The Prime Minister’s Daughter and the Marquis’s Fool – Chapter 154
by Little PandaI Want My Wife to Help Me
For the hundreds of years since the founding of Tiansheng, there had rarely been any precedent of deposing a Crown Prince, let alone executing one. Yet His Majesty the Emperor had personally issued an imperial edict to depose the former Crown Prince and ordered him beheaded outside the Meridian Gate1, proclaiming his crimes to all the commoners in the Capital City.
Qu Sheng, the Grand General of the Southern Expedition, personally supervised the execution and announced the crimes of the Crown Prince’s faction to the public.
Many high-ranking court officials were executed alongside him. The rest had their homes raided and their entire clans exterminated, implicating a significant number of noble youths.
Qu Sheng’s actions drew cheers from the commoners throughout the city, but they left the court officials trembling in fear and the Emperor suffering from sleepless nights.
At the Hour of the Horse, outside the Meridian Gate.
Qu Sheng wore her scarlet official robes. With her crimson lips, white teeth, and handsome features, the spectators who had come from all over the capital were universally captivated by this military general.
The midday sun beat down mercilessly. Outside, the commoners pushed and shoved against one another, held back only by the long spears of the heavily perspiring soldiers.
Qu Sheng sat under a simple open-air canopy. She glanced up, then picked up the bowl of wine resting in front of her. She rose, walked to the front of the execution platform, raised the bowl with both hands, and declared solemnly, “This wine—to comfort the souls of those who died from the plague.”
She poured the entirety of the wine onto the ground. Following the sharp, crisp shatter of her porcelain bowl against the stones, the executioners lifted the bowls of wine in front of them, took large mouthfuls, and sprayed the alcohol over their executioners’ blades.
Blades fell. On the execution platform, dark red blood splattered across the ground.
Qu Sheng looked at the severed head on the ground without a trace of satisfaction. If she could, she would have ground the former Crown Prince’s corpse into ash and scattered his bones to the wind.
As she stared at the head, her gaze grew increasingly dark.
Having executed the former Crown Prince and the officials outside the palace, Qu Sheng ordered someone to place the Crown Prince’s head into a brocade box and present it to the assembly of officials inside the palace hall.
Not long after, news emerged from the inner palace that the Emperor had fallen ill.
Qu Residence.
After overseeing the execution and visiting the Emperor, Qu Sheng left the palace and returned to the Qu Residence.
Upon returning, she immediately sought out Qu Jinian, but he refused to see her.
“Mother, please tell Father that this child has urgent matters to discuss.”
Jin Yunfei looked at Qu Sheng’s earnest gaze and noticed the urgency on her face. She lowered her eyes and nodded.
Qu Sheng watched Jin Yunfei walk toward the study in the courtyard. She stood waiting under the shade of a tree for a long time, only to receive a single response from Qu Jinian: he would not see her.
“What exactly did you do to make your father so angry?” Jin Yunfei had never seen Qu Jinian this furious.
Even when Qu Sheng had announced her intention to marry Lin Xizhao, he hadn’t reacted like this. This father and daughter shared the exact same temperament—whenever they were truly enraged, they simply shut their mouths and refused to speak, which was incredibly headache-inducing.
“Mother, please do not ask. Since Father refuses to see this child, this child will not disturb him.” Qu Sheng lowered her head and departed with a remarkably submissive demeanor.
Seeing the father and daughter at such odds, Jin Yunfei wanted to mediate, but with one refusing to speak and the other pulling a long face, being caught in the middle was thoroughly unpleasant.
Leaving Qu Jinian’s courtyard, Qu Sheng ordered her subordinates to clear out another courtyard compound and summoned a large number of military officers.
The officers received their orders and dispersed to carry them out. Qu Sheng stood before the door, lost in thought for a long time, before finally heading to the Lin Residence.
Today, Liu Wuxiang had come to administer acupuncture to Lin Jianhai. The drooping of his mouth had improved, though he still had not spoken a word. Looking at Lin Jianhai’s condition, Liu Wuxiang blinked, set his used needles aside, and turned to Lin Xizhao, who had been standing closely by. “Your esteemed father’s physical health is fine now. However, his ailment of the heart2 is difficult to eradicate. He will need plenty of guidance and consolation.”
Liu Wuxiang had told her from the beginning that Lin Jianhai suffered from an ailment of the heart, leading to stagnant qi and blood—but this was an old condition. Lin Xizhao knew it was partly her doing, but it was also Lin Jianhai’s own inability to let things go.
Emperor Baoguang was dead, and the new Emperor had ascended the throne. This was an indisputable fact that could not be changed. As for her relationship with Qu Sheng, that went without saying.
Liu Wuxiang and the Qu family servants packed up his medical chest. Before leaving, he looked at Lin Jianhai and shook his head.
Lin Xizhao walked him out to see him off. Just as Liu Wuxiang boarded his carriage, Qu Sheng arrived on horseback.
Dressed in a moon-white pleated skirt, Qu Sheng dismounted with fluid grace. She tossed the reins to her attendant and crossed the distance to Lin Xizhao’s side in a few swift strides.
Lin Xizhao looked at her, the corners of her eyes curving with affection. As Qu Sheng reached her side, Lin Xizhao extended a pale, slender hand.
Without needing to think, Qu Sheng instinctively raised her hand and caught Lin Xizhao’s, and the two walked into the Lin Residence together.
“How is Father-in-law’s health?” Qu Sheng had not asked about him once since her return.
When she visited yesterday, she had left without even seeing him. After the incident with the former Crown Prince, Lin Xizhao knew that Qu Sheng harbored a layer of hatred toward Lin Jianhai. Were he not her father, Qu Sheng absolutely would not have let him off.
She understood Qu Sheng. Although she sometimes couldn’t read her completely, when it came to anything concerning Lin Xizhao, Qu Sheng would not yield an inch.
She had heard about the former Crown Prince’s execution today. The plague was merely an excuse; even without the plague, Qu Sheng would have found a way to eliminate him.
“Liu Daifu says his body is fine, but Father’s heart remains congested. His psychological illness is hard to cure,” Lin Xizhao explained simply.
Qu Sheng nodded, not pressing the matter. The two returned to the courtyard. Lin Xizhao instructed the kitchens to prepare some food, and before long, Lin Xirui arrived.
Lin Xirui had received his letter of appointment from the Ministry of Personnel today, promoting him to Vice Minister of War. He knew it was entirely due to Qu Sheng’s influence, so he had come specifically to thank her.
As a court official, even though he was currently on sick leave, he still heard news from the court. Since Qu Sheng’s return, a massive number of officials had been executed or stripped of their posts. Though Lin Xirui sharply sensed Qu Sheng’s intentions, he did not know what Qu Jinian’s stance was.
Lin Xirui stayed to dine with them. Lin Xizhao sent someone to fetch Lin Xikuan as well.
“Junzhu, the Second Young Master is not in his courtyard.” The servant had gone to Lin Xikuan’s quarters but found no one.
The three of them looked over. Lin Xirui blinked and asked, “Check if he went to Father’s room.”
Hearing this, the servant looked to Lin Xizhao. Without Qu Sheng’s orders, and unless they were accompanying Lin Xizhao, no other servants were allowed inside.
“I’ll go get him,” Lin Xizhao said, preparing to stand.
Lin Xirui hurriedly stood up. “I should go.” His body was no longer weak. Aside from the scabs that hadn’t fully fallen off, he was healthy enough to attend court.
“Let him go,” Qu Sheng said, reaching out to pull the half-standing Lin Xizhao back down.
Lin Xizhao looked at Lin Xirui, then at Qu Sheng, and could only concede, “The weather is hot. Do not run, there is no rush.” She still worried about her younger brother’s health.
Lin Xirui smiled. “I know, Ajie.”
As Lin Xirui left, Qu Sheng stared at the empty doorway, lost in thought for a long time.
Following Lin Xizhao’s advice, Lin Xirui walked at an unhurried pace. The sun outside was indeed scorching, and within just a short walk, sweat beaded on his forehead.
When he reached the courtyard, he pulled out a handkerchief and wiped his face as he stepped indoors.
Inside the inner chamber, Lin Xikuan was sitting in a chair by the bed, staring intently at their father. Lin Xizhao had been caring for Lin Jianhai ever since her return, and seeing his physical condition steadily improving made Lin Xikuan increasingly anxious.
“Unfilial son!” Lin Jianhai’s voice rang out from within, followed by the shattering of a porcelain bowl, which brought Lin Xirui to an abrupt halt.
Lin Xirui was shocked to hear Lin Jianhai speak, but the sudden crash of the bowl startled him so much that he subconsciously held his breath.
“Why be so angry, Father?” Lin Xikuan said lazily. “Sheng Hongmiao offended Ajie. With Sheng-meimei and Ajie being so deeply in love, executing him was only natural. The court is now in the Qu family’s hands. You should be happy.”
Lying on the bed, Lin Jianhai could move his limbs, but having been bedridden for so long, he had no strength. Shouting that single reprimand had drained most of his energy. He lay there gasping for air, glaring furiously at Lin Xikuan.
Hearing Lin Xikuan’s words, Lin Xirui lowered his eyes for a few moments before walking into the room.
He did not waste words. His voice cold and detached, he stated directly, “Second Brother, Ajie has prepared a meal and asked me to fetch you.”
Lin Xikuan glanced back. Showing no sign of surprise or fright, he replied, “Alright, I’ll be right there.”
Lin Xirui looked at the still-fuming Lin Jianhai. Just as Lin Jianhai tried to speak to him, Lin Xirui turned his back and walked away.
Watching Lin Xirui’s resolute departure, Lin Jianhai’s expression suddenly crumpled into despair.
His last remaining son—the one he was proudest of—no longer wanted anything to do with him either.
The two brothers walked out of the courtyard side by side. Once outside, Lin Xirui stopped and looked at Lin Xikuan with a puzzled expression. “Second Brother, why must you say those things to agitate Father?”
Hearing the reprimand in his brother’s tone, Lin Xikuan feigned innocence. “When I was serving Father earlier, he wanted to know what was happening outside. With such major events occurring today, how could I not tell him?”
Frowning, Lin Xirui dismissed his suspicions. “There is no need to inform Father of anything from now on. Liu Daifu said Father’s illness is born of the mind and requires quiet rest.”
Lin Xikuan did not argue. “Alright, I won’t say anything in the future. Ajie and Sheng-meimei are waiting for us. Let’s go.”
Seeing Lin Xikuan’s open and easy demeanor, Lin Xirui lowered his eyes in thought for a second before following him.
By the time they arrived, the dishes had been served. Seeing Lin Xikuan approach, Lin Xizhao ordered the servants to pour some water for him to wash his hands.
“It has been a long time since I last shared a meal with Sheng-meimei,” Lin Xikuan sighed with feigned nostalgia.
The last time was months ago at the Qu Residence. Back then, Lin Xikuan had still been nervous, but today he showed no restraint whatsoever.
Qu Sheng scrutinized Lin Xikuan subtly before turning her gaze to Lin Xirui.
The two brothers shared the same parents, but their minds were entirely different. Lin Xizhao had once evaluated them: Lin Xirui’s talent was just beginning to show, and given time, he would become a capable minister for a prosperous age. Lin Xikuan was the exact opposite. However, that did not mean he was entirely useless.
Over the course of the meal, Lin Xizhao conversed with her brothers while Qu Sheng listened, occasionally answering one of Lin Xikuan’s questions. But soon enough, Lin Xikuan began dropping hints, hoping Qu Sheng would grant him an official post.
“Seeing Third Brother’s appointment letter from the Ministry of Personnel today made me incredibly envious.”
Both Qu Sheng and Lin Xizhao looked up at him. The food in Lin Xirui’s mouth suddenly became hard to swallow. If it were anything else, Lin Xirui would gladly give it to him, but an official post was not something he could just hand over with a few words.
“Which department do you want to join?” Qu Sheng set down her jade chopsticks and asked.
Hearing this, Lin Xikuan immediately beamed. “I’d like to go to the Ministry of Revenue3… Is that possible?”
Lin Xikuan was currently stuck in a middling position in the Ministry of Rites, but Qu Sheng just so happened to be looking for people to fill vacancies in the Ministry of Revenue.
“It is possible, but I need you to do something for me first,” Qu Sheng said in an even tone.
Lin Xikuan’s smile widened. “What is it?”
“Tour the prefectures and counties, conduct a new census, and redistribute the land.”
Lin Xikuan immediately looked troubled. “Such a massive undertaking… I fear I might not be able to do it well.”
“It doesn’t matter. I will have you transferred to the Ministry of Revenue first to familiarize yourself. Afterward, draft a detailed proposal. Whether or not you carry it out will depend on whether your proposal is viable.”
Lin Xikuan blinked. Seeing that Qu Sheng wasn’t joking, he said, “Alright. I will do my best.”
This was a monumental task. If implemented, it would inevitably offend the powerful nobility. Lin Xirui’s temperament was too soft for it; he wasn’t as ruthless as Lin Xikuan.
One month later.
As court officials went about their usual routines, Qu Sheng began to insert her own personnel. Qu Jinian had claimed illness and stopped attending court, turning a blind eye to everything Qu Sheng did.
The Emperor sent envoys to summon him several times, but Qu Jinian flatly refused to see them.
The bow of Qu Sheng’s ambitions had already been drawn, the arrow notched. If Qu Jinian forcefully snapped the bow now, the Qu family would be the ones to suffer.
A few days later, urgent reports arrived from the borders. War had broken out again on the Northern Frontier. Hearing of Tiansheng’s internal strife, neighboring countries seized the opportunity to deploy troops. The original three hostile kingdoms had now swelled to six.
The southern campaign against the rebellion had cost Tiansheng many soldiers and generals, though most of the casualties were forces belonging to the vassal kings and King Chao.
With a great nation like Tiansheng caught in civil war and plagued by epidemics, these neighboring states harbored ambitions of a joint conquest.
In the north, Third Uncle Qu Jiqin held military command and swore to fight to the death. Qu Sheng successively deployed 300,000 reinforcements. But one day, Qu Jinian suddenly entered the military camp holding the Qu family’s tiger tally, intending to take 200,000 soldiers to reinforce the Northern Frontier himself.
Yet the Qu family army refused to obey him—even though he held the tiger tally engraved with the character Qu.
Hearing the news in the palace, Qu Sheng rushed out of the city to the camp. Seeing Qu Jinian sitting in the central command tent, looking stifled and utterly baffled, her heart ached for a moment.
Qu Sheng had previously issued an order: without her direct verbal command, the army was to obey no one’s deployment orders.
She stepped closer to Qu Jinian, lowering her head as she called out softly, “Father.”
Qu Jinian looked up. As he stared at his wildly ambitious daughter—a daughter capable of commanding an army of a million men—his heart was filled with a complex tangle of emotions.
He was a traditional man. Although he wasn’t like other fathers who believed women were unfit for greatness, at this moment, he realized this daughter had completely broken free from his control.
A deep-seated apprehension welled up from the bottom of his heart.
“You’ve grown up.”
Qu Jinian saw traces of Qu Ce in Qu Sheng, but at the same time, he saw a side of her that was far more exceptional—and far more terrifying—than Qu Ce had ever been.
If Qu Ce were still alive, he never would have dreamed of usurping the throne like Qu Sheng did, let alone plot so meticulously as to include even his own father in his calculations.
His own soldiers refused to answer his call.
“Is Father trying to deploy troops to aid Third Uncle?” Qu Sheng asked, keeping her head lowered as she addressed Qu Jinian, whose emotions remained unreadable as he sat in the chair.
Qu Jinian stared at his daughter and remained silent. Coming to deploy troops today had been an impulse, but he never expected to hit such a massive wall.
Qu Sheng stood there and waited for a moment. Seeing that he wouldn’t speak, she added, “There is no need for Father to go to the Northern Frontier. This child has already dispatched several of the Qu family’s generals as reinforcements. If the battle becomes too strenuous, Father needs only to remain in the capital to maintain order, and this child will go personally.”
In truth, she was also worried. Although those six nations were small, even a tiger or a lion could be overwhelmed by a massive pack of wild dogs.
If Qu Jinian agreed to hold the fort in the capital, she could march north without worry.
Long after Qu Sheng finished speaking, Qu Jinian remained sitting in silence. The two stayed deadlocked for a long time, until finally, Qu Jinian stood up and returned to the city.
Qu Sheng sat down in the commander’s seat and lowered her eyes in deep thought. Qu Jinian did not support her, nor did he fiercely oppose her. Persuading him would likely take a considerable amount of time.
Qu Sheng returned to the capital. Ever since Lin Jianhai could get out of bed, Qu Sheng had insisted Lin Xizhao move back into the Qu Residence, though during the day, Lin Xizhao still unfailingly went to the Lin Residence to care for him.
The rainy season had arrived. Even if it poured in the morning, Lin Xizhao would leave the estate, and by evening, she would brave the heavy rain to return to the Qu Residence.
Inside the Marquis’s estate, Qu Sheng was handling memorials submitted by regional commanders. When she looked up and saw the sky outside darkening early, she rose and ordered a carriage to be prepared.
While she was still in the carriage, a torrential downpour began. Just as she arrived at the Lin Residence, she ran into Lin Xizhao, who was preparing to leave.
“Wife,” Qu Sheng called out softly when she saw Lin Xizhao approaching with an umbrella.
Hearing Qu Sheng’s voice, Lin Xizhao lifted her oiled-paper umbrella slightly to let in more light. Surprised to see Qu Sheng standing before her, she quickened her pace.
As she spoke, Lin Xizhao held the umbrella over Qu Sheng’s head, reaching out to brush the rainwater from her clothes. “Why did you come? I was just about to head back.”
“There’s no need to go back today. Let’s rest here,” Qu Sheng said. She had come precisely to prevent Lin Xizhao from braving the rain again, but unfortunately, she was a step too late.
Lin Xizhao looked at Qu Sheng’s rain-dampened face and agreed, “Alright.”
Qu Sheng took the oiled-paper umbrella from her hands, and the two shared it. The umbrella was large, but to keep the rain off Lin Xizhao, Qu Sheng tilted the vast majority of it toward her.
Once they returned to their courtyard, Lin Xizhao immediately ordered the servants to prepare hot water.
Today’s rain was sudden and fierce. It had rained yesterday as well, making the weather somewhat chilly.
“I had the kitchen brew some ginger soup. Make sure to drink a bowl while it’s hot,” Lin Xizhao said, eyeing Qu Sheng’s half-soaked body.
Qu Sheng’s eyes curved into a smile as she answered softly, “Alright.”
Lin Xizhao helped Qu Sheng change out of her wet robes and ordered the servants to prepare dinner. It was the exact same routine as when they were at the Qu Residence; Lin Xizhao was entirely in her element. Watching Lin Xizhao bustle about, Qu Sheng thoroughly enjoyed her care, yet couldn’t help but feel that she was doing Lin Xizhao a disservice.
Lin Xizhao’s brilliance was in no way inferior to her own. Yet simply because she was a woman, she was confined within these estate walls. She should have been standing right beside her.
After turning the thought over in her mind, Qu Sheng stepped up behind Lin Xizhao, who was still picking out sleepwear, and embraced her.
Qu Sheng pressed her lips to Lin Xizhao’s pale, jade-like ear and murmured, “Wife, I want you to come help me.”
Hearing such words so suddenly, Lin Xizhao froze for a moment. She glanced sideways at Qu Sheng, the corners of her lips curling into a soft smile. Her voice was gentle, bordering on provocative. “Let us wait until after we eat.”
If they started now, it would take a very long time. Lately, she had practiced this particular skill on Qu Sheng until it was practically perfect, leaving her little lover flushed from head to toe every time.
Qu Sheng was momentarily stunned. Her mind raced, and she suddenly realized what Lin Xizhao meant.
She didn’t know whether to laugh or cry. It seemed she had thoroughly corrupted Lin Xizhao in this regard. Whatever Qu Sheng could do, Lin Xizhao inevitably learned and mirrored back, leaving Qu Sheng suffering in unspeakable bliss time and time again.
A light blush dusted Qu Sheng’s cheeks. She cleared her throat, knowing Lin Xizhao had misunderstood, but didn’t correct her. Truth be told, she quite enjoyed letting Lin Xizhao have her way with her.
After Qu Sheng drank the ginger soup and finished dinner, Lin Xizhao asked her repeatedly if she felt a chill. Each time, Qu Sheng shook her head. Only after receiving absolute confirmation did Lin Xizhao unleash her newly learned talents.
The thrill of ignoring the bed in favor of the table and chairs left Lin Xizhao entirely captivated. Sometimes, Qu Sheng wondered if she shouldn’t have opened this particular door.
The pleasures of the boudoir were known to no outsiders, but Lin Xizhao’s profound enthusiasm was making it increasingly difficult for her to keep up.
Once the clouds and rain4 finally subsided, Qu Sheng knelt on the edge of the mattress. Lin Xizhao stood on the rug by the bed, resting her hands against the mattress and bending slightly at the waist, waiting for Qu Sheng to personally deliver her softness into her mouth.
The last time Qu Sheng had made such a demand, Lin Xizhao had been too embarrassed to speak. Now that the roles were reversed, Qu Sheng was suddenly reluctant to move.
“Wife, why don’t we… stop here for tonight?”
Looking at Qu Sheng’s bashful expression, Lin Xizhao chuckled softly. “No.”
Qu Sheng gazed into Lin Xizhao’s gleaming eyes. Biting her lower lip lightly, she slowly leaned forward. The moment Lin Xizhao took her in with her lips, an indescribable sensation swelled in her chest, aching so intensely that it forced her to raise a hand and tend to the other side.
The still-aroused warmth, traced in teasing circles, pressed abruptly against her palm.
But before Lin Xizhao could explore to the very end, Qu Sheng swept her up and pulled her entirely onto the bed.
A sudden storm struck. The delicate flower, having been drenched by the torrential rain, bloomed even more brilliantly radiant.
Qu Sheng looked at the exhausted woman lying on the bed after blossoming so thoroughly. She kissed her from her brow down to the corners of her lips, every touch incredibly tender and cherished.
The two got up to visit the washroom, and upon returning, embraced each other once more.
Qu Sheng looked down at the person in her arms, while Lin Xizhao looked up to meet her gaze.
After a long time, Lin Xizhao asked, “Is there something troubling you at court?”
Qu Sheng’s eyes flickered. “No,” she replied softly. She could handle it on her own, but remembering how Lin Xizhao spent all day hurrying back and forth in this courtyard, she changed her mind. “The quality of the court officials is wildly inconsistent. I want to vet them, but I worry I won’t be able to judge them accurately, which would only delay important matters.”
“What do you need me to do?”
“I want my wife to help me.”
Hearing this, Lin Xizhao inexplicably recalled that Qu Sheng had said these exact words to her that afternoon. It seemed she really had misunderstood her earlier.
Lin Xizhao blushed slightly, biting her lower lip as she asked, “How do you need me to help?”
The next morning, Lin Xizhao left the estate with Qu Sheng and headed directly to the palace. Her attire remained unchanged, but Qu Sheng did not intend to let anyone see her.
Qu Sheng had ordered a specific palace hall to be cleared out to receive court officials.
During Morning Court, the Emperor continued to sit upon the throne in the great hall, but whenever an issue was raised, he would inevitably defer to Qu Sheng.
The Emperor was little more than a decoration, yet he was utterly helpless to change it.
After court dismissed, Qu Sheng hurried to the newly designated Shenzheng Hall. Feng Qi stood outside with his men, guarding the doors tightly.
It had been months since Feng Qi was punished, and his wounds had long since healed. It was only because Lin Xizhao pleaded for him that Qu Sheng reassigned him to Lin Xizhao’s side, though she also assigned another capable guard to assist her.
As Qu Sheng approached the hall, the guards stationed nearby immediately knelt in greeting. Qu Sheng gave a slight nod, pushed open the doors, and stepped inside. Lin Xizhao was sitting there, reviewing several submitted memorials.
“Wife.”
Qu Sheng called out the moment she entered. Lin Xizhao looked up, a faint smile on her lips. “Is Morning Court over?”
Qu Sheng nodded, speaking as she walked over. “The Ministry of Personnel will be recommending some candidates shortly. Help me evaluate whether they are fit for heavy responsibilities.”
If they were military officers, she only needed to drag them out to the training grounds to know their worth. But civil officials kept their talents hidden in their bellies, making them difficult for her to gauge.
“Alright.”
The Ministry of Personnel brought in several candidates who had been recommended from the lower ranks. Lin Xizhao stood behind a screen, listening as Qu Sheng posed her questions. Once they had given their answers, Qu Sheng ordered them to return home and wait for news.
“The first man spoke steadily, but his answers were entirely superficial. He has a tendency to embellish and gloss over details—a man who prefers to focus on outward appearances. The second man’s answers were concise and to the point. From the way he spoke with such assurance, he clearly possesses some integrity, and his loyalty goes without saying. However, he is unfit for a major role. He is too stubborn and rigid, and I fear he would be overly bound by tradition…”
Lin Xizhao shared her observations and conclusions, though she made sure to add, “What I say is only for reference. Whether or not you use them is up to your own judgment.”
Qu Sheng nodded, appearing to consider this seriously.
A moment later, someone arrived outside the hall. Cupping his hands, the man reported, “General, the Five Great Families of the South have submitted a joint petition requesting an audience with His Majesty.”
The author has something to say:
Qu Sheng: “My wife has already been subtly corrupted by me.”
Lin Xizhao: “Speak more clearly next time.”
Qu Sheng: “It’s fine. Rolling with the mistake is even more wonderful.”
Leave a comment to get a red envelope! 200 red envelopes available until 24 hours pass. (Getting more and more concise.)
Footnotes
- The main southern gate of an imperial palace. In Chinese historical dramas and literature, it is famously known as the location where imperial edicts were pronounced and where high-profile executions or corporal punishments were carried out.
- A traditional Chinese medical concept referring to illnesses caused by emotional distress, psychological trauma, or deep-seated anxiety.
- In the traditional six-ministry system of imperial China, the Ministry of Revenue (Hùbù) was responsible for the census, land administration, taxation, and state finances.
- A classical Chinese literary metaphor (yúnyǔ) for sexual intimacy. It originates from a mythological tale of a king's romantic encounter with the Goddess of Mount Wu, who controlled the morning clouds and evening rain.
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