Chapter 483 Extra 2: S-level National Fortune, All for Beili!
The tenth year since the birth of Princess Baocheng.
A sudden flood struck the southwest of North Lebanon, affecting four continents. Fortunately, no civilians were injured or killed; only property and homes were lost.
Emperor Wusu was busy again, and something troublesome happened at the morning court, but it wasn't because of the flood.
Instead, Yuan Heng and Chen Zhao had reached the age to participate in politics, but their political views differed.
Regarding the flood control efforts, Yuan Heng advocated distributing silver to aid the victims, prioritizing the reconstruction of homes for the people of the four continents. However, Chen Zhao believed that dredging was better than blocking, and that the silver should be used to dredge the waterways.
The two men each held their own version of events and began arguing in court.
There were many female officials in the court, all of whom stood on Chen Zhao's side, while most of the powerful families supported Yuan Heng.
Lu Juan and the others remained silent.
Emperor Wusu has one son and two daughters, but has not yet established an heir apparent. Logically, he should have established his only son as the crown prince as soon as possible to reassure the people.
However, the emperor's delay in making a decision reveals some of his thoughts.
In the struggle for the throne, blood ties have never been taken into account since ancient times. What fate awaits these two twins remains to be seen.
Meanwhile, Ji Qingwu, who was in Chenning Palace, could no longer sit still.
She blamed herself, thinking that she hadn't tried hard enough. If she had known there would be such a natural disaster, she would have shamelessly dragged the emperor along a few more times last month.
Since giving birth to Princess Baocheng, she has not been pregnant again, so the national fortune she receives is always grade B.
Ji Qingwu summoned the system and frowned as he asked, "Peanut, does an A-level character have to be pregnant?"
Yes, host.
Ji Qingwu asked, "Are there any other hidden missions?"
No, host.
Ji Qingwu said disappointedly, "Okay, I understand."
There are no hidden quests, but there is one main quest that the host has not yet completed.
Ji Qingwu asked in surprise, "What mission? I've completed everything from F to A."
The highest level is S-rank.
Ji Qingwu paused for a moment, then asked, "Is that so? You didn't mention it before."
[Host, you didn't ask either]
Ji Qingwu was furious: "Who exactly developed this? You never tell the whole story. I suspect you changed the rules at the last minute. I'm going to file a complaint!"
[Host, please don't be angry. This S-level national fortune can guarantee ten years of favorable weather, peace, and prosperity for the people of Beili.]
Ji Qingwu took a breath and said, "This mission wouldn't be...?"
[Host, please put away your outrageous speculation about giving birth to ten babies in one pregnancy. This system is not that heaven-defying and inhumane.]
Ji Qingwu relaxed and said, "Do you think you've done enough outrageous things?" She then asked, "What exactly is an S-level mission?"
[It's exactly what the host sees, the literal meaning of "S"]
Images flashed uncontrollably through Ji Qingwu's mind. She widened her eyes and said, "Tell me quickly, it's not what I think."
[Host, you understand immediately. Wishing you a speedy completion of your mission.]
Ji Qingwu sat for half an hour, then ordered Lanzhi to find some things for her.
However, because these things were so rare, when Lanzhi went to the Imperial Household Department to get them, Xiao Dongzi happened to see her. Xiao Dongzi was quick to speak, and immediately spread the word to Li Yuzong.
Emperor Wusu had just returned to the Hall of Diligent Governance after the court session when Li Yuzong approached him, scratching his head in frustration.
"Your Majesty, the Empress is in her palace..."
Zhao Mingyan was deep in thought when he was interrupted and frowned, asking, "How is the Empress's palace?"
Li Yuzong said, "The Empress has taken some strange items."
Zhao Mingyan said, "Speak."
Li Yuzong said cautiously, "I retrieved the iron chains, whip, collar, shackles, and other items. I also summoned His Highness Yuanheng and Princess Chenzhao. I wonder if His Highness and the Princess have had a dispute recently, which has troubled Her Majesty the Empress. She wants... wants..."
Zhao Mingyan frowned even more deeply.
As Emperor Wusu walked to the entrance of Chenning Palace, he heard the voices of the mother and her two children.
When Ji Qingwu learned that the two had argued about the flood during the morning court session, he specially called them over. He told them that any misunderstandings or arguments should be resolved in time, and that they must not let the siblings become estranged and turn against each other.
She said, "Heng'er, your mother knows you have a kind heart. Comforting the disaster victims is a major matter. You are right."
After Princess Chenzhao turned ten, she no longer wanted to be called "Chiu Chiu". Watching Ji Qingwu speak gently to Yuan Heng, she snorted and turned her head away.
Ji Qingwu pushed the plate of sweet cakes in front of her and said, "Zhaozhao, water conservancy is beneficial to all people in future generations. Your idea is correct."
Princess Chenzhao said, "Mother, you're trying to smooth things over. I'm right, and he's not wrong either. So, whose side are you on, Mother?"
"Of course I am—"
Both of them stared straight at her, wanting her approval.
Ji Qingwu smiled and said, "I won't take sides." She said slowly, "Your father will make a decision on this matter."
Princess Chenzhao pressed further, "Even if Father's decision is wrong, Mother won't care?"
Upon hearing her words, Yuan Heng frowned and said, "Be careful what you say."
Ji Qingwu said, "Only those in positions of power can govern effectively. Zhaozhao, you don't need your mother to teach you this principle."
Princess Chenzhao, seething with anger, stormed off.
Ji Qingwu smiled and shook his head. The little girl's temper was growing, but it came and went quickly. Once she calmed down, she would reflect on herself.
She gazed at the young man, who had grown into a tall and handsome figure, as upright as a pine tree and as solid as jade.
From a young age, Yuan Heng always gave in to Qiu Qiu and doted on his two younger sisters. There were even some things that Ji Qingwu couldn't stand.
However, recently, the relationship between Yuan Heng and Chen Zhao has become strained.
Ji Qingwu sighed and said, "Heng'er, why did you deliberately cause such a scene with Zhaozhao?"
Yuan Heng's face showed a hint of helplessness as he said, "Mother, if we don't make a scene now, we'll make a huge scene later."
“Your Majesty does not desire the throne. Zhao Zhao is talented and ambitious, but the power behind her is still weak. Only by making a scene in court will the officials realize that in Father Emperor’s heart, Zhao Zhao, like me, is a potential heir to the throne, and only then will he truly regard her as the crown prince.”
Ji Qingwu said, "Heng'er, don't overthink it. Actually, your father still prefers you."
Upon hearing this, Yuan Heng smiled and said, "Yes, Father Emperor is reluctant to let Zhao Zhao shoulder this heavy burden."
He raised an eyebrow and said, "Mother, don't think I don't know what the calendar picture hanging in your room means."
Ji Qingwu's eyes flickered, and he said, "It's just a record of you and Zhaozhao coming of age."
Yuan Heng said, "In the current court situation, there are still more ministers who support me. If there are no changes, you should wait for the day I come of age so that I can relinquish the throne and the two of us can travel around the world."
Princess Chenzhao ran into Emperor Wusu at the palace gate. Just as she was about to call out to her father, the emperor stopped her. The father and daughter overheard the conversation between the mother and son at the gate.
Princess Chenzhao felt somewhat ashamed when she first heard this, as her brother actually wanted to help her establish prestige in the court.
But when she listened again, she got annoyed.
"Is Father really going on a trip with Mother? Abandoning such a huge undertaking? And what about Bao Cheng? She's only ten years old."
Zhao Mingyan looked at the princess, who had already reached his shoulder, and said, "Father is getting old and should rest."
Although the man before him was middle-aged, one could glimpse the traces of time; his brow bones were increasingly deep, but the imposing aura of someone who had long held a high position had faded, and the corners of his mouth, as he spoke and laughed, bore the same curve as someone else's.
She looks like she's been well-nourished by love.
Where do we get old and tired?
Princess Chenzhao stamped her foot and said, "Father, go on your travels. When you return, I will bring ten husbands to pay my respects to you!"
The princess stormed off, and Yuan Heng also came out from inside. He saw Emperor Wusu at the door, greeted him respectfully, and then left.
The communication between the father and son remained as indifferent as ever.
Ji Qingwu sighed deeply inside the hall. Zhao Mingyan sat down beside her, and she slumped against his shoulder.
He muttered, "The child is all grown up now, not so easy to fool anymore. Yuan Heng has found out."
Zhao Mingyan rubbed her hand and said, "It's alright, Yuanheng is here to support you."
Ji Qingwu looked up and said, "I have something to discuss with you."
Zhao Mingyan asked, "What is it?"
Ji Qingwu glanced at the palace servants inside the hall and ordered them all to leave.
"Does Your Majesty wish for the next ten years to be a time of favorable weather and no natural disasters in Beili?"
Zhao Mingyan said, "Of course I would like to. If that were possible, I would issue an edict to abdicate tomorrow."
Actually, it was he who was eager to pass on the throne and travel freely, while Ji Qingwu hesitated and was reluctant to leave the children.
Ji Qingwu pinched his arm and said, "We have to wait until the children are eighteen years old. Don't be in such a hurry."
Zhao Mingyan asked, "Awu has such a powerful method? Can it guarantee Beili's safety for ten years?"
She mysteriously pulled him into the bedroom, where the double-layered bed curtains had already been lowered.
Ji Qingwu pushed him onto the bed: "Yes, but you have to cooperate."
Zhao Mingyan lay down and said, "If there's such a good thing, I will definitely do my best to cooperate."
Ji Qingwu revealed a smile he couldn't understand, took out the shackles hidden under the pillow, and locked his wrists to the wooden frame of the bed.
"Awu originally prepared this for me."
Zhao Mingyan stared at the gleaming silver handcuffs and said, "This can be exchanged for ten years of national fortune?"
Ji Qingwu shook his head and said, "Of course it's not enough."
She took off his dragon robe, kicked it off the bed, and then busied herself with a bunch of things on him.
After Ji Qingwu finished everything, he breathed a little heavily and looked at the body in front of him, which was even more robust than before. It was wrapped with thin chains and perfectly divided into different areas.
She felt a burning sensation in her nostrils and almost embarrassed herself.
After calming down for a moment, Ji Qingwu picked up the whip, lifted his chin, and said, "What does Your Majesty think?"
Zhao Mingyan's gaze shifted from her hand holding the whip to her face, and he asked, "What is A-Wu going to do?"
Although they had been married for many years and had three children, that dark and piercing gaze still made Ji Qingwu nervously swallow. She shouted a slogan to bolster her courage.
"Everything for Beili!"
This abruptly silenced Zhao Mingyan's arousal, and his face turned pale.
Regardless of his condition, Ji Qingwu was determined to complete the system task.
The soft leather of the whip tip moved away from his chin, slowly rubbing against his Adam's apple, down to his full, broad chest muscles.
As his breathing became rapid and unsteady again, Ji Qingwu lashed out with his whip, instantly leaving a red mark on his waist and abdomen.
Ji Qingwu clicked his tongue.
It was so incredibly satisfying!
She suddenly understood why Emperor Wusu had been unable to control himself from leaving marks on her body in the past; it was a strange feeling of regret mixed with satisfaction.
After that, Ji Qingwu showed no mercy, his low, hoarse voice assaulting her eardrums.
This is way too S-level!
Fifteen minutes later, Ji Qingwu's wrists were sore.
She tossed the whip aside, finally avenging herself after so many years, and sighed with satisfaction.
If circumstances allowed, she would love to have a drink.
Zhao Mingyan's eyes were bloodshot, and his voice was hoarse as he asked, "Awu, aren't we going to continue?"
Ji Qingwu said, "That should be enough."
Zhao Mingyan said, "It's not enough."
A clear, loud cracking sound came from above Ji Qingwu's head; it was the sound of the sandalwood headboard being torn off by an external force.
Zhao Mingyan sat up and threw the bits of wood from between the shackles on his wrists off the bed.
She still made a mistake; she should have gotten a metal bed instead.
Ji Qingwu shuffled back, saying, "Yes, yes, there's something. We can talk things over. You can't hit people."
Zhao Mingyan picked up the whip, glanced at it, and threw it under the bed.
Just as Ji Qingwu breathed a sigh of relief, he untied the iron chains binding him and pulled her, who was huddled in the corner of the bed, towards him.
Zhao Mingyan chuckled and slowly began to wrap the chain, still warm from his body, around her legs.
Ji Qingwu stared blankly and said, "I did it for—"
Zhao Mingyan looked up at her and said, "I know."
He whispered in her ear, "Your Majesty, for the sake of Beili, please bear with it."
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