Chapter 22: Confession to the Empress, and the Strongest Cultivation Path in the World
"Is...is that so?"
Xu Zhenguan was startled, full of surprises at this explanation.
But after thinking about it carefully, it is the most reasonable answer.
Therefore, it was not that Zhao Duan became complacent after reaching the world in one step, but that he took the initiative to flatter him after figuring out his own thoughts.
In this way, the bad image in the rumors and the misalignment of her perception have a reasonable answer.
She even thought more:
Why did Baima Si Jian favor Zhao Duan in the first place? Perhaps, it is because of his outstanding talents.
Xu Zhenguan did not question this rhetoric.
Not only because this is logical, but also because Zhao Duan's guess was correct.
The reason why she allowed the "scandal" to spread was indeed to use it as bait.
However, this was not done deliberately. There were rumors first. After she learned about it, she simply followed the trend and made this idle move.
Anyway, with her mind, she wouldn't care about those slanderous rumors.
Compared with the slander of "killing brothers and killing fathers", raising a reputation is really nothing.
Precisely because he just made a random move and didn't pay much attention to it, he had a vague impression of Zhao Duan.
But I didn't expect...
…
"You have your heart," Xu Zhenguan was silent for a while, the majesty in his eyes diminished, and his eyes softened:
"This will put you in danger."
Zhao Duan is both a traitor and a loyal person:
"I will never regret it if I can share your Majesty's worries."
Xu Zhenguan pondered for a moment and said doubtfully: "As you said, why did you arrest Zhuang Xiaocheng in the case of robbing the imperial office? With your wisdom, you should not do such stupid things."
Zhao Duan was an actor, and said slightly excitedly:
"Because I can't wait any longer! I've been committing suicide for more than a year, but I haven't accomplished anything yet, and I feel anxious! I thought, since the thief doesn't take the initiative to look for me, I might as well take the initiative.
So, I bribed the informants in the imperial office and paid attention to the traces of those who rebelled against the party, so that I made a big mistake just because I was greedy for credit! "
Here, he deliberately showed strong emotions and took the initiative to expose his shortcomings of "greed for merit" and "advantage".
The previous operations have successfully created a character who is thoughtful and powerful.
But based on his past life experience, he knew that leaders actually did not hate subordinates with shortcomings.
Even if a subordinate is too "perfect" and too thoughtful, the leader will be wary and wary.
At the same time, the shortcoming of "greed for merit" can also cover up logical problems.
After all, the original owner was really stupid when it came to arresting people, and Zhao Duan couldn't stop it.
Then simply admit your guilt: I am eager to make meritorious deeds and want to take the credit. What’s wrong?
With the previous year of self-destruction as the foundation, I am making bold progress without being abrupt.
Xu Zhenguan did not become suspicious, but sighed and felt slightly disappointed.
From her position, at a glance, the courtiers pursuing fame and wealth and competing for credit were like crucian carp crossing the river.
This little guard is indeed a common man who is greedy for power.
"From a humble pawn to today's status, are you still not satisfied?" Xu Zhenguan shook his head and said.
Zhao Duan shook his head and said: "I am satisfied and don't care about the power."
Xu Zhenguan wondered: "If it's not for power, then why?"
Zhao Duan suddenly raised his head a little boldly, stared at her, his eyes were blazing, and said:
"For your Majesty!"
Ha... Flattery... Xu Zhenguan was already immune to the loyalty expressed by his ministers, but Zhao Duan's next words caught her by surprise.
Just listen to Zhao Duan say loudly:
"Three years ago, on the day of the Xuanmen coup, I was in the midst of the rebellious army. I had the honor to witness His Majesty wearing a bright red robe and holding a sword, like an immortal descending into the world. At that moment, His Majesty's grace was deeply engraved in my heart. Day and night, unforgettable...
From then on, my heart belonged to His Majesty... But due to the disparity in status, I could only hide my love in my heart... Until later, His Majesty faced the scandal, but did not deny it...
Although I have guessed a thing or two, I can't help but have unrealistic fantasies in my heart... I thought that if I could accomplish great feats and eradicate traitors for His Majesty, I might be able to win His Majesty's love..."
Xu Zhenguan:? ? ?
At this moment, following Zhao Duan's sudden confession, even the palace of Empress Dayu couldn't help but be stunned.
His eyes were averted, his head was buzzing.
What do you mean?
Didn’t you agree to show your loyalty? Why did you suddenly confess your love?
Of course she would not have thought that this was the last killer move that Zhao Duan had prepared for today's defense after thinking hard last night.
A killer that can perfectly fill all the holes.
Zhao Duan knew very well that even though he was eloquent, some details and loopholes were still difficult to explain.
For example, Zhao Duan's greed for power and rash advancement seems somewhat out of the ordinary.
After a year of self-destruction for the emperor, facing countless slanders, and not changing his original intention... this is also a bit harsh.
Can't help but think about it carefully.
But if you add the word "admiration", it will be different.
First of all, the original owner had indeed been coveting the Empress' body from the very beginning, and the reason why he wanted to grab the credit was because he was anxious and wanted to express himself and win the Empress' favor.
These are all facts! Don’t be afraid to check!
Secondly, behavior based on "loyalty" seems somewhat untrustworthy, but if it is based on dog-licking logic, it is much more credible.
Just imagine:
As a licking dog, the original owner was licked by the empress, and was immersed in self-movement. Only then did he take huge risks, use his body as bait, and bear the infamy... Isn't it more reasonable?
As for grabbing credit, well, a licking dog gets involved and does some stupid things on impulse, isn't it unreasonable?
The most important thing is that Zhao Duan has a profound insight into human nature:
No one will really hate a good-looking member of the opposite sex who is so infatuated that he would rather give up his life for himself!
So, he felt that as long as he used this big killing weapon, the empress would not be able to chop him down no matter what she did.
But at this moment, when he poured out his love loudly, in front of him from beginning to end, the majestic and elegant Empress Dayu lost her composure for the first time.
She first turned her head to make sure that the door was closed and no one outside could hear her, and then she breathed a sigh of relief.
Immediately, he looked over with strange eyes, his expression was very complicated, confused, stunned, unexpected, embarrassed, dumbfounded...
As a rare female emperor in history and a strong martial artist, Xu Zhenguan certainly would not act like an ordinary woman.
All in all, it can still hold up.
But how should I put it... It was the first time in her life that she had such a straightforward expression.
"Ah, your Majesty, I forgive you, I have lost my temper." Zhao Duan accepted the offer and bowed his head in apology.
…
There was a long silence.
Xu Zhenguan finally let out a deep breath and said:
"This will not happen again."
At this point, all the doubts in her mind were eliminated and she accepted the fact that her "scandalous boyfriend" was a loyal man.
Zhao Duan resisted the urge to raise the corners of his mouth. He suddenly remembered something and felt that it was necessary to consolidate the results of the victory.
He said: "Thank you, Your Majesty. By the way, I have one more thing to report."
"... Just tell me," Xu Zhenguan added, "Don't talk nonsense."
Zhao Duan looked serious:
"It's about this rebellion against the party. I interrogated Zhuang Xiaocheng's maid before and unexpectedly discovered something."
He immediately explained how he detected the loopholes in Yun Xi's mouth, how he related the causes and consequences, and his guesses.
Xu Zhenguan didn't pay attention at first, but when he heard it, her face became serious. When he finished, she frowned:
"So, you suspect that this is a killing plan set up by Kuang Fushe against Ma Yan?"
Zhao Duan nodded:
"It's just a guess, there is no evidence, and if the warlock is really powerful, it is a fluke that Wei Chen can survive."
His words seemed to be ordinary, but in fact, he took the initiative to give the empress the loophole that he was not dead to fix.
As expected, Xu Zhenguan shook his head and said: "You are not worthy of the opponent's full strength. Just like when you step on an ant to death, you only use the strength that you think is enough to crush the ant. Fortunately, you are wearing a protective goggles." , block a disaster."
"Your Majesty's warning!" Zhao Duan sent a rainbow fart.
Xu Zhenguan thought for a moment and said:
"I will think about this matter myself, so let's talk about your punishment first."
ah? I have given so much credit and performed so hard, but I still have to be punished? ...Zhao Duan opened his mouth.
Xu Zhenguan seemed to understand what he was thinking, and said calmly: "You did a good job with Feng Ju, but you should also know that if I need a knife, I will have it without you coming to deliver it."
"What you said, the clue about Kuang Fushe, can be obtained even if you send Ma Yan to investigate."
"As for your self-destruction... it has nothing to do with this case."
Zhao Duan calmed his expression, knowing that the empress's words were correct.
These so-called merits are actually the same for another person, and they are not necessarily his.
Therefore, his goal from beginning to end is to show that he is "useful".
Xu Zhenguan continued:
"I can protect you this time, but all the ministers are talking about it. As the emperor, I must give an explanation to the courtiers. Otherwise, I will have to make excuses again and become a fool."
After a pause, her voice turned majestic: "So, since you are responsible for this matter, you must make up for it. By the end of the year, if you can arrest Zhuang Xiaocheng and bring him to justice, you will not only be exempted from guilt, but you will also be rewarded. But if you can't do it... what crime should you be punished according to the "Dayu Law"!
So, the death penalty was changed to a reprieve?
No, this is not how "suspended death" is explained...
There is still more than half a year... Zhao Du felt relieved, knowing that this is the best result he can get at the moment: "My lord, the leader of the thief will be captured and brought to justice!"
Thinking in my mind:
Let's get through the immediate disaster first, and try to gain a chance to breathe for half a year. After half a year, the situation may change.
Xu Zhenguan said "En", and when he saw his serious face, he suddenly smiled and said: "I have clear rewards and punishments. I will punish you for my mistakes, but I will also reward you for my merits."
"Tell me, what reward do you want? I can give it to you."
Zhao Duan raised his head, his eyes blazing:
"Anything can be done?"
The great beauty Xu Zhenguan glanced at him, as if to say, don't be disrespectful.
Zhao Duan did not hesitate and said loudly: "After this incident, I deeply feel that my strength is low, and I sincerely ask your Majesty to give me a way to practice and advance."
Xu Zhenguan smiled and said, "Which path of cultivation do you want to take?"
Zhao Duan hesitated and said: "Tianshi Mansion?"
He is very interested in warlocks. Tianshi Mansion and Shenlong Temple are the two holy places of cultivation in Dayu. Most of the high-quality warlocks come from them, but he does not want to be a monk.
Xu Zhenguan chuckled and shook his head.
Isn't it okay...Am I asking for more?
Yes, it is not so easy to enter the Holy Land of Cultivation (Beijing University and Tsinghua University)... Besides, I am a martial artist... Zhao Duan was disappointed for a while.
"The inheritance of Tianshi Mansion is too poor, so it's better not to practice it."
Xu Zhenguan used the calmest voice and said the most domineering words:
"Since you are mine, I allow you to take the strongest path of cultivation in this world."
Thank you to Book Friend Angel 1998 for your support of 500 coins~
(End of this chapter)