A glint flashed in Yang Xiu's eyes, and he instantly understood the Emperor's thoughts.
Since it can't be done openly, the only option is to probe indirectly, which might achieve the desired effect without anyone noticing.
Thinking of this, he solemnly said, "Your Majesty, rest assured, I will certainly record Your Majesty's good intentions in writing, and I will never flatter you, but only state the facts!"
"Hmm, not bad!"
Hearing his words, a smile flashed in Lin Yi's eyes. It was much easier to talk to smart people.
Just give him a hint, and he'll naturally know what to do and how to follow your wishes. That's what a professional subordinate is, and Yang Xiu has clearly realized this now.
Such a person is pleasant to use, and being understanding is definitely an advantage.
Of course, if his loyalty weren't absolute, it would truly be chilling, given how much he knows.
Now that everything is arranged, there's nothing to worry about; we can leave the rest to Xun Yu and the others.
With their intelligence and resourcefulness, they are more than capable of handling all sorts of matters, big and small.
After the court session, Lin Yi went straight to the inner palace and summoned Princess Anne to his bedchamber.
Princess Anne changed into Great Liang Dynasty court dress, looking radiant and confident. However, the combination of the dress and the Eastern attire added a touch of melancholy to her appearance.
This unusual beauty made Lin Yi glance at it a few more times. No wonder he couldn't control himself earlier and made the mistake that all men make.
It's not that I'm fickle, it's just that this enchantress is too alluring.
Seeing Lin Yi's gaze, Anne was secretly pleased; it seemed she still had some charm.
She has suffered greatly these past few days, and it's already difficult for her to maintain this much confidence. If the Emperor doesn't even give her a second glance, she'll completely collapse.
The fact that he is now summoning me to his bedchamber is already a very good sign.
She nestled into Lin Yi's arms like a fledgling returning to its nest, and said coquettishly, "Your Majesty, Anne has been learning the etiquette of Great Liang every day these past few days, she's exhausted!"
Oh!
Lin Yi was amused. This woman had a good learning ability; she had learned Eastern etiquette so quickly. She was indeed a smart woman.
This woman is a bit arrogant and has a strong will; she's determined to compete with Shenle and Cai Yan, but that won't be easy.
The Frostwest Empire, our only backer, seems rather unreliable.
He looked at Anne with a hint of amusement and said softly, " Anne, I've invited your father to my birthday celebration. You'll soon be able to meet him, and we can discuss your marriage!"
"Is Father Emperor coming to Great Liang?"
Anne's pupils contracted, her previous good mood vanished instantly, and she became worried.
Why would the Emperor invite his own father over at this time? Would he really harm his father?
If that were the case, his father would be doomed. After arriving in Great Liang, his father would be powerless to resist the power of Great Liang, and even his life and death would be controlled by the man in front of him.
Even a fool knows that once the Zhennan Dynasty falls, the next target of the Great Liang will definitely be the Frostwest Empire.
If something happens to my father, the Frostwest Empire will likely face a major crisis.
She forced a smile, nestled closer to Lin Yi, and said softly, "Your Majesty, my father is getting old and is a bit confused about many things. Please don't be angry with him, okay?"
"Don't meddle in men's business, and you know I always win people over with Win People Over with Virtue, I would never bully an old person!" Lin Yi kissed her and said meaningfully.
We're not petty people; we definitely won't hold a grudge against an old man. But how things unfold depends on whether the old man knows what's good for him.
Even though Anne is with him now, this father-in-law is unreliable; he still needs to be taught a lesson.
Win People Over with Virtue?
Upon hearing these four words, Princess Anne blushed, recalling the time when this man had bullied her, and how he had also claimed to Win People Over with Virtue.
If you listen to him, even sows would be climbing trees.
She sighed deeply; things were so hard for her.
" Anne seems to have something on her mind. Let me help you clear things up. Don't get sick." Lin Yi pulled her into his arms, gave her a big kiss, and teased her.
What do national affairs have to do with women? Instead of worrying about them, it's better to accept your fate and avoid adding unnecessary trouble.
Princess Anne blushed and gritted her teeth, saying, " Lin Yi, don't push your luck! I'm not one to be trifled with! The Frostwest Empire may not be able to defeat you, but I'm not afraid of you."
The next day!
The two major newspapers in the north and south published an article entitled "Your Majesty: May all people in the All Under Heaven be like dragons." As soon as it appeared, it immediately caused an uproar throughout the entire Great Liang, making countless students think they had read it wrong.
Ordinary people might not understand the meaning of these words, but educated people are well aware of the weight they carry—it could be a capital offense.
An old man in the crowd trembled, unable to contain his horror as he exclaimed, "What on earth has happened? How could Yang Xiu be so audacious as to write such an article? Could he be another Zhao Zhong?"
What is a dragon?
That is the supreme being, the true dragon emperor, a term only the emperor can use. How come now everyone is like a dragon?
This is utterly outrageous and deserving of death!
Is Yang Xiu tired of living?
"No, this is an official newspaper. Yang Xiu would never dare to act recklessly. Didn't you see what it said? This is what the Emperor said. The Emperor wants all the people in the All Under Heaven to be like dragons!" A young man exclaimed excitedly.
He held the newspaper in his hand, reading the contents of the article, and couldn't help but shudder.
This wasn't fear, but excitement, it was exhilaration.
He read the contents of the newspaper aloud. It contained Lin Yi's views on the Imperial Examination and social class, as well as his grand ambition that May Everyone Under Heaven Be Like a Dragon, making the young man feel as heavy as a thousand pounds in his hands.
After hearing his words, everyone was stunned, and then burst into cheers.
May Everyone Under Heaven Be Like a Dragon, and may all people live with greater dignity!
"What magnanimity His Majesty possesses! I am utterly awestruck and dare not look him in the eye. Since the beginning of time, no emperor has ever dared to utter such a statement; His Majesty is truly the first in history!"
"I can't even imagine what a tumultuous and terrifying situation the Great Liang would be if it really came to that."
Tears welled up in many people's eyes, moved by the image of that country in their minds—a great nation unlike any other, where the people must be very happy.