Chapter 87: He is seriously trying to make her happy. [One + two updates]

Chapter 87: He was genuinely trying to amuse her. "First and second night watches."

Yujing has been nestled in the strategic heart of the capital region for over four hundred years.

From the previous dynasty to the present, Yujing has always served as the imperial capital.

After the founding of the previous dynasty, Yujing was established as the capital, and the construction of the imperial palace and royal city began that same year. Over three centuries, it eventually grew into the prosperous city it is today.

Later, when the founding Gaozu Emperor of Great Chu ascended the throne and established the new dynasty, he chose not to burden the people with excessive expenses. The imperial palace continued to use the buildings from the previous dynasty, with only repairs and renovations done, along with the restoration of the Yuquan Xingong (Jade Spring Temporary Palace) in the northern part of the capital.

The late Emperor Shizong constructed new waterways, diverting the Long River and the Rong River, starting from Guinan Dao and flowing through Yurong Dao, Ling'an Dao, Rongjiang Dao, and finally reaching the Capital Region.

To connect the canal waterways, the canal south of Yujing was expanded. After a century of recovery and development, New Yujing was formed.

As a result, present-day Yujing is more than twice the size of the city during the previous dynasty. Thanks to its accessible waterways and thriving trade, it has achieved an unrivaled level of prosperity.

Leaving Changxin Palace, as soon as one passes through Zhuangyuan Lane (Top Scholar Lane) and Wutong Lane (Phoenix Tree Lane) where high-ranking officials and nobles reside, the bustle of the city immediately hits you.

The main streets are paved with bluestone slabs. Although carriage rides can be bumpy, the roads remain clean and unobstructed during rain or snow.

Jing Huayan didn’t mind Jiang Yunran looking around; he even supported her waist to prevent her from losing her balance and falling.

His palm was firm and strong, making her feel secure.

"The main streets of Yujing have been gradually built over the past hundred years and are now well-connected. Because the roads are well-built, it’s convenient for the people to come and go. Shops line the streets, and although they may not be as prosperous as those in Qilin Lane, they cater to the daily needs of the common people."

Most of the shops along the street are small.

Jiang Yunran glanced around and noticed that none had tall banners or ornate gates. Each household, with just the width of eight doors, could open a small general store.

For eateries, one side would have a stove, and the other would have two or three tables—enough to start a business.

The Nine City Infantry and Cavalry Command also manages the city’s layout. During patrols, they supervise sweeping, so no households set up outdoor stalls, keeping the streets clean and tidy.

As Jiang Yunran looked around, she noticed that at this hour, the breakfast stalls had already closed. Some households had shut their doors to rest, while others were busy preparing ingredients for the midday business.

Small general stores, wine shops, fabric stores, tailor shops, and even shops specializing in tooth powder—everything was varied and dazzling, making one feel overwhelmed.

Truth be told, Jiang Yunran had never really taken the time to explore Yujing properly.

This bustling capital always had her rushing through, never stopping to appreciate it.

"It’s so prosperous," she sighed.

Jing Huayan, holding her by the waist, couldn’t help but smile at her remark.

"This is the main street. Other smaller alleys hardly have any shops, so the stores facing the street get the best business."

Jiang Yunran nodded. She straightened up slightly and suddenly asked, "Are jiaoquan (a type of fried dough) delicious?"

She had never tried local Yujing snacks before.

Just a moment ago, she caught a glimpse of a shop with people lining up and couldn’t help but feel curious.

Jing Huayan reached out and pinched her cheek. "All you think about is food."

Even as he said this, he still gave an order. Without stopping the carriage, Liang Santai soon brought in an oil-paper package.

Jiang Yunran opened the package. The jiaoquan inside were still hot, fried to a golden crisp, with a layer of reddish coating on top.

"What is this?" she asked.

Jing Huayan glanced at it and said, "It’s brown sugar—a sweet and salty flavor. Try it."

Jiang Yunran nodded and, without hesitation, took a bite.

The brown sugar, after being fried, had a milder sweetness, but the oil made it richer. It was a little sweet, a little salty, crispy on the outside, and chewy on the inside.

It was tasty, but not exceptionally so—just enough to make one appreciate it.

"Hmm, not bad," Jiang Yunran said, her cheeks slightly puffed like a young girl’s, adorable. "But it doesn’t live up to its reputation."

Jing Huayan’s gaze remained fixed on her face, unable to look away.

Outside the palace, Jiang Yunran seemed more vibrant.

It was captivating.

Jiang Yunran never wasted food. She ate half in one go but eventually couldn’t finish it.

"Let’s save the rest for later when we get home," she said, about to pack the brown sugar jiaoquan away.

Just then, a large hand reached over and took the remaining half.

"It won’t taste as good later," Jing Huayan said naturally, taking a bite without any hesitation.

Jiang Yunran was surprised. "Your Majesty!"

She reached out to grab it back, but the man held her in place, preventing her from moving.

"It’s fine. I don’t mind," he said.

Jiang Yunran’s face flushed instantly.

Jing Huayan ate leisurely while his other hand slowly moved up and gently tapped her lips.

"Madam, when we’re outside, you can’t address me so casually."

Jiang Yunran blinked, momentarily distracted. After a moment, her cheeks turned crimson, and she seemed unusually flustered.

"Then should I call you… Master?"

Jing Huayan sighed softly.

He finished the jiaoquan, took out a handkerchief, and carefully wiped his hands.

"Why not call me husband?" he said helplessly. "I was rather looking forward to it."

Jiang Yunran’s face turned even redder.

She tidied up the bag and picked up the teapot to pour tea for both of them.

The carriage continued to sway, so Jiang Yunran didn’t fill the cups to the brim, pouring only a small amount.

"No lady of any household could go around calling her husband 'husband' in public," Jiang Yunran said, a hint of embarrassment in her tone. "It's far too embarrassing."

Jing Huayan lowered his gaze, taking a sip of tea to moisten his lips.

"Then can you call me that at home?" he asked.

Jiang Yunran finally realized he was teasing her.

Without hesitation, she asked, "How much longer until we reach Qilin Lane?"

Jing Huayan glanced at her, a faint smile playing on his lips. "Soon, about another quarter of an hour."

"It seems you are quite familiar with the capital, my lord," she said.

Jing Huayan nodded, lifting the carriage curtain so they could both look out at the scenery.

"At fifteen, when things at home stabilized, I was finally able to leave the palace. Since then, I’ve made a point to come out from time to time."

Jing Huayan had been named Crown Prince at fifteen, with strong support from the court ministers, making his position relatively secure.

As the eldest son of the Empress, he was exceptional since birth—bright, wise, steady, and mature. Whether by legitimacy, birth order, or virtue, he was the only suitable candidate.

No matter what the late Emperor had in mind, or what other relatives and ministers thought, as long as Jing Huayan lived, no one else stood a chance.

And indeed, Jing Huayan lived to ascend the throne.

Yet, despite his noble status, for the first fifteen years of his life as Crown Prince, he was confined within the walls of Changxin Palace.

Jiang Yunran grew curious. "My lord, even during festivals and ceremonies back then, you never left the palace?"

The question was somewhat forward.

But for some reason, Jiang Yunran wanted to know about this part of his past.

Jing Huayan arranged the teapot and cups before answering with a smile, "No, I did not."

"Though my father was long ill, before the fourteenth year of Tianqi, he was not yet bedridden and could still move about the residence," Jing Huayan explained. "As long as my father was present, his sons had no role to play. Besides, I had no desire to leave the palace at that time."

Leaving the palace meant risk.

Though Jiang Yunran had also lost her mother at a young age, she was already eleven—old enough to be a teenager, with some ability to protect herself.

But Jing Huayan was only four.

She couldn’t imagine how a four-year-old child had survived in the dangerous environment of Changxin Palace.

She recalled Liang Santai once mentioning that the Emperor had suffered a stomach injury as a child, which still caused him pain if he missed a meal.

Perhaps even the food he ate back then had to be carefully scrutinized.

Jiang Yunran felt nothing but admiration for Jing Huayan.

He truly achieved what others could not, standing above all others to become the emperor.

Suddenly, she sighed. "You are truly impressive, my lord. You inspire such deep respect."

Her comment seemed to come out of nowhere, and Jing Huayan wasn’t sure what she was thinking. "It’s not that I’m impressive or especially clever," he said. "I simply had the determination to survive."

His mother had told him to live well, and he had strived to do just that.

There was no other reason.

Jiang Yunran smiled.

Her features were soft, and her gentle makeup that day made her smile resemble a blooming lotus, sweet and captivating.

"Throughout the world, among all living beings, how many people wish to live well but ultimately fail? That is why you, my lord, are the most impressive of all."

Like her mother, like Tingfang’s family, like the timid little maid Su Yu.

Who wouldn’t want to live?

But sometimes, there was no other choice.

At this thought, Jiang Yunran suddenly exhaled. "Why talk about such things? We’re out to have fun—we should be happy."

She moved closer to Jing Huayan, joining him in watching the scenery outside.

As noon approached, the streets grew crowded.

Workers headed home after their shifts, food stalls billowed with smoke, and people hurried along, clearly busy making a living.

"The capital is so lively," Jiang Yunran remarked. "Liyang doesn’t have nearly as many people."

Jing Huayan said, "It’s because here, there are broad opportunities—countless possibilities. That’s why people flock here, gathering in this place almost instinctively."

The capital was the core of Great Chu. As long as it beat strongly, the lifeblood of the nation would flow vigorously.

They chatted idly, time slipping away like water.

In what felt like a blink, the carriage came to a stop at the entrance of Qilin Lane.

Liang Santai’s voice called out, "My lord, we’ve arrived."

Jing Huayan straightened his robes and helped Jiang Yunran tie her cloak. "It’s cold outside. Bring your hand warmer."

Jiang Yunran nodded, waiting for him to step out of the carriage before following.

Jing Huayan took her hand and drew her to his side.

Inside the carriage, though surrounded by the bustling world, they had been in their own secluded space.

Now, stepping out, they realized how close the bustle was—pedestrians, merchants, and tourists weaving through the market, a constant flow of energy and prosperity.

It had been so long since Jiang Yunran had seen so many people. The unchanging routine of palace life had distorted her perception of the world outside.

She could hardly remember what it felt like to walk through a market.

But one thing was certain: back then, she never found the outside world loud or chaotic.

Jing Huayan held her hand and led her into the bustling heart of Great Chu.

The shops here were two stories high, with a few large shops at the corners even having three levels. Through the wide-open doors, goods of all kinds were neatly displayed, and customers browsed and shopped in an endless stream.

After walking a few steps, Jiang Yunran’s attention was captured by the wide variety of merchandise.

Her steps slowed until she eventually came to a complete stop.

Noticing her pause, Jing Huayan turned to look and saw her carefully examining a bolt of fabric.

"What's the matter? If you like it, get it."

But Jiang Yunran remained silent.

She was studying it so intently that the shop assistant hurried over and asked, "Do you like it, miss? This is our newly stocked dyed satin. The colors are brighter than before, and only our Ruyi Workshop in Qilin Alley has it."

Hearing this, Jiang Yunran tugged Jing Huayan's hand.

Pointing to the vibrant floral patterns, she said, "My lord, this satin must have been made with a new dyeing technique. Such a distinct bright yellow wasn’t possible before."

"How remarkable! In just three to five months, they’ve come up with something new again."

When it came to her area of expertise, Jiang Yunran was truly dedicated.

Seeing her eyes light up with delight, Jing Huayan couldn’t help but smile. "You truly love embroidery, don’t you?"

Jiang Yunran looked back at him earnestly. "If I’m going to do something, I want to be the best at it."

"One cannot be a good embroiderer without understanding fabrics."

————

The sky was overcast that day.

Dark clouds loomed, and a cold wind howled, making the winter chill even more biting.

Jiang Yunran’s cloak was lined with mink fur, while the outer layer was made of thick, wind-blocking brocade satin. With the hood pulled up, her face appeared as small as a palm could frame.

Her eyebrows arched like distant mountains, her eyes phoenix-like, and her lips like flower petals.

Tall and graceful, with a straight posture and elegant demeanor, she looked every bit the refined noble lady.

Yet, her eyes held only a starry resolve and unwavering determination.

As she spoke, there was an ineffable glow about her. Jing Huayan suddenly realized it was passion and dedication.

Because she loved it, she took it so seriously.

That was why she was so excited and joyful when she saw new fabrics.

It was a look he had never seen in her eyes when she gazed at him.

The young emperor caught his breath for a moment, but he quickly composed himself and smiled again.

"You are truly remarkable, my lady," he said, taking her hand once more and instructing Xiao Liuzi to purchase the fabric before they continued on their way. "If you like it, buy it and study it. See what it’s all about."

Jiang Yunran was taken aback for a moment, then expressed her gratitude. "Thank you, my lord."

Qilin Alley was crowded with people—not only merchants and tourists but also horse-drawn carts and wheelbarrows loaded with goods moving through the streets. The deeper they went, the more carefully they had to tread.

Jing Huayan guided Jiang Yunran to one side, allowing her to focus on the sights.

"Mind your step," he reminded her gently.

Holding his hand, Jiang Yunran found no trouble in navigating the path.

"Which shops did you used to like visiting, my lord? Shall we take a look? You must know all the interesting places."

Jing Huayan thought for a moment. "I’ve been too busy this year and only gone out twice. I used to enjoy browsing bookstores and grain shops."

Coincidentally, there was a rice shop nearby. Jiang Yunran squeezed Jing Huayan’s hand and pulled him inside to explore.

A shop assistant hurried over. "What would you like to see, esteemed guests? This year’s Champa rice has just arrived. It’s all new harvest—very fragrant."

Champa rice was now widely cultivated along the Yangtze River, yielding two harvests a year with abundant results. In a good year, one mu of land could produce three hundred jin, a remarkably encouraging yield.

Jing Huayan was knowledgeable in this topic and, without needing the assistant’s introduction, led Jiang Yunran to examine the Champa rice.

"This is it. See? Champa rice grains are relatively small, similar to indica rice, but the taste is slightly better—not as coarse. In terms of fragrance, it naturally can’t compare to the once-a-year Bìgēng rice, but its yield is substantially higher."

"This is Goose Fat rice. It’s very rare, grown only in small quantities in the Guinan region. The grains are round and full, and when cooked, they become glossy and translucent. We probably have some at home—you can ask the kitchen to prepare it for you to try."

When it came to rice, Jing Huayan was in his element.

He excitedly described every type of rice in the shop, even more thoroughly than the shop assistant, who eventually fell silent and listened attentively from the sidelines.

He could describe the expensive varieties but had never tasted them, so he didn’t know their flavors.

Judging by their attire, these two were clearly high-ranking officials—their opinions on the rice would surely be accurate.

Jiang Yunran also found it interesting.

But as she listened, her gaze eventually settled on Jing Huayan’s bright, shining eyes.

National stability and people’s happiness rely on the basics: food, clothing, shelter, and transportation.

Only with full bellies can people have the strength to farm, support their families, marry, and carry on traditions through generations.

Jiang Yunran also knew that after Jing Huayan ascended the throne, he had vigorously promoted Champa rice. To encourage farmers along the Yangtze River to switch to this crop, he waived their land taxes in the first year.

Farmers depend on the weather and fear crop failure. With the assurance of tax exemption, Champa rice was able to spread.

As farming experience grew, yields increased year after year, allowing the common people of Great Chu to gradually fill their bellies.

Unfortunately, low grain prices harmed farmers. Even with good harvests, rice couldn’t fetch high prices, and many still struggled in poverty.

That was why Jing Huayan was reforming the tax collection method. Over the past year or two, he had been refining a general plan through experimentation.

This year, it was being tested.

Just as before, Jing Huayan seemed to shine in Jiang Yunran’s eyes.

He might not be a good man, but he was likely a good emperor.

As he spoke, Jing Huayan noticed that Jiang Yunran had fallen silent. He paused and looked over.

She was gazing at him with a soft, encouraging smile.

Jing Huayan: "..."

Why did it feel somewhat... motherly?

It reminded him of the way the Empress Dowager looked at him.

"What’s wrong? Did I talk too much?"

Jiang Yunran shook her head. She took his hand again, her tone filled with admiration.

"I never expected you to be so knowledgeable, sir, remembering all the characteristics of these grains so clearly. You're truly brilliant."

The praise was rather exaggerated, but Jing Huayan felt both physically and mentally refreshed.

The shop assistant nearby quickly stepped forward, his tone even more effusive.

"Sir, you must be a farming genius! I've worked in this shop for eight years and still sometimes mix things up. I'm truly in awe."

Jing Huayan unconsciously curved the corners of his lips.

He gave a light cough and said, "Merely listening without tasting probably won’t reveal the true differences. Server, pack fifty catties of each variety. My wife can go back and cook rice porridge (congee) to try."

So practical and thoughtful.

Jiang Yunran: "..."

She blinked, then couldn’t help but laugh. "Thank you, sir."

They had only visited two shops but had nearly bought enough to fill half a carriage. Liang Santai, looking put-upon, sent Eunuch Little Liu to fetch another carriage so the Emperor and Empress could haul their purchases.

After leaving the grain shop, the two headed to a bookshop.

Qilin Lane had over a dozen bookshops. Aside from the Lin You Bookshop run by the court’s Southern Books Bureau, the rest were privately owned by booksellers.

The variety of books sold there was dazzling, though the prices were often prohibitively high.

Still, Qilin Lane was bustling and lively. For those willing to spend five copper coins on a pot of tea, they could sit quietly in a bookshop and read for an entire day.

Many impoverished students relied on reading and copying books in these stores to slowly work their way into official careers.

Jing Huayan led Jiang Yunran into an adjacent alley. As soon as they turned in, the atmosphere grew noticeably quieter.

Few tourists came here, and the scarcity of people lent the place a serene quiet.

The bookshops here were all three stories high. Jing Huayan whispered to Jiang Yunran, "To operate a bookshop, the rent is subsidized by the Yujing Office—only half the usual rate. That’s why the stores can build a third floor and also reduce the daily tea fee."

Jiang Yunran understood immediately.

"What a brilliant idea. Who came up with it?"

Jing Huayan paused before answering, "My mother’s teacher."

Mother’s teacher?

That meant the idea likely came from the former Crown Prince’s tutor.

"He must have been a visionary master."

Jing Huayan gave a noncommittal hum and didn’t elaborate further. Instead, he said, "Look at the first store with the 'Spring' sign—it’s called the Tanchun Bookshop. They have a back chamber where debates on poetry, politics, and economics are held every ten days. It’s quite lively."

Jiang Yunran calculated the date and was pleasantly surprised. "Today happens to be one of those days."

"Mm," Jing Huayan helped adjust her hood and said, "Yes, I specifically chose today so you could see the lively debates."

Upon entering the bookshop, young attendants came forward to greet them.

Jiang Yunran noticed that the attendants here included both boys and girls, all dressed in simple gray student uniforms.

After all, women in Great Chu were permitted to study. Over more than a century of tradition, female scholars had become increasingly common, and bookshop attendants were now a mix of genders.

They themselves were scholars, too.

Still young and from poor families, they worked here as attendants to earn meager wages. Another benefit the bookshop offered was allowing them to read for two hours after their shifts ended.

Hearing this, Jiang Yunran couldn’t help but sigh. "Often, it’s just that one thread of hope that makes all the difference."

The two first went upstairs and wandered among the bookshelves.

In truth, the Maogin Palace in the imperial court had an extensive collection. Whenever new books were released on the market, the Southern Books Bureau would receive ten copies for storage, so the palace naturally had them all.

But browsing in a bookshop offered a unique sense of tranquility.

Many scholars were here, most dressed plainly. They wore student scarves on their heads and carried patched satchels holding brushes, ink, books, and occasionally dry flatbread.

Once inside the bookshop, they couldn’t leave. For many students, five copper coins were hard-earned, and not a single moment was to be wasted.

Watching them, Jiang Yunran felt a deep sense of empathy.

For the sake of their goals, they were willing to sacrifice everything.

Although Jiang Yunran had grown up in the city's common quarters, before the age of twelve, she had studied almost entirely at Yixiang Pavilion. After her mother’s sudden death, she took on the responsibility of supporting all the children, juggling survival while negotiating with the madam for a sliver of hope.

Twenty years felt like a fleeting dream, gone without a trace.

She had never cared about birds soaring high, flowers in full bloom, or pausing to gaze at the vast sky. Nor had she ever concerned herself with ordinary people.

She had exhausted all her energy just to survive, moving forward relentlessly, pulling her siblings along to break free from the enormous cage that was Yixiang Pavilion.

She had once lied to Jing Huayan, claiming she had been to Qilin Lane. At the time, she had acted naturally, as if she truly had.

But in reality, it was Mo Li who had come to Qilin Lane, acting in her stead.

Jiang Yunran had too much on her mind—planning for the future of her siblings, scheming to re-enter the palace, and ensuring the Ruan clan would be dragged into the abyss with no chance of recovery.

Her mind was a web of intricate plans, but it held no room for enjoying life.

Today, walking through Qilin Lane and witnessing the vibrancy of everyday life, she felt the tightly wound string in her heart loosen slightly.

Jing Huayan seemed to sense the shift in her emotions.

He stopped and turned to look at her.

His gaze held pure concern. "What’s wrong?"

Jiang Yunran snapped out of her thoughts, exhaled, and looked up at Jing Huayan with a radiant smile. "I kind of like it here."

Indeed, who wouldn’t?

Whenever Jing Huayan left the palace, he always ended up in this quiet, scholarly alley.

He took Jiang Yunran’s hand and led her down from the front building toward the back chambers.

The closer they got, the more they could hear cheers and excitement.

Young people gathered in small groups, sitting or standing, books in hand and the world in their hearts.

Everyone was passionate and high-spirited, critiquing current politics with pointed insight, though occasionally they also sang praises.

Watching them, one could clearly feel the future of our home and country.

The two of them stood only outside the door, never stepping into this sanctuary.

Jiang Yunran asked, "Have you heard all the insults and belittlement they've been saying, Sir?"

Jing Huayan raised an eyebrow and smiled, "I have."

"And what do you think?"

Jiang Yunran was filled with curiosity.

Jing Huayan replied casually, "When they can curse me to my face, I will curse back."

Jiang Yunran paused briefly, then chuckled softly.

Her laughter was bright and melodious, lifting the earlier solemn mood.

She realized that Jing Huayan’s jokes were always quite amusing.

He was seriously aiming to cheer her up.