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墨書 Inktalez
Funing Palace Bai Yunsheng led a low-key, modestly dressed Lady-in-Waiting through the palace gates.
Lu Xiangong's Wife found it somewhat strange; Bai Yunsheng was not Pang Yuanying, who always entered and exited alone, rarely accompanied by a Lady-in-Waiting.
However, catching a glimpse of the woman's appearance, the Lu Family Lady couldn't help but smile slightly. The Lady-in-Waiting had bright eyes and white teeth, and her beauty was striking. It seemed that even the most unrefined man would eventually admire women as he grew up.
She left Bai Yunsheng to meet the Official on his own, as this was not his first time in the palace and did not require anyone else's concern. She herself contentedly carried the food box toward the Queen.
Bai Yunsheng strolled slowly with his Lady-in-Waiting in the Imperial Flower Garden. The eunuch leading the way was quite perceptive and enthusiastic. Those who managed to get ahead in the palace were all sharp-eyed individuals. Although the current Bai Langjun was just a commoner, he was the kind of commoner who could converse with Officials, so it was wise to curry favor.
Thus, when that Bai Langjun reached out to embrace his Lady-in-Waiting, whispering playfully to her, the eunuch discreetly stepped aside, not wanting to intrude.
"I still think your presence in the palace is rather conspicuous. Since your elder brother is skilled in Disguise, it would be better for him to come instead."
Qin Yaru leaned obediently against Bai Yunsheng, dressed in a style she often wore in her past life—luxurious and beautiful, unlike a typical Lady-in-Waiting. Her makeup was also more vibrant than her usual understated elegance; unfamiliar people might not recognize her.
"My elder brother is monitored whenever he goes out. Even if he uses Disguise, it can easily be detected. It's better to be safe than sorry; I should enter the palace instead."
Especially since Qin Wenyuan was not as familiar with the Officials as Bai Yunsheng was and being a man made it impossible for him to enter the palace openly and find a private place to discuss matters with the emperor.
Even if Gao Feng did not wish for Qin Yaru to be involved, it was already impossible for the Qin Family to avoid being implicated. As a daughter of the Qin Family, if anything happened to them, she clearly could not escape unscathed.
Having entered the palace gates, it was useless to regret now. Bai Yunsheng sighed and instructed Qin Yaru to stay close as they slowly approached the main hall of Funing Palace.
When Bai Yunsheng saw the Official, the emperor's mood was not particularly good.
Although Zhao Zheng was the emperor, he was still young, and with the Empress Dowager present, matters of state were primarily decided by her. While Empress Liu did not have ambitions like Wu Zetian's, at this moment, she indeed possessed some of Wu's capabilities. Even such a benevolent ruler as this time's Official, faced with such circumstances, could not help but feel suppressed and troubled.
Moreover, his thoughts often conflicted with those of the Empress Dowager.
Recently, their disagreements had increased over trivial matters; although he appeared willing to concede on the surface, internally he felt quite uncomfortable.
Despite his bad mood, seeing Bai Yunsheng made the Official's expression soften slightly.
Unlike Bai Yunsheng, who had always looked down on him, he had a good impression of Bai Yunsheng. In fact, as a young Official, he envied Bai Yunsheng's carefree and unrestrained demeanor.
It is likely that every young person, in their prime, would envy those men who can gallop freely and live an unconstrained life.
As soon as he entered, Zhao Zheng quickly invited him to sit down and did not require Bai Yunsheng to bow. The customs of the Song Dynasty were not that strict; unless it was a formal occasion, a simple clasping of hands was sufficient when meeting the emperor.
“It’s been a while since we last met. You’ve lost weight and look unwell. Don’t blame me; it’s really because you got into trouble. We cannot disregard the face of the Empress Dowager,” Official said gently, fully aware of the reason behind Bai Yunsheng's haggard appearance but ultimately considerate enough not to mention Zhan Yu, instead asking Bai Yunsheng several friendly questions.
As long as Bai Yunsheng was willing, he could say anything that anyone would love to hear.
“Official knows that Lu Xiangong values his appetite above all else. This time, Lu Family Lady specifically asked me to bring two boxes of marinated white fish for you to taste. Lu Xiangong was quite reluctant to part with them; he even forgot to water his peony for this reason.”
Zhao Zheng laughed heartily: “Don’t be ridiculous. How could Lu Xiangong be that stingy? He’s from Shouzhou, where the marinated white fish is the most authentic. His family’s cook can probably make it too; would he really be reluctant to part with a few boxes of fish? By the way, since you brought fish, let’s eat together today and have the Imperial Chef prepare it for us.”
Bai Yunsheng nodded: “Official is used to being frugal. Most of the cooks in the palace are from Kaifeng and are not skilled in Huaiyang cuisine. However, my Lady-in-Waiting, who came with me today, is quite proficient in preparing delicious dishes. Why not let her use those fine ingredients to make some dishes for you to enjoy?”
Recently, due to disaster relief efforts, expenses in the palace had been cut back. Even the emperor's meals were quite ordinary, likely less lavish than those of wealthy merchants outside. Zhao Zheng, being human, naturally had desires; although he had strong self-control, he was still quite curious after hearing Bai Yunsheng's words and chuckled: “That’s true; you love eating fish and prefer fine dining. It wouldn’t do to waste the good ingredients given by Lu Xiangong.”
The two continued chatting casually while Zhao Zheng set up a chessboard.
This was typical of Bai Yunsheng. If it were someone else, they wouldn’t have the ability to keep an Official company for such a long time—over half an hour.
In reality, it hadn’t been long, but Bai Yunsheng felt that time passed very slowly—so slowly that he became somewhat restless, even playing his moves carelessly until it was finally time for dinner.
Stretching lazily, Bai Yunsheng smiled: “As usual, let’s eat by ourselves without having a crowd watching us; it feels awkward otherwise. However, my Lady-in-Waiting has a unique way of cooking; she needs to come in and explain a few things.”
Zhao Zheng laughed: “It seems I’m in for a treat today.”
In the past, when Bai Yunsheng entered the palace and if Zhao Zheng invited him for a meal, he usually didn’t allow anyone to serve him. Being inherently laid-back, Bai Yunsheng wasn’t accustomed to having a group of women surrounding him serving dishes.
At that moment, Qin Yaru, holding a large white ceramic plate, gracefully walked in. She used a serving style where each dish was presented separately and placed a visually pleasing plate of white fish on the table in front of Official.
Zhao Zheng's gaze, however, could not help but linger on Qin Yaru. For a moment, he failed to notice the allure of the delicacies before him. It was not that he was lecherous, nor was it that Qin Yaru was so stunningly beautiful that even an emperor, accustomed to beauty and with strong self-control, would be captivated at first sight.
However, as a man, seeing a woman like Qin Yaru would make even a sage take a few extra glances; she was certainly more appealing than the fish on the plate.
Putting down the fish and bowing, Qin Yaru stood with her hands at her sides.
Zhao Zheng cleared his throat lightly and looked teasingly at Bai Yunsheng, whispering, "It's all your fault, Bai Yunsheng. I never believed you were so flirtatious. You are also friends with Pang Yuanying. Now it seems they had some truth to their words."
Bai Yunsheng chuckled softly. A glance around revealed that the eunuchs and palace maids had wisely retreated outside, leaving only one obedient eunuch standing quietly in the corner beside Zhao Zheng.
He knew this eunuch's identity; he was a trusted confidant of the emperor. Apart from protecting Zhao Zheng, at other times he acted like a blind and deaf person—seeing nothing and hearing nothing. If even he were bribed by someone like Xiangyang Wang, they would have no choice but to accept their fate since it was impossible to expel this eunuch.
"Official, my Lady-in-Waiting came specifically to find you," Zhao Zheng said.
Zhao Zheng was taken aback as he watched the stunning woman gracefully kneel and softly say, "This humble woman is Qin Yaru. I have met the Official and kindly ask you to allow me to take your pulse."
Upon hearing this, not only Zhao Zheng but even Bai Yunsheng was momentarily stunned—clearly, everything had been fine. Qin Yaru had brought a letter written by Qin Yizhi along with evidence collected by Gao Feng regarding Xiangyang Wang's crimes to present to the emperor. How had she changed the script at the last moment?
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