May arrived, and the weather turned warmer. With all the troublesome matters concluded, the couple, now with free time, began to ponder Huangfu Xian and Huangfu Xu once more.
“Wife, who do you think is more reliable, Huangfu Xian or Huangfu Xu?”
Fan Zehao held the vermillion brush, his wife watching him expectantly as he prepared to write the imperial edict.
Zhao Jiaqi frowned, “Reliable? This… neither of them is reliable!”
However, the task of shifting responsibility had to be completed, and this imperial edict had to be written.
Since both of them were cut from the same cloth, Zhao Jiaqi impulsively decided to pair them up: “Isn't it said that in Yun Country, legitimacy and seniority are paramount? Since both these princes are of concubine birth, why not establish the elder one?”
This way, it would be perfect, with brotherly harmony and all.
And so, Huangfu Xian’s name was written on the abdication edict. Fan Zehao blew on the ink to dry it. Before he could savor his success for even a few seconds, Shi He, who was waiting outside, reported in.
“Your Majesty, the envoys from various countries will enter the capital in two days!”
Zhao Jiaqi and Fan Zehao exchanged glances, their faces contorting in unison.
They had forgotten. Originally, these envoys were supposed to arrive at the capital by the end of last year to attend Jun Jun’s wedding. But after the plague broke out, the capital’s gates were sealed, and these envoys, fearing death and the possibility of bringing the plague back to their own countries, abandoned the idea.
Then, in March, they were concerned about the floods. However, their fears proved to be unfounded. Consequently, they sent memorials one after another, requesting to be sent as envoys to Yun Country. Firstly, they wished to develop trade with Yun Country.
Secondly, they feared that Zong Sheng Country and Yun Country, being allied through marriage, might turn their attention to weaker nations like themselves, perhaps even annexing them like they did to Jin Country.
Therefore, the emperors of various countries had dispatched their crown princes and important ministers to discuss ways to consolidate friendly relations between their nations. It would be ideal if a treaty of peaceful coexistence could be signed.
It was only upon seeing this last item that Fan Zehao had permitted their arrival. Now, they had been traveling for nearly two months.
If Shi He hadn’t reminded them, they would have completely forgotten about this matter.
Zhao Jiaqi sighed deeply. Why was it so difficult to shift responsibility?
“Prepare the post stations. Burn mugwort and incense daily for these few days. Transfer some palace maids and eunuchs to serve them and make preparations for their reception!”
Shi He listened to the Queen’s lengthy instructions, but he noticed she hadn't mentioned a welcoming banquet for these vassal envoys.
He bowed and asked, “Your Majesties, should we go out of the city to welcome them? And where should the welcoming banquet be held?”
“As a great nation, going out of the city to welcome a few envoys? That’s giving them too much face!” Fan Zehao detested such superficial matters. “Let the Prime Minister and the Minister of Rites welcome them within the city. A token gesture is enough. As for the welcoming banquet… hold it in the Qingxiang Palace!”
The Prime Minister going out to greet them was already the highest level of reception etiquette. If these envoys were not satisfied, all such matters would be dispensed with in the future.
In any case, he wouldn’t be emperor anymore, so it wouldn't be his concern.
Fan Zehao rubbed his face. Thinking of the two princes, whose faces were smooth and unlined, he felt a pang of jealousy.
He remembered how he used to charm his wife after shaving, but now, the worries had etched lines onto his face. It was no wonder his wife no longer slept facing him at night.
Suddenly, he leaned his head towards Zhao Jiaqi, who was beside him, and asked earnestly, “Wife, am I old? Am I still handsome?”
Zhao Jiaqi: “???”
He was almost thirty, yet he still thought he was a fifteen or sixteen-year-old boy!
After nearly twelve years, he still asked her if he was handsome?
How to answer?
If she told the truth, he would probably be sad. It was better to lie and tell him what he wanted to hear, so he wouldn't cry to her that night.
“Husband is more mature, steady, resourceful, valiant, charismatic, and emanates nobility. You are more than just a little bit more handsome than before, in a way that is very captivating!”
Pleased with the compliment, Fan Zehao eagerly pressed, “Then why don’t you give me a goodnight kiss when we sleep? And why do you turn your back to me in bed?”
His eyes accused her of her crime quite openly!
She suddenly felt a headache. When asleep, who cared about their posture?
“It’s because you are too charming, and I fear I might lose control and have improper thoughts about you, so I try to avoid you!”
Zhao Jiaqi gave herself full marks for this excuse.
However, she never expected that such a flimsy excuse would make Fan Zehao even more elated.
He decided that he would let his wife gaze at him to her heart’s content every night. That way, when she had improper thoughts, it would be easier for him to act!
There were still many positions in that comic book in his embrace that he hadn't tried yet!
Two days later, the capital.
A long line of carriages appeared at the city gate, majestically passing through, forming a scenic sight on the streets of the capital.
Sitting in the Xiangman Lou, the couple watched the crowds below, their exotic attire drawing sighs from them.
“Husband, do you think these envoys from the vassal states coordinated their arrival? They traveled together for almost two months. As Shi He mentioned yesterday, these envoys entered the border of Yun Country a month ago but unexpectedly spent a month traveling within Yun Country!”
Zhao Jiaqi stroked her chin, gazing down from the window at the passing people, and said slowly.
Even a rabbit, hopping along, could reach the capital in a month. Not to mention these people, who had two legs and magnificent steeds beneath them.
It was clear that their intentions were as obvious as "Si Ma Zhao's intention is known to all."
Fan Zehao’s eyelids drooped, and he scoffed, “Heh… it’s as obvious as a louse on a bald man’s head. They are traveling, observing, and investigating along the way to see if our country is as prosperous and strong as rumored in the outside world.”
“Let them look. We have nothing to hide. As long as it doesn’t involve military deployment maps or any malicious intent, we should be generous!”
Zhao Jiaqi smiled and nodded. “Yes, it would be best if we could introduce the latest craftsmanship from their respective countries and have our people learn and master it. That way, we wouldn’t have to spend a large sum of money to purchase from them in the future. This would be a long-term development that benefits both the country and its people!”
Fan Zehao smiled without speaking. His wife’s mind was full of ingenious ideas. For so long, she wasn't a man, nor was she an ambitious person. Otherwise, the unification of the world would be within reach!
The Prime Minister and the Minister of Rites were busy receiving the envoys.
The Crown Prince of Wei, not seeing the Emperor, felt a slight loss of face. But then he thought that in Wei, he was the Crown Prince, second only to the Emperor. However, in Yun Country, he was merely an envoy.
With this thought, his heart felt more at ease. After all, the Prime Minister before him was a powerful minister, highly respected by the Emperor.
Song Xin clasped his hands and bowed slightly, “This humble servant greets Crown Prince Yu Xiaoshuang. Your Highness must have had a tiring journey. The post station has prepared a refreshing bath and a banquet. After you rest and refresh yourselves, a reception banquet will be held in the Qingxiang Palace this evening, where His Majesty will welcome the envoys from various countries!”
“Thank you, Prime Minister, for the information!” Yu Xiaoshuang’s eyes were filled with a smile. He added, “It has been two years since we last met, yet Minister Song does not appear to have aged at all and is full of vigor. You truly put this junior to shame!”