Chapter 311: Brother, I'm Merchant Xiao Jiu
Chapter 311: Brother, I'm Merchant Xiao Jiu
In the Imperial Palace, the Retired Emperor sat on a meditation cushion in the warm pavilion, playing a game of chess with Chancellor Xun.
He held a chess piece in one hand and a string of prayer beads in the other. Today, he wasn't wearing the imperial dragon robe but instead donned a simple monk's garment, as if he were in a temple.
After placing a black piece, he said to Chancellor Xun, "Your Majesty has been in the temple for several years, and I've grown accustomed to worshipping Buddha. If it weren't for you, Chancellor, returning from the western expedition in time, I might still be in the temple, accompanying the ancient Buddha."
Chancellor Xun placed his chess piece back into the chess jar and knelt beside the board, bowing deeply, "Your humble servant has failed in his duty to protect you, Retired Emperor. Please punish me!"
The Retired Emperor reached out to support him, "Chancellor, what are you doing? You've served the Great Zhou for seven years, enduring hardships and achieving great merit. I haven't even had the chance to reward you, how could I possibly punish you? Stand up quickly!"
Chancellor Xun remained still, "It is my duty to share the worries of Your Majesty, and I dare not claim any credit."
The Retired Emperor said, "Oh, your achievements are known throughout the realm. The common folk, the court officials, and even the Heavenly Observatory know of your merits. Even the ancestors in the nine springs would remember your contributions."
Chancellor Xun lowered his body further, "Your humble servant is terrified!"
The Retired Emperor helped him up with force, "Continue playing chess with me, don't ruin my mood."
"Yes."
Chancellor Xun sat back on the cushion.
"It's your turn."
The Retired Emperor reminded him.
Chancellor Xun picked up a black piece with two fingers and placed it in the upper left corner of the board.
The Retired Emperor shook his head, "If you let me win again, I'll be angry."
Chancellor Xun spoke with sincerity, "Your Majesty's chess skills are exquisite. I am ashamed I can't match them."
The Retired Emperor smiled, "All of you are afraid to win against me. Why don't you learn from the Majestic King? When he can't win, he overturns the board or takes back his moves."
Chancellor Xun didn't respond. After the Retired Emperor made his move, he carefully placed his own piece.
The Retired Emperor changed the topic, "I've heard about Xun Yu's situation. You need not worry about this matter. I've sent someone to the Ministry of Punishments with an imperial edict to release Xun Yu and your nephew. You'll be able to see them when you return to the mansion later."
Chancellor Xun's expression changed, "Your Majesty!"
The Retired Emperor raised his hand to stop him from speaking further, "You don't need to say anything. I am also a father, and I understand you. I've been busy with state affairs and have neglected the education of several children. Aside from Chu Wang, none of them have given me peace of mind."
Fu Gonggong glanced at Chancellor Xun without showing any emotion.
Chancellor Xun's expression was one of surprise and regret, nothing more.
"Compared to Xun Yu, he is already very capable. It's just that he has a...habit that is not appropriate to speak of."
Chancellor Xun furrowed his brows, "Your Majesty, there might be a misunderstanding..."
The Retired Emperor interrupted him, "You need not be nervous before me. You are a Pillar of the State in the Great Zhou, and I won't let the contributors feel unappreciated. I pardon Xun Yu of the charge of disrupting the Autumn Hunt."
"Pardon? That good-for-nothing has brought shame to the court! And you want to pardon him? Retired Emperor, have you lost your mind?"
The Majestic King stormed in, his chest filled with righteous indignation, and unleashed a tirade at the Retired Emperor.
Fu Gonggong cleared his throat, "Majestic King, you must not be disrespectful to the Retired Emperor!"
"I believe the Majestic King is right!"
Wang Yushi followed the Majestic King into the warm pavilion and bowed to the Retired Emperor, "Retired Emperor, please reconsider your decision!"
The Retired Emperor asked in surprise, "Wang Yushi, have you finished reprimanding him?"
Wang Yushi straightened his back, "I have."
The Majestic King's attitude in admitting his mistake was much better than those stubborn and unyielding officials, making it easier for Wang Yushi to complete the reprimand in just a quarter of an hour.
"Retired Emperor, please reconsider!"
"What if I don't?"
"Then you are a foolish ruler!"
"Wang Yushi!"
The Retired Emperor overturned the chessboard and began arguing intensely with Wang Yushi.
Chancellor Xun's gaze intensified.
The two argued until their faces turned red and their necks thick, until the Retired Emperor, enraged, expelled everyone from the palace.
The Majestic King stayed behind, intending to scrounge for a late-night snack before leaving.
On the way back to the Xun family's carriage, Xun Qi was also present.
He had already learned of the incident from his informants, and his expression turned grim. "Foster Father, the Retired Emperor's pardon for Third Brother seems like a reward, but it's actually a punishment!"
Xun Yu and Wei Mingxuan had been imprisoned in the Ministry of Punishment for several days. The Chancellor's residence hadn't redeemed them, as they were investigating the evidence. They only needed to prove to others that Xun Yu and Wei Mingxuan were framed, and then the two would be cleared of their names.
The Retired Emperor's use of the word 'pardon' was meant to announce to the world that Xun Yu had indeed committed a heinous act. However, out of respect for his father's status as a meritorious subject, he was shown mercy beyond the law.
This not only solidified Xun Yu's guilt but also tarnished the Chancellor's reputation.
Coincidentally, Wang Yushi was also present.
The next morning, there would be a memorial at court accusing the Foster Father.
"The Retired Emperor is truly a formidable figure. If I had known earlier, I should have listened to Lu Yuan and killed him!"
At this point, Xun Qi suddenly realized something and abruptly raised his head.
Before the Foster Father's western expedition, he had made arrangements in the capital. If the Crown Prince lost favor, he would support a new prince to ascend the throne.
The Foster Father consulted Lu Yuan, seeking advice on how to deal with the Retired Emperor.
Lu Yuan suggested killing him to eradicate any future troubles.
At that time, their power wasn't strong enough. If the assassination attempt on the Retired Emperor was exposed, they might face irreversible consequences.
The Foster Father felt that Lu Yuan was taking a huge risk and believed he wanted the Xun family and the Retired Emperor to destroy each other.
The Foster Father saw through Lu Yuan's ambition and restlessness.
So, the Foster Father asked Lu Yuan to personally detain the Retired Emperor.
Now, thinking back, Lu Yuan might have calculated the Foster Father's distrust and deliberately revealed a perfectly timed flaw to arouse suspicion and save the Retired Emperor.
If this was true, Lu Yuan was truly terrifying.
Seven years ago, he had already plotted against everyone.
The arrow the Foster Father shot seven years ago had now turned into a boomerang, piercing him deeply.
Xun Qi clenched his fists, "Foster Father..."
Chancellor Xun fiddled with the jade ring on his left hand, "Tell Celestial Dragon that only one of Lu Yuan and Shang Jia's bloodlines can survive."
---
In the middle of the night, the capital experienced another downpour.
A lone rider and an eagle braved the howling wind and pouring rain.
Meng Qianqian gripped the reins tightly as raindrops the size of beans struck her cold face.
"The last of Shang Jia's bloodline..."
Meng Qianqian gritted her teeth, "Chancellor Xun, you are truly despicable!"
Accompanied by a loud eagle cry, the eagle dove towards the southeast.
In the vast fields, two figures, one purple and one black, were engaged in a fierce battle in the rain.
The clash of blades and swords was deadly.
Meng Qianqian tightened the reins and dismounted, "Stop!"
The two figures hesitated for a brief moment, but in an instant, the Azure Dragon Sword and the Xiu Chun Saber slashed mercilessly at each other.
Meng Qianqian's fingertips moved, and she shot out two silver needles.
Both parties caught the needles simultaneously, stabbing towards each other and then dodging at the same time.
Meng Qianqian furrowed her brows and leaped between them.
Lu Yuan's Xiu Chun Saber was already drawn, and he couldn't retract it.
In this critical moment, he struck his own right shoulder with a palm, dislocating his arm.
His meridians reversed, and he felt a sharp pain in his dantian, kneeling on one knee and spitting out a mouthful of blood.
Celestial Dragon grabbed Meng Qianqian and pulled her behind him, using his neili to send her ten steps away.
At the same time, he gripped the Azure Dragon Sword with his other hand and thrust it straight towards Lu Yuan's forehead.
Lu Yuan's meridians were severed, and he couldn't move, "Meng Xiaojiu, close your eyes..."
"Brother, stop!"
Meng Qianqian shouted at Celestial Dragon, "I am Xiaojiu! Shang Xiaojiu!"
Xiaojiu finally spoke out... Double the last day, and the monthly ticket babies, hurry and vote!
(End of Chapter)
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