At this moment, Chen Daorong could only answer honestly. “That fellow, he actually said that the Wang Family’s destruction last year was caused by Your Majesty. That Your Majesty feared the Wang Family’s achievements overshadowed the sovereign and intentionally had them attack the Crown Prince’s Mansion to seek their own death. Of course, this was just a lie that fellow fabricated. When this subject heard it, I was outraged, and so under severe punishment, I directly beat that fellow to death…”
“The Imperial Uncle does not think this way?”
“This subject certainly does not think this way. Your Majesty has great talent and brilliant strategy, with far-reaching vision. How could you possibly do such a thing?”
Chen Daorong answered with the utmost certainty.
He knew that Di Lingwei actually valued the Wang Family highly. And with Wang Feifei standing safely behind Di Lingwei, he naturally knew exactly what kind of answer would satisfy the Empress.
“So that is what the Imperial Uncle believes. Then why was an incident that happened last year only resolved now? This rumor has been spreading for many months.” Di Lingwei looked at Chen Daorong as she spoke.
Her tone remained calm, but the pressure she exerted grew greater and greater.
Chen Daorong lowered his head and said, “Please forgive this subject, Your Majesty. I only just learned of this matter. Had Commander Wang not come to inform this subject, I would still be in the dark.”
“The rumor spread for months, yet you only just learned of it?”
“This subject admits I did not just hear this rumor today, but at first, I did not know that the person spreading the rumor was actually someone from my own residence.”
At his final words, Chen Daorong knelt down before Di Lingwei.
“Please see clearly, Your Majesty. This subject truly did not know where the rumor originated from at first.” Chen Daorong put on a sorrowful expression.
“Zhen is only asking you questions, not blaming you. Why is the Imperial Uncle kneeling?” Di Lingwei asked, feigning surprise.
“This subject… This subject…”
“Forget it. Rise first.”
Hearing Di Lingwei’s command, Chen Daorong slowly stood up, but a layer of fine sweat had formed on his forehead.
Keeping company with the Emperor is like keeping company with a tiger.
Even though Di Lingwei had shown not the slightest hint of displeasure, it was still terrifying.
“Imperial Uncle, sit. Zhen has other matters to chat with you about.” Di Lingwei gestured for Chen Daorong to sit.
“This subject can stand,” Chen Daorong said most respectfully.
“Zhen told you to sit, so sit. Are you not listening to Our orders now?” Di Lingwei raised an eyebrow, speaking with dissatisfaction.
“Ah… Then this subject shall sit.”
Chen Daorong had no choice but to sit.
Di Lingwei sat there leisurely and said, “Zhen is just asking casually. Imperial Uncle, do you know what steps are required to maintain an army?”
“This question truly exceeds this subject’s understanding. This subject is but a man wanting to do business; I have not even figured out business matters yet. How could this subject know anything about army maintenance?” Chen Daorong gave a dry laugh.
“The Imperial Uncle truly does not know?” Di Lingwei said lightly. “The Imperial Uncle may speak freely, speaking from your own imagination. Zhen is telling you to speak; you cannot say you are unable.”
“Ah, this… Then this subject… Then this subject can only speak wildly based on hearsay.” Chen Daorong felt an immense headache coming on.
“Then speak wildly. Let Zhen hear it.” Di Lingwei said, unconcerned.
Beside her, Wang Feifei immediately pricked up her ears.
A person with sufficient knowledge of a certain profession, if forced to discuss its contents, even if they want to pretend they don’t understand the profession, might still inadvertently let slip some words or pieces of information, unintentionally revealing the fact that they actually possess some understanding of the subject.
