Chapter 123 A Stumbling Block on the Road! (6,000 Words)

In the afternoon.

Jarvan III convened a meeting of collective ministers in the palace.

Lux, Sona, and Fiona stayed outside the hall waiting, while Lu Qi went to the conference hall side by side with Jarvan IV.

The conference hall is not particularly large, but it can accommodate many people.

Jarvan IV pushed open the door of the conference hall and the two of them stepped inside.

Suddenly many eyes came over, and a lot of people had gathered here.

In the middle of the conference hall is an octagonal table with four seats on each side of the octagonal table, and a wider and taller chair at the front and middle.

Jarvan III was sitting there, with Tiana sitting on the left, and Lev and Galen standing behind her.

On the right is Roy, with two people standing behind him.

There are still six seats left, and there are a few chairs with familiar people sitting on them, as well as three unfamiliar faces. Lu Qi has an impression, but he only remembers meeting them once.

It was the day when he appeared in front of everyone in the capital.

But being able to sit on this table is enough to show that they are not simple.

Demacia's parliamentary system has existed for a long time. The people who can sit at this octagonal table are basically the top and center of power in Demacia.

Each of these individuals represents something important to the country.

For example, the military representative, Tiana Crownguard.

Treasury representative, Roy Niang.

Civil Representative, Barrett Bouvier.

Research representative, Wenward Menke.

Torah representative, Giovanni Rhodes.

Noble representatives, Stuart Chambers, Josie Cleese.

And the representative of the Forbidden Demons, Eldred, who emerged later.

Many major events in Demacia were discussed and decided at this table, and behind these representatives stood two people each.

These people are either attendants, advisors, deputies of these representatives, or representatives of minor families.

Of course, every meeting was negotiated by representatives of the Eighth Congress. Their entourage occasionally made suggestions, and then the final result was presented to Jarvan III.

It is up to him to make the final decision, and in many matters, Jarvan III, as the king of a country, has absolute rights.

Of course, this is a situation that has been stabilized through hard work over the years since he took office.

The people sitting at this table will not remain the same.

The person who has been sitting for the longest time is Minister Roy. He has been serving the country since Jarvan II. This is why Jarvan III is willing to listen to him on many matters.

And Tiana only qualified to sit on this table twelve years ago.

It is worth mentioning that Aldred, the leader of the Forbidden Demon Corps, also took office twelve years ago.

"come on."

At this time, seeing Lu Qi and the others walking in, Jiawen III raised his hand to wave.

The two walked behind Jiawen III and stood on both sides, one on the left and the other on the right.

From this angle, you can clearly see the faces of everyone on the table. The eight people sitting at this time all have serious expressions.

Immediately, Jarvan III faced everyone and spoke slowly: "The first thing is, regarding Mellie's placement, I plan to bury her coffin in the imperial mausoleum tomorrow and posthumously crown her queen. Do you have any objections?"

The conference hall was very quiet, and the only sound that sounded was the voice of Jarvan III.

After he finished speaking, Roy, who was sitting on the right, spoke first: "I think there is nothing wrong with this move, and I second my opinion."

"I second the proposal."

Then, echoing voices came from all over the octagonal table.

This matter was destined to be a done deal from the day Jarvan III let Lu Qi appear in the capital.

Mellie's position as queen was deserved by her. Even though she was granted the title after her death, it seemed to have no meaning.

But this can at least alleviate a little of the pain in Jarvan III's heart.

Therefore, no one will continue to make irresponsible remarks on this matter unless they want to make themselves unhappy.

After ending this topic, the octagonal table also quickly started discussing several other things.

Compared with the rapid handling of this matter, the progress of the following matters has slowed down.

Any matter can be discussed back and forth seven or eight times.

Lu Qi did see some of the knowledge of being an official, that is, add a little something useful to the nonsense, but don't add too much at once, anyway, don't make it look like nonsense.

Jarvan IV seemed to be used to this kind of scene. He often stood behind the Third and listened.

It was Lu Qi's first time, so he felt a little bored after standing there for a few minutes.

But you have to endure boredom.

He found that when several ministers at the octagonal table were discussing matters, Jarvan III usually just sat there and watched.

Whenever he opens his mouth, it means that the discussion on this matter is coming to an end.

Time passed by, and the sky outside changed from afternoon to almost evening.

"That's basically the end of today's meeting. Do you have anything else to say?"

Jiawen III’s voice fell.

Lu Qi, who was looking down in a daze, came back to his senses. He raised his head and breathed a sigh of relief, sighing that this long and smelly meeting was finally over.

He finally understood why those workers didn't like meetings. One meeting didn't do much, and there was a lot of talk, but only two things were implemented in the end.

Outrageous, really outrageous.

As soon as he raised his head, he saw Tiana on the left looking at him with a half-smile.

All the hairs on his body immediately stood up.

Showing her a harmless smile, Lu Qi silently looked away and stared at the air in front of him, not daring to look around any more.

I don't know why, but I always feel like there's something wrong with this old woman

The ministers in the conference hall discussed quietly for a while, but no one stood up to speak out. This meant that it was coming to an end and the retreat was basically not far away.

But at this time, a person sitting in the third seat on the right side of the octagonal table raised his hand: "Your Majesty, I have something to say."

Lu Qi looked towards him, and the person speaking was a slightly fat man wearing aristocratic clothing, with a luxurious temperament.

His name seemed to be Stuart Chambers, and Lucci had a vague impression.

Jiawen III asked: "What's the matter?"

Turte then said: "What I want to say is about the newspaper that has made a fuss in the royal capital recently. Is the arrogance of this newspaper a little too arrogant?"

"Even Lady Tiana dared to make fun of her yesterday. Shouldn't there be some restrictions?"

After he finished speaking, some ministers standing outside immediately began to whisper to each other in low voices, some of which were good and some were bad.

Lu Qi also pricked up his ears when he heard the newspaper. This was his property and it was of great importance.

Jiawen III looked at him: "Why restrict it?"

Tourt immediately said: "I feel that if we let it continue like this, it may damage the image of the nobles."

"Oh?" This made Jarvan III look at him with interest, "Then tell me, what is the image of a noble?"

Turte paused and was speechless.

The image of aristocrats should be different from those of common people. They should be aloof, untouchable, and full of majesty.

This is what Turt is thinking about, but sitting in this position, he also knows that he doesn't want to say this.

Now, because of that newspaper, the image of the Demacian nobles among the people for many years has changed a lot in less than a month.

Stewart never thought a few words on a piece of paper could be so powerful.

Now this view has changed.

Naturally, he didn't want to see that newspaper continue like this, and all he wanted to do was suppress it.

Therefore, under the gaze of Jarvan III, Turt spoke again: "The image of nobles has always been tall and upright in the hearts of the people. Now because of the so-called gossip and rumors, many nobles have made a fool of themselves. Even Minister Roy I have to talk about my wife's affairs to others. Isn't this just lawless and daring?"

Roy, who had been cueed inexplicably, blushed when he saw people looking at him.

He also felt a little angry in his heart. Now everyone in the capital knew about his little wife.

After coughing dryly, Roy also said: "Mr. Tult, please get down to business."

Tourt's original intention was to lure Roy into the water, but Roy had been a vassal for so many years and was so cunning that he would not wade into this muddy water.

Stewart had no choice but to continue: "I'm not targeting this newspaper, I just think it's a bit bad to be so presumptuous."

He naturally knew that there was a backer behind this newspaper, and that backer was Marshal Tiana.

But as a representative of the nobility, he has considerable energy, and her family will not be the only one at this conference table.

But he didn't expect that Tiana was just a backer on the surface of the newspaper, and the real backer was sitting in the main seat.

Jarvan III seemed to ponder for a few seconds before speaking: "What's wrong? In recent years, do some of your nobles still have an image to speak of?"

"They say they are noble and upright, but what I hear are always scandals involving bullying, arrogance, and lawlessness. Is this the image of a noble you are talking about?"

With a coldness in his eyes, Jarvan III looked straight at Turt, his majesty suddenly exuded.

Turt smiled sarcastically and lowered his head.

"I have been tolerant of you. This so-called image of yours should have been changed a long time ago. When Demacia was founded, how could there be distinctions between nobles and common people? Your ancestors also rose from the ranks of common people. The real There has always been only one image, and that is to be close to the people."

"I don't want to take this opportunity to change my image, but I want to suppress those new things. If this continues, who will dare to innovate in Germany?"

"Regarding this newspaper, we will not only not suppress it, but also promote it more. Those of you here, those who have done good things will be published, and those who have done bad things will also be published. If you are doing something conscientious, why are you afraid of being exposed? In front of the public?"

Jiawen III's slightly angry scolding voice resounded throughout the conference hall.

His kingly aura was revealed, making the atmosphere in the hall become depressing.

Everyone present lowered their heads and did not dare to take a breath. They had not seen the third generation so angry for a long time.

The whole conference hall was so quiet that one could hear the needle drop. Lu Qi wanted to clap his hands and applaud on the spot when he heard these words.

That's so good, he deserves to be my old father.

Newspapers should strongly support this!

With this thought in his mind, Lu Qi still looked calm on the surface, as if it had nothing to do with him.

With the corner of his eye, he glanced at Tuart, who was trying to stir up trouble, and Lu Qi silently made a note of this person in his mind.

Tourt, right? Suppressing newspapers, right?

Okay, let your boy become famous tomorrow. You'd better pray that he didn't do anything bad.

Otherwise, let you understand what the power of the broad masses of the people is.

Jiawen III had put away his majesty at this time and said calmly: "Who has any objections to this matter?"

"I have no objection."

Roy took the lead and said.

"I have no objection."

Then the entire conference hall resounded with this repeated voice.

"Since there are no objections, let's adjourn the meeting and prepare for the Queen's funeral tomorrow."

Jarvan III said as he stood up and walked outside.

It wasn't until he walked out of the conference hall that the hall suddenly became noisy, with ministers talking in groups.

As he spoke, he walked outside.

"Let's go."

Jarvan IV glanced at Lu Qi and signaled that he could leave.

"Yeah." Lu Qi followed up.

When he walked to the door, he suddenly heard Tiana's voice from behind.

"You brat, come here."

Lu Qi paused for a moment, then raised his head and looked at Jarvan IV: "Brother, I'm calling you."

"No, no, no." Jarvan IV shook his head repeatedly and looked at Lu Qi, "This is obviously you."

Lu Qi asked: "Why do you say that?"

Jarvan IV said seriously: "Because she usually calls me stupid boy."

Lu Qi: "."

He had nothing to say for a moment.

"Then brother will leave first."

Jarvan IV patted Lu Qi on the shoulder. Obviously he didn't want to look back at the old woman's face. After saying that, he slipped out of the conference hall.

Lu Qi sighed, turned around, and walked towards Tiana.

Walking to Tiana, he thought for a while and suggested: "Aunt, maybe you can call me handsome boy next time."

"I can call you whatever I like."

Tiana just smiled at this, obviously having no intention of changing her words, and then walked forward and said, "Let's talk as we go."

Lucci had no choice but to follow, with Lev and Galen beside him.

Their styles are quite similar. Their backs are straight, they walk vigorously on the road, their expressions are calm, and they have that obvious sense of fortitude that only belongs to Demacians.

"I heard that you are going to participate in the hunting in Edessa City in two days?"

Tiana said casually while walking in front.

"Um"

"That's just right. I have something for you to do by the way."

Tiana said.

Upon hearing this, Lu Qi showed a serious expression.

He knew that when the old woman looked at him just now, it was definitely up to her.

When she received no response, Tiana didn't care and continued: "The address is thirty miles south of Edessa City. There is a village called Ker Village. Go and investigate what happened there. What's up."

Lu Qi suddenly had a sense of déjà vu as an NPC was assigning him tasks.

Tiana looked back, as if she knew what he was thinking, and said: "Yes, this is the task given to you, you must complete it."

Lu Qi showed a reluctant expression and looked at Galen next to him: "Shouldn't this kind of task be left to the tall, mighty and intelligent Brother Lung to complete?"

Galen showed a speechless expression when he heard this, and then stared straight ahead without saying anything.

Now you remember to say nice things about me?

When you wrote about my dark history in the newspaper, did you ever think about this day?

Tiana also smiled and replied casually: "It's just a small village, it's not enough for Galen to go."

Lu Qi heard the implication of her words.

Galen's rank is too high, and if he goes there, he will be a bastard.

So let yourself go just fine.

Lu Qi was immediately dissatisfied.

If you say that, I will show off my skills.

My rank is not low now, at least I am unyielding!

Seeing the boy's obviously unconvinced look, Tiana smiled and said, "I'm just going to investigate. I'm not trying to kill you, so don't look unhappy."

Naturally, she didn't know what Lu Qi's strength was now.

She just knew that the swordsmanship that could control the wind really amazed her.

Now there happened to be a small mission near the town of Edessa, so I thought of giving it to this kid, not only to test his current level, but also to increase his experience in the world.

Otherwise, lying in that small courtyard all day long, either eating or sleeping, wouldn't look like a prince of a country.

Lu Qi thought for a while and said, "I brewed it recently."

Halfway through her words, she was interrupted by Tiana raising her hand.

She looked at Lu Qi with a smile: "I have taken a lot of wine from you recently, enough to drink for a long time. Don't think about useless things. I suggest you make preparations in advance."

Lu Qi felt uncomfortable when his spell-casting action was interrupted, and he sighed when he heard this.

Even bribery is no longer easy to use.

Damn it, I gave too many bribes a few days ago, and I can't impress this old woman anymore.

Seeing that there was no other way, Lu Qi had no choice but to say, "Okay."

Tiana smiled with satisfaction and said, "I'm waiting for your good news."

Say it, she turned and left, leaving only Lu Qi standing there.

Looking at Tiana's back, Lu Qi curled his lips and showed an unhappy expression.

This old woman is really a stumbling block in his path!

Just as she was about to raise her middle finger to show respect, Tiana suddenly turned around.

Fortunately, Lu Qi reacted quickly enough and immediately put on a harmless smile. He immediately opened his raised fingers and shook them, as if saying goodbye.

Tiana also smiled at him before turning around and leaving.

Lu Qi breathed a sigh of relief, wiped his sweat, and quickened his pace to leave.

Arriving at the previous garden, Lux, Sona and Fiona were waiting here.

"What were they talking about inside?"

Seeing Lu Qi coming, Lux asked curiously.

Lu Qi then replied: "As for the placement of my mother's body, we will prepare to bury her in the imperial mausoleum tomorrow and crown her queen."

The three women nodded, thinking this was appropriate.

"I'm going to stay in the palace tonight, you just need to go back first."

Naturally, Lu Qi couldn't go back to live today, so he explained, "If you want to take a bath in the hot spring, just take out all the things on the third floor of the locker and sprinkle them into the pool."

"Also, don't soak it for too long. Forty minutes is just right. Be careful to cook it for you."

These days, soaking in hot springs has become a daily must-do for several people, because the weather is getting away from the heat and getting cooler.

At night, it is extremely comfortable to soak in a warm hot spring.

In addition, in addition to the medicinal bath, Lu Qi also prepared a wine bath. After the bath, the body will become red and steaming, and there will be a feeling of tipsy like after drinking.

This feeling is very good. After this feeling passes, the physical fatigue seems to disappear and the skin becomes tighter.

He is also very popular with the girls, but they don't care about the time when they hang out, and Lu Qi always wants to say it before he is willing to leave.

So today he wanted to make a special statement.

Hearing Lu Qi's words, the three girls from Lux also nodded their heads.

Seeing them like this, Lu Qi sighed, always feeling a little worried.

For fear that they would faint.

So after thinking about it, I decided to let Yourna go back with them.

After sending away several girls.

He also came to the main hall where Mellie's coffin was placed.

Jarvan III was here, and the hall was very quiet. He sat cross-legged on the ground without caring, and kept looking at the paintings in front of the coffin, lost in thought for a long time.

It wasn't until he heard Lu Qi's footsteps that he came back to his senses and turned his head to look over.

He smiled and waved.

Lu Qi walked to him and sat on the floor.

"Your mother, when she and I were in the army, she would always smile like this."

He looked at the painting with his eyes full of reminiscence, and smiled unconsciously when he thought of the past, "It was a war at that time, and the mood was tense, but after the soldiers saw this smile, they suddenly relaxed."

The smile is contagious, but in his impression, the only person with such contagiousness as Lu Qi's mother is Miss Crown Guard.

Whenever people see Lux's innocent smile, their mood will get better unconsciously.

Thinking that his mother was once a girl like the Crown Guard, Lu Qi also showed a very interested look.

Turning to look at him, Jiawen III smiled and continued: "She was also very lively back then. When she learned my identity, she was so frightened that she hid under the table. It took me a long time to persuade her to give up. come out."

"Also, your mother loved roasted sweet potatoes at that time. She secretly ran to Murakami and exchanged the money I gave her for baskets of sweet potatoes. Then she couldn't eat so much herself. In the end The soldiers accompanied her to finish the meal."

"Also, she was at that time"

One by one, Jarvan III slowly recounted the memories that had been buried in the depths of his mind. He remembered many of the details with Mellie very clearly.

As he spoke, his eyes turned red. Although he was smiling, looking at the painting and looking at Mellie at the end of the painting, his heart felt like a knife.

Lu Qi listened quietly and listened to what happened that year. A lively, cheerful and brave girl emerged in his mind.

Jarvan III told him about the appearance of Mellie that he didn't know before Lucci was born.

Later, Lu Qi also opened the memory fragments in his mind and told Jarvan III the beautiful scenes of Mellie after he was born.

The father and son chatted for a long time in front of Mellie's painting.

Until night fell, Xin Zhao's voice came from behind.

"Your Majesty, half an hour has passed since dinner time."

"Yeah."

Jiawen III stood up slowly, with tears still on his face. He looked at Lu Qi and said, "Let's go."

These two words seemed to be filled with deep reluctance, but he knew that it was time to move on from the past.

It should be the first update today