Huh? The Tyrant Cries After My Inner Thoughts Were Exposed!-Chapter 66 - 65: A Daughter-in-Law Is Ultimately Still an Outsider
Su Juan felt a pang in her heart, "I haven’t worn this official hat for long, and now the Old Emperor is taking it back. It’s just too hurtful, to give and then take away."
Old Emperor: "?"
"When displeased, one scolds, beats, or kills. Just because you’re the Emperor, does it mean you can do whatever you want?"
The burden on my head grows heavier, the Old Emperor’s temples throbbed with veins showing. How spoiled you’ve become, daring to think such chaotic thoughts now!
"I used to think you were a wise and good emperor, but now you threaten your ministers. I was wrong to trust you..."
Qiu Chuchong lightly coughed, "Your Majesty, this is indeed excessive. Making the Heir Consort investigate her own husband, how can she stand at home? It certainly puts her in a difficult spot, but you should talk it over well. How can Your Majesty threaten her like this?"
Since ancient times, no one has ever used an official hat to threaten people!
The Old Emperor’s face turned red: "When did I threaten her with an official hat? Do you believe her nonsense!?"
Slander! It’s all slander!
The Old Emperor was so infuriated that even after the two of them left, he drank several cups of Clear Heart Tea but couldn’t calm down.
The Eunuch attending beside him served diligently, puzzled: "Every time His Majesty meets the Vice Director, he flies into a great rage. But from what he can see, the Vice Director hasn’t done anything to anger His Majesty, and his words and actions show respect for His Majesty."
The heart of an Emperor is indeed hard to fathom.
The Old Emperor glanced at an article on the table sent by the Chief Secretary a few days ago, which sharply addressed the current taxation issues of Da Jin.
From the article, it’s easy to see the person’s passionate aspirations and confidence, full of sharpness much like her father in his youth, who was eventually framed, wronged, and nearly lost his life. Back then, his subordinate handed him a bloodstained letter made of human skin; now where is there another Chief Secretary?
This woman can be used, but her sharpness must be tempered. The officialdom changes in an instant; it’s not just passion that can secure one’s standing.
The Old Emperor had already made up his mind. There needs to be someone capable beside Su Juan to rein her in. These two coming together is just perfect.
...
Taking advantage of the meal break, Su Juan found her good friend Liu Miaoying and poured out her grievances.
"His Majesty’s action is truly muddle-headed. How can he make me investigate Song Qianfan and Liang Yin? And Qiu Chuchong actually agreed. Aren’t they afraid I’d be biased?"
Su Juan shook her head and sighed, "This is a great taboo!"
Liu Miaoying poured her tea, with a smile on her face, and asked, "Would you be biased?"
"Of course not!" Su Juan answered without thinking.
"Are you kidding? If they really put me on this case, I would definitely take the chance to destroy him. If I can’t destroy him, I’ll at least cripple him a bit, making sure he’ll never touch that dragon throne!"
"Biased towards him? Do I look crazy to you?"
Liu Miaoying laughed, "You, you’re just lazy, don’t want to manage anything."
"To be honest, you should handle this case properly. Once it’s done, you’ll gain a good reputation, which will be greatly beneficial to your future official journey."
Her suggestion was entirely based on Su Juan’s current position. Song Qianfan’s mistakes had already been made, and regardless of the investigation’s outcome, based on Qiu Chuchong’s style, he would definitely be punished. But, ultimately, the decision lies with His Majesty.
Su Juan had already become disenchanted with the Prince Mansion. Even though Prince Jing could discern right from wrong, the Princess Consort was biased; when she favored Su Juan, she pampered her. But once her precious son was hurt, how could she not grow estranged from Su Juan?
Under such circumstances, her relationship with Song Qianfan was already strained. She had no place in the Prince Mansion. Why not focus on the official path? With future achievements, would it be difficult to find a chance to ask for a separation with an imperial decree?
Liu Miaoying always thought long-term and believed that as long as one wants to do something, there is always a way to achieve it.
Su Juan understood this too, but having been defeated twice by Song Qianfan, it was hard not to feel discouraged.
Looking at Liu Miaoying’s confident demeanor, as if everything was under her control, she suddenly wondered if Liu Miaoying would do a better job than her in this position, solving the current predicament?
"If Miaoying were me, knowing Song Qianfan might either ascend to the throne or rebel, plunging the world into chaos, what would she do?"
Liu Miaoying gazed intently at Su Juan, "If it were me..."
"If it were her..."
"Given her nature, I think she might support another person capable of rivaling Song Qianfan, maybe... Prince Han?"
Liu Miaoying sipped her tea, comparing Song Qianfan to Prince Han. Prince Han appeared to be a viable choice, as there was no better option.
Su Juan had previously considered supporting Prince Han to counter Song Qianfan, but Prince Han was impulsive, never listened to advice, and act based solely on his preferences. He didn’t like strategists and preferred direct combat. But who in their right mind would engage in direct combat with you? While he’s a formidable warrior on the battlefield, in officialdom, it’s uncertain, making him hard to support.
Otherwise, he wouldn’t have fallen victim to Song Qianfan’s schemes, which led to his downfall and ultimately being chased to destruction.
In fact, until now, Su Juan didn’t understand why Prince Han sought the throne, as he never seemed like someone interested in power and profit.
...
That evening, returning to the Prince Mansion, Princess Jing had a change of attitude. She prepared a sumptuous meal and warmly invited Su Juan to sit. "Ah Juan, you must be tired after a day’s work."
"Mother has specially prepared some delicious dishes for you, have a taste."
Su Juan understood from her reaction, "It seems she’s aware that the Old Emperor appointed me to help Qiu Chuchong investigate the case."
With her intentions laid bare, Princess Jing showed no embarrassment. She picked up chopsticks and placed food onto Su Juan’s plate. "Ah Juan, eat up."
Su Juan obliged, picking up her chopsticks, digging in heartily.
Song Qianhang winked at her: "This table is obviously to win your favor, hoping you’d help with Song Qianfan and Liang Yin’s case, and you’re eating so happily?"
Su Juan blinked, "If I don’t eat this meal, who knows if there’ll be another. Better eat more!"
Princess Jing chuckled, "Ah Juan, I heard His Majesty summoned you today to help Jingzhao Mansion with a case?"
Su Juan: "Yes."
"She’s already speaking directly; I thought she’d start with small talk. She’s quite eager."
Princess Jing sighed, "Fan’er is deceived by Liang Yin. Since marriage, he might not be considerate, but he is a man, some negligence is normal..."
Tears welled in her eyes, "You’re one with your husband. You must stand by him in this case, right?"
Su Juan blinked in surprise, "Mother! What are you saying?"
Princess Jing paused...
Song Qianhang also cast a curious glance at Su Juan.
Su Juan lowered her eyes, looking forlorn, "The Young Master is my husband, naturally, I should stand by him. Mother, do you think your daughter-in-law holds a grudge and wants to harm him?"
Princess Jing immediately panicked, "You’ve misunderstood, Mother meant no such thing..."
Su Juan wiped her tears, "I understand. Even though I’ve married into the Prince Mansion, I’m really just an outsider."
She stood abruptly, dragging the chair noisily, startling Song Qianhang who was watching the drama unfold...
