In the Imperial Study, Xiao Qing, Ning Xuejun, and Wang Canghai listened quietly as Liang Xiao recounted his journey to the East Sea. Their expressions shifted from anger to joy, eventually revealing uncontainable ecstasy.
Dugu Ling had brought havoc to the East Sea for over a decade, a detestable act, but compared to this, Liang Xiao's feat of subduing pirates, rescuing people, and discovering potatoes was far more captivating!
Had Liang Xiao been even a moment late, Nan Jiyun's entire troop would have been annihilated, and the foreign merchant ship would have become spoils of war for the Wokou, seized by Izumo.
Losing the treasure from the foreign merchant ship was a minor matter; losing the potatoes, corn, and sweet potatoes would have been fatal!
Wang Canghai could no longer contain himself, exclaiming, "Indeed, the heavens bless Great Qian! First, General Tian turned the tide with his might, and now Young Master Liang Er has emerged, safeguarding the destiny of Great Qian!"
Xiao Qing gazed at Liang Xiao, his excitement palpable, "Brother has made an indelible contribution! However, you killed Dugu Ling. Those aristocratic clans will not let this matter rest..."
Liang Xiao sneered, "Mere dust and bones in a grave, what are they worth? I am prepared."
Dust and bones in a grave!
Hearing Liang Xiao's description, the three, emperor and ministers, couldn't help but smile knowingly.
In the past, who would have dared to call these aristocratic clans dust and bones in a grave?
Now, with Liang Xiao's existence, they were indeed dust and bones!
If not for the fact that members of these aristocratic clans held official positions throughout the land, Xiao Qing would have wished to uproot them immediately.
From the moment he discovered that Dugu Qun and his ilk could so readily donate over a million taels of silver, Xiao Qing had become determined to change the current state of affairs, refusing to allow the aristocratic clans to disrupt the court and endanger the people!
Unfortunately, Xiao Qing still had too few capable individuals at his disposal. These people, however, were adept at finding every loophole, constantly siphoning off resources or providing conveniences for their own enterprises!
Without the Four Great Assistant Ministers, Xiao Qing would have long been a puppet emperor. Without Liang Xiao, Xiao Qing would now be like dust in a grave, and Great Qian would merely await its inevitable disintegration!
Watching Liang Xiao passionately narrate his East Sea expedition and future strategies, Xiao Qing became increasingly engrossed, tears welling up in his eyes.
This must be the good elder brother bestowed upon me by my father, my mother, and my imperial brothers!
After Liang Xiao finished speaking, Wang Canghai took his leave first, preparing to summon the officials for the impending court session.
"Little Shuangzi has improved. You didn't cry this time," Liang Xiao said affectionately, pinching Xiao Qing's cheek.
Xiao Qing, who had almost burst into tears, looked at Liang Xiao with a resentful gaze.
He's finding excuses to pinch my face again!
"Little Shuangzi has to grow up. You can't rely on Big Brother for everything, leaving everything to him to bear alone..." Xiao Qing grumbled.
Liang Xiao pouted, "Oh, it's fine. We're sworn brothers. You just focus on your cultivation; I'll shoulder anything that comes your way."
With that, Liang Xiao couldn't resist pinching Xiao Qing's cheek again.
Ning Xuejun's hand trembled slightly, almost drawing her sword.
Had anyone else dared to be so insolent, she would have kicked them out of the Imperial Study long ago!
This person is truly the nemesis of the Master, their destined adversary!
"Cultivation?"
Xiao Qing, who had been contemplating a "counterattack," blushed instantly, daring not to respond.
"After all, you're just a child. You blush at the mere mention of cultivation. Sigh," Liang Xiao couldn't help but lightly pinch Xiao Qing's cheek again, secretly delighted.
This child's cheeks feel even better when they're shy...
Xiao Qing finally "flew into a rage out of embarrassment."
"Don't just mock me! You, you didn't mention my imperial sister in your letter at all, not even a greeting. You heartless man..."
Liang Xiao paused, then smiled, "Shuang'er is virtuous and demure. If she knew I mentioned her in such an important letter, she'd likely chide me for not focusing on official duties and indulging in thoughts of romance."
Xiao Qing blinked, "Oh..."
He had to admit, if Liang Xiao had asked "Little Shuangzi" to convey his greetings to "Princess Ningshuang" in his heart, she would indeed have advised him similarly when she met him disguised as Princess Ningshuang!
This fellow, at least he said something nice for once and didn't speak ill of me!
As Xiao Qing felt touched, Liang Xiao continued, "After all, Shuang'er is disobedient, always ignoring Big Brother's words and worrying about state affairs all day! When Big Brother marries her, I'll properly discipline her on our wedding night and see if she behaves."
Ning Xuejun: ...
Xiao Qing's face turned red again, and he dared not speak.
Why is this person so annoying? How should I discipline her!
As the Son of Heaven of Great Qian, wielding imperial power, he was utterly helpless against this impudent elder brother!
"After the court session, I'll go see Shuang'er. Actually, I miss her dearly..." Liang Xiao finally revealed his true feelings.
Xiao Qing felt touched and grumbled, "Go back in the evening! Big Brother needs to go back to the Liang Residence first!"
Liang Xiao thought this made sense, but still looked at Xiao Qing with a puzzled expression, "Little Shuangzi, you're becoming more and more like Shuang'er... When can the three of us have dinner with Qingxue and the others?"
Xiao Qing's heart raced. Thinking quickly, he replied, "We'll discuss it later! The court session is the priority!"
Only then did Liang Xiao leave the Imperial Study, preparing to join the officials for the customary audience.
Upon returning to the palace gate, Liang Xiao immediately spotted Liang Qing and Luo Changfeng.
Due to Liang Xiao's heroic deeds in the East Sea, the elders were both excited and worried. However, constrained by etiquette, they did not dare to inquire on the spot, merely nodding at Liang Xiao.
Dugu Qun, He Wanli, Ouyang Ji, and others glared at Liang Xiao, their eyes practically spitting fire. Seeing Liang Xiao's nonchalant demeanor only fueled their rage, making them wish they could devour him alive!
What appeared to be a calm procession into the hall was, in reality, a brewing storm.
As the officials entered the court, they took their positions on either side.
After the officials performed their rites, He Wanli was the first to step forward, impeaching, "Liang Xiao, Zhang Yang! You attend court without wearing your official robes. What sort of decorum is this!"
Before He Wanli could finish, he was met with Liang Xiao's gaze, which was as if he were looking at an idiot, filling him with anger.
Liang Xiao smiled, "This Marquis and Lord Zhang rushed back to the capital without stopping, eager to report to His Majesty immediately. Where would we have had the time to change our attire?"
As He Wanli was about to retort, Gu Hong spoke, "This action further demonstrates the Marquis of Anguo and Lord Zhang's dedication to the nation and its people. It is not a violation of protocol."
With even the Minister of Rites, who oversaw protocol, speaking up, He Wanli could do nothing more. He merely shot Gu Hong a glare and said no more, though his heart grew more anxious.
A portion of the aristocratic clans, led by the Gu and Mu families, were gradually aligning with the imperial power. Gu Hong was now making his stance clear!
Gu Shaoyan and Mu Hong, standing behind Gu Hong, looked at Zhang Yang with envy.
By following Liang Xiao, Zhang Yang had once again accumulated political achievements!
Xiao Qing smiled, "Esteemed Minister Liang, your journey to the East Sea was arduous and your contributions immense. I shall trouble Minister Liang to provide a report on this expedition."
Civil and military officials listened attentively, some with joy, others with sorrow. Dugu Qun and several officials from the Dugu family were particularly incensed.
Liang Xiao stepped forward, and the first matter he reported was the salt fields.
"Your Majesty, after inspection and improvements by myself and Zhang Yang, the salt fields can now successfully harvest salt. Its quality, compared to commonly found domestic salt, can be described as superior!"
As soon as he spoke, the officials were all shocked!
The salt fields were yielding salt so quickly? And the quality was even better? How was this possible!
The key was "improvements." This young man had also conveniently given Zhang Yang credit; how could Zhang Yang also have merits!