LRAB Chapter 256 The Word "Love"
Chapter 256 The Word "Love"
Once someone brings up this matter, even more people join the discussion, because this is a matter of great importance that benefits generations to come. What civil and military officials seek is nothing more than to occupy a place in the history books.
For a time, on the Empress Dowager's birthday, the officials stopped caring about sending birthday gifts and started discussing cotton planting.
If it can be used to make quilts, it can definitely be used to make cotton-padded clothes.
Li Yuanke never expected Shen Shixi to pull this stunt, using this method to promote cotton planting. As long as it attracts the attention of the court officials, there's no worry about its promotion.
Taking advantage of this opportunity, Li Yuanke made arrangements for the promotion of cotton, with the Ministry of Works taking the lead and Pei Yanli supervising the process.
The double-sided embroidered screen that the Empress had gone to great lengths to acquire was completely forgotten.
Taking advantage of the situation, Consort De added insult to injury, laughing, "Your Majesty, look at the Imperial Noble Consort's birthday gift! It surpasses all ours. I told you, Your Majesty doesn't need to worry about the Imperial Noble Consort!"
Even Lady Pei was interested in the cotton quilt, which made the Empress so angry that her heart ached.
"Sister Consort De, you should worry about your birthday gift first. I wonder if you'll still be able to present it today? Don't miss the chance."
Consort De smiled and said, "The fact that Imperial Noble Consort Chenyuan's birthday gift has pleased the Empress Dowager so much is enough to show our filial piety. Even if I couldn't offer mine, so what?"
That's how the empress was stabbed.
"Can she replace you all?" the Queen said angrily.
Consort De remained silent, stopping short of provoking the woman. She wasn't Chen Yuan; she couldn't handle the situation and risk the Emperor's wrath, which would be a greater loss than gain.
The noblewomen surrounded the Empress Dowager, showering her with compliments without spending a penny, which amused the Empress Dowager greatly.
The Dowager Lady of Changning then took the opportunity to praise, "Having good things is not enough; you also need to know how to use them. I've only ever heard people say that cotton is beautiful to grow, but I never imagined it could have such a use. It's thanks to the Imperial Noble Consort's cleverness that she thought of it!"
The Empress Dowager's opinion of Shen Shixi is a private matter, and she would never show it in public, as she has to consider the dignity of the royal family.
"She is a smart and filial child. With her assisting the Emperor, I have much less to worry about."
The subsequent birthday gift presentation went smoothly without any further incident.
The birthday gifts from the Prince of Jin's residence were also quite valuable, and the people on Prime Minister Pei's side didn't hold back in praising them.
After the birthday banquet, Shen Shixi smiled and said, "Your Majesty, I also had the Imperial Music Bureau prepare a performance. Now that the banquet is over, it's still early. Would you do me the honor of going to see it? Please give me some face?"
The Empress Dowager felt completely flattered and said, "You child, you're always so busy, all year round, always having the Imperial Music Bureau prepare this play or that play for me, as if you're afraid I won't have any fun, and you don't even care about tiring yourself out!"
She had Shen Shixi help her walk, and called out, "You all come with me to see, every play that Chenyuan has arranged is good."
That year, opera gradually became popular in the capital. However, the performances outside were all haphazard. To see authentic opera, one had to go to the palace. Who wouldn't want to see it?
They all flocked to Changyin Pavilion, one group of men and another of women. The men accompanied the Emperor, and the women accompanied the Empress Dowager.
The opera is called "River Clears and Seas Calm," which is perfect!
They started singing in a melodious, rhythmic style, and even Prime Minister Pei clapped along. The costumes on stage were all of deities, and the ladies of the court and the nobility watched with devout hearts. Some of those who had never believed in Buddhism before had even started to believe now.
Afterwards, all the actors, including the gods from all directions, knelt down to wish the Empress Dowager a happy birthday. The Empress Dowager was so moved that she almost stood up, tears welling up in her eyes. "Good, good, good! Reward me handsomely!"
Whether it was the officials or the noblewomen, they all praised the Empress Dowager, the Emperor, and Consort Chenyuan for their filial piety. They had gained both substance and prestige, so how could the Empress Dowager not be happy? She felt extremely pleased.
The birthday celebration came to a successful conclusion. Originally prepared by the Empress, all the credit went to Shen Shixi, leaving Shen Shixi with nothing but the hard work.
Back at Fengyi Palace, the Empress was so angry that she developed nodules and felt a dull pain in her chest.
Granny Qu quickly reassured her, "You must calm down, anger is very harmful to your health."
"I've spent half a year painstakingly preparing for Mother's birthday today, but she's stolen all the limelight! What exactly is this cotton she's using? I've never heard of it before!"
Granny Qu advised, "It's said to be for poor commoners. Who would use such a thing—wealthy families, powerful clans, or even the imperial court? It would be humiliating!"
"Yes, noble families, whose young masters and ladies don't wear loose belts and light fur coats? But this world belongs to the emperor, and the things she does always please the emperor."
The Emperor hasn't visited Fengyi Palace for almost a year. Does he even remember me, his Empress?
The Empress cried very sadly, and Granny Qu was heartbroken.
How could she not feel sorry for the girl she raised herself?
The word "love" is truly too hurtful.
"Your Majesty, the Emperor is the ruler. You must not focus your attention on this. Your duty is to manage the six palaces well, take good care of your health, and give birth to a legitimate son as soon as possible."
The Emperor is not coming now because you haven't fully recovered. What would we do if you were pregnant now?
The Empress then stopped crying and ordered someone to bring her the bitter medicine soup to drink.
She has been drinking it three times a day for over a year, and the smell of it makes her nauseous. Fortunately, her health is indeed improving day by day.
The Qianyuan Palace was recently renovated, and a new glazed tile palace was added. It has walls on all four sides, but the roof is made of a single piece of glazed tile and sealed with newly fired cement.
The hall was planted with flowers and plants, and some tables, chairs and benches were placed inside. Now, a couch has been added.
The two fairies are currently fighting on the couch.
Only a few faint stars twinkled in the sky, there was no moon, but Shen Shixi's leather suit shone white in the dim light.
Li Yuanke touched the back, which was smoother than the finest silk, his jaw clenched and his brows furrowed.
Shen Shixi gripped his arm tightly, sweat rolling down his forehead, dripping onto his massive chest muscles and meandering down.
Shen Shixi was exhausted, so Li Yuanke got up and picked her up.
His physique is robust but not rugged, which is related to his daily practice of riding and archery. He has a broad chest, narrow waist, and a solid back, exuding a powerful presence.
His arms were also very strong.
Shen Shixi was supported by him like this, clinging to his broad shoulders and back.
She wrapped her legs around his waist, and after a while, her legs ached terribly.
"Li Yuanke, no, please go to the couch."
"No, I told you I wanted to go horseback riding outside, but you wouldn't go."
Shen Shixi was speechless and protested by swinging her legs.
Li Yuanke urged her, "Again!"
"My legs are weak and sore, I can't come!"
She couldn't help herself and swayed a few times, and the two of them involuntarily hugged each other tightly.
Li Yuanke was also somewhat exhausted, so he laid her on the couch.
The tatami mat is made of rosewood, which is very sturdy and the height is just right.