dmims Chapter 1174 Shifting the Blame Eastward!
Chapter 1174 Shifting the Blame Eastward!
Gao Yao turned around, the candlelight casting flickering shadows on his face. He was no longer the naive cook who had transmigrated from another era; time and political maneuvering had sculpted him into a profound and unfathomable figure. At this moment, a faint smile played on his lips—a composure born of weathering storms, and a confidence in controlling the situation.
Lü Zhi put down the teapot and raised her eyes. Approaching fifty, her face remained radiant and beautiful, her skin smooth and lustrous, with only a few faint lines at the corners of her eyes—traces of time that, ironically, added to her charm. The rare medicinal herbs and health-preserving secrets that Gao Yao had painstakingly sought out over the years had allowed her to maintain the appearance and figure of someone in their thirties.
More importantly, her once formidable spirit has been tempered into a restrained wisdom. She is no longer obsessed with power struggles, but has found a more stable home.
"Husband," Lü Zhi changed her address, rising and walking towards Gao Yao. Gao Yao reached out and pulled her into his arms, the movement natural and practiced. Lü Zhi leaned against his chest, her body as soft as a cloud, yet revealing the resilience honed by long-term martial arts training.
She looked up and began to analyze carefully: "Chen Pingping's visit this time is, of course, a test. He must have already guessed some of the truth about how my husband helped Fan Xian fake his death and escape. His personal visit is ostensibly to express his gratitude, but in reality, he wants to see what my husband's attitude is, what his abilities are, and whether he can become a useful piece on his chessboard."
Gao Yao gently stroked Lü Zhi's shoulder without interrupting. He knew his wife's wisdom well—during the turbulent transition from Qin to Han, those historical figures who rose from humble beginnings in Pei County to become powerful empresses relied on far more than just beauty. Even after becoming his woman, she made significant contributions, and though she had now tempered her brilliance, her keen insight into people remained.
“According to my husband, Chen Pingping’s lifelong obsession is to avenge Ye Qingmei, and his ultimate goal is to deal with Emperor Qing.” Lü Zhi lowered her voice even further. “So his test this time is to confirm whether my husband is worth winning over and whether he can become one of his allies in the fight against Emperor Qing. He needs allies, but he also needs a sharp enough knife that will not backfire.”
Gao Yao nodded: "Chen Pingping is a man of unparalleled cunning in the Qing Kingdom. He is indeed looking for a knife."
“Secondly,” Lü Zhi continued, her fingertips tracing circles lightly on Gao Yao’s chest, a habitual gesture when she was thinking, “Chen Pingping deliberately exposed her husband. He came to Gao’s Restaurant in a grand manner, with the Imperial Censorate’s carriages and entourage making no attempt to conceal it. How many eyes in the capital were watching? Within half a day, Emperor Qing would surely know about this.”
She paused, a cold glint flashing in her eyes: "Chen Pingping is using Emperor Qing to further test my husband's abilities. If he can withstand the pressure from Emperor Qing, then it proves that there is indeed value in cooperation; if not, he is nothing more than a disposable pawn in the game, and Chen Pingping will not suffer any loss."
Upon hearing this, Gao Yao's lips curled into a playful smile. He had indeed considered this point, but the third point that Lü Zhi raised surprised him.
“One last point,” Lü Zhi’s voice was almost inaudible, her red lips nearly touching Gao Yao’s ear, “Chen Pingping’s choice of this timing is all too obvious. Not long after the news of Fan Xian’s ‘death’ broke, undercurrents were swirling among various factions in the capital. And the relationship between Gao’s Restaurant and Princess Li Yunrui is no secret in the circles of the powerful and wealthy—at least not to those with ulterior motives.”
She leaned back slightly, looking directly into Gao Yao's eyes: "Chen Pingping's high-profile visit is intended to divert attention. He wants everyone to believe that Fan Xian's affair is related to Li Yunrui, to her husband, and may even hint at a deeper conspiracy. In this way, Emperor Qing's attention and the suspicions of various forces will be focused on this. And Chen Pingping can continue to set up his own game in this fog."
The private room fell silent for a moment, with only the occasional soft popping of the candle wick.
Gao Yao was silent for a moment, then suddenly laughed. His laughter was deep and pleasant as he raised his hand to gently stroke Lü Zhi's cheek: "My Zhi'er, you are indeed as perceptive as ever. I did overlook this third point."
A hint of smugness flashed in Lü Zhi's eyes, but it quickly turned into gentleness: "My husband is busy with many affairs every day, and there are bound to be oversights. All I can do is offer some reminders on these small matters."
Gao Yao shook his head and said seriously, "No, this is very important. Chen Pingping is trying to push us to the forefront and make us the target of everyone's criticism. However—" He changed his tone, a sharp glint flashing in his eyes, "He has probably underestimated us. He has also underestimated me, Gao Yao, who has never been a pawn to be manipulated."
After saying that, he gently kissed Lü Zhi's lips. The kiss was tender and brief, yet it carried the tacit understanding and intimacy of many years of marriage.
A blush rose to Lü Zhi's face. Although they were an old married couple, she still maintained a girlish shyness and joy. Nestled in Gao Yao's arms, she softly asked, "Then how does my husband plan to deal with this?"
Gao Yao didn't answer directly, but suddenly changed the subject: "Here, just call me husband. You are my wife."
"Husband? Wife?" Lü Zhi was slightly taken aback; these two words were indeed unfamiliar to her. In the Great Xia world established by Gao Yao, people still used ancient terms. But after traveling through multiple worlds with Gao Yao, she had also encountered many novel things.
Gao Yao explained with a smile: "You can think of it as the most intimate term of address. It symbolizes that two people will accompany each other from their youth to old age. Whether rich or poor, in good times or bad, they will walk hand in hand."
Upon hearing this, Lü Zhi's eyes welled up with tears. She recalled the ups and downs of the past years, from following Gao Yao to lead the southern border, to the stable wealth and prosperity after Gao Yao established the Great Xia Empire; from her past obsession with power to her current tranquility, where she had become indifferent to worldly affairs and only wished to stay by her lover's side. She had fought, struggled, and experienced loss and confusion, but ultimately found her true home with this man.
"Husband," Lü Zhi called softly, her voice full of tenderness. She knew Gao Yao was not a faithful man; other women had been by his side over the years, but he had always given her the highest respect and status. What was even more precious was that he treated her sincerely, helping her cultivate to prolong her life, taking her across the world, and letting her see a vast and unprecedented world.
"Wife," Gao Yao replied, hugging her even tighter.
Suddenly, Lü Zhi leaned close to his ear and whispered something. Gao Yao was taken aback at first, then a smile and doting affection flashed in his eyes. He didn't say anything, but simply used his strength to lift Lü Zhi up in his arms.
"Ah—" Lü Zhi exclaimed softly, then smiled and wrapped her arms around Gao Yao's neck.
Gao Yao carried her out of the private room and along the Persian carpeted corridor to the third floor of the restaurant. The entire third floor was his private resting place, its design blending the essence of multiple worlds—Eastern elegance, modern comfort, and mysterious elements from other civilizations.