But even so.
They still have large numbers of citizens starved to death every year.
Hatred flickered in Prince Jin’s eyes.
He felt unbalanced, deeply unbalanced!
Why?
Why could these good-for-nothing fools of the Great Chu Dynasty enjoy such a peaceful and prosperous era?
While they, struggling with all their might, had to spend their lives in hunger and toil?
Why is that?!
Is it simply because they were born on the fertile land of the Great Chu Dynasty?!
Ha ha?! What an enormous injustice!
Oh heavens!
If you are so blind!
Then I will make you open your eyes wide!
After all, isn’t it our turn to have such good days?
...
Minister of Rites Qiu Daren was a short and plump man in his forties.
He wasn’t exactly fat, just a big belly, short legs, and small stature, making him appear fat.
As a second-ranked high official of the court, such a belly is practically a standard feature, symbolizing prosperity!
Like most officials.
His advantages were:
Handling affairs smoothly, strong business skills, especially when fed, his business capabilities were almost phenomenal.
All matters, inside and outside the Ministry of Rites, he could manage perfectly.
In the complex officialdom, these were skills others couldn’t learn or replicate.
Of course, for an outstanding person, there’s also a heap of shortcomings.
For instance, greed and lust, flattering and fawning, and also... loving face, enjoying bragging, etc.
However...
Although this person was greedy, he was timid, and under the King’s rule, he didn’t dare to do as he pleased, embezzling a hundred or two taels each time, which Zhao Junyao knew full well, but he didn’t bother to scrutinize.
As for his lust, this was a common failing among most men.
Looking at the civil and military officials in court.
Which one would dare to swear they’ve never visited a brothel or had a sweetheart?
Including those old censors.
When they were young, they were handsome scholars, priding themselves on their talents, holding hands with young girls in brothels to talk about life, how normal that was?
As long as they weren’t forcing or violating women of good family.
Visiting a brothel, finding one or two sweethearts, was perfectly normal.
Zhao Junyao turned a blind eye to it, as long as it was consensual!
Moreover.
Flattering and fawning, loving face and bragging, etc., these weren’t even issues.
If Zhao Junyao pursued them one by one.
He would have no one to use, truly becoming a solitary ruler.
Therefore...
Judging by business capability, Qiu Daren could be considered a good official!
...
Qiu Daren accompanied Prince Jin with a gracious smile, quite amiably.
His demeanor was full of enthusiasm, and his words were proper and fitting.
If fellow travelers encountered something they did not understand.
He could lower himself and explain with a smile, like a gentle spring breeze, making people feel utterly at ease.
As for hospitality, it was even more thorough.
From signature dishes of noble restaurants in the Capital City to unique snacks available only in the Great Chu Dynasty.
As long as Western Xia people showed a slight interest.
He could present the items swiftly for them to sample.
With such standardized hospitality.
Even deities could be served to satisfaction and utter joy.
Yet Prince Jin...
Qiu Daren always felt a chill down his back.
In Prince Jin’s eyes, there seemed to be something hidden, something unseen.
Qiu Daren was a seasoned expert in the officialdom, not easily deceived.
Some things he might not identify, but his intuition would not fail!
Thus.
Though he still wore a smiling face.
Internally, a thick defense had been erected!
The Emperor sent him to accompany Prince Jin.
Was it not also to watch over him?!
It seemed the Emperor’s intuition was right, this Prince Jin was indeed not simple!
...
After the Lantern Festival, Prince Jin and his entourage were preparing to return.
On the eighteenth of the first lunar month, Zhao Junyao hosted a farewell banquet at Taihe Hall.
On the nineteenth of the first lunar month, Zhao Junyao sent the Ministry of Internal Affairs to present a return gift to Prince Jin.
Silk, porcelain, precious medicinal materials, fine tea, enough to fill five large carts.
Prince Jin was moved, repeatedly bowing and thanking the Emperor of Great Chu.
On the twentieth of the first lunar month, Prince Jin’s convoy officially set off.
Zhao Junyao escorted him to the palace gates.
Fifth Master Hai Feng and officials from the Ministry of Rites accompanied him to the city gates.
Outside the city gates.
Hai Feng was tearful.
"Father! Who knows when we can meet again, please take care of your health!"
Prince Jin’s eyes were also red.
"Fengfeng, you are my only daughter!"
"Seeing you well-married and living happily puts my heart at ease!"
Hai Feng sobbed uncontrollably.
Prince Jin turned to the Fifth Prince.
"Fifth Prince, Fengfeng has been pampered since young, her temperament is proud and willful, but she means no harm and is inherently kind and sincere!"
"If Fengfeng makes any mistakes, I ask the Fifth Prince to forgive her!"