However, given the current situation, she could only agree for now, otherwise the emperor would not let her off easily.
Su An immediately cupped her hands in a salute to the emperor and said with a smug look on her face, "Then thank you, Your Majesty. I am the first female official in our Great Chu Kingdom."
Seeing that she had finally behaved herself, Chu Yi smiled with satisfaction. This mere country girl was still completely at his mercy.
"Alright, come out with me."
Chu Yi cut the ropes binding her, and with a smile, strode out of the carriage again with composure.
A plan suddenly flashed through Su An's mind, and she followed along without showing any outward reaction.
"Xiao An!"
"Big sister—"
When Li Guihua and the others outside saw her, their eyes lit up and they almost rushed forward.
Seeing the imposing guards on both sides, Su An quickly gave them a look, signaling them not to act rashly.
This is no joke!
"Look! Boss Su is riding in the same carriage as His Majesty the Emperor! What an incredible stroke of luck!"
"Perhaps they've already fallen in love with His Majesty and are preparing to return to the capital together..."
The crowd was buzzing with excitement, and as their discussions became increasingly absurd, Su An raised his voice and shouted, "Fellow villagers, you've all misunderstood! How could a commoner like me have such good fortune? It was just His Majesty's whim to amuse everyone."
"Actually, His Majesty sought me out because he saw my hard work and great achievements, so he planned to appoint me as a female official!"
Upon hearing this, the people's eyes instantly became even more excited and eager.
"Our Great Chu's first female official is actually Boss Su! This is just as glorious as being an emperor's concubine!"
The crowd looked at the emperor with the same reverence one would show a god.
Chu Yi was extremely pleased, and his handsome features became even more arrogant and flamboyant, displaying his kingly majesty: "I am fair in rewarding and punishing, and Su An has made great contributions, so I should reward him."
“That’s right.” Su An’s eyes flickered, and after replying, he immediately turned around and respectfully knelt down before Chu Yi, saying:
"I am truly fortunate to receive Your Majesty's grace. However, I would like to implore Your Majesty to allow me to first handle the road repairs and other matters in the county, to see them through to the end, and to properly settle the refugees. Only then can I go to the capital to serve Your Majesty with peace of mind!"
Even if the emperor has a plan, she can take the initiative in front of the people and use their influence to delay until Fu Zhun returns!
Sure enough, the shout echoed throughout the street, and after the initial shock, the people erupted in a thunderous cheer.
"Great! I was already a little reluctant to leave Boss Su, it's so good that she can stay!"
"Boss Su is willing to give up the opportunity to enter the palace in order to stay and benefit his fellow villagers. He is truly a great philanthropist in our Fuyou County!"
Some people even shed tears as they spoke.
"Great! I can eat Boss Su's delicious food again! Waaah..."
In an instant, cheers for Su An rang out from all directions, their momentum as united and enthusiastic as a twisted rope.
Seeing everyone like this, Su An couldn't help but feel her eyes welling up with tears, and a warm feeling washed over her.
Little did they know, Chu Yi, seeing the sweltering shouts, revealed a cold, furious sneer.
He never expected that Su An would set him up.
As the emperor, Fu Zhun was the second person in the world who dared to disobey him!
He had already tolerated Su An, this peasant girl, time and time again, but she just couldn't appreciate it!
Chu Yi's hand throbbed with veins, and he roared furiously, "Insolence!"
The sudden turn of events abruptly froze the jubilant atmosphere around them.
The people shrank back, looking completely bewildered.
Chu Yi gave Fu Hai, who was standing next to him, an angry look.
Upon seeing this, Fu Hai immediately understood, stepped forward, pointed at Su An's nose, and said in a shrill voice:
"Outrageous! His Majesty has already issued a decree ordering you to come to the capital as a female official, to serve the court and the nation! How dare you disobey and tamper with His Majesty's will? Just because Fuyou County is your homeland, does that mean the rest of the country isn't your home?! Do you even have His Majesty in your eyes?!"
"Disobeying the imperial decree will result in anything from beheading to the extermination of your entire family! You should think this through!"
Su An's heart skipped a beat.
The emperor, that dog, actually had this trick up his sleeve!
Oh no! With this pretext of disobedience, the emperor can punish her with impunity!
Seeing Su An's incredulous expression, Chu Yi felt extremely smug.
He looked down at Su An sharply, then relaxed his brows and said graciously, "Fine, considering your merits, I will not punish you."
"Since you are reluctant to leave your family, I will make an exception and bring your entire family to the capital!"
Wow!
Unexpectedly, the twists and turns led to this outcome, leaving the people looking at each other in bewilderment.
Li Guihua's heart was in her throat; she had just managed to save her three children and was at a loss for what to do.
"Your Majesty, I—"
Su An frantically tried to think of a solution, but Chu Yi interrupted her sternly, saying, "Enough! You have disobeyed me time and time again. I have been lenient with you enough!"
"Men, move all the Su family members into the carriage at the back. Do not delay any longer!"
His words were reasonable and well-founded. Not to mention the common people, even Lin Yong himself was speechless at that moment, and cold sweat broke out on his forehead.
If we stop them any longer, they won't be pleading for mercy, they'll be committing treason!
But just as the guards were approaching the Su family, Jian Yi suddenly appeared, coldly blocking their way.
"Brother!" Su An was overjoyed and almost burst into tears, as if he had seen a savior. He quickly led his family members to hide in the back, looking weak and pitiful.
"Sword Guard? Hmph, you dare to obstruct me? Are you trying to rebel?" Chu Yi's face instantly turned unbearably ugly.
My dear reader, there's more to this chapter! Please click the next page to continue reading—even more exciting content awaits!
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com
