Chapter 212: Doing Such Things

Chapter 212: Doing Such Things

Although Third Xiao and Fourth Xiao had already made up their minds to use everything they had learned in tomorrow's martial arts competition to win, they couldn't guarantee that they would definitely succeed.

To be honest, if they lost this high-stakes gamble, it wouldn't just be Father and Eldest Brother who would punish them; they'd even want to beat each other up.

"Feiyan, don’t worry. Watch as Third Brother beats those arrogant Dongrong people tomorrow!" Xiao Sanlang patted his chest.

Xiao Silang wasn’t far behind: "I’ve been looking at these Dongrong people with disdain for a long time. Every year, when they come to our Great Shen territory, they look down on us like we’re servants. Now, we finally have the chance to teach them a lesson!"

Fifth Xiao also comforted his younger sister: "Feiyan, don’t worry. In fact, ten years ago, our Great Shen wasn’t without victories on the martial arts field. It’s just that we haven’t been doing well in recent years. This year, we’re counting on Third Brother and Fourth Brother to restore our Great Shen’s glory!"

One by one, they soon managed to cheer Xiao Feiyan up.

The little girl’s eyes were no longer filled with worry but brimming with hope. She hoped that their Great Shen would win tomorrow’s martial arts competition and give those Dongrong people a good beating, allowing them to hold their heads high.

Listening to the conversation of his children behind him, Lord Jinghai felt a glimmer of relief in his heart.

He could see that no matter how others opposed it today, the Emperor would ultimately agree to the terms of the bet.

After all, this bet was the Emperor’s idea, not Xie Yan’s, or at least not Xie Yan’s alone.

Since the Emperor dared to make the bet, it meant he believed that Great Shen could win.

In that case, what was the point of opposing it? He might as well observe the current Emperor’s decisions and capabilities.

Furthermore, although he was old, his sons were still young. If they couldn’t gain the Emperor’s favor, the House of Jinghai would only decline. It was better to cater to the Emperor’s wishes and fight for their future.

Lady Jinghai had nothing to say. Having been married to her husband for so many years, she knew that he was a man of foresight and ability. Since he supported it, she naturally did too.

Compared to the quietness of the Hou Mansion, Su Mansion, and Hua Mansion, most other officials’ families were either angry or dejected, as if Great Shen had already lost and needed to fulfill the conditions of the bet.

Even after the banquet ended, many officials still wore grim expressions. As soon as it dispersed, they gathered together.

"We mustn’t let the Emperor be truly swayed by that traitorous minister Xie Yan. Regardless of the tariffs for the past twenty years, how vast is the pasture in Liao Dong? How can we give it to the Dongrong people to use for free? Isn’t that like paying them to raise horses? If they raise tens of thousands of cavalry in the future, where will our Great Shen stand?"

"Let’s go and request an audience with the Emperor!"

"Let’s go!"

A group of ministers gathered together and followed the path the Emperor had taken, as if they wouldn’t rest until they forced the Emperor to break the agreement tonight.

Many people watched their backs, exchanging glances. Some shook their heads and sighed before leaving, while others hesitated, wanting to follow but not daring to. There were even some who cursed them for lacking backbone.

Regardless, the remaining Dongrong people present saw the whole spectacle, watching coldly and whispering among themselves.

Minister Su sighed slightly at the sight of the agitated ministers and led the Su family away.

These people still didn’t understand that the current Emperor and the previous one were completely different. Their attempts to persuade him would be futile.

It was better to go home early and celebrate the New Year.

Su Youyue followed her father out of the palace. Before reaching the gate, she encountered Xie Yan, who was also leaving.

She saw the man strolling leisurely, seemingly unaware that he had caused so many officials to lose sleep and rush to the Emperor to persuade him. He didn’t notice the resentful gazes of many officials' family members either. As he walked, he whispered something to the two guards beside him.

Su Youyue could hear a few people nearby whispering and cursing him.

Perhaps she should leave quickly.

She didn’t want to be scolded along with him.

Su Youyue hurriedly gave Jin-er a meaningful glance, but unfortunately, Jin-er didn’t pick up on it.

At that moment, Xie Yan’s gaze fell on her.

Su Youyue felt a hint of helplessness but composed herself, showing no sign of it on her face.

Seeing her, the man changed direction and headed straight toward her.

Those who had been watching him immediately turned to look at Su Youyue, suddenly remembering the relationship between the two now.

It seemed that the reason Minister Su spoke up for Xie Yan today was because Xie Yan was about to become his son-in-law. How foolish!

Did he think that Xie Yan was marrying Su Youyue for any other reason than to seek revenge for the humiliation he suffered at her hands, to take her back and humiliate her?

And the Emperor needed to show unity between new and old ministers to better control the power within the court, so he happily granted the marriage.

Under everyone’s watchful eyes, they saw Xie Yan approach Su Youyue and then take something out from his sleeve and hand it to her.

Still dazed, Chun-ya stepped forward to receive it.

Xie Yan paused for a moment as he looked at her face, then took a step forward to chat with Minister Su.

"Miss…" Chun-ya leaned close and whispered, "It seems to be some snacks."

Snacks?

Surprised, Su Youyue opened the bag and found it full of pineapple pastries. She was stunned.

Had he noticed that she ate a couple more pineapple pastries during the banquet?

Noticing was one thing, but he actually packed them and brought them all the way out of the palace.

Many people around them also saw the snacks in Su Youyue’s hand, their faces filled with astonishment. Xie Yan was now a man who held absolute authority in the court, his hands stained with blood. Many feared his terrifying reputation and, though dissatisfied with his proposal today, hadn’t dared to speak out. Only those with high positions and stubborn censors had voiced their objections.

But he actually brought a bag of snacks and personally delivered them. Could he really do such a thing?

Was this really how he intended to humiliate Su Youyue?

"Suzu was at a loss for words. She looked up at the man's back, her heart filled with mixed feelings as she gazed upon his sturdy silhouette.

If this were in her previous life, she would never have imagined that the mighty Xie Yan, the living King of Hell feared by all, would actually keep a bag of snacks in his sleeve.

If she told others about it, they likely wouldn't believe her.

And yet, he had done it, more than once, slipping things into his sleeve for her.

She had no doubt that he would continue to do so in the future...

They arrived at the Su family's carriage, and Xie Yan stopped. "I won't see you off then, Secretary Su. Please travel safely."

Su Zhenyun wore a broad smile, clearly pleased with his future son-in-law. He turned back to his daughter and said, "Nuan, Secretary Xie is leaving."