Chapter 930: Nothing but a Fortunate Mistake

That night.

Zhao Junyao explained the entire situation in detail to Xia Ruqing.

Finally, he hugged her and laughed.

"I never imagined that Jingfeng, as a scholar, would be willing to personally go to the fields to cultivate seedlings for the people!"

"I was deeply moved when I first heard about it!"

"Having such ministers is truly a blessing for the Great Chu Dynasty!"

Some scholars, after reading a few books by sages, feel superior and refuse to dirty their fingers with any work.

They dress impeccably, looking respectable, yet they are capable of nothing.

All they can do is shake their heads and recite from their books.

Perhaps.

"A scholar is useless" indeed describes them.

Even if such a person tops the imperial exams, they are of no use.

Xia Ruqing organized all the information and came to a conclusion.

"Emperor, are you saying that these potato seedlings were grown using the method I provided, and cultivated by my brother Jingfeng?"

Zhao Junyao nodded.

"Exactly!"

Xia Ruqing felt a bit flustered and quickly shook her head.

"Emperor, I only saw elders do it when I was young!"

"This is not my achievement, it mustn’t be credited to me!"

She was startled.

Potatoes didn’t exist in ancient times, how could a ’woman from the deep palace’ know about these things?

This was too suspicious.

If exposed, she’d be considered a monster and might even be burned to death!

No, absolutely not!

She simply got up and knelt on the ground.

"Emperor, the matter of cultivating seedlings was discovered by you and many ministers who worked tirelessly, day and night!"

"I just stumbled upon it, please see it clearly, Emperor!"

The implication was, please don’t credit this to me!

Zhao Junyao was puzzled.

"Qingqing, you...?"

As he asked, he reached out to pull her up.

After Xia Ruqing stood up, she felt guilty and racked her brains for an excuse, which turned out to be rather bizarre.

"Emperor..."

"The harem is not allowed to interfere in state affairs. It’s already a grave crime for me to comment on politics. It’s a special favor that the Emperor doesn’t punish me!"

"How dare I seek credit for this?!"

"Besides, even if I did give the Emperor some inspiration, it was just a lucky strike..."

"Please, Emperor, don’t give me undue credit!"

Her words were emotional and reasonable.

Hearing this, Zhao Junyao couldn’t help but feel touched, and he didn’t know what to say after several attempts.

He grew up in the harem.

While he might not know everything, he was familiar with the women there.

He’d seen too many people commit ugly deeds for power and wealth.

Now.

He suddenly encountered a woman who refused such immense benefits.

Not suspecting her would be unbelievable.

So, he was stunned for a long time before he gradually came around.

"Qingqing... why?!"

But Xia Ruqing wasn’t thinking much about it.

"I... am just a simple woman, unable to bear such honor and praise!"

"You know, Emperor, I... can’t even write properly!"

Wearing too high a hat hurts the neck!

Zhao Junyao stared at her for a long time.

He really couldn’t detect any ’affected’ expressions on her face.

Only then did he truly believe she was being honest.

But he still asked tentatively.

"Qingqing, with the position of Empress vacant, this is a rare opportunity, are you sure you want to pass it up?"

In fact, he had been contemplating this for a long time.

If only she would cooperate, with his subtle arrangements, she could ascend to the position of Empress in no time.

What a pity...

Xia Ruqing was shocked.

"The Emperor has been so direct, which shows he must have considered this long ago! But..." I must disappoint you!

She suppressed the overwhelming waves in her heart and calmly said.

"Emperor, I have no virtues to speak of. Even if I could ascend, I’d have no standing!"

"I still prefer to stay grounded!"

Actually, she wasn’t that noble, giving up the Empress position just like that.

Unfortunately, seeking credit over this matter was like playing with fire.

So, she had no choice but to back down.

In reality, the position of Empress is quite tempting!

Slow and steady wins the race!

Rather than seeking shortcuts, it’s better to let things happen naturally.

Zhao Junyao gazed deeply at her, silent.

After a long while, he patted her back.

"If you don’t like it, then never mind!"

There was a hint of loss in his eyes.

Suddenly, he felt that he’d been working hard for nothing, and that she didn’t really need it.

If it were any other woman.

At this moment, they’d probably be weeping with gratitude or fainting with happiness!

But she seemed...

Every man in the world has a certain trait, which is... possessiveness and desire to conquer.

Women who are too easily pleased will not be cherished or valued.

Thus.

Xia Ruqing inadvertently ’increased her charm’ once more.

And that’s how the matter was glossed over.

Zhao Junyao did not bring it up again.

She wanted to take her time, so he would accompany her slowly.

No worries.

After all, in his heart, he already considered her as his wife.

Seeing his subtle disappointment.

Xia Ruqing felt a bit guilty.

"Maybe, he’s been planning for my sake for a long time!"

"It’s not very nice to dismiss his intentions just like that!"

After some thought, she decided to act coy.

"Emperor!"

"Actually, I don’t want anything, I just want to help relieve the Emperor’s burden!"

"If you truly wish to reward me, I have two small requests!"

She leaned on his chest, her almond eyes full of anticipation, sparkling.

Zhao Junyao’s eyes lit up.

"Oh?"

She still needed him.

"Tell me, what is it?!"

Xia Ruqing didn’t hesitate.

"The first is about my sister’s marriage!"

"Due to the Empress’s mourning period, their marriage was delayed for another year!"

"Now the families have set the wedding date for the end of the year, and I... also want to join in on the fun!"

Basically, she wanted to leave the palace.

She tugged at his sleeve, gently shaking it, her eyes filled with pleading.

Zhao Junyao’s heart melted at the sight.

"And the second?"

Xia Ruqing thought for a moment, counted on her fingers, and said.

"Jingfeng completes his term this New Year and can return to the capital, right?"

"Emperor, I want to see him!"

Zhao Junyao raised an eyebrow.

"That’s it?"

But inside, he was thinking:

Why are these requests always about leaving the palace and seeing this or that person?

This little girl, when will she be ’clever’ enough to ask for some substantial benefits?

Silly girl!

"What’s the difficulty in that, I shall grant you the request!"

"Really?!"

Xia Ruqing was full of excitement.

Zhao Junyao nodded.

"A gentleman’s word is as true as being tied to a team of four horses!"

"Ah! Ah!"

"Emperor, you are truly wonderful!"

After saying that, she gave him two kisses on the cheek.

Then she rolled on the bed with bare feet.

Zhao Junyao touched his cheek, reminiscing about the softness just now.

His heart turned to mush.

Silly girl!

He smiled and leaned closer.

"Qingqing, it’s getting late, time to rest!"

The little touch of disappointment in his heart had vanished completely.

Now, his eyes were filled with indulgence and anticipation.