Chapter 209: Why Does Your Majesty Rebel? (8200+ Word Chapter, Please Subscribe in Full)

"Is there something wrong with this matter?" Huang Yongji glanced at his father and asked with a hint of confusion on his face.

Ever since he had told his father about this matter, his father had taken it especially seriously, as if there was something special about it, only he had never explained it to him.

Now his father had brought up this matter and these two people again — there was definitely something going on here.

Huang Kezuan glanced at his son and said with a grave expression: "What's special isn't the matter, but the people. The young man you said met with Song Yingxing should be His Majesty. Based on your description, I shouldn't be wrong."

Hearing his father's words, Huang Yongji stood up in disbelief and said in shock: "It was actually His Majesty?"

Looking at his son's shocked face, Huang Kezuan's expression turned to one of displeasure, and he scolded directly: "Look at yourself — getting so flustered over matters like this. How will you ever do great things in the future? Don't rush. Stay steady."

Looking at his father, Huang Yongji said with a bitter smile: "Father, when faced with something like this, who could possibly stay steady?"

"If I had been more proactive that day, and not followed along with the mindset of just watching the excitement, then it would have been me who befriended His Majesty. If it had really come to that, I wouldn't be stuck at home all day." Huang Yongji's tone was filled with regret and remorse.

"Is staying at home such a grievance to you?" Huang Kezuan said with exasperation: "With the way you are now, even if you entered officialdom, there would be no good fruit for you to eat. Enough, let's drop this. These past days I told you to read Xunzi's works — have you read them or not? I'm telling you, this concerns your future."

"I've already been reading them." Huang Yongji said with a somewhat guilty conscience.

He had indeed been reading them, only he hadn't put much heart into it, treating them instead as leisure reading.

Previously he had even privately grumbled about why his father had him read such books — they were completely useless, weren't they?

But under the current circumstances, Huang Yongji finally understood his father's intentions.

Looking at his father, Huang Yongji asked with some hesitation: "Father, you don't mean to…"

Looking at his son's astonished face, Huang Kezuan said with a smile: "Is there anything wrong with that? Your father is now a Grand Secretary of the Grand Secretariat, but what standing does your father have within it?"

"Chief Grand Secretary Han Kuang — he seems to have no great function, but what he provides is a balancing role. This is the best thing for him. As long as he doesn't make rash moves, his position remains very stable."

"Second Grand Secretary Xu Guangqi — he is the representative of the New Policies. From Chen Kedao of the lectures to Shen Tingyun of the Ministry of Rites, they are all Xu Guangqi's people. Those men are all people His Majesty intends to use, so their positions are also very stable. Even if they do something a bit out of line, it doesn't matter — His Majesty will shield them."

"As for Grand Secretary Sun Chengzong, he is His Majesty's teacher, representing the Hanlin and some of the pure-stream officials. Because he himself comes from a Hanlin background and holds high status, under such circumstances Sun Chengzong's position is naturally also very stable. That's because His Majesty uses him to balance Xu Guangqi. Should things on that side spiral out of control, His Majesty will have Sun Chengzong take over."

"As for your father — I seem more like someone eating idle rice. But why would His Majesty place me in the Grand Secretariat?"

"It's because His Majesty needs me to add a sense of urgency to the others; at the same time, His Majesty has made an insurance policy — if they all prove unreliable, His Majesty will replace them all at once. When that time comes, there must be an old hand holding things together in the Grand Secretariat, and that old hand is your father."

"But the few men in the Grand Secretariat are all old foxes — they won't give your father such an opportunity. Under these circumstances, there's nothing I can accomplish no matter what I try. I can only serve a few stifling years as Grand Secretary, then retire to my hometown. And His Majesty won't try too hard to keep me, because there's no shortage of people in court who could replace me."

"Do you think I'm willing to accept that?" Huang Kezuan looked at his son and asked with a smile.

"If you hadn't entered the Grand Secretariat, perhaps there would be no such thoughts; but since you've already entered it, of course you wouldn't be reconciled." Huang Yongji said directly.

"Father's learning is naturally of the first rank, and your wisdom and seniority are no worse than theirs — so of course you wouldn't be reconciled. Displaying the ambitions in your heart and leaving your name in history is what Father ought to do."

"And so — your father has been searching for an opportunity all along." Huang Kezuan said with a smile: "It's just that there never was a good one, but this time the opportunity has finally come."

"Few people know that His Majesty favors Xunzi, but it so happens that we know — this is Heaven giving us an opportunity. When Heaven offers and one does not take it, one suffers the consequences instead. This opportunity absolutely cannot be let slip."

"But if it comes to that, I'm afraid it will offend quite a few people." Huang Yongji said with some worry: "And I fear it may damage Father's reputation. I worry that when the time comes, public opinion will turn against you."

Huang Kezuan waved his hand, and said in a tone tinged with mockery: "Those things are all useless. The first thing your father understood after entering the Grand Secretariat was that one must have one's own stance within it — no matter what that stance is, one must have one. Those who drift with the current will never be given important posts."

"What does Xu Guangqi represent, and what is his reputation like now? But what use is that — he's still Second Grand Secretary. If reform truly succeeds one day, you'll see that Xu Guangqi will leave his name in history. There's no way to speak of the future in such matters, because no one can know what the future will bring — so all one can do is do one's best and leave the rest to Heaven."

"Your father is a Grand Secretary of the Grand Secretariat and also Minister of the Ministry of Justice. If I begin to champion Xunzi's teachings, then I can bring in Legalist thought, and then I'll have a viewpoint. What matters most is that this viewpoint is favored by His Majesty — that alone is enough to secure my position. As for the rest, it's not that important."

"All these years in court, how many people have sought a path, how many have racked their brains for a way? Who's to say Xunzi's approach isn't also a path?"

"Do you remember what that man named Song Yingxing said that day? He said, who knows whether the Guan School isn't also an approach? Then who's to say Xunzi isn't also a path?"

"Xunzi was brought up by His Majesty, so if your father brings it up, there's certainly no danger. That's why I had you read Xunzi's works carefully — from now on, when you go out, speak more about Xunzi, and build the impression outside that you already champion Xunzi's teachings. When things reach a certain point, there will naturally be room for you to display yourself."

"When the time comes, people will say that you didn't pass the jinshi examination not because your scholarship was poor, but because you champion Xunzi's teachings. Your father has already had word sent out — you should be aware of this yourself."

Huang Yongji thought for a moment, then said with some excitement: "Father, would it work if I went to take the examination for the Imperial Academy?"

"That Song Yingxing is going to take the Imperial Academy examination. Since His Majesty is so interested in him, it's very likely His Majesty will continue to keep an eye on him. If I enter the Academy and vigorously spread Xunzi's thought, might that draw His Majesty's attention?"

Huang Kezuan listened to his son's words, pondered briefly, then said: "I have to say this is a good method. But there's one thing you must remember — don't be too deliberate. Some things should be allowed to take their natural course. When the water flows, the channel forms on its own — that's best."

"Rest assured, Father — I know my limits." Huang Yongji quickly spoke up.

"Alright, it's getting late. Rest early." Huang Kezuan said with a gentle smile: "Since you already know what to do, I needn't worry anymore. Handle it as you see fit. Come report to me if anything comes up."

"Rest assured, Father — I understand. Father has worked hard all day; please rest early as well." With that, Huang Yongji withdrew.

In the Forbidden City, in the small garden of Kunning Palace.

Zhu Youxiao had not yet gone to sleep, lying on a rocking chair and swaying gently.

Empress Zhang sat quietly beside Zhu Youxiao, embroidering a small sachet.

On the stone table beside them were tea, fruit, and candied preserves, and Zhu Youxiao would reach out from time to time to take a bite.

Looking up at the full moon in the sky, Zhu Youxiao's mood was leisurely and empty.

But at this moment, in the courtyard that should have been silent, the sound of hurried footsteps rang out.

This gave Zhu Youxiao a slight start, and he turned his head to look — the newcomer turned out to be Chen Hong.

From Chen Hong's appearance, it was clear he had some matters he wished to report. For him to come running to disturb one at this hour, it must certainly be a major matter — only one didn't know what major matter it was.

Empress Zhang also saw Chen Hong approaching, and so she said with a bright smile: "It's already late, Your Majesty. Your consort will go make preparations — Your Majesty should retire to rest soon."

Zhu Youxiao nodded, reached out and took Empress Zhang's hand, and said with a smile: "Alright, you go on ahead. I'll be there shortly."

After Empress Zhang had left, Zhu Youxiao beckoned to Chen Hong, who stood not far away, and asked with a serious expression: "Tell me, what's the matter? From the look of you, you seem rather anxious."

"Reporting to Your Majesty — it concerns Grand Secretary Huang." Chen Hong quickly stepped forward several paces to come to his master's side.

Zhu Youxiao nodded and said unhurriedly: "Then let's hear it."

"Yes, Your Majesty." Chen Hong acknowledged, then continued: "The Embroidered Uniform Guard has already sent word — the Huang household has indeed been somewhat unusual these past few days. But the matter isn't with Grand Secretary Huang himself — it's with his son, Huang Yongji."

Zhu Youxiao took a sip of tea and asked again: "What matter?"

"It seems to be about Grand Secretary Huang's son and his studies. Huang Yongji favors Xunzi — it seems he particularly champions Xunzi's teachings, and for this reason he has never passed the jinshi examination all these years. Word has already spread outside that Grand Secretary Huang is in fact also a follower of Xunzi."

Hearing this, Zhu Youxiao was taken aback and asked with some hesitation: "How long has this rumor been spreading?"

"The Embroidered Uniform Guard says it seems to have been going on for some time, but the exact timing can no longer be traced." Chen Hong said hesitantly: "Shall this servant have them investigate further?"

"Enough, no need to investigate." Zhu Youxiao waved his hand and said: "Let it be."

Having said this, Zhu Youxiao stood up, stretched, and walked into the depths of Kunning Palace.

Empress Zhang was still waiting for him, so he needed to sleep early and not waste time here.

After walking into Empress Zhang's bedchamber, Zhu Youxiao saw that Empress Zhang was looking at him with some worry.

He smiled as he walked to Empress Zhang's side, sat on the edge of the bed, reached out and took her hand, and comforted her: "Baozhu, no need to worry, there's nothing major—just an old fox playing some tricks and schemes."

As he said this, Zhu Youxiao laughed at himself, then continued: "I originally thought he was a very simple person, but who would have thought he's just as much of an old fox."

"Some people say that none of these court ministers who have reached their current positions have clean hearts. I didn't believe it at first, but now it seems it's indeed so—even Huang Kezuan has turned out like this."

"A group of people without ideals or goals, caring only about things born of self-interest—they can only amount to this in their lifetimes. But there's no harm in it either; at least they can be used by me."

Zhu Youxiao couldn't help but think of later ages, of the nation's leaders in those times, of the figures of the Republic's founders, growing clearer and clearer in his mind.

Those were truly people who cherished ideals, who lived for their motherland and their nation—they were completely different from these ministers in his court.

If he weren't the Emperor, would he choose to rebel?

This was a question Zhu Youxiao pondered, though he felt it might still have something to do with his identity as a transmigrator.

If he were an imperial clansman or a gentry scholar, then perhaps he wouldn't rebel.

But if he had transmigrated into the body of a hereditary military household member, or an ordinary commoner, then he would very likely have raised the banner and risen up. Though it would be more for himself than out of any grand ideal.

It seemed the gap between himself and those revolutionary forebears was still very wide. Thinking of this, Zhu Youxiao smiled wryly at himself.

"Don't worry! It's nothing!" Seeing that Empress Zhang was still looking at him, Zhu Youxiao reached out and patted her hand, then said with a smile: "Let's sleep early—it's already getting late."

"Then let your servant attend to Your Majesty." Empress Zhang said with a slight blush on her face.

After Zhu Youxiao and Empress Zhang had gone to sleep, news about Huang Kezuan gradually began to spread.

Even the several Grand Secretaries in the Grand Secretariat learned of the matter, and everyone's gaze toward Huang Kezuan became somewhat different.

Among the several people in the Grand Secretariat, Sun Chengzong and Han Kuang studied the School of Principle; Xu Guangqi followed the School of Mind, and moreover believed in Li Zhi's School of Mind.

Under such circumstances, Han Kuang had already tried his best to blur the marks of his own school. But who could have imagined that Huang Kezuan would go and drag out Xunzi?

Everyone was a scholar, and all of them had studied extremely well, having served as officials for so many years—who among them didn't know Xunzi's teachings?

Why weren't Xunzi's teachings recognized by Confucianism?

Because Xunzi's teachings, followed to their end, led to Legalism.

Xunzi's students—Li Si, Han Fei, Fu Qiubo, Zhang Cang, and others—every single one was a giant of Legalism.

A great Confucian master, yet in the end all he taught were Legalists—this inevitably made people think. How could orthodox Confucian disciples not reject Xunzi?

If Xunzi were allowed to teach, then everyone he taught would become Legalists—how would the rest of them get by?

Now Huang Kezuan actually wanted to promote Xunzi's teachings. Not only the several Grand Secretaries in the Grand Secretariat, but even other people felt something was wrong, and the court ministers were buzzing with discussion.

If the struggle between the School of Principle and the School of Mind was something they could tolerate, it was because both were, after all, Confucian learning. However much they fought and argued, the differences weren't actually that great.

But Xunzi's teachings were different—they came out of Confucianism, yet pointed straight at Legalism. How could such a thing be allowed?

If Xunzi's teachings were allowed to spread, and in the end produced a whole batch of Legalists, what then?

For a time, Huang Kezuan felt like he had become a target for everyone's arrows—all people were questioning and doubting him.

But Huang Kezuan seemed not to notice at all, going to work and coming home with a smile on his face every day, as if he didn't take everyone's discussion to heart.

Under such circumstances, countless ministers at court began submitting routine memorials.

Even some ministers who had previously tended to favor drafting the imperial examination syllabus now submitted memorials in opposition.

The reason was also very simple—they didn't want Huang Kezuan to succeed. They didn't want Xunzi's teachings to appear in this world once again.

This doctrine had already been cast aside—even Xunzi himself couldn't enter the Confucian temple. Why let his teachings come back out to stir things up?

Once Legalists took charge, what kind of life would people like themselves have?

This absolutely could not be agreed to.

And so, for a time, voices of opposition rose clamorously.

Even the several Grand Secretaries in the Grand Secretariat had question marks drawn in their hearts.

They felt they had been taken in by Huang Kezuan—when he had spoken up for Xu Guangqi back then, it seemed he hadn't really been doing it for the School of Mind.

Now everyone understood why he had said and done what he did, but it seemed a little late.

The outside world was full of noise and commotion, but Zhu Youxiao paid no attention to any of it. He had finally finished the matter of moving and arrived at the Western Park.

Compared to the Qianqing Palace, the Western Park had one advantage—the space was larger and more open.

In comparison, this place looked more like a garden than a palace.

In such an environment, Zhu Youxiao felt considerably more relaxed, and at the same time, the matters he had arranged earlier were mostly done.

Qi Jin had already prepared the men for him, so Zhu Youxiao went to meet them.

When Zhu Youxiao arrived, Qi Jin was already there.

These days had been very good days for Qi Jin—everything he wanted, His Majesty had provided him, without any hindrance or restraint.

Silver or all kinds of weapons—whatever he wanted was given to him. It could be said that he was fully supported in training his troops.

Under such circumstances, Qi Jin could be said to be like a fish in water, pouring all his energy into this round of troop training, vowing to train a powerful army for the Great Ming.

First, to repay the nation; second, to repay His Majesty's kindness in recognizing his worth.

Under such circumstances, when His Majesty asked him to select some men, he naturally had to be extremely, extremely careful.

So Qi Jin held a large-scale selection, choosing the five hundred men before him from the ten thousand men of the newly trained Tiger Roar Battalion.

Everyone present knew that they were about to become His Majesty's imperial guards—one could say His Majesty's personal bodyguards. How could they not be delighted and overjoyed?

"His Majesty arrives!" At that moment, Chen Hong called out, and Zhu Youxiao walked in through the main gate.

Seeing Zhu Youxiao walk in, Qi Jin hastily led everyone in kowtowing and paying respects.

"Rise."

Zhu Youxiao waved his hand, and only then did these people stand up.

He surveyed these five hundred men with an expressionless face.

These men were not very tall in stature, but the flesh on their bodies was extremely solid. Though not bulging like modern bodybuilders, muscle masses could be seen on every one of them. Moreover, their gazes were cold and sharp—it was clear they had all been on the battlefield and killed men.

Zhu Youxiao nodded with satisfaction, then turned to Qi Jin beside him and said: "My beloved minister has put much thought into this. These selections are all excellent, and I am very pleased. Let me think about what reward to give my beloved minister."

"By the way, regarding the commander of these men, does my beloved minister have anyone in mind?"

Hearing Zhu Youxiao's question, Qi Jin's heart stirred, and he quickly said: "I report to Your Majesty, your minister has no suitable candidate. I beg Your Majesty to make the decision."

Zhu Youxiao glanced at Qi Jin, a playful smile appearing on his face as he said with a chuckle: "Ah, it seems my beloved minister has not only learned the art of war from your uncle, but you have also learned his way of conducting himself ten out of ten."

This was not Zhu Youxiao joking — he truly thought so.

Qi Jin's uncle was naturally Qi Jiguang, an official who was extremely skilled at navigating human relations. Whether among civil officials or military officers, he was exceptionally adept at handling people.

What kind of fate did Yu Dayou, his contemporary, suffer?

Look at Qi Jiguang — history records very clearly that Qi Jiguang embezzled a great deal of money.

However, Qi Jiguang did not embezzle by docking his subordinates' pay, but through another method — expanding his authorized establishment.

In fact, at that time the court never paid out military wages in full. Soldiers not receiving their complete pay was perfectly normal; if they could get half pay, that was already an exceptionally good deal.

A portion of these military wages was docked by court officials, and sometimes they simply were never paid in full.

Among all those armies, only Qi Jiguang's troops could receive full pay. A major reason was that Qi Jiguang would ask the court for more authorized positions.

For example, if he had an authorized establishment of 200,000 men, he would only maintain an army of 100,000.

The pay the court gave for 200,000 men could then be given entirely to those 100,000, while Qi Jiguang would also ask the court for additional rewards and send generous gifts to the ministers who helped him.

History even records Qi Jiguang sending gifts to Zhang Juzheng, as well as records of him scouring for beautiful women to present to Zhang Juzheng. It was only because Zhang Juzheng died relatively early that Qi Jiguang's ending was comparatively miserable.

As for Qi Jiguang's fate, it looked exceedingly miserable on the surface. But in Zhu Youxiao's view, there were many suspicious aspects to it.

For instance, Qi Jiguang feared his wife, was driven out of his own home by her, and could only live alone — even after his death, no one looked after him.

In Zhu Youxiao's view, this was very likely Qi Jiguang playing up his misery, employing a ruse of self-inflicted hardship.

The reason was actually quite simple: after Zhang Juzheng died, the court was conducting purges. Even Zhang Juzheng's own fate after death was so miserable that his very coffin was exhumed.

The Zhang family members were likewise either dead or fled — one could say they suffered terribly, terribly.

Under such circumstances, it was impossible for Qi Jiguang not to be afraid, so it was perfectly normal for him to adopt such an approach. At least this way, he could avoid implicating his family. As for himself, having already been driven out by his wife, many people would regard him as a laughingstock and think he had suffered enough — no need to target him further.

In fact, Qi Jiguang's ending indeed was not that miserable in the end — he was not executed and could be said to have died a natural death.

So Zhu Youxiao had always felt that Qi Jiguang was a man of extremely high emotional intelligence. Clearly, what Qi Jin had learned from Qi Jiguang was not just the art of war, but also how to conduct oneself.

Under such circumstances, Qi Jin choosing not to speak was precisely his way of avoiding suspicion. That was why Zhu Youxiao spoke of Qi Jin this way, saying he had learned from his uncle.

But seeing Qi Jin's honest, simple smile, Zhu Youxiao knew he would absolutely not speak up, and no matter what he said, it would be useless. Still, he could understand — this was likely Qi Jin's way of protecting himself.

Since that was the case, there was no need for him to make things difficult for Qi Jin.

After pondering briefly, Zhu Youxiao smiled slightly and said: "Since my beloved minister is unwilling to speak, then I shall speak. In truth, in my heart, I have long had a suitable candidate — that person is Qi Yuanfu."

Hearing Zhu Youxiao's words, Qi Jin was immediately stunned.

It was not because he was particularly surprised by the choice, but because this person was his own son.

Qi Jin had fathered three sons in total.

The eldest was named Qi Yuangong, who had been by his side all these years, learning the arts of marching and warfare. He was the one their family planned to inherit his legacy, just as Qi Jiguang had groomed him back in the day.

Qi Jin's other two sons — one was named Qi Yuanfu, and the other Qi Yuanbi.

Although these two sons also followed him in the army, they were not groomed the same way as the eldest. Still, both sons were quite ambitious and had done reasonably well over the years.

Originally, Qi Jin had thought that when he could no longer serve, the family position would pass to his eldest son, and his second and third sons would be sent out to establish their own households.

These were all arrangements Qi Jin had made, but he never expected His Majesty to say such a thing.

Qi Jin naturally knew very well what the men he had selected were for — they were to serve as His Majesty's personal bodyguards.

The importance of this position needed no elaboration. Whoever could serve as its commander would necessarily be someone His Majesty trusted most, and also someone bearing enormous responsibility. For if there were any lapse, there would be trouble.

Because it was Qi Jin himself who had chosen the men, he would not dare scheme over the commander position — he would not even dare speak up when His Majesty asked him, because this was an extremely taboo matter.

If anything went wrong, he would be in serious trouble with no way out.

Yet even though Qi Jin had dodged so carefully, the matter still found its way to him — this was something he had never imagined possible.

His Majesty actually thought of using his son to command these men. Although Qi Jin did not know whether this was His Majesty testing him, in his heart he knew that he absolutely could not agree to this matter now.

He currently held heavy military power; if his son also became the commander of His Majesty's personal bodyguards, then he would truly be in too much danger.

"I report to Your Majesty, your minister's son is not outstanding, and he is young and reckless — truly unfit for such a great responsibility. I beg Your Majesty to withdraw the command." Qi Jin hurriedly bowed as he spoke.

Zhu Youxiao glanced at Qi Jin, looked at his panicked expression, smiled, and patted him on the shoulder, saying: "It seems you and I are still not close. Once you have spent more time with me, you will know that I disdain testing my ministers. So whatever I tell you is what I truly think — you need not have any hesitation."

Qi Jin was startled inwardly.

He had to note that he had been in the capital for quite some time now, and had seen how His Majesty dealt with those ministers.

He had seen how the court officials were slaughtered by His Majesty until blood flowed like rivers.

When he first met His Majesty, he had only thought His Majesty was a young lad, with hopes of reviving the Great Ming in his heart and great boldness — yet he never expected His Majesty also had that bloody, murderous side.

It was precisely after those events that Qi Jin realized one thing: this young Son of Heaven before him was a true emperor.

So under such circumstances, Qi Jin had not the slightest carelessness, nor did he dare have the slightest carelessness.

But he never expected His Majesty to say such words to him. His heart stirred immediately — perhaps it really was as His Majesty said; His Majesty never seemed to test anyone when doing things, simply doing whatever he wished.

Could His Majesty truly want to give his son an important post?

His Majesty wanting to promote his son would indeed be a good thing for him.

However, if his son were to become the commander of His Majesty's imperial guards, then his entire family would likely become the target of everyone's criticism.

One had to know that public opinion could melt metal. Even if His Majesty currently trusted the father and son, who knew how long that trust would last under the instigation of those with ulterior motives?

Once a crack appeared in that trust, it would be difficult for the father and son to retreat.

"Your minister's son is truly unfit for such a great responsibility. I beg Your Majesty to withdraw the command." Qi Jin bowed once more, his expression very serious, his attitude appearing very resolute.

Zhu Youxiao glanced at him, nodded, and said: "Is there anything else?"

Qi Jin was slightly taken aback — was this a dismissal?

He quickly said: "Your minister has nothing else."

"Then this matter is settled." Zhu Youxiao said with a grave expression: "Because you are Chief Grand Secretary Qi Yuanfu's father, I am informing you of this matter—I am not seeking your opinion. Qi Yuanfu is also my subject, and how I choose to employ him is my affair. There is no need for you to remain here any longer. Your business is finished—go back and attend to your own affairs."

Qi Jin looked at Zhu Youxiao with some disbelief.

He had not expected His Majesty to have such a side to him. For a moment he was stunned, and did not rise to take his leave, seeming as though he still wanted to say something more.

Zhu Youxiao glanced at him and asked with slight puzzlement: "Does my beloved minister have any other matters?"

"Your subject has no other matters." Qi Jin could only force himself to say.

Before he could open his mouth to say anything more, he was once again cut off by Zhu Youxiao's wave of the hand: "Since there is nothing else, then withdraw."

Left with no choice, Qi Jin could only bow in salute and slowly speak: "In that case, your subject takes his leave."

Only after Qi Jin had left did Zhu Youxiao slowly turn around. The smile on his face could no longer be suppressed, and he immediately burst into loud laughter.

The expression on Qi Jin's face just now had been far too amusing.

After finishing his laughter, he turned his head and glanced at Chen Hong, who stood nearby looking somewhat bewildered. Zhu Youxiao said casually: "Go to their household and deliver the decree. Have Qi Yuanfu report to the Western Park tomorrow morning and await orders."

"Yes, Your Majesty. This servant will go at once." Chen Hong hastily acknowledged.