Chapter 102 The Emperor is up to his old tricks again, and Yan Jue enters the palace once more.
Luo Xi saw Ye Ting and asked with some doubt, "Chen Pingjin, who is this man? You didn't secretly find another man behind the Regent's back, did you?"
Ye Ting was still bickering with Nian An when he heard this, and his eyes almost turned into copper bells.
Before he could explain, Shen Pingjin spoke up, "Luo Xi, don't misunderstand, this is the Regent's personal bodyguard, Young Master Ye Ting."
Upon learning that this person was the Regent's personal bodyguard, Luo Xi was somewhat surprised. She hadn't expected that even one of the Regent's personal bodyguards would be so handsome.
Ye Ting saw Luo Xi and frowned slightly. He recognized this Miss Luo, but why was she here?
Before he could voice his doubts, Chen Pingjin beside him ordered, "Ye Ting, come here and do me a favor."
Ye Ting looked up, her gaze surprised: "Your Highness, what is it that you need?" and walked over.
Shen Pingjin pointed to the barbecue grill, "Do you see what's grilling on this grill? Watch them, and when you think they're almost burnt, hold this spot and gently rotate them. If you do it well, you can have a piece of the barbecue too."
Ye Ting asked in confusion, "Your Highness, what is barbecue?"
Shen Pingjin gave her a look, "You'll find out soon enough."
Ye Ting nodded blankly, walked to the barbecue grill, and stood guard next to it as Shen Pingjin had instructed.
Lu Qingjia was a little confused. "Sister, what is this?"
Whenever she was facing Lu Qingjia, Shen Pingjin would be exceptionally patient, for reasons unknown. “Jiajia, this is delicious.”
Upon hearing that it was delicious, Lu Qingjia became curious. He wanted to ask something, but he froze when he saw Luo Xi.
Another beautiful lady!
Lu Qingjia walked over with her short legs and said, "Hello, Miss."
Luo Xi was sitting with Lv Yi, trying out the black tea with rock sugar. She savored it carefully because she had never tasted anything so delicious before!
Suddenly, a sound came from beside her. Luo Xi looked down and saw a little boy. Somewhat puzzled, she asked, "Are you calling me?"
Lu Qingjia nodded: "Yes, Jiajia is calling you, 'Pretty sister, you are so pretty.'"
Luo Xi was taken aback, not expecting the little boy to be so direct, but how could she not be happy to hear someone compliment her on her looks? "Thank you for the compliment."
Seeing that the two of them were actually chatting, Shen Pingjin didn't know what to say for a moment. At the same time, she silently complained in her heart, "This Jiajia is really a looks-obsessed person!"
As night falls, scattered stars dot the sky, the sunset fades, and darkness envelops the earth.
Inside the courtyard, charcoal was burning, crackling and popping incessantly, and food was on a rack, its oil sizzling and emitting a fragrant aroma.
Ye Ting had thought that turning the barbecue grill would be a very easy thing, but now that he had done it, he felt extremely tired.
Chen Pingjin said, "Ye Ting, stop here and come eat some barbecue."
The barbecue was ready, and Chen Pingjin made extra dipping sauce, placing the porcelain plates in front of everyone.
She also made a refreshing black tea, which Luo Xi really liked because it was so delicious.
Shen Pingjin specially modified the porcelain cup according to the method passed down by her mother, making it a porcelain cup with thicker walls.
The black tea was poured to the brim, the table was covered with barbecue, and several people gathered around, creating a lively atmosphere.
In contrast to the lively atmosphere in Chenpingjin Courtyard, Yan Jue seemed much more anxious.
As soon as Yan Jue returned to his residence, he received another message from the Emperor.
He had originally planned to have Ye Ting accompany him to the palace, but the guy had only been back at his residence for a short time when he disappeared without a trace.
Left with no other choice, Yan Jue had to enter the palace alone.
The Emperor summoned all the important officials of the court to the Hall of Mental Cultivation tonight, and the hall was immediately packed with people.
An He, the Vice Minister of Rites, looked at the Emperor respectfully and spoke first, "Your Majesty, is there something urgent that you have summoned us to the Hall of Mental Cultivation tonight?"
The emperor stroked his beard and said, "There's no rush. Some ministers haven't arrived yet."
This time, Yan Jue did not take a carriage to the palace. He rode a horse, kicking up dust all the way. After seeing that the Hall of Mental Cultivation was packed with people, he dismounted and quickly walked into the Hall.
After seeing Yan Jue enter, the Emperor said in a deep voice, "Everyone is here."
Yan Jue was taken aback. Was she waiting for him?
Yan Jue immediately stepped forward and said, "Your Majesty, I am late. Please forgive me."
The Emperor waved his hand, "It's nothing, Regent, please rise."
Everyone knew perfectly well what the relationship between the two was, and they held their breath in surprise.
Yan Jue got up from the ground. Now that everyone was present, the Emperor looked at everyone and said, "You are all my beloved ministers. In a few days, I plan to go to Jiangnan incognito. Some of my beloved ministers must accompany me to Jiangnan. Eunuch Shun, please read out the names of all the beloved ministers on the list."
"Your Majesty, this servant obeys." Eunuch Shun replied from the side.
As expected of a servant who serves the Emperor personally, Eunuch Shun quickly read out the names on the list one by one.
The ministers whose names were called knelt down one after another, saying, "Thank you, Your Majesty."
The Emperor waved his hand and said, "I have come here today to discuss this matter with all of you ministers. Those whose names have not been called may now leave."
Many people left the Hall of Mental Cultivation, and many ministers complained about the emperor as they left.
Seriously, I'm not even on the list, yet they want me to rush over here so late at night. Ugh! What a jerk of an emperor. But I can only complain to myself.
The remaining ministers, all of whom were on the list, felt even more resentful.
To travel incognito, one needs to disguise oneself and accompany the emperor as a commoner to understand the people's plight.
This was a truly arduous task for some ministers who were used to a life of luxury.
The Emperor looked at the remaining ministers and said in a deep voice, "My ministers, in a few days, you will accompany me on a private trip to the south of the Yangtze River. If there is anyone who is unwilling, just step forward. I will not be angry."
The emperor was met with a long silence, which pleased him greatly.
"Since no one has any objections, then it shall be so," the Emperor said. "The daughters of all my beloved ministers shall also send one or more to accompany you on your journey to the south."
The Emperor looked at Yan Jue, as if speaking specifically to him, "Regent, the Regent's Consort must also accompany you to Jiangnan. Are you willing?"
In an instant, all eyes were focused on Yan Jue.
Yan Jue replied without changing his expression, "Your Majesty, this humble subject obeys."
The Emperor was very satisfied, then looked at Su Xuanmao kneeling on the ground, "Crown Prince, the Crown Princess must also accompany you on your journey to Jiangnan with me. Are you willing?"
Su Xuanmao glanced at Yan Jue in front of him, and naturally, unwilling to admit defeat, he replied, "Your Majesty, I obey your command."
Su Xuanmao was delighted to learn that Shen Pingjin would also be going.
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