Xu Xiao took the sheet of paper. Before even reading it, he hurriedly praised his son's fine handwriting. He gave it a cursory glance and was just about to boldly declare there was no problem when he looked more carefully, reading every word from start to finish. A faintly pained expression crossed his face as he said,
"Son, isn't this a bit too many enemies? There are no fewer than a hundred. Look at the governor of Huizhou Prefecture. Just because his son looked a little too pretty and traveled around Biluohu Lake with some beauties, where you happened to spot him from afar—you want to strip him of his official hat?
"And the Langya Wang Clan of Guanzhong. One of their servants merely cursed Northern Liang savages a few times while drinking, and you want their entire clan exterminated?
"As for the Xuanyuan Family in the martial world, what did they do to anger my son so badly that you want their entire family exiled to Jinzhou, and even specifically name that girl Xuanyuan Qingfeng to be made an official prostitute?"
Xu Fengnian watched his beloved gyrfalcon pecking at its drink and sighed. "Xiao Bai, Xiao Bai, you have it good. You have a master like me who knows how to cherish you. I'm the miserable one—no father's love, no mother's affection. Living is nothing but suffering. What's the point?"
The Great Pillar State immediately smiled. "Your father will do it. Your father will do it. No objections whatsoever."
"Zuozong, prepare two units of Tiger Cavalry and have them standing by at all times.
"This king will immediately go above and ask for an imperial decree. At worst, we'll trample the martial world beneath cavalry hooves once more.
"Lushan, make arrangements with the officials in the provinces and prefectures