Chapter 1440: 1435: Disgusted With Her, Far Too Obviously!

The courtiers exchanged glances, wondering why the newly appointed Prince Qi, still under sixty, was already planning to retire? Many were puzzled, as with his resignation from the position of Great Commander, Prince Qi would lose real power, leaving him with only a title, and that’s a significant difference.

Grand Tutor Xie, however, nodded silently, believing that Jiang Zhongxing’s decision to retire at the height of his power was the wisest choice.

His achievements were too great, and with his son Jiang Youzhi holding a high position, if he didn’t step down soon, the Emperor’s seat would become unstable!

Without expressing any opinion, the Emperor dismissed the court.

After court, as Jiang Zhongxing was about to leave, Eunuch Yu hurriedly approached him, "Prince Qi, the Emperor asks for you in the Imperial Study Room."

Jiang Zhongxing followed Eunuch Yu.

In the Imperial Study Room, the Emperor was conversing with the six-year-old Seventh Prince. Seeing Jiang Zhongxing enter, the prince promptly stood aside and bowed to Jiang Zhongxing.

The Emperor smiled and said, "Prince Qi, no need for formality, please sit."

Jiang Zhongxing was about to kneel, but the Emperor quickly stepped over to support him, "Cousin, you’re too courteous."

Jiang Zhongxing replied earnestly, "Etiquette cannot be neglected."

He knew very well that the greater his achievements, the more cautious he needed to be; otherwise, arousing the Emperor’s suspicion would be a path to destruction.

The Emperor beckoned him to sit, "Today was supposed to be a day of awards, why did you suddenly submit a resignation request?"

Jiang Zhongxing lowered his gaze, "Years ago, when I became the Great Commander, I made it clear that my sole purpose was to conquer Jin Country."

"Now that Jin Country has been vanquished, I’ve accomplished what I set out to do and just wish to go home and enjoy my retirement."

The Emperor patted Jiang Zhongxing’s shoulder, "In my view, you’re still young, working another ten years shouldn’t be a problem."

Jiang Zhongxing shook his head, "I truly can’t continue, my health doesn’t allow it. I only ask that Your Majesty grants me permission to retire gracefully."

The Emperor sighed deeply, "You’ve always been the subject I trust the most. With your retirement, I’m going to have a headache again."

Jiang Zhongxing gave a slight smile and glanced at the Seventh Prince nearby to change the topic, "Which one is this?"

The Emperor’s gaze also fell on the Seventh Prince, "This is Lao Qi."

"This child seems quite bright, so I’ve kept him by my side for personal guidance."

"For now, he seems to have potential."

Jiang Zhongxing understood; the Emperor was likely dissatisfied with the adult princes and planned to personally educate a wise successor.

Considering that the Emperor was only in his forties, plenty of time remained to cultivate a Crown Prince to his liking.

He bowed, "I wish Your Majesty’s aspirations come true and that our Great Chu has eternal prosperity."

The Emperor sighed, "It’s always Prince Qi who understands me."

After some more casual conversation, Jiang Zhongxing finally left the palace for home.

In the past few days, Yun Jiao hadn’t gone to Renxin Hall. When You Er returned from court, she greeted him cheerfully, glanced behind him with anticipation, but her expression changed immediately, "Where’s Qi Er? Didn’t I ask you to bring him over? I haven’t seen him in years!"

You Er chuckled, and at that moment, a figure suddenly appeared at the doorway, and Lin Ziqi stepped out briskly.

Yun Jiao looked up at the tall young man, tears immediately welling up, "You’ve darkened."

After enduring over two years of wind and meals in the wild, the face of the not-yet-twenty Lin Ziqi bore signs of weathering.

As he looked at Yun Jiao, tears also shimmered in his eyes.

Yun Jiao stepped forward and grabbed his hand, "Come here, I’ve made you two pairs of shoes, no idea if they fit or not."

"The soles were sewn by your Aunt Yang; her hands are stronger than mine, I’ve only cut the patterns and made the uppers."