EBE Chapter 162 Redeem the Promise
Chapter 162 Redeem the Promise
Jiang Qingyan kissed Shen Yuan on the lips and said softly, "Be good, we have a long future ahead of us..."
Inside the Hall of Supreme Harmony, Jiang Qingyan sat upright on the dragon throne and said to the Grand Academician of the Hanlin Academy, "The palace is currently facing a shortage of talent. The autumn examinations have been over for more than two months. There is no need to wait for next year's spring examinations. Issue the order directly, and proceed to the next step in three days."
Upon hearing this, the Grand Secretary looked startled, scratched his head, and bowed, saying, "Your Majesty, isn't this a bit too hasty?"
Jiang Qingyan chuckled and said, "When it comes to recruiting people, the sooner the better. Why make those talented people wait for so many years? Just do as I say, speed up the intermediate steps, and go straight to the palace examination on the first day of next month!"
Seeing the Emperor's firm stance, the Grand Secretary had no choice but to accept the order.
Anyway, it's good to finish the exam quickly. With more talented people entering the palace, he can finally get some rest...
After finishing the important matters, Jiang Qingyan addressed the crowd, asking, "Do any of you ministers have anything else to report?"
A moment later, Lin Zhijie stepped forward, cupped his hands, and said, "Your Majesty, I have something to report!"
Jiang Qingyan lowered her eyes slightly to look at Lin Zhijie, and felt a little dazed...
He has become much more robust recently, with an incredibly upright posture. His previously sunken face has become rosy and full, and compared to his previous effeminate and sickly beauty, he now possesses much more masculinity…
Jiang Qingyan smiled and said softly, "What does Minister Lin have to report?"
Lin Zhijie looked into Jiang Qingyan's eyes and said earnestly, word by word, "Your Majesty once promised me that you would marry me and bring me into the harem once I gained twenty pounds. Now that I have gained twenty pounds, I beg Your Majesty to keep your promise!"
Everyone held their breath upon hearing this and turned to look at Lin Zhijie…
Minister Lin, who usually appears refined and cultured, has surprisingly dared to force a marriage in court…
And it was even a forced marriage to the emperor…
Jiang Qingyan was also shocked when she heard this. She did not expect Lin Zhijie to bring up this matter in front of all the civil and military officials. Wasn't he afraid of ruining his own reputation?
Lin Zhijie studied Jiang Qingyan's expression and continued firmly, "This humble subject does not know whether Your Majesty can still fulfill the promise made that day?"
Jiang Qingyan's eyes darted around, and she teased, "What if I said that what I said that day was just a joke to tease you?"
Lin Zhijie's eyes trembled slightly upon hearing this, and he said in a deep voice, "Your Majesty... a ruler's word is law..."
The voice just lacked the confidence it had before…
The Emperor hadn't seen him alone for a long time, and a new concubine had arrived in the harem—the King of Yuan…
Has the Emperor... lost interest in me...?
The more I think about it, the sadder and more disappointed I become...
Lin Zhijie lowered his eyes slightly, his heart sinking...
Seeing his dejected appearance, Jiang Qingyan stopped teasing him and quickly said, "What I said, I will keep! There's no time like the present, so Lin Aiqing, please prepare to marry into the family tomorrow..."
Lin Zhijie's previously gloomy mood was rekindled, and he smiled and replied, "Yes! Your humble servant is already prepared and will enter the palace tomorrow!"
Jiang Qingyan smiled and winked at Lin Zhijie. She had been too busy these past few days and neglected him; she would definitely make it up to him tomorrow…
Remembering that the Empress was still sitting beside her, Jiang Qingyan secretly glanced at Mo Ting, and seeing that he still had that indifferent expression, she felt relieved...
Thank goodness... as long as Mo Ting isn't angry...
Mo Ting's heart was filled with mixed feelings; now another man was sharing her husband...
But he kept silently comforting himself: It doesn't matter, no matter how many more women there are in the harem, as long as my husband has me in his heart, that's enough...
Jiang Qingyan then turned her gaze to Lu Nian below the stage. Seeing that he didn't show any dissatisfaction, she was completely relieved...
When they returned to Chaoyang Palace, the meal was already laid out, and the men were already sitting around the table waiting for Jiang Qingyan and the others to return from court.
Liang Cheng, being considerate, added an extra set of bowls, chopsticks, and a chair for Xiao Yan, which warmed his heart even more…
After having breakfast, Jiang Qingyan coughed lightly and said to everyone, "Um... I have something to announce..."
Everyone turned to look at Jiang Qingyan, waiting to hear what she had to say.
Jiang Qingyan said somewhat shyly, "You'll have another brother tomorrow..."
Gulimee asked in confusion, "What brothers?"
Mo Ting explained, “The Minister of Rites, Lin Zhijie, is gentle and refined, and of excellent character. With him serving our husband, we can rest assured. From now on, you should get along well with him and not repeat the mistakes of Yi Luo and Yuan Lie, which would upset our husband.”
Suddenly being singled out as a negative example, Yi Luo and Yuan Lie both lowered their heads in embarrassment upon hearing this…
Neither of the two troublemakers spoke, but the others nodded and replied, "Don't worry, my lord, don't worry, Your Majesty, we will definitely get along well with him."
Jiang Qingyan smiled slightly, gently took Mo Ting's hand, and whispered in his ear, "Mo Ting, thank you..."
Mo Ting always thinks of her so much, loves her and protects her; she must love Mo Ting even more in the future…
Xiao Yan, who was furthest away from Jiang Qingyan, frowned slightly.
These things had nothing to do with him... yet for some reason, he felt a strange sense of loss...
After everyone left, Jiang Qingyan wrapped her arms around Mo Ting's waist, nuzzled her head against his neck, and said sweetly, "Mo Ting, I love you so much~"
Mo Ting slightly curved her lips and said softly, "Since my husband loves me so much... perhaps..."
Having said that, he picked Jiang Qingyan up and carried her to the bedside...
Jiang Qingyan pretended not to understand and said shyly, "Not as good as what?"
Mo Ting gently placed Jiang Qingyan on the bed, leaned down and kissed her, his words muffled as he said, "I wasn't full just now, husband, please feed me something even better..."
Soon it was dinner time, and after Jiang Qingyan lingered with Mo Ting for a while longer, Mo Ting reminded her, "Husband, today is Lu Nian's night of service..."
Jiang Qingyan slapped her forehead. Luckily, Mo Ting reminded her; she had almost forgotten…
After taking a petal bath with Mo Ting, Jiang Qingyan walked alone towards Lu Nian's Moon Palace.
But just as Jiang Qingyan reached the palace entrance, a figure in lake blue pulled her to a corner...
After seeing the man's face clearly, Jiang Qingyan did not resist. She leaned against the corner of the wall, staring at Xiao Yan's bloodshot eyes with great interest, without saying a word.
Xiao Yan pressed down on Jiang Qingyan's shoulders, his voice trembling slightly, "You said you owed me a reward, and now I have one I want..."
Jiang Qingyan raised an eyebrow: "Okay, what do you want? Tell me."
Xiao Yan struggled to control his racing heartbeat and said in a deep voice, "I want you..."
As he spoke, those cold, thin lips pressed against Jiang Qingyan's moist lips...
Jiang Qingyan wrapped her arms around Xiao Yan's waist and responded deeply to his kiss...
Meat delivered right to your door—why not take it?
Meanwhile, Lu Nian, who was inside the Moonlit Palace, waited anxiously for Jiang Qingyan's arrival, then pushed open the door and went out...