Chapter 29

After the battle at the Observatory, the civil and military officials found that the Goryeo prince was becoming easier to talk to. Not only did he agree to a 40% tax increase on trade, he even expressed his willingness to maintain eternal friendship with Daqi.

In the court, Fu Zhao changed his previous arrogance and disdain and said to Li Chengqian respectfully: "After discussing with the delegation, I decided to accept the 40% tariff proposed by Your Majesty and establish an everlasting friendship with Daqi."

All the officials looked at Fu Zhao's respectful appearance in surprise and looked at each other in surprise.

It seems that yesterday at the observatory, the Goryeo legend of Sirius's coming to the world was exposed by Lin Nanjie, which brought profound changes to the Goryeo prince's heart.

The situation in Korea, which had just been pacified, might still change.

Fu Zhao added, "In the past two days, I have discussed the theory of celestial phenomena with Master Chen many times with the great wizard, and have gained a lot. After returning home, I will definitely study it in depth."

Chen Yanzhi coughed and laughed, "The Goryeo prince is very smart and will surely figure it out soon."

The ministers around him cast mocking glances at Chen Yanzhi. They heard that old man Chen had really cheated the Goryeo prince so badly that almost all the treasures he brought were sent to the Qintian Palace and naturally ended up in the national treasury.

The Minister of Revenue, Lu Jingyao, was overjoyed that the national treasury had new deposits, which were taxes collected from the people.

It’s so delicious.

Li Chengqian nodded with a gratified look: "The prince is a rare talent among men. We in Daqi value talents the most. If there is a need in the future, Daqi will definitely lend a helping hand."

The Minister of War straightened his back. If the prince had a quarrel with his father one day, their Ministry of War would come in handy.

The Minister of War looked at Fu Zhao with ambition in his eyes. Maybe he could take down Goryeo in one fell swoop!

Fu Zhao was unaware of the inner thoughts of his ministers and was overjoyed. He bowed to Li Chenghuan and said, "Thank you, Your Majesty, for your grace!"

After the terms were agreed upon, the Goryeo delegation set out on their journey back home, and Fu Zhao looked towards Goryeo with ambition.

This time, he wants to take back everything that belongs to him!

After the court meeting, the emperor gave out food and the ministers sat cross-legged in the simple seats in the corridor of the court, talking about the Goryeo prince's diplomatic mission.

Lin Nanqi led the people from the kitchen to the corridor, looked at the ministers who were discussing enthusiastically, and cleared his throat: "It's freezing cold, the emperor specially gave us mutton soup and lamb legs!"

When the ministers heard this, their attention was immediately diverted, and they all stood up and thanked the emperor, "Thank you, Your Majesty, for the gift!"

Lin Nanjie took the mutton soup and mutton legs from the supervisor in the kitchen and placed them in front of the officials one by one.

The kitchen slaughtered two whole sheep. The mutton soup was milky white and extremely delicious. The lamb legs were cooked to be crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. The aroma was so fragrant that Lin Nanjie almost drooled at the smell.

Zheng Yongnian, the Minister of the Dali Temple, smelled the aroma of the mutton soup and said happily: "It is so wonderful to drink a bowl of mutton soup in this cold winter month!"

"Isn't it? The emperor still cares about us."

Zheng Yongnian smelled the mutton soup, then looked at Lin Nanjie and said unexpectedly: "I think I have met Eunuch Lin before. Eunuch Lin entered the Internal Affairs Bureau in the 20th year of Tiantong, right?"

Lin Nanqi was stunned: "That's right."

Zheng Yongnian smiled and said, "At that time, the late emperor established the Imperial Household Department School, and I once taught there. No wonder Eunuch Lin looks familiar to me."

The others immediately stopped drinking their soup and looked at Zheng Yongnian.

You are so good, Zheng Yongnian!

I thought you were old and indifferent to fame and fortune, but you were trying to get close to the emperor's favorite in public!

When the late emperor was alive, not only did he have people specially assigned to teach the eunuchs how to read and write in the Internal Affairs Bureau, he even allowed great scholars of the time to give lectures in the Internal Affairs Bureau, and the treatment was no worse than that of the Imperial College.

However, the current emperor hates the eunuchs' abuse of power, so the eunuchs are only allowed to learn simple literacy and are not allowed to teach.

No matter! They want to go too!

Pei Yan, the Minister of Finance, had just received a sum of money and was very happy. He immediately said, "Don't mention Lord Zheng. Even I have attended the lectures of the Internal Affairs Bureau two or three times. I vaguely remember that Eunuch Lin listened well to the lectures."

Qintian Prison Supervisor Chen Yanzhi was not to be outdone: "Although I have never taught in the Imperial Household, what Eunuch Lin said to the Goryeo prince at the Observatory that day was very good!"

Even the Prince's tutor Tang Ruoxu couldn't help but speak up. Because of the incident with the young prince last time, he had a good impression of Lin Nanjie, so he was not to be outdone: "When it comes to the lectures of the eunuch supervisor, naturally I have said more. Although Eunuch Lin is young, he has an extraordinary memory and is meticulous. He is truly the best choice to serve the emperor."

Lin Nan was hesitant and confused, searching frantically in his mind.

No, that’s not happening.

The original owner often daydreamed and fell asleep in class, and copied all the homework. Does this count as good listening?

And have you forgotten that the chief eunuch during the previous emperor's time was also taught by you?

Others: Wow!

Don't you old men hate eunuchs the most?

Are you all trying to get close to me today?

"Eunuch Lin, we both have the last name Lin. It is fate that we are together!"

"Eunuch Lin, the wish I made to you last time was especially effective!"

"Eunuch Lin's gesture of giving me mutton soup just now was particularly elegant!"

"Eunuch Lin! When it snowed heavily that year, we looked at each other from a distance across the Meridian Gate. Have you forgotten?"

Lin Nanjie: …

What are you talking about!

He really couldn't stand the ministers' flattering attitude, and he didn't want to become a sinister and cunning eunuch.

Lin Nan hesitated for a while, then said cautiously: "Thank you all for your kindness, I just want to take care of the emperor and make him safe and secure."

After Lin Nanjie finished speaking, he looked at the ministers nervously, and saw that the ministers seemed to be looking at him more eagerly!

After Lin Nanjie finished giving food, he returned to the Purple Palace to report: "Your Majesty, I have given food to the ministers, and they are all very grateful for your kindness."

Li Chengqian's desk was piled with memorials. He nodded without even looking up: "Got it."

Lin Nanjie was about to leave, muttering to himself.

[The ministers were so enthusiastic just now that I was really scared. ]

[I've been flattered so much that I look like a corrupt official. ]

[I can’t fly. The dog emperor treats me well now, but what if he discards me like a worn-out shoe in the future?]

【Fortunately, I just want to lie down and try to leave the palace to retire in the future. 】

Li Chengqian then raised his head and looked at Lin Nanjie, and couldn't help but smile.

He said, "You did a good job this time, Goryeo envoy. It is also common sense for ministers to show goodwill. You don't need to think too much about it."

Lin Nanqie had not expected Li Chengqian to be so predictable. Her face immediately turned red and she bowed her head and said, "I will follow the emperor's instructions."

Li Chengqian glanced at Lin Nanjie's blushing face and said, "Go ahead. I have also given food to the palace maids in Zichen Palace. Go to the side hall to find Wang Dehai and the others."

Lin Nanqi immediately raised his head, his eyebrows lit up with joy: "Thank you, Your Majesty!"

Li Chengqian sighed. This thank you sounded much more sincere.

Lin Nanjie went straight to the side hall after leaving the warm pavilion. Wang Dehai and others were already eating, and when they saw Lin Nanjie, they asked him to sit down.

When the mutton soup enters your stomach, your whole body will feel warm.

When Lin Nanjie was eating with great concentration, Wang Dehai looked up and said with emotion: "The emperor is strict in his rule, but he also clearly rewards and punishes. It is our great fortune to meet the emperor."

The older ones nodded while eating, while the younger ones were still a little confused.

After sighing, Wang Dehai said, "The New Year is coming soon. You guys should work harder and make sure the emperor has a comfortable New Year."

After the Goryeo envoys left, it was almost the end of the year and the palace was busy again.

On New Year's Eve, there was no court meeting. When Lin Nanjie opened the door, he saw a thick layer of snow outside.

The sky and the earth were dressed in red and white. The eunuchs and palace maids had festive smiles on their faces, and the atmosphere in the imperial palace was peaceful and lively.

Snowfall on New Year's Eve is a great auspicious sign. May God bless Daqi with good weather and good harvests in the coming year, and may the people live and work in peace and contentment.

——Although the observatory refuted the rumor about the astronomical phenomenon, Lin Nanjie, a southerner, still excitedly rolled a snowball when he saw the auspicious snow.

Lin Nanjie arrived at the Purple Palace and began to busy himself inside and outside. Under Wang Dehai's command, he moved the ladder to the corridor, climbed up and replaced the big red lanterns to bid farewell to the old and usher in the new.

The silver-clad palace and the bright red lanterns set off each other beautifully. Looking at the scene, Lin Nanjie couldn't help but sigh, as this was his first New Year in Daqi.

Lin Nanjie looked down at the palace from the ladder. Just as he was about to come down, he saw the little prince standing below, eager to try: "I want to go up, too."

Wang Dehai quickly carried the little prince away: "My dear, this is not a good idea."

The little prince was a little unhappy, with a tense face.

The little prince was wearing a red dress today with a circle of fur embroidered on the collar, which made him look very cute.

Lin Nanqi came down quickly and said to the little prince with a smile, "Good luck to you, Your Highness."

The little prince looked at Lin Nanqi eagerly: "What's on it?"

Lin Nan said: "It's just snow, white everywhere."

Seeing that the little prince was still looking at him eagerly, Lin Nanjie dug a handful of clean snow from the ground and made a little rabbit. Lin Nanjie was skillful, and the snow rabbit he made was lifelike, and he also embedded two wolfberries as the little rabbit's red eyes.

"Does Your Highness like it?"

As expected, the little prince's attention was diverted, and he smiled while holding the snow rabbit.

Li Chengqian came out and saw this scene. He picked up the little prince and said, "Come, father will play snowballs with you."

After a day of fun, Li Chengzhen drove to Cining Palace for the New Year's Eve palace banquet in the evening, and the four concubines in the palace also arrived.

When the imperial concubine arrived, the atmosphere became noticeably quieter.

The imperial concubine has been living in the cold palace these days, and has never asked the emperor for mercy.

Moreover, there was not a trace of resentment on her face, and she even spoke to the other three concubines in a friendly manner.

The Queen Mother said happily, "Don't be so reserved, let's eat."

Just as she was about to start eating, Concubine Rong accidentally brought the teacup over and she was about to break it on the ground, making the Empress Dowager unhappy.

Who knew that Concubine Qin actually caught it with her bare hands.

Concubine Rong's eyes widened and she took the teacup from Concubine Gui: "Thank you, Concubine Gui."

Qin Yilan picked up the handkerchief and wiped her hands: "It's okay."

Lin Nanjie saw this scene: [Wow! The Imperial Concubine is really skilled! ]

[Everyone thought that the Imperial Concubine was in the cold palace crying every day.]

[In fact, Concubine Qin has been practicing martial arts every day since she was sent to the cold palace. In the past two months, her martial arts skills have become comparable to those of General Qin! ]

【Is this what it means to be strong without desire? 】

Li Chengqian: ???

Seeing that Yipin's cup was empty, Lin Nanjie went forward to add some water, and suddenly he exclaimed "Huh?"

[Princess Yi is so tall! ]

[Even when she was sitting, she was still half a head taller than the other concubines.]

Li Chengqian just thought that Lin Nanli was surprised by what he had seen. He picked up his chopsticks to eat, and as he ate, he felt that the atmosphere seemed a little unusual.

The four concubines first took turns to wish the Queen Mother and Li Chengzhen good luck and health. Li Chengzhen raised his cup four times in a row. Then Concubine Rong pulled Concubine Duan and said, "Sister Concubine Duan, you are too tired to manage the harem. Why don't you try this red date and black chicken soup? It is the best for replenishing qi and blood."

Concubine Duan said, "Thank you for your kindness, sister. It's cold in winter, so it's best to eat tonic food. You should drink more too."

Even the noble concubine spoke to Concubine Duan, which was unusual for her: "Concubine Duan is weak and needs to take more supplements."

Concubine Yi picked up some food for the Empress Dowager: "Your Majesty, please try this dish. It's very fresh and tender."

The Empress Dowager looked at the concubines with a kind face and said, "Seeing that you have such a deep sisterly love and work together to serve the Emperor, I feel relieved."

The concubines used sweet words to make the Queen Mother very happy.

Li Chengqian was drinking alone with his glass in hand: ???

Work together to serve him?

Do they still have him in their eyes?

Lin Nanjie's eyes were filled with gossip.

[Oh! Ever since the dog emperor visited the harem last time, the concubines have been moving around more frequently.]

[After testing each other, they found that the dog emperor had never favored anyone.]

[Every time I come, I fall asleep immediately. 】

[Finally, the ladies finally realized that the dog emperor was not capable of anything! ]

[It is said that she was injured in a vital part during the palace coup, and she has been unable to move since then.]

With a "click", Li Chengqian's chopsticks fell to the ground.

The concubines paused and all looked at Li Chenghuan.

"Is the emperor okay?" Concubine Duan asked caringly.

Li Chengqian gritted his teeth and said, "It's okay."

At the New Year's Eve dinner, all the ladies enjoyed themselves to the fullest, except Li Chengqian, who became more and more depressed the more he ate.

When the moon was at its zenith, Li Chenghuan walked out of Cining Palace holding the sleeping little prince in his arms, gnashing his teeth and saying, "Forget it, the innocent will be innocent."

Li Chenghuan carried the little prince towards the East Palace, and a group of people walked in the snow towards the southeast.

At this moment, the little prince suddenly opened his eyes hazily and saw a bright moon hanging in the sky, illuminating the red lanterns on the corner tower of the Forbidden City with a warm red light.

On the golden glazed tiles, a man in white danced by, like an immortal flying down from the Moon Palace.

The graceful figure in white disappeared in a flash. The little prince rubbed his eyes and pointed at the corner tower: "Immortal!"

Li Chengqian: "You are dreaming."

The little prince was anxious: "There is an immortal!"

Li Chengqian: “It was a dream…”

Lin Nanjie: [What a nasty father! He messed with the kid.]

Li Chengqian said silently in his heart: There are no immortals, only immortal boards.

But he changed his words and said, "Yuer is right."