flstandardbreds Chapter 175: Exposing one's own shortcomings, not being able to bear it
Chapter 175: Exposing one's own shortcomings, not being able to bear it
Qin Yu raised his eyes and swept his gaze over the four beauties in front of him, each with their own unique charm and beauty. However, there was no ripple in his heart, but instead a hint of disgust and aversion.
He took a deep breath, gritted his teeth, and looked up at His Majesty, who was sitting high on the throne. He spoke earnestly and without reservation, "Your Majesty, I am deeply grateful for your grace, but I find it difficult to accept this kindness. I hope Your Majesty will revoke your order."
The emperor's expression darkened instantly, and his gaze pierced Qin Yu like a knife. His displeasure was evident as he spoke coldly, "My dear Qin, are you planning to disobey my order?"
In an instant, the atmosphere in the entire hall was as if shrouded in frost and froze in an instant.
Eunuch Wu, standing in the distance, gasped at the spectacle. General Qin was truly audacious. Didn't he see that the emperor's patience was reaching its limit? Regardless, he would take the man back first. He would have the final say on how to deal with him later. The general simply lacked the ability to adapt.
But Qin Yu showed no fear at all. Instead, he straightened his back and knelt firmly before the emperor. With an earnest expression, he slowly said, "Your Majesty, it is not that I intend to disobey your order, but I am powerless."
A gleam flashed in the emperor's eyes, and the anger on his face did not diminish at all. He asked, "General Qin, what exactly do you mean by this?"
Qin Yu took a deep breath and said bluntly, "Your Majesty, although I cured my legs, I was left with severe aftereffects and can no longer perform sexual acts. Therefore, I am truly unworthy of the beauty Your Majesty has bestowed upon me."
The emperor's face was filled with disbelief. He scrutinized him closely and demanded, "How could this be? Why have you never mentioned this before?"
Qin Yu pulled a self-deprecating smile from the corner of his mouth and said bitterly, "I am no longer a real man now. How dare I pollute His Majesty's ears with such things?"
"I'll call the imperial physician over to see you right away." The emperor said anxiously.
Qin Yu shook his head helplessly. "Your Majesty, there's no need to waste your energy. I've already asked several doctors from the Imperial Hospital to treat him, but they were unable to save him."
The emperor's eyes flickered after hearing this, and he was clearly skeptical of Qin Yu's words. He then raised his head and sternly scolded Eunuch Wu, "What are you still standing there for? Go get the imperial physician!"
Eunuch Wu did not dare to delay and left in a hurry.
Not long after, several highly skilled doctors from the Imperial Hospital were urgently summoned to the main hall. One by one, they took Qin Yu's pulse. After the examination, they all looked troubled, and confirmed that what Qin Yu said was true.
Only then did the emperor have to believe that Qin Yu had indeed developed this irreversible illness.
The emperor's face full of disbelief gradually turned into deep regret. He raised his hand and waved, signaling the four beauties to leave first.
The beauties who had been standing aside with full of anticipation could only leave the hall with disappointment in their hearts, looking back every few steps.
After the beauties left, the emperor's gaze fell on Qin Yu again, and his tone was filled with helplessness and pity: "My dear Qin, you have made great contributions to our dynasty, but now you have ended up in such a situation. I am truly ashamed."
Upon hearing this, Qin Yu kowtowed heavily, his voice choking with sobs, "Your Majesty, it is my honor to serve the court. All this is my fate and has nothing to do with Your Majesty."
The Emperor pondered for a moment, then slowly spoke, "In that case, let's leave this reward alone. However, I cannot treat you unfairly. My dear Qin, tell me, what is your wish now? As long as it is within my reach, I will definitely grant it to you."
Qin Yu raised his head, but saw the emperor's gaze full of despair. The emperor's thoughts were clear to him. He said firmly, "Your Majesty, I have no other wishes. I only hope that I can continue to guard the borders for the court and keep our country safe for the rest of my life."
The emperor's expression changed slightly, and after a long silence, he spoke: "Okay! Qin Aiqing's loyalty is evident, I approve. However, since you have just returned to the city, I cannot allow you to leave immediately. You should rest peacefully in Jingzhao for a few more days. During this time, I will definitely find a miracle doctor to cure your illness."
What else could Qin Yu say besides thank you? He could only bow gratefully to the emperor for his grace.
Soon, they arrived at the banquet. Inside the magnificent palace, the lights were brilliant and the sound of stringed instruments and bamboo instruments was endless. Table after table was filled with delicious food, and palace maids shuttled among them, pouring wine and serving food to everyone.
Qin Yu walked into the banquet hall surrounded by the crowd, and everyone looked at him.
Some of them admired him, after all, he was a great general with great military achievements; others were curious and inquisitive, as what had just happened in the hall had already spread a little in the palace, and everyone was puzzled about the general who refused the beauty bestowed by the emperor.
Qin Yu's face remained calm, as if oblivious to the stares. He settled into his seat, raised his wine glass, and took a sip. The pungent liquid flowed down his throat, but it failed to dispel the lingering worry in his heart. He knew that while the Emperor had superficially agreed to his request to continue guarding the border, his thoughts were not so easily deciphered. However, he was not completely unprepared.
At this moment, the emperor walked into the banquet hall surrounded by guards and eunuchs.
Everyone stood up and saluted, shouting "Long live the emperor!"
The Emperor waved his hand, motioning for everyone to sit down. His gaze fell on Qin Yu, a faint smile appearing on his face. "Today, I want to host a welcoming reception for Qin Aiqing. I will always remember your contributions to our dynasty. Come, let's raise our glasses together and toast to Qin Aiqing!"
Everyone raised their glasses and toasted Qin Yu. Qin Yu stood up, raised his glass with both hands, and toasted back.
After three rounds of drinks, the atmosphere at the banquet gradually became lively. Some ministers, under the influence of alcohol, began to approach Qin Yu and chat with him.
"General Qin, when you return to the city this time, you must stay for a few more days. We can get together and have a good chat about the wars over the years." A middle-aged man in official uniform said with a smile.
Qin Yu smiled slightly and said, "Thank you for your kindness, sir. However, the war on the border is very intense, so I dare not stay any longer."
Upon hearing this, the middle-aged man showed a trace of regret on his face: "General Qin truly cares deeply about the country, which is admirable. However, the general is currently ill and should take good care of himself."
Qin Yu's heart tightened, but he still kept a smile on his face: "Thank you for your concern, my lord. I am in good health and can continue to serve the court."
At this moment, a young minister stood up and said loudly, "General Qin, you have made great contributions to the court, but now you have fallen into such a state. It is truly heartbreaking. In my opinion, it is better for you to stay in the capital and live out your days. As for the war on the border, other generals will handle it."
As soon as these words were spoken, everyone nodded in agreement.
Qin Yu's expression changed slightly. He looked calmly at the emperor who was drinking tea silently. This was probably what that person meant!
The corners of his mouth lifted slightly, a faint smile appeared on his face, and he said in a leisurely voice, "Of course. When the Prince of Zhennan returns and takes charge of the border again, this general will be able to steal a half day of leisure and have a good rest."
As soon as these words fell, the originally peaceful atmosphere suddenly froze. The emperor's originally relaxed brows slightly frowned, and a barely perceptible strangeness flashed in his eyes.
The expressions of the ministers in the hall also changed suddenly. Some of them had a trace of panic in their eyes, while others pursed their lips tightly. The whispers that were originally whispering to each other also stopped abruptly, and the whole court fell into a dead silence.