A Good Country Wife
Chapter 557 - 551_1

Chapter 557: Chapter 551_1

Zhao Erhu’s forehead was truly breaking out in sweat; the Emperor’s demeanor was so different from what the eunuch Cui and his wife had described. Eunuch Cui had said that the Emperor’s emotions never showed on his face, and his wife had told him that the Emperor was easy to get along with, merely a smiling tiger. But looking at the Emperor, Erhu felt like he seemed more of a ’resentful husband.’ Don’t assume he couldn’t see through it; the Emperor was clearly venting his frustrations on him from being angered elsewhere. He was far from foolish; he was simply feigning incompetence to avoid arousing the Emperor’s wariness.

Huangfu Jing had been scolding for a while, but seeing Zhao Erhu just standing there dumbfounded without any reaction—not knowing to kowtow and apologize, nor to offer comforting words—was akin to a blockhead, which left him feeling imbalanced. "I talk this much, and you have nothing to say? You dare to ignore Us!"

Zhao Erhu sincerely found the Emperor to be more troublesome to serve than his own wife, who would scold him for no apparent reason. He silently bore it, but even that wasn’t satisfactory. In his heart, Erhu grumbled, but he dared not express any discontent on his face. Since the Emperor wanted him to admit his guilt, he would oblige.

"This commoner dares not, I have sinned. Please, Emperor, forgive me!" With a thump, Zhao Erhu knelt on the ground, merely uttering those two sentences, without a word of defense. Huangfu Jing thought Zhao Erhu was just an uncarvable piece of rotten wood, a fool—he even lost interest in scolding him. However, Erhu himself felt that with the Emperor in this state, no matter how he explained, the Emperor would accuse him of making excuses. Better to stay silent then. Now he also had a better grasp of the Emperor’s temperament, knowing the Emperor wouldn’t really punish him. Tyrants were the ones who would rashly chop off heads. It was said that the Emperor was indeed wise—at least that’s what Jiang Ziqi, the Princely Heir of Marquis of Zhenbei, and his wife all claimed.

"Zhao Erhu, to be frank about you, your nature is really quite displeasing."

"Emperor, I am but a common man from a rural family, admittedly rather slow-witted, but I always remind myself that I am here to assist in the Emperor’s affairs; whether liked or not is of no consequence, as being able to handle matters is what truly matters." Initially, Zhao Erhu was somewhat afraid of the Emperor’s dangerous aura, but once Huangfu Jing changed his demeanor, Erhu was no longer as intimidated—though on the surface he still maintained a semblance of respect and fear.

Upon hearing Zhao Erhu’s reply, Huangfu Jing let go of his fixation and began inquiring about the sea voyages, and listened to Erhu describe the customs and cultures of various barbaric countries overseas.

When the conversation turned to business matters, Huangfu Jing discovered that this ’blockhead’ of a man actually wasn’t so simple-minded; he had a set of impressive skills when it came to trade. While knowledgeable in statecraft, Huangfu Jing was hardly familiar with business affairs. However, everything Zhao Erhu spoke of seemed reasonable. Indeed, specialization was the key to success, and someone like Zhao Erhu, despite his appearance, possessed a natural talent in commerce—he was exactly the kind of person the Emperor needed.

"I see you have a real knack for business. From now on, I will entrust you with the authority over this matter. Even the Princely Heir of the Marquis of Zhenbei will receive an annual share of the profits, but will no longer intervene in these affairs. You will only need to heed my commands." Huangfu Jing’s words served as both a decree and a warning; it was evident that even while he considered employing the Princely Heir, he harbored caution against him. Zhao Erhu now comprehended more profoundly the inscrutability of a sovereign’s heart, and he silently reminded himself to stay alert.

"Yes, I shall follow the Imperial Edict." Zhao Erhu accepted the command without hesitation.

Huangfu Jing, quite content with Erhu’s response, handed him a token. "This is the Golden Token; seeing it is as seeing Me. From now on, the officials assigned by Me are under your management. This Token will be your reliance. Should anyone refuse to obey, you have full authority to deal with them. Even if they are from the Court, if someone troubles you, you can make use of this token. However, while I grant you the power to wield this Golden Token, it is to be used solely for maritime affairs. Should I learn of any misuse, you must be aware of the consequences."

The authority now given to Zhao Erhu was indeed significant. Even though he held no official title and was a mere commoner, possessing this Golden Token meant a decree as powerful as an imperial edict, underscoring the grave importance he placed on this venture.

"This commoner understands and will not fail the Emperor’s trust." Zhao Erhu had not expected the Emperor to entrust such an important item as the Golden Token to him, especially since the Emperor had warned him not to act under his name. Now, to be given such immense authority was bewildering. Since Erhu did not understand, his face appropriately showed a mix of confusion and perplexity.

"Emperor, did you not forbid me from acting under your name with this token?"

With a smile gracing his face, Huangfu Jing looked at him. "I didn’t exactly discourage you from using my name. After all, I hold the largest stake in this business. I merely hope you know your limits and not seek too much limelight. Many things can be done behind the scenes. I will ensure people understand this is by my command. If word spreads throughout the Court, none would dare trouble you. And the old officials at the Censorate, unable to find any solid evidence, would not have the gall to complain before Me."

"Yes, now that the Emperor has explained, I understand. However, I have another favor to ask for the Emperor’s gracious permission." As Zhao Erhu spoke, he knelt down once more, this time with much more sincerity than before.

"Oh? What business is it? Speak and let Us hear."

"My wife also trades on her own. She has some goods to send overseas to earn a little money, which doesn’t fall under the scope of these initiatives. Previously, she shipped goods alongside others, but now that the Emperor oversees these matters, I must first seek the Emperor’s approval." Lin Yue had already considered this. When she worked with the Princely Heir of the Marquis of Zhenbei, shipping her goods was not a problem. But now that the Emperor had taken charge, continuing to do so would seem inappropriate. Yet Lin Yue could not bear the thought of giving up; so, after much deliberation, she decided to let Zhao Erhu judge the situation and request if the Emperor was amenable.

"Hmm, that’s a trifling matter. I am not so unreasonable. Since it concerns your wife’s affairs, you may handle it yourself. Ensure it doesn’t interfere with the main business." Huangfu Jing consented without a second thought. He was aware of Lin Yue’s abilities, and that selling these crafted items overseas could be profitable, but he wasn’t so petty as to begrudge a woman’s side-hustle. He casually waved Zhao Erhu off to manage this himself, not foreseeing that in the future Lin Yue would grow her business so significantly. Having already given his promise, it was not suitable to retract it now.

"This commoner thanks the Emperor for his grace."

Huangfu Jing asked Zhao Erhu a few more questions and conveyed some instructions concerning the Princely Heir of the Marquis of Zhenbei. Essentially, he wished Zhao Erhu not to associate too closely with the Princely Heir and also did not want the Princely Heir entangling with the business any further. Zhao Erhu agreed without objection to everything, and as the time of the day was advancing, Huangfu Jing allowed him to depart.

After leaving the palace, Zhao Erhu first visited the residence they had purchased in the Capital City during their last stay. He intended to call on Jiang Ziqi, only to find out that Ziqi had already come over.

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