Translator: EndlessFantasy Translation Editor: EndlessFantasy Translation
Upon arriving at Eunuch Liu’s residence, Yan Liqiang met him in his study without any delay.
It had been a few years since they last met. Eunuch Liu seemed well-maintained and healthy thanks to his princely lifestyle. The only difference was that the color of his court eunuch robe had become darker, signifying his higher authoritative power. When Yan Liqiang entered, Eunuch Liu was slowly sipping his tea and didn’t seem to have any intention to stand up.
Yan Liqiang had activated the Psychic Serpent in his head since long ago. So from the first moment he saw Eunuch Liu, Yan Liqiang instantly knew everything that was going through the old eunuch’s mind.
He took the initiative to go forward and bowed to the old eunuch respectfully, just as he did the first time they met. “Yan Liqiang greets Eunuch Liu…”
Eunuch Liu looked at Yan Liqiang carefully. When he realized that Yan Liqiang’s attitude toward him remained unchanged, a familiar smile finally graced his face. He put down the teacup in his hand and spoke up, “Liqiang, your reputation is growing in the northwestern region. How is it going? Are you now used to living in the Imperial Capital for the past few days?”
“I’m still staying in the same courtyard in Deer Villa, so there’s nothing to get used to. I have to thank Eunuch Li for always taking care of me!” Yan Liqiang threw a smile at Little Li.
“Oh no please, I’m still the same Little Li in Eunuch Liu’s presence!” A smile bloomed on Little Li’s face. Despite being strait-laced in Deer Villa, Little Li unconsciously reverted to being humble and amiable right now. “It’s been a long time since I served Eunuch Liu. When I heard that you were coming back today, I immediately came here to see if there was anything I could help you with…”
Eunuch Li smiled happily and pointed at Little Li with his finger that was covered by a gold talon, “Oh you! You are now the deputy manager of Deer Villa with many subordinates working under you. If anyone sees you buttering up to me like this, they say that I’ve recommended an inappropriate successor…”
“Deputy manager of Deer Villa or not, I still feel more at ease serving you, Eunuch Liu…” While speaking, Little Li hunched his back and walked to Eunuch Liu’s side, then tended to the small copper stove that was used for making tea.
“I still prefer to make tea for you, Eunuch Liu. I feel ill at ease during my days of not serving you. Please carry on with your discussion with Liqiang. Don’t mind me. I’ll be here making tea for both of you…”
Little Li’s performance came so naturally that Yan Liqiang was looking at him in a new light. It would seem like there was a reason why Little Li stood out beside Eunuch Liu.
“Alright. Liqiang, don’t just stand there, come have a seat!” After Eunuch Liu pointed to the seat across from him, Yan Liqiang walked over and sat down.
“Oh, Liqiang… I don’t even know what to tell you!” As soon as Yan Liqiang sat down, Eunuch Liu gave him a distressed and helpless look. He nearly poked Yan Liqiang’s nose with his finger.
“Why did you go and anger His Majesty? Don’t you know how much His Majesty cares for you? How can you be this insensitive? Why couldn’t you try to beat around the bush and wait until I returned to discuss the matter with me so I can bring it up to His Majesty? If you had done that, he wouldn’t be this upset!”
Yan Liqiang no longer wanted to talk about the incident that day because at the end of the day, they were from two different worlds. Hearing Eunuch Liu bringing up the topic again, Yan Liqiang lowered his head. “I know I was being too hasty that day and made His Majesty upset. But my intention was to share His Majesty and the imperial court’s burden. I wasn’t being selfish. I hope you will understand that, Eunuch Liu…”
“Of course I know you were not being selfish; you just failed to think spontaneously. You are still young and have never worked in the imperial court. Things there are not as easy as you think. As the Emperor of a country, His Majesty cares the most about the state of his country and the people. However, His Majesty hasn’t been in power for a long time and Lin Qingtian’s negative influence still lingered. There are still many things he needs to take time to resolve. As ministers, we must learn to understand the difficulties he is facing!” Eunuch Liu told him earnestly.
“I understand. Thank you for the advice, Eunuch Liu!”
When Eunuch Liu saw Yan Liqiang’s obedience and felt that he was still the same old Yan Liqiang he’d known in the past, he finally nodded to him in satisfaction as the expression on his face relaxed visibly.
“Don’t worry too much about it. When I went to the palace yesterday upon my return, I placated His Majesty for you. He knew that you had the best of intentions, and was only being young and impulsive. Although he was upset that day, his anger has mostly dissipated by now and he has forgiven you. He was very happy when he heard that you were training arduously in Deer Villa lately, and told me to encourage you more when I see you. Oh right, His Majesty told me to bring this to you. He said that it is your favorite. This thing can replenish your vital Qi greatly, so he had the imperial kitchen prepare it. This thing is rare even in the palace. His Majesty will usually only bestow one to the nobles in the palace on their birthday. Liqiang, you are the only one among all the ministers in court that His Majesty regards this highly…”
While Eunuch Liu spoke, he retrieved a red box from the side and pushed it toward Liqiang. As soon as the box was opened, a strange aroma filled the room. Inside the box was the meat mushroom that Yan Liqiang ate on that day. The white mushroom looked like a tiny person wearing a large straw head. He could vaguely make out where its head, body, arms,, and legs were. It was indeed a strange-looking mushroom.
Yan Liqiang looked at the box of ‘meat mushrooms’, then raised his head. Tears welled up in his eyes as he was ‘moved’ to tears. His voice even trembled slightly, “Yan Liqiang will never be able to repay… H-His Majesty’s kindness even with my life!”
“Don’t you ever say or do anything silly in front of His Majesty again. Fortunately, it was you that day. If someone else angered and embarrassed His Majesty that day, he would have instantly lost his life. His Majesty is not this patient with everyone!”
“I will keep that in mind!” Yan Liqiang nodded.
“It’s almost the second lunar month, so His Majesty will be touring the southern region soon. You better not be wandering around. Just stay in the Imperial Capital. When His Majesty leaves, he is going to make you the vanguard of the battalion and scout ahead!”
“Rest assured, Eunuch Liu. I am greatly indebted to His Majesty. I will be in Deer Villa, ready to serve him anytime! By the way, I hope your trip outside the Imperial Capital this time went well!”
Eunuch Liu slapped himself on the forehead. “Ah, I almost forgot if you didn’t bring that up! I’ve prepared you a present this time! Come, I’ll show you…!”
“What are you giving me, I wonder?”
“Hahaha, you will know when you see it…” Eunuch Liu stood up and beckoned forth Little Li. “Little Li, you don’t have to make tea anymore. Come join us…!”
A few minutes later, Yan Liqiang followed Eunuch Liu to the stable in the Liu Residence’s backyard. Before the three of them even entered the stable, they heard shouting and horse neighs coming from inside. The situation sounded chaotic. As soon as they entered, a gray shadow came charging toward Yan Liqiang and Eunuch Liu…
