Liao Qing Qing said, "Replying to Your Majesty, this imperial concubine[1] would like to ask some questions to the witnesses at the scene."
Emperor Jing Li asked, "How are you going to question them?"
"This imperial concubine would like to borrow Noble Consort Liang's side hall for a while."
"I[2] will allow that."
"And—"
"And what?"
"And I would like to ask Noble Consort Liang and Empress Dowager to be present."
Emperor Jing Li's eyes darted to the side towards Noble Consort Liang. He said, "Granted."
Liao Qing Qing bowed in accordance with the rules to Emperor Jing Li. Then, she bowed to Empress Dowager and Noble Consort Liang. She walked up to Empress Dowager and said, "Empress Dowager, this imperial concubine will support you to the side hall."
Empress Dowager nodded her head.
Liao Qing Qing and Empress Dowager entered the side hall.
AD
Noble Consort Liang followed behind them.
Worthy Consort and the others appeared puzzled. They didn't know what Liao Qing Qing was up to, but she was convinced that her scheme was so seamless that there was no way Liao Qing Qing could find anything wrong no matter what she would do.
After all, all the witnesses were her people, except for He Xiang.
Therefore, Worthy Consort remained in the hall.
Without Lady Xi of Bright Countenance, who was an eyesore, and Noble Consort Liang, she was the only person who had the most power in the hall. Her eyes couldn't help but drift towards Emperor Jing Li.
It had been a long time since she had seen Emperor Jing Li after Magistrate Liao was framed. He seemed even more handsome than before, the most dashing man she had ever seen. With one glance, her heart longed for him.
She knew that her family background was not comparable to Noble Consort Liang's.
She did not aspire to be an Empress.
She just wanted to be an Imperial Noble Consort and be by Emperor Jing Li's side.
At this moment, this was her chance since Noble Consort Liang and Lady Xi of Bright Countenance were not around. She subconsciously straightened her back, lifted her head ornaments, and tugged at her dress. Regret loomed over her. I would have dressed better if I had known I would be spending time with His Majesty. Forget it. The other parts of me look rather pretty.
She pursed her lips, looked up at Emperor Jing Li, and called out softly, "Your Majesty."
Emperor Jing Li was fiddling with the lid of his teacup and the slightly green floating leaves in it. When he heard this, he looked towards Worthy Consort.
AD
Worthy Consort could not open her mouth and seduce Emperor Jing Li. She had no choice but to find an entry point and said, "Elder Sister, Noble Consort, and Younger Sister, Lady of Bright Countenance, have been in the side hall for so long with Empress Dowager. They have not come out yet. I wonder what they are talking about."
"Of course, they are talking about how you falsely accused Lady Xi of Bright Countenance."
One sentence shattered that bit of yearning for Emperor Jing Li in Worthy Consort's heart. Worthy Consort immediately explained, "Your Majesty, this concubine[3] and the others personally witnessed it."
Emperor Jing Li slightly lowered his head to take a sip of tea with knitted brows.
This tea is really astringent.
It isn't as good as Qing Qing's tea.
Emperor Jing Li disdainfully put down the teacup, ignored Worthy Consort, and looked towards the side hall.
When she saw Emperor Jing Li's attitude, Worthy Consort secretly gritted her teeth and hated Liao Qing Qing. She believed she had an exceptional appearance, figure, and personality. However, she was not as good at seducing people as Liao Qing Qing; only Liao Qing Qing could do that. If Liao Qing Qing were not in the palace, Emperor Jing Li would definitely fancy her. But Liao Qing Qing just happened to be around.
But it doesn't matter. From today onwards, Liao Qing Qing will gradually fall out of favour.
Emperor Jing Li will definitely pay attention to her when the time comes.
With this thought in mind, she felt more at ease.
From the corner of her eyes, she caught a glimpse of Chang Momo coming out of the side hall and summoning Lady Li of Fragrant Ceremony into the side hall.
AD
In a short while, Lady Li of Fragrant Ceremony came out.
Noble Consort Liang's senior palace maid was also summoned to enter the side hall.
They entered one after another.
Every person took less than the time required for half an incense stick to burn. (2.5 minutes)[4]
Worthy Consort did not know what Liao Qing Qing was up to. She could vaguely see some guilt in the faces of Lady Li of Fragrant Ceremony and the others. She attempted to ask Lady Li of Fragrant Ceremony and the others about the situation several times, but she was prevented from doing so because of Emperor Jing Li's presence.
She could not help but feel a little anxious.
Liao Qing Qing couldn't have found evidence, could she?
Impossible!
In order to frame Liao Qing Qing, she had cleared the space. Other than Liao Qing Qing and He Xiang, everyone else is her and Noble Consort Liang's people. It is impossible to leave any evidence.
She collected herself.
But as the palace maids entered and exited from the side hall one by one.
Thoughts in her head started to swirl again.
AD
Why didn't Liao Qing Qing call her to enter the side hall?
What kind of questions did Liao Qing Qing ask?
She subconsciously looked at Emperor Jing Li.
Emperor Jing Li forbade anyone to whisper. It was as if they were successful candidates in the imperial provincial examination since they were under the supervision of Fu Sheng and the others. She felt a little uneasy. Just then, Empress Dowager came out with the support of Liao Qing Qing, followed by Noble Consort Liang.
Noble Consort Liang lowered her head slightly, and her face was pale.
Worthy Consort was even more puzzled.
When Emperor Jing Li saw Liao Qing Qing and Empress Dowager come out, he asked, "Have you finished questioning them?"
Liao Qing Qing said, "Replying to Your Majesty, I've finished questioning them."
Empress Dowager nodded and sat down next to Emperor Jing Li. She ordered someone to help Noble Consort Liang to take a seat.
Liao Qing Qing stood next to Empress Dowager and said to Emperor Jing Li, "Your Majesty, this imperial concubine has finished questioning the others. Now, I would like to hear what Elder Sister, Worthy Consort, has to say."
Emperor Jing Li nodded and said, "Go ahead."
"Yes." Liao Qing Qing calmly looked at Worthy Consort and said, "Your Highness, Worthy Consort, this imperial concubine wants to ask you a few questions."
"
"
Initially, Worthy Consort wanted to retort. After all, she was of a greater rank than Liao Qing Qing and had the qualifications, but the Emperor and Empress Dowager were present. So she did not dare to act rashly and replied, "Lady Xi of Bright Countenance, there is no need to be polite. Just ask any questions you have."
Liao Qing Qing questioned, "Just now, Your Highness, Worthy Consort, said that you've seen this imperial concubine pushing Noble Consort Liang. I wonder if Your Highness Worthy Consort saw it clearly?"
"Of course, I saw it clearly."
"Then how did this imperial concubine push her?"
"With your hands?"
"Did this imperial concubine push her? Or did this imperial concubine and He Xiang push her together?"
Worthy Consort was dumbfounded. She suddenly understood somewhat the intent of Liao Qing Qing's inquiry.
Liao Qing Qing called out, "Your Highness, Worthy Consort."
Worthy Consort returned to her senses.
Liao Qing Qing repeated her question, "May I ask Your Highness, Worthy Consort, did this imperial concubine push Noble Consort Liang by herself or did she do it together with He Xiang?"
Worthy Consort subconsciously looked at the others.
The others all hung their heads, not daring to lift them up.
AD
Worthy Consort gazed towards Noble Consort Liang.
Noble Consort Liang's face was taut.
"Worthy Consort!" Emperor Jing Li bellowed. "Did Lady Xi of Bright Countenance push Noble Consort Liang by herself, or did she do it together with He Xiang?"
Worthy Consort's heart trembled at the sight of Emperor Jing Li's sharp gaze. She said in a daze, "Yes, yes, yes. She pushed it together with He Xiang."
Emperor Jing Li looked towards Liao Qing Qing.
Liao Qing Qing continued to question, "May I ask Your Highness, Worthy Consort, how did this imperial concubine and He Xiang push Noble Consort Liang into the water? Did we push her back, her shoulder or somewhere else?"
Worthy Consort was stunned.
"Worthy Consort." Emperor Jing Li said in a deep voice, "Speak."
Worthy Consort felt that her brain and everything else did not belong to her anymore. She replied blankly, "Pushed… Pushed her shoulder."
Liao Qing Qing had a faint smile when she heard this. She said, "Your Highness, Worthy Consort, do you want to hear how the others answered?"
Worthy Consort lifted her eyes to look at Liao Qing Qing.
Liao Qing Qing said to everyone in the hall, "Just now, Empress Dowager and Noble Consort Liang heard your answers clearly. Also, I had them recorded in black and white. So all of you only need to repeat them now. The slightest mistake would be a crime of deceiving the monarch."
AD
As soon as these words were spoken, the atmosphere in the hall immediately became heavy.
Liao Qing Qing said, "Lady Li of Fragrant Ceremony, you can speak first."
Lady Li of Fragrant Ceremony felt anxious inwardly. She had been instructed by Noble Consort Liang and Worthy Consort to testify against Liao Qing Qing for pushing Noble Consort Liang into the water. But Noble Consort Liang and Worthy Consort had not told her how Liao Qing Qing had pushed Noble Consort Liang into the water.
She could only guess based on the position in which Noble Consort Liang fell into the water.
At first, she didn't understand Liao Qing Qing's intention. However, she suddenly understood as the palace maids entered the side hall one after another.
Liao Qing Qing was showing the contradictions in their statements.
However, with Empress Dowager sitting in the side hall and the Emperor in the main hall, she could not exchange information with Noble Consort Liang and Worthy Consort. At this moment, she repeated what she had just said, "Replying to Your Majesty and Empress Dowager, this imperial concubine saw that Lady Xi of Bright Countenance pushed Noble Consort Liang's back while she was not paying attention."
As soon as Noble Consort Liang and Worthy Consort heard this, their hearts all went cold.
They only thought of "seeing is believing" and "public opinion is powerful enough to melt metal" to frame Liao Qing Qing. However, they forgot that the more people there were, the easier it was to overlook the details. They considered the surroundings, Liao Qing Qing's habits, the reaction of the Emperor and Empress Dowager, and the possible unexpected events at the scene.
However, the only thing they hadn't contemplated was how Liao Qing Qing "pushed" Noble Consort Liang into the water.
They couldn't have imagined that Liao Qing Qing would focus on this point.
They also couldn't even expect that Liao Qing Qing would use the tactic of "using someone's spear to attack his shield".[5]
AD
They had really underestimated Liao Qing Qing!
As the palace maids uttered a variety of answers, Noble Consort Liang's face grew increasingly pale.
Empress Dowager and Chang Momo nodded their heads repeatedly.
Emperor Jing Li had guessed Liao Qing Qing's intentions when Lady Li of Fragrant Ceremony entered the side hall. Even so, he was still proud in his heart. His Qing Qing is just so good, just so different, just so likeable, that he doesn't even have to worry about it. Everything will prove itself.
His Qing Qing is just not like the average person!
Good natured, beautiful, intelligent, amusing, and she also loves him!
His gaze was filled with a bit of pride.
When Empress Dowager and Chang Momo had the time to glance at Emperor Jing Li, they turned their heads to the front and felt embarrassed looking at Emperor Jing Li.
[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] 朕(zhèn)- I (imperial) or we (imperial use).
[3] 臣妾(chénqiè)- this concubine/I, your servant (self-appellation of a lower-rank female). The literal meaning is 'this subject and this concubine'.It is a self-appellation used by the ranks including and above Consorts. They are used by Consorts, Noble Consorts and Empress, etc. in front of the Emperor, Empress Dowager and Consorts, Noble Consorts that have a higher rank.
[4] 半柱香(bàn zhù xiāng)- The time taken for an incense stick to burn was a way to measure time in ancient times. The time taken for an incense stick to burn would refer to 5 minutes. Thus, the time taken for half an incense stick to burn would be 2.5 minutes.
[5] 以彼之矛，攻彼之盾(yǐ zǐ zhī máo , gōng zǐ zhī dùn)- The literal meaning is using somebody's spear to attach his shield. It means to attack an opponent using his own devices or hoist with his own petard.
Emperor Jing Li stared intently at Liao Qing Qing.
Liao Qing Qing listened attentively to each palace maid's answer. Then, she looked at Worthy Consort and said, "Your Highness, Worthy Consort, what do you think about this matter?"
Each of the palace maids answered differently.
Even Lady Li of Fragrant Ceremony's answer is different!
What does this show?
It meant that someone was lying, or all of them were lying. Regardless of whether someone was lying or all of them were lying, she had lost her chance to bring Liao Qing Qing down.
Not only was that the case, but she had also implicated herself in "planting false evidence against an imperial concubine".
She felt unresigned!
She felt unreconciled that Liao Qing Qing would benefit every time she directly harmed Liao Qing Qing.
She felt unresigned that Liao Qing Qing still benefited from them harming her indirectly!
She thought that Emperor Jing Li and Empress Dowager would blame Liao Qing Qing for Noble Consort Liang's fall. However, it turned out that Emperor Jing Li opened his mouth to protect Liao Qing Qing. Why does she deserve this? She was not convinced and said, "Bengong[1] has nothing to look at. Bengong saw you pushing Noble Consort Liang!"
AD
"Where is the evidence?" Liao Qing Qing asked in response.
"You have seen all of them." Worthy Consort pointed to the group of palace maids.
Liao Qing Qing asked with a smile, "Your Highness, Worthy Consort, you can ask them again. Are they still willing to testify for you?"
No one was stupid, let alone these palace maids accompanying the imperial concubines. Liao Qing Qing had made this so clear that they all knew that the lie had been exposed. If they persist, not only would they die, but their families outside the palace would also be implicated.
They buried their heads even lower.
Worthy Consort froze and averted her gaze to Noble Consort Liang.
Noble Consort Liang saw that it was a losing battle, so she said, "Younger Sister, Worthy Consort, you shouldn't have done that. Bengong just accidentally fell into the water. How can you slander Younger Sister, Lady of Bright Countenance, like that?"
Worthy Consort was taken aback by her words.
Liao Qing Qing raised her eyebrows slightly.
Emperor Jing Li did not find Noble Consort Liang's actions strange.
Empress Dowager continued to listen with her eyes downcast.
"Your Highness, Noble Consort, how could you say such things?" Knowing that Noble Consort Liang was abandoning her, Worthy Consort hastily said, "Elder Cousin, I am your maternal younger cousin. I do everything for the sake of you."
AD
"Your Highness, Worthy Consort, please respect yourself. Don't frame Lady Xi of Bright Countenance and then accuse Bengong. Bengong and Bengong's palace maids have never said that Lady Xi of Bright Countenance pushed Bengong into the water." Noble Consort Liang decisively extricated herself from Worthy Consort.
Worthy Consort's entire body froze.
Yes, that's right.
How clever Noble Consort Liang was. She must have known Liao Qing Qing's intention as soon as she entered the side hall and immediately changed her plan. She casually sent a signal to her palace maids, who understood what she meant.
So if the whole thing succeeds, it will be Noble Consort Liang who will benefit. But if it fails, it will be others who will suffer the consequences.
The most miserable person would be her, Worthy Consort.
Worthy Consort looked straight at Noble Consort Liang, unable to utter a word for a long time.
Noble Consort Liang righteously said to Emperor Jing Li and Empress Dowager, "Your Majesty and Empress Dowager, this concubine has just said that this concubine fell into the water by accident. It was just a matter of changing clothes, yet so much has happened. It was a dereliction of duty on my part. Please forgive this concubine, Your Majesty and Empress Dowager."
Empress Dowager looked towards the Emperor.
The Emperor said in a flat tone, "Such a big thing happened in the imperial harem is indeed your dereliction of duty. I demote Noble Consort Liang to Consort Liang. From now on, you will assist Virtuous Consort with the affairs of the harem. As for Worthy Consort, you are not virtuous as a consort and possess sinister intentions. Go and look after the garden. The rest of you will all go to Virtuous Consort later to receive your punishment."
Everyone kowtowed to Emperor Jing Li.
Noble Consort Liang's entire body was as if her soul was taken away. She had been demoted to a Consort from a Noble Consort.
AD
Since the founding of the dynasty, she was the first person to be demoted from Noble Consort to Consort!
And it was Emperor Jing Li who casually suggested this!
What kind of huge embarrassment is this?!
Does this mean that she was no longer destined to be an Empress?
She froze on the spot.
Emperor Jing Li turned to Liao Qing Qing and said, "Beloved Concubine has been aggrieved."
Liao Qing Qing said, "It's a blessing for this imperial concubine as Your Majesty and Empress Dowager are willing to trust this imperial concubine."
Emperor Jing Li said with a smile, "I will bestow you with a thousand taels of silver."
Empress Dowager said, "This grieving one[2] will bestow you with five hundred taels of silver."
Liao Qing Qing said happily, "Thank you, Your Majesty. Thank you, Empress Dowager."
"Alright. All of you can receive your punishment." Emperor Jing Li turned to Empress Dowager and said, "Queen Mother, I have troubled you."
"Mm. It is over, and this grieving one will leave."
AD
"Respectfully seeing off Queen Mother."
Empress Dowager left amidst a crowd of respectfully seeing her off.
Then, Emperor Jing Li took Liao Qing Qing's hand and also left, leaving a mess behind.
He didn't bother about it. When they left Linhua Palace, he looked sideways at Liao Qing Qing and smiled.
Liao Qing Qing asked, "Your Majesty, why are you smiling?"
"I can't believe you are not foolish."
"?" You're the foolish one. Your whole family is foolish!
"Well done!"
"Thank you, Your Majesty, for the compliment!" Liao Qing Qing replied half-heartedly.
On the contrary, Emperor Jing Li's smile was sincere. The more he spent time with Liao Qing Qing, the more interesting he found it to be. The more he felt that Liao Qing Qing's intelligence was different from others, the more he wanted to cherish it. So he couldn't help but ask, "Qing Qing, you were scared just now, weren't you?"
"A little." Liao Qing Qing said, "This imperial concubine didn't expect Noble Consort Liang and the others to falsely accuse this imperial concubine. Your Majesty, did you really believe in this imperial concubine at that time?"
"Of course, I was very relaxed."
AD
"Why?"
"Even if you had really pushed Noble Consort Liang into the water, it wouldn't have mattered."
"Why?"
"It is definitely Noble Consort Liang's fault."
"…." The corners of Liao Qing Qing's mouth twitched. She did not know how to describe Emperor Jing Li. She changed the subject and asked, "Your Majesty, there are still so many imperial concubines in Linhua Palace, you are not going to care about them?"
"I left it to Virtuous Consort. Oh, right."
"What?"
"You need to learn from Virtuous Consort."
"Learn what?"
"Learn how Virtuous Consort punishes those imperial concubines and palace maids. When you're in charge of the imperial harem in the future, you will need to."
"Your Majesty." Liao Qing Qing looked towards Emperor Jing Li.
"Hm?"
AD
"I heard that there is going to be another selection of concubine candidates next year, right?"
"Yes."
"Can you choose lesser people?"
"Why?"
"It's so tiring to manage them."
"Why don't you ask me to cancel the selection of concubine candidates?"
"That would not be good, right?"
"How is that not good?"
"Doesn't an Emperor have a harem?"
Emperor Jing Li stopped at his feet. He lowered his head slightly to look at Liao Qing Qing and asked, "What would you do if I went to an imperial concubine's place today and slept with another imperial concubine tomorrow?"
Liao Qing Qing thought about it and replied, "This imperial concubine will adopt a cat from Virtuous Consort's palace? A particularly bothersome kind."
"I am not as good as a cat?"
AD
"That's not what this imperial concubine meant."
"Then what do you mean?" Emperor Jing Li's tone turned abruptly nasty, and he turned around and entered Lisheng Pavilion.
?
Why is he angry again?
Liao Qing Qing hurriedly chased after him all the way to the bedroom. Emperor Jing Li sat on the couch, turned around and said to Liao Qing Qing, "I was so jealous when I heard you mentioned Xie Yi. When you see me together with other women, you… you just… just wanted to adopt a bothersome cat?"
The author has something to say: —
Xie Yi: This subject has already arranged for a blind date. Do not cue me.
Emperor Jing Li: I feel aggrieved.
Liao Qing Qing: =口=
[1] 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 'this palace'.
[2] 哀家(āijiā)- This grieving one/ I (self-referring by a widowed empress etc, used in historical novels and operas)
"?" Liao Qing Qing was somewhat dumbfounded. She stared straight at Emperor Jing Li as she puzzled over the meaning of his words. Then, she approached him.
Emperor Jing Li tilted his body to one side.
Liao Qing Qing deliberately sat next to Emperor Jing Li.
Emperor Jing Li did not give up his seat for Liao Qing Qing.
Liao Qing Qing forcefully squeezed in beside him.
Emperor Jing Li had a disdainful expression, but he still silently moved to give Liao Qing Qing some space. He asked in a complaining tone, "Why are you squeezing with me[1]?"
"This imperial concubine[2] just wants to squeeze in beside Your Majesty." Liao Qing Qing smiled ingratiatingly.
Emperor Jing Li, "…." He continued to tilt his face to the side and ignored her.
Liao Qing Qing hugged Emperor Jing Li's arm with a smile on her face and softly called out, "Your Majesty, Your Majesty."
Emperor Jing Li ignored her.
Liao Qing Qing called him again, "Your Majesty, Your Majesty."
He continued to ignore her.
AD
"Husband," Liao Qing Qing suddenly said.
Emperor Jing Li froze for a moment and turned his head to look at Liao Qing Qing.
Liao Qing Qing immediately offered a sunflower-like smile.
Emperor Jing Li said, "Don't smile ingratiatingly at me."
Liao Qing Qing immediately looked serious.
Emperor Jing Li said, "You're just pretending to be playing dumb."
"The ultimate state of life is to play dumb," Liao Qing Qing said.
"Do I have to praise you highly?"
"You don't have to."
Emperor Jing Li was about to turn his body to the side again when Liao Qing Qing tightened his arms around him. Emperor Jing Li turned his head, pretending to be cold and asked, "What are you doing?"
"Your Majesty, why are you angry again?"
"You don't know what I'm angry about?"
AD
"This imperial concubine doesn't know."
"Don't pretend."
"I'm not pretending."
"Hmph."
"This imperial concubine cares about you."
"Only ghosts will believe that."
"Humans will believe that too."
"Don't joke around."
"I'm not joking around."
"You are just relying on the fact that I value you greatly."
"This imperial concubine also values Your Majesty greatly."
Emperor Jing Li turned his head to look at Liao Qing Qing and asked, "Then you still want to raise cats and the kind that is bothersome."
AD
"Cats are a handful, and those that bother people are especially taxing."
"And then what?"
"Then this imperial concubine won't miss Your Majesty."
"You don't miss me anymore?" Emperor Jing Li's face turned sullen.
"No, I don't mean that way." Liao Qing Qing explained, "What this imperial concubine means is that if Your Majesty visits other imperial concubines, this imperial concubine will play with the cats so that I won't miss Your Majesty."
"You still don't miss me." Emperor Jing Li's tone became even colder.
"?" Why is this man so obstinate? Liao Qing Qing felt helpless and amused. She continued to explain, "What this imperial concubine means is that if Your Majesty is having fun with the other imperial concubines, this imperial concubine would feel uncomfortable inwardly. So playing with cats will allow me not to feel so uncomfortable."
When Liao Qing Qing finished her sentence, she looked towards Emperor Jing Li.
Emperor Jing Li asked, "Why should I look for other imperial concubines?"
"The other imperial concubines are also your wives."
"Nonsense, only you are."
Liao Qing Qing stopped talking and quietly gazed at Emperor Jing Li.
AD
Emperor Jing Li said, "I will not look for other imperial concubines, nor will I choose another concubine candidate."
"Your Majesty, people will change."
"You don't trust me."
"No." Liao Qing Qing nuzzled her face into Emperor Jing Li's shoulder and whispered, "Your Majesty, you are good to this imperial concubine now. This imperial concubine is aware of all of that, and this imperial concubine is also delighted by that. But life is long. This imperial concubine will get old and ugly. Your Majesty would be sick and tired of this imperial concubine one day. This imperial concubine has to look for ways to entertain herself." This was the first time Liao Qing Qing was this emotional to the point where she would express her uneasiness and that she minded it.
The coldness in Emperor Jing Li's body dissipated instantly, becoming gentler and affectionate. He said, "When you become older and uglier, I will also become older and uglier."
"This imperial concubine will definitely be uglier than Your Majesty."
"Of course."
"?"
"But I will not disdain you."
"?"
"I said I won't find anyone else. If you don't believe me, I can show it to you."
"How?"
AD
"There will be ample time for that later."
"Mm."
"Why don't we sleep first?"
"Sleep?"
Emperor Jing Li turned around and picked up Liao Qing Qing in a bridal carry.
Liao Qing Qing was startled and hastily wrapped her arms around Emperor Jing Li's neck. "Your Majesty, what are you doing?"
Emperor Jing Li smiled ambiguously. "What do you think?"
"You can't. It's broad daylight."
"I can see clearly in broad daylight."
Emperor Jing Li carried Liao Qing Qing towards the bed.
Liao Qing Qing struggled and shouted, "Your Majesty, Your Majesty, don't be like this."
"If you are disobedient, we'll do it here."
AD
"?"
"Alright. You are obedient now, so that means you agree. Let's go to bed and sleep!"
"?"
Regret!
Very regretful!
Liao Qing Qing was very regretful for shouting the word "husband" and expressing uneasiness, concern and sadness. That beast, Emperor Jing Li, solved all problems in bed. He finds different ways to torment Liao Qing Qing, making Liao Qing Qing shout "husband" and letting Liao Qing Qing believe his love.
That resulted in Liao Qing Qing sleeping until the sky grew dark.
When she woke up, she was in a daze.
She didn't know what day it was today.
It took a while before she called He Xiang to come in.
When He Xiang entered, she told Liao Qing Qing about Virtuous Consort's manner of handling the imperial concubines. Liao Qing Qing asked in surprise, "It was dealt with so quickly?"
He Xiang said, "All the palace maids and eunuchs have confessed."
AD
"How were they dealt with?"
"Worthy Consort was grounded for six months, and Lady Li of Fragrant Ceremony was demoted…." He Xiang listed a long list.
"Noble Consort Liang."
"Now, Noble Consort Liang is not Noble Consort anymore."
"Oh, right. It's Consort Liang."
"Mm. Consort Liang is grounded for six months, fined six months of her allowance and moved out of Linhua Palace."
"Where did she move to?"
"She moved to Water Cloud Courtyard." He Xiang said, "This time, the matter has become very big. The imperial harem is in an uproar, and it will definitely spread to the imperial court."
Liao Qing Qing nodded her head.
But she did not expect these things to spread that fast. In just two or three days, not only had it spread to the imperial court, but it had also spread outside the palace.
Her mother, Ji Shi, wrote to her to inquire about Liao Qing Qing's situation.
Liao Qing Qing hastily wrote back to report her safety.
"
"
However, two days later, Ji Shi's letter arrived again. After knowing Ji Shi was relieved, Liao Qing Qing secretly let out a sigh of relief. Just then, Emperor Jing Li returned from the imperial study. Liao Qing Qing asked, "Your Majesty, did you spread the news about Consort Liang falling into the water?"
Emperor Jing Li nodded. "Yes."
"How come it's being spread everywhere?"
"It's called a tactic."
"What tactic?"
"The tactics of public opinions." Emperor Jing Li put down his teacup, stretched out his arms and placed Liao Qing Qing on his lap. He played with Liao Qing Qing's slender fingers. He slowly said, "Some old fogeys in the imperial court remembered the goodness of Marquis Huaishan and wrote to me every day to make Consort Liang the Empress. There was a lot of bickering once the matter of establishing an Empress was raised."
The Empress was the mother of a nation. The Empress' son is the legitimate son and the future Emperor. It concerned the fate of every imperial subject, so it was natural for them to be cautious and prudent.
Emperor Jing Li continued, "What virtue can Consort Liang have to become the Empress? Nonsense, it is too difficult to change the minds of those old fogeys. I will let them see the virtue of Consort Liang and let them know how good Qing Qing is. Then, I will use public opinion to force them to agree with me to establish an Empress."
"…."
"Ay. It's not easy to be an Emperor."
Liao Qing Qing nodded. She did not have extensive knowledge of history, and her understanding of the job of an Emperor originated from television dramas. Initially, she thought that it was easy to become an Emperor. Then, she transmigrated to the Great Wei and got to know Emperor Jing Li… Emperor Jing Li seemed to handle the affairs of the imperial court with ease, without reasoning or rules.
It was as if he was playing.
AD
In fact, Emperor Jing Li knew the art of equilibrium. Behind every policy and joke, there were intricate and complex obvious and hidden implications.
These were all the hard work that Emperor Jing Li did privately.
Of the three hundred and sixty-five days in a year, Emperor Jing Li spent three hundred and sixty-four days in the morning and the evening dealing with imperial court affairs, with only one day off on the Lunar New Year.
Naturally, he would pay more attention to the matter of establishing an Empress.
At first, Liao Qing Qing did not understand why Emperor Jing Li wanted to make her the Empress. However, she heard Empress Dowager say that only the Empress could sit next to the Emperor and be buried with him after death among all the imperial concubines in the harem. She was even more touched in her heart. At this moment, she proactively got up and gave Emperor Jing Li a back and shoulder massage.
Emperor Jing Li took Liao Qing Qing's hand.
Liao Qing Qing asked, "What's wrong?"
"Your technique is too poor."
"?"
"You're not as good as Fu Sheng."
"I won't massage you in the future."
"You can kiss me."
AD
Emperor Jing Li brought his face closer to Liao Qing Qing.
Liao Qing Qing smiled and pressed her lips against Emperor Jing Li's. Emperor Jing Li's lips then rose and wrapped his arms around Liao Qing Qing's slender waist. Neither of them deepened the kiss. They just slightly curved their lips and pressed against the other slightly curved lips, feeling each others' temperature and feeling the sunlight around them.
After a while, Emperor Jing Li let go of Liao Qing Qing. His deep eyes gazed at Liao Qing Qing as he said, "Qing Qing, let's have a child."
"Have a child?"
"Yes."
In her previous life, Liao Qing Qing had grown up longing for a family and had never been repulsed by the idea of having a child.
"I will help you."
"?"
"Let's go. I'll help you now."
"…."
Excuses, they are all excuses!
Liao Qing Qing and Emperor Jing Li didn't manage to receive the news of a baby, but the good news about the potatoes. Thousands of mu[3] of potatoes planted in the Zhu prefecture all sprouted seedlings.
AD
This was a huge joyous matter for the imperial court.
As the potatoes sprouted seedlings, the next step was to irrigate, fertilise, remove the flowers and buds, etc. Liao Qing Qing had already written a booklet and handed it to the Bureau Chief of the Department of Agricultural Products.
In order to let the people in Shu prefecture who have a thousand mu of land understand, Liao Qing had printed out a thousand copies of the booklet, which contained her drawings of different periods, at her own expense. Then, she passed them to the Bureau Chief to distribute to the common people.
Fearing that there would be a slip-up, Liao Qing Qing once got permission from Emperor Jing Li to disguise as a man and survey the fields to ensure that the potatoes were growing well before her mind was at ease and spent the winter in Lisheng Pavilion.
That was right. In a blink of an eye, it was winter again.
At this time of year, the establishment of the Empress was still up in the air.
No, to be precise, the tug-of-war between Emperor Jing Li and imperial subjects was still ongoing.
However, after the downfall of Consort Liang, the support of Consort Liang and the others had weakened slightly. With the recent rise in potatoes, Liao Qing Qing's popularity had gradually increased, and some of the imperial subjects silently sided with Emperor Jing Li.
Emperor Jing Li smiled as he accepted the defection of some of the imperial subjects and continued with the ceremony related to the establishment of the Empress. He was waiting for the right moment to announce the imperial decree.
He was in no hurry at all.
Every day, he continued to deal with the imperial court matters. When he was free, he would even arrange a blind date for Xie Yi. Emperor Jing Li happily laughed out loud when he heard that the Xie family seemed to have fancied a family of their choice and discussed the matter of the bride price.
He complacently told Liao Qing QIng about it.
AD
Liao Qing Qing said disapprovingly, "What does his marriage have to do with this imperial concubine?"
This sentence made Emperor Jing Li beam. He hugged Liao Qing Qing in front of everyone, kissing her so loudly that the palace maids and eunuchs dropped their heads in embarrassment. The Empress Dowager and Chang Momo, who came to visit, happened to see this scene and were both stunned.
Empress Dowager, "…."
Chang Momo, "…."
When Liao Qing Qing turned her head, she noticed Empress Dowager and Chang Momo.
She was instantly embarrassed while Emperor Jing Li was indifferent. He walked up to Empress Dowager to pay his respects.
Empress Dowager coughed softly to ease the embarrassment and said, "This grieving one[4] was passing by and wanted to see Lady Xi of Bright Countenance and give a string of pomegranate beads to Lady Xi of Bright Countenance in the meantime."
Chang Momo took out a small box and handed it to Liao Qing Qing.
Liao Qing Qing hurriedly received it and bowed to Empress Dowager.
The Empress Dowager glanced at Emperor Jing Li. She said that she had something to attend to, turned around and left.
Liao Qing Qing and Emperor Jing Li respectfully saw Empress Dowager off.
When the Empress Dowager was out of sight, Emperor Jing Li said, "Open it and take a look."
AD
Liao Qing Qing opened the beautifully carved wooden box to find a bracelet strung like a plump pomegranate. It was extremely sparkling, translucent and beautiful. She immediately said, "Wow, it's so beautiful."
"It has an auspicious meaning," Emperor Jing Li said.
Liao Qing Qing asked, "What auspicious meaning?"
"Many children."
Emperor Jing Li had mentioned more than once about having children, but there was an inexplicable feeling in her heart this time. It seems that her eldest aunt[5] hasn't come yet this month?
The author has something to say: —
Bun: I'm coming!
Emperor Jing Li: Who are you?
Bun: Queen Mother, I want my surname to be Xie.
Emperor Jing Li: Where is my forty-metre sword?
[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.
AD
[3] 亩(mǔ)- Classifier for fields. Unit of area equal to one fifteenth of a hectare
[4] 哀家(āijiā)- This grieving one/ I (self-referring by a widowed empress etc, used in historical novels and operas)
[5] 大姨妈(dàyímā)- Eldest Aunt/Great aunt is an euphemism referring to the menstrual cycle. Similar to Aunt Flo.
Translator's Note: Sorry for the late update. I have been even more busier lately. Also, I will most likely be posting on Sunday next week since I have a test on Saturday. Thank you for bearing with me. 3 Wishing everyone an amazing week!
It can't be that I am pregnant, right?
AD
No way, right?
Liao Qing Qing carefully recalled her menstrual cycle.
Emperor Jing Li asked in confusion, "What's wrong?"
Liao Qing Qing got back to her senses and looked back at Emperor Jing Li.
Emperor Jing Li's eyes were filled with puzzlement.
The drama she used to watch surfaced in Liao Qing Qing's mind, where an imperial concubine in the harem faked her pregnancy and caused a lot of trouble. She didn't want that to happen, so she replied to Emperor Jing Li with a smile, "This imperial concubine[1] thinks that Your Majesty is right."
Emperor Jing Li smiled and took out the pomegranate bracelet from the wooden box and put it on for Liao Qing Qing. "Then continue wearing it. Maybe you will be blessed with many children."
Emperor Jing Li did not believe in strange powers.
But since it involved Liao Qing Qing, he believed in it.
Liao Qing Qing nodded her head.
Emperor Jing Li went into the room with Qing Qing in his arms. Soon afterwards, Emperor Jing Li left after an imperial official requested an audience with Emperor Jing Li. Liao Qing Qing asked He Xiang, "When was the last time my period came?"
He Xiang immediately replied.
AD
Liao Qing Qing listened and said, "Then I didn't have my period this month?"
"It's still two or three days away."
"Oh, then I remembered wrongly."
Even though Liao Qing Qing said this, there was a strange and warm feeling in her heart.
She glanced down at the pomegranate bracelet on her wrist and smiled.
She thought to herself, 'Maybe he is on his way here.'
She stopped paying attention to it. It just happened to be the Lunar New Year. She had been in the palace for more than three years. In previous years, Consort Liang, Virtuous Consort and Worthy Consort were in charge of the harem. At this moment, Consort Liang and Worthy Consort lost their power, which was the same as falling out of favour.
Liao Qing Qing and Virtuous Consort were now in charge of the entire imperial harem. She and Virtuous Consort always had a good relationship. They handled all of the matters smoothly.
It was just that it was hectic during the Lunar New Year.
The Lunar New Year goods, monthly salary, rewards, interaction with the imperial subject's families, and so on kept her busy until Lunar New Year's Eve.
This was Emperor Jing Li's only day off.
After Emperor Jing Li brought a group of imperial concubines to pay their respect to Empress Dowager, they did not disturb Empress Dowager anymore. Emperor Jing Li held Liao Qing Qing's hand and returned to Lisheng Pavilion. The two of them spent the whole day together.
AD
They played chess, drank tea and chatted.
The day was extremely pleasant.
Last year, Liao Qing Qing wanted to build a snowman, but she didn't manage to. This year, Emperor Jing Li didn't ask the palace maids and eunuchs to sweep the snow in Lisheng Pavilion. The two put on their overcoats and built a snowman in the courtyard.
No. To be more precise, Emperor Jing Li was building it, and Liao Qing Qing was giving him instructions.
"Your Majesty, build a fatter snowman." Liao Qing Qing was draped in a red cloak. Her ebony hair was covered with fluttering snow falling from the tree's branches, making her look increasingly beautiful and charming; her soulful eyes made her look more animated.
Emperor Jing Li raised his eyes for a moment, and his heart rejoiced. He hadn't been this relaxed and refreshed in a long time. He said with a smile on his face as he moved the shovel in his hands, "All right."
As Liao Qing Qing watched Emperor Jing Li pile up a large column in three or five strokes, she did not hesitate to praise him, "Wow, Your Majesty, you are amazing!"
A smile appeared on Emperor Jing Li's face.
"The snowman's head should be round," Liao Qing Qing said.
"Mm."
"Your Majesty, build two snowmen."
"Why?"
AD
"One is too lonely."
"Then I[2] will build a male snowman and a female snowman."
"Yes, yes!"
"One is me, and the other is Qing Qing."
Emperor Jing Li was so energetic that he warmed up in no time and began to untie his overcoat.
Liao Qing Qing hastily went forward to take Emperor Jing Li's overcoat and said, "Your Majesty, this imperial concubine will hold it for you. When you are cold later, you can wear it again."
"Alright. It's slippery here. Stand on the other side."
"Mm."
Liao Qing Qing held onto Emperor Jing Li's grey overcoat and stood next to him. She turned her head and said to He Xiang, "Go to the imperial kitchen to bring over some aubergines and carrots."
"Mistress, what are you going to do with them?"
"To make the eyes and nose for the snowman later."
"Yes."
AD
He Xiang ran away happily.
Liao Qing Qing set her eyes on Emperor Jing Li again. It was Emperor Jing Li's day off. He was not in his usual brightly coloured dragon robe but a simple, comfortable purple beautiful garment. The yellow belt around his waist gave off a leisurely feeling. With the surrounding white snow as the backdrop, he was more upright like pine or cypress that defied the cold.
For no reason, it gave her a sense of stability.
Immense happiness and joy silently filled her heart.
She quietly gazed at Emperor Jing Li.
Emperor Jing Li suddenly turned his head and asked, 'How did I do?"
Liao Qing Qing turned her eyes to the two snowmen and said, "It's not round enough."
"How can I make them rounder?"
"This imperial concubine will help you."
Liao Qing Qing handed Emperor Jing Li's cloak to Fu Sheng and slowly walked towards him while rubbing her hands together. Emperor Jing Li grabbed her hands just as they touched the snow.
"Be careful of falling ill," Emperor Jing Li reminded.
Liao Qing Qing's heart warmed up, and she said, "Your Majesty, this imperial concubine has always been in good health."
AD
"That won't do. What if you get sick?" Although there were top-notch imperial physicians in the palace, there were still few illnesses caused by cold outside and inside the palace. Emperor Jing Li was afraid that Liao Qing Qing would have the slightest accident.
"…. This imperial concubine will wear gloves. Would it be alright if I wear gloves?"
Emperor Jing Li reluctantly agreed.
After Liao Qing Qing put on the gloves, she began to rub against the snowman's face, making it round. She and Emperor Jing Li used a branch for the snowman's arms, the purple skin from an eggplant for the eyes, carrots for the nose, and a carrot skin for the mouth.
Two snowmen were then built.
"Mm. Not bad. Not bad." Liao Qing Qing was very satisfied.
"Do you like it?" Emperor Jing Li asked.
Liao Qing Qing nodded. "I like it."
"It's for you."
"Thank you, Your Majesty."
"I don't want you to thank me verbally."
"Then what does Your Majesty want?"
AD
"Kiss me once."
"…."
"Kiss me once."
As soon as Emperor Jing Li said this, He Xiang and Fu Sheng next to them pursed their lips and snickered as they lowered their heads. When Liao Qing Qing turned her head to look at the two, she saw nothing and kissed Emperor Jing Li on the lips.
Emperor Jing Li smiled and kissed her back.
The wind blew at that moment, blowing the snow off the branches and landing on Liao Qing Qing's and Emperor Jing Li's face with a smack sound. The two of them sprang away in unison, looking at the snow pellets on each other's faces. They were stunned at first, then laughed at the same time.
Emperor Jing Li stretched out his arms to brush the snow off Liao Qing Qing's face.
Liao Qing Qing also brushed the snow off the side of Emperor Jing Li's face.
Lisheng Pavilion was filled with unceasing laughter. The palace maids and eunuchs were all happy; however, pleasant days always ended quickly.
Soon the sky became dark.
The snow began to fall.
The sound of firecrackers sounded from inside and outside the palace. It was filled with the festive atmosphere of the Lunar New Year.
AD
After a sumptuous dinner, Emperor Jing Li held Liao Qing Qing and leaned on the soft couch with a blanket around them as they watched the snowflakes falling outside the window together and the two snowmen amongst the snowflakes. They stayed up for the Lunar New Year together.
"Qing Qing," Emperor Jing Li called out.
Liao Qing Qing softly answered.
"Do you know?"
"What?"
"I haven't been this happy for a long time."
"It's the same for this imperial concubine."
"You too?"
"Mm."
Emperor Jing Li's grip around Liao Qing Qing slightly tightened as he gazed out at the two snowmen outside. He said somewhat sentimentally, "Those two snowmen are me and you, together forever. I used to think that the palace was a cage. After I met you, everything became exciting. The sun shone brighter; the birds' chirps were even clearer; even the trees in the palace became adorable. I couldn't help thinking that if only I had met you earlier, Qing Qing. Do you feel the same too?"
After Emperor Jing Li asked, he waited for Liao Qing Qing's answer.
He waited for a long time, but there was no response.
AD
He looked down puzzledly and saw that Liao Qing Qing had fallen asleep.
…
What about the promise of staying up all night together for the Lunar New Year?[3]
Emperor Jing Li extended his hand to pinch Liao Qing Qing's cheek, wanting to wake her up, yet he couldn't bear to apply force. He kissed Liao Qing Qing on the face, covered her with a blanket. Then, he hugged Liao Qing Qing. He stayed up for the Lunar New Year with a warm feeling in his heart.
He only fell asleep after staying up ten minutes past midnight.
[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] 朕(zhèn)- I (imperial) or we (imperial use).
[3] 守岁(shǒusuì)- See in the New Year/stay up all night on the eve of Chinese New Year. A long time ago, there was a ferocious creature called Nian. Each time, Nian emerged at night and returned to the forests after dawn and he would only come out to attack humans once every 365 days. People would call the eve of Chinese New Year a critical moment to defeat Nian. After the reunion dinner, people dared not to sleep and sat together to embolden each other. People lighted candles or oil lamps to stay up late, as a symbol to ward off illnesses and demons. This tradition has been passed down from then on.
The next day was the first day of the Lunar New Year, and Emperor Jing Li started to be busy again with worshipping the ancestors, attending imperial court, analysing the six ministries' events, etc.
It was a busy start to the year compared to the end of the year.
Meanwhile, Liao Qing Qing was also busy.
Ever since she had taken over the affairs of the imperial harem, she was not as free as before, mainly because she was not very proficient in her duties. Hence, she studied hard, and she felt the strain not on her brain but on her body.
AD
She was always sleepy.
It was only then that she suddenly remembered that she had not had her period last month. She hastily asked He Xiang to go to the Imperial Infirmary and call the Imperial Physician to come and have a look.
Liao Qing Qing was Lady Xi of Bright Countenance, Emperor Jing Li's most favoured person, who might soon be the Empress. Hence, the Imperial Infirmary took this very seriously and sent the most senior Imperial Physician to take Lady Xi of Bright Countenance's pulse.
The senior Imperial Physician first asked Liao Qing Qing about her daily diet, work, rest, etc.
Both Liao Qing Qing and He Xiang answered the questions.
He Xiang did not know where her mistress was feeling unwell, so she stood by the side and watched the senior Imperial Physician take her pulse. She felt very anxious and was worried that her mistress might be seriously ill
The senior Imperial Physician took her pulse with a serious expression, taking longer than ever before.
He Xiang held her breath and didn't dare to say a word.
Liao Qing Qing was also a little worried because of the senior Imperial Physician's seriousness.
It can't be that she suffers from some kind of disease, right?
After a long while, the senior Imperial Physician finally withdrew his hand. Then, he bowed to Liao Qing Qing solemnly, "Congratulations to Lady Xi of Bright Countenance. Congratulations to Lady Xi of Bright Countenance. It is an auspicious pulse."
Liao Qing Qing stared blankly.
AD
He Xiang was so shocked that she covered her mouth.
Liao Qing Qing asked in surprise, "Imperial Physician, are you saying that I am pregnant? I'm pregnant?"
"Yes. It's been more than two months." The senior Imperial Physician continued, "And your pulse is calm. Everything is normal."
"Then why don't I have any side effects? I mean such as vomiting, feeling uncomfortable and whatnot, there was none." Liao Qing Qing had a vague feeling before the Lunar New Year. However, she was so busy that she had forgotten about it. She did not expect that she was really already pregnant.
The senior Imperial Physician explained, "Answering Lady Xi of Bright Countenance, everyone's body is not the same, and that is the same during pregnancy. Lady Xi of Bright Countenance's drowsiness is also a type of side effect."
Liao Qing Qing nodded her head.
He Xiang's voice trembled with excitement as she grabbed the senior Imperial Physician and asked, "Imperial Physician, then… then… then what should my Mistress pay attention to? Such as eating and sleeping, what should she take note of?"
"He Xiang, don't get too worked up." Liao Qing Qing laughed and said.
He Xiang tried her best to calm herself down so that she didn't latch herself onto the senior Imperial Physician's body.
The senior Imperial Physician said, "This humble subject[1] has a book with detailed instructions. This humble subject will slowly explain to Lady Xi of Bright Countenance." It had been many years since any new life had been born in the palace, and Lady Xi of Bright Countenance's pregnancy had also shaken the senior Imperial Physician's mind. He took a book out and immediately narrated it to Liao Qing Qing and He Xiang.
He Xiang listened extraordinarily attentively.
After the senior Imperial Physician finished speaking, he said, "You can consult this humble subject again if there is anything you don't understand."
"
"
Liao Qing Qing nodded her head.
He Xiang took the book.
Liao Qing Qing said, "Imperial Physician, don't speak a word about the pregnancy. Let me tell His Majesty personally."
The senior Imperial Physician said, "This humble subject obeys the order."
"He Xiang, see off the Imperial Physician."
"Yes."
He Xiang passed a large red envelope to the senior Imperial Physician and returned indoors. She hurriedly placed another layer of soft cushions on Liao Qing Qing's chair before letting Liao Qing Qing sit down. Then, she asked, "Mistress, why don't you tell His Majesty and the Empress Dowager about this great, joyous event?"
"Who said I won't be telling?" Liao Qing Qing said, "I want to personally inform His Majesty and the Empress Dowager. It's not good to spread the news everywhere now that it's less than three months."
"Yes, yes, yes. This maidservant's family does the same too. We will only broadcast it after three months."
Liao Qing Qing nodded and asked, "It's almost noon, isn't it?"
He Xiang nodded. "Mm. It's almost time. Just now, the Imperial Physician asked about lunch. Mistress, what do you want to eat? This maidservant will make another trip to the Imperial Kitchen."
"No need. His Majesty will be here in a moment."
"
"
"Mm. His Majesty will definitely be thrilled."
Liao Qing Qing smiled and subconsciously rubbed her currently flat tummy, but it had a magical feeling.
Pregnant.
She is actually pregnant!
She is actually really pregnant!
This feeling was really beyond words as if the world was suddenly producing beautiful music, dotted with natural rhythms.
Her mood instantly became extremely good, and the corners of her mouth unconsciously raised. Emperor Jing Li kept talking about children repeatedly. Now that there is a child, he will surely be happy too, right?
That is for sure.
Liao Qing Qing imagined Emperor Jing Li's appearance when he heard the news. Then, she waited patiently for Emperor Jing Li to come over at noon. However, instead of awaiting Emperor Jing Li's arrival, Fu Sheng came.
"Lady Xi of Bright Countenance, His Majesty has sent this servant here to tell you that he is in the imperial study with several ministers, so he will not come and have lunch with you at noon." Fu Sheng said.
Liao Qing Qing was a little disappointed inwardly. But thinking that Emperor Jing Li was an Emperor and he was already swamped, she asked somewhat curiously, "Fu Sheng, do you know what happened? Causing His Majesty to discuss this at noon?"
Knowing that Lady Xi of Bright Countenance was different from the ordinary woman of the harem, he answered, "I heard it was a snowstorm."
AD
"A snowstorm?" Liao Qing Qing was startled.
"Mm. It was originally extremely snowy in Dongliao County this year. It snowed before and after spring, more than ever before, which caused some crops to wilt and froze some elderly common people to death. His Majesty is very worried and is thinking of ways to rescue them."
When Liao Qing Qing heard of this, she immediately became serious and asked, "Have they thought of a solution?"
The author has something to say: —
Gorgeous girls: What is Emperor Jing Li's name anyway?
Liao Qing Qing: Zhao! Ri! Tian![2]
Emperor Jing Li: ? I'm angry!
Liao Qing Qing: =口=!
[1] 微臣(wēichén)-This humble subject/this small official. It's a self-humbling term used by government officials and officials in feudal courts.
[2] 赵日天(zhào rì tiān)- Zhao Ri Tian is a fictitious character on the Internet. The literal translation is "Zhao f*ck the heavens/sky." This character first appeared in a video sharing website, AcFun, by an anonymous user no. 1738904 posted a synopsis of the novel titled "I'm the Most Awesome in the World" on a thread. With that, Zhao Ri Tian was borned and created a legendary life. The user did not publish the content of the novel in the discussion post. But because the synopsis was humorous, other users created a manhua with Zhao Ri Tian as the main character.
Fu Sheng answered honestly, "Replying to Lady Xi of Bright Countenance, not yet."
Liao Qing Qing nodded and said, "Alright, I got it. You can return."
"Yes."
Fu Sheng left.
AD
Liao Qing Qing ordered He Xiang to bring the Domain Records of the Great Wei Dynasty and a map. She sat down at the table and studied the map. Dongliao County was located in the northeast of the Great Wei Dynasty, and the area was vast.
Although the winter was harsh, it had always been something Emperor Jing Li was not worried about.
But this time was different. The county was still suffering from snowstorms even though it was currently spring.
Evidently, Dongliao County would be affected for the next six months.
If they freeze to death now, they may starve to death after a while.
Emperor Jing Li must allocate funds for disaster relief.
Liao Qing Qing involuntarily frowned and thought of various ways in Lisheng Pavilion. During the evening, Emperor Jing Li returned somewhat tiredly.
"Your Majesty." Liao Qing Qing came forward to receive him.
When Emperor Jing Li saw Liao Qing Qing, his worries were reduced by half.
Liao Qing Qing spontaneously held Emperor Jing Li's hand.
Emperor Jing Li's body and mind felt a lot more relaxed and asked, "Have you eaten yet?"
"Not yet. Your Majesty has not eaten yet, right?"
AD
"Mm."
"Let's eat together."
"Alright."
"Hold on," Liao Qing Qing suddenly stopped him.
"What's the matter?" Emperor Jing Li asked
"Your Majesty, come with me."
Liao Qing Qing and Emperor Jing Li walked to a small room in Lisheng Pavilion hand in hand. As soon as they entered the room, he saw several large chests placed in the room. Once they were opened, there was either gold or silver inside as well as some jewellery.
Emperor Jing Li asked curiously, "What are you doing with this?"
Liao Qing Qing said, "Your Majesty, I'm passing all this to you."
"Passing to me[1] for what?"
"To relieve the disaster. Didn't you say that there is a snowstorm in Dongliao?"
Emperor Jing Li was increasingly touched by the sincerity of her words. He had been an Emperor for several years and had encountered various natural calamities and man-made disasters every year. Most of the imperial concubines in the harem were just trying to please and appease him. No one was like Liao Qing Qing, who directly gave him all her assets to relieve the disasters.
AD
"What would you spend if you give it all for disaster relief?" Emperor Jing Li asked.
"This imperial concubine[2] doesn't spend much in the first place. In the future, there would be no bestowments."
"Aren't you afraid that the maids and eunuchs will say you're stingy?"
"If they were to say, so be it then. This imperial concubine would rather be told that this imperial concubine is stingy than have any more casualties in Dongliao." Liao Qing Qing looked as if she had steeled herself.
Warmth spread through Emperor Jing Li's heart. He stretched out his arms to bring Liao Qing Qing in his arms and said, "Qing Qing's intentions are appreciated by the people of Dongliao and me. Don't worry about the snowstorm. Ihave already ordered people to open warehouses to provide relief. I believe we will receive good news in a few days."
"Then why is Your Majesty still frowning?" Liao Qing Qing's slender fingers reached between Emperor Jing Li's eyebrows and gently stroked them.
She stroked him gently and affectionately.
Emperor Jing Li's brows relaxed slightly, and he said, "I am worried that the people are starving." He had always valued the lives of the people. He continued, "I don't know how the other places are doing this year."
"Since Your Majesty has opened the warehouse for disaster relief, they will soon receive Your Majesty's bestowal. When the Heavens see His Majesty's intention, he will also treat the people of Great Wei generously."
These words were so sweet to Emperor Jing Li's ears that he lowered his head and kissed Liao Qing Qing's forehead. He felt much more at ease.
But he remembered the matter of Dongliao County.
After all, human lives were at stake.
AD
During the dinner, Emperor Jing Li did not eat much.
Afterwards, he sat down in front of his memorials to review them.
Liao Qing Qing accompanied him for a while and only went to bed when she was exhausted.
The following morning, the weather was fine, and the sun shone brightly.
There was some good news from Dongliao County, saying that the snow had stopped and that some local officials and wealthy nobles had set up a stand for porridge to help the people and that Dongliao County had also opened its warehouses to relieve the disaster.
Emperor Jing Li was a little relieved to hear this.
However, in the afternoon, he received another memorial saying that a flood had occurred.
It was only in the spring, and a flood had occurred, causing Emperor Jing Li and the ministers to feel worried. They held an emergency meeting to assist with the operations of things. The Ministry of Works, the Ministry of Military Affairs, the Minister of Officials and the Minister of Revenue all came up with policies in a hurry to deploy extra manpower to treat the flooding and prevent thieves from taking advantage of the situation.
For a while, the imperial officials were extremely busy.
Emperor Jing Li was even busier day and night.
He didn't expect the start of this year to have so many matters. Before he ascended to the throne, he had read a lot of history and concluded that snow, drought and flood did not come alone but were often accompanied by various diseases. The most common being coughs and fevers, and the worst was the plague.
Emperor Jing Li was afraid of the plague.
AD
He immediately issued several decrees reminding officials of the importance of protection against various diseases.
He even allocated heavy sums of money for medicine.
Perhaps Emperor Jing Li's attentiveness moved the Heavens. The sun shone brightly in many places for the next few days.
Sunshine was a good omen.
So everything was going in a good direction.
Emperor Jing Li let out a long sigh of relief.
Liao Qing Qing was also relieved.
At this time, the young eunuch from the Department of Agricultural Products came over to see Liao Qing Qing again.
Liao Qing Qing asked, "What's the matter?"
The young eunuch said happily, "The Bureau Chief sent this servant[3] to tell Lady Xi of Bright Countenance that the potatoes will be harvested tomorrow."
"Tomorrow?" Liao Qing Qing had been so concerned about the disaster in various places these days that she had forgotten about the harvest of the thousand mu of potatoes in Zhu Prefecture. She said, "Has your Bureau Chief taken a look at the potatoes?"
"Yes, he did."
AD
"How are they growing?"
"The Bureau Chief said it was even better than the ones grown in the Department of Agricultural Products."
Liao Qing Qing said with a smile, "Good. I wanted to go with you to collect the potatoes, but I am not well enough to do so. So please inform the Bureau Chief."
"Yes."
"Oh, right. Is His Majesty aware of this?"
"The Bureau Chief has sent a memorial, but His Majesty has been busy lately, so I am not sure if he had read it or not." The young eunuch replied.
"All right. I understand. You can return."
"Yes."
After the junior eunuch left, Liao Qing Qing summoned the Momos[4] from Lisheng Pavilion. Last year, she had told Emperor Jing Li that she loved growing vegetables and had repeatedly achieved success.
Not only did Emperor Jing Li reward her with silver, but he had also bestowed her a hundred mu[5] of land (6.667 hectares/ 66,666.67 sqm).
When potatoes were planted in Zhu prefecture last year, she also sent people to grow a hundred mu (6.667 hectares/ 66,666.67 sqm) of potatoes. Now it was time to harvest, so she ordered the Momos to go out of the palace to find people to harvest these potatoes, while she estimated this year's potato harvest at Lisheng Pavilion.
It took her more than six months to grow the potatoes from the umbrella flowers herself.
AD
She also spent more than half a year with the Minister of Revenue and the Bureau Chief of the Department of Agricultural Products to continue experimenting and cultivating the potatoes. All the potatoes produced and the large number of umbrella flowers purchased from the northwest were sparsely and uniformly planted into the land.
The total area was over 1,100 mu.
Based on the previous yield of 1,000 catties (500kg/1102.32 pounds) per mu, the potato harvest this time was about 1.1 million catties.
A million and ten thousand catties?! (50,500 kg/1,113,334.42 pounds)
Five hundred and fifty tonnes?
That is too much, right?
A few days later, the Minister of Revenue reported the potato harvest to Emperor Jing Li in Qingzheng Hall.
Emperor Jing Li was astonished.
The imperial officials were not convinced at all.
The Minister of Revenue gave an impassioned explanation of the growing process of potatoes, the advantages of harvesting and spelt out in detail the merits of Lady Xi of Bright Countenance, Liao Qing Qing.
In addition to the potato flowers that had been transported from the northwest, most of the potatoes grown on the one thousand mu of land (666,666.67 sqm/66.67 hectares) in Zhu prefecture were potato stems cultivated by Lady Xi of Bright Countenance and all the imperial officials present had eaten the potatoes.
Not only were they edible, but they were also tasty.
AD
But a total yield of more than one million catties from a thousand mu of land (666,666.67 sqm/66.67 hectares) was simply impossible, knowing that a harvest of 300,000 catties (15,000 kg/330,693 pounds) from a thousand mu of wheat, rice and grain would be a great harvest.
It was obvious that the Minister of Revenue was exaggerating.
Why was he exaggerating?
Of course, it was for Lady Xi of Bright Countenance's sake.
The Minister of Revenue was known to be a member of Lady Xi of Bright Countenance's faction and a staunch supporter of Lady Xi of Bright Countenance as the Empress of this dynasty.
This Lady Xi of Bright Countenance would do anything to become the Empress, daring to interfere in the country's fundamentals.
Some imperial officials, however, could not stand the Minister of Revenue. They began to show examples of cultivation from the past and the present in the courtroom. They firmly stated that potatoes could not be that productive. Otherwise, there would not be a famine in the future.
At the same time, they vigorously attacked the Minister of Revenue, insinuating that Lady Xi of Bright Countenance.
It was fine to attack the Minister of Revenue, but not to Lady Xi of Bright Countenance. Emperor Jing Li immediately threw the memorial.
The hall was dead silent.
The Minister of Revenue braced death and said, "Your Majesty, this subject[6] is stating the truth. If you don't believe me, you can go to Zhu prefecture now and take a look at the potatoes. At this moment, the potatoes there have not been shipped. If this subject has lied, this subject is willing to die!"
"Let's go to Zhu prefecture!" Emperor Jing Li exclaimed in anger.
AD
The other imperial officials tried to stop Emperor Jing Li, but they all dared not say anything when they saw his face full of anger. They immediately gathered their guards and soldiers, prepared their carriages and horses and went to Zhu prefecture in great haste.
However, there were not enough carriages because of the haste in leaving the palace. Many imperial officials crammed into four to eight carriages, so they did not dare to speak a word.
They silently squeezed with one another.
Who would have thought that His Majesty's intention was unpredictable?
Emperor Jing Li sat alone in a carriage. He was vaguely excited. He believed what the Minister of Revenue said because he trusted his Qing Qing.
[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] 奴才 (núcái) – self appellation of bondservant when addressing the royalty or one's master/your humble servant.
[4] 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.
[5] 亩(mǔ)- Classifier for fields. Unit of area equal to one fifteenth of a hectare
[6] 微臣(wēichén)-This humble subject/this small official. It's a self-humbling term used by government officials and officials in feudal courts.
[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] 奴才 (núcái) – self appellation of bondservant when addressing the royalty or one's master/your humble servant.
[4] 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.
[5] 亩(mǔ)- Classifier for fields. Unit of area equal to one fifteenth of a hectare
[6] 微臣(wēichén)-This humble subject/this small official. It's a self-humbling term used by government officials and officials in feudal courts.
Zhu Prefecture was close to the capital, and it only took an hour to reach the site of the 1,000 mu of experimental field in Zhu Prefecture all the way through the official roads.
Emperor Jing Li got off the carriage first.
One by one, the imperial officials followed suit. Before they could hold their black gauze hats on their heads, they were stunned by what they saw not far away.
On the endless fields, everyone was bending down and working as they carried baskets or sacks with a smile of joy on their faces. The reason they were smiling was because of the mountain of potatoes.
AD
The carriages could not enter the experiential fields. Therefore, they disembarked on the official road and followed Emperor Jing Li towards the experimental fields. The more they walked, the more they could not believe their eyes.
The–There are mountains of potatoes all over the land in heaps.
They are all potatoes, which they love to eat.
As soon as the Bureau Chief of the Department of Agricultural Products raised his eyes from organising the harvesting of the potatoes, he also saw Emperor Jing Li. He froze for a moment and hurriedly paid his respect to Emperor Jing Li, "Greetings, Your Majesty. May Your Majesty live and reign for ten thousand years, ten thousand years, ten thousand of ten thousand years!"
The people who were harvesting the potatoes had long been aware of Emperor Jing Li and the others. Although they were close to the Imperial City, they had never seen the Emperor before. This time, the Emperor and Lady Xi of Bright Countenance had discovered delicious potatoes, which prevented one from being hungry. They have long worshipped Emperor Jing Li and Lady Xi of Bright Countenance as deities.
At this moment, when they heard the Bureau Chief of the Department of Agricultural Products say that it was the Emperor, they all hurriedly dropped the work they were doing and kowtowed in unison. "Greetings, Your Majesty. May Your Majesty live and reign for ten thousand years, ten thousand years, ten thousand of ten thousand years!"
The untrained shouts were not neat and tidy, but Emperor Jing Li was thrilled to hear them. He treated the people with importance and naturally wanted them to do the same. When he heard it, he couldn't help but think of his Qing Qing, who had given all this to him. He was extraordinarily excited to hear such a sincere voice.
However, it was not the time to think of Qing Qing. He asked the Bureau Chief of the Department of Agricultural Products, "Why are you here?"
"Responding to Your Majesty, this humble subject was ordered by Lady Xi of Bright Countenance to come and supervise."
"Lady Xi of Bright Countenance?" When Liao Qing Qing was mentioned, Emperor Jing Li was particularly interested.
"Yes. Lady Xi of Bright Countenance said that this was the first time the common people of Zhu prefecture had harvested potatoes, and she was afraid that they might not understand anything. So she ordered this humble subject to supervise and observe whether there were any abnormalities in the growth of the thousand mu of potatoes." The Bureau Chief of the Department of Agricultural Products said truthfully.
Emperor Jing Li nodded after hearing this, "What is the yield per mu?"
"
"
"Over a thousand catties." The Bureau Chief of the Department of Agricultural Products said with certainty.
A shichen (two hours) ago, when the imperial officials in the courtroom heard the phrase "more than a thousand catties", they did not believe it and disdained it. Now they were completely blown away.
Blown away!
They had lived half a lifetime, but it was the first time they had seen a crop that could yield more than a thousand catties per mu.
This is simply… This is simply a legendary achievement!
They were blown away and amazed at the same time. But they didn't want Lady Xi of Bright Countenance to be the Empress, but now it was Lady Xi of Bright Countenance's turn to be the Empress.
Their eyes moved from the potatoes to Emperor Jing Li.
With a smile on his lips, Emperor Jing Li said "great" thrice consecutively, and then loudly said, "Reward! Reward everyone well! I'll reward the Minister of Revenue, Zhu Hai Ren, with a thousand taels of gold and a silver cup. I'll promote the Bureau Chief of the Department of Agricultural Products, Liu Zhong Yi, to Bureau Chief of the Department of Agriculture, a thousand taels of silver. I'll reward a thousand families of common people a hundred catties of potatoes each. I'll reward Lady Xi of Bright Countenance, Liao Shi—"
When it came to Liao Qing Qing's rewards, Emperor Jing Li suddenly paused and swept his gaze over the imperial subjects, like a child who succeeded in his mischief, with all the smugness in his eyes.
Then, his face turned serious, and he said solemnly, "Lady Xi of Bright Countenance, Liao Shi, was born from a scholarly family, gentle and kind. She has good virtues and is always concerned about the common people. She has created a legendary achievement in agriculture. She has worked together with me for the common people. She possesses the behaviour of the mother of the country. I will establish Liao Shi as the Empress, and it will soon be announced to the land under Heaven so that everyone will hear the news and be aware of it."
Lady Xi of Bright Countenance became the Empress?
The Minister of Revenue and the Bureau Chief of the Department of Agricultural Products were the first to react. They knelt and kowtowed sincerely, "Thank you, Your Majesty, for your grace. May Your Majesty live and reign for ten thousand years, ten thousand years, ten thousand of ten thousand years. May the Empress live and reign for thousand years, thousand years, thousand of thousand years!
AD
The potato incident had made Lady Xi of Bright Countenance well-known among the people no less than that of Emperor Jing Li. There had long been private discussions that it would be suitable for Lady Xi of Bright Countenance to be the Empress. Now that Lady Xi of Bright Countenance had really been elevated to Empress, the people knelt down and shouted after them as if their dreams were being fulfilled.
Some of the imperial officials who opposed the appointment of Liao Qing Qing as Empress couldn't remain adamant due to two million catties of potatoes in front of them, nor could they find a reason to refute it. Hence, they all knelt down and accepted it.
When Emperor Jing Li saw this, he smiled with satisfaction and turned his head in the direction of the palace, where Liao Qing Qing was sitting in the courtyard, sunbathing with He Xiang sitting next to her.
He Xiang was making small shoes with her head down.
She had already finished one.
Liao Qing Qing took it over and said, "This is too small. It is not as big as my hand."
He Xiang said, "Children are like that. Their feet are tiny."
"Really?" Liao Qing Qing rarely came into contact with children.
"Yeah. This maidservant[1] had asked the Momos and can't be wrong."
"Alright, then continue doing it."
"Mm. When this maidservant made the little shoes, I will also make clothes and socks for the young imperial prince."
"Young imperial prince? What if it's a princess?"
AD
"This maidservant will do it all."
"Alright."
He Xiang buried her head and continued to do it.
Liao Qing Qing was eating snacks and reading a book next to her.
Not long after, Fu Sheng held up the imperial decree and came in with a group of eunuchs and palace maids. He said in a sharp voice, "The imperial decree has arrived—"
The author has something to say: —
Readers: Your Majesty, your Empress has a bun!
Emperor Jing Li: Huh?
Readers: My gosh! Your wife is pregnant!
Emperor: !
[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.)
–梁妃(liáng fēi)- Consort Liang, previously Noble Consort Liang
Current Ranking: Empress Dowager → Empress → Worthy Consort + Virtuous Consort + Consort Liang → Lady Li of Graceful Ceremony → Ye Liangyi + Wu Liangyi → Noble Lady Liao + Noble Lady Jiang
Imperial Decree?
What imperial decree?
Why is it so solemn?
AD
It had been a long time since Liao Qing Qing had received an imperial decree.
She immediately put down the book, slowly got up and approached Fu Sheng. She slightly bowed and said, "This imperial concubine[1] accepts the decree."
Fu Sheng unfolded the decree and read aloud, "Announcing the Emperor's edict, the Emperor has decreed as follows: I,[2] the ruler of heaven and earth of noble character, hope that the sun and moon will shine on the world together. In the current capital city, Liao Shi is warm-hearted, elegant, kind, virtuous and is someone who always thinks of the people. She has created a legendary achievement in agriculture … On the sixth day of the fourth month of the tenth year of the Year of Jing Li, I proclaim her the Empress. End of the Emperor's decree."[3]
Fu Sheng read out quite a lot.
The attention of Liao Qing Qing, He Xiang and the others were focused on the word "Empress".
Empress!
An Empress!
Emperor Jing Li had mentioned making Liao Qing Qing the Empress more than once. He had even expressed his intention in the courtroom. However, it had been pushed back because his opinion was different from that of the imperial officials. She didn't expect that it would be decided so soon.
Liao Qing Qing was still a bit surprised.
He Xiang and the others were astonished!
They accompanied Liao Qing Qing, only thinking that if Liao Qing Qing became Consort Xi, they would also gain some glory. However, they did not expect Liao Qing Qing to become the Empress in one leap.
She became an Empress!
AD
The mother of a nation!
They were all very excited.
Fu Sheng was also quite excited. Who would have thought that the unfavoured small Liangyi would become the Empress of the Wei Dynasty as the only woman who could stand beside Emperor Jing Li three years later?
As expected of the woman he thinks highly of.
(Spit)!
Is he allowed to say such things?
He can't even think about it!
If His Majesty were to find out, his measly life would be in danger.
Fu Sheng hurriedly taunted his face and said respectfully, "Your Highness, the Empress, please accept the decree."
Liao Qing Qing said, "Thank you, Your Majesty, for your grace."
He Xiang hurriedly went to support Liao Qing Qing.
Liao Qing Qing stood up and stretched her hands out to receive the imperial decree.
AD
Fu Sheng and all the other palace maids and eunuchs knelt down together and shouted, "This servant[4]/maidservant[5] greets Your Highness, the Empress. May Your Highness, the Empress, live and reign for a thousand years, a thousand years and thousands of years."
Liao Qing Qing received the imperial decree and looked at the people kneeling on the floor. She was a little delighted and somewhat excited. She said, "You may all rise."
"Thank you, Your Highness."
Only then did Liao Qing Qing look towards Fu Sheng and ask, "Where is His Majesty at the moment?"
"His Majesty is currently deliberating in the imperial study and said he would come later."
"All right. Thank you, Eunuch Fu, for the trouble."
"This is what this servant should do." Fu Sheng spoke very respectfully. Of course, he respected and admired the Empress deep down. He continued, "Then, this servant will go back and report to my post."
Liao Qing Qing rewarded Fu Sheng with some things before letting him leave.
Then she continued to reward the palace maids and eunuchs of Lisheng Pavilion.
The news of Liao Qing Qing becoming the Empress spread amongst the people. Before then, she had already been very well-known among the common people. It seemed that Liao Qing Qing becoming the Empress of the Great Wei Dynasty was much anticipated by many. The people were overjoyed — His Majesty had finally established an Empress.
The imperial harem was a different scene. Other than the very few who had the self-awareness to be self-composed after receiving the news, the other concubines were either shocked, remorseful, sad or dejected.
One of them was Consort Liang, who had moved out of Linhua Palace. She simply went mad, shouting in the courtyard that the Empress had finally fallen into the hands of another person after all her years of management. How could she endure this?
AD
She completely lost her usual calmness and gentleness and turned hysterical, startling a group of palace maids. While Worthy Consort, who also lived in an isolated residence, fell limp to the ground after hearing the news.
She felt that she was done for.
Liao Qing Qing would not let her off.
In fact, Liao Qing Qing wasn't even thinking of anyone else.
After putting the imperial decree away and receiving a number of rewards from Emperor Jing Li, she gently stroked her still-flat belly. She whispered, "You're really Mother's little lucky star."
He Xiang laughed and said, "Isn't that so? Your Highness, now the sky is clear, the snowstorm in Dongliao County has been eased, and the flooding in the south has been managed. That means it is a blessing."
"Yes, it is a blessing."
"What blessing?" Emperor Jing Li's voice sounded from outside the door.
Liao Qing Qing and He Xiang hurriedly paid their respects.
Emperor Jing Li walked up with big steps and held onto Liao Qing Qing's hand.
Upon seeing this, He Xiang and the others took the other palace maids and left.
There were only Emperor Jing Li and Liao Qing Qing in the hall.
AD
Emperor Jing Li asked, "Empress, how do you feel?"
Liao Qing Qing smiled. "Your Majesty, you are amazing!"
Emperor Jing Li asked with a smile, "How am I amazing?"
"You are just amazing!"
Emperor Jing Li put his arms around Liao Qing Qing and walked toward the bedroom with a smile. After sitting on the stool, he carried Liao Qing Qing and placed her on his lap. He said, "I have already chosen an auspicious day. The coronation ceremony will be held on the sixth day of the sixth month."
"So soon?" Liao Qing Qing was surprised.
"Is it fast? I have been preparing for a year." As soon as Emperor Jing Li was certain that he wanted to spend his life with Liao Qing Qing, he had already started preparing for the coronation ceremony.
"? Your Majesty has been preparing for that long?"
"Of course, when Qing Qing becomes the Empress, I naturally have to be more prepared." Emperor Jing Li played with Liao Qing Qing's fingers and added, "You don't need to consult anyone. Just walk to my side when the time comes."
Liao Qing Qing nodded her head.
Emperor Jing Li smiled. He continued speaking about today's visit to the experimental fields in Zhu prefecture. Emperor Jing Li asked, "Have you heard about it?"
Liao Qing Qing nodded. "Your Majesty, this concubine[6] only heard about it after you left the palace."
AD
"Do you know how many catties of potatoes the experimental fields produced?"
"How many catties?"
"Guess." Emperor Jing Li had a proud expression on his face.
The potatoes were grown by Liao Qing Qing. Although she didn't know precisely the state of potatoes grown within Zhu prefecture and counties, it shouldn't be too bad. So she replied after much deliberation, "A million catties?"
"That's right, at least 1.1 million catties."
"That's a lot!"
"Yes, that's a lot!" It was clear that Emperor Jing Li was overjoyed by this figure. He reached out to sweep the loose hair in front of Liao Qing Qing's forehead. He was overwhelmed with emotion. Ever since he took over the Great Wei, his knowledge of crops was two to three hundred catties per mu. He tried his best to increase the yield but had little success. However, Liao Qing Qing had solved this problem.
A yield of over a thousand catties per mu is five times the usual amount.
How many lives will be saved from this?!
Emperor Jing Li said, "Qing Qing, you deserve all the credit."
Liao Qing Qing said, "Your Majesty, don't give me such high praises. This concubine just likes to grow vegetables and accidentally discovered potatoes, so I don't deserve any credit or worldly success."
"You are worthy if I say you are worthy, "
AD
"…."
Emperor Jing Li said, "Look, once the potatoes were discovered, none of those stubborn imperial subjects dared to say that you can't be the Empress anymore."
Liao Qing Qing couldn't have imagined that the potatoes were so powerful. She was probably the first woman in the ancient world to be pushed to the position of the Empress because of potatoes.
Potato Empress!
Thank you, potatoes!
She looked at Emperor Jing Li and asked, "Where are those potatoes?"
"Put them back in the national treasury." Emperor Jing Li said.
"You're not giving to the common people?" Liao Qing Qing asked.
"I'll be giving it to them. One family would receive three hundred catties, plus one hundred catties of seed potatoes."
"And the rest was delivered to Dongliao and the south?"
"Yes," Emperor Jing Li replied. Initially, he was worried about the food problem in Dongliao County and the south; this batch of potatoes really solved the pressing issue. There was never before a natural disaster problem was solved so quickly. Now, it was unknown how many lives had been saved.
Emperor Jing Li was in a good mood.
"
"
Liao Qing Qing said, "Then this concubine will not send my hundred mu of potatoes."
"Why?"
"So that I can keep some to plant. After two months of growing them, we can harvest another crop in autumn." The soil of the Great Wei Dynasty was very special. It seemed to be highly suitable for potatoes, which could be planted twice a year, especially during the autumn harvest that would be exceptionally abundant.
"Oh, right. I almost forgot about this. I should let the whole country grow potatoes." Emperor Jing Li just wished he could have the idea of making the world hunger free all at once.
"You can't."
"Why?"
Liao Qing Qing explained, "It still has to be paired with some wheat and rice. Otherwise, the body will have problems if the nutrition is not balanced."
Emperor Jing Li nodded his head repeatedly.
"And—" Liao Qing Qing slowed down for a moment.
Emperor Jing Li asked curiously, "And what?"
"And we have enough potatoes left to plant just over a thousand mu." The last time they grew it on a thousand mu of land, they had nearly dug the umbrella flowers in the northwest to cause it to be extinct.
Liao Qing Qing's words pulled Emperor Jing Li back to reality. After a brief moment of contemplation, he said, "Then let's leave some. Plant five thousand mu (333.33 hectare/3333333.33 sqm), and next year we will leave more potatoes and slowly spread them across the country."
"
"
"Will there not be enough to ship to Dongliao County and the south?"
"No, when the time comes, I will take down two corrupt officials, and the confiscation of the property will be enough." Emperor Jing Li said with extreme ease.
"?" How come it sounded as if it was as easy as beating two little birds down?
"It's decided!" Emperor Jing Li said.
Liao Qing Qing nodded vigorously.
Emperor Jing Li wrapped his arm around Liao Qing Qing's waist and said guiltily, "Qing Qing, I've been too busy these days. I haven't been able to keep you company properly."
"This concubine understands."
"Qing Qing is so obedient." Emperor Jing Li gently kissed Liao Qing Qing's cheek.
Liao Qing Qing smiled and wrapped her arms around Emperor Jing Li's neck.
"Your Majesty and Your Highness, the Empress, dinner is ready." At this moment, the voice of He Xiang rang out from outside the door.
Emperor Jing Li's eyebrows were slightly knitted.
What is wrong with this He Xiang today?
AD
Isn't it just a dinner being ready?
Must it even be announced?
Can't she see that he is being intimate with Liao Qing Qing?
Can't we have dinner later?
Emperor Jing Li looked at Liao Qing Qing with displeasure.
After Liao Qing Qing responded to He Xiang, she said, "Your Majesty, this concubine is hungry."
Emperor Jing Li immediately changed his expression and said in a warm voice, "Then let's have our meal first."
"Mm." Liao Qing Qing got up from Emperor Jing Li's lap.
When Emperor Jing Li got up with his hand pressed against the tabletop, his fingers touched something, and he unconsciously turned his head to look at it. It was a flat bamboo basket.
When he averted his gaze from it, he saw a pair of tiny red tiger-head shoes in the flat box. The small shoes were embroidered with flowers and were extremely cute. He reached out to pick one up and asked, "Qing Qing, what is this?"
"Shoes," Liao Qing Qing replied after taking a look.
"What kind of shoes?"
AD
Liao Qing Qing answered, "The shoes that one can wear."
Emperor Jing Li said, "Who wears such small shoes? They are not as long as my finger." He compared the shoes to his own fingers. They were indeed not as long as his fingers. He laughed and tugged at them, finding it extremely amusing.
"Children wear them," Liao Qing Qing said softly.
"Children-" Emperor Jing Li paused in his words, seeming to think of something, and suddenly raised his eyes in shock to look at Liao Qing Qing.
Liao Qing Qing had always wanted to tell Emperor Jing Li about the pregnancy. But recently, there had been one thing after another, and Emperor Jing Li had been so busy that she hadn't taken it to heart.
Emperor Jing Li's gaze slowly moved towards Liao Qing Qing's stomach.
Liao Qing Qing gently touched her feet and said shyly, "Your Majesty, this concubine is pregnant."
Emperor Jing Li's brain rumbled as if something had exploded, and he asked a stupid question, "It's my child?"
Liao Qing Qing: "?" Does a green hat[7] smell good? That you even forced yourself to wear it?
"It's my child!" Emperor Jing Li took a step toward Liao Qing Qing and wanted to hug her tightly, but he was afraid that he would be too rough and hurt Liao Qing Qing and the child. So he was so excited that he was at a loss for words and finally held Liao Qing Qing's hand tightly and asked, "Really? Do we really have a child?"
"Mm." Liao Qing Qing smiled and nodded her head.
"Then, then…" Emperor Jing Li was so excited that he didn't know what to say. He said incoherently, "Quickly let the Imperial Physician take a look at you."
AD
"The Imperial Physician had come several times."
"How is it?"
"The pulse is very good."
"That's good. I will summon Virtuous Consort to come and tell her to worry more about the imperial harem. You—"
"Virtuous Consort knows."
"Oh, Virtuous Consort knows. Then let's tell Queen Mother to make her happy."
"Queen Mother knows about it too," Liao Qing Qing said.
Emperor Jing Li tasted a sour taste and asked, "Chang Momo also knows?"
"She knows." Liao Qing Qing nodded her head.
"Your mother is also aware?"
"Mm." Liao Qing Qing nodded.
"Your father also knows?"
AD
"Mm." Liao Qing Qing nodded her head again.
"So only I am unaware of this?" Emperor Jing Li asked incredulously.
The author has something to say:
Emperor Jing Li: I feel I am not important.
Emperor Jing Li: I can't sense the real love in the human world.
Emperor Jing Li:
Liao Qing Qing: o(╯□╰)o
[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] 朕(zhèn)- I (imperial) or we (imperial use).
[3] 钦此(qīn cǐ)- 'End of the Emperor's decree' symbolise that the Emperor himself issued an edict here. In ancient times, the Emperor's decisions, orders and such to be crowned with the word '钦' to show nobility and respect.
[4] 奴才 (núcái) – self appellation of bondservant when addressing the royalty or one's master/your humble servant.
[5] 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.)
AD
[6] 臣妾(chénqiè)- this concubine/I, your servant (self-appellation of a lower-rank female). The literal meaning is 'this subject and this concubine'.It is a self-appellation used by the ranks including and above Consorts. They are used by Consorts, Noble Consorts and Empress, etc. in front of the Emperor, Empress Dowager and Consorts, Noble Consorts that have a higher rank.
[7] 绿帽子(lǜmàozi)-Green hat. It is a slang word that means to cheat on one's spouse or boyfriend or girlfriend.