The Hall of Supreme Harmony reveals the diverse emotions within its confines: political enemies gloat, close friends remain indifferent, and those driven by a sense of justice step forward. This small hall of Supreme Harmony encapsulates the myriad facets of human nature.
"Prince Rong, please come out." Ji Xiaoxiao singled out Prince Rong, Zheng Sa.
Despite immense pressure, Zheng Sa strode forward with the spirit of a martyr.
"Your Majesty, what are your orders?"
"You were close to the Crown Prince before. I know you are virtuous, wise, talented, and elegant. Your learning is as solid as a mountain, your eloquence as swift as a river, and your knowledge of the classics is outstanding. You have brought glory to the court and the country. You are the most talented person in Liang Kingdom in the last hundred years. I can give you a chance. I ask you, Zheng Sa, are you willing to serve me with all your heart and soul, and to be as loyal as a dog or a horse?" Ji Xiaoxiao spoke high above, her words carrying the inner power of the White Lotus Sacred Technique. Those below looked on in awe, as if they had seen a god descend.
Ji Xiaoxiao cherished talent, but her influence was limited to the enemy camp. Hu Shao advised her to employ people based on their merits. He pointed out that Prince Rong, Zheng Sa, and the Vice Minister of Justice, Situ Yu, were rare and capable officials; missing out on them would be a huge loss. Holding onto them would bring immense profits. As for those talented but immoral individuals, Hu Shao had already eliminated them for her.
Hu Shao kept repeating the same few sentences all day long, and Ji Xiaoxiao was tired of hearing them, but she also remembered them. She decided to go along with Hu Shao's wishes for now and make him happy. If all else failed, and if Prince Rong and his men dared to make any moves, Ji Xiaoxiao could easily resolve the situation with a single slap.
"Your Majesty, I...I...I am willing," Zheng Sa said joyfully, tears welling in her eyes.
Zheng Sa had always been regarded as an enemy by the old emperor Zheng Run, so he had always held a trivial position in the court. His defection to Zheng Jincheng was perhaps not without the intention of a talented horse seeking a discerning patron. Today, Ji Xiaoxiao's affirmation of him in front of all the court officials brought tears to Zheng Sa's eyes. Everything he had learned and done was for the benefit of the common people and the people of the world.
There are many talented horses, but few discerning judges of horses.
Having spent decades in a daze and wasted most of his life, Zheng Sa, a talented individual, was willing to give his all for Ji Xiaoxiao, a talent scout who was a rare find in a thousand years.
Having won over Zheng Sa, how far is Situ Yu from abandoning the darkness and turning to the light?
After chatting for most of the day, Ji Xiaoxiao used a combination of coercion and enticement, along with soft and hard tactics, to finally win over the talented individuals she could recruit.
Ji Xiaoxiao was three months pregnant, and it was the worst time for her to overexert herself. Leaving the work to Hu Shao and her chosen key ministers, Ji Xiaoxiao went back to have a meal and catch up on her sleep.
When Ji Xiaoxiao returned to the Yanjue Palace, she remembered Luo Qing, whom she had completely forgotten.
"To avoid any unforeseen complications, Luo Qing needs to resolve this as soon as possible."
Military generals are unlike civil officials. No matter how eloquent and persuasive a civil official may be, they are of little use except for exerting psychological pressure and shaping public opinion. Military generals, on the other hand, command troops and possess the absolute power to overthrow a dynasty, making them a force to be reckoned with.
Moreover, although Luo Qing is impulsive, he is very ambitious and will definitely be dissatisfied with her, a woman, ruling over a group of men. Luo Qing's counterattack will not keep her waiting for long.
The first to strike gains the upper hand, while the last to strike suffers the consequences; whoever strikes first seizes the initiative.
Ji Xiaoxiao drank some porridge, and Lanxin took off her heavy dragon robe. Feeling refreshed, she lay on the bed, half asleep, thinking, "When I wake up, I'll destroy him."
Ji Xiaoxiao woke up groggily late at night after sleeping soundly.
"Your Majesty, ... Lord Hu has been waiting for you for nearly an hour, saying he has important matters to discuss."
Lan Xin paused for a moment while speaking, wondering what title she should use to address Hu Shao.
"What? Father, you've been waiting for me for almost an hour. Why didn't you wake me?"
Ji Xiaoxiao flew into a rage, and her last bit of sleepiness and drowsiness vanished instantly.
After quickly tidying herself up, Ji Xiaoxiao rushed over to meet Hu Shao.
"Father, I'm sorry to have kept you waiting. I hope you can forgive me."
Ji Xiaoxiao, heavily pregnant, rushed over, her quick steps nearly scaring Hu Shao to death.
"Walk slowly, walk slowly, no rush."
Hu Shao quickly got up, went over and helped Ji Xiaoxiao sit down slowly.
"Tian Tian, you're about to become a mother. Don't be rash in your actions. You'll hurt yourself and your child. It's not worth it..." Hu Shao pulled Ji Xiao aside and gave her a lecture.
Ji Xiaoxiao coughed, and Lan Xin and the others wisely withdrew.
Alright, now that there are no outsiders here, Hu Shaoai can say whatever he wants!
Ji Xiaoxiao shrugged and happily ate the pastries on the coffee table. In the blink of an eye, the plate was empty. Touching her stomach, Ji Xiaoxiao still felt unsatisfied.
When it comes to his daughter and beloved grandson, Hu Shao has an exceptionally sharp eye. With a wave of his hand, one steaming, fragrant dish after another is served.
After eating and drinking her fill, Ji Xiaoxiao lay on the chair, wanting to relax forever.
Life is full of helplessness.
Hu Shao rinsed his mouth with a cup of tea and slowly told Ji Xiaoxiao about the major events that had happened that day.
"Luo Qing has betrayed us."
Hu Shao's expression was serious, but his tone was natural, indicating that he had anticipated Luo Qing's actions.
Ji Xiaoxiao sat up straight, her delicate eyebrows gleaming with murderous intent beneath her curved eyelashes.
"If I had known this would happen, I should have killed him with my own hands this morning at court."
Thinking of this, Ji Xiaoxiao decided to drag out the already torn-to-toe Liu Taifu and whip his corpse. If it weren't for his unrestrained and unabashed cursing at her, would she have forgotten to deal with Luo Qing because she found it annoying and tedious?
"Father, where is Luo Qing now?" Ji Xiaoxiao interlaced her fingers, resting her chin on them, her cold and beautiful face revealing a boiling, surging anger and resentment.
"Luo Qing, protected by his subordinates, escaped from the imperial city and is now galloping towards the northwestern wilderness, to his stronghold, the Northwest White Tiger Army's base—Kangang. Judging by their speed, they should arrive at Tongluo Town early tomorrow morning."
This chapter is not finished, please click the next page to continue reading!
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com
