Chapter 297: Oh Ho?

Yan Shuang'er, sitting beside Qi Xi, worried that Qi Xi might feel constrained by the unfamiliar environment, kept placing various delicious dishes into Qi Xi's bowl.

Just then, An Wang, who had been chatting and laughing with everyone, seemed to suddenly recall something important and asked, "Right, Shuang'er, I heard you went on a blind date today? How did it go?"

This question of his was no small matter; An Wangfei's face, still beaming moments ago, instantly changed, and a surge of anger welled up in her heart. But in front of everyone, she forcibly suppressed her emotions and recounted in detail the unpleasant events that had occurred during Yan Shuang'er's blind date today.

After listening, An Wang fell silent; he slightly narrowed his eyes, sinking into deep thought. After a moment, he finally slowly opened his lips and said, "Should there be any blind dates in the future, this King will certainly dispatch personnel to go and investigate thoroughly, and only after the other party's background has been cleared up may a meeting be arranged."

Finished speaking, his gaze was firm and steady, as if this matter left absolutely no room for negotiation.

Upon hearing this, An Wangfei lightly nodded her head in agreement: "Good."

Afterward, she no longer brought up this topic, so as not to ruin the currently relaxed and pleasant atmosphere.

Thus, everyone continued enjoying the delicious food, and amid the lively conversation, this sumptuous meal was quickly wiped clean.

After the meal, Qi Xi rose to take her leave. She boarded An Wang Fu's luxurious carriage, preparing to return home. However, out of concern for Qi Xi's safety and condition, Qianqian decided to ride in the same carriage to escort her home.

Along the way, the two chatted and laughed; before they knew it, the carriage had already arrived in front of the Qi family gate.

After Qi Xi got off the carriage and entered the house, sharp-eyed servants spotted her and quickly ran to report to Qi Yu. Upon hearing the news of his younger sister's return, Qi Yu didn't say another word and immediately strode with large steps toward the courtyard where Qi Xi lived.

When he stepped through the courtyard gate, he saw at a glance Qi Xi sitting leisurely at the table drinking tea.

Qi Yu walked up quickly and asked with concern, "How was the blind date today?" Qi Xi put down the teacup in her hand and, smiling, recounted the entire blind date process to her elder brother, including Qianqian dispatching Anqi to tail Liu Yi and the shocking secrets discovered.

The more Qi Yu listened, the more indignant he became; he angrily slapped the table and cursed loudly, "This Liu Yi usually looks like a decent human being, who could have thought he'd actually be such a wretched person! Truly, one knows a person's face but not their heart!"

Worried that Qi Xi would overthink, Qi Yu hurriedly comforted her in a gentle voice: "Xi Xi, you just set your mind at ease; our family's money is yours to spend however you like, absolutely no one would dare say a single word about you being a spendthrift!"

Hearing her elder brother's such thoughtful words, Qi Xi couldn't help but break into a smile and replied in a delicate voice: "I know, Elder Brother!"

With that said, Qi Yu looked up at the sky, saw that the hour was already late, bid farewell to his younger sister, turned and walked toward his own courtyard, preparing to rest and sleep.

Early the next morning, the eastern horizon had just barely turned pale; An Wang, as usual, rose early, dressed neatly, and went to the Imperial Palace to attend the morning court.

When all matters on the Imperial Court had been discussed, and it appeared the morning court was nearing its end, Eunuch Sun, standing beside the Dragon Throne, shouted in a loud voice: "Esteemed Grand Councilors, if you still have matters to memorialize, speak freely; if there is nothing else, then the court is dismissed!"

The words had just fallen when An Wang steadily stepped forward one pace, cupped his hands in salute, and declared in a clear voice: "Imperial Brother above, your subject younger brother has an important matter to respectfully memorialize!"

The Emperor, seeing this, slightly nodded his head and asked with great interest: "Oh? I wonder what matter Imperial Brother wishes to memorialize?"

An Wang first respectfully bowed to the Emperor, then straightened his body and said solemnly: "In recent years, the situation within Dachang Kingdom has been stable, with favorable weather and harvests, and the common people have all been able to live and work in peace and contentment, leading prosperous and beautiful lives.

Precisely because of this, every year a large number of new lives come into the world, and our country's population has likewise increased continuously. In this subject's view, a comprehensive population census should be carried out at present, so as to better grasp national conditions and public opinion, and formulate more reasonable and effective national strategies."

The Emperor, hearing this, was moved in his heart. One must know that ordinarily, this An Wang paid very little attention to such trivial affairs; for him to take the initiative to mention this matter this time, there was surely deep meaning within.

However, at this moment, in front of the full court of civil and military officials, the Emperor naturally could not refuse An Wang face, and immediately expressed agreement, saying: "Hmm, Imperial Brother's words are extremely correct. Since it is so, then this matter shall be entrusted to Hubu to handle with full authority!"

The Minister of Revenue, hearing these words, instantly felt a splitting headache and suffered bitterly in his heart. This population census is no easy task; it is both tedious and time-consuming and laborious; he truly didn't know what wrong medicine An Wang had taken, to suddenly bring up this matter out of the blue.

He secretly pondered: ordinarily this Wangye never meddles in such idle matters; today, just what evil wind is blowing!

However, despite being utterly unwilling in his heart, the surface courtesies still had to be fully observed, so he could only brace himself, step out of the ranks, and bow respectfully to the Emperor high above: "Your subject respectfully obeys the Holy Will."

The Emperor, seeing this, was just about to open his mouth to confirm it was settled, but unexpectedly An Wang did not stop there, and instead continued: "Imperial Brother, this subject has heard that Hubu has a capable person, of outstanding talent and exceptional ability. This subject truly cannot bear to see such fine talent buried among the masses, and so boldly proposes that this person be given full authority over this population census."

As soon as An Wang's words fell, everyone present looked at each other in blank dismay, each harboring their own speculations. The Emperor was even more startled in his heart, thinking secretly: "Oh ho, wonder which blind fool has offended him; looks like this guy is starting to dig pits."

And the Vice Minister of Revenue standing to the side secretly breathed a sigh of relief, thinking to himself: "Good, good, seems it's not aimed at me; as long as it doesn't implicate me, whoever it is doesn't matter!"

Immediately after, the Emperor followed along with An Wang's words and asked: "Oh? I wonder who this person is?"

An Wang was seen to smile faintly, cup his hands toward the Emperor in salute, and declare loudly: "Replying to Imperial Brother, it is Hubu Langzhong Liu Jincheng, Adult."

The Emperor, upon hearing this, didn't even think twice, waved his big hand and agreed: "Approved!" Liu Jincheng was seen with a pale face, legs trembling slightly, moving out with difficulty from the crowded throng. He lowered his head, not daring to look straight ahead, and said in a quavering voice: "Your subject... your subject obeys the decree!"

Immediately after, Eunuch Sun standing to the side shouted in a loud voice: "Court dismissed—" With this shout, the officials on the court surged out of the hall like a tide.

An Wang was no exception; he strode with steady steps, just about to turn and leave. Right at this moment, Eunuch Sun suddenly quickened his pace, trotting all the way to An Wang's front.