Chapter 67 Details

Dead silence.

Emperor Xuanhe seemed to be under a spell of immobilization, sitting stiffly on the dragon throne.

The words "This can't go on!" were still buzzing in his ears like a hammer.

It's not that he hasn't heard advice or seen courageous ministers.

But this was the first time that a girl like Chen He analyzed the political situation in front of him, pointed out the deep-rooted problems, and even had the intention to teach him how to be a king!

His eyes were fixed on Shen He's face.

Horrified.

incredible.

There was also a hint of embarrassment in him that he himself had not noticed, the feeling of being seen through.

These words were so shocking! Especially coming from a woman!

Someone he had almost never taken seriously in the past, and only knew as the arrogant and domineering daughter of the General Zhenbei's Mansion, Chen He, who was deeply in love with the third brother Xiao Jingren.

When did she become like this?

Emperor Xuanhe's eyes, from initial shock, gradually became filled with a complex and indistinguishable color.

He looked at the girl in front of him who had a thin figure but a straight back.

Her eyes were clear, yet terrifyingly deep, as if they could see through people's hearts, see through the essence of power, and see through the emperor's deep inner struggle and helplessness.

"how long……"

Emperor Xuanhe's voice was a little dry, as if he had not spoken for a long time.

He muttered to himself, as if he was asking Chen He, but more like asking himself.

"How long...?"

Yes, how long had it been? When he first ascended the throne, hadn't he been filled with lofty ambitions, determined to govern diligently and become a wise ruler whose reputation would last through the ages? He wanted to bring true well-being to the people of this world.

But what is the reality?

Endless power struggle.

The game between aristocratic families and imperial power.

The connection between the harem and the previous dynasty.

He was like a prey trapped in the center of a spider's web. The more he struggled, the tighter he got.

He thought he was a chess player, but unknowingly, he had become a pawn on the board. Every day, trapped in this magnificent cage, he struggled with those invisible threads, exhausting himself.

Chen He's words were like a sharp dagger, piercing his carefully maintained facade unexpectedly.

Yes, how long had it been since he had actually walked out of the palace to see the soldiers training in the military camps outside the capital?

How long has it been since you went on a secret visit, walked into the streets and alleys, and listened to the real voices of the people?

The memorials he reviewed daily were all what his ministers wanted him to see; the voices he heard were all filtered and whitewashed, a peaceful reality. He was so far away from the real country and the real people...

A deep feeling of fatigue, accompanied by a long-lost sharp pain, surged into my heart.

At this moment, Emperor Xuanhe's gaze suddenly focused!

It was as if some idea flashed through my mind like lightning!

His sharp eyes focused on Shen He again, with a kind of scrutiny and inquiry.

"so……"

His voice was low, with a hint of realization and a hint of temptation.

"You chose Chu Yue and Zhou Yan'an to investigate the case with you just for this step?"

Chu Yue! Zhou Yan'an! Aren't these two the epitome of those "unsung talents" she mentioned?!

Emperor Xuanhe's heartbeat suddenly quickened.

Could it be that she had been planning this from the very beginning? !

How deep are Shen He's thoughts?!

Facing the emperor's suddenly sharp gaze, Shen He's expression remained calm.

It was as if he had expected him to ask this question.

She raised her chin slightly, her eyes frank and without any evasion.

"His Majesty……"

Her voice was calm and matter-of-fact.

"You should have already investigated their background thoroughly, right?"

She didn't answer "yes" directly, but this rhetorical question was more impactful than a direct admission!

Not only did she admit it, she was telling the emperor: I know you know that my choice was not random, but intentional! This was both an open conspiracy and a silent declaration!

Chen He met Emperor Xuanhe's inquiring gaze, and a barely perceptible curve appeared at the corner of his lips.

That arc carried a hint of understanding, as well as a hint of mockery towards this turbid court.

"So, Your Majesty."

Her voice was still calm, but it was like a stone thrown into a lake, creating ripples in the silent imperial study.

"And what conclusions have you reached?"

She didn't evade the question, but threw it back! As if to say: I have guessed what you are thinking.

Emperor Xuanhe's pupils shrank slightly.

Chen He continued, his tone as frank as if he was talking about something very ordinary:

"I use Chu Yue and Zhou Yan'an."

"It's not for some complicated purpose of stirring up trouble."

"It's just..."

She paused and looked at the emperor on the dragon throne with clear eyes.

"I was attracted by their abilities and their talents."

"That's all."

Simple, direct, even naive.

But in this treacherous court, the simplest reasons are often the most unbelievable! *

Chen He sighed softly, with a hint of helplessness.

"But now,"

"Even such a simple purpose is no longer believed."

Her gaze fell on Emperor Xuanhe again, with a sharpness that pierced people's hearts.

"His Majesty,"

"Doesn't this explain the problem?"

This question was like a loud bell, striking Emperor Xuanhe's heart!

Yes, since when did even the most basic appreciation of talent become suspected of being mixed with countless conspiracies and calculations?

To what extent has the court and people's hearts become corrupted?!

Emperor Xuanhe opened his mouth, but found that he could not utter a word.

Every question was like a silent slap in his face.

It hurts so much.

but……

The strange thing is that in addition to embarrassment and shock, deep in his heart, he actually felt a sense of exhilaration!

How long had it been? How long had it been since anyone dared to say such words in front of him?

It was not flattery, nor was it sarcasm, but it was so straightforward that it tore off all the hypocritical appearances and forced him to face up to the problems that he had deliberately ignored!

This feeling is so damn good!

He looked at Chen He with an extremely complicated look in his eyes.

This girl is such a monster!

But Shen He didn't give him much time to digest it.

Her expression suddenly became calm, as if the girl with sharp words just now was just an illusion.

"Your Majesty, let's get back to the jade bracelet case itself."

She lifted the hem of her skirt and shifted slightly.

"The jade bracelet case has only been investigated superficially. I am merely following orders to investigate Renxinzhai."

"Zhou Yan'an was nearly burned to death, trapped in the sea of ​​flames, and his body was never found."

Her voice was low, but it carried a chilling chill that made one's heart palpitate. The flames, smoke, and despair of that night seemed to replay before her eyes once more.

She raised her head and looked directly at Emperor Xuanhe.

"Are you truly confident that with the power currently within the court, you can continue the investigation safely?"

This wasn't just a statement of fact; it was a question! It was forcing him to admit that the situation was so deep that even he, the emperor, could no longer control it!

Emperor Xuanhe's Adam's apple rolled and he rubbed his fingers back and forth.

Of course he knew the danger!

Otherwise, why would we be so passive?

He took a deep breath and looked at Shen He sharply.