As Xiao Jingyun pondered, Xiao An spoke again.
"Since Feng Xiaoyue is so unappreciative, I think Feng Pengju's position as Prime Minister is forfeit."
"I will consider it and appoint someone else."
He then turned to Bai Han, "You will go to Feng Pengju's residence immediately and inform him of this matter. Tell him to recuperate at home for now, and await my appointment for his future role!"
Awaiting an appointment meant no restoration of his official position, just waiting for arrangements. In plain terms, if you don't let your daughter marry my son, you can forget about being a minister.
Xiao Jingyun was speechless. He bowed and advised, "Father, I have already promised the position of Prime Minister to Feng Pengju. To change my mind now would make me appear untrustworthy."
Xiao An looked at him, "He hasn't even become Prime Minister yet, and he dares to defy my wishes. If he were to become Prime Minister, do you think he would still respect you?"
"Rehabilitating his case does not mean we have to reemploy him. Let him rest at home for now."
Xiao Jingyun sighed deeply. After all, his father was still in power, and he was merely the regent. These matters were not truly his to decide.
Xiao Jingyun immediately realized that if he brought up the next matter, his father would likely become even more furious.
However, furious or not, it had to be said.
"Father, there is another matter. Liu Rumei is about to marry Chen Xiaobei, and the guardianship of the Dragon Vein will be unattended. I have already ordered Jing Feng to go to Qingniu County to guard it temporarily until a suitable person is found to replace her."
Upon hearing this, Xiao An, surprisingly, did not erupt in anger but fell silent.
After a long pause, he sighed, "I don't believe Jing Feng is going there solely to guard the Dragon Vein!"
Xiao Jingyun knew very well what his father was implying.
But pretending ignorance was also a skill. Xiao Jingyun quickly bowed and replied, "Replying to Father, your son believes my sister has no other intentions. Moreover, I have already promised my sister that she will return as soon as a suitable candidate is identified."
Xiao An nodded, "Very well, let her go. Experiencing the world outside will help her understand my good intentions."
With that, Xiao An waved his hand, "Enough, you may withdraw."
Xiao Jingyun bowed and turned to leave. Just then, Xiao An added.
"By calculating the days, Chen Xiaobei should be arriving home by now."
Xiao Jingyun did not dare to answer this question rashly. "Based on the calculated time, if there were no unexpected incidents on the road, he should arrive today."
"Go and reassure Liu Rumei. Nothing can go wrong with her situation, or my imperial dignity will truly be compromised."
Xiao Jingyun agreed and bowed his way out of the study. Watching him leave, Xiao An looked at Bai Han, "Send someone to Qingniu County immediately to find out what the princess is truly doing there. Keep a close watch on her."
Bai Han agreed and turned to leave. After he was gone, Xiao An beckoned Xiao Shunzi to his side. "Later, you will go to Fang Zheng's place. Since he has completed what he was tasked to do, it's time for him to return to his hometown."
Xiao Shunzi felt extremely awkward but dared not refuse.
He left the study and, steeling himself, went to see the old Prime Minister, Fang Zheng.
Seeing him, Fang Zheng was extremely courteous, warmly inviting him into the reception hall and ordering tea to be served.
Xiao Shunzi glanced around, looking troubled. "Old Prime Minister, I have no other intentions in coming. I merely overheard some whispers and wanted to give you a heads-up in advance."
Upon hearing this, Fang Zheng understood. Giving a heads-up meant delivering unofficial news on behalf of the Emperor, as some matters could not be spoken by the Emperor himself.
"Esteemed Eunuch, why be so formal? We have known each other for many years. You can speak freely."
Xiao Shunzi sighed, "Old Prime Minister, if my memory serves me correctly, you were recalled to the capital while on your way back to your hometown, is that right?"
Fang Zheng nodded, "Yes. I suddenly received a verbal decree from the Crown Prince to exonerate Feng Pengju."
After saying this, Fang Zheng suddenly came to his senses. He cupped his fists towards Xiao Shunzi.
"This old man understands. I understand now."
Xiao Shunzi stood up and respectfully bowed to Fang Zheng.
"I am merely delivering a message and am powerless to do otherwise. I beg for your understanding, Old Prime Minister."
Fang Zheng gave a wry smile and waved his hand, "We are both officials, we understand, we understand."
Xiao Shunzi glanced around at Fang Zheng, understanding the unspoken message. He waved his hand, and everyone withdrew.
Once they were alone, Xiao Shunzi lowered his voice and said, "Old Prime Minister, do you have any remaining wishes? This humble servant is willing to do his utmost to help you fulfill them."
Fang Zheng smiled and cupped his fists. "Thank you for your kind offer, Grand Eunuch. At my age, what wishes could I possibly have? My only hope now is that my grandson, Fang Jun, can live out the rest of his life in peace and safety."
Upon hearing this, Xiao Shunzi nodded. "This humble servant understands. I will convey your words."
With that, Xiao Shunzi took out an object wrapped in silk from his sleeve and placed it into Fang Zheng's hand.
"Take this with you. In a critical moment, it may save Fang Jun's life."
After speaking, Xiao Shunzi took two steps back, bowed again, and turned to leave directly.
After Xiao Shunzi had long gone, Fang Zheng, with trembling hands, opened the package.
Inside was a waist token, a golden waist token, bestowed by the Emperor.
Seeing this waist token, Fang Zheng's eyes welled up with tears.
This was a token that granted immunity from death, exempting one from the death penalty once, except for rebellion.
After examining the token, Fang Zheng let out a long sigh, filled with emotion. He had toiled his entire life for the Great Cang Kingdom. His son had died on the battlefield, and all he received in the end was this small token.
His entire life, and his son's life, had ultimately bought his grandson one chance to escape death.
After his sigh, Fang Zheng carefully put the token away. Regardless, it was still a chance to escape death.
Holding the token, Fang Zheng slowly walked out of the reception hall and stood on the steps. Looking at the busy servants in the courtyard, he coughed.
"Listen up, all of you. Later, go to the study to collect your wages and then return to your homes."
Upon hearing this, the servants who were working were stunned. They crowded around, asking one after another, "Master, Master, what is wrong? What have we done wrong? Tell us and we will correct it."
Fang Zheng looked up at the assembled crowd, tears streaming down his face. He sighed heavily.
"Everyone, it has nothing to do with you. You saw the palace envoy just now. I must return to my hometown immediately. From now on, there will be no one named Fang Zheng in the capital."
"Furthermore, no descendant of the Fang family will ever set foot in officialdom again."
"So, from now on, my grandson will be an ordinary farmer. You may all disperse."
After hearing Fang Zheng's words, the crowd fell into a profound silence. After a long while, someone finally burst into tears.
With someone taking the lead, everyone in the courtyard began to weep.