The princess was ordained by Heaven.

Chapter 351 Requesting Demotion

Jiaolian pondered Yueniang's words for a moment, then suddenly realized: "In that case, it seems that the entire Brown Kingdom is no good."

“That’s not wrong.” Yue Niang’s hand, which was gripping the windowsill, gradually tightened.

If the Brown Kingdom hadn't seemed hopeless, she wouldn't have switched her allegiance to the Great Yong Kingdom.

She didn't want to bear the stigma of treason, but in Brown Country, it was far too difficult for ordinary people like them to survive.

“You know what, Jiaolian? Merchants can be said to be paying tribute willingly, but this time Qi Yongji is also targeting ordinary people, those honest and hardworking people who pay taxes even when they are hungry. He uses morality, coercion, threats and all sorts of other means to skin the ordinary people alive.”

It's not that there aren't kind-hearted people, but Qi Yongji never considers the specific circumstances. He wants what he wants, and he doesn't care if others bleed or shed tears for it.

He was a very capable emperor, and since he came to power, the people of the Brown Kingdom have been living better and better lives.

Things should have gotten better and better, but he couldn't help but treat the people as human beings, only as tools for his own power.

Jiaolian placed the ice pick, which had been slightly melted by her body heat, on the windowsill. Then, she turned to look at Yueniang and asked, "Yueniang, are you planning to do something with this?"

Moon Maiden chuckled: "How did you guess?"

“I just feel that you’re not a settled person,” she said, seemingly finding the statement ambiguous, and then added coquettishly, “That’s a compliment.”

"I know. This is a rare opportunity, Jiaolian, I don't want to give it up."

"But since Qi Yongji is so blatant, he must be fearless because he has something to rely on."

Moon Lady did not answer; her gaze remained as calm as ever.

But when Jiao Lian looked over, she saw the determination within.

She paused for a moment, then placed her palm over Yue Niang's hand: "Yue Niang, let's do it together."

The light curtain disconnected.

Zheng Xun seemed to be deep in thought.

Now that Qi Yongji has the money, it seems he is truly preparing to take action against Dayong. It's just a question of how he will suppress the disobedient voices of the He Kingdom.

After everyone had dispersed, Zheng Xun called Cen Wan over and said, "Quickly send a message to Yue Niang, telling them to lie low for the time being and not to make any rash moves."

Cen Wan was puzzled.

Because she also believed it was a rare opportunity.

However, she did not refute it, but solemnly replied "yes".

Zheng Xun said solemnly, "I suspect that Qi Yongji wants to use this opportunity to lure out our mole."

Cen Wan suddenly looked up: "Your Highness..."

"He kept the fundraising a closely guarded secret all along, and now it's suddenly come to light. Can you really believe there wasn't an element of deliberate intent behind it?"

Cen Wan remained silent.

She believes in shovels.

She hadn't expected this, but once she did, she was convinced that Qi Yongji had ulterior motives.

They were too far away to personally sense the changing winds in the Brown Kingdom, and all they could do was exercise extreme caution.

"I'll do it now."

Zheng Xun didn't stop her. Watching her leave with high spirits, a relieved smile appeared on her face.

She was the flower she planted in the court with her own hands, the first and most special one. Fortunately, she did not disappoint her and continued to grow vigorously.

After Cen Wan left, Xu Ru, who was waiting outside, was led in by Zhi Cheng.

Xu Ru looked around.

He had lost count of how many times he had stepped into the Imperial Study. The furnishings hadn't changed much, only the person sitting behind the table had changed several times.

These past few years have felt like a dream. Before hearing His Highness's heartfelt words, no one could have imagined that the Great Yong Dynasty would one day become what it is today.

Zheng Xun looked up at the person in front of him with a complicated expression.

"Master Xu."

Xu Ru came to his senses and handed the prepared memorial to Zhicheng.

After reading the contents of the memorial, Zheng Xun couldn't help but look at Xu Ru with a scrutinizing gaze: "Has Lord Xu made his decision?"

The contents of this document are quite unusual.

Xu Ru wanted to give up his current position and go to a local area.

Who would have thought that Xu Ru, who had spent his whole life scheming and shirking his duties, would have such thoughts at such an advanced age?

"Your Majesty, my mind is made up. I hope Your Majesty will grant my request."

“If you want to make room for Jingzhi, then there is no need. His return date is uncertain, and the court still needs talents like Grand Secretary Xu.”

“That’s only one point,” Xu Ru said calmly, raising his head. “More importantly, compared to my colleagues, I have done too little for the Great Yong. To my shame, I only understand this at my age. The past cannot be turned back, but in the time I have left, I want to do my best for the Great Yong.”

His tone was not generous, and his emotions did not fluctuate much, but it was precisely because of this that he showed a kind of open and calm demeanor.

Zheng Xun raised an eyebrow.

Is this guy actually serious?

She said calmly, "Xu Ru, you know that your current position is hard-won. Once you give it up, it will be difficult to take it back. Besides, if you want to serve the Great Yong, wouldn't you be able to play a greater role in the court?"

Xu Ru's performance has improved a lot recently, and Zheng Xun is satisfied with him.

Zheng Xun's words did not shake Xu Ru in the slightest.

"Your Highness, the court is not lacking in talented people."

"Since they are talented, there's no such thing as too many."

"What the imperial court and the Great Yong Dynasty lack is fresh blood who can listen to His Highness without question."

Xu Ru's words were practically a direct statement that he was doing this to make room for Zheng Xun to cultivate his own power base.

Zheng Xun's lips twitched slightly.

Given Xu Ru's shrewd nature, if she still intended to stay in the capital, she wouldn't have dared to speak ill of her.

People who have no desires are truly admirable.

Seeing her silence, Xu Ru thought she was unwilling to release the people, so he said sincerely, "Your Highness may have unparalleled brilliant plans, but they need to be implemented on every commoner. I have no other skills, but I can barely manage to govern a prefecture or county."

"The prefectural government is no less stressful than the imperial court."

"I am not seeking comfort."

Zheng Xun was silent for a moment, then changed the subject: "Since that's the case, once you get to your post, you can no longer act like a Grand Secretary. You're going there to be an official, not a local tyrant. Xu Ru, do you understand?"

"Your humble servant will keep that in mind."

“Your Excellency is truly righteous! Since you have made up your mind, there is no reason for me not to grant your request,” Zheng Xun said, walking around from behind the desk to stand in front of Xu Ru. “I will reserve a position for you in the cabinet.”

Xu Ru looked up in shock: "Your Highness..."

Zheng Xun's words were a promise that the Xu family would definitely have a place in the cabinet.

Xu Ru smiled bitterly.

Although he never intended to slack off in the first place, now he has to do his best even just for a place in the cabinet.

Your Highness is truly skilled; with just a few words, you've elevated him to a high position, offering both sweet treats and harsh criticism, yet he still manages to be grateful to tears.

He smiled with relief, completely convinced.

With the matter settled, Xu Ru stepped out of the Imperial Study and then out of the palace. Never before had she felt so relaxed.

Weren't past fame and fortune just shackles?

Having lived to this age, and having completely let go of the past and its anxieties, he finally felt truly alive.

As he got further and further away from the palace gate, his smile grew wider and wider.

The wild laughter startled several cats that were fighting in the corner, making their fur stand on end.