In Love With My Fierce Farming Wife!
Chapter 596 - 589 His Majesty’s Favor_1

Chapter 596: Chapter 589 His Majesty’s Favor_1

In particular, several glances were so malicious and acute – enough to send chills down anyone’s spine. If looks could kill, Su Pan’er would have been murdered a thousand times over by now.

While turning around to leave, Su Pan’er casually glanced around and noticed the Empress and Prince Xuan, amongst others. This sent a shiver down her spine!

Today was New Year’s Day. Hopefully, nothing untoward would happen.

It was only later that Su Pan’er discovered that the old monk was held in such high esteem due to his reputation as Master Liao Jue. He was a renowned elder who was believed to know the workings of five hundred years in the past and future!

Unfortunately, she had no knowledge of this at the time.

Following this, people naturally made a fuss before returning from the Temple of Heaven. Afterwards, they participated in a palace banquet presided over by His Majesty the Emperor and the Empress.

Although Ye Han had awakened, he was still struggling. He had been injured and his energy was not likely to be restored anytime soon. He lay on the stretcher, half-asleep.

Su Pan’er and Qin Yi accompanied him on each side, but with so many people coming and going, they had no chance to converse privately.

The dishes served at the banquet were colorful, aromatic, and flavorful, but the attendees seemed to be oblivious to their taste.

Everyone was waiting, waiting for His Majesty to announce a decision that seemed likely to be made that day.

Many were anxious. Only officials supporting Prince Xuan revealed a hint of expectation, or even a hint of victory in their eyes.

By this time, most people had a pretty good idea of the likely outcome. Prince Qi had tried to force the Emperor to abdicate. Today, His Majesty appeared to be in high spirits while Prince Qi was absent. The implications were clear. The only ones remaining in contention for the throne were Prince Xuan, the Sixth Prince, and the Eighth Prince!

Among these three, whether in terms of power, status, or popularity, Prince Xuan held the winning ticket!

Su Pan’er speculated that His Majesty would probably not link the punishment of Prince Qi with the Sacrifice to Heaven ceremony, to avoid the taint of bloodshed, which would be unfavorable for the nation. Even if he intended to punish Prince Qi, it would likely only occur after the conclusion of the birthday banquet a few days later.

Indeed, the Emperor spoke up at the end of the palace banquet.

"A new year brings a fresh start. I wish nothing but peace and prosperity for Great Zhou this year, so that the common people may have peace. Let there not be the same calamities and hardships as last year."

"His Majesty is merciful!"

The civil and military officials echoed.

"Last year, my beloved officials have worked hard for the well-being of Great Zhou. I’ve prepared some New Year’s gifts for you, which have already been sent to your residences to express my gratitude. I wish you all good health here! With good health, everyone can contribute more to the court and to the common people!"

The crowd thanked him for his gracious response.

"Everyone, you may rise."

The Emperor, in a leisurely manner, said, "As you all know, something unexpected occurred in the Capital City recently. Luckily, a young and promising official took it upon himself to face the dangerous situation, hence preventing the downfall of Great Zhou."

At this point, the Emperor paused for a moment, then looked at Qin Yi with a smile and said, "The young promising official I was referring to is none other than Qin Yi, our beloved official Qin."

Immediately, all the civil and military officials turned their eyes to Qin Yi.

Qin Yi stood up quickly, bowing politely, "Thank you for your praise, Your Majesty. I am both afraid and humbled, and undeserving. As a citizen of the Great Zhou Dynasty, it is my duty to step in when the country is in trouble. As a bureaucrat, I should work tirelessly for the country until death during times of crisis. Moreover, I only did what I could. You, Your Majesty, were the one who truly orchestrated everything, planning strategies for victory from a thousand miles away!"

"What a statement! To step in when the country is in trouble! To work for your country until death when the court is in crisis!"

His Majesty was overjoyed, "If all officials, act with the same devotion as the beloved Official Qin, there is no doubt that the Great Zhou would never weaken, nor would the Imperial Court decline! Beloved Official Qin, you are loyal, having excelled both in literature and military affairs, fearlessly confronting difficulties with great responsibility. Henceforth, I bestow upon you the distinguished title of ’General of All Guards’ to command the Imperial Guard of Shengjing."

All ministers were utterly dumbstruck!

Especially those who supported Prince Xuan, their faces were filled with shock.

The Imperial Guard is the utmost critical military force responsible for the safety of the Capital City and directly subject to the current His Majesty. Commanding the Imperial Guard means having control over the safety of the Capital City. It was as if His Majesty was entrusting the safety of the Capital City to Qin Yi.

As for Qin Yi, he was loyal to the Eighth Prince, Fei’er. At this crucial juncture, to entrust such a heavy responsibility to Qin Yi, could it be...

Qin Yi was also momentarily taken aback.

But the golden words had been spoken, and the divine mandate can’t be defied. Qin Yi immediately stepped out of his seat, bowed, and thanked His Majesty, "I gratefully accept Your Majesty’s deeply immortal favor! I will dedicate myself to effectively commanding the Imperial Guard, not letting down Your Majesty’s high expectations!"

"Ha Ha Ha Ha, I am confident in your capabilities!"

The Emperor, while laughing, unexpectedly descended from the main seat. He himself helped Qin Yi up and said with a benevolent and satisfied face, "To have a talented official like you is my fortune and also the fortune of Great Zhou!"

The civil and military officials were even more flabbergasted, such as wooden chickens in a trance!

For so many years, it seemed like it had been a full twenty years since His Majesty had honored anyone in this manner.

Who was this Qin Yi after all, to receive such a divine affection!

"I appreciate His Majesty’s gracious favor!"

Qin Yi’s voice was somewhat choked.

"Beloved Official Qin, your family name is Qin, and so is mine. Five hundred years ago, we were of the same household!"

The Emperor slightly smiled, "Many years ago, I had a dream. In the dream, I was chased by countless fierce tigers and beasts. At that moment, a heroic young man descended from the heavens and helped me escape danger. After this dream, a wise man told me that this man is my future pillar of support. But alas, I never saw his true face clearly in the dream, and for all these years, I had no clue how to find him. However, I do recall that he was wearing a tiger-shaped jade pendant."

Su Pan’er was slightly startled. Was the old Emperor intentionally spewing nonsense?

She remembered the jade pendant worn by Qin Yi near his chest, and couldn’t help but purse her lips. This Emperor was indeed superstitious. Was his favor towards Qin Yi genuinely due to a dream and a wise man’s words?

Qin Yi involuntarily reached for the tiger-shaped jade pendant worn on his chest, his eyes filled with an unusual sentiment.

The Emperor continued to speak gently, "When you first came to the palace for an audience with me, by accident, the jade pendant at your chest fell out. I recognized it at first sight, it was indeed the very same jade pendant worn by the heroic young man in my dream many years ago. My dear Official, this is indeed a great comfort to me. After all these years, I have finally found the pillar of my support!"

"His Majesty’s favor towards me makes me genuinely frightened and extremely grateful, and I have no way to repay! From this day forward, I will always try my best to repay His Majesty’s kindness!"

Qin Yi’s voice trembled as he spoke.

"Your intentions are enough. Life is a balance of tensions and relaxations, actions, and stillness, these are ways to achieve harmony! For me, for the Imperial court, you need to take care of your health. Only good health and a long life will allow you to serve Great Zhou and work for the welfare of our people!" His Majesty said with profound meaning.

"Yes! I am grateful for His Majesty’s guidance!"

Although Qin Yi was somewhat confused, he could still feel His Majesty’s explicit concern for him. Henceforth, he hurriedly expressed his gratitude.