Since Lin Wanwan successfully pried open Xiao Che's precious mouth with "soul-searching questions" in the small kitchen last time, their new "you speak, I listen" mode has officially entered the adjustment period.
Although Xiao Che's "artificial voice package" service is still clumsy and often requires Lin Wanwan to "manually restart" it, it is ultimately developing in a positive direction.
The atmosphere in Kunning Palace became more and more sweet and harmonious every day.
However, life cannot be sustained by sweet words alone.
Even the most loving couples will inevitably have disagreements.
The sun was shining brightly that afternoon.
Xiao Che, having a rare moment of leisure, took Lin Wanwan for a walk in the Imperial Garden to digest their food.
The two walked side by side on a path lined with colorful flowers, creating a warm and beautiful scene.
At first, we talked about some lighthearted topics.
For example, Little Prince Tuanzi has once again angered the Grand Tutor to the point of blowing his beard and glaring.
For example, the new chef in the imperial kitchen made crystal pork jelly, which tasted very authentic.
But as they talked, the topic unknowingly veered towards the imperial court.
"Oh, right," Xiao Che said casually, as if he had just remembered something, "The Minister of Personnel today issued a notice recommending Wang Jingzhi, the Right Vice Minister of Revenue, to be transferred to Jiangnan and appointed as the Prefect of Suzhou."
Upon hearing this, Lin Wanwan paused slightly in her steps.
"Wang Jingzhi?" She frowned. "I remember him. It seems... he has a bad reputation?"
Although she no longer participated in specific court affairs, as the empress, she still had some knowledge of the character of important officials in the court.
This Wang Jingzhi was known in the capital as a "shrewd and cunning manipulator," with a reputation for being good at currying favor but lacking in practical skills.
"Public opinion is nothing but hearsay," Xiao Che said indifferently. "I have read his files. He is skilled in mathematics and has considerable insight into finance and taxation. Suzhou is a major tax-generating area of our dynasty, so sending him there is just right."
This is the emperor's consideration.
They value ability more than empty fame.
But Lin Wanwan had a different opinion.
“Your Majesty,” she stopped and looked at him earnestly, “Suzhou is a land of fish and rice, the richest place in the world, a tempting target. Sending an official skilled in mathematics but of questionable character there would likely be detrimental to the people. What if he uses his ‘shrewdness’ to exploit the people and line his own pockets? Wouldn’t that be… raising a tiger to cause trouble?”
Her concerns were not unfounded.
The character of a local official is often more important than his ability.
For the first time under the "new model," the two encountered differences in political views.
In the past, Lin Wanwan might have chosen a more tactful way to express her opinion.
However, these past few days, she's been "spoiled" by Xiao Che's "ask whatever you want" way of getting along, and she's gotten used to being straightforward.
However, she overlooked this.
In everyday matters, Xiao Che can set aside his pride and learn to be a "qualified meme".
But when it comes to what he values most—the "art of imperial power" and the "art of employing people"...
His inherent "authority" and "autocracy" as an emperor would instinctively surface.
Upon hearing Lin Wanwan's words, which were almost a "question," Xiao Che's expression darkened visibly.
His handsome face, which had just been sunny and warm, instantly transformed into that poker face that Lin Wanwan knew all too well.
"Empress," his voice turned cold, "the way to use people lies in checks and balances, not in seeking perfection. I have my own methods for managing them."
His subtext was clear: This is my area of expertise, you should not interfere.
He's fallen victim to "the emperor's disease."
Lin Wanwan's heart was suddenly pierced.
It's happening again!
That same unyielding, uncompromising expression again!
A familiar, cold feeling instantly welled up from the bottom of her heart.
That's... the aftereffects of the Cold War (ptSd).
Although rationally she knew that he was probably just stating the facts.
However, emotionally, she would still inevitably feel a pang of pain.
She took a deep breath, suppressing her discomfort, and wanted to try again.
"But, Your Majesty..."
"Enough!"
Xiao Che impatiently interrupted her.
He felt he had explained himself clearly. The Empress should understand that it was best to stop there.
But she actually wanted to continue "teaching" him how to do things?
That offended sense of "imperial authority" completely shattered his patience.
His face darkened, and he issued his final ultimatum in a cold, unyielding tone.
"My mind is made up on this matter!"
After saying that, he flicked his sleeve, turned around, and prepared to continue walking forward.
These six words were like a bucket of ice water poured over Lin Wanwan's head, instantly extinguishing all her enthusiasm and expectations.
Looking at his cold, hard back, which seemed to scream "I'm in charge," the sting she had just suppressed in her heart instantly magnified a hundredfold.
She suddenly realized how ridiculous it was that she had tried to reason with him just now.
yes.
Who is he?
He was the emperor.
He is the supreme ruler of this world.
How could she, a mere woman in the harem, possibly have the right to comment on his decision?
The so-called "artificial voice package" and the so-called "speak your mind" proved to be utterly vulnerable when it touched his true "Achilles' heel"—imperial authority.
A wave of immense disappointment and resentment instantly overwhelmed her.
She stopped arguing.
Silently, she took a step back and slowly curtsied in front of his back.
She performed an impeccable, standard courtesy befitting a subject's wife.
"It was I who overstepped my bounds."
Her voice was very soft and flat, revealing no emotion whatsoever.
After saying that, she straightened up, didn't look at him again, turned around, and walked back the way she came.
That silhouette was resolute, without the slightest trace of lingering affection.
Meanwhile, Xiao Che had only taken two steps when he didn't hear footsteps following behind him, and his heart skipped a beat.
He instinctively turned around to look.
All that could be seen was Lin Wanwan's slender back as she resolutely left.
He froze on the spot.
He was frozen in place, as if under a spell.
My mind went completely blank.
What... happened?
She...she just left like that?!
According to the normal script, shouldn't she have acted coquettishly again, or made a few more excuses?
How...how could they just leave like that?!
In the past, whenever the atmosphere between them was tense, although he didn't say it, he knew very well that alarm bells were already ringing above his head!
The ones floating around are either "I said the wrong thing.gif" or "Wife, don't go.gif"!
As long as she sees it, she will understand that he is just being stubborn, and then she will give him a way out.
But now...
Now there's nothing left!
He can't see his own "emojis," and neither can she!
So, she really thought he was angry, thought he was going to be domineering, and then... she really left?!
Xiao Che's heart panicked instantly.
A tremendous, unprecedented sense of panic instantly gripped his heart!
It’s over!
They've gone too far!
He watched Lin Wanwan's retreating figure, and looked around at the palace maids and eunuchs who were pretending to trim the flowers and plants, but whose ears were practically perked up like rabbit ears...
The dignity of an emperor and the instincts of a husband were locked in a fierce battle in his mind!
To pursue or not to pursue?
If we chase after him, where will he put his face as the emperor?!
But if we don't pursue it...
The thought of her dejected expression as she bowed and took her leave, the thought that they might be returning to that terrible, three-day-long cold war...
To hell with imperial dignity!
The next second, under the astonished gazes of all the palace servants in the Imperial Garden.
For the first time, their noble, majestic, and unflappable emperor lost his composure in front of everyone!
Almost without thinking, he grabbed the hem of his dragon robe, took long strides, and "ran" in the direction Lin Wanwan had left!
"Wanwan!"
In a panic, he grabbed her wrist.
Lin Wanwan was forced to stop, and she slowly turned around.
When Xiao Che saw her eyes, which had become red and swollen without him noticing, his heart felt as if it had been stabbed by something.
The pain was so intense that he couldn't breathe.
It's over.
Seriously, I made her cry.
He looked into her reddened eyes, into the bright grievance and disappointment in them, and his previous ridiculous "imperial authority" shattered into dust in an instant.
He panicked, completely panicked.
He opened his mouth, wanting to explain, but his mind was a complete mess, and he had no idea where to begin.
Finally, overwhelmed by panic and heartache, after holding back for a long time, he actually managed to shout out (without any power):
"I...I didn't mean that!"
He looked at her still red eyes, and his voice cracked with anxiety.
"I...I'm afraid you'll continue!"
"I...I'm about to be convinced by you!"
"Where will my dignity be then?!"
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