A Good Country Wife
Chapter 555 - 549_1

Chapter 555: Chapter 549_1

Eunuch Cui once again felt that Zhao Erhu was inscrutable; his composure was much too steady. Clearly hailing from a peasants’ family, it was his first time entering the palace to meet the Emperor, yet he didn’t show the slightest hint of nervousness—an extraordinary feat not easily accomplished by the average person. Based on this courage and insight alone, it was no wonder that this country bumpkin had achieved his current successes, not only collaborating with the Marquis of Zhenbei’s Princely Heir but now also catching the Emperor’s attention. His future prospects were limitless. With that in mind, Eunuch Cui’s attitude toward Zhao Erhu became much more attentive, as he went on to explain the inner workings of the palace to Zhao Erhu.

Zhao Erhu appreciated Eunuch Cui’s kindness and stuffed the purse his little wife had prepared for him into Eunuch Cui’s hands. Eunuch Cui’s smile brightened even more, but he still spoke with courtesy, "How could I accept this, I have already received so many things from your family, how could I take your silver note?"

Zhao Erhu could see that Eunuch Cui was merely offering a polite refusal. "Eunuch, you are too kind. I will still rely on you to take care of things for me in the palace in the future. It’s only right to show a little gratitude."

"Well said, well said. Since Master Zhao puts it this way, I will accept it. Should you need my help in the future, just command me," said Eunuch Cui, his sincerity evident. Having accepted so many things from Zhao Erhu, and now a silver note, it would be quite shameful not to help diligently. Eunuch Cui considered himself not to be one of those unkind people who take money and do nothing.

Following Eunuch Cui for a good while, and passing through several palace walls, Zhao Erhu finally arrived at the entrance to the Imperial Study Room. Eunuch Cui entered first and asked him to wait outside. After about a quarter of an hour, Eunuch Cui emerged from the Imperial Study Room and led Zhao Erhu inside. Zhao Erhu thought that Eunuch Cui must have been reporting Zhao Family Village’s situation to the Emperor.

Indeed it was so. Eunuch Cui first reported to the Emperor that he had completed the tasks assigned to him. Then the Emperor inquired about the situation of Zhao Family Village, among many other questions. Eunuch Cui answered them all one by one before he was instructed by the Emperor to bring Zhao Erhu in.

"Master Zhao, the Emperor wishes to see you. Follow me, and remember to be careful in what you say and do. Do not speak carelessly and displease the Emperor. A light punishment would be the least of your worries—if things go badly, even your head cannot be guaranteed," Eunuch Cui whispered into Zhao Erhu’s ear. Perhaps seeing that Zhao Erhu did not seem overly fearful, he took special care to caution him, considering the previous tokens of respect.

"Rest assured, Eunuch," replied Zhao Erhu. Lin Yue had drilled him countless times. Once he followed Eunuch Cui into the Imperial Study Room, his demeanor changed—no longer composed, but now tinged with fear, nervousness, and reverence. Seeing Zhao Erhu like this raised Eunuch Cui’s opinion of him even higher; it seemed his earlier advice had been superfluous—Master Zhao was clearly aware of what was expected, or he wouldn’t have behaved so well.

"This humble citizen pays his respects to the Emperor. Long live, long live, forever long live," Zhao Erhu said, bowing low as he knelt before the Emperor, not daring to glance around. He behaved respectfully and strictly, having been taught the protocol by Eunuch Cui before entering the palace. Moreover, his little wife had also mentioned it to him: he knew it was a grave offense to look directly at the Emperor without permission.

"Are you Zhao Erhu?" Huangfu Jing asked coldly. It was not truly a question, but rather a recognition that Zhao Erhu was indeed the man before him, radiating an imperial authority that Zhao Erhu could sense even while kneeling—an authority he had never felt with Jiang Ziqi or Feng Yinan.

"This servant indeed is," Zhao Erhu replied. Huangfu Jing, however, continued to stare at Zhao Erhu without speaking, his eyes scrutinizing him.

In fact, Huangfu Jing had seen Zhao Erhu before, during an encounter on the street where Zhao Erhu and Lin Yue were together. He had noticed them then but hadn’t paid much attention, as all his focus was on Lin Yue. Now, looking at Zhao Erhu openly and taking his measure, it was a long moment before he spoke again, "Rise."

"Thank you, Emperor." Zhao Erhu, despite his good composure, broke out in a cold sweat at this moment. After thanking the Emperor, he stood up, respectfully waiting on the spot.

Huangfu Jing was quite satisfied with Zhao Erhu’s reaction so far, and considering that he needed Erhu’s services, his tone became much warmer. However, he still couldn’t shake off his irritation at Erhu’s identity being associated with Lin Yue.

"There is no need to be so nervous. I have summoned you here concerning the overseas venture. I presume the Marquis of Zhenbei’s Princely Heir has already sent someone to inform you." Feng Yinan had dispatched a trusted person to Zhao Family Village quite secretly, but Huangfu Jing did not need to guess to know Feng Yinan’s actions, hence the question. Zhao Erhu might not fully understand the underlying implications, but after being schooled by Lin Yue lately on conspiracy theories and testing for poison, he could grasp a bit and became even more cautious in his answer. He remembered his wife’s words, that the current Emperor was very wise and had grown up in the palace with a mind full of twists and turns that he could not begin to outwit. He should not attempt to deceive the Emperor.

"Your Majesty, the Princely Heir of Marquis of Zhenbei did indeed send someone to inform us, saying that Your Majesty also wished to partake in the business and that, given Your Majesty’s status, you would naturally take the lion’s share. I understand this principle very well and have absolutely no objections," Zhao Erhu stated earnestly without any reservation. This answer seemed a bit naive, yet as his wife had said, the Emperor favored those who were practical rather than cunning and preferred loyal and upright people who were easier to control and could be trusted to serve him.

Huangfu Jing was slightly amused by Zhao Erhu’s response. Erhu appeared to be a simpleton, blurting out such things in his presence without fear of blame. However, there seemed to be something off; since Erhu was able to collaborate with Feng Yinan and successfully complete the maritime expedition, he must be competent. Was he pretending to be foolish on purpose, putting on such an act with him? Mulling over it, Huangfu Jing’s face grew colder as he indulged in his own conspiracy theories.

"Do you truly think this way, and are you not afraid of my reprimanding you by speaking out?!" Huangfu Jing’s voice carried a sense of oppression, clearly conveying his displeasure.

"I am indeed afraid," said Zhao Erhu, and to emphasize the truth of his words, he deliberately wiped the sweat from his forehead.

"If you are afraid of my reprimanding you, why then would you speak so bluntly? Are you harboring some nefarious intent, hmm?"

"I dare not, it’s just that..." Zhao Erhu seemed to be panicked by the Emperor’s pressing, stuttering in his response.

"Just what?" asked Huangfu Jing impatiently, as he saw Erhu hemming and hawing.

"Actually, it was my wife who instructed me. She said that the current Emperor is very wise, and my mind is no match for His Majesty’s. Hence, I should not twist my words. Whatever the Emperor asks, I should answer truthfully, just truthfully, and never tell a lie. Otherwise, the Emperor will surely see through it. Moreover, she said that as long as I don’t harbor any ill intentions, even if I misspoke, with the Emperor’s wise and benevolent nature, I would not be blamed."