He's still a servant

"Your Majesty, this matter isn't as it appears..."

"Get lost!"

The King of Huainan wanted to offer an explanation, but Emperor Qi Ming cut him off before he could finish his sentence. Seeing the anger simmering in the emperor's eyes, Zhao Yang dared not say more and exited the room, his head hung low.

However, as he departed, his eyes lingered on Xiao Nanye, an intricate blend of emotions playing on his face.

Xiao Nanye did not care at all.

Emperor Qi Ming had noticed the lingering glance. Once Zhao Yang was gone, he turned his attention to the man seated across him, "You typically steer clear of court politics, Nanye. Why the sudden interest in the Jiang family's affairs?"

"Well, it's a long story."

Xiao Nanye succinctly described his rescue of Jiang Peihuan and then casually addressed Emperor Qi Ming, "The ones I despise most are those who break their promises."