Just as Emperor Hongxing knew that she had known all along that he was the emperor, she had also anticipated that Emperor Hongxing would know that she had known he was the emperor all along when she did this.
"All right."
She blinked and decided not to force herself to act anymore; after all, she was a businesswoman, not an actress.
"Your Majesty, it really wasn't me! It was that vile bitch Wan Shu who slandered me! Please, please forgive me this time! I just accidentally said something boastful!"
King Wen continued to plead and beg for mercy, but Emperor Hongxing ignored him completely and simply dismissed everyone.
He was alone with Wan Shu in the old house.
When exactly did you discover my identity?
Seeing that Emperor Hongxing got straight to the point, Wan Shu didn't bother with any more beating around the bush and answered sincerely.
"It was only discovered in the last two days, or rather, it was only confirmed in the last two days."
"Because of your manner of speaking and your demeanor, I had already guessed that you were no ordinary person. Of course, I didn't expect you to be this extraordinary."
"But the only reason I'm truly certain is because of King Wen; you look so much like him, so I..."
Emperor Hongxing raised an eyebrow: "So you're using me to deal with him?"
Wan Shu said helplessly, "I didn't mean to use you. It's just that... when he saw me yesterday, he accidentally let it slip, so he came up with this idea to tell you about this and also solve his own predicament."
She said dejectedly, "You know, although I have some cleverness, I'm just a village woman with no connections. If I don't do this, my whole family will be in danger. I have no other choice."
Emperor Hongxing knew that Wan Shu was acting this way because he was being cunning and feigning helplessness.
But looking at Wan Shu's radiant appearance, he inexplicably didn't want to expose her or blame her.
Because this matter was not Wan Shu's fault; everything was the fault of King Wen, his own younger brother.
Although he had some premonition when Wan Shu started making arrangements yesterday, he still couldn't help but feel sad when it actually happened.
That was his last and only family member.
Emperor Hongxing sighed, "That's enough. My identity has been exposed, and it's not appropriate for me to stay here any longer. I'll come back to you after this is all over."
...
Three days later.
"Mother, I heard that Mu Ye—no, the Emperor—sent men to escort Prince Wen back to the capital to be executed in the street!"
"The Emperor is so cruel to his own brother, and we... we made him wash lard and sleep in the old house. Won't he take revenge on us?"
Faced with her children's worries, Wan Shu forced a smile: "No, the Emperor is not such a petty person. How could he retaliate against us for such a trivial matter?"
Even so, Wan Shu wasn't really sure herself.
Emperor Hongxing was indeed not a petty person, and he wouldn't retaliate against them for such a trivial matter.
However... the matter of her using Emperor Hongxing before shouldn't be so easily forgotten.
Three days ago, Emperor Hongxing left with the words, "I will come to find you after this is all over."
She didn't know when Emperor Hongxing would come, or why he wanted to find her again.
Emperor Hongxing's purpose in staying in Qingshui Village was probably to find the person who harmed him. Now that he has found them, Qingshui Village, including himself, should no longer be of any use to him.
Why would an emperor waste his time on people who have no use to him?
Could it be that Emperor Hongxing really wanted to take revenge on him?
Speak of the devil, and he shall appear.
Just as Wan Shu was thinking, Wang Lizheng rushed in in a panic.
"Rich, rich wife, the Emperor is here! I heard the Emperor came specifically to see you. I don't know why he would come to see you after capturing Prince Wen! Anyway, be careful!"
After saying that, Wang Lizheng ran away in a hurry.
The children in the house, including Meng Wenyuan, who is still living here because Meng Xiuru has not yet returned home.
Upon hearing that Emperor Hongxing had arrived, they all showed signs of panic.
"Why is he here again...?"
"Mother, could it be that the Emperor is really going to take revenge on us?"
"What should we do?"
Wan Shu took a deep breath, suppressing her unease, and reassured him, "Don't worry, the Emperor is really not the kind of person who holds grudges. He may just be back to catch up with old friends. If you're scared, you can go out first."
The kids exchanged glances and then left together without hesitation.
Almost as soon as the little brats ran out, Emperor Hongxing's voice rang out in the courtyard.
"Am I some kind of ferocious beast? Why do they all run away as soon as they see me?"
Wan Shu first bowed to Emperor Hongxing before standing up to answer.
"Now that they know your true identity, they do indeed view you no differently than a wild beast."
Emperor Hongxing frowned slightly, looking somewhat displeased: "Why are you using such an honorific title on me? Although I am the emperor, you are still my savior. There is no need to be so respectful."
There's a saying that goes, "Serving a ruler is like serving a tiger."
Although Emperor Hongxing is very easygoing now, an emperor is still an emperor. Before knowing Emperor Hongxing's identity, Wan Shu, with the mentality that ignorance is no excuse, could still find ways to secretly mess with him.
Now that I know, how could I dare?
She simply agreed respectfully, but didn't dare to be too presumptuous.
Emperor Hongxing was somewhat helpless upon seeing this, but he did not say anything more about it and instead changed the subject.
"I've come here today for two purposes. First, I want you to know the outcome of the investigation into King Wen, Zhong Pan'er, Su Fan, and Meng Zhenshou."
Wan Shu could understand that this matter involved Meng Zhenshou, since King Wen's real purpose in coming here was to win over Meng Zhenshou, but...
"Miss Zhong, and Su Fan, how did you get involved in this matter?"
Emperor Hongxing: "After interrogation, my good brother, the reason you were made things difficult for me was because of the instigation of Zhong Pan'er and Su Fan. They were worried that your soap would take away their market share. Ha, what short-sighted villains they are."
"Like Meng Zhenshou, I will escort them to the capital and imprison them, so that they can never return to Sishui County. You will no longer have to live in fear."
Wan Shu thought to herself, she had never lived a life of fear and trepidation.
As long as it's not an absolute imperial authority, with the system's help, she's fearless against any enemy.
But she knew that Emperor Hongxing was doing this for her sake, so she sincerely thanked him and took the initiative to ask about the second purpose of his visit.
"If there's anything I can do to help you, I'll do my best."
Emperor Hongxing raised his eyebrows, but did not speak immediately. He paused for a moment before speaking again.
"My second purpose in coming here is actually to ask you if you are willing to leave with me."
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