84 Charming

◎Yuan Le, wearing a pink skirt, half-leaned on the couch◎

After the period was over, Gu Ningxi regained her former vigor.

As the imperial physician had said, her health was generally good, and she had rarely suffered from menstrual cramps. She had indeed been a bit too indulgent the past few days, but fortunately, the pain had passed the first day, and the next few days were bearable.

Gu Ningxi was still in shock. After her period was completely over, she waited for another six or seven days before she thought of eating a small, inconspicuous piece of crispy rice.

She had been looking forward to it for a long time, but when the snacks were served the next afternoon, there was no iced drink at all, even the sour plum soup was warm.

Gu Ningxi immediately turned around to look at Lu Jing, who was sitting steadily. "Eat less of that. It's not good for your health."

Gu Ningxi emphasized: "I'm fine now. I know my limits now."

Lu Jing was unmoved: "Forget it tomorrow, we'll eat tomorrow."

"Tomorrows are so many!"

Lu Jing let the person come closer to him, met her gaze, and seemed to consider it for a moment.

"No," he said.

Gu Ningxi's hope was instantly dashed. She thought for a moment, "I'll just eat a small half, okay?"

It was rare to see her like this, and Lu Jing felt extremely happy.

After enjoying himself enough, he gave in and said, "How about this? We write a letter to the wife of Marquis Xuanping. As long as she agrees, it will be fine."

"you--"

Gu Ningxi was speechless, her lips unconsciously curled up, and Lu Jing took advantage of the chaos to kiss her on the cheek.

"Okay, I'll stay with you, and I won't eat either."

Lu Jing took a bowl of milk and bird's nest, scooped a spoonful and fed it to her lips.

Gu Ningxi reluctantly opened his lips and took a bite. The warm taste seemed to lack flavor.

Lu Jing smiled and continued to feed the second spoonful.

Outside the palace, Sun Jing knocked on the door at the appointed time and came to collect the memorials that His Majesty had reviewed.

Seeing this scene, he quickly finished the memorial and retreated, smiling and shaking his head.

Your Majesty has been protecting Lord Gu since he was a child, and now he is going to be spoiled to the point of being lawless.

Originally, he thought that writing a letter was just a joke, but the next day, Gu Ningxi actually happened to receive a letter from his mother.

She almost thought that the news of the palace had reached her mother's ears, but after reading it quickly, she realized that she was just worrying too much.

Everything is fine with my mother and my grandparents, and the Marquis's Mansion has also paid much more attention to Qinlan Courtyard recently.

Gu Ningxi knew very well that it was not because she was promoted in the court, but because the person behind her was the king of a country.

No matter how hard she tried, she could never surpass the imperial power.

If the opportunity arose, her family would be very willing to marry her into the palace. The benefits that becoming a royal relative would bring them would far outweigh her official rank.

In the letter, my mother also mentioned my elder sister. Her marriage was not going well, and the Ningguo Mansion used an excuse to delay the wedding.

To secure a marriage with the Duke of Ningguo, her sister's marriage was repeatedly delayed. The Lin family, with their high standards, carefully selected the daughters of the noble families of Kyoto to choose a wife for their crown prince. It was only because of her sister's impeccable appearance and talent, and her unrivaled learning, that the Lin family reluctantly agreed to the marriage with the Marquis of Xuanping.

The Lin family's position among the aristocratic families of Kyoto was unassailable, as they were the maternal family of the retired emperor. Regardless of the political situation, the successive Jin emperors would always have Lin blood in their veins. As long as they avoided involvement in major treason crimes, the Lin family would remain prosperous for generations.

It is no wonder that the Lin family postponed the marriage this time because they saw that the Xuanping Marquis Mansion had lost power in the court and became dissatisfied with this marriage.

Those who don't know would think that the eldest son of his family is very precious. Gu Ningxi closed the letter. Who can't be worthy of her sister?

It would be great if a girl could find a new place to settle down after she reaches the age of 15, so that she doesn't have to rely solely on getting married.

It's a pity that even Madam Shen or Gu Ningzheng, as my sister's closest relatives, could not allow her to stay at home for long.

…

In late May, the weather became increasingly hot and humid. Shortly after waking up in the morning, the sun was high in the sky, scorching the bricks and stones.

The fish playing in the pond hid under the lotus leaves and only appeared when they were fed.

In Qiyun Hall, Gu Ningxi had already gotten up and changed. Today was supposed to be a day off, and even in the palace, it was no exception.

She looked at the bra draped over the edge of the couch. It was so hot in summer that it was very uncomfortable to wear so many layers.

Yuntan brought some clean water for washing and said carefully, "If you feel the heat, why not change your clothes?"

"Um?"

Yuntan put down the copper basin, opened the wardrobe, and took out a cherry pink skirt embroidered with lotus flowers for Gu Ningxi.

"This is a brocade robe made of Xueyun yarn. The palace only has three pieces. It's perfect for summer wear."

Gu Ningxi touched the fabric and found it was indeed light, soft, comfortable and breathable.

It just so happened that she didn't want to bind her chest anymore. Gu Ningxi took one look at the bamboo green brocade robe and decisively chose this new skirt.

Yuntan put the brocade robe back on for Lord Gu and brought out a matching bodice and shawl.

Since she had changed into a ruqun, it would seem out of place for Gu Ningxi to tie her hair with a jade crown.

Yuntan skillfully dressed Gu Ningxi. Her dark hair was tied up in a bun, and she wore a pair of pink jade lotus hairpins. The jade hairpins were delicately carved, appearing to be a natural creation, and dangled from them two rows of delicate silver tassels. They were further adorned with two rows of pearl hairpins and a white jade hairpin with seven treasures, creating a perfect match.

Gu Ningxi brushed the hem of her skirt. The material was soft and light, and it was indeed much cooler than a brocade robe.

The thin fabric clung to her skin, outlining her slender figure. The pink and purple embroidered lotus belt made her waist seem slim.

As the wind blows, the rose quartz stones adorning the hem of the skirt sparkle.

Yun Jian picked some fresh flowers for the day and brought them into the hall, placing them in a vase. The hall was then filled with a faint floral fragrance that was refreshing.

When she saw Lord Gu dressed like this, she stood there stunned for a moment.

"Can I...pin a flower to Lord Gu?" She asked cautiously, and Gu Ningxi nodded with a smile.

With Gu Ningxi's permission, Yun Jian happily selected a freshly picked pink rose and carefully wiped off the dew.

The roses were delicate, pinned in Gu Ningxi's cloud-like black hair, with layers of petals overlapping, which matched her cherry-pink dress perfectly.

Gu Ningxi stroked her temples and looked in the mirror: "It looks great, thank you."

Yun Jian smiled shyly and carried a flower basket to decorate the hall.

Gu Ningxi sat at the desk. Taking advantage of her free time today, she planned to select a piece of wood to make a small wood carving.

During this period of time, he made it clear in his words and deeds that there were only three little wooden figures in Ruihe Hall, and there was always one left alone.

Gu Ningxi carefully compared the two pieces of wood. In fact, it didn’t matter. She was not the one left alone anyway.

She chose the section on the right, but Gu Ningxi had not yet decided how to carve it.

As for birthday gifts, Gu Ningxi had already prepared other items, and it seemed boring to always give wooden carvings.

She asked her maid to spread out the drawing paper and draw the pattern on it first.

Most of the ice in the ice jar was reduced and slowly melted with the sunlight.

In Cuiwei Palace, Xie Qian and Qin Yu reported on military affairs early that morning. They had arrived at Cuiwei Palace yesterday and were stationed in Wenxi Palace to the east. His Majesty had entrusted them with the task of restructuring the court's military affairs. The first step was to disband the guards of the former Eastern Palace and the Prince of Huai's Palace and relocate them. This was largely completed, and a report was submitted for His Majesty's review. As for the guards of Prince Zhao's Palace, they were incorporated into the Imperial Guards, with some being transferred to the Twelve Guards. They were all considered the backbone of the army.

Lu Jing nodded after reading it, and there was nothing to delete or change.

Several military affairs were discussed from morning to noon, and Lu Jing kept the two of them in the palace for lunch.

In the afternoon, Xie Qian and Qin Yu had to rush back to Kyoto. The military reform was a complicated matter, and they wanted to finish the tasks at hand as soon as possible so that they could carry them out one by one.

During the meal, Xie Qian asked curiously, "Your Majesty's birthday is just a few days away. Why isn't Your Majesty heading back to Kyoto yet?"

"No rush."

Qin Yu smiled and said, "Cuiwei Palace is indeed where Fang Hao is."

Lu Jing agreed. Xie Qian said, "Speaking of which, Lord Gu is also here. Why isn't he here?"

As usual, His Majesty would have invited Lord Gu to join the table.

Qin Yu reminded him, "Today is a day off."

"That's right." Xie Qian pretended to sigh. Only then did he realize that it was easy to follow His Majesty to conquer the country, but it was difficult to keep it.

That being said, managing the army was their duty. Xie Qian complained a bit, but in reality, he worked harder than anyone else.

Lu Jing said, "After this busy period is over, I'll have a good rest for a few days."

Xie Qian smiled and agreed. He had not had the chance to live in the villa outside the capital that His Majesty had given him.

There was nothing else important, so Lu Jing said, "Yuan Le has two letters from home. You can take them back for her later."

Xie Qian thought that he was closer to the Marquis Xuanping's Mansion, and was about to take it, but unexpectedly Qin Yu was quick and took it before him.

There were two letters, one to Madam Meng and the other to the eldest daughter of the Gu family. They could be put together and handed to the servant in Qinlan Courtyard.

Xie Qian reminded Qin Yu, "Your Duke's Mansion is east of the Marquis Xuanping Mansion, and west of it. They're not on the same route."

"It's just a small favor," Qin Yu looked at him with a smile, "You can go back home and rest."

At noon, the two of them said goodbye and rode back to the capital together.

Lu Jing then went on to handle other government affairs, and was busy until dusk, when he finally had a moment of leisure.

Sun Jing calculated with his fingers and knew where the emperor was going.

Outside Qiyun Palace, Yun Tan and Yun Jian exchanged greetings and reported, "Your Majesty, Lord Gu is in the inner room."

Lu Jing thought about it for a moment and felt that Yuan Le must be giving him a birthday gift.

He paused for a moment on purpose before stepping into the hall, signaling his attendants not to follow him.

The hall was a bit cool. Lu Jing pushed open the half-door and saw Yuan Le, half-leaning on the couch in a pink dress, the hem of which fell to the ground. A rose was pinned to her hair, about to fall, and a few strands of her black hair fell on her fair neck.

She looked at him with a smile, her eyes shining like stars.

Gu Ningxi had just changed the book in her hand to cover herself, so she was naturally familiar with Lu Jing's footsteps.

Soon the book was thrown aside, and she felt lighter and was held in someone's arms.

The pearls on the embroidered shoes sway gently, revealing a hint of playfulness.

Gu Ningxi hugged him. The side room was not big, but when the doors and windows were closed, it became a secluded little world.

…

Before dinner, His Majesty drank a whole pot of cold tea. After dinner, he returned to Hanfeng Palace early to rest.

The moon was hanging in the middle of the sky. Gu Ningxi lay alone on the couch, staring at the moonlight on the window frame in a daze.

Recalling the kiss at dusk, he actually lost control a little. But in the end, he stayed within the bounds and managed to get up from her.

Perhaps because she had so many beautiful dreams, Gu Ningxi was almost accustomed to what was going to happen next. When the dream suddenly stopped, there was some confusion in her eyes, and she finally distinguished between reality and dreams.

She was raised as a boy since she was a child and had never read the "Book of Instructions for Women". She did not attach much importance to chastity before marriage.

Besides, if it was him... she would actually be willing.

Xueyun yarn was precious, and the slightest movement would leave marks. Her dress was tattered and had to be changed into a new skirt before she could come out to eat.

Of course Gu Ningxi understood what he meant. He wanted to marry her in a formal ceremony before taking the final step.

But she...she didn't want to accept this kindness.

She didn't want to announce it to the world, didn't want to get married, and didn't want to have that extra layer of identity restriction.

She felt that the current situation was good enough, as she could still maintain her identity and not interfere with her love life.

Even after the wedding, he might still allow her to stay in the court. But after three to five years, when she reached that point, she would have to make many choices.

At least in the Xuanping Marquis Mansion, she would no longer be able to compete with him. From now on, her most important identity would always be him, not herself.

Gu Ningxi just wanted to maintain the status quo, but she also knew that he had been accommodating enough to her in this relationship.

If she continued to push her limits again and again, even she herself would feel that it was not appropriate.

Gu Ningxi unconsciously fiddled with the embroidery on the quilt between her fingers. She could give him everything she could.

She wanted to try it first.

Just like in a dream, find a time when he is in a good mood to talk to.