The bad value system is measuring values.

Chapter 70 The title "Empress Dowager"

Since that incident, Shi Bozi has always deliberately kept his distance from Qiao Xiao.

Every time Qiao Xiao saw Shi Bozi, she would greet him first, but he never responded. He would even take a few steps back, lower his head, and walk away quickly.

Qiao Xiao frowned at this situation. She didn't know why Shi Bozi had suddenly become so cold and distant.

She began to wonder if she had done something wrong. Was it really that much to ask him to change how he addressed her?

In any case, she couldn't just sit and wait to die.

"Spartz still hasn't shown up for the duel tonight."

She brandished her sword, slicing through the invisible air. A knight's sword should not be drawn easily except in duels and training, but Qiao Xiao made an exception this time.

This wasn't the first time; Shi Bozi always found various excuses to avoid meeting Qiao Xiao.

Qiao Xiao knew that if things continued like this, their relationship would only become more strained, and when the king returned, she would have even fewer opportunities to interact with him.

Qiao Xiao swung her sword sharply, and after a moment of silence, she made up her mind.

Qiao Xiao: "I have to go find him!"

Unbeknownst to her, Snow White was hiding in a secluded corner of the shade; he had arrived early but simply did not wish to reveal himself.

He stood there quietly, his face cold and his demeanor somewhat颓废 (颓废 is a difficult word to translate directly, but it conveys a sense of listlessness, apathy, and a sense of dejection). His gaze was fixed on the woman in the distance, his heart filled with pain and disappointment.

"Mother?" he said softly, his tone resolute yet tinged with despair.

"Your Majesty, is it not good?" His voice was low and hoarse.

His eyes were like those of a black snake coiled around a branch, its forked tongue flicking as it slowly ensnared its prey. Those eyes were filled with a chilling, oppressive desire that sent shivers down one's spine.

Shi Bozi was depressed, but he couldn't understand why he ran away when he saw the Queen. However, he knew that he always felt flustered whenever he saw Qiao Xiao.

It really hurt, that suffocating feeling was terrifying, but he couldn't help wanting to get closer to her.

Does she resemble her mother (the late queen)? Obviously not. Her mother was frail and sickly, while she was able to easily defeat her.

Spohr: "Is it maternal love that makes me so complicated? It's because enjoying her maternal love makes me feel like I've betrayed my mother, it's shame and guilt! Yes, shame and guilt!"

He had clearly found the answer he was looking for, and kept repeating those two words, feeling a sense of relief and enlightenment.

Spartz: "So, who is the Queen looking for?"

He paused for a moment, realizing he had blurted out "Queen".

Why? ! Why? !

Fali is very good to me, and I should acknowledge her and respectfully call her Mother. What are you struggling with inside, Spitz? She is your Mother, and she deserves to be called that.

Schertz tried to mentally prepare himself and forced himself to say, "I should protect her. After all, I will become a knight, and protecting the queen is the duty of every knight."

Spoelstra silently followed behind Qiao Xiao. However, with her keen perception, how could she not notice that someone was following her?

She quickened her pace and turned into a corner. Seeing this, Spitz hurried to follow, but when he caught up, she had already disappeared.

"Where is he?" He was startled, and his first thought was, "Have I been discovered?"

Just as he was wondering, a voice suddenly came from behind him.

"Sipoz, what are you doing here?"

Schuberts turned around and saw Qiao Xiao standing behind him. He quickly said, "I've been looking for you, Mother?"

Qiao Xiao was slightly taken aback, then asked in return, "Mother?"

Spohr lowered his head and said sincerely, "Please forgive my previous rudeness, Mother. I was in too much pain before. My mother passed away not long ago, and it is difficult for me to accept you. Please forgive me."

Qiao Xiao shook her head and said softly, "You don't need to say that, Spitz. I know it's difficult for you."

Spitz: "So, you understand me?"

Qiao Xiao: "Of course, it's been a long time since we've sparred. Let me see if you've improved."

Spitz: "Yes, Mother."

Qiao Xiao, wielding a longsword, launched an attack on Shi Bozi. Shi Bozi nervously drew his sword to counterattack, attempting to defend against Qiao Xiao's offensive.

After a few rounds, Qiao Xiao suddenly stopped and said with a smile, "Not bad, Spitz, it seems your swordsmanship has improved."

Schertz breathed a sigh of relief and a smile appeared on his face.

“However, you still need to practice more,” Qiao Xiao continued. “Next time, I won’t hold back.”

“Yes, Mother,” Spitz replied respectfully.

Qiao Xiao looked at Spaz and thought: Perhaps he has truly overcome the shadow of losing his mother. She hoped that Spaz could become an excellent knight and protect this country.

"Alright, that's enough for today," Qiao Xiao said, sheathing her longsword.

“Thank you, Mother,” said Spitz gratefully.

The two left the training ground together, and their relationship seemed to have grown closer without them even realizing it.

Every morning, as the first rays of sunlight fall upon the palace, Qiao Xiao would punctually walk through the most artistic corridor of the palace.

The corridor is lined with sculptures meticulously crafted by world-class artists, showcasing exquisite craftsmanship and unique creativity.

The entire architectural design cleverly blends with the surrounding natural environment, making the corridor seem like a part of nature itself.

Whenever the morning light shines just right on passersby, they appear as if they are draped in a golden veil, looking exceptionally sacred and beautiful.

That morning, Shi Bozi woke up earlier than usual because he was filled with anticipation and longed to see Qiao Xiao as soon as possible.

He was full of energy, stood tall, and had bright, piercing eyes.

When he finally saw Qiao Xiao, he immediately walked up to her and greeted her with a smile: "Good morning, my mother."

Qiao Xiao smiled and replied, "Good morning, Shi Bozi."

"We will have an important guest visiting today," Spoelstra told Qiao Xiao.

Qiao Xiao asked curiously, "Who is it?"

"It is Prince Echo," replied Spartz.

Upon hearing this name, Qiao Xiao couldn't help but think of the legendary figure—Prince Echo, the one who ultimately awakened Snow White.

Qiao Xiao: "What's he doing here?"

"He was traveling around and happened to come to our country, so he wanted to come and visit us," Sporz explained.

Qiao Xiao nodded: "Okay, I understand."

Spitz: "Mother looks absolutely gorgeous today."

Qiao Xiao chuckled, "No matter how you look at it, you are the more beautiful one, my Shi Bozi."

Spoelstra lowered her head shyly, her face flushing with embarrassment. "Mother is joking."

A simple compliment made Spohr's heart flutter with excitement, and he felt exceptionally happy.

Shortly afterward, Spartz left to discuss important state affairs with the other ministers.

Qiao Xiao went to the training ground alone, wanting to meet the hunter named Eric in advance.

Eric was not a knight; he was just a minor figure responsible for odd jobs, mainly doing logistical work.

Qiao Xiao's posted list clearly indicates that a true knight is needed.

She knew that to achieve her goals, she needed to find a suitable opportunity.

Qiao Xiao, dressed in a gorgeous gown, resembled a white swan on a stage, exuding a proud and charming aura.

Her beauty is breathtaking; anyone who sees her would be captivated.

This also explains why the king fell deeply in love with her at first sight.

Everyone on the training field looked up at her and shouted, "Your Highness!"

The sun was shining brightly, and a gentle breeze was blowing. Qiao Xiao waved her delicate hand fan gently, moving it up and down to half-cover her face, revealing a pair of bright and deep eyes.

She smiled at the knights before her and said softly, "No need for formalities, I'm just here to patrol."

Upon hearing this, the knights straightened up and did their best to demonstrate their chivalry, showcasing themselves at an exceptional level.

They knew that in the knight selection two months later, everyone would have the opportunity to become a true knight, so every performance now was crucial.

Qiao Xiao sat quietly under an ancient tree to rest, her gaze casually sweeping over her surroundings.

She noticed a man dressed simply and looking somewhat dirty squatting nearby, intently picking up the arrows that had fallen to the ground.

Qiao Xiao couldn't help but ask Daisy, who was standing next to her, "Who is he?"

Daisy followed Qiao Xiao's gaze and explained, "That's Eric, the weirdo from the Knights Training Grounds, always acting strangely."

Qiao Xiao: "Why was he left here?"

Daisy lowered her voice and whispered close to Qiao Xiao's ear: "I heard that he had made great achievements in battle and saved the life of the late queen, but was later stripped of his knighthood due to some mistake."

Qiao Xiao nodded slightly, then closed the fan in her hand and rhythmically patted her palm: "Daisy, go and invite him over."

Daisy looked puzzled. "The Queen?"

Qiao Xiao looked up at her. "I'm very curious about him. Daisy, go and bring him here to see me."

Although Daisy was puzzled, she followed Qiao Xiao's instructions and soon led Eric to them.

Throughout the process, Daisy intentionally kept a certain distance from Eric, subtly avoiding him.

As Eric drew closer, his previously blurry figure became clearer.

Qiao Xiao scrutinized him closely and had to admit that Eric's appearance was indeed far from "neat and tidy".

His appearance was rather unkempt. A few wisps of weeds were mixed in with his messy hair, his beard was unkempt and grew like a weathered broom, and small insects swarmed around him.

Eric paid no attention to any of this. When he heard that the new queen had summoned him, he ran off excitedly.

Daisy frowned, her face showing obvious disgust, but she still stood firmly between Qiao Xiao and Eric, hands on her hips, and angrily rebuked, "Don't be rude, this is our Queen!"

Upon hearing this, Eric's expression changed, and he immediately knelt down to pay his respects, bowing his head and saying, "Greetings, Your Majesty the Queen."

However, unexpectedly, despite Eric's somewhat unkempt appearance, his voice was exceptionally deep and magnetic.

Qiao Xiao looked at Eric with interest and asked curiously, "So, Eric, what exactly are you doing here?"

Eric replied respectfully, “Your Majesty, I am treating the wounds of these grasses.”

Qiao Xiao was surprised and asked in confusion, "Healing?"

Daisy was also drawn in by Eric's words, and the annoyance in her eyes lessened slightly.

Eric continued, “Yes, Your Majesty, these arrows were meant to hit their targets, but they have instead wounded innocent blades of grass. It is truly a pity.”

Qiao Xiao nodded thoughtfully, agreeing, "That's true, it's indeed a bit of a pity."

Then, Qiao Xiao asked directly, "I heard you used to be a knight, is that right?"

Eric's once pure eyes suddenly dimmed, and his tone became heavy. He replied in a low voice, "That was just past glory, Your Majesty."

Qiao Xiao: "Don't you want to restore your former glory, Knight Eric?"

Eric immediately looked up, his eyes gleaming with excitement, and said, "Are you telling the truth?!"

However, he seemed to suddenly remember something, and the head he had just raised slowly lowered again, his tone filled with helplessness and disappointment, "Your Majesty, this is impossible. The King has decreed that I am never allowed to become a knight."

"It's all in vain."

Qiao Xiao smiled slightly, her gaze firm yet gentle, and said softly, "Two months from now, if you come to the Royal Hunting Grounds, I will grant you an extra spot, allowing you to participate in my selection process exceptionally. Understand?"

Eric's eyes widened as if he had heard the most unbelievable thing in the world. He stood there dumbfounded for a long time before he came to his senses and stammered, "Is...is it true?"

He couldn't believe his ears; it felt like a dream. He was utterly astonished that God had bestowed such a great gift upon him.

"Thank you, Your Majesty! I will definitely train harder and stand by your side."

Qiao Xiao smiled and nodded, then turned to Daisy and said, "Have someone come and change his clothes (I don't want my future knight to be so undignified)."

Eric expressed his heartfelt gratitude: "I am grateful for God's blessings, thankful for the country's protection, and even more so for you, my esteemed Queen."

He humbly accepted the brand-new gown Daisy presented him, then swaggered away.

Daisy wondered, "Excuse my bluntness, but why did you choose him in particular? Why give him such special treatment?"

Upon hearing this, Qiao Xiao pondered for a moment before slowly saying, "Renowned knights are often the focus of undercurrents. They may have already become pawns of some unscrupulous individuals, plotting how to pose a threat to me. Only someone like Eric, who is almost forgotten in the eyes of the world, can be the most reliable person by my side."