Once, I wanted to be a good person
Chapter 916 - 239. Unless Old Mr. Bai is resurrected? (5800 words)

Chapter 916: 239. Unless Old Mr. Bai is resurrected? (5800 words)

Upon hearing the eunuch’s words, Fang Ze couldn’t help but cast his gaze toward the Grand Secretary who was hosting him.

Compared to this seemingly intimidating eunuch, Fang Ze still trusted the Grand Secretary who had been receiving him from the beginning.

At this moment, noticing Fang Ze’s look, the Grand Secretary slightly turned his body and softly introduced in Fang Ze’s ear, "Chairperson Fang, this is Eunuch Gao, someone from His Majesty’s side."

Upon hearing the Grand Secretary’s introduction, Fang Ze understood that the person before him should have no issues with his identity. So, he stood up, cupped his hands toward the Grand Secretary, and said, "Then, Mr. Zhao, I’ll take my leave first."

Seeing Fang Ze being so polite, the Grand Secretary also stood up, smiling and returning the courtesy to Fang Ze, "That’s the way it should be."

Seeing the two being so familiar, Eunuch Gao’s cold gaze swept over the two of them, then he retracted his gaze, stood by with hands lowered, and stepped aside from the doorway.

Passing by Eunuch Gao, Fang Ze followed the grand eunuch’s lead and walked through the imperial city of Tang State. Although he maintained a forward gaze throughout, he was, in fact, secretly using Void Eye to take in the layout of the imperial city.

Overall, the architectural style of Tang State was closer to the Chinese architecture of Fang Ze’s past life, with intricate carvings and jade structures, palatial halls and fragrant pavilions, conveying a classical, dignified, and grand feeling that uplifted Fang Ze’s mood considerably.

And perhaps feeling Fang Ze’s emotion, since the meeting began, Eunuch Gao, like a venomous snake, asked in his thin voice, "Is this Chairperson Fang’s first time in Tang State?"

Fang Ze nodded slightly while maintaining his gaze, "Mm," he replied, "Yes, it is."

Eunuch Gao said, "Then do visit often when you have time. Tang State is different from Xida State."

Fang Ze was stunned for a moment hearing Eunuch Gao’s words and couldn’t help but glance at him subtly. However, Eunuch Gao now showed no expression, as if he hadn’t just spoken, making it difficult to guess his thoughts.

Under Eunuch Gao’s lead, Fang Ze arrived at Zichen Hall.

At Zichen Hall, Fang Ze waited briefly outside the door while Eunuch Gao went inside to report. Soon, he came back out and led Fang Ze into the hall.

Stepping into the inner hall, Fang Ze saw an elderly man of advanced age leaning against the dragon couch.

His hair and beard were all white, yet he wore a black dragon robe. Perhaps due to decades of ruling the nation, the wrinkles on his face naturally formed a dignified dragon pattern.

At this moment, he leaned against the dragon couch, looking at Fang Ze with tiger-like eyes free of joy and sorrow. Despite displaying no strength, the oppressive aura of royalty still made Fang Ze very uncomfortable.

The Royal talent was ineffective against such formidable figures with higher status and strength than Fang Ze. So, Fang Ze stood as if unclothed before Emperor Li.

Luckily, Emperor Li did not mean to intimidate Fang Ze. Before Fang Ze could pay respects, Emperor Li’s aura was swiftly withdrawn, and he signaled Fang Ze with his hand, instructing Eunuch Gao in a deep voice, "Bring a seat."

Eunuch Gao bowed respectfully, "Yes, Your Majesty."

At this moment, Fang Ze composed himself and quickly expressed his gratitude, "Thank you, Emperor Li."

Emperor Li waved his hand dismissively and then coughed twice into his hand, taking a sip of hot tea from the golden cup on the dragon desk.

Eunuch Gao’s movements were swift. Within seconds, a large chair was brought into the hall, and Fang Ze adjusted his clothing before sitting down. Then, looking at Emperor Li, he slowly began, "Your Majesty, I have come to Tang State on behalf of Xida State to ask for your intervention."

"Currently, an Outer Realm demigod is descending, and the Seven States of the Eastern Administrative Region share a common destiny. If any state falls to the Outer Realm demigod, the enemy will grow even stronger."

"We have a chance at victory only if we contain them in Tuoya and restrict their growth before they strengthen."

"Thus, Xida State seeks to rally the demigods and military bases of the surrounding states to confine Tuoya and curb the Outer Realm demigod’s development, to mitigate this crisis as much as possible."

"I wonder what Your Majesty’s thoughts are?"

Upon hearing Fang Ze’s words, Emperor Li lifted his drooping eyelids, looking at Fang Ze with eyes devoid of joy or sorrow, simply observing him.

After a moment, he did not answer Fang Ze’s question but instead suddenly shifted topics, saying, "Fang Ze. I remember your fief is in Congyun City?"

Fang Ze was momentarily taken aback, then said, "Yes, the territory of our Si Family is in Congyun City."

Emperor Li asked, "The very place bordering Tuoya, the front line?"

Fang Ze nodded without denying it.

Seeing Fang Ze continue to nod, Emperor Li finally said slowly, "So, you’re actually gathering us to rescue Xida State at this moment, motivated by personal interest."

These words were quite probing. Fang Ze couldn’t help but rapidly think of how to respond to this question.

As an envoy of Xida State, Fang Ze was supposed to rally the surrounding states with great righteousness. If private motives were mixed in, the other side would instantly have grounds for rebuttal or refusal.

However..... it depends on the person.

Fang Ze recalled the intelligence he had gathered over the past two days about Emperor Li. Although Emperor Li was autocratic and peremptory, he also cared for the people like his children.

The reason he could develop Tang State into an entity second only to the three directly governed states and suppress the constitutional monarchy movement of the past was because he prioritized the welfare of the people, focused on livelihood, reduced taxes, lightened service obligations, and broadly distributed benefits, ruling the world with benevolence.