Waking up again, he received another invitation from Fan Zehao, this time in black, for his birthday. He was invited to attend in person!
Lying on the imperial dragon bed, Huangfu Xi felt he would be angered to death. He smashed the medicine bowl handed by the palace maid and roared.
"He's just a nobody, why should this Emperor attend his birthday? Festive invitations are always red, but he insisted on black. Does he think Yun Country's fate is nearing its end, and he's using a black invitation to provoke me?"
After venting, he immediately felt much better!
Staring at the discarded invitation, his heart also grew heavy!
He was constantly comparing himself to Fan Zehao, yet in the end, he had to admit he was inferior in every way!
To think that he, a prince accomplished in both literature and martial arts, could not compare to a farmer. It was truly pathetic!
Cheng Hong, who had been standing by his side, glanced at the now calm Emperor and dismissed the eunuchs and palace maids from the hall.
In the vast hall, only the master and servant remained.
Cheng Hong: "Your Majesty, your subordinate has a few words to say to his master!"
Having served him since childhood, he trusted Cheng Hong implicitly. He waved his hand weakly, "Speak!"
Cheng Hong mustered his courage and said, "Your subordinate believes that Fan Zehao is not a bad person. Instead, it is Duke Liu who is causing trouble!"
Cheng Hong, who rarely spoke out or interfered in internal affairs, was surprisingly speaking favorably of Fan Zehao today.
However, he was right. Duke Liu was not a good person. Ever since he had successfully recommended Huangfu Xi to become Emperor, Liu had been controlling him in various ways!
"How could I not know what you're saying? It's just that Duke Liu cannot be killed yet!"
If he killed Liu, the ministers would look down on him even more. No matter how despicable Liu Sheng was, he was still an功臣 (a minister who rendered meritorious service) to the Emperor!
"One does not have to personally eliminate a person, Your Majesty."
Huangfu Xi fell silent.
Seeing his hesitation, Cheng Hong furrowed his brows. "Your Majesty, the reason Liu Sheng recommended you for the throne was entirely because Fan Zehao captured his son. Liu Sheng wanted to use Your Majesty to exchange for Liu Qian's life. However, Fan Zehao, upholding justice, executed his son and did not give him any face."
"Therefore, when Fan Zehao wrote to you saying there would likely be a severe drought this year and to prepare in advance, Liu Sheng twisted his words and rejected it. If Liu Sheng is not eliminated, who knows what major incident will occur later!"
The person leaning on the dragon bed suddenly opened his eyes. Recalling these events, it was indeed as Cheng Hong had said. In an instant, he felt a surge of intense hatred towards Liu Sheng!
"Handle this matter. Be swift and leave no trace!"
Cheng Hong nodded. He would definitely handle this matter cleanly for the Emperor. However, there was still one matter that required the Emperor's decision.
"According to your subordinate, Fan Zehao never celebrates his birthday. And even if he does, it's in winter. How can he be celebrating his birthday in early autumn? Not only has he invited Your Majesty, but he has also invited the Emperors of various vassal states. This is likely more than just a birthday celebration!"
"Your guess is correct. There are indeed many suspicious aspects to this. It's just that I didn't think about it at the time. Now that you've analyzed it, there are indeed problems!"
Huangfu Xi sat up and stared at the black invitation for a long while, taking a deep breath. "Although his background is humble, he genuinely works for the common people. I cannot help but admire his magnanimity and broadmindedness!"
A person like this, who harbored no selfish intentions towards the common people, could not possibly have any ill intentions towards him!
It seemed he had been too narrow-minded!
"Deal with Liu Sheng, and we will depart for the inner city soon. I want to personally go and celebrate the Supreme Emperor's birthday!"
With the mention of the Supreme Emperor, it was evident that Huangfu Xi recognized Fan Zehao as his elder and no longer referred to him by his name.
Cheng Hong bowed and withdrew. Eliminating Liu Sheng would be the best gift for the Emperor to present when he went to congratulate the Supreme Emperor.
Within a few days, Liu Sheng was on his way home from court when he was robbed by refugees on the road. He unfortunately met his end amidst a flurry of blades. The refugees were still at large, and it was rumored that they had not been caught when Huangfu Xi went to the inner city.
Xue Country and Wei Country, upon receiving Fan Zehao's invitation, cursed inwardly but had no choice but to halt their preparations to attack Yun Country!
They dared not disregard the face of the God of War, nor the fact that Fan Zehao was the father-in-law of the Emperor of Zongsheng Country, a great nation. If he were to hold a grudge against them, his military strength would be more than enough to deal with them!
They recalled how Fan Zehao had completely annihilated the vast Jin Country in less than a year, and it was now incorporated into Yun Country's territory. They were far inferior to Jin Country.
No matter how busy they were, they halted their affairs and immediately prepared several carts of gifts to travel to the inner city!
On the ninth of October, envoys from various countries began to arrive!
These individuals were not arranged to stay at the imperial post stations but at the royal manor in the inner city. Upon entering the inner city, they were expected to abide by its rules. Fan Zehao was not a person to squander his wealth carelessly!
The Emperors of the several vassal states met, and their encounters were quite spectacular. Taunts, sarcasm, and verbal sparring ensued, with no one gaining the upper hand!
Wang Cai colorfully recounted the situation at the manor, causing Fan Zehao to burst into laughter!
"They are all Emperors and Crown Princes, yet their vision is so narrow!" They completely lacked the broad-mindedness expected of those in power.
Never mind, since they had come, he would host a welcoming banquet for them!
"Send down the order: tonight, at the manor, my Wangfei and I will host a welcoming banquet for them. Have the manor make preparations. We'll have hot pot tonight; it's convenient!"
Wang Cai broke out in a sweat. His master was truly willful!
The heads of various countries had arrived, and he was sending them off with a hot pot meal. While it was termed "convenient," it was actually also economical!
In the afternoon, the Emperors and Crown Princes of the vassal states at the manor were overjoyed to learn that a welcoming banquet would be held for them that evening. They had been here for two days, and finally, they would get to meet him in person!
In the evening, Fan Zehao, dressed in black casual wear, appeared at the manor, holding Zhao Jiaqi, who was also in casual attire!
The two of them looked like a wealthy lord and his lady, completely without airs, even more low-key than before. Even the guards accompanying them were few in number!
"Fan Huang, Fan Hou." Everyone said in unison!
...
What kind of titles were these? He hadn't been an Emperor for many years, yet now there was a "Fan Huang"?
Fan Zehao waved his hand at everyone. "I am not an Emperor. In Yun Country, I am the Prince of Zhen. Although I have separated from Yun Country, we are still one family at heart. My title was personally bestowed by the late Emperor, and it will never change!"
With these words, he clarified his position and directly told everyone that he was still a part of Yun Country!
Huangfu Xi stepped forward and respectfully cupped his hands, "This junior, Huangfu Xi, pays his respects to the Supreme Emperor and the Supreme Empress. Supreme Emperor, may you be well. Supreme Empress, may you be blessed!"