Chapter 77

Song Li is now quite wealthy, with the millions of gold coins from the last auction mostly untouched, so he is quite well-off. Although the eunuchs have a low status, as the closest servants to the Holy Emperor, they are still a valuable group. Cultivating a good relationship with them is like having countless ears and eyes in the palace, and can even provide insight into the Holy Emperor's true thoughts. Although Song Li is not a spendthrift, he never hesitates to spend money when it's necessary. Giving these servants a little benefit might prove useful at a critical moment.

Song Li walked in respectfully, head down, and knelt, banging his head on the ground three times. After all, one of the people sitting in the room was his father, and the other was his uncle, so kneeling a few times wouldn't hurt.

"May Uncle Holy Emperor enjoy eternal blessings, live as long as the heavens, and rule the continent for a thousand years!" Song Li's slightly deep baritone echoed in the room.

Emperor Song Xingtian laughed heartily and said to Song Xinghai, "Sixth Brother, why is your son so likable? I heard this blessing in the grand hall last time, and it was quite fresh, much more pleasant to the ear than those clichés. Song Li, where did you learn this?"

Song Li thought to himself, "I learned this from Wei Xiaobao. How he dealt with the Dragon King and Emperor Kangxi, I'll deal with you the same way, guaranteed to make you 'pleased.'"

"Reporting to Uncle Holy Emperor, this is my own creation; I didn't learn it from anyone," Song Li replied respectfully. "Uncle Holy Emperor is wise and brilliant, with great talent and vision. When I see you, I can't help but feel admiration, and these words come out naturally. They are both a blessing and a heartfelt expression."

Most people have a common understanding that children are less calculating than adults and are more likely to speak the truth. The Holy Emperor is no exception. If these words were said by a minister, Song Xingtian might feel a slight boost but would soon dismiss them. However, when said by a child, the words have a different flavor. Although Song Li is already sixteen and quite mature, in the eyes of the Holy Emperor, he is still a child. Therefore, it is natural for the Holy Emperor to be "pleased."

"Good boy, get up." Song Xingtian smiled broadly and said, "With such a smooth tongue, how could Uncle Holy Emperor bear to have you kneel?"

Song Li winked at his father, who was smiling and stroking his beard, and stood up quickly.

"Song Li, come, sit beside me." There was a chair wrapped in brocade next to Song Xingtian, and he gestured for Song Li to sit there.

"Your Majesty, this is too informal..." Song Xinghai hurriedly said.

"Sixth Brother, this isn't the grand hall. Why so many rules? I called you and your son to the imperial study to chat casually as a family. Don't ruin the mood," Song Xingtian smiled and waved at Song Li, saying, "Don't listen to your father. If Uncle Holy Emperor tells you to sit, just sit."

Song Li put on an innocent look and said happily, "Thank you, Uncle Holy Emperor, for the seat." Then he sat down beside Song Xingtian without hesitation.

"This child... has no sense of propriety at all... Your Majesty, you'll spoil him this way," Song Xinghai smiled bitterly and shook his head.

"I think Song Li is quite sensible, Sixth Brother. Don't be too strict with him," Song Xingtian smiled. "Boys need some freedom. Look at my princes; they were all quite mischievous when they were young, and I didn't interfere much. They grew up to be sensible."

Song Li secretly rolled his eyes, thinking that others might not dare to say it, but the Fourth Prince would never grow up to be sensible, even in a hundred years. Non-interference depends on the person. Dealing with a natural little demon like the Fourth Prince requires a firm hand. His current behavior is partly due to Song Xingtian's indulgence. Although the Holy Emperor is a wise ruler, he made a subjective mistake in educating his children, believing that their nature was inherently good.

However, Song Li wouldn't be foolish enough to discuss this with Song Xingtian. Even a common father would be displeased if you criticized his child. How much more so for a king who holds the power of life and death over the people? The saying "serving a king is like serving a tiger" is not just a saying. Emperors are far more terrifying than tigers.

Song Xinghai smiled bitterly and said, "This child is also quite mischievous. I can't control him; it's his mother who manages him."

Song Xingtian's eyes flashed with a keen light as he examined Song Li for a moment, then his face showed a hint of surprise. "This little guy is quite remarkable, already at the second level of Qi Induction. No wonder Pan Shaofeng wasn't your match! Sixth Brother, when we were his age, were we as strong?"

Song Li quickly replied, "Uncle Holy Emperor is always the strongest. I can't compare to you."

With his current ability, Song Li couldn't discern the Holy Emperor's level, but Song Xingtian always gave him a sense of being unfathomable. Song Li felt that the Holy Emperor was at least at the Foundation Establishment stage. Since coming to this world, no one has given him as much pressure and remained so mysterious as Song Xingtian.

Song Xingtian didn't comment, but smiled and said, "Song Li, do you know why Uncle Holy Emperor called you here today?"

"Nephew has been anxious on the way here, wondering if I did something wrong and upset Uncle Holy Emperor. If so, don't hesitate to give me a good scolding."

"Ha ha, this child, does Uncle Holy Emperor seem so violent to you?" Song Xingtian genuinely liked Song Li, who was quick-witted in his words and actions. Unlike his princes, who would all be stiff and silent in his presence, Song Li was different. He followed the proper etiquette but wasn't as nervous and fearful as other children. His sharp tongue always produced unexpected and likable words, making him both clever and dignified, interesting and well-mannered, neither humble nor arrogant, which made people feel comfortable.

Although Song Li had been in this world for some time, the values from his previous life still deeply influenced him. Coming from a time that valued democracy and freedom and broke down hierarchical concepts, he naturally wasn't as afraid of the Holy Emperor as people in this era. Although he understood the need to respect hierarchy and follow rules, his deeply ingrained worldview couldn't be easily changed. This formed his unique personal charm, even attracting the Holy Emperor. At least when facing Song Li, he didn't find it boring.

"In my eyes, Uncle Holy Emperor is the kindest and most benevolent relative in the world," Song Li said earnestly, as if he truly believed it.

"Ha ha ha, this kid. You're just flattering Uncle Holy Emperor," Song Xingtian laughed heartily and nodded. "Today, Uncle Holy Emperor called you here not to trouble you but to reward you. Your actions on Chang'an Street, as reported by your father, were commendable. Good boy, you did well, worthy of our Song royal family. To save the lives of the people, you dared to block the rampaging Fire Kylin. Your skills and courage are outstanding, and few of your peers can match you. I hear you're quite popular now; the people of the capital all praise the heir of the Ming王府 (Ming Mansion)!"

"Uncle Holy Emperor is too kind. I believe any person with a conscience would not stand idly by in the face of a tragedy. Nephew merely did what was right," Song Li said sincerely, not thinking it was a big deal.

"Very good, you have achieved much but remain humble. Sixth Brother, you have a fine son," Song Xingtian stroked his beard and nodded, looking at Song Li with affection.

"Your Majesty is too kind. This child is just a bit bold and often mischievous," Song Xinghai chuckled.

"Good mischief, good mischief. If not for his mischief, how could you have obtained Pan Shijian's evidence so smoothly?" Song Xingtian smiled. "I said it before, Song Li is a great lucky charm."

"Uncle Holy Emperor is blessed by fortune. If I am a lucky charm, it's only because of your good fortune," Song Li smiled. "In the future, I will come more often to listen to your teachings and absorb your divine aura."

Song Xingtian laughed again, and even the high-ranking eunuch outside the door was surprised. The Holy Emperor had laughed more today than in the entire previous year. It seemed he should cultivate a good relationship with the people of Ming Mansion. The Ming Wang and his son were truly capable, able to make the Emperor so happy.

"Song Li, you have done a great service this time. Uncle Holy Emperor is always fair in rewards and punishments. Tell me, what reward do you want? Anything I have, you can ask for."

"Uncle Holy Emperor, as a member of the Song royal family, it is my duty to protect the people when they are in danger. If we cannot ensure the safety of our people, what right do we have to enjoy their taxes and live a life of luxury? All of this is given to us by them. Protecting them is our duty. So what I did is not a great achievement, just my duty. Seeing Uncle Holy Emperor happy is my greatest happiness. As for rewards, I think they should be given to those who need them more."

Song Li said this sincerely. The concept of a public servant from his previous life still influenced him. Since he enjoyed the taxes of the people, he should serve them. Saving a person is not a great achievement; it's a matter of conscience. If you take money without doing the work, people might as well keep a dog, which at least barks when in danger. Living off the people and oppressing them, taking the benefits and hiding when in danger, such people should be eliminated!