After my whole family overheard my thoughts, they went berserk.

"I don't want your son, I just want your money."

"Yesterday you spent a fortune on what my father didn't want... no, although I don't understand the love of the elderly, I should still show respect. Didn't you spend a fortune yesterday to buy your concubine a mansion? It's near the palace, I wonder if it'll withstand being bombed."

The emperor's eyes lit up when he heard this.

He admitted that he also loves gossip.

Listening to gossip can lift your spirits, and a good mood can lead to a long life!

"I think I heard you bought a mansion? Speaking of which, I haven't been feeling well lately. Master Xianyun said there's evil energy inside and outside the palace, suppressing my good fortune. I wonder if your mansion will hinder my luck. If so, then you'll have to spend a lot of money."

"My father is so majestic and domineering, and he always understands me so well. I guess it's because of our blood ties!"

The ministers offered kind words of advice.

"Lord Zhao, you have been too hasty."

"You're still rich." The minister gave a thumbs up.

"Yesterday, the Emperor even blew up Rongde Palace. If it really affects the Emperor's fortune, then your mansion is nothing but a bubble!"

Zhao Meng was anxious.

"Your Majesty, I am willing to donate thirty million taels of silver to contribute my meager share to the court!" As soon as he finished speaking, his angina pectoris flared up again.

In the court, with Prime Minister Rong and several other ministers taking the lead, the other officials didn't even have a chance to say no, and each person donated starting at five million taels.

At this moment, a minister silently stepped out from the crowd and knelt in the main hall.

"Your Majesty, in recent years, the lives of the people of Gui County have been far more miserable than we have seen. The annual disaster relief funds have not been fully used for the disaster areas, and much of them have been embezzled by local officials. Now, Your Majesty has finally taken notice, and relocation is a wise move."

"Your Majesty, I am willing to donate all my family's assets, amounting to one hundred million taels, to join hands with the court in helping our compatriots overcome their difficulties. I will also take my son, Si Lingchen, with me immediately to Gui County to participate in this relief effort!"

After saying this, he took off his hat and kowtowed heavily to the emperor.

"Waaaaah, so touching! In this peaceful and prosperous era, everyone is indulging in pleasure, but I never expected that there would still be people who do not forget their original aspirations, keep their mission in mind, uphold their patriotism, and wholeheartedly serve the country and the people."

"I hope my father can understand that he is a loyal minister, not seeking fame or fortune, but only for the peace and prosperity of the country. Such a virtuous minister has raised children who are all just as loyal and virtuous. If Father is willing to value them, they will all be good helpers to Father in the future!"

The Emperor looked at the minister before him, who was Si Pei'an, the Vice Minister of Works.

He was an inconspicuous official among the ministers, usually quiet and never involved in court disputes; he was a man of action.

Speaking of which, his eldest daughter, Si Wan'er, was the third imperial concubine of the Shi family!

"Good! I never imagined there were such loyal ministers in the court. I was blind to their worth!" The Emperor was very excited.

"I hereby appoint you as Governor-General and Si Lingchen as the Pacification Commissioner, to jointly assist the Crown Prince in disaster relief. All allocated funds will be under your full control. As long as the people of Gui County can be resettled, I am not afraid to spend money. If there is any need, you can report directly to me!"

Officials in the court are promoted through formal examinations, and it is extremely rare for them to be promoted consecutively. However, the Emperor has made an exception and appointed someone today.

At such a time, he disregarded his own safety and resolutely volunteered, which is enough to prove that he did not covet the official position.

He is not afraid to promote someone with such talent, even if it means making an exception for them.

"My father is truly admirable! As a ruler, he is so humane; I instantly admire him!"

After the court session, the officials discussed the matter.

"Congratulations, Lord Si, on your promotion to Governor-General! Congratulations!"

"Lord Si's great undertaking today has earned my utmost respect!"

Several vice ministers congratulated Si Pei'an.

Several ministers in the court, led by Rong Lizheng, treated him with cold indifference.

"At a time like this, risking one's life for an official position is truly daring," Rong Li said, looking at Si Pei'an with a sarcastic tone.

"Lord Si, you must save your life! Don't let yourself achieve great merit but be unable to enjoy the rewards!"

The ministers displayed their utter contempt in every way.

No matter how hard an insignificant official tries, they can never reach their position; now they can only risk their lives.

Si Pei'an remained silent in the face of the crowd's ridicule.

My loyalty is as clear as the sun and moon, known to Heaven, Earth, and the Emperor; there is no need to explain it to everyone I meet.

A large sum of money was raised through crowdfunding in the court, and the Emperor quickly allocated it to the disaster area. The Crown Prince and the Si family father and son devoted themselves to the cause. Meanwhile, Shi Miaomiao's Nine-Court Banquet was also approaching.

The Hall of Prayer for Blessings is built separately in a corner of the palace, which is the best location in the entire palace in terms of feng shui.

This is a heavily guarded area of ​​the imperial palace. Anyone who approaches without the emperor's permission will be executed on the spot.

Ministers, accompanied by their families, headed to the palace before dawn, while the Huayao people also arrived early to pray together beneath the imperial city.

Of course, the Huayao Kingdom will also send invitations to various countries. Countries with good relations will be given three to five places, while those with only casual acquaintances will be given only one place. However, each country will try to send people to participate in the prayer conference.

Today is every second of the day.

Envoys from various countries introduced themselves to each other, civil and military officials gathered to chat, and families of all were filled with laughter and joy.

"The emperor is here!"

"The Empress has arrived!"

"Princess Tianyao has arrived!"

The crowd lined up in an orderly fashion, knelt down, and bowed their heads in kowtow.

The Emperor and Empress rode in the same sedan chair, each holding a baby in their arms. They wore elaborate white dresses, new shoes studded with emeralds, golden crowns and veils, and red marks on their foreheads.

She's definitely a fairy.

"Long live the Emperor, long live the Emperor!"

"May the Empress be well!"

"Long live the princess!"

The Emperor was overjoyed and looked at everyone with a benevolent expression.

The Empress's attire today is outstanding, making her look like a young girl in her prime. All the women in the household are filled with envy; time cannot diminish her beauty!

"Rise, my beloved subjects!" the Emperor announced loudly.

The Empress carried Shi Miaomiao out of the sedan chair, and the ladies of the household came one after another.

"Finally, I can meet the First Princess of Tianyao. The Emperor dotes on her immensely; she must be very intelligent, right?"

Everyone was delighted when they saw Shi Miaomiao.

"I never imagined the little princess would grow up to be so beautiful! Big eyes, chubby little face, so lovely and radiant—she's such a lucky baby!"

"No, no, it should be the fairy."

The women in each family praised Shi Miaomiao highly.

"Is this Princess Yun? She's so adorable." A voice rang out, reaching the crowd.

A beautiful woman, dressed in a pale yellow dress, stood beside Consort Rong, teasing Shi Yunyun, but ignoring Shi Miaomiao beside her.

Upon hearing the voice, the women all looked toward Consort Rong.

Consort Rong noticed the gazes drawn to her and then showed Shi Yunyun to everyone.

"My Yun'er is also very well-behaved. She knows I'm tired and doesn't make a fuss."

Consort Rong spoke enthusiastically, but no one responded.

Everyone looked at the baby in their arms. The baby had shiny black skin, sparse hair, a pointed mouth and monkey cheeks, and looked old. It was completely incomparable to Shi Miaomiao next door.

Who is this blind person who would say such insincere words?

Everyone looked up, but immediately bowed down and respectfully greeted the woman.