Chapter 243: Eat the Heart of a Bear and the Gut of a Leopard
Chapter 243: Eat the Heart of a Bear and the Gut of a Leopard
Seeing this, Eunuch Xu hurriedly stepped forward and took the porcelain bottle from Wang Xinyao. He couldn't wait to open the bottle cap and carefully took out a crystal clear pill from it.
When he saw the pills in the bottle, he was stunned and stood there in a daze.
It took him a long time to come back to his senses, and he was secretly ecstatic.
This pill is actually the legendary fifth-grade Spirit Gathering Pill. The medicinal power it contains is extremely powerful and is undoubtedly a priceless treasure for practitioners.
At this moment, Eunuch Xu was very grateful that he had risked his life to save Wang Xinyao last night. Now that he had received such a precious treasure as a reward, it felt like all his efforts were worthwhile.
At the same time, Wang Xinyao had already walked into the imperial study following Eunuch Xu's announcement.
At this time, Emperor Zhao Guoan was sitting at his desk, concentrating on reviewing the mountains of memorials.
Hearing the sound of footsteps, Zhao Guoan raised his head slightly and swept towards the door with his sharp eyes like an eagle.
Wang Xinyao did not dare to delay at all and hurried to the desk.
She knelt on the ground, bowed respectfully, and said softly, "I pay my respects to Your Majesty."
Zhao Guoan did not respond immediately, but slowly put down the memorial in his hand, and then stared at Wang Xinyao who was kneeling on the ground with an expressionless face.
After a moment, he said coldly: "Raise your head."
Wang Xinyao took a deep breath, calmed herself down, and then slowly raised her head.
At this moment, her eyes met Emperor Zhao Guoan's without fear.
Although the emperor in front of her was awe-inspiring without even getting angry, as a person from modern society, how could she be afraid of the emperor when she knew her life was safe?
So, when she faced the emperor's hawk-like sharp gaze, she remained calm.
She kept cheering herself up in her heart: "What are you afraid of? The emperor is also a human being, and so am I."
"Bold Wang Xinyao, do you know your crime?" Zhao Guoan's voice was like the cold wind in the dead of winter, biting and chilling.
Wang Xinyao hurriedly said, "I am terrified. Please forgive me, Your Majesty!"
"How can you be afraid? You are so brave!" Zhao Guoan's eyes were like sharp swords, piercing straight into Wang Xinyao's pretty and familiar face.
Wang Xinyao remained silent. What else could she do? As long as she was still alive, a few scoldings wouldn't hurt her.
Zhao Guoan couldn't control his anger and sneered:
"Is your husband a hunter? Is your husband old?
Is your husband always used to being free?
Is your husband used to the simple and peaceful lifestyle in the countryside?
Is your husband having trouble adapting to the various affairs of officialdom?"
"I am terrified, and I know my crime!" This series of rhetorical questions came to Wang Xinyao like a torrential rain.
Even though she had a strong character and a skin thicker than a city wall, she couldn't help but feel a little guilty at this moment.
Unexpectedly, the emperor, who was so busy with state affairs, could still remember every word she said.
At this moment, Wang Xinyao's head, which was originally held high, involuntarily drooped slowly as if it was hit by a heavy hammer.
Zhao Guoan's face was as gloomy as water, his eyes were as cold as a knife, and he glanced fiercely at Wang Xinyao who was kneeling on the ground.
He spoke again coldly, "My son is the future king, carrying the hopes of the people of the world. How could he be entangled with a woman of low status like you?"
His voice was not loud, but it carried an unquestionable majesty, as if the entire palace was trembling slightly at his words.
Wang Xinyao bit her lips tightly and murmured in a barely audible voice:
"Your Majesty, although I come from a humble background, I am quite capable, and... and Brother Zhao and I truly love each other."
When she said the last few words, her tone unconsciously became heavier, as if she wanted to prove that what she said was true.
"What a true love!" The emperor heard this, a sneer of mockery playing on his face. "Hmph, you ignorant bastard! You're just a widow, and you dared to let the prince marry you? Where do you think the reputation of our royal family is?"
Wang Xinyao was shocked when she heard what Zhao Guoan said.
She never expected that the emperor knew this matter so clearly.
For a moment, fear surged into her heart like a tide, almost causing her to collapse to the ground.
It seems that the reason she can kneel here alive and well is that Eunuch Xu really made an effort.
However, just a moment later, she took a deep breath and forced herself to calm down.
She slowly raised her head and looked directly into the emperor's intimidating gaze.
She summoned up her courage and said loudly, "Your Majesty, I am a widow, but I have never performed the rituals of a married couple, let alone the actual relationship.
Everyone in Xiejia Village can testify to this. I have absolutely no intention of insulting His Royal Highness the Crown Prince. Your Majesty, please be discerning and consider this matter carefully!"
Zhao Guoan frowned, his face still full of anger: "Even so, the people know nothing about this.
How can you even hope that the prince will marry you? And how can he explain this to the people of the world?"
Obviously, he was still extremely dissatisfied with Wang Xinyao's remarks.
Wang Xinyao knew very well that in ancient society, ordinary people were full of awe for the supreme imperial power, and personal reputation was a matter of life and death.
She knew in her heart that if she wanted to change her current predicament and gain everyone's recognition, relying solely on empty words would definitely not be enough.
After some careful consideration, Wang Xinyao raised her head and looked at Zhao Guoan with a firm gaze.
She said slowly, "Your Majesty, I am not very talented, but I know a thing or two about farming.
The country is now suffering from a severe drought and the people are suffering.
If Your Majesty can agree to my marriage with the Crown Prince, I am willing to devote all my energy to disaster relief efforts to repay Your Majesty's great grace."
Hearing this, the emperor was slightly startled. His originally tense face relaxed a little, but there was still a hint of imperceptible doubt in his eyes.
Wang Xinyao did not back down, but continued, "Your Majesty, the food stored in my own manor is enough to last for several months.
Not only that, the women also mastered some unique methods to increase crop yields.
If these methods can be widely promoted and applied, then the people of Xia will surely be able to successfully overcome this difficult time!"
Zhao Guoan was secretly delighted and pondered for a moment, "Do you really have such ability?"
Wang Xinyao nodded firmly.
At this time, a eunuch came in hurriedly to report that the crops in some places near the capital had turned green again.
Zhao Guoan was shocked after hearing this. He waved his hand to let the eunuch retreat, and looked at Wang Xinyao with a more inquiring look.
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