Joy of Life: Born to Ye Qingmei, raised by Li Yunrui

Chapter 28 Heading Towards the Tiger's Den

"The kid just likes to daydream and put some immature ideas into writing."

"To have gained His Majesty's favor is already a great honor for me."

His answer was still impeccable, placing himself in the position of a junior and a student, without showing any arrogance because of his talent.

Watching Ye Tian and Emperor Qing exchange words that were full of hidden meanings, Li Yunrui, who was standing to the side, couldn't help but break out in a cold sweat.

She knew that Emperor Qing's thoughts were unfathomable.

A slight misstep could lead to death.

She was genuinely worried that Ye Tian, ​​due to his youthful impetuosity, might offend this capricious emperor.

However, Ye Tian's performance greatly surprised her.

He showed no signs of tension or panic; on the contrary, he appeared calm and composed, handling the situation with ease.

That maturity and wisdom beyond his years made her feel both gratified and a little lost.

Her child has truly grown up.

She was no longer the baby who needed her constant care.

He has already possessed the wisdom and courage to contend with the most powerful man in the world.

Emperor Qing looked at Ye Tian's unyielding and impenetrable demeanor, his eyes narrowed slightly, and his apprehension deepened.

This child is truly remarkable!

His mind and his shrewdness are far beyond what a thirteen-year-old boy could possess!

It seems that ordinary tests have no effect on him at all.

We absolutely have to take drastic measures!

"Ye Tian".

Emperor Qing's tone suddenly became somewhat meaningful.

"I know you are intelligent and talented."

"Even more outstanding than your mother back then."

When the words "your mother" came out of Emperor Qing's mouth.

Ye Tian's heart skipped a beat!

He knew that the real "core of the show" was about to begin!

Li Yunrui's face also turned deathly pale instantly!

She watched Emperor Qing nervously, afraid that he might say something detrimental to Ye Tian.

Emperor Qing ignored Li Yunrui's reaction, fixing his gaze intently on Ye Tian's face, and said, word by word:

"Your mother was once just like you, exceptionally talented and radiant."

"She also dreamed of changing the world and building her ideal country."

"But do you know what her ultimate fate was?"

Emperor Qing's voice, carrying a chilling coldness, slithered into Ye Tian and Li Yunrui's ears like a venomous snake!

This is a warning!

A stark warning!

He was using Ye Qingmei's death to warn Ye Tian!

Do not attempt to challenge his authority!

Don't try to change the rules of this world!

otherwise,

Ye Qingmei's today is his tomorrow!

Upon hearing this, Li Yunrui could no longer hold back!

She suddenly knelt down, her voice trembling as she said, "Your Majesty! Tian'er is just a child! He doesn't understand anything!"

"Your Majesty, please forgive him this time, for my sister's sake!"

She was afraid, afraid that Emperor Qing would really kill Ye Tian!

However, Emperor Qing didn't even glance at her.

His gaze remained fixed on Ye Tian, ​​awaiting his answer.

The atmosphere inside the Imperial Study was extremely oppressive!

A suffocating murderous intent filled the air!

Ye Tian looked into Emperor Qing's eyes, which were full of warning and threat, but his heart was surprisingly calm.

He knew that Emperor Qing was testing his bottom line and also giving him a warning.

If he shows any fear or hesitation at this moment, then he will never be able to hold his head high in front of Emperor Qing again.

He took a deep breath, spoke slowly, his voice calm yet carrying an undeniable firmness.

"His Majesty."

"I will never forget my mother's deeds."

"But, I believe it too."

"Times are always progressing."

"There are some things and some people that even Your Majesty cannot control forever."

Although his words were tactful, their meaning was crystal clear!

He was telling Emperor Qing.

He will never forget his mother's revenge!

He will not give up on his ideals!

We will never yield to anyone's threats!

Even the reigning emperor!

Upon hearing Ye Tian's words, Emperor Qing's pupils suddenly contracted!

An invisible rage emanated from him!

This kid actually dared to talk back to him?!

How dare they challenge his authority?!

He's really courting death!

The temperature inside the Imperial Study seemed to drop by more than ten degrees in an instant!

Li Yunrui was so frightened that she trembled all over and turned pale.

She knew that Ye Tian's words had thoroughly enraged Emperor Qing!

What awaits him is not a bad ending, but a recommendation for the treasure book "Joy of Life: Raised by Li Yunrui with Ye Qingmei as the Birth Mother":

It will be the wrath of thunder!

However, just as Emperor Qing was about to have his attack...

Ye Tian suddenly changed the subject, smiling as he said:

"Of course, I know that Your Majesty is busy with countless affairs of state, working tirelessly for the country and its people."

"If my meager talent can alleviate His Majesty's burdens and serve the Qing Kingdom, then I would be extremely fortunate."

His tone became humble and respectful again, as if those "treasonous" words from before were not his own at all.

This sudden change caused Emperor Qing's anger to subside.

He couldn't quite understand the boy in front of him anymore.

Is he truly arrogant and ignorant, or does he have ulterior motives?

Ye Tian looked at Emperor Qing's unpredictable expression and sneered inwardly.

He knew that his words had successfully planted a seed of doubt in Emperor Qing's heart.

They also successfully bought themselves a chance to catch their breath.

He doesn't want to completely break ties with Emperor Qing yet.

After all, his strength has not yet truly reached the point where he can contend with the entire Qing Kingdom.

He needs time and needs to continue to build up his strength.

Emperor Qing seemed to have seen through Ye Tian's thoughts.

He was silent for a moment, then slowly spoke, his voice returning to its usual calm.

"Well done, sharing my burdens and serving the Qing Kingdom."

"Since that's the case, then I will give you a chance."

A meaningful glint flashed in his eyes.

A new contest seems to be about to begin.

··········

Emperor Qing's deep gaze lingered on Ye Tian for a long time; beneath that seemingly calm gaze, undercurrents were surging.

Finally, he spoke slowly, his voice carrying an undeniable air of authority: "Since Minister Ye is willing to share my burdens and serve the Qing Kingdom, then I will give you a chance to display your talents."

Ye Tian felt a chill run down his spine, knowing that Emperor Qing's "test" was finally about to begin.

He maintained a respectful and calm demeanor, bowing and saying, "Please give your instructions, Your Majesty. I will do my utmost to live up to Your Majesty's expectations."

Emperor Qing's lips curled into an inscrutable smile as he said, "Recently, the corruption cases in the Jiangnan canal transport sector have escalated to an increasingly serious level, deeply corrupting the very foundation of the nation. I have repeatedly dispatched imperial envoys to investigate, but with little success; some have even gone and never returned."

At this point, Emperor Qing's tone revealed a chilling undertone.

The canal transport in Jiangnan was the economic lifeline of the Qing Kingdom, and it had always been a lucrative area, as well as a breeding ground for corruption.

The extent of the interests involved and the complexity of the forces at play are far beyond what ordinary officials can influence.

Emperor Qing's intentions in entrusting Ye Tian with such a difficult, even life-or-death, task are quite obvious.

This is both a test of Ye Tian's abilities and a calculated scheme to kill someone with a borrowed knife!

If Ye Tian cannot find anything out, he will be considered incompetent, and Emperor Qing will have plenty of reasons to reprimand or demote him, or even find a pretext to remove him.

If Ye Tian really finds out something, it will inevitably touch the deeply entrenched interest groups in the Jiangnan officialdom. At that time, in order to protect themselves, those people will never let Ye Tian return to the capital alive!

What a brilliant move—killing two birds with one stone, using someone else to do the dirty work!

Li Yunrui listened from the side, her face already as pale as paper from fright.

Although she didn't understand the affairs of the imperial court, she knew that the corruption case in the Jiangnan canal transport sector was definitely a hot potato, a vortex that could devour people!

"Your Majesty!" Li Yunrui could no longer hold back and knelt down with a thud, pleading in a trembling voice, "Tian'er is still just a child! How can he possibly bear such a heavy responsibility?!"

"Your Majesty, please reconsider! Your Majesty, please rescind your decree!"

She would rather Ye Tian live an ordinary life than have him take such a huge risk!

Emperor Qing didn't even glance at Li Yunrui, but fixed his gaze on Ye Tian's face, and said calmly, "Ye Tian, ​​do you dare to take on this task?"

His tone carried an undeniable air of authority, as well as a subtle hint of provocation.

Looking into Emperor Qing's deep eyes, Ye Tian had already seen through all his schemes.

He knew that he had no way out at this moment.

If he refuses, he will be confirmed as "unfit for important positions," and Emperor Qing will have plenty of ways to deal with him.

Since that's the case, then let's face the challenge head-on!

"Your Majesty, I hereby report."

Ye Tian straightened his back and spoke in a clear and firm voice.

"He who eats the king's food must serve the king faithfully."

"Since the corruption and decadence in the Jiangnan canal transport system have reached such a point that it has shaken the foundation of the nation,"

As a citizen of the Qing Kingdom, receiving a salary from the imperial court, it is my duty to share Your Majesty's burdens and rid the people of scourges!

"This job, lad, you take it!"

His voice was strong and resonant!

Without the slightest hesitation, without the slightest fear!

His courage and boldness beyond his years made Li Yunrui and Hong Sixiang, who were present, take notice!

Li Yunrui looked at Ye Tian's determined eyes.

She felt a mix of pride and worry, a complex blend of emotions that almost suffocated her.

Hong Sixiang sighed inwardly.

This Ye Tian is indeed no ordinary person!

Go ahead to dangers!