"If I don't have Father's imposing authority to make the Son of Heaven fear me, then I'll do the opposite and treat him with respect."
"This time, I've prepared plenty of wealth and treasures to offer him. As long as I can coax the Son of Heaven into a good mood, discussing an official appointment won't be difficult. I was far too rash last time."
Outside the Yuan Residence, Yuan Xi watched the soldiers load chest after chest of wealth and treasures onto the carts and thought to himself. He refused to believe that all these things would fail to move the Son of Heaven.
The wealth and treasures filled ten horse-drawn carriages.
Once the soldiers had finished loading everything, Yuan Xi told the soldiers at the entrance, "Remember to keep the Grand General's Residence under strict guard while I'm away. No one is allowed in or out."
"Keep an especially close eye on Ju Shou, Shen Pei, and Tian Feng!"
This time, Yuan Xi did not intend to bring Ju Shou and the others into the palace.
Last time, he had brought them along, only for the Son of Heaven to summon Ju Shou, giving him a terrible fright. To avoid the same thing happening again, he would enter the palace alone this time.
"Yes, Second Young Master!"
The soldiers guarding the entrance answered respectfully.
Only then did Yuan Xi feel reassured. He boarded his carriage and set off for the Imperial Palace with his wealth of gifts.
Meanwhile, inside the Grand General's Residence.
Madam Liu also received word that Yuan Xi had left. She immediately gathered the personal seals and letters Ju Shou and the others had given her and headed out of the Grand General's Residence.
But she was stopped at the entrance.
"Madam, the Second Young