Chapter 557 - 551_1
Zhao Erhu’s forehead was truly breaking out in sweat; the Emperor’s demeanor was so different from what the eunuch Cui and his wife had described. Eunuch Cui had said that the Emperor’s emotions never showed on his face, and his wife had told him that the Emperor was easy to get along with, merely a smiling tiger. But looking at the Emperor, Erhu felt like he seemed more of a ’resentful husband.’ Don’t assume he couldn’t see through it; the Emperor was clearly venting his frustrations on him from being angered elsewhere. He was far from foolish; he was simply feigning incompetence to avoid arousing the Emperor’s wariness.
Huangfu Jing had been scolding for a while, but seeing Zhao Erhu just standing there dumbfounded without any reaction—not knowing to kowtow and apologize, nor to offer comforting words—was akin to a blockhead, which left him feeling imbalanced. "I talk this much, and you have nothing to say? You dare to ignore Us!"
Zhao Erhu sincerely found the Emperor to be more troublesome to serve than his own wife, who would scold him for no apparent reason. He silently bore it, but even that wasn’t satisfactory. In his heart, Erhu grumbled, but he dared not express any discontent on his face. Since the Emperor wanted him to admit his guilt, he would oblige.
"This commoner dares not, I have sinned. Please, Emperor, forgive me!" With a thump, Zhao Erhu knelt on the ground, merely uttering those two sentences, without a word of defense. Huangfu Jing thought Zhao Erhu was just an uncarvable piece of rotten wood, a fool—he even lost interest in scolding him. However, Erhu himself felt that with the Emperor in this state, no matter how he explained, the Emperor would accuse him of making excuses. Better to stay silent then. Now he also had a better grasp of the Emperor’s temperament, knowing the Emperor wouldn’t really punish him. Tyrants were the ones who would rashly chop off heads. It was said that the Emperor was indeed wise—at least that’s what Jiang Ziqi, the Princely Heir of Marquis of Zhenbei, and his wife all claimed.
"Zhao Erhu, to be frank about you, your nature is really quite displeasing."
"Emperor, I am but a common man from a rural family, admittedly rather slow-witted, but I always remind myself that I am here to assist in the Emperor’s affairs; whether liked or not is of no consequence, as being able to handle matters is what truly matters." Initially, Zhao Erhu was somewhat afraid of the Emperor’s dangerous aura, but once Huangfu Jing changed his demeanor, Erhu was no longer as intimidated—though on the surface he still maintained a semblance of respect and fear.
Upon hearing Zhao Erhu’s reply, Huangfu Jing let go of his fixation and began inquiring about the sea voyages, and listened to Erhu describe the customs and cultures of various barbaric countries overseas.
When the conversation turned to business matters, Huangfu Jing discovered that this ’blockhead’ of a man actually wasn’t so simple-minded; he had a set of impressive skills when it came to trade. While knowledgeable in statecraft, Huangfu Jing was hardly familiar with business affairs. However, everything Zhao Erhu spoke of seemed reasonable. Indeed, specialization was the key to success, and someone like Zhao Erhu, despite his appearance, possessed a natural talent in commerce—he was exactly the kind of person the Emperor needed.
"I see you have a real knack for business. From now on, I will entrust you with the authority over this matter. Even the Princely Heir of the Marquis of Zhenbei will receive an annual share of the profits, but will no longer intervene in these affairs. You will only need to heed my commands." Huangfu Jing’s words served as both a decree and a warning; it was evident that even while he considered employing the Princely Heir, he harbored caution against him. Zhao Erhu now comprehended more profoundly the inscrutability of a sovereign’s heart, and he silently reminded himself to stay alert.
"Yes, I shall follow the Imperial Edict." Zhao Erhu accepted the command without hesitation.