Even emperors have it tough, so don't be too picky about the entries.

......

Chen Yuan steadied himself, then frantically waved his hands, saying in a panic:

"My son, what are you saying?"

"I...I have suffered heavy losses in this hunt, losing soldiers and generals, disgracing the country, and even being forced to steal sheep. I am ashamed before my ancestors and the common people. I have long lost the favor of Heaven and the hearts of the people."

"If it weren't for my son's heroic efforts, I... would have brought immense suffering to the people of Great Yan."

"My son is still the Emperor of Great Yan, which is right and proper."

"I have returned here... only wishing to enjoy my old age, be with my grandchildren, and not concern myself with politics."

"I entrust this empire to my son. I am too old to bear the burden."

He spoke with such sincerity that by the end he almost believed it himself, and a few tears even welled up in his eyes.

Chen Shao then stepped forward, "Father, how can you say such a thing..."

Chen Yuan immediately interrupted him; he was genuinely afraid that his simple-minded son would do something foolish.

Let's fight to the death.

Anyone who has ever been an emperor knows that feeling... is harder to quit than drug addiction.

Once power is in one's hands, trying to relinquish it will inevitably lead to the loss of one's very flesh and blood.

Chen Shao had only been experiencing this for a few days; if he didn't settle down, he would surely die.

"My son! This is your father's true thought, and this is the earnest hope of an old father. Can't you... grant it?"

His tone was sorrowful, and those who heard it were heartbroken and moved to tears.

Chen Shao also seemed to be moved.

"Was what the Emperor Emeritus said truly from the bottom of his heart?"

"If even the slightest word of this is false, may I die a horrible death!"

Chen Shao clapped his hands.

"good!"

"Our relationship as a loving father and filial son can be considered a beautiful story in history."

"Mr. Shen!"

"Your subject is here." Shen Qingci bowed respectfully.

"Copy down the Emperor Emeritus's heartfelt words and post them throughout the land. If you misspell even one word, I will execute you!"

Holy crap...

Shen Qingci finally understood Chen Shao's meaning.

This is a blatant slap in the face to Chen Yuan.

In wars like this, where the emperor personally leads the army, suffers a crushing defeat, and is humiliated by being led away with a sheep, the history books will at most record a single sentence:

The emperor went on a northern expedition, but it was unsuccessful, and he returned to the capital the following day.

At most, one more sentence could be added: The retired emperor has abdicated, and the current emperor is taking care of him in filial piety.

Let's put this matter behind us.

Now, Chen Yuan, fearing for his life, has revealed everything, especially in front of everyone.

In addition, there were a massive number of notices sent across the country.

Chen Yuan is utterly disgraced.

He said all of this himself.

Shen Qingci blinked her beautiful eyes repeatedly: "If I make even a single mistake, I'll offer my head!"

"Damn it!" Chen Yuan cursed inwardly.

But he forced a smile onto his face:

"That's wonderful...wonderful..."

Chen Shao mounted his horse and waved his hand.

Immediately, Eunuch Wei shouted at the top of his lungs:

Welcome the Emperor back to the capital!

He then led over a white horse, and the father and son walked side by side, slowly heading towards the city gate.

The officials followed in single file.

The retired emperor tried several times to interrupt his son, who was talking animatedly beside him, saying, "Couldn't you at least change your clothes before we go into the city...?"

But Chen Shao didn't give him a chance to speak at all.

As they reached the foot of the city wall, Chen Shao suddenly reined in his horse and smiled at Chen Yuan.

"Father, your safe return is truly a blessing upon the Great Yan! Your son has prepared a wonderful surprise for you!"

Chen Yuan's heart skipped a beat.

You have to take that brat's words the wrong way.

There's no need for any surprises.

He quickly waved his hand, "My son, you're too kind. I... I only wish to live out my remaining years in peace and quiet. There's no need for such a commotion, really... I can't accept such an honor..."

"Father, what are you saying? You are not worthy of such an honor, so who in the world is?"

The moment the white horse crossed the city gate.

Chen Yuan looked up and froze on his horse as if struck by lightning.

The streets were packed with people.

The crowds were immense, shoulder to shoulder.

Everyone... was standing on tiptoe, looking at him.

Yes, they just stared at each other, expressionless, without saying a word or making a move.

This atmosphere is so oppressive.

Chen Yuan had seen his share of grand occasions; he had once remained unfazed even in the face of hundreds of thousands of troops.

But now, it felt like Mount Tai was pressing down on him, and he felt a tightness in his chest that was about to burst him!

As the procession moved forward, the people's eyes followed.

Still as quiet as a walking corpse.

There was no other way; someone had given the order that anyone who could keep quiet would receive a reward.

Chen Yuan felt a mouthful of blood rise to his throat, but he forced it back down.

He forced a smile and met the group of zombie faces.

It felt like he had walked this street for a year.

Every step was a torment to both body and mind.

They finally made it to the palace gate, and the crowd dispersed.

Chen Shao dismounted and personally helped him up:

"Father, you must be tired from your journey. Please return to the palace to rest."

"Yongshou Palace has been prepared, and the Empress Dowager is eagerly awaiting its return."

Upon hearing the Empress Dowager's name, Chen Yuan immediately shuddered.

Only then did he recall Wu Xingyun's advice.

They must never live in the palace.

Otherwise, death is certain.

The Empress Dowager has already become involved with him.

hiss!

Chen Yuan gasped, his hands flailing wildly.

"My son, you mustn't, you mustn't!"

"I...I am no longer the emperor. Just treat me as an old man in retirement. It's against the rules and inconvenient for me to live in the palace."

"I'll just find a quiet house outside the palace, with two acres of fertile land, that will be enough."

Upon seeing this, Han Cao immediately stepped forward.

"Your Majesty, it is indeed inconvenient for the Emperor Emeritus to live in the palace. This old minister has several elegant rooms in his residence, where it is quiet and peaceful and undisturbed."

"This place is perfect for retirement and farming. If Your Majesty doesn't mind, you might as well stay with this old minister for a few days."

"We two old folks, frail and elderly as we are, can still play chess and enjoy some tea."

Yu Qi'an, standing next to him, frowned slightly. Weren't these two guys going too far?

He was placed under house arrest upon his return; isn't that only natural?

Does not living in the palace mean you want to escape His Majesty's control?

That's quite a dream.

Even if His Majesty were a pig, he would never agree to that.

"Since that's the case, and filial piety is the most important of all virtues, then I entrust the Prime Minister to fulfill my filial duties on my behalf."

Yu Qi'an was petrified on the spot.

The retired emperor is living in the prime minister's residence? This...this is simply outrageous!

Why has Your Majesty suddenly lost your mind? Doesn't this mean the Prime Minister's residence is now a miniature imperial court?

Who would still buy into your act?

He blinked frantically at Chen Shao, but Chen Shao ignored him.

They were about to head towards the Prime Minister's residence with Chen Yuan and Han Cao, all smiles.

Chen Shao said he would personally escort the Emperor Emeritus to the Prime Minister's residence, but Han Cao quickly waved his hand:

"Your Majesty, in order to avoid attracting attention and protect the Emperor Emeritus, it would be best to keep this matter low-key. Going through it in a big way will only draw more attention to it."

Chen Shao readily accepted good advice.

He only brought Bai Bingbing and a few plainclothes imperial guards, traveling light.

The carriage wound its way through several narrow alleys with few people, finally stopping quietly at the back gate of the Prime Minister's residence.

Han Cao's mansion was enormous; finding a quiet courtyard was incredibly easy.

He led Chen Shao and Chen Yuan through the garden path to a secluded courtyard.

A few banana trees and a stone table in the courtyard create a serene and elegant atmosphere.

"My humble abode is simple and unassuming. I am sorry to trouble Your Majesty to rest here for the time being. Although this courtyard is small, it is quiet and peaceful. No one outside would know that Your Majesty is here."

"It's a nice place." Chen Shao nodded slightly.

Han Cao pushed open the door to the side room and gestured for him to enter.

laughed:

"It's even more tranquil inside, making it perfect for retirement."

"Your Majesty, please come inside and have a look."

Chen Shao nodded.

But as soon as I stepped into the room...

Everyone was stunned!

Inside the room, on a couch, lay a well-maintained lady.

They were almost completely naked.

Turn your body to the side and face inward.

At the same time, its mournful voice could be heard:

"You rascal, why are you so late?"