The Tyrant's Beloved Empress

40

Emperor An Qing knew about his son's ability. With his martial prowess, anyone who could outrun him must be someone extraordinary.

"Have someone search for him!" Emperor An Qing was overjoyed, "Anyone who can bring him back will be rewarded!"

"This priest is indeed gifted. Now that his prediction has come true, shouldn't we start preparing for the snow disaster?" Xiao Zhige took the chance to ask.

The smile on Emperor An Qing's face waned. He frowned and said, "It's just a heavy snow, what could it cause? Besides, the local officials will deal with it." He remembered something and continued, "I recall that your manor had procured quite a bit to prepare for the winter, did you not?"

"Yes. The priest had said that I have to make use of this event to accumulate good deeds so as to ward off misfortunes to the people close to me."

"That's perfect," Emperor An Qing waved his hand and said, "Now that the treasury is empty and since you've already made the effort, I'll let you take care of it. Consider it as a way to help you gain blessings from the people."

Xiao Zhige had long been aware of his father's nature. His words did not come as a surprise to him. He only contemplated shortly and said, "If everything is as the eccentric priest said, the snow disaster will drag out. I'm afraid the things I've stored up are just a drop in the bucket if it was to be the only source to relieve this disaster."

Emperor An Qing waved his hand with disregard, "How many lives can a snowstorm claim? We'll discuss this again if it's not enough."

Xiao Zhige gauged the situation and decided not to argue. He bowed respectfully before taking his leave.

The eunuch led him out then went on to pass an Imperial edict to the public regarding the search for the eccentric Taoist priest.

Xiao Zhige looked back at the resplendent palace with mockery in his eyes. He turned and left without any sense of nostalgia.

It had turned dark by the time Xiao Zhige returned to the Wang Manor. In just half a day, the ground had been covered by a thick layer of snow, leaving a deep print as the carriage threaded by. On the way back, Xiao Zhige saw that many were still trying to repair their roofs in the dark. More pitiful were the beggars who did not have a place to live and could only huddle to find warmth.

Even the prosperous Yejing had fallen to such a state, the Beidi territories and the other provinces couldn't possibly fare any better. But all Emperor An Qing could care about was the immortality pill and his own indulgent vices.These 'trivial matters', he could not be bothered with.

Back at the Wang Manor, Xiao Zhige saw that the lights were still lit in the main courtyard and his spirit was slightly lifted. He brushed off the snow before entering the room.

An Chang Qing who had been waiting for Xiao Zhige immediately stood up to welcome him. He noticed Xiao Zhige's expression and asked, "Is everything all right?"

Xiao Zhige recounted his trip to the palace to him.

"His Majesty is simply..." An Chang Qing was furious but restrained his mouth and only voiced the injustice, "Those were Wangye's personal gold..."

Xiao Zhige was delighted to see that he was feeling unjust for him. He comforted and said, "Using the Emperor's name for this relief work would prevent others from being too suspicious. It's for the same cause after all, there's no need for our effort to be recognized."

Of course An Chang Qing understood this, otherwise, Xiao Zhige would not have fabricated the story about the eccentric priest. But understanding was one thing, he still couldn't help feeling aggrieved for Xiao Zhige.