Chapter 81 081 I will bathe with you.

Zhao Xianju didn't reply, and his voice abruptly stopped.

With His Majesty having no heir, the topic of succession to the throne is somewhat dangerous for Zhao Xianju.

Zhao Jialing realized this and stopped pursuing the matter, only urging Zhao Xianju to have the prince consort send the things over quickly.

After the New Year's Day court assembly, the holiday began, and civil and military officials, like the people of Chang'an, were able to immerse themselves in the joy of the New Year. The flowers bloom similarly year after year, but the auspicious sight of the phoenix hovering over the city may only be seen once in a lifetime. Those fortunate enough to witness it would tell everyone they met that the entire city of Chang'an was immersed in an ocean of auspicious joy.

In the new year, Zhao Jialing naturally wanted to spend every day with Xie Lanzhao, but with age, he had become more composed and didn't rush to summon her to the palace. While waiting for Gao Shao to send gifts, he pondered matters of reform. Printing workshops had spread throughout the prefectures and counties, bringing books to even the remoteest corners. Meanwhile, manufactured goods such as glass, eyeglasses, and sugar were traveling with caravans to distant places—the routes were visible on maps, but very few of the Dayong army actually reached those destinations. The mountains were high and the roads long; who knew when those who had traveled far would return?

Zhao Jialing's gaze shifted from the west to the small islands in the eastern sea. The navigational gift packs distributed during the mission remained unopened. Those places were inhabited, and the map still bore markings related to mineral resources, meaning a trade route could be established, allowing for mutual benefit with the local inhabitants. As for the uninhabited lands, once the flag of the Great Yong was raised, they would be incorporated into the Great Yong's territory. "Expanding territory, the goal of generations of emperors," Zhao Jialing thought with a touch of melancholy. She waved her hand and declared with great ambition, "It's time to set sail!"

When the holiday ended, Zhao Jialing summoned his ministers to discuss relevant matters. There were plans for a long voyage, but sufficient preparations needed to be made, such as building suitable ships for the sea and training the navy.

The ministers did not respond immediately, for any great undertaking meant spending money. Xiang Yanyi, the Minister of Revenue, frowned deeply, her mind racing with calculations. Shipbuilding cost money, maintaining an army cost money; she had to carefully weigh the future gains to ensure they justified the expenditure. The map depicted vast seas, and the ministers' minds had been filled with magnificent visions upon first viewing it. But when it came to actually exploring, their exhilarated hearts instantly settled into reality.

Minister of War Gao Changwang wasn't thinking about trade. He pointed to the map and said, "Goryeo, Silla, and Baekje are still at war with each other, and with the instigation of Japan, they harbor rebellious intentions towards Dayong." Goryeo, Silla, and Baekje are all vassal states of Dayong, but their attitudes are wavering. Goryeo, which borders Dayong directly, will even attack and seize territory.

As for Japan, although they learned from the Central Plains culture in many ways, they were quite arrogant. In their official letters, they focused on creating an image of equality with Daeyong and attempted to become the suzerain state of Baekje and Silla. Emperor Renzong and the previous emperor were relatively tolerant of the Japanese envoys, saying, "They have come from afar out of admiration for our righteousness, and we cannot punish them." However, some court officials were dissatisfied, especially since the envoys who came to pay tribute only stood and did not bow.

Gao Changwang said solemnly, "We need to build large ships and establish a navy to prevent these people from turning against us." An immediate attack isn't necessary, but preparations must continue. While a land expedition to Goguryeo is possible, it's true that the roads will be muddy and difficult to traverse after the permafrost thaws, making soldiers susceptible to disease, and the available time will be extremely short. Spy reports from Goguryeo indicate that fortifications are being built everywhere, designed to defend against the Dayong army. They know that if the most dangerous months pass, the Dayong army will collapse on its own. Therefore, a naval expedition to Goguryeo requires support, with a landing at Baekje.

"What does Xie Qing think?" Zhao Jialing crossed his arms and looked at Xie Lanzhao.

Xie Lanzhao's brows relaxed. She said, "The Khitan, Xi, Shiwei, Mohe... although these people submit to my Great Yong, their allegiance is uncertain should chaos break out. Your Majesty, this place can become fertile land." Her eyes were deep, and she hadn't forgotten the suitable location given in the planting manual. But suitable fertile land alone is not enough, just as cotton is not as good to grow in Longxi as it is in the Jianghuai region. Once war breaks out, all the hard work will be reduced to ashes, so absolute peace is necessary. As for peace, it cannot be begged for, nor can it be maintained by marriage alliances; ultimately, it depends on military might. She said, "I believe we can build ships and train a navy to prevent future troubles."

After much discussion, the ministers and Zhao Jialing reached an agreement. However, the questions of where to build the ships and where to train the navy remained unresolved for nearly half a month. By the time Zhao Jialing issued the imperial edict to Dengzhou and Qingzhou, it was already the fifteenth day of the first lunar month.

On the Lantern Festival, Chang'an did not prohibit the night, and everywhere was brightly lit, as beautiful as brocade.

Setting aside the trivial matters weighing on his mind, Zhao Jialing changed into casual clothes and prepared to stroll through the brightly lit streets at night.

The first stop after leaving the palace is the residence in Guangzhaifang.

Zhao Jialing didn't specifically mention it to Xie Lanzhao, but they had confided in each other, and she believed that Xie Lanzhao would understand her feelings and wait for her at the house.

"What if he's not here?" Yin'e sighed.

Zhao Jialing raised an eyebrow and smiled: "Then I'll go to Wubenfang. She can't possibly parade through the streets with someone else tonight, can she?"

There were only a few servants in the house, and they bowed to Zhao Jialing. Zhao Jialing felt reassured and gestured for them to be quiet. She walked along the veranda until she reached the door, where she gently knocked with her fingers. Only after hearing a "Come in" did she push the door open and enter. She immediately saw Xie Lanzhao dressed in casual clothes.

She sat upright behind a long table, holding a scroll in her hand. On the table sat an exquisite incense burner, with a stick of incense burning, and wisps of smoke rising gently.

"Your Majesty." Xie Lanzhao put down her book and made a move to get up. Her features were delicate and refined, and there was no surprise in her eyes.

Zhao Jialing waved her hand, indicating that there was no need for formalities. She gathered her skirts and sat down opposite Xie Lanzhao, but her posture quickly slumped. She rested her chin on her hands, gazed at Xie Lanzhao, and casually asked, "What book are you reading?"

Xie Lanzhao said: "The Book of Poetry."

Zhao Jialing blinked, then said, "Did you know that Gao Shao gave me some books a few days ago?" The princess's residence and the Xie residence were close, and Gao Shao and Xie Lanzhao were on fairly good terms. Based on her understanding of her elder sister, she would definitely have Gao Shao tell Xie Lanzhao. Thinking this, Zhao Jialing felt a little embarrassed, and a blush rose to her face. Before Xie Lanzhao could say she knew, she continued, "The moon is high in the sky; today is a beautiful day."

She blinked hard, which was no longer a hint. On moonlit nights, lovers would meet after dusk; even emperors were not immune to this custom.

Xie Lanzhao chuckled lightly, rose gracefully, and said, "I have already had carriages and horses prepared."

Upon hearing this, Zhao Jialing was overjoyed. He abruptly stood up, walked around to Xie Lanzhao's side, and extended his hand towards her, saying, "You and I are of one mind."

On the fifteenth night, Chang'an was ablaze with lanterns, especially the East and West Markets, which were bustling with activity. Lanterns of all shapes and colors hung not only from racks but also from the branches and treetops, creating a scene resembling a reversed Milky Way. Under the moon and lanterns, crowds of people strolled about, their figures flickering and shifting in the light, moonlight, and fireworks, creating a mesmerizing and dreamlike atmosphere.

In the past, Zhao Jialing could only watch the shadows of people and lights from afar from the building, but now, standing in the crowd, his eyes wide open in amazement.

Xie Lanzhao smiled and walked a short distance, intending to buy two lamps from a stall. But after a couple of steps, she found herself alone beside Zhao Jialing. Turning around, she saw Zhao Jialing standing there, her brows slightly furrowed, lost in thought. Xie Lanzhao hesitated for a moment, then stepped back to Zhao Jialing's side, taking her hand. Sure enough, Zhao Jialing's brows relaxed, and her eyes filled with joy.

"With all this crowd, aren't you afraid I'll get lost?" Zhao Jialing asked Xie Lanzhao with a smile, squeezing her hand tightly.

Xie Lanzhao raised an eyebrow. How could someone this old get lost? There were servants following behind, and hidden guards lurking in the shadows. Xie Lanzhao understood Zhao Jialing's awkward nature, and she smiled, "Then I'll go find you in the lamplight."

Zhao Jialing tilted her head and deliberately asked, "What if we can't find it for a while?"

Xie Lanzhao: "Then keep searching until you find it."

Knowing it was impossible, Zhao Jialing still laughed. Her legs were no longer glued to the ground, and she walked briskly, curiously examining the stalls lining the street. Almost every stall had lanterns hanging from them, but the lanterns were just an extra; selling small trinkets was the real business. Zhao Jialing glanced at them and immediately bought a pair of masks she liked.

She first put the mask on Xie Lanzhao, then put it on her own face. She grabbed Xie Lanzhao's hand again, shook it, and said cheerfully, "Everyone on the street wears the same mask, so you should hold my hand even tighter and not let go for a moment."

It's quite frustrating to encounter such a ruler. But what can be done? It's the path she chose herself. From childhood, one's nature is predetermined. "Would you like to buy a lantern?" Xie Lanzhao asked.

Zhao Jialing looked at Xie Lanzhao in surprise: "With your talent, do you really need to spend money to buy one?" She saw in the storybook that there were riddles that would reward lanterns! Before Xie Lanzhao could answer, she started looking around. Under the moonlight and lantern light, Zhao Jialing, with her sharp eyes, pointed and said, "There!" and then pulled Xie Lanzhao away.

The lamps on the lampstands were all meticulously crafted, exquisitely designed. They were cut into flower shapes and covered with silk frosting, resembling peonies shrouded in mist. Beside each lamp was a note that read, "Beautiful friend, guess a line from the Book of Songs." Zhao Jialing turned to look at Xie Lanzhao, but unfortunately, a mask covered her face. Zhao Jialing wanted to reach out and remove it, but then thought that revealing her true face might cause a stir, and quickly suppressed his restless heart.

"I will present him with peonies," Xie Lanzhao said in a melodious voice. Among the ten friends—the rose of Sharon, the jasmine, the lotus—the peony is the most beautiful.

Seeing the stall owner nod, Zhao Jialing happily took down the peony lantern with a smoke screen. Xie Lanzao gave a look to the servant behind her, who then stepped forward with a smile to pay the bill.

Zhao Jialing was stunned for a moment, then leaned closer to Xie Lanzhao and almost whispered in her ear, "Why do you still need to pay?"

Xie Lanzhao chuckled, thinking, "She's been reading too many miscellaneous books." She murmured, "Of course, people can't do business at a loss." After a pause, she added, "Sixth Sister, do you want more?"

A tingling sensation crept into her heart; she found the mask bothersome, yet was thankful it covered her face. Zhao Jialing lowered her eyes and hurriedly said, "Yes, yes, yes." As for the lamps, she couldn't really choose good or bad, so Zhao Jialing simply picked the riddles directly. She pointed to the next riddle, which was the two characters "忐忑" (tǎntè), also a line from the Book of Songs.

Through the mask, one could see a face as radiant as stars. These riddles weren't difficult; if she could solve them, why couldn't His Majesty? The word "anxious"—did it refer to His Majesty's past feelings? With both above and below him, the answer was obvious. Under Zhao Jialing's expectant gaze, she slowly said, "It was hidden in my heart."

My heart is filled with love, how could I not speak of it? It is hidden deep within my heart, how could I ever forget it? ①

Zhao Jialing picked another one and said with a smile, "Siming."

Xie Lanzhao raised her eyebrows: "A day apart feels like three months."

Under the lamplight, Zhao Jialing enthusiastically picked up lanterns, a faint smile playing on her lips, as if she wanted to take all the lanterns off the shelf. Xie Lanzhao sighed helplessly, gently shaking Zhao Jialing's hand and saying softly, "If you carry lanterns with both hands, who will hold your hand?" Zhao Jialing then calmed down a bit. Right, she was going to linger at the other stalls later, buying earrings, hairpins, and some snacks; then she wouldn't have any hands to carry them!

The brightly lit road was crowded with travelers, many of whom were familiar faces. Because they were wearing masks, their true faces were not recognized in the dim light, and they brushed past each other in the crowd. Zhao Jialing glanced back twice and said, "Fourth Sister really came out." A moment later, she added cheerfully, "Their lanterns didn't earn me as much as you did."

Xie Lanzhao: "..."

Wandering through the brightly lit streets, Zhao Jialing had a fruitful shopping trip, but her enthusiasm for fun was not so easily dampened. After enjoying the night market's splendor, she excitedly dragged Xie Lanzao to Qujiang by car. Qujiang was also open to the public on the Lantern Festival, with over a hundred painted boats and small covered boats, all brightly lit. The ram's horn lanterns hanging from the bows and sterns resembled a string of pearls, and amidst the sounds of pipes and strings, tourists leaned on the railings, laughing and shouting, creating a chaotic scene of sound and light.

Spring is in the air, but it's not yet time for the flowers to bloom on the branches.

The moon is as bright as a plate, and the moonlight is like water splashed on the ground. A person standing in the moonlight is as pure and beautiful as a lotus.

Zhao Jialing led Xie Lanzao up to the Ziyun Tower, a royal forbidden area where no idlers would disturb them. She shivered as if trying to ward off the chill before reaching out to remove her mask. However, she paused slightly when her fingertips touched the edge of the mask.

Xie Lanzhao caught that moment of hesitation, smiled slightly, and said, "What is Your Majesty hesitating about?"

Zhao Jialing deftly removed the masks and placed them on the table to the side. She frowned and said, "I was just a little dazed, thinking, what if under the masks—" She paused, raising her eyes to gaze at Xie Lanzhao.

Beneath the mask lies a delicate and charming person, whose loneliness conceals deep affection.

Perhaps it was too smooth and wonderful, which gave her a dazed feeling of falling into a dream.

She was afraid that if she lifted the mask, the dream would end.

"Could I be a demon or monster?" Xie Lanzhao smiled, deliberately speaking in a slow, melodious voice, "Or is it that in Your Majesty's eyes, I am that demon or monster?"

Zhao Jialing smiled and said emotionally, "If you are a demon or monster, then I am a monster."

Although it was meant as sweet talk, it sounded strangely unsettling. Xie Lanzhao wanted to advise her not to say it again, but the words stuck in her throat. She walked to the window and gazed at the scenery over the Qujiang River. Ziyun Tower was where His Majesty ascended the throne, and its windows had long since been replaced with exquisite, translucent glass. There were always people sweeping and cleaning here, and judging from the neat and tidy interior, they had probably received word from the palace long ago.

Xie Lanzhao looked out at the cruise ship, and heard a rustling sound. The distant view disappeared before her eyes, as Zhao Jialing lowered the crystal curtain.

"Didn't we see enough along the way?" Zhao Jialing stared at Xie Lanzhao and complained in a low voice.

Xie Lanzhao smiled and said, "The fireworks on the lake are only just beginning. Since Your Majesty does not wish to watch, I will not watch either."

Zhao Jialing was finally satisfied. She reached out and put her arm around Xie Lanzhao, leading her to sit down on the small couch. She said, "We can all watch the fireworks that day, but I—" She stopped mid-sentence.

Xie Lanzhao said gently, "What? Can't His Majesty see it every day?"

The topic could have been easily changed, but since Xie Lanzhao had already asked, she had to answer even if she had to rack her brains. She said, "Fireworks are constant, but if you miss a single glance at me, you're missing out. If I keep missing them, I'll grow old."

That's truly a statement that never fails to surprise. Xie Lanzhao was amused by the phrase "old," and she reached out to stroke her hair, saying, "Only twenty-one."

Upon being told her age, Zhao Jialing seemed to have a sudden awakening. She straightened up abruptly and said, "I'm already twenty-one." She stopped thinking about fireworks and other such things, her eyes began to wander aimlessly, and her heartbeat quickened with the spreading fantasies. She turned around, supporting herself on the small couch, and when she caught sight of that otherworldly face, she couldn't even utter a word.

The curtain blocked out the light and shadows, but the banging sounds continued incessantly.

Xie Lanzhao sat silently, her eyelashes lowered, revealing nothing of her thoughts. Zhao Jialing hesitated for a moment before saying, "Are you cold? I've heard that people can keep warm by cuddling together, which is more effective than any kind of charcoal fire."

Although spring had arrived, the lingering chill of winter wasn't going to pass so quickly. The reason, though lame, was passable. Zhao Jialing pondered for a while, barely managing to convince herself. But the heat on her face grew stronger, reaching its peak when Xie Lanzhao suddenly reached out and hugged her.

Zhao Jialing exclaimed "Wow!" with excitement.

"Didn't Your Majesty want to keep warm?" Xie Lanzhao asked in a calm tone.

Zhao Jialing embraced her back, stammering, "Yes." But she wasn't really looking for warmth. Feeling embarrassed and annoyed for a moment, she tried to continue the conversation: "Do you think my face is cold?" She was talking about her face, but her fingertips were touching her lips, revealing her true feelings.

Xie Lanzhao did not answer.

Zhao Jialing didn't remain timid; she slowly emboldened herself amidst the tenderness of the moment. Her eyes shimmered with spring-like light, brimming with affection. She leaned down and kissed Xie Lanzhao's cheek, first saying, "It's a bit cold, let me warm you up." Her successful attempt greatly encouraged her, and seeing that Xie Lanzhao didn't refuse, she boldly added, "I've been studying diligently; I need your feedback."

Before Xie Lanzhao could even process what she was learning, Zhao Jialing approached her, and she immediately understood. But the results of her learning… Xie Lanzhao was actually quite skeptical. After all, it was just pictures and text; if it were useful, the previous mishap wouldn't have happened. To make herself feel better, she could only give Zhao Jialing the runaround.

At first, Zhao Jialing thought kissing Xie Lanzhao was just lips sticking together, but later she realized it wasn't like two pieces of candy sticking together. The books said you had to stir things up a few times to get the pleasure. She had studied that thoroughly; how could she not succeed? Sitting upright as if supported by something, Zhao Jialing rubbed Xie Lanzhao's waist and laid her down. First a kiss, then gradually deeper. She didn't know how Xie Lanzhao felt, but Zhao Jialing was panting heavily from the kiss. When it was over, she caught her breath, her hands hovering above Xie Lanzhao: "How was it? Didn't you hurt yourself, right?"

Xie Lanzhao frowned slightly. Not wanting to spoil the beautiful season, she swallowed her words, "It felt like being in hell where your tongue was pulled out." Perhaps it wasn't that His Majesty lacked understanding, but rather that he lacked practical experience and the atmosphere of bathing and burning incense. So she said, "I was covered in sweat from walking earlier."

Zhao Jialing blurted out, "I will bathe with you."

Xie Lanzhao: "..."

The rejection in his eyes was obvious. Zhao Jialing knew he had taken too big a step, so he smiled awkwardly and said, "You misheard me."

Sharing a bath still requires effort, but sharing a bed is within reach.

As night deepened, the noise on the lake gradually faded away.

Zhao Jialing was somewhat surprised to see Xie Lanzhao lighting incense. She asked, puzzled, "Would you like to play the zither?"

Xie Lanzhao's hand trembled slightly, ignoring Zhao Jialing's bizarre question. After a while, she asked, "Should I turn off the lights?"

Zhao Jialing's eyes flickered. She hesitated for a moment, then asked, "Are you sleepy? Is it really appropriate to rub your hands together and then drift off to sleep?"

Xie Lanzhao looked at Zhao Jialing, nodded, said "Hmm," and then turned and blew out the light in the room.

As darkness fell, only the dim lamplight and moonlight shone through the gaps in the curtains, flowing like water.

Zhao Jialing couldn't figure out what Xie Lanzhao meant. After getting into bed, he naturally flicked the curtain hooks to lower the bed curtains.

The small space on the bed, though cramped compared to a spacious room, offered a sense of security. Zhao Jialing obediently lay down beside Xie Lanzhao, but with the warm blankets covering him, he couldn't bring up the topic of "cold" again. In the quiet of the night, Zhao Jialing quietly reached for Xie Lanzhao's hand and intertwined his fingers with hers. Seeing her tighten her grip, a secret joy welled up within him.

Human happiness comes from contentment, so this isn't so bad, is it? Sharing a pillow and snuggling together, isn't that a kind of peaceful life? But since life is peaceful, there's nothing wrong with her reaching out, right? Zhao Jialing's thoughts raced, her emotions rising and falling like a small boat on water. She rolled over slightly, pressing herself against Xie Lanzhao.

Their hearts pounded, but gradually, like streams merging, they became one, inseparable. Zhao Jialing's face flushed; she felt an urge to speak, yet knew she should remain silent. Her lips and tongue, however, served another purpose, landing gently on Xie Lanzhao's cheeks as if on a pilgrimage.