Chapter 409: Northern Frontier, Take It!
Chapter 409: Northern Frontier, Take It!
Zhao Hao was completely confused.
He could tell that Wang Yushu was going to break up with him! Although he still didn't understand what had angered Wang Yushu and made her say such a thing.
But Zhao Hao subconsciously replied, "I don't want anything better, I just want the best like you, Yushu."
If it weren't for the wrong occasion, Wang Yushu would have almost laughed out loud.
"Yushu." Zhao Hao's expression was serious. "Even if you want to break up with me, you must let me die knowingly."
"Besides, our relationship is not the most important thing right now."
When Zhao Hao said this, Wang Yushu's heart trembled, and he subconsciously didn't want to hear what was going on.
If the most important thing is not feelings, then what is it?
Is it to send her to the prison?
Before she could finish her thought, she heard Zhao Hao say, "The most important thing right now is that you have an exam tomorrow. We can talk about these things slowly after you finish the exam, okay?"
Zhao Hao cares a lot about feelings, but he knows even more about how much effort and preparation Wang Yushu has put into this female official assessment.
Wang Yushu suddenly raised his eyes and asked, "I have an exam tomorrow..."
"Yeah." Zhao Hao nodded and reached out to touch Wang Yushu's forehead. "Are you confused on the exam? We only finished the second one today, and there's a third one tomorrow."
Although the first exam is the most important of the three, the second and third exams should not be underestimated and must be taken seriously.
Wang Yushu was in a complicated mood and couldn't describe her feelings. "I thought I..." She would never have the chance to take the exam again, and would have to live as the daughter of a criminal from now on.
And with that kind of identity, getting close to Zhao Hao would seem like a defilement to him.
Zhao Hao understood and looked at her and said, "Don't worry, the Queen said that nothing can affect the female official's assessment."
"Lord Xuan will also supervise this. Yushu, if anyone in the inn speaks rudely, you don't have to be polite."
But he thought that such people should be rare.
After all, everyone comes here for the female official assessment. Those who can pass this step are people who have clear goals for the future. At such a critical moment, they should not be distracted by other things.
"Yes." Wang Yushu nodded in agreement and said to Zhao Hao, "Ahao, don't worry, I won't be affected."
Although Zhao Hao didn't say it explicitly, he put pressure on her.
But Wang Yushu also understood that this exam was their best chance! As long as she could pass, she would be able to escape from the quagmire of the Wang family.
She must, give it her all.
Zhao Hao felt relieved after hearing this. She got off the carriage first and reached out to help Wang Yushu get off.
In the inn, some people were already discussing this matter.
Xuanshu was warning everyone not to be distracted by these things, and not to disturb the candidates because of these things, otherwise they would be warned and reprimanded.
Zhao Hao escorted Wang Yushu into the inn.
Just as Zhao Hao expected, everyone was doing their own thing and no one paid too much attention to Wang Yushu.
Those who can pass this level are all politically acumenful people and will naturally not believe everything they hear.
Whether the Wang family is collaborating with the enemy or what happens to Wang Yushu is none of their business.
The most urgent and important thing is the exam.
Of course, there were still a few people discussing this matter, but when they saw Wang Yushu and Zhao Hao, they immediately shut up.
"Yushu." Zhao Hao stopped at the stairs. "Have a good rest and don't think too much. I'll come pick you up tomorrow."
Wang Yushu nodded to Zhao Hao, "Okay."
She still had a chance, and the opportunity was in her own hands, so she felt at ease. She said, "I'll wait for you."
After Wang Yushu finished talking to Zhao Hao, he turned and went upstairs. After walking a few steps, he looked back at Zhao Hao.
Zhao Hao was still standing by the stairs, staring at her back without blinking.
The two of them were married by the order of the late emperor, and now they are doing it in public. They haven't done anything that crosses the line, so naturally they don't have to worry about being talked about.
Wang Yushu smiled at Zhao Hao, waved his hand to signal him to leave, and then his figure disappeared at the stairs.
Wang Yushu is really tired.
The maid beside her wanted to say something at this moment, but did not dare to disturb her own lady.
The young lady has always been independent-minded, so she didn't need to say much, but the maid's slightly frowned brow showed her worry at the moment.
After entering the room where they were resting, Wang Yushu said, "Don't worry. His Majesty and the Empress are both kind people and won't vent their anger on innocent people."
"Miss..." The maid was stunned.
Wang Yushu said, "So, don't worry about your sisters."
She was not liked by Lady Wang, and serving her was naturally a tough job. Those children born in other families had better places to go.
The maids around her were bought from outside. They had no relatives in the Wang family, only some younger sisters.
The maid didn't expect Wang Yushu to comfort her, and hurriedly said, "Miss, I'm not worried about these things. I'm worried about you..."
"It's okay." Wang Yushu said, "Didn't Lord Zhao say that? I'll finish the exam first."
As for after the exam...
"Go downstairs and see if Lord Zhao has left. If he has, go find your second cousin and tell him that I'm looking for him." Wang Yushu ordered calmly.
The maid responded immediately, "Yes, my lady."
After the maid left, Wang Yushu ordered the servants of the inn to bring hot water and food. After taking a bath, she just wanted to lie on the bed and rest.
But no.
Wang Yushu forced himself to stay alert and wait.
Fortunately, the maid came back soon and whispered in her ear, "Miss, the second young master is waiting for you."
Wang Yushu nodded and led the maid downstairs.
Although the Wang family has been imprisoned, Wang Yushu still attaches great importance to safety issues. She has persisted for six days and cannot make any mistakes at this time.
So the place where the two met was where they could be seen by the soldiers guarding outside the inn.
Wang Yushu had forgotten when she last saw her second cousin. She only felt that Wang Ciyuan had changed a lot. He was no longer as timid as before, and his back was straight. After his family fell, he really had some of the temperament of a young master from an aristocratic family.
The two of them are really not familiar with each other.
Wang Yushu stepped forward and was about to bow and call for help, but Wang Ciyuan had already looked over, smiled, and said in a warm voice, "Third cousin."
Wang Yushu paused, clasped his fists and saluted, "Second cousin."
……
Wang Yushu returned to the inn an incense stick later. She was still a little dazed. Things... went unexpectedly smoothly.
It can even be said that she and Wang Ciyuan had the same idea.
Wang Ciyuan had no intention of taking advantage of her, and his sincerity made her feel uneasy.
The Wang family... is there such a good person?
"Miss," the maid whispered, "isn't this a good thing? Why do you feel uneasy?"
Wang Yushu shook his head gently, "Nothing."
She was already very tired and had no time to think about it. After returning to the room, she quickly went to bed. Almost as soon as she touched the bed, Wang Yushu fell asleep.
the other side.
Wang Ciyuan left the inn and had not walked far when he saw a carriage parked on the side of the road. He shook his head slightly and walked up.
Zhao Hao was sitting in the carriage.
Zhao Hao was busy all night yesterday and did not rest during the day today. He just fell asleep while waiting.
But as soon as Wang Ciyuan got on the carriage, he woke up and asked in a drowsy voice, "Is everything ready?"
Wang Ciyuan nodded, "Don't worry, Lord Zhao."
"Let's go." Zhao Hao gave an order.
The carriage moved forward slowly.
Wang Ciyuan couldn't help but look at Zhao Hao again and said, "Third cousin is like this, and you... don't have any ideas?"
Wang Ciyuan didn't mean to sow discord, he was just shocked. He had always heard from the Wang family that Zhao Hao valued Wang Yushu very much.
He also watched it secretly with his own eyes before deciding to find Zhao Hao using Wang Yushu as an excuse, but Zhao Hao's thoughtfulness still shocked Wang Ciyuan.
To be fair, if it were him, he wouldn't be able to do this to his fiancée.
Amidst Wang Ciyuan's doubts, Zhao Hao nodded gravely, then said to Wang Ciyuan's surprised gaze, "It's my fault for not giving Yushu enough sense of security. I should reflect on this."
Wang Ciyuan was so angry that he laughed on the spot.
He never expected that Zhao Hao would say such a thing.
He hesitated for a moment, but still asked, "What's so good about my third cousin?"
Although today, my third cousin is well-organized, very independent-minded, and has plans for the future, she is indeed good.
However, Zhao Hao has a noble status and a bright future. However, if he really marries Wang Yushu, there is no guarantee that he will be affected by the affairs of the Wang family.
This is not a wise move.
The Wang family's relatives are now rushing to sever ties, and many of the daughters who married out have been divorced.
Zhao Hao was the only one who was eager to marry the girl from the Wang family at this time.
Wang Ciyuan was thinking about it when he suddenly felt a chill on his back.
But it was Zhao Hao who looked at him quietly. Although he didn't say much, Wang Ciyuan inexplicably felt dangerous.
It was as if he said something he shouldn't have.
After a moment, Zhao Hao withdrew his gaze and said, "You don't understand at all."
Wang Ciyuan raised his hand to wipe the sweat from his forehead and said, "Yes, yes, I don't understand."
He really doesn't understand.
Hearing Wang Ciyuan's perfunctory response, Zhao Hao said, "Yushu is the best girl in the world."
In short, it is the best in his heart.
How could Wang Ciyuan refute this? He immediately nodded again and said, "Ah, right, right."
Anyway, he wouldn't risk his life for one person like that.
However, he is Wang Yushu's only remaining relative. The more Zhao Hao cares about Wang Yushu, the better it will be for him.
Even a tiny bit of benefit would be like charcoal in the snow for him.
Just then, the carriage stopped.
Zhao Hao looked at Wang Ciyuan and said, "Brother Wang, please stay here for the time being."
Wang Ciyuan lifted the curtain and looked outside.
The house is not big, but it looks clean and tidy. "This..."
"It's the intention of His Majesty and His Majesty." Zhao Hao said.
After all, the Wang family has been ransacked and all their property has been seized. We can't let Wang Ciyuan, a meritorious official, become homeless and wander the streets, right?
Zhao Hao was stunned. He had never expected that the emperor and empress would still remember a little kid like him when they were so busy. He was deeply moved.
I wish I could run to the emperor and empress right now and kowtow a few times to show my loyalty.
Zhao Hao yawned.
"It's getting late, Brother Wang, go to bed early." Zhao Hao reminded again, he almost pushed the man off the carriage.
Wang Ciyuan was excited and tireless. He was tired.
And he has to deliver Yu Shu early tomorrow morning...
The next day.
Zhao Hao watched Wang Yushu enter the Imperial Examination Hall safely before entering the palace.
Xie Yao knew exactly what he had done, so she didn't ask any further questions. She just asked, "How was the situation in Jingzhao Prefecture yesterday?"
Zhao Hao said, "Maybe it's because it's the first day, not many people came to complain yesterday."
After all, such a thing has never happened before, and the people who have been cheated by the Wang family dare not report it easily. After all, the evidence is limited, and they are even more afraid of retaliation.
Xie Yao thought for a moment and said, "This matter is also related to the Wang family's long-standing prestige. After all, they are an aristocratic family that has stood firm for a hundred years. I'm afraid many people are still waiting and watching."
This matter requires a breakthrough.
"Master Zhao," Xie Yao said, "I'll leave this matter to you. I want to see someone file a complaint today."
Zhao Hao immediately agreed, "Yes, Queen."
Cheng Fengqi is the chief examiner of this female official examination. He is currently locked up in the Imperial Examination Hall, so naturally he cannot come out to work.
Zhao Hao was about to leave when he thought of something. He turned to look at Xie Yao and said, "Empress, I would like to ask for someone's help."
"Oh?" Xie Yao raised her eyebrows. "Who?"
"Wang Ciyuan," Zhao Hao said, "He's a member of the Wang family, and he's made a great report this time. I think he might be able to find a witness from some of the evil deeds the Wang family has done in the past."
Xie Yao nodded, "Okay."
Zhao Hao then bowed again and turned to leave.
Xie Yao looked at his back and couldn't help laughing, "It's really different." Now he has his own little thoughts.
Zhao Hao could do this job well, but he had to involve Wang Ciyuan... She didn't believe that Zhao Hao and Wang Ciyuan hit it off at first sight and were very close.
I think it has something to do with Wang Yushu.
Xiao Ji looked at her, "Yaoyao knew everything, but she still agreed."
Xie Yao looked at Xiao Ji, "Isn't this also what Your Majesty meant?"
Xiao Ji said, "Yaoyao's meaning is exactly what I mean."
After giving orders for matters in the capital, Xie Yao opened the military report from the northern border. Pei Chen had been attacking the northern border years ago, and while there had been resistance in the first few cities, this year, he was almost unstoppable.
The northern border has been completely defeated.
However, there are still many things to do after taking the city, such as settling the people, arranging military forces and defenses, and preparing people to take over a number of cities in the northern border.
Very busy.
All the news received recently was good news, so there were no particularly urgent military reports. Xie Yao and Xiao Ji did not regard these military affairs as the most urgent matters to be dealt with.
But today, when Xie Yao read the contents of the military newspaper, she was still slightly stunned.
She handed the military report to Xiao Ji and said, "Congratulations, Your Majesty."
Xiao Ji reached out to take it, read the contents of the Qing army report, and immediately understood what Xie Yao meant.
The military report said that the Northern Frontier Emperor Huyan Yuan had surrendered and was now being sent to the capital.
At this point, the entire northern border was under the jurisdiction of the Xia Kingdom.
This is something that previous generations of emperors have never done. Now that Xiao Ji has done it, it will naturally be remembered in history books.
Xiao Ji held Xie Yao's hand and said, "Congratulations, Queen."
Xie Yao pursed her lips and smiled, understanding what Xiao Ji meant.
In previous generations, there was no queen attending court, but now she not only handled government affairs with Xiao Ji, but also attended the morning court with Xiao Ji.
As for the ministers and officials, they are now a little numb. When arguing about something in the court, they will even ask for her opinion.
Of course, Xie Yao would not be complacent about this.
The difficulties the female official encountered in implementing the policy made her realize that this was just the beginning, but it didn't matter, she was still young.
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