Fan Zehao chuckled outside, then stopped and said to Liu Sheng, "Then you have the saint kneel. What does that have to do with me, the former Emperor?"
He pointed to the golden plaque and said, "What you hold in your hand was given by the Huangfu family, and my surname is Fan. To put it bluntly, this Yun country belongs to the Fan family. You come to show off to me, the former Emperor, with something from someone else's family. What do you mean by that?"
Liu Sheng was furious upon hearing this. The item he had treasured for half his life was now worthless in his eyes!
"You... don't you know how you got the throne? If it weren't for the kindness of the Huangfu family, how could you have ascended to the throne!"
Fan Zehao was unconcerned. He enjoyed seeing Liu Sheng unable to defeat him yet helpless!
The throne!
"If I recall correctly, I was recommended to the throne by all the ministers. Not a single minister objected, including you!"
Liu Sheng snorted and turned his head to look at the "King-Beating Whip." He knew that even using the King-Beating Whip would be of no use to Fan Zehao!
Because Fan Zehao simply didn't care about it. This whip was only for the Great Sovereign King, the sovereign of the Huangfu family!
He... was surnamed Fan!
Fortunately, he had a backup plan, otherwise he would have returned defeated this time!
Thinking this, he reached out and touched the blood letters. "A country cannot be without a ruler for a day, and the former Emperor has occupied the nest for too long. It is time to return the throne to the Huangfu family!"
As he spoke, he handed the blood letters to the guard beside him to deliver them. Midway, Zhang Heng took them and placed them on the Eight Immortals table beside Fan Zehao!
"These blood letters were signed with their own blood by the ministers of the court, who unanimously believe that Huangfu Xi is a man of noble character and the only suitable successor. We implore the former Emperor to consider Yun country's hundred-year foundation and not to ruin it with your hands!"
Fan Zehao glanced at the items on the Eight Immortals table, not even looking at them!
Since the other party had given him a way down, he would take it.
"As long as my conditions are met, this imperial decree will be issued immediately!"
Liu Sheng did not expect him to agree so quickly and immediately asked, "Speak!"
"From now on, the inner city will no longer belong to Yun country. This city will belong to my Fan family!" Fan Zehao looked at the astonished Liu Sheng and said, "One city in exchange for Huangfu Xi's ascension, you are not at a loss!"
Zhao Jiaqi, hearing this in the side hall, had already guessed the outcome. She helped Su Ya retreat from the side hall and walked towards the back residence. Looking at the rising sun in the sky, she was in a good mood!
"Madam, can this Liu Sheng agree?"
"He can!" Not only can he, but he will be very happy. Once this is settled, he will have made a great contribution to Huangfu Xi.
As for the missing city, it was insignificant to Liu Sheng, but to Huangfu Xi, it was removing a thorn in his side!
After all, the inner city was Fan Zehao's foundation. The soldiers and civilians there loved and supported the Prince's Mansion, and no one else could take over!
As expected, not long after she left, Fan Zehao returned humming a little tune!
Seeing this, Zhao Jiaqi smiled and asked, "Did it work?"
"When I mentioned it, Liu Sheng was surprised at first, but he quickly made a decision. Now we just have to issue a national proclamation, but I've postponed it until after the New Year!"
Zhao Jiaqi: "Why?"
"Are you silly? We have businesses everywhere. Now we'll close those businesses, withdraw our people, and reduce losses. After everything is settled, we'll issue the proclamation. Anyway, we have the final say now!"
Unexpectedly, Zhao Jiaqi chuckled and pinched his cheek, "Bai Lu went to handle it a few days ago. I believe it will be done after the New Year!"
Fan Zehao, who had intended to surprise his wife, was instead surprised by her!
"You're still smart, you made plans in advance!" He had to admire his wife's intelligence!
Kind-hearted, good-natured, and intelligent, how much good fortune had his family's ancestors accumulated in past and present lives to find such a good wife!
Liu Sheng had verbally agreed, but this Yun country was not solely his to command. He still needed to mediate among the ministers and persuade the stubborn ones!
He could not communicate such an important matter through carrier pigeons. Helplessly, he got into a carriage and rushed back overnight!
At this time, the inner city was filled with the joy of the approaching New Year!
The common people had worked hard from the beginning to the end of the year and earned a good amount. During the New Year, they could indulge in some spending. Some made clothes, some sold meat, and even those who usually were reluctant to buy gold and silver jewelry bought some as a token.
Today was the twenty-fourth day of the twelfth lunar month, commonly known as Minor New Year. On this day, dumplings were eaten. Zhao Jiaqi had been busy in the kitchen since early morning!
The three children, following their master, ran around. They would return occasionally but wouldn't stay for more than a few days before leaving again. Last night, they had written saying they would all return today, and their master would accompany them for Minor New Year.
She had been so happy since last night that she couldn't sleep, her mind filled with thoughts of today's food. As soon as she got up, she went to the kitchen!
The cook watched the princess deftly chop meat, cut vegetables, and mix dumpling filling. She was not afraid of her and said with a smile, "The princess's cooking is innovative and delicious. I've been a cook for most of my life and have never seen any mistress who could cook so well. The princess is the first!"
Roast meat and hot pot were the most delicious in winter, warming the body. She had cooked for over thirty years and had never admired anyone, but the princess was the first person she truly admired from the bottom of her heart!
Zhao Jiaqi's lips curved with joy upon hearing the cook's praise, "I love eating too, and I often look up things about food!"
Anyone who was a foodie would want to figure out delicious food, and she was no exception!
In an ordinary family, this would surely be frowned upon. Fortunately, in the Prince's Mansion, no one dared to say anything to her!
The cook smiled and said, "Being able to eat is a blessing. Eating well makes the body strong. Otherwise, those young girls, so thin they look like chicks, I always feel that if the wind blew a little stronger, these young ladies would be blown to the ends of the earth!"
After speaking, she shook her head with a look of pity!
Zhao Jiaqi chuckled. If those beauty-conscious young ladies heard this, they would probably lose all their teeth!
Although she didn't have many teeth left in her mouth!
There were dumplings with fish filling, corn filling, and even the rarely seen shrimp filling. Many fresh vegetables were delivered from the manor early in the morning. She also made a vegetarian three-delicacy and cabbage and meat dumplings!
"Madam, the young lady and young masters are back with the tutor. They are in the side hall chatting with His Highness. His Highness has sent Wangcai to invite Madam to come over!"
Su Ya, after hearing Wangcai's words, turned and entered the kitchen to tell Zhao Jiaqi!
Upon hearing that the children were back, her eyes lit up with excitement. After washing her hands, she instructed the cook a few words and hurried back to the side hall with Su Ya!
The thick cotton curtain was lifted, and Zhao Jiaqi walked in with a smile. She quickly scanned the room and saw that the children were sitting on their chairs in an orderly fashion, not as boisterous as usual, which greatly pleased her.