“Sir Taylor, there’s no need to be so polite. Since Sir says there is a heavenly omen, then there must be a heavenly omen.” As I spoke, I shot him a strange look. “Sir, the fate of the nation and the well-being of the people all rest on your shoulders!”

“Ah?” Charles Taylor, being a clever man, understood instantly. His expression changed rapidly as he said, “Your Majesty must not! To fabricate such an omen may incur the wrath of Heaven. Moreover, if the truth were to be discovered by the court and the public, I fear Your Majesty’s reputation would suffer even more.”

“Heh heh, Sir Taylor, have you ever heard the saying ‘let the broken jar fall’?” I said leisurely, “My reputation is already what it is. It can hardly get any worse. On the contrary, if we succeed, my reputation might just make a dramatic comeback. By then, saving the people will be all the more justified.”

Chapter Three: The Unscrupulous Deal (Part 2)

That last line about saving the people clearly moved Charles Taylor a little. After thinking for a while, he still had some concerns: “What if we incur Heaven’s wrath, and Heaven’s anger falls upon Your Majesty?”

That’s the thing about ancient people. Even as the Minister of Rites, a top official of the court, and a man of great learning, he still couldn’t help but believe in all those supernatural things. But what are ministers for? To take the blame, of course. I stood up, walked over to Charles Taylor with ill intent, and patted him kindly on the shoulder: “Sir Taylor, why do you say that? I know nothing about any omens—this is all your doing. I’m just an outsider; Heaven’s wrath can’t possibly fall on me.”

Charles Taylor was startled. I’d made myself perfectly clear. Of course, he knew I was making him the scapegoat, but he was loyal enough to nod firmly: “Your Majesty, that’s fine. This matter was entirely planned by Charles Taylor; what does it have to do with Your Majesty? However, I must ask Your Majesty to promise me one thing.”

Old fox, seizing the chance to bargain. Why the hell aren’t you a merchant, being so cunning and sly? I nodded: “Sir Taylor, feel free to speak your mind.”

“Once this is done, I ask that Your Majesty truly resolve to govern diligently and benefit the people.” As Charles Taylor said these words, a faint air of righteousness appeared on his aged face.

I was a little moved and agreed: “Alright, I promise you. But, I also need some time for entertainment. How about this: I’ll work two hours a day. Also, when you leave, Sir Taylor, you should act a bit more miserable—yes, just like that, as if I’ve just scolded you.”

Two hours is a bit short, but better than nothing. Seeing his goal achieved, Charles Taylor got up to take his leave, saying he needed to prepare the omen. Sure enough, just as I wished, he put on a wry, awkward smile. This old fox really does have a talent for acting.

But just as he turned to leave, I caught a hint of smugness in his eyes. That smile made me feel uneasy.

“Your Majesty is amazing.” Grace looked at me admiringly from the side and giggled, “You’ve got that old guy wrapped around your finger.”

With such praise from the clever Grace, I couldn’t help but feel a little smug. I kept saying, “Oh, it’s nothing, really.”

Suddenly, I noticed a faint smile at the corner of Claire’s mouth and asked curiously, “Claire, what are you giggling about? Did I do something wrong?”

“Replying to Your Majesty, this servant also thinks Your Majesty is incredible.” Claire flashed a bright smile. “Just like Grace, I really admire Your Majesty.”

Something was off about that remark. I rushed over, pulled her into my arms, and let my hands wander over her sensitive spots, making her gasp for breath before I feigned anger: “You little Claire, how dare you mock me?”

“This servant, this servant won’t dare again.” Claire’s pretty face flushed, her eyes unable to hide her amorous feelings, though she tried hard to conceal her excitement. That look of wanting yet resisting made my heart race.

“Heh, prisoner Claire, confess honestly.” I grinned mischievously. “Or else I’ll have to give you some special attention.”

Claire cried out softly, melting into my arms, and pleaded in that unique, coquettish Jiangnan accent: “This servant, this servant will confess now.”

My hands stopped moving, and I said, “Speak, let me hear it.” I wanted to see what clever insight this girl had.

“Your Majesty is so bad, you’ve left this servant too weak to speak.” Claire shot me a flirtatious glance. “Grace said Your Majesty had Charles Taylor wrapped around your finger. But in my opinion, it was actually Charles Taylor who had Your Majesty wrapped around his finger.”

“Oh?” I was surprised. Was there more to this than met the eye?

Encouraged by my look, Claire continued, “First, today Charles Taylor didn’t mention Grand Tutor Zhao’s death at all. With his personality, is that normal?”

“It’s not normal.” I followed her train of thought. “For others, it’s because they got my verbal promise of benefits, so they didn’t bring it up.” Seeing my quick response, Claire was pleased and continued, “Second, who was it that first brought up the matter of tomorrow’s Fengshan ceremony?”