Chapter 91: Jiang Yun Ran’s lips have turned three shades redder. [One + two updates]

Chapter 91: Jiang Yunran's Lips Were Flushed Three Shades Redder. [First and Second Watch Combined]

The moon had set, the stars waned, and the first light of dawn broke.

Early-rising magpies flitted between the rooftops, chirping morning greetings to one another.

Jiang Yunran’s eyelashes fluttered slightly, her consciousness gradually returning. The birds' clear, cheerful calls brought a good mood for the day ahead.

A new day had dawned.

All things renewed, life stirring.

After entering the palace, Jiang Yunran had grown accustomed to its quietude and hadn't been awakened by such bustle and noise for a long time.

But it wasn't unpleasant.

Instead, it brought an inexpressible delight.

Jiang Yunran blinked her eyes again, finally fully awake, and only then did she feel the warmth at her back.

The local inn couldn't possibly have heated walls, but two braziers in the room kept it spring-warm, yet not stifling.

And last night…

Jiang Yunran pursed her lips, shifting slightly, trying to escape the man's embrace.

A soft chuckle sounded near her ear.

"Yun Ran, good morning."

Jiang Yunran's face flushed with heat.

She cleared her throat, not wanting to appear too weary. "Your Majesty, good morning."

"It's already light outside. It must be past Mao hour (5-7 a.m.). We should rise."

Jing Huayan sighed.

His arm was firmly wrapped around her waist, making it impossible for her to move.

"For the sake of my beloved concubine, I shall spare you today."

The man's voice rumbled through his chest, and Jiang Yunran could distinctly feel the powerful vibration.

"Does my beloved concubine thank me?"

Jiang Yunran: "..."

Jiang Yunran cursed him inwardly for his shamelessness, but outwardly she could only yield. "Thank you, Your Majesty."

"Tsk," Jing Huayan pinched the soft flesh at her waist. "Not sincere enough. Try again."

Jiang Yunran cleared her throat, this time putting emotion into her voice, almost tearfully.

"Thank you, Your Majesty. Your Majesty is truly a kind and benevolent person."

Jing Huayan's muffled laughter followed, his warm breath brushing her neck.

Hearing him laugh, Jiang Yunran just barely kept from rolling her eyes. For some reason, she found herself laughing along.

The man exerted force with his hands, guiding her to turn over.

Their eyes met, and an unspoken emotion spread between them.

Jing Huayan lowered his head, meticulously kissing her lips.

"This is a sincere apology."

Lips and tongues met, peaceful and quiet, without any extraneous thoughts.

Jing Huayan gently patted her back, simply savoring her soft lips.

It was a rare gentle kiss, lingering and tender.

When the kiss ended, Jiang Yunran's lips were flushed three shades redder.

Jing Huayan touched his forehead to hers, his gaze clear and relaxed, filled with joy.

"Rest a while longer. There's no hurry to rise."

With that, Jing Huayan released her, swinging around to sit up.

Only then did Jiang Yunran notice that he wasn't wearing his inner robe.

His broad, sturdy back was right before her eyes, the lines of his muscles perfectly defined. Against the light, she couldn't make out all the details, but his beautiful skin was still captivating.

This young emperor truly possessed an enviably fine physique.

Jing Huayan seemed utterly unaware.

He pulled on his inner robe, casually slipped on his shoes, and left the room with his hair still disheveled.

The door creaked shut, and only then did Jiang Yunran let out a sigh.

After the night’s exertions, though she felt physically and mentally refreshed, she also felt somewhat weary. Especially since Jing Huayan, for some reason, had come up with all sorts of unorthodox ideas last night, mixing force with coaxing persuasion.

He truly employed both carrot and stick, stopping at nothing to achieve his goals.

This man—no wonder he managed to survive in Changxin Palace and ascend the throne. His mental fortitude was evident even in bedchamber matters.

Jiang Yunran lay back for a while longer before getting up. When she looked down, a flash of annoyance crossed her face.

If she were in good health, she might be two months pregnant.

Qing Dai and Zi Ye entered to help her wash and dress. By the time she had changed clothes, fixed her hair, and descended the stairs, it was already broad daylight outside.

The busiest time at the Qionglin Residence was actually in the early morning, just after Mao hour, when the sky was still dim but less than half an hour remained before the city gates opened.

Merchant caravans wanting to leave the city early had to queue at the gates at dawn. Though these merchants were wealthy, they were no strangers to hardship. They all vacated their rooms by Mao hour and departed the Qionglin Residence.

By the time Jiang Yunran and the others woke, it was already quite late, and the Qionglin Residence had long returned to its usual tranquility.

When she arrived at the private room on the first floor, she saw Jing Huayan speaking with a tall, rugged-looking man.

The man wore only simple, practical attire, but his sharp features and upright posture marked him as a martial artist.

Upon seeing Jiang Yunran, the man showed no surprise, simply cupped his hands in salute. "I pay my respects, Consort Jiang."

Jing Huayan said, "Chen Lishan, Commander of the Imperial Guards."

Jiang Yunran nodded with a smile. "A pleasure to meet you, Commander Chen."

Seeing that Jing Huayan and Chen Lishan still had business to attend to, she did not linger. After a word with Jing Huayan, she led Qing Dai and the others out of the loft.

A burst of birdsong suddenly chirped in her ears. As Jiang Yunran stepped into the daylight and looked up, she saw several magpies perched on the tall ginkgo tree in the courtyard.

It was a bright, sunny day.

The sky hung high above, crystal clear blue.

The birds seemed to be celebrating the sunny day, singing cheerfully from the branches.

Zi Ye, who had not left the palace for a long time, couldn't help but smile at the scene, her usually serious demeanor softening momentarily.

The courtyard was empty, and all four lofts stood silent. Only the one they occupied had attendants moving about; the others were locked.

Though not particularly spacious, the courtyard was clean and tidy, with ample open space and a specially prepared thatched shed for merchants to store their goods.

A path made of crushed gravel led forward to a three-story inn, while turning right led to the Qionglin Pavilion beside the inn.

Yesterday, Jiang Yunran had heard the server boast that the plain noodles and soup dumplings at Qionglin Pavilion were the best in Qilin Alley. Not only did guests of Qionglin Residence frequent it, but many passing travelers also stopped by to order a steamer basket of juicy soup dumplings.

Moreover, guests who rented a loft were entitled to six complimentary breakfasts from Qionglin Pavilion.

It was clear that the owner of Qionglin Residence knew how to run a business.

Jiang Yunran felt she had learned a lot from this business model and planned to write it down for Mo Li so her sisters could use it as a reference.

As she lost herself in thoughts of money-making plans, a deep voice inquired from behind, "Hungry? Let's go have breakfast."

Jiang Yunran turned to see Jing Huayan and Chen Lishan emerging from the room, their expressions calm and unreadable.

"Six free breakfasts—it would be a shame to miss them."

Jiang Yunran squinted and smiled.

Jing Huayan naturally took her hand and led the way. When he lifted the thick cotton curtain, a wave of warmth and the aroma of food washed over them.

The morning eatery did not serve alcohol, so the air in Qionglin Pavilion was filled purely with the scent of food.

After a busy night, Jiang Yunran was famished.

Liang Santai had already arranged everything and stepped forward to guide them. "Sir, Madam, breakfast is ready on the second floor. This way, please."

The address "Madam" gave Jiang Yunran pause.

In ordinary households, the mistress of the house was called "Madam," typically the wife of the head of the family. Among the nobility, those with titles were addressed as "Lord" and "Lady."

Outside, they could be called Lord and Lady, but in the questionable Qionglin Residence, they became "Sir" and "Madam," as if they were an ordinary wealthy family.

The group went upstairs, with Chen Lishan following them to the prepared private room.

After just two steps, Jing Huayan's eyes darted, and he paused slightly.

Jiang Yunran also stopped.

Following his gaze, she saw two young men emerging from a private room.

Both were dressed as scholars—one with an ordinary face, merely clean-looking, and the other somewhat chubby, with a round, cheerful face.

They were discussing something seriously when the group ahead blocked their path, forcing them to stop and turn around.

At that moment, the ordinary scholar was so startled his eyes widened.

"Your... Your Majesty..."

Though astonished, the thin scholar remained relatively composed. After a moment of stunned silence, he dared not say another word.

The plump scholar behind him looked puzzled, his gaze merely curious as he examined the group.

But he was clever enough not to ask the pale-faced thin scholar any questions or demand that the group make way.

He simply stood quietly beside the thin scholar, his expression calm.

Jing Huayan's dark eyes swept over them, his face equally composed. He said calmly, "Come in and speak."

Once inside the private room, the seating arrangement was interesting.

Jiang Yunran and Chen Lishan sat on either side of Jing Huayan, while the two young scholars stood across the dining table. Even when offered a seat, they dared not sit.

By now, the plump scholar had likely guessed something and appeared more reserved than before.

Jing Huayan said, "Cousin, aren't you studying at Liushan Academy? Why are you in Yujing now?"

The address "cousin" terrified the young scholar.

His legs trembled, and he nearly fell to his knees.

"Your Majesty... this student admits his fault."

As soon as he spoke, he knelt, and the plump scholar beside him, startled, followed suit.

"Your humble subject pays respects to Your Majesty. May Your Majesty be well."

After a pause, the plump scholar added, "Greetings to Your Ladyship. May Your Ladyship be well."

Uncertain of Jiang Yunran's identity, addressing her as "Your Ladyship" was the safest choice.

He was indeed clever.

Jiang Yunran did not look at him but began setting the table, serving Jing Huayan.

After a busy night, she was hungry, and Jing Huayan must be too.

Sure enough, Jing Huayan picked up his chopsticks and began eating unhurriedly.

The soup dumplings from Qionglin Pavilion were indeed their signature dish.

Thin-wrapped and generously filled, they burst with juicy broth at the slightest bite. The filling, made with thirty percent fat and seventy percent lean meat, was springy yet tender, seasoned with ginger to enhance its flavor and depth.

Jiang Yunran ate two in quick succession before feeling less starved.

Jing Huayan was even more swift.

By the time Jiang Yunran brought the plain noodles, he and Chen Lishan had each finished a steamer basket of soup dumplings.

With some food in his stomach, he seemed a bit more amiable.

"You may rise."

Jing Huayan then allowed the two to stand.

"Chen Lishan, introduce them."

Chen Lishan set down his chopsticks, wiped his mouth with a handkerchief, and said, "Your Highness, this is the third son of the Yao family, Yao Tingfeng. He is the full brother of the Imperial Consort, just reached twenty, studying at Liushan Academy. It is said that he excels in poetry and song, but is less proficient in political discourse and agricultural hydraulics. This year, he passed the provincial examination and earned the rank of Xiucai."

The introduction was incredibly detailed.

Even Yao Tingfeng's areas of expertise were known in such detail.

At this moment, Yao Tingfeng, whose background was being laid out so thoroughly, felt anything but happy—instead, a chill ran down his spine.

The portly scholar had originally thought such noble figures wouldn’t know him, but Chen Lishan spoke directly: "Your Majesty, Your Highness, this is the elder brother of Consort Ning Cui, the most outstanding successor in the Cui family for generations, known as the 'Golden Abacus of Yurong Province,' Cui Wanliang. Twenty-five years old, already married."

Cui Wanliang was stunned for a moment before bowing in salute: "This humble one pays respects to Your Majesty, pays respects to Your Highness."

Jiang Yunran recalled that Consort Ning Cui’s personal name was Jinzhu, which aligned perfectly with her brother’s name.

Both names carried such beautiful meanings, making them quite likable.

Jing Huayan did not look at Yao Tingfeng. He leisurely ate his plain noodles and asked, "What brings the two of you here?"

————

At the mention of this, Yao Tingfeng’s expression shifted.

He was still young and had lived in the capital for many years, harboring a deep fear of this young emperor.

For a moment, he stammered, unable to get a single word out.

It was Cui Wanliang, with years of experience in business, who still had some composure. He stepped forward and saluted, "Reporting to Your Majesty, this humble one’s younger siblings are both sixteen this year, studying at Rongchang Academy in Yurong Circuit. The academy’s headmaster thinks highly of their talents and suggested that this humble one transfer them to Liushan Academy in the capital for further studies."

Although the Cui family had Consort Ning in the palace, they had been merchants for over a hundred years. Finally, two promising talents had emerged, and the entire clan placed great importance on them.

However, precisely because of their merchant background, without the favor of Consort Ning, family members could at most participate in the provincial examination and could not advance further.

Now that such an opportunity had arisen, they naturally refused to give it up. But the children were still young and had not yet passed the provincial examination, making it impossible for them to study at the Imperial College. The best option was Liushan Academy.

Cui Wanliang spoke very clearly, showed no fear despite this sudden audience with the emperor. Instead, he explained the matter’s origins in great detail.

"Through a mutual acquaintance, this humble one became acquainted with Brother Yao. Hearing that Brother Yao is a top student at Liushan Academy, this humble one hoped he could provide a referral to recommend my younger siblings for admission."

"Brother Yao was very sincere. Now that the matter has been settled, this humble one thought to take him out for a meal as a gesture of gratitude."

The matter seemed very straightforward.

Jing Huayan nodded, seemingly quite satisfied with Cui Wanliang’s performance.

He turned to Yao Tingfeng: "Cousin, your turn."

Yao Tingfeng truly couldn’t hold on any longer. He pleaded, "Your Majesty, please don’t call this student 'cousin' anymore. This student dares not accept such an address."

Compared to his boldness at Princess Yongning’s birthday banquet, Yao Tingfeng now acted with such caution that he scarcely seemed like a member of the Yao family.

Jing Huayan tapped his finger on the table, making a light tap.

Yao Tingfeng shuddered, cleared his throat, and struggled to steady his trembling voice.

"Your Majesty, this student was also introduced to Brother Cui. Brother Cui is very easy to get along with, and his request was simple and clear. This student read the essays of the Cui siblings—they were well-grounded and showed great talent. This student believed they were deserving of a recommendation to Liushan Academy."

Despite Yao Tingfeng’s nervous demeanor, he had already passed the provincial examination and could indeed refer to himself as a student.

However, he had not studied at the Imperial College. For many years, he had diligently studied at Liushan Academy and was unfamiliar with the noble youths of the capital.

Jiang Yunran could see that Jing Huayan was quite fond of this "cousin"; otherwise, he wouldn’t have deliberately teased him.

His Majesty the Emperor was just like that—the more he valued someone, the more he enjoyed teasing them.

"Now, Headmaster Cheng has agreed to admit the Cui siblings. Brother Cui was very pleased and said he was staying at Qionglin Residence on Qilin Lane and wanted to thank me."

Although Qionglin Pavilion’s soup dumplings and Yangchun noodles were quite famous, it was not a luxurious restaurant. Most of its patrons were traveling merchants, and its prices were almost the same as those at the commoner section of Fan Tower.

Compared to the high lodging rates at Qionglin Residence, the food here was truly reasonably priced and tasty.

Cui Wanliang neither bribed nor curried favor. It was just a simple meal, emphasizing a relationship between gentlemen.

No matter how one looked at it, this was a good deed. Even the two involved were forthright and honorable, without any ulterior motives.

But the problem lay precisely with Qionglin Residence.

Why did they happen to bump into each other there today?

Jing Huayan nodded. He turned to Jiang Yunran and asked, "What are your thoughts, my Beloved?"

Jiang Yunran was already accustomed to his occasional tests, so she remained composed.

She raised her eyes to look at the two men but saw no guilt in their expressions.

"Merchant Cui, your family is a royal merchant dealing in silk, tea, and wine. I recall you should have shops in the capital. Why are you staying at Qionglin Residence? And who told you that Scholar Yao had the connections?"

If Cui Wanliang hadn’t been staying at Qionglin Residence, the two wouldn’t have met there.

These two questions were equally critical.

Cui Wanliang did not hesitate. "It all started with a gathering."

Today’s coincidental meeting likely arose from the two men’s curiosity about why the emperor was outside the palace with a consort.

But after being grilled so directly by Jing Huayan, even someone as shrewd as Cui Wanliang began to harbor doubts.

Without Jiang Yunran needing to ask, he had already mentally retraced the general details of the matter.

"Reporting to Your Majesty and Your Highness," Cui Wanliang saluted, "this humble one previously traveled extensively for business, traveling across much of Great Chu. Back then, I was young and met many people—from all walks of life, reputable and otherwise—but I’ve long forgotten most of their names."

"Later, when I returned home to inherit the family business, the people I met were mostly merchants. The Cui family’s business is wide-ranging, so I’ve met many merchants," Cui Wanliang replied steadily. "Earlier, for the sake of my younger siblings’ studies, this humble one made a special trip to the capital and sought out several merchants I knew from the capital, as well as some former drinking companions. A few seniors took the lead in organizing a dinner to inquire about this matter."

At this point, Cui Wanliang’s face fell.

"At the time... this humble one had quite a lot to drink, and my memory is very fuzzy. Someone at the table mentioned the Yao family’s third son, Yao Tingfeng, and this humble one remembered it."

"Later, someone else suggested that hosting a banquet at my family’s shop would seem too transactional and might cause misunderstandings. They recommended that this humble one stay temporarily at Qionglin Residence, noting that Qionglin Pavilion’s food was also outstanding. If the matter succeeded, it would be a perfect pretext to thank Yao Tingfeng."

Here, Cui Wanliang hesitated again. He didn’t dare look Jing Huayan in the eye, keeping his head lowered as he said, "This humble one and Brother Yao both have relatives in the palace, so... this humble one thought to leverage this connection to ask Brother Yao for help. At the time, it struck me as a fine idea."

Hearing it put that way, it all sounded perfectly ordinary.

Jing Huayan looked at Jiang Yunran, who then continued, "Scholar Yao, Squire Cui couldn't have approached you directly; someone must have recommended you."

Yao Tingfeng's eyes lit up.

"Exactly."

"A tutor at my academy, named Wu Chuan, specializes in martial arts and staff fighting. I've studied under him for several years and know him quite well. He was the one who introduced me to Brother Cui."

Cui Wanliang added, "The person I reached out to through connections was this Tutor Wu."

The matter seemed clear now.

Jing Huayan nodded and said, "Both of you, step outside and write down everything that happened. Additionally, Cui Wanliang, list the names of everyone present at that banquet."

This level of detail was something neither of them had anticipated.

They exchanged glances, both seeing obvious panic on each other's faces.

Yao Tingfeng looked on the verge of tears. "Your Majesty, what has happened now?"

"Brother Cui’s wife is truly talented. I truly did nothing against my conscience."

Jing Huayan raised an eyebrow and glanced at him.

Yao Tingfeng didn’t dare say another word.

He said calmly, "You must keep this matter confidential. Do not mention it to your families. As for why, I won’t explain."

He was the emperor—did he need a reason for his actions?

Yao Tingfeng, accustomed to his ways, replied dejectedly, "Yes, I understand."

Jing Huayan then turned to Cui Wanliang. "Since the matter is settled, return home and do not concern yourself with affairs in the capital. However, if any other doubts arise, you may write to Yao Tingfeng. He will know what to do."

Yao Tingfeng: "..."

Yao Tingfeng perked up again.

This was a tremendous show of trust!

After the two withdrew, the others gathered to discuss the matter, though they continued eating earnestly.

Half an hour later, footsteps were heard outside again.

The door was knocked, and a server’s voice came from outside.

"Honored guests, would you like more tea?"

Liang Santai, having received the order, stepped forward to open the door.

Outside stood a youth of sixteen or seventeen, who appeared quick-witted and had fine features that made him easily likable.

The young man carried a large teapot and smiled warmly. "This is fine tea from our Qionglin Pavilion, specially offered for you to taste."

Chen Lishan said, "Alright."

The youth entered and poured tea for everyone.

The tea was clear and bright, with a color like agarwood and a rich aroma.

From her training, Jiang Yunran could roughly identify the tea.

Liu'an Tea was renowned throughout the land and came in three grades.

The best variety, picked before Grain Rain, was called Tipian and was sent to the capital as tribute. The next grade, picked during Grain Rain, was Guapian.

Though the roasting technique of the Liu'an Imperial Tea Factory was world-famous, and Guapian, while not as tender as Tipian, was still excellent, large quantities of Liu'an Guapian were sent to the palace each year for consumption.

The lowest grade was Meipian, picked during the rainy season. Though less tender, it was still a first-rate tea.

The tea this server brought was Liu'an Guapian.

Liu'an Guapian was also available on the market, but because it bore the label "tribute tea," its price doubled. An ounce of Guapian cost half a tael of silver, making it unaffordable for ordinary families.

For Qionglin Pavilion to serve it to guests as a refreshment was truly extravagant.

Jiang Yunran exchanged a glance with Jing Huayan, took a sip of the tea, and suddenly set the cup down hard onto the table.

The tea splashed, its fragrance intensifying.

But Jiang Yunran’s expression was no longer as gentle as before.

She said coolly, "This is what you call tea fit for guests?"

Then, turning to Jing Huayan, she added, "If it were good tea, I would have bought some to offer to my mother-in-law. But it seems Qionglin Pavilion’s tea is not up to standard. Let’s go to Longxiang Tea Shop instead."

Longxiang Tea Shop was the most famous tea shop in Qilin Alley. It carried all varieties of tea except tribute tea and even had a tearoom for guests to rest.

Hearing this, the tea attendant’s eyes flickered.

He leaned in and lowered his voice. "Honored guests, we naturally have better tea. It just depends on whether you’re willing to pay for it."

————

Back at the palace, Jiang Yunran rested comfortably through the night.

The next morning, as soon as she woke, she heard Yingge’s excited voice outside.

Qing Dai drew aside the bed curtains and greeted her, "My Lady, it’s snowing."

Jiang Yunran’s eyes lit up.

She smiled and said, "It seems the Imperial Astronomical Bureau was quite accurate. They predicted this correctly."

Qing Dai helped her out of bed. Seeing her about to open the window to admire the snow, she hurriedly stopped her.

"My Lady, you’re only in inner robes. It’s easy to catch a chill," Qing Dai said. "The snow isn’t going anywhere."

Jiang Yunran laughed and nodded. "You’re right."

After washing and changing into a thick, fleece-lined jacket, Jiang Yunran stepped out from behind the green gauze screen and made her way to the main hall.

The hall was hung with heavy door curtains to block the cold wind outside.

Qing Dai stepped forward and drew aside the curtains, allowing daylight to flood into the room.

Though the sky was overcast from the heavy snow, it was not particularly dark. The thick snowflakes fell on the glazed tiles, making the sky glow dazzlingly bright.

Jiang Yunran stepped out of the palace and stood under the eaves, looking out.

Between the sky and the ground, only the vermilion palace walls remained amidst a vast expanse of white snow.

Ying Ge crouched in a corner of the covered corridor, bundled up warm, building a snowman.

Jiang Yunran took a deep breath, feeling the crisp air fill her lungs.

She reached out her hand, catching snowflakes one after another, watching them melt in her palm.

Just like that, another year was ending.

Her breath fogged in the air, blurring her vision. Jiang Yunran smiled and said, "This year’s first snowfall came at just the right time."

However, the joy brought by this fresh snow didn't even last till evening. At dusk, Ying Ge splashed across the wet vitrified bricks and rushed all the way to the Listening Snow Palace.

Jiang Yunran was having dinner in the hall.

Noticing Ying Ge’s pale face, she couldn’t help but ask, "What happened?"

Ying Ge whispered, "My lady, Yin Zhui is missing."

She paused before adding, "Consort Wei is searching the palace like a woman possessed. No matter how much we try to persuade her, she refuses to return."