Azure Heaven Saber
Chapter 1181 - 1181 56 3000 Years of Reading History 90000

Chapter 1181: Chapter 56: 3000 Years of Reading History, 90000 Li of Comprehending the Dao [2-in-1] Chapter 1181: Chapter 56: 3000 Years of Reading History, 90000 Li of Comprehending the Dao [2-in-1] “Your Excellency, although the Duke of the Kingdom and I can’t be considered old friends, we have indeed met before. Since he’s retiring today, it’s only natural that I should be a part of his retirement celebration,” Bu Changkong said, seizing the opportunity.

Qing Ming, the esteemed leader, glanced at him sidelong: “Heh.”

“This also provides a chance to chat with Your Excellency… I hope to receive a few more pieces of advice from you,” Bu Changkong continued with a fawning look.

Qing Ming, the esteemed leader, looked at him and said, “Then come along. Whatever you want to say, say it on the way. Once we are at the Duke of the Kingdom’s residence, speak less.”

“I couldn’t ask for more!”

Bu Changkong followed half a step behind Qing Ming and the esteemed Green Wolf, stooping and talking all the way, acting exactly like an obsequious lackey.

The three of them proceeded at a leisurely pace, as if they were traveling by carriage.

Countless people bowed respectfully from a distance, bending over and saluting.

Then they watched the esteemed leader depart with eyes full of respect, not straightening up and leaving until a long while after.

Next, several vice directors of the Dark Guards arrived, followed by the person in charge of Heavenly Clothes…

The procession of people gradually grew bigger, and it was evident that more were trying to squeeze in.

But the people who followed were unceremoniously driven away by Bu Changkong: “Go on, get out of here. What’s the excitement about? Is this a place for you? Can’t you read the room?”

“Off with all of you!”

“Too many people, too many eyes! The Duke of the Kingdom’s house can’t accommodate you all!”

“Stay away, everyone!”

“Don’t follow us any longer, be careful not to anger the esteemed leader!”

The latecomers who were turned away were fuming with indignation.

Yet, an official outranks the rest, and with Bu Changkong hogging the opportunity for sucking up, there was really nothing the others could do.

Besides, Qing Ming himself didn’t intervene to maintain fairness, allowing Bu Changkong free rein and seemingly taking pleasure in it. Since the esteemed leader tacitly approved, what could the others do?

However, the news that Qing Ming walked through the mortal world and explicitly expressed his desire to join the Duke of the Kingdom’s celebration spread in an extremely short period of time.

The news spread rapidly across Capital City, and those who were entitled to know were informed in the blink of an eye.

At the same time, someone raced to inform the Duke of the Kingdom’s residence: Whether the Duke knew or not, delivering the news could justifiably let them stay for a meal.

Ordinary meals, sought or unsorted, were no rarity.

But this meal… significant in its meaning, the difference between presence and absence was absolutely stark.

Moreover, only someone with proper status could undertake such a task, and those who judged themselves unworthy dared not approach.

An impromptu move would be meaningless at best, but being turned away with a word would be utterly humiliating—lacking even the qualifications to flatter.

Would not the second half of their lives then become a laughingstock?

The Qin Emperor was informed of this news at the earliest moment.

However, his initial reaction was one of astonishment, even freezing behind his imperial desk for quite some time.

“The esteemed leader is heading to the Duke of the Kingdom’s residence at the pace of a commoner?”

The Qin Emperor seemed to be seeking confirmation.

“Yes,” Shi Hongzhen said solemnly.

The Emperor fell silent again, returning to silence.

In a low voice, Shi Hongzhen said, “The Duke of the Kingdom will have no worries in this life.”

The Emperor glared at him and said, “You old killer, you are clearly pointing at me! The Duke of the Kingdom has rendered great services to the country, and his life of peace is something I personally promised to ensure. It is a righteous duty of mine.”

Shi Hongzhen apologized with a smile: “Yes, yes.”

Then continued: “The esteemed leader is walking quite slowly.”

The Emperor hesitated for a moment.

Then, Shi Hongzhen whispered: “This old servant thinks that the esteemed leader may be waiting for you.”

Such a conjecture was something he felt obliged to point out.

Even if the Qin Emperor had his own suspicions, Shi Hongzhen’s reminder was still very necessary.

The Emperor immediately responded: “Prepare the horses at once. We will also join the excitement and drink with the Duke of the Kingdom.”

“Hmm, shall we bring any gifts?”

Shi Hongzhen chose his words very carefully when discussing the gifts.

Gifts!?

One must understand that when an emperor visits a subject’s home, any item he brings is considered ‘imperial favor.’

However, Shi Hongzhen, the wily and long-serving chief steward of the palace, this time referred to it as a ‘gift.’

It’s as though it was not an imperial visit, but rather a friendly call.

The Emperor thought for a moment and then said, “Certainly, a gift must be taken.”

“If that’s the case… shall this old servant go and prepare it?”

“No… no need, call the Empress and the crown prince, and have the Empress prepare the gift.”

Shi Hongzhen said, “Then this old servant will go and report to the Empress.”

“Very well.”

The Emperor nodded in satisfaction.

With Shi Hongzhen handling matters, one could always be at ease.

The old steward always tended to details far more comprehensively and adeptly than if the Emperor himself were to take charge.

A short while later.

The palace gates opened.

The Qin Emperor and Empress left the palace in their carriage, heading for the Duke of the Kingdom’s residence.

Moreover, the pomp and circumstance of the Emperor’s trip this time was exceptionally simple; the imperial couple didn’t even wear their royal crowns or regalia, just plain clothes, resembling an ordinary couple with a child visiting old friends.

That evening, the Duke of the Kingdom’s mansion was bustling with activity.

Meng Fang and Rou Er were visibly flustered, at a loss for what to do.

Rou Er had already sent people to purchase enough food and wine for over two hundred guests, all set for a grand banquet.

But even this preparation was more than enough.

Yet with the esteemed leader suddenly expressing his intent to visit, the importance of the occasion had transformed entirely.

Including those who came with him, even if the close guards and personal attendants were more familiar with Meng Fang and his wife, they couldn’t be seated at the main table, nor could they dine in the same room.

Meng Fang ultimately had no choice but to set up several tables in the yard, relegating the guards to drink there, while he and his wife entertained Qing Ming and the esteemed guest.