Chapter 88: Empress Dowager: "Want to Be the Second Most Powerful Man?" Empress: "Would a Widow Be Interested?" (2)
If not for the fact that this was her mother, she would have hung her up and given her a good beating to vent her frustrations.
With no other options, she turned her gaze to Su Qing.
Su Qing looked entirely innocent, like a hapless bystander caught in the storm.
And this wasn't just an act—he truly was an innocent bystander!
He had never encouraged Su Mengxi to say those things. He hadn't guided her in any way!
"Forget everything that was just said. Do you hear me? Especially anything mother told you!"
The Empress issued a stern warning.
All of those bizarre notions should be erased from existence!
Su Mengxi peeked up, seemingly wanting to protest—only to see a hand reaching toward her face again.
Immediately, she resumed her defensive stance, covering her head without a word.
"Your Majesty need not worry. I never took any of that to heart."
Su Qing replied in a calm tone.
Hearing his words, the Empress's expression briefly showed surprise.
She could tell that his indifference wasn't an act—it was completely genuine.
And for some reason, that fact irked her.
Did she really hold so little appeal compared to his other admirers?
Her anger and embarrassment suddenly shifted into a gaze tinged with an unspoken grievance.
Su Qing was momentarily taken aback by her expression, uncertain of what was happening.
"Hmm, my affairs do not concern you."
The Empress's voice was neutral, betraying no emotions.
"Your Majesty, I hold you in the highest regard. How could I ever believe my mother's nonsense and do something improper?"
"Rest assured, my heart has its own sense of measure. I will never waver due to others' opinions."
Realizing where the misunderstanding lay, Su Qing quickly reassured her.
As a loyal and patriotic subject, he could not allow his sovereign to doubt him!
"Good. That is how it should be. Do not let yourself be influenced by certain individuals, lest you ruin your future."
The Empress nodded, seemingly satisfied—though there was a hint of lingering doubt in her heart.
He said he respected and admired her, which was perfectly appropriate for a subject toward his ruler.
But… was that all?
Perhaps it was time to put this to the test.
Fortunately, Su Qing had no idea what she was thinking. Otherwise, he would have been left speechless.
Did she want him to have those thoughts or not?
This was getting far too confusing.
"Your Majesty, did you come here to see the Empress Dowager for a reason? Should I excuse myself?"
Su Qing glanced at the still-cowering Su Mengxi and spoke with feigned indifference.
After all, this was entirely her doing. He had no desire to get involved!
Not that he was indifferent to the Empress, but he simply didn't believe in forcing things.
Everything should happen naturally—there was no need for elaborate schemes.
"I did not come here for my mother. I came specifically to see you regarding another matter."
"A high-profile criminal has just been brought back to the capital. Her identity is rather special, involving classified intelligence."
"You always have your ways, so I intend to leave this matter to you."
The Empress swiftly changed the topic, brushing aside the previous conversation.
After all, that discussion had been far too inappropriate for public settings—it was best to move on.
Su Mengxi cautiously lifted her head, hoping to stand up—only for a hand to press her back down again.
Clearly, the Empress no longer had even a shred of respect for her mother at the moment.
And it seemed this situation would persist for at least the rest of the day.
By their next meeting, things would likely return to the usual dynamic of motherly warmth and filial respect.
Such was the harmony of the White Jade Pavilion.
"Interrogation? Who is this person, Your Majesty? You know I am not particularly fond of such matters."
"Even if I have the ability, extracting a confession from a hardened criminal is another matter entirely."
Su Qing's expression became hesitant.
He was skilled in many things, but torture and forced confessions weren't among them. He had no interest in such cruel methods.
"This prisoner holds the key to the rebels' main hideout. Apparently, she is… a widow of some sort?"
"I am aware that you seem to have a unique talent in dealing with such individuals. You are our best option."
The Empress's tone was serious.
After closely monitoring—er, protecting Su Qing for some time, she had come to a clear conclusion.
The boy she had watched grow up had an uncanny ability to handle women.
Thus, he was the perfect candidate for this task.
"Your Majesty, what exactly do you take me for? You make it sound as if I am some sort of enemy to all women!"
Su Qing feigned a look of grievance.
This was slander of the highest order! He was the most loyal and righteous subject in history!
So why did his sovereign view him as some kind of seducer?
Surely, this was a grave misunderstanding!
"Enough nonsense. Will you take the task or not? If not, I will assign it to someone else."
The Empress's voice grew impatient.
This man—he truly had a knack for playing innocent while taking all the advantages.
If not for the fact that he always got the job done, she would have punished him long ago.
"Of course, I accept! Serving Your Majesty and resolving difficulties is my duty!"
Su Qing spoke with resolute conviction.
His display of unwavering loyalty and righteousness would shame any court official—
Except for the Empress.
The imperial beauty genuinely wanted to stomp on this treacherous subject a few times, to teach him a lesson.
But she was such a clean freak, and her feet were impeccably fresh. If she stepped on him, it would be more of a reward than a punishment.
"So… when do I begin? Where is the prisoner being held?" Su Qing, having accepted the mission, immediately shifted into serious work mode.
His demeanor was firm and righteous, as though he were ready to walk through fire for the Empress at any moment.
"The dungeon. Everything is arranged. You may proceed immediately. You really are quite eager."
The Empress's tone carried a hint of annoyance.
Although she knew he was indeed capable in this regard, it didn't stop her from feeling irritated.
"Your Majesty, how could this be called eagerness? I merely wish to avoid unnecessary delays."
"The sooner we obtain answers, the fewer complications there will be. Everything I do is for Your Majesty's sake!"
Su Qing lamented, putting on a show of being wronged.
And he meant every word of it.
After all, even if his methods involved a bit of… unconventional persuasion, they were all in service of a greater cause!
He worked tirelessly—his only fault was that his methods differed from conventional ones.
"Such noble words. Just go already."
The Empress scoffed.
They were both cunning foxes from the same den, yet he still insisted on playing the righteous scholar.
Who did he think he was fooling?
"Your Majesty, Empress Dowager, I shall take my leave."
Su Qing bowed and turned to go.