Ouchi Taming the Cat, starting with the Ten Tiger Forms!

Chapter 630 Knowing everything
Princess Ankang and Li Xuan ate half full, then left the table with an excuse.

As the only maid in Jingyang Palace, Yu'er naturally had to serve beside Princess Ankang.

They asked Butler Shang to find a small room nearby, closed the door, and held their private party.

"Although the food is a little worse than usual, at least it's filling and filling."

Princess Ankang said this as she and Li Xuan took out the food they had just taken from the table from the storage magic weapon.

They put away a lot of food together with the plates. The eunuchs who served the food were so confused that they thought Princess Ankang had eaten even the plates.

But before the banquet started, they received instructions from their superiors and did not dare to ask any questions. They just kept serving the dishes for fear of neglecting Princess Ankang.

When Princess Ankang brought Li Xuan down from the table, the pressure of serving the dishes was relieved at once, and the eunuchs who had been busy serving the dishes for a long time finally had a chance to breathe.

"Your Highness, our daily meals are of imperial standard, so they cannot be compared." Yu'er said with a smile.

Yu'er looked at the table full of delicious food, then looked at Princess Ankang and Li Xuan sitting at the table, and couldn't help feeling warm in her heart.

On New Year’s Eve last year, the three of them were still hungry and huddled together under a quilt for warmth.

The Empress had just passed away at that time, so there is no need to mention the sadness in his heart.

But looking at the good life now, Yu'er couldn't help but feel her eyes red and her nose sore.

Princess Ankang noticed Yu'er's mood and asked with concern:

"Sister Yu'er, what's wrong with you?"

Yu'er wiped her wet eyes and quickly replied: "Your Highness, it's nothing. I'm just happy, too happy..."

Li Xuan and Princess Ankang looked at each other and immediately understood Yu'er's feelings.

They had just eaten and drunk, and their hands were covered in oil.

Princess Ankang imitated Li Xuan's usual behavior and rubbed her head against Yu'er's shoulder to comfort her.

"Just be happy, we must have a better New Year!"

"Sister Yu'er, I just got some fruit wine from the Western Regions. It tastes sour and sweet and is delicious. Can we drink it together?"

Princess Ankang said this and took out a wine jug from her Ice Moon bracelet, and then another, and stuffed them into Yu'er's hands one after another.

"Sister Yu'er, quickly pour three cups. Let's drink one first."

Princess Ankang said this, but she continued to bring out wine jugs, and Yu'er soon couldn't catch any more.

"Your Highness, why are there so many?"

Yu'er didn't know whether to laugh or cry.

As her hands became busy, she forgot about her previous feelings and just focused on arranging the food on the table.

When people have random thoughts, it's better to be busy.

"I wish us a happy new year and good luck!"

The three cups clinked together, making a crisp sound.

Following Princess Ankang's blessing, the three little ones drank the cup of fruit wine in their hands in one gulp.

"cough~"

The fruit wine is icy cool, sour and sweet, and it feels very refreshing when you drink it. It is worthy of the quality of a tribute.

Then the three little ones grabbed a plump chicken leg and ate it until their mouths were full of oil.

But no matter how delicious the wine and food are, they cannot be more delicious than the beautiful expectations for the future.

The three little ones were looking forward to the New Year and enjoying their private party in the small room.

……

After eating and drinking, the three little ones were digesting the food when there was a knock on the door.

"Your Highness, His Majesty invites you."

Zhao Feng's voice came from outside the door.

The three kids were startled when they heard the voice. They didn't expect someone would come to see them at this time.
Moreover, it was Emperor Yongyuan who invited Zhao Fenglai personally.

Princess Ankang hurriedly replied, "Manager Zhao, please wait a moment."

After saying that, she lifted her sleeves to wipe her mouth, but was stopped by Yu'er.

"Your Highness, how disgraceful it is to wipe it with your sleeves!"

As Yu'er spoke, she took out a handkerchief from her bosom and carefully wiped the oil stains on Princess Ankang's mouth and hands, and then tidied her appearance.

Li Xuan looked at her, patted Yu'er with his paw, and moved his shiny mouth closer.

"Stinky Ah Xuan, why are you joining in the fun?"

Yu'er wiped her mouth and cursed with a smile.

But Li Xuan kept scratching her with his claws. Yu'er couldn't stand the little cat's coquettishness, so she wiped Li Xuan's mouth clean, even making every whisker shiny.

"Is this all right now?"

After enjoying Yu'er's service, Li Xuan licked his lips and found them dry. Then he grinned with satisfaction.

Seeing him looking like he deserved a beating, Yu'er couldn't help but pinch his cheek and said:
"There is no other kitten in the world that needs someone to wipe its mouth. Just kill yourself if you're too lazy."

"Stinky Xuan!"

Li Xuan was not annoyed at all when his face was pinched. Instead, he looked like he was enjoying it.

Seeing that her cat was extremely shameless, Yu'er could only helplessly say to them:
"Okay, okay, Manager Zhao is still waiting outside."

Yu'er finally tidied up Princess Ankang's skirt, and Li Xuan naturally got into Princess Ankang's arms.

How could I go to see Emperor Yongyuan without him?

Princess Ankang held Li Xuan in her arms, then nodded and said:

"Sister Yu'er, just rest here and wait for us to come back."

"Don't just stand there stupidly."

Yu Er showed a trace of embarrassment, and then quickly drove them out and said:
"I know, I know, go ahead."

It is clear from this that Yu'er originally planned to go back and stick to her post.

Yu'er is just too honest.

She was a close maid in Jingyang Palace. Princess Ankang was going to meet Emperor Yongyuan, so wouldn't she just be standing there stupidly at the banquet?
It would be troublesome if she met someone who didn't know what was good for her and made things difficult for Yu'er.

After all, not everyone in the outside world knows the feelings of the three little ones.

If someone fails to control Princess Ankang and instead takes it out on Yu'er, I'm afraid Li Xuan will cause some trouble in the palace to teach these bitches a lesson.

Now with Princess Ankang's order, Yu'er will never leave this room by herself.

This room was prepared for them by the Ministry of Internal Affairs, so they didn't have to worry about being disturbed.

"Then we'll be back soon. Sister Yu'er, if you're tired, take a nap first."

The New Year's Eve dinner will last the whole night, and they have just eaten their fill, so it is inevitable that they will feel sleepy.

Yu'er responded to Princess Ankang's instructions one by one, then quickly opened the door and sent the man and the cat out.

Zhao Feng had already been exposed to the cold outside.

"Manager Zhao, sorry to have kept you waiting."

Princess Ankang came out and said apologetically to Zhao Feng.

"Your Highness is too polite. Please follow me to see His Majesty."

"Your Majesty is currently discussing important matters with Prince Zheng and several other dukes."

"Prince Zheng is here too?" Princess Ankang looked surprised.

Zhao Feng nodded and explained, "It's an annual practice."

Then he lowered his voice and continued, "Prince Zheng almost represents the opinions of all the civil servants. Even if Your Majesty reduces the number of civil servants participating in the New Year's Eve meeting every year, as long as Prince Zheng participates, they have no objection."

Princess Ankang nodded, already understanding.

The situation is completely clear, except that the last layer of face has not been torn off yet.

Princess Ankang held Li Xuan in her arms and followed Zhao Feng.

After a while, they arrived at the Zichen Hall of Taiji Palace. Taiji Palace was quite special, as it had a hall specifically used for court sessions.

The Purple Palace is relatively private, and only the core ministers of the court can discuss matters with Emperor Yongyuan here, and it is also known as the inner court.

The activities that are held regularly in the Hanyuan Hall of the Taiji Palace on weekdays are called the outer court.

Princess Ankang had previously attended court in Hanyuan Hall regarding an issue concerning the magistrate of Chang'an County.

This was the first time for Princess Ankang and Li Xuan to come to the Zichen Palace.

After Zhao Feng reported and entered the hall, Li Xuan and Princess Ankang saw that there were already five people standing in the Zichen Hall, namely Prince Zheng and four dukes standing on both sides.

"My son is in good health and I have met my father."

Princess Ankang hugged Li Xuan and bowed.

Emperor Yongyuan, who was sitting on a high throne, nodded, then waved to Princess Ankang and said:
"Ankang, wait aside for now."

"Yes."

After receiving the order, Princess Ankang took two steps to the side and stood not far from the door.

Princess Ankang intentionally did not get too close to either side, but she always had to stand on a side and could not always stand in the middle of the hall, so Princess Ankang chose to stand on the same side as the four dukes.

After all, she still has the identity of a noble spokesperson at this time, so it is reasonable for her to stand here.

As for Princess Ankang's position, several people in the hall just took a look and then looked away, no longer paying attention.

"Your Majesty, next year's southern tour is confirmed."

"But His Majesty said before that he would bring a few princes with him. I wonder if His Majesty has decided on the candidates?"

"In this case, I have already asked all localities to make corresponding preparations."

King Zheng asked with a smile, as if he was just asking a question that he didn't care about.

"Uncle, don't worry. We will definitely confirm the candidate before the departure, giving the local government enough time to prepare."

"I think my uncle has also received the news that Yan Zhao will be returning to the capital soon. I have to ask her if she is interested in joining me on the southern tour. Otherwise, there will be more rumors that I have neglected the queen."

Emperor Yongyuan also replied with a smile.

Although both of them spoke with a smile, there was murderous intent in their words.

Although Li Xuan and Princess Ankang were just spectators, they also felt a chill.

"Uncle, if you have nothing else to do, you may leave first and continue to enjoy the New Year's Eve dinner."

It seemed that Emperor Yongyuan had finished what he wanted to say to Prince Zheng and began to order him to expel him.

King Zheng didn't care and immediately bowed and left. At least he was respectful on the surface.

As soon as Prince Zheng left, the dukes began to have something to say.

"Your Majesty, do we really need to continue our southern tour at this juncture?" Su Dingan made no secret of his concerns.

"This has been decided long ago, and there is no need for you Dukes to discuss it."

Emperor Yongyuan's strong attitude made several dukes shut up.

But the dukes still exchanged glances with each other and frowned slightly.

At this time, they were about to ask Emperor Yongyuan to continue to send reinforcements to the front line in order to increase external pressure.

But now Emperor Yongyuan seems to be trying to catch both inside and outside. Considering the current situation in Daxing, it may be too difficult.

But Qin Zongyong had already led the advance troops to the front line and started fighting with the desert. Even if the nobles wanted to change their strategy, it was too late.

There is no other choice but to go all the way.

The four dukes looked at Princess Ankang silently, their eyes full of "please".

Princess Ankang lived up to their expectations and stepped forward to report to Emperor Yongyuan:

"Father, I have something to report."

Then, Princess Ankang raised the issue raised by the dukes regarding sending additional troops to the front line.

After Princess Ankang finished speaking, the dukes looked nervous and their eyes turned to Emperor Yongyuan.

"Ankang, do you agree with this proposal?"

Emperor Yongyuan did not express his opinion immediately, but asked Princess Ankang instead.

Princess Ankang stroked Li Xuan's head, looked at Emperor Yongyuan, then looked at the four dukes, and then answered:
"Ankang believes that the dukes are sincere and are working for the country and the people, and are helping their father and the emperor."

"I don't agree with the idea of ​​ending war with war. At least at this moment, the risk is too great."

Princess Ankang is no longer just a frog in the cold palace.

In the past year, Princess Ankang has also made great progress.

Her progress is not as obvious as Li Xuan's, but her edge is no weaker.

After all, Princess Ankang had been in contact with the top talents in Daxing over the past year. She had learned a lot through her own understanding and by observing and listening to them.

Princess Ankang's words were addressed not only to Emperor Yongyuan, but also to the four dukes and other nobles behind them.

Since everyone has the same goal, there is no need to consume each other's strength and reduce their chances of winning in the end.

Princess Ankang, as a bridge of communication between the two sides, felt it necessary to bring this matter to the table.

After hearing what Princess Ankang said, Emperor Yongyuan smiled with relief.

Then his face turned serious and he looked at the four dukes:
"If I disagree, what do you think Duke Hu will do?"

The four dukes immediately bowed in fear and said, "Of course we will obey your majesty's order!"

"I don't think so." Emperor Yongyuan sighed.

The four dukes began to sweat slightly on their foreheads, but they did not make any more excuses.

I think everyone present, except Li Xuan and Princess Ankang, knew very well what kind of person Qin Zongyong was.

But when Emperor Yongyuan chose Qin Zongyong as the commander of the advance army, he probably had this day in mind.

There were some things that they just knew to each other tacitly, and it was hard to say who was hiding it from whom.

“It is impossible to increase the number of troops.”

Emperor Yongyuan said firmly.

At this time, Zhao Dinghai was the first to speak: "Your Majesty, now that the treasury is full, it is a good time to expand the army."

There was another half sentence that Zhao Dinghai didn't say.

If you miss this opportunity, you may not get it again in the future.

The nobles agreed to Qin Zongyong's plan because they wanted to seize the opportunity to expand their troops.

Otherwise, given the previous situation of annual reductions in treasury revenue, their request to expand the military would never have been passed at the court meeting.

And one day, this vicious cycle will threaten the military power held by the great nobles today.

This is a consequence they cannot accept.

"I won't hide it from you. I do have the money."

"But even if you were given this money, you still wouldn't be able to recruit this soldier!"

Emperor Yongyuan spoke with certainty.

"In the current situation, if I give out ten cents, how much money will be left in your hands?"

"And the subsequent food, wages and military equipment is a bottomless pit."

"Don't aid the enemy anymore!"

Emperor Yongyuan pointed at the four dukes and said meaningfully.

When the four dukes heard this, they were also shocked.

So far, this was the first time that Emperor Yongyuan used such straightforward words to refer to that person in front of them.

Although the dispute between Emperor Yongyuan and Prince Zheng was already known to everyone in the court, it took on a different meaning when it was made public.

The four dukes were startled and said to themselves at the same time:
"Your Majesty, are you going to decide the winner?!"

(End of this chapter)