Chapter 267

A new day.0

In the palace.0

The maids and eunuchs around The Emperor.0

Their main daily responsibility is essentially to keep The Emperor happy.0

Keeping The Emperor happy also has different levels.0

One type is to share gossip, which needs to be interesting without crossing any taboos. This is like being a chat buddy, something that can be present or not, with many eunuchs competing for this position, allowing for multiple people to coexist in the role.0

Another type is to provide physical and emotional satisfaction, like the concubines. But as The Emperor has aged, he's begun to prioritize health preservation, greatly reducing his physical desires. As a result, the concubines' advantages have significantly diminished.3

There's also a type that resonates with the soul, like the relationship between Bo Ya and Zhong Ziqi.0

Currently, only Eunuch Yan has achieved this level.0

Eunuch Yan doesn't speak much in front of The Emperor, but every word he says seems to carry weight.0

On this new day, The Emperor wakes up rather early.0

Although he doesn't have to attend morning court, sometimes he just can't sleep.0

He gets up, washes, and eats, feeling exhausted.0

Only after taking his first dose of medicine does he feel somewhat energized.0

Today isn't cold, but it's not sunny either - it's overcast.0

The Emperor seems to be in low spirits.0

A eunuch skilled at reporting news steps forward to speak.0

Eunuch Liu says that Immortal Liu has somehow caught a cold and fallen ill. Several young talents have visited her, and unexpectedly, Minister Lu's youngest son, Lu Zhaolin, also went and ended up fighting with her sworn brother, Young Master Liu.0

The Emperor waves his hand, indicating he doesn't want to hear this kind of news about love rivalries.0

He recalls that he once wanted to summon Immortal Liu, but thankfully Old Madam Meng's intervention sobered him up, otherwise his reputation might have been damaged.0

This Immortal Liu was said to be close to his eldest son recently, resulting in the eldest son's exuberant behavior, which led to The Emperor reprimanding him and ordering him to reflect behind closed doors. The Emperor feels that Immortal Liu's luck seems a bit ominous. Perhaps fortune-tellers really do have bad luck themselves. Thinking this way, The Emperor decides it's best to stay away from her and not mention her again.0

He is somewhat superstitious, after all, he wants longevity and believes in fate.0

Eunuch Duan immediately picks up the conversation.0

Eunuch Liu, standing to the side, lowers his head with slightly furrowed brows.0

Minister Lu must have done something recently to displease The Emperor, as this casual remark doesn't seem unintentional.0

Eunuch Liu has received many treasures from Minister Lu in the past and feels a bit uneasy.0

He has often spoken up for Minister Lu in the past.0

"Not at all. Although Lord Jiang has the Meng Family as in-laws, Official Meng, as Your Majesty knows, when he heard that Lord Jiang got the position of Imperial Secretary, his first words were actually gloating, saying that Lord Jiang won't be able to slack off now, as he has to see you every day."0

"Hahaha," The Emperor laughs.0

It's really hard not to trust Old General Meng when he has such a blunt son.0

If he had any ulterior motives, he wouldn't dare to let his son stay in the capital like this.0

"Lord Jiang probably doesn't understand the rules of the capital, and no one has enlightened him. Official Meng probably wouldn't remember this either. Anyway, on the third day, Lord Jiang stayed home to plant vegetables with his daughter. He took his wife and daughter, personally dug the ground, planted vegetables, watered them, and busied himself all day. He ended up covered in mud. The servants at home wanted to say something but didn't dare. Planting vegetables in winter, they probably won't survive."4

The Emperor imagines Lord Jiang's handsome face covered in mud and can't help but laugh again.0

At this moment, Eunuch Yan hands him a cup of tea, which he takes and drinks.0

It's neither hot nor cold, just right for drinking.0

"My sister grew up in a village, cherishing food. She probably saw such a large piece of land and felt it would be a waste not to plant some crops," Eunuch Yan says casually in his pleasant voice.0

"So what about Lord Jiang today?" The Emperor asks, his interest piqued.0

"He must be at the government office copying rules and regulations. He didn't give gifts to Minister Lu and doesn't understand the rules, so he probably needs to copy the regulations for several days before he can enter the palace to see Your Majesty," Eunuch Duan adds from the side.0

The Emperor's lips curl slightly.0

He puts down his teacup.0

He's somewhat displeased.0

Even the person he wants to see has to go through Minister Lu's interference. Old Lu's reach is getting longer and longer.3

Eunuch Liu quickly says from the side, "It's almost lunchtime. Why don't we summon Lord Jiang and ask him about the skeleton matter, to see if there's any injustice involved?"0

The Emperor nods.0

Eunuch Liu lowers his head, wiping the sweat from his forehead. He's lost this round.0

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