Chapter 81 Reflections
Yu Zaiting really didn't have any good ideas at the moment.
Moreover, his teacher did not support him.
His servant Chang Yun had witnessed all the hardships he had endured these past few days. Chang Yun sighed and couldn't help but utter a thoughtless remark.
"Sir, people say it's good to have a big tree to lean on for shade. You used to have a big tree to shelter you, but now you've probably been replaced by a small one?"
Chang Yun and Yu Zaiting were together every day, following each other everywhere, so their relationship was quite special. But after these words were spoken, Yu Zaiting's face quickly darkened.
"Are you complaining that my tree is too small, with sparse branches and swaying leaves, and can't provide you with shade?"
Chang Yun was stunned and fell to the ground in shock. "Master, Chang Yun would never dare to think like that."
He slapped himself while stammering, "Master, I am so lucky to have followed you. I don't know what I've done to deserve this. Please forgive me, sir. I will never dare to speak recklessly again."
He hated his foul mouth, and his face quickly turned red.
Yu Zaiting was annoyed and waved his hand, saying, "You've been following me for more than just a day or two. Go down and think it over carefully. Do you really want to risk your life on your own two mouths?"
Chang Yun jumped up and left quickly, not daring to bother his parents.
Yu Zaiting leaned back in the large chair in his study, thinking of Wang Xiang and the young emperor, a cloud of mist lingering in his eyes.
Now let's talk about Xiao Qing.
There has been no progress in the matter of burying the spirits of the warriors. Wang Ming's coffin and the ashes of countless generals are still waiting to be placed. However, Xiao Qing discovered that apart from the generals in the court who followed her south, very few others supported her.
This is really a headache.
Her earlier words to Yu Zaiting revealed her stance. She was a pragmatist. If those old fogies were determined to oppose it, and the national treasury couldn't guarantee the expenses of a grand ceremony, she truly felt it was more appropriate to secure some tangible benefits for the surviving military officers and their families.
There's nothing I can do; my capabilities are limited.
Just then, Xiao Qing was informed that, in order to celebrate the safe return of these people from the Northern Barbarian territory, the palace should prepare a banquet to welcome them back.
That's understandable, but Xiao Qing originally planned to do it together after the Grand Tutor returned.
But these people clearly didn't want to wait that long—especially the relatives who were used to a life of luxury.
Xiao Qing sometimes found it strange.
What kind of lives did these people lead before they were detained and placed under house arrest by the Northern Barbarians?
She felt that these people thought about problems in a way quite different from that of the Grand Tutor, Wang Xiang, and others. Even compared to Xiao Chongle, who was also a member of the imperial clan, they were quite different.
For example, now that they've just arrived in Nanhua City, have they arranged everything for their food, clothing, lodging, and transportation? Why are they already thinking about hosting banquets for the imperial family and officials?
Ever since Wang Xiang mentioned the empty treasury, Xiao Qing felt a great sense of urgency. Hosting this banquet must cost a fortune, right? Isn't this just spending without any income a huge waste?
That's what Xiao Qing thought, but when she asked Wang Xiang, she still received positive advice.
The palace banquet must still be held. This is for the emperor's face, and also for the face of the Great Xiao Dynasty.
Not only are all the officials watching, but everyone in the world is watching, even the northern barbarians are watching... blah blah blah.
In the end, the matter was settled, and the time was set for the evening of two days later.
Will the Grand Tutor be back in two days?
She was so lost in thought that she didn't even notice when Zhao Youchen came in.
Zhao Youchen brought her news from the palace prison.
Mei Shu is sick.
"What illness?"
"We haven't seen it for sure yet, but these past few days, Attendant Mei has been in a bad mood, eating little and sleeping poorly. According to the guards, Attendant Mei often stares at the skylight above, lost in thought."
What else can I think about?
The palace prison was unlike the outside world; it was filled with prisoners. In that era, if a prisoner fell ill, he was left to fend for himself in his cell, and no doctor would ever visit him.
Xiao Qing thought for a moment, then asked about something else. "Is there any news about the Grand Tutor?"
Zhao Youchen shook his head.
Although the Grand Tutor was also returning south, his whereabouts seemed to be a mystery.
Zhao Youchen felt sorry for Xiao Qing. After thinking for a moment, he said, "Your Majesty, the Grand Tutor has not contacted me. There must be various reasons why it is inconvenient to communicate. As it stands, the fact that no bad news has come is good news."
Xiao Qing nodded.
Otherwise, let's try to see Li Qinghe again.
"Keep a close eye on Attendant Mei. Since he's ill, I'll have Mingxiu go there in a bit." She paused. "Or General Zhao can send someone to take Mingxiu there."
Zhao Youchen agreed, but after hearing Xiao Qing talk about the matter of pacifying the martial spirit, he couldn't come up with any suggestions for the time being, so he could only verbally comfort the young emperor.
After Zhao Youchen left, Xiao Qing remembered that she hadn't taken out the jade she wanted to give him yet.
She took out the jade, but thinking about her recent situation, she silently put it away.
Once she and Zhao Youchen are less busy, she will definitely find a beautiful spot in the small garden and solemnly hand it over to him.
Her mind was a jumble of thoughts, and she finally had to rub her temples to clear her head.
The most pressing matter is still the palace banquet.
Perhaps the banquet at the palace will provide an opportunity to resolve the issue?
Talking business over drinks might go more smoothly, right? With this thought, Xiao Qing felt more optimistic.
Wang Xiang was busy arranging the palace banquet. When he returned to his residence after the arrangements were nearly complete, Mr. Sun was already waiting at the gate.
Wang Xiang raised an eyebrow, approached, and asked in a low voice, "Mr. Sun, is there something important you need?"
Mr. Sun followed him into the mansion, whispering as they walked, "There's news from over there."
Wang Xiang paused, then noticeably slowed his pace as he continued walking. "When did this news come from?"
Mr. Sun said, "I just arrived."
"How is it?" As they spoke, the two had already entered the study.
Mr. Sun smiled slightly. "Just as you predicted, exactly as you predicted."
Wang Xiang didn't have a very obvious expression like Mr. Sun, but the corners of his mouth turned up slightly.
"Are you sure?"
"At this point, it's safe to be right."
Looking at Wang Xiang's expression, Mr. Sun added, "However, there is also something unusual about it."
"What?"
"He avoids main roads and specifically seeks out sparsely populated side streets, which may seem shorter than main roads, but are clearly more dangerous in these places. Why do you think that is, adults?"
Wang Xiang tapped his fingers on the table for a long time before saying, "What he thinks is no longer important. What matters is the result."
“You are right, sir.”
"The palace banquet is in two days. This news should be released at the banquet."
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