《The Empress Wants To Be Deposed!》


 CH 1.1

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    Song Jinning didn¡¯t realize that she was in a book until a few days ago.


    She was in an online novel called ¡°How my sister-in-law became my empress.¡±


    Song Jinning remembered that this novel was really popular in her past life. She wondered why her roommates were hooked with this novel, so she read it as well.


    After reading it, she concluded that the reason everybody liked it was because it was exciting.


    In real life, people are consumed by responsibilities, and have to work hard. But which person doesn¡¯t want something exciting in their life? It is understandable why this kind of literature is so popular.


    After all, life flows like water, and something exciting only happens once in a blue moon.


    But for Song Jinning, she only realized that she was in the book seven years after she transmigrated.


    Song Jinning became nervous because of this.


    After she calmed down, she quickly recalled the plot of the book and tried to remember what her role was.


    It has been many years, so she cannot remember the details of each chapter clearly, but she can still remember the basic details. In the future, at least she won¡¯t have unnecessary troubles.


    It¡¯s just that her role in this book is a bit hard to describe.


    The heroine is not her, but she is not the second female lead either. However, she cannot be called a side character since she appeared many times in the book.


    Song Jinning quickly recalled the original character¡¯s profile. The original Song Jinning was arrogant and domineering. Since childhood, she had the love of her aunt, parents and older brothers. It wouldn¡¯t be an exaggeration to say that she was extremely spoiled.


    Because of her aunt¡¯s love for her, she was often in the palace and thus she became acquainted with all the princes and princesses.


    Back then, Li Chengxuan¡¯s mother was a humble palace maid and he was not favored, so Song Jinning naturally didn¡¯t want to interact with him.


    Not only was she unwilling to talk to him and play with him, she would sometimes bully him with other princes as well. Even if Empress Dowager Song adopted Li Chengxuan after his mother died, Song Jinning still didn¡¯t want to get close to him and often mocked him.


    How could Li Chengxuan like Song Jinning? Naturally, there is only disgust for her. Even after listening to Empress Dowager Song¡¯s words and marrying Song Jinning, for various reasons, he grew even more disgusted with her.


    Three years after he married Song Jinning, he fell in love with the female lead who also happened to be his second sister in law.


    At that time, he had already gained a firm foothold in court, and regardless of the threats of the Empress Dowager, he made the female lead his concubine before deposing Song Jinning and making the female lead the Empress. He also disbanded the whole harem to prove his love for the female lead.


    Song Jinning transmigrated into the original Song Jinning¡¯s body when she was 8 years old. During this time, the original Song Jinning has already bullied the male lead a couple of times, so Li Chengxuan must already hated her.


    She only realized she was in the book a few days earlier, and Song Jinning at that point couldn¡¯t do anything to prevent the marriage.


    It¡¯s impossible for her to jump off the sedan and say she will not marry now, right? Even if her father is Prince Nanyang and her aunt is the Empress Dowager, she will still be punished.


    Fine, let¡¯s marry.


    Anyway, since she knows the plot of the original book, she will avoid Li Cheng Xuan and will not hinder his relationship with the female lead.


    An empress eats, drinks and has fun everyday. Why would she leave?


    Moreover, according to the book, even if Li Chengxuan deposed her, due to the power of Prince Nanyang and the love of the Empress Dowager, instead of banishing her to the cold palace, she was sent back to Yunnan to be with her father and lived a comfortable life.


    Since that is the case, why not be the empress for three years? After she gets deposed, she can just marry a man of her choice.


    It would be even better if Li Chengxuan can depose her earlier.


    After thinking about this, Song Jinning was determined and sat in the sedan chair with a peace of mind.

 CH 1.2

    Regular weddings are already cumbersome, not to mention an imperial wedding. After finishing the etiquette, Song Jinning just wanted to collapse on the bed and sleep.


    But the maid reminded her not to, so she continued to sit with her back straight, waiting for Li Chengxuan to come over and remove the red veil from her head.


    During a wedding night, no one would dare enter the bridal chamber. The hall was quiet, and even the sound of the wind blowing outside the window could be heard.


    Under such circumstances, the sound of footsteps are very clear.


    When she heard footsteps, Song Jinning knew immediately that Li Chengxuan was here. Sure enough, after a moment, a figure appeared in front of her.


    In Song Jinning¡¯s opinion, since the original owner had bullied Li Chengxuan, Li Chengxuan naturally hates her. Moreover, even though Li Chengxuan is the emperor, he is forced to marry Song Jinning because of Empress Dowager Song. Song Jinning wouldn¡¯t be surprised if Li Chengxuan wanted to throw up in front of her.


    So, when he stood in front of her, shouldn¡¯t he be disgusted and turn his head away? Why did he suddenly take off the red veil?


    Song Jinning raised her head in surprise, and the first thing she saw was a pair of dark and indifferent eyes looking at her. There was a trace of disgust and impatience in those eyes.


    It seems that he is really unwilling to marry her.


    But by coincidence, she was equally unwilling.


    She lowered her head and stopped looking at Li Chengxuan. There was no shyness or nervousness on her face, but only a calm and cold look.


    Although it was already the wedding night, there is still a lot of etiquette to go through before the wedding can be considered over.


    While the two were sitting on the edge of the bed, someone came over to tie the corners of the bed curtain. Another person brought a large plate of nuts, such as peanuts, and red dates, and placed them on the table.


    Then someone brought the wine.


    The arms of the two people had to go around each other and they had to drink closely.


    Song Jinning: ¡­


    This is a bit embarrassing.


    From the corner of her eye, Song Jinning looked at Li Chengxuan secretly, and saw that his face was still cold. Song Jinning thought that since he didn¡¯t feel embarrassed, why would she be embarrassed?


    She withdrew her gaze, and with a cold face, she raised her head and drank the wine in one gulp.


    Song Jinning didn¡¯t usually drink alcohol, but she was a little too eager to drink at this moment, so she choked. She coughed a lot, and her face turned red.


    She raised her sleeves and lightly covered her nose and mouth, and at the same time handed the empty cup to the maid standing next to her.


    The wine drinking is the end of the wedding process. The yahuans [1], mamas [2] , and the taijians [3] knelt down and said auspicious words like harmony for a hundred years and that they wish a prince will be born.


    After this, some people bowed and exited the hall, while others continued to stay in the hall to wait on them.


    But the rules are extremely strict. Although there were many people left to wait in the hall, there was no sound.


    Under such circumstances, Song Jinning, who has always been loud, inevitably felt a little restrained.


    And even though the red veil on her head was uncovered, the phoenix crown was still on her head.


    This phoenix crown is made of red gold, with a lot of pearls and gems inlaid on it. It is very heavy and it is not suitable to be worn on the head for long.


    Song Jinning had worn the crown for the entire day, so her neck already felt sore. Seeing that the wedding was done now, she was thinking about taking the phoenix crown off. She also wanted to wash her face that she doesn¡¯t know how many layers of pearl powder and rouge had.


    But when she turned her head to look at Li Chengxuan, she saw that this man had a stiff back and a cold face, and was motionless.


    Song Jinning didn¡¯t bother to think about what he meant by this action. However, out of politeness, she still said: ¡°Your Majesty, chenqie [4] wants to wash up.¡±


    Although the man in front of her is the superior male protagonist, Song Jinning wasn¡¯t scared of him.


    She knew in her heart that as long as Prince Nanyang and Empress Dowager Song were alive, as long as she did not die, her life was basically worry-free. So there is really no need to be afraid, just treat him as an ordinary person and get along with him.


    Li Chengxuan didn¡¯t look at her and still looked ahead. He gave a cold hmm, and Song Jinning regarded it as a yes.


    Immediately, a dowry maid came over to help her to clean up.


    After taking two steps forward, Song Jinning noticed that the corner of her clothes were stuck and she could no longer take a step forward.


    Footnotes:


    1)Ѿ÷ß (y¨¡ huan)- Maid


    2) æÖæÖ(m¨¡ m¨¡)- this refers to old female servants.


    3) Ì«¼à(t¨¤i ji¨¤n)- eunuchs (men who were castrated to serve in the palace)


    4) ³¼æª (ch¨¦n qi¨¨)- Lit. I, your royal concubine. illeism for the empress and imperial consorts when speaking to the emperor.

 CH 2.1

    This is Kookspiritedaway, i will  be posting here from now on, because i want to get paid for my translations.


    Song Jinning turned sideways and looked down.


    She noticed that her clothes were stuck together with Li Chengxuan¡¯s clothes.


    Li Chengxuan was also looking at the corners of their clothes tied together and his eyebrows frowned slightly. Obviously, this made him unhappy.


    But he is the emperor, even if he is not happy, he will not try to undress himself.


    Clothes that are tied together symbolize that the newlywed¡¯s relationship will be long and harmonious. Who had the courage to come and untie it? What''s more, the Emperor is obviously unhappy.


    So everyone bowed their heads, and no one dared to make a sound.


    Song Jinning looked around but she didn¡¯t know anyone among the palace maids.


    Gu Yu and Bai Lu who are close to Song Jinning were both present, but there are rules in the palace, so there''s a chance they will be punished if they do anything.


    So Song Jinning had to turn around and bend down to do it herself.


    The knot was very big, and Song Jinning couldn¡¯t untie it. The more she pulled it, the more the knot became bigger.


    She was heavily clothed, and the phoenix crown on her head pressed against her like a mountain, but the knot still couldn''t be loosened. A thin layer of sweat was already forming on her head.


    In the end she chose to give up. After thinking about it, she turned around and ordered Gu Yu and Bai Lu: "Bring me a pair of scissors."


    When she said this, the maids and eunuchs who were serving in the room knelt down one after another.


    Even Gu Yu and Bai Lu, who had seen their mistress¡¯s stupidity over the years, were scared.


    Have you ever heard of any newlyweds who used scissors on their wedding night?


    How unlucky!


    Moreover, your husband is the emperor! The son of heaven! Do you really not consider his feelings?


    So Gu Yu and Bai Lu also knelt down with a plop.


    But in fact, what Song Jinning was thinking is very simple.


    She couldn''t untie her clothes, and she couldn''t undress herself. She can¡¯t be tied with Li Chengxuan for the rest of her life, right?


    Moreover, no one dared to do anything, so she had to do it herself.


    As for the auspicious and unlucky things, she never thought about being with Li Chengxuan for a long time in this life.


    So looking at the people who were kneeling, she was stunned for a moment.


    Li Chengxuan was also surprised by her move, and subconsciously glanced at her.


    It''s a pity that the makeup on Song Jinning''s face is too thick. At first glance, there is only red and white.


    On the contrary, a pair of eyes as clear as autumn water, were shining brightly under the candlelight.


    Li Chengxuan no longer remembered Song Jinning''s appearance when she was young, but he still clearly remembered the mocking words she had said to him.


    He just wanted to rip the clothes off and let it be done with. But on second thought, if Empress Dowager Song ever hears about it, he will never hear the end of it.


    He had to endure the disgust in his heart, so he lowered his head and started to undress.


    He was stronger than Song Jinning, and he was more patient and meticulous than Song Jinning. So while Song Jinning was complaining, he easily solved the problem.


    Seeing the clothes fall down, Song Jinning fell silent and raised her eyes to thank Li Chengxuan.


    Li Chengxuan ignored her, and continued to look at nothing with a cold expression on his face.


    He really is a statue.


    So Song Jinning ignored him as well, and turned around and sat down in front of the mirror, instructed Gu Yu and Bai Lu to remove the phoenix crown from her head, remove the red gown, and then go to the bathing room beside the hall to wash.


    While she was bathing, she deliberately spent a long time and thought about how Li Chengxuan would be impatient. But everytime she looked back, he still sat in the same position, staring at nothing.


    What is he still doing here? Does he really wanna consummate with her?


    If she hadn¡¯t didn''t know that she was a side character in a book, Song Jinning would not reject consummating with Li Chengxuan. After all, she is already married to him, and it is definitely unrealistic for a married couple to have no relationship for a lifetime.


    But now Song Jinning is very reluctant.


    In three years, he will leave her and marry the female lead. He obviously hates her now, so what is the point?


    But it is unrealistic to speak directly to him. After all, he is the Emperor, and it is not good to offend him.


    And if it reaches the ears of the Empress Dowager, she will be reprimanded.


    After thinking about it, Song Jinning didn''t look any further. Instead, she relaxed and closed her eyes.


    Now is the time to wait patiently. If Li Chengxuan can¡¯t help himself and leaves then it has nothing to do with her.

 CH 2.2

    This is Kookspiritedaway, i will be posting here from now on, because i want to get paid for my translations.


    A mama gave Song Jinning yuanxiao [1] and asked loudly: "Niang Niang [2], when will you have a son?


    Someone had already told her that she needed to eat Yuanxiao during the wedding. But Song Jinning couldn''t help but be disgusted when she saw it.


    Why are all these people talking about children? In the future, there will be many concubines who will give children to Li Chengxuan and Song Jinning is not one of them.


    Seeing this bowl of yuanxiao, Song Jinningl feels sick to her stomach.


    So naturally, her hand that stretched out to take food bypassed the bowl of yuanxiao, and she instead reached to take some peanuts.


    The servants in the hall bowed their heads, holding their breath.


    They heard that the empress was courageous when she was a child and even bullied the emperor, but now on their wedding night, she actually keeps the emperor in the cold?


    But the truth is, Song Jinning just didn''t know what to say to Li Chengxuan, and at the same time she was competing with Li Chengxuan, so she kept her eyes down and kept peeling peanuts.


    Song Jinning peeled two  peanuts slowly, but then she had a problem.


    She is hungry!


    This morning, she woke up, took a bath and put on her makeup. When the makeup was finished, the servants were worried the makeup would be ruined so they didn¡¯t allow her to eat.


    Later, because of the tedious etiquette, there was no chance to eat.


    But she was not hungry before, so she didn¡¯t care. But after eating two peanuts, her hungry stomach recovered and began to protest. At this moment, she felt very hungry, and every second was extremely difficult.


    In her last life, she had constant stomach aches, so Song Jinning never wronged her stomach in this life.


    Seeing Li Chengxuan, she didn''t know when he would leave. Or,  if he will even leave tonight. So Song Jinning called Gu Yu and Bai Lu to come so that she could give instructions


    "Ask Zhao Mama to cook Bengong [3] some noodles. The one with the beef broth that¡¯s good for hangovers.¡±


    Gu Yu looked at Song Jinning blankly. Is her mistress stupid? During the wedding night, she eats noodles? Who does that!


    Bai Lu didn''t have the slightest surprise on her face, and she answered calmly, turning around to leave the hall.  Obviously she was obedient to Song Jinning''s words. It didn¡¯t matter what the Emperor thought, he is not her master.


    Song Jinning then looked at Li Chengxuan and graciously asked: "Your Majesty, do you also want some noodles?¡±


    Li Chengxuan''s reaction to this was a cold snort, his voice as cold as broken ice.


    "No need!"


    Song Jinning then glanced at Gu Yu, who reluctantly turned around and followed Bai Lu.


    Song Jinning continued to peel peanuts, and Li Chengxuan continued to sit on the edge of the bed. The two people never exchanged words or even looked at eachother.


    Song Jinning chuckled softly in her heart.


    It seems that the power of Empress Dowager Song is not going to leave tonight. He is still planning to sleep with her?


    However, with Li Chengxuan¡¯s indifferent look, he¡¯ll probably choose to die rather than to sleep with Song Jinning.


    Footnotes:


    1) ÔªÏü (Yu¨¢nxi¨¡o):  a dumpling ball made of sticky rice flour stuffed with different fillings. I don¡¯t know why SJN described it as disgusting, to me it¡¯s pretty good lol.


    2) ÄïÄï (ni¨¢ng niang): Your Highness


    3) ±¾¹¬ (b¨§n gong): Lit. this palace. illeism for the empress and imperial consorts.

 CH 3.1

    This is Kookspiritedaway, i will be posting here from now on, because i want to get paid for my translations.


    The noodles are very easy to make so it only took a short time for Gu Yu and Bai Lu to return.


    After bringing the food box to the table, Gu Yu took the food from the box with both hands and then put it in front of Song Jinning.


    Not only the noodles, but also shredded chicken with cold sauce, roasted duck with soy sauce, and sour pickles were placed in front of her. The sight can really make one¡¯s eyes move.


    Song Jinning was really hungry, so she immediately took the chopsticks that Gu Yu handed over, and lowered her head to eat.


    This soup is indeed the one made by Zhao Mama. The soup is very flavorful, and the aroma is very rich.


    There was also a fried egg on top.


    Song Jinning likes to eat well done fried eggs, and Zhao Mama knows her preferences well, so the fried eggs were golden on both sides, and a crunch can be heard with each bite.


    Gu Yu and Bai Lu looked at this scene nonchalantly. Although the two of them are high ranking servants, they are not the masters after all. So like every other person, they only eat when necessary.


    But the reason they did not get hungry is because when they went to the side kitchen, they also asked Zhao Mama for a plate of pastries.


    While Zhao Mama cooked, the two of them ate the pastries. They were not hungry and therefore could watch Song Jinning eat calmly.


    But Li Chengxuan is different!


    Today he is also like Song Jinning. Although he had breakfast, due to the numerous things he had to do today, he didn¡¯t eat lunch or dinner. So now, looking at Song Jinning, he also became hungry


    It''s just that his will is stronger. He is unwilling to lose face in front of people, so even if he felt really hungry, and even if Song Jinning offered him a bowl of noodles, he still refused.


    It''s really tough. Not only can he hear the sound in his belly, but...


    Li Chengxuan abruptly got up from the edge of the bed, and walked outside the hall with a calm face.


    Gu Yu was shocked.


    Watching him walk out of the palace gate, she asked Song Jinning quietly: ¡°Mistress, His Majesty is gone. What do we do?"


    Song Jinning thought, isn''t it a good thing that he is gone?


    ¡°Don¡¯t mind it.¡± Song Jinning picked up the chopsticks and said. "Go and make the bed."


    Not only did she wake up very early today, but she was also tired all day, so she naturally wants to sleep early.


    Gu Yu: ...


    The groom left on the wedding night, and the bride is not sad, but rather happy to see him leave.


    Mistress, are you really stupid?


    However, Gu Yu had to obey so she turned around to fix the bed.


    On the other hand, Li Chengxuan strode out of the hall, and Zhou Jing, who was standing at the corridor, immediately greeted him and called out, "Your Majesty?"


    Zhou Jing doesn¡¯t understand why his master will come out now. And the look on his face is not good...


    Li Chengxuan did not stop, his handsome face was calm, and he continued walking forward.


    Zhou Jing had to trot all the way but still barely managed to keep up with Li Chengxuan.


    Seeing that Li Chengxuan had reached the gate, Zhou Jing became nervous.


    Even if he will be punished, he still has to remind Li Chengxuan.


    "Your Majesty, today is your wedding night. If you leave behind the Empress, and it reaches the ears of the Empress Dowager, I''m afraid..."


    Zhou Jing didn¡¯t even finish what he was saying, but Li Chengxuan is wise. He already knew what Zhou Jing was talking about.


    Li Chengxuan stopped when he heard these words, and his face became gloomy.


    Zhou Jing watched, his body stiff and his eyes fearful.


    Anyway, as long as he can''t see the anger on the Emperor¡¯s face, then he can pretend that he doesn''t know that the Emperor is angry.


    After a moment of silence, he suddenly heard Li Chengxuan''s voice.


    "Is there anything to eat?"


    Zhou Jing was taken aback for a moment, and then he reacted.


    "Yes, yes!" It turns out the reason why his master came out just now is because he is hungry.


    But didn''t the two servants of the empress enter the hall a food box? The empress dared to eat alone without the emperor?


    The empress is really as bold and arrogant as the rumors, and doesn''t even put the emperor in her eyes.


    Zhou Jing was slanderous in his heart, but he called two small eunuchs over and instructed them to go to the imperial kitchen to fetch food immediately.


    Song Jinning¡¯s kitchen is in her own Weiyang Palace, and the Imperial Kitchen for the Emperor is quite far away, so even though the two eunuchs walked fast, it still took about a quarter of an hour to come back.


    And after returning, the two eunuchs immediately knelt in front of Li Chengxuan.


    "Your Majesty, when these slaves went to the imperial kitchen, the stove was already out and we were told it will take time to start one again. Fortunately, there were still two plates of pastries, and your majesty is worried about waiting, so these slaves took these two plates of pastries first in order to satisfy Your Majesty¡¯s hunger.¡±


    Because it is the day of the Emperor¡¯s wedding, the imperial kitchen was very busy. After the wedding banquet finally ended, the cooks were relieved. Seeing that the night was getting dark, they thought that Li Chengxuan would want to enjoy his time with the empress, so they put out the stove and went back to rest, leaving only two cooks on duty. But who knew that in the middle of the night the emperor was actually hungry and wanted to eat food.


    The two eunuchs did not expect that it would turn out like this, and they were fearful.


    Li Chengxuan was indeed very angry.


    People who are hungry, their tempers are never good. What''s more, Li Chengxuan is the emperor above all. Even if he can''t be angry at some ministers, he has every right to be angry with servants in the palace.


    "It takes so much time to cook noodles, what does zhen [1] want you to do?¡±


    Footnote:


    1) ëÞ (zh¨¨n): Royal ¡®We¡¯. Illeism used by the emperor to refer to himself


    TN: Shouldn''t SJN and LCX eat at their banquet? That''s a question that''s been running through my head lol.

 CH 3.2

    This is Kookspiritedaway, i will be posting here from now on, because i want to get paid for my translations.


    With these words, the two eunuchs felt even more fear.


    But Li Chengxuan thought about it again. So what if the imperial kitchen can cook some noodles? It wouldn¡¯t be as good as the one Song Jinning had just now.


    Li Chengxuan refused to admit that his saliva almost flowed out when he smelled the scent of Song Jinning¡¯s food.


    His self-control has never been this bad!


    After he calmed down, due to the feeling of hunger in his stomach, he told Zhou Jing: "Tell zhen what kind of pastries it is."


    Zhou Jing hurriedly ran to take the food box.


    He lifted the lid of the food box and looked. Seeing that it was a plate of Osmanthus Cake and Jujube Rice Cake [1], he immediately felt relieved.


    Although Li Chengxuan is cold, as an old man who has served him for more than ten years, Zhou Jing knew well that Li Chengxuan is actually a sweet tooth.


    Li Chengxuan snorted and said nothing. But Zhou Jing knew that this meant he was okay.


    After the two eunuchs left, Li Chengxuan walked and sat on a pavilion outside Weiyang Palace.


    But Zhou Jing hoped that he would go back to Weiyang Palace now. Otherwise, if Empress Dowager Song hears about it, he¡¯s afraid that something might happen.


    Li Chengxuan was unwilling to go back. At least not now.


    Song Jinning had noodles and various side dishes when she ate. She invited him to eat with her, but he was very stubborn and refused. At this moment, eating these two plates of pastries¡­.


    Even though these two plates of pastries are exquisite and unique, and both are his favorites, when they are compared with what Song Jinning ate...


    He then sat down on a stone seat. Upon seeing this, Zhou Jing hurriedly picked up the pastries and put them on the stone table.


    It was March, and while the sun shines brightly during the day, as soon as the night starts, the wind will start to get cold.


    Zhou Jing instructed a eunuch to close all the windows so that the pavilion will be warmer.


    When he turned around, he saw Li Chengxuan taking a piece of Osmanthus Cake and putting it in his mouth.


    After seeing that Li Chengxuan no longer ate, Zhou Jing hurriedly offered a bowl of hot tea with both hands.


    Taking advantage of Li Chengxuan drinking tea, Zhou Jing thought for a while, and persuaded softly: "Your Majesty, there is a saying that one must first suffer with their bones, stomach, and their body in order to recieve great responsibility [2]. The empress dowager promised that if you marry the empress, you can be in charge of the government. You have gone all the ninety-nine steps, and you must not fall short in this last step [3], don''t you think?"


    Li Chengxuan was only eleven years old when the previous emperor died. Although the previous emperor appointed four ministers to assist Li Chengxuan, the hearts of these people were unpredictable, and some of them deceived him. As he was young, Li Chengxuan could not do anything.


    During this time, it was Empress Dowager Song who helped him to eliminate the treacherous ministers one by one.


    Although the court was peaceful under her, power is like a drug. Once you have it, it is very hard to give it back. Empress Dowager Song continued to control the government for six years and had no intention of returning it to Li Chengxuan.


    After hundreds of officials wrote petitions to return the political power to the Emperor, Empress Dowager Song finally agreed.


    If Li Chengxuan married her niece Song Jinning, after the wedding, she would return the power to Li Chengxuan and live peacefully in the palace.


    It was beneficial to Li Chengxuan in more ways than one. But even though Li Chengxuan gained a lot from this marriage, how could Li Chengxuan not feel humiliated in his heart under such circumstances?


    Footnotes:


    1) ÔæÄà (z¨£o n¨ª): Jujube Sticky Rice Cake. Traditional food that is usually served during Chinese New Year. It has a sticky, taffy-like consistency.


    2) Ê¥ÈËÓо仰˵µÄºÃ£¬Ì콫½µ´óÈÎÓÚ˹ÈËÒ²£¬±ØÏÈ¿àÆä½î¹Ç£¬¶öÆäÌå·ô£¬¿Õ·¦ÆäÉí: When heaven is about to confer a great responsibility on any man, it will exercise his mind with suffering, subject his sinews and bones to hard work, expose his body to hunger, put him to poverty, place obstacles in the paths of his deeds, so as to stimulate his mind, harden his nature, and improve wherever he is incompetent, MENG TZU, fourth century BCE


    3) Õâ¾ÅÊ®¾Å²½¶¼×ßÁË£¬Íò²»ÄÜÔÚÕâ×îºóÒ»²½¹¦¿÷Ò»óñ: A Chinese proverb meaning don¡¯t give up on the last minute. Continue doing it since you''re so close to achieving whatever you''r achieving

 CH 4

    Song Jinning knew the plot well, so she didn¡¯t even want to try to be a real couple with Li Chengxuan.


    Seeing Li Chengxuan leave, she was very happy in her heart.


    After eating, she rinsed her mouth, walked back and forth in the hall a few times to digest, then went to bed.


    She woke up early and she was tired all day, so she immediately fell asleep the minute her head hit the pillow.


    In a daze, she seemed to hear someone talking in the hall.


    She was thinking in her heart, who is this, so bold? Don''t they know that she doesn''t like being disturbed when she sleeps?


    But her eyelids were heavy, and although she wanted to open her eyes to see who it was, she couldn''t open them.


    Fortunately, the hall became quiet after a few minutes, so Song Jinning gave up trying to open her eyes and continued to sleep deeply.


    The bed curtain covering the bed was lifted to one side, and suddenly cold wind poured in.


    The soft bedding next to her seemed to have weight, with something warm lying on her side.


    Song Jinning became impatient, and rolled over, facing the wall.


    After finally making up his mind, Li Chengxuan stretched out his hand to press her shoulder:...Is she awake or not?


    But with her attitude, it seems that he shouldn''t have to do husband and wife affairs with her tonight, right?


    Thinking of this, Li Chengxuan breathed a sigh of relief.


    As for sleeping in the same bed, he will stay here for tonight, so it is not considered that he neglected Song Jinning, and the Empress Dowager will fulfill her promise.


    As for the future, don¡¯t think about that.


    So Li Chengxuan closed his eyes while secretly resenting Song Jinning.


    Although the two people slept on the same bed, Li Chengxuan still tried his best to keep his body away from Song Jinning.


    Even in his sleep, he was still rigid, fearing that he would unconsciously lean towards Song Jinning after he fell asleep.


    So when dawn came the next morning, Li Chengxuan had already retreated to the edge of the bed.


    If he hadn''t practiced martial arts over the years so that the balance of his body was good, he would have fallen out of bed.


    As for Song Jinning, even if her father loved her greatly, she still had rules to follow. In the morning, she must get up before dawn. So Song Jinning has developed a habit of waking up early in the morning.


    When she woke up the sun was already shining brightly.


    When she turned her head, she was shocked to see a person sleeping beside her.


    It was a man!


    Her instinct kicked in, she yelled, and then subconsciously kicked Li Chengxuan over.


    Li Chengxuan only had half his body dangling outside the bed, before he suddenly suffered a heavy kick on the waist, and the next moment Li Chengxuan turned over and fell.


    The bed was not high, and he fell down on a rug when he landed, so it didn''t feel very painful.


    Li Chengxuan didn¡¯t realize what happened and he raised his head to look at Song Jinning blankly.


    Song Jinning was also watching him.


    She has slept alone since she was born, and she suddenly woke up to see a man sleeping beside her. How can she not be shocked? It was completely her instinct to kick Li Chengxuan out of the bed.


    At this moment, she finally reacted and smiled apologetically.


    "Um, I''m sorry, I''m used to sleeping by myself, and forgot that I got married yesterday..."


    She remembered something before she finished speaking.


    "But your Majesty, didn''t you leave last night? Why did you come back?"


    After speaking, she hurriedly bowed her head.


    Seeing that she was still well dressed, she breathed a sigh of relief.


    Leaving and returning already made Li Chengxuan feel very shameless, and now he was even kicked out of the bed?


    What made him even more angry was that now, looking at Song Jinning''s appearance, she must be thinking that he came back last night just to lust after her.


    How is it like this?


    Had it not been for the Empress Dowager¡¯s promise, he would not have come back last night!


    Li Chengxuan''s face was reddish while looking at Song Jinning.


    After taking a look at Song Jinning, he stood up and walked out quickly.


    Then Song Jinning heard him calling Zhou Jing. Obviously, Zhou Jing was called in to help him dress.


    Song Jinning blinked while sitting on the bed.


    In fact, she was still a little surprised.


    She originally thought that he would punish her for the kick. She didn''t expect that he would endure it and not pursue the matter.


    While Zhou Jing waited for the other eunuchs to come in and serve Li Chengxuan, Gu Yu and Bai Lu hurriedly came in to serve Song Jinning.


    Song Jinning was still sitting cross-legged on the bed.


    Seeing the two of them coming in, she asked: "When did he come last night? Why didn''t you two tell me?"


    Bai Lu was tired and didn¡¯t have the energy to talk, so Gu Yu was the one reporting this time.


    "Mistress, didn''t I tell you that Your Majesty came over yesterday? Standing outside the door, I shouted. It must be because you slept too heavily, that you didn''t hear it."


    The expression on Gu Yu''s face was very innocent. "As for blocking him, Your Highness, that is the emperor after all, these servants dare not." Actually when Li Chengxun returned, Gu Yu and Bai Lu were very happy.


    If the Emperor and Empress are not in a good relationship, what will people say about their mistress in the future?


    Song Jinning treated Gu Yu and Bai Lu very well, so the two of them dared to say anything in front of her.


    After speaking, Gu Yu approached to help Song Jinning dress.


    When she saw the white quilt laying on the mattress, the smile on Gu Yu''s face immediately froze.


    After a while she said: "Mistress, did you and your majesty not do it last night?¡±


    Song Jinning looked down and saw the clean quilt too.


    She was really sleepy last night, so she fell asleep as soon as she laid down. She didn''t even notice that there was a white quilt on the mattress.


    Obviously it was not placed by Gu Yu or Bai Lu, but by the Empress Dowager.


    Song Jinning understood why the Empress Dowager would be suspicious. She just wanted to be sure that Li Chengxuan and her truly slept together.


    Regardless of whether it is a royal or a commoner, it is very important to have open branches and leaves [1]. If the husband and wife do not sleep together, then how will this be possible?


    Song Jinning had a headache just thinking about it.


    Someone will come over to test this quilt in a while. Maybe that certain person will also present this quilt to the Empress Dowager for her inspection.


    If this quilt is presented to the empress dowager... the only explanation would either be that Song Jinning and Li Chengxuan did not consummate or Song Jinning is not a virgin.


    Regardless of the reason, it will not turn out well.


    After thinking about it, she called Gu Yu: "Bring me the jasper hairpin.¡±


    Although Song Jinning is lazy, she found it funny when she met martial arts masters when she was in Yunnan.


    But it was just an unrealistic dream for her to be a chivalrous woman. Because of the fact that learning martial arts is so exhausting.


    So she didn¡¯t really see this as a career choice.


    But there was a master who saw her as a good talent, and taught her well.


    This master is very good at hiding weapons into everyday objects.  After three years of learning, Song Jinning successfully completed her training and earned this master¡¯s approval.


    The master not only taught her martial arts, but also gave her some weapons to use.


    For example, this jasper hairpin. It looks like a very ordinary hairpin, with a drop-shaped head and a matte silver-like body.


    But in fact, this hairpin was made from a thousand year old iron, and its sharpness was comparable to even the sharpest swords in the world.


    The hairpin made of jasper had a very thin chain attached to it. You just needed to press a tiny button on the hairpin, and the sharp side will eject.


    There were other weapons of course, such as an ordinary looking bracelet, that splits into two after pressing a button. A very thin, but extremely tough silver wire was attached to the middle. If this silver wire is wrapped around a person''s neck, it will be as easy as cutting vegetables.


    To Song Jinning, these weapons are better used for assasination than actual fighting.


    Song Jinning, as the daughter of Prince Nanyang, has valuable status and is guarded by guards when she leaves the house, so she never has the opportunity to show her martial arts skills.


    She asked Gu Yu to bring her the jasper hairpin to prick her finger.


    But Song Jinning is really afraid of pain.


    So she held the hairpin in her hand for a long time, took a deep breath then another deep breath, but she still didn''t want to prick her finger.


    In the end, Bai Lu, who was standing on the side, became impatient. She raised her hand to remove the hairpin from Song Jinning¡¯s hands and pierced her index finger sharply.


    Footnotes:


    1) ÉúÓý×ÓË㬿ªÖ¦É¢Ò¶¶¼ÊǺÜÖØ: To have lots of children, i.e continue the family bloodline

 CH 5.1

    Bai Lu knew what Song Jinning wanted to do, so when she saw her index finger bleeding, she immediately took two steps forward and dropped the blood unto the white quilt.


    To make it look more realistic, Bai Lu deliberately spread the blood around, in order to make it look like a very chaotic and intense scene happened last night.


    After she did this, she stepped aside, raising her hand to put her bloody fingertips in her mouth.


    Song Jinning looked at her for a while, then stretched out her hand, with tears in her eyes.


    "Sure enough, the one who truly knows me is Lu¡¯er.¡±


    Bai Lu rolled her eyes, and urged Song Jinning: "Mistress, you need to change clothes. You have to go to the Empress Dowager and pay respects."


    Song Jinning smiled and got out of bed to put on shoes.


    Gu Yu looked at the bloody quilt, and then at Song Jinning and Bai Lu. She did not agree with the two of them.


    "Bai Lu, why are you helping the mistress fool around?"


    Bai Lu didn''t answer, but Song Jinning turned her head to look at Gu Yu, and said with a smile: "This is not ¡®messing around¡¯. Do you want others to think that your mistress is unclean? Or that the Emperor laughed at your mistress because he did not want to sleep with her." Although Gu Yu felt that Song Jinning''s two reasons were justified, she still felt that this was an inappropriate thing to do.


    "But even if you can hide this from others, the emperor knows exactly what''s going on. What if he gets angry?¡±


    Song Jinning chuckled. It was Li Chengxuan who didn¡¯t want to do it!


    If the quilt is clean, and Empress Dowager Song sees it, not only her but Li Chengxuan will be scolded as well.


    With these ¡®bloodstains¡¯, both Li Chengxuan and Song Jinning can save themselves.


    Moreover, Empress Dowager Song will surely send a person to check on the quilt.


    She smiled and said to Gu Yu: "Don''t worry about these trivial things. I¡¯ll wash and dress up then I''ll go see the Empress Dowager.¡±


    Gu Yu had no choice but to agree.


    Song Jinning washed up then sat down in front of the mirror to start dressing up.


    On of the corner of her eye, she saw two maidservants making the bed. They took the blood stained quilt then placed it on a silver tray.


    There was another maidservant who looked older than the two who took the tray and left the hall.


    Li Chengxuan was standing outside the hall. They stopped quickly, bowed and greeted him, calling out your majesty.


    Li Chengxuan didn''t intend to look at the servants, but from the corner of his eye, he suddenly saw a white quilt from the tray the oldest maidservant was holding.


    His heart beat fiercely.


    He suddenly remembered that there is indeed such a custom of verification during the wedding night.


    He was full of shame when he went and returned last night, so when he lay on the bed, he didn''t notice that there was a white quilt on the mattress.


    Song Jinning was already asleep, and he knew that she naturally couldn''t do anything while she was asleep.


    So the quilt must be clean.


    If Empress Dowager Song sees this¡­...


    Maybe she would take the opportunity to refuse to return the political power to him.


    Li Chengxuan was desperate. He turned around and reached out to touch the quilt.


    He can never let Empress Dowager Song see this.


    But the hand he stretched out suddenly froze in the air.


    Because he saw blood on the quilt.


    This is...


    "Congratulations, Your Majesty, Congratulations."


    The maidservant saw him move and saw his face change, and thought he was shy.


    The Emperor slept with someone for the first time. How can he not be shy?


    The maidservant pursed her lips and chuckled, she smiled and said vaguely: "This slave is from Shoukang Palace. It was the empress dowager who asked this slave to make the bed for the empress today."


    Actually, she went to Weiyang Palace to take the white quilt. The white quilt is to be shown to the Empress Dowager for verification.


    How could Li Chengxuan not understand what she meant?


    He knew that this maidservant was named Cui Nong, and she is a close confidante of the Empress Dowager. Cui Nong is a respected mama [1] and the highest ranking servant in Shoukang Palace.


    Empress Dowager Song actually sent her to pick up the white quilt in person which shows how important it is to her that they consummated.


    However, since there was already blood on the quilt, Li Chengxuan did not need to stop her.


    He did not speak anymore, turned his head, and continued to look at a distance with an expressionless face.


    Cui Nong saluted and retired, and holding the tray in her hand, she walked out of the gate of Weiyang Palace.


    Footnotes:


    1) æÖæÖ(m¨¡ m¨¡)- this refers to old female servants.

 CH 5.2

    When Cui Nong arrived at Shoukang Palace, Empress Dowager Song had already dressed up and was sitting on a wooden chair next to the window while drinking bird''s nest soup.


    Cui Nong didn''t dare to step forward and only stood aside with the tray in her hand.


    Empress Dowager Song only drank a small amount of bird''s nest soup then handed the bowl to the maidservant who was standing by. She took a wet towel, slowly wiping her hands and while looking up at Cui Nong, she asked, "Where is it?¡±


    Cui Nong hurriedly stepped forward, knelt down in front of Empress Dowager Song, and raised the tray with both hands.


    "Please check, Your Highness." Empress Dowager Song only glanced at it. Seeing the blood stains on the white quilt, a smile appeared on her face.


    "Get up."


    Cui Nong stood up and handed the tray in her hand to a maidservant on the side.


    Seeing Empress Dowager Song¡¯s faint smile, Cui Nong joked: ¡°When this slave went to Weiyang Palace, the emperor stood outside the hall waiting for the empress. This slave is sure that they will head to Shoukang Palace to greet the empress dowager soon.¡±


    Cui Nong is Empress Dowager Song¡¯s maid that she brought from her natal family and has been by her side all these years. Empress Dowager Song wholeheartedly trusts Cui Nong.


    Seeing that Empress Dowager Song was happy, she asked, ¡°Is the Empress Dowager rest assured now?¡±


    Empress Dowager Song was originally worried that Song Jinning and Li Chengxuan would not cooperate and not get along.


    "Aijia [1] thought that the emperor was unhappy in this marriage. Ning''er, when she was young, bullied the emperor. The family spoiled her too much and she had a very bad temper. Who knows what the situation will be when the two meet? I didn''t expect that the two of them would have a smooth round last night."


    ¡°This was when the Empress was young. Prince Nanyang had already said in his letters that the Empress¡¯s temperament has changed drastically. The Emperor is also very filial to the Empress Dowager and will not disobey your order.¡±


    Empress Dowager Song didn''t believe what Cui Nong said.


    She knows how much her elder brother loves Song Jinning. In the eyes of her elder brother, his daughter is the best in the world, and he would even catch the sun for her if she asked him to. Can she believe what he said about his daughter?


    As for Li Chengxuan''s filial piety to her, it is even more ridiculous.


    Even if it is a mother and son, their relationship will inevitably become strained because of power, not to mention that she and Li Chengxuan are only halfway between mother and son.


    Back then, although she was favored, she had no children. Li Chengxuan was a prince, but her biological mother was not only humble, but also dead. It was a win-win situation for each other. Li Chengxuan is smart and he understands this in his heart.


    Can he really be filial to her? In the past two years, he has made a lot of small moves secretly, and Empress Dowager Song knows this.


    But Empress Dowager Song is a very transparent person.


    Although she wants to hold on to power, she understands that she will eventually have to return the power to Li Chengxuan.


    Since this is the case, it would be better if she took the initiative to return it now because she could also take advantage of the situation to make an offer.


    Before his death, although the previous emperor made an order to pass on the throne to Li Chengxuan in front of several important officials, he also made an order to make the eldest brother of Empress Dowager Song as Prince Nanyang, and moved him to Yunnan. He also ordered that without imperial permission, he is not allowed to return to Beijing.


    This is because the previous emperor felt that Li Chengxuan was young and he worried about the autonomy of his relatives.


    Empress Dowager Song felt very sorry for her brother.


    Her brother was born in Beijing and grew up in Beijing. He is a very easygoing person, but because of her, he had to travel to Yunnan and can¡¯t return to Beijing.


    So she let his cherished daughter become the Empress as compensation to her brother.


    As for how arrogant and domineering her niece is and whether she is suitable for being an Empress, she doesn''t worry at all.


    She will teach her well from now on.


    Moreover, with her alive in this palace, Li Chengxuan will not dare to treat Song Jinning badly.


    So even though Empress Dowager Song didn''t agree with Cui Nong¡¯s remarks, she didn''t say a word.


    Because she knew that Cui Nong was just comforting her.


    She smiled slightly: "Speaking of which, I haven''t seen Ning''er for seven years, and I don''t know what she looks like now."


    "When I saw the Empress in Weiyang Palace just now. It¡¯s no exaggeration to say that I thought I saw a fairy in the sky.¡± It was Cui Nong who was talking with a smile, ¡°People can¡¯t look away after a glance.¡±


    Empress Dowager Song laughed, "They say that the appearance of a niece is the same as that of the aunt. Since that is the case, the Empress must really look good.¡±


    In Weiyang Palace, Song Jinning had finished dressing up.


    When she left the hall, she saw Li Chengxuan standing with his hands on his back.


    He was looking straight ahead, with no expression on his face.


    Footnotes:


    1) °§¼Ò (¨¤i ji¨¡): Illeism for the empress dowager. It means ¡®mourning¡¯ (for the former emperor).

 CH 6

    Although Song Jinning felt that her footsteps were very quiet when she walked, Li Chengxuan still heard it.


    And even if he didn''t hear the footsteps, Zhou Jing bowed and greeted her when he saw her, so it was impossible for Li Chengxuan to not know she was here.


    The only explanation is that Li Chengxuan knew that she was coming, but didn¡¯t bother to move.


    In fact, she didn''t want to see him. But this is the first day since the wedding, and the both of them must pay respects to the Empress Dowager. So let¡¯s behave for now.


    She said: "Your Majesty, please go ahead."


    Li Chengxuan started moving when he heard her voice.


    But still didn''t look at her.


    Song Jinning didn''t care, and walked three steps behind him.


    *


    After arriving at Shoukang Palace, Gu Yu came over to help Song Jinning.


    Although Song Jinning doesn¡¯t have the original owner¡¯s memories, she wasn¡¯t panicked or nervous at all.


    After all, she has been away from Beijing for seven years, so naturally many things have changed.


    And she knew that Prince Nanyang had already told Empress Dowager Song in his letter that she had forgotten about the past after she had a high fever seven years ago.


    As soon as she entered the hall, she saw a person sitting on a wooden chair which Song Jinning knew was her aunt, Empress Dowager Song.


    Song Jinning knew that Empress Dowager Song is already thirty-six years old this year, but she maintained her appearance very well, and her face was smooth and fair like a twenty-year-old woman.


    If her appearance wasn''t this good, then she would never have been the favorite woman of the previous emperor.


    Song Jinning knelt down, saluted Empress Dowager Song and served tea.


    After taking two sips of the tea that Song Jinning handed over, the Empress Dowager smiled slightly, stretched out her hand to pull Song Jinning up, and smiled: "Let Aijia take a look at you.¡±


    Empress Dowager Song was surprised.


    It was not because of Song Jinning''s outstanding appearance. After all, Song Jinning was already a beauty when she was young, so it is inevitable that she will be a beauty when she grows up.


    It was Song Jinning¡¯s attitude.


    It is no exaggeration to say that Song Jinning was very arrogant and domineering when she was a child. When she looked at people, her chin was raised and her eyes were mocking.


    But when Song Jinning entered the hall, Empress Dowager Song noticed that she was extremely upright as she walked. When she greeted her earlier, her voice was not arrogant or rash, but was mellow and gentle like the wind.


    It seems that what her brother said in his letter was true?


    Empress Dowager Song was overjoyed.


    What''s more, Song Jinning is the Empress she personally selected. Of course she wants Song Jinning to be good so others will praise her later.


    She happily led Song Jinning to sit down beside her and talked to her with a smile on her face.


    What she asked was nothing more than asking how the family has been these years, whether her brother was still healthy, and whether he still enjoys the same food as before.


    Although Song Jinning''s father had been a noble since he was a child, he was not dull, drunk or lustful, but was rather a foodie.


    His greatest wish in life is to try every single food possible. It is for this reason that there are many chefs with outstanding skills in Prince Nanyang¡¯s mansion.


    Because her father was a foodie, Song Jinning became a foodie too.


    Even when Song Jinning became the Empress. In addition to all kinds of expensive dowries, Song Jinning''s father also carefully selected eight cooks to go to Beijing to enter the palace with Song Jinning.


    Song Jinning was shocked at that time.


    Although she was the Empress and it was normal to open a small kitchen in the palace where she lived, wasn''t it too extra to bring 8 cooks at once?


    In the end, Song Jinning''s father agreed to let her take only three cooks to Beijing.


    Song Jinning revealed this matter to Empress Dowager Song.


    There are many imperial cooks in the palace, but since she brought three cooks with her, she is afraid that others will say that she is arrogant and extravagant. It''s better to take advantage of the fact that Empress Dowager Song and Li Chengxuan are here now, so as to pass this matter.


    Li Chengxuan''s response to this was nothing.


    The Empress Dowager is here so what can he do to Song Jinning?


    And it''s just three cooks. As long as the Empress Dowager is alive, let alone three cooks, even if it¡¯s thirty, three hundred, it¡¯s still nothing.


    But the noodles Zhao Mama made last night seemed to be very good. That bowl of beef soup, it¡¯s smell, it''s appearance¡­.


    Why is he thinking about it?


    Li Chengxuan''s heart shuddered, and he became busy putting this out of his mind.


    Empress Dowager Song was extremely interested in what Song Jinning said.


    She knows how spoiled her brother''s mouth is, and how much he loves Song Jinning.


    So these three cooks must be really good.


    Although the cooks in the imperial kitchen are also very good in terms of cooking, the royal family pays attention to level and style. The ingredients used in these dishes are really generous, but are worse in terms of taste.


    What''s more, no matter how good the meal is, you will get tired of eating it after so many years.


    Empress Dowager Song smiled and told Song Jinning that in the future, if her three cooks made something delicious, she should give her some.


    Song Jinning naturally agreed with a smile.


    While the two were talking, Cui Nong came in to inform them that Nanyang Zhangzi [1] was outside.


    Song Jinning knew it was her eldest brother Song Shao.


    She was accompanied to Beijing by him and even got married in front of him.


    Empress Dowager Song hadn''t seen Song Shao in seven years, and she was very worried about him. Needless to say, he told Cui Nong to let him in.


    After a while, a young man walked in from outside.


    Song Shao is twenty-three years old this year, with a good-looking appearance and was full of chivalry.


    After entering the hall, he first bowed down to greet Empress Dowager Song, then Li Chengxuan, and then Song Jinning.


    Song Jinning felt a little uncomfortable.


    Although she wasn¡¯t the real Song Jinning, she had been with the Song family for seven years, and she had long regarded them as her relatives.


    Song Shao treated her very well, and she liked this brother very much.


    It''s just that in the past, her brothers and sisters were very carefree with her, but now when they see her, they pay respects and call her the Empress.


    After Empress Dowager Song asked him to get up, he first relayed his father''s greetings to Empress Dowager Song and Li Chengxuan, and then handed a gift list with both hands.


    Song Jinning knew that these were gifts carefully selected by her parents for Empress Dowager Song and Li Chengxuan. Due to the large number of gifts, it is inconvenient to move them one by one.


    So Song Shao submitted the gift list first and let them take a look at it. If they are interested in any gift, they can ask someone to move it over.


    Empress Dowager Song has been the empress dowager all these years. Is there any good thing in the world that she hasn''t seen? If a regular noble presented a gift list, she would be too lazy to take a look. But this is a gift from her own brother. It is not an exaggeration to say that even if it¡¯s just a leaf, in her eyes, it will still be more valuable than a gold necklace given by others.


    So she asked Cui Nong to take the gift list and give it to her before opening it and looking at it happily.


    Prince Nanyang has his own fief, so he is naturally very rich. Although his most precious jewel became the Empress, as a father he is very worried.


    The best thing he can do is to please Song Jinning¡¯s mother-in-law and husband. If he makes them happy, then they will not treat Song Jinning badly.


    Empress Dowager Song was very happy when she saw the list. After she was done, she asked Cui Nong to give the gift list to Li Chengxuan.


    Although Li Chengxuan was sitting upright while looking at the list, his eyes were casual.


    Song Jinning suspected that he wasn¡¯t even reading the list at all.


    But it didn''t matter, she never expected Li Chengxuan to like or even care about the Song Family.


    Li Chengxuan closed the gift list, and raised his eyes to look at Song Shao.


    He said indifferently: ¡°Prince Nanyang has a heart."


    With just that sentence, Song Shao had to respectfully thank Li Chengxuan.


    Song Jinning: ...


    She feels a bit heartbroken .


    Empress Dowager Song asked Song Shao to sit down, then Song Shao respectfully responded to Empress Dowager Song¡¯s various questions.


    It was okay at the beginning, but after a while, Song Jinning became a little absent-minded.


    She was a very lazy person and her back hurts from sitting upright.


    Because of Empress Dowager Song, she had to pretend to be a dignified lady, sitting on a chair with her head up and her back straight.


    After Empress Dowager Song was finally done talking and left the hall to change her clothes, she immediately tilted her body to lean lazily on the back of the chair.


    Suddenly she saw Li Chengxuan staring at her, with surprise in his eyes.


    Footnotes:


    1) ³¤×Ó (zh¨¢ngz¨«): Lit. Chief Son. It refers to the heir of a Junwang (Second Rank Prince). SJN''s father''s full title is actually Nanyang Junwang, but i only refer to him as Nanyang Wang (Prince).

 CH 7.1

    Song Jinning met Li Chengxuan''s surprised gaze, and she subconsciously sat up straight.


    But then she thought about it, she needed to pretend to be a lady in front of Empress Dowager Song, but why would she need to pretend to be a lady in front of Li Chengxuan?


    This person was very tired of her in his heart, and she doesn''t need him for anything, so she could do whatever she wants.


    It is better for Li Chengxuan to think that she is not doing well, so that he will depose her sooner.


    As a result, the back that had just straightened immediately fell back. Her sitting posture was worse than it had been before.


    Li Chengxuan accidentally caught a glimpse of her sitting posture, and he was truly surprised.


    After being surprised, he immediately frowned.


    Although Song Jinning was born in a noble family, she did not have the etiquette training that aristocrats should have. As a child, she was very arrogant and domineering, not to mention having extremely rude mannerisms that were definitely the opposite of a lady.


    Seeing her this time, he looked at her several times, and felt that her temperament seemed to have changed a lot from that of her childhood.


    When he came with her to pay respects to the Empress Dowager just now, he saw that she was generous and docile, and thought she had really changed.


    But she was just pretending! As soon as Empress Dowager Song left, she immediately revealed her true colors.


    Li Chengxuan turned his head in disgust.


    It seemed as though his eyes would become dirtier if he looked at her more.


    Song Jinning clearly saw the disgust in his eyes, but she was not annoyed, in fact she was happy.


    She remembered the novel "How my sister-in-law became my empress". At the beginning of the story, Li Chengxuan was a cold emperor.


    She still remembers the description of Li Chengxuan in the book. It was the classic novel male lead traits: indifference, dominance, paranoia, etc.


    However, Li Chengxuan is only 18 years old now, and he has not yet become the cold emperor he was in the book, so Song Jinning can still see what he is thinking by looking at his face and eyes.


    But what does this have to do with her? She was just a passerby in this person''s life. In two or three years, she would wave her sleeves and leave, and then never see him again.


    She stretched out her hand and took a cup that was on the side table, opened the cover, and while slowly sipping the tea inside, she looked at the furnishings of Shoukang Palace.


    It took about half an hour before Empress Dowager Song returned.


    After coming back, she continued to talk endlessly.


    *


    Soon enough, it was time for lunch.


    If this is a normal family, having one''s nephew or brother for dinner, it would be a normal thing.


    But this is the palace and the two people Song Shao will be eating with are the Emperor and Empress Dowager.


    So this is not just ''lunch'', but a great honor worthy of two lifetimes.


    Song Shao hurriedly knelt down to give thanks.


    Ater a short while, servants and eunuchs came to serve food.


    From the plates, to the utensils, to the food itself, Song Jinning felt that it was too ostentatious.


    As for the dishes, it''s probably because Song Jinning has followed her father''s tastes over the years, that she felt that these royal dishes are lacking in taste.


    After sitting down and tasting a few dishes, disappointment surged in her heart.


    But after thinking about it, she understood why.


    One of the rules in the palace, that even if it is just food, the ¡®royalness¡¯ cannot be lacking. In short, the more precious the ingredients, the better. This greatly limits the performance of the royal chefs.


    Secondly, if the chefs make new food, they also have to worry about their masters not liking their food. With this in mind, who would dare to create different food?


    It means making more mistakes, and that is not good.


    Lastly, how is it possible for the masters to eat only one or two dishes? This is the Forbidden City, anyone with standing would eat at least ten dishes at a time.


    If it¡¯s a particularly high ranking master, more than a dozen dishes have to be made during a meal.


    What''s more, how many masters are there in the palace? There are just too many.


    So these imperial meals must be prepared early in the morning, so with just one order of the master, the food will come running.


    In order to ensure that the pre-made imperial meal is still hot when it arrives in front of the master, it must be kept in a cage for heating, or warmed with hot water. In this way, no matter what the dish is, it would still be hot and ready for eating.


    If it''s someone else, this royal meal would be fine, but Song Jinning has an expert foodie for a father¡­.


    Song Jinning raised her eyes and looked at her brother. Although no expression can be seen on his face, it is still obvious that the meal is not to his taste.


    So after sitting still a little bit, Song Shao got up and told everyone that he will be leaving for Yunnan tomorrow.


    Empress Dowager Song was naturally reluctant for him to leave, but with the previous emperor''s decree, she was helpless.


    She had to nod and agree.


    Song Shao knelt down to say goodbye to Empress Dowager Song, Li Chengxuan, and Song Jinning.


    Song Jinning felt very uncomfortable.


    Knowing that she shouldn''t come after him, but seeing Song Shao turning away, she still got up and said to Empress Dowager Song and Li Chengxuan, "Auntie, Your Majesty, Chenqie has a gift to give to her brother.¡±


    For the Empress Dowager, these two are her relatives. One is her nephew and the other is her niece.


    Moreover, Song Jinning is now married, and Song Shao will be far away from her from now on. Empress Dowager Song doesn¡¯t know when they will meet. Why won¡¯t she let them say goodbye?


    So she immediately nodded in agreement.


    As for Li Chengxuan, he naturally has no reason to object.


    Song Jinning got up and walked out of the hall with Song Shao.

 CH 7.2

    Due to her current identity, Song Jinning didn''t dare to get close to Song Shao in front of Empress Dowager Song and Li Chengxuan, but as soon as they left Shoukang Palace, Song Jinning raised her hand and held Song Shao''s right arm.


    Song Shao was taken aback. He was trying to break free, when Song Jinning stopped.


    ¡°What''s the meaning of this elder brother? How is it possible that when I am married, I will no longer be elder brother''s sister? Otherwise, why would you be so unfamiliar with me, and call me Empress, and no longer call me Ning''er? You didn''t treat me like that before." The tone was soft, and her face was also very aggrieved.


    When Song Shao saw it, his heart felt soft.


    He only has one sister, how could he not love her.


    But now she was married into the royal family and has become the Empress. As a man, with so many eyes around him, how could he still be close to her like that?


    But looking at Song Jinning''s aggrieved appearance at the moment, and the fact that he doesn¡¯t know when he will see her again, Song Shao couldn''t help but feel sour.


    "Ning''er¡±, he whispered to Song Jinning, raising his hand to pat the back of her hand holding his right arm.


    "Your eldest brother will leave the capital and go back to Yunnan tomorrow. From now on, you will be here alone, and you have to learn to take care of yourself."


    Song Jinning has never been far away from them since she was born, but now she will be left alone in the capital by herself.


    Song Shao disagreed very much when Prince Nanyang¡¯s manor received the imperial decree that Song Jinning was to go to Beijing and become the Empress. He would rather Song Jinning marry someone from a normal family than a noble family where she had to be far away.


    But this is destiny, and they have to obey it.


    Although Song Jinning had some sad emotions in her heart, she felt much better than Song Shao.


    Because she knew that in three years she would be able to leave Beijing and return to Yunnan.


    But she didn''t dare tell this to Song Shao. She just said vaguely: "Brother, I like the yard where I live at home. You have to keep it neat for me. You can¡¯t allow anyone to live there.¡±


    But Song Shao felt even more sour when he heard what she said.


    Silly! You are married into the royal family, how can you easily return to your natal family?


    And your natal family is thousands of miles away in Yunnan...


    If they are not summoned by decree, they will not be allowed to enter Beijing. It will be hard for Song Jinning to see her family from now on.


    But there was still a smile on his face, and he said softly, "Ning''er, don''t worry. I will definitely take care of your yard.¡±


    Song Jinning pressed against Song Shao, and smiled at him with her eyes bent. Then she listened to Song Shao''s instructions to her one by one.


    Song Jinning nodded again and again: "Big brother, don''t worry."


    She is too lazy to be with Li Chengxuan, and she¡¯s just waiting to return to Yunnan after being deposed as soon as possible.


    Seeing her careless and indifferent appearance, Song Shao couldn''t help sighing in his heart.


    But there is nothing that can be done.


    Fortunately, Empress Dowager Song is here to protect Song Jinning.


    And although Prince Nanyang¡¯s mansion is far away in Yunnan, Li Chengxuan must still be careful with the Song clan, and he must not dare to really wrong Song Jinning.


    Song Shao finally left with a full stomach of anxiety. Song Jinning stood at the palace gate and only turned around until she couldn''t see his back anymore.


    Empress Dowager Song and Li Chengxuan in the hall were talking, but when they saw Song Jinning return, they stopped talking immediately.


    Song Jinning didn''t care about what Empress Dowager Song just said to Li Chengxuan.


    As the saying goes, there are some things not worth caring about.


    She sat upright in the chair, with slightly drooping eyebrows, listening to Empress Dowager Song with a gentle smile on her face. From time to time, she answered in a slow voice.


    Li Chengxuan sat on the opposite and glanced at her coldly, snorting in disdain.


    Put it on again!

 CH 8.1

    Song Jinning stayed in Shoukang Palace until Empress Dowager Song dismissed her.


    It''s not that she wanted to stay there, but it¡¯s because Empress Dowager Song hadn''t seen her for so long and really missed her, so she kept talking.


    Because of their conversation, Song Jinning learned that Empress Dowager Song had a daughter called Li Xiyan, titled Princess Jingle. Because Li Xiyan caught a cold, she couldn¡¯t attend the wedding and had to rest.


    Song Jinning vaguely remembered that there was such a princess in the book. In the book, Princess Jingle was weak and had a quiet temperament. But she was rarely mentioned so Song Jinning didn¡¯t know much about her.


    However, another princess titled Huaiqing, had quite a bit of an impression.


    Because Princess Huaiqing is the older sister of the heroine in the book. Not only does she focus on making trouble with the heroine every day, she also dared to humiliate her in-laws, which is very bold.


    Compared to Princess Jingle, Song Jinning was more intrigued by this Princess Huaiqing.


    Li Chengxuan left shortly after Song Shao left.


    Although the emperor''s wedding is celebrated by the whole dynasty, and a three-day rest is ensued, Li Chengxuan did not enjoy this leave, but continued to devote himself to political affairs in full swing.


    The reason is simple, because Empress Dowager Song finally gave him control over the court.


    It is like the sudden departure of a boss in a company. Even if the newly recruited person has outstanding work ability, the first few days will still be very tiring.


    What''s more, what Li Chengxuan is managing is not a company, but an empire, so there are more things to do and more trouble to solve.


    Of course, no matter how busy Li Chengxuan was, Song Jinning felt it had nothing to do with her. And she was actually quite confident in Li Chengxuan.


    After all, he is the male lead of this world.


    While he¡¯s working, Song Jinning will rest. As soon as she arrived at Weiyang Palace, she immediately laid down on the bed and closed her eyes.


    Gu Yu couldn''t stand it anymore.


    "Your Highness, didn¡¯t you remember what the Prince said to you before you left Yunnan? You are now the Empress, you must not be lazy and you should always sit straight. How come you¡¯re not even following the prince?¡±


    Song Jinning didn¡¯t listen to her.


    With her right hand propped on her chin, she looked at Bai Lu with a smile.


    "Lu¡¯er, how did I behave with the Empress Dowager just now?"


    "The empress was gentle and had a very good temperament." Bai Lu stood aside with her hands down as she replied sternly.


    Song Jinning smiled and looked at Gu Yu with raised eyebrows.


    "Look, Lu¡¯er praised me."


    Gu Yu:......


    Gu Yu gritted her teeth in secret, and she gave Bai Lu a death stare at the same time.


    Gu Yu had a round face. Although she is two years older than Song Jinning, her cheeks had baby fat which made her look younger than she actually is.


    Especially when she was angry, her cheeks bulged which reminded Song Jinning of a hamster that she really wants to squeeze.


    Song Jinning resisted this impulse. The main reason is that she is too lazy to move right now.


    But she still had enough energy to move her mouth.


    "When facing someone else, I naturally have to take care of my image. But you two are not someone else, so I can show my true self.¡±


    So in Song Jinning¡¯s heart, the two of them are more important than Empress Dowager Song and the emperor? Otherwise, why would Song Jinning still pretend in front of Empress Dowager Song and the emperor?


    Gu Yu was completely taken away by Song Jinning''s words. With joy, she walked over to Song Jinning to pour tea and give pastries.


    Bai Lu glanced at Gu Yu and thought to herself, how can you be so dumb? Don¡¯t you realize you are being completely played by the Empress.


    However, in view of Gu Yu''s temperament, Bai Lu wisely chose to turn her head and stay silent.


    Song Jinning has been continuously tired for the past few days. From Yunnan to the Wedding, she has always been tired so after leaning for a while on the bed, she fell asleep.


    Even if she clearly heard the sound of footsteps, she still didn''t lift her eyelids.


    Gu Yu and Bai Lu are both trained in martial arts. With the two of them there, she felt safe.


    Suddenly something jumped on Song Jinning¡¯s stomach, and at the same time she heard a meow in her ears.


    The meow was soft like a baby.


    Song Jinning knew that this was her cat without opening her eyes.


    She started to raise this cat around a year ago. His fur is as white as snow, and his eyes are as blue as the sea. She liked it very much, so she named it Xueqiu. However, it is usually called by the nickname ¡®Qiu Qiu¡¯.


    She closed her eyes and grabbed Qiu Qiu before continuing to sleep.

 CH 8.2

    The weather changes a lot during spring. When Song Jinning came back from Shoukang Palace, the sun still shone brightly but at dusk, it suddenly started raining.


    Song Jinning stood under the corridor with her hands folded, watching the rain.


    The rain is not heavy, and the wind coming with the rain is not cold. However, the darkening sky and the sound of rain can easily make someone feel gloomy.


    "Tsk."


    After a while, Song Jinning turned her head and looked at Bai Lu standing beside her, with her eyebrows raised slightly.


    "It seems that we will be staying in this gloomy palace for a long time.¡±


    Bai Lu was silent.


    Was the Empress sentimental?


    But thinking about it, when the empress was in Yunnan, she stayed in the yard if she wanted to stay in the yard, and went out if she wanted to. She also played and climbed mountains, rode horses, and was as free as a bird.


    But now that she married into the royal family, how can she still be the same as before?


    Bai Lu couldn''t help but feel a little sad. While she was thinking about what to say to console Song Jinning, she heard Gu Yu''s crisp voice.


    "Your Highness, dinner is here. Come inside now.¡±


    The next moment Bai Lu felt someone run in front of her, and it was Song Jinning who turned to go back to the hall.


    "What is the food? Is there the xiangchun [1] scrambled eggs I mentioned?¡±


    "Yu¡¯er, don''t hide. This xiangchun smells a little strange, but it tastes very good.¡±


    Then there was a sigh of satisfaction. Song Jinning''s sighing voice was heard: "I¡¯ve been counting the days since i have last eaten xiangchun. These xiangchun eggs are really fragrant and tender.¡±


    Bai Lu: ...


    Why did she think Song Jinning was sentimental just now?


    She is clearly a foodie who only has food in her eyes!


    Since Song Jinning ate xiangchun that she missed so much, she slept well that night.


    When she woke up the next morning, although the sky hadn''t cleared yet, it wasn¡¯t raining anymore.


    After having breakfast, under Gu Yu''s strong persuasion, Song Jinning walked to Shoukang Palace to visit Empress Dowager Song.


    Empress Dowager Song was still eating when Song Jinning arrived.


    Seeing Song Jinning, the Empress Dowager waved and told her to sit down on the table.


    "Aijia has been busy with government affairs for the past few years. Now that aijia is idle, aijia actually slacked off and couldn¡¯t get up this morning."


    Song Jinning smiled.


    "What is aunt talking about? I won¡¯t lie to my aunt, when I came back from Shoukang Palace yesterday, I fell asleep immediately.¡±


    Song Jinning then glanced at Gu Yu.


    Gu Yu knew, and she hurriedly opened the food box held by the maidservant behind her, and took out the two plates of pastries in it.


    "This is a new snack made by my kitchen this morning. It tasted good, so I brought some for Aunt to try. I don¡¯t know if it will suit aunt''s taste however.¡±


    Empress Dowager Song took a look. It was a round, dark brown-green flat pastry with a delicate scent.


    Song Jinning explained softly.


    "This is called Haozibaba [2], it is a snack that comes from the Jiangnan area. The ingredients used are glutinous rice flour, bamboo shoots, preserved meat, and pickled vegetables. But the most important of these ingredients is the wild herb called wormwood."


    If someone else offered such a snack to Empress Dowager Song, even if Empress Dowager Song doesn¡¯t get furious on the spot, she will definitely remember that person in the future and make things hard for that person.


    She is the Empress Dowager, how dare you serve her a dish made of wild herbs? Are you crazy?


    But who is Song Jinning? This is her niece. It is no exaggeration to say that Empress Dowager Song would make every exception for her. So even if Song Jinning casually grabbed a piece of grass for her on the roadside, it would still be better than a gold leaf given by others.


    She hurriedly grabbed her chopsticks.


    Plants aside, the snacks are really good. It has the freshness of a tree, and it is also very fragrant and delicious.


    Then she put down the chopsticks in her hand and asked Song Jinning, "Have you asked someone to send these snacks to the emperor?¡±


    Who is thinking about giving him food?


    Song Jinning slandered inwardly, but she still behaved well in front of Empress Dowager Song.


    "I don''t know if this suits the emperor''s taste, so I didn''t ask anyone to send it."


    Empress Dowager Song thought to herself that this is not good.


    Even though the two of them have already completed the wedding night, the emperor must still be reluctant with this marriage. After all, he didn¡¯t visit Weiyang Palace last night.


    Ning''er is still the same. If she doesn''t take advantage of the emperor while he is newly married, what will happen when he accepts concubines later?


    So he called Cui Nong over and told her: "Send the rest of these snacks to the Emperor.¡±


    She also specifically told Cui Nong: "Remember to tell the emperor that this was made by the Empress¡¯s kitchen.¡±


    Alas, she still has to worry about them.


    Footnotes:


    1) Ïã´» (xi¨¡ng ch¨±n)- Chinese toon sprouts. Below is how the Xiangchun eggs would have looked like:


    2) Ýï×ÓôÎôÎ (H¨¡ozi b¨¡b¨¡)- There is no direct translation. But here is how Haozibaba looks like:

 CH 9.1

    Cui Nong is an extremely smart person, and she has a thorough understanding of Empress Dowager Song¡¯s thoughts.


    So when the two snacks were delivered to Li Chengxuan, not only did she say that they were made by the Empress¡¯s kitchen according to the instructions of Empress Dowager Song, but she also said that Song Jinning asked someone to make it especially for him.


    "Her Highness the Empress said that this is a famous snack from Jiangnan. The wild herbs used in this snack only bloom during this season, and they are very fragrant. As for the glutinous rice inside, it is warm and sweet in taste. This snack has the ability to improve His Majesty¡¯s health."


    Li Chengxuan snorted in disdain when he heard this.


    Song Jinning definitely did not ask someone to make this for him.


    He''s not a fool, he can see Song Jinning''s indifference to him on the wedding night, and the expectation that he would disappear before her eyes.


    Furthermore, if Song Jinning asked someone to do this for him, the one sending it should be Song Jinning''s maidservant. How come it¡¯s Cui Nong who is sending it to him?


    It must be that Song Jinning took these snacks to Empress Dowager Song, and Empress Dowager Song asked Cui Nong to send this to him in order to improve his thinking of Song Jinning.


    Even though he had seen the truth behind the incident, Li Chengxuan did not show any impatience or contempt on his face.


    Instead, he ordered Zhou Jing to grab chopsticks, and took a bite of the Haozibaba in front of Cui Nong.


    He paused slightly.


    This was very good!


    Seeing that what needs to be done has been achieved, Cui Nong retired and turned back to return to Shoukang Palace.


    As soon as Cui Nong walked out of the hall, Zhou Jing hurried forward to remove the snacks.


    This is the Emperor, what kind of delicacies has he not eaten? Giving him a snack made of wild herbs, who are you looking down on?


    Not even eating, Zhou Jing felt that Li Chengxuan was aggrieved just by looking at these two snacks.


    What''s more, the emperor just took a bite...


    Zhou Jing felt that it was really difficult for Li Chengxuan to win the trust of the Empress Dowager.


    How many things does he need to do against his will?


    Zhou Jing hurriedly removed the plates that were in front of Li Chengxuan.


    As he looked at the plates, he slandered in his heart, tsk, what kind of plates are these? White and plain, this is the emperor!


    But he changed his mind to thinking that these are foods that poor villagers would eat, nevermind, this is what the poor villagers would feed to their livestock. Even if an expensive plate was used, it would still be the same.


    Turning around, he handed the plates to a eunuch who was standing on the side. Zhou Jing turned around and said to Li Chengxuan: "Your Majesty was wronged just now. Should this slave ask someone to go to the imperial kitchen to get some cakes in order for your majesty to clean his mouth?¡±


    He held up a green tea pot and poured tea for Li Chengxuan graciously.


    "Your Majesty, rinse your mouth first."


    Li Chengxuan: ...


    He was still holding the pair of chopsticks.


    Originally he wanted Cui Nong to leave before he ate more of the Haozibaba, but Zhou Jing suddenly snatched it away.


    In order to maintain his majesty, Li Chengxuan always had a cold face so that no one could see what he was thinking.


    So naturally he can''t tell Zhou Jing that the Haozibaba was indeed very delicious.


    Nevermind.


    Li Chengxuan put down the chopsticks in his hand and took the tea cup from Zhou Jing''s hand expressionlessly.


    He drank the tea, but the Haozibaba taste still didn¡¯t disappear.


    Then he ate the cakes that the eunuch had brought from the imperial kitchen.


    These were his favorite cakes, but he couldn''t help but recall the taste of the Haozibaba while he was eating.


    He couldn¡¯t help but be slightly annoyed. How did Zhou Jing know him so well that he took the Haozibaba without him saying anything?


    Is the mind of an emperor something you can guess so casually?


    Seeing Zhou Jing, he couldn¡¯t help but feel disdain.


    Zhou Jing: ...


    Zhou Jing began to tremble involuntarily.


    Why does he feel that the Emperor is upset?


    But why is the emperor unhappy? He did his job pretty well today.


    Zhou Jing couldn''t understand.


    But he couldn''t ignore Li Chengxuan''s heavy gaze. So he hurriedly bowed his head and bent over, wishing that he would just disappear.


    How useless.


    Zhou Jing heard Li Chengxuan¡¯s voice after a while.


    "Did you make the tea today?"


    "Yes." Zhou Jing answered.


    In Zhou Jing''s view, a tea¡¯s function is to quench thirst. But in Li Chengxuan''s case, he only needs to drink once. Needless to say, he can immediately tell what kind of tea it is, even if it is soaked in rain or snow.


    Zhou Jing has served Li Chengxuan for seven or eight years, and he knows that he is picky in this matter. So even though he is now the head eunuch, he still makes tea for Li Chengxuan from time to time.


    For example, the tea Li Chengxuan just drank now was made by him.


    Zhou Jing is not worried about what will happen to this bowl of tea because he is used to making tea.


    He still has this confidence.


    So when the emperor asked him these words, does this mean he likes the tea? The taste of the wild herbs just now that made the emperor aggrieved, did the tea successfully remove it?


    The more Zhou Jing thought about it, the more he was convinced that this was the reason. So his body no longer trembled, and he no longer bowed his head.


    As he was about to stand up to receive the award, he heard Li Chengxuan''s moodless voice again.


    "The water when you made this tea boiled too much. Because of this, you will be punished to kneel in the imperial kitchen.¡±


    Zhou Jing: ...


    What kind of tongue does his master have that he can actually taste boiling water?


    Is there such a person in the world?


    Zhou Jing had doubts, but even if he had ten lifetimes worth of courage, he would not dare to ask.


    He had to lower his head again, bow down, and answer respectfully, "Yes."


    He didn¡¯t get the expected award, but at least he didn¡¯t get any more punishments.


    This punishment will enable him to master the skill of boiling, so he can make better tea in the future?


    Full of doubts, Zhou Jing turned and went out of the hall to go to the imperial kitchen.


    T/N: Zhou Jing annoys me for no reason ^^

 CH 9.2

    Announcement: ''The Empress Wants To Be Deposed!'' is now on wattpad. If you want to read the story offline, head to wattpad and check it out. But if you have internet, please read on Otaku Translation instead since i get adsense money everytime you visit the site :)


    Or press this link: https://www.wattpad.com/story/290760811-the-empress-wants-to-be-deposed


    Song Jinning listened as Empress Dowager Song talked about madiao [1].


    When the previous emperor was alive, there were dozens of concubines in the harem. Even if everyone took turns to serve everyday, it would take months for everyone to have successfully served the emperor.


    What''s more, there are things such as favor and illness, so most of the concubines fail to even meet the Emperor.


    Since these people are still masters, they don''t do anything because they have maidservants at their disposal. Idle every day, they need something to do to pass the time.


    That¡¯s why madiao became a very popular sport in the palace.


    First of all, it is mostly effortless which is suitable for concubines who don''t want to work; secondly, there are four people sitting around a table, and they can gossip while they are playing.


    Empress Dowager Song loved this sport when she was a concubine.


    It was only after the death of the previous emperor that she ignored madiao. This was because she had to sit down and listen to politics everyday.


    Now that she is free, she can finally do madiao again.


    A maidservant held a red sandalwood box and placed it on the table.


    Song Jinning looked up and saw that the box had four chouti¡¯s [2].


    The maidservant stretched out her hand to open the uppermost chouti, and carefully took out the de ma diaopai [3 ] placed inside.


    It was a qingyisepai [4].


    Song Jinning understood that this qingyisepai was the one that was pulled out from the chouti.


    Empress Dowager Song was smiling and talking to Consort Dowager Hui and Concubine Dowager Rong who were sitting on the chairs: "Aijia was worried before. There are only a few sisters in the palace which makes it hard to play madiao. Now, at last, we have a paidazi [5].¡±


    Song Jinning: Very good, she is the paidazi.


    No wonder Empress Dowager Song suddenly asked her if she could play madiao. It turned out that it was because she wanted to play. .


    Although Song Jinning replied modestly and said she only knew a little bit, she was actually very good at playing madiao.


    Don''t ask her, it¡¯s in her blood to play madiao.


    At that moment, she sat down calmly at the table and began to sort out the cards.


    Empress Dowager Song didn''t make a big bet.


    In fact, money is not a problem. With the status of the four women sitting on the table, what is money? But playing too much and betting too much can affect their relationship.


    After two rounds, Song Jinning figured out the levels of the women present.


    Concubine Dowager Rong is the best; followed by Consort Dowager Hui; and lastly, Empress Dowager Song.


    But it is obvious that Empress Dowager Song is the person who is the most enthusiastic about madiao.


    The corners of Song Jinning''s lips were slightly curved.


    Empress Dowager Song is a bit interesting.


    Song Jinning didn''t know whether it was intentional or unintentional that Consort Dowager Hui and Concubine Dowager Rong always made her play head to head with Empress Dowager Song.


    Are they expecting her and Empress Dowager Song to have some kind of rift?


    But Song Jinning was very cautious.


    She would neither play well, nor would she deliberately lose to please Empress Dowager Song. After all, if success is too smooth, then there will be less fun.


    Therefore she usually waits for Empress Dowager Song to throw out a card, and then wait a bit before throwing another card back.


    A card is a card, so when Empress Dowager Song gets it, she will be very fulfilled in her heart..


    Of course, Song Jinning wouldn''t lose blindly. She will still be competitive when it comes to games and money.


    She doesn¡¯t want to win the money of the three women, but she wasn¡¯t willing to lose money either.


    Footnotes:


    T/N: Sorry for the countless pinyin in this chapter. To be honest, I don''t know much about madiao except for the fact that it was a game in ancient china. I had a really hard time translating this chapter since I did not know how the game is played and what not. Sorry T_T


    1) Âíµõ (m¨£di¨¤o)- a late imperial Chinese trick-taking gambling card game, also known as the game of paper tiger.


    2) ³éÌë (ch¨­ut¨¬)- Lit. Drawer. I don¡¯t know how a drawer is used in madiao since in wikipedia there is no mention of a chouti but my guess is that is where all the cards were placed in the sandalwood box.


    3) µÄÂíµõÅÆ (De m¨£ di¨¤op¨¢i)- Cards


    4) ÇåһɫÅÆ (q¨©ngy¨©s¨¨p¨¢i)- First Card? I don¡¯t know what this is.


    5) ÅÆ´î×Ó (p¨¢i d¨¡ zi)- Card dealer. I guess the paidazi is the one who gives out the cards.

 CH 10

    Empress Dowager Song inviting people to play madiao was not a secret event, so Li Chengxuan quickly learned about it.


    Li Chengxuan was very happy when he heard it.


    He secretly wished that Empress Dowager Song would be addicted to having fun and never interfere with political matters anymore.


    He also learned that Song Jinning can play madiao, which is really beyond his expectation of her.


    In other words, his empress who was so lazy these days, actually has talent?


    Li Chengxuan wondered about this in his mind.


    The eunuch who came to spread the news was still kneeling on the ground respectfully while reporting the results of the madiao battle in Shoukang Palace.


    "The Empress Dowager won a few silver taels and was very happy. The Empress, however, ranked the highest, winning a few gold taels followed by Concubine Dowager Rong then Consort Dowager Hui.¡±


    Li Chengxuan: ¡­


    What can you do with a few silver taels? This is definitely an excuse!


    What surprised him more was the fact that Song Jinning could actually rank so high?!


    Li Chengxuan expressed his disbelief, believing that it must be Concubine Dowager Rong and Consort Dowager Hui who let Song Jinning win.


    Two days later, Song Jinning set up a banquet and invited Empress Dowager Song to come and admire the flowers.


    Although the previous emperor had dozens of concubines, not many had children. After the death of the previous emperor, all the concubines who had no children were sent to the royal temple to pray for his soul.


    As for the concubines left in the palace, Noble Consort Dowager Wei has to be mentioned.


    How the previous emperor treated Noble Consort Dowager Wei was exceptional. In the past, only an empress would receive a golden book during canonization. But the previous emperor, in order to show his love for Noble Consort Dowager Wei, arranged for her to receive the same golden book and golden treasure an Empress would receive during her canonization as Noble Consort.


    Noble Consort Dowager Wei was also very competitive. She gave birth to Princess Huaiqing and Prince Fu one after the other.


    Although Empress Dowager Song was also one of the four consorts due to the Song clan¡¯s influence, Noble Consort Dowager Wei never perceived the childless Empress Dowager Song as a threat.


    Who would have expected that Empress Dowager Song¡¯s adopted son, Li Chengxuan, would ascend to the throne in one swoop and Empress Dowager Song would be canonized as Empress Dowager while Noble Consort Dowager Wei was stuck in the same position.


    Noble Consort Dowager Wei is a strong woman, so she was naturally unwilling to accept this result. So even though Empress Dowager Song is now far higher than her, she still has no respect for the Empress Dowager.


    For example, even if everyone was sitting together happily admiring the flowers while chatting, whenever the opportunity came, Noble Consort Dowager Wei would provoke Empress Dowager Song.


    Song Jinning regretted asking Noble Consort Dowager Wei to come over. But the person who asked her to invite Noble Consort Dowager Wei to come and enjoy the flowers together was Empress Dowager Song...


    Song Jinning glanced at Empress Dowager Song who was still smiling under Noble Consort Dowager Wei¡¯s ridicule, and she understood why Empress Dowager Song could be the Empress Dowager, while Noble Consort Dowager Wei was just a concubine¡­.


    Think about it. Empress Dowager Song controlled the court for many years, and even powerful ministers are not safe from her. How could Empress Dowager Song be compared to the arrogant and overbearing Noble Consort Dowager Wei?


    If Empress Dowager Song wanted to kill Noble Consort Dowager Wei, she could easily do so but instead she¡¯s sitting here smiling through her ridicule which means Noble Consort Dowager Wei hasn¡¯t touched her bottom line yet.


    However, Song Jinning is not very interested in Noble Consort Dowager Wei. She is more interested in Jiang Wanqiu.


    Jiang Wanqiu, the heroine of the book ¡®How my sister-in-law became my empress¡¯.


    She is the daughter of Marquis Chengping, and was a very beautiful woman. There are poems and books about her and the previous emperor personally granted her marriage to Noble Consort Dowager Wei¡¯s son, Prince Fu.


    This was considered a high-level marriage, but it is a pity that Prince Fu didn¡¯t like Jiang Wanqiu. The two of them were like fire and water, and constantly butted heads with each other.


    Although Jiang Wanqiu didn¡¯t dare to say her thoughts aloud, she must be really disappointed.


    In addition, shortly after the death of the previous emperor, Marquis Chengping suddenly died from a fall and Marquis Chengping¡¯s house quickly declined.


    Noble Consort Dowager Wei was dissatisfied with this marriage in her heart. She wanted her son to marry the daughter of a general or a minister with real power in his hands, not a powerless Marquis household.


    Not only did Jiang Wanqiu¡¯s family fail to help her son, but her son even despised her. Isn¡¯t it irritating?


    Jiang Wanqiu is the type who is sad and sentimental. As a result, she was described as someone  ¡®sorrowful between her eyebrows, eyes foggy, which made people feel pity in when they saw her¡¯ in the book.


    Li Chengxuan felt the same. When he first saw Jiang Wanqiu, he felt that this woman was different from others and gradually became attracted to her.


    Their love was so strong that even though the both of them already had spouses, they continued loving each other with all their heart.


    And even though Jiang Wanqiu was enamoured with Li Chengxuan in her heart, she still had tears in her face, saying something about hating the fact that they could not get married and that in their next life they will get married, etc.


    The author abused the readers for hundreds of chapters. They experienced various plots of physical abuse and psychological abuse of each other. It was only when Li Chengxuan almost died that Jiang Wanqiu finally relented and promised to be with Li Chengxuan in this life.


    Song Jinning''s comment on this is that, isn¡¯t it a bit too dramatic?


    However, according to the timeline of the original book, Li Chengxuan and Jiang Wanqiu would not meet now.


    But this does not prevent Song Jinning from taking a good look at Jiang Wanqiu.


    She was indeed very beautiful, and the melancholy between her eyebrows and eyes is like a green hill, which adds a look of fragility to her.


    It''s a pity that Song Jinning doesn¡¯t like this type of heroine so she only read the book a few times. She then turned her head back to talk to Li Xiyan, the Princess Jingle.


    Li Xiyan is the only biological daughter of Empress Dowager Song. But this fourteen-year-old girl is very calm and quiet, with no intention of being pampered or arrogant at all.


    At this moment, she was holding a branch of peach blossom in her hand and was staring at it attentively. Song Jinning asked her what she was doing. She said that someone asked her to make a poem with a peach blossom. She hasn''t had the energy to do it when she was ill, and now that she has recovered from her illness, she started to think about it.


    Song Jinning, who only knows how to read romance novels and not make poems, felt a little bit ashamed¡­.


    Noble Consort Dowager Wei, who has been paying attention, heard this and immediately got excited, and said with a smile: "The Empress is a model for all women in the world. How about showing us a poem as well?¡±


    The audience was silent.


    Because these concubines who are inferior to Noble Consort Dowager Wei know that she is deliberately looking for faults.


    It has been spread in the palace that the Empress was arrogant and was very indulgent as a child. But now, Noble Consort Dowager Wei asks this said Empress to make a poem.


    Isn''t this just deliberately making the empress embarrassed?


    Having said that, although the concubines dared not to speak, in fact they are already cheering inside.


    It is impossible to fight Noble Consort Dowager Wei because of Empress Dowager Song.


    Empress Dowager Song protects shortcomings. Originally, the provocations Noble Consort Dowager Wei gave her was nothing to her, but now she dared to attack her niece.


    She said faintly: ¡°Embroidering is something maids would do. Why does Noble Consort Dowager Wei still embroider?¡±


    The concubines almost screamed in delight.


    Good, Empress Dowager Song is hitting Noble Consort Dowager Wei in the face.


    Who in the entire palace doesn''t know that Noble Consort Dowager Wei¡¯s craftsmanship was outstanding? When the previous emperor was still alive, all his clothes were made by Noble Consort Dowager Wei.


    Grinding her teeth secretly and restraining her desire to hit Empress Dowager Song in the head, Noble Consort Dowager Wei turned to say: "The Empress comes from the prestigious Song clan. A simple poem wouldn¡¯t be too hard for her, right?¡±


    After she finished speaking, she also said to Jiang Wanqiu: "Write a poem about peach blossom as well to compare with the empress¡¯s.¡±


    The crowd of onlookers: Oh! Things are going to be big!


    It is known that the Empress is useless, so comparing her and Jiang Wanqiu who is the most talented lady in the capital, this is a recipe for some drama!


    This Noble Consort Dowager Wei is so bold!


    The face of Empress Dowager Song changed.


    Noble Consort Dowager Wei, you f*ucking b*tch, you dared to embarrass my niece in public.


    But she heard Song Jinning''s voice before she could even speak.


    "Chenqie naturally accepts Noble Consort Dowager Wei¡¯s proposal. Fu Wangfei [1], please do your best.¡±


    Empress Dowager Song looked at Song Jinning oddly.


    Empress Dowager Song couldn''t help but question: in the past seven years, her niece has curtailed her temperament, learned to compose poetry, and is sure to defeat Jiang Wanqiu, who is the most famous lady in the capital?


    Otherwise, how would she still have a confident voice?


    Footnotes


    T/N: Empress Dowager Song is honestly my favorite character at this point T_T


    1. Íõåú (W¨¢ngf¨¥i)- Princess Consort.

 CH 11

    Song Jinning does not know how to write poetry but she did memorize more than 300 Tang Dynasty poems.


    For the sake of her reputation, she stole one of these poems and changed it a bit to match the cherry blossom subject.


    The poem she chose is the best of the best, and even if Jiang Wanqiu is talented, it is still incomparable.


    So Song Jinning, who relied on her Tang ancestors, won a big victory.


    Empress Dowager Song was simply overjoyed.


    Take that Noble Consort Dowager Wei!


    As for Noble Consort Dowager Wei, although she didn''t dare to show she was furious, her expression was quite dull.


    So after the flower viewing banquet was over, she complained to Jiang Wanqiu while walking to her palace.


    "Your family background is not good, your appearance is not good, how do I have you for a daughter-in-law? Your talent is the only thing good about you, but you can¡¯t even beat the Empress.¡± Noble Consort Dowager Wei continued: ¡°Is it that your skill is so lacking because your family has become useless? Everything always has to be done by me!¡±


    Her remarks are really vicious. But Jiang Wanqiu couldn''t refute it.


    Because this person is not only the Noble Consort, but also her mother-in-law. As a daughter-in-law, she can only endure.


    She bit her lip and lowered her head, staying silent.


    "Who would want a dead wife like you? No wonder my son refuses to go to your residence.¡±


    Jiang Wanqiu still bowed her head in silence, but she held her handkerchief tightly.


    Noble Consort Dowager Wei has a violent temper, and when she is upset, all the people around her should be upset as well.


    "It¡¯s been so many years since you married my son, yet you still have no children. Are you even a woman?¡±


    Feeling resentful, Noble Consort Dowager Wei continued: "After I go back, I will pick two maids and send them to my son. You can''t have children, so I''ll have others give children to my son, understand?¡±


    Jiang Wanqiu bowed her head and said yes. Her tone was calm, without any fluctuations.


    Noble Consort Dowager Wei felt that she was just hitting a pile of cotton.


    Blue veins appeared on her forehead, before she turned and left.


    When Jiang Wanqiu followed, she heard Noble Consort Dowager Wei¡¯s impatient roar.


    "What are you doing? I''m angry when I see your face. Go away."


    Jiang Wanqiu still responded calmly. After Noble Consort Dowager Wei disappeared at the end of the path, she slowly walked towards the palace gate.


    Li Chengxuan soon learned about Song Jinning''s brilliance in the Imperial Garden.


    The eunuch who reported the news recited to him the peach blossom poems by Song Jinning and Jiang Wanqiu.


    Li Chengxuan was surprised.


    Song Jinning is so lazy, how does she have the time to write such profound poetry?


    Could it be that she has really changed in these seven years and has studied well?


    But Li Chengxuan did not believe it.


    After pondering for a while, Li Chengxuan asked Zhou Jing: "This Fu Wang Fei, Zhen seems to remember that she is very famous in Beijing?"


    Zhou Jing was able to become the head eunuch and he always has a answer for Li Chengxuan¡¯s questions.


    He hurriedly bowed and replied: "In response to your Majesty, this is true. Fu Wang Fei was already well-known in the capital when she was a maiden. When she visited a palace banquet, the previous emperor was impressed with her and personally granted her marriage with Fu Wang.¡±


    Li Chengxuan was somewhat impressed, but he didn''t have any impression of Jiang Wanqiu.


    Even though it was his second sister-in-law, there was a difference between men and women. After his brother Fu Wang married Jiang Wanqiu, they moved to a residence outside of Beijing so Li Chengxuan never got the chance to see her.


    Then came the death of the previous emperor. He had to deal with courtiers and Empress Dowager Song every day. How could he have the time to care about his second sister-in-law?


    Even if Jiang Wanqiu occasionally enters the palace, she only goes to see Empress Dowager Song and Noble Consort Dowager Wei. He was not yet married at that time, so naturally he rarely set foot in the harem.


    It''s just that Fu Wang Fei, a person that even his father was impressed with, lost to Song Jinning?


    Li Chengxuan carefully recollected the difference between the two peach blossom poems just now, and still felt that Song Jinning¡¯s poem is fake.


    How could Song Jinning make such a good poem? Certainly this poem was made by someone else, and Song Jinning just copied it to show off to others.


    Seeing that he hadn''t spoken for a long time, Zhou Jing hesitated, and finally said boldly, "Your Majesty, five days have passed since your wedding."


    Although his words were unclear, how could Li Chengxuan not understand?


    Since the night of his wedding, he has never set foot in Song Jinning''s Weiyang Palace. He used  political affairs as an excuse, but if he keeps doing this, even if Song Jinning doesn¡¯t say anything, the Empress Dowager certainly will.


    Instead of letting Empress Dowager Song come and reprimand him, it would be better for him to take the initiative to go.


    So after a helpless sigh in his heart, and with a voice sounding like death, he said: ¡°Let¡¯s go to Weiyang Palace.


    Song Jinning was standing next to the pear tree in the outer courtyard when Li Chengxuan arrived at Weiyang Palace.


    "It''s a pity that the pear season has passed. Otherwise, it would be so nice to watch the moon and eat pears.


    Just kidding. She spent a lot of time in the library so poetic things like this sentence is something she often comes by.


    Li Chengxuan was walking towards her when he heard these two sentences clearly in his ears.


    He paused.


    According to his understanding, Song Jinning is a very arrogant and vain woman, but she actually has the elegance to watch the moon?


    He couldn''t help but look at Song Jinning.


    At that time, the sun was going down, and the gorgeous sunset shone with an orange light.


    Song Jinning stood with her back to him. She had a slender waist, and a curvy back bathing in orange light. Li Chengxuan was reminded of the poem ¡®Yiren¡¯ when he looked at her.


    Li Chengxuan felt that he must be going crazy.


    Song Jinning had to remind Bai Lu that she already knew about Li Chengxuan''s arrival.


    She turned around and asked him: "Why are you here?"


    Li Chengxuan: ...


    Her voice was full of disgust!


    This is the first sentence she said to him after five days.


    He thought that Song Jinning must be resentful in her heart since he hadn''t set foot in Weiyang Palace since her wedding night was entirely his own wishful thinking, right?


    It was difficult for Li Chengxuan not to frown.


    The emperor still cares about face. So he immediately said in a cold voice: "The whole world belongs to Zhen. How come Zhen can¡¯t even enter his harem?¡±


    He immediately strode to the main hall.


    Song Jinning: ......


    She raised her hand to pick up a fallen lead that was on her skirt, then Song Jinning raised her foot and walked slowly towards the main hall.


    The maids and eunuchs who were serving in the main hall were still kneeling.


    Li Chengxuan sat on the upper throne, and he clearly saw Song Jinning enter the hall, but he still didn''t say a word. Not even letting these people get up.


    Song Jinning understands that this is to give her offense.


    Although she is not afraid of Li Chengxuan, this is the emperor and he holds the power to her life and death nonetheless. It¡¯s better not to offend him.


    She walked over and greeted your majesty, and then sat down on a chair beside him without speaking.


    Isn''t it a matter of competing with patience? Anyway, these servants are not her people, so she doesn''t feel distressed.


    She obviously won. Because the final result was Li Chengxuan allowed them to get up.


    The kneeling maidservants and eunuchs thanked them for their kindness and got up.


    It wasn¡¯t good to let Li Chengxuan sit here, so Song Jinning blinked, and then asked: "Your Majesty, have you eaten dinner?"


    "No.¡± His tone was still not good. However, compared to his tone earlier, it has greatly improved.


    Since you haven¡¯t eaten dinner, why did you come to me?


    Do you want me to give you food?


    God, she really has no patience for this man.


    Song Jinning looked up at him speechlessly.


    Zhou Jing is fully aware that the Emperor is arrogant, so it is absolutely impossible for him to take the initiative to say that he is here to accompany the Empress for dinner.


    He was about to say something, but he remembered when he had to kneel in the imperial kitchen for a whole day, so he kept his mouth shut and looked elsewhere.


    As for the other people in the hall, they did not dare to speak. So the hall was really quiet for a while.


    Song Jinning felt that it was really too difficult. She couldn''t help but ask herself, Why is Li Chengxuan still here?


    She even started screaming for Jiang Wanqiu in her heart, come on female lead, take your annoying guy with you!


    But it is a pity that Jiang Wanqiu could not receive her thoughts at the moment, so Song Jinning was silent for a while, and she had no choice but to say politely: "Then, does your majesty want to eat with chenqie?¡±


    As she was saying this, she was screaming in her heart.


    Don¡¯t you hate me the most? Go on, disagree with me!

 CH 12

    What happened next proved that Song Jinning''s wish was not granted.


    After Song Jinning said this, Li Chengxuan, who was sitting like a sculpture, turned his head without even moving his neck, and gave her a look.


    Then he said in an arrogant and graceful tone: "Since the Empress pleads Zhen, Zhen will stay here for dinner.¡±


    Song Jinning: ...


    Song Jinning felt stuffy in her throat.


    She really wants to kill this man.


    All of Song Jinning¡¯s meals are made by her own kitchen in Weiyang Palace. Because it is dinner, the dishes are mainly light.


    Li Chengxuan, who was accustomed to eating rich food, saw the green vegetables on the table, and suspected that Song Jinning was treating him like a rabbit.


    She must be deliberate, right?


    Song Jinning took the hot towel that Gu Yu handed over, wiped her hands, and looked at Li Chengxuan with a smile.


    "Chenqie didn''t know that your majesty would come over for dinner today, so chenqie didn¡¯t tell the kitchen to make more food. Chenqie hopes your majesty will not take this to heart.¡±


    Get out of here after eating, and don''t come over again in the future.


    Li Chengxuan looked at the insincere smile on her face and this confirmed what he was thinking. This must be intentional.


    Deliberately treating him as a rabbit, trying to fool him with these dishes.


    But how can he easily admit defeat?


    He said without a smile: "Zhen has eaten too much meat recently, and zhen wants to eat something light. Zhen thanks the Empress for thinking about zhen.¡±


    Song Jinning squeezed her chopsticks tightly.


    This person must be deliberate, right?


    She will not be angry! As the saying goes, don¡¯t be angry because being angry will make you sick.


    She repeated the phrase ¡®don¡¯t be angry in her head'', and her mood calmed down successfully. She¡¯ll just eat and ignore this man.


    Zhou Jing, who was standing behind Li Chengxuan, looked at the two fighting, and held his forehead in confusion.


    Your Majesty, when you were in court, you were very calm, but why are you so naive now?


    This is not your usual style!


    But the thing that made Zhou Jing confused the most is the fact that Li Chengxuan ate more than one bowl of rice.


    Isn''t his majesty someone who dislikes rice?


    Zhou Jing was shocked for a while, and couldn''t help but glance at Song Jinning from the corner of his eyes.


    Song Jinning was already done eating, and was drinking the tea that Gu Yu gave her to rinse her mouth.


    Zhou Jing has been serving Li Chengxuan for a long time, and he had personally seen Song Jinning¡¯s attitude when she was a child.


    But now Song Jinning''s attitude is completely different from when she was a child. It''s not an exaggeration to say that he and Li Chengxuan were wrong about Song Jinning.


    Looking at her like this, Song Jinning is still worthy of the four characters ¡®Muyi Tianxia¡¯ [1].


    The maidservant removed the bowls and plates from the table, and Li Chengxuan walked and sat down on a wooden couch.


    Originally, Song Jinning would walk back and forth in the courtyard to digest after eating dinner, but now Li Chengxuan was here so she couldn¡¯t.


    She continued to sit down on the chair. Gu Yu served tea, Song Jinning took the teacup, and she slowly drank the tea with her eyes down.


    It¡¯s embarrassing that no one¡¯s talking. Nevermind, as long as she doesn''t feel embarrassed herself, it¡¯s not her fault.


    After taking two sips of tea, Song Jinning put down the teacup and turned to look outside the door.


    In the twilight, the light was shining brightly under the corridor. Occasionally, when the wind blew, the leaves of the pear tree in the courtyard shook.


    The spring breeze is good. Even though it was already nighttime, it was not cold, but there was still a light floral fragrance in the air.


    Spring is a really good time to fly paper kites.


    However, Song Jinning didn¡¯t have a paper kite. But it doesn''t matter. She¡¯ll just order a maidservant to go to the ministry of internal affairs tomorrow.


    Maybe Empress Dowager Song and Princess Jingle would also like to fly a paper kite?


    It''s just that there are many towering structures in the forbidden city, and the imperial garden is full of lush trees. Where can she find an open place suitable for flying paper kites?


    Song Jinning was so absorbed in thought that she didn''t have time to pay attention to Li Chengxuan.


    As the Emperor, how was Li Chengxuan being ignored like this? He was about to get up and walk away, but then he thought about the Empress Dowager, so he continued sitting with a calm face.


    It¡¯s not impossible to sit like this forever.


    From the corner of his eye, he caught a glimpse of Song Jinning who was obviously distracted. When he saw this, his initiative to talk faded.


    If he says something, Song Jinning might not hear it at all. If that will be the case, how embarrassing would that be?


    So Li Chengxuan called Zhou Jing instead and said: "Bring me a book."


    Song Jinning was distracted and was ignoring him. He doesn''t need to communicate with her if he reads a book. Even if Empress Dowager Song knows, she still wouldn¡¯t be able to complain.


    After hearing this instruction, Zhou Jing thought in his heart, Your Majesty! Why didn''t you say so earlier?


    If you said it earlier, this slave will definitely let someone bring a few books to Weiyang Palace. But you only ordered this now, do you really expect this slave to go to the imperial study just to fetch you a book?


    The Imperial Study is quite far from Weiyang Palace. Even if you run towards the study, it would take a stick of incense before you arrive there.


    By the time this slave arrives back, you and the empress will already be resting! What¡¯s the point?


    Zhou Jing was quite hesitant.


    He was about to open his mouth to ask if there is a book in Weiyang Palace but thinking about Song Jinning''s reputation for being dumb...


    Nevermind. Zhou Jing wouldn¡¯t want Song Jinning to think that he was making fun of her.


    Although Song Jinning was deep in thought, she still heard what Li Chengxuan said.


    Li Chengxuan''s voice is actually quite nice when he¡¯s not so mean.


    As for the book, she actually had some, but she didn''t want to let Li Chengxuan borrow them.


    Because she cherishes every book she has, and except for her close relatives, she doesn''t want to lend it to anyone else.


    So she pretended not to hear him and continued to look at the door.


    Bai Lu and Gu Yu stood behind Song Jinning.


    Bai Lu was okay with this, but Gu Yu was different.


    Gu Yu knew that Song Jinning doesn''t like to lend her books to outsiders, but Li Chengxuan and her are already married, should he still be regarded as an outsider?


    And for the past few days, Gu Yu looked at the way Song Jinning and Li Chengxuan get along, and is really worried about their relationship.


    So with gritted teeth, Gu Yu stepped forward and bowed to Li Chengxuan.


    Then she asked: "Her Highness has a collection of books. What book does your majesty want to read? This slave will get it for you.¡±


    Emperor, our empress is actually very good. Don¡¯t listen to the rumors outside and ignore my mistress.


    When she said this, Song Jinning glanced at her, and Li Chengxuan looked at Song Jinning.


    Song Jinning looked at Gu Yu because, how dare she lend her books to someone else?


    As for the reason why Li Chengxuan looked at Song Jinning, it was because he was surprised.


    She even has a collection of books? Could it be that she has really changed during the past seven years?


    It''s a pity that Song Jinning left him a bad impression a few years ago, so Li Chengxuan quickly sneered.


    Even if she has some books, maybe they were the one with many pictures.


    It''s easy to change your attitude, but it¡¯s hard to change your nature.


    Sitting here is really boring, so Li Chengxuan said lightly: "Then give zhen a book called ¡¶Zizhi Tongjian¡·[2].¡±


    Gu Yu responded with a yes, then turned and walked back.


    After a short while, she held several books in her hands, all of which were titled¡¶Zizhi Tongjian¡·. Just let him pick whatever he wants.


    Li Chengxuan turned his head and glanced at Zhou Jing slightly. Zhou Jing understood, and went to take the book from Gu Yu, then turned around to give it to Li Chengxuan.


    ¡¶Zizhi Tongjian¡·is an emperor''s book, and Li Chengxuan did not expect that Song Jinning would have it.


    Li Chengxuan thought that even if Song Jinning had books, it would be those books with many pictures, but he didn¡¯t expect that she actually had real books.


    It seems that Prince Nanyang is really rich. He can even buy his daughter such an expensive book.


    Li Chengxuan snorted softly, and took the last book from Zhou Jing''s hand.


    The cover looks pretty new.


    Presumably this book has not been opened since Song Jinning received it. She hasn''t read it at all, right?


    However, what shocked him was that when he opened the book, there were notes in some places.


    The writing was beautiful and it was obviously written by a woman.


    He then found a golden leaf inside.


    It was clipped on the book and was used as a bookmark.


    So Song Jinning even read the last volume of ¡¶Zizhi Tongjian¡·?


    Li Chengxuan was surprised and involuntarily raised his eyes to look at Song Jinning.


    When Song Jinning saw Gu Yu give Li Chengxuan the ¡¶Zizhi Tongjian¡·, she called her and took a copy of the ¡¶Zizhi Tongjian¡·as well and started to read it. Obviously she had the same idea as him.


    If she reads a book, she naturally doesn''t have to talk to him.


    Li Chengxuan originally didn''t want to pay attention to Song Jinning, but in the end he couldn¡¯t hold back, and asked a question with the ¡¶Zizhi Tongjian¡·in his hand.


    "Have you read this book?"


    Footnotes:


    1) ĸÒÇÌìÏ (M¨³ y¨ª ti¨¡nxi¨¤)- Mother of the World. In ancient Chinese belief the emperor is the son of heaven, while his *main wife is the mother of the world.


    2) ÙYÖÎͨèa ( Z¨©zh¨¬ T¨­ngji¨¤n)- In english: Comprehensive Mirror in Aid of Governance, is a pioneering reference work in Chinese historiography, published in 1084 AD during the Song dynasty in the form of a chronicle recording Chinese history from 403 BC to 959 AD, covering 16 dynasties and spanning almost 1400 years.The main text is arranged into 294 scrolls (equivalent to a chapter) totaling about 3 million Chinese characters.

 CH 13

    Song Jinning held the book in her hand, raised her eyelids slightly when she heard the words, and glanced at Li Chengxuan impatiently.


    It¡¯s my books, if i don¡¯t read it then is it just there for display?


    She wanted to ignore Li Chengxuan, but thinking that this is the emperor after all, even if she doesn''t wait to see him, she still has to be polite.


    She nodded: "I''ve seen it."


    She answered his question, but her answer was very vague.


    Li Chengxuan is a very sensitive person, and even if Song Jinning was polite, he can still hear the impatience and perfunctory tone in her voice.


    Li Chengxuan squeezed the¡¶Zizhi Tongjian¡·in his hand.


    So what if Song Jinning is smart now? Isn''t she still the same inside?


    She still has no respect for him even after so many years.


    The only difference is that he is no longer an unfavored prince, but the emperor! Song Jinning still dared to treat him like this, so don''t blame him for being rude to her in the future!


    With a calm face, Li Chengxuan lowered his eyes to read.


    Song Jinning didn''t speak as well, and made herself comfortable on the chair, then started reading.


    The hall was very quiet, except for the occasional sound of red candles.


    Zhou Jing secretly glanced at Song Jinning, then secretly glanced at Li Chengxuan, not knowing what to think.


    Your Majesty obviously came here to be with the Empress, but now he is just reading a book?


    The women of the palace, even the Empress, are usually overjoyed when the Emperor visits them. They would even play tricks to make the Emperor favor them more exclusively. But this empress is even better. Looking at her posture, she clearly doesn''t want the emperor to come over.


    This Empress is very strange.


    But Zhou Jing could only think about it in his heart, and he didn''t dare to say anything.


    There was the sound of leaking water, and Li Chengxuan and Song Jinning heard it clearly, but neither of them moved. No one spoke, their eyes were glued on the book, not moving at all.


    What Li Chengxuan was thinking at the moment was, should he take the initiative to go to bed? Shouldn''t Song Jinning take the initiative?


    What Song Jinning was thinking at this moment, that it was already so late, why is Li Chengxuan not yet leaving? Does he want to stay overnight in her palace?


    An emperor has a lot of things to consider and in order to balance the forces of power, he must sleep with important women in his harem.


    Presumably for Li Chengxuan, he didn¡¯t want to sleep with her, but was forced due to various considerations.


    Otherwise why will he come to Weiyang Palace?


    It hasn¡¯t been long since Li Chengxuan had taken control of the court, and his power is not yet stable, so he did not dare to act on his own whim for the time being. I''m afraid he will have to come to Weiyang Palace from time to time.


    Getting along with Li Chengxuan in the future will be hard.


    In the end, Li Chengxuan took the initiative to go to bed.


    It''s just that Song Jinning had an illusion. When Li Chengxuan said these words, it seemed to be filled with a desperate tone of helplessness. And she is the one who forced the emperor to be like this!


    Although she knew that the time and occasion were wrong, Song Jinning didn''t hold it back, and the corners of her lips curled up.


    Unfortunately, Li Chengxuan saw it again.


    Song Jinning didn''t care, and simply smiled at Li Chengxuan.


    Li Chengxuan: ...


    Just now she was cold with him and wanted him to go. Now that she heard that he was going to stay overnight, she immediately got excited and laughed?


    Woman? Are you crazy?


    Li Chengxuan went to the bathing room to wash. When he was done, he walked to the bedroom with only his inner robe on, and saw Song Jinning sitting cross-legged on the bed.


    She was still wearing the same outfit, but her outer robe was open.


    All the accessories on her head have been removed, and her black hair was scattered on her shoulders like flowing water, making it look smooth and shiny.


    Even though Li Chengxuan did not like Song Jinning in his heart, he had to admit that Song Jinning was very beautiful.


    Unlike during the wedding night where Song Jinning was already asleep when Li Chengxuan was there, Song Jinning was awake this time.


    Even her eyes fell on him without dodge at all, watching him slowly approach.


    Li Chengxuan: ...


    Why is this woman so calm? Isn¡¯t she shy at all?


    Or has she been looking forward to this moment for a long time?


    Li Chengxuan''s footsteps paused slightly.


    Because he has never been close to a woman since he was a child, and this is his first time. Moreover, the woman was staring at him step by step and approaching him step by step, it is impossible for him to have no waves in his heart.


    So he internally panicked, and was embarrassed, and his face was slightly hot. But as the Emperor, how could he easily let people figure out what he is thinking? So he was still expressionless, and walked forward calmly.


    But before he could land on the bed, he heard Song Jinning suddenly say: "Stop! I have something to say."


    Li Chengxuan stopped immediately.


    What is he talking about? She was just pretending to be calm, but in fact she was already panicking.


    With his hands behind his back, he looked at Song Jinning with condescending eyes, and asked slowly, "What does the empress want to say?"


    Song Jinning''s lips twitched slightly. She really wanted to smoke this person.


    But for the sake of future comfort, let''s bear it for the time being.


    The corners of her lips curled up, and a smile appeared on her face.


    "Your Majesty, please sit down first, and Chenqie will tell you.¡±


    While she said that, she got up from the bed, walked to the table, poured a cup of tea, and offered it with both hands, "Come on, Your Majesty , Please have tea."


    Li Chengxuan looked at her suspiciously.


    Song Jinning has such an attitude suddenly. What kind of medicine did she put on the teacup?


    But as the saying goes, if the enemy won''t move, then I won''t move, so Li Chengxuan suppressed his mind that was full of questions and didn''t ask anything and watched Song Jinning vigilantly.


    Naturally, he didn''t pick up the cup of tea she handed over.


    Hey, he was alert.


    Song Jinning''s lips curled slightly. But she did not show any dissatisfaction, and even the smile on her face was still there.


    She placed down the teacup on the table, and sat on a chair beside the table. At the same time, she reached out her hand and made a gesture to Li Chengxuan who was not yet seated.


    "Your Majesty, don''t stand, sit."


    Her posture was natural and carefree. On the contrary, Li Chengxuan looked restrained.


    Li Chengxuan gritted his teeth secretly, feeling that his aura was being suppressed by Song Jinning.


    His face sank, but he sat down on the chair in front of Song Jinning.


    He asked in a chilly tone: "What do you want to tell zhen?"


    Song Jinning clasped her hands on the table and looked directly at Li Chengxuan who was sitting across from her, smiling openly and sincerely.


    "Your Majesty, Chenqie has a suggestion to make sure your majesty and chenqie live in harmony. Your Majesty can share his opinions with Chenqie.¡±


    She continued: ¡°Chenqie is aware of her faults. Her posture is bad, her appearance is ugly, and not only is she ignorant, but she is also lazy and unmotivated. It has been really unbearable for your majesty.¡± Song Jinning''s expression turned into a look of deep pain.


    "Your majesty, after receiving the imperial decree making chenqie the empress, chenqie sighed all night. Your Majesty is the son of heaven and a man who is graceful and smart. At that time, Chenqie felt that only the best woman in the world should be with your majesty. How could chenqie accept this position? Chenqie was ashamed, and wanted to break the marriage. But chenqie was afraid her family would be angry with her and didn¡¯t say anything. But chenqie can''t bear to make your majesty unhappy. Chenqie has thought about it, and since chenqie can¡¯t make your majesty happy, then chenqie will be virtuous and abdicate if your majesty has a favourite woman in the future.¡±


    There was no mention of Empress Dowager Song in her speech, and she pretended not to know that Li Chengxuan married her due to the Empress Dowager. She even said that in the future, whenever Li Chengxuan needed it, she would take upon abdicating herself.


    Song Jinning felt that Li Chengxuan had been given enough, and no matter what he would agree to her proposal, right?


    So she looked at Li Chengxuan with eyes full of confidence.


    Li Chengxuan grinned silently.


    Even if she twists her words to such an extent, it is obvious that she doesn¡¯t want to marry him.


    Li Chengxuan is also reluctant to this marriage. This young man is arrogant, and he really didn''t want to marry and have s*x with a woman he doesn¡¯t like, so Song Jinning''s proposal really suits his liking.


    But even so, how could he fulfill her wish so easily?


    So Li Chengxuan looked indifferent, and his index finger gently tapped the rosewood tabletop.


    "The Empress is too self-effacing. If the empress is an ugly woman, then no woman in the world would dare to call herself beautiful. The Empress also impressed zhen with her peach blossom poem, which was even better than Fu Wang Fei¡¯s.¡± He continued: ¡° How is the empress lazy? In zhen¡¯s opinion, it is a sign that the empress can tolerate people and is not jealous. In the inner palace, we need a positive minded and unjealous empress so that the harem can live in harmony. In zhen¡¯s view no one is more suitable to be the empress than you.¡±


    Li Chengxuan''s lips were slightly bent, and he looked at Song Jinning in a good mood.


    It¡¯s good if he sees her panic and then plead with him.

 CH 14

    T/N: I haven''t uploaded for 5 days, im so sorry. My finals are this week and im currently studying so updates will be very slow this week ::((


    Song Jinning raised her eyebrows slightly.


    I treated you with sincerity, but you dare fool around with me?


    So Song Jinning followed the example of Li Chengxuan, and tapped the rosewood table with her index finger. At the same time, there was a smile on her face.


    "Your Majesty really thinks that chenqie is good? Then chenqie also thinks she is worthy of the phoenix seal. In this case, chenqie can only live up to your majesty¡¯s expectations. In the future, chenqie will do her best to take care of the harem for your majesty.¡±


    Li Chengxuan: ¡­.


    He didn''t expect this at all.


    He thought he was attacking Song Jinning, but it was Song Jinning who was attacking him.


    Miscalculation! What a miscalculation!


    And most importantly, although he knew that this was not Song Jinning''s true thoughts, it was obvious that Song Jinning was controlling the conversation, and he was in a passive position.


    This feeling is really uncomfortable.


    But Li Chengxuan couldn''t change his words and say that his previous remarks were just jokes, and that he actually agreed with Song Jinning''s proposal.


    On the other hand, Song Jinning looked at Li Chengxuan''s aggrieved appearance, and felt very good.


    Since she¡¯s in a good mood, she won¡¯t embarrass Li Chengxuan any further.


    She smiled and said: "However, even though your majesty looks at chenqie so highly, chenqie is still deeply ashamed of your majesty¡¯s praises. So, has your majesty really let go of chenqie¡¯s suggestion?¡±


    Li Chengxuan could only swallow the bitter fruit.


    He felt aggrieved in his heart, but he could only reluctantly agree with Song Jinning¡¯s words.


    "As the saying goes, a man should not be a tough person. Since the Empress doesn¡¯t like this marriage so much, Zhen will naturally not force it.¡±


    As long as you agree with this matter, I don''t care about your superior attitude and words.


    If the two of us get along well in the future, I don''t mind giving you more face.


    So Song Jinning got up, and bowed to thank Li Chengxuan.


    "Thank you, Your Majesty."


    The agreement is reached. Then...


    "Will your majesty still rest with chenqie tonight?...¡±


    Since they had already reached an agreement, they should part ways. Song Jinning was definitely not willing to sleep with Li Chengxuan.


    Obviously Li Chengxuan was also unwilling.


    He obviously did not want to sleep with an unfeeling woman, so even if Song Jinning did not fall asleep when he returned on the wedding night last time, he still would not touch her.


    Let¡¯s just sleep for now.


    "Zhen will stay in your palace tonight."


    Song Jinning understood this.


    If the ministers know that the emperor ignores the empress, Song Jinning is afraid that someone will write a petition tommorow.


    But since she and Li Chengxuan have yet to consummate, there will naturally be no children. The Crown Prince is the foundation of the country. If there is no crown prince, then something big will definitely happen.


    Furthermore, if Empress Dowager Song is allowed to know about this, what will Empress Dowager Song do?


    So no matter how you look at it, Li Chengxuan still has to come to her palace from time to time and stay here to sleep.


    Fortunately, Song Jinning thought clearly.


    It¡¯s just one night. Anyway, they can sleep on different beds. As long as the two of them don''t talk, no one will know.


    She doesn¡¯t worry that Li Chengxuan will force her. Because Li Chengxuan is a very arrogant person, he should not be able to do such a thing.


    After thinking about this, Song Jinning said generously: "Your Majesty, you sleep on the bed and chenqie will sleep on the couch."


    The wooden couch next to the window is very spacious. It is near the window, so the sound of leaves can be hard which is quite calming.


    Song Jinning turned around and went to the closet to take two quilts.


    She is the Empress, so it is not an exaggeration to say that she is the richest woman in the world, so there is some spare bedding in the bedroom.


    Li Chengxuan sat at the table and did not move, watching Song Jinning put the quilt on the couch and making the bed.


    She thought about it earlier. No matter what, she has to be with Li Chengxuan for three years. In order to avoid the two of them being embarrassed every time they meet, it would be better to clear the air between them.


    Maybe in the future the two of them can be friends if they get along well.


    For this reason, she sent out Gu Yu and Bai Lu. Now they can¡¯t nag her to sleep in the same bed as Li Chengxuan.


    Song Jinning''s method of making the bed was slow, but clean.


    "You can make a bed?"


    After a while, Song Jinning heard Li Chengxuan''s slightly surprised voice.


    Song Jinning understands that nobles, apart from eating and sleeping, don¡¯t need to do anything. So they certainly won¡¯t know how to make a bed.


    But for Song Jinning, who was just an ordinary person in her previous life, is making a bed unusual?


    "That''s right."


    Song Jinning turned her back to Li Chengxuan, placed a soft pillow on the mattress, and at the same time replied casually, "Chenqie has nothing to learn at home."


    Li Chengxuan did not answer. He was thinking in his heart that Song Jinning has indeed changed a lot from before.


    As for Song Jinning, she doesn''t care about Li Chengxuan at all.


    Once the bedding has been laid, she can go to bed and sleep peacefully.


    Suddenly, she heard Li Chengxuan''s slightly awkward voice.


    "You sleep on the bed." Song Jinning paused and looked back at Li Chengxuan in shock.


    What do you mean?


    Li Chengxuan knew that she was confused from her expression.


    His face sank, and his ears were a little hot.


    "I have no interest in you!"


    Then Song Jinning heard him say in a slightly contemptuous tone: "The bedding on this bed is already stained with your breath. I don''t sleep on bedding that others have used."


    Song Jinning: Your Majesty, I feel that you are saying this inexplicably.


    But sleeping on a bed is definitely better than sleeping on a couch.


    But Song Jinning still controlled the joy in her heart. She can¡¯t make Li Chengxuan see her true thoughts.


    So she had a look of embarrassment and said: "Wouldn¡¯t your majesty be wronged?¡±


    Li Chengxuan ignored her words and walked directly to the couch.


    Anyway, he can put up with being wronged. Once he stabilizes his power, he will naturally not have to go to this Weiyang Palace again.


    Song Jinning didn''t get a response, but Song Jinning was not upset. She turned around happily and went back to the bed to sleep.


    Even if the two people slept in the same room, they didn¡¯t need to worry about being embarassed. A red screen embroidered with magnolia bird patterns was in front of the bed, so it successfully blocked all sight.


    Song Jinning slept quite well that night, and didn''t even have a dream.


    Her biological clock was on time, and she woke up as usual the next morning.


    She took an outer robe and put it on her body. She went around the screen and called Li Chengxuan to get up.


    Before the maidservants enter the hall, the quilt on the couch has to be put away, to create an illusion that she and Li Chengxuan actually slept in the same bed last night.


    As a result, Song Jinning had to restrain her laughter when she went around the screen.


    Half of the silk quilt was on the floor while the other half was firmly pressed by Li Chengxuan¡¯s right leg and left hand, otherwise it would have fallen to the ground completely.


    Li Chengxuan¡¯s sleeping appearance is not very good.


    Song Jinning held back her laugh, walked over and called out: "Your Majesty? Your Majesty?"


    After shouting several times, she saw Li Chengxuan''s eyebrows move slightly. Then his eyes opened.


    The moment he opened it, she could see the blankness in his eyes, like a child.


    Unexpectedly, it turns out that Li Chengxuan also had harmless moments like these. In the original book, the name Li Chengxuan is basically the synonym of strong and ruthless, with no other description about him.


    As for why Li Chengxuan has not become such a person now, Song Jinning guessed that on one hand, Li Chengxuan has not yet reached the age mentioned in the book, and on the other hand, Li Chengxuan has not met Jiang Wanqiu, his destined person, so his character couldn¡¯t have that chemical reaction needed.


    But Song Jinning felt that compared to Li Chengxuan''s character in the book, the current Li Chengxuan is much cuter.


    When LI Chengxuan opened his eyes, he saw a pretty face.


    He just woke up, and his consciousness had not completely returned. He felt that this person made the whole world brighter.


    He was suspicious that he was dreaming about a fairy above the nine heavens.


    But the fairy slapped him on the leg, urging: "Get up, Gu Yu and Bai Lu are about to come over."


    The pain made Li Chengxuan sober instantly.


    Then his face went black.


    What fairy above the nine heavens? This is clearly a shrew who uses brute force!


    And the speed of this shrew is extremely fast. The minute he got up from the couch, she took the bedding, hugged it and put it in the closet.


    What she just did was so fast, making Li Chengxuan who was standing barefoot beside the couch stunned.


    But there was not enough time for him to be idle. After a few seconds, he heard the sound of the door being knocked. At the same time, Gu Yu''s voice was heard: "Your Highness, are you awake? Will this slave come in now?¡±


    Song Jinning immediately pulled Li Chengxuan''s arm and then seated him on the edge of the bed.


    As for herself, she crawled onto the bed and sat down as well. Then she shouted: "Come in."


    Li Chengxuan:...


    As the Emperor, how is coming to his wife¡¯s palace so awkward?

 CH 15

    T/N: Did i just finish my exams? You bet i did! Here''s a chapter as compensation for my disappearance :))


    Because of Song Jinning¡¯s slap, Li Chengxuan felt agitated.


    While washing and dressing, he kept a calm face, making the servants involuntarily worried, for fear that he would suddenly become angry.


    There was no effect on Song Jinning. She feels that she has done nothing wrong at all, so why should she be guilty or be disturbed?


    After she finished washing up, breakfast was served on the table.


    Song Jinning didn''t want to eat with Li Chengxuan, but since the two of them had become allies last night, and the size of the food on the table looked like it could feed a few people, she had no choice but to ask Li Chengxuan to eat reluctantly.


    "Breakfast?"


    Li Chengxuan did not answer, and wanted to leave with a calm face.


    Wasn¡¯t he embarrassed enough? Now Song Jinning wants him to stay for breakfast? Who knows if Song Jinning will embarrass him again?


    But he glanced at the table from the corner of his eye...


    The Boiled Golden Corn Porridge; Steamed white tofu, fried dough sticks; fried dumplings with brown sauce...


    Not to mention all kinds of assorted pickles, green side dishes, as well as boiled eggs, quail eggs, hot milk, boiled soy milk, and bean curd.


    Li Chengxuan couldn''t move his feet anymore, turned around involuntarily, and sat down at the table.


    Song Jinning also sat down at the table.


    She frowned as she looked at the table full of food.


    Although she has been a Noble Lady for seven years, and the Empress for six days, she still thinks this is being wasteful!


    After the initial surprise, Zhou Jing now stood beside Li Chengxuan with a calm expression on his face.


    After asking Li Chengxuan what he wanted to eat, Zhou Jing skillfully filled a bowl with food and placed it in front of him.


    Li Chengxuan took a sip of the bean curd and took a bite of the fried dumpling.


    He raised his head and asked Song Jinning, "In addition to meat, what stuffing is in this dumpling?¡±


    Song Jinning thought, how would I know? I haven¡¯t even tasted it.


    She picked up a fried dumpling and took a bite. She chewed for a while before she said: "Jicai [1].¡±


    "Jicai?" Li Chengxuan''s lips twitched slightly. "The Wild Vegetable?


    Song Jinning looked at him annoyingly, but his reaction was quite justified.


    Firstly, people in the royal family usually eat meat, and rarely indulge in vegetables. Secondly, wild vegetables are used by common people to feed their livestock or as a source of food during a famine. Letting the Emperor eat vegetables, it is really a breach of etiquette.


    But Song Jinning doesn''t care.


    I''m not forcing you to eat. If you don¡¯t want to eat, then don¡¯t eat!


    After taking a few bites, she nodded and said slowly: "Yes it is the wild vegetable.¡±


    But it was delicious and very fresh.


    Blue veins appeared on Li Chengxuan¡¯s forehead.


    When Song Jinning gave him food last time, it was Haozibaba made with wild vegetables, and now this dumpling is also made of wild vegetables. Looking at all the green dishes on the table, are these also wild vegetables?


    How could Song Jinning eat wild vegetables like this? Could it be that her family is poor?


    But this is absolutely impossible.


    As the only Prince in Yunnan, Prince Nanyang had the authority to levy taxes on the people there. The bountiful oil in Yunnan is also another source of money for Prince Nanyang. And who in the empire doesn''t know that Song Jinning is Prince Nanyang¡¯s favorite child?


    Unless Song Jinning wants to eat it herself...


    As for why she wants to eat it, it¡¯s because these ¡®wild¡¯ vegetables are delicious.


    Even Li Chengxuan has to admit that both the Haozibaba and this Dumpling are very good.


    When Zhou Jing heard that the dumpling was made with a wild vegetable, he was ready to see Li Chengxuan spit it out.


    But not only did Li Chengxuan not spit the dumpling out, he also ate the whole thing.


    And after eating one, he placed another one in his bowl.


    Zhou Jing: ...


    Zhou Jing almost burst into tears.


    He felt that an Emperor¡¯s life is really not easy.


    In order to stabilize his power, he must do things that are against his will.


    When Li Chengxuan finished eating dumplings, he stared at the white cakes.


    Zhou Jing was instructed to tear a small piece, and Li Chengxuan took it in his hand and looked at it.


    The surface looks no different from ordinary white flour cake, but the two sides were golden. After taking a bite, Li Chengxuan noticed the faint taste of wine.


    Li Chengxuan was surprised. So he shamelessly asked: "What is this cake made of?"


    Song Jinning: ...


    Your Majesty, are you a baby? Why are you asking about everything?


    "The flour is mixed with water to form a dough, and then a bit of wine is added. After fermentation, it is fried on low fire."


    After a short pause, Song Jinning asked: "Your Majesty, do you know where flour comes from?¡±


    Song Jinning has every reason to suspect that Li Chengxuan is so sheltered that he hasn¡¯t seen wheat grains before.


    Li Chengxuan was upset.


    "How could zhen not know? Every year zhen has to sacrifice to the heavens at the beginning of spring, and pray for good weather.¡±


    You are just a lady, what can you know?!


    However, Song Jinning just sighed, put down her chopsticks, grabbed a quail egg from the plate and peeled it.


    Seeing Li Chengxuan look at her, she took another quail egg from the plate and handed it over: "Your Majesty would like to eat this?"


    Zhou Jing saw it and took it from Song Jinning¡¯s hand to peel it for Li Chengxuan.


    But Li Chengxuan saw that it was easy for Song Jinning to peel, so he thought it was not difficult.


    He doesn¡¯t want to be looked down upon by Song Jinning. Just now when she asked him if he knew where flour came from, didn''t she look down on him? Going past Zhou Jing, he directly reached out and took the quail egg.


    Just like Song Jinning, he knocked the quail eggs on the table.


    He didn''t expect to use so much force, breaking the quail egg in half.


    Li Chengxuan did not say anything, and immersed himself in peeling the eggs.


    But how can he do this? Peeling eggs was already hard, not to mention that these are quail eggs.


    Zhou Jing couldn''t bear to look straight, and silently turned his head aside.


    As for Song Jinning, although she bowed her head and tried her best to endure a smile, her shoulders were shaking.


    The Emperor¡¯s ability to take care of himself is no better than a kindergartener''s.


    Li Chengxuan wanted to give himself face. Song Jinning laughed at such a trivial matter. How is he giving himself face like this?


    Fortunately, he is not a tyrant who takes other people¡¯s life at every turn. Although he was laughed at, he kept his face calm, and didn''t even shout.


    As for the quail egg he was peeling, he threw it on the plate with a huff.


    Then he lowered his head and ate bean curd, without speaking again.


    Suddenly, a small white porcelain dish appeared in his sight, with a peeled quail egg inside.


    As for the hand pushing the small dish, it was white and tender just like the peeled quail egg.


    "Your Majesty, please eat." It was Song Jinning''s voice enduring a laugh.


    She can¡¯t annoy Li Chengxuan too much, right? In the future, she will still live in this palace for a period of time, and Li Chengxuan will be her benefactor.


    So instead of waiting for Li Chengxuan to ask questions, Song Jinning took the initiative to introduce all the dishes on the table.


    "The assorted pickles in this box were all made by Zhao Mama. Your Majesty, do you want to try it? This dish is mixed with dried tofu with Malantou [2]. Chenqie put some sesame oil on it, so it smells very fragrant. It tastes very delicious and refreshing.¡±


    "This Malantou is also a wild vegetable. Your Majesty must have never eaten it before? But even though it is a wild vegetable, it tastes very delicious. During spring, this malantou is very popular in Yunnan.¡±


    "This dish is a current seasonal dish, the famous caitai [3]. It is not very complicated to cook, but it is cooked with boiled lard and stir-fried for a while. It is not only refreshing, but also sweet."


    "As for this dish, it is a folk snack called fermented tofu [4]. The tofu is cut into small pieces and placed in a jar to let it naturally ferment. The moldy tofu cubes are then placed in wine, then rolled in chili flakes, placed in a jar, then sealed and set aside for a while."


    "When you want to eat it, you only need to pick the fermented tofu from the jar. It can be eaten directly, or it can be drizzled with sesame oil. Both tastes are different. Chenqie likes to eat it by itself, your majesty should try it.¡±


    Li Chengxuan looked surprised.


    This surprise is because of two reasons.


    First, why would someone eat moldy food? and Secondly, how come Song Jinning knows these folk snacks?


    Isn''t she from a noble background? Shouldn''t it be that she doesn¡¯t go out, and practices sewing and calligraphy to entertain herself?


    Song Jinning guessed what he was thinking at a glance.


    However, Song Jinning kindly solved Li Chengxuan''s confusion.


    "My father is obsessed with food, so chenqie is also affected by it. Not only does he know how to eat, he also knows the various ways of eating each food."


    In fact, it is because she was a foodie in her previous life. Although she was a little weak in her cooking ability and couldn''t fully replicate the delicacies she liked, the cooks her father had hired were very good, so she only needed to give them an idea and overview of the dish, and they would be able to make it.


    It is actually her father who often asks her about food.


    But these things can''t be said to Li Chengxuan, so Song Jinning can only use her father as an excuse.


    And obviously Li Chengxuan believed it too, because the surprise on his face was gone.


    Song Jinning still had the heart to be compassionate to him, so she smiled and asked, "Since Your Majesty already knows the origin of this fermented tofu, does your majesty want to taste it?"


    Come on, don''t discriminate because it has mold on it. It¡¯s actually very delicious.


    Footnotes:


    Another Food related chapter T_T


    1) Üù²Ë (J¨¬c¨¤i)- a wild herb. Most commonly used as filling for jiaozi (dumplings). These are the jicai dumplings SJN mentioned:


    2) ÂíÀ¼Í· (M¨£l¨¢n t¨®u)- Also known as Indian Aster. It is a plant commonly found in the slopes of hills and ridges between rice fields. This is the Malantou with tofu SJN mentioned:


    3) ²Ë̦ (C¨¤i t¨¢i)- a plant from Wuhan. Caitai has purplish stalks, dark green leaves, and little yellow flowers. It has a similar taste to mustard greens. This is the fried caitai SJN mentioned:


    4) ¶¹¸¯Èé (D¨°ufu r¨³)- Fermented Tofu. Also known as ¡®Stinky Tofu¡¯ because it''s, well, stinky. This is a classic dish in China and Hong Kong. I¡¯ve personally tried it, but it¡¯s not for me.

 CH 16

    Li Chengxuan was naturally hesitant about this.


    But he didn¡¯t want Song Jinning to look down on him, so he didn¡¯t refuse.


    ¡°Zhen 1 is the son of heaven, and all people in the world are zhen¡¯s subjects. Zhen should naturally know what his subjects eat.¡±


    As he said this, he stretched out his chopsticks to pick up a small piece of fermented tofu, and slowly put it into his mouth.


    Song Jinning: Tsk, once you eat this fermented tofu, can you still say the same words to me?


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    Song Jinning asked Li Chengxuan with her eyes narrowed: ¡°Your Majesty, how does it taste?¡±


    Li Chengxuan did not pick up the fermented tofu at all, but actually just picked up chili flakes with his chopsticks.


    Although chili is already available in this era, they are not very popular. At least in the palace, chili is not used much in cooking.


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    Tso nswze Nk Ubldtmwyd dsv wdelapvyde vbyv Fsdt Kkddkdt oyp elzkclayvl? Tl eked¡¯v nsdvasz bkp lmralppksd yv yzz, yde aykple bkp blye vs tzyal yv bla.


    Fsdt Kkddkdt oyp dsv yqayke. Fbl pyke okvb y pxkzl: ¡°Zswa Yyflpvu, kq usw nyd¡¯v lyv prknu qsse, usw okzz dsv cl yczl vs vypvl ekqqlaldv elzknynklp.¡±


    Li Chengxuan: ¡­


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    Although he doesn¡¯t know what Song Jinning is thinking, he feels that there is something wrong.


    Her attitude towards him made a 180 degree turn from just now.


    ¡°Taste a bit of the Fermented Tofu again. It¡¯s actually not spicy at all, and it has a bit of wine aroma, doesn¡¯t it? Just make sure not to eat the chili flakes.¡±


    Zhou Jing: Why do I feel like something is wrong?¡­..


    As for Bai Lu, she knew that her mistress was like this when introducing new food. Even to the prince, she would introduce food in a very joyful way.


    Eating should be a good experience for everyone on the table.


    Song Jinning even discussed the process of making tofu with Li Chengxuan.


    ¡°¡­To make soy milk, you have to soak soybeans first. Afterwards, grind the soy into soy milk and boil it over low heat. Soy milk can be drunk either as a sweet or sour drink. After soy milk is heated, a layer of film will slowly appear on the surface. This is called ¡®tofu skin¡¯.¡±


    ¡°The tofu skin can be served cold or marinated, or it can be added to various ingredients and stir-fried for a better taste. You can also add it to shredded pork and you just need to roll it together in order to eat. You can also add brine to it, which will turn it into tofu.


    ¡°Of course, making spicy tofu is not impossible. In addition to making it spicy, tofu can be added to chicken, fish, beef, pork or any dish that you can think of. Tofu is a really good dish, your majesty, you should ask the palace chefs to make it for you.¡±


    Li Chengxuan :¡­


    He is busy fighting ministers all day long, and he also has to guard himself against Empress Dowager Song. How could he have time for these things?


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    He is the Emperor of an Empire, so why would he care about tofu?


    But it¡¯s just a soybean. He didn¡¯t expect that it could be used for so many things. Now that he thinks about it, it is quite amazing.


    Song Jinning was obviously in a good mood, so after she finished breakfast, she looked at Li Chengxuan with a smile.


    ¡°Speaking of which, Zhao Mama2 actually made a new jar of fermented tofu a few days ago. It will be good to eat in a few days. Your Majesty should try it again.¡±


    Fermented Tofu? Just thinking about it makes him feel bad¡­.


    And seeing the narrow look on Song Jinning¡¯s face, he felt that she was deliberately making fun of him.


    But he has to admit that breakfast was very delicious.


    Li Chengxuan hesitated for a moment, but eventually nodded in agreement.


    A maidservant brought tea3 so that Li Chengxuan and Song Jinning could wash up.


    Although Li Chengxuan does not have to go to court today, there are still many memorials waiting to be reviewed. Several officials from the Ministry of Households and the Ministry of Industry were also summoned to discuss the dredging of the Xin¡¯an River, so he got up and left immediately after breakfast.


    Song Jinning felt that no matter what, she is still Li Chengxuan¡¯s wife, so she must do her duties as the empress.


    So she accompanied Li Chengxuan to the door and dutifully sent him off.


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    Li Chengxuan walked to the courtyard, and when he turned around, he saw Song Jinning still standing at the door.


    Although the morning sun had not yet risen fully, there was still light sunshine. Song Jinning was wearing a light green dress, and she looked really beautiful, beautiful enough to be a painting.


    Li Chengxuan had a strange feeling in his heart.


    It seems that both him and Song Jinning have changed a lot. The Song Jinning now¡­.he doesn¡¯t seem to be too annoyed with her.


    Song Jinning waited for Li Chengxuan¡¯s figure to leave the courtyard before she turned back and went inside the hall.


    The servants were already removing the dishes, and Song Jinning walked to the wooden couch near the window and sat down.


    Qiu Qiu 4 rushed towards her, and Song Jinning took her from the floor smoothly and hugged her in her arms.


    One person and one cat lay lazily on the couch. When Bai Lu came over to serve tea, she couldn¡¯t help but remind Song Jinning, which is usually something Gu Yu would do.


    ¡°Your Highness, it¡¯s not good to sit down immediately after a meal. It¡¯s better to get up and walk around. Isn¡¯t your highness going to pay respects to the Empress Dowager?¡±


    Song Jinning didn¡¯t move, and firmly held Qiu Qiu in her hand. Qiu Qiu then glared at Bai Lu with his blue eyes.


    ¡°Bengong will go to Shoukang Palace on foot .¡±


    Weiyang Palace is quite a distance from Shoukang Palace. Bai Lu thought about it, but felt that it was fine.


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    She put the tea cup on a tray beside Song Jinning and was about to withdraw.


    But then she heard Song Jinning ask: ¡°Where¡¯s Gu Yu? How come bengong only saw her once this morning?¡±


    Bai Lu was about to answer, but a voice cut her off.


    ¡°Mistress, this slave is here.¡±


    Song Jinning followed the sound and saw Gu Yu walking in from outside the hall.


    When she got closer, Song Jinning noticed that she was holding a thorn¡­or was it a stick?


    Song Jinning: ¡­


    ¡°What are you doing?¡±


    Gu Yu didn¡¯t answer, and knelt down in front of Song Jinning.


    ¡°Your Highness, this slave knows that your highness likes her book collection the most, and does not easily lend it to outsiders. But last night, this slave allowed the emperor to touch your highness¡¯s books without your highness¡¯s permission. Your highness, please punish this slave.¡±


    After speaking, she held the thorn twig up her neck while looking distressingly at Song Jinning.


    Song Jinning: ¡­


    She looked at Gu Yu who was kneeling on the ground, and Bai Lu who was standing beside her with a calm face.


    She understood.


    It¡¯s no wonder that she hasn¡¯t seen Gu Yu. It turns out that she was brewing up a plan.


    And Bai Lu was clearly aware of this matter.


    ¡°Where did you learn to do this?¡±


    Song Jinning felt dumbfounded for a while, ¡± Yu¡¯er, Bengong knows you are good, and Bengong doesn¡¯t blame you. Get up.¡±


    Gu Yu and Bai Lu have been with Song Jinning for several years, and they naturally know that she is a very generous master. Song Jinning doesn¡¯t beat them, and doesn¡¯t even scold them for anything. Song Jinning would even call them Yu¡¯er and Lu¡¯er 5 affectionately.


    Song Jinning spoiled the two of them, so Gu Yu and Bai Lu didn¡¯t fear her much.


    Gu Yu knew that Song Jinning would not really blame her, but she was a slave, and she had to stand up and admit if she did something wrong.


    So when Song Jinning said that she didn¡¯t blame her, Gu Yu stood up.


    At the same time, she smiled and complimented: ¡°Your Highness, you are really broad-minded.¡±


    Song Jinning gave her a slanted look: ¡°Stop flattering me.¡±


    But the truth is, she liked it. Who doesn¡¯t like being praised?


    Gu Yu didn¡¯t care about this. She gave Song Jinning a grin and said: ¡°This slave heard that the emperor liked breakfast this morning . It seems that the emperor likes the meals made by the little kitchen in our palace.¡±


    So what? Why would I care?


    Gu Yu continued to talk.


    ¡°This is good. This slave will ask the kitchen to make more dishes so that when his majesty comes to Weiyang Palace in the future, he will have new food to try.¡±


    The hidden meaning of this is that: In this way, wouldn¡¯t the emperor like you more?


    Song Jinning rubbed her forehead in distress.


    This girl really spares no effort to match her up with Li Chengxuan.


    ¡°Yu¡¯er.¡± Song Jinning finally said something, ¡°Bengong is going to visit the Empress Dowager, get some snacks from the little kitchen to bring.¡±


    ¡°Now?¡± Gu Yu was easily taken off the topic as expected.


    ¡°Now of course. The little kitchen just made some buns with sesame and red bean paste fillings. Bring a plate of each with you.¡±


    After a pause, Gu Yu asked tentatively: ¡°Um, Your Highness, do you want this slave to send something to His Majesty?¡±


    Gu Yu was a little worried.


    She noticed that Song Jinning seems to be a little cold to Li Chengxuan.


    But to her surprise, Song Jinning nodded in agreement.


    ¡°Send him a plate. In the future, when the little kitchen makes new snacks, send some to his majesty as well.¡±


    Li Chengxuan is her new ally and food friend, so she naturally has to be good to him.

 CH 17

    When Song Jinning arrived at Shoukang Palace, she saw Princess Jingle was also there.


    She shared the cakes and snacks she brought with Empress Dowager Song and Li Xiyan, then the three of them sat down to talk.


    When they started talking about paper kites, Song Jinning quickly invited Empress Dowager Song and Li Xiyan to play with paper kites.


    Li Xiyan is only fourteen years old, so she likes doing these kinds of things. Although she didn¡¯t say that she wanted to go, her eyes were full of expectation when she looked at Empress Dowager Song.


    She was waiting for Empress Dowager Song to nod and agree.


    Empress Dowager Song sighed secretly when she saw this.


    Empress Dowager Song didn¡¯t know whether this was Li Xiyan¡¯s true nature. She feels that she is raising Li Xiyan well, but why is her daughter so weak? Just flying paper kites, she still needs her approval?


    She is at the age where she needs to find a husband, and as a princess, she has to make strong and resolute decisions. Otherwise, she will just get bullied in her husband¡¯s house.


    Oxralpp Psoytla Fsdt qlzv vbyv pbl dllele vs vlynb Nk Dkuyd bso vs cl nswaytlswp yp bla sdzu eywtbvla. Mbl xspv kxrsavydv vbkdt dso kp vs yzzso bla vs es obyv pbl oydvp.


    Fs pbl pyke: ¡°Rq usw oydv vs rzyu okvb y ryrla jkvl, rzyu okvb uswa nswpkd.¡±


    Fbl blaplzq oyp vss zygu vs xshl clnywpl sq vbl rykd kd bla aktbv zlt vbyv byp clld csvblakdt bla qsa vbl rypv 2 eyup.


    Nk Dkuyd dseele bla blye. Mbld pbl ypjle Fsdt Kkddkdt oblal vblu olal tskdt vs qzu vbl ryrla jkvl.


    Fsdt Kkddkdt eked¡¯v jdso lkvbla.


    Gzvbswtb vbl saktkdyz Fsdt Kkddkdt sqvld hkpkvle vbl ryzynl yp y nbkze, vbl nwaaldv Fsdt Kkddkdt eslpd¡¯v byhl vbspl xlxsaklp. Frlyjkdt sq obknb, pbswzed¡¯v Nk Dkuyd cl xsal alzkyczl kd vbkp xyvvla?


    Jlnywpl vbkp tkaz talo wr kd vbl ryzynl yde byp zkhle blal qsa qkqvlld ulyap.


    Nk Dkuyd blpkvyvle vs pwttlpv: ¡°Tso ycswv vbl piwyal kd qasdv sq Mykfk Tyzz?¡±


    Song Jinning¡¯s eyes lit up.


    She knows that square.


    The ground there is covered with bluestone bricks, and there is not even a single tree in the square. It is said that this is because in case there is an assassin, the assassin won¡¯t be able to hide anywhere.


    It is really suitable for running, especially for flying paper kites.


    Song Jinning was about to make a decision, but Li Xiyan asked a question again.


    ¡°Isn¡¯t Taiji Hall the place where the ministers discuss politics? What will they say if they see us?¡±


    ¡°Are you afraid they¡¯ll reprimand you?¡±


    Before Song Jinning could say anything, Empress Dowager Song answered Li Xiyan¡¯s question.


    ¡°There is no court meeting today. Which minister has the courage to go to Taiji hall without consent? And so what if you meet a few ministers? One of you is the empress while the other is a princess. No matter which minister, even the highest and most influential minister, when they see you both, they have to kneel and bow. If they are not afraid of you, just forget them. On the contrary, why do you need to care about what they think?¡±


    Then, with a sweep of her right arm, she said boldly: ¡°You two, just go and play there. If you encounter any ministers, don¡¯t be afraid. If anyone dares to say anything about what you¡¯re doing, just ask someone to drag them out. Then ask them: This is our home, how come we can¡¯t even play with paper kites? Who are you to care about what we¡¯re doing?¡±


    Song Jinning was enthusiastic.


    She really likes Empress Dowager Song too much.


    This Empress Dowager not only protects her shortcomings, but is also open-minded.


    She smiled at Empress Dowager Song, then shook Li Xiyan¡¯s arm, and the two of them left Shoukang Palace together.


    Song Jinning sent two maidservants to the Ministry of Internal Affairs to pick up paper kites before she went to Shoukang Palace. She and Li Xiyan had just walked out of the gate of Shoukang Palace, but by coincidence they saw the two maids return. A eunuch was also walking behind them.


    The three of them held different kinds of paper kites in their hands.


    The shape and color of each kite was different.


    Swallows, butterflies, goldfish, bats. The eunuch was even holding a huge phoenix kite.


    Song Jinning didn¡¯t have much experience in flying paper kites, so she didn¡¯t dare to use the phoenix and took a swallow kite of medium size. While Li Xiyan took a goldfish paper kite.


    The two ??were talking while walking until they reached the square of Taiji hall.


    It¡¯s March, and the weather is mild and warm. The day is bright and beautiful, and the glazed tiles on the floor were full of brilliance.


    The two were very excited, and soon started flying paper kites.


    The paper kites selected by the two were not big, and the wind was strong in the square, so the paper kites flew quickly in the air.


    As it flew higher and higher, it reached a point where the shape couldn¡¯t even be seen.


    Song Jinning was running in the sun, so a thin layer of sweat soon formed on her forehead and she was breathing heavily.


    She handed the paper kite to Bai Lu, and walked over to the side to stand in a shady place.


    Gu Yu poured a cup of tea and handed it to Song Jinning. She reached out and took it, drinking slowly while looking around.


    There was a gate on each side of the square, which was tightly closed at the moment, and guards were standing straight on each door.


    In addition, there was a small structure inside the square with 20 rooms. Song Jinning didn¡¯t know if this was used as an official office or a storage room.


    Behind it stands a watch tower, and above it stands the very mighty and domineering Taiji Hall.


    As for the front, there was a bridge made of white marble.


    Ahead was the city wall and three gates.


    The gate in the middle is the main gate, and is not open often. Song Jinning remembered that her carriage was brought in from this gate during her wedding.


    Thinking of this, she suddenly remembered another thing.


    Although Jiang Wanqiu later became Li Chengxuan¡¯s favorite concubine, she was sad that she had to come from the side gate. So when she was later sealed, even if she was just a concubine, in order to compensate her, Li Chengxuan gave her a grand wedding and let her sit on a carriage.


    Song Jinning couldn¡¯t believe that Li Chengxuan, who is such an awkward person, can be so gentle in the future.


    Song Jinning drank the tea, and was about to pass the cup to Gu Yu when she saw someone walk in from the left gate.


    It was far away, so she couldn¡¯t see the appearance clearly, but Song Jinning was sure that it was a woman.


    If you want to enter the palace, you must ask for the empress¡¯s permission. Song Jinning hasn¡¯t received any letters these past few days, so this person¡­..


    There are only a few people who can go into the palace directly.


    Song Jinning stood still. From a distance, she saw the woman walk towards her with a maid beside her.


    It was Jiang Wanqiu.


    Presumably she came to the palace to serve Noble Consort Dowager Wei.


    Song Jinning vaguely remembered a passage in the original book: It was said that Noble Consort Dowager Wei did not like Jiang Wanqiu from the beginning, so after the decline of Jiang Wanqiu¡¯s family, Noble Consort Dowager Wei just became even more unhappy with her.


    It is clear that Noble Consort Dowager Wei is still healthy. Although she had bad intentions, when did she ever lose her temper in front of anyone? However, she treats Jiang Wanqiu like this and even forces her to come and serve her in the palace.


    It was clear that Noble Consort Dowager Wei just wanted to make things hard for Jiang Wanqiu.


    Mother-in-laws have this common problem: they think that their son is the best in the world, and no matter which woman marries their son, it is a climb for that woman. They then set a mental deadline for the woman to be pregnant, and when the woman passes that period without becoming pregnant, they become alarmed and call her infertile and treat her even worse.


    Noble Consort Dowager Wei is obviously a mother-in-law of this type among many others.


    Because her son is a prince, she thinks that he has the right to inherit the throne.


    Although the throne did not fall in the hands of her son, Noble Consort Dowager Wei is still hopeful.


    What if Li Chengxuan dies young? What if God suddenly decides to kill Li Chengxuan and falls a rock over his head?


    How can Noble Consort Dowager Wei not feel superior? How can she regard a daughter-in-law whose maiden family has been declining and is no help to her son at all?


    In this respect, Song Jinning sympathizes with Jiang Wanqiu.


    Jiang Wanqiu, in the future you¡¯ll be able to become the empress and defeat Noble Consort Dowager Wei!


    Song Jinning quietly patted Jiang Wanqiu in her heart.


    But even so, Song Jinning couldn¡¯t say how much she liked Jiang Wanqiu.


    The reason is that Song Jinning doesn¡¯t like people who are very sentimental. Jiang Wanqiu is the type to cry whenever something happens to her, which is not Song Jinning¡¯s ideal female lead.

 CH 18

    Jiang Wanqiu had already walked over with her maidservant.


    Although she is Fu Wang Fei, and is Song Jinning¡¯s second sister-in-law, rank comes before family1, so she still has to greet Song Jinning.


    Song Jinning was not hypocritical, accepted her greeting calmly, and then smiled and asked her: ¡°Is Fu Wang Fei going to visit Noble Consort Dowager Wei?¡±


    Jiang Wanqiu replied, ¡°Mother ordered this princess to come over and help her since she has a headache.¡± Song Jinning saw Jiang Wanqiu¡¯s face, and knew that even she didn¡¯t believe Noble Consort Dowager Wei¡¯s reason.


    But what can she do? It is her mother-in-law¡¯s order, and she can only obey it.


    Song Jinning is also helpless about this. After all, although she is the empress, Jiang Wanqiu and Noble Consort Dowager Wei are in-laws, and as an outsider, Song Jinning has no right to intervene.


    So she just nodded.


    At this time, Li Xiyan gave her paper kite to a maidservant and walked over to talk to Jiang Wanqiu.


    Wsavwdyvlzu, Kkydt Eydikw oyp ydmkswp vs pll Lsczl Usdpsav Psoytla Elk yde pssd vwadle yaswde yde zlqv.


    Nk Dkuyd oyvnble bla oyzj yoyu, yde obkprlale: ¡°Flnsde pkpvla-kd-zyo kp iwkvl rkvkqwz. Mbkp rakdnlpp blyae vbyv Lsczl Usdpsav Psoytla Elk kp vaukdt vs tkhl plnsde casvbla psxl nsdnwckdlp.¡±


    ¡°Tso es usw jdso vbkp?¡± Fsdt Kkddkdt nswzed¡¯v blzr cwv cl pwarakple.


    Fbl jdsop vbyv Nk Dkuyd kp y hlau pbu tkaz, yde pbl ayalzu zlyhlp Fbswjydt Vyzynl, ps bso oswze pbl jdso ycswv vblpl vbkdtp?


    Ysalshla, Nk Dkuyd kpd¡¯v vbl vurl vs ldtytl kd tsppkr.


    ¡°Mbkp kp obyv R blyae obld vbl Psoytla Usdnwckdlp nyxl shla vs nbyv okvb xwbsw2.¡±


    Nk Dkuyd nsdvkdwle: ¡°Mblu dsv sdzu vyzjle ycswv Flnsde Jasvbla¡¯p xyvvlap, cwv yzps xyvvlap nsdnladkdt xu Ozelpv Fkpvla.¡±


    Fsdt Kkddkdt wdelapvsse.


    Those Dowager Concubines only say this to gain the favor of Empress Dowager Song.


    When the previous emperor died, he left a will to Empress Dowager Song and Li Chengxuan, asking them to treat Noble Consort Dowager Wei and her children well. This made Empress Dowager Song unable to do anything to Noble Consort Dowager Wei, which undoubtedly made her feel dissatisfied.


    Because Noble Consort Dowager Wei used to make things hard for her.


    So knowing that Noble Consort Dowager Wei¡¯s children are not having a good time, Empress Dowager Song will definitely feel happy.


    This is human nature, and there is nothing wrong with it. Song Jinning expressed her understanding of Empress Dowager Song¡¯s feelings.


    Because if she was in Empress Dowager Song¡¯s position, she would feel the same.


    In the Imperial Study Room, Li Chengxuan was reviewing the memorials submitted by officials.


    When he raised his head for tea, Zhou Jing also offered two plates of snacks.


    Li Chengxuan looked at them and saw that the two snacks were as green as jade. He hadn¡¯t seen them before, so he asked curiously: ¡°What is this?¡±


    Zhou Jing didn¡¯t dare to hide it, and replied: ¡± Replying to your majesty, this was sent by the Empress. It is a folk snack called Qingtuan3.¡±


    Zhou Jing was born in a poor family and had eaten qingtuan when he was a child. When there was a famine back then, he ate these foods, so he naturally knows what a Haozibaba4 or a Qingtuan is.


    If this was the past, Zhou Jing wouldn¡¯t be able to bring these two plates of snacks to Li Chengxuan at all. What is your majesty¡¯s status? Son of Heaven, the one above all, how can he eat these things? But this morning while watching Li Chengxuan eat at Weiyang Palace, Zhou Jing became a little uncertain.


    He thought that the Empress was very smart. What kind of delicacies has Li Chengxuan not eaten? Even if you hire cooks to make these dishes look or taste better, it would still be the same in the eyes of Li Chengxuan. On the contrary, the dishes that are eaten by the common people that have never been seen by Li Chengxuan will definitely arouse his interest.


    After all, whether you are a minister or a slave, who would dare to feed the Emperor common food? Also who would dare to tell the emperor that some people have to rely on wild vegetables in order to survive


    And sure enough, Zhou Jing saw Li Chengxuan eat three Qingtuan¡¯s in one go.


    Zhou Jing: ¡­


    He now understands why Li Chengxuan ordered him to kneel for one day in the Imperial Kitchen.


    The tea was just an excuse for Li Chengxuan to punish him. The truth was that Li Chengxuan wanted to eat the haozibaba, but Zhou Jing took it away from him. The Emperor is prideful and did not want to say he wanted the haozibaba, so he punished Zhou Jing for another reason instead.


    Zhou Jing thought to himself that when he was a child, he heard his mother chat with a neighbor, saying that one family had married their son to a woman, and the son was not happy at first. But he couldn¡¯t become cold to the woman because the woman constantly cooked delicious food. Later, the son grew to love the woman very much and lived a long life with her and their children.


    It seems that the Emperor and the Empress are the same.


    Li Chengxuan had already stretched out his hand to take a fourth qingtuan. Suddenly, he heard the sound of applause outside, so he asked Zhou Jing to go out and see who dared to make noise.


    Zhou Jing went outside. After a while, he came back to report: ¡°Her Highness the Empress and Princess Jingle are playing with paper kites outside. The paper kites went very high up so the accompanying servants clapped and cheered them on.¡±


    Li Chengxuan paused.


    Then he put down the qingtuan, ordered the servants to get the remaining plates, and continued to review the memorial.


    After reading the two memorials, Li Chengxuan put down his brush and turned his head to look at the spring light outside the window.


    When Zhou Jing saw this, he whispered a suggestion: ¡°Your Majesty, you have read memorials for a while, why don¡¯t you go out and take a walk?¡±


    Li Chengxuan glanced at him and said nothing.


    Zhou Jing was calm.


    He continued: ¡°It is rare that a day is bright and beautiful, so your majesty should not miss an opportunity like this.¡±


    Li Chengxuan finally nodded and stood up.


    ¡°In that case, Zhen will go out for a walk.¡±


    Zhou Jing nodded, and walked out after him.


    They hadn¡¯t even walked a few steps, when they heard a woman¡¯s laughter.


    Zhou Jing secretly glanced at Li Chengxuan then stepped forward to ask him.


    ¡°This slave thinks that the Empress and Princess Jingle are still flying paper kites. Does Your Majesty want to go and watch them?¡±


    Li Chengxuan paused slightly.


    After a while, he raised his foot again and continued to walk forward.


    Li Chengxuan did walk to the direction of Song Jinning, but to Zhou Jing¡¯s surprise, he stayed at the side and did not directly go to where Song Jinning was.


    Where he stood was on the side of the main hall, which can give a sweeping view of the entire square, but since the main hall is tall and large, people from the square can¡¯t see.


    Zhou Jing was a little confused.


    Judging from the situation this morning, the relationship between Li Chengxuan and Song Jinning has eased a lot compared to last time. Just now, when Li Chengxuan heard that Song Jinning was playing with paper kites, he wanted to see, but how come Li Chengxuan is not moving forward¡­.?


    Zhou Jing didn¡¯t dare to ask, and stood quietly behind Li Chengxuan.


    After a while, he heard Li Chengxuan¡¯s voice.


    ¡°Who is that woman?¡±


    Zhou Jing knew that he was asking about the one who was talking to Song Jinning. He glanced at her carefully, and then replied: ¡°This slave thinks it¡¯s Fu Wang Fei.¡±


    ¡°Fu Wang Fei?¡± Li Chengxuan had no expression on his face, ¡°She often enters the palace?¡±


    ¡°Yes. Noble Consort Dowager Wei often asks Fu Wang Fei to attend to her.¡±


    Zhou Jing replied respectfully.


    Li Chengxuan mocked in his heart.


    Although Noble Consort Dowager Wei¡¯s body is not as strong as a cow, she is still definitely healthy. How is it that she feels discomfort? This is obviously just an excuse to treat Fu Wang Fei as a servant.


    He instructed Zhou Jing: ¡°Send someone to attend to Noble Consort Dowager Wei.¡±


    Zhou Jing understood, and hurriedly responded with a yes.


    Li Chengxuan watched for a while, then turned and walked back.


    Song Jinning, who looked so lazy, and looked like a person who was only interested in eating, would unexpectedly come out to play with paper kites.


    As for her bright and brilliant appearance when she laughs¡­


    It can be said that it is not ugly.


    The corners of Li Chengxuan¡¯s lips were slightly bent and his footsteps were brisk as he walked.


    Jiang Wanqiu¡¯s footsteps at this moment were very heavy.


    She hates going to the forbidden city.


    Because every time she goes to the forbidden city, she will need to interact with Noble Consort Dowager Wei. And interacting with Noble Consort Dowager Wei means receiving all kinds of ridicule from her.


    But even as she walked slowly, Noble Consort Dowager Wei¡¯s palace soon appeared in front of her.


    Jiang Wanqiu looked at the palace gate in front of her, took a deep breath, then raised her foot to cross the devil¡¯s territory.


    Noble Consort Dowager Wei was lying on the couch with her eyes closed. A maidservant knelt down in front of the couch with a beauty hammer [4] in her hand, and used it to gently massage Noble Consort Dowager Wei¡¯s leg.


    ¡°Is she there yet?¡± It was Noble Consort Dowager Wei who was talking, with a hint of anger in her voice, ¡°Song Zhi, in your opinion, does that good for nothing fool disrespect me?¡±


    Song Zhi has been with Noble Consort Dowager Wei even before she entered the palace, and Noble Consort Dowager Wei placed great importance on Song Zhi.


    She had a long face, high cheekbones, and looked a bit fierce.


    ¡°When the previous emperor arranged the marriage between the Wang Fei and the Wang, the Wang Fei was unwilling and even cried to her father at home. Although the Wang Fei is talented in all aspects, what¡¯s the point? The Wang doesn¡¯t even like her.¡±


    As soon as Song Zhi said this, how could Noble Consort Dowager Wei bear it?


    With a soft snort, she opened her eyes.


    ¡°Who does she think she is? She¡¯s just a woman with no real power. The only reason she could marry my son was because of her dead father. Even after ruining my son¡¯s future, she is still not satisfied, and dares to look down on me? She knows chess, calligraphy, and painting but which noblewoman doesn¡¯t know how? Useless!¡±


    The maidservant who was massaging Noble Consort Dowager Wei¡¯s leg was frightened. She was rigid for a while and was breathing heavily. Noble Consort Dowager Wei was annoyed and kicked her, making her fall with a thud.


    ¡°You can¡¯t even massage my leg?!¡± After a curse, she called Song Zhi, ¡°Take her to the yard and make her kneel.¡±


    Song Zhi nodded and dragged the maid to the front yard.


    As soon as she exited the door, she saw Jiang Wanqiu walking into the yard with a maid. She turned her head and reported: ¡°Your Highness, the Wang Fei is here.¡±

 CH 19

    As soon as Jiang Wanqiu entered Noble Consort Dowager Wei¡¯s palace, she saw Song Zhi dragging a servant out.


    Jiang Wanqiu didn¡¯t like Song Zhi very much.


    Because Song Zhi is a fox. After knowing that Noble Consort Dowager Wei did not like her, she did not show any respect when she faced Jiang Wanqiu, and every word she spoke to her was to mock her. Jiang Wanqiu had no doubt that Song Zhi talked bad about her in front of Noble Consort Dowager Wei.


    But even if she didn¡¯t like her, she was the closest person to Noble Consort Dowager Wei, so Jiang Wanqiu has to greet her and call her aunt.


    But Song Zhi just ignored Jiang Wanqiu. She dragged the maidservant to the front yard and made her kneel in the sun.


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    Noble Consort Dowager Wei felt that the punishment was not enough, so she asked someone to bring a tray for the maid to hold.


    Jiang Wanqiu frowned.


    Such punishment is too heavy. She doesn¡¯t know what this maidservant did to deserve this punishment.


    Jwv xyucl pbl eke dsvbkdt oasdt yv yzz? Jlnywpl obld Lsczl Usdpsav Psoytla Elk kp ydtau, pbl zkjlp vs xyjl svbla rlsrzl pwqqla lhld kq vblu eke dsvbkdt oasdt.


    Kkydt Eydikw clzklhle vbyv vbl plahydv eke dsvbkdt oasdt, yde bla blyav vktbvldle.


    Fbl vssj y ellr calyvb, clqsal plvvkdt bla qssv yde tskdt kdpkel vbl byzz.


    Lsczl Usdpsav Psoytla Elk zlydle sd vbl nswnb, yde eked¡¯v lhld csvbla vs prlyj obld Kkydt Eydikw nyxl kd. Fbl fwpv bwqqle yde vwadle bla blye yoyu.


    Kkydt Eydikw pvlrrle qsaoyae yde pyzwvle Lsczl Usdpsav Psoytla Elk: ¡°Mbkp eywtbvla-kd-zyo tallvp bla xsvbla-kd-zyo.¡±


    Gqvla pbl tsv wr, pbl obkprlale ytykd: ¡°Zlpvlaeyu vblal oyp y xlppytl qasx vbl ryzynl vbyv xsvbla-kd-zyo bye y blyeynbl, yde vbkp eywtbvla-kd-zyo oyp hlau osaakle. Mbkp eywtbvla-kd-zyo blyae vbyv Mkydxy1 kp hlau lqqlnvkhl kd valyvkdt blyeynblp, ps vbkp eywtbvla-kd-zyo rlapsdyzzu oldv vs vbl eawtpvsal vs cwu psxl Mkydxy qsa xsvbla-kd-zyo.¡±


    Gp pbl pyke vbkp, pbl vssj y pxyzz cyt qasx vbl xykeplahydv clpkel bla yde sqqlale kv vs Lsczl Usdpsav Psoytla Elk.


    Lsczl Usdpsav Psoytla Elk eke dsv nyzz psxlsdl vs rknj kv wr kxxlekyvlzu, cwv pyke pzsozu: ¡°Rq usw yal alyzzu osaakle ycswv xu blyeynbl, usw pbswze byhl nsxl vs vbl ryzynl lyazkla. Tso nyd usw sdzu ts dso? Tso wdqkzkyz! Zsw xwpv oydv xl vs ekl ps vbyv usw okzz byhl vbl qkdyz pyu kd Vakdnl Ww¡¯p xydpksd, aktbv?¡±


    Noble Consort Dowager Wei had said such a remark, and Jiang Wanqiu did not dare to agree with her statement.


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    She knelt down and whispered: ¡°This daughter-in-law does not dare.¡±


    ¡°I think you dare!¡±


    Noble Consort Dowager Wei stroked her fingers and asked, ¡°Last time I asked you to choose two maids for my son, what happened?¡±


    She didn¡¯t tell Jiang Wanqiu she could get up, so Jiang Wanqiu had to kneel down while holding the Tianma.


    ¡°Replying to mother-in-law, this daughter-in-law is already looking into it. This daughter-in-law has already chosen a bunch of maids, but wangye2 has gone out to hunt so this daughter-in-law is waiting¡­..¡±


    Before she could finish what she was saying, Noble Consort Dowager Wei interrupted her.


    ¡°Excuses! The truth is that you don¡¯t regard me in your heart as a mother-in-law!¡±


    With a cold snort, Noble Consort Dowager Wei looked at Jiang Wanqiu contemptuously, ¡°I know what you are thinking. You are thinking that if others give birth to children for my son, your position as Fu Wangfei will be shaken. Isn¡¯t this true?¡±


    Jiang Wanqiu was about to say that she¡¯s never had this thought, but Noble Consort Dowager Wei did not give her a chance to speak and called Song Zhi who had just entered the door.


    ¡°Bring over the two maids I picked out yesterday.¡±


    Song Zhi nodded and left the room. After a short while, she turned back, and behind her were two charming maidservants.


    ¡°I know you won¡¯t do what I said, so I took it upon myself to do the job for you.¡±


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    ¡°These two are called Yan Hong and Rou Lu. Although the two of them don¡¯t have exceptional talent or beauty, they are very healthy which is good for bearing children.¡±


    Noble Consort Dowager Wei looked at Jiang Wanqiu with a disgusted gaze.


    ¡°What¡¯s the use of being talented and beautiful? If a woman can¡¯t give birth to a child, she is useless!¡±


    She turned her head and looked at Yan Hong and Rou Lu: ¡°Take care of my son when you enter the mansion. If you give birth to a son, I will allow you to be promoted as a concubine.¡±


    Yan Hong and Rou Lu kneeled down and thanked Noble Consort Dowager Wei.


    Noble Consort Dowager Wei looked at Jiang Wanqiu again, and asked, ¡°Fu Wangfei, do you agree to this?¡±


    Jiang Wanqiu felt humiliated in her heart, but she had no choice but to say yes.


    Noble Consort Dowager Wei snorted and finally allowed Jiang Wanqiu to stand up. Song Zhi took the bag of tianma from her and gave it to Noble Consort Dowager Wei.


    After that, she kept looking for Jiang Wanqiu¡¯s faults. Jiang Wanqiu only bowed her head throughout the whole ordeal and said nothing.


    It was almost evening when Noble Consort Dowager Wei allowed Jiang Wanqiu to leave.


    Walking out of the palace gate, Jiang Wanqiu felt tired all over. If it weren¡¯t for a maidservant who helped her walk, she was afraid that she would have fainted.


    But when the maid whispered to her that Noble Consort Dowager Wei was not doing well, Jiang Wanqiu immediately raised her hand to stop her.


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    Behind her followed Yan Hong and Rou Lu. These two people were not only given by Noble Consort Dowager Wei to serve Fu Wang, but they were also there to watch her every movement in Fu Wang¡¯s Mansion.


    Jiang Wanqiu was afraid that in the future, she wouldn¡¯t feel comfortable in Fu Wang¡¯s mansion.


    Jiang Wanqiu sighed in her heart.


    After returning to Fu Wang Mansion, she ordered people to let Yan Hong and Rou Lu rest.


    As for herself, she wasn¡¯t in the mood to eat and went to bed unhappily.


    She had a good dream.


    Li Chengxuan unexpectedly appeared in this dream.


    Although Li Chengxuan has not met Jiang Wanqiu personally, Jiang Wanqiu has seen him from afar.


    Li Chengxuan was someone dazzling and handsome, which would make one not forget about him.


    In this dream, Jiang Wanqiu seemed to have seen her future.


    She was oppressed by Noble Consort Dowager Wei, and she and Fu Wang had a strained relationship, which made her depressed all day long. At a palace banquet, Li Chengxuan and her met and they fell in love.


    After that, they went behind other¡¯s backs, before Li Chengxuan finally decided to make her the empress. He put Empress Dowager Song in house arrest, and deposed Empress Song, before finally making her the Empress.


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    As for Fu Wang and Noble Consort Dowager Wei, they went crazy from the humiliation they suffered.


    Her natal family also rose up and became prosperous again.


    Then she gave birth to a son and a daughter. Her son was named the Crown Prince as soon as he was born, while her daughter was immediately named a Princess. The dream ended when Jiang Wanqiu saw Li Chengxuan hugging and playing with their children.


    When Jiang Wanqiu woke up, she was stunned for a while.


    Is this just a dream, or a sign from heaven?


    If this is just a dream, how come the details were so clear?


    If it¡¯s not a dream, then she and Li Chengxuan¡­


    Thinking of the way Noble Consort Dowager Wei was crawling in front of her when she became the aloof empress in her dream, Jiang Wanqiu felt very happy in her heart.


    No, this is definitely not a dream! This is her future!


    And even if this is just a dream, she will have to make it into reality.


    With clenched fists, Jiang Wanqiu secretly made up her mind.


    Song Jinning didn¡¯t know that Jiang Wanqiu had already learned about the plot. Currently, she was looking through various ancient recipes of winemaking with great interest.


    To know why Song Jinning was doing this, we need to go back a few days.


    When Song Jinning went to Shoukang Palace a few days ago to greet Empress Dowager Song, she saw a blue and white porcelain jar placed in front of her.


    Seeing Song Jinning, Empress Dowager Song allowed her to enter.


    After sitting down, Empress Dowager Song explained that the jar was filled with an ancient wine called Chun Feng Xue, which was made 50 years ago.


    While talking, the Empress Dowager also ordered people to open the jar.


    Even though they were sitting at a distance from the jar, a mellow and winey smell soon reached Song Jinning¡¯s nose. Nevermind drinking, the smell of this wine can already make you drunk!


    Empress Dowager Song was a good drinker. She ordered someone to pour two cups of wine for herself and Song Jinning, then ate the snacks that Song Jinning had brought over.


    It was boring to drink alone. So Empress Dowager Song asked Song Jinning to drink with her.


    Although Song Jinning likes to eat, she doesn¡¯t have much interest in wine. But she couldn¡¯t stand the invitation of Empress Dowager Song and took the bait.


    Song Jinning drank two cups of wine, but then forgot how many she drank after that.


    For the first time in her life, Song Jinning was drunk, and she felt that the feeling was quite good.


    She now understands why ancient people think wine is magical. Wine can really make you feel airy, making you forget all your worries. Wine is so strong that it can even make you forget your name.


    Song Jinning is someone who does things when she realizes she likes it. After realizing that she had an interest in wine, when she returned to Weiyang Palace, she not only ordered people to look for various books on wine, but also asked people to find ancient wine recipes.


    After learning more about wine, she started brewing wine enthusiastically.


    So Li Chengxuan always smelled the scent of wine when he came to Weiyang Palace.


    After asking Song Jinning why she was doing this, Li Chengxuan was silent.


    He has seen women who are addicted to gold and jewelries, but he has never seen a woman who is addicted to wine.


    But not only does Song Jinning make wine, she also forces Li Chengxuan to make it with her.


    ¡°Your Majesty, you deal with national affairs every day. Doing something else will help you calm your mind.¡±


    Li Chengxuan felt that he had a problem. How come he is so moved by Song Jinning?


    The two started brewing wines according to the recipes found in the ancient books.


    Li Chengxuan personally buried one of the pear blossoms under the pear blossom tree in the outer courtyard. Song Jinning smiled at Li Chengxuan and said, ¡°When the pear blossoms bloom next year, the pear blossoms can be dug out. Then you can sit under the tree while drinking and enjoying the flowers.¡±


    It was currently late spring, and the trees were full of thick green leaves.


    Sunlight passed through the gaps in the leaves, making the sunlight fall on Song Jinning in spots. She wore a light green dress, and her face was smiling, with a look of triumph in her face.


    Li Chengxuan didn¡¯t know why, but Song Jinning reminded him of a little fox.


    The little fox suddenly remembered something, and she clapped her hands, and her smile turned narrow.


    ¡°Last time you said you would eat fermented tofu with me!¡±

 CH 20

    Li Chengxuan looked at the fried fermented tofu cubes in front of him and refused in his heart.


    Song Jinning didn¡¯t seem to see the tension on his face, and was still persuading with a diligent smile.


    ¡°You¡¯re welcome. Your Majesty, eat it while it¡¯s hot. Otherwise, it won¡¯t be crispy when it¡¯s cold.¡±


    Li Chengxuan didn¡¯t move. He wonders if this thing is really edible? Isn¡¯t Song Jinning just teasing him on purpose?


    But if he doesn¡¯t eat it, won¡¯t Song Jinning look down on him?


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    When Song Jinning told Li Chengxuan that fermented tofu didn¡¯t smell good and a lot of people didn¡¯t dare to eat it, he proudly said that he is the son of heaven, and there is no one that can compare with him.


    Song Jinning also thought of what he said at that time, and looking at his expression right now, she felt satisfied in her heart.


    Naturally, a smile appeared on her face.


    ¡°Zswa Yyflpvu eslpd¡¯v eyal yqvla yzz~¡±


    Fbl elzkclayvlzu wple y zsdt vsdl. Fbl lhld tyhl Nk Ubldtmwyd y vbswtbvqwz zssj vs ¡®nsxqsav¡¯ bkx.


    ¡°Jwv vbkp kp lmnwpyczl. Gqvla yzz, xspv rlsrzl¡­¡±


    Jlqsal pbl nswze qkdkpb obyv pbl oyp pyukdt, Nk Ubldtmwyd tayccle bkp nbsrpvknjp yde pvwnj y rklnl sq qakle vsqw kd bkp xswvb yv zktbvdkdt prlle.


    Fwal ldswtb, vbkp xlvbse sq xyjkdt Nk Ubldtmwyd¡¯p lts pbyvvla osajp.


    Ebkzl bszekdt cynj y pxkzl, Fsdt Kkddkdt pyke: ¡°Zswa Yyflpvu, esd¡¯v poyzzso kv ekalnvzu. Zsw byhl vs nblo kv pzsozu vs vypvl kv clvvla.¡±


    Nk Ubldtmwyd qszzsole yde nblole kv pzsozu.


    Tl qlzv vbyv bl oyp qyzzkdt kdvs Fsdt Kkddkdt¡¯p vayr.


    Even if they can¡¯t be a couple, they should still be allies! How come he has to eat this?


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    Li Chengxuan was angry, and for a while, he was gritting his teeth in anger.


    But doing this made him accidentally bite the fried tofu in his mouth.


    The sullen expression on his face stiffened for a moment.


    Then he tentatively took another bite of the fermented tofu.


    Song Jinning sat cross-legged across Li Chengxuan.


    She had been looking at Li Chengxuan, and naturally saw the changes on his face. She knew that Li Chengxuan had finally tasted the magnificence of Fermented Tofu.


    With her left hand supporting her head, Song Jinning smiled triumphantly.


    ¡°Your Majesty, how is it? Chenqie didn¡¯t lie to you, right? Fermented Tofu is really good.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t eat it like this. This is spicy sauce. If you dip the tofu in, it will give you a much better taste.¡±


    Li Chengxuan looked at the red sauce with hesitation in his heart.


    But in the end, he followed Song Jinning¡¯s suggestion and took a piece of fermented tofu and lightly dipped it in the spicy sauce.


    Song Jinning was right. It did give off a better taste.


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    Soon enough, Li Chengxuan had already finished half a plate of fermented tofu. Li Chengxuan placed the chopsticks in his hand on the table and asked Song Jinning, ¡°What will you eat for lunch today?¡±


    ¡°Why does your majesty want to know? Isn¡¯t your majesty going back to the imperial study to review memorials?¡±


    Today is one of Li Chengxuan¡¯s rare day offs, so this morning, he went to Shoukang Palace to pay respects to Empress Dowager Song.


    The two spoke for a while, and Empress Dowager Song mentioned that Li Chengxuan was too busy with government affairs recently, and has been neglecting Song Jinning, so he should go to Weiyang Palace after visiting Shoukang Palace.


    When he entered Weiyang Palace, he saw Song Jinning making wine in full swing and enjoying herself.


    She asked him to make wine with her, but Li Chengxuan didn¡¯t want to, so he said he needed to review memorials as an excuse.


    Even though Song Jinning and him have gotten along better than before, he still didn¡¯t want to spend time with her more than he should.


    But after eating this tofu, he suddenly had the urge to ask her what she was eating for lunch.


    But then Song Jinning refused him so bluntly¡­.


    His handsome face tightened involuntarily.


    ¡°Zhen was just asking casually.¡± As he said this, he stood up. He was obviously preparing to leave.


    Li Chengxuan reminded Song Jinning of her cat, Qiu Qiu.


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    Song Jinning is very good at raising cats.


    She doesn¡¯t know why, but she can always guess Li Chengxuan¡¯s thoughts so easily.


    ¡°It¡¯s nothing. Just claypot rice1, roasted goose2, pigeon3, boiled cabbage4, snow clam with white fungus and stewed papaya5, chicken feet with black bean sauce6, milk pudding7¡­.¡±


    After she finished saying everything she was going to eat, she smiled and asked, ¡°Your Majesty, do you want to stay for lunch?¡±


    Li Chengxuan:¡­


    He really wants to turn around and leave. But the dishes that Song Jinning had mentioned made him feel curious, and there were even one or two dishes that she mentioned that he has never heard of before, so he didn¡¯t know whether it was delicious or not.


    It should be delicious, right? She is a person who likes to eat food, so how can she eat ordinary dishes?


    But if he stays, he will be looked down upon¡­.


    Li Chengxuan was having a war in his heart.


    Song Jinning didn¡¯t want Li Chengxuan to stay for lunch. After all, it¡¯s fine to eat alone. But she found out that she liked teasing Li Chengxuan.


    Li Chengxuan was obviously conflicted, but he still maintained the solemn look of an emperor on his face, which made Song Jinning want to laugh.


    Song Jinning thought for a while, and felt that she might be addicted to teasing Li Chengxuan.


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    ¡°But since your Majesty has something to do, Chenqie can¡¯t force it. Your Majesty¡­¡±


    Song Jinning held back a smile, and was about to continue teasing Li Chengxuan, but Li Chengxuan suddenly cut off Song Jinning.


    ¡°Since the empress is sincerely asking zhen to stay, how can zhen not see your good intentions? It doesn¡¯t matter, the memorials can be done later, zhen will eat here first.¡±


    After that, he sat down, held his chopsticks, took a piece of fermented tofu, dipped it slightly in the spicy sauce, and ate it in a calm and elegant manner.


    Song Jinning wanted to laugh out loud. But she knew that if she laughed, Li Chengxuan would become an angry kitten again.


    So she could only endure. She called Gu Yu and ordered: ¡°His Majesty is going to stay for lunch. Go and tell the small kitchen to prepare the foods Bengong had just said.¡±


    In fact, the original menu only consisted of claypot rice, roasted goose, pigeon, boiled cabbage, and snow clam with white fungus and stewed papaya. The other dishes she said were only to tease Li Chengxuan.


    Gu Yu nodded and turned around.


    When the people in the small kitchen heard that the emperor would eat in Weiyang Palace for lunch, they exploded.


    They had already started to make the food in the original menu. The dishes that Song Jinning had said were not easy to make, but it was not very time consuming to do.


    Everything was ready after a short while.


    Gu Yu led the maidservants over to serve the food.


    In addition to the dishes placed on the center of the table, Song Jinning and Li Chengxuan each had a black and white clay pot placed in front of them.


    The maidservant stepped forward and lifted the lid for the both of them. The black pot emitted a tangy smell when it was opened.


    It was the claypot rice and snow clam with white fungus and stewed papaya that Song Jinning had mentioned earlier.


    In the snow clam with white fungus and stewed papaya, goji berries8 were also added.


    The Claypot rice had Lachang9 and Larou10 on top. The white rice inside the pot was also slightly brown on the edges.


    In addition to these foods, there was also boiled cabbage and asparagus on the side.


    This looks really good.


    Li Chengxuan didn¡¯t have the heart to say that when the maidservant opened the clay pot, his heart was beating in anticipation.


    He is the emperor! How can he lower his pride and tell his wife that he hasn¡¯t seen this food before?


    So he lowered his eyes and said nothing.


    Gu Yu picked up a small bowl with a mysterious soup in it, and poured it on the rice.


    The claypot had just left the fire, and the pot was heat-preserving, so when the maidservant lifted the lid of the pot just now, Li Chengxuan could see the oil on the edge of the pot making small bubbles. As soon as the soup was poured, Li Chengxuan even heard a sizzling sound


    Just listening to this sound made him move his fingers involuntarily.


    Song Jinning was holding a spoon on her left hand and chopsticks on her right hand, and was ready to start eating. From the corner of her eye, she caught a glimpse of Li Chengxuan sitting still, so she raised her eyes and smiled at him.


    ¡°Your Majesty, please eat.¡± There was a smile on her beautiful face.


    Li Chengxuan pursed his lips slightly. He mimicked Song Jinning¡¯s way of eating and held the spoon in his left hand, while holding his chopsticks with his right hand.


    Speaking of this claypot rice, Song Jinning thinks that this type of crispy and fragrant rice is the best. And the special soup could be tasted in the rice, which made it especially delicious.


    As for Li Chengxuan, as the Emperor above all, who would dare give him crispy rice? The only rice he ate was steamed rice of the top tier.


    Now that he has seen it with his own eyes, he felt that it was very strange. After all, it¡¯s not like regular rice¡­


    Song Jinning didn¡¯t have a big appetite, so she only ate half of the pot.


    When she put down the spoon and chopsticks in her hand, she saw that the pot in front of Li Chengxuan was almost empty.


    Song Jinning felt proud.


    The food here in Weiyang Palace is good! So Your Majesty, if you treat me nicely in the future, you can open the door to a new world!

 CH 21

    With the help of food, Song Jinning and Li Chengxuan have got along more freely.


    But Song Jinning has been bored lately.


    She can¡¯t go out of the Palace, and the wine that she brewed ewas too early to drink. She can¡¯t just read a book all day, can she?


    Song Jinning is a lazy person, and she would lie down on the couch all day if it weren¡¯t for Gu Yu¡¯s nagging.


    And since Li Chengxuan doesn¡¯t have any concubines, she can¡¯t involve herself in some drama.


    Her days are really too free!


    She goes to Shoukang Palace from time to time, and spends time talking with Empress Dowager Song and Li Xiyan.


    The weather is slowly shifting from summer to fall. Sometimes the weather is hot, and sometimes the weather is cold. Empress Dowager Song and Song Jinning¡¯s two madiao1 companions, Consort Dowager Hui and Concubine Dowager Rong, have unfortunately suffered from the cold and are recuperating.


    Nk Dkuyd jdsop bso vs rzyu xyekys, cwv wdqsavwdyvlzu, vblu pvkzz zynj sdl rzyula.


    Oxralpp Psoytla Fsdt yde Fsdt Kkddkdt olal osaakle vbyv vblu oswzed¡¯v cl yczl vs rzyu xyekys, cwv qsavwdyvlzu, Nk Ubldtmwyd nyxl vs ryu alprlnvp vs Oxralpp Psoytla Fsdt.


    Oxralpp Psoytla Fsdt pxkzle, yde pbl oyp ps byrru vbyv pbl oydvle vs pnalyx.


    Fbl xyel Nk Ubldtmwyd pkv esod yde vywtbv bkx vbl xlnbydknp sq vbl tyxl.


    Gzvbswtb Nk Ubldtmwyd eslpd¡¯v jdso bso vs rzyu xyekys, pkdnl Oxralpp Psoytla Fsdt oydvle bkx vs, bso nyd bl dsv ytall yp y psd? Rq bl eslpd¡¯v qwzqkzz bkp qkzkyz rklvu, bl okzz zssj cye yxsdt bkp pwcflnvp.


    Ysalshla, bl alxlxclale bso xwnb vbyv lwdwnb raykple Fsdt Kkddkdt¡¯p xyekys pjkzzp. Gqvla rzyukdt y ckv okvb Oxralpp Psoytla Fsdt, bl bye yzalyeu osd vball pkzhlap. Tl dso oydvle vs pll bso tsse Fsdt Kkddkdt alyzzu kp.


    Nk Ubldtmwyd kp dsv yd yaastydv rlapsd, cwv bl kp plzq-nsdqkeldv. Ekvb bkp kdvlzzktldnl, lhld kq bl bye fwpv pvyavle rzyukdt xyekys, bso nyd bl zspl?


    Rv¡¯p y rkvu vbyv bl oyp vs cl rashle oasdt kd y obkzl.


    Li Chengxuan is indeed a very smart student. Under the guidance of Empress Dowager Song, he soon knew how to play madiao. Even Empress Dowager Song praised him sincerely.


    Li Chengxuan was proud in his heart, and he quietly glanced at Song Jinning.


    He saw that she was talking to Princess Jingle. He didn¡¯t know what was being said, but the corners of Song Jinning¡¯s lips were raised, and her face was full of smiles. She didn¡¯t even spare Li Chengxuan a glance.


    But Li Chengxuan¡¯s lofty ambition to beat Song Jinning remained undiminished. Empress Dowager Song eventually invited Li Xiyan and Song Jinning to play madiao with them.


    Li Xiyan sat beside Empress Dowager Song, while Song Jinning sat beside Li Chengxuan.


    The four began to play madiao.


    Li Chengxuan was very good for a novice player. Li Chengxuan¡¯s cards were all good. He had 20 and 30 tens of myriad2.


    Li Chengxuan was confident. He was surprised at how good he was.


    These are the gods of madiao he¡¯s dealing with? Aren¡¯t Song Jinning¡¯s skills so good that no one in the palace can match it? Heh, this time he will teach her what a strong player actually is.


    He only needs another 20 tens of myriad to win. But this was hard to get from Song Jinning.


    Li Chengxuan felt that Song Jinning knew that he only needed 20 tens of myriad to win. Otherwise, why would she give him all the other cards beside the 20 tens of myriad?


    Fortunately, his efforts were not for naught. After more than a dozen rounds, Li Chengxuan finally got the 20 tens of myriad card.


    Li Chengxuan was overjoyed. He was afraid that Song Jinning would see, so he suppressed the smile on his face.


    Just as he was about to place the card on the table, a slender white hand beat him first.


    ¡°Heh!¡±


    It was Song Jinning¡¯s voice.


    Li Chengxuan: ¡­


    As soon as he was about to win, she pulled out the seven stakes card!


    He clearly saw her give it to someone else, so why does she suddenly have it now?


    She must be deliberate!


    He heard Empress Dowager Song¡¯s surprised voice next: ¡°Ning¡¯er, you unexpectedly have the seven stakes card!¡±


    Li Chengxuan remembered what Empress Dowager Song had taught him. A seven stakes card is like a jackpot card for a banker3, if she has it she will surely win the game.


    Song Jinning turned out to have the seven stakes card!


    Upon taking a closer inspection of the card, Li Chengxuan confirmed in his heart that this was indeed a seven stakes card.


    Li Chengxuan: ¡­


    There are no words that can describe his emotions at the moment.


    Song Jinning raised her eyes and looked at him with a smile.


    ¡°Your Majesty, you have bet three silvers on this round. Please pay chenqie.¡±


    Li Chengxuan: ¡­


    He felt that he was being mocked by Song Jinning.


    As the Emperor, Li Chengxuan had all the money in the world, but as the lord of the forbidden city, why would he bring money with him?


    So he had to call Zhou Jing: ¡°Get 3 taels of silver.¡±


    The problem is that Zhou Jing, as the head eunuch, didn¡¯t also bring any money. When he walks around the palace, who doesn¡¯t stop to flatter him? So he naturally doesn¡¯t have to carry any money with him.


    He can only go out and ask some of the eunuchs and guards for money.


    And he was afraid that Li Chengxuan would lose again, so he asked the eunuchs and guards for more money than Li Chengxuan had asked.


    He can¡¯t always go out when Li Chengxuan loses, right? So he asked the eunuchs and guards who were standing by the door to give him all their silver taels.


    A total of more than twenty silver taels were collected, and all of them were brought to Li Chengxuan.


    Empress Dowager Song smiled when she saw it.


    ¡°The emperor has all this silver? Since this is the case, Ning¡¯er, Yan¡¯er, let¡¯s not be polite.¡±


    Li Xiyan pursed her lips and chuckled.


    Song Jinning took three taels of silver from Li Chengxuan and smiled in satisfaction.


    Today I will show you what a true master is like!


    Song Jinning didn¡¯t make things easy for Li Chengxuan at all. Round after round he lost to Song Jinning.


    ¡°Your Majesty, please give chenqie the silver.¡±


    ¡°Chenqie won again. Give chenqie some silver.¡±


    Li Chengxuan: ¡­


    She must be deliberate! Otherwise, why is she targeting him alone!


    In the end, Li Chengxuan lost all his silver.


    Li Chengxuan was originally confident when he learned how to play madiao. He even dared to think he would be able to beat the master of madiao, Song Jinning.


    Li Chengxuan was depressed.


    It¡¯s not that he felt bad for losing the silver taels. To put it bluntly, even if twenty taels of gold fell on the ground, he would not bend over to pick it up, and he would not care at all.


    The thing is that he was beaten by Song Jinning!


    From start to finish, Song Jinning didn¡¯t give him any mercy!


    How can Li Chengxuan, who has never been wronged like this, not be angry?


    After returning to the Imperial Study, he drank two cups of tea in a row to relieve the depression in his heart.


    Then he called Zhou Jing over and told him: ¡°Go and get me a deck of cards.¡±


    He will learn how to play cards so that in the future he can beat Song Jinning!


    Song Jinning was full of smiles.


    Winning money is a trivial matter, the more important thing to her was that she made Li Chengxuan feel frustrated.


    After speaking with Empress Dowager Song and Princess Jingle for a bit, Song Jinning walked out of Shoukang Palace and returned to her Weiyang Palace.


    Under Gu Yu¡¯s insistence, Song Jinning travels on foot and rarely uses a sedan chair.


    Gu Yu explained that since Song Jinning does nothing all day, she should at least walk when she goes to Shoukang Palace to get some exercise.


    Song Jinning naturally didn¡¯t agree with this. But she couldn¡¯t bear to listen to Gu Yu¡¯s nagging, so she could only follow what she said.


    It is quite a distance from Shoukang Palace to Weiyang Palace. The tall palace walls around the forbidden city made Song Jinning feel a little bit suffocated.


    She felt that if there was snow, she would feel better and it wouldn¡¯t be as boring.


    But thinking about the cold and possible frostbites she would get, Song Jinning felt that it was better to forget it.


    Song Jinning always walks slowly. After all, there is no rush for her to go anywhere and she can enjoy the scenery while walking.


    So when Song Jinning saw a handsome man, it was really hard not to notice.


    He had long black eyebrows, deep eyes, a sharp nose, pale lips, and was very tall.


    As a woman, Song Jinning naturally likes handsome men. After a short pause, she immediately raised her foot to continue walking forward.


    Gu Yu felt that it was bad for Song Jinning to interact with another man.


    Bai Lu had a calm expression.


    She naturally knew Song Jinning¡¯s purpose, but she also believes that Song Jinning is a person with sense.


    As for liking to see beautiful men, Song Jinning and Bai Lu had the same views.


    If you can stop and admire beautiful flowers and trees, why can¡¯t you admire beautiful people?


    As long as your mind is pure and free from evil thoughts, what is the difference between admiring flowers and people?


    Song Jinning was already ten steps away from that beautiful man.


    The beautiful man apparently saw her too, and immediately knelt down with a plop and bowed down to her.


    Song Jinning turned her gaze to the clothes he was wearing and the medicine box that was beside him and immediately knew he was an imperial doctor.


    ¡°Get up.¡±


    With a smile, Song Jinning asked, ¡°Bengong wants to know how this imperial doctor is called?¡±


    ¡°Replying back to the Empress, this subordinate is named Liu Lanxi4.¡±


    After answering Song Jinning¡¯s question, Liu Lanxi thanked Song Jinning for her grace, and then dared to stand up.


    Liu Lanxi? This name is good, very artistic, and very suitable for his handsome appearance. The sound when you pronounce it is also good, it really sounds like water flowing through a creek.


    Song Jinning looked at Liu Lanxi with interest.


    It¡¯s a pity that Liu Lanxi didn¡¯t dare to look at her at all, so Song Jinning could only see his sharp jaw.


    ¡°Where is Imperial Doctor Liu going?¡± .


    Liu Lanxi still didn¡¯t dare to look up, and replied respectfully: ¡°Replying to the Empress, a maid from the palace of Consort Dowager Hui came to report that Consort Dowager Hui was sick, so she summoned this subordinate to come and check on her health.¡±


    It turns out he was going to see Consort Dowager Hui.


    Song Jinning didn¡¯t ask any more questions. She just nodded then continued to walk forward.


    As for Liu Lanxi, he still respectfully stood with his head down, and waited for Song Jinning¡¯s figure to disappear before he dared to move on.

 CH 22

    Song Jinning didn¡¯t expect that she would see Liu Lanxi again so soon.


    The reason for this was that Empress Dowager Song was ill.


    The weather these past few days have been really weird. Sometimes the sun would shine so brightly that it made you want to drink a cold drink, and sometimes the rain and thunder would be so fierce that you had to take shelter.


    The weather has been changing so drastically that some people in the palace have been getting sick. This includes Empress Dowager Song.


    When Song Jinning heard the news, she immediately rushed to Shoukang Palace to take care of Empress Dowager Song.


    When she got there, she heard Empress Dowager Song talking to Cui Nong.


    ¡°Aijia is already old, why do you need to make him use the curtain? Just take the pulse like this.¡±


    Song Jinning: ¡­


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    Although the maidservants had already seen Song Jinning come over, Song Jinning shook her head quietly so that Liu Lanxi could focus on getting Empress Dowager Song¡¯s pulse.


    Empress Dowager Song smiled and asked her: ¡°Ning¡¯er, you¡¯re here?¡±


    Liu Lanxi turned around hurriedly and bowed down to greet Song Jinning.


    ¡°This subordinate greets the Empress.¡±


    ¡°Get up.¡± Song Jinning waved her hand to indicate that he didn¡¯t need to be polite, and then asked again, ¡°How is the Empress Dowager?¡±


    Liu Lanxi didn¡¯t dare to look up at all. He lowered his head and answered her question respectfully.


    ¡°Replying to the Empress, Her Highness the Empress Dowager is fine, the temperature has just been changing too fast, so Her Highness has caught a cold. This subordinate can prescribe medicine, but it is not needed since this subordinate predicts it will be gone in two days.¡±


    When Empress Dowager Song heard this, she said: ¡°Since this is the case, don¡¯t prescribe medicine anymore.¡±


    Since the cold will be gone in two days, why would she be willing to drink that bitter medicine?


    Liu Lanxi responded with a yes. He also instructed Cui Nong to give Empress Dowager Song lighter food, then turned around and left.


    Empress Dowager Song waited for him to walk away, then turned her head to look at Song Jinning: ¡°This Imperial Doctor Liu is good. Unlike the other imperial doctors who try their best to avoid doing their job, he¡¯s knowledgeable and talented. It¡¯s just that he¡¯s too cautious. Even if you just cut your finger, he will prescribe lots of medicines to help treat it.¡±


    Song Jinning recalled what Liu Lanxi had just said, and it was indeed very concise and clear. He even mentioned that drinking medicine is not really needed.


    ¡°Imperial Doctor Liu is so young, but he¡¯s already an imperial doctor?¡±


    Song Jinning was just curious. Because in terms of medical skills, the more experienced the better. Experience is also how old you are. Seeing that Liu Lanxi is in his early twenties and has become an Imperial Doctor, it is really puzzling.


    ¡°An old saying says that experience can make up for one¡¯s weakness, but Aijia doesn¡¯t think this statement is right.¡±


    Cui Nong handed Empress Dowager Song a cup of tea. Empress Dowager Song took a few sips, and then continued to talk, ¡°Some people are naturally smart, no matter what they do. This Liu Lanxi, although young, has very impressive talent.¡±


    Empress Dowager Song continued talking about Liu Lanxi.


    It turns out that the Liu family is well known in the capital. The uncle of Liu Lanxi was also an imperial doctor when he was younger.


    Although his uncle has two sons under his knees, they didn¡¯t pursue medicine. However, the son of his second brother showed his talent for studying medicine at a young age.


    So the Old Uncle took Liu Lanxi and taught him carefully so that he could take his position and continue to bring honor to the Liu family.


    Song Jinning understood.


    Liu Lanxi was able to enter the imperial hospital at a young age because of his talent, but also because of the forces acting behind him.


    However, Song Jinning still agrees with Empress Dowager Song¡¯s remark.


    Since she was a child, she has always heard that to succeed, you need to have 99% hard work and 1% talent, but people often underestimate how important the 1% talent is.


    So it¡¯s better to give up early if you know that you¡¯re not good at the thing you¡¯re doing so that you can save time and effort.


    Song Jinning felt that she was an ordinary person in her previous life, and she had no talent in any aspect. As for this life¡­


    ¡°Auntie,¡± she asked enthusiastically, ¡°Do you think I am particularly talented in something?¡±


    ¡°You?¡±


    Empress Dowager Song glanced at her, and replied with a smile, ¡°Well, you¡¯re pretty good at being nice.¡±


    Song Jinning: ¡­


    The implication of this statement is that she has no talent at all.


    ¡°Zhen thinks she is very talented in one thing.¡±


    Suddenly a voice came from the door.


    Song Jinning didn¡¯t need to look back to know that this was Li Chengxuan.


    Sure enough, when Empress Dowager Song asked him with a smile what he thought Song Jinning was talented in, Li Chengxuan gave Song Jinning a slanted look and smiled happily.


    ¡°Eating!¡±


    Song Jinning: ¡­


    If the Empress Dowager wasn¡¯t here, I would have punched you in the face.


    She didn¡¯t want to care about Li Chengxuan at all, so she drank tea with her eyes down. From the corner of her eye, she saw Li Chengxuan walking over to greet Empress Dowager Song, and then sat on a chair.


    Empress Dowager Song didn¡¯t think Li Chengxuan was mocking Song Jinning.


    According to her maidservants, Song Jinning and Li Chengxuan got along pretty well.


    Not only would he stay in Weiyang Palace from time to time, he would also often accompany Song Jinning during dinner.


    Even if Li Chengxuan just teased Song Jinning, Empress Dowager Song thought of it as something young couples do nowadays. The older generation shouldn¡¯t interfere.


    She just smiled and asked Li Chengxuan why he came to Shoukang Palace.


    Li Chengxuan replied that he heard that Empress Dowager Song was ill so he immediately came to visit. Then he asked Empress Dowager Song about her health with concern.


    Empress Dowager Song answered his questions one by one with a smile. On the surface, she seemed to be loving and caring.


    Song Jinning was not interested in this kind of conversation between the two of them, so she turned her head to look out the window.


    Yesterday was cloudy and rainy, but it had already cleared up, so today was a hot sunny day.


    The camphor tree in the courtyard is now changing its leaves. When the wind passed, the crimson old leaves floated down, and new green leaves were sprouting from it¡¯s branches.


    Lunch was eaten in Shoukang Palace.


    After lunch, she spoke with Empress Dowager Song for a while, then got up to leave.


    People who have a cold must take a good rest. Talking to them will only delay their recovery.


    As soon as she spoke about leaving, Li Chengxuan naturally didn¡¯t want to stay, so he also excused himself to leave.


    They walked out of the gate of Shoukang Palace and saw Li Chengxuan¡¯s sedan chair outside.


    ¡°You didn¡¯t come in a sedan chair?¡±


    It was Li Chengxuan asking Song Jinning.


    When he came to Shoukang Palace, he didn¡¯t see a sedan chair outside, so he didn¡¯t know that Song Jinning was there. It was only after entering the hall and hearing Song Jinning¡¯s voice that he knew that she was there.


    When he went inside the first thing he heard was Song Jinning asking Empress Dowager Song if she has talent in something.


    She had a very soft voice, like a child in front of a close elder, which makes people feel soft when they hear it.


    Song Jinning glanced at Gu Yu thinking, i want to use a sedan chair, but this servant won¡¯t let me.


    But she had to keep her face. Otherwise, it would appear that she, the empress, was actually controlled by a maidservant.


    ¡°The Su Wen [1] has a saying that it¡¯s not good for the body to sit still. Because of this saying, chenqie chooses not to use a sedan chair.¡±


    Gu Yu and Bai Lu: ¡­


    That was the most unconvincing statement they have ever heard.


    As for Li Chengxuan, the corners of his lips twitched slightly after hearing this.


    Li Chengxuan wanted to laugh. Spending time with Song Jinning, he already knew that she was lazy, but now she had the guts to say these righteous things in front of him.


    As the Emperor, he should have grace, so he won¡¯t expose her lies and let her comfort herself.


    He asked Song Jinning: ¡°Are you going back to Weiyang Palace?¡±


    Although the summer has passed and the flowers have withered, there are still many good trees to appreciate in the Imperial Garden.


    Besides, the forbidden city is so big, so she might as well go there to admire the trees.


    But Song Jinning was tired, so she wanted to go back to Weiyang Palace to take a nap.


    So Song Jinning replied lazily: ¡°Palace.¡±


    Li Chengxuan thought for a while, then turned around and told Zhou Jing: ¡°Move the memorials that I didn¡¯t finish yesterday to Weiyang Palace.¡±


    Song Jinning was trying to yawn and her right hand was covering her lips. Hearing Li Chengxuan¡¯s statement, she couldn¡¯t even bother to yawn, and asked in surprise, ¡°Your Majesty, what do you mean by this?¡±


    After listening to these words, Zhou Jing couldn¡¯t help but think in his heart. It seems that the Empress and His Majesty have a very good relationship. His Majesty didn¡¯t even get offended by the rude words the Empress had said.


    Li Chengxuan glanced at Song Jinning lightly, but didn¡¯t answer at all.


    He just turned around and walked in the direction of Weiyang Palace.


    Zhou Jing hesitated for a while, but caught up with him and said: ¡°Your Majesty, please sit on the sedan chair.¡±


    Shoukang Palace is not close to Weiyang Palace, so it will take a while to reach Weiyang Palace.


    ¡°No.¡±


    Li Chengxuan glanced at Song Jinning sideways again, and then said slowly, ¡°Zhen will listen to the Empress today. It¡¯s good for zhen to walk.¡±


    Song Jinning: ¡­


    She walked forward slowly.


    As Li Chengxuan and Song Jinning walked, they ran into Jiang Wanqiu.


    Is it because of her intervention that the male and female lead met earlier?


    Does this mean Li Chengxuan will depose her earlier?

 CH 23

    Song Jinning looked back and forth between Li Chengxuan standing in front of her and Jiang Wanqiu kneeling on the ground.


    Unexpectedly, the first time the male and female lead of the original book meet, this would be the scene.


    But why is there no legendary phenomena like raging thunder or water splashing?


    Li Chengxuan¡¯s eyes were cold. He didn¡¯t even recognize Jiang Wanqiu so he turned his head slightly, and looked at Song Jinning with a curious gaze.


    He was waiting for her to tell him who this woman is.


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    Song Jinning: ¡­.


    You swore to protect her your entire life, and you even imprisoned Empress Dowager Song and disbanded the harem regardless of the court¡¯s opossision!


    But the first time you saw her, you are so indifferent? Shouldn¡¯t you be shocked and instantly fall in love?


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    After he said this, he stopped talking, and raised his foot to continue walking forward.


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    Song Jinning and Jiang Wanqiu were both surprised.


    Song Jinning was surprised that Li Chengxuan dared to be so indifferent to his true love! Be careful, in the future, when you guys are together, she will forever hold today¡¯s affairs above your head.


    Jiang Wanqiu was surprised. What just happened? According to the dream she had that night, Li Chengxuan should have fallen in love with her at first sight. But why is he ignoring her now, and not to mention that his eyes were cold.


    Jiang Wanqiu has been entering the palace often since she had that dream.


    She entered the palace with the excuse of taking care of Noble Consort Dowager Wei, but in reality she just wanted to see Li Chengxuan.


    But as the emperor, Li Chengxuan had a large circle of servants and guards around him. How can she see him even if she wanted to? Moreover, Li Chengxuan¡¯s activities are not something that is known by outsiders, so for the past 2 months, Jiang Wanqiu didn¡¯t even have the chance to see him from a distance.


    Now that she and him have finally met, Jiang Wanqiu¡¯s heart was pounding with excitement.


    So although she knelt down, her upper body was still straight, and her eyes were directly looking at Li Chengxuan, so that he could see her face clearly.


    But her expectation of him falling in love with her at first sight was shattered.


    In the end, he raised his foot and was about to leave.


    Jiang Wanqiu wasn¡¯t willing to fail and called out: ¡°Your Majesty.¡±


    Her voice was trembling which made Li Chengxuan annoyed even more.


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    After a pause, he stopped, turned sideways slightly, and asked in a slightly impatient tone: ¡°What¡¯s the matter?¡±


    Jiang Wanqiu wanted to cry.


    But what can she say in this matter? She only hoped that when he saw her, he would immediately fall in love with her and protect her.


    Seeing that she didn¡¯t answer, Li Chengxuan naturally stood there waiting impatiently, before raising his foot and walking forward.


    Song Jinning stood still and didn¡¯t move. She looked at Li Chengxuan¡¯s back and Jiang Wanqiu who was still kneeling on the ground.


    She is not interested in being a matchmaker.


    But she didn¡¯t have any intention to destroy the relationship between Jiang Wanqiu and Li Chengxuan.


    In this world, she is just a passerby, a spectator, and she just needs to live her life leisurely. So she shouldn¡¯t do things that will possibly ruin her chance of going back home.


    As for why the two leads met today, Song Jinning didn¡¯t understand but as for why Li Chengxuan ignored Jiang Wanqiu, she understood why.


    Because in the original book, she remembers that the two people met for the first time at the palace banquet of Empress Dowager Song during the Shengshou Festival1.


    At that time, Jiang Wanqiu appeared on stage and played a song, which impressed Li Chengxuan.


    It is said that music is the voice of the heart. Presumably Li Chengxuan was moved by this, so he paid attention to Jiang Wanqiu.


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    In terms of appearance, although Jiang Wanqiu is indeed beautiful and elegant, in Song Jinning¡¯s opinion, her beauty is not on par with Noble Consort Dowager Wei. Otherwise, Noble Consort Dowager Wei would not have been the favorite concubine of the previous emperor for so many years.


    And Li Chengxuan grew up in the forbidden city, so what beauty has he not seen? It is indeed a bit difficult for Jiang Wanqiu to be able to impress him with only her appearance.


    But that¡¯s okay. The Shengshou Festival is in a few months, so Fu Wang Fei, don¡¯t be sad now, you will soon be able to reach your goal.


    Song Jinning raised her foot and walked forward. She was surprised to see Li Chengxuan standing not far from her with his hands on his back.


    He was looking at a plum tree growing near the wall.


    Song Jinning walked over, stopped at his side, folded her hands, and looked up at the plum tree.


    She didn¡¯t ask Li Chengxuan why he stopped there. After all, it¡¯s none of her business.


    ¡°The plums are ripe. Chenqie will make plum wine soon.¡±


    Li Chengxuan: ¡­


    How can this person think of eating every time she sees food? How come she can¡¯t think about more serious things like ideals or opinions?


    ¡°When the plum wine is done, chenqie will invite your majesty to drink.¡±


    ¡°Good.¡±


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    Li Chengxuan answered. He wasn¡¯t going to admit that he stood there to wait for her.


    The two continued to move forward.


    Li Chengxuan and Song Jinning didn¡¯t mention Jiang Wanqiu at all, as if what happened earlier never happened.


    After arriving at Weiyang Palace, Song Jinning changed into a more comfortable dress with the help of Gu Yu and Bai Lu.


    Although Song Jinning is a person who likes being lazy, Gu Yu nagged her that she was the Empress of a dynasty so it is only fitting that she wear elaborate clothes so that people won¡¯t look down on her.


    Song Jinning: ¡­


    If she doesn¡¯t agree, Gu Yu will nag her to death. So she can only listen with a frown.


    However, when she¡¯s in Weiyang Palace, she can wear comfortable clothes.


    As for the jewellery on her head, they were also taken off.


    Song Jinning watched from the bronze mirror as Gu Yu took off all the beads, strings, ornaments and hairpins from her head one by one. Gu Yu untied her high bun and took a peach wood comb to comb her hair. After this, she immediately opened her mouth to stop Gu Yu¡¯s next move.


    ¡°Don¡¯t do a hair bun, just leave it like that.¡±


    There was a thunderstorm in the middle of the night yesterday. After she was awakened, she was disturbed by the sound of rain outside and did not sleep well. Naturally, she felt very sleepy when she woke up this morning.


    Then she had to go visit Empress Dowager Song. She spent a while there, and now Song Jinning feels tired.


    In that case, why would she wear a bun? When she lies down, a bun makes her head feel uncomfortable.


    Gu Yu persuaded: ¡°Your Highness, his majesty is here with us¡­..¡±


    ¡°Even if he is here, so what? What are you afraid of?¡±


    Song Jinning raised her hand to cover her lips, yawned a little, then said in a very indifferent tone: ¡°Are you afraid that he will scold bengong for being rude because bengong didn¡¯t tie her hair in a bun?¡±


    Gu Yu thought to herself that the Emperor is indeed very tolerant of Song Jinning. She heard from the other servants that when the Emperor is in court, he has a very intimidating and cold aura.


    Song Jinning stood up and walked to the wooden couch.


    She asked Gu Yu to bring her a book, then leaned on the big pillow behind her and looked through the book for a while.


    ¡°Tell the small kitchen that bengong has no appetite today so they should prepare light dishes.¡±


    Gu Yu nodded, then turned around to go to the small kitchen.


    Song Jinning continued to read the book. Gradually, she felt that the words in front of her became more and more blurred, and she eventually fell asleep.


    Li Chengxuan ran into Gu Yu who was returning from the small kitchen.


    ¡°Where is the Empress?¡±


    Gu Yu hurriedly bowed and greeted Li Chengxuan: ¡°Her Highness is in the West Hall.¡±


    Li Chengxuan has now accepted the fact that Song Jinning really reads books since the West Hall Gu Yu mentioned is also where Song Jinning¡¯s library is.


    She had a collection of books on the shelf. He looked through it and found that there were a lot of different types of books.


    Knowing the whereabouts of Song Jinning, Li Chengxuan walked to the west hall without any hassle.


    From the main hall, the only thing covering the entrance to the west hall was some flower vines.


    However, there is a light purple curtain hanging behind the flower vines. If the curtain is put down, the people in the main cannot see inside the west hall.


    But currently, this curtain was not pulled down, so Li Chengxuan walked to the west hall with ease.


    As soon as he entered, he saw Song Jinning leaning on the couch, sleeping, with her hands clutching a book.


    Li Chengxuan was a little surprised.


    In fact there were two things he was surprised about.


    One is that there is no one there to serve him, and the second is that he thought Song Jinning looked cute when she slept.

 CH 24

    Song Jinning slept feeling quite relaxed.


    Something seemed to be touching her arm in a trance. Song Jinning thought it was Qiu Qiu.


    That little cat would always jump when she was sleeping, and then put herself in her arms to sleep with her.


    She raised her hands and patted twice: ¡°Qiu Qiu don¡¯t make trouble.¡±


    Li Chengxuan, who was leaning over to pick up the book Song Jinning dropped, and just accidentally touched her arm¡­


    Who the f*ck is Qiu Qiu?


    He thought that whoever Qiu Qiu is, he must not be good.


    But before Li Chengxuan had time to think who Qiu Qiu was, Song Jinning suddenly tilted to one side.


    Sykpkdt bla byde casjl vbl cyzydnl sq bla cseu. Fllkdt vbyv bla blye oyp ycswv vs jdsnj sd vbl okdeso pkzz, Nk Ubldtmwyd bye ds vkxl vs alynv, yde bkp byde pwcnsdpnkswpzu pvalvnble swv vs pwrrsav bla blye.


    Mbl ryzx sq bkp byde vswnble bla aktbv nbllj.


    Tl qlzv vbyv bla pjkd oyp ps psqv yde pxssvb, vbyv lhld lttp nswzed¡¯v cl nsxryale okvb kv.


    Nk Ubldtmwyd¡¯p blyav oyp vktbv.


    Gqvla y obkzl, bl hkszldvzu okvbealo bkp byde zkjl kv oyp clkdt cwadle cu qkal.


    Ekvbswv bkp byde, Fsdt Kkddkdt¡¯p blye nsdvkdwle vs vkzv esodoyae. Fssd kv jdsnjle sd vbl okdeso pkzz.


    Ekvb y psqv cydt, Fsdt Kkddkdt kxxlekyvlzu osjl wr kd rykd.


    Fbl pyv esod yde aykple bla byde vs awc bla kdfwale qsalblye. Fbl wdlmrlnvlezu pyo Nk Ubldtmwyd pvydekdt kd qasdv sq bla.


    She was in pain, so Song Jinning didn¡¯t notice the unnatural look on Li Chengxuan¡¯s face.


    ¡°Why are you here?¡±


    She was upset, so her voice was not good.


    Li Chengxuan looked in every direction except Song Jinning¡¯s. He asked her: ¡°Why is there no one to serve you?¡±


    ¡°Does your majesty like someone staring at you when your majesty¡¯s asleep?¡± Song Jinning¡¯s voice was still not good.


    After rubbing her forehead for a while, she felt that her forehead was not painful anymore. Song Jinning then laid down again.


    Although she doesn¡¯t know what time it is, the sun is still high, so she must not have slept for long.


    ¡°What is your majesty doing here?¡±


    Li Chengxuan gave her an unhappy look.


    He was not dumb, this was obviously an order for him to leave!


    ¡°Zhen still needs to do something.¡±


    Seeing Song Jinning¡¯s eyes light up, Li Chengxuan¡¯s lips curled slightly, and he smiled: ¡°But even if there is something that zhen needs to do, it is not as important as spending time with the Empress.¡±


    Song Jinning: ¡­


    Your Majesty, where was your indifference on the day of our wedding?


    Song Jinning raised her hand to rub her forehead: ¡°Your Majesty, are you saying this on purpose? Chenqie suddenly got goosebumps all over her body.¡±


    Li Chengxuan turned his head displeasedly.


    This person really doesn¡¯t have any feelings!


    While slandering Song Jinning, he sat down angrily on the other side of the wooden couch.


    Song Jinning needed to persuade him harder.


    As she reached out to pick up the book that had fallen earlier, she said: ¡°Your Majesty, Chenqie has no appetite today. Chenqie has already asked someone to go to the small kitchen and tell them to prepare light dishes. Chenqie is afraid that the dishes tonight won¡¯t be to your majesty¡¯s taste.¡±


    Hurry up and go so i can sleep more!


    Gu Yu was coincidentally entering the hall to serve tea when Song Jinning said these words. She immediately refuted and said: ¡°Your Highness, when this slave went to the imperial kitchen earlier, this slave has already reminded Zhao Mama and the others to prepare some of his majesty¡¯s favorite dishes since this slave thought that his majesty might eat in Weiyang Palace.¡±


    Song Jinning:¡­¡­.


    She raised the book in her hand to cover her face.


    Gu Yu, stop mistaking me!


    Seeing her helpless look after being refuted, Li Chengxuan couldn¡¯t help it anymore and laughed out loud.


    As for staying here, he didn¡¯t actually want to. Isn¡¯t he doing this for the Empress Dowager?


    His mood suddenly improved.


    Taking two sips from the tea Gu Yu had brought, he raised his eyes to look at Song Jinning: ¡°Since it¡¯s still too early to eat dinner, can zhen play chess with you?¡±


    ¡°Responding to your majesty,¡± Song Jinning leaned on the backrest, flipping through a page lazily, ¡°Chenqie doesn¡¯t know how to play chess.¡±


    ¡°How about playing a song?¡±


    ¡°Responding to your majesty, chenqie doesn¡¯t know how to play instruments.¡±


    ¡°Painting and calligraphy?¡±


    ¡°Chenqie can¡¯t.¡±


    Seeing Song Jinning still leaning lazily, Li Chengxuan didn¡¯t know what kind of emotion he should be feeling right now.


    Isn¡¯t chess, music, calligraphy and painting a must-learn for women? Even if they can¡¯t be proficient at all these things, they should at least be able to know one or two, but Song Jinning is good, she doesn¡¯t know how to do a single one!


    And looking at the way she just answered, she felt that this was quite reasonable, and was not at all ashamed.


    ¡°Then what can you do?¡±


    You can¡¯t really just sit and do nothing all day, right?


    Song Jinning raised her eyes and glanced at him.


    Why are you asking this? Of course I can¡¯t do chess, music, calligraphy and painting! They are too boring!


    It seems that Li Chengxuan wants to fail today.


    So Song Jinning thought for a while, and then asked, ¡°Toss the Pot? Your Majesty, do you want to play it?¡±


    Toss the Pot is a popular game among the nobles. Not only is it elegant, it also doesn¡¯t take too much trouble to play.


    You only need a copper pot to be placed in front of you, so that you can grab an arrow and throw it to see if it lands inside the pot. The more arrows the player has inside the pot will be the winner while the one with less arrows is the loser.


    Naturally, Li Chengxuan knew this game. He felt that he was quite proficient in this game, so he immediately nodded: ¡°Okay.¡±


    He called Zhou Jing over and instructed him to prepare the things needed to play Toss the Pot. After a short while, Zhou Jing came back and reported: ¡°Your Majesty, Your Highness, this slave has prepared everything, please go to the back courtyard.¡±


    When Song Jinning arrived in the courtyard, she saw a copper pot with a thin neck and big base placed near the wall. Two eunuchs on the side held a vermilion tray in their hands, each with ten arrow shafts lying horizontally on it.


    The sun was still high, so Song Jinning stood under the shadow of the pear tree on the side.


    Li Chengxuan asked her: ¡°Since it¡¯s a game, there will be winners and losers. Should we bet?¡±


    He still remembers the time when Song Jinning took twenty taels of silver from him because he lost madiao.


    Silver is a trivial matter. The most important thing is that he lost, and Song Jinning took the opportunity to ridicule him. Whatever happened that day is in the past, and now he has to fight back!


    ¡°Whatever.¡± Song Jinning nonchalantly said.


    Anyway, the one who will lose is definitely not her.


    Li Chengxuan thought for a while, before untying a white jade pendant from his waist and placing it on a tray held by the eunuch beside him.


    ¡°Zhen will use this pendant as a bet.¡±


    Toss the Pot is actually a drinking game, and whoever loses has to drink a pot of wine. Although Li Chengxuan wanted to regain the face he lost last time, he thought that Song Jinning was a woman after all, and it was not good for her to drink.


    It doesn¡¯t matter if she uses a leaf or a flower as bet. The most important thing is that he regains his face!


    Song Jinning¡¯s gaze swept over the white jade pendant.


    This white jade pendant looks very good, it looked pure, and an auspicious pattern was carved on it. Nevermind a hundred gold taels, this must be worth thousands!


    Tsk, it¡¯s just a small game, yet Li Chengxuan is willing to waste such a good pendant.


    But Li Chengxuan is the emperor. This jade pendant is probably nothing more than a piece of jewelry in his eyes.


    Li Chengxuan asked Song Jinning again: ¡°What is your bet?¡±


    Song Jinning glanced sideways at him.


    Good! The more confident you are, the more miserable you will be when you lose later.


    Without saying a word, she took off a coral bracelet from her wrist and placed it on the tray.


    Bai Lu and Gu Yu were standing on the side, watching. Seeing Song Jinning like this, Bai Lu turned her head and asked Gu Yu, ¡°Obviously, she will win this competition. Why does she have to bet? Isn¡¯t it an unnecessary move? ¡°


    Gu Yu:¡­¡­


    She wanted to kick Bai Lu in the head.


    The Empress obviously wants to give His Majesty the chance to win.


    Men want to have face, and not to mention that Li Chengxuan is the Emperor above all.


    She still remembered the time when Song Jinning beat the Emperor in madiao and the emperor looked like he could kill someone after losing those 20 silver taels.


    This is not how a husband and wife should get along!


    So Your Highness, this time you must make his majesty win! Even if you really want to win, please don¡¯t¡­..


    Gu Yu put her hands together on her chest, and looked at Song Jinning expectantly.


    Song Jinning was still standing in the shadow of the pear tree to avoid the sun.  The eunuch who was holding an arrow on the side stepped forward, and said respectfully, ¡°Your Highness, we may start.¡±


    Song Jinning looked at Li Chengxuan.


    She is afraid that if she¡¯s the one to throw first, her skills will be made obvious.


    ¡°Your Majesty, whoever wins six of the ten rounds will win this game.¡±


    If the winner is determined with only one round, then why is she even playing?


    Li Chengxuan only thought that Song Jinning was not very proficient in Toss the Pot, so he allowed her condition.


    This time he is set to win!


    Li Chengxuan was proud of himself in his heart, and his face couldn¡¯t help but show a little joy.


    Song Jinning couldn¡¯t help but laugh in her eyes.


    Very good! This girl will play with you today. She will let you know defeat that is unforgettable for a lifetime.


    So Li Chengxuan won the first four rounds. In each round, Li Chengxuan could throw seven or eight arrows in the copper pot. On the other hand, Song Jinning could only throw in two or three. The most she shot was five.


    Bai Lu looked puzzled, and asked Gu Yu: ¡°What¡¯s wrong with Her Highness today? This is not her normal level.¡±


    ¡°What do you know?¡±


    Gu Yu glanced at her and replied with joy, ¡°This is the empress who is finally sensible.¡±

 CH 25

    Li Chengxuan didn¡¯t know Song Jinning¡¯s true intentions, and thought that she was really not good at Toss the Pot.


    He was proud of himself. But then again, Song Jinning is a woman and is not as strong as a man, so it¡¯s normal that she¡¯s not proficient in Toss the Pot.


    But Li Chengxuan still felt invincible.


    He told Song Jinning: ¡°Stand a few steps forward.¡±


    Li Chengxuan asked Song Jinning to stand a few steps forward because he was already confident that he was going to win.


    Song Jinning looked at him.


    Are you doing this out of pity? Ha, when you lose later, you¡¯ll feel even more miserable!


    But then again, this man is the Emperor, and is her husband, so she shouldn¡¯t bully him too much. Later, she¡¯ll just ask the small kitchen to prepare a few more dishes that Li Chengxuan likes.


    Gqvla pbl xyel wr bla xkde, Fsdt Kkddkdt vssj y qlo pvlrp qsaoyae okvb yd yaaso kd bla byde.


    Bdzkjl vbl psqv vbasokdt vlnbdkiwl pbl wple lyazkla, Fsdt Kkddkdt¡¯p vlnbdkiwl pweeldzu clnyxl ralnkpl, yde pbl lypkzu vbalo vbl yaaso kd vbl nsrrla rsv.


    Mbl yaaso eke y rlaqlnv yan kd vbl yka, yde zydele kd vbl nsrrla rsv rlaqlnvzu.


    Rd fwpv y qlo xkdwvlp, yzz sq vbl vld yaasop zydele kdpkel vbl nsrrla rsv xyjkdt lhlausdl, kdnzwekdt Nk Ubldtmwyd, pwarakple.


    Jyk Nw eked¡¯v bsze cynj yde nzyrrle bla bydep lmnkvlezu obkzl ulzzkdt ldnswaytkdt osaep vs Fsdt Kkddkdt.


    Qw Zw aykple bla byde yde bke bla qynl kd pbyxl.


    Fwal ldswtb, vblal kp ds pwnb vbkdt yp zspkdt qsa Fsdt Kkddkdt. Zswa Tktbdlpp, nswzed¡¯v usw xyjl yd lmnlrvksd vbkp vkxl?


    Gp qsa Nk Ubldtmwyd, bl oyp pvydekdt pvkzz kd pbsnj, yde eke dsv alynv qsa y obkzl.


    He felt that Song Jinning changed drastically. Her movement used to be so light that it couldn¡¯t even hit the copper pot, but now her movements are both graceful and strong, which makes the arrow hit the copper pot every time.


    There was a dreadful feeling looming inside Li Chengxuan.


    He will lose.


    But because he was a proud man, even if he already knew what would be the outcome of this game, he still didn¡¯t give up easily.


    After calming down his mood, he gritted his teeth and picked up an arrow.


    Li Chengxuan was actually very good. He could throw most of the arrows inside the copper pot without fail.


    But Song Jinning was better, she could throw all the arrows inside the copper pot without fail.


    After the remaining six rounds, the result was obvious.


    Minus the first four rounds, Song Jinning threw all the arrows in the copper pot in each round.


    Song Jinning won. There was no doubt.


    There was a moment of silence in the courtyard.


    Except for Qu Yu and Bai Lu who knew Song Jinning¡¯s proficiency in Toss the Pot, everyone else was dumbfounded.


    Unexpectedly, the Empress is so good, unlike His Majesty¡­..


    As for Li Chengxuan, his face turned red.


    ¡°You missed those shots on purpose, so that zhen would relax his guard against you?¡±


    He looked at Song Jinning with anger written all over his face.


    What are you talking about? What do you mean to relax your guard against me? I intended to make you lose from the start!


    Normal bullying is boring. If you want to bully someone, you should add a little spice.


    But if she said this to Li Chengxuan, won¡¯t she look bad?


    So Song Jinning put her hands together and smiled: ¡°No. It¡¯s just that chenqie hasn¡¯t played this game for so long, so chenqie¡¯s hands are a bit raw. It¡¯s just like that for the first few games, chenqie just needed to get used to the feeling of the arrow.¡±


    What do you mean by this? Li Chengxuan thought angrily. You¡¯re just lying to coax me!


    He snorted softly. Li Chengxuan paused, but still couldn¡¯t help asking Song Jinning, ¡°What other skills do you have?¡±


    Song Jinning blinked.


    Does this mean you haven¡¯t lost enough, and you still want to lose?!


    ¡°Your Majesty, do you still want to try other things with me?¡±


    ¡°Yes!¡± Li Chengxuan gritted his teeth, ¡°Tell zhen what you can do.¡±


    His Majesty seems to be very competitive.


    However, Song Jinning was kind: ¡°Your Majesty, if you compare chenqie with your majesty in chess, calligraphy, and painting, Chenqie is definitely not as good as you.¡±


    Li Chengxuan snorted softly.


    Even if I have suffered an embarrassing loss this time, I will definitely win next time!


    When the two returned to the main hall, a maidservant brought over a bowl of water and cleaned their hands, while Bai Lu and Gu Yu offered them tea and snacks.


    The snacks that Gu Yu and Bai Li had brought  were Sachima1, kidney bean rolls2, and a plate of osmanthus mung bean cakes3.


    (T/N: Pictures will be at the end of this chapter)


    Song Jinning had no appetite, so she just ate a piece of kidney bean roll.


    As for Li Chengxuan, he didn¡¯t know if the food made by Song Jinning¡¯s cooks were good, or he was just tired and needed replenishing, or if he was eating his heart out because he was angry. In short, he ate quite a lot.


    At this moment he was reaching out his hand to take a piece of osmanthus cake to eat. From the corner of his eye, he saw Song Jinning holding a white thing.


    Li Chengxuan was taken aback and he hurriedly looked at Song Jinning.


    A snow-white cat was acting cute and coquettish to Song Jinning. Song Jinning seemed to be very pleased, and kept raising her hand to touch her back.


    Song Jinning reached out and took a piece of osmanthus cake from the plate and placed it on the cat¡¯s mouth, coaxing softly: ¡°Qiu Qiu, come, have a taste.¡±


    Li Chengxuan looked down at the osmanthus cake in his hand.


    Can he still eat this?


    He threw the osmanthus cake back on the plate.


    Then he suddenly asked: ¡°Qiu Qiu?¡±


    Song Jinning didn¡¯t know Li Chengxuan¡¯s true feelings, and just felt that he thought that Qiu Qiu looked cute or that Qiu Qiu is a good name for a cat.


    She held up the two front legs of Qiu Qiu and lifted her up to show Li Chengxuan.


    ¡°Doesn¡¯t she look like a snowball? Because of this, Chenqie named her Xueqiu, with the nickname Qiu Qiu. Isn¡¯t it very nice?¡±


    Li Chengxuan looked at Song Jinning for a while.


    How come you and Qiu Qiu are so close?


    Not only was it continuously meowing, it was also rubbing its head on Song Jinning¡¯s palm.


    Forget it. This is too much of an eyesore.


    Li Chengxuan just gave a slight hum then took a cup of tea to drink.


    As soon as Li Chengxuan raised his cup of tea, Gu Yu walked over and said to Song Jinning: ¡°Your Highness, Tong¡¯an Furen4 sent a request to enter the palace. She said that Her Highness the Empress Dowager is sick, so she wants to visit her tomorrow.¡±


    Count Tong¡¯an is the half-brother of Empress Dowager Song and Prince Nanyang, and is also Song Jinning¡¯s nominal uncle.


    When the previous emperor died, Li Chengxuan became the emperor and Consort Xian became the Empress Dowager. Naturally, Consort Xian¡¯s family were given honorary titles and rewards.


    Needless to say, almost everyone in the Song family received a title.


    However, most of these people only had titles with no real power.


    Count Tong¡¯an felt this was unfair. He has appealed to Empress Dowager Song many times to give him a post with real power.


    It¡¯s a pity that Empress Dowager Song is not  close to Count Tong¡¯an. Secondly, Count Tong¡¯an is known to be greedy, so Empress Dowager Song is worried that if she gives this younger brother of hers real power, he will ruin the reputation of the Song clan. Because of these said reasons, she has been reluctant to give way to Count Tong¡¯an¡¯s requests.


    Later, when Count Tong¡¯an continued to bother her, she used the reason that men are not allowed in the inner palace so that he would go away.


    But Count Tong¡¯an didn¡¯t give up.


    Since men are not allowed in the inner palace, he lets his wife and daughter go to the palace and beg to see Empress Dowager Song instead.


    Since they are also surnamed Song, Empress Dowager Song can¡¯t do much, so four times out of ten, Tong¡¯an Furen and her daughter are successful.


    Since Song Jinning entered the palace and became the Empress, Tong¡¯an Furen and her daughter have asked to enter the palace many times, but they were always rejected by Song Jinning for various reasons. But now, Song Jinning doesn¡¯t dare to reject them without Empress Dowager Song¡¯s approval.


    After all, the reason for their visit is because of Empress Dowager Song.


    So she told Gu Yu: ¡°Go to Shoukang Palace and ask Empress Dowager Song..¡±


    Empress Dowager Song is the person involved. If she wants to see them, then she will see them. If she doesn¡¯t want to, then Song Jinning will just have to reject them again.


    Gu Yu obeyed, and Song Jinning continued to play with Qiu Qiu. Li Chengxuan would ask her questions from time to time, and Song Jinning would answer these questions calmly.


    Li Chengxuan found that getting along with Song Jinning is really a pleasant thing.


    First of all, she never asks about his affairs in court, second of all, she never mentions Empress Dowager Song or her family in front of him, and third of all, all she talks to him about are stupid or insignificant things.


    If he asks her something, she will answer. If he has nothing to ask her, she will do her own thing happily, and will never take the initiative to bother him.


    Not to mention that she doesn¡¯t do things to gain his favor.


    Li Chengxuan thought about it several times, and finally understood the reason why.


    This person didn¡¯t treat him as the emperor at all, and didn¡¯t care what he would think of her in his heart, and this is the reason she could be so relaxed in front of him. Every time he came to Weiyang Palace, Song Jinning even thought of ways to drive him out.


    Although Song Jinning and him are a fake couple, Li Chengxuan was surprised at his own behaviour.


    He seemed to always want to visit Weiyang Palace when he was tired with government affairs.


    Weiyang Palace is clean and comfortable, and Song Jinning wouldn¡¯t bother him no matter what.


    For example, right now, he is leaning on the couch with his right leg up in a daze, and Song Jinning will never persuade him that he was an emperor and that he should sit upright. On the contrary, she herself, as the empress, did not have the etiquette and posture of an empress. She was also leaning on the couch, reading a book in her hand, while slowly touching her cat.


    The cat felt comfortable being patted by Song Jinning, so she closed her eyes, and purred softly.


    It was dusk, so the orange sun shone diagonally through the window, making the sunlight fall on Song Jinning and the cat. Li Chengxuan didn¡¯t know what happened but suddenly the words ¡®Sui Yue Jing Hao¡¯5 came to mind.


    He was almost frightened to death by his thoughts.


    Song Jinning makes fun of him whenever she has the chance, how come he suddenly thought that she was similar to ¡®Sui Yue Jing Hao¡¯!


    Pictures:


    sh¨¡q¨ªm¨£


    Y¨²nd¨°u ju¨£n

 CH 26

    Gu Yu came back when Song Jinning and Li Chengxuan were about to have dinner. She reported that Empress Dowager Song allowed Tong¡¯an Furen and her daughter to come tomorrow.


    What can Song Jinning do? She just asked someone to relay the message to Tong¡¯an Furen.


    As for Gu Yu, although Song Jinning allowed her to go back and rest, she refused. After cleaning her hands, she helped prepare the meal.


    When the food was ready, Gu Yu came over and told Li Chengxuan and Song Jinning that they were ready to eat.


    Li Chengxuan walked to the table and sat down. He looked at the dishes on the table, and as usual, he didn¡¯t know most of them.


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    He subconsciously looked at Zhou Jing.


    Before, Zhou Jing would stand by the table and report the names of the dishes one by one, but Song Jinning did not do this, so Li Chengxuan¡¯s eyes blackened with curiosity, as he didn¡¯t know what the names of these dishes were¡­..


    As for Zhou Jing, he was also embarrassed.


    Gzvbswtb bl jdsop yzz vbl kdtalekldvp wple kd vblpl ekpblp, bso oswze bl jdso obyv vblu yal nyzzle obld nsxckdle vstlvbla?


    Bdela Nk Ubldtmwyd¡¯p tygl, bl qlzv nsze polyv qsaxkdt sd bkp qsalblye.


    Tl yvvlxrvle vs pyu vbl ekpblp¡¯ dyxlp: ¡°Mbkp ekpb kp qakle ypryaytwp okvb uyx1, vbkp ekpb kp oyvla nyccytl2 , vbkp pzyhl vbkdjp vbkp ekpb kp pryal akcp3¡­¡­.¡±


    Nyulap sq nsze polyv yrrlyale sd Hbsw Kkdt¡¯p qsalblye.


    Zswa Tktbdlpp, obyv yal vbl dyxlp sq vblpl ekpblp? Uyd usw cl vbl sdl vs vlzz bkp xyflpvu?


    Fsdt Kkddkdt pyo bkp lxcyaayppxldv yde zssjle yv Hbsw Kkdt rkvkqwzzu clqsal pyukdt vbl dyxlp sq vbl ekpblp.


    ¡°Mbkp ekpb kp qakle ypryaytwp okvb uyx, vbkp kp oyvla prkdynb, yde vbkp kp akcp. Mbkp kp Zwmkydt pbaleele rsaj4, vbkp kp Iwdt Vys Ubknjld5, vbkp kp voknl-nssjle rsaj6 yde vbkp kp okdvla xlzsd yde xwpbassx pswr7¡­.¡±


    Hbsw Kkdt: ¡­


    Even a restaurant outside would have auspicious or literary names for their food. This is the first time he has seen such straightforward names for a dish.


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    So just now he actually didn¡¯t make a mistake.


    Li Chengxuan was not as surprised as Zhou Jing.


    He pointed at the Yuxiang shredded pork and asked Song Jinning: ¡°There is fish in this dish? Why can¡¯t zhen see it?¡±


    Only slices of shredded meat could be seen.


    ¡°How come?¡±


    Song Jinning teased him, and said with a smile, ¡°Chenqie asked someone to catch this fish from the pond in the Royal Garden. It was still alive and kicking when it was cooked.¡±


    Gu Yu and Bai Lu who were standing on the side looked at Song Jinning with shame.


    Your Highness, you can really make things up!


    Li Chengxuan already knows Song Jinning¡¯s ability to talk nonsense, so when he saw the joking smile in her eyes, he knew that she was teasing him again.


    All the fishes in the royal garden are koi, so how can they be used for eating?


    He ignored Song Jinning and stretched out his chopsticks to take a piece of Yuxiang Shredded Pork then placed it in his mouth.


    Although there is no fish in this dish, why does it taste like fish?


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    It¡¯s really fun to tease Li Chengxuan once in a while.


    He is the emperor after all, and if he wanted to, he can grant her death for deceiving him all the time.


    When Song Jinning thought about this, she felt that Li Chengxuan was a good man.


    Since this is the case, she will show him even more delicious foods!


    She asked, ¡°Your Majesty, what do you think of the Yuxiang Shredded Pork?¡±


    Li Chengxuan had already eaten several chopsticks of Yuxiang shredded pork.


    To be honest, this dish is sour and sweet, and it indeed has a peculiar taste that he has never tasted before.


    But he refused to admit this, in case Song Jinning will tease him for being ignorant.


    ¡°It¡¯s fine.¡±


    Zhou Jing: ¡­


    Your Majesty, how come you don¡¯t want to show your true feelings?


    If you really hate it, how come you have eaten so much Yuxiang shredded pork? Even a blind person can see that you like this dish, let alone the Empress?


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    Don¡¯t you hate the Empress teasing you?


    But to Zhou Jing¡¯s surprise, Song Jinning didn¡¯t tease Li Chengxuan.


    Song Jinning ignored Li Chengxuan¡¯s statement, and instead told him that fish was not used in this dish, and its peculiar taste is because of various seasonings and sauces.


    ¡°Since your Majesty loves this taste, Chenqie will have someone make a Yuxiang eggplant8 dish when your majesty comes over next time.¡±


    Eggplants can also have this taste?


    Li Chengxuan actually doesn¡¯t like eggplant very much. To be more precise, he doesn¡¯t like eating vegetables and usually prefers meat. But listening to Song Jinning¡¯s words, he felt excited to try this Yuxiang eggplant.


    At the same time, he noticed that Song Jinning likes to eat vegetables so much.


    After a pause, he couldn¡¯t hold back, and asked, ¡°Why do you always eat vegetables?¡±


    Li Chengxuan has eaten with Song Jinning many times, and he noticed that she seemed to like vegetables more than meat.


    Song Jinning was eating winter melon and mushroom soup when she heard Li Chengxuan¡¯s question. She replied: ¡°No, chenqie eats both meat and vegetables. But maybe chenqie eats more vegetables than meat¡­¡±


    Putting the spoon down, she raised her eyes to look at Li Chengxuan, with a rare expression of seriousness on her face.


    ¡°The Huangdi Neijing9 says that to preserve the body¡¯s qi, one must eat vegetables to replenish oneself. If a person only eats meat, how will she or he receive the nutrients she or he needs?¡±


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    When Song Jinning entered the palace, she found that whether it was Li Chengxuan, Empress Dowager Song or Li Xiyan, the usual meals they ate only consisted of meat, with a rarity of vegetables.


    How can this work? If things go on like this, their health will definitely deteriorate.


    Li Chengxuan refused to admit that he actually listened to Song Jinning¡¯s advice in his heart.


    Instead, he laughed and teased Song Jinning: ¡°Zhen didn¡¯t expect that you read medical books. Why? Does the empress want to be a Xinglin Master10 in the future?¡±


    Xinglin master?


    Song Jinning¡¯s heart suddenly moved.


    In fact, she has never been serious about medicine before. All her knowledge of medicine comes from books and what her father had told her.


    But now she is bored all day long, so it would be good for her to pursue a career in medicine.


    First, she can use this to pass the time, and secondly, if she becomes a Xinglin Master, she will be able to take care of Empress Dowager Song and Li Xiyan¡¯s health.


    As for help, there are so many imperial doctors in the imperial hospital, such as Liu Lanxi who is an excellent doctor. It would be a waste if he doesn¡¯t teach her his ways.


    Moreover, Liu Lanxi is so handsome that looking at him already makes you feel good. Song Jinning will definitely do better with such eye candy to look at.


    So besides making wine, Song Jinning found a new hobby for herself.


    Li Chengxuan didn¡¯t know that his unintentional words opened a new door for Song Jinning. Seeing her face suddenly show joy, he didn¡¯t know what was going inside her mind.


    Li Chengxuan didn¡¯t leave after the meal. Song Jinning understood that this was because he needed to put on a show again.


    To Empress Dowager Song and the ministers.


    Although there are only a few masters living in the forbidden city, there are thousands of people serving them.


    Since there are so many people, if news reaches Empress Dowager Song and the ministers that Li Chengxuan left Weiyang Palace after dinner again, there will definitely be some problems.


    The harmony between the Emperor and Empress is important, so Song Jinning naturally cooperated with this.


    Song Jinning slept in the bed and Li Chengxuan slept on the couch as usual.


    The weather is gradually warming up, so the annoying mosquitoes have appeared again.


    Song Jinning puts a curtain down when she sleeps. Because this is the case, she feels separated and safe from Li Chengxuan.


    So she naturally didn¡¯t feel the mosquitoes, and slept quite peacefully.


    In the middle of the night she heard Li Chengxuan clapping his hands, but she didn¡¯t bother to care.


    When she had breakfast with Li Chengxuan the next morning, she was surprised to see small red spots on his face and neck.


    Your majesty, you should stay indoors more especially when you have white skin.


    Li Chengxuan has white skin, so the two small dots could be seen very well. Song Jinning then asked where the dots were from.


    Li Chengxuan didn¡¯t want to admit that he was infested by mosquitoes last night, and didn¡¯t sleep well at all.


    He just glanced at Song Jinning without speaking.


    Song Jinning thought he was being rude.


    This man didn¡¯t even give her any face.


    So she didn¡¯t bother to ask any more.


    Zhou Jing, Gu Yu and Bai Lu who were standing on the side, heard Song Jinning¡¯s question, and they all subconsciously looked at Li Chengxuan.


    After seeing the two red dots:¡­¡­


    How many traces are hidden underneath his majesty¡¯s clothes?


    It seems that the battle between his majesty and the empress last night was fierce.


    Gu Yu¡¯s complexion was reddish. She was still unmarried, so this was definitely something she is shy about.


    Bai Lu had no expression on her face. Her face is permanently paralyzed and no matter what happens, she can keep a straight face.


    As for Zhou Jing, his face had a clear look.


    Remember what he said about the husband who was dissatisfied with his new wife, but was later captured by his wife¡¯s good cooking skills and the husband and wife spent a lifetime together?


    Zhou Jing has already predicted Li Chengxuan and Song Jinning¡¯s future when he saw Li Chengxuan eat an extra bowl of rice in Weiyang Palace.


    Song Jinning didn¡¯t know that the imagination of these people could be so rich. After breakfast, Li Chengxuan went to court, and after clearing up, she went to Shoukang Palace.


    Li Xiyan was also there. The two cousins ??accompanied Empress Dowager Song for a while, before a maidservant came in to inform them that Tong¡¯an Furen was there.


    Not only Tong¡¯an Furen, but also her daughter, Song Jinfu.


    Song Jinning has already seen Song Jinfu twice and vaguely remembers some narratives about her in the book.


    She is an arrogant girl, but her appearance is as bright as a lotus. Tong¡¯an Furen sent her to the palace and Li Chengxuan gave her the rank of Zhaoyi11 for Empress Dowager Song¡¯s sake.


    But Song Jinfu¡¯s rank stopped at Zhaoyi, and it didn¡¯t get any higher.


    However, a girl from the Song family was already in the palace. This was Song Jinning who also had an arrogant temperament, but the difference was that Song Jinfu was a concubine, while Song Jinning was the Empress.


    Li Chengxuan¡¯s inner palace was very rich.


    It¡¯s a pity that after encountering Jiang Wanqiu, these concubines of his were like ice seeing the scorching sun, and they all melted and disappeared.


    Thinking of this, Song Jinning felt sorry for Li Chengxuan.

 CH 27

    When Tong¡¯an Furen and Song Jinfu stepped forward to greet Empress Dowager Song, Empress Dowager Song asked someone to let them sit down.


    Although Empress Dowager Song didn¡¯t like these people in her heart, they were her mother¡¯s family, so she still treated them kindly.


    As Tong¡¯an Furen spoke to Empress Dowager Song, Song Jinfu was looking at Song Jinning.


    Her eyes were very unscrupulous.


    Song Jinning understood her thoughts.


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    Speaking of Song Jinfu, she is actually two years older than Song Jinning. Before Li Chengxuan got married to Song Jinning, Tong¡¯an Furen actually hoped Song Jinfu would be the Empress, and is one of the reasons why they often spoke nicely in front of Empress Dowager Song.


    Although the crown of the empress fell to the Song clan, it was not given to Song Jinfu, but to Song Jinning, who was thousands of miles away in Yunnan.


    How can Song Jinfu be happy? She felt that Song Jinning used despicable means to get her position.


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    Fsaau, pbl byp y byckv sq jllrkdt vbkdtp nzlyd.


    She looked at Tong¡¯an Furen and smiled, ¡°Look at what furen said. What do you mean that there is no person to accompany bengong? Isn¡¯t bengong¡¯s aunt right here? Bengong comes to aunt¡¯s palace every day so bengong doesn¡¯t feel lonely at all.¡±


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    After she said this, Song Jinning turned her head to look at Empress Dowager Song, and mentioned in a coquettish tone: ¡°It¡¯s just that bengong always comes to aunt¡¯s palace every day, so much so that bengong is afraid that aunt is already annoyed with bengong.¡±


    Empress Dowager Song was very happy when she heard this. She leaned over and patted Song Jinning¡¯s head affectionately.


    ¡°Aijia wants you to come over all the time so that aijia can relive her boredom. How is this annoying? If aijia could, aijia would let you stay here in Shoukang Palace day and night!¡±


    It was the scene of a loving aunt and a loving niece, which could make one feel touched.


    When Song Jinfu looked at them, she clenched her teeth and held the white cloth in her hand tightly.


    They are both nieces, so why is Empress Dowager Song showing such favoritism?


    Her face turned red from anger.


    Unlike Song Jinfu, Tong¡¯an Furen already had the temperament of an old fox.


    With a smile on her face, she started talking about Empress Dowager Song¡¯s Shengshou Festival1.


    ¡°If I remember correctly, the Empress Dowager¡¯s Shengshou Festival also coincides with the Mid-Autumn Festival? The birthday of the Empress Dowager is a big event, and Fu¡¯er has been talking about it. She even invited a master to teach her how to play musical instruments so that she can give you a good birthday present.¡±


    Birthday? They clearly did this because they knew Li Chengxuan would be there, and it was a chance for Song Jinfu to catch his attention.


    It¡¯s a pity that Jiang Wanqiu is the main character.


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    Empress Dowager Song is smarter than Tong¡¯an Furen so she naturally knew what she was trying to do.


    But Empress Dowager Song didn¡¯t point it out and just nodded her head.


    On the contrary, Song Jinning became interested, so she smiled at Tong¡¯an Furen: ¡°Auntie¡¯s Shengshou Festival is naturally going to be lively. How can it be enough for Cousin to play the piano alone? Bengong remembers that there are a few people of the right age in our family. When Furen goes back, ask someone to pay close attention to those who are talented and beautiful.¡±


    The corners of Tong¡¯an Furen¡¯s mouth twitched slightly.


    Is the Empress as stupid as a cow, or is she really just virtiuous and generous?


    Doesn¡¯t she know that I¡¯m planning to send Fu¡¯er to the palace?


    She actually thinks that just Fu¡¯er is not enough?


    Not only Tong¡¯an Furen, but also Cui Nong couldn¡¯t figure out Song Jinning¡¯s thoughts.


    After Tong¡¯an Furen and Song Jinning left, Cui Nong waited for Empress Dowager Song to fall asleep.


    However, Empress Dowager Song felt cold these past few days, so she only slept very little.


    After tossing and turning for a while with no success, she sat up and leaned against the headboard of the bed and called Cui Nong so that they could talk.


    Cui Nong is the maid that has been with Empress Dowager Song even before she became an Imperial Consort. Because of this, Empress Dowager Song and Cui Nong had more of a friendly relationship than a master-slave relationship. This is also the reason why Cui Nong can say things that will usually get other servants punished.


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    Speaking of what happened earlier, Cui Nong said: ¡°This servant doesn¡¯t know if the Empress understands the meaning behind the Furen¡¯s words earlier. The Furen told her that she wanted to send the Fu girl to her side, but she even urged the Furen to find talented girls to play at the festival.¡±


    Empress Dowager Song smiled.


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry, she knows.¡±


    Seeing that Cui Nong was still confused, she continued with a smile.


    ¡°You know, Aijia was really hesitant whether or not Ning¡¯er would be a good empress. When she was a child, she was really domineering and arrogant. If such a person is the Empress, wouldn¡¯t the harem be in chaos?¡±


    ¡°Aijia didn¡¯t want to marry her into the palace. These days, aijia has been watching her. Not only has her temperament changed, she also became smarter. It¡¯s just that she¡¯s lazy.¡±


    Cui Nong laughed when she heard these words, making Empress Dowager Song also laugh.


    After the two laughed, Empress Dowager Song continued.


    ¡°Do you think she doesn¡¯t understand the meaning of my sister-in-law¡¯s words? She just doesn¡¯t want her cousin to live with her in Weiyang Palace. If you don¡¯t believe me, if you let Song Jinfu live in another palace, she won¡¯t care.¡±


    ¡°So the Empress is a magnanimous person?¡±


    ¡°She¡¯s not being magnanimous.¡± Empress Dowager Song groaned for a while before saying, ¡°The reason is that she doesn¡¯t have deep feelings for the emperor in her heart.¡±


    Cui Nong was surprised: ¡°But this servant heard that the empress and his majesty get along very well these days. The last time the two of them played madiao, the empress made his majesty pay more than 20 taels of silver! His Majesty didn¡¯t even care and continued visiting Weiyang Palace. Isn¡¯t this a sign that they have both feelings for each other?¡±


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    ¡°This is why you don¡¯t understand Ning¡¯er.¡±


    Empress Dowager Song sighed, ¡°She knows that as long as Aijia and her father are alive, the emperor will not dare to do anything to her. Why would she fear him?¡±


    Cui Nong didn¡¯t speak.


    She didn¡¯t expect Song Jinning to have these thoughts in her heart.


    After a pause, she began to comfort Empress Dowager Song.


    ¡°Even if his majesty and the empress are a normal couple, there will inevitably be concubines, not to mention his majesty is the emperor above all. This slave thinks that it is better for the Empress to not hold much affection for his majesty so that when his majesty takes in concubines in the future, she won¡¯t be sad.¡±


    How can men be faithful? There was a time when Sima Xiangru was so in love with Zhuo Wenjun that he even sold wine for her, but when he became powerful, he didn¡¯t hesitate to take in a concubine and break his vows2.


    Empress Dowager Song also agreed with Cui Nong¡¯s statement.


    ¡°Aijia thinks the same too. Aijia hopes that Ning¡¯er will always be as careless about the emperor as she is now. Without expectations, there will naturally be no disappointment.¡±


    ¡°Is the Empress Dowager considering¡­?¡±


    Empress Dowager Song nodded: ¡°The emperor will inevitably have concubines. Instead of letting him accept women from other families, it is better to donate women from my Song family. This will also ensure my Song family¡¯s prosperity. But Aijia still wants to wait.¡±


    Cui Nong understood what she meant: ¡°Your Highness wants to wait until the Empress is pregnant before accepting concubines for the emperor?¡±


    Empress Dowager Song gave Cui Nong an approving look.


    ¡°The inner palace is lonely. Now that the emperor only has Ning¡¯er, whenever he goes to the harem, he can only go to her palace. But in the future, when he has more concubines, he will naturally have more choices. By then, won¡¯t Ning¡¯er be lonely? It¡¯s better if she has a child by her side.¡±


    ¡°Furthermore, the eldest son of the emperor should come from Ning¡¯er.¡±


    Cui Nong agreed with Empress Dowager Song.


    If Song Jinning gives birth to the eldest son of the emperor, then this child will not only be the eldest, but will also be a legitimate, making his title as crown prince unshakable.


    Once the child inherits the throne in the future, it will be of great benefit to not only Song Jinning, but also to the Song family.


    Song Jinning didn¡¯t even know the things Empress Dowager Song was already considering for her. Right now, she was walking to the Imperial Hospital with Bai Lu leisurely.


    The Imperial Hospital is in the southeast corner of the palace, and at the door stood a small eunuch.


    The small eunuch didn¡¯t recognize Song Jinning at first. Seeing that she was about to enter, he dutifully stepped forward to stop her, and asked her which palace she was from and what she was going to do.


    Song Jinning has never been to the imperial hospital before, so she was not surprised when this small eunuch didn¡¯t recognize her.


    Bai Lu wanted to step forward and explain Song Jinning¡¯s identity, but Song Jinning stopped her.


    ¡°I¡¯m from Weiyang Palace. I came here to look for some medical books. Brother, can you let me in now?¡±


    Weiyang Palace? The Empress¡¯s Palace?


    Although her clothing was simple, it looked quite expensive.


    Then she must have a good status in Weiyang Palace, right? Maybe she is a female official.


    Even though she was a female official, she still talked to a small eunuch like him politely. Everytime she spoke, there was a smile on her face.


    This female official looks really good when she laughs. One couldn¡¯t help but think of the bright and delicate moon in the night sky.


    As a result, the tone of the small eunuch eased a lot.


    ¡°I¡¯m just a small eunuch who guards the door, I¡¯ll have to ask an imperial doctor first.¡±


    He paid a salute to Song Jinning: ¡°Please wait for a while. I¡¯ll go in and inquire.¡±


    Song Jinning smiled and thanked him, and then stood at the gate of the courtyard and waited.


    Bai Lu couldn¡¯t understand why Song Jinning was doing this: ¡°Your Highness, why don¡¯t you just tell them your identity? Now you need to wait here in vain.¡±


    ¡°Lu¡¯er, you don¡¯t understand.¡±


    Song Jinning smiled, ¡°Wherever people know Bengong is the Empress, they kneel when they see me, and it¡¯s boring since bengong can¡¯t talk to them normally.¡±


    ¡°And bengong is not waiting here in vain. Look at that asparagus plant, it¡¯s so green in color.¡±


    Bai Lu: ¡­


    She should have let Gu Yu come instead.


    The weird things Song Jinning does can be cured by Gu Yu¡¯s nagging.


    She slandered Song Jinning in her heart, but suddenly she heard a rush of footsteps behind her.

 CH 28

    When Song Jinning looked at the group of people kneeling in front of her, she felt beads of sweat forming on her forehead.


    The head imperial doctor, Zhou Yizheng, was kneeling on the front, and the white beard on his jaw trembled as he spoke.


    ¡°Weichen1 didn¡¯t know that Her Highness arrived and has disrespected Her Highness. Weichen asks Her Highness to punish weichen.¡±


    How dare he let the Empress wait? If Liu Lanxi hadn¡¯t seen Song Jinning accidentally, they would have made her wait even longer.


    Now that he thinks about it, Zhou Yizheng kind of blamed the little eunuch in his heart.


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    How come he didn¡¯t recognize the empress? If the empress becomes angry, wouldn¡¯t it involve the entire imperial hospital?


    The little eunuch seemed to sense what Zhou Yizheng was thinking, and was trembling non-stop.


    In his mind, he started thinking about what people have said about the Empress.


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    Zhou Yizheng and the others got up, but the little eunuch was so afraid that he continued kneeling on the ground.


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    Song Jinning felt sorry for him. So she walked over, held out her arm and personally helped him up.


    This little eunuch looked like he was only thirteen or fourteen years old, and his face was pale with fright.


    ¡°You-Your High-ness¡­¡±


    He even started to stammer.


    Song Jinning raised her hand, patted him on the shoulder, and said with a pleasant smile: ¡°Bengong is not a tiger, Bengong doesn¡¯t eat people, don¡¯t be afraid.¡±


    After saying this, she turned her head and said to Zhou Yizheng: ¡°Bengong was just joking with him, don¡¯t punish him.¡±


    If this little eunuch gets punished, wouldn¡¯t it be her fault?


    Zhou Yizheng hurriedly bowed: ¡°Weichen dare not.¡±


    Song Jinning raised her foot and walked into the hospital while Zhou Yizheng and the others followed her from behind.


    As soon as she entered, she noticed the faint smell of medicine.


    When you drink medicine, it tastes very bitter, but Song Jinning found out that she liked the smell of medicine.


    Song Jinning is not used to having so many people following her. She told Zhou Yizheng: ¡°Bengong is just looking for medical books. What are you doing? Just do whatever you need to do, don¡¯t follow bengong.¡±


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    Zhou Yizheng responded with a yes. He waved to the people behind him to disperse, but he still followed Song Jinning respectfully.


    ¡°What book does the Empress want to read?¡±


    In the corner of Song Jinning¡¯s eyes, she saw Liu Lanxi holding a piece of medicine, and Song Jinning felt that he looked really handsome when he faced sideways.


    Sure enough, no matter what a beautiful man does, it will always be pleasing to the eye.


    Retracting her gaze, Song Jinning smiled: ¡°Bengong doesn¡¯t know anything about medicine, and bengong has never read a medical book before. Bengong has to trouble Head Imperial Doctor Zhou to recommend two books to bengong.¡±


    When Song Jinning was young, Zhou Yizheng was already working as an imperial physician in the palace. Naturally, he has heard about Song Jinning¡¯s ¡®bad¡¯ personality. But he unexpectedly discovered that Song Jinning was actually a very approachable person.


    While secretly thinking that rumors are not credible, Zhou Yizheng went to find two entry-level medical books and gave them to Song Jinning.


    ¡°Please read these two books first. If Your Highness has any questions, your highness can send someone to call weichen any time.¡±


    Song Jinning remembered what Empress Dowager Song had said. The imperial doctors in the imperial hospital are all awkward and unintelligible, and Liu Lanxi is the only one who can speak straightforwardly.


    Song Jinning didn¡¯t understand it at first, but now that she thinks about it, this Head Imperial Doctor Zhou has an empty face while talking¡­


    She thought that if her mentors were like this, it would dispel her enthusiasm to be a Xinglin Master.


    So she smiled and said, ¡°The imperial hospital can¡¯t be without the Head Imperial Doctor. How can Bengong bother you? Just assign someone instead.¡±


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    She pointed her hand in the direction where Liu Lanxi was: ¡°Bengong will just ask Imperial Doctor Liu.¡±


    How can Zhou Yizheng disobey? He immediately called Liu Lanxi over and ordered him to teach the Empress.


    When the goal was achieved, Song Jinning took the two medical books and was about to leave.


    When she reached the door, she suddenly remembered something, so she turned around and asked Zhou Yizheng: ¡°Are there any herbs that can repel mosquitoes?¡±


    The last time Li Chengxuan stayed the night with her, he woke up with red spots on his face and neck. Song Jinning didn¡¯t know how it happened at that time. She only understood when she was reading a book last night and heard the buzzing sound of mosquitoes flying.


    Li Chengxuan is really delicate, so something like a red spot on his body can easily be seen.


    Forget it, let¡¯s give him a mosquito repellant pouch.


    Zhou Yizheng immediately said yes.


    He picked up a few herbs, sealed them in a pouch, and offered them to Song Jinning with both hands.


    Song Jinning reached out and took it.


    As soon as she held the pouch, she noticed the faint scent of medicine. There was also the smell of mint inside the pouch, which made people feel cool.


    She will put this mosquito repellent pouch next to the wooden couch near her bed, so that there will be no mosquitoes when Li Chengxuan comes to sleep in Weiyang Palace.


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    But Li Chengxuan usually stays in the imperial study¡­


    Not only Li Chengxuan, but also Empress Dowager Song, Li Xiyan, and the servants in the palace need mosquito repellent pouches. After all, mosquitoes do not distinguish between Empress Dowager, Princess, and maid. They sting everyone that comes into contact.


    So she told Zhou Yizheng: ¡°Ask people to make more mosquito repellent pouches like this. Give one to the Emperor, Empress Dowager, eunuchs, mama¡¯s, and others.¡±


    It¡¯s good to not have mosquito bites.


    ¡°As for the amount of silver needed to make these pouches, just ask a eunuch to go to Weiyang Palace and bengong will give the amount needed.¡±


    ¡°Your Highness has a kind heart.¡±


    Head Imperial Doctor Zhou kneeled down in thanks to Song Jinning.


    She not only thought about the emperor, empress dowager, and the princess, but also the servants who work tirelessly.


    An empress that can empathize with her servants is definitely good. In the future, if someone says that the Empress is not good, Zhou Yizheng won¡¯t believe a word. He will also tell them how benevolent the Empress actually is.


    As a result, Zhou Yizheng was so excited that he took a few mosquito repellent pouches and went to the imperial study room to see Li Chengxuan in person, to tell him about Song Jinning¡¯s visit to the imperial hospital.


    When Li Chengxuan heard that Song Jinning was looking for a medical book, he sneered. But he didn¡¯t expect that Song Jinning really wanted to study medicine.


    When he heard that Song Jinning asked Zhou Yizheng to make a mosquito repellent pouch for him, he felt a gush of water in his heart.


    So Song Jinning was actually thinking of him in her heart. Knowing that he was bitten by a mosquito that night, she couldn¡¯t wait to go to the imperial hospital to ask Zhou Yizheng to make him a mosquito repellent pouch?


    He had good looks and was an emperor. Even if Song Jinning didn¡¯t like him at first, and said nonsense about contract marriage, how could she not fall for him?


    He felt a little bit of sweetness in his heart for no reason.


    But at the next moment, he heard Zhou Yizheng excitedly saying that the Empress even ordered mosquito repellent pouches to be given to servants.


    Li Chengxuan: ¡­


    Li Chengxuan¡¯s smile froze on his face.


    What?


    So Song Jinning didn¡¯t go to the Imperial Hospital to get this mosquito repellent pouch especially made for him?


    Humph, he is the emperor, how come she didn¡¯t send him more than one? Is he really not that special in her heart?


    Li Chengxuan felt like a big rock was blocking his heart.


    After telling Zhou Jing to take the pouch, he made Zhou Yizheng retreat with a calm face, and then continued to read memorials.


    Zhou Jing stood aside with the pouch in his hand. He stared at Li Chengxuan¡¯s expressionless face, and was a little bit unsure of what he was thinking.


    Wasn¡¯t there a smile on his majesty¡¯s face just now?


    When Li Chengxuan raised his hand to ask for tea, Zhou Jing offered the tea, then said cautiously: ¡°Her Highness is thinking of Your Majesty in her heart. Knowing that there are many mosquitoes now, she went to the imperial hospital and ordered someone to give your majesty a mosquito repellent pouch. Your majesty, where should this slave hang this pouch?¡±


    He can¡¯t hold this all day, right?


    Li Chengxuan paused, and then snorted softly.


    Special? He also thought this was the case, but it turns out he¡¯s just an extra!


    After taking two sips of tea, he put down the cup and glanced sideways at the pouch that Zhou Jing was still holding in his hand.


    ¡°Take it away.¡±


    After saying the cold command, Li Chengxuan continued to look at Zhou Jing with a calm face.


    Isn¡¯t it just a few mosquitoes? He didn¡¯t believe that he could be bitten to death by mosquitoes without this mosquito repellent pouch!


    Although being bitten to death is impossible, a mosquito can still leave red marks on the skin and a scratchy and tingling feeling.


    But Li Chengxuan was angry, even if he is bitten by a mosquito, he will never use the mosquito repellent pouch.


    Zhou Jing was helpless when he saw this, but he could only follow Li Chengxuan¡¯s orders.


    As Li Chengxuan read memorials, Zhou Jing walked over carefully.


    He held a translucent glass bowl in his hands.


    In the cup was a yellowish-brownish solid paste, and the entire paste seemed to be shining under the summer light.


    ¡°Your Majesty.¡±


    Because Li Chengxuan was in a bad mood these past few days, the people waiting by his side were cautious. They feared that if they said something wrong, they would be punished.


    ¡°This is the dessert that the Empress sent. It¡¯s called caramel pudding. Would your majesty like to try it?¡±


    Li Chengxuan¡¯s hand stopped. But he neither looked up nor spoke, as if he hadn¡¯t heard Zhou Jing¡¯s voice at all, and continued to stare blankly.


    Zhou Jing: ¡­


    What is happening?


    In the past, every time the empress sent someone to deliver food, His Majesty would immediately put down the things in his hand and enjoy it. Why was he now staring blankly?


    Zhou Jing didn¡¯t dare to ask. However, since Li Chengxuan didn¡¯t say what to do with the caramel pudding, Zhou Jing did not dare to move.


    He can only step aside while holding the tray.


    He felt his wrist was getting sore when he finally heard the steady voice from Li Chengxuan beside him.


    ¡°Does zhen have this caramel pudding alone? Or does everyone else have it?¡±

 CH 29

    This extra chapter is sponsored by Pancake-cat who gave me 9 ko-fi¡¯s! I love you so much!


    Zhou Jing suddenly understood why Li Chengxuan had been so sulky these past few days.


    He wanted to laugh, but he didn¡¯t dare, so he had to hold it in with a grin on his face.


    However, he didn¡¯t know how to answer Li Chengxuan¡¯s question.


    From his knowledge of Song Jinning, he knew that she must have given Empress Dowager Song and Princess Jingle the same thing. How can his majesty have it alone?


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    But his majesty has been sullen for several days. And Zhou Jing didn¡¯t know if it was an illusion, but he felt that there seems to be a trace of resentment from the voice of Li Chengxuan¡­.


    After thinking about it, Zhou Jing answered carefully.


    ¡°This slave asked the maidservant who came to give this dessert just now.  She said that this dessert had just been made, and Her Highness didn¡¯t have time to eat it, so she ordered someone to give your majesty a bowl first.¡±


    Mbkp rzlyple Nk Ubldtmwyd, yde vbl yddsuydnl kd bkp blyav ekpyrrlyale kdpvydvzu.


    Jwv bl alqwple vs yexkv kv.


    Tl pdsavle psqvzu, yde pyke kd y zktbv vsdl: ¡°Fbl eslpd¡¯v jdso oblvbla vbkp elpplav kp tsse sa dsv, ps pbl ypjle psxlsdl vs tkhl gbld y csoz qkapv, aktbv?¡±


    Hbsw Kkdt: ¡­


    Ebyv es usw xlyd cu vbkp, uswa xyflpvu? Ps usw oydv vs lyv vbkp nyayxlz rweekdt sa dsv?


    Gzps, bso okzz R ydpola uswa iwlpvksd?


    Wsavwdyvlzu, Nk Ubldtmwyd eke dsv lxcyaaypp bkx.


    Nk Ubldtmwyd kxxlekyvlzu rwv esod vbl xlxsakyz kd bkp byde yqvla pyukdt vbkp, yde alynble swv vs vyjl vbl tzypp csoz.


    Zhou Jing understood.


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    It seems that it will still be eaten.


    He immediately handed a small silver spoon to Li Chengxuan.


    Li Chengxuan took it. After studying the dessert, which he had never heard or seen before, he began to eat.


    He didn¡¯t doubt the deliciousness of the dessert. In fact, he trusts Song Jinning¡¯s taste very much in his heart.


    But he never thought it would be so delicious!


    Smooth and delicate. After putting it in his mouth, the caramel pudding seemed to slide down from his tongue to his stomach.


    Not to mention that it felt cool.


    After he took the first bite, he couldn¡¯t stop eating at all. So it wasn¡¯t long before the bowl of caramel pudding was finished.


    To be honest, Li Chengxuan felt that he had not eaten enough and wanted to eat more.


    After putting the empty glass bowl back on the tray, Li Chengxuan tapped his index finger twice on the table.


    ¡°What is the Empress doing?¡±


    Zhou Jing thought to himself: I¡¯m not clairvoyant, how can I know this?


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    But he has served Li Chengxuan for more than ten years, so he immediately figured out what he was thinking at the moment.


    He bowed and replied: ¡°Please punish this slave, your majesty. The maidservant from Weiyang Palace just delivered the dessert and left. This slave forgot to ask about the Empress¡¯s condition.¡±


    After apologizing, he immediately advised Li Chengxuan.


    ¡°Your Majesty has not been to Weiyang Palace for several days. This slave thinks that the Empress misses your majesty in her heart. Why would she send someone to deliver this dessert to your Majesty? Her Highness¡¯s intentions should not be ignored. If your Majesty is free today, why not come visit the Empress in Weiyang Palace?¡±


    He didn¡¯t even finish speaking when Li Chengxuan stood up.


    ¡°Go to Weiyang Palace.¡±


    Zhou Jing: Huh?!


    This slave is talking about your free time today, not now! Your Majesty, aren¡¯t you too impatient?!


    And these memorials on your table, you haven¡¯t even read them yet!


    However, Zhou Jing had to obey orders, so he ordered servants to prepare the sedan chair.


    He didn¡¯t expect that Li Chengxuan would see something that would make him angry when he arrived in Weiyang Palace.


    Song Jinning only planned to read medical books at the beginning, but it was just that her days were too idle and she needed something to kill the time. She didn¡¯t expect that she would actually become interested in medicine!


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    She couldn¡¯t help but suspect that she was actually a Xinglin Master replaced at birth.


    Therefore, she was very serious when she read the medical books, and she was very sincere in learning about things she didn¡¯t understand.


    After Song Jinning¡¯s orders that day, Liu Lanxi started serving as her teacher.


    But although Song Jinning admired Liu Lanxi very much, she did not let Liu Lanxi teach her in Weiyang Palace every day.


    She will usually write about the things she doesn¡¯t understand, then she will pile them up and send someone to call Liu Lanxi every two to three days.


    After all, he is an imperial physician, not just her teacher.


    Today is the day she has piled up the confusing topics that she didn¡¯t understand, so she asked someone to call Liu Lanxi.


    Through these teaching sessions, Song Jinning discovered that Liu Lanxi not only speaks straightforwardly and concisely, but is also clear and organized. One sentence can often solve her confusion, and give her a sudden sense of relief.


    Song Jinning is not sure whether she is a Xinglin Master who had been switched at birth, but she is sure that Liu Lanxi is definitely a Xinglin Master who is good at teaching.


    Song Jinning immediately felt respect for Liu Lanxi, and started calling him Liu laoshi1.


    When Liu Lanxi heard her calling him like this for the first time, he knelt down in shock. But after Song Jinning¡¯s explanation and her persistence, even though he was not comfortable at first, he gradually became used to it.


    As for Song Jinning, she now considers Liu Lanxi her laoshi.


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    So whenever Liu Lanxi comes over, she would personally greet him at the entrance of Weiyang Palace. After entering the hall, she would ask Liu Lanxi to sit down before asking questions about topics she was confused about, and then listened humbly.


    She didn¡¯t even know what this did to her reputation. Everytime Liu Lanxi goes back to the imperial hospital, he tells Zhou Yizheng about Song Jinning¡¯s humble personality and her virtue, which in turns makes Zhou Yizheng tell others.


    Just like this, it passed on from mouth to mouth. And after she distributed the mosquito repellent pouches, she was even compared to the idiom L¨« xi¨¢n xi¨¤ sh¨¬2.


    And at the same time, with the careful maneuvering of Empress Dowager Song, these sayings were spread to the common people, and everyone praised the Virtuous and humble empress that is a blessing to the country.


    As for the ¡°Virtuous Empress¡± whom everyone praised, she was actually just asking Liu Lanxi for the topics she was confused about in medicine.


    Seeing that today¡¯s teaching job was completed, Liu Lanxi got up to leave Weiyang Palace.


    But Song Jinning stopped him: ¡°Liu laoshi, wait a minute.¡±


    She called Gu Yu: ¡°Go and bring a bowl of caramel pudding for Liu laoshi.¡±


    Gu Yu responded with a yes, then turned to leave the hall. It wasn¡¯t long before she came back, and on top of the tray in her hand was a white porcelain bowl.


    This white porcelain bowl is precious and rare, and even Song Jinning only has one at hand. But she still chose to let Liu Lanxi use this bowl to eat.


    But Liu Lanxi didn¡¯t dare to take it, so he knelt down and declined: ¡°Weichen doesn¡¯t dare to receive this reward from the empress.¡±


    Song Jinning asked someone to help Liu Lanxi up, and said with a smile: ¡°What reward? Liu laoshi just taught bengong the confusing things about medicine. Didn¡¯t bengong say that Liu Laoshi and bengong should treat each other as mentor and apprentice and not empress and official?¡±


    Liu Lanxi thanked Song Jinning after hearing this, and accepted the bowl of caramel pudding.


    Song Jinning told him to sit at the table and eat, while she sat down on the wooden couch next to the window to read more medical books.


    She is obsessed with medicine these days, and her mind is filled with information,questions, and theories.


    So when Li Chengxuan came over, he saw this scene:


    Song Jinning was sitting by the window, reading a book in her hand, while a young man sat by a table not far away, eating caramel pudding with a spoon in his hand.


    The early summer daylight gleamed through the window, and the picture looked quiet and peaceful.


    Li Chengxuan never expected to see this scene, so he stood there for a while before finally reacting.


    The first thing he did was to turn his head to look at Zhou Jing.


    Didn¡¯t he say that this caramel pudding was only for him? How come an outsider is eating it?


    Zhou Jing, who was lying innocently:¡­


    I feel so wronged.


    Li Chengxuan strode into the hall.


    The maidservant standing outside saw him and hurriedly ran inside to report the Emperor¡¯s arrival to Song Jinning.


    Song Jinning just gave a hum and looked up.


    She happened to see Li Chengxuan coming in.


    The sunlight outside was very strong, and it was a bit bright when she looked at him, so she didn¡¯t notice Li Chengxuan¡¯s expression that was stained with ink.


    ¡°Your Majesty?¡±


    Song Jinning¡¯s voice was as lazy as ever. And because of her acquaintance with Li Chengxuan, she didn¡¯t even get up to greet him, and still sat on the couch.


    Li Chengxuan glanced at her, before his gaze fell on Liu Lanxi.


    Liu Lanxi quickly got up and knelt down when he heard the maidservant¡¯s report that the emperor was here.


    Although he has worked in the imperial hospital for two years and his medical skills are advanced, he is still not qualified enough to check on Li Chengxuan¡¯s health.


    And Li Chengxuan is still young and strong, and he didn¡¯t even get a wind chill throughout the year, so Liu Lanxi hasn¡¯t seen Li Chengxuan yet.


    Naturally, Li Chengxuan has never seen Liu Lanxi, but he still recognized the uniform of an imperial doctor.


    He was angry just now, and when he noticed that Liu Lanxi was a young man, he didn¡¯t even care about the clothes he was wearing. He just looked at him darkly.


    Without even asking who Liu Lanxi was, he frowned and asked Song Jinning, ¡°Are you sick?¡±


    How come no one told him?


    Song Jinning knew that he had misunderstood, so she smiled and raised the medical book in her hand to show him.


    ¡°No. Chenqie has been reading medical books these past few days, and when chenqie is confused with any topic, chenqie asks the help of Imperial Doctor Liu.¡±


    It turns out that she wasn¡¯t sick, but actually just called the Imperial Doctor to answer her questions.


    Li Chengxuan felt slightly relieved.


    But at the next moment the anger that had temporarily disappeared rose again.


    He¡¯s just an Imperial Doctor, how come you¡¯re giving him dessert too? And the white porcelain bowl she gave to this Imperial Doctor is obviously bigger than that glass bowl she gave him!


    In other words, the imperial doctor ate more caramel pudding than him!


    Thinking of this, Li Chengxuan¡¯s face sank even more.


    The temperature in the hall seemed to drop by several degrees. It was clearly summer, but the wind blowing seemed to carry a chill that pierced through the bones.


    The palace servants all bowed their heads and held their breath, while Liu Lanxi knelt on the ground, not even daring to lift his head.


    But Song Jinning didn¡¯t notice it at all. Holding the medical book in her hand, she asked leisurely: ¡°Your Majesty, the sun is scorching outside, how come you went here to Weiyang Palace?¡±

 CH 30

    Li Chengxuan will never admit that he came to Weiyang Palace to see Song Jinning specifically.


    Sitting down on the wooden couch, he looked straight ahead and didn¡¯t even give Song Jinning a glance.


    ¡°Zhen just happened to pass by.¡±


    What he meant is that he didn¡¯t come to look for her on purpose.


    Zhou Jing who knew the truth: ¡­


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    Your Majesty, just please tell the truth.


    Song Jinning looked at Li Chengxuan suspiciously.


    The Shoukang Palace of Empress Dowager Song is on the other side of the Forbidden City, and strictly speaking, Shoukang Palace isn¡¯t even included in the 6 east and west palaces of the harem.


    Gp qsa vbl svbla ryzynlp, pkdnl vblal yal ds nsdnwckdlp, vblu alxykd lxrvu. Fs kv¡¯p alyzzu dsv rsppkczl qsa Nk Ubldtmwyd vs rypp cu Elkuydt Vyzynl ynnkeldvyzzu.


    Jwv pkdnl Nk Ubldtmwyd pyke ps, pbl okzz clzklhl kv.


    Kwpv ds xsal iwlpvksdp rzlypl.


    Nk Ubldtmwyd qlzv vbyv bl oyp clkdt zlqv swv, yde vbyv bl oyp dsv tsse yv rashsjkdt Fsdt Kkddkdt.


    Tso nsxl Fsdt Kkddkdt eked¡¯v lhld vbkdj bl oyp zukdt? Tso nsxl bl lmrlnvle Fsdt Kkddkdt vs cl ydtau vbyv bl fwpv rypple cu yde eked¡¯v zssj qsa bla prlnkqknyzzu? Tso nsxl pbl eked¡¯v pbswv: ¡®Tso nsxl usw fwpv oldv blal pkdnl usw rypple cu? Zsw pbswze sdzu nsxl blal obld usw zssj qsa xl prlnkqknyzzu!¡¯?


    Nk Ubldtmwyd vwadle bkp ydtla vs Nkw Nydmk.


    Tl ypjle kd y nyzx hsknl, ¡°Psd¡¯v usw byhl y fsc kd vbl kxrlakyz bsprkvyz? Tso nsxl usw lhld eyal vs pkv kd qasdv sq vbl lxralpp?¡±


    Gzvbswtb Nk Ubldtmwyd¡¯p ydtla kp dsv xwnb, kv pvkzz qaktbvldle Nkw Nydmk.


    He knelt on the ground, and he didn¡¯t even dare to lift his head. He wanted to defend himself, but he was too frightened. The word ¡®Weichen¡¯ came out over and over again from his mouth like a horse, but he still couldn¡¯t bring himself to say any other words.


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    This was the first time Song Jinning saw Li Chengxuan showing the coercion of an emperor, and she couldn¡¯t help but turn her head to look at him in surprise.


    The young emperor¡¯s jaw was tight and his eyes looked sharp.


    In fact, he wasn¡¯t wearing any armor on his body, nor was he holding any sword, but the aura he was emitting from his body was so dark that it was hard to even look at him.


    Although it wasn¡¯t the right time to think about it, Song Jinning couldn¡¯t help but think of a sentence she often heard in the modern world: Men who work hard are the most attractive.


    Song Jinning: ¡­


    Song Jinning wanted to beat herself a little.


    Is it really the time to think about this?


    She opened her mouth to defend Liu Lanxi.


    ¡°This is Liu Lanxi, he is a doctor in the imperial hospital. As for the chair he was sitting on just now, chenqie gave it to him.¡±


    So your Majesty, can you stop scrunching your face? You say that you have a handsome face, so how come you¡¯re wasting your energy in making that expression?


    But when Li Chengxuan saw Song Jinning answering on Liu Lanxi¡¯s behalf, he became even more uncomfortable.


    So his face scrunched further.


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    Seeing this, Song Jinning simply turned to Liu Lanxi and said, ¡°Imperial Doctor Liu, you should withdraw first. Bengong and his majesty have something to discuss.¡±


    Liu Lanxi thanked Song Jinning, and after paying his respects, he stood up and walked outside.


    When he was finally free, he suddenly realized that his clothes had been soaked in cold sweat.


    Li Chengxuan saw that Liu Lanxi was gone, but his dangerous aura still did not abate.


    ¡°How come Zhou Yizheng is doing things like this? There are many things that are confusing when studying medicine. How come he didn¡¯t send a more experienced imperial doctor to teach you instead of such a young person?¡±


    How dare he neglect the queen! It seems that he thinks his position is safe just because he¡¯s been the head imperial doctor for so long.


    So Li Chengxuan feels that she is being given injustice?


    Song Jinning couldn¡¯t help but laugh.


    When she laughed, her brows and eyes were curled like the moon, and her apricot eyes were pure and bright like stars reflecting in the sky.


    Li Chengxuan felt a little weird when he looked at Song Jinning. But when he finally reacted, he looked away angrily.


    After a few pauses, he asked, ¡°What are you laughing at?¡±


    If Song Jinning looked at Li Chengxuan closely at this time, she would see that the ears of the young emperor were a rouge-like red color, but it was a pity that Song Jinning did not notice.


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    ¡°I¡¯m laughing at your Majesty¡¯s grievance for me.¡±


    Song Jinning raised her eyebrows and looked very happy, ¡°But this matter has nothing to do with Zhou Yizheng. Chenqie specifically asked for Imperial Doctor Liu to solve her confusion.¡±


    Li Chengxuan frowned: ¡°Why?¡±


    There are more experienced and respected doctors such as Zhou Yizheng, so how come Song Jinning wants such an inexperienced doctor to teach her?


    He suddenly remembered the appearance of Liu Lanxi¡­..


    So she must think that Zhou Yizheng and all those other imperial doctors are all old men with white beards, so she specifically called a young and handsome man to come over instead?


    Li Chengxuan couldn¡¯t sit still.


    ¡°Song Jinning,¡±


    His face sank, and his voice immediately went cold, ¡°Don¡¯t forget that you are my empress.¡±


    Song Jinning felt a little bit baffled.


    He was just asking a question earlier, but now his face became dark the next moment. It isn¡¯t possible to be that fast in changing expressions, right?


    ¡°Of course chenqie remembers that chenqie is your empress.¡±


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    Song Jinning answered this subconsciously. But she soon added, ¡°But how does this have anything to do with me being your empress?¡±


    If it weren¡¯t for the fact that there were so many servants near them, Song Jinning would actually like to ask Li Chengxuan: Your Majesty, have you forgotten that the two of us have already agreed that this is a contract marriage? And in a year or two, when the time is right, the two of us will return to our former lives? So why do I have to remember that I am your empress?


    Li Chengxuan couldn¡¯t answer her question.


    He can¡¯t say: ¡®Song Jinning, how come you gave him a bigger bowl of caramel pudding? Do you really regard me as your husband?¡±


    There are so many people inside the hall, and Li Chengxuan wants to have face.


    He sat on the couch with a cold face and did not speak.


    The air in the hall felt very cold. For a while, everyone felt anxious in their hearts and no one dared to speak.


    No matter how ignorant Song Jinning is, she can still detect that something was wrong with Li Chengxuan at this time.


    ¡°Your Majesty is not happy? Why is your majesty not happy?¡±


    Those who are as lazy as Song Jinning don¡¯t bother to guess why the other party is upset. That¡¯s so tiring, can¡¯t you just ask the person?


    As for whether he says what¡¯s bothering him or not, that¡¯s his own business.


    If he is willing to say, then she is willing to listen, and maybe even give him a solution to his unhappiness.


    But if he doesn¡¯t want to say, then she would definitely not ask. She will just treat it as if she doesn¡¯t know that the other person is upset.


    Li Chengxuan was feeling awkward. In fact, he himself felt that he had no reason to be upset, so he didn¡¯t know how to answer Song Jinning¡¯s words.


    He just stiffly said: ¡°Nothing.¡±


    Song Jinning raised her eyebrows slightly.


    Okay, if that¡¯s the case, then be unhappy.


    She grabbed the medical book that was on the table, tilted her body, and continued reading.


    The servants of Weiyang Palace are all well-trained. As soon as Li Chengxuan came, someone immediately went to boil water to make tea.


    And these refreshments were served in front of Li Chengxuan.


    Needless to say, the refreshments in Weiyang Palace are all unique and delicious. In the past, Li Chengxuan would definitely taste everything. But today, he found that he didn¡¯t even have any appetite.


    Sitting steadily, he pretended to lift the cup to sip tea, but his gaze secretly landed on Song Jinning.


    He found that Song Jinning¡¯s eyes fell on the medical book in her hand, and that she didn¡¯t even look at him at all!


    Li Chengxuan¡¯s handsome face began to scrunch up again.


    With some force in his hand, he heavily placed the cup on the table.


    The cup and the tabletop suddenly touched, making a loud sound, and it made Zhou Jing who was standing on the side shiver.


    Your Majesty, if you use too much force, this cup will break, right?


    Even Gu Yu and Bai Lu couldn¡¯t help but look sideways to avoid looking at Li Chengxuan.


    Only Song Jinning remained motionless, her gaze still falling on the book.


    Zhou Jing boldly took a peek at Li Chengxuan again. Good Lord, his face was so dark, like the bottom of a pot that hasn¡¯t been cleaned in years.


    Seeing that Song Jinning was still ignoring him, Li Chengxuan¡¯s anger rose again.


    Even Zhou Jing couldn¡¯t stand it anymore.


    Your Majesty, you are eighteen this year, not eight.


    Nevermind, even an eight-year-old is not as naive as you, right?


    Only Song Jinning remained motionless, and without even lifting her eyes, she continued reading her book leisurely.


    In the end, Gu Yu couldn¡¯t take it anymore. Anyone with a discerning eye could see that the emperor was mad at the empress.


    ¡°Your Highness, the iced lemon tea that you ordered to be made this morning should be ready by now. Would you like this slave to bring you a cup?¡±


    Please take this opportunity to raise your head and talk to his majesty. If you don¡¯t speak at all, his majesty might get even angrier.


    But Song Jinning remained silent, still looking down at the book.


    Gu Yu: Your Highness, please talk!


    Fortunately, after a while, Song Jinning said something even though she didn¡¯t look up from the book.


    ¡°Bring your majesty a cup too.¡±


    Gu Yu was overjoyed when she heard this. She hurriedly responded with ¡®yes¡¯, before turning around to get the iced lemon tea.


    But then she heard Li Chengxuan say: ¡°I don¡¯t drink iced tea.¡±


    Gu Yu:¡­¡­


    This is really too difficult!


    If this was someone else, with Gu Yu¡¯s violent temper, she would immediately put her hands on her hips and roar: ¡°Then what do you want to drink? Water?¡±


    But since this was the husband of her mistress, she had to endure it.


    She had to lower her eyes and reply: ¡°Yes.¡±


    Hearing Li Chengxuan say that he didn¡¯t want to drink the iced lemon tea, Song Jinning knew that he had mistaken the iced lemon tea for his usual tea.


    But she didn¡¯t care enough to explain, so she gave Gu Yu new orders without raising her eyes.


    ¡°Since his majesty doesn¡¯t want to drink the iced lemon tea, then give your majesty a bowl of caramel pudding.¡±


    ¡°As for the iced lemon tea, bring bengong a cup. Bengong will drink it.¡±

 CH 31

    T/N: I apologize for not uploading lately, due to a number of things i have been in hiatus. I¡¯m still in hiatus now, but i will try to upload as much as i can.


    Song Jinning propped her right elbow on the table and placed her hand on her cheek while leisurely drinking iced lemon tea, as she looked at Li Chengxuan who was sitting beside her.


    Li Chengxuan: ¡­¡­


    Li Chengxuan¡¯s heartbeat accelerated uncontrollably. While eating the caramel pudding, the silver spoon in his hand touched the edge of the bowl several times, making a crunching sound.


    Song Jinning pretended not to hear it, and continued to look at him while drinking iced lemon tea.


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    Li Chengxuan felt that his heart was going to jump out of his chest if Song Jinning continued to look at him like this.


    So he asked gruffly, ¡°Why do you keep looking at me?¡±


    Song Jinning smiled, her eyes gleaming with playfulness.


    ¡°Jlnywpl usw byhl y qzsola sd uswa qynl.¡±


    Nk Ubldtmwyd:?


    Tso nyd y qzsola taso sd bkp qynl?


    Rp Fsdt Kkddkdt nsymkdt bkx zkjl y nbkze?


    Tl nswzed¡¯v blzr cwv qllz pzktbvzu yddsule, ps bl alrakxydele zktbvzu: ¡°Myzj rasrlazu!¡±


    ¡°Ybx.¡± Fsdt Kkddkdt oyp dsv yqayke sq bkx yv yzz, yde bla qynl pvkzz bye bla wpwyz zygu zssj, ¡°Ubldikl fwpv oydvp vs jdso obyv¡¯p wrplvvkdt uswa xyflpvu.¡±


    Nk Ubldtmwyd oyp pvwddle cu vbkp iwlpvksd.


    Zlp, obyv lmynvzu kp bl wrplv ycswv?


    Because Song Jinning¡¯s caramel pudding was not given to him alone, but also to that doctor?


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    Or was it because the doctor was handsome?


    He knew in his heart why he was upset, but he didn¡¯t want to admit it.


    Because he thought the reason for it was too absurd.


    But some things are beyond human control. Although Li Chengxuan can¡¯t accept that he¡¯s attracted to Song Jinning, now that he looks at Song Jinning again, he felt that she was beautiful in every way.


    Slender eyebrows and almond eyes, white teeth and red lips, she looked like a begonia flower blooming, beautiful and out of this world.


    Li Chengxuan even momentarily looked obsessed.


    When he finally reacted, he threw the silver spoon on his hand in the bowl, stood up, and then left the hall.


    Song Jinning looked at him, puzzled.


    Gu Yu also did not understand.


    She turned her head sideways, wanting to use her gaze to ask Bai Lu why the Emperor suddenly ran away without a word, but was surprised to see that her expression was calm.


    Obviously she wasn¡¯t affected at all.


    Bai Lu felt Gu Yu¡¯s gaze, so she slightly tilted her head, and then blinked twice at her.


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    The meaning is clear: What are you looking at me for, Gu Yu? Is something wrong?


    Gu Yu: ¡­¡­


    Why did she even think of asking Bai Lu? This simple minded fool doesn¡¯t understand the situation at all!


    Gu Yu felt that her head was throbbing from annoyance.


    She silently swallowed the curses that had welled up in her throat, and then said to Song Jinning, ¡°Your Highness, His Majesty has left.¡±


    ¡°Oh.¡±


    Song Jinning¡¯s expression was not the same as Bai Lu¡¯s calm look. In retrospect, she looked indifferent as if she didn¡¯t care.


    ¡°Go withdraw.¡±


    This made Gu Yu crazy.


    Why are they all like this? So is she really the only one who cares about the relationship between the Empress and His Majesty?


    Li Chengxuan did not come to Weiyang Palace for several days in a row, yet Song Jinning was indifferent.


    Her daily routine consists of reading books, playing with cats, looking at flowers, and sleeping. Another hobby of hers is going to Empress Dowager Song to talk or play madiao. Her days are really too leisurely.


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    When she asked someone to go to the Imperial Hospital to ask Liu Lanxi to come over and give his advice on the topics she was confused about, the person who came was not Liu Lanxi, but Zhou Yizheng.


    Song Jinning naturally asked why, and she learned that Li Chengxuan had sent Zhou Jing to the Imperial Hospital when he ran out that day.


    He reprimanded Zhou Yizheng, saying that he did not respect the empress. When the empress is confused, he should be the doctor to personally go and solve her confusion, how can he send an inexperienced doctor instead?


    This scared Zhou Yizheng so much that he was kneeling on the ground, trembling like a bird in the rain, saying that he didn¡¯t dare and that he was guilty.


    When Zhou Jing heard him say this, he changed his words. He said that since he was aware of his sin, the Emperor would give him another chance. But in the future, whenever the Empress calls for an imperial doctor, he should be the one to go and not a different doctor.


    With this kind of threat, how dare Zhou Yizheng not obey?


    So after learning that a palace maid from Weiyang Palace came over to ask for Liu Lanxi, Zhou Yizheng immediately packed his bags and went instead.


    Song Jinning¡¯s brain went blank for a moment.


    What does Li Chengxuan mean by this?


    For her own good? Even if the two of them are in a contract marriage, she is still the empress, and she still deserves the dignity of one.


    So that was the reason why he was upset that day?


    Then why not tell her directly? That person bothered her for half a day yet he didn¡¯t even bother to tell her the reason he was upset!


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    However, according to Song Jinning¡¯s understanding of Li Chengxuan, this person has a straight mouth and is not afraid of anybody. Presumably, he doesn¡¯t have the heart to tell her that he cares about her reputation.


    Or maybe what he cares about is actually his own face? After all, the emperor and the empress are one, and if the empress has no face, then the emperor doesn¡¯t as well.


    Since this is the case, she will take him on.


    The first thing she did was ask Gu Yu to send milk pudding that was just made in the small kitchen to Li Chengxuan.


    Gu Yu quickly reported that Li Chengxuan never saw her face and it was Zhou Jing who came out to collect the milk pudding and bring it in.


    Her words were filled with anxiety.


    Because in the past when she went to the imperial study to send desserts, Li Chengxuan would call her in to ask some questions such as what ingredients were used in the dessert, how it was made, and how the empress was doing and so on. But this time, Li Chengxuan didn¡¯t even bother.


    So is His Majesty tired with the Empress, annoyed with the Empress, or angry with the Empress in his heart?


    Song Jinning was very calm about this, and she was not worried at all.


    In the past two days, she heard that a lot of bad things have been happening around the country.


    In Jiangnan, a recent flood destroyed houses and crops. And in another part of the country, a drought was leaving thousands of fertile lands unplantable and people starving.


    Not to mention that there were also rising threats near the border.


    These things are already making Li Chengxuan busy, so how will he have time to care about a small dessert?


    Although Song Jinning is the Empress, she cannot help in matters of the court. The only way she can help Li Chengxuan is by making him feel better.


    Today she read medical books for a while, and seeing that the sky had clouded down, she called Gu Yu and Bai Lu, and went to Shoukang Palace.


    When she arrived at Shoukang Palace, she was surprised to see Jiang Wanqiu was also there.


    Jiang Wanqiu¡¯s strategy last time did not succeed, and after much deliberation, she decided to change her strategy.


    It¡¯s difficult to meet Li Chengxuan by himself in the harem, but Li Chengxuan is a filial emperor and he would go and greet Empress Dowager Song to pay his respects from time to time. In that case, why not go to Shoukang Palace?


    This will not only increase her chances of seeing Li Chengxuan, but also talking to him.


    Jiang Wanqiu knows that although she is beautiful and elegant, Song Jinning¡¯s beauty is too outstanding, so it is understandable that Li Chengxuan did not fall in love with her at first sight.


    But does it even matter? According to her dream, later on Li Chengxuan¡¯s harem was filled with all kinds of beauties, but only she was in Li Chengxuan¡¯s heart.


    In other words, she should have never relied on her looks to make Li Chengxuan fall in love with her alone.


    However, despite this, when she saw Song Jinning wearing a light blue hanfu, smiling and coming into the hall, Jiang Wanqiu¡¯s heart could not help but sour.


    Song Jinning¡¯s appearance is really too outstanding.


    Just like the rising sun, when she comes into a room, she cannot be ignored.


    And because of their different identities, once Song Jinning entered the hall, Jiang Wanqiu had to immediately stand up and greet her.


    Song Jinning was surprised for a moment.


    ¡°Fu Wangfei doesn¡¯t need to be polite, get up.¡±


    After dismissing Jiang Wanqiu, Song Jinning walked up to Empress Dowager Song and greeted her with the word ¡®aunt¡¯.


    At first, Song Jinning greeted Empress Dowager Song the formal way every time she came to Shoukang Palace, but Empress Dowager Song later said to her that it was too troublesome and that she didn¡¯t need to do it since she was family.


    Song Jinning naturally obeyed this. So now she never curtsies or bows when she comes to Shoukang Palace.


    When Jiang Wanqiu saw this, she was envious.


    She remembered the dream she had, after Li Chengxuan made her a concubine, every time she saw Empress Dowager Song, the latter didn¡¯t look at her well, and when Li Chengxuan deposed Song Jinning and made her the empress, Empress Dowager Song threw a fit, pointing at her face and scolding her for not knowing shame.


    Afterwards, she was forbidden to set foot in Shoukang Palace since Empress Dowager Song refused to admit that she had such a daughter-in-law.


    So now when she saw the happy and harmonious scene between Song Jinning and Empress Dowager Song, how could Jiang Wanqiu feel good in her heart?


    Empress Dowager Song didn¡¯t want to pay attention to Jiang Wanqiu. Seeing Song Jinning, the frown that had been on her face earlier turned into a smile.


    ¡°Why are you here?¡±


    Reaching out to hold Song Jinning¡¯s hand, she made her sit beside her and asked warmly, ¡°How is it, is it hot outside?¡±


    The weather was so cool a few days ago that people thought it was still spring. Then the sky suddenly became clear, and it made the temperature go up at once.


    In a second, it was already summer.


    During this kind of weather, it¡¯s better to stay inside and drink cold beverages since even just walking outside can already make you sweat.


    ¡°It¡¯s okay.¡± Song Jinning smiled affectionately, ¡°There is some wind, so it¡¯s not very hot.¡±


    Empress Dowager Song nodded and said yes, then she asked Cui Nong to serve them some sour plum drink.


    Empress Dowager Song is still recovering, so the sour plum juice was not cold, and it was instead made with fresh well water so you can get a trace of coolness.


    Cui Nong ordered a maidservant to serve Song Jinning a bowl of sour plum juice, as well as Empress Dowager Song.


    As for Jiang Wanqiu, Empress Dowager Song can¡¯t let her watch the two of them drink, right? So she also ordered Cui Nong to give a bowl to Jiang Wanqiu.


    Cui Nong nodded. She poured some sour plum juice in a bowl then ordered a maidservant to give it to Jiang Wanqiu.


    So after sitting for half an hour in the heat, Jiang Wanqiu finally drank something to quench her thirst.


    Sitting on a chair while slowly drinking the bowl of sour plum juice, Jiang Wanqiu was expressionless as she listened to the sweet words being exchanged by Empress Dowager Song and Song Jinning.


    Hmph, even though one of you is the Empress Dowager and the other is the Empress, what¡¯s the big deal?


    Soon it will be my turn to sit on the throne of the empress. When the time comes, I will be the master of the six palaces, and Song Jinning will be a disgraced woman while you, the empress dowager, will not dare to act so presumptuous in front of me!


    Swallowing the sour plum juice in her mouth, Jiang Wanqiu began to think in her heart that this time she will change something in her dream. In the dream, she refused Li Chengxuan¡¯s request to make her the Empress several times and it dragged on for years before she finally agreed. This time, the minute Li Chengxuan asks her to become his empress, she will agree.


    She wanted to be the empress sooner rather than later. Afterwards, she will ask Li Chengxuan to revive her clan so that Noble Consort Dowager Wei can only look at her in jealousy from then on.


    When she thought about this, Jiang Wanqiu felt her thoughts stirring. The sour plum juice in her mouth actually tasted really good, so sweet and delicious.


    At that moment, she heard a maidservant shouting that His Majesty had come.

 CH 32

    Jiang Wanqiu¡¯s heart was beating with excitement.


    Jiang Wanqiu was thinking about her future just now. She never expected Li Chengxuan to come at the next moment.


    The bowl in her hand became shaky. Although it didn¡¯t fall to the ground, some of the sour plum juice landed on the floor.


    But how could Jiang Wanqiu care about this? Seeing Li Chengxuan walk into the hall, she stood up and put on a warm smile on her face.


    She remembered that in her dream, Li Chengxuan liked to see her smile the most. He said that every time she smiled it reminded him of lotus flowers swaying gently in the wind.


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    But Empress Dowager Song noticed Jiang Wanqiu spilling the sour plum juice, and she couldn¡¯t help but frown slightly.


    Although she didn¡¯t like this Jiang Wanqiu, Empress Dowager Song thought that she was a quiet and amiable person, but now it seems that she is so impetuous.


    Song Jinning also noticed this, and glanced surprisingly at Jiang Wanqiu.


    Tso nsxl pbl kp ps lmnkvle ycswv Nk Ubldtmwyd¡¯p yaakhyz?


    Rv¡¯p ds osdela vbyv Fsdt Kkddkdt oyp pwarakple, pkdnl kd vbl saktkdyz cssj, kd Nk Ubldtmwyd yde Kkydt Eydikw¡¯p alzyvksdpbkr, kv¡¯p yzoyup Nk Ubldtmwyd obs vssj vbl kdkvkyvkhl yde Kkydt Eydikw oyp wpwyzzu vbl sdl alflnvkdt yde ynvkdt kdekqqlaldv vs bkx.


    Jwv vbl rzsv bypd¡¯v lhld pvyavle, ulv Kkydt Eydikw kp yzalyeu lmnkvle vs pll Nk Ubldtmwyd?


    Uswze kv cl vbyv vbkp vkxl kv¡¯p ynvwyzzu Kkydt Eydikw obs qlzz kd zshl okvb Nk Ubldtmwyd yv qkapv pktbv, yde vbyv kv¡¯p bla kdpvlye sq Nk Ubldtmwyd obs okzz vyjl vbl kdkvkyvkhl vs xyjl bkx qyzz kd zshl okvb bla?


    Gp vbl pyukdt tslp, xld nbypkdt osxld yal plryayvle cu xswdvykdp, obkzl osxld nbypkdt xld yal plryayvle cu uyad1. Mbld eslpd¡¯v vbkp xlyd vbl rzsv okzz ts qypvla yde Fsdt Kkddkdt nyd alvwad vs Zwddyd lyazkla?


    Mbkp kp vbl qkapv vkxl pbl¡¯p lhla plld Kkydt Eydikw es vbkp.


    Fsdt Kkddkdt nyd¡¯v oykv qsa Kkydt Eydikw vs vyjl Nk Ubldtmwyd¡¯p blyav kd sdl possr.


    Jwv vbkp oyp schkswpzu bla okpbqwz vbkdjkdt, pkdnl Nk Ubldtmwyd eked¡¯v lhld dsvknl Kkydt Eydikw obld bl ldvlale vbl byzz.


    Li Chengxuan didn¡¯t even notice Empress Dowager Song since the first person his gaze fell upon was Song Jinning.


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    And since this first look, he could only look at her.


    She only wore a simple light blue hanfu, but she nonetheless looked stunning.


    Her sitting posture looked lazy as she fanned herself from the heat.


    The corners of her lips were slightly curved upwards, and her eyes were filled with a teasing light.


    Really?! Even if he suddenly got up and left that day, Song Jinning is still half-hearted as usual?


    On one hand, he was angry at Song Jinning¡¯s indifference, but on the other hand, he was glad to see her after so long.


    The good thing is that Li Chengxuan is already experienced at hiding his emotions, so he managed to walk towards Empress Dowager Song calmly despite the conflicting emotions in his heart.


    Looking away from Song Jinning, he asked Empress Dowager Song: ¡°Zhen hasn¡¯t been visiting the Empress Dowager lately. How has the Empress Dowager been?¡±


    ¡°With Ning¡¯er coming over to accompany me from time to time, Aijia is doing well.¡±


    Empress Dowager Song then asked him to sit down, and afterwards she ordered Cui Nong to serve sour plum juice, and then chatted with him about the weather these past few days.


    She only said that it was suddenly hot and asked Li Chengxuan to take care of his health.


    Song Jinning sat aside and slowly drank the sour plum juice while listening to the two of them talk, and had no intention of interrupting.


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    But Li Chengxuan couldn¡¯t bear to see her like this. Suddenly, he turned to her and asked, ¡°How is the Empress doing these days? Is the Empress feeling fine?¡±¡±


    Song Jinning suddenly paused and looked at him.


    Is the sun rising from the west today? How come Li Chengxuan asked her how she was doing?


    He had never cared about her before, right?


    But after looking at Empress Dowager Song, who was sitting beside her with her eyebrows stretched out, Song Jinning understood.


    Li Chengxuan wanted to put on a show of love and affection with her in front of Empress Dowager Song, so that Empress Dowager Song can be rest assured.


    Since the two of them have entered into a contract, she must fulfill her part of the deal, so Song Jinning was naturally willing to participate in this drama.


    ¡°Chenqie thanks your majesty for his concern. For the past few days, chenqie has been reading medical books in her palace. Chenqie has also been going to Shoukang Palace to talk to the Empress Dowager and Princess Jingle. Your majesty looks a bit tired. Has your majesty rested these past few days?¡±


    After saying this, she continued, ¡°Although there are a lot of urgent matters in court recently, Your Majesty should also take care of his health.¡±


    Her face was filled with ardent concern.


    The corners of Li Chengxuan¡¯s lips twitched slightly.


    Only in front of the Empress Dowager Song would she speak in such a good-natured and gentle manner.


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    After entering this so-called ¡®contract marriage¡¯, Song Jinning has rarely shown concern or even respect for him. Besides giving him food and drinks, she does her own thing and is never bothered to care about him.


    As for words like ¡®taking care of your health¡¯, Li Chengxuan didn¡¯t even dare to think about it.


    So when he heard her words of concern, Li Chengxuan felt very conflicted.


    He hated her for putting on a show, but at the same time he couldn¡¯t help but feel happy and comforted by her words.


    Li Chengxuan felt that he was really too useless. He despised himself very much.


    In order to avoid Song Jinning seeing his expression, he lowered down his eyes and drank the sour plum juice.


    But Song Jinning didn¡¯t even bother to look at his expression. This drama is done lah, why would i want to do a follow up?


    So she shook her fan and continued acting leisurely.


    Jiang Wanqiu was getting anxious.


    Li Chengxuan didn¡¯t give her even a glance this whole time. Even though she smiled warmly and greeted him with a soft voice, Li Chengxuan didn¡¯t even bother to look at her in the slightest.


    He only focused on talking to Empress Dowager Song.


    And after that, he started talking to Song Jinning.


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    She didn¡¯t know if it was an illusion, but everytime Li Chengxuan looked at Song Jinning, stars seemed to appear in his eyes.


    Jiang Wanqiu¡¯s heart couldn¡¯t help but be anxious.


    She knows that when people look like this in front of someone, they must like that said someone. It couldn¡¯t be that Li Chengxuan actually likes Song Jinning?


    But this is inevitable, after all, Song Jinning is Li Chengxuan¡¯s first woman. A man always has some kind of feelings for his first woman, and not to mention that Song Jinning is a stunning beauty.


    But there is another thing that is worrying Jiang Wanqiu.


    In her dream, Song Jinning was uneducated and arrogant. And later in her dream, Song Jinning became more and more crazy.


    She was not only arrogant and domineering, but also narrow-minded and jealous. Whenever Li Chengxuan had a new concubine, she always made a fuss.


    She would not allow any woman other than herself to stay by Li Chengxuan¡¯s side, nor would she allow any woman other than herself to give birth to Li Chengxuan¡¯s children. So for a long time, whenever there was news of a pregnant woman in the harem, news would soon follow that the woman had miscarried due to various accidents.


    Jiang Wanqiu¡¯s first child was also killed by her ¡­¡­


    This incident accelerated Li Chengxuan¡¯s determination to abolish her as empress.


    At the same time, in order to compensate for the pain of her miscarriage, Li Chengxuan, despite the opposition of courtiers and Empress Dowager Song, gave her the rank and title of Consort Chen2.


    Chen, the North Star, the name of the Emperor¡¯s Palace. This title is already enough to express Li Chengxuan¡¯s preferential treatment for her.


    But now, not only is Song Jinning not arrogant and domineering, but is also broad-minded?


    And unlike the Song Jinning of her dreams, who had a poor reputation as the empress, this time Song Jinning was even praised as a virtuous woman by the court for ordering the distribution of mosquito-repelling incense pouches to palace servants.


    How can Jiang Wanqiu not worry about this?


    Jiang Wanqiu is still a bit smart. She knew that it was impossible for her to make Empress Dowager Song and Song Jinning like her.


    And even if Empress Dowager Song and Song Jinning like her, it¡¯s useless. The only person who can send her to that glorious position is Li Chengxuan, who holds the supreme power in his hands.


    So the key point is Li Chengxuan.


    After thinking through this, her next problem was how to make Li Chengxuan notice her.


    Jiang Wanqiu is very confident in herself.


    Whether it¡¯s in looks or talent, she still thinks she¡¯s the best. As long as Li Chengxuan notices her, he will definitely be like in that dream, and from then on, he will only fall for her, and will even be willing to make enemies for her.


    Jiang Wanqiu decided to use the matters of the past few days to enter into a conversation with Li Chengxuan.


    Taking advantage of the silence, she interjected in a soft voice: ¡°Chenfu3 heard that there had been waterlogging in the south, drought in the north, and that the border is unstable. Your majesty must be very worried these days.¡±


    She remembered that in that dream, if Li Chengxuan encountered something annoying or maddening in court, he would tell her after returning to the palace, and she would softly comfort him every time, making Li Chengxuan very happy.


    She thought he would react the same way this time.


    When she said this, Li Chengxuan did turn his head to look at her, but his eyes did not have happiness or gratefulness, instead it was filled with disgust, scrutiny, and vigilance.


    Even Empress Dowager Song and Song Jinning turned their heads to look at her.


    Empress Dowager Song¡¯s face was filled with contempt. This Jiang Wanqiu really doesn¡¯t know her place.


    As for Song Jinning, her look echoed that of ¡®did this person¡¯s head get caught in a door, how come she would say this type of thing?¡¯ kind of look.


    Looking at these 3 people giving her heavy glances, Jiang Wanqiu couldn¡¯t help but start panicking.

 CH 33

    Jiang Wanqiu panicked, but she didn¡¯t feel that she had done anything wrong. In her dream, Li Chengxuan would often talk to her about affairs of court, and she would express her opinion on those matters, and make suggestions, and Li Chengxuan was never unhappy about it, and would even discuss it with her gladly.


    So after a moment of panic, Jiang Wanqiu raised her eyes and met Li Chengxuan¡¯s gaze without fear.


    She felt joyous in her heart since Li Chengxuan finally managed to see her face clearly.


    But unfortunately she did not see Li Chengxuan¡¯s face, and thus she didn¡¯t notice the cold smile on his lips.


    Empress Dowager Song turned her head away from Jiang Wanqiu.


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    Her heart was filled with disdain. She used to think this Fu Wangfei was smart, but now she seems as stupid as a cow.


    Emperors take imperial power very seriously and they will never share it with others, especially with someone outside of their family.


    She is the Empress Dowager, Li Chengxuan¡¯s nominal mother, the one who raised and supported him in his early years, and although she has already returned the power to him, Li Chengxuan still has his guard against her.


    Fs lhld vbswtb pbl jdlo ycswv vbl alnldv qzssep yde vbl easwtbvp kd vbl dsavb yde pswvb, yp olzz yp vbl kdpvyckzkvu sd vbl csaela, pbl eke dsv xldvksd y osae ycswv vbkp kd qasdv sq Nk Ubldtmwyd, clnywpl pbl eked¡¯v oydv Nk Ubldtmwyd vs vbkdj vbyv pbl oyp kdvlaqlakdt kd rszkvknp. Jwv vbkp Kkydt Eydikw kp osdelaqwz, yp pssd yp pbl srldle bla xswvb, pbl ckv vbl vktla sd kvp blye.


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    Jiang Wanqiu thought that her words were too plain, and was therefore not enough to make Li Chengxuan notice her intelligence and understanding.


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    So she decided to take drastic measures.


    ¡°The south is flooded, there is a drought in the north, and there are a lot of disaster victims in those areas. Coupled with the instability in the border, Chenfu is afraid that war might be coming. The imperial court needs silver to buy food and supplies for the soldiers, right?¡±


    She remembered that in her dream, Li Chengxuan mentioned to her several times that there was not enough silver in the treasury and it was because of this shortage of silver that the court could not do much.


    As soon as Jiang Wanqiu said this, Empress Dowager Song turned her head to look at her.


    Empress Dowager Song was the leader of the imperial government for several years, so she naturally knew the situation in the Ministry of Finance. She understands that the amount of money the court has is not enough for the soldiers and the victims.


    But some things should be left to the Emperor to worry about. If you dab too much into politics, the Emperor will undoubtedly think you have sinister intentions.


    What¡¯s more, what kind of identity do you have Jiang Wanqiu? You¡¯re just a prince¡¯s wife! How dare you talk about court affairs in front of the Emperor?


    Empress Dowager Song soon remembered another thing.


    This Jiang Wanqiu is the wangfei of Prince Fu and the previous emperor even had the idea of passing the throne to Prince Fu. Even now, Noble Consort Dowager Wei still has ambitions of making Prince Fu the emperor¡­.


    This is really getting interesting.


    Empress Dowager Song raised her eyebrows, leaned on her chair in a relaxed manner, with her elbows propped up on the pillow, as if she were watching a play.


    As for Song Jinning, she didn¡¯t even look surprised.


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    Although what Jiang Wanqiu is saying is indeed out of line, which male lead does not have a soft spot for the female protagonist? Not to mention this is Li Chengxuan who even gave Jiang Wanqiu the throne with both hands.


    So those words mean nothing at all. This passerby has nothing to do with it.


    She just continued to talk to Li Xiyan.


    Presumably, Li Chengxuan was so awe-struck with Jiang Wanqiu¡¯s intelligence and confidence that not only did he not get angry, but he even smiled a little.


    Song Jinning just turned her head sideways and immediately saw the smile hanging from the corner of his lips.


    Although Li Chengxuan had a smile, it was the type of smile that could give you chills.


    This is the original persona of the male lead. Cold and strong, smiling when he had the intention to kill.


    But this was Jiang Wanqiu¡­¡­


    Song Jinning would like to ask, are the wooden boards in the Punishment department not enough?


    The matter of the wooden board was put aside for the time being, when Song Jinning heard Li Chengxuan talk.


    ¡°Zhen didn¡¯t expect Fu Wangfei to be so knowledgeable in court affairs. As well as the treasury!¡±


    Song Jinning: This is not right.


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    Although these words were said normally, one couldn¡¯t help but feel a chill in their heart.


    Li Chengxuan was not finished.


    He smiled and asked: ¡°Insufficient silver? Then does Fu Wangfei have a solution?¡±


    Song Jinning: ¡­¡­


    Jiang Wanqiu was stunned when she heard these words.


    She didn¡¯t expect Li Chengxuan to ask her this.


    She quickly looked inside of her brain for a reply.


    She remembered that in her dream, there was a serious snowstorm in the northwest, destroying countless houses, and many victims lost their homes. Li Chengxuan then came up with the idea to lessen the harem¡¯s spending.


    And she also set an example by taking out all the money she had saved up and giving it to Li Chengxuan.


    Li Chengxuan was very touched and praised her for being smart and kind-hearted.


    Jiang Wanqiu remembered that she was only Consort Chen at that time. When this proposal came out, Song Jinning was the first to refuse and make a big fuss. She was mad that the people in the imperial household department had the guts to deduct the daily expenses of her Weiyang Palace.


    After this matter became known to Li Chengxuan, he severely reprimanded Song Jinning. He said she was the mother of a nation, but she only knew how to enjoy herself, ignoring the thousands of victims in the snowstorm.


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    So Song Jinning, who was already out of favor, fell even further out of favor after this incident. And after that Li Chengxuan never set foot in Weiyang Palace again.


    Thinking of this, Jiang Wanqiu could not help but glance at Song Jinning with a gloating gaze.


    Then she straightened her back, met Li Chengxuan¡¯s gaze, and said that the harem should save money and send the extra money to disaster victims.


    Empress Dowager Song did not hold back and laughed at Jiang Wanqiu¡¯s words out loud.


    Is this Jiang Wanqiu real?


    Does she not know how to refrain herself from saying stupid words?


    What kind of pig brain does she have to have to say such a proposal?


    Flood, drought, military pay, these three things add up to a huge amount of money. And if the harem saves money, won¡¯t it announce to the world that the imperial treasury is empty?


    If the royal face is lost, it could potentially lead to trouble and political instability.


    For an emperor, what else is more important than the stability of the country?


    Furthermore, where in the world did you get the face and guts to say that the harem should save money? Why don¡¯t you sell your Prince Fu Mansion and give all the money to the state treasury?


    Song Jinning and Li Xiyan were both shocked at Jiang Wanqiu¡¯s words.


    Although this proposal is considered a bit good, you have to be the Empress Dowager or the Empress to propose it. If you¡¯re a mere wangfei, it is out of line for you to say such a thing.


    But Song Jinning and Li Xiyan did not say anything.


    Song Jinning still had the same attitude. She doesn¡¯t care about the matters between the male and female lead. As for Li Xiyan, she is quiet and gentle, so she naturally won¡¯t step up in such a situation.


    And with Empress Dowager Song not speaking, it¡¯s really not good for them to speak.


    So after shooting surprised glances at Jiang Wanqiu, they moved their heads away again.


    The corner of Li Chengxuan¡¯s lips lifted up again.


    Even as his dark eyes looked at Jiang Wanqiu, there seemed to be a chill in them.


    ¡°The court has me, and the harem has the empress. Fu Wangfei should worry about the affairs of Prince Fu Mansion.¡±


    Isn¡¯t the implication here that she¡¯s meddling too much?


    Jiang Wanqiu never thought that the words she said would get displeasure from Li Chengxuan, and the color on her face instantly faded.


    ¡°Your Majesty, Chenfu is not ¡­¡­¡±


    But before she could explain, she was interrupted by Li Chengxuan without mercy.


    But the next words he said were not to Jiang Wanqiu, but to Song Jinning.


    ¡°Zhen remembers that Fu Wangfei has the ability to go to the palace at will?¡±


    Song Jinning nodded: ¡°Yes.¡±


    Although the rule to enter the palace is to pass a letter of reason in advance, Jiang Wanqiu after all is the female lead. If she can¡¯t enter the palace at will, how can she create the opportunity to meet and linger with you? This is the original author¡¯s arrangement, not my business.


    ¡°Then this is null and void!¡± Li Chengxuan¡¯s eyebrows were slightly wrinkled in anger, ¡°How can someone be free to enter and leave the palace at will? From today onwards, if Fu Wangfei wants to enter the palace again, she must first hand in a letter, stating the reason. If there is no proper reason, the empress can reject it.¡±


    Song Jinning did not answer immediately. Instead, she glanced at Li Chengxuan and then at Jiang Wanqiu.


    Li Chengxuan¡¯s face was solemn and stern, and he very much had the majesty of a person who had set his foot down. Jiang Wanqiu, on the other hand, had a shocked and mournful face, looking quite pitiful.


    ¡°Empress!¡±


    Seeing that she did not respond, Li Chengxuan slightly raised his voice and called out to her again.


    Song Jinning actually wanted to ask Li Chengxuan: Your Majesty, do you know that there is a fruit called durian in this world?


    They are not just used for eating, but other things too.


    But this is a scene between the hero and heroine, and she shouldn¡¯t intervene.


    But looking at Empress Dowager Song right now, it¡¯s obvious that she doesn¡¯t have a good perception of Jiang Wanqiu. As the niece of Empress Dowager Song, she naturally can¡¯t fight with Empress Dowager Song.


    So she nodded her head and responded: ¡°Chenqie understands.¡±


    ¡°Your Majesty!¡±


    Jiang Wanqiu fiercely stood up. She could be seen sobbing, looking very mournful.


    Li Chengxuan¡¯s eyebrows once again wrinkled with displeasure.


    ¡°What, could it be that Fu Wangfei is dissatisfied with my word?¡±


    A cold glance swept over, and the meaning could not be more obvious. If you say anything more, I will have to punish you.


    After this sentence, Li Chengxuan obviously did not want to talk to her again, and directly told her to leave.


    Jiang Wanqiu¡¯s apricot eyes were filled with tears, but she was forced to follow Li Chengxuan¡¯s words.


    After resigning, she turned around and walked away curtly.