When Li Qitian received the report from Pang Xiao's last carrier pigeon, he had mixed feelings. After finding the treasure, apart from the first carrier pigeon, Pang Xiao, complaining about why he wasn't trusted, the rest of the carrier pigeons reported the details of the treasure step by step.
Even when the treasure was all moved out and ready to be transported, he didn't forget to carefully count the exact number of treasures to prevent any corruption during the transportation.
Combined with You Meng's report, although Pang Xiao was domineering and insolent, and even hit people, there was no doubt about his loyalty.
Li Qitian even sometimes began to reflect on whether he had treated Pang Xiao too harshly.
However, now that he had finally found this large amount of treasure, although the national treasury couldn't be filled with this amount of money, it was enough to solve his immediate problems. This amount of money was enough to feed the Tiger Army and Dragon Stallion Army for five years.
With such a large amount of treasure in hand, Li Qitian could finally let out a sigh of relief. He could even sleep soundly now.
Li Qitian walked around the big desk covered with a yellow tablecloth. He rubbed his sweaty palms as he walked towards the open door.
The extremely clean black marble floor was so shiny that it could reflect one's reflection. Li Qitian didn't make any sound of footsteps. The servants in front of the door lowered their heads even more respectfully and bowed.
Outside the open door was a spacious square. One could see the white stone floor, red walls, and bright tiles, as well as the blue sky with white clouds.
Taking a deep breath, his body and mind were happy and refreshed!
"Come."
"This servant is here." Li Guanwen immediately smiled and bowed.
Li Qitian smiled and said, "Summon Minister Qin to see me."
"Yes."
Li Guanwen immediately went to pass on the decree.
When Qin Huaiyuan came, he was full of questions. However, when facing Li Qitian, he only kowtowed and listened to his orders.
Li Qitian smiled and said, "In the past, I felt that Prince Zhongshun was naughty and mischievous. Now, it seems that with Minister Qin as his father-in-law, Pang Zhixi has become much more restrained. It can be seen that Minister Qin has taught him well. "
Qin Huaiyuan's heart was filled with suspicion, but he still waved his hand in shame. He bowed and said, "Your Majesty is too kind. How can this old official accept such praise? Although Prince Zhong Shun is reckless and irritable, and has some old grudges with this humble official, now that we have become family, this old official should properly remind you whether it is out of loyalty to the emperor or out of consideration for my daughter."
Qin Huaiyuan's words were well controlled. He didn't exaggerate to boast about his loyalty, nor did he hypocritically say that he was only loyal to the country. Instead, he mixed half of the truth and half of the lies, making others feel that he was sincere.
Li Qitian had been paying more and more attention to Qin Huaiyuan. It wasn't only because of Qin Huaiyuan's talent, but also because his appearance was very pleasing to the eye. In addition, when Qin Huaiyuan was in the Dayan, he had cheated the incapable ruler of Beiji. Li Qitian, as the one who started the rebellion, wasn't completely disgusted with Qin Huaiyuan.
Now that he thought about the past, Li Qitian deeply felt that Qin Huaiyuan had been delayed by that incapable ruler of Dayan. He had wasted his good years and was actually born in the Dayan to be loyal to that kind of person. If he had been born a few decades earlier and this person had been under his command, then it would have been a completely different situation.
Li Qitian smiled and instructed Li Guanwen to give Qin Huaiyuan a seat. Unexpectedly, he also circled around and sat down with Qin Huaiyuan.
Qin Huaiyuan was overwhelmed by the favor and only dared to sit half of his body to the side.
Li Qitian smiled and said, "Today, we have called you here for no other reason than to tell you an important matter."
"Your Majesty, please speak."
"The treasure has been found. Now, we just need to wait for our decree to transport it back to the capital."
As Li Qitian spoke, he carefully observed Qin Huaiyuan's expression. When he saw Qin Huaiyuan's eyes widen in surprise, the last bit of doubt in his heart disappeared. "It's the treasure from Dayan. Beloved Official Qin, what do you think? "
This question was asked very skillfully. He didn't say what he thought and only said this sentence. Whether or not he could answer to Li Qitian's satisfaction would depend on Qin Huaiyuan's ability to figure out his intentions.
"Your Majesty," Qin Huaiyuan stood up and respectfully bowed, "That money is said to be a treasure, but in reality, it is the last bit of wealth that the retired emperor of the Yan dynasty plundered from the people. It is the evidence of his crime of not giving the common people a way to live. That sum of money, whether buried underground or used to satisfy the selfish desires of some people, was not the most appropriate place to go. This subject believes that only by using that money on the common people can the sin on that money be eliminated. "
At this point, Qin Huaiyuan raised his head to look at Li Qitian and continued to bow, "This subject believes that Your Majesty being able to find that treasure is the will of the heavens. The heavens also know that Your Majesty is a wise ruler who is wholeheartedly thinking of the common people. At that time, when the southern land dragon overturned the situation, plague wreaked havoc, and the common people were left homeless, the heavens opened a door for the common people. This treasure was found and disposed of by Your Majesty, it is truly the will of the heavens! "
Qin Huaiyuan's expression was solemn, and every word was sonorous and forceful.
And these words, as expected, tickled the bottom of Li Qitian's heart. They hit the spot that he was itching for the most.
Only when one truly became an emperor would one understand what it meant to be lonely at the top.
Standing at this high position, he had to be responsible for all those who followed him. Everyone, his officials, subjects, and even his mother, had always wanted something from him, but no one could truly understand him.
However, the words that touched his heart the most were spoken by his official.
And it was a Dayan official who had surrendered. He was the most awkward existence in Da Zhou's imperial court.
Perhaps it was because Li Qitian had obtained the treasure that he could finally put down the huge rock that had been pressing down on his heart. Li Qitian had also become more considerate of others. He was even more moved by Qin Huaiyuan's words.
"Beloved Official Qin." Li Qitian supported Qin Huaiyuan with both hands and patted his arm, moved. "We did not misjudge you. We have obtained the treasure this time, and we intend to take it and use it for the common people. It can also be considered as adding some merit to the common people who had once suffered. "
Qin Huaiyuan nodded heavily. When he looked at Li Qitian, his gaze and demeanor perfectly expressed the obedience and faint admiration of a loyal official towards a princess.
Just one look at him was more comforting than two hours of flattery.
"Beloved Official Qin, since we have found the treasure, what do you think we should do next?"
Qin Huaiyuan heard this and considered carefully for a moment. Then he said, "This official believes that there are three things we should do. First, order Prince Zhongshun, Princess, the County King of Yan, and Old Master Gu to be on standby. Arrange for people to be stationed and watch over them to prevent any leaks. Second, order Prince Consort Ji's people to go out of the city to provide support to prevent any unforeseen events from occurring. Third, begin to plan for the use of the treasure and release appropriate rumors to create momentum. "
Qin Huaiyuan's suggestions were very clear, but he did not say all of them. This gave Li Qitian enough time to think.
This way of giving suggestions was the best way to show one's sincerity. It was also the best way to prevent others from thinking that he was trying to influence the choices of others.
Li Qitian nodded repeatedly. He could already feel Qin Huaiyuan's sincerity.
After thinking for a moment, he asked, "Beloved Official, you said that Prince Zhongshun and his people should be on standby. How long should they be on standby?"
Qin Huaiyuan said bluntly, "When Your Majesty's people arrive to receive the treasure, that is enough."
Li Qitian thought for a moment. There was something he wanted to ask, but in the end, he did not immediately ask.
He really wanted to say that Pang Xiao and Qin Yining were Qin Huaiyuan's son-in-law and daughter. Did he not care that they were suffering where they were?
But after thinking about it carefully, Li Qitian understood.
Qin Huaiyuan was a transparent person. Not only could this ensure that the secret would not be leaked, it could also remove all suspicions of Pang Xiao and his wife. This was also the effect of avoiding suspicion.
Li Qitian didn't know whether to laugh or cry as he shook his head. He did not feel the slightest bit of disgust towards Qin Huaiyuan's actions. If Qin Huaiyuan was too selfless and did not favor his children at all, Li Qitian would have doubted this person's loyalty. But now, Qin Huaiyuan felt more real.
Li Qitian quickly ordered his men to deliver the message at top speed.
When Qin Yining, Pang Xiao, and the others received the news, they were roasting meat around a bonfire with Huzi, Ji Yun, and Bing Tang.
Qin Yining had truly survived in the mountains and suffered hardships. She actually liked this kind of life where she returned to her natural state. Especially her ability to survive in the wild. Pang Xiao and Pang Xiao's guards were filled with admiration.
In the mountains, she could always choose the best path. She knew what fruits were tasty and what wild vegetables were edible. Furthermore, she was not inferior to a hunter at all when it came to hunting. She was even better than Pang Xiao's guards.
Qin Yining's skin was now completely new. There were no traces of the wind and rain that had been left behind.
But seeing Qin Yining like this, Pang Xiao felt even more heartache.
"Wang Ye, someone is coming from the foot of the mountain," the guard said softly.
Pang Xiao nodded and said, "I heard."
The 300 Dragon Stallion Army soldiers guarding the foot of the mountain had already decided on shifts. At this time, they led the messenger up the mountain to see You Meng.
Not far away, Yuchi Yan and Gu Shixiong, who were tied up, as well as the 20 or so attendants they brought, all looked nervously in the direction of the messenger.
You Meng went forward to receive Li Qitian's secret edict. After reading it twice, he turned back with a smile.
"Your Majesty's edict orders Prince Zhongshun, his wife, and their attendants to be on standby. The Duke of Shengyan and Gu Shixiong should also be on standby. As for the rest …" You Meng made a throat-slitting gesture.
The guards beside him immediately went to capture Gu Shixiong and Yuchi Yan and brought them to Pang Xiao and Qin Yining's side.
Those who had followed Yuchi Yan here, including Little Lu 'zi, all screamed out in fear and despair. "No, no!! Duke, save us! "
"We didn't do anything. We're innocent!"
"Save us!"
…
In the end, these people's screams were covered by the Dragon Stallion Army soldiers who were carrying out the punishment and dragged them away.
Very quickly, those people came back and stood behind You Meng. If one looked carefully, they would see that all of their faces were stained with blood.
"No, no, no …" Yuchi Yan shook his head and closed his eyes in pain. He muttered, "It shouldn't be like this. It shouldn't be like this. They're all innocent!"
"Innocent?" You Meng laughed coldly. "You saw it with your own eyes. You can't take it anymore? Then why don't you think about your wife in the capital? "
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