The Prodigal Son

On the 24th day of the twelfth lunar month, a heavy snow fell in the capital city.

In two more days, the imperial court will be closed for the day.

Zhao Luan has received news that Qin Yu and his group will arrive in the capital around noon today.

After the morning court session ended, Zhao Luan led civil and military officials to the outside of the imperial city to welcome the victorious soldiers.

Looking at Zhao Luan sitting under the canopy, the courtiers couldn't help but sigh inwardly.

Qin Yu has truly soared to new heights this time.

Everyone knows that Zhao Luan said he came to welcome Yu Jing, but in reality he came to welcome Qin Yu, who made great contributions in this battle.

Putting everything else aside, the fact that Empress Da Ning personally came out of the city to welcome her is an immense honor.

Zhao Luan already doted on Qin Yu, so she'll definitely treat him like a precious gem from now on!

Ugh!

Comparing people is a recipe for disaster, comparing goods is a recipe for throwing them away!

At this time last year, Qin Yu was still a piece of trash that everyone hated.

In less than a year, Qin Yu had become a hot commodity.

Why can't my own children be as successful as Qin Yu?

Beneath the snow-covered canopy, Zhao Luan lowered her head, racking her brains to figure out how to deal with that bastard Qin Yu.

Thinking about Qin Yu's messy affairs in Yuyangqian, she felt a little itchy.

That bastard will stop at nothing to avoid getting promoted!

But he didn't know that, for whatever reason, selling official positions would certainly lead to impeachment by the censor.

I still want to give him an important position!

If I were to promote him again after he made such a scene, it would definitely provoke fierce opposition from the court officials.

She strongly suspected that Qin Yu had returned before the court adjourned, so that the court officials would have some time to impeach him!

asshole!

I really want to hang him up and whip him hard!

She suddenly missed the feeling of kicking Qin Yu around like a ball.

Although it hurt me too, it felt so good!

"Your Majesty, Your Majesty..."

Just as Zhao Luan was deep in thought, she heard Yun Ying calling her name.

Zhao Luan snapped out of her daze and looked up at Yun Ying: "What's wrong?"

Yun Ying reported in a low voice: "The scouts report that Prince Fengyi and our victorious soldiers are less than five miles away."

"understood."

Zhao Luan slowly stood up and called Shangguan Youyi over. "Tell me, how should I teach that bastard Qin Yu a lesson?"

"this……"

Shangguan Youyi smiled and said, "Physician Qin is doing this to ease His Majesty's burdens. Would it be inappropriate for His Majesty to reprimand him again?"

She had long known about Qin Yu's rampant selling of official positions.

She knew in her heart that although Zhao Luan was furious about this matter, she would definitely not be willing to teach Qin Yu a lesson.

Such a person, skilled in both literature and martial arts, and not greedy for power, is a true gem!

If anyone really wants to teach Qin Yu a lesson, Zhao Luan will probably have to teach him a lesson first!

Moreover, she was a woman too, and she sensed that Zhao Luan had some feelings for Qin Yu.

However, she dared not ask or say anything about such a thing.

Zhao Luan, with a long face, said irritably, "What I need is for him to share my burdens in matters of state, not in this kind of thing!"

Shangguan Youyi thought for a moment, then pursed her lips and said, "How about a one-year salary deduction?"

"..."

Zhao Luan's lips twitched slightly.

A deduction from salary?

Qin Yu was never short of money, and this time he made a fortune by selling official positions.

For Qin Yu, even a one-year or ten-year salary deduction would be a drop in the ocean.

Shangguan Youyi glanced at Zhao Luan discreetly, then caught a few falling snowflakes with her hand, and changed the subject with a smile, "A timely snow promises a bumper harvest. Our dynasty has been expanding its territory this year, and now this auspicious snow has fallen from the sky. Next year, Da Ning will surely be even more prosperous and strong."

"Hmm, that's a good sign!"

Zhao Luan nodded slightly.

She knew that Shangguan Youyi was deliberately changing the subject, and she was too lazy to press her for more information.

However, she was really unhappy if she didn't teach Qin Yu a lesson!

No!

We have to find a way to teach this bastard a lesson!

Well, if all else fails, I'll just keep this bastard by my side!

Isn't he greedy for money and lustful?

Let's make sure he can't be greedy for money or lustful, and see how uncomfortable he is!

While Zhao Luan was lost in thought, a long line appeared in the snow.

Zhao Luan stepped out from under the canopy, gesturing to the palace maids holding up the canopy that they didn't need to follow.

Upon seeing this, the courtiers quickly put away their oil-paper umbrellas and followed.

Yu Jing's carriage stopped a hundred feet away. Yu Jing quickly got out of the carriage and led Qin Yu and his group forward.

On this trip, not only Yuan Dingguo and others returned to the capital to receive their titles, but also surrendered generals from the Min Kingdom, such as Yin Ye, Huo Tianwen, and Zhang Sheng.

When he was about ten feet away from Zhao Luan, Yu Jing respectfully knelt down: "Your humble servant Yu Jing pays his respects to Your Majesty! Your Majesty braved the snow to greet me; I am deeply moved and cannot express my gratitude!"

Yu Jing pressed his forehead against the snow, bowing his body as low as possible, showing utmost obedience.

"Please rise quickly!"

Zhao Luan quickly stepped forward and personally helped Yu Jing up. "Da Ning and Min have always been harmonious and friendly, like one family. Now, Prince Fengyi has led the entire Min Kingdom to submit, working for the well-being of the people and protecting the safety of all. I am very pleased! The Prince has entrusted the lives of millions of people to us, and Da Ning and I will certainly not fail in his trust!"

Yu Jing bowed, "Yu Jing's abilities are limited, and I am unable to bring peace to the people. I know that only Your Majesty can ensure that the people of Min live in peace and prosperity! One day, our Great Ning will surely unify the world and establish a foundation for ten thousand generations!"

Zhao Luan smiled, "This enduring legacy still needs the Prince's strong support!"

"Your subject is prepared to sacrifice his life, even unto death!"

Yu Jing swore an oath.

"With the Prince's words, I am relieved!"

Zhao Luan smiled politely, "The wind and snow are heavy outside. I have prepared a banquet in the palace. Let's return to the palace first! You and Prime Minister Gao should get to know each other better. I won't invite you to ride with me!"

"yes!"

Yu Jing accepted the order.

After speaking with Yu Jing, Zhao Luan looked at Qin Yu with a half-smile: "Qin Yu!"

"Your humble servant is here!"

A sense of foreboding suddenly arose in Qin Yu's heart.

Damn it, is that female demon up to something again?

Shouldn't you tone it down a bit in public?

Zhao Luan narrowed his eyes slightly: "You have performed an unparalleled feat this time; therefore, I hereby grant you the privilege of riding alongside me!"

Riding together?

As Zhao Luan finished speaking, the assembled officials were immediately taken aback.

Many people secretly wondered if Zhao Luan's decision to have Qin Yu ride with her was sending some kind of signal.

Qin Yu was also taken aback for a moment, and after regaining his composure, he forced a bow and said, "Thank you, Your Majesty!"

No doubt about it!

The female tyrant must have received news that she was selling official positions!

She can't wait to get herself ready!

never mind!

It is a blessing, not a curse, but a curse that cannot be avoided!

She's not going to eat herself, is she?

Seeing this, Xu Wan couldn't help but worry and whispered to Nan Que'er beside her, "Will he be alright?"

Nan Que'er sniffed and hummed softly, "He'll be fine, but suddenly I'm worried something might happen to us."

"what?"

Xu Wan was confused.

Is His Majesty unwilling to punish Qin Yu and instead punish them?

Surely not?

"What the heck?!"

Nan Que'er leaned close to Xu Wan's ear and whispered, "Aren't you afraid our man will be stolen away?"

Robbed?

Xu Wan's face twitched violently as she stared in astonishment at Nan Que'er...