Ning Chen smiled. "Father Emperor, the King of Gaoli is the ruler of Gaoli."

The Xuan Emperor was more lost than ever!

The ruler of a whole kingdom — how did he turn into a King of Gaoli?

"Brat, what are you going on about? None of this hangs together."

Ning Chen smiled and took the letter of surrender out of his robe. "Once Father Emperor reads this, it'll all make sense!"

Eunuch Quan hurried down with quick little steps, took it from Ning Chen and carried it up to the Xuan Emperor.

The Xuan Emperor opened it and took one look. He shot to his feet so fast his knee slammed into the table and knocked his wine cup over. The knee throbbed, and he paid it no mind. He just stared at the letter of surrender in his hands, stunned.

Everyone in the hall was dying of curiosity. What on earth does it say, to make His Majesty lose his composure like that?

It was a long moment before the Xuan Emperor looked up at Ning Chen. "Brat, is this real?"

Ning Chen smiled. "Father Emperor, it has the ruler of Gaoli's seal on it. How could it be fake?

It's the new year, and your child didn't have anything worth bringing... I hope Father Emperor likes this little gift."

The Xuan Emperor glared at him. "You call this a little gift?"

"As long as Father Emperor likes it. Little or not doesn't matter."

"Like it? This emperor loves it! Ha ha ha..."

The Xuan Emperor was overjoyed and roared with laughter.

Then he broke off and turned to Eunuch Quan. "Issue this emperor's decree. All the civil and military officials are to come to the palace at once, without fail!"

Eunuch Quan had no idea what was going on, but he didn't dare ask. "This old servant obeys the decree!"

The Xuan Emperor turned to the Eldest Prince. "Move!"

He shooed the Eldest Prince out of the chair and beckoned to Ning Chen. "Brat, come sit here and tell this emperor properly what's going on."

Looking wronged,…