Chapter 158 Visiting Shang Rong
Chapter 158 Visiting Shang Rong
A few days later, Bo Yikao finally arrived at the prosperous city of Chaoge.
After entering the city, Bo Yikao was attracted by the prosperity of Chaoge City, but he did not stay for too long. Instead, accompanied by San Yisheng, he went straight to the Prime Minister's residence.
Arriving in front of the Prime Minister's residence, San Yisheng whispered to Bo Yikao:
"My Lord, before you come here, you must first pay your respects to Prime Minister Shang Rong."
"Prime Minister Shang Rong has a very good relationship with the Marquis, is highly respected and valued by the King."
"If he introduces us, our chances of meeting the king will be greater."
Bo Yikao nodded in agreement.
He was well aware of San Yisheng's wisdom and strategy, and also understood the importance of this visit.
Then, Bo Yikao turned around and whispered to the attendants behind him:
"You wait here. This young master and Doctor San need to personally meet the Prime Minister."
The attendants responded respectfully and stepped aside.
Then, Bo Yikao and San Yisheng walked quickly up the steps and came to the door of the mansion.
They explained their purpose to the guard and asked to be notified.
The guard looked the two men up and down, and seeing that they had extraordinary temperament and were well-dressed, he guessed in his heart that they were of unusual identities.
So the guard bowed respectfully and asked them to wait here for a moment while he would go into the mansion to pass on the message.
After a while, the guard came back and reported that the Prime Minister had known their purpose and invited them in to meet him.
Upon hearing this, Bo Yikao and San Yisheng were delighted. They quickly straightened their clothes and followed the guards into the Prime Minister's residence.
Led by the guards, they came to a courtyard.
At this time, in the courtyard of the mansion, an old man dressed in luxurious court robes was leisurely sipping tea.
This person was Prime Minister Shang Rong. He had a gentle smile on his face, but his eyes revealed a kind of awe-inspiring temperament.
Seeing Bo Yikao and San Yisheng coming, Shang Rong put down the teacup in his hand and greeted them with a smile.
"Master Bo Yikao, Doctor San, welcome to Chaoge."
Shang Rong's voice was deep and powerful, giving people a sense of stability. "I wonder what the two of you are here for?"
Bo Yikao stepped forward and bowed respectfully. His voice was clear and powerful, with a hint of humility and respect:
"I am Bo Yikao, a junior. I am honored to meet the Prime Minister today. I am overwhelmed with fear. I apologize for disturbing you."
Prime Minister Shang Rong nodded slightly, his gaze lingering on Bo Yikao for a moment.
He saw that although this young man was young, he had an extraordinary temperament, and his demeanor revealed a calmness and confidence.
Lord Shang Rong couldn't help but secretly admire:
"Xibohou Jichang is really good at educating his son. This child is very imposing and well-spoken. He will definitely become a great man in the future."
He looked at Bo Yikao, and his voice was filled with the kindness and cordiality that only elders can have:
"Nephew, there is no need to be polite. I have known your father Ji Chang for many years and we have a close relationship. You can just call me uncle."
When Bo Yikao heard this, a warm feeling surged in his heart.
He immediately bowed his head respectfully, performing the etiquette of a younger generation to an elder, and then said softly:
"Thank you for your kindness, uncle!"
Shang Rong smiled and nodded to Bo Yikao, then waved his hand, indicating that he didn't need to be so reserved and could sit down and talk slowly.
The two sat opposite each other, and the atmosphere gradually became solemn.
Shang Rong sighed softly, as if with a bit of heaviness, and said bluntly:
"My dear nephew, you have come all the way to Chaoge. I naturally know why you are here."
"Your father Ji Chang is now imprisoned in Youli. I also know something about his situation."
"Although he is in a difficult situation and has suffered a little, don't worry, nephew, his life is not in danger for the time being."
When Bo Yikao heard this, he felt a little relieved, but his eyes were still full of worry and anxiety.
He knew very well that his father's situation was precarious and the king's attitude was very firm.
Bo Yikao lowered his eyelids slightly, clenched his hands into fists, as if trying his best to suppress his inner anxiety, and said in a deep voice:
"Uncle, you also know my father's character. He values friendship and loyalty, and is kind to others. He has been working hard for the welfare of the country and the people all his life."
"There may be some misunderstanding or hidden secrets in this incident."
Shang Rong nodded slightly, indicating that he understood Bo Yikao's concerns.
Shang Rong pondered for a moment, then spoke slowly, his voice filled with heaviness:
"My dear nephew, I understand your feelings. I also know Ji Chang's character. He has noble morals and outstanding talents. He is recognized by everyone as a wise lord."
"However, this matter is indeed tricky."
Shang Rong frowned, as if he was worried about Ji Chang's situation, and continued:
"Your father has a strong character, which is his strength, but sometimes it is also his weakness."
"Even though the king has absolute evidence, he still refuses to admit his guilt, which undoubtedly makes the situation more complicated."
"This is not to say that he is right not to plead guilty, but sometimes admitting guilt is also a strategy, a helpless act to save his own life and that of his family."
There was a hint of sigh in Shang Rong's tone.
When Bo Yikao heard this, he felt even heavier in his heart.
San Yisheng, who was standing nearby, bowed to Shang Rong and said respectfully:
"Mr. Prime Minister, what do you think is the chance that my Lord can get out of this predicament?"
Shang Rong's eyes darkened when he heard this. He gently stroked his gray beard that hung down to his chest, as if he was thinking deeply.
After a moment, he spoke slowly, his voice steady and decisive:
"I understand your worries and anxieties. But the current situation does require Ji Chang to make some concessions."
"As long as Ji Chang can admit that he protected Jizhou Marquis Su Hu and his relatives, and then escort Su Hu and others to Chaoge and let the king deal with them, then his fault can be mitigated a lot."
As soon as Shang Rong finished speaking, Bo Yikao's expression instantly became even more serious.
His brows were furrowed, and there was a determined light in his deep eyes, as if he was searching for the last hope.
Bo Yikao took a deep breath, tried to calm his inner fluctuations, and then asked in a deep voice:
"Uncle, is there really no other way?"
"You also know that my father and Uncle Su have a deep friendship. They have worked together for Da Shang for many years, and the trust and friendship between them is indestructible."
"For my father to make such a decision undoubtedly cut a deep scar in his heart."
Shang Rong nodded slightly, his eyes revealing a bit of helplessness and sympathy.
He understood Bo Yikao's concerns and also understood the deep friendship between Ji Chang and Su Hu.
Shang Rong sighed and said slowly:
"My dear nephew, let me be frank with you. Apart from this method, there is no other way for the time being."
Shang Rong's words were like a cold winter wind, piercing into the hearts of Bo Yikao and San Yisheng.
The two of them looked at each other, their eyes revealing deep worry and struggle.
After a moment's silence, Bo Yikao stood up and bowed respectfully to Shang Rong, his voice full of determination:
"Please help introduce Yi Kao to the king."
"At that time, Yikao will present the rare treasures he brought from Xiqi to see if he can exonerate his father and reduce his guilt."
San Yisheng followed closely behind, his eyes flashing with determination:
"Yes, Prime Minister, we are willing to do everything we can to give the Marquis a chance of survival."
"Please help us and give us a chance to meet the king and offer our Xiqi sincerity and treasures."
Shang Rong looked at their determined eyes, nodded, and said slowly:
"Well, now that you have made your decision, I will introduce you to someone."
"But remember, I am only opening a door for you. As for what to say and what to do, it is up to you."
Upon hearing this, Bo Yikao nodded slightly and expressed his gratitude to Shang Rong:
"Thank you for your guidance and help, uncle. Yikao will definitely do his best."
San Yisheng followed closely behind, clenching his fists and looking determined:
"Yes, Prime Minister, we will definitely cherish this opportunity and strive for the best result for the Marquis."
Shang Rong nodded slightly, his eyes revealing caution and concern about what was to come.
He turned to Bo Yikao and continued to ask:
"My dear nephew, what treasures have you prepared for your visit to Chaoge? This will allow me to be more detailed and specific when I explain this to the king."
bullyxtreme