Chapter 221: Sending an Envoy to You Kingdom as a Test

"Actually, someone has offered me a plan," Xiao Qidi said slowly, looking at the few people before him, "We only need to send an envoy to You Kingdom, persuade its monarch to attack An Kingdom, and we can create a check, leaving An Kingdom powerless to launch a surprise attack on Daxuan."

The eyes of several ministers lit up at once.

You Kingdom lies to the northeast of An Kingdom, and is the northernmost among the Zhong Yuan states.

Using You Kingdom to check An Kingdom is indeed a good strategy.

However, although the plan looks fine, its implementation seems quite difficult.

After a brief contemplation, their expressions grew solemn again.

"His Majesty," a minister raised a concern, "You Kingdom is separated from Daxuan by An Kingdom, the distance is great, and there has been no prior contact; by contrast, You Kingdom seems more likely to ally with An Kingdom."

"Moreover, how could the monarch of You Kingdom not understand the principle that when the lips are gone, the teeth feel cold? If An Kingdom is conquered by Daxuan, You Kingdom will have to face Daxuan's unification of the world head‑on."

"So, how can we persuade the monarch of You Kingdom to aid Daxuan? I'm afraid… no one can make this plan work…"

The other ministers also nodded slightly.

Xiao Qidi said lightly, "Among you, is there anyone willing to give it a try?"

The ministers' expressions were stiff; they stared at each other, all wearing uneasy looks.

"You all…" Xiao Qidi smiled, "You are the highest‑ranking and most powerful people in today's court; how is it that none of you are willing to go out as an envoy to You Kingdom for me?"

The few felt sudden panic and hurried to say it wasn't that they were unwilling, but that the plan was too idealistic and in reality could not be carried out.

It might even cause the monarch of You Kingdom to become suspicious, leading You Kingdom to join An Kingdom against Daxuan.

If the scheme backfires, it would inevitably harm Daxuan's great undertaking of unifying the world.

Xiao Qidi could see that they were not looking for excuses; after all, today's senior ministers of Daxuan have been selected one after another through rigorous investigations by Lord Le An, the Empress Dowager, the former Prime Minister, and various nobles, true gold, absolutely loyal to Daxuan and not seeking personal gain.

So Xiao Qidi did not blame them.

"Since none of you are willing to go, I will appoint one person," Xiao Qidi said, "Lin Sui."

The ministers looked at each other.

"Lin Sui?"

"Who is this person? Does anyone know him?"

"I feel the name sounds familiar, but I can't recall…"

"I also have a vague memory; it seems he was a disciple recruited years ago by Si Tu Wei, tasked with a minor assignment of compiling books and editing scriptures."

"What?! A person of Si Tu Wei?"

…

During the discussion, a refined, long‑bearded man entered the hall, bowed his head, clasped his hands, and loudly announced, "Your humble servant Lin Sui, requesting an audience with His Majesty!"

The few ministers present showed slight changes in expression.

It really is him!

To put it nicely, he was once an inconspicuous disciple by Si Tu Wei's side.

To put it bluntly, he might be a remnant faction of Si Tu Wei!

His Majesty, why summon such a fellow?

"Lin Sui, are you willing to serve as envoy to You Kingdom?" Xiao Qidi asked.

Lin Sui lifted his head, chest out, "The plan to envoy to You Kingdom was proposed by me; I am naturally willing to go!"

The ministers were even more surprised.

"It was you who proposed it?!"

"Fine then, Lin Sui! What are you scheming!"

"Your so‑called plan looks decent at first glance, but it can't stand up to scrutiny! Do you think His Majesty is easy to fool? Do you think we can't spot the problem?"

The few shouted stern reprimands, then immediately pleaded earnestly with Xiao Qidi not to let Lin Sui ramble on and act recklessly.

Lin Sui became somewhat angry, wanting to argue a few words.

Xiao Qidi raised his hand slightly to signal that he need not be agitated, then said to the angry ministers, "Lin Sui was strongly recommended by Jinli Fairy; can you not trust the Fairy?"

The ministers were stunned, their eyes full of disbelief.

Even Lin Sui was surprised; he had heard much about Jinli Fairy, a Fairy revered by countless commoners, soldiers, and even His Majesty, and had long admired her, yet he never imagined that his chance to present a plan to His Majesty came from the Fairy's favor.

The humble minister frowned and said, "It is not that I distrust the Fairy, but I do not understand why the Fairy would recommend him, and even as a key recommendation!"

The few, including Lin Sui, all shared this doubt, eagerly awaiting Xiao Qidi's explanation.

Xiao Qidi couldn't help but fall into contemplation.

In his mind he recalled some historical records that Ning Jingli had mentioned.

In that world, Lin Sui, who was taken as a disciple by the Prime Minister of Xuan Guo, later played a crucial role in Xuan Guo's unification of the world and the founding of a great imperial dynasty.

After the Xuan dynasty was established, Lin Sui was appointed Prime Minister, assisting the ancestral emperor of Xuan in abolishing the feudal enfeoffments, eradicating the root causes of the previous fragmentation among the vassal states, thereby laying the foundation for over two thousand years of Huaxia cohesion.

At the same time, he made enormous contributions to the epoch‑making measures of unifying weights and measures, currency, script, and railway gauge.

His thoughts and vision far surpassed his era, and he possessed outstanding governance abilities.

His contributions to the entire Huaxia nation shine especially brightly when viewed across the whole span of history.

Of course, such a once‑in‑a‑millennium genius was also like a sharp double‑edged sword; in his later years his greed for power grew, his actions became increasingly extreme, and after the founding emperor passed away, he colluded with a powerful eunuch, forged an edict to kill the emperor's eldest son, and installed the incompetent and brutal second son on the throne.

The result was that he himself fell victim to that eunuch's treachery, was beheaded on charges of treason by Emperor Xuan II, his three families exterminated, and the Xuan dynasty later perished under the tyrannical second emperor, to be succeeded by a new dynasty.

Combine this with the secret history of Xiao Qidi being replaced by a puppet.

In history, the founding emperor's eldest son, virtuous and talented and beloved by the people, was the true bloodline of Xiao Qidi.

The despotic, incompetent second son, whose name reeked for ten thousand years, was born of the puppet that usurped his identity.

So, Lin Sui was still an accomplice in the death of Xiao Qidi's own son.

【9】 After hearing these from Ning Jingli, Xiao Qidi's heart could not settle for a long time; even with his temperament, he felt a lingering dread.

【10】 Had it not been for Ning Jingli from a parallel world, two thousand years in the future, appearing before him, his fate would have continued along its original path.

After hearing Ning Jinli say these things, Xiao Qidi's heart remained unsettled for a long time; even with his temperament, he felt a wave of fear.

If it weren't for the Ning Jinli from over two thousand years later in the parallel world coming before him, his fate would have continued along its original trajectory.

He will become a Human Stick and die in a sunless underground palace; his sole blood relative, deceived by a forged edict, committed suicide; the Daxuan dynasty he founded perished at the hands of a puppet's son.

Fortunately, he has Ning Jinli, which has already changed the course of this world.

Considering that Lin Sui's overall merits outweigh his faults, and that the matter of the puppet ancestor emperor will not happen in this world, after he personally studied in detail the historical books and materials given by Ning Jinli, he still followed Ning Jinli's suggestion— to reuse Lin Sui.

At the same time, precautions must be taken against Lin Sui in advance; if, in the future, Lin Sui loses his moral compass in his old age and shows any sign of bringing disaster to the country and harming the people, Xiao Qidi will not hesitate to eliminate him.

The great hall was utterly silent.

Seeing Xiao Qidi delay speaking, several ministers did not dare to urge him.

One minister thought for a while, regardless of whether His Majesty was unwilling to speak or His Majesty simply did not give an explanation they could understand, we as his subjects must give His Majesty a way out, so he smiled and said: 'Your humble servant understands; since it is the Jinli Fairy's recommendation, naturally there is the Fairy's reasoning, as the saying goes, heavenly secrets must not be leaked.'

'Exactly, exactly, very reasonable.' The other ministers seized the opportunity to echo a few words.

Xiao Qidi chuckled inwardly.

That's good too; everyone being so self-conscious actually saves trouble.

He shifted the topic: 'I told you before that we will set up a regent cabinet in the court, its functions similar to the former Prime Minister, but without concentrating many powers in one person; would you several be willing to become cabinet members?'

Upon hearing this, several ministers exclaimed in unison, 'Your humble servant is willing!'

Xiao Qidi then asked: 'The cabinet members will share the former Prime Minister's duties, but we also need a chief of the cabinet; if you feel capable, you may nominate yourselves now.'

Several ministers hesitated at this.

They considered themselves top pillars of Daxuan, yet the thought of serving as chief of the cabinet left them somewhat unsure.

After a brief thought, several began to recommend each other.

One praised that official as good, another said this one was suitable; in any case, no one nominated himself.

Lin Sui saw the situation, stepped forward, and said: 'Since you officials are all shirking, your humble servant is willing to take on this heavy responsibility!'

The ministers fell silent at once, instinctively wanting to rebuke him a few times, but recalling that this person was recommended to His Majesty by the Jinli Fairy, they swallowed the harsh words on their tongues and spoke gently, choosing their words carefully:

'This post is no trivial matter; although it is not the Prime Minister, it still requires the ability to serve as Prime Minister. Lin Sui, you have not yet entered the court, so do not be too eager.'

'Indeed, one needs not only outstanding ability but also to oversee cabinet affairs without letting one person dominate; this demands exceptionally high moral character, and you are still too young, needing more experience.'

Lin Sui naturally knew that these ministers doubted his abilities deep down.

That is quite normal.

After all, they have not yet understood, as he has not shown anything.

However, he was very confident, and smiling, said: 'Your humble servant will certainly not disappoint His Majesty and all of you.'

Several ministers showed troubled expressions.

They did not want this nobody to become chief of the cabinet directly, yet they had to consider His Majesty's thoughts, mainly because they also did not know what His Majesty was actually thinking.

'Lin Sui,' Xiao Qidi said calmly, 'do you really have such confidence to bear this great responsibility?'

Lin Sui hesitated not, 'Your humble servant is full of confidence!'

'Good, then you shall have it!' Xiao Qidi readily agreed.

The ministers sucked in a breath of cold air.

But before they could think of how to dissuade him, Xiao Qidi immediately said: 'But you must first show your ability, so that the ministers can also believe you can do the job; otherwise, not only would they find it hard to accept, but I would also struggle to explain myself to the officials and the people. In that case, since you are willing to go on a mission to You State, let this serve as a test: if your plan succeeds, upon your return to Daxuan you will assume the post of chief of the cabinet.'

'Gentlemen, is this acceptable?'

Xiao Qidi looked at the several ministers.

They exchanged a glance, bowed with clasped hands, and said, 'It is acceptable.'

'And you, do you accept?' Xiao Qidi looked at Lin Sui.

Lin Sui decisively replied, 'Your humble servant accepts!'

Xiao Qidi narrowed his eyes slightly, 'If your plan fails, it will inevitably lead to the situation just mentioned by those ministers, causing You State and An State to unite and jointly oppose Daxuan, with consequences all the more severe; therefore…'

Lin Sui directly swore an oath, 'Your humble servant swears that if it fails, I am willing to suffer Lingchi (death by a thousand cuts) (death by a thousand cuts) (death by a thousand cuts) (death by a thousand cuts) (death by a thousand cuts).'

Based on those words alone, several ministers looked at him with newfound respect.

For such a difficult undertaking, he dares to make this heavy oath, whether it is bravado or being caught between a rock and a hard place, his courage is commendable.

And this is exactly the effect Xiao Qidi wanted.

If it succeeds, everyone will be convinced, and Lin Sui will henceforth be able to fully display his talents in assisting governance.

If it fails, it will prove his abilities lacking, not as formidable as the historical records of Ning Jinli's world describe, and thus there is no need to reuse him.

Xiao Qidi nodded and said, 'Then it's settled; later I will set up a banquet to see you off.'

'Thank you, Your Majesty, but no banquet is needed,' Lin Sui said loudly, 'For now it is still early; your humble servant will set out at once.'

'Have you already prepared everything?'

'Reporting to Your Majesty, your humble servant is always preparing!'

'Hahaha, good! Go on!'

'Yes! Your humble servant takes his leave!'

Having said that, Lin Sui bowed to Xiao Qidi and the several ministers, turned and strode away.

'For the time being, I will leave the Royal Court; all court affairs shall be decided by you, treating this as a trial run of the regent cabinet. Very well, you may all withdraw.' Xiao Qidi waved his hand.

Several ministers replied, 'Yes, Your Majesty.'

'Your Majesty, the weather is cold; please wear more clothes.' The attending eunuch beside the throne draped a fur-lined greatcoat over Xiao Qidi's shoulders.

Xiao Qidi lifted his gaze and fixed his eyes on the eunuch's face.

The eunuch felt ill at ease and quickly lowered his head, 'Your Majesty, is this greatcoat not the right size? This servant will get you another.'

Xiao Qidi asked, 'How many years have you served in this palace?'

The eunuch startled, not expecting His Majesty to suddenly ask this; though puzzled, he answered truthfully, 'Reporting to Your Majesty, this servant entered the palace after castration at age twelve, and has now served forty years.'

'Fifty-two years old, then…' Xiao Qidi mused, 'You have served my grandfather, then my father, and now me; I suppose it's about time.'

The eunuch panicked, fell to his knees with a thud, and pleaded, 'This servant's hands and feet are still nimble; I can work, please do not dismiss this servant, Your Majesty!'

Xiao Qidi laughed, "Get up, get up, I'm not trying to drive you away. For these forty years you've served diligently, you've worked hard. I intend to let you return home to spend your remaining years in peace. What do you think?"

The eunuch instantly burst into tears, "I, your servant, am yours in life and yours in death; I have never thought of retiring to my hometown. I only wish to serve Your Majesty until my last breath."

"Get up and speak." Xiao Qidi ordered again.

The eunuch trembled as he rose, fearful and anxious, wiping his tears, he said, "If I have done anything wrong, Your Majesty, your punishment is what it is; even if... even if you beat me to death, I would hold no grudge. I only hope Your Majesty does not drive me away. My hometown... has no relatives left."

Xiao Qidi frowned, "I see, then that's how it will be. Later I'll arrange an easier post for you in the palace or the Royal City, and get you a better residence."

Tears streamed down the eunuch's face, his eyes growing more panicked, he said, "Your Majesty, are you dismissing me from service? I have displeased Your Majesty; I truly deserve death. Your Majesty, you might as well just execute me!"