boyutpedia Chapter 137 Visiting the Jia Mansion, Xiao Han Talks with Xiao Jingchuan
Chapter 137 Visiting the Jia Mansion, Xiao Han Talks with Xiao Jingchuan
Before leaving, Jiang Liushen stood there for a moment, pondering, before finally deciding to visit the Jia family. Along the way, his heart was pounding, and various possible scenarios kept flashing through his mind.
When the servants at the Jia mansion rushed in to announce the arrival of the Emperor of Xijing, Jia Dafu and his wife, who were leisurely drinking tea and chatting inside, were instantly stunned. They nearly dropped their teacups. They looked at each other, their faces drained of color, turning ashen.
Immediately afterwards, as if they had been electrocuted, the two of them hurriedly began to straighten their clothes, looking even more flustered than ants on a hot pan.
As Jia Dafu frantically pulled at the wrinkles in his clothes, he muttered to himself, "What... what am I going to do! Why would the Emperor of Xijing Kingdom suddenly grace us with his presence? I'm not prepared at all!" As he spoke, he paced anxiously back and forth in the room, each step heavy and hurried, and large beads of sweat rolled down his forehead like pearls from a broken string.
In contrast, although Madam Jia was also very nervous, she tried her best to remain calm.
She took a deep breath and then gently comforted Jia Dafu, "Master, please don't rush. The more you rush, the more likely you are to make a mistake. We should hurry out to greet His Majesty." With that, she pulled Jia Dafu along and walked quickly toward the gate of the mansion.
Before long, the two hurriedly arrived at the front of the mansion.
Upon seeing Jiang Liushen's imposing figure standing there in the distance, Jia Dafu and his wife hurriedly knelt down and shouted in unison with trepidation, "We, the humble Jia Dafu and his wife, pay our respects to His Majesty the Emperor of Xijing Kingdom! Long live the Emperor! Long live the Emperor! Long live the Emperor!" Their voices trembled slightly from excessive tension.
Seeing this, Jiang Liushen smiled slightly. He took a few steps forward, personally helped Jia Dafu and his wife up, and said gently, "Please rise, there's no need for such formalities. I've come today simply to discuss Xiaoyan's matter with you."
Upon hearing this, Jia Dafu and his wife exchanged a glance, their eyes filled with doubt and confusion. Jia Dafu composed himself and then cautiously asked, "Your Majesty, what has happened to Xiaoyan that would trouble Your Majesty to personally visit us?"
Upon seeing this, Jiang Liushen stepped forward without hesitation, his face revealing utmost sincerity, and said, "Madam, please believe in my sincerity! My feelings for Xiaoyan are as clear and bright as the sun and moon high in the sky, without the slightest falsehood. Although I am the ruler of a country, possessing the power and wealth of the world, in front of Xiaoyan, I only wish to be an ordinary person who treats her with sincerity."
Standing to the side, Jia Dafu took a deep breath, as if to suppress the surging emotions within him, before slowly replying, "Your Majesty, Xiaoyan has always had a stubborn and unyielding spirit. Once she sets her mind on something, not even ten strong oxen could pull her back. Now that she is also in love with Your Majesty, we, as her parents, naturally hope that she can find true happiness. However, marriage is a major event in life and must not be taken lightly. It must be carefully considered and handled with utmost care."
Upon hearing Jia Dafu's words, Jiang Liushen quickly nodded in agreement: "Uncle is absolutely right! I will definitely marry Xiaoyan in the most solemn and grand manner."
However, there are still many complex and urgent matters in Xijing that require my personal attention and resolution. Therefore, I must return to the palace to arrange everything. During this time, I hope my uncle and aunt will be understanding and tolerant.
Mr. and Mrs. Jia nodded and said, "Alright, why don't we have Xiaoyan see His Majesty off?" Then Jia Dafu said to his daughter, "Daughter, you see Liushen off for us."
Meanwhile, inside the palace of the Nanzhao Kingdom, Xiao Han sat in his study, his expression calm yet thoughtful. Looking at Xiao Jingchuan, who was reporting on state affairs, he suddenly spoke: "Jingchuan, I've called you here today because there's something I'd like to discuss with you."
Xiao Jingchuan paused slightly, stopped his report, and looked up at his father, a vague premonition in his heart. "Father, please speak," he said respectfully.
Xiao Han slowly stood up, walked to the window, looked at the scenery outside, and took a deep breath: "I have been in power for many years, and now, thanks to the efforts of all parties, the Nanzhao Kingdom is relatively stable and prosperous. I think it is time to hand over this throne to you."
Xiao Jingchuan stared wide-eyed in shock, his face filled with disbelief. "Father, you... how could you suddenly have such a thought?" His voice trembled slightly, clearly his thoughts were disrupted by this sudden news.
Xiao Han turned around and looked at Xiao Jingchuan with gentle eyes: "Jingchuan, you have grown into a responsible and capable crown prince. I have seen your performance in court over the years. Nanzhao needs fresh blood and a young and promising monarch like you to lead it to a more glorious future."
Xiao Jingchuan was filled with mixed emotions. On the one hand, he knew that this was his father's trust and recognition of him, a great honor; on the other hand, he was also aware of the heavy responsibility behind the throne.
"Father, I... I have ambitions, but I worry that I am not mature enough to shoulder the heavy responsibility of governing the country." He honestly expressed his concerns.
Xiao Han walked over and patted Xiao Jingchuan on the shoulder: "Child, no one is born knowing how to govern a country. Over the years, I have been nurturing you, and you have accumulated a lot of experience. I believe you have the ability, and even if I step down, I will still be there to advise you and support you."
Xiao Jingchuan remained silent for a moment, then slowly said, "Father, this matter is of great importance and requires careful consideration. How will the ministers in the court view this? And will the people accept a new monarch?"
“I have considered all of these things,” Xiao Han said. “Most of the ministers in the court have watched you grow up and recognize your abilities. I will communicate with them properly before I abdicate. As for the common people, as long as you can bring them benefits, they will naturally support you.”
As the two were talking, Gu Liuli walked in. Seeing the serious expressions on the father and son's faces, she couldn't help but wonder, "Father, Jingchuan, what important matter are you discussing?"
Xiao Jingchuan glanced at Gu Liuli, then at Xiao Han, hesitating whether to tell her now. Xiao Han smiled slightly: "Liuli, it's perfect that you're here. Let's hear our thoughts. I plan to abdicate and pass the throne to Jingchuan."
Gu Liuli was equally shocked. She looked at Xiao Jingchuan with worry in her eyes: "Jingchuan, this...this is too sudden. Are you ready?"