Chapter 164

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Protagonist:

Yan Qianqian

Eunuch Sun deftly set up the chessboard for the two of them, and softly instructed the palace maids to hurry and brew a pot of fine tea. Once everything was ready, the two began playing chess while chatting leisurely.

The Emperor placed a piece, then said thoughtfully: "Once Dongying Guo opens trade with our country, those other nations will surely eye us covetously! They'll likely dispatch envoys soon to probe our depth."

An Wang nodded slightly in agreement: "This is indeed hard to avoid. After all, though Dachang is currently the largest nation, to maintain the lead long-term, continuous development is key. If Dachang refuses trade with other nations, and instead lets two or three other countries trade among themselves, their economic strength will surely grow steadily. In that case, if Dachang stands still and stagnates, whether it can keep the throne of the number one great nation becomes uncertain."

The Emperor's brows furrowed slightly, his tone carrying a hint of worry: "Entrusting this matter to Yan Si, We are quite at ease. But should someone with ulterior motives sabotage it from the shadows, I fear he would fall into peril."

An Wang hurriedly reassured: "Imperial Brother need not fret over this; leave this matter to your younger brother. I will carefully arrange personnel to ensure Si'er's absolute safety, and absolutely will not let any mishap affect the friendly relations between the two nations."

Hearing this, the worry on the Emperor's face lessened somewhat; he nodded and said: "Since that is so, the matter of safety is fully entrusted to you." Finished speaking, the two continued playing chess with focus, while also conducting a deeper discussion on the current situation.

On the other side, before dawn, Yan Si rose swiftly after An Wang left for morning court, and began meticulously washing and grooming his appearance. He well knew the importance of court etiquette, especially when he might be summoned by the Emperor — he absolutely could not commit any breach of propriety before the honored Emperor. Therefore, he carefully combed his hair, changed into clean and splendid robes, and repeatedly checked his reflection to see if his bearing was proper and dignified.

Sure enough, not long after, a servant came running in haste with news, saying the Emperor had sent someone to receive Young Master Yan Si into the palace for an audience. Hearing this, Yan Si dared not delay in the slightest, and hurriedly quickened his steps toward the Front Hall.

Waiting for Yan Si in the Front Hall was a tall, burly man with a full beard. His figure stood straight as a pine, his whole body exuding a righteous, unassailable aura. This man was precisely the Emperor's personal imperial guard — Gao Ming.

Learning that Gao Ming had personally come to escort Si'er into the palace, the Princess Consort hurriedly welcomed him into the Front Hall warmly, and thoughtfully ordered servants to serve premium tea to entertain the honored guest. However, Gao Ming, due to his duty, did not drink the fragrant tea; he merely thanked the Princess Consort politely, then sat down steadily. At the same time, he solemnly informed the Princess Consort that he hoped Young Master Yan could set off as soon as possible, because the Emperor was anxiously waiting in the palace right now.

The Princess Consort naturally understood the urgency; she nodded repeatedly in assent, saying she would certainly urge Yan Si to come quickly. Immediately, she decisively ordered the servants beside her to go notify Yan Si at once.

Before long, Yan Si arrived at the Front Hall in a flurry. He walked hurriedly, yet still maintained a graceful and composed bearing. Entering the Front Hall, Yan Si first respectfully saluted his birth mother the Princess Consort, calling out "Mother Consort," then turned his gaze toward Gao Ming sitting to the side.

Seeing this, the Princess Consort hurriedly introduced to Yan Si: "Si'er, this is the imperial guard before the Emperor, Adult Gao Ming; quickly pay your respects, address him as 'Uncle Gao'." Yan Si, quick of eye and hand, stepped forward, bowed slightly, and saluted respectfully, simultaneously calling out loudly: "Uncle Gao!"

Gao Ming standing to the side hurriedly waved his hand, face piled with smiles as he replied: "Oh my, I dare not, I dare not! Look at this child — his every gesture truly bears An Wang's bearing!" Having said that, he paused slightly, then immediately urged: "The Emperor is still waiting for us in the palace; no time to lose, let's go quickly!"

Yan Si hurriedly responded: "Right away!" Then he nimbly boarded the carriage that had long been prepared, and sped toward the Imperial Palace together with Gao Ming.

Not long after, the carriage stopped steadily before the Imperial Palace gate. Yan Si leapt down lightly, followed close behind Gao Ming, and strode through the palace gate. Along the way, the guards on duty, seeing Gao Ming, all stepped aside to make way, with not the slightest intention of obstruction. And Gao Ming, as if knowing the place like the back of his hand, led Yan Si through layer upon layer of courtyards and corridors, straight to the front of Yudi.

Mid-journey, Gao Ming seemed to recall something; he turned back to look at Yan Si and softly instructed: "Child, no need to be too tense; An Wang is right now in Yudi accompanying the Emperor." Hearing this, Yan Si's heart settled somewhat; he nodded gratefully and replied: "Many thanks for Uncle Gao's reminder, I understand."

Before long, the two arrived outside Yudi. Gao Ming first signaled Yan Si to wait here a moment, then stepped forward a few paces and whispered a few words to the guard at the door. That guard nodded, turned, and walked quickly inside to report.

Not long after, the guard came out from inside, smiling at Yan Si and saying: "Young Master Yan, please enter." Yan Si drew a deep breath, worked to calm his somewhat excited mood, lifted his leg and stepped through Yudi's main gate. Upon entering, he raised his eyes and looked — on a small couch to one side of the room, the current Holy Emperor was leisurely playing weiqi with his own Father King. Yan Si, hearing these words, dared not be the least bit negligent, hurriedly advanced in great strides. He came before the Emperor, knelt on both knees, kowtowed respectfully, and called out loudly: "Paying respects to the Emperor! Long live the Emperor, long live, long long live!" Immediately after, he turned toward An Wang to the side, kowtowed and saluted again: "Paying respects to His Highness An Wang! Long live An Wang, long live, long long live!"

Seeing this, the Emperor raised his hand slightly and said gently: "Rise, quickly bestow a seat on Grand Councilor Yan." As soon as the words fell, Eunuch Sun standing by attending swiftly brought over an exquisite chair and placed it beside Yan Si. After thanking for the grace, Yan Si did not decline, and directly sat steadily on that chair.

At this moment, the Emperor parted his vermilion lips and slowly spoke: "Regarding this trade matter, your Father King has already reported to Us. We observe that you possess considerable talent; you may proceed with full authority. Should you encounter thorny difficulties, no need to worry — your Father King will back you." Hearing this, Yan Si's heart surged with irrepressible joy, a brilliant smile instantly blooming on his face. However, when he heard the Emperor mention having Father King as a backstop, he still subconsciously turned his head to look at his own father — An Wang.

An Wang, sensing his son's gaze, first coughed lightly, then glared fiercely at the Emperor, and said with slight displeasure: "You just exert yourself fully; if there truly comes a time Father King can't hold it, there's naturally still Imperial Brother to escort and protect us father and son!" The Emperor's Dragon Countenance was Greatly Pleased; he laughed heartily: "Hahahaha! Your Father King's words are exactly right — then go do it with full authority!"