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"Your Majesty, I believe that since this matter has been handled by Lord Han, it should be judged by Lord Han." I threw the hot potato back to Han Xuanqi.

"Oh? Then, Minister Han, what do you think I should do?"

With a thud, Old Man Han knelt down in the center of the hall. It's a bit heartbreaking to see someone so old doing this.

"Your Majesty, this old minister is ashamed before Your Majesty, ashamed before the two late emperors." He had only said one sentence when his voice choked up, as if he was about to burst into tears. "That rebellious son-in-law, he has been putting on an act in front of this old minister for many years, yet he has committed such a heinous crime behind the scenes. This old minister thought he was young and promising and recommended him with all his might back then. I was truly blind and ashamed before Your Majesty. Such a rebellious son should be executed according to the law. This old minister recommended the wrong person and failed in his duty to Your Majesty. I beg Your Majesty to punish him." This old man Han was even better at acting than his son-in-law. He suddenly fell to the ground, seemingly filled with extreme remorse, and his words were a masterful feigned retreat.

As expected, upon seeing this, the fox quickly pretended to get up and help Old Man Han to his feet. He shifted slightly, then sat back down, his face filled with sorrow and grief, his voice trembling with emotion: "Minister Han, please rise! Minister Han has devoted his entire life to the Longyao Kingdom, serving it tirelessly for decades, a fact known to all. Today's events are not your fault; it is Li Yuhan's fault for being so treacherous and cunning. Minister Han, what wrong have you committed in this act of sacrificing your own family for the greater good?"

A chill ran down my spine. I never imagined that the devilishly charming yet noble and elegant fox emperor could put on such a hypocritical act. He was clearly furious inside, wishing he could immediately strip the Han faction of their official positions and throw them into prison, yet on the surface he had to pretend to be heartbroken. Sigh, dragon fox, it's such a pity you're not competing for an Oscar.

Old Han rose to his feet, then thrice proclaimed "Your Majesty!" to the Emperor. As he turned to return to the ranks, he gave me a sharp, cold stare. What? I didn't report you, nor did I intend to punish your Han family. Have you even figured out who our enemy is?

"Minister Yun, you can handle this matter as you see fit," the dragon fox said weakly, seemingly still immersed in heartache.

This fox is still pretending, really. Sigh, this hot potato is back in my hands again, what should I do? The Han family lineage is deeply entrenched, how can it be uprooted overnight? Besides, everyone knows that he is a veteran of three dynasties, and seems to be loyal to the Longyao Kingdom. I can't let old man Han retire early for such a small matter, can I? If that happens, who will dare to risk their lives for this fox in the future?

"Your Majesty," I said, "in my humble opinion, Lord Han is a veteran of three reigns, serving the country loyally for over forty years. His merits are immense. Although Li Yuhan is guilty and deserves death, Your Majesty, out of compassion for Lord Han, who has only one daughter and a young son, spares Li's life, even though this son-in-law is unworthy, for a young child cannot be without a father. This is truly the act of a benevolent and wise ruler." I paused at the opportune moment, looking up at the Dragon Fox. He looked at me calmly, but his peach blossom eyes were slightly narrowed, making it impossible to discern his expression. I rolled my eyes at him a few times and continued:

"But a country has its laws, and a family has its rules. If the law is not followed, where is the order? Although the Emperor's grace is boundless and Li has been spared the death penalty, he must still give an explanation to the Emperor and the people for the mistakes he has made. Therefore, I humbly believe that Li's crime of embezzlement and bribery should be redeemed by returning all the silver he received to the national treasury; Li's crime of disregarding human life should be redeemed by demoting him by one rank for each life he has taken; Li's crimes of dereliction of duty and arrogance should be redeemed by making him a slave; as for Li's crimes of nepotism, buying and selling officials, and condoning his subordinates, I have already dismissed those officials and sent them back to their hometowns, so let's leave it at that. I will compile a list of the silver and the lives lost and present it to the Emperor for review. If Li's silver and rank are insufficient, someone from the Han family can redeem them on his behalf."

Looking at the national treasury's accounts, the treasury of Longyao Kingdom doesn't seem particularly abundant. I'll just do a good deed and collect some silver for you, Fox Emperor. Li Shi was originally a third-rank official; demoting him to a commoner is enough to atone for seven lives. But Li Shi has more than seven lives on his hands. For the remaining unredeemed lives, let the officials in Old Man Han's family be demoted to redeem them. Sigh, my unconventional method of punishment is all for the sake of the country and for you, Fox Emperor. Thinking of this, I'm immediately moved by my own actions.

Sigh, I seem to be getting more and more used to life here. Aside from occasionally missing my parents and Fatty, occasionally missing computers, TVs and cell phones, and occasionally missing cars, food and kitchen appliances, I really don't have any other thoughts. Anyway, no matter how much I think about it, I can't bring myself to go back.

Before I knew it, I had been attending court for a month. I think I am probably the most diligent prime minister in the history of Longyao Kingdom. In this past month, I have not only worked overtime at night, but also used the long-awaited half-monthly rest day for overtime. So, as my second day off as prime minister approaches, in view of my previous performance, I have decided to relax properly this day off.

Speaking of my current job in Longyao Kingdom, the benefits and compensation are really incomparable to my previous company. They had a two-day weekend every week, while here it's only a two-day weekend every month; they had pension, medical insurance, unemployment benefits, and housing provident fund, while here there's nothing, and you have to pay out of pocket if you get sick; they had salary, bonuses, and subsidies, while here you just get a fixed salary; they paid salaries in advance, while here you get paid five days after the month; they reimbursed entertainment expenses, while there's no business entertainment budget… I was hoping the Emperor would bestow a Prime Minister's residence or something, but after waiting for N days, nothing happened. That wicked Emperor is truly an ingrate, wanting the horse to run fast without feeding it; he really knows how to play the game.

Life at the Yun residence was quite easy. Old Master Yun was incredibly busy, rarely even spending time there, so Zhang De generally handled all the affairs, big and small. Zhang De, that middle-aged man, was a good fellow. He hadn't bothered me once during these days, nor had he caused any trouble for Hong'er or Cui'er. He hadn't shown any displeasure at my coming home late from court and wandering around the Yun residence late at night. He readily provided me with whatever I wanted—food, drink, clothes, or other necessities—and even turned a blind eye to my occasional visits to the Nanzhu Garden.

Sigh, what am I going to do on my day off? I've ravaged all the flowers and plants in the Yun Mansion, and trampled every nook and cranny. Embroidery and needlework are not suitable for my current status. Reading is something I use to fall asleep before bed. Looks like I can only go out for a stroll.

He took Cui'er and Hong'er with him, and to put Zhang De at ease, he had them change into men's clothing as well. He also brought a guard to act as the coachman. Sitting in the carriage with the two maids, he whispered and discussed, and finally decided: first go to eat, then go shopping, and when they got tired, drink tea and listen to opera. Then in the evening, they would go on a night boat trip on Longze Lake, a famous lake in the capital, to eat and enjoy the beautiful scenery.

Standing before the Inviting Moon Pavilion, recalling my last experience there, I hesitated for a moment before resolutely deciding to go in. I couldn't resist; the dishes at Inviting Moon Pavilion were simply too tempting! After dinner, I ran off to the street to shop. Taking advantage of the Yun family's wealth and the fact that Old Man Yun hadn't restricted my spending, I indulged in a thoroughly enjoyable period of extravagance. When I was too tired to shop anymore, I put my things on the carriage and then clamored to go see a play. Cui'er said that the "Qu Yuan" was the best place in the capital to listen to plays; not only could you hear plays, but you could also enjoy song and dance performances. In any case, there were performances in multiple venues within the garden, so you could watch whatever you liked.

The entire Quyuan Garden was almost half the size of Yunfu Mansion, with carved beams and jade-like steps, small bridges and flowing water, possessing a unique, quiet, and elegant charm, making it feel nothing like a mere brothel. The four courtyards each hosted different performances: opera in Qingyi Pavilion, music in Liyin Pavilion, dance in Pianhong Pavilion, and zither in Qiushui Pavilion. I wasn't interested in opera, singing was so-so, and I didn't care much for music, but I heard there would be a special performance in Pianhong Pavilion today, so I chose that one.

The Pianhong Pavilion was already packed with guests, but the beautiful manager managed to find us an empty table amidst the throng. Although it was a bit of a corner, I was already quite satisfied. Glancing at the tables next to us, I saw they had all ordered drinks and snacks, so I ordered some too—it was better than just sitting there doing nothing.

Accompanied by soft music, a dozen or so women danced gracefully on the stage, all dressed in light green tulle skirts, except for the lead dancer, who wore a vibrant red dress with a thin veil covering her cheeks. Twisting her waist, spinning, and tilting her head back, her skirts billowed, as supple as willow branches and as graceful as butterflies. Her starry eyes, visible through the veil, sparkled. The dance was excellent, and the women were even more beautiful. Most importantly, the atmosphere was elegant and refined. Looking around, the guests were mostly wealthy and cultured individuals, so the atmosphere was far from vulgar.

Clouds Drunk, Moon Slightly Sleeping (Revised Edition) Volume One: When We Met, We Were All Joyful at the Music Garden

Chapter word count: 4670 Update time: 08-12-20 15:49

Quyuan

Just as we were saying that the environment here was great, the singing and dancing was great, the atmosphere was great, and the guests were of high quality, we saw a figure staggering towards our table. He walked straight up to Hong'er, startling her so much that she stood up and took a step back.

What was he trying to do? I could smell the strong odor of alcohol on him from afar, and now seeing his flushed face, he was probably quite drunk. He did look presentable, but I've never had a good impression of drunk people. While I was still pondering and observing him, the drunkard actually put a wolfish paw on Hong'er's shoulder, half-embracing her, and then, swaying his head, said, "This young master is quite handsome!"

Hong'er had never seen anything like this before. She tried to push the drunkard away but couldn't. Her face turned pale with fright, and she turned to me with her eyes wide with worry.

I was furious. What kind of eyes did that brat have? I, his beautiful and stunning daughter, was sitting there, and he just ignored me! We were both dressed as men, yet I, the dignified young lady of the Yun family, was outshone by that girl Hong'er! I was incredibly frustrated. I jumped up, strode over the table to that brat, yanked the hand off Hong'er's shoulder, and spat out a single word without any politeness: "Get lost!" Only then did I feel a little better.

That brat belatedly turned to look at me, as if only then noticing there was someone else beside him. Then he suddenly burst into laughter and tried to smear his hands on my face, hiccuping and babbling incoherently, "Ah, there are even prettier ones."

I slapped away his outstretched hand, turned around, grabbed the wine jug on the table, opened the lid, and cleanly splashed it onto the Guan Gong-like face that was watching my every move. Damn it, he ignored me just now, and now he's trying to get handsy again. He's asking for a beating! Okay, okay, I admit I was a bit impulsive!

The alcohol splattered on his face clearly sobered him up a bit. He stared at me blankly, seemingly not understanding what was going on for a moment, then flew into a rage. His face, which had been flushed, turned pale, and his hand trembled as he pointed at me precariously, his voice shaking as he said, "You...you dare to throw alcohol at me? Don't you want to live?"

I glared at him and said coldly, "What? Do you think I'll offer you a drink in your behavior?"

Cui'er and Hong'er were clearly stunned by the situation before them. They stood there dumbfounded, their faces filled with tension and fear, yet they dared not move or speak.

"Guards, arrest them!" My words only fueled the brat's anger, and he actually brought accomplices. I saw two burly men walking towards our table, and once again, I despised that brat in my heart. Hiring backup when fighting—shameful!

Hong'er finally came to her senses and rushed over to block me. She turned back to me and said urgently, "Young master, you should hide quickly. Cui'er, go and call Yunhui."

Unfortunately, before Cui'er could even move, the two burly men were already in front of her. Cui'er turned around and looked at me with a deathly pale face, seemingly about to burst into tears again. I gave her a reassuring smile and casually pushed Hong'er aside so that she could keep Cui'er company.

Just then, the music stopped, and the dancers took their bows. Because of the commotion on our side, all the guests turned to look at our corner as if watching a show.

"What? The drunkard who caused trouble is now arresting the victim? Is he trying to use vigilante justice or set up his own court?" I don't believe he can cover up everything in front of everyone.

"Haha, you're scared? Do you know who I am? If you're scared, apologize to me now, and perhaps I'll be magnanimous and forgive you."

Has that kid's brain been fried by alcohol? Me, apologize to him? Dream on!

"Oh, really? Then who is this young master? Why don't you tell me so I can seriously consider your suggestion!" I smiled at him as gently as I could. Those who know me know that I become more gentle the angrier I am.

The young man probably didn't expect me to be able to laugh so comfortably at this moment. He was lost in thought for a while before turning his face away and saying indifferently, "My father is the Left Vice Minister."

The moment he finished speaking, I heard a chorus of gasps around me, followed by countless sympathetic glances directed at me from all directions. Damn, so he's that old man Gu Wenxiu's son. I thought of Gu's white beard and hair, and then looked at this brat in front of me—father and son? I'd say grandfather and grandson; he's probably Gu's son born to a concubine he married in his middle age.

No wonder the onlookers were somewhat sympathetic towards me. Apart from Mu Qinglin, aside from me, the nominal prime minister, the real power lay with my subordinates, the Left and Right Vice Ministers Gu Wenxiu and Han Xuanqi. Both were veterans of three reigns, so their influence was immense. But, brat, sorry to bother you, I'm not just anyone; I'm your father's new nominal superior. Even if your father is unhappy, he still has to give me some face, let alone a greenhorn like you.

"So it's Gu Wenxiu's son, no wonder." Upon hearing my words, everyone gasped in unison again.

"You...you dare to call my father by his name?" The boy was so angry that his hands and mouth trembled, and he couldn't even speak coherently.

"A name is merely a form of address, meant to be called by others. Does having a name mean that others can't call you by it, and that you can only say it to yourself?" My tone grew colder and colder. Having only been an official for a few days, I had not only picked up the official's tone but also acquired a considerable air of authority. I was increasingly impressed with myself: "Even if I were standing in front of your father, I would dare to address him like that! You, relying on the power and prestige your father earned through a lifetime of hard work, have done such outrageous things that defy right and wrong. Let alone the fact that you are merely the son of a mere Left Vice Minister, even the current Emperor would have to act based on reason when awarding rewards and punishments!"

The brat was clearly taken aback by me and couldn't stammer out a reply.