The Prodigal Son

When Qin Yu and his group returned from the manor, snowflakes began to fall again.

Back home, before they could even settle in, Zhao Luan sent someone to inform him that he would be accompanying the Empress Dowager to Diecui Mountain to enjoy the snow the next day.

The next day, before dawn, Qin Yu took Qi Dachui and went out in the snow.

When they arrived at the palace gate, they discovered that there were several court officials present.

Gao Yi, Su Yu, Feng Shinan, and Cui Xu were all present.

Yu Jing and Gao Yao were also there.

"Thirteenth Young Master, look!"

Qi Dachui keenly spotted Shi Lian'er in the crowd and pointed her out to Qin Yu with surprise.

"I saw it a long time ago."

Qin Yu smiled, "It's nothing special, don't make a fuss."

He knew that Lü Si would also be coming.

It's estimated that the Empress Dowager wanted to take this opportunity to let Lü Si and Shi Lian'er develop their relationship!

"She seems to be a master!"

Qi Dachui said in a low voice.

"what?"

Qin Yu was puzzled. "How did you know she's an expert?"

Shi Lian'er was easily defeated by Lü Si that day, so she probably isn't a master, right?

"Look closely at her face!"

Qi Dachui said in a serious tone, "She was slapped so many times by Lü Si the day before yesterday, but her face is fine today. She's probably a master!"

"..."

Qin Yu's face twitched, then he lightly slapped Qi Dachui across the face. "Idiot, she's wearing makeup! Look at her face, she looks like a geisha! She must have used a ton of makeup to cover up the marks on her face!"

"Oh! I see!"

Qi Dachui suddenly realized, and chuckled sheepishly, "I knew it! If I weren't a master, how could my face recover so quickly..."

Seeing Qin Yu and Qi Dachui, Shi Lian'er was already seething with hatred.

Now, seeing the two of them pointing and whispering about him as if no one else was around, he was even angrier, his back teeth almost grinding to powder, and his gaze towards them was full of resentment.

Qin Yu noticed Shi Lian'er's gaze and couldn't help but worry for her.

You need to pay attention to your facial expressions!

Otherwise, be careful that the makeup on your face doesn't come off.

Qin Yu shook his head inwardly and looked around under Shi Lian'er's hateful gaze, but he did not see the figure of the Lü family father and son.

Gao Yi's gaze swept over the Shi family father and daughter, then he took the initiative to step forward and greet Qin Yu, "Qin..."

"Oh, Mr. Su, it's been a long time! You look even more energetic than before..."

Qin Yu completely ignored Gao Yi and exaggeratedly went up to greet Su Yu, almost giving him a warm hug.

Hearing Qin Yu's words, everyone couldn't help but feel annoyed.

Long time no see?

Could you be any more fake?

Didn't he just see Su Yu in the imperial court a few days ago?

He was clearly deliberately humiliating Gao Yi in public.

Having been rebuffed by Qin Yu, he swallowed back the rest of his words.

Although he seemed a little embarrassed, he was secretly pleased.

The more Qin Yu acted this way, the happier he became.

The more Qin Yu acted this way, the more Zhao Luan would support him.

In the imperial court, there must never be a single faction of ministers who can dictate the proceedings; there must be different voices!

Qin Yu completely ignored Gao Yi and pulled Feng Shinan aside to talk to him about making armor.

Feng Shinan readily agreed, smiling as he said, "As long as His Majesty approves, I'm sure there won't be any problems!"

"Okay, okay, it's a deal then!"

Qin Yu warmly grasped Feng Shinan's hand, "I'll need your help on my side then, Lord Feng, to get it done as quickly as possible!"

"OK!"

Feng Shinan nodded and smiled.

Although Qin Yu was stripped of his title and dismissed from office, there is no doubt that His Majesty still greatly favored him.

As long as His Majesty agrees, he wouldn't mind helping Qin Yu out.

Yu Jing glanced at the two people talking to the side and whispered to Gao Yi, "It seems that Qin Yu has completely come to hate us."

"Let them hold a grudge!"

Gao Yi smiled dismissively, "We and he are never on the same path, nor can we ever be!"

"The old man is right."

Yu Jing nodded slightly.

Qin Yu chatted with Feng Shinan for a while, and then Lü Si, who was yawning constantly, finally arrived.

Judging from Lü Si's appearance, he hadn't slept well!

Upon seeing Lü Si, Shi Lian'er clenched her fists tightly, wishing she could pierce Lü Si with her sharp eyes.

Meeting Shi Lian'er's gaze, Lü Si not only wasn't angry, but instead grinned at her.

I couldn't find that damned woman yesterday!

We absolutely cannot let her get away with this today!

Seeing the smile on Lü Si's face, Shi Lian'er was a little confused, and Qin Yu was also secretly suspicious.

Yesterday, that grandson was acting like he'd rather die than marry Shi Lian'er.

Did he even flirt with Shi Lian'er today?

What, he went on a date with Shi Lian'er yesterday?

Or has an indescribable relationship already occurred?

The legendary...it smells so good?

Filled with curiosity, Qin Yu quickly stepped forward and pulled Lü Si aside. "Have you figured it out?"

"Mind your own business! Don't interfere in my affairs!"

Lu Si hummed in response, secretly pondering to himself.

Should we beat this piece of shit up in front of everyone?

Hmm, never mind!

With so many of you, if you make a move, you'll definitely be pulled apart.

Moreover, the Empress Dowager wants to enjoy the snow today, so we mustn't spoil her mood.

Let's talk about it after the Empress Dowager has finished enjoying the snow!

Soon, Lü Si made up his mind.

"Now you don't want me to concern myself with your affairs anymore?"

Qin Yu's lips curled into a smile. "Have you forgotten how you begged me yesterday?"

"I……"

Lu Si's face stiffened, and he waved his hand unhappily, "Go away, go somewhere cool and stay somewhere else!"

"You ungrateful wretch!"

Qin Yu laughed and scolded, then asked curiously, "Why didn't your father come?"

"My mother is about to give birth, shouldn't my father be at home with her?" Lu Si looked at Qin Yu as if he were an idiot.

Qin Yu ignored Lü Si's gaze and gently nudged him, "By the way, you didn't actually go to see Shi Lian'er yesterday to cultivate your relationship, did you?"

As he spoke, Qin Yu gave him a knowing look that any man would understand.

"Get lost!"

Lu Si suppressed his nausea and huffed impatiently, "If you don't speak, no one will think you're mute!"

As he spoke, Lü Si walked to the side, clearly not wanting to discuss Shi Lian'er with Qin Yu any further.

Seeing Lü Si's appearance, Qin Yu was even more puzzled.

What exactly is this grandson up to?

Just as Qin Yu was secretly wondering, Zhao Luan and the Empress Dowager's imperial carriage arrived.

The first thing that catches the eye is the golden-armored imperial guards patrolling the streets, with several elite soldiers riding warhorses with swords at their waists, looking majestic.

Following closely behind, several eunuchs in red robes, each wielding a long, silent whip, cracked several times in the air, the sound echoing far and wide, signaling the approaching imperial carriage and urging all sides to make way.

Further on was a grand procession, its bright yellow hue exuding magnificence.

The officers on both sides marched in separate ranks, their banners fluttering in the wind;

Nine-phoenix curved canopies and golden square umbrellas, layered upon layer, are held high in the air...

Looking at the ceremonial procession, Qin Yu couldn't help but secretly marvel.

Previously, the Empress Dowager had ordered him to accompany her to enjoy the snow, and he thought it would be the same as going on a trip to the peony garden.

But the current situation seems a bit too large!

Those who knew them thought they were going to enjoy the snow, but those who didn't might have thought they were on an inspection tour!

After everyone bowed to the Empress Dowager and Zhao Luan, the Empress Dowager smiled and instructed Lü Si, "You will ride with Lord Shi and his daughter!"

Lu Si's face suddenly stiffened, and he forced a smile, "Aunt, I've been practicing riding recently, I... I want to ride a horse!"

The Empress Dowager remained silent, only glancing sideways with an air of authority.

Lu Si felt a chill run down his spine and could only reluctantly obey: "Yes!"

"Alright, let's go!"

The Empress Dowager composed herself and returned to her imperial carriage.

Soon, the grand procession headed straight out of the city.

Seeing Lü Si reluctantly walk off to ride with the Shi family father and daughter, Qin Yu felt even more puzzled.

It's clear that Lü Si still doesn't want to marry Shi Lian'er!

But why does his mood seem to have suddenly improved?

He had previously been grinning foolishly at Shi Lian'er?

What exactly is this bastard trying to do?

Yu Jing led Gao Yao and Gao Yi into the carriage, lifted the curtain and glanced back at Qin Yu. Seeing Qin Yu's "disappointed" appearance, she couldn't help but chuckle to herself.

Lowering the curtain, Yu Jing said to Gao Yi with a smile, "It seems that the dismissal and stripping of his title has had a significant impact on Qin Yu!"

"He made such a great contribution, yet he was dismissed from his post and stripped of his title. It would be strange if this didn't have an impact."

Gao Yi, his expression calm, reminded Yu Jing, "In private, as long as Qin Yu doesn't provoke you, try your best to avoid conflict with him! In matters of state, as long as you have a valid reason and evidence, try your best to confront him!"

"Um."

Yu Jing nodded gently...