Chapter 82: Just troubled her this morning, and now asking her again? [Three updates]

Chapter 82: He had already worn her out this morning, and now he was asking again? "In the dead of night."

At the end of November, there was a decisive victory at the border.

Xu Ruhui proved himself to be a brilliant young commander. Unafraid of the border storms, he led his troops straight out of Hanyang Pass, advancing all the way to the Tatars' royal court.

This lightning raid caught the Tatars off guard; their defenses crumbled before they could even mount a defense.

After three days of siege, the Tatar Eagle Khan was killed by his own confidants and beheaded and put on public display. The next day, the Tatars surrendered, pledging loyalty to Great Chu.

When the military report arrived, the entire court was abuzz.

As the year of Yuanhui 5th drew to a close, the entire city of Yujing was filled with joy. The great military victory and the divine might of the imperial court made the prospect of an era of prosperity seem within reach.

During the imperial court session that day, a court official submitted a memorial suggesting that they should press the advantage and order Xu Ruhui to march straight to Jiuli, seizing the opportunity to eliminate Great Chu’s archrival—Xidi.

The Emperor tabled the memorial without issuing a response.

After the court session, Jing Huayan marched briskly, heading straight to the Golden Dining Hall.

Liang Santai followed behind with a grimace, taking small, hurried steps, not even daring to breathe heavily.

As the Fortuna lattice-patterned door was pushed open, a wave of warmth greeted them, and a faint aroma of food could be detected with a light sniff.

A soft voice spoke up: "His Majesty has been a bit agitated lately. Remember to have the Imperial Kitchen prepare some pear soup for him to quench his thirst and reduce the heat in the afternoon."

For some reason, Jing Huayan’s initially furious mood was soothed.

Even the obvious anger on his face faded away, leaving only calmness.

Liang Santai breathed a heavy sigh of relief, inwardly thinking of offering incense to Lady Jiang.

Unaware of Liang Santai’s inner thoughts, Jing Huayan strode into the Golden Dining Hall. The beaded curtains swayed, revealing a graceful figure seated in the armchair by the window.

She was still wearing the same embroidered wide-sleeved gown from the day before, its layers of sleeves cascading over her knees like blooming peonies, exquisite and unique.

A magpie-on-a-branch hairpin gently swayed on her head, its pearls shimmering, complementing her dark, ink-like eyes.

Her makeup was different from usual, more solemn and vibrant, likely done by Xue Yan, giving her an exceptionally beautiful appearance.

It made one’s gaze linger.

Jing Huayan had an early morning court that morning. Before leaving, he had instructed Xue Yan to have Jiang Yunran stay in the Golden Dining Hall for breakfast after she woke up.

Sure enough, seeing her upon his return after the morning court melted away all the anger in his heart.

Jing Huayan wanted to pat himself on the back for his brilliance.

"You woke up quite early today."

Jing Huayan’s voice was deep, but with a clear hint of laughter.

Jiang Yunran quickly turned around, stood up, and approached Jing Huayan: "Your Majesty, peace be with you."

Before she could bow, a pair of large hands lifted her up.

"You must be hungry. Liang Santai, have the meal served."

As the two sat down at the dining table, Jing Huayan noticed Jiang Yunran furrow her brows slightly as she took her seat and asked with concern, "What’s wrong?"

He had already worn her out this morning, and now he was asking again?

Jiang Yunran pursed her lips and cast a faint glance at him.

Her eyes shimmered with a world of charm.

That one glance spoke volumes.

Jing Huayan finally showed his first smile of the day.

He reached out and, in front of the palace attendants, gently pressed her waist.

"It was my fault."

Jiang Yunran’s cheeks were quickly flushed deeply. She shifted slightly and swatted Jing Huayan’s hand away.

"Your Majesty, let’s have breakfast."

The breakfast was sumptuous.

Jing Huayan had initially thought he would have no appetite, but with her by his side, he found the breakfast before him looked, smelled, and tasted delicious, and his appetite surged.

After they had eaten about halfway, Jiang Yunran looked at Jing Huayan: "With the recent decisive victory at the border, shouldn’t Your Majesty be happy?"

Jiang Yunran was taken aback but then furrowed her brows.

"That won’t do."

With just that one sentence, Jiang Yunran quickly analyzed the pros and cons.

Jing Huayan looked up at her, his deep star-like eyes slightly upturned at the corners, like blooming peach blossoms.

But there was no hint of spring’s vitality in his gaze.

"You only heard one sentence and already knew it wouldn’t work, yet there are court officials who dare to propose it during the grand assembly."

It would not be an exaggeration to say their intentions were treacherous.

Jiang Yunran knew Jing Huayan’s temperament best. He always planned before acting, especially since waging war was warmongering, draining on people and resources. If not for the Tatars’ repeated invasions this year and the suffering of the people in Wucheng, Jing Huayan would never have mobilized the army for such a prolonged campaign.

Now, with the Tatars newly conquered, it was precisely the time for the border to recover and rebuild the cities. How could they start another war?

Jing Huayan’s eyes darkened: "They take me for someone who is hungry for glory, eager to let treacherous officials rise to power and manipulate authority for personal gain."

Jiang Yunran sighed.

She patted the back of Jing Huayan’s hand and spoke softly: "Your Majesty, nothing is perfect. The court has nearly a thousand officials, with extensive connections through marriages, collateral branches, imperial merchants, and military households. It’s impossible for everyone to be united, all loyal and virtuous."

"Having one or two fools among them is not surprising."

Hearing Jiang Yunran openly call the court official a fool, the hostility in Jing Huayan’s heart dissipated somewhat, and his tightly furrowed brows gradually relaxed.

"My love speaks rightly."

As the Emperor and his consort conversed, an announcement came from outside: "Your Majesty, Baolin Ruan seeks an audience."

Just as Jing Huayan was about to refuse, Jiang Yunran held his hand: "So early in the morning, Baolin Ruan has come to the Qianyuan Palace. She must have important matters. Why not see her?"

She spoke softly to console, and Jing Huayan glanced at her, finding it somewhat amusing.

Jiang Yunran never hid her small-mindedness. Her rivalry with the Ruan clan was well-known throughout the palace, and there had been frequent clashes between her and the Ruans.

What good intentions could she possibly have by allowing Ruan Baolin into the palace now?

Yet Jing Huayan did not find her malicious; instead, he found her irresistibly charming and amusing.

"Very well, as my dearest concubine suggests. Summon her."

Jiang Yunran was in high spirits. She served Jing Huayan a bowl of water chestnut pork patty soup and placed it beside his hand.

"Your Majesty, please eat more."

Jing Huayan returned the favor.

When Ruan Baolin was escorted into the Golden Dining Hall with a delighted expression, she was met with the sight of His Majesty the Emperor picking food for Jiang Yunran.

The Golden Dining Hall was bathed in bright sunlight, and the emperor and his consort sat side by side, in perfect harmony like an ordinary couple.

The scene was utterly painful to watch.

Ruan Baolin clenched her fists, the pain sharp, forcing her to suppress her inner fury and maintain a gentle smile on her face.

"Greetings to Your Majesty."

At this, Jiang Yunran quickly rose. "Greetings to Lady Baolin."

Jing Huayan granted her a seat and continued with his meal.

Ruan Baolin sat on a nearby official's chair, while the pair opposite her continued eating peacefully. The atmosphere was awkward, as if she were an unwelcome intruder.

She knew her place, however, and never acted spoiled or willful in Jing Huayan's presence.

"Your Majesty," Ruan Baolin said softly, "I am deeply grateful for Your Majesty and the Dowager's kindness in allowing my mother to enter the palace to keep me company. These past few days, my mood has improved, and I can sleep peacefully at night."

Her voice was so gentle it seemed sweet as honey.

"It is good that you have recovered. There is no need to thank us."

Jing Huayan responded warmly, without coldness.

Ruan Baolin's smile widened, tinged with a hint of shyness.

It had to be said, she was exceedingly beautiful, having inherited the best features of Ruan Zhongliang and Liao Shuyan—a truly charming and delightful beauty.

"I feel immensely grateful and unsure how to repay the Dowager and Your Majesty. After discussing with my mother, I thought to host a banquet at Changchun Palace and invite Your Majesty to attend."

She was not foolish enough to suggest inviting the Dowager to the banquet.

Although the Son of Heaven is the sovereign, he is also the husband of all the palace consorts. Thus, inviting His Majesty would not be presumptuous.

Jing Huayan seemed somewhat surprised. Having already had his fill, he set down his chopsticks and leisurely dabbed his hands with a handkerchief.

"You are thoughtful," Jing Huayan said. "Aside from me, who else do you plan to invite?"

Ruan Baolin was taken aback.

After a pause, she replied, "I also wish to invite all the sisters from the various palaces to the banquet, so we may converse and bond."

"Excellent."

Jing Huayan praised her again.

"Ruan Baolin, such consideration is rare. It heartens me."

Just as he was about to continue, Jiang Yunran picked up a plate of sliced apples and placed it beside Jing Huayan's hand.

"Your Majesty, have some fruit to refresh your palate."

Jing Huayan turned to look at her, his eyes brimming with affection.

"Yunran is so thoughtful."

He ate an apple slice with a silver pick before turning back to Ruan Baolin. "I am burdened with state affairs and have no leisure time. You sisters should enjoy yourselves."

He paused, then added, "Since Talent Lady Jiang is here, let her go in my stead. How does that sound?"

He was absolutely doing it on purpose.

Without even looking, Jiang Yunran knew that Ruan Hanzhen must be fuming by now.

Although she was the one who insisted on inviting her in, it was he who added fuel to the fire.

How malicious.

Yet, Jiang Yunran loved this malice.

If Ruan Hanzhen was unhappy, she was happy.

She blinked and shyly lifted her head to look at Ruan Baolin. "Then I will humbly accept. Thank you for the invitation, Lady Baolin."

Ruan Hanzhen tightly clutched the handkerchief in her hand, her smile unchanged and without a trace of effort.

She stood up, curtsied to Jing Huayan, and said, "In that case, I will take my leave."

As soon as she left the Qianyuan Palace and turned out of Changfeng Alley, her expression darkened immediately.

Nanny Xing was very concerned and hurriedly tried to console her. "My lady, we were going to invite her anyway. It’s just a bit more formality, but it’s nothing serious."

Ruan Hanzhen halted abruptly, turned around, and fixed a sharp gaze on Nanny Xing.

"When did I say I wanted to invite her?"

Nanny Xing felt a shiver of fear under that gaze but still managed a smile to coax her. "Madam said earlier that since we are inviting everyone, we should invite her too."

"Previously, my lady had a rivalry with Talent Lady Jiang, and things went wrong several times. Inviting her this time will show others that the two of you have made up."

Nanny Xing reasoned with her patiently: "As long as it maintains appearances, you don’t have to truly forgive her. Whatever happens to her afterward will have nothing to do with us."

This was perfectly reasonable and something Mrs. Liao had carefully considered—there was no flaw in the plan.

But to Ruan Hanzhen, it sounded as though she had done something wrong and her mother was patching things up for her.

Ruan Hanzhen’s expression turned extremely unpleasant.

She had always been headstrong and could never tolerate disrespect from others. The reason she had previously mistreated Su Yu so viciously was that the worthless girl trembled at the sight of her.

She had done nothing—so why was the other person afraid?

So she granted her wish, and made her life a living hell.

Later, after Su Yu died, Su Xue had a long face for several days, which again displeased Ruan Hanzhen.

Why grieve for such a good-for-nothing? Besides, with Aunt Xing talking her into it, she promoted Fan Shuang to gradually replace Su Xue's position.

Whether in the Ruan family or in the Changchun Palace, Ruan Hanzhen got to have everything her way, freely and without restraint.

Especially after entering the palace, without her mom breathing down her neck daily or her father's pointers and lectures, Ruan Hanzhen was like a wild animal let out of its cage, even more unruly than before.

If not for the nightmares tormenting her these past few days, she would still be her usual arrogant, unrestrained self.

Aunt Xing had accompanied her since childhood and was completely devoted; Ruan Hanzhen relied on her heavily on ordinary days.

But at this moment, Su Xue's words echoed in her ears.

They wouldn't go away.

"Your Majesty, this servant risks death to offer advice. These past few days, it seems Aunt Xing is not loyal to you but to Madam."

"This servant is a palace maid assigned to serve you, which means I belong to you and obey only your orders."

As she spoke, Su Xue began to cry.

"That worthless Su Yu was incompetent and failed to live up to your expectations. This servant has been deeply worried, afraid that you would no longer value me because of her. Now it seems, that wretch deserved to die."

"Only her death could prove this servant's loyalty."

"This servant has only you in my heart. By following you, I can make something of myself. But Aunt Xing is not like that, Your Majesty," Su Xue wept. "She has so many family members—her husband and sons are all in the Ruan family. These past few days, it seems she jumps at Madam's every command."

"Your Majesty, this servant is not trying to sow discord, but you must think for yourself."