Chapter 14 014 I am pleased.
Although Zhao Jialing knew the whole story and ordered a thorough investigation into Ma Yuanliang's "identity theft" case, Xue Yuanshuang was involved, and since she hadn't returned to her post, the task wouldn't show as completed. However, Zhao Jialing didn't pay attention to the task's progress until near dusk, when she finally remembered the so-called "ox-like qualities." These were awarded based on achievements after completing the "Classical Studies Lecture."
"Do you want to give me an explanation?" Zhao Jialing asked the system angrily.
A cow playing the lute to a cow —
That doesn't sound like a good word at all! Who are they calling a cow?
Wise Ruler System: [The lecturer teaches the host sacred doctrines, and the host wants the lecturer to talk about orioles. What's wrong with this achievement?]
[What does "the quality of a cow" mean?] Zhao Jialing continued to ask.
Wise Ruler System: [Hardworking and resilient.]
Zhao Jialing: "?"
She's already the emperor, why should she suffer?
But after thinking it over, it's still better than the books I have to read.
Zhao Jialing didn't take the "quality of the ox" to heart, but when she woke up automatically at the hour of Yin the next day, she realized something was wrong.
At dawn, before daybreak, the palace was brightly lit.
Zhao Jialing, wearing a narrow-sleeved round-neck shirt, went to the courtyard to practice martial arts, carrying a sword.
[Don't worry, host, you can definitely take a nap. It's currently in AFK mode.] The Wise Ruler System said happily. Originally, the combination of the "Slight Sleep Pillow" and "Ox Quality" would have a perfect effect, but since the host doesn't use the "Slight Sleep Pillow," she'll just have to suffer a bit. However, with the "Hardworking" attribute bonus, she's not worried about the host losing her hair at a young age.
Zhao Jialing was furious.
I finally realized the sinister intentions behind this system.
Fortunately, she didn't need to use her brain; simply twirling her sword was a natural and effortless thing.
As for the downsides—
After finishing her sword practice, Zhao Jialing, who had been neglecting her exercise, felt soreness in her arms and hurriedly called a doctor from the Shangyao Pharmacy to treat her.
"I won't keep practicing like this, will I?" Zhao Jialing's face fell, and he exuded a gloomy aura.
Wise Ruler System: [How could that be? Even an old ox has its moments of relaxation. Judging from the host's condition, this quality should last for about a month.]
Zhao Jialing remained silent.
She didn't want to live.
A little while later.
Zhao Jialing: [Will Xie Lanzhao feel gratified after learning that I rise at the crack of dawn to practice martial arts?]
Wise Ruler System: [The host cares too much about her.]
Zhao Jialing sneered, stubbornly replying, "I am the ruler of the four seas, with the world at my fingertips. How could I possibly concern myself with a mere Xie Lanzao? By the way, San San, aren't you omnipotent? Then check for me where she is today, as she's on her day off."
The Wise Ruler System's tone was mechanical and monotonous: "[The system does not have permission. You can ask the Dark Guard.]"
On her day off, Xie Lanzhao was not at the Xie residence, but at the Shangqing Temple.
Shangqing Temple was a famous nunnery in the capital. The temple advocated meditation and tranquility. During the reign of the late emperor, she received her Taoist ordination from Master Shangqing Dadong and often went to Yuchen Temple, a Taoist temple in the palace, to preach to the Empress Dowager.
Xie Lanzhao did not believe in gods or Buddhas, but her grandmother was a Taoist and was very familiar with many Taoist classics.
The tea smoke curls upwards, and the bamboo curtain flutters.
After hearing Zhao Jialing's thoughts, Xie Lanzhao's initial idea began to waver.
If a Taoist practitioner truly possesses profound magical powers, then only the virtuous Zhang Xiujing can offer some explanation for her.
Xie Lanzhao didn't mention Zhao Jialing's matter, but instead told Zhang Xiujing a similar little story.
Zhang Xiujing did not answer her directly, but said gently, "Throughout history, there have been auspicious omens, but whether they bring fortune or misfortune is unknown. If one becomes arrogant upon seeing auspicious signs, the auspiciousness will turn into a calamity. If one is fearful when encountering misfortune, and reflects on oneself, even calamity can turn into auspiciousness. It all depends on how one acts."
Xie Lanzhao nodded.
The system, in His Majesty's possession, at least for now, represents the path to "governing the world".
After a thorough discussion with Zhang Xiujing, Xie Lanzhao got up and left.
She took away a talisman that Zhang Xiujing had given her.
If there are miraculous events, one may believe in the Daoist teachings.
A few days later, the amulet was already hanging on Zhao Jialing's body.
While fiddling with the amulet, Zhao Jialing asked in confusion, "Why does Mother want me to wear an amulet? Could it be that she has achieved enlightenment?"
The Wise Ruler System was able to identify the amulet's origin, and it didn't hide anything from Zhao Jialing, saying, "[It was sent to His Majesty by Xie Lanzhao through the Empress Dowager.]"
Zhao Jialing was surprised.
This surprised her even more than the Empress Dowager's success in cultivating Taoism.
A surge of joy welled up within her: [Xie Lanzhao has me in her heart.]
A moment later, she added: "Wait, why not a sachet or pendants? Is she sending me a talisman for protection, or is she indirectly calling me a demon?"
The Wise Ruler System almost revealed the truth to Zhao Jialing.
This amulet is for it.
But if it were to reveal it directly, the host would know that it had been spouting its innermost thoughts and doing something evil.
[Host, there's no need to misunderstand Xie Lanzhao's good intentions.]
Regardless of the purpose, there's always a genuine concern for Zhao Jialing.
Zhao Jialing didn't want to hear a negative answer, but the system's response satisfied her.
Xie Lanzhao gave her a talisman, so what should she give in return? A bright moon pearl? A jade tablet?
No, no, Xie Lanzhao sent the amulet to me through her mother because she didn't want me to know her thoughts. Revealing it so abruptly would probably make her feel embarrassed and ashamed.
Zhao Jialing paced back and forth in the hall with his hands behind his back.
A quarter of an hour later, she said reproachfully, "Third Prince, why did you tell me this? It only caused me trouble."
Wise Ruler System: "?"
Is it all its fault now?
Could the host please suppress the smirk that's creeping up his lips?
Inside the Hall of State Affairs.
The ministers who were discussing the matter were starving.
According to the current system, the meals for the Council of State Affairs were the responsibility of the Court of Imperial Sacrifices. The dishes served to the prime minister were naturally of a higher standard than those served to lower-ranking officials, but in terms of taste—it was really not worth praising; most of the food was dry rations brought from home.
But this day was different.
The sage actually bestowed food upon them.
During the reign of the late emperor, His Majesty often bestowed food upon his ministers as a sign of his high regard and favor.
But in the Tianfu Dynasty, this was the first time in history.
The eunuch flicked his whisk and said, "Your Majesty has been working very hard lately, rising at midnight. In consideration of the minister's hard work, he has specially prepared a meal for you."
The Vice Minister of the Imperial Secretariat: "?" What is he muttering about? Are the two sentences related?
Xie Lanzhao led the assembled officials in bowing in gratitude, saying, "Your Majesty's actions are a blessing to the nation. As for us, we are paid by the Emperor and should naturally share his burdens."
The eunuch smiled and cupped his hands in a gesture of respect towards the north.
The Vice Minister of the Imperial Secretariat vaguely understood.
Previously, His Majesty had always expressed his feelings by saying that Prime Minister Xie was stingy with words of praise.
Therefore, the food was merely an "additional gift," the main purpose being to inform Prime Minister Xie that His Majesty was making efforts.
Or perhaps, you're tired? Do you need Xie Xiang's comforting words?
After the eunuch left, the Vice Minister of the Chancellery remarked with emotion, "He is not yet twenty, and he is eager to learn; it is not too late."
The Minister of Revenue also gazed intently at Xie Lanzhao, placing high hopes on her. She said, "His Majesty only needs guidance; this matter will require much attention from Minister Xie."
Xie Lanzhao was perfectly aware of her colleague's unspoken meaning. His Majesty's words had successfully led to a misunderstanding about her relationship with him, and explanations were futile. What wasn't said was said in the first place; how could she explain?
She remained calm and casually remarked, "It's all the officials' responsibility to take care of this." After a pause, she added, "Let's have our meal."
Inside the bathhouse hall.
Zhao Jialing's eyes shone brightly, and she asked impatiently, "How so?"
The eunuch bowed deeply, only saying pleasant things. Even if Xie Zhongshu hadn't actually said it, she would still make it up.
When His Majesty is happy, the people serving in the palace face less pressure and are in a better mood.
[Has the host voluntarily made an effort to improve?] The Wise Ruler System asked.
【No. 】
Zhao Jialing answered it with great conviction.
One emperor is diligent and hardworking every day, while the other is lazy and weary of state affairs. After handling a routine matter, who will receive praise? Isn't it obvious? The former will simply be considered to have it for granted, while the latter will have his officials weeping with gratitude and kowtowing at the ancestral temple, saying it's thanks to the ancestors' blessings. It's easy to be lazy, but difficult to be a wise ruler.
Wise Ruler System: "!" What kind of twisted logic is this?!
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