Chapter 234 Master of the Ox
Zhao Youchen was also pondering the same question.
His thinking was certainly not as straightforward as his uncle's. Right now, he was thinking about the words the man had left behind, and the possibility of another jade pendant.
Moreover, this person's series of actions revealed a lot of information.
For example, this person knows about Lion Head Jade, and even knows that he has the jade.
For example, the half-piece jade pendant he wore perfectly matched the lion-head jade. Yes, it should be half-piece, because the lion-head jade is double-sided, and when the two pieces of jade are joined, the jade pendant is exactly half the thickness of the lion-head jade.
Therefore, besides this person, there might be another person holding the same jade pendant.
For example, they approached Feng County, Zhao Ziyuan, and Fengqixia.
For example, the aura of a powerful figure he displayed clearly showed his disdain for him, yet he was still willing to do things for him.
for example……
Many thoughts flashed through Zhao Youchen's mind.
So much so that he climbed onto the roof that night, put his hands behind his head, looked up at the night sky, and couldn't fall asleep no matter what.
Then a dark figure sat down next to him.
The scent was familiar. Zhao Youchen lazily squinted his eyes and didn't move.
When are you leaving?
Zhao Youchen was slightly bewildered. "After the winter hunt, then."
He paused for a moment, then said, "Am I too weak?"
"Who said that?"
"Anyway, someone said it. And he said I would die if I went to Feng County."
The person next to him was silent for a moment, then said, "I've seen the people there; they're not very strong."
Zhao Youchen pursed his lips, "Maybe they're hiding their true abilities."
"Then you should think about what kind of life you want."
Zhao Youchen paused for a moment, then asked, "Have you thought about this?"
The people around me had already left sometime earlier.
Zhao Youchen knew very well that choices sometimes had little to do with one's own desires. It was just that he had something he wanted to protect, so even if it was in a way he didn't particularly like, it might actually be the most appropriate way.
The next morning, a line of small characters was left on the tile next to him.
Success. Nothing to worry about.
Zhao Youchen twitched his lips, erased the writing, and jumped down. Zhao Ziyuan was already practicing boxing in the yard.
Upon seeing Zhao Youchen, Zhao Ziyuan threw a punch with great interest, and the two of them started fighting.
Zhao Youchen's battlefield skills were almost all taught by Zhao Ziyuan. When he was a child, he admired his uncle as a majestic general, so he always pestered his uncle to teach him kung fu.
Zhao Ziyuan also liked his nephew's aptitude, so he taught him diligently for a period of time.
However, Zhao Ziyuan now keenly sensed that his nephew, who was naturally suited for the battlefield, was probably...
"You're too slow." Zhao Ziyuan grabbed Zhao Youchen's arm. "What are you thinking about? You can't even concentrate on sparring with your uncle. What, do you think your uncle is too old to hold back?"
Zhao Youchen was in a bad mood. "I'm not fighting anymore, I'm going to the palace." With that, he went to wash and dress.
This trip was to inform Xiao Qing of everything.
Zhao Ziyuan pouted, feeling a bit bored.
I really want to go back to Feng County.
Will the people from the Dali Temple actually investigate the case and give a quick and satisfactory result?
Speaking of which, officials from other states should come to South China to report on their work.
Logically, he should have visited officials in the Ministry of War, the Ministry of Personnel, the Ministry of Revenue, the Privy Council, and so on, and he should have also visited the Prime Minister and the Grand Tutor.
This is a common practice in officialdom. If he wants to live peacefully in Feng County, he has to make connections with everyone he needs to do around the Lunar New Year, whether it's in Nanhua or Yingzhou.
However, he made a grave mistake. Although the young emperor helped cover it up, once he filed a lawsuit, several places were now facing accountability, and the Court of Judicial Review had already intervened. It was better for him to keep a low profile.
Besides, he had also noticed in recent years that although the young emperor had not yet taken personal control of the government, neither the young emperor nor the Grand Tutor liked extravagance in officialdom—to be honest, even with only half of the country, there was no way to afford it. In addition, the Grand Tutor had appointed many young people from humble backgrounds to positions in the court, and many old customs had become less popular in recent years.
Thinking of this, Zhao Ziyuan then thought of the few surviving and still prominent families.
He touched his chin, feeling that he should go back to Feng County.
Meanwhile, in the palace, Xiao Ting heard Zhao Youchen mention this person number twenty-two and felt that the arrival of this person was too coincidental.
Zhao Youchen knelt on one knee, bowed his head and said, "It was your recklessness, Your Majesty."
Xiao Qing shook his head, "Trust those you employ."
Although the matter was entrusted to Zhao Youchen, she knew in her heart that it would be more appropriate to seek help from the Grand Tutor than from Zhao Youchen for someone like that.
But she can't see the Grand Tutor right now.
Zhao Youchen couldn't help but ask, "Does Your Majesty blame the Grand Tutor?"
Xiao Qing was stunned for a moment.
"Did the Grand Tutor look for you?" she asked Zhao Youchen.
Zhao Youchen didn't hide anything. "Fu Shan, who serves the Grand Tutor, came to my residence, probably wanting to see me. I didn't let him say it and sent him away."
Xiao Qing could imagine it.
She thought for a moment and then asked, "If I and the Grand Tutor disagree on some matters and I cannot act according to the Grand Tutor's expectations, what does Minister Zhao think?"
Zhao Youchen's heart skipped a beat.
Before he arrived, he had heard that His Majesty had met with Prime Minister Wang in the Southern Study, and that they had a very pleasant conversation and even dined together there.
Previously, His Majesty had sent Ma Hong to block the Grand Tutor at the palace gates, supposedly to prevent him from entering the palace before the winter hunt.
In fact, he understood very well that at this time, the young emperor had not yet formed independent control over the court.
The young emperor's current stability is largely due to the support and intervention of the Grand Tutor.
Zhao Youchen knew he should advise His Majesty to be of one mind and one heart with the Grand Tutor, and to advance and retreat together.
But when he looked up at Xiao Qing, and saw the young emperor he truly supported sitting solemnly on the large dragon throne, his brows slightly furrowed, a faint hint of confusion hidden in his clear eyes…
"Your Majesty is the ruler of the Great Xiao, and there is no reason for you to do things according to your subject's expectations. Even if... that is the Grand Tutor, I will naturally obey Your Majesty's orders."
He composed himself. “It’s just that the Grand Tutor has always felt a heavy responsibility, is a dull person, and is experienced in doing things. I heard that many young people in the court respect the Grand Tutor, but dare not get close to him. The Grand Tutor has been all alone all these years, probably because he is too old-fashioned and does not look like a young person at all.”
He nodded. “So Your Majesty, you see, it’s normal to have different opinions from the elderly. Sometimes when I talk to the Grand Tutor, I feel like I’m talking to a brick wall! It’s inevitable… I have to talk to him a few more times.”
He paused, his expression growing even more serious. "After all, there aren't many old oxen like this that can pull carts and plow fields; they're practically experts among oxen!"
Xiao Qing hadn't expected Zhao Youchen to be able to say such a long thing, and couldn't help but laugh.
Seeing that Xiao Qing's expression had relaxed, Zhao Youchen also felt relieved.
"I know you're speaking up for him. Alright, I understand. Keep an eye on Tianyin Temple. As for the winter hunt, I'll leave that to the Prime Minister."
Zhao Youchen frowned. "Your Majesty, how should we arrange the defense deployment for the day of the winter hunt?"
Xiao Qing said, "Just do as usual. However, if the Prime Minister or the Privy Council makes any arrangements, just let them be."
“Furthermore, if the Grand Tutor has any requests or arrangements…” Xiao Qing lowered his eyes and tucked his hands into his sleeves, “I will firmly refuse.”
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