Chapter 94 Don't worry, I won't let them...

Hearing his affirmative tone, Zhao Changning couldn't help but pursed her lips and let her long eyelashes droop. Perhaps because she was not feeling well and her mind was dizzy, she accidentally revealed a little panic just now, which was not right.

After taking a bowl of medicine and a bowl of hot porridge, I felt warm all over and sweat appeared on my forehead.

No matter how hard she thought, she couldn't figure out why the emperor wanted to go to the Armory at this time.

Zhao Changning covered his forehead and stuttered, "Your Majesty, I just don't know the current situation."

The emperor looked at her slender figure shrouded in the light, like a flower about to wither. She had become like this after just a few days in prison. Knowing clearly that it was difficult to tell whether she was alive or dead, she dared to stand in the court as a woman and speak nonsense.

It is precisely this unshakable and irresistible look that makes her shrouded in a veil of mystery, making her particularly different.

He retracted his condescending gaze and shouted outside, "Bring it in."

A palace maid was holding a thick crane cloak in her hand. The hood was covered with a circle of fluffy white fox fur, which was particularly eye-catching. She walked up to Zhao Changning with her head lowered, and bowed respectfully.

Zhao Changning sighed, knowing that he couldn't refuse, and picked up the cloak and put it on.

The cloak was quite long and heavy. Her hands were a little weak at the moment, and the hood was entangled with one sleeve, and she couldn't get it out no matter what she did.

Just as the palace maid was about to reach out her hand, a pair of hands with slender fingers suddenly reached out.

The emperor approached and helped her put her hood back on. Only then did he see her forehead covered in sweat and her face as pale as paper. He couldn't help but sigh.

"How can you hold on like this? You know you're not feeling well, so why can't you just hold on?"

Zhao Changning suddenly raised his eyes, his almond-shaped eyes blazing with fire, "Your Majesty, I can hold on."

The emperor knew that she was gentle on the outside but stubborn on the inside, so he shook his head helplessly and walked out. "Since you want to show off, then follow me."

Zhao Changning was nervous. She was not sure what the emperor wanted to do, but seeing that he looked relaxed and his words were calm, she thought it would not be a big deal.

How would this matter end? She suddenly felt unsure.

She followed the emperor all the way to the Armory. Under the white snow, there was no need to light a lantern. The sky was clear blue and the wind was as sharp as a knife. Fortunately, her cloak had a hood to block the wind.

The emperor called a few people over, and then the people from the Armory Bureau carried out a box.

"Come here." He waved to the tired Zhao Changning, seemingly not noticing that she had no strength left.

Zhao Changning sighed. Perhaps there had been a breakthrough in the weapons of the Armoury Bureau, but he didn't know what the emperor was going to do in the middle of the night.

The emperor knew that she was confused, so he bent down, took out a bird gun from the box, and threw it to Zhao Changning.

He spoke to himself, "Thanks to you, the Armament Bureau has made some progress. The bird guns that used to explode now basically never do. The range is still eighty, but with some improvements, you should be able to get used to it."

Zhao Changning took the cold bird gun, and his whole body trembled from the coldness of his hands.

"Your Majesty, what are you doing?"

The emperor smiled, stuffed cotton in his ears, raised his musket, pointed at the sky, and said softly, "This time, talent may not be useful. If you can beat me, I will tell you what I will do."

Upon hearing this, Zhao Changning stuffed cotton into her ears and raised the bird gun without hesitation. However, this time the bird gun had changed a lot. At least there was something more on the gun, but she didn't quite understand it.

Torches suddenly lit up all around, and the braziers around the shooting range were lit one after another, reflecting the white snow, making it impossible to tell whether it was day or night.

The emperor glanced at her and saw that the way she held the bird gun was completely different from usual, making it difficult to look away.

He reminded gently, "This time it's a live target, so you better be careful."

Zhao Changning immediately concentrated and held his breath, preparing to hunt according to his previous experience. Four or five pigeons flew out of the cage one after another. Each pigeon had a paper man tied to its feet, painted bright yellow, which was very conspicuous.

The sound of gunfire rang out, echoing far away in the empty snowy night. Scrap of paper fell in the air like brightly colored snow.

Zhao Changning soon discovered that the emperor almost never missed a shot, but this time, she missed a single one, which was not right.

She couldn't help but look at the emperor.

The emperor was pleased with himself, turned his head and smiled at her, raised his eyebrows and said: "I have already warned you, be careful."

After releasing seven pigeons this time, Zhao Changning deliberately stopped and turned her attention to the emperor. However, soon, she seemed to realize something and picked up the bird gun again.

This time, she hit two.

The emperor turned his head to watch her fiddling with the bird gun, his eyes blazing with joy as he asked, "Did you discover it?"

Zhao Changning pursed his lips and smiled without saying a word, "Your Majesty, here he comes."

This time, she hit four.

She hit more each time, and the last time, she and the emperor each hit four.

The emperor then stopped.

He looked down at her, his eyes unable to control the smile, "Tell me about your discovery."

Zhao Changning pointed at the added things on the bird gun. There was a copper pillar the size of a grain of rice at the muzzle, and there was also something like a scale above the handle.

"This thing helps with aiming, doesn't it?"

The emperor smiled and shook his head, throwing the bird gun away, and said helplessly: "Who said that talent can't compare to hard work?"

Zhao Changning shook his head seriously, "Your Majesty, I never thought I had any talent. I just focused on my work."

She was rather fond of the bird guns of today, "Your Majesty, was this your idea?"

The emperor nodded and shook his head. "I was just participating in it. Fortunately, I didn't waste the silver you brought back."

Zhao Changning picked up the musket again, aimed at the distance, and praised it repeatedly, "What a clever idea! This deserves a reward. This small thing solves a big problem. I think I can aim higher now..."

The emperor crossed his arms and just looked at her, his eyes narrowed, examining her from top to bottom, the corners of his lips unconsciously curled up, as if he was admiring a beloved thing.

"Do you want it?" He smiled and said, "I can give it to you."

Zhao Changning was stunned, somewhat confused.

The emperor didn't keep her in suspense and said directly, "This incident is too serious. You can't stay in Yujing any longer. Go south. Fang Wenhai has been sending me memorials to plead for you. He wants you to take charge of the Maritime Customs. I think this is the best of both worlds."

Zhao Changning's expression turned calm.

She couldn't tell whether she was happy or relieved. It was good to be alive, but she felt unwilling to leave in such a shameful way. Those bastards must be very happy.

"You are now like crossing the Flaming Mountain during the dog days of summer. Once the storm has passed, everything will begin anew." Seeing her silence, the emperor turned his head to look at the newly crafted bird gun and whispered, "When you return, perhaps the world will be completely changed, and you will get what you wish for."

Zhao Changning knelt and saluted, "Thank you for your concern, Your Majesty. I am willing to follow your arrangements."

The emperor raised his hand and helped her up. "I'll give you all these muskets. They'll keep you safe on the road. I'll also send a group of skilled musket-wielders to escort you. Don't worry, I won't let them hurt you."

When Zhao Changning heard these familiar words, he couldn't help but look up, and happened to meet a pair of eyes as deep as the abyss.

She nodded. "I understand."

Seeing that she had finally given up on her stubbornness, the emperor nodded in relief and said, "Go back and rest. Get well. We may be able to set off soon."

Zhao Changning took a few steps and turned back suddenly, "Your Majesty, I was impulsive this time. I have failed to live up to your trust."

The emperor saw that she looked very nervous, which was rare, and he immediately laughed.

"This is the first time I've heard Nv Shu Ling speak like this. Go ahead."

He stood quietly in the middle of the snow, watching the graceful figure shuttle through the corridor and disappear.

After Zhao Changning returned, she waited patiently for the result. Since the emperor chose to protect her, it meant that the situation in the court was about to change.

She thought of Mingxuan who left with the Red Cannon, and couldn't help feeling helpless. She had advised him to take this thing to save his life, but now she had to take the initiative to take a similar thing to escape. It was really a trick of fate.

This year was destined to be turbulent. The case was presided over by the Dali Temple, assisted by the Ministry of Justice and the Censorate, and ultimately the emperor had the final say.

In addition to Princess Huachang's grandson, there were three other people at the banquet. They were sentenced to beheading for deliberately plotting to murder officials, living a life of debauchery during a disaster, angering the gods, causing complaints from the people, and sparking rebellion.

From then on, women were not allowed to perform naked in comedian shows, and all women in the world were forbidden to act as comedians.

Princess Huachang disrupted the imperial court and was demoted to a princess. All her children were stripped of their titles and official positions. The officials of the six ministries were fined for three months' salary for not governing their subordinates strictly. Zhao Changning, who received much attention, executed corrupt officials, but was demoted and transferred to another position and left Yujing.

Anyi quickly helped his aunt up, handed her the imperial edict, and said with a smile, "Aunt, you don't know that almost all the ladies of honor knelt at the gate of the Qinzheng Hall that day, especially the female officials headed by Miss Song. They debated with everyone, and the scene was spectacular."

Zhao Changning laughed, "Song Huan is still as powerful as ever." That mouth can really make people cry.

She patted Anyi's shoulder and said, "Among the people around me, you are the most generous, Yunsheng is quite smart, and those who were promoted later are all very good. I am leaving the capital, so you must serve the emperor well and don't make any mistakes."

Anyi was a little surprised, "Auntie won't take me with you?"

Zhao Changning smiled and said, "I was demoted and transferred, not on an errand. I can't take you with me."

Anyi sighed, "Yunsheng has been busy outside the palace these days. I'm afraid he must have cried so much that his eyes are swollen."

When Zhao Changning left the palace, he saw Yunsheng and Song Huan coming to greet him, and many female officials were accompanying them. Everyone was very happy, especially Song Huan, Zhou Miao, and Chen Qi, who all had the joy of surviving a disaster on their faces.

"Auntie." Everyone came over.

"As long as Auntie is safe, there is still a long way to go."

Yunsheng was squeezed to the periphery.

Zhao Changning beckoned him over. "Go back and have Granny Xu and Yunsheng pack their things," she paused, "and have Gao Cong pack his things as well."

Yunsheng nodded vigorously, "Aunt, I'll go right away."

Zhao Changning bowed solemnly to the female officials to express his gratitude, and even Song Huan's help was of no use.

"If it weren't for you, I would never have been able to turn things around this time. Thank you very much."

Everyone had tears in their eyes. After this incident, the feelings between the female officials had obviously deepened a lot, which was an unexpected surprise.

Zhao Changning and Song Huan were riding in the same car.

Song Huan stared at her aunt intently and said with a smile, "Aunt, you don't need to thank me. Everyone is very grateful for your efforts and sacrifices for this matter. Aunt, you don't know that almost all the girls now look up to you as a role model."

Zhao Changning smiled bitterly. In fact, Song Huan and the others overestimated her. She had been doing this for herself from beginning to end.

"Song Huan, you think too highly of me..."

Song Huan interrupted her seriously, "Aunt, please don't say such things anymore. A gentleman judges by deeds, not by heart. If you judge by heart, there are few perfect people in the world."

Zhao Changning was a little surprised. Someone actually compared her to a gentleman. This was really funny.

But she understood the other meaning of Song Huan's words, and gradually understood the feeling of being helpless.

Song Huan breathed a sigh of relief, took Zhao Changning's hand, leaned on her shoulder, and felt at ease.

"Aunt, in my heart, you are like an orchid blooming in a deep valley, with a subtle fragrance floating in the air, lonely and difficult to reach. But there is nothing I can do. There is only one Zhao Changning in this world, no more."

She raised her head, her eyes full of expectation, "What do I look like to you?"

Zhao Changning actually thought about it seriously and said hesitantly: "In my eyes, you look like a steamed bun."

Song Huan's face wrinkled in disbelief. "Ah? Why is it so tacky? I, how do I look like a steamed bun?"

"Isn't it good to eat something like steamed buns?" Zhao Changning laughed. "When I was a kid, my family hadn't suffered any disasters, and I could occasionally eat white flour steamed buns. When the steamed buns were freshly steamed, they were hot and plump, filling and giving me a sense of security. They were my favorite. Even now, I still remember their taste."

Song Huan understood the meaning of her words, which was a way of praising herself in a different way, so he pretended to sigh.

"Okay, then I'll reluctantly accept your cheesy statement."

She then asked, "Aunt, it sounds like your mother loves you very much. You must have had a very happy childhood, right?"

Zhao Changning shook his head. "My mother loves me dearly, but that doesn't mean I'm happy. For people like us, happiness is harder to come by than power."

When Song Huan heard this, he couldn't help but hug Zhao Changning tightly.

Back at Shui'er Lane, Zhao Changning instructed Song Huan, "I'm leaving tomorrow, you don't have to see me off."

Song Huan's eyes welled up with tears, and he nodded vigorously, "When you come back, we will celebrate for you."

"Zhao Changning, is what that damn eunuch said true?" Gao Cong's shrill voice came over, like a devil's voice piercing his brain, "Zhao Changning, you liar, you bad woman..."

Zhao Changning: “…”

She looked at Song Huan's evasive eyes and felt awkward, "Um, he..."

Song Huan waved her hands repeatedly, "Aunt, there's no need to explain. It's a matter of love between a man and a woman. There's nothing wrong with it, nothing wrong with it..."

Zhao Changning: “…”

Gao Cong jumped out, put his hands on his hips, and looked at Zhao Changning angrily. His red clothes fluttered in the north wind, his eyebrows and eyes were picturesque, and he was truly unparalleled in the world.

"Zhao Changning, you damn liar, that damn eunuch said I had to pack up and be exiled with you. Is that true? Is that true?"

Zhao Changning couldn't help but raise his hand to hit him, but he dodged it.

With a laugh, Song Huan quickly retreated into the car, leaving behind a string of words, "Aunt, I'll wait for you to come back."

Gao Cong was still insisting, "Why are you like this? Where's the silver you promised me? Are you even human? You want someone to accompany you in jail, and you want someone to accompany you when you're demoted? If you're lonely, read more. There are beautiful women in books. Why do you have to ask me to accompany you?"

Seeing that Zhao Changning ignored him, he followed him into the yard. "Hey, I'm talking to you. Zhao Changning, don't you want to destroy the bridge after crossing it? I'm going to tell the government that I'm with you, uh..."

Zhao Changning hadn't met such an annoying person in all these years. It really made him want to kill him.

She gritted her teeth and said, "If you don't want to die, shut up."

Gao Cong deflated like a cardboard tiger and muttered, "The money I promised you..."

"Books are the golden house." Zhao Changning sneered, "If you want money, just read more. Why are you looking for me?"

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Author's words: Gao Cong: Zhao Changning, this red egg [bursts into tears], is so mean, he destroyed the bridge after crossing it, and wanted to hit me again, luckily I was smart enough to avoid it [angry] and he still wants to shirk his responsibility, wuwuwuwu...

How can there be such a crunchy red egg in the world? [burst into tears][angry]