Chapter 10: The Wrath of the Grand Princess
In Wu Zhao's eyes, Ning Chen finally saw a hint of softness that came after being touched
Looking at the choices before him, Ning Chen felt that this was nothing short of a life-and-death question, and that this system was simply causing trouble
This was also Ning Chen's first thought upon seeing Wu Zhao
However, Wu Zhao is indeed the master of the future, so one must still give face.
Ning Chen still plans to go out and accumulate a bit more flattery
In Ning Chen's eyes, there was also much more appreciation and recognition.
In fact, Ning Chen did not wish to listen to stories, as his lifespan was indeed limited
Ning Chen's intelligence quotient has always been exceptionally high, and now with the aid of external tools, knowing the answers in advance makes it even easier to deduce the results
That is both laborious and costly, and this consumption is of an exceedingly exaggerated nature
If this task is handled well, the next time I ascend the throne, I will also entrust you with the arrangements for the ceremony. Wu Zhao said lightly, as if she were discussing something of no significance at all
Wu Zhao took a sip of green tea and said to Ning Chen, "Do you truly believe that the Right Chancellor and those censors are people of this palace?"
Even if it means compromising with those pure and righteous individuals, even if the means are despicable, I believe there is nothing wrong with it
After Ning Chen finished speaking, Wu Zhao's aura suddenly turned cold, and at the same time, her voice became abruptly frigid: "Since you already know, why do you still want to ruin my affairs?"
Regarding the aspect of imperial cultivation, the two worlds are the same
Wu Zhao chuckled lightly and said, "You also know that they are a group of people who regard reputation and integrity as their lifeblood.
Are you implying that my compromise for the throne is a form of weakness and a base tactic
The Grand Princess slightly nodded her head, indicating for Ning Chen to continue speaking
Event Selection
The top scholar truly lives up to his title, indeed displaying unparalleled wit! It is difficult to discern from Wu Zhao's words whether they are meant as sarcasm or praise
Ning Chen organized his emotions, his attitude resolute, and he said in a firm tone: "Because I believe it is unnecessary"
The state of affairs is already in disarray; I believe that even if those princes were to take over, it would be no different.
What wealth will never be lacking
After Ning Chen's remarks, the atmosphere on Wu Zhao's side noticeably weakened
However, those censors of integrity require appeasement
Ning Chen is now left with only one or two coins, and if no rewards come soon, he worries that he will not be able to hold on until next month's salary arrives
Moreover, this reason made Ning Chen feel quite excited
Isn't it? Ning Chen retorted
Only other emperors do not have this resource, but this world possesses such resources
At this moment, Wu Zhao should not be planning to sacrifice himself any longer
However, I am in full agreement with the actions taken by the princess for the sake of the great cause and the well-being of the people
How did you know that I wanted to use Bai Renyuan?" The Grand Princess finally showed a bit of interest in Ning Chen
Do you still need me to find suitable individuals for you, Your Highness
However, Ning Chen still understood why the emperor wanted to pass the position of the crown prince to Wu Zhao
Is this our first meeting, Scholar Wang?" Wu Zhao asked Ning Chen.
Although I do not believe a single word you say, I am very willing to listen to what you have to say
Wu Zhao took off her waist jade and had a palace maid deliver it to Ning Chen
If it is said that Ning Chen could guess, he has undermined his own plan; this could be considered a form of cleverness
Ning Chen did not shy away from Wu Zhao's gaze, but chose to continue staring directly: "Yes, I believe the princess's choice is a form of weakness."
Therefore, I wish to give myself, as well as this world, an opportunity
"Are you not leaving yet?" After seeing Ning Chen express his gratitude, the implication of not having left prompted the question.
The air in the yard has become much more cheerful as it flows
Perhaps it is true that Ning Chen's lies are just too beautifully articulated, and she is simply too eager to listen to them
To let all the people of the world see the prosperity of our Great Wu Dynasty
A glance and a smile can bring forth a hundred charms, while the beauty of the six palaces pales in comparison. Ning Chen expressed the half-verse that resided in his heart
In addition to the matter of the grand ceremony for the establishment of the storage, you must also assist this palace in supervising the officials, to see among the officials who may be of use to this palace
This time, the ceremony for the establishment of the heir will be entirely entrusted to you to oversee, and I will ensure that the Ministry of Revenue, the Ministry of Works, and the Ministry of Rites fully cooperate with you
Ning Chen nodded seriously and said: "Alright! This matter may seem trivial, but its significance is extraordinary"
Wu Zhao instructed someone to offer a seat to Ning Chen and also commanded another person to pour a cup of tea for Ning Chen
Ning Chen realized for the first time that a chin does not have to be too sharp to appear fierce
Of course, all of this is Ning Chen's self-deprecation, but it will absolutely not affect Ning Chen's response to the Grand Princess's question
Upon hearing Ning Chen's words, a fleeting light flashed through the Grand Princess's starry eyes
Ning Chen feigned a deep contemplation for a moment, then raised his head and said with the most profound gaze he could imagine: "I have never believed that just because something has always been this way, it must necessarily be right.
When Your Highness is willing to speak with me, you will naturally do so
In the Ming Dynasty, I visited the Upper Garden, swiftly reporting the arrival of spring. The flowers must bloom overnight, lest we wait for the morning breeze to blow.
Ning Chen thought for a moment and said to Wu Zhao, "Your Highness, I have a poem with an additional verse; at that time, Your Highness may choose to keep whichever you prefer"
She even promised the emperor that after she ascended to power, she would continue to fully support him in his pursuit of the Dao
Do you want to know why Father Emperor is willing to pass the throne to me?" Wu Zhao suddenly asked Ning Chen
Moreover, it has made Hong Xiao the center of attention in the capital.
No wonder Lianxiang Pavilion is offering it to you for free. If that last half-verse were to be released again, I fear all the courtesans in Fengjing would be lining up to pay you for it, " Wu Zhao said to Ning Chen with irritation.
Ning Chen immediately cupped his hands and replied: "I shall faithfully obey Your Highness's command"
The reason this excites Ning Chen is that the current emperor is a tyrant who has plunged the people into misery, and Wu Zhao is another tyrant who supports this incompetent ruler
Wu Zhao looked into Ning Chen's eyes, a glimmer of killing intent bursting forth: "Are you teaching this palace how to do things?"
However, in order to survive, Ning Chen must go all the way with flattery.
Before her words had faded, Wu Zhao coldly added, "This palace wants to hear the truth"
Before Wu Zhao decided to take her own life, and after the system had completed its settlement, Ning Chen hurriedly said: "I believe that Your Highness the Princess's choice is very weak"
Now the emperor was pleased; he could devote himself entirely to his cultivation without worrying about being cut off from supplies
Since the princess is able to persuade His Majesty, I believe she must possess great talent and vision
After Ning Chen finished speaking, he looked towards Wu Zhao
The Grand Princess has provided herself with so many flattering points; how could Ning Chen not understand the original meaning of the Grand Princess
Just do as you said, grand and magnificent, an unprecedented spectacle
Ning Chen also did not understand what Wu Zhao meant, yet suddenly wanted to compete with the girls from the Yanhua Liuxiang.
In the presence of an obedient daughter and a group of disobedient sons, the emperor undoubtedly chose the daughter
Wu Zhao glanced outside at the sky and said to Ning Chen: "Today, I happen to have some time, so I will tell you why my father the Emperor decided to pass the throne to me
Then tell me, what is necessary! Wu Zhao's attitude remained cold.
For someone like Ning Chen, who dares to speak such beautiful lies in front of him, Wu Zhao did not know why he felt no aversion
In the future, with this jade, you may come to the Eastern Palace to find me at any time
At the very least, it indicates that Your Highness is willing to listen to their voices and is open to their opinions
There is no need to mention your support for the princess, nor is there a need for reassurance
The princess is destined to inherit the throne in the future; compromising with these individuals now will not only fail to earn their gratitude for her generosity, but will instead lead them to become increasingly arrogant.
"Speak to this official and let me hear it"
It is said that the top scholar possesses exceptional poetic talent, and with two incomplete verses, he has allowed the Orchid Fragrance Pavilion to ascend to the premier throne of the splendid capital's fireworks.
If they do not even regard the Emperor, how could they possibly hold me in esteem
On one hand, it is naturally due to Wu Zhao's abilities; on the other hand, it is because Wu Zhao does not oppose the current emperor's pursuit of Daoism at all
"Do you truly believe that using a mere small merchant is a compromise on my part?" Wu Zhao asked Ning Chen
Indeed, those who can become empress are not easily deceived... Ning Chen clasped his hands and said, "Thank you for your high regard, Princess"
The appointment of Bai Renyuan represents a compromise towards those upright censors.
1. You actively admit your mistake to Wu Zhao, gaining 1 point of "Loyalty". Subsequently, all evaluations related to the event will automatically convert to the corresponding reputation points.
I am willing to give you, and also this world, a chance
You directly criticized Wu Zhao's mistakes, earning 500 points of "flattery". Subsequently, all evaluations related to the event will automatically convert into corresponding reputation points
If the little evil can save the world, then I do not consider it evil
Such a grand environment is simply tailor-made for this sycophant.
It is but a fleeting moment of softness
Then you should assess whether what I have done truly provides an opportunity for the world
Knowing the result and then deducing the process makes it much easier
The reason why Wu Zhao is able to receive the favor of His Majesty the Emperor
Ning Chen knows that some of the promises made by Wu Zhao also include sacrificing oneself
Wu Zhao was taken aback to hear Ning Chen confront him directly, and the murderous intent in his eyes nearly erupted.
Originally, Wu Zhao did not have much expectation for Ning Chen's poetry
Watching Wu Zhao suddenly perform a face-changing act, coupled with the sudden shift in the aura around him
Ning Chen nodded slightly: "Yes"
Wu Zhao did not appreciate poetry that carried a decadent tone, yet he had to admit that the poem written by Ning Chen was simply exquisite, resonating deeply within his heart
After Wu Zhao listened to Ning Chen's poem, he pondered for a moment and then realized the imperial grandeur contained within the verses
Wu Zhao speaks little, his words are concise and to the point, and in many instances, he only touches upon the subject, requiring one to understand it on their own
She must feel that she is far more useful than she had imagined
Because of today's morning meeting, no one has raised objections to the establishment of the reserve anymore. Ning Chen replied.
Thank you for your recognition, Your Highness. I will certainly carry out my duties well. You, Wu Zhao, are not afraid; how could a treacherous minister like me possibly be afraid
Although this half-verse is not as imposing as the one above, the artistic conception of the poetry is truly a compliment that any woman would find hard to refuse
Your Highness, if there are no other matters, I shall proceed to handle the arrangements for the establishment of the heir. Being with Wu Zhao is still somewhat stressful, while the pressure from Hong Xiao is lighter. Ning Chen plans to take a moment to relax.
Continuing from Ning Chen's line of thought, he shifted again: "However, since I am aware of this, it is meaningless to retreat. In the absence of the princess's ability to intervene, I should take on the responsibility of alleviating her concerns."
Then tell me, why are you willing to support me, willing to believe in me
Ning Chen truly believes that Wu Zhao resembles an emperor more.
Ning Chen was taken aback upon hearing Wu Zhao's words: "Your Highness has the support of the Right Chancellor, the Censorate, as well as the Ministry of Works, the Ministry of Revenue, and the Ministry of Rites.
This half-verse is exclusively for Your Highness" Ning Chen said with flattery
"Your Majesty governs the country with filial piety, which is indeed the best strategy. I truly admire this," Ning Chen said, continuously offering compliments after listening to Wu Zhao.
There is still half a verse that I like
Being able to guess that one needs to use Bai Renyuan is sufficient proof that Ning Chen is a person of great wisdom
As for Wu Zhao's brothers, it is unknown how many times the ministers have jointly advised the emperor, directly accusing him of neglecting state affairs due to his pursuit of Daoism
"I do not know the top scholar, but are there any poems you would like to present to this palace?" Wu Zhao suddenly said to Ning Chen
Ning Chen also secretly breathed a sigh of relief in his heart, as he truly could not gauge the pulse of this grand princess, whom he had been wholeheartedly supporting.
Ning Chen received the waist jade and then expressed gratitude
Furthermore, is there anything more treacherous than a change of dynasty
I was once one of them, so I know what kind of character they possess
Your Highness, should there not be some rewards given at this time
Since no one is opposing the establishment of reserves today
In summary, the father of Emperor Wu Zhao fell victim to the common ailment of aging monarchs throughout all dynasties, being infatuated with longevity and the pursuit of immortality
The ministers must have reached a consensus on this issue
I have merely promised them some things; it is only because of what they desire the most that they are reluctantly standing by my side
"Is there still half a verse?" Wu Zhao inquired of Ning Chen.