Chapter Three, Unscrupulous Dealings (Part Two).
Lan'er saw my ever-changing expression, but still came to comfort me, saying, "Your Majesty, although Lord Tao has employed all his cunning, he truly has your best interests and the country's at heart."
However, just as he was about to turn around, a hint of satisfaction unexpectedly appeared in his eyes. That smile always made me feel uneasy.
From the perspective of a servant, the emperor is indeed a wise ruler. Lan'er obediently nestled into my arms and softly said, "It's just that there are too many corrupt officials in the court, which leaves no room for the emperor to exert his power. I believe that the emperor will definitely eliminate the obstacles in his path and become a great ruler for all eternity. And Mr. Tao will surely leave a lasting legacy."
Just then, I saw Zhang Huang sitting cross-legged on the ground with his eyes closed. I walked over and tapped him, asking, "Zhang Huang, what did you see?"
Under my encouraging gaze, Lan'er continued, "First of all, Tao Qian didn't even mention Zhao Taifu's death today. Is this normal, considering his personality?"
Ancient people have this problem. The Minister of Rites can be considered a high-ranking member of the court, with exceptional knowledge. However, they cannot avoid believing in strange and mysterious things. However, what is the role of a minister? It is to be a scapegoat. With ill intentions, he walked up to Tao Qian's side and kindly patted his shoulder, saying, "Minister Tao, why do you say such things? We have no knowledge of any auspicious signs. It is all your doing. We are outsiders, and the heavens will not blame us."
After the old fox first advised me to work hard and govern well, which was reasonable but rejected, he brought up the Fengshan ceremony and directly pointed out that my reputation was too bad. However, he deliberately mentioned auspicious signs, leading me to think in that direction. In the end, he made me take the initiative to ask the old fox to cheat and ask him to take the blame. In this way, he naturally put forward a small request.
Hello, Your Majesty, you have made it so that even the servants have lost the strength to speak. Lan'er, the maid, gave me a coquettish glance and said, "Xing'er said that Your Majesty has been playing tricks on Tao Qian, but in my opinion, it is actually Tao Qian who has been playing tricks on Your Majesty."
I was moved and agreed, "Okay, I promise you. However, I also need some time for entertainment. How about I promise you two hours of work every day? But when Tao Aiqing leaves, it would be better to pretend to be in pain, yes, like I just scolded you."
A night of silence.
The old fox put on a bitter melon face. It turns out he was luring me into a trap. Now that I think about it carefully, every line he said contained hints to guide my thinking. Impressive, old fox.
After this matter is accomplished, I ask that Your Majesty make a firm decision, strive for excellence, and benefit the people. When Tao Qian spoke these words, a faint sense of righteousness appeared on his old face once again.
I, your humble servant, thank Your Majesty for your concern. I am willing to work for Your Majesty, no matter how tired or difficult it may be.
Tao Qian was shocked, and I made it very clear. Of course, he knew that he was being made a scapegoat, but he also nodded heavily with loyalty and said, "Your Majesty, that's great. This matter was planned by Tao Qian himself, and has nothing to do with Your Majesty. However, Your Majesty, please promise me one thing."
The young man looked stunned and bowed nervously, saying, "Your Majesty, I have behaved improperly. Just now, I overheard Your Majesty and Lord Tao discussing important matters, which were quite profound. Suddenly, I had an epiphany and began to meditate and practice qigong without realizing it, driven by a surge of inspiration. It wasn't until Your Majesty tapped me just now that I came to my senses."
The last sentence "saving the common people and the masses" obviously moved Tao Qian's heart. After thinking for a while, he still had some concerns: "What if we provoke the wrath of heaven and the heavens vent their anger on the emperor?"
Your translated result is: "Your Majesty, this humble servant suddenly remembered that there is still one matter that has not been dealt with." Zhang Huang did not show any flaws and earnestly said, "If there is nothing else, this humble servant requests to take his leave first."
Oh my god, with a sudden realization, my emotions are stirred up. To be able to come up with such lies, they are truly talented.
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Lan'er coquettishly called out repeatedly, and fell softly into my arms. Using the unique sweet and charming dialect of the Jiangnan region, she pleaded for forgiveness, saying, "Master, this servant is at your service."
Hail, Your Majesty, there are others here as well. Xinger's face blushed like a peach, and she glanced sideways.
This statement is obviously inappropriate. I rushed forward, pulled her into my arms, and my hands wandered around her sensitive areas, making her gasp for breath before pretending to be angry and saying, "You little Orchid, how dare you mock me."
Old fox, seize this opportunity to talk about conditions. Why the hell don't you become a businessman, you're so cunning. I nodded slightly and said, "Tao Aiqing, feel free to speak your mind if you have something."
All of a sudden, I noticed a hint of a smile at the corner of Lan'er's mouth, and I couldn't help but wonder, "Lan'er, what are you smiling about? Did I do something wrong?"
I released Lan'er and started to ponder before the collapse of the Dragon Pavilion. After a short while, I struck my palms and suddenly realized that today's seemingly playful interaction with Tao Qian was actually all part of his premeditated plan.
Hello, come here and let me also show you some affection, my dear. I waved at her with a smile.
"Servant, the servant will never dare again." Lan'er's pretty face blushed, her eyes unable to conceal the lingering spring feelings, yet she tried hard to hide her own emotions. The expression of wanting to welcome but also reject, truly made me feel a flutter in my heart.
With the clever and charming Xinger by my side, I feel a bit light-headed. Where to, where to?
Tomorrow is the time for the Enthronement Ceremony. Fortunately, the old fox Tao Qian from the Ministry of Rites is very capable. Everything will be handled properly. I just need to wait for tomorrow with peace of mind.
Oh? I became intrigued. Could there be other mysteries hidden within?
My hands stopped moving, and I said, "Speak, and let me listen." But I wanted to see what insights this girl really had.
I have nothing to do, so I might as well take a nap. With a wicked smile, I approached the two women seductively. Although I couldn't actually do anything, it was inevitable to indulge in some affection.
Zhang Aiqing. I patted his shoulder with a look of appreciation and said, "You're tired too, go back and rest first."
Hey, prisoner Lan'er, it's time to confess honestly. I chuckled mischievously and said, "Otherwise, I will personally take care of you."
This girl trusts me so much, which warms my heart. I softly said, "My Lan'er, is also a woman who is not inferior to men. No matter how cunning Tao the old fox is, he cannot escape Lan'er's sharp eyes."
Reporting to Your Majesty, this servant also thinks that Your Majesty is extraordinary.Lan'er smiled lightly, showing her teeth: "This servant, like Xinger, also greatly admires Your Majesty."
I nodded and smiled gracefully, saying, "That old fox has lived for decades longer than me, so it's only natural for him to be cunning. It's also quite a feat for him to work for the prosperity of Dawujiangshan. If he were to encounter a wise ruler, he would undoubtedly become a loyal and admirable servant for generations to come."
Abnormal. I inferred along her train of thought: "For others, because they have benefited from my verbal promise, they choose not to mention this matter." When Lan'er saw that I immediately understood, she was also delighted, and then she continued, "Secondly, who was the first to propose the matter of the Enthronement Ceremony tomorrow?"
I just woke up and realized that Zhang Huang is still standing there. Isn't this like showing him a live erotic performance? So I immediately put down Lan'er and turned to look at him.
Although two hours is a bit short, it's still better than nothing. Tao Qian saw that his goal had been achieved, so he got up to take his leave, saying that he needed to prepare for auspicious signs. Sure enough, as I had hoped, he put on a bitter and awkward smile. This old fox is quite talented at acting.
Long live the lord is so powerful. Xinger looked at me admiringly and said with a light laugh, "You've made that old guy spin around."
Sister Lan'er is so cheesy! Xia'er covered her mouth and giggled, her big eyes watery.
This little brat is really clever. I couldn't help but smile.
Long live the master! Lan'er started acting coquettishly in my arms, refusing to accept: "How could you call me a servant and compare me to Sun Wukong?"
The master is teasing the servant again. Lan'er buried her pretty head in my arms and dared not look at me.
Ah, I was wrong. I looked at her delicate and rosy lips, and leaned down to kiss her with a fluttering heart. In this moment, it seemed like only the two of us existed in the world. This sense of fulfillment can only be understood by two souls in love, merging together like milk and water. After a long while, I reluctantly let go of her and looked at her bewildered eyes, teasingly saying, "My lovely Lan'er, how could you be Sun Wukong? Clearly, you are a fox spirit. Look, your eyes are so enchanting, they're even watery."