Xiao Yan stopped just in time, but Emperor An's brow suddenly twitched. His thoughts spun rapidly, and he quickly understood Xiao Yan's intentions.
The matter of Prince Cheng was one thing. Emperor An had never been particularly close to this younger brother, and it was no surprise that Prince Cheng had secretly colluded with the princes and noble families. A lesson was deserved. But what was most important was the Lu family, especially Lu Chongyuan.
This man had always been a thorn in his side, conspiring with the noble families to encroach on the court and repeatedly pressuring him in political matters. It was like a bone stuck in his throat. If he could use this opportunity to drag Lu Chongyuan down, or even have him convicted...
Emperor An was instantly moved.
Xiao Yan knew this man in front of him better than he knew himself. Seeing Emperor An’s expression relax, Xiao Yan ladled some freshly brewed tea into a fine white porcelain cup lined with gold, the tea’s clear, fragrant aroma filling the air. He pushed the cup toward Emperor An and said, "In fact, I have my own selfish reasons too."
"Your Majesty knows that I’ve recognized Song Tangning as my sworn sister. Although there are reasons for this, in the eyes of others, Song Tangning belongs to me. Everyone knows to show some respect. Yet the Song family treats me as if I’m nothing, constantly provoking and oppressing me."
"I’m someone who protects my own and values my reputation. If I can’t teach the Song family a lesson, who will fear me in the future? Who will take my words seriously? Anyone would dare to trample on me." A cold, sinister light flickered in Xiao Yan’s eyes as he spoke with a dark, chilling tone.
"I am Your Majesty's blade, valued for keeping the officials in check. But if this blade were to lose its edge and no longer strike fear, what use would Your Majesty have for me? A dull knife—who would care?" Xiao Yan made his ambitions and concerns clear, even openly revealing his vengeful nature. He couldn’t tolerate the Song family humiliating someone under his protection or injuring his pride. That’s why he had deliberately seized this opportunity to strike at the Duke of Song’s mansion.
The eunuch outside the room turned pale at Xiao Yan's bold words, and even the attendant standing beside Emperor An broke into a cold sweat for him.
How could Commander Xiao speak to the emperor in such a manner? Wasn’t he afraid of angering the emperor?
"You sure dare to speak your mind. Such blatant personal revenge—aren't you afraid I’ll punish you?" Emperor An's face revealed no hint of his emotions.
Xiao Yan replied calmly, "Your Majesty has always known my character. It was Your Majesty who lifted me up from nothing to where I am today. I’ve never wanted to deceive Your Majesty in anything, and if Your Majesty wishes to punish me, I will gladly accept it." He met Emperor An’s gaze, his expression sincere. "Everything I have today is because of Your Majesty, and all I want is to remain Your Majesty’s most loyal servant. All discord arises from suspicion, and I’d rather be punished than deceive Your Majesty and risk losing your trust."
Hearing Xiao Yan's candid words, Emperor An felt reassured. Earlier, Xiao Yan had claimed he was targeting the Duke of Song's mansion for the sake of the Lu family and Prince Cheng. Although Emperor An had been moved, he still hesitated. But now, with Xiao Yan laying bare his selfish motives and revealing his brash, vengeful nature, the emperor was put at ease.
He didn’t mind this eunuch’s arrogance or his minor personal ambitions. After all, within the imperial court and the capital, the number of officials who rose by eliminating their rivals was countless. Who among them didn’t harbor some self-interest?
As long as Xiao Yan remembered that all his favor and power came from the emperor, that everything he had depended on the emperor's goodwill, that was enough.
This was someone Emperor An had personally elevated, without any familial ties or loyal friends. All of Xiao Yan's status and power came from the emperor's favor, and at any moment, that favor could be withdrawn, leaving him with nothing. That’s why Emperor An could trust him and value him more than anyone else.
Emperor An held the teacup, watching Xiao Yan. "You’re getting bolder by the day, daring to say anything to me."
"Will Your Majesty punish this servant?" Xiao Yan asked.
"You’re a slippery one," Emperor An retorted, feigning irritation. "Don’t think a few clever words will get you off the hook. You entered the Duke's mansion without an edict, arrested a third-rank official—you can go and receive ten lashes. If you do it again, I’ll have your skin!"
Xiao Yan was unbothered, only asking, "And about the Song family…?"
"Deal with them as you see fit," Emperor An replied, taking a sip of tea, his eyes cold. "Song Hong colluded with the former crown prince’s old ministers, and the entire Song family is guilty of deceiving the emperor. They are no longer fit to hold their title. Investigate the matter of Lady Xu thoroughly, and if all is true, there will be severe punishment."
"As for Prince Cheng and Lu Chongyuan..." His expression turned even darker and more ruthless.
"Prince Cheng has behaved for years. I’ve been lenient out of brotherly affection, but he’s developed ambitions he shouldn’t have. Not only has he been in secret contact with court officials, but he’s also involved himself with the noble families."
"And Lu Chongyuan—when the late emperor trusted him so much, he was given the responsibility of handling the former crown prince's case, yet he allowed such a huge scandal to unfold, betraying that trust. Look into Song Hong’s and Lady Xu's connection thoroughly. If Prince Cheng and the Lu family are indeed involved, there will be no mercy."
"Understood," Xiao Yan replied, stirring the tea on the small stove, his eyes lowered.
The noble families were Emperor An’s sore spot, and Lu Chongyuan was the biggest thorn in his side. As long as something was connected to the Lu family, sacrificing the Duke of Song’s mansion or even implicating Prince Cheng wouldn’t matter.
Unfortunately, neither Prince Cheng nor Song Hong could see this.
By the Yuhua Pool, the scenery was beautiful, a gentle breeze rippling across the water, the warm afternoon sun casting shimmering light on its surface.
Xiao Yan refilled Emperor An’s tea before saying, "There’s one more thing I wish to report to Your Majesty."
"The third branch of the Song family has an illegitimate daughter, born from Song Qin's drunken encounter with a lowly female slave. Over the years, Song Qin has treated her extremely harshly, often beating and scolding her. It was thanks to this girl that I was able to obtain evidence against the Song family," Xiao Yan said. "She and my adopted sister share a similar plight, and my soft-hearted sister kept pestering me, asking me to plead for leniency on the girl's behalf so she wouldn't be implicated with the Song family."
The emperor chuckled when he heard Xiao Yan repeatedly refer to his sister as 'adopted,' saying, "You really don't know how to cherish delicate beauty. She calls you 'brother,' yet you speak so harshly. And for something as trivial as this, why come to me? You could have handled it yourself."
Xiao Yan frowned and replied, "The Song family has committed treason. Only Your Majesty can grant a pardon. How could I overstep my bounds?"
"So now you know to ask me. When it comes to following rules, you're bold as can be, but when it's time to bend them, you cling to protocol," the emperor said, shaking his head. "Since you say she provided crucial evidence against the Song family, I will grant her a special pardon. The Song family's crime will not implicate her, and as for Song Tangning, since she has already severed ties with the Song family, she shall not be affected by their wrongdoing."
"Thank you, Your Majesty," Xiao Yan said, pouring more tea for the emperor. His gaze fell upon the emperor's overly flushed face, and he remarked, "Your Majesty seems to be in excellent health lately."
At this, the emperor's mood visibly brightened. "You noticed? Indeed, I feel much more rejuvenated lately, like my entire body is lighter."
It was all thanks to the elixir Xiao Yan had procured for him, which made him feel as if he had returned to his youth, relieving the fatigue he had been feeling recently.
Thinking of the miraculous pills that revitalized him, the emperor looked at Xiao Yan with warmth. Compared to the old officials in the court who constantly opposed him, Xiao Yan, though a eunuch, was far more loyal. It was no wonder the emperor valued him so highly.
The emperor said, "I will issue a decree for you. Since we've already arrested members of the Song family, we may as well confiscate their assets. Investigate thoroughly. Make sure everything is clear, so no one can find fault."
Xiao Yan replied softly, "I will carry out Your Majesty's orders."
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You can read ahead to chapterr 142 here
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