bullyxtreme Chapter 737 Phoenix Returns to Its Nest (23)
Chapter 737 Phoenix Returns to Its Nest (23)
Staying in the palace all the time can lead to one's vision being clouded by ministers.
Xiong Bufan felt that since he wanted to be a wise ruler, he needed to understand the living conditions of the people.
It was definitely not that Xiong Bufan wanted to run away to play; leaving the palace was for investigation.
The matter of leaving the palace has been put on the agenda, but it will actually take about a month before they actually leave.
In winter, there is not much work to be done in the fields, and most farmers rest at home, while a few who know how to hunt go up the mountain to look for prey.
Leaving the palace required advance planning. Xiong Bufan felt that Shangguan Yi was making a mountain out of a molehill. Going out with the emperor's regalia, even on the poorest days, was shrouded in a golden veil, making it impossible for people to clearly see who was rich and who was poor.
Shangguan Yi had many worries, but her main concern was that Xiong Bufan would be assassinated.
In just half a month, nearly ten groups of assassins arrived. Despite constant patrols by soldiers, these assassins still managed to appear in the capital, a place of great importance. Although they didn't get close to the emperor, they still instilled fear in the people.
After the New Year, the small border kingdoms will bring tribute to the capital; now it is their last stand.
After all, once the emperor of Fengchao changes, no one will bother with the debt repayment and tribute matters anymore.
Every assassin possesses a fearless spirit that instills fear in others.
However, all the assassins we saw have now been dealt with, and their bodies have been transported to small countries on the border for them to claim. Once someone claims the body or objects to it, we will immediately send troops to attack.
Feng Chao never suffers in silence.
Xiong Bufan didn't feel worried about that, since no one could hurt her.
In the palace of the King, there was a Buddha statue that he worshipped every day, hoping that the god would protect His Majesty and that the emperor would fall in love with him again.
No one loves His Majesty more than I do, and no one wishes His Majesty peace and health more than I do.
Even though it wasn't a holiday or New Year, Xiong Bufan missed a day of morning court because he was sick.
The imperial physicians stood guard inside Xiong Bufan's palace, while the ministers waited in the court to discuss matters amongst themselves. Shangguan Yi, along with other female officials, stood in the court, also waiting for Xiong Bufan to arrive.
At this moment, Xiong Bufan appeared on the street with Zhou Ying and Wu Xinran, who were dressed as ordinary girls. Xiong Bufan was eating frantically in front, while Zhou Ying and Wu Xinran paid the bills behind him, and they were also carrying large and small bags of things to take back to the palace.
Things outside the palace weren't as exquisite as those inside; some even had some dirt on them, but they smelled wonderful.
Zhou Ying and Wu Xinran are both from prominent families, and the food served to them is exquisite, unlike what is served to ordinary people.
They couldn't understand why Xiong Bufan was eating so much.
His Majesty is the Son of Heaven, destined to be above the common people, above these ordinary folks, yet their Emperor eats so heartily.
Seeing the two of them looking stunned, Xiong Bufan, in a rare good mood, explained, "Food is the most important thing for people."
The things ordinary people put out to sell are basically their best products. If you observe carefully in this way, you can see the true living standards of ordinary people.
Zhou Ying and Wu Xinran exchanged a glance. Was that really the case?
Xiong Bufan: "Remember to give them all the money they need. Don't bully others or think you're superior just because you're officials."
Zhou Ying: "Yes, Your Majesty."
Xiong Bufan wanted to say a few more words, but then he found the food too delicious, and while eating, he forgot what he wanted to say.
After eating the snacks on East Street, Xiong Bufan inquired his way to the notorious slum.
In the past, a group of lazy women would gather at the intersection, and even lie on the surrounding streets. When they saw passersby, they would take out broken bowls and try to get some money to buy a meal.
Now they are almost nowhere to be seen, except for a few little girls gesturing with small wooden sticks, saying that they want to be officials and generals in the future, and defeat the small border countries.
Xiong Bufan squatted by the roadside and asked with a grin, "How old are you this year? Have you finished your homework?" She couldn't stand seeing others having it easier than her.
An older child shielded the younger children and said to Xiong Bufan with righteous indignation, "We are on holiday today."
Xiong Bufan: "Oh, a day off? What do you think of the teachers at your academy?"
This person is too strange. The older children were not sure whether Xiong Bufan was a con artist or not, so they quickly left with the group of young girls.
Zhou Ying opened her mouth, "You,"
Xiong Bufan: "Quiet down, I'm here on an inspection tour."
"Yes, ma'am."
"Ah."
Xiong Bufan continued walking into the street. The streets were all neat and tidy, and the road was very clean.
I hardly saw any beggars, only a series of women selling goods. I could vaguely see signs of training on them, but unfortunately, they were covered by their clothes and I couldn't see them clearly.
Xiong Bufan: "Is this really a slum?"
Zhou Ying and Wu Xinran bowed their heads and said, "Your Majesty, we did not know, but according to the road signs, this is the place."
"Oh."
Xiong Bufan turned around and continued wandering around, wanting to try all the delicious local snacks in the capital.
Fortunately, Zhou Ying and Wu Xinran exercise regularly, otherwise they would probably be too tired to move for several days after they got back today.
Shangguan Yi was getting increasingly annoyed staying in the court. His Majesty was sometimes too willful and would take those two useless people out with him. How could they protect her?
Liu Tong: "Lord Shangguan, is His Majesty alright? His Majesty's good health is of utmost importance."
Shangguan Yi: "The imperial physician is already examining you, and it's about time. If Lord Liu has nothing else to say, the court session is adjourned."
No sooner had the words left her mouth than the quick-witted palace maid called out, "Court adjourned!"
Liu Tong was caught in a dilemma: whether to leave or stay. He decided to visit His Majesty's bedchamber after leaving the main hall.
What subject wouldn't care about the emperor's safety?
Wang Shijun peered through the guards and imperial physicians at the indistinct figure on the sickbed from afar, feeling deeply worried.
He received the news of His Majesty's illness early in the morning. Why hadn't he heard anything about it before? He needed to go back and give Congwen and Congli a good talking-to, telling them to take His Majesty's affairs seriously.
The imperial physicians came out in a group, their brows deeply furrowed, as if the emperor had contracted a rare and difficult-to-treat illness.
Wang Shijun took a gem from her belt and held it in her hand before going out with the emperor. Only after leaving the emperor's bedroom did she approach him.
Inquire about the severity of the emperor's illness and what kind of illness it is.
The imperial physician also wanted to know what illness the woman had, but the woman on the bed wouldn't let him take her pulse or even move. He was simply told to stand in the palace and wait to be summoned.
Now, when asked, she could only vaguely push the person away and say, "Your Majesty's health condition is confidential."
Wang Shijun was very anxious, but he couldn't get any information out of him. He could only worry helplessly. Who could tell him what had happened to His Majesty?