Every intimate moment they had ever shared flashed through Zhao Mingyan's mind.
"That time in Zhaoyang Hall, you only agreed to Le Xi's plan to offer yourself as the cure because you learned it would increase the national fortune."
"You insisted on coming to the Northern Border, and you initiated things so many times in the military camp… that was also because…"
His voice grew quieter and quieter, until it was a hoarse whisper that trailed into silence.
Ji Qingwu quickly looked up and saw that Emperor Wu Su's face was devoid of expression, like a cold, unfeeling statue.
"That's not it," she denied.
But under his frigid gaze, Ji Qingwu had to admit that without the national fortune bonus, she wouldn't have been so bold. The system had indeed been a motivating factor.
She stammered, "It's not entirely like that."
Zhao Mingyan released her hand. Staring at the corner of the table, he said coldly, "We have truly married a fine Empress, one who puts the people before all else."
