swords that were not unsheathed, but emitted a cold light.
Sitting upright on the cushion, Xia Xiao looked to the left. Shu Shuang and Hui Yue were standing side by side there, which showed the emperor's intention.
Many people have seen Xia Xiao and Shu Shuang, but who is the woman next to them? She looks like an ordinary woman with a pretty face, how can she be in the first place?
The seat was very particular. Even though everyone was curious, they dared not say much. One glance would tell the emperor's intention. The Minister of Rites did not dare to adjust the throne at will.
By noon, Si Yi had changed his clothes and sat on the dragon chair, saying casually:
"Let's eat."
Each person had a small table, and there were quite a lot of dishes. When the officials started eating, Xia Xiao said to Shu Shuang:
"Eat more, you'll have more strength later."
Seeing Shu Shuang telling Huiyue, Xia Xiao picked up a piece of food with chopsticks and put it into his mouth. The dishes in the palace were naturally good, but when Xia Xiao was enjoying them, he did not forget to pay attention to the emperor's movements.
This seemingly peaceful banquet was actually a silent battle. Everyone was very cautious, especially Si Buwen!
Xia Xiao glanced at the dark old face.
It is said that Daxia's ancestor worship is the most peculiar. They remember their ancestors but do not forget to cherish the present. Therefore, even if they fast seven days before the ancestor worship, there is no taboo in feasting at this time, and there are even sounds of stringed instruments. But even so, Si Buwen still couldn't be happy. No matter how delicious the food is, it is difficult to swallow if you are in a bad mood.
He noticed Xia Xiao's gaze and looked into his eyes.
Picking up the wine glass beside him, Xia Xiao raised it and silently fell beside his mat.
When Si Bu Wen saw this, his face turned cold as he was about to raise his glass, and he pursed his lips in anger.
"Damn it!"
Although he cursed secretly and felt malicious in his heart, Xia Xiao didn't care. He ate vegetables and meat and enjoyed it. Compared with the former's worry, he was more excited.
After taking a bite of meat and satisfying his taste buds, Si Yi raised his wine glass for the first time. Xia Xiao's chopsticks were suspended in the air, and when he put them down, he saw him raise his wine glass. It seemed that the meal had not yet been completed, and it was time to start.
"Everyone."
Si Yi's voice was not loud, but it made the palace silent. In the court, everyone had to pay attention to the emperor's behavior and expression.
Everyone raised their glasses one by one, not daring to be negligent, but when Xia Xiao grabbed the glass, he looked at the emperor for a moment. Si Yi's eyes just passed by, as if he didn't want to express anything, but Xia Xiao loosened his hand, causing the glass to stop in place.
The Xia family's incident had alarmed the entire imperial capital. If we want to solve it openly now, we must have a large enough venue. Now this stage is undoubtedly the best. But the beginning is a difficult problem. If we raise it abruptly, it will definitely be difficult to deal with. His Majesty is not willing to talk about it, so I have to do it myself.
Xia Xiao realized something and heard His Majesty say:
"During this period of time, Daxia was resurrected thanks to the Zoushou Church. I will join the rest of you in toasting them!"
Si Yi finished his words and drank the wine in his glass, hurriedly but happily. He had not thought of a suitable way to start, but Eunuch Mu said that he could bring up the past during the toast and then hand it over to Xia Xiao. But now it seems that Xia Xiao not raising his glass is the best start.
The ministers drank one by one, raised their heads and smacked their lips, but Xia Xiao and the other two remained motionless.
At first, Huiyue, who was slow to react, had already raised her glass, but when she saw Shushuang's action, she stopped. This was an extremely bold decision, and even more disrespectful to His Majesty, but she believed in Xia Xiao and Shushuang. People who could make such a big fuss because of her grievances were worthy of her trust.
Among the whole audience, only the three of them were the most special. Across half of the hall, Xia Xiao and His Majesty looked at each other. There was no blame in the latter's eyes. At this moment, Xia Xiao understood!
"The second cup goes to the three teachers of Jingning Seminary. Thank you for taking the time to select the best candidates for Daxia."
After this cup, Xia Xiao and the other two still did not obey. Those who had not noticed before were extremely horrified at this moment. If they didn't give face in this occasion, did they want to get their heads down? This was not an occasion for self-righteousness!
Si Buwen and Zhu Heng were surprised to see this. Now they dared not underestimate Xia Xiao, knowing that he must have a reason for coming here. Could it be...
Sure enough, when Si Buwen and Zhu Heng saw Xia Xiao and His Majesty looking at each other, even though it was only for a second, their hearts sank. How intense would it be if it started in this way? Si Buwen and Zhu Heng could not imagine it, so they could only swallow their saliva secretly and pretend to be calm.
"The third cup is for the ministers and the most outstanding talents in Daxia."
Si Yi shifted his gaze and when he saw Xia Xiao standing there suddenly, he asked:
"Xia Xiao, why don't you raise your glass?"
Xia Xiao's heart trembled slightly. Everyone here is an important minister of Da Xia. It would not be nice to speak nonsense in such a place. But this is the kind of person the emperor wants.
Standing up and walking to the hall, Xia Xiao bowed. His face was serious, as if something was bothering him physically and mentally. In the eyes of Si Buwen and Zhu Heng's astonishment, Xia Xiao still said that it was as they expected, but it was hard for them to guard against it.
"Your Majesty, I have something on my mind that I cannot let go of, so I will not raise a toast to celebrate."
"Tell me about it."
Flicking the sleeves of his dragon robe, Si Yi leaned back on the dragon throne with a casual expression.
"I am a humble commoner, so it may not be appropriate to talk about some things here."
"What's wrong with that?"
"I am afraid of offending those who only want the world to be in chaos, and bringing disaster upon themselves."
Si Yi smiled secretly. What Xia Xiao said at this time was naturally against his will. But what he wanted to express was that Si Buwen and Zhu Heng had evil intentions. Fortunately, such a smart person stood on his side, otherwise it would be a trouble!
"You are the leader of the First Church, a follower of the Emperor, or someone who has advanced to the final round. Who dares to hurt you? I give you the power, and you have the final say!"
The show was about to begin, and Su Zhongmou and the others all took a sip of wine, waiting to watch the excitement. But Xia Xiao suddenly knelt down on one knee, begging in a voice, pretending to be pitiful.
"Your Majesty, even though I have so many identities, I still dare not say it! Someone is counting on me, and they want me to say something wrong and be punished by Your Majesty. After all... they have tried to take my life time and time again."
Xia Xiao lowered his head and smirked. The lower his attitude was now, the more attention he would attract. He would perform this scene to the best of his ability and make it the best in the world!
As expected, the ministers who did not think Xia Xiao was a wimp started to talk about it. The emperor frowned even more when he saw it, but he secretly applauded in his heart. Xia Xiao was really good at it. He didn't say anything on the surface, but he actually told the seriousness of the matter.
"Do you want me to personally write an edict to grant you a token of immunity from death?"
"I dare not. Just an oral order will do."
"Humph! With me, the three teachers of Ningshen Academy, Shu Shuang from Zou Shou Church, and all the officials and people in the world, we will protect you. What do you want oral instructions? Speak--"
Si Yi's voice was so high that Zhu Heng's forehead broke out in sweat and his beard trembled slightly, but Si Yi was not warm, and the latter sat there without doing anything. If possible, Zhu Heng really wanted to escape, but there was not even a rat hole in this golden brick and jade tile Hall of Supreme Harmony.
When Zhu Heng was frightened, Xia Xiao raised his head, straightened his back and looked at him!