Yuanjiu glanced at the trembling ministers below and couldn't help but find their fear amusing.
Was Father really that intimidating?
The minister who had spoken earlier quickly backed down. "Your Majesty, I wouldn't dare."
The Left Chancellor, Pei Kelian, stepped forward and said, "Your Majesty, in two months, it will be Your Majesty's thirtieth birthday. According to tradition, this milestone birthday is celebrated with festivities across the empire, and rulers from other nations will come to offer their congratulations. However, the ruler of Shin Theocracy has always enjoyed targeting our nation. It's likely they will once again find ways to create trouble. I suggest we begin preparations immediately."
In the Caohan Empire, milestone birthdays such as the tenth, twentieth, and thirtieth were celebrated grandly, especially the Emperor's, which was always a lavish affair.
The other ministers voiced their agreement, their expressions still troubled by memories of past events.
Ouyang Qingcheng pleased with the ministers' united front against external threats, replied in a calm tone, "What the Left Chancellor says is true. Shin Theocracy has always harbored ill intent. This matter will be entrusted entirely to the Left Chancellor. If Shin Theocracy dares to overstep, Caohan Empire will show them no mercy. Left Chancellor, proceed as you see fit. Do not disappoint me."
"Your servant obeys," Pei Kelian replied.
"If there are no other matters, court is dismissed," Ouyang Qingcheng announced.
No one else stepped forward.
Cailun called out, "Court is dismissed—"
Before he could finish, Ouyang Qingcheng had already carried Yuanjiu and appeared in a secluded grove within the imperial palace.
"Father, is Shin Theocracy really that powerful?" Yuanjiu asked.
Ouyang Qingcheng lay casually on the lush green grass while placing Yuanjiu on his chest. "Hmm, to explain this, I need to tell you an old story. The ruler of Shin Theocracy, Erdene Arslan, was raised by his elder sister, Sarang Arslan, and the two of them were deeply attached to each other. Thirteen years ago, Sarang Arslan met your royal uncles at a gathering of nations and expressed her desire to marry him. But your royal uncle is already in love with someone else and politely declined her. Unexpectedly, she fell ill with despair and, three years later passed away due to her grief. Erdene Arslan believed that I had also interfered, so he has harbored resentment toward Caohan Empire ever since."
"Three years after Sarang Arslanu's death, Erdene Arslan could no longer contain his hatred and incited our neighboring country, Island of the Tsagaan Aral, to wage war against us. Although Caohan Empire emerged victorious, we suffered significant losses. Later, the truth of the matter came to light, and Erdene Arslan faced widespread condemnation from other nations. While he hasn't dared to take any major actions in recent years, he still seizes every opportunity to target Caohan Empire."
"When you were three years old, I attended that year's gathering of nations and exchanged words with him. He gained no advantage against me. This time, with the gathering of rulers for my birthday, Erdene Arslan will certainly try to humiliate Caohan Empire again."
Yuanjiu lay on Ouyang Qingcheng's chest, a cold smirk spreading across her face that bore a striking resemblance to her father's. "I fear he'll only end up losing more than he bargained for."
Ouyang Qingcheng had never heard such an expression before.
As he stroked Yuanjiu's soft hair and thought briefly, he quickly grasped its meaning and couldn't help but laugh heartily. "Well said, my treasure. No matter what tricks he has up his sleeve, let him embarrass himself when the time comes."
"Does Father have a plan?" Yuanjiu asked.
Ouyang Qingcheng playfully tapped her nose. "That's not something you need to worry about. Such matters are for Father's ministers to handle. Otherwise, why does Father keep them around? Today is a rare day off—where would my treasure like to go? How about another picnic in the countryside? If we don't leave soon, Father's afraid we won't get the chance."
"Why not?" she asked curiously.
Ouyang Qingcheng chuckled. "There were two people in court earlier who are Father's close friends. They've been eager to meet you, but I managed to send them away. Now that I brought you to court today, I can't make any more excuses. They're probably waiting for us at the Heavenly Dragon Palace by now."
"If they're Father's friends, then let's meet them," Yuanjiu replied.
Ouyang Qingcheng mischievously pinched her cheeks and grinned wickedly. "Does my treasure not want to spend time alone with Father?" His tone carried a subtle warning: if she dared to say "no," she wouldn't be let off easily.
Yuanjiu hugged his neck and said sweetly, "I do, but Father's friends sound interesting. We can always go for a picnic another time."
"Alright, we'll do as my treasure says," Ouyang Qingcheng agreed with a smile.
As the two of them walked toward Heavenly Dragon Palace, they passed by a few palace consorts who quickly avoided them.
Upon arriving at the Heavenly Dragon Palace, they found Han Shangjing and Pei Kelian lounging comfortably and sipping tea while Cailun stood beside them with a pained expression.
When he saw them return, his eyes lit up. "Your Majesty, Your Highness, you're finally back. These two gentlemen have been asking for you nonstop."
As soon as xiaoding saw Yuanjiu, it darted over and leapt into her arms.
Han Shangjing rose to his feet and clasped his hands in salute, while Pei Kelian, ever casual, merely cupped his hands slightly.
Ouyang Qingcheng didn't care for such formalities.
He sat across from them with Yuanjiu in his arms, a faint smile playing on his lips. "It seems I haven't given the two of you enough tasks. You both appear far too idle."
With a wave of his hand, he dismissed the four palace maids, leaving only Cailun to attend to them.
Han Shangjing laughed lightly. "Surely we're allowed some breathing room now and then?"
Pei Kelian meanwhile, had been observing Yuanjiu closely as if he was captivated by her delicate and charming features.