Chapter 102 Go and kill him
Royal Palace, Chui Gong Hall.

Zhu Wen spent most of his life, needless to say in his early years, fighting through extremely bloody storms and going through all kinds of hardships, which need not be mentioned.

Therefore, now that he has become the emperor, there is nothing in the world that he has not enjoyed before. In addition, he has lived for more than fifty years, and now there is almost nothing that can arouse his interest except the pleasure brought by beauty and killing.

Until just now, the delicacies that he had not enjoyed for fifty years greatly stimulated his taste buds and made him go crazy. He even asked Xiao Yan to fry two different meat dishes for him so that he could eat two big bowls of rice.

Walking from the side hall where he had his meal to the Chuigong Hall, the corners of his mouth still had a faint luster, which could be described as extremely satisfied. For a man like him who was over fifty years old, he had always done whatever he wanted since he became emperor. Today, he had a rare appetite, and he could not help but feel more favorable to Xiao Yan, who looked dignified and respectful in the hall.

He held Zhang Zhenniang in one hand, leaning his plump body against the throne in great comfort, and spoke in a rare approachable tone: "Tell me, you took great pains to present this dish to me, what reward do you want?"

At the side of the palace, Yang Shihou, who was already the governor of Shannan East Road, and the inspector of Taibao and the co-prime minister, was sitting upright. He was summoned to the palace, and happened to have a few bites of this fresh stir-fried dish, which was a pleasant surprise.

However, despite this, Yang Shihou's eyes when he looked at Xiao Yan were still mixed with a bit of indifference and contempt.

As a general of Daliang at his level, he naturally knew the details of Xiao Yan's surrender to Liang. Although he was not interested in the latter, Xiao Yan had a plan to offer, so he looked up to him.

But now, he is just a jester who spends his time flattering and pleasing the emperor, just like those useless scholars. It is hard to see how he can be of any use in the attack on Hebei. Yang Shihou even doubted whether Xiao Yan was capable of leading a small army to penetrate into Youzhou...

However, Zhu Wen was in high spirits at the moment, and Xiao Yan was just a small figure to him who could be easily stepped on to death. Yang Shihou just sat there motionless, watching his eyes and nose.

In the palace, Xiao Yan was not polite either. He crossed his arms and said, "Since I came to Bianliang, I have always wanted to do more for Your Majesty. However, I know that my position is low and I am afraid that doing more will disturb Your Majesty's elegance. So I had to take a shortcut and offer this delicacy, hoping that I can see Your Majesty again with it."

His words were not well spoken, but they seemed very sincere, as if for him, being able to meet the emperor once was a great reward from heaven.

Zhu Wen laughed loudly, patted his fat belly and scolded: "You little thing, do you think the official position I gave you is too low? Are you here to ask for an official position?"

On the side, Zhang Zhenniang giggled and leaned against Zhu Wen and said in a sweet voice: "Your Majesty, I think Xiao Changshi is indeed quite capable, and the dishes he cooked are also very delicious. Wouldn't it be a waste of talent if we don't promote such a talent as Xiao Changshi?"

After saying this, she winked at Xiao Yan implicitly, hoping that he could understand her good intentions towards him.

Unexpectedly, Xiao Yan hesitated, and then scratched his head a little embarrassedly: "This time, I offer food for my own selfish reasons, but not to seek an official position."

"Oh? Isn't it specially for me to eat?" Zhu Wen was stunned, but he didn't get angry at the first moment.

"I dare not deceive you, Your Majesty. This dish was indeed made specially for Your Majesty." Xiao Yan bent his waist further and said sincerely, "But my selfish wish is to beg Your Majesty to allow me to use this dish for business..."

This was even more interesting, and Zhu Wen became interested. He narrowed his eyes and asked, "What do you mean?"

"To be honest with you, Your Majesty, I have a business in Luoyang called 'An Le Pavilion', which is mainly engaged in brothel activities. Now that I have entered Bianliang as an official, I also want to bring it here." Xiao Yan said respectfully: "But Bianliang is the place where your Majesty was born, how prosperous it is? There are countless brothels and teahouses. I am afraid that this An Le Pavilion will be squeezed out by its peers before it is opened, so I thought of adding the new thing of 'cooking' to An Le Pavilion."

"But this is the first time I have developed this dish, and I am afraid that it will not be presentable, so I have the courage to present it to Your Majesty first. If Your Majesty agrees, I will be very grateful for your grace. If Your Majesty disagrees, I will decide not to do this..."

Zhu Wen was stunned when he heard this, then he patted his stomach and said in a deep voice: "If I want you to stay in the palace and cook for me, what do you think?"

At the side of the palace, Yang Shihou could not help but sneer, secretly feeling that this jester was really whimsical and was actually using this matter for personal gain.

In other words, isn't this just an attempt to use the emperor's skin to show off his own power?

Unexpectedly, Xiao Yan was overjoyed, and hurriedly thanked him as if his evil plan had succeeded: "Thank you for your grace, Your Majesty. If so, I am willing to cook only for Your Majesty..."

His reaction was so unexpected that Zhu Wen was subconsciously a little surprised. However, he was a man of high rank after all, so he immediately reacted very smartly and said jokingly, "You little brat, you almost fooled me!"

"No matter how delicious the delicacies in the world are, people will get tired of them eventually. You are such a bad boy. If I eat those stir-fried dishes every day, I will get tired of them after a while. On the contrary, it will be a good thing for you to have such a good intention. You can see me every day with this! Boy, am I right or wrong?"

Next to her, Zhang Zhenniang was startled, as if something was wrong, but when she thought about it carefully, it seemed to be true.

She covered her mouth and giggled, "This Xiao Changshi is really good at taking advantage of loopholes."

"I don't dare."

Xiao Yan was a little embarrassed, and said awkwardly: "Your Majesty is really a god. You saw through my clumsy plan at a glance. I really can't hide anything from Your Majesty..."

"You bastard." Zhu Wen saw his panic-stricken look and couldn't help but feel complacent. He patted his belly and laughed with a bit of complacency: "Since that's the case, I won't let you have your way! Not only will the Anle Pavilion be opened, but I will also help you build up momentum! Come on, bring paper and ink!"

There was an eunuch waiting outside the hall. Upon hearing what was said, they immediately prepared the best imperial paper and ground it into powder.

Yang Shihou was stunned, but when he saw Zhu Wen coming down from the throne with his belly sticking out, he immediately stood up and stood by with his hands behind his back.

Xiao Yan did not try to hide his shock and hurried forward.

"Your Majesty, please don't do that, I..."

When Zhu Wen saw his reaction, he became even more interested. He scratched the word "Zhongyuan" that he had written, changed the paper, and wrote down the five words "The Best Dish in the World".

Finally, he did not forget to write the two words "Zhu Huang" at the end, and then held the seal and stamped it casually.

"Hahaha, Xiao Changshi, you have to open the store now according to the imperial order, so you can't be careless!"

"I am really..."

Xiao Yan looked like a young boy, with excitement, guilt, and an especially obvious loyalty on his face.

"My lord, thank you Lord for your kindness!"

Zhu Wen was very happy, pointing at Xiao Yan's nose and scolding him with a smile: "It's hard for you to spend so much effort just to meet the emperor, but you are loyal. I will give you a chance. Now that the Qianniu Guard has become an empty title, you don't have to hold this empty position anymore."

He was in a very good mood, and immediately paced back and forth, thinking: "I will promote you to be the Imperial Censor and concurrently the Commandant of Youzhou Guoyi."

On the side, Yang Shihou narrowed his eyes.

The Imperial Censor did not mention it, as it was just an insignificant assignment, but the position of "Guoyi Duwei of Youzhou" was very interesting. Guoyi Duwei was the deputy of Zhechong Duwei, and was in charge of the local troops. Now Youzhou was still in the hands of Liu Shouguang, but Zhu Wen had already awarded this position, indicating that he intended to let Xiao Yan lead the army deeper into the country...

Xiao Yan seemed to be stunned for a long time before he reacted excitedly and saluted with a flushed face.

"I dare to die for your majesty!"

Zhu Wen was too fat to stand with his hands behind his back, so he could only lift his belly and laugh loudly, showing his heroic spirit: "I don't care what you have done for Li Tang before. Now as long as you are loyal to me, just like today, if you offer me this stir-fried dish, I will reward you generously!"

"What I have done is only to please Your Majesty!"

------

After leaving the palace, Xiao Yan was still excited.

Ding Zhaopu was ordered to send him out of the palace again. This time, he held the imperial paper in a wooden box and handed it to Xiao Yan with a smile.

He changed his address very quickly, and now he said: "When I first met Captain Xiao, I knew that he was no ordinary man. Now I see that he is indeed a rare talent. However, after entering the palace twice, his official robes have changed from light green to dark green. I think it won't be long before the captain wears a scarlet robe!"

"Xiao is just relying on the support of my father-in-law."

Xiao Yan smiled back, and took the wooden box very politely. At the same time, he handed over an invitation without anyone noticing, and said with a chuckle, "When Anle Pavilion opens in the future, I hope you will come to support us. I will set up a table and give you a generous gift as a thank you."

"Easy to say, easy to say."

Although he did not receive the silver this time, Ding Zhaopu knew that the invitation in his hand was more valuable than a hundred or a thousand taels of silver. The man in front of him was holding the imperial pen, which he could frame and hang on the door plaque. It was more useful than anything else. In addition to the delicious stir-fried dishes, he could already predict how popular the business of "Anle Pavilion" would be.

At least, only high-ranking officials and dignitaries can enter...

Xiao Yan rode away, while Ding Zhaopu still stood by the palace gate, looking out from behind his sleeves. It seemed that this good fate had ended...

…………

late at night.

Xuanming Sect, headquarters.

A tall figure walked in quietly.

He was wearing a jet-black hooded robe and entered the underground palace very stealthily.

At the same time, an old woman's unique hoarse voice slowly sounded.

"Ghost King has come to Xuanming Sect. Please forgive me for not coming to greet you."

Under the hood, Zhu Youwen, whose hair and beard were all fiery red, had a calm expression and said, "Meng Po, where is the Hades?"

In the darkness, Meng Po walked out with a crutch and bowed.

"The Underworld Emperor is in seclusion at the order of the Emperor. If the Ghost King has anything important to tell you, just tell me."

A trace of anxiety flashed across Zhu Youwen's face, but he said calmly: "Call him out, I have something important to discuss with him."

"I'm afraid this is not in line with the Holy Will..."

"This is the Xuanming Sect. I will not tell my father."

Meng Po had no choice, her status in the sect was only lower than that of the Ghost King and the Underworld Emperor, so she had to obey. She turned around and left, using a wooden crutch to activate a formation between the stone walls behind the temple.

In a moment, several evil spirits with the sound of ghosts howling and wolves howling rushed out and swept across the entire underground palace.

Meng Po leaned on her crutches and bowed her head.

The Ghost King, however, was still extremely domineering, standing with his hands behind his back.

After a moment, a sharp and extremely ambiguous voice was heard.

"Who calls me out of seclusion?!" The figure of the Hades dwarf slowly walked out in the dim candlelight. After not seeing him for a long time, he looked even gloomier, and his dark purple skin showed his viciousness.

"I came to see how your Xuantian cultivation is progressing after your retreat."

When the Emperor of the Underworld saw the person coming, his eyes turned, but he waved his hand coldly and ordered Meng Po to retreat first.

The latter left as ordered, leaving only the two of them in the hall.

Immediately, Zhu Youwen, who was originally domineering, lost all his momentum and knelt down: "Your Highness, I have something important to report!"

"Tell me." The Hades was very frugal with his words. He stood with his hands behind his back with a cold expression. However, he was extremely proud of himself in his indifference.

Still no one could have imagined that the Ghost King, who was highly trusted by the old man, was actually his puppet.

Even Meng Po, who was particularly loyal to him, was always on guard against him.

This secret does not need to be known by many people.

"Your Highness has been in seclusion for the past two months, and a big thing has happened outside." Zhu Youwen knelt on the slightly damp ground and said, "There is a bad guy named Xiao Yan who entered the court as an official a while ago. He claimed to be working for his father... for that old guy, but from my observation, he is more like Zhu Youzhen's man!"

"Oh?"

The Dark Emperor glared at him with his hands behind his back, saying, "Meng Po has already informed me of this matter. Xiao Yan is just a substitute for Li Yu. Does he have any other abilities?"

"That's right. He has a face that's not much different from Li Yu's, but the old man still thinks highly of him. He even proposed a plan to attack Youzhou by surprise. He was promoted three levels in one day and has been appointed as the Youzhou Guoyi Duwei." Zhu Youwen said, "Now, the old man has appointed Yang Shihou as the recruiting envoy of the Hebei camp, and Xiao Yan as the left vanguard cavalry envoy of the camp. They will send troops to Hebei soon..."

"If the old man wants to attack Hebei, let him do it." The Dark Emperor frowned in confusion and said, "No matter how big the territory he conquers is, I will be the successor in the future. Isn't that a good thing?"

Zhu Youwen said anxiously, "It is just like that. If Xiao Yan is Zhu Youzhen's man, he is most likely the person Zhu Youzhen wants to place in the Imperial Guards. If he makes achievements in Youzhou, he will inevitably become a great obstacle to Your Highness in the future!"

After that, his tone was somewhat gloomy: "That Xiao Yan, has only been in the court for a month, but he is already quite popular with the old man. Recently, he even said that he would come up with a 'football' after returning from the expedition to please the old man. His reputation as a jester is already widely known..."

The Hades narrowed his eyes.

"Zhu Youzhen has such means?"

"It's true."

The Dark Emperor sneered and said casually, "Then send someone to kill him."

"That's right!" Zhu Youwen was delighted. That kid had been stealing the limelight these days, and he had been displeased with him for a long time.

"Go away, and let Meng Po come to see me."

……

After a moment, Meng Po tremblingly entered the hall.

The Dark Emperor did not suspect that she would eavesdrop. He stood with his hands behind his back, thought for a moment, and asked sharply, "Before I entered the retreat, I asked you to find the corpse ancestor Hanba. Do you have any news now?"

"Your Highness, I have sent the Black and White Impermanence to the south to search for him."

"They? Can those two losers do this?"

"To be honest with you, Your Highness, we are really short of manpower right now. Youxing and the other two are dead, and the five Yama Kings are newly appointed. Their prestige in the various sects is not yet enough, so we can only send these two." Meng Po bowed and said hoarsely, "If Your Highness is in a hurry, I can go..."

"It's not urgent, but..." The Dark Emperor walked back and forth, his short shadow looking even smaller under the candlelight, "Where is that loser Cui Yu now?"

"He is still in Luoyang."

The Dark Emperor frowned and said angrily, "Could it be that our great Xuanming Sect can't find a few more Heavenly Rank masters?"

Meng Po sighed.

"Then I can only send you out." After thinking for a long time, the Dark Emperor finally said, "Go to the north and find out for me if there is any trace of that bitch of a surrendered minister."

"I obey your orders."

"Oh, right, that Xiao Yan you mentioned last time."

"Kill him for me."

Your Highness, Meng Po had a wooden face and bowed slightly.

"I obey your orders."

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(End of this chapter)