Chapter 1634: Life Together 42

eng raised his hand and swore to the heavens, “I, Dugu Cheng, swear to heaven that my heart belongs solely to Xi'er. If I ever deceive her, may I never be forgiven by her for the rest of my life, and..."Xiaoli."

Feng Lingxi called to her, walked up to her, and said, "I have some questions I want to ask you."

It was getting late. “Let’s talk tomorrow, we have plenty of time on the road,” Xiao Li said, her voice growing colder. As she walked out, she slammed the door shut. Feng Lingxi walked to the table and sat down, opening the clothes inside. Looking at the fabric and color, it was all in the style she usually liked.

"Remember my preferences, why are you helping the Yao clan"

Taking the clothes and putting them aside, Feng Lingxi lay down. Now that she was sleeping, she wasn't worried about being ambushed anymore. There were people guarding outside the door, so at least her kidnapping experience came with the added benefit of safety.

Wind Ling took out the tattered scroll from her body, glanced at the bed in the room, climbed down and lay on the ground, then looked under the bed again, wondering if there was a wooden board underneath or an empty space.

Feng Lingxi knocked on the wooden board, wanting to pry it open, but found that it couldn't be opened at all. Feng Lingxi struggled for a while and gave up. Now she didn't know where she had hidden it. Hiding things like this so rashly, what if she needed to find them later It wouldn't be easy.

Feng Ling Xi took out the clothes Xiao Li had bought for her, opened them to change, and suddenly a piece of paper fell out from inside. Feng Ling Xi picked it up in confusion, looked at the words written on it, hurriedly held it in her hand, saw that there was no one around, then carefully examined it.

This is Xiaoli's handwriting, on top it says, "Listen to her arrangements, someone will monitor the entire process."

Feng Ling quickly took the note to a candle and burned it, acting like a thief. Her heart was pounding in her chest. Was Xiao Li a spy

Lying on the bed, Feng Lingxi tossed and turned, thinking about what she had said today. She praised the Yao clan everywhere. Could it be that she was being watched too, and had to say those things out of necessity

At this thought, Feng Ling Xi felt much better. But that night, Xia Li had spoken to her so nicely and then taken her away. What if she believed her words this time What if she ended up being sold at some point

Wind Ling Xi closed her eyes, telling herself not to relax because of Xiao Li's note. No matter what, she had to stay alert and avoid further accidents.

In the capital, Feng Lingxi had been kidnapped for five days. Dugucheng had already informed Emperor Yuanshao about Feng Lingxi's kidnapping, hoping to let Emperor Yuanshao manage the government as soon as possible. However, Emperor Yuanshao was still not fully recovered from his illness and delayed it for several more days.

"Your Majesty, perhaps you should have the Imperial Physician from the Imperial Medical Bureau come and take a look at you. Li Wu Yan and Luo Li have already left the capital."

Emperor Yuan Zhao raised his hand, "No need, I know my own body well. These few days of recuperation have already improved quite a bit."

Dugu City was about to speak, but Emperor Yuan Zhao sighed, "I know what you're thinking. These days, I also want to recover quickly, but my body is just not cooperating."

"Your Majesty, please take care of your health."

獨孤城將要出口的話都嚥了回去，他確實是希望皇上能夠儘快處理朝政，這樣他就能去做自己的事了。

"The chancellor told me today when I saw him that he wanted to retire and return home. Half the ministers in court are now from Prince Yu's and Empress Dowager's factions. This is precisely the time when I need capable people, so Prince Regent still needs to stay for a while longer."

"Your Majesty, I propose that we widely recruit talented individuals to fill the necessary positions in the court. This will also help rectify the current atmosphere within the Imperial Court. The Great Yuan Dynasty boasts a wealth of talent; we are certain to attract capable individuals who can ease Your Majesty's burdens."

Dugu City remembered how his father had done the same. Ever since his father passed away, Empress Dowager Cen had held power and stopped holding the civil service examinations. The ministers in court were all chosen by the empress dowager's confidants, and there was no one worthy of being appointed.

"I also agree. I will leave this matter to you. I believe that the Regent King will be able to handle it well, attracting many talented people to the Great Yuan Dynasty and relieving me of some worry."

Dugu Cheng responded, stepping out of the Neverending Palace. He let out a sigh; it seemed he would need some time to find Xi'er. He could only expedite matters in the court as quickly as possible to avoid angering the Emperor.

"What is on your mind, Your Royal Highness Would you care to share it with me"

The chancellor stepped forward, intending to see the emperor, but upon seeing Dugu City, he went up to greet him.

"The Prime Minister's arrival is timely. Just now, I and the Emperor discussed the matter of recruiting talented individuals. We plan to open the civil service examinations and quickly recruit talented people to strengthen the court. I wonder if the Prime Minister has any candidates"

"This is a good idea. In this way, all the talented people in the world can serve the court. This is excellent."

The Chancellor praised everything, so now whatever Dugu City said, he agreed with.

"Prime Minister, this king just heard the Emperor say that you proposed to retire. This king begs you to reconsider. The court is currently in turmoil and cannot do without a Prime Minister."

"Your Majesty's words are amiss. As the Prime Minister is now advanced in years, it is only right for him to retire and return home. Now that Your Majesty governs, the Prime Minister feels at ease."

Duke Gucheng hurriedly stopped him, "Prime Minister, this king begs you to stay. This king's wife has been kidnapped, and this king wants to arrange affairs in the court as soon as possible and go to rescue his wife."

The prime minister furrowed his brow upon hearing what Dugu City had to say.

"This matter I heard from someone else, but the Regent King should put the court first and send people to rescue him. The court can't do without the Regent King now."

“Prime Minister, this concerns the life of the Empress. I cannot avoid it, please stay and ease the burden for the Emperor. I am eternally grateful.” Dugu Cheng had never been so humble before. Now, he could only rely on the Prime Minister to stabilize the court.

Although the Chancellor initially framed him, he remained loyal to Emperor Yuan Zhao. Now, he couldn't afford to worry about such things and could only entrust this important task to the Chancellor. Moreover, the Chancellor made great contributions in suppressing the recent rebellion. By joining forces with him, they could become formidable allies, changing his perception of the Chancellor considerably.

“Even the Regent has said so, so this old minister will remain for a while longer. However, I am getting on in years, and my health is not what it used to be. My son Huashuang, though born out of wedlock, is exceptionally intelligent and could be of service to the Emperor.”

Mentioning Nán Gōng Huá Shuāng, Dúgū Chéng couldn't help but recall how Nán Gōng Huá Shuāng had killed Nán Gōng Huá Yún and the Minister's wife for her own position back then. Although it had been many years, in Dúgū Chéng's memory, Nán Gōng Huá Shuāng was certainly not a kind person.

For now, there doesn't seem to be any other choice.

"Master Hua is exceptionally intelligent. The position of Minister of Rites has recently become vacant. With Master Hua's abilities, he would surely be a capable candidate. What do you think, Prime Minister"

"That's suitable for him."

The Chancellor nodded. This Ministry of Rites official is a third-rank officer. If it weren't for the current situation, wanting to secure an official position for Hua Shuang wouldn't be easy. Let him do his job well for a while, and then we'll see if there are any suitable positions.

Then it's settled. When Hua Shuang, young master, has served for a while longer, this King will recommend him to the Emperor to become the Grand General.

"Thank you for your concern, Your Regent."

The Chancellor was truly delighted now. If he could become the Grand Marshal, with Hua Shuang's youthful age now, by the time he reached this age, the Chancellor's position would undoubtedly belong to him.

Dugu Cheng let out a breath. The prime minister was satisfied now, with him taking some of the burden off the emperor's shoulders. This way, he could focus on his own affairs with peace of mind.sk first."Wind Lingxi ordered, got up and walked to the window, gazing at the wind and snow outside, falling into deep thought.Xiaoli walked out holding the letter, and Yexi walked towards her. Seeing...