Prince De received a report from his subordinates without showing any expression, only nodding slightly and saying he understood.
When he was alone, he gently sighed. In his childhood, he had played with little Ba, faced their father's inspection with trepidation, and skipped classes together. Those were joyful and tender moments.
When did all this change?
However, Prince De didn't have much time to lament. There were still many matters to attend to. Once the situation was stabilized, it was time for revival. He had promised his father to create a flourishing dynasty that would surpass his father's era, ensuring that everyone would have enough to eat and warm clothes to wear. He would definitely achieve this, definitely!
...
The new Emperor ascended the throne, bringing universal celebration.
Tianmiao appeared in the Capital City with the Kong Hou and Dong Xiao.
Were they here to celebrate the new Emperor's ascension?
Of course not.
They were here to collect a debt, after all, Prince De had made purchases on credit.
In the stillness of the night, when the Emperor had finished reviewing memorials in the Imperial Study Room and was turning to head for the side hall to rest, he stepped inside to find Tianmiao smiling, seated on a chair, toying with the teacup lid on the table.
"Immortal!" The Emperor exclaimed in hushed excitement, then turned to give a low command, "Everyone, leave."
The eunuchs who were about to enter silently retreated and signaled the eunuchs and palace maids outside to quietly withdraw.
"Immortal!" Without another word, the Emperor knelt with a thud, his knees solidly hitting the floor. It was a sincere gesture that made Kong Hou and Dong Xiao wince at the sight.
"Call me Boss. Stand up." Tianmiao accepted the bow as a matter of course but disliked the title.
"Yes, Boss. Have you come today to collect the debt?" The Emperor's heart was filled with overwhelming excitement. An Immortal, in front of him was indeed an Immortal!
"Yes, so, it's time to repay the debt, Your Majesty." Tianmiao chuckled lightly, with a tone as languid as their first meeting.
The Emperor gradually calmed from his excitement, considering the price he might have to pay, his heart heavy with the thought. The Auspicious Beast, the Qilin, had appeared to aid him, so the price he must pay would undoubtedly be significant.
Yet, thinking of his ambitions, he gathered the courage to speak: "I hope the Boss can give me a few days of grace to arrange all affairs properly." The Emperor calculated in his heart which ministers could serve as Ministers of Care, which of his children to establish as Crown Prince, which general to dispatch to quell disturbances from border countries, preferably to make them never dare to challenge again, and several edicts that needed rapid implementation...
"Alright." Tianmiao agreed indifferently.
After the Emperor swiftly arranged these matters, he began the repayment.
However...
This method of repayment was completely, utterly different from what he had expected?!
Who could tell him that there was such a down-to-earth Immortal?
According to Tianmiao's requirements, after everything was prepared, the Emperor stood bewildered at the spectacle before him.
Tianmiao lay languidly on an Imperial Concubine chair, with several palace maids carefully cracking walnuts, peeling fruits, and another cautiously feeding Tianmiao. Another palace maid stood behind waving a cooling fan. Meanwhile, in the courtyard, a troupe of dancers performed gracefully, accompanied by musicians playing earnestly. Tianmiao watched the performance, nodding occasionally in satisfaction.
The woman named Kong Hou beside was selecting Jade and gems from a box, smiling as she reported to Tianmiao, "Boss, this Jade Pendant is finely carved. The craftsman's skill is excellent. We should find a skilled embroideress to make a tassel so that it can hang elegantly from your waist, looking splendid."