The Emperor Has An Illness Chapter 4: 31 to 35, a manhua/chinese comics/漫画 fanfic

Names mentioned in this chapter (which can also be found in the glossary):

-廖青青(Liào qīngqīng)- Liao Qing Qing, the female lead.

-曦修容(xī xiū róng)-Lady Xi of Refined Countenance, Liao Qing Qing's current designation

-景礼帝(jǐng lǐ dì)- Emperor Jing Li, the male lead.

–梁贵妃(liáng guìfēi)- Noble Consort Liang

–贤妃(xián fēi)- Worthy Consort, Noble Consort Liang's maternal cousin

–李婉仪(lǐ wǎn yí)- Lady Li of Graceful Deportment

–吴充仪(Wú chōng yí)- Lady Wu of Satisfying Deportment.

–太后(tàihòu)- Empress Dowager, Emperor Jing Li's birth mother

–常嬷嬷(cháng mómo)- Chang Momo, the Empress Dowager's senior palace maid

-梨声阁(lí shēng gé)-Lisheng Pavillion, the place where the female lead resides.

–寿禧宫(shòu xǐ gōng)- Shouxi Palace, the palace the Empress Dowager resides.

Current Ranking: Empress Dowager → Noble Consort Liang → Worthy Consort + Virtuous Consort → Lady Xi of Refined Countenance → Lady Li of Graceful Ceremony + Lady Wu of Satisfying Deportment → Noble Lady Liao + Noble Lady Jiang

In such a manner, Emperor Jing Li laughed all the way to Zhengqian Palace.

Fu Sheng pondered.

He felt that this matter must be related to Lady Xi of Refined Countenance.

Only Lady Xi of Refined Countenance can influence His Majesty's emotions in this imperial harem.

That's good!

When His Majesty is happy, they, as servants, will be more relaxed.

Just for this, they should be more thankful to Lady Xi of Refined Countenance.

However, at this moment, Lady Xi of Refined Countenance, Liao Qing Qing, did not know that someone was thankful to her.

She was about to die from embarrassment.

If she had known that the Emperor would return, she would not have rolled on the bed, let alone squeal.

"Argh!" She screamed in annoyance from under the covers.

"Mistress."

He Xiang's voice sounded. With a startle, she pulled down the covers. Liao Qing Qing looked at He Xiang and then behind He Xiang, in case Emperor Jing Li returned again.

"Mistress, what's wrong?" He Xiang asked with concern.

"Nothing."

"This maidservant heard the noise Mistress is making. Are you feeling uncomfortable, Mistress?"

"No, I'm not feeling uncomfortable."

"Then does Mistress wish to continue sleeping?"

'No." I'm sure I can't sleep anymore.

"Then this maidservant would serve the Mistress in getting out of bed."

"Mm." Liao Qing Qing answered.

Seeing that her mistress was not in high spirits, He Xiang thought of the vegetable test field in the yard while dressing Liao Qing Qing. She said, "Mistress, do you know that the vegetables we usually tend are blooming flowers?"

"Blooming?" Liao Qing Qing's attention was immediately diverted to it.

"Mm."

"When did it bloom?"

"Just today."

"Hurry, we can't let it continue to bloom."

He Xiang asked in confusion, "Why? The flowers are so beautiful and they are given as a tribute to His Majesty from the northwest because of its blooming flowers. His Majesty only sent it to Lisheng Pavilion."

"The flowers will absorb the nutrients and the vegetables will not grow."

"What should we do then?"

"Remove the flowers."

Remove the flowers?

They are such beautiful flowers.

What a pity!

But He Xiang always obeyed Liao Qing Qing's words. Thus, she quickly dressed Liao Qing Qing and followed her to the vegetable field. Liao Qing Qing didn't pity the flowers at all. She plucked the flowers that had just bloomed and ordered He Xiang to pluck the flowers and the buds.

He Xiang did as she was told.

Liao Qing Qing was in the experimental stage, so she didn't let the other Momos[1] and palace maids in the courtyard touch it. She and He Xiang carefully worked for a shichen (two hours) and then sat in the courtyard to drink tea, eat snacks and read the "Great Wei Dynasty Regions."

This time, she paid more attention.

When she saw something she was interested in, she totally forgot about the tea and snacks.

Unknowingly, the sky turned dark.

"Mistress, we need to light a lamp. Let's go inside and read." He Xiang came over to remind her.

Liao Qing Qing closed the book.

As soon as she raised her eyes, she saw a flash of shimmering colour walking in.

It was Emperor Jing Li.

He Xiang also saw Emperor Jing Li and hurriedly paid her respects, "Greetings, Your Majesty."

Liao Qing Qing also paid her respects.

Emperor Jing Li took Liao Qing Qing's hand. "Beloved concubine, be at ease."

Liao Qing Qing got up. When she recalled the embarrassment this morning, her face was warm again. She was embarrassed to look up, so she lowered her head and said, "Your Majesty came over early today."

"Yeah. Is Qing Qing happy?" Emperor Jing Li asked.

"Of course, this imperial concubine[2] is happy."

"Then why doesn't Qing Qing lift your face to look at me?"[3]

"…." Liao Qing Qing felt utterly embarrassed.

"I'm still thinking about Qing Qing's actions at noon—"

Liao Qing Qing immediately raised her head to look at Emperor Jing Li.

Emperor Jing Li's eyes were filled with joy.

Liao Qing Qing could tell that she had made a fool of herself. The first one to laugh until they lost their breath would be Emperor Jing Li, and then it would be Noble Consort Liang.

She turned around and walked towards the bedroom.

Emperor Jing Li walked in after her.

She placed the book titled "Great Wei Region" on the table.

Emperor Jing Li said, "Qing Qing was very adorable."

Liao Qing Qing was slightly stunned and turned to look at Emperor Jing Li.

Emperor Jing Li gazed at Liao Qing Qing seriously and said, "I said that Qing Qing was very adorable at noon."

"?" Liao Qing Qing asked in surprise, "Not embarrassing?"

"No, it is very cute."

"Really?"

"Really."

"Then why are you laughing at this imperial concubine?"

"I am happy."

"Happy about what?"

"I'm happy that Qing Qing is happy because of my kiss."

"…. "

Emperor Jing Li held Liao Qing Qing's hand again.

Liao Qing Qing didn't know how many times she had held hands with Emperor Jing Li.

But this time, there was a feeling of limpness and numbness in her body and mind.

She tried to restrain herself so that it didn't show.

But the following words made her heart happy.

What's going on?

When night arrived, she lay on the bed with her eyes closed.

Suddenly, Emperor Jing Li turned around and pulled her into his arms.

She inhaled the faint scent on Emperor Jing Li's body.

She recalled that when she was first transported into this place, she wanted to follow the known path of the original owner's life and live it out leisurely.

Who knew that Emperor Jing Li suddenly barged in and disrupted everything.

She was like a duck driven onto a perch,[4] step by step till today.

On this day, she suddenly felt that the beauty of living in the unknown was beyond words.

She didn't seem to be repulsed with her life at the moment.

The best and only thing one could do in life was — to live for today.

She moved her body slightly and leaned into Emperor Jing Li.

Very quickly, she fell asleep. The next day, she noticed a soft and warm sensation on her cheek. She did not mind it and quickly fell back to sleep.

When she woke up again, she paid respects to Noble Consort Liang.

Noble Consort Liang and the others were still genial on the surface.

Like they were sisters with a good relationship.

Liao Qing Qing still felt that something was amiss.

In just one night, what happened to these people?

Liao Qing Qing quietly observed and found that Worthy Consort, Lady Ye of Bright Deportment, Lady Wu of Satisfying Deportment occasionally spoke with thorns to her and curried favour on Noble Consort Liang a few times.

What is this?

Is this the beginning of them huddling together?

She pretended not to know and waited to see what would happen.

She didn't respond no matter what the concubines said about her. Hence, Noble Consort Liang, Lady Ye of Bright Deportment, Lady Wu of Satisfying Deportment and the others were hitting their fists on cotton.[5] They only became angry for nothing and secretly rolled their eyes at Liao Qing Qing.

Liao Qing Qing was not stupid.

Even though her harem intrigue skills were not as good as Emperor Jing Li, she had a strong sense of danger.

She keenly felt that Noble Consort Liang and the others were not as placid as before. It was probably because they wanted to understand her abilities. So they did not mind the period of her being "immensely favoured" and whatnot anymore.

The sooner it is resolved, the better.

Ay!

It finally came to this point.

Before Liao Qing Qing could think of a way to deal with it, Chang Momo came to summon her to go to Shouxi Palace again. She was allowed to bring her palace maids this time.

When she arrived at Shouxi Palace, she saw the same poker face of the Empress Dowager.

After speaking a few words, the Empress Dowager went about her business.

Liao Qing Qing was the type of person with discernment. Of course, she also assisted the Empress Dowager in her work.

When it was noon, the Empress Dowager ordered her to go back to Lisheng Pavilion.

She also went back to Lisheng Pavilion.

On the second day, Chang Momo came to call her again.

The same thing happened on the third day.

The same happened again on the fourth day.

…. A woman's thoughts are impossible to fathom! She did not know what the Empress Dowager had in mind. Emperor Jing Li said that the Empress Dowager liked her. She still did not believe it. Altogether, she only spoke a few words with the Empress Dowager. The occasional few words from the Empress Dowager were dignified and detached, mostly picking on her.

She listened attentively.

The Empress Dowager had never lost her temper nor punished her.

On the contrary, because she went to Shouxi Palace day after day, she had lesser contact with Noble Consort Liang and the others. Her days went by smoothly.

Noble Consort Liang and the others hated it so much that their teeth itched. But they could not do anything.

In a blink of an eye, it was going to be the day where Emperor Jing Li personally ploughed the fields.

"In two days it will be the second day of the second month, the Emperor will personally plough the fields. Lady Xi of Refined Countenance will also be following the imperial carriage?" The Empress Dowager asked coldly.

"Replying to the Empress Dowager, this imperial concubine will be going." Liao Qing Qing answered as she watered the flowers.

The Empress Dowager remained silent and continued to play Go with Chang Momo.

Liao Qing Qing also did not take the initiative to inquire with the Empress Dowager.

At this time, Fu Sheng's voice sounded outside the hall, "His Majesty has arrived—"

The Empress Dowager slightly tilted her head to look sideways.

Emperor Jing Li walked up to the Empress Dowager with big strides and bowed.

The Empress Dowager bopped her head.

Liao Qing Qing and Chang Momo bowed to Emperor Jing Li.

Emperor Jing Li approached Liao Qing Qing and said, "Queen Mother, it's already noon. This son and Lady Xi of Refined Countenance will return."

"Go ahead."

"Your Highness, Empress Dowager, this imperial concubine will take my leave." Liao Qing Qing said.

The Empress Dowager nodded.

[1] 嬷嬷(mómo)- In ancient times, Momo is a title, which refers to palace maids that are of a certain age and position. It usually refers to elderly palace maids of seniority.

[2] 嫔妾(pín qiè)- This imperial concubine. It is a self-appellation that can only be used by Lady of Talents (才人), Noble Lady (贵人), etc to the Emperor and Empress Dowager.

[3] 朕(zhèn)- I (imperial) or we (imperial use).

[4] 赶鸭子上架(gǎnyāzishàngjià)- to drive a duck onto a perch. It means to push somebody to do something way beyond their ability.

[5] 拳头打在棉花上(quántou dǎ zài miánhua shàng)- Hitting one's fist on cotton. It means that one's fist hits the other person's belly, which is as soft as cotton. It is described that the opponent's ability is very good. One can't hurt the other person at all regardless of how much force one uses.

Names mentioned in this chapter (which can also be found in the glossary):

-廖青青(Liào qīngqīng)- Liao Qing Qing, the female lead.

-曦修容(xī xiū róng)-Lady Xi of Refined Countenance, Liao Qing Qing's current designation

-景礼帝(jǐng lǐ dì)- Emperor Jing Li, the male lead.

–梁贵妃(liáng guìfēi)- Noble Consort Liang

–贤妃(xián fēi)- Worthy Consort, Noble Consort Liang's maternal cousin

–李婉仪(lǐ wǎn yí)- Lady Li of Graceful Deportment

–吴充仪(Wú chōng yí)- Lady Wu of Satisfying Deportment.

–太后(tàihòu)- Empress Dowager, Emperor Jing Li's birth mother

–常嬷嬷(cháng mómo)- Chang Momo, the Empress Dowager's senior palace maid

-梨声阁(lí shēng gé)-Lisheng Pavillion, the place where the female lead resides.

–寿禧宫(shòu xǐ gōng)- Shouxi Palace, the palace the Empress Dowager resides.

Emperor Jing Li and Liao Qing Qing left Shouxi Palace with their hands intertwined. He asked, "You were watering the flowers?"

"Mm." Liao Qing Qing nodded her head.

"Isn't there a palace maid in Shouxi Palace? Why do you need to water them?" Emperor Jing Li appeared displeased.

"They don't know how to water them."

"You do?"

"Of course." Liao Qing Qing seriously explained to Emperor Jing Li, "Each flower is watered differently. It's not good to water too much or too little. This imperial concubine has recently been at Empress Dowager's palace and read a lot of flower gardening books."

Emperor Jing Li asked, "Won't you feel tired?"

"Sometimes, I feel a little tired."

"Then do you blame the Empress Dowager?"

"Why would I blame the Empress Dowager?"

"She makes you go to Shouxi Palace every day."

"What's wrong with going to Shouxi Palace? The Empress Dowager is an elder, and she didn't give me a hard time. She's much better to get along with than Noble Consort Liang." Liao Qing Qing genuinely liked the Empress Dowager more than Noble Consort Liang and others.

"Noble Consort Liang made things difficult for you?"

"Not yet, but it feels like she's about to make things difficult for this imperial concubine."

Emperor Jing Li looked at Liao Qing Qing in disbelief.

Is she accusing Noble Consort Liang of wrongdoing based on her gut feeling?

Forget it!

Forget it! Forget it!

This is also the privilege he gave her.

He held Liao Qing Qing's hand and said, "Then be careful."

Liao Qing Qing nodded.

"Oh, right. The first two days of the second month of the Lunar calendar are the days where we personally plough the fields. Are you prepared?"

"I'm prepared."

"Mm. Then you go with the Empress Dowager, Noble Consort Liang and the others."

"What about you, Your Majesty?"

"I will go with the various ministers."

"Alright."

In the blink of an eye, it was the second day of the second month of the Chinese calendar.

Early in the morning, Emperor Jing Li and several imperial subjects prepared to leave the palace to personally plough the fields. Liao Qing Qing, Noble Consort Liang, Worthy Consort, Lady Ye of Bright Deportment and Lady Wu of Satisfying Deportment went together to meet the Empress Dowager. Virtuous Consort brought the other imperial concubines to stay in the imperial harem.

After meeting the Empress Dowager, the Empress Dowager turned her head to look at Chang Momo.

Chang Momo then gave the five of them, Liao Qing Qing and the others, a set of clothes made of coarse cloth.

When Liao Qing Qing wore it and came out, she saw that Empress Dowager was also wearing blue clothes made of coarse cloth and had her head wrapped. For some reason, it made her more approachable.

She gave a smile to the Empress Dowager.

The Empress Dowager ignored her.

Liao Qing Qing, "…."

Her eyes turned to look at the other four people who were also wearing clothes of coarse material. It is different when one is pretty. They will look good wearing anything.

"Let's go." The Empress Dowager said.

Then, they each took two carriages, following Emperor Jing Li's carriage.

They left the imperial palace in great fanfare.

In the last carriage, the faces of Noble Consort Liang, Worthy Consort, Lady Ye of Bright Deportment and Lady Wu of Satisfying Deportment were not pleasant.

Lady Ye of Bright Deportment handed tea to Noble Consort Liang.

Lady Wu of Satisfying Deportment said with dissatisfaction, "Why should Lady Xi of Refined Countenance sit in the same carriage with the Empress Dowager? It should be Your Highness Noble Consort that accompanies her instead."

Worthy Consort continued this conversation, "Because the Empress Dowager likes her."

"Isn't that because she charmed His Majesty?!" Lady Wu of Satisfying Deportment disliked Liao Qing Qing for a long time. She used to be like many imperial concubines and thought Liao Qing Qing would lose favour soon, so she didn't mind it. However, she didn't expect Liao Qing Qing to climb higher and higher now, and she was an irksome presence.

"Can't you also learn from her and charm His Majesty?" Lady Ye of Bright Deportment said.

Lady Wu of Satisfying Deportment said disdainfully, "This imperial concubine isn't going to learn from her!"

Worthy Consort continued, "Yeah. People of her family background don't know manners. So they naturally can say anything. We can't do that."

Worthy Consort referred to Liao Qing Qing's "confession" to Emperor Jing Li that day.

"Exactly," Lady Wu of Satisfying Deportment responded in agreement.

Lady Ye of Bright Deportment remained silent, but she was extremely jealous in her heart.

Noble Consort Liang was thinking of ways to embarrass Liao Qing Qing.

Worthy Consort also wanted to drag Liao Qing Qing down.

Lady Wu of Satisfying Deportment had her own plans.

In a carriage, four concubines with four different thoughts, but the target was one person—Liao Qing Qing.

Liao Qing Qing was oblivious of this.

She sat in the Empress Dowager's carriage, so she naturally had to do something.

Without Chang Momo doing anything, she gave the Empress Dowager some tea from time to time and gave the Empress Dowager a piece of pastry.

It could be said that she was being very filial.

The Empress Dowager, however, did not have the slightest reaction.

Chang Momo was also expressionless.

Liao Qing Qing had already gotten used to it. She felt thirsty, so she drank some tea.

She secretly peeped outside, and then she was happy inwardly.

She's out of the imperial palace again!

Not long after the carriage stopped, she and Chang Momo helped the Empress Dowager get down the carriage.

As soon as she turned around, she saw the blue sky with white clouds and the vast land. There was a fresh fragrant emitting from it. Relaxing and elegant.

So beautiful!

She didn't dare admire it too much and looked after the Empress Dowager with Chang Momo.

She saw Emperor Jing Li and the imperial subjects walking towards a field when she looked ahead.

Emperor Jing Li also wore clothes made of coarse cloth. However, he was still extraordinarily handsome even when he wore this. She thought that Emperor Jing Li knew nothing about farming. After all, many emperors ploughed the fields as a formality in the past and present.

Who knew that Emperor Jing Li held the plough and could steadily plough from the beginning to the end.

In the end, he did not need the help of his imperial subjects. He held the plough with one hand and drove the cattle with the other.

Very stable!

And thus gained continuous rainbow farts[1] from the imperial subjects!

Emperor Jing Li was also very proud of himself. He turned his head to look at Liao Qing Qing.

Liao Qing Qing secretly gave a thumbs up to Emperor Jing Li.

Emperor Jing Li revealed a slightly conceited expression.

"Ahem!" The Empress Dowager coughed heavily.

Liao Qing Qing hurriedly retracted her hand and restrained her expression.

"Let's go and get busy too," the Empress Dowager said.

Liao Qing Qing obediently responded, "Yes."

Emperor Jing Li led several imperial subjects to continue ploughing the fields.

The Empress Dowager took Liao Qing Qing and the others to a field in another direction to learn from a representative local farmer.

It was actually merely going through the motions, indicating that the Great Wei Dynasty attached importance to agriculture.

With both the Son of Heaven and the Empress Dowager ploughing the fields, it was bound to be a year of abundant harvest!

Who knew that the Empress Dowager was very serious and took the hoe very seriously to weed the soil.

Liao Qing Qing also learned with them.

Noble Consort Liang and the other three were not so willing. She wore the clothes of coarse material reluctantly, came here and stepped on a foot of mud. And now, she had to take a hoe to weed the soil.

This is something that only farmers do!

They thought that the Emperor personally ploughing the fields was just to show his presence.

They didn't expect him to do it for real.

They were instantly filled with regret.

But the Empress Dowager is here; how can they dare be lazy?

One by one, they picked up the hoes; and like a seedling on a frost day, they started to sway from side to side. They were unable to break up compacted soil.

When they turned to look at Liao Qing Qing, Liao Qing Qing was working very hard and looked like she wanted to impress the Empress Dowager.

All of them immediately gathered their spirits. They couldn't lose to Liao Qing Qing. But since they can't win against Liao Qing Qing, what should they do?

At this time, Lady Wu of Satisfying Deportment and Lady Ye of Bright Deportment came up with a devious idea. As long as they make Liao Qing Qing embarrassed, won't it show her incompetence?

Maybe it would also make them appear gracious and sensible.

The two looked at each other silently with this thought in mind.

Noble Consort Liang and Worthy Consort also discovered something unusual about Lady Wu of Satisfying Deportment and Lady Ye of Bright Deportment.

But they did not stop them.

She wished that the two people, Wu and Ye, could do something that would attack Liao Qing Qing.

This would also save them the trouble.

They could just wait for Lady Wu of Satisfying Deportment and Lady Ye of Bright Deportment.

Lady Wu of Satisfying Deportment and Lady Ye of Bright Deportment were planning something when they caught a glimpse of a small green snake coiled in the field.

The small green snake seemed to be asleep.

They almost screamed in fear, but they forcefully held it back.

Then, they looked at one another and then at Liao Qing Qing.

They made up their minds.

Lady Ye of Bright Deportment was a little bit timid and did not dare to move.

Lady Wu of Satisfying Deportment reached for the small green snake with her hoe by suppressing her inner fear. While pretending to dig the soil, she flung it directly at Liao Qing Qing.

The small green snake landed on Liao Qing Qing's feet with a pa sound.

Lady Wu of Satisfying Deportment and the others were waiting for Liao Qing Qing to scream and lose propriety.

Who knew that Liao Qing Qing looked down, and her face didn't show a trace of fear. Instead, she asked curiously, "Eh? Small green snake, why are you lying on my feet?"

Lady Wu of Satisfying Deportment, "?" Is she not scared?

Lady Ye of Bright Deportment, "?" What's going on?

Noble Consort Liang and Worthy Consort, "?"

Liao Qing Qing didn't move her foot. She whispered, "Small green snake, what are you doing here? Spring is approaching. Quickly go and play. Otherwise, the hoeing will hurt you. Quickly leave. Quickly leave."

It was as if the small green snake understood her. It did not hurt Liao Qing Qing at all. It turned around and slithered towards the two people, Wu and Ye.

The two people, Wu and Ye, froze.

They were already petrified when the small green snake was asleep just now, not to mention the small green snake slithering towards them.

When they saw the small green snake approaching them, their fear peaked, and they could no longer stifle their urge to scream.

"Ah! A snake—"

After saying that, they ran away in panic. After they knocked into Noble Consort Liang and Worthy Consort, they still could not control their own body. With a thud, they fell heavily to the ground.

They saw Emperor Jing Li and others approaching them when they looked up.

They tried to stand up, but they were rooted to the ground.

They turned their heads to look at the small green snake.

The small green snake was already in Liao Qing Qing's hand.

Liao Qing Qing casually grabbed the small green snake and gently said, "Lady Ye of Bright Deportment and Lady Wu of Satisfying Deportment, you don't have to be afraid and don't scream. It won't hurt anyone if it's not disturbed."

When Emperor Jing Li and several imperial subjects saw this scene, they stopped in their tracks.

The several imperial subjects, "!"

Emperor Jing Li, "?"

The Empress Dowager, "…."

The author has something to say: —

Lady Wu of Satisfying Deportment and Lady Ye of Bright Deportment: Liao Qing Qing, what exactly are you afraid of?

Liao Qing Qing: Probably scared of being poor.

Wu and Ye: ?

[1] 彩虹屁(cǎihóng pì)- Lavish praise/flattery/rainbow fart. It is Internet slang. It means that fans flatter their idols in a fancy way that the idol's whole body is a treasure and their good things. Literally means that even if idols fart, they could flatter it like rainbows.

No. of extra chapters owed: 6

Names mentioned in this chapter (which can also be found in the glossary):

-廖青青(Liào qīngqīng)- Liao Qing Qing, the female lead.

-曦修容(xī xiū róng)-Lady Xi of Refined Countenance, Liao Qing Qing's previous designation.

–曦昭容(xī zhāo róng)- Lady Xi of Bright Countenance, Liao Qing Qing's current designation.

-景礼帝(jǐng lǐ dì)- Emperor Jing Li, the male lead.

–梁贵妃(liáng guìfēi)- Noble Consort Liang

–贤妃(xián fēi)- Worthy Consort, Noble Consort Liang's maternal cousin

–吴充仪(Wú chōng yí)- Lady Wu of Satisfying Deportment.

–叶昭仪(yè zhāo yí)- Lady Ye of Bright Deportment.

–太后(tàihòu)- Empress Dowager, Emperor Jing Li's birth mother

–常嬷嬷(cháng mómo)- Chang Momo, the Empress Dowager's senior palace maid

-梨声阁(lí shēng gé)-Lisheng Pavillion, the place where the female lead resides.

–寿禧宫(shòu xǐ gōng)- Shouxi Palace, the palace the Empress Dowager resides.

-正乾宫(zhēng qián gōng)- Zhengqian Palace, the place the male lead resides.

Current Ranking: Empress Dowager → Noble Consort Liang → Worthy Consort + Virtuous Consort → Lady Xi of Bright Countenance → Lady Xi of Refined Countenance → Lady Li of Graceful Ceremony + Lady Wu of Satisfying Deportment + Lady Ye of Bright Deportment → Ye Liangyi + Wu Liangyi → Noble Lady Liao + Noble Lady Jiang

This… This Lady Xi of Refined Countenance is too bold, right?

That's not a rope!

It's a snake!

A snake!

How can you grab it just like that?

Emperor Jing Li and Empress Dowager spoke in unison, "Lady Xi of Refined Countenance, be careful!"

Upon hearing that, Liao Qing Qing looked at Emperor Jing Li and then turned her head to the Empress Dowager.

The Empress Dowager timidly pointed at the small green snake and said, "Lady Xi of Refined Countenance, be careful that it might hurt you."

"Mm. Thank you, Empress Dowager, for the concern. I will pay attention." Liao Qing Qing said.

"What are you going to do now?" The Empress Dowager asked.

Liao Qing Qing steadily caught the small green snake and replied, "This imperial concubine[1] is going to release it."

"Yes, release it."

"I'll release it in the nearby creek."

"Go ahead."

Liao Qing Qing turned around and walked to the creek. She placed the small green snake on the ground.

The small green snake automatically slithered towards the waterside and quickly burrowed into the water.

It disappeared in the blink of an eye.

Only then did Liao Qing Qing walk up to the Empress Dowager and say, "Empress Dowager, the small green snake is gone."

The Empress Dowager put her hands together and recited, "Amitabha Buddha."

The imperial subjects, imperial guards, soldiers and peasants all let out a sigh of relief. One by one, they came forward to apologise, saying that they were not careful in their patrol and that the small green snake had alarmed the Empress Dowager and the imperial concubines.

They sought the Empress Dowager's forgiveness.

After they had spoken these words, a heavy silence suddenly fell over the crowd.

The Empress Dowager's face was taut, and she remained silent.

Emperor Jing Li frowned slightly.

Liao Qing Qing didn't understand why the atmosphere suddenly turned heavy.

She looked at the Empress Dowager and Emperor Jing Li in confusion and suddenly understood a little.

Empress Dowager and Emperor Jing Li were worried.

The Royal Ploughing Ceremony was a ritual that began a long time ago.

The Royal Ploughing Ceremony was an ancient ritual, signified by the importance the imperial court attached to farming.

Altogether, it was an ancient ritual for the Son of Heaven to pray to Heaven for good weather and rain.

Since it was an ancient ritual, everything should be auspicious.

The small green snake was a demonic and evil existence in the face of the auspicious ceremony.

It suddenly appeared to attract the eyes of the crowd.

It was unexpected.

It was also a symbol of inauspiciousness.

All the officials were bent on begging for forgiveness without investigating further into its meaning. .

If Emperor Jing Li and Empress Dowager acknowledged that the small green snake caused a disturbance, they would be personally admitting to the inauspiciousness!

This was one way to shake the prestige of Emperor Jing Li as the Son of Heaven.

When Liao Qing Qing realised this point, Liao Qing Qing couldn't help speaking out, "Your Majesty and Empress Dowager, this imperial concubine have heard of a folk saying, 'the green snake causes a disturbance, the loach jumps, and the rain is approaching'. Currently, it is the period where rain is lacking. Your Majesty said that it would be good if it rained yesterday. No one expected the small green snake to appear today. This must be because Your Majesty's sincerity in farming had moved the Heavens. The small green snake came to foreshow it. So this isn't a sin or not a sin. It is clearly a good omen."

When the Empress Dowager heard this, her eyes gleamed.

Emperor Jing Li looked towards Liao Qing Qing.

Liao Qing Qing secretly glanced at the farmer.

The farmer seemed to have thought of something and said, "Yes, yes, yes. The old ancestors have a saying of 'The green snake causes a disturbance, the loach jumps, and the rain is approaching.'. It also had a saying, 'When the dragonfly flies low, bring a straw hat when you go out' It is going to rain soon."

When the Minister of Revenue heard it, he immediately realised that he had just kneeled wrongly and said the wrong things. He immediately broke out in a sweat and was weak at the knees.

He immediately rowed back on his previous utterance and spoke with vigour, "Lady Xi of Refined Countenance is right. It's this subject that is foolish and has failed to understand the meaning of the purpose of the appearance of the small green snake. This is clearly an auspicious omen. His Majesty has personally ploughed the fields. An auspicious sign had descended from Heaven. The common people will be blessed. May my Emperor live and reign for ten thousand years, ten thousand years, ten thousand of ten thousand years!"

When he said the last sentence, the Minister of Revenue was already shouting.

Liao Qing Qing immediately knelt.

The others followed suit and shouted together, "His Majesty had personally ploughed the land. An auspicious sign had descended from Heaven. The common people will be blessed. May my Emperor live and reign for ten thousand years, ten thousand years, ten thousand of ten thousand years!"

Emperor Jing Li and Empress Dowager were slightly stunned.

Emperor Jing Li slightly turned his head and gave a meaningful glance at Empress Dowager.

The Empress Dowager gave a slight nod to Emperor Jing Li.

Emperor Jing Li glanced at Liao Qing Qing again. Then, he said seriously, "Just like Lady Xi of Refined Countenance had said, everything will come true. I am the son of heaven. The land under heaven is my realm. All things belong to me. I do not ask for a life of ten thousand years, but I hope the land under heaven will have good weather for crops, and all things will be in harmony and the people will live peacefully and work happily!"

Emperor Jing Li was a very imposing and very talented performer.

A few simple words immediately moved the crowd.

Initially, it was a simple, uneventful Royal Ploughing Ceremony.

After Emperor Jing Li said so, there was a great sense of meaning where he sacrificed himself fervently to a cause.

Everyone shed tears of gratitude for having such a good emperor.

Once again, they shouted, 'Your Majesty is wise. May Your Majesty live and reign for ten thousand years, ten thousand years, ten thousand of ten thousand years!'

The incident of the small green snake was unexpected; it was a surprising and mysterious accident.

The Royal Ploughing Ceremony drew to a close here.

Emperor Jing Li led all the people to kneel and worship heaven and earth reverently. Then, he got on to the carriage.

When they were about to reach the palace, it suddenly rained heavily.

It directly pushed the Royal Ploughing Ceremony to the climax. The Minister of Revenue and others were pleasantly surprised. At the same time, they were secretly grateful to Liao Qing Qing in their hearts. Otherwise, they wouldn't know how to bring their kneeling without contemplation to a close.

Hence, all of them remembered Liao Qing Qing in their hearts.

At this moment, Liao Qing Qing was sitting on the carriage and wasn't aware of the Minister of Household Affairs' thoughts. But she heard the soldiers next to her marvelling at Emperor Jing Li's might as a son of heaven.

She was so happy that she wanted to laugh and realised that the Empress Dowager was looking at her when she looked up.

She hurriedly put on a straight face.

"Laugh if you want to," Empress Dowager said.

Liao Qing Qing pursed her lips and replied, "Yes."

But she still didn't dare to laugh. She sat as dignified as Noble Consort Liang.

Noble Consort Liang sat in a carriage behind theirs. Neither she nor Worthy Consort had expected the development of the small green snake to end up with Liao Qing Qing in the limelight.

They were unresigned.

None of them spoke in the carriage and ignored the miserable Lady Ye of Bright Deportment and Lady Wu of Satisfying Deportment. After they arrived at the imperial palace, they saw off the Empress Dowager back to Shouxi Palace together with Liao Qing Qing.

Before leaving Shouxi Palace, Emperor Jing Li's edict arrived.

Lady Ye of Bright Deportment and Lady Wu of Satisfying Deportment were demoted to Liangyi. Meanwhile, Liao Qing Qing was promoted to Lady Xi of Bright Countenance and rewarded with a thousand gold tael because of her composure and wisdom.

Lady Xi of Bright Countenance?!

If she is promoted to another rank, she would be Consort Xi!

The rate of her promotion is too fast, right?!

Noble Consort Liang, Worthy Consort and the others were stunned.

In just one year, Liao Qing Qing's rank was rising unceasingly.

If this continues, won't she be an Em… Empress?

They winced inwardly.

At the same time, they looked at Liao Qing Qing.

Liao Qing Qing was puzzled. What did she do?

She was not very outstanding.

She only relied entirely on her peers to make her good qualities more noticeable?

Erm… Lady Ye of Bright Deportment and Lady Wu of Satisfying Deportment probably made her good qualities more noticeable.

The Empress Dowager said, "Lady Xi of Bright Countenance, receive the decree."

Liao Qing Qing quickly returned to her senses and respectfully accepted the decree.

The Empress Dowager glanced at Chang Momo.

Chang Momo fetched a piece of jaded Ruyi sceptre[2] from the hall and handed it to the Empress Dowager.

The Empress Dowager said, "Lady Xi of Bright Countenance, you have done very well today. This grieving one[3]gives you this. May you be safe and sound and gain what you wished for."

Liao Qing Qing's eyes widened slightly. The Empress Dowager actually bestowed her something?

The Empress Dowager said, "Take it."

"Thank you, Empress Dowager." Liao Qing Qing took the jade ruyi sceptre with both hands.

"Alright. After a busy day, everyone is tired. Dismissed."

The Empress Dowager walked out of the hall with the help of Chang Momo.

Liao Qing Qing turned her head to look at Noble Consort Liang and the others. Noble Consort Liang turned around and left in anger. Worthy Consort followed suit. Lady Ye of Bright Deportment… Oh, no. Ye Liangyi and Wu Liangyi left with red eyes.

[1] 嫔妾(pín qiè)- This imperial concubine. It is a self-appellation that can only be used by Lady of Talents (才人), Noble Lady (贵人), etc to the Emperor and Empress Dowager.

[2] 如意(rúyì)- Ruyi, which means 'as desired; as [you] wish', is a Chinese curved decorative object that serves as either a ceremonial sceptre in Chinese Buddhism or a talism symbolising power and good fortune in Chinese folklore. Credits: Wikipedia

[3] 哀家(āijiā)- This grieving one/ I (self-referring by a widowed empress etc, used in historical novels and operas)

Names mentioned in this chapter (which can also be found in the glossary):

-廖青青(Liào qīngqīng)- Liao Qing Qing, the female lead.

-曦修容(xī xiū róng)-Lady Xi of Refined Countenance, Liao Qing Qing's previous designation.

–曦昭容(xī zhāo róng)- Lady Xi of Bright Countenance, Liao Qing Qing's current designation.

-景礼帝(jǐng lǐ dì)- Emperor Jing Li, the male lead.

–梁贵妃(liáng guìfēi)- Noble Consort Liang

–贤妃(xián fēi)- Worthy Consort, Noble Consort Liang's maternal cousin

–吴充仪(Wú chōng yí)- Lady Wu of Satisfying Deportment.

–叶昭仪(yè zhāo yí)- Lady Ye of Bright Deportment.

–太后(tàihòu)- Empress Dowager, Emperor Jing Li's birth mother

–常嬷嬷(cháng mómo)- Chang Momo, the Empress Dowager's senior palace maid

-梨声阁(lí shēng gé)-Lisheng Pavillion, the place where the female lead resides.

–寿禧宫(shòu xǐ gōng)- Shouxi Palace, the palace the Empress Dowager resides.

-正乾宫(zhēng qián gōng)- Zhengqian Palace, the place the male lead resides.

Liao Qing Qing returned to Lisheng Pavilion with the jaded ruyi sceptre.

He Xiang brought all the palace maids to congratulate Liao Qing Qing happily.

Liao Qing Qing said, "I see that all of you want to be rewarded!"

He Xiang laughed.

Liao Qing Qing said, "Okay. I have silver now anyway. He Xiang, go and reward some and give yourself some silver as well."

"Yes, Mistress."

He Xiang rewarded the Momos,[1] palace maids and eunuchs of Lisheng Pavilion.

Liao Qing Qing did not feel much about Lady Xi of Bright Countenance or whatnot. But when she saw the glimmering gold, she really liked it. She kept staring at it. Just then, Emperor Jing Li arrived.

"Greetings, Your Majesty." Liao Qing Qing saluted.

"You may rise." Emperor Jing Li's tone was not very good.

Liao Qing Qing slowly stood up and looked at Emperor Jing Li in confusion.

Emperor Jing Li sat down on the chair in the hall.

Liao Qing Qing went forward to pour water.

Emperor Jing Li took a sip.

Liao Qing Qing poured again.

"Don't pour it anymore. I'm not going to drink it." Emperor Jing Li said.

Liao Qing Qing raised her eyes and scrutinised Emperor Jing Li. She asked somewhat carefully, "Your Majesty, what's wrong? It doesn't look like you are in a good mood."

"Isn't that because of you?" Emperor Jing Li looked askance at Liao Qing Qing.

Liao Qing Qing did not understand and asked, "Your Majesty, what did this imperial concubine do wrong?"

"Who asked you to catch the snake with your bare hands?" Emperor Jing Li questioned.

Liao Qing Qing was dumbfounded and answered, "This imperial concubine willingly caught it by myself."

"What if it hurts you?"

Liao Qing Qing explained, "It won't. This imperial concubine knows how to subdue the snake. Moreover, it was a small snake that would not spontaneously hurt anyone. But Lady Wu of Satisfying Deportment and Lady Ye of Bright Deportment shouted and tried to throw dirt and the small green snake at me. If it was angered, this imperial concubine is scared that it will hurt the Empress Dowager."

When he saw Liao Qing Qing subduing the small green snake, he first felt his wife was very impressive. Then, he was a little afraid.

What if the small green snake had bitten her?

What if it was poisonous?

The more he thought about it, the more worried he was. The more anxious he was, the angrier he became. He was mad at Liao Qing Qing's impulsiveness. But he couldn't flare up at Liao Qing Qing, especially at this moment when she said, 'afraid that it will harm the Empress Dowager'.

He said, "The Empress Dowager asked you to do manual labour every day and you still protect her?"

"Naturally. She is Your Majesty's mother and also this imperial concubine's mother."

Emperor Jing Li's heart softened into a puddle of clear water with a simple sentence. He and the Empress Dowager had fallen out. However, they were still mother and son after all. After so many years, they had nothing to say face to face. But they did things privately for each other's good.

Upon hearing Liao Qing Qing speak in such a way, he felt a sense of relief of being understood. He reached his hand out to hold Liao Qing Qing's hand. Other emotions passed through him as he said softly, "Qing Qing, I[2] thank you."

"Thank this imperial concubine for what?" Liao Qing Qing asked.

"Thank you for clearing up the situation for me." Emperor Jing Li asked curiously, " 'The green snake causes a disturbance, the loach jumps, and the rain is approaching', is there really such a saying?"

"Maybe there is? Anyway, it is going to rain today. This imperial concubine knows it in advance." She had observed the sky and had consulted the Supervisor of the Venerant Heaven.

"So there is no such phrase as 'The green snake causes a disturbance, the loach jumps, and the rain is approaching'?"

"This imperial concubine isn't sure. Anyway, it is a common saying. Isn't that created by common people? This imperial concubine is a common people. If I say it for the country and the people, won't everyone be happy?" Liao Qing Qing said righteously.

Is there such sophistry?

As he deliberated over it, that seemed to be the case.

Emperor Jing Li listened in wonder. He quietly gazed at Liao Qing Qing. When the officials knelt and begged for their sins during the Royal Ploughing Ceremony, he felt at a loss for a moment.

Only when Liao Qing Qing came forward, neither supercilious nor obsequious, and said a few words gently and playfully, which turned the situation around. He never knew that the usually delicate and gentle Qing Qing could be filled with radiance at that moment, causing his heart to thump.

His heart was stirred up inside.

At this moment, his heart softened when he saw that she was her usual playful appearance. He wanted to hug Liao Qing Qing. Using a little force, he pulled Liao Qing Qing towards him. Who knew that Liao Qing Qing didn't stand firmly and immediately fell into his lap.

Liao Qing Qing, "…."

Emperor Jing Li, "…."

There seems to be something not quite right.

Emperor Jing Li's indescribable part is slowly getting bigger and harder…

Liao Qing Qing was shocked, hastily stood up and took two steps back.

Emperor Jing Li did not force Liao Qing Qing to sit down. Instead, he gave a soft cough.

Then he said awkwardly, "Uh, I came on the way to see you. Now, there are things that need to be attended to in Zhengqian Palace. I will leave first and come back later."

Liao Qing Qing quickly paid her respects, "Respectfully seeing off Your Majesty."

Emperor Jing Li left Lisheng Pavilion in big strides.

As soon as he arrived at Zhengqian Palace, he summoned Imperial Physician Fan to his palace and inquired about his health.

Imperial Physician Fan asked, "Your Majesty, do you mean to say that you had a reaction again?"

"I have a reaction once every three to five days!" Emperor Jing Li said unhappily.

Imperial Physician Fan asked, "Does Your Majesty's head still hurt?"

"It hasn't hurt for a long time."

"Mm. Your Majesty's condition has been improving rapidly." Imperial Physician Fan stroked his newly grown stubble. He pondered for a moment and asked softly, "Your Majesty, this subject boldly ask, did your… thing… ever come out?"

"What thing… ever came out?" Emperor Jing Li did not understand.

"That is…" Imperial Physician Fan lowered his voice and said it.

"…." Emperor Jing Li was speechless for a moment. He wanted to scold Imperial Physician Fan for being immodest. However, other matters are not involved with medicine. He did not scold Imperial Physician Fan and said upfront, "No."

Imperial Physician Fan said, "Then Your Majesty needs to wait a little longer. The poison back then was too damaging to Your Majesty's body. It can't be rushed. Otherwise, it would hurt others and hurt yourself."

Emperor Jing Li said in annoyance, "All right. You can leave."

"Yes."

Imperial Physician Fan left.

Emperor Jing Li pondered. He had been poisoned for so many years and had survived such poor health in the early stages. Presently, he was getting better and better and shouldn't be in a hurry, so he put away this thought.

He headed to the imperial study.

He went to Lisheng Pavilion again in the evening and ate with Liao Qing Qing.

After the meal, the Momo from the Imperial Clothes Department came over to send clothes to Liao Qing Qing.

They were all washed and folded spring clothes. Liao Qing Qing wore the inner garment that night. It was made of soft tulle material that clung to the body.

Liao Qing Qing wore it to sleep.

Emperor Jing Li habitually read a book before going to bed. When he put the book down, Liao Qing Qing was already asleep. He put down the bed curtain and slowly lay down.

He reached his hand out and gently rubbed Liao Qing Qing's smooth face.

When he withdrew his hand, his eyes inexplicably fell on Liao Qing Qing's chest.

What kind of inner garment is this?!

So revealing!

This is too much!

Emperor Jing Li instantly felt short of breath. The indescribable spot raised its head again. He thought of the words Imperial Physician Fan said 'It can't be rushed. It would hurt others and yourself.'. He could not hurt himself, let alone Liao Qing Qing. He forcefully suppressed it, pulled the quilt and covered Liao Qing Qing.

He distanced himself from Liao Qing Qing and fell asleep.

Not long after he fell asleep, he started to dream. His dreams were all about Liao Qing Qing. It was a Liao Qing Qing that had never been so seductive and tantalised him.

He hugged Liao Qing Qing and did those unmentionable things.

He had never felt so relaxed and refreshed as if he had stepped into heaven.

He was so excited that he suddenly shuddered and woke up all of a sudden. He sat up with a jolt and felt that something was amiss.

He lifted the covers and looked down.

There was too much movement that woke Liao Qing Qing up.

Liao Qing Qing rubbed her eyes and called out, "Your Majesty."

Emperor Jing Li's heart tightened. He stretched his arms forward and covered Liao Qing Qing's eyes. "Don't look!"

Liao Qing Qing, "?"

The author has something to say: —

Emperor Jing Li: Look at it next time!

Liao Qing Qing: ?

[1] 嬷嬷(mómo)- In ancient times, Momo is a title, which refers to palace maids that are of a certain age and position. It usually refers to elderly palace maids of seniority.

[2] 朕(zhèn)- I (imperial) or we (imperial use).

Translator's Note: Sorry for the very late update. Happy Lunar New Year! Wishing everyone good health and prosperity.

No. of extra chapters owed: 6

Names mentioned in this chapter (which can also be found in the glossary):

-廖青青(Liào qīngqīng)- Liao Qing Qing, the female lead.

–曦昭容(xī zhāo róng)- Lady Xi of Bright Countenance, Liao Qing Qing's current designation.

-景礼帝(jǐng lǐ dì)- Emperor Jing Li, the male lead.

–梁贵妃(liáng guìfēi)- Noble Consort Liang

–贤妃(xián fēi)- Worthy Consort, Noble Consort Liang's maternal cousin

–太后(tàihòu)- Empress Dowager, Emperor Jing Li's birth mother

–常嬷嬷(cháng mómo)- Chang Momo, the Empress Dowager's senior palace maid

-梨声阁(lí shēng gé)-Lisheng Pavillion, the place where the female lead resides.

–寿禧宫(shòu xǐ gōng)- Shouxi Palace, the palace the Empress Dowager resides.

–农物司司长(nóng wù sī sīzhǎng)– Bureau Chief of the Department of Agricultural Products, one of the officials working with Liao Qing Qing

Current Ranking: Empress Dowager → Noble Consort Liang → Worthy Consort + Virtuous Consort → Lady Xi of Bright Countenance → Lady Li of Graceful Ceremony → Ye Liangyi + Wu Liangyi → Noble Lady Liao + Noble Lady Jiang

Emperor Jing Li said, "You can go back to sleep."

Liao Qing Qing asked in confusion, "But Your Majesty, what's wrong with you?"

"Nothing is wrong with me."[1]

"Then why are you sitting while covering this imperial concubine's[2] eyes?"

Emperor Jing Li found an excuse and said, "I… I just wanted you to go back to sleep."

"?"

"Sleep." Emperor Jing Li removed his hand.

Liao Qing Qing blinked her eyes and looked sleepily at Emperor Jing Li.

She did not notice anything unusual with Emperor Jing Li. She asked in a whisper, "Your Majesty, did you have a nightmare?"

"… I had a dream." But it was not a nightmare.

"It's okay. Dreams are the opposite." Liao Qing Qing dazedly patted Emperor Jing Li's hand and comforted, "There is no need to be afraid."

"…. You can continue sleeping. I have to attend the morning court."

Liao Qing Qing wanted to get up. "This imperial concubine will help you get dressed."

Emperor Jing Li vehemently refused, "No need!"

Liao Qing Qing paused and asked, "Really?"

"No need. Go sleep."

"Then this imperial concubine will go back to sleep."

"Mm."

Liao Qing Qing lay back on the bed and slowly closed her eyes.

She really went back to sleep.

She just… just… slept?

Emperor Jing Li was momentarily surprised. Then, he shook his head helplessly. The corners of his mouth unconsciously raised to form a happy smile.

When his eyes fell on the blanket, his face immediately stiffened and then he lifted it.

He didn't know whether to be happy or embarrassed when he looked at the damp pants.

He summoned Fu Sheng at once, bathed and dressed to attend the imperial court.

As soon as the imperial court was adjourned, he immediately summoned Imperial Physician Fan.

Imperial Physician Fan asked softly, "Did Your Majesty have a reaction again this morning?"

Emperor Jing Li's face was tense, and he said, "Not only did I have a reaction, but it also came out."

Imperial Physician Fan did not understand for a moment. He raised his eyes and asked, "What came out?"

Emperor Jing Li's eyes shot daggers at him.

Imperial Physician Fan instantly understood. He said, "Replying to Your Majesty, it's a good thing that it came out!"

Emperor Jing Li did not respond.

Imperial Physician Fan continued, "But once won't do."

"Once won't do?"

Imperial Physician Fan said sincerely and with vigour, "Yes. During the year where Your Majesty was poisoned, Your Majesty's life was almost endangered. But fortunately through the blessings of Heaven, Your Majesty overcame that hurdle. In these years, this humble subject[3] thought days and nights about how to remove the remaining poison in Your Majesty's body. Although Your Majesty is young and Your Majesty's body is healthy and rapidly recovering, we should observe it for a longer time to be safe. It is to ensure that nothing goes wrong!"

Upon hearing this, Emperor Jing Li nodded his head and said, "Beloved subject is right."

"Please be patient, Your Majesty."

"?" Why does this sound as if he was in a hurry? Emperor Jing Li did not mind it, but he still rolled his eyes at Imperial Physician Fan and said, "You can leave."

"Yes."

Imperial Physician Fan left again.

Emperor Jing Li got up and sat down at the table. He was about to go through the memorials when the charming appearance of Liao Qing Qing in his dream suddenly appeared in his head.

And that feeling of becoming a celestial…

He had never experienced such a feeling. It was wonderful beyond words.

About the same time, he felt warmth under his belly.

He hurriedly collected his thoughts, composed himself, and focused on his memorials so that he would not think about the dream again. In such a manner, he was busy until noon.

Fu Sheng walked forward and asked, "Your Majesty, where should the lunch be served?"

Emperor Jing Li said, "At Lisheng Pavilion."

He knew that the Emperor wanted to go to Lisheng Pavilion. Fu Sheng had inquired about Liao Qing Qing's whereabouts, so he said, "Replying to Your Majesty, Mistress Xi is not in Lisheng Pavilion at the moment."

"Where is she?"

"She went to Shouxi Palace first thing in the morning."

"To do what?"

"I heard that after the rain yesterday, the flowers in the Empress Dowager's backyard have bloomed. She summoned Mistress Xi to see them and she will also be eating in Shouxi Palace." Fu Sheng replied with a smile.

"Oh. The Empress Dowager didn't make things difficult for Lady Xi of Bright Countenance?"

"This servant does not know." Fu Sheng knew when to keep mum about what things should be said.

"Then I will go to Shouxi Palace."

"Yes." Just when Fu Sheng was about to rush to the door to inform them, Emperor Jing Li stopped him and said, "No need for the imperial carriage. I will walk."

"Yes."

Emperor Jing Li sat and went through the memorials all morning. He felt that he should take a stroll, so he took Fu Sheng to walk.

Once he entered Shouxi Palace, he saw Liao Qing Qing accompanying the Empress Dowager to have their meal.

When Liao Qing Qing saw Emperor Jing had arrived, she smiled and greeted first, "Your Majesty!"

Her clear and sweet voice madeEmperor Jing Li's heart soften.

Liao Qing Qing went forward and saluted, "Greetings, Your Majesty."

Emperor Jing Li stepped forward and held Liao Qing Qing's hand. "You may be at ease."

Liao Qing Qing softly said, "Your Majesty, this imperial concubine is dining here with the Empress Dowager."

"I know." Emperor Jing Li responded in the same manner of whisper, "That's why I came over."

Liao Qing Qing nodded.

Emperor Jing Li looked at the Empress Dowager and said, "This son greets Queen Mother."

The Empress Dowager was as steady as a mountain and asked, "Has the Emperor eaten?"

Emperor Jing Li replied truthfully, "Not yet."

"Let's eat together."

"This son obeys the order."

Emperor Jing Li sat beside Liao Qing Qing and accompanied the Empress Dowager to have lunch together. He secretly observed the Empress Dowager's attitude to Liao Qing Qing. Although the Empress Dowager had a cold and stern temperament, she treated Liao Qing Qing quite well.

He thought. The Empress Dowager was probably used to seeing the complexity of people's hearts. She probably feels tenderness towards Liao Qing Qing, who is simple and forthright. This is also Liao Qing Qing's blessing.

This put Emperor Jing Li's mind at rest.

[1] 朕(zhèn)- I (imperial) or we (imperial use).

[2] 嫔妾(pín qiè)- This imperial concubine. It is a self-appellation that can only be used by Lady of Talents (才人), Noble Lady (贵人), etc to the Emperor and Empress Dowager.

[3] 微臣(wēichén)-This humble subject/this small official. It's a self-humbling term used by government officials and officials in feudal courts.

Names mentioned in this chapter (which can also be found in the glossary):

-廖青青(Liào qīngqīng)- Liao Qing Qing, the female lead.

–曦昭容(xī zhāo róng)- Lady Xi of Bright Countenance, Liao Qing Qing's current designation.

-景礼帝(jǐng lǐ dì)- Emperor Jing Li, the male lead.

–梁贵妃(liáng guìfēi)- Noble Consort Liang

–贤妃(xián fēi)- Worthy Consort, Noble Consort Liang's maternal cousin

–太后(tàihòu)- Empress Dowager, Emperor Jing Li's birth mother

–常嬷嬷(cháng mómo)- Chang Momo, the Empress Dowager's senior palace maid

-梨声阁(lí shēng gé)-Lisheng Pavillion, the place where the female lead resides.

–寿禧宫(shòu xǐ gōng)- Shouxi Palace, the palace the Empress Dowager resides.

–农物司司长(nóng wù sī sīzhǎng)– Bureau Chief of the Department of Agricultural Products, one of the officials working with Liao Qing Qing

–户部尚书(hùbùshàngshū)- Minister of Revenue, one of the officials working with Liao Qing Qing

–农物司(nóng wù sī)- Department of Agricultural Products

–户部(hùbù)- Ministry of Revenue

–谢绎(xiè yì)- Xie Yi, a given name of Xie manor's third son, also known as General Xie and Xie Zi Xing. He was the person Liao Qing Qing went on a blind date with.

After lunch, Empress Dowager needed to rest and didn't let Emperor Jing Li and Liao Qing Qing stay here. The two of them, Emperor Jing Li and Liao Qing Qing, departed from Shouxi Palace. On their way back, Emperor Jing Li noticed the corners of Liao Qing Qing's mouth kept rising. He asked curiously, "Qing Qing is very happy?"

Liao Qing Qing raised her head slightly, and her eyes shimmered. She nodded. "Mm."

"Why?"

"Guess, Your Majesty."

"…." A very childish statement. But Emperor Jing Li still guessed it anyway. He said, "Because of the promotion in rank?"

"No." Liao Qing Qing shook her head.

Emperor Jing Li said again, "Because I rewarded you with a thousand gold taels?"

Liao Qing Qing shook her head again. "No."

"Because of the change in the way the Empress Dowager thinks of you?"

"It's also not because of that."

"Then it's…."

Liao Qing Qing said smugly, "Because this imperial concubine's vegetable plant yielded results."

An astonished expression appeared on Emperor Jing Li's face.

"Your Majesty, this imperial concubine will take you to have a look."

"…." When Emperor Jing Li thought of the patch after patch of greens that Liao Qing Qing had planted, he was really not interested.

Liao Qing Qing raised her eyes and asked, "Your Majesty, don't you want to see it?"

"I do!" Emperor Jing Li said insincerely, "Let's go. Let's go and take a look."

Liao Qing Qing held Emperor Jing Li's hand. Once they entered Lisheng Pavilion, she hurriedly walked towards her experimental field.

From a distance, it appeared to be a pale green plant with flowers that had almost fallen off. It was unknown what kind of vegetables they were.

Liao Qing Qing pointed at the experimental field and said, "Your Majesty, look."

"Look at what?" Emperor Jing Li asked.

"The potato plant."

"Potato plant?" Emperor Jing Li had not heard of this plant.

Liao Qing Qing squatted down and raked the soil against the potato plant. In a short while, an egg-sized object appeared. She yanked one out, showed it to Emperor Jing Li and said, "Your Majesty, look. This is a potato."

"A potato?" Emperor Jing Li's eyes fell on the potatoes in Liao Qing Qing's hand.

"Yeah, it's edible!"

"Edible?" Emperor Jing Li didn't quite believe it.

"It's edible." Liao Qing Qing nodded.

Emperor Jing Li looked at the potato plant unconvincingly. Why does it look familiar? He suddenly remembered and said, "Isn't this the umbrella flower tribute from the northwest? It was meant to block the wind and avoid disasters."

"Yes." Liao Qing Qing nodded her head.

"How did it become like this?"

"This imperial concubine made some changes to it."

Potatoes weren't unfamiliar to the people in the twenty-first century; however, they were extremely foreign to people in this era. She didn't know if it was because of the climate and environment, but the current potatoes only had flowers, and the stolons couldn't develop and grow.

People in the Northwest have not discovered the edible value of potatoes.

They had only treated the potatoes as ornamental flowers.

They gave an auspicious meaning of "blocking wind and avoiding disasters" as a tribute to Emperor Jing Li.

Emperor Jing Li happened to send it to Lisheng Pavilion.

Luckily, Liao Qing Qing grew up in the countryside. When she was young, she went to the fields with her paternal grandparents to dig potatoes, pull radishes, pick cotton, etc. and knew a lot about some crops.

She recognised that the so-called umbrella flower was a potato flower at a glance.

However, she was afraid it was a different type of potato flower, so she remained silent. Since last year, she silently made notes, cultivated, transplanted, watered, fertilized, picked the flowers and buds and so on of the "umbrella flower". She was extremely careful and tried to save all the nutrients and send them to the stolon.

She didn't expect to see that potatoes were actually growing this morning.

She immediately called He Xiang to cook a few and tasted them.

The potatoes were exactly the same as those in the twenty-first century.

She was thrilled.

When Chang Momo came to summon her to Shouxi Palace, she suppressed this joy and only now did she let it out. She continued, "Your Majesty, this is very delicious."

Emperor Jing Li asked, "Have you eaten it?"

"Mm. Do you want to try it, Your Majesty?"

"Alright." Emperor Jing Li became interested in this potato.

There was no kitchenette in Lisheng Pavilion, so she had to go to the imperial kitchen to steam, cook and so on.

Liao Qing Qing instructed He Xiang to throw a few more potatoes into the charcoal stove.

Soon after, a faint aroma wafted from the charcoal stove.

A sweet aroma permeated the air when the potatoes were taken out, and the burnt potato skins were peeled off.

Emperor Jing Li looked at Liao Qing Qing in awe.

Liao Qing Qing poked the potatoes with a chopstick and passed them to Emperor Jing Li. She said, "Your Majesty, try it."

Emperor Jing Li took it and saw that Liao Qing Qing had already started to eat the potatoes in small bites.

He carefully took a bite. Instantly, a soft sensation and sweetness spread in his mouth.

This was a taste he had never eaten before.

But he did not dislike it. Instead, he liked it very much.

He looked at Liao Qing Qing in shock.

Liao Qing Qing asked expectantly, "Your Majesty, is it delicious?"

This potato gave him so many surprises. He replied, "It's delicious."

Liao Qing Qing said, "Not only is it delicious, but it also prevents one from being hungry."

"Prevents one from being hungry?"

These words immediately poked Emperor Jing Li's sensitive spot.

He was a good Emperor who cared about the people and had his heart set on making sure the common people were well fed and clothed, encouraging them to cultivate the land for farming, and even giving tax reductions to some areas.

Even so, it would be good if they encountered a good harvest year since the common people could eat to their fill and feel warm with their clothes; however, if the weather were unsuitable for farming, a year of hard work would still be wasted.

Death by starvation would happen from time to time.

Hence, he was very concerned about the words "prevent one from being hungry".

"Yeah. This imperial concubine ate two in the morning and was not hungry all morning."

Emperor Jing Li looked at the potatoes in his hand. He was no longer indifferent like he was previously. His gaze was filled with seriousness, and he asked, "How many potatoes can this umbrella flower plant produce?"

"This imperial concubine doesn't know. But—"

"But what?"

"But this imperial concubine feels that it can bear a lot. Your Majesty, come with this imperial concubine."

"Okay."

Emperor Jing Li followed Liao Qing Qing to her experimental field again. She scraped off a potato plant, pointed the roots of the potatoes to Emperor Jing Li and said, "Look, Your Majesty. These small potatoes can grow very big, bigger than what we ate."

"How do you know?"

"Because this imperial concubine ate the biggest today."

"Can all these small potatoes grow bigger?"

"Your Majesty, all of these small potatoes don't have to grow bigger. As long as it is half-grown, it would be quite a harvest isn't it?" Liao Qing Qing asked in response.

One must know that the yield of wheat and rice was only about two hundred jin (100 kg/220.46 pounds) per mu,[1]while the yield of potatoes could be between one thousand to four thousand jin (500 kg/1102.31 pounds – 2000 kg/4409.25 pounds).

That was why potatoes could save one country after another in her world. Creating one myth after another.

Emperor Jing Li also clearly saw the immense potential of potatoes.

He looked at Liao Qing Qing with shock in his eyes.

It took a while before he spoke, "Qing Qing, you have made a great achievement."

About this point, Liao Qing Qing already knew!

Emperor Jing Li then said, "Come with me to the Ministry of Revenue."

Liao Qing Qing didn't know about this point. She asked in confusion, "What are we going to do at the Ministry of Revenue?"

"To file a report to the Ministry of Revenue."

"File what report?"

"I have set up a Department of Agricultural Products in the Ministry of Revenue, specialising in the cultivation of crops and increasing yields. This potato of yours has great potential. Go and file it with the Bureau Chief of the Department of Agricultural Products, so that it can be easily assimilated between the common people for the benefit of the people."

"Hold on." Liao Qing Qing stopped Emperor Jing Li.

"What's wrong?"

"Your Majesty, this potato was discovered unintentionally by this imperial concubine and the name was also unintentionally given by this imperial concubine. I temporarily can't figure out its nature at all." For example, moulded potato sprouts contain poison. She couldn't disclose this for the time being and could only say, "For the time being, it should not be assimilated to the common people. It requires discussion and research again before that."

Emperor Jing Li laughed.

Liao Qing Qing asked, "Your Majesty, what are you laughing at?"

"My Department of Agricultural Products does not work for nothing. They understand that it concerns lives. They would repeatedly experiment before making decisions. They are more cautious than us." Emperor Jing Li said.

Only then did Liao Qing Qing nod reassuringly.

"Come with me."

Liao Qing Qing said with a smile, "Okay."

Emperor Jing Li held Liao Qing Qing's hand and went to the Ministry of Revenue.

Before they reached the Ministry of Revenue, their whereabouts spread in the imperial harem. In Linhua Palace, Noble Consort Liang asked in surprise, "His Majesty took Lady Xi of Bright Countenance to meet the Minister of Revenue and the Bureau Chief of the Department of Agricultural Products?"

Worthy Consort nodded.

"Why?"

Worthy Consort furrowed her brows.

Noble Consort Liang asked, "Worthy Consort, what did you think of? Don't hesitate to say it."

"Your Highness, Noble Consort, I wonder if you still remember the incident at the Half Mountain Temple during the Double Ninth Festival last year?" Worthy Consort asked.

Noble Consort Liang somewhat recalled it and said, "Bengong[2] remembers. At that time, Xie Yi went to the backyard of the Half Mountain Temple to patrol. Lady Xi of Bright Countenance jumped into the ravine in order to avoid suspicion."

"Mm. That jump also elevated Lady Xi of Bright Countenance from Imperial Concubine Xi to Lady Xi of Refined Countenance."

That's right!

Noble Consort Liang clenched her hands tightly.

The Half Mountain Temple at Wansui Mountain was supposed to be a good opportunity.

As long as Liao Qing Qing and Xie Yi were involved, Liao Qing Qing would be consigned to eternal damnation. How would it have the current Lady Xi of Bright Countenance?!

She became angry when she thought of that.

She was angry at the incompetence of the two people, Noble Lady Liao and Noble Lady Jiang!

Worthy Consort asked, "Then does Your Highness Noble Consort remember what His Majesty said to the officials when Lady Xi of Bright Countenance was promoted?"

"Said what?" Noble Consort Liang could not recall for a moment.

Worthy Consort said, "His Majesty said, 'I think this is the ordeal given to Imperial Concubine Xi by Wansui Mountain. I believe that Imperial Concubine Xi will successfully grow vegetables in the future and also benefit the common people. Therefore, for the sake of Imperial Concubine Xi's loyalty, Imperial Concubine Xi will be promoted to Lady Xi of Refined Countenance.' "

Noble Consort Liang was stunned upon hearing that.

"In terms of being successful in planting vegetables and benefiting the common people, having loyalty…." Worthy Consort deliberately picked out these keywords and said, "The Department of Agricultural Products is in charge of planting vegetables. His Majesty took Lady Xi of Bright Countenance to the Department of Agricultural Products …."

When Noble Consort Liang heard that, she quivered.

She stared straight at Worthy Consort.

Worthy Consort remained silent.

Noble Consort Liang said, "Could it be that His Majesty is paving the way for Liao Qing Qing's future?"

The author has something to say: —

Emperor Jing Li: I am paving the way so that Qing Qing can walk to my side more smoothly.

Liao Qing Qing: No need!

Emperor Jing Li: ?

Liao Qing Qing: As a salted fish,[3] I can go over there by turning over!

Emperor Jing Li: ….

[1] 亩(mǔ)- Classifier for fields. Unit of area equal to one fifteenth of a hectare. 1 mu= 0.0667 hectare/666.67 sqm

[2] 本宮 (Běngōng) – I, the one who owns this palace. Such as the queen will call herself 'the palace', and the princess with the official title can also call herself 'the palace'.

[3] 咸鱼(xiányú)- Salted fish. There are several meanings. Firstly, it is a Cantonese metaphor for "dead". Secondly, it is a Cantonese metaphor for "people who don't want to move." Thirdly, it is an internet slang for "people without dreams." Fourthly, it is an online game term for "a player who does not or rarely spends energy and time participating in activities to improve oneself". Lastly, it is a self-deprecating phrase on the internet "I'm a salted fish".

Names mentioned in this chapter (which can also be found in the glossary):

-廖青青(Liào qīngqīng)- Liao Qing Qing, the female lead.

–曦昭容(xī zhāo róng)- Lady Xi of Bright Countenance, Liao Qing Qing's current designation.

-景礼帝(jǐng lǐ dì)- Emperor Jing Li, the male lead.

–梁贵妃(liáng guìfēi)- Noble Consort Liang

–贤妃(xián fēi)- Worthy Consort, Noble Consort Liang's maternal cousin

–太后(tàihòu)- Empress Dowager, Emperor Jing Li's birth mother

–常嬷嬷(cháng mómo)- Chang Momo, the Empress Dowager's senior palace maid

-梨声阁(lí shēng gé)-Lisheng Pavillion, the place where the female lead resides.

–农物司司长(nóng wù sī sīzhǎng)– Bureau Chief of the Department of Agriculture Products, one of the officials working with Liao Qing Qing

–户部尚书(hùbùshàngshū)- Minister of Revenue, one of the officials working with Liao Qing Qing

Worthy Consort nodded her head and spoke with certainty, "Yes."

Noble Consort Liang's eyes froze, and her body stiffened.

Worthy Consort quickly called out, "Your Highness Noble Consort."

Noble Consort Liang waved her hand and sat down on the yoke chair.

Worthy Consort asked with anxiety in her eyes, "Your Highness Noble Consort, what should we do?"

Noble Consort Liang took a moment to return to her senses. Her eyes fell on Worthy Consort's face.

Worthy Consort said, "She became Lady Xi of Bright Countenance from Liangyi in less than a year. She is still favoured by His Majesty. If she were to give birth to a boy or girl, wouldn't that secure her position?"

"Impossible," Noble Consort Liang cut Worthy Consort off.

Worthy Consort fell silent.

Noble Consort Liang said, "Who does Liao Qing Qing think she is?"

Worthy Consort responded, "But we can't stop Lady Xi of Bright Countenance."

"Who said that?"

Worthy Consort said, "Lady Xi of Bright Countenance appears to be dim-witted. But in fact, she abides by the rules and regulations and never steps out of propriety. Her manner of speech may seem outrageous. However, not a drop of water leaked.[1] She gets along well with the imperial concubines of the harem and even the servants of Lisheng Pavilion are also extremely disciplined. She's more than meets the eyes."

Noble Consort Liang cast a glance at Worthy Consort and asked, "Are you afraid of her?"

"This concubine doesn't mean that."

"There is no perfect person in this world."

Upon hearing that, Worthy Consort's eyes flickered slightly. She asked, "Your Highness, Noble Consort, has a way?"

Noble Consort Liang gave a faint smile, then she demurely picked up the teacup and took a sip.

She thought about Liao Qing Qing's matter in her heart.

Meanwhile, Liao Qing Qing did not think about Noble Consort Liang.

She followed Emperor Jing Li to the Department of Agricultural Products located within the Ministry of Revenue. As soon as she entered the courtyard, she saw a path made from green flagstone with all kinds of plants on both sides. There were many men and women in uniform hoeing, picking flowers, building shelves, etc.

No one expected Emperor Jing Li to come.

Each and everyone was surprised and hastily got on their knees to pay their respect.

"You can attend to what you need to do." Emperor Jing Li was still holding Liao Qing Qing's hand. He said to the Bureau Chief of the Department of Agricultural Products, "Come with me."[2]

"Yes."

"Oh, right. Also, summon the Minister of Revenue on the way."

"Yes."

Emperor Jing Li and Liao Qing Qing entered the hall of the Department of Agricultural Products hand in hand.

After a while, the Minister of Revenue arrived drenched in sweat.

As soon as he entered the hall, he quickly bowed to Liao Qing Qing and Emperor Jing Li.

"You may rise." Emperor Jing Li raised his hand and said, "Have a seat, minister."

"Yes." The Minister of Revenue sat down in the lower seat.

Only then did Emperor Jing Li ask the Minister of Revenue and the Bureau Chief of the Department of Agricultural Products about their recent affairs. The Minister of Revenue and the Bureau Chief answered respectfully.

They didn't dare withhold information.

Emperor Jing Li asked a question to change the subject, "What kinds of achievements does the Department of Agricultural Products have of late?"

Achievements?

Naturally, it was regarding agricultural discovery or increase in production.

But matters such as this were really not easy to produce results.

The Minister of Revenue and Bureau Chief of Agriculture looked at each other.

The Bureau Chief of Agriculture replied honestly, "Answering Your Majesty, there are no achievements."

"Oh. I do have some achievements here."

When Emperor Jing Li said that, the Minister of Revenue and the Bureau Chief of the Department of Agricultural Products were both stunned and then looked at Emperor Jing Li in surprise at the same time.

Emperor Jing Li glanced at Fu Sheng.

Fu Sheng immediately presented the potato plant in his hand.

Emperor Jing Li said, "Put it on the table."

Fu Sheng placed it down.

Emperor Jing Li said, "Come and take a look."

The two people, the Minister of Revenue and the Agriculture Bureau Chief approached the table with their hunched bodies. They looked at the unfamiliar plant with an oval ball attached to the root. It was something they had never seen before. They couldn't help but ask, "Your Majesty, what's this?"

"Potato." Emperor Jing Li said.

"Potato?" The two of them asked in unison.

"Yes. It's edible potatoes." A proud expression appeared on Emperor Jing Li's face.

Not only did Emperor Jing Li attach importance to population and farming, but so did they. When they saw this edible crop called "potato" appear, they asked urgently, "It's edible?"

"Yes." Emperor Jing Li said.

The Minister of Revenue and the Agriculture Bureau Chief were about to pick up a potato and eat them.

"Hold on," Emperor Jing Li said.

The two of them looked at Emperor Jing Li.

Emperor Jing Li looked towards Liao Qing Qing.

Liao Qing Qing said, "He Xiang, bring the roasted potatoes to the two lords for consumption."

"Yes." He Xiang carried the basket and headed their way. She offered two blackened potatoes and said, "Please peel off the skin of the potato before you eat them."

Slightly doubtful, the two of them picked up the burnt potatoes, glanced at Emperor Jing Li and Liao Qing Qing, and then their eyes fell on the burnt potatoes.

On the inside, they were a bit disdainful of it, but they still complied with the instructions to peel off the potato skin.

Once they removed a layer of potato skin, they saw the orange and yellow potato core, accompanied by a sweet aroma that startled both of them.

They looked at one another and hesitatingly took a bite.

Instantly, the soft and glutinous fragrance invaded their mouths.

Unlike Emperor Jing Li, the two of them spend years shuttling between various well-known and unknown plants and flowers. They specialised in selecting species that could be eaten to feed the hungry. They understood the taste of species that could be for consumption the most.

This potato is definitely an excellent product!

They immediately and eagerly took two more bites.

They didn't even have the time to peel the potato skin and ate with a mouth filled with dirt and sourness. It didn't bother them.

But they couldn't bear to finish it, so they kept the remaining half in their hands. Their bodies shook slightly. Then, with a "thump", they knelt in front of Emperor Jing Li. Suppressing their excitement in their heart, they tried to calm down and said, "Your Majesty, this is indeed safe to consume."

Emperor Jing Li said, "Yes, Lady Xi of Bright Countenance and I have already eaten it."

"I wonder how this thing should be planted?" Without waiting for Emperor Jing Li to speak, the Minister of Revenue asked directly.

Emperor Jing Li looked at Liao Qing Qing with a smile.

Liao Qing Qing was a little smug. She didn't expect that her transplanted potatoes could win the eyes of these high-ranking officials.

She smiled at Emperor Jing Li.

Emperor Jing Li said with a faint smile, "I didn't do this. It was planted by Lady Xi of Bright Countenance."

Lady Xi of Bright Countenance?

The two of them turned their heads in unison towards Lady Xi of Bright Countenance.

They had only seen Lady Xi of Bright Countenance once, but they had a deep impression of her.

During the Royal Ploughing Ceremony, the other imperial concubines were just going through the motions. Only Lady Xi of Bright Countenance and Empress Dowager cared for the land with sincerity. Later on, a small green snake appeared in the field, scaring the other concubines out of their wits.

Lady Xi of Bright Countenance calmly caught the snake calmly with confidence.

The small green snake was released in front of the eyes of the people.

Due to the disturbance of the snake, they knelt in front of Empress Dowager and Emperor Jing Li to admit their mistake. However, they carelessly broke the taboo of destroying their cultivated fields. If not for Lady Xi of Bright Countenance's wise words, not only would their gauze hats[3] not be saved, but Emperor Jing Li's reputation would also have been damaged.

At that time, they were so scared that they were drenched in sweat.

Every time they thought of this, they felt lingering fears. Their admiration and gratitude to Lady Xi of Bright Countenance were beyond words.

They didn't expect that Lady Xi of Bright Countenance planted this potato.

How much power does Lady Xi of Bright Countenance have?

The two of them were astonished.

Emperor Jing Li continued, "This potato was originally a tribute, the umbrella flower, from the northwest. I gave it to Lady Xi of Bright Countenance. Lady Xi of Bright Countenance found it was different and transplanted to the vegetable field. After nearly half a year of careful cultivation and care, they grew to become the edible potatoes you see now."

So that's how it is!

Their admiration for Liao Qing Qing increased to another level. They turned their bodies towards Liao Qing Qing, knelt on the ground and touched their heads to the floor with their hands before their knees.[4] "This subject respectfully requests Lady Xi of Bright Countenance to teach the method of growing potatoes. This subject is willing to die for it."

[1] 滴水不漏(dīshuǐbùlòu)- The literal meaning is 'not one drop of water can leak out'. It describes a person who speaks or acts in a very detailed, meticulous and faultless manner.

[2] 朕(zhèn)- I (imperial) or we (imperial use).

[3] 纱帽(shāmào)- gauze hat/ job as an official

[4] 跪拜礼(guìbài lǐ)- It mainly refers to when one kneels on the ground, their left hand over their right hand place before their knees, forehead slowly lowering till it touches the back of their hands and pausing briefly there. Credit: Baidu & Google

Names mentioned in this chapter (which can also be found in the glossary):

-廖青青(Liào qīngqīng)- Liao Qing Qing, the female lead.

–曦昭容(xī zhāo róng)- Lady Xi of Bright Countenance, Liao Qing Qing's current designation.

-景礼帝(jǐng lǐ dì)- Emperor Jing Li, the male lead.

–梁贵妃(liáng guìfēi)- Noble Consort Liang

–贤妃(xián fēi)- Worthy Consort, Noble Consort Liang's maternal cousin

–太后(tàihòu)- Empress Dowager, Emperor Jing Li's birth mother

–常嬷嬷(cháng mómo)- Chang Momo, the Empress Dowager's senior palace maid

-梨声阁(lí shēng gé)-Lisheng Pavillion, the place where the female lead resides.

–寿禧宫(shòu xǐ gōng)- Shouxi Palace, the palace the Empress Dowager resides.

So exaggerated?

Although Liao Qing Qing was Lady Xi of Bright Countenance, she resided in the imperial harem for a long time and had only received salutations like bowing with hands held in front.[1]

For the first time, two grown men kneeled in front of her so grandly.

They spoke with zest.

It's scary.

She was a little overwhelmed and subconsciously looked at Emperor Jing Li.

Emperor Jing Li slightly moved his body forward, approached her and said, "You are a favoured concubine. Don't be scared."

As if I am favoured!

She pursed the corners of her mouth, braced herself and said, "Two lordships, no need to make this grand salutation. Everything… has room for discussion. Everything has room for discussion."

Room for discussion? Room for discussion?

Emperor Jing Li pursed his lips to hold back his laughter.

Liao Qing Qing sensed that Emperor Jing Li was laughing at her and rolled her eyes at Emperor Jing Li.

She looked towards the two of them.

The Minister of Revenue asked with surprise, "Did Lady Xi of Bright Countenance agree to teach us?"

Liao Qing Qing said, "Your Majesty and I came here to tell you how to grow potatoes. Originally, it will benefit the people of our Great Wei when this kind of thing is done well."

The two were overjoyed and hurriedly kowtowed, "This subject admires Lady Xi of Bright Countenance's noble character and unquestionable integrity."

"… All of you may rise."

"Thank you, Lady Xi of Bright Countenance."

Watching the two rose to their feet, Liao Qing Qing let out a sigh of relief.

Who knew that the two of them had just stood up and said in unison, "Let's start."

"Start? What?" Liao Qing Qing asked.

"Planting potatoes."

"…." So eager. Liao Qing Qing felt a little troubled. When she noticed that Emperor Jing Li also had a "let's begin now" look, she could only ask, "Where should I start instructing?"

The Minister of Revenue said, "From the moment the seeds fall into the ground."

Liao Qing Qing said, "It's not planted with seeds."

"It's not grown from a seed?" The two of them marvelled. "Then what was it planted with?"

"The stolons." Liao Qing Qing pointed to the potato.

There were many root crops, such as sweet potatoes and lotus roots, so this wasn't surprising.

The two of them very quickly accepted it.

When Liao Qing Qing found the starting point, she knew how to describe it. She started by talking about choosing the stolons and cutting them, watering, breaking the soil and sprouting, picking flowers and buds until the potato plant withered and potatoes started growing.

She spoke neither too fast nor too slow. Everyone in the hall listened in a trance.

Including Emperor Jing Li.

Emperor Jing Li had always thought that the vegetable planting Liao Qing Qing mentioned was to grow small green vegetables and flowers or such, and then she would let He Xiang and others take care of it. However, he never thought that Liao Qing Qing really did it with her own two hands.

And did it so exceptionally well.

She spoke clearly and logically about what happened when the crops sprouted and how it was watered. Her eyes were gentle yet confident—an appearance he had never seen before.

It was as if her body was glowing.

He couldn't turn his eyes away. His heart was filled with Liao Qing Qing.

It couldn't accommodate anyone or anything else.

How many surprises does this Liao Qing Qing have for him?

He had never felt so happy before.

He didn't even know that his eyes were filled with infatuation.

After Liao Qing Qing methodically finished the growth of potatoes, the mouths of the Minister of Revenue and the Bureau Chief of the Department of Agricultural Products gaped in shock.

They really couldn't imagine Lady Xi of Bright Countenance having such a wide range of knowledge.

So amazing!

They almost kneeled again!

Liao Qing Qing made a point to say, "Regarding agricultural products, the potato was discovered by accident. We know it can be eaten when cooked and has benefits. However, we don't know if it has any harmful effects. This is something we have to experiment more."

The two of them quickly responded, "Naturally."

"In addition, we have to figure out its growth cycle, so that we can plant it at the most suitable time and harvest the most potatoes. This is so not to take up land resources, right?"

The two of them repeatedly agreed, "Yes, yes, yes."

Liao Qing Qing asked, "Then, for the rest of the matters, Bengong[2] will go back to Lisheng Pavilion to sort it out properly and send it to the Department of Agricultural Products. If you have any questions and progress on your side, send it to Lisheng Pavilion as well, how about that?"

"We will sincerely obey Lady Xi of Bright Countenance's instructions."

"Then that's it."

"Yes."

Liao Qing Qing turned around and faced Emperor Jing Li.

Emperor Jing Li had been sitting next to them, listening and watching. When he noticed Liao Qing Qing's gaze, he immediately gathered his composure and asked, "Is it over?"

Liao Qing Qing nodded and said, "It's over."

"Good, then let's go."

"Mm."

"Respectfully sending off Your Majesty and Lady Xi of Bright Countenance." The Minister of Revenue and Bureau Chief of the Department of Agricultural Products rushed to pay their respects.

They watched Emperor Jing Li and Liao Qing Qing walk away.

They still felt the admiration for Liao Qing echoing in their hearts.

Liao Qing Qing and Emperor Jing Li stayed at the Department of Agricultural Products for an afternoon and were a bit tired. They sat on the imperial carriage and returned to Lisheng Pavilion. At this time, dinner was prepared. After they had their dinner, Fu Sheng brought the memorials over.

Emperor Jing Li went through the memorials.

Liao Qing Qing was writing about the growth of potatoes on the table next to him. She genuinely wanted to do something for the Great Wei.

Only when Emperor Jing Li had finished going through the memorials did she put down her brush.

After they lay down on the bed, Emperor Jing Li asked Liao Qing Qing about potatoes.

He was willing to let Liao Qing Qing and the Department of Agricultural Products communicate.

However, the Department of Agricultural Products was a little far from Lisheng Pavilion. He did not want to tire Liao Qing Qing.

At the same time, no other men were allowed to enter Lisheng Pavilion.

Hence, Emperor Jing Li said, "I will give you a fast-legged eunuch. As usual, if you need to communicate with the Department of Agricultural Products, you can use him to relay the message. If you need to be there in person, then go again, how about it?"

Liao Qing Qing turned her eyes to look at Emperor Jing Li.

Emperor Jing Li asked, "What are you looking at me for?"

Liao Qing Qing placed her forehead towards Emperor Jing Li's shoulder and nuzzled like a small cat. She said softly, "Oh my. Your Majesty, you are really too good. So good. How come you are so good? You are the best and most handsome Emperor since time immemorial."

Emperor Jing Li felt happy from the nuzzling. He said with a smile, "You have improved in patting the horse's butt."[3]

"Nonsense. This imperial concubine[4] is patting the dragon's butt!"

Emperor Jing Li made a pft sound and burst out laughing.

Liao Qing Qing hugged Emperor Jing Li's arm and asked, "Your Majesty, is what this imperial concubine said wrong?"

"It's right. It's right. It's right."

"That's definitely right."

Emperor Jing Li smiled at Liao Qing Qing. Sometimes, this little woman is dumb, timid, strong, cunning, and gentle. She is not like the imperial harem women who flattered him and were submissive to him.

But why does he cherish her so much?

His eyes suddenly lost a bit of focus again. He sensed the changes in his body. He hurriedly collected his thoughts and didn't dare to think about it. Then, he pinched Liao Qing Qing's delicate, smooth face for a moment.

"Ah, Your Majesty, you pinched this imperial concubine's face again. It hurts." Liao Qing Qing cried out.

"It's for you to feel pain."

"Why are you so bad? This imperial concubine will pinch you too."

"Do it. Sss.. it really hurts."

"You let this imperial concubine pinch you."

"Fine, I'll let you pinch. Come and pinch me."

"This imperial concubine will obey what Your Majesty said."

"Are you still going to pinch?"

"Mm."

"Pinch again."

"Mm!"

"…."

The 'hissing' from Emperor Jing Li merged with the night and gradually fell quiet. Liao Qing Qing also quickly fell asleep. Emperor Jing Li looked at the small red marks on his waist. He suddenly smiled, turned and kissed Liao Qing Qing's forehead. Then, he followed suit.

The next morning, Chang Momo came to find Liao Qing Qing again after Liao Qing Qing paid respect to Noble Consort Liang. This time, Liao Qing Qing didn't stay in Shouxi Palace for a long time and directly went to plant vegetables with Empress Dowager.

She didn't expect the Empress Dowager to agree immediately.

Liao Qing Qing then began the vegetable planting mode. She put her heart into planting potatoes. Not only did she write about potato planting, but she also studied the soil, climate, and the Great Wei region history.

While the other imperial concubines were thinking about winning Emperor Jing Li's heart, Liao Qing Qing was either in the test field or the study. When Emperor Jing Li came to Lisheng Pavilion a few times, Liao Qing Qing actually ran to the Department of Agricultural Products and stayed there.

Emperor Jing Li, "…."

On this day, Emperor Jing Li finished going through the memorials and happily went to Lisheng Pavilion. He didn't let Fu Sheng inform of his arrival and directly entered the study. In the study, Liao Qing Qing was writing something.

He said, "Beloved Concubine is busy."

Liao Qing Qing looked up in surprise and said, "Your Majesty, you are here."

"Mm."

"This imperial concubine will let He Xiang pour water for you."

"Mm." Emperor Jing Li picked up a book to read.

Liao Qing Qing began to draw potatoes, sprouting potatoes, sprouting potato pieces. When she looked up, Emperor Jing Li disappeared. She put down her brush and returned to the hall and saw Emperor Jing Li sitting in the chaise lounge reading a book by a wise and holy man.

She walked forward and said, "Your—" Before she could utter the word "Majesty", Emperor Jing Li suddenly got up and walked towards the bedroom.

What's going on?

Liao Qing Qing turned her head to look at Emperor Jing Li.

Emperor Jing Li walked up to the folding screen[5] and suddenly said, "Are potatoes even better looking than me?"

How is this related?

The author has something to say: —

Emperor Jing Li: Are potatoes even better looking than me?

Liao Qing Qing: Mm.

Emperor Jing Li: Hm?

[1] 作揖(zuòyī)- bowing with their hands held in front. Credit: Google

[2] 本宮 (Běngōng) – I, the one who owns this palace. Such as the queen will call herself 'the palace', and the princess with the official title can also call herself 'the palace'.

[3] 拍马屁(pāimǎpì)- The literal translation is to pat a horse's butt. It means to flatter or bootlck someone.

[4] 嫔妾(pín qiè)- This imperial concubine. It is a self-appellation that can only be used by Lady of Talents (才人), Noble Lady (贵人), etc to the Emperor and Empress Dowager.

[5]

Translator's Note: Once again, sorry for the late update and thank you for your patience. Please note that I'll be updating on Friday/Saturday instead of Sunday from this week onwards. I will do my best to update the chapters on time. Or if I'm unable to update on time I will add a translator's note on the latest updated chapter even though, of course, I hope that will not happen. Sigh. See you again.

Names mentioned in this chapter (which can also be found in the glossary):

-廖青青(Liào qīngqīng)- Liao Qing Qing, the female lead.

–曦昭容(xī zhāo róng)- Lady Xi of Bright Countenance, Liao Qing Qing's current designation.

-景礼帝(jǐng lǐ dì)- Emperor Jing Li, the male lead.

–梁贵妃(liáng guìfēi)- Noble Consort Liang

–贤妃(xián fēi)- Worthy Consort, Noble Consort Liang's maternal cousin

–太后(tàihòu)- Empress Dowager, Emperor Jing Li's birth mother

-梨声阁(lí shēng gé)-Lisheng Pavillion, the place where the female lead resides.

-农物司司长(nóng wù sī sīzhǎng)– Bureau Chief of the Department of Agriculture Products, one of the officials working with Liao Qing Qing.

After Emperor Jing Li finished his sentence, he turned around and swiftly entered the bedroom.

Liao Qing Qing was dumbfounded.

She looked at He Xiang and asked, "Did you anger His Majesty?"

He Xiang quickly shook her head and said, "This maidservant[1] hasn't."

"Then what happened to His Majesty?"

"This maidservant doesn't know." He Xiang shook her head and then boldly said, "Could it be that the Mistress has provoked His Majesty?"

"? No way!"

He Xiang hurriedly lowered her head and remained silent.

Liao Qing Qing didn't intend to lose her temper. She didn't even say a few words to Emperor Jing Li today. How could she have provoked him? She said, "I'd better go take a look."

He Xiang nodded. "Mm."

Liao Qing Qing walked into the bedroom.

Emperor Jing Li was sitting on the soft couch reading a book.

"Your Majesty," Liao Qing Qing softly called out to him.

Emperor Jing Li answered without raising his head, "Mm."

"Do you want to drink tea? This imperial concubine[2] will pour tea for you."

"Mm." Emperor Jing Li's face was taut.

Liao Qing Qing poured tea for Emperor Jing LI. She held the teacup with both hands and handed it to Emperor Jing Li. Emperor Jing Li extended his hand forward and received it. Only then did Liao Qing Qing open her mouth and ask, "Your Majesty, what's wrong with you?"

Emperor Jing Li still did not look at Liao Qing Qing and asked in response, "What's wrong with me?"[3]

Liao Qing Qing asked cautiously, "Aren't you angry right now?"

"What am I angry about?"

"? You're not angry?"

"Angry about what?"

"You just said, 'Are potatoes better looking than me?'. Doesn't that mean that you are angry?"

Emperor Jing Li raised his eyes. His dark and deep eyes stared at Liao Qing Qing. With his eyebrows slightly raised, he asked, "Oh. So this is being angry?"

Liao Qing Qing began to doubt herself and asked, "It's not?"

"Is it?"

"…." Liao Qing Qing wasn't sure.

Emperor Jing Li smirked and asked, "Then tell me, Beloved Concubine, why am I angry?"

"It's…" Liao Qing Qing pondered for a moment. Emperor Jing Li was a person who was temperamental and unpredictable. She really couldn't guess Emperor Jing Li's train of thoughts. However, she knew that Emperor Jing Li, who had ascended the throne at the age of thirteen, was used to thinking of himself as the centre of the world. Hence, she boldly guessed and said, "Is it because this imperial concubine did not serve you well?"

Upon hearing that, Emperor Jing Li did not say anything and continued reading his book.

Did I guess correctly?

Did I guess it wrong?

Liao Qing Qing also did not know what exactly Emperor Jing Li meant.

When she saw that Emperor Jing Li remained silent, she sat opposite Emperor Jing Li and picked up the peanuts on the plate.

With a ka sound, she gently peeled open the peanuts and placed them on the jade plate in front of Emperor Jing Li without saying a word.

A small, slender hand appeared in Emperor Jing Li's peripheral vision.

From time to time, that petite hand would extend towards him.

In a short while, the small plate in front of him was full of peanuts.

He felt amused in his heart. With a straight face, he asked, "What are you doing now?"

Liao Qing Qing replied, "To give to Your Majesty to eat."

"I don't want to eat peanuts."

"This imperial concubine will peel walnuts for you."

"Walnuts are hard to peel."

"The thin-skinned ones are not difficult to peel."

Liao Qing Qing reached her hands forward and took a walnut.

Emperor Jing Li was angry at first. He was mad that all Liao Qing Qing could see were potatoes these days and did take the time to give him attention. He didn't want to care about Liao Qing Qing and could not restrain himself from saying, 'Are potatoes better looking than me?'.

After saying that, he felt appeased.

He calmed down and felt too childish.

But he just wanted to do it.

When he saw Liao Qing Qing walk in, his eyes glimmered. She asked him what was wrong with him with great concern. In that instant, he was no longer angry.

How could he bear to let her peel walnuts?

Emperor Jing Li said, "I… do not eat walnuts."

Liao Qing Qing looked at Emperor Jing Li in surprise.

Emperor Jing Li added, "It's time to eat dinner."

"Oh, right. Let's eat dinner." Liao Qing Qing said.

As soon as they were at the dining table, Liao Qing Qing kept placing food on Emperor Jing Li's bowl with her chopsticks.

Emperor Jing Li's body and heart were soothed. How could he still be angry?

During their stroll, Emperor Jing Li even took the initiative to ask Liao Qing Qing about the potato planting. Liao Qing Qing answered, "It's going very well."

"Oh? How smoothly?" Emperor Jing Li asked.

Liao Qing Qing responded, "This imperial concubine was thinking about the best time to plant potatoes. However, this imperial concubine didn't expect that the best time to grow potatoes was now."

"How so?" Emperor Jing LI began to be interested.

Liao Qing Qing explained, "Your Majesty, when this imperial concubine planted the umbrella flower, it took a lot of effort to sprout and bloom. But when this imperial concubine planted with the Bureau Chief of the Department of Agricultural Products, it only took a month before potatoes had already sprouted green seedlings at the Department of Agricultural Products."

"Really?" Emperor Jing Li asked in surprise.

"Mm." Liao Qing Qing nodded and said, "At the moment, it looks like the capital is very suitable for potatoes to grow. I'm just unsure of how the potato yields will be."

"When will the harvest be?" Emperor Jing Li asked.

Liao Qing Qing responded, "Around the Dragon Boat Festival."

"Good."

"Mm. This imperial concubine recently recorded the growth time of potatoes, the preferred soil and frequency of watering with the Bureau Chief of the Department of Agricultural Products. It is possible that it can be planted in two seasons. The Bureau Chief of the Department of Agricultural Products estimated that the yield per mu of potatoes is more than five times higher than wheat and rice, based on the potatoes planted by this imperial concubine. If it is planted for two seasons, the people may never have to go hungry again." Liao Qing Qing's eyes were swimming with anticipation for the future.

Emperor Jing Li quietly set his eyes on her.

Suddenly, he felt he should not have said, 'Are potatoes better looking than me?'.

It was he who had belittled Liao Qing Qing.

Feeling ashamed, he stretched his arms out and placed his arms around Liao Qing Qing's shoulders.

Liao Qing Qing looked at Emperor Jing Li in confusion.

Emperor Jing Li said, "Qing Qing, just boldly do it. I will support you."

Emperor Jing Li was good-looking, especially his eyes. They overflowed with tenderness, drowning people in a matter of minutes. At this moment, Liao Qing Qing's heart was just tingling and numb. Emperor Jing Li is too charming.

"What's wrong?" Seeing that Liao Qing Qing was in a daze, Emperor Jing Li extended his hand and pinched her nose. He asked, "What are you thinking about?"

"Your Majesty, you pinched this imperial concubine again." Liao Qing Qing covered her nose with her hand.

Emperor Jing Li wrapped his arm around Liao Qing Qing and went back to the bedroom, appearing to be in a good mood.

Liao Qing Qing boldly asked, "Then this imperial concubine will boldly do it. Your Majesty, don't be angry."

"Why would I be angry?"

"What if this imperial concubine can't serve you well?"

"…." Emperor Jing Li touched his nose and said, "With so many palace maids and eunuchs, how would it be unable to serve well?"

"Then Your Majesty won't be angry?"

"Naturally." Emperor Jing Li said with a smile.

"Your Majesty is so nice." Liao Qing Qing hugged Emperor Jing Li's arm.

The corners of Emperor Jing Li's mouth raised.

Liao Qing Qing once again focused on potatoes in her heart.

With Emperor Jing Li's support, in the next few days, other than to pay respects to Noble Consort Liang and occasionally visiting the Empress Dowager, she spent most of her time devoted to potatoes.

The Minister of Revenue and Bureau Chief of the Department of Agricultural Products had great expectations for the potatoes.

At this time, Liao Qing Qing thought again about sprouted potatoes containing poison.

In the past, she did not quite understand.

After that, she specially asked the doctor.

The doctor said that the potato itself contains a substance called lobeline.

Normal potatoes contain very little and will not harm the human body.

But—

Sprouted potatoes would produce a large amount of toxic substance, lobeline, to protect themselves and resist the attack of pests. Once a person accidentally consumed it, it would irritate the gastrointestinal mucosa, accompanied by hemolysis and paralysis of the respiratory system.

The minor symptoms would be nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain and so on.

The serious symptoms could lead to death.

She could not tell this theory to the Minister of Revenue and the Bureau Chief of the Department of Agricultural Products.

They might not believe it yet.

But she could speak with facts.

And that was, the rabbit was not feeling well.

The Minister of Revenue and the Bureau Chief of the Department of Agricultural Products instantly heightened their alerts.

They conducted experiments and research on potatoes with Liao Qing Qing after that incident.

Liao Qing Qing took the opportunity to put forward the theory that "potato sprouting is poisonous".

After repeated experiments, Liao Qing Qing's "speculation" was confirmed.

The Minister of Revenue and the Bureau Chief of the Department of Agricultural Products admired Liao Qing Qing even more.

When they saw Liao Qing Qing, they treated her with more respect than Emperor Jing Li.

The matter of Liao Qing Qing's potatoes spread in the imperial court and palace. However, Emperor Jing Li remained silent, and the Minister of Revenue didn't dare say anything.

Everyone was very curious about this "Lady Xi of Bright Countenance".

They also wanted to know what "potatoes" were.

[1] 奴婢[núbì]- I; your humble servant (term of self-address used by servants, maid-servants and eunuchs when addressing the emperor, minister, concubines, etc.)

[2] 嫔妾(pín qiè)- This imperial concubine. It is a self-appellation that can only be used by Lady of Talents (才人), Noble Lady (贵人), etc to the Emperor and Empress Dowager.

[3] 朕(zhèn)- I (imperial) or we (imperial use).

Names mentioned in this chapter (which can also be found in the glossary):

-廖青青(Liào qīngqīng)- Liao Qing Qing, the female lead.

–曦昭容(xī zhāo róng)- Lady Xi of Bright Countenance, Liao Qing Qing's current designation.

-景礼帝(jǐng lǐ dì)- Emperor Jing Li, the male lead.

–梁贵妃(liáng guìfēi)- Noble Consort Liang

–贤妃(xián fēi)- Worthy Consort, Noble Consort Liang's maternal cousin

–太后(tàihòu)- Empress Dowager, Emperor Jing Li's birth mother

–常嬷嬷(cháng mómo)- Chang Momo, the Empress Dowager's senior palace maid

-梨声阁(lí shēng gé)-Lisheng Pavillion, the place where the female lead resides.

–寿禧宫(shòu xǐ gōng)- Shouxi Palace, the palace the Empress Dowager resides.

–季氏(jì shì)- Ji Shi, the female lead's mother.

–二老爷(èr lǎoye)- Second Master Liao, the female lead's father.

–福生(fú shēng)- Fu Sheng, the emperor's chief eunuch.

After Empress Dowager heard about it, she specially went to have a look at the potato, finding it novel and original.

However, Noble Consort Liang and the others did not know what plaything potatoes were.

But they firmly believed that this was Emperor Jing Li's tactics and that he was bent on putting gold on Liao Qing Qing. He wanted to steadily send Liao Qing Qing to the throne of the Empress and hoped that everyone would be won over by Liao Qing Qing.

Potatoes?

Heh heh!

Excuses!

Noble Consort Liang and others were particularly discontented in their hearts.

Gradually, the dislike for Liao Qing Qing somewhat could not be concealed.

Liao Qing Qing also sensed it.

However, she had little contact with the imperial concubines in the harem.

When she first transmigrated, she was a small Liangyi. The imperial concubines looked down on her low birth and did not mingle with her.

After that, she started to rise in rank. The imperial concubines waited for her to fall out of favour and ignored her.

Finally, she was promoted to Lady of Refined Countenance and Lady of Bright Countenance. The imperial concubines found the situation wasn't quite right and wanted to get close to her. After Empress Dowager had returned, Empress Dowager called her from time to time to do hard work in the Shouxi Palace, causing the imperial concubines to be unable to interact with her.

Unknowingly, she avoided a lot of tension between them.

Presently, she had Emperor Jing Li's decree and was so focused on potatoes that she didn't pay much attention to the imperial concubines' thoughts. Hence, she was living a dandy life. Then, she received a letter from her mother, Ji Shi.

Without the pressure of Liao Manor's Eldest Master and Old Madam Liao, Ji Shi's letter was written sincerely and naturally.

Firstly, she said that she had returned the silver cheque in the last letter to Eldest Master Liao.

Then Ji Shi asked her about the situation in the palace whether she had experienced any unhappy situation. If she was unhappy, she could secretly conceal it and not let it be discovered so as not to cause trouble. All things should be done with care, and be tactful, etc.

It was all about a mother's care and longing for her daughter.

Liao Qing Qing's eyes welled up as she read it.

At the end of the letter, Ji Shi informed her that Second Master was promoted personally by His Majesty from the eighth grade to the sixth grade, and his salary had doubled.

The Second Master was so happy that he couldn't sleep at night.

Ji Shi was also thrilled.

But Ji Shi still hoped that Liao Qing Qing would live well, be careful and protect herself. Additionally, she should not request the Emperor for anything and they were living well now… These calm words flowed on the paper. It soothed Liao Qing Qing's heart as she read it.

She suddenly had a special affection for Ji Shi.

This time, she put the letter away. After much thought, she replied with another letter, revealing a daughter's affection and wishing good health to her parents and younger brother to study hard.

After handing the letter to He Xiang, Liao Qing Qing's heart was inexplicably warm and fuzzy.

This is probably affection, right?

She let out a sigh.

She felt that she hadn't visited Empress Dowager at Shouxi Palace for a long time, so she took He Xiang to accompany Empress Dowager for a chat about Tomb-Sweeping Day's[1] matters.

It was soon the Tomb-Sweeping Day.

On this day, Emperor Jing Li took all the ministers to the imperial tomb to pay respect to the ancestors.

Liao Qing Qing, Noble Consort Liang and the others went to offer incense at the Empress Dowager's Shouxi Palace. Then, they explored spring in the realm of the imperial palace.

For an unknown reason, probably because it was the Tomb-Sweeping Day, Noble Consort Liang seemed to be friendlier to her than before.

Friendly?

Liao Qing Qing felt something was amiss.

She would not believe that Noble Consort Liang would be friendly to her.

Maybe there was some kind of conspiracy behind it.

She was waiting to catch hold of her weakness.

She secretly said to He Xiang, "Watch your words and actions."

As soon as He Xiang heard this, she immediately raised her vigilance to one hundred twenty percent and surveyed the surroundings warily.

Liao Qing Qing did the same.

The master and servant carefully spent the Tomb-Sweeping Day.

Until every one was dismissed, nothing of difference was noted.

Back at Lisheng Pavilion, Liao Qing Qing let out a sigh and reclined on the soft couch. Not long after, it started raining outside. She slowly sat up and said, "It's raining. His Majesty hasn't returned yet."

He Xiang said, "Mistress, the rain will not drench His Majesty."

"That's true." Liao Qing Qing lay down again and watched the drizzling rain.

An unknown amount of time passed, footsteps sounded outside. She got up and looked. She saw Emperor Jing Li in bright shimmering colours striding towards this way. Without waiting for Fu Sheng, who was holding an umbrella behind him, she immediately went forward and received him.

"Your Majesty, why aren't you using an umbrella?" Liao Qing Qing asked.

Emperor Jing Li replied, "Fu Sheng is walking too slowly."

Fu Sheng, "…."

Liao Qing Qing took the handkerchief He Xiang passed to her and hurriedly wiped the rain on Emperor Jing Li's body. Emperor Jing Li held Liao Qing Qing's hand and asked, "Qing Qing, did you miss me?"

"?"

"Do you?"

Feeling inexplicably happy inwardly, Liao Qing Qing said, "Your Majesty, this imperial concubine played Five in a Row[2] with you yesterday."

"But I slept in the imperial study last night and went to the imperial tomb early this morning. You haven't seen me all day."

"Aren't I seeing you now?" Liao Qing Qing asked in response.

"Heartless little thing." Emperor Jing Li pinched Liao Qing Qing's nose. He turned to take a bath and said, "Go and sleep first."

"Yes."

Liao Qing Qing sat on the bed.

Not long after, Emperor Jing Li did the same. He asked what Liao Qing Qing did today.

Liao Qing Qing answered truthfully.

Emperor Jing Li asked, "Did you also write a letter to your mother?"

Liao Qing Qing nodded.

'What did you write?"

"I hope she pays attention to her health and urges this imperial concubine's younger brother to study well and contribute to the Great Wei Dynasty in the future."

After hearing that, Emperor Jing Li laughed and nodded. He said, "Beloved Concubine has done a good job."

Liao Qing Qing also thought that she had done well. Without Eldest Master Liao messing up in the middle, everything was very natural, and she went to sleep with peaceful thoughts.

The next morning, Liao Qing Qing was busy in the study room after a trip to the Department of Agricultural Products.

After writing a page, she suddenly heard a rush of footsteps in the study.

She raised her eyes and saw that it was He Xiang.

He Xiang walked in with a pale face.

"What's wrong?" Liao Qing Qing asked in puzzlement.

He Xiang said, "Mistress, this maidservant just went to pick flowers and heard… heard—"

"Heard what?" Liao Qing Qing asked.

He Xiang clenched her hands on the hem of her dress and said, "This maidservant heard that something happened at the Liao manor."

"Something happened to the Liao manor?" Liao Qing Qing's heart tightened and asked, "Which Liao manor?"

"It's… It's Second Master Liao."

[1] 清明节(Qīngmíngjié)- The Qingming festival or Ching Ming Festival, also known as Tomb-Sweeping Day, is a traditional Chinese festival observed by the Han Chinese. It falls on the first day of the fifth solar term of the traditional lunisolar calendar. During Qingming, Chinese families visit the tombs of their ancestors to clean the gravesites, pray to their ancestors and make ritual offerings. Credit: Wikipedia

[2] 五子棋(wǔzǐqí)- Gomuku, also called Five in a Row, is an abstract strategy board game. It is traditionally played with Go pieces (black and white stones) on a Go board. It is played using a 15×15 board while in the past a 19×19 board was standard. It's similar to tic-tac-toe. Credit: Wikipedia