NCCnovel Chapter 175 The Adult Smiles More
Chapter 175 The Adult Smiles More
“If the rebel king is not eliminated, he will eventually become a scourge, and the people will never be able to live a peaceful life. Rather than wasting time and effort trying to deal with him, we should take him down in one fell swoop.”
After reading the memorial in his hand, Xie Bohuai said, "Besides, if I give the Emperor a good reputation, he will gain prestige and support. Won't my turn become his biggest worry next?"
Upon hearing this, Si Yan immediately understood. "Without external threats, only you remain. The Emperor is not the late Emperor and will not fully trust you. He will hinder you at every turn, making it difficult for you to continue as regent. Even if the Emperor has no other intentions, the Crown Prince is not someone who trusts others. Since the Emperor ascended the throne, the Crown Prince has tried to get involved in everything and wants to place his people in every corner."
“That’s normal. When the late emperor was alive, the emperor and the crown prince were relatively low-key and didn’t have their own people. Now that things are not going well, they naturally want more capable people to use.” Xie Bohuai expressed his understanding.
However, while I can understand his situation, he is now a married man, and his actions are not only aimed at preserving his own power but also at protecting his family.
In the imperial court, there are no permanent friends or enemies, only constant competition and balance.
If Xie Bohuai doesn't stay in a high place, then he's doomed.
Moreover, to uphold the Emperor's reputation as a benevolent ruler, someone must be chosen to take the blame. In the past, it would have been Xie Bohuai, but not now. It would be difficult to get things done with a bad reputation.
He now has to be meticulous in everything he does, leaving no room for error.
Si Yan understood the situation and didn't press further about sending troops. "Your Excellency is truly wise."
"There's no such thing as cleverness or cunning. If you're going to live, you have to live well. Here's a list of a few people who have been making moves behind the scenes; they all want me dead. Let the town government investigate their wrongdoings." Xie Bohuai never thought of becoming emperor. If he were to usurp the throne, he would likely meet a tragic end. But being a powerful minister second only to the emperor is the same; the government is still under his control.
After Si Yan left, Xie Bohuai looked at the mountain of memorials in front of him and continued reading.
When the late emperor was alive, due to his poor health, memorials sent from various places would first arrive at Xie Bohuai's office.
In fact, the economy has improved significantly in various regions over the past two years. Xie Bohuai's reduction of taxes, promotion of talented individuals, and suppression of powerful clans are all good things for the common people. However, for the powerful clans, their mediocre sons are forced to buy official positions, which affects their interests. Therefore, they deeply resent Xie Bohuai and wish for his demise.
Xie Bohuai used to not care about these things. He would fight him if he had the guts and see who died first.
Things are different now. After a long day of work, Xie Bohuai walks home with a light step.
Before, when I went home, it was just a place to eat and sleep, like an inn, not really a home.
There are people waiting for dinner at home, and adorable children. If we go home early, Le Ge'er will happily tell us what he learned that day and beg Xie Bohuai to buy him something. Ye Wanning sits to the side, smiling gently.
Thinking of this scene, Xie Bohuai rode his horse faster. When he arrived home, the gatekeeper greeted him with a smile and said that something good had happened at the mansion.
He strode across the threshold and saw Yunzhi carrying wedding cakes. He asked what it was about, and Yunzhi said that an imperial decree had come from the palace, and that the lady had been granted the title of a second-rank noblewoman.
"It's all thanks to Master's abilities that Madam has achieved her title today. Madam said that when you return, she will have you go to the main courtyard, and she will personally cook today." Yunzhi was going to the main courtyard anyway, so she went with her master.
Xie Bohuai was not surprised by the imperial decree; given his status and position, the emperor would grant Ye Wanning an imperial decree sooner or later.
When he arrived at the main courtyard, he saw Ye Wanning looking at the imperial edict with Le Ge'er. He walked over to the two of them and asked, "Is it that interesting?"
"This is the first time I've ever seen an imperial edict for a title of nobility. I've only ever heard about it from others before. Now that I've touched it myself, it feels so different." Ye Wanning said she wasn't particularly excited, but felt that the edict was unreal. "I didn't do anything, yet I received a second-rank title of nobility. It's all thanks to you."
"It's only a second-rank official position; there will be better ones in the future." Xie Bohuai smiled naturally when he saw Ye Wanning's happiness. It seemed that the Emperor was giving him a reward today, but didn't want to relinquish power to him further.
Ye Wanning said she didn't dare to think about it, "I don't care about things like the title of First Rank Lady. It's best if we are all safe and sound. Go wash your hands. I stewed mutton and fried crispy pork today. Le Ge'er has been craving it for a long time and keeps asking when you will come back."
Le Ge'er rubbed his little belly, "Yes, my tummy is rumbling. Mother's fried pork is the best. Sister Yunzhi and the others can't make it taste the same. We're in for a treat today."
After studying with Yu Qingsheng, Le Ge'er spoke less like a child and became more articulate. Ye Wanning noticed this and felt somewhat emotional, but since she and her son were now with Xie Bohuai, they could no longer live a carefree and innocent life; Le Ge'er needed to prove himself.
So despite her sighs, Ye Wanning did not interfere with Yu Qingsheng's teaching. She even asked Fusheng to send over a portion of the meal she had prepared today as a token of her appreciation.
"These are just some home-style dishes, Brother Le is exaggerating." Ye Wanning sat down with her son.
Xie Bohuai looked at the sumptuous meal on the table, feeling a warm glow in his heart. "It all looks delicious. This is the first time I've tasted your food. Mmm, it's delicious. Brother Le is telling the truth!"
"I knew Mother was a good cook, I wasn't lying!" Le Ge'er happily picked up some food.
The family of three was enjoying a happy time together, which made Si Yan, who was passing by the door, particularly envious. She said to Qing Shan beside her, "Since the adults got married, they've been smiling more, and they're easier to talk to. They're also more patient with us. It's so good to have a wife and children. Even vegetables taste delicious."
Zhezhu nodded silently.
Qingshan then said, "Vegetables are just vegetables, how can they be fragrant? I think you're just lovesick, like a cat in heat at night, thinking about getting married every day."
"Yeah, I want to get married, don't you?" Si Yan snorted. He was already in his twenties; most people his age would have been fathers long ago.
"I don't want to. I'm fine with being a bachelor for life, as long as I can work for the adults. I don't care whether I get married or not." As soon as Qingshan finished speaking, he saw Chunxi coming from the opposite direction, but Chunxi ignored him. She glanced at him and turned to go down another road.