Chapter 475: Grab the full credit
Pei Yuan looked at Xiao Yan, "Now think about what I said just now? Let me ask you again, if Eunuch Xiao can't wait, can you not wait? Even if you can't wait, can Xiao Tong not wait?"
Xiao Yan stared at Pei Yuan with eyes wide open, "You, you don't really intend to wait until Empress Dowager Zhang becomes the Grand Empress Dowager, do you?"
Pei Yuan asked, "What else?"
"Empress Dowager Zhang is the most powerful woman in the world. When she becomes stubborn, do you intend to fight against her with just the wisdom of Pei?"
"Since the situation is irreversible, why don't we take advantage of the opportunity and make the ending more beautiful?"
Xiao Yan stopped and waved his hand to signal the servants behind him not to follow him.
He stared at Pei Yuan seriously and asked, "What do you mean?"
Pei Yuan knew that the current matter was related to the future and destiny of the Xiao family. If he could not convince Xiao Yan, there would be absolutely no hope of achieving his goal.
Pei Yuan's expression also became serious.
He said to Xiao Yan seriously, "From the fact that the emperor favors the Xia family, it can be seen that the emperor has absolutely no intention of deposing the queen."
"Besides, deposing the queen involves a lot of things. If the emperor doesn't agree, no one in the outer court will dare to echo the queen mother."
Xiao Yan said, "Even so, Queen Xia has no children. Even if she becomes the Queen Mother in the future, she may not be as powerful as Queen Mother Zhang."
Pei Yuan said disapprovingly, "What kind of question is that?"
"When the emperor has an heir, even if those princes are not born by Queen Xia, if she, as the legal mother, wants to adopt one of them, do you think the concubines with children will be happy and agree?"
Xiao Yan changed his mind and felt relieved.
This will definitely be agreed!
No matter which concubine gave birth to a son, if that concubine raised the son by his side, there would inevitably be a fight for him if he wanted to inherit the throne in the future.
But if he is adopted by the queen, and the queen has no son, then he will be treated like a legitimate son.
In the future, just based on his status as the queen's adopted son, he will be far ahead of other princes in the candidacy for the throne.
In this situation of mutual achievement, when the Queen's adopted son grows up and ascends the throne, how can he not be grateful to the Queen Mother?
Moreover, after the prince ascends the throne, in order to emphasize his legal right as the legitimate son and consolidate the ruling order, he will also praise the empress dowager highly.
Seeing Xiao Yan's intention, Pei Yuan continued, "Although Queen Xia is in a difficult situation now, a daughter-in-law will eventually become a mother-in-law."
"From what you said just now, it seems that Eunuch Xiao has already decided to retreat."
"If Eunuch Xiao could help Queen Xia secretly by arranging some loyal and useful personnel before he leaves, when she becomes the Queen Mother, wouldn't your Xiao family have a chance to rise again?"
After hearing Pei Yuan's bold suggestion, Xiao Yan instinctively rejected it and said, "You, you are just daydreaming!"
Pei Yuan chuckled and asked half-jokingly, "What else? Do you think that the old and frail Eunuch Xiao can live longer than the still charming Empress Dowager Zhang?"
If it were in the past, Xiao Yan would definitely reprimand Pei Yuan for his rudeness, but he was not in the mood at the moment.
Pei Yuan pretended to be puzzled and asked, "Could it be that Brother Xiao is planning to cut off his lower body and go to the palace in person to take over the family assets and followers that Uncle Ling has accumulated over the years?"
Xiao Yan's expression changed immediately, and he refused without hesitation, "Are you kidding?!"
He is now the left general of the first rank, and he also has the hereditary title of earl. The projects that are heavily invested in Captain Pei also have good news frequently. He must be very depressed to think of running to the palace to be a eunuch.
Pei Yuan heard Xiao Yan say this and couldn't help but spread his hands and said helplessly, "So."
"Eunuch Xiao cannot change the Queen Mother's extreme dislike for him, and he doesn't even know why the Queen Mother hates him. He won't live longer than the Queen Mother Zhang, and even if he endures silently, he will never see the day of success. It is better for him to retreat while the tide is at its peak and find a place to enjoy his old age."
"And you are unwilling to enter the palace and accept Eunuch Xiao's followers. Could it be that we will do nothing and let your uncle's years of hard work be destroyed?"
Xiao Yan listened in silence.
Pei Yuan looked at Xiao Yan.
The voice came slowly, as if it was tiptoeing closer, and persuaded me in a bewitching tone, "Why don't you use those resources that are of no use to make some long-term plans for you... for your son..."
Xiao Yan's gloomy face finally moved after a moment of silence. He whispered, "Are you talking about betting on Queen Xia?"
Pei Yuan continued to speak convincingly, "Why should we feel bad about gambling on something that will be wasted?"
"Since you're betting, why not bet bigger?"
"Take something you don't care about and gamble on an extremely brilliant future. Don't you have anything to be dissatisfied with?"
Xiao Yan pondered over Pei Yuan's words.
This, this is really reasonable.
What's the difference between this and getting something for nothing and having a powerful backer?
Just thinking about it, Xiao Yan felt that he had gone a bit too far.
Pei Yuan continued to guide Xiao Yan's thoughts, "Queen Xia is now isolated and helpless, and the possibility of communication between the inside and the outside has been basically blocked."
"Eunuch Xiao's followers don't even need to rush to the front. They only need to help inquire about the news and pass on intelligence in secret, which is enough to play an unimaginable role."
"Those people in the palace have seen a lot of ups and downs. Maybe asking them to secretly pledge allegiance to Queen Xia will give them more hope than when they were previously loyal to Eunuch Xiao."
"Faced with the powerful Queen Mother, there isn't much Queen Xia can do now. Her followers are in a stable situation with bright prospects, so they won't scatter like monkeys when the tree falls."
Xiao Yan became more and more moved by what Pei Yuan said.
He took a few more steps forward, his lips moved, and he finally couldn't help but say, "So, I should go and persuade my uncle to make plans while the situation is still unclear?"
Pei Yuan subconsciously wanted to nod.
But he immediately stopped his action.
What a big head ghost.
Now that Xiao Yan's defense has been broken, it's time for me to take the initiative!
Pei Yuan immediately said calmly, "It's a solution, but it may not be the best."
Xiao Yan was confused again. He looked at Pei Yuan with a little annoyance and said, "Isn't this what you just told me?"
Pei Yuan saw a corridor in front of him and said, "Brother Xiao, don't be anxious. Go sit down and listen to me."
Xiao Yan also knew that such a major matter should be handled with caution, so he had to be patient and went to the corridor with Pei Yuan.
The two sat down, and Pei Yuan asked Xiao Yan, "Eunuch Xiao is very fond of you and your son. I believe he often talks to you about things in the palace."
This kind of thing is quite taboo. Even though Xiao Yan feels that Brother Pei is very reliable, he doesn't dare to admit it openly.
I could only vaguely say, "It seems I mentioned it a few times."
Pei Yuan continued to ask, "I wonder if Eunuch Xiao has told you about Queen Xia." Xiao Yan frowned and said, "I, I can't think of it right now."
Pei Yuan smiled and said, "It's okay. If you can't remember, I can tell you what I think."
"You also know that in order to prevent the emergence of evil people like Li Zilong who cause chaos in the imperial palace, the captains of the Suppressing Evils Squad have been granted ivory waist badges, which allow them to enter the imperial harem directly to rescue the emperor."
"Last time, I was ordered to enter the palace to track down evil things and went to the Queen's bedroom. Although I was only investigating in a side hall, I also met Queen Xia once."
"From Pei's intuition and some of Queen Xia's actions, we can see that she is a smart woman."
Pei Yuan paused here.
Xiao Yan thought about it and nodded in agreement, "I seem to have heard my uncle mention that Queen Xia is quite knowledgeable."
Pei Yuan breathed a sigh of relief and continued, "Brother, do you think that if your eunuch Xiao sends his followers to the Queen now, how much favor will Queen Xia accept from you?"
Xiao Yan said as a matter of course, "Queen Xia is in a difficult situation right now. Our Xiao family is here to help her out. She is naturally grateful and will remember it in her heart."
Pei Yuan nodded slightly and agreed, "I am definitely grateful."
As he spoke, he pinched the front part of his little finger with his thumb and gestured, "Roughly, this much."
Xiao Yan was a little confused. He looked at Pei Yuan blankly, "W-what do you mean?"
Even if Xiao Yan didn't understand, he could still guess what Pei Yuan's finger pointed to meant.
What confused Xiao Yan was that why did Pei Yuan think that Queen Xia didn't have much gratitude in her heart for such a timely help?
Shouldn't Queen Xia keep the Xiao family's kindness in mind for the rest of her life?
Xiao Yan suddenly seemed to understand something, and couldn't help asking, "Could it be that Queen Xia is an ungrateful person?"
Pei Yuan shook his head, his face expressionless, "That's not the reason. Queen Xia is a smart person."
Xiao Yan was confused after hearing this.
What does her being ungrateful have to do with her being a smart person?
Pei Yuan explained to Xiao Yan, "What I mean is that it is precisely because Queen Xia is a smart person that she can think of the things we can think of."
"Even if she can't figure it out now, for a while, or even for a long time, she will eventually figure it out."
Pei Yuan paused deliberately and emphasized his tone, "Your Xiao family is at the end of your rope, so you turned to her for help!"
"Your purpose is just to take advantage of the chaos and make a profit from Queen Xia!"
Xiao Yan became uneasy after hearing this.
He had already understood the meaning of Pei Yuan's words. Even if it was a timely help, the rewards from the loyal old servant's crucial assistance and taking a gamble with chips that were destined to be lost for speculation would definitely be different.
The former, in addition to generous rewards, can also gain the gratitude and favor of Queen Xia.
The latter will become a transaction that requires careful calculation when it comes to cashing out.
Xiao Yan murmured, "But we finally helped her."
Pei Yuan stretched out his hand again, pinched a part of his little finger with his thumb and said, "So she will remember your kindness and will definitely repay you, but maybe not as much as you think."
After hearing this, Xiao Yan scratched his head in annoyance.
Pei Yuan let Xiao Yan digest this information and observed Xiao Yan's expression calmly.
After a while, Pei Yuancai asked slowly, "What is Brother Xiao's plan? If it is for this little benefit, are you still willing to gamble?"
Xiao Yan was stumped by Pei Yuan's question.
He was silent for a long while, and finally said sullenly, "What else can I do? It's something that's going to be wasted anyway, so even if I win a little, it's better than losing it all."
"I think my uncle will definitely agree to this approach."
Pei Yuan listened and remained silent.
After a while, Xiao Yan wanted to get up irritably.
Pei Yuancai said slowly, "I have a story, I wonder if Brother Xiao wants to hear it."
Xiao Yan glanced at Pei Yuan, his eyes moved slightly, and he slowly calmed down.
When Xiao Yan thought of the incredible things Pei Yuan had done before, he actually felt a little bit of expectation that he shouldn't have.
He looked at Pei Yuan a little nervously, "Please speak, dear brother."
Pei Yuan said, "In the past, Chiyi Zipi served Tian Chengzi as a retainer. When Tian Chengzi fled Qi and prepared to flee to Yan, Chiyi Zipi followed him all the way, carrying a pass."
"Once, when they were traveling to a large city, Zi Pi said to Tian Chengzi, 'Your appearance is noble and majestic, while I am ugly and ferocious. If I were your follower, others would only think this was an ordinary thing, and at most regard you as the king of a thousand chariots.'"
"But if you condescend to serve me, then others will regard me as more noble, and think that I am a nobleman."
“It’s good for all of us.”
"In order to receive extra courtesy, it is better for you to serve me in front of outsiders."
Pei Yuan let Xiao Yan digest it for a while, then looked at Xiao Yan and moved the thumb that was pinching his little finger away in front of Xiao Yan.
Then he spread out his five fingers and clenched them into a fist.
He said, "This is the way to turn your shallow kindness into something that will make Queen Xia so grateful that she will be willing to repay you with a spring of gratitude."
Xiao Yan seemed to be thinking about something, then looked at Pei Yuan, waiting for his explanation.
As a result, Pei Yuan's words almost broke Xiao Yan's defense.
Then Pei Yuan said to him bluntly, "In order to maximize the benefits, why don't you give the credit to me, Eunuch Xiao?"
Xiao Yan almost fainted from anger, "What?! Pei Yuan, are you still a human being?"
Pei Yuan ignored Xiao Yan's anger and analyzed the situation for him bit by bit.
"First, I am not in the desperate situation of the Xiao family, so if I do it, it will show my sincerity. Queen Xia will also regard this helping hand as a real favor."
"Secondly, I am only a fifth-rank officer, while Eunuch Xiao is a eunuch in the Imperial Household Department, a very powerful eunuch in the inner court."
"If I work for Eunuch Xiao, I am just an ordinary person. What you and I do is just an ordinary thing."
"If Eunuch Xiao gives me credit, it will not only confirm our previous contributions, but will also make Queen Xia look up to us greatly."
"Queen Xia is weak and alone, and the only relative she can rely on is the useless Xia Zhu. If we can make Queen Xia look at us differently, why worry about not getting a generous reward?"
"Compared to the small amount of gratitude we had before, why don't we take a big chance on this one?"
(End of this chapter)
Pei Yuan looked at Xiao Yan, "Now think about what I said just now? Let me ask you again, if Eunuch Xiao can't wait, can you not wait? Even if you can't wait, can Xiao Tong not wait?"
Xiao Yan stared at Pei Yuan with eyes wide open, "You, you don't really intend to wait until Empress Dowager Zhang becomes the Grand Empress Dowager, do you?"
Pei Yuan asked, "What else?"
"Empress Dowager Zhang is the most powerful woman in the world. When she becomes stubborn, do you intend to fight against her with just the wisdom of Pei?"
"Since the situation is irreversible, why don't we take advantage of the opportunity and make the ending more beautiful?"
Xiao Yan stopped and waved his hand to signal the servants behind him not to follow him.
He stared at Pei Yuan seriously and asked, "What do you mean?"
Pei Yuan knew that the current matter was related to the future and destiny of the Xiao family. If he could not convince Xiao Yan, there would be absolutely no hope of achieving his goal.
Pei Yuan's expression also became serious.
He said to Xiao Yan seriously, "From the fact that the emperor favors the Xia family, it can be seen that the emperor has absolutely no intention of deposing the queen."
"Besides, deposing the queen involves a lot of things. If the emperor doesn't agree, no one in the outer court will dare to echo the queen mother."
Xiao Yan said, "Even so, Queen Xia has no children. Even if she becomes the Queen Mother in the future, she may not be as powerful as Queen Mother Zhang."
Pei Yuan said disapprovingly, "What kind of question is that?"
"When the emperor has an heir, even if those princes are not born by Queen Xia, if she, as the legal mother, wants to adopt one of them, do you think the concubines with children will be happy and agree?"
Xiao Yan changed his mind and felt relieved.
This will definitely be agreed!
No matter which concubine gave birth to a son, if that concubine raised the son by his side, there would inevitably be a fight for him if he wanted to inherit the throne in the future.
But if he is adopted by the queen, and the queen has no son, then he will be treated like a legitimate son.
In the future, just based on his status as the queen's adopted son, he will be far ahead of other princes in the candidacy for the throne.
In this situation of mutual achievement, when the Queen's adopted son grows up and ascends the throne, how can he not be grateful to the Queen Mother?
Moreover, after the prince ascends the throne, in order to emphasize his legal right as the legitimate son and consolidate the ruling order, he will also praise the empress dowager highly.
Seeing Xiao Yan's intention, Pei Yuan continued, "Although Queen Xia is in a difficult situation now, a daughter-in-law will eventually become a mother-in-law."
"From what you said just now, it seems that Eunuch Xiao has already decided to retreat."
"If Eunuch Xiao could help Queen Xia secretly by arranging some loyal and useful personnel before he leaves, when she becomes the Queen Mother, wouldn't your Xiao family have a chance to rise again?"
After hearing Pei Yuan's bold suggestion, Xiao Yan instinctively rejected it and said, "You, you are just daydreaming!"
Pei Yuan chuckled and asked half-jokingly, "What else? Do you think that the old and frail Eunuch Xiao can live longer than the still charming Empress Dowager Zhang?"
If it were in the past, Xiao Yan would definitely reprimand Pei Yuan for his rudeness, but he was not in the mood at the moment.
Pei Yuan pretended to be puzzled and asked, "Could it be that Brother Xiao is planning to cut off his lower body and go to the palace in person to take over the family assets and followers that Uncle Ling has accumulated over the years?"
Xiao Yan's expression changed immediately, and he refused without hesitation, "Are you kidding?!"
He is now the left general of the first rank, and he also has the hereditary title of earl. The projects that are heavily invested in Captain Pei also have good news frequently. He must be very depressed to think of running to the palace to be a eunuch.
Pei Yuan heard Xiao Yan say this and couldn't help but spread his hands and said helplessly, "So."
"Eunuch Xiao cannot change the Queen Mother's extreme dislike for him, and he doesn't even know why the Queen Mother hates him. He won't live longer than the Queen Mother Zhang, and even if he endures silently, he will never see the day of success. It is better for him to retreat while the tide is at its peak and find a place to enjoy his old age."
"And you are unwilling to enter the palace and accept Eunuch Xiao's followers. Could it be that we will do nothing and let your uncle's years of hard work be destroyed?"
Xiao Yan listened in silence.
Pei Yuan looked at Xiao Yan.
The voice came slowly, as if it was tiptoeing closer, and persuaded me in a bewitching tone, "Why don't you use those resources that are of no use to make some long-term plans for you... for your son..."
Xiao Yan's gloomy face finally moved after a moment of silence. He whispered, "Are you talking about betting on Queen Xia?"
Pei Yuan continued to speak convincingly, "Why should we feel bad about gambling on something that will be wasted?"
"Since you're betting, why not bet bigger?"
"Take something you don't care about and gamble on an extremely brilliant future. Don't you have anything to be dissatisfied with?"
Xiao Yan pondered over Pei Yuan's words.
This, this is really reasonable.
What's the difference between this and getting something for nothing and having a powerful backer?
Just thinking about it, Xiao Yan felt that he had gone a bit too far.
Pei Yuan continued to guide Xiao Yan's thoughts, "Queen Xia is now isolated and helpless, and the possibility of communication between the inside and the outside has been basically blocked."
"Eunuch Xiao's followers don't even need to rush to the front. They only need to help inquire about the news and pass on intelligence in secret, which is enough to play an unimaginable role."
"Those people in the palace have seen a lot of ups and downs. Maybe asking them to secretly pledge allegiance to Queen Xia will give them more hope than when they were previously loyal to Eunuch Xiao."
"Faced with the powerful Queen Mother, there isn't much Queen Xia can do now. Her followers are in a stable situation with bright prospects, so they won't scatter like monkeys when the tree falls."
Xiao Yan became more and more moved by what Pei Yuan said.
He took a few more steps forward, his lips moved, and he finally couldn't help but say, "So, I should go and persuade my uncle to make plans while the situation is still unclear?"
Pei Yuan subconsciously wanted to nod.
But he immediately stopped his action.
What a big head ghost.
Now that Xiao Yan's defense has been broken, it's time for me to take the initiative!
Pei Yuan immediately said calmly, "It's a solution, but it may not be the best."
Xiao Yan was confused again. He looked at Pei Yuan with a little annoyance and said, "Isn't this what you just told me?"
Pei Yuan saw a corridor in front of him and said, "Brother Xiao, don't be anxious. Go sit down and listen to me."
Xiao Yan also knew that such a major matter should be handled with caution, so he had to be patient and went to the corridor with Pei Yuan.
The two sat down, and Pei Yuan asked Xiao Yan, "Eunuch Xiao is very fond of you and your son. I believe he often talks to you about things in the palace."
This kind of thing is quite taboo. Even though Xiao Yan feels that Brother Pei is very reliable, he doesn't dare to admit it openly.
I could only vaguely say, "It seems I mentioned it a few times."
Pei Yuan continued to ask, "I wonder if Eunuch Xiao has told you about Queen Xia." Xiao Yan frowned and said, "I, I can't think of it right now."
Pei Yuan smiled and said, "It's okay. If you can't remember, I can tell you what I think."
"You also know that in order to prevent the emergence of evil people like Li Zilong who cause chaos in the imperial palace, the captains of the Suppressing Evils Squad have been granted ivory waist badges, which allow them to enter the imperial harem directly to rescue the emperor."
"Last time, I was ordered to enter the palace to track down evil things and went to the Queen's bedroom. Although I was only investigating in a side hall, I also met Queen Xia once."
"From Pei's intuition and some of Queen Xia's actions, we can see that she is a smart woman."
Pei Yuan paused here.
Xiao Yan thought about it and nodded in agreement, "I seem to have heard my uncle mention that Queen Xia is quite knowledgeable."
Pei Yuan breathed a sigh of relief and continued, "Brother, do you think that if your eunuch Xiao sends his followers to the Queen now, how much favor will Queen Xia accept from you?"
Xiao Yan said as a matter of course, "Queen Xia is in a difficult situation right now. Our Xiao family is here to help her out. She is naturally grateful and will remember it in her heart."
Pei Yuan nodded slightly and agreed, "I am definitely grateful."
As he spoke, he pinched the front part of his little finger with his thumb and gestured, "Roughly, this much."
Xiao Yan was a little confused. He looked at Pei Yuan blankly, "W-what do you mean?"
Even if Xiao Yan didn't understand, he could still guess what Pei Yuan's finger pointed to meant.
What confused Xiao Yan was that why did Pei Yuan think that Queen Xia didn't have much gratitude in her heart for such a timely help?
Shouldn't Queen Xia keep the Xiao family's kindness in mind for the rest of her life?
Xiao Yan suddenly seemed to understand something, and couldn't help asking, "Could it be that Queen Xia is an ungrateful person?"
Pei Yuan shook his head, his face expressionless, "That's not the reason. Queen Xia is a smart person."
Xiao Yan was confused after hearing this.
What does her being ungrateful have to do with her being a smart person?
Pei Yuan explained to Xiao Yan, "What I mean is that it is precisely because Queen Xia is a smart person that she can think of the things we can think of."
"Even if she can't figure it out now, for a while, or even for a long time, she will eventually figure it out."
Pei Yuan paused deliberately and emphasized his tone, "Your Xiao family is at the end of your rope, so you turned to her for help!"
"Your purpose is just to take advantage of the chaos and make a profit from Queen Xia!"
Xiao Yan became uneasy after hearing this.
He had already understood the meaning of Pei Yuan's words. Even if it was a timely help, the rewards from the loyal old servant's crucial assistance and taking a gamble with chips that were destined to be lost for speculation would definitely be different.
The former, in addition to generous rewards, can also gain the gratitude and favor of Queen Xia.
The latter will become a transaction that requires careful calculation when it comes to cashing out.
Xiao Yan murmured, "But we finally helped her."
Pei Yuan stretched out his hand again, pinched a part of his little finger with his thumb and said, "So she will remember your kindness and will definitely repay you, but maybe not as much as you think."
After hearing this, Xiao Yan scratched his head in annoyance.
Pei Yuan let Xiao Yan digest this information and observed Xiao Yan's expression calmly.
After a while, Pei Yuancai asked slowly, "What is Brother Xiao's plan? If it is for this little benefit, are you still willing to gamble?"
Xiao Yan was stumped by Pei Yuan's question.
He was silent for a long while, and finally said sullenly, "What else can I do? It's something that's going to be wasted anyway, so even if I win a little, it's better than losing it all."
"I think my uncle will definitely agree to this approach."
Pei Yuan listened and remained silent.
After a while, Xiao Yan wanted to get up irritably.
Pei Yuancai said slowly, "I have a story, I wonder if Brother Xiao wants to hear it."
Xiao Yan glanced at Pei Yuan, his eyes moved slightly, and he slowly calmed down.
When Xiao Yan thought of the incredible things Pei Yuan had done before, he actually felt a little bit of expectation that he shouldn't have.
He looked at Pei Yuan a little nervously, "Please speak, dear brother."
Pei Yuan said, "In the past, Chiyi Zipi served Tian Chengzi as a retainer. When Tian Chengzi fled Qi and prepared to flee to Yan, Chiyi Zipi followed him all the way, carrying a pass."
"Once, when they were traveling to a large city, Zi Pi said to Tian Chengzi, 'Your appearance is noble and majestic, while I am ugly and ferocious. If I were your follower, others would only think this was an ordinary thing, and at most regard you as the king of a thousand chariots.'"
"But if you condescend to serve me, then others will regard me as more noble, and think that I am a nobleman."
“It’s good for all of us.”
"In order to receive extra courtesy, it is better for you to serve me in front of outsiders."
Pei Yuan let Xiao Yan digest it for a while, then looked at Xiao Yan and moved the thumb that was pinching his little finger away in front of Xiao Yan.
Then he spread out his five fingers and clenched them into a fist.
He said, "This is the way to turn your shallow kindness into something that will make Queen Xia so grateful that she will be willing to repay you with a spring of gratitude."
Xiao Yan seemed to be thinking about something, then looked at Pei Yuan, waiting for his explanation.
As a result, Pei Yuan's words almost broke Xiao Yan's defense.
Then Pei Yuan said to him bluntly, "In order to maximize the benefits, why don't you give the credit to me, Eunuch Xiao?"
Xiao Yan almost fainted from anger, "What?! Pei Yuan, are you still a human being?"
Pei Yuan ignored Xiao Yan's anger and analyzed the situation for him bit by bit.
"First, I am not in the desperate situation of the Xiao family, so if I do it, it will show my sincerity. Queen Xia will also regard this helping hand as a real favor."
"Secondly, I am only a fifth-rank officer, while Eunuch Xiao is a eunuch in the Imperial Household Department, a very powerful eunuch in the inner court."
"If I work for Eunuch Xiao, I am just an ordinary person. What you and I do is just an ordinary thing."
"If Eunuch Xiao gives me credit, it will not only confirm our previous contributions, but will also make Queen Xia look up to us greatly."
"Queen Xia is weak and alone, and the only relative she can rely on is the useless Xia Zhu. If we can make Queen Xia look at us differently, why worry about not getting a generous reward?"
"Compared to the small amount of gratitude we had before, why don't we take a big chance on this one?"
(End of this chapter)
