Chapter 82 082 I'll try again.

Like a feather brushing against her cheek, Xie Lanzao held her breath and squeezed Zhao Jialing's hand.

In the darkness, a faint outline could be seen; one could only rely on other senses to perceive the state of oneself and His Majesty.

"Close your eyes, it's making me feel embarrassed," Zhao Jialing muttered.

“What can we look down on?” Xie Lanzhao murmured.

Zhao Jialing was very nervous; her palms were sweating. She released Xie Lanzhao's hand and instead encircled her waist. Her fingers tightened, crumpling her undergarment. Her heart was pounding, and she traced Xie Lanzhao's silhouette in the darkness, feeling somewhat dizzy. She couldn't let herself faint from excitement at this moment. Zhao Jialing calmed her agitated heart and finally quietly approached Xie Lanzhao's lips.

The fireworks had ended, and in the quiet darkness, the enchanting atmosphere had been building. Zhao Jialing pressed his lips to Xie Lanzhao's, beginning another exploration.

Xie Lanzhao closed her eyes. Hoping His Majesty would gain enlightenment in a short time and with few attempts was probably wishful thinking. Her face flushed, she felt as if she and Zhao Jialing had become a furnace, to be burned to ashes. She hadn't wanted to speak, but silent guidance seemed ineffective. Taking advantage of a lull in their breathing, she whispered, "Sixth Sister, be gentle, don't bite."

Zhao Jialing's eyes were brimming with tears. She slightly raised her head, brushed aside a stray strand of hair, and said, "Okay." Their hot bodies pressed together again, and in their dizzy, throbbing state, forgetting everything was a natural thing.

"Don't suck so hard."

"Don't bite."

...

The whispers in the bedchamber were very soft, but towards the end they took on a hint of exasperation.

Zhao Jialing was stunned by the tone of the voice, her heart leaping into her throat, thinking she was about to be kicked off the bed. A thin layer of sweat appeared on her forehead. After Xie Lanzhao gently tugged at her, she leaned down and muttered, "Try again."

Xie Lanzhao's eyelids twitched, and Zhao Jialing's lips sealed hers. Sweat beaded on her skin, and her cheeks flushed. Her vision was blurry, gradually becoming indistinct. She could only sense the hand pressed firmly against her waist, the lips struggling to control their rhythm. It wasn't exactly pleasurable, but a strange desire had fully awakened within her, awaiting a passionate and intense intertwining.

In her hazy state, she thought, "I might as well go to sleep early." Her eyelashes drooped, a sigh hidden in a low moan. She took the hand under the covers—a hand that felt hot and burning against her waist—and moved it upwards. Before she could react, Zhao Jialing suddenly gasped. Who was this person touching her like that?

Zhao Jialing wasn't that clueless; it was just that she hadn't been able to give Xie Lanzhao pleasure through kissing, and she was single-mindedly focused on conquering that hurdle. Her enthusiasm was still high, and she proceeded step by step according to the plan. Now, just as she was about to reach the goal, she was suddenly pulled into the innermost room—the impact was unimaginable. She wanted to complain about why things weren't going according to plan, but hearing Xie Lanzhao's panting breaths, she wisely swallowed her words.

At first, there was some panic; their lips were pressed together, and his hands seemed lost and unsure of what to do. But gradually, his muddled thoughts began to multitask. Zhao Jialing kissed Xie Lanzhao, and eventually, his thoughts clearly couldn't keep up with his actions. For example, the words "undressing" hadn't even crossed his mind before he had unconsciously achieved his goal. All the plans and procedures taught in books were thrown to the winds; he acted solely on Xie Lanzhao's reactions.

A pounding heart, heaving chest… it felt like an eternity, yet also like a fleeting moment. Zhao Jialing's lips lingered, descending the mountain only to return to her neck. She no longer bothered to brush aside the tangled long hair, letting it tickle her skin. Restrained moans echoed in her ear, and Zhao Jialing's heart was overflowing with emotion. "Is the timing right?" she asked, moving closer to Xie Lanzhao's ear.

Xie Lanzhao lowered her eyes and didn't answer. She only tightened her arms around Zhao Jialing's waist slightly, as if in silent urging.

Zhao Jialing licked her lips, showering Xie Lanzao with kisses on her chin and lips, while her hand reached out to gently tap on the mountain gate. She couldn't let her thoughts drift away any longer; at this point, she had to carefully recall the scene she had seen in the picture. When she touched her, she could feel Xie Lanzao tremble, and the arm around her tightened even more.

Zhao Jialing was very nervous, swallowing repeatedly. She hated herself for not being a good student; at this crucial moment, she was unable to present a perfect answer. She hovered on the periphery, unable to find her footing or control her movements. Xie Lanzhao's breathing grew increasingly labored, indistinguishable between pleasure and torment. Zhao Jialing also began to tremble, asking in a hoarse voice, "What's next?"

Xie Lanzhao's eyes were unfocused, her expression somewhat dazed. A strange, unfamiliar emotion, unlike anything she'd ever felt before, was gathering within her, and a sense of panic about losing control involuntarily rose within her. But she didn't have time to think things through; the accumulated emotions vanished abruptly amidst Zhao Jialing's frantic groping, without ever reaching a peak of disorientation. These scenes repeated themselves over and over, making her feel like a tub bobbing up and down.

Releasing her grip on Zhao Jialing's hand, Xie Lanzhao suppressed her embarrassment and grasped his hand. Their fingers intertwined, damp with moisture. Realizing where it came from, Xie Lanzhao's breathing became heavy, her eyes burning red. What seemed like a subtle movement, merely a gentle instruction, had a far greater physical and psychological impact than she had imagined. Her face flushed, the words "Do you understand?" that escaped her lips sounded unlike her own.

Her heart was pounding faster and faster, as if it were about to burst out of her chest. Zhao Jialing nodded and said in a muffled voice that she understood. She wanted to hold Xie Lanzhao's hand, but after she spoke, the hand quickly withdrew and landed on her back, damp and slippery.

Zhao Jialing's desire flared up. She kissed Xie Lanzhao's lips, carefully sensing her reaction. When the pressure on her back increased, Zhao Jialing knew she had done it right. However, getting the right balance and rhythm wasn't so easy. But practice makes perfect, and with a few tries, she would succeed. A mischievous thought crossed Zhao Jialing's mind; she wanted Xie Lanzhao to stop when her emotions were at their peak. But instead of begging for mercy, Xie Lanzhao received a light tap on the back. Zhao Jialing immediately submitted and stopped her reckless actions.

In the darkness, it was hard to see clearly, but judging from the flush, both of them had rosy cheeks. Would Xie Lanzhao's emotionless eyes be as bright as washed glass? Zhao Jialing wondered, embracing Xie Lanzhao and kissing her again and again. Having tasted the sweetness, how could one sleep well in this long night? He could only whisper softly to Xie Lanzhao.

Xie Lanzhao was somewhat tired. She turned her back to Zhao Jialing, too lazy to speak to her. After taking so many detours, the relief of finally reaching the destination was indescribable. But the contrast highlighted the arduousness of the road ahead. Xie Lanzhao suspected that continuing might lead to another roundabout, circuitous journey. It wasn't that she didn't want to give His Majesty a chance to practice, but… perhaps she should try again next time.

Zhao Jialing, pressed against Xie Lanzhao, had a sudden thought and whispered, "Is it sticky? Let me wipe it off for you."

Xie Lanzhao didn't think much of it and lazily responded.

The table at the foot of the bed was fully furnished, with a clean silk towel on it.

Xie Lanzhao was too naive; by the time she realized something was wrong, it was too late to stop it. Her complaints were swallowed back, and her angry glare was barely visible in the darkness.

They finally experienced the true meaning of a fleeting spring night. When it was time to get up, Zhao Jialing still held Xie Lanzhao and didn't want to move.

Xie Lanzhao had woken up, her eyes closed, seemingly lost in thought.

"You're not going to abandon me after starting this, are you?" Zhao Jialing muttered in Xie Lanzhao's ear, his voice trailing off.

This person never said anything nice, so Xie Lanzhao didn't want to talk to her.

"It's still early, let's sleep a little longer," Zhao Jialing said again. There was no need to attend court today, so there was nothing to rush about. The sky was bright, but the hanging bed curtains blocked the light, making the room still dim. Zhao Jialing propped himself up, reached out and parted the curtains, letting in a sliver of light that illuminated Xie Lanzhao's languid face, still half-asleep.

"Isn't it cold?" Xie Lanzhao asked, grabbing Zhao Jialing's naked hand and pulling it back. However, some cold air did get in through the gap, waking his still half-asleep body and soul.

Zhao Jialing honestly hugged Xie Lanzhao and said, "I always feel like something is missing."

Xie Lanzhao glanced at her suspiciously, with a hint of wariness.

"What's with that look you're giving me!" Zhao Jialing retorted defiantly.

"You'd have to ask His Majesty for that," Xie Lanzhao chuckled. There were plenty of excuses; after all, His Majesty had no credibility whatsoever last night, and whatever he said always ended up being accused of being a slut.

The condemning gaze made Zhao Jialing's cheeks burn. She guiltily avoided Xie Lanzao's eyes, finally emphasizing, "I would never indulge in debauchery in broad daylight." She paused, then softened her voice, "Don't we lack some vows of eternal love? Shouldn't we have some declarations? For example, 'From now on, I will be your only love for life,' or 'I can't live without you.'"

Xie Lanzhao brushed her off, saying, "It's too late, maybe next time." Though awake, she was still exhausted. The wisps of coolness dissipated, and she felt close to Zhao Jialing, as if embracing a fireplace. Even in this comforting embrace, her eyelids grew heavy. Ultimately, it was all His Majesty's fault.

"How can you do this!" Zhao Jialing exclaimed anxiously. "It's never too late. Xie Lanzhao, you're so heartless! You can't just use someone and then throw them away!" Her voice trailed off, her words of reproach sounding more like soft coaxing. Seeing that Xie Lanzhao was about to fall asleep again, Zhao Jialing immediately fell silent and simply held her in his arms until noon.

People can't stay in Qujiang forever; they still have to go back.

Riding in the same carriage from the Xie residence, Zhao Jialing was full of energy. He moved to the side of Xie Lanzhao, who was sitting with her eyes closed, and asked knowingly, "Aren't you well-rested yet?"

Xie Lanzhao was fully awake. She opened her eyes and gazed at Zhao Jialing's radiant smile, recalling his words before she fell asleep—in her opinion, vows of eternal love were unnecessary; they were not needed when love was at its peak, and they would have no binding effect when love ended. But since she was with His Majesty, she should try to be even more passionate and give His Majesty a sufficient response. She said softly, "Until the mountains crumble and the rivers run dry."

Zhao Jialing was stunned. Although she had said she would make a declaration, it didn't matter if she didn't. In the blink of an eye, she had already put those things out of her mind. She paused for a moment before realizing what she had said, then pulled Xie Lanzhao into a tight embrace and declared from the bottom of her heart, "Even if heaven and earth unite, I will never part from you." With such deep affection expressed, Zhao Jialing became even more smug. Then, she added her whimsical idea: "Next time, bring the 'sleep pillow'."

Pillows are so effective that they can boost a person's energy.

If it can be used in official matters, what about in private? A little sleep during a long night makes the spring night seem shorter.

Xie Lanzhao: "..."

Zhao Jialing pressed on, "Why aren't you saying anything? Have I not considered things thoroughly enough?"

Xie Lanzhao took a deep breath: "Your Majesty is truly diligent."

Zhao Jialing blinked and said affectionately, "You are also my vast empire."

Xie Lanzhao: "..."

·

After the Lantern Festival, the festive atmosphere of the New Year gradually faded, and the people returned to their daily lives, while civil and military officials also threw themselves back into their busy affairs. The envoys from various prefectures who had come to Chang'an also returned to their respective regions with news in their hearts. From the fifth to the sixth year of the Yuanfu era, there were only changes in the examination system, but as the sixth year turned into the seventh, the envoys who came to Chang'an witnessed earth-shattering changes. Chang'an was still the same Chang'an, but there was a sense of unfamiliarity, making them feel as if they were in another hazy and dreamlike world.

The phoenix phenomenon at the New Year's Day court assembly was an auspicious omen destined to be recorded in history. The messengers sent back news immediately, but even after returning to their home states, they couldn't help but describe the strange scene. The emperor, whom no one had initially favored, was actually the darling of the gods—wasn't it all divine will? The phoenix's long cry seemed to unveil a magnificent and awe-inspiring scroll.

In this context, the dissatisfaction stemming from issues such as the seed experimental field and the site selection for Mingde Academy gradually disappeared.

Is the will of Heaven something that can be defied by human power? Your Majesty is a true dragon emperor, a god descended to earth, and every step you take is probably the will of the gods.

“My lord, news came from Chang’an that Xie Zhongshu was in charge of everything. The site selections were very biased, clearly favoring the female governors… It’s possible that Xie Zhongshu’s political enemies are misleading us, trying to get us to impeach those chosen by His Majesty.”

"Was it truly His Majesty's own choice? Or was it the will of the gods?"

The governor pondered for a moment and said, "Since we are going to promote Mingde Academy, it can't be limited to just a few prefectures. If the reform goes smoothly, Mingde Academy will one day be as widespread as the prefectural schools. If it wasn't us this time, what about next time? How can we get closer to His Majesty's chosen criteria?"

"The books used in Mingde Academy aren't hard to obtain, and there are printing presses in the prefecture... We'll also establish a similar academy, just not in the name 'Mingde.' Even if we're not selected in the second round, we can still find suitable talent when the capital needs to select people to go to Chang'an." This selection of virtuous and capable individuals is all the prefect's achievement. Last time, their prefecture didn't send many people, and their scores in the Ministry of Personnel's assessment were lower than their neighbor's. Who could have imagined His Majesty wanted such talent? In such a rush, it's like searching for a needle in a haystack; how could they possibly find anything easily?

"My lord, those roads in Chang'an..." The chief clerk's thoughts stirred slightly. With the Mingde Academy's academic journal reaching the local areas, at least the prefectural government had some understanding of them. They might not have believed it at first, thinking it was just the students' boasting, but once the envoy stepped onto Zhuque Avenue, he immediately felt the difference. As for the so-called cement formula, they could find only a few words, but without the guidance of craftsmen from Chang'an, they might have taken many detours.

The governor said in a deep voice, "Submit a memorial."

Of course, it wasn't just the governor of one prefecture who thought of this. After spring arrived, messengers from the post stations traveled back and forth to Chang'an, bringing documents. The ministers of the Council of State were extremely busy; these were not routine matters that could be decided by the ministers according to past laws. Each prefecture applied to build cement roads, moving towards progress, which certainly pleased Zhao Jialing, but it was simply unrealistic to expect all prefectures to build them at once. Currently, the court was only overseeing the construction of the official roads between Chang'an and Luoyang.

"Following the imperial court's directives is probably unrealistic. It would be best if each prefecture could voluntarily build roads," the minister said frankly, clasping his hands. If all road construction relied on the national treasury, it would likely take forever. Such local development must be undertaken by the local governments. After a moment's thought, he added, "Prefectures vary in size and financial resources. If the imperial court directly issues edicts ordering each prefecture to build roads, it will likely lead to chaos." Local officials, vying for promotion, would rush to comply with the imperial decree, potentially leading to embezzlement, exploitation of the people, arbitrary conscription of labor, and disruption of agricultural seasons… even the best plans could be ruined.

Xie Lanzhao said, "Prioritize the major over the minor, and the key passes and ferries over the less important ones." This was unavoidable; even cement production requires building blast furnaces for smelting. This isn't like carrying white sand from the riverbank, where you can simply dig and spread it and be done. Prioritizing the construction of key passes and ferries will save time and money for transporting grain, cloth, tribute, and officials' travel. It will also reduce the cost of official post stations at various distances. You should know that the total cost of transportation can reach six million strings of cash annually.

The road construction in each prefecture was finalized, while the specific details were to be discussed and agreed upon by the ministers. Meanwhile, the Director of the Imperial Academy, in his capacity as the head of the Imperial Academy, joined forces with the professors of the Imperial Academy to submit a petition requesting the addition of new subjects to the academy. This was a well-considered decision; the extraordinary phenomena witnessed during the Grand Court Assembly had deeply impressed upon them, and their reverence for heaven and earth had overcome their long-held stubbornness.

From a practical perspective, Mingde Academy produced one achievement after another. Students at the Imperial Academy were clearly reading those books, but they were somewhat constrained by the "exam preparation" requirement, and the Ministry of Works and the Directorate of Imperial Works were not cooperative enough. If things had gone any further, a century from now, the Imperial Academy might have become history. Even now, exam preparation books all use the Mingde Academy edition as the standard, and the doctors who were appointed to the Imperial Academy also contributed. The books do indeed list their names and official titles, but scholars don't use a long list of compilers' names; they only say "Mingde edition," and Mingde clearly refers to Mingde Academy.

"They only realize the need to change when they're on their deathbed," Zhao Jialing said disdainfully. The Imperial Academy's petition was simply shelved and not issued. It wasn't that they didn't want changes, but rather that it came too easily, and some people didn't know how to cherish it. What use is just the title of "official school"?

Xie Lanzhao smiled and slowly said, "It's better than being stubbornly ignorant." Mingde Academy is just a small academy. In time, it will inevitably follow in the footsteps of the Imperial Academy. You should know that the Imperial Academy was not like this from the beginning. In its heyday, most of the Jinshi (successful candidates in the highest imperial examinations) came from the Imperial Academy.

"Since the Imperial Academy has changed its rules, will the examination subjects be easier to follow?" Zhao Jialing asked again. After thinking for a moment, she muttered to herself, "It doesn't necessarily have to start with the regular examinations. The special examinations are more flexible." In addition to the regular examinations, special examinations will be set up according to needs. They can be for anyone with a skill, from virtuous and upright officials to advisors, military strategists, generals, and extraordinary talents. All kinds of categories are available to be selected according to the emperor's wishes.

Xie Lanzhao said gently, "No rush, we can take another look." Some subjects at Mingde Academy are not even full yet, and there are not enough people who can teach doctoral students independently.

"I will listen to you," Zhao Jialing said, waving her hand to signal the servants in the hall to leave. She walked to Xie Lanzhao with her hands behind her back and circled her. Her radiant smile was like the gentle warmth of spring: "I haven't neglected state affairs, but I should also set aside some time for private matters. What does Prime Minister Xie think?"

Xie Lanzhao feigned ignorance: "What private?"

Zhao Jialing gave a soft "hmm," which was nothing more than a kiss and a hug. She took Xie Lanzhao's hand and led her to the bed, saying, "There have been too many documents lately. They come in expecting my approval instead of calling out 'my dear.' As for the nights—" Zhao Jialing paused, glancing at Xie Lanzhao, clearly complaining that she spent too little time in Guangzhai Lane. But she couldn't say anything, after all, Xie Lanzhao had an elderly grandmother at home, and Zhao Jialing believed she should be more understanding.

She took a step back and said with a sigh, "I will not plot against you during the night, but since I have free time during the day—"

Xie Lanzhao found it amusing. She glanced at Zhao Jialing and chuckled, "He just said a few days ago that he wouldn't engage in lewd behavior in broad daylight."

Zhao Jialing, with an open and honest expression, blurted out, "If you don't make a sound, it won't be a 'declaration'." As soon as she finished speaking, she received a cold glare. Knowing she was in trouble, Zhao Jialing forced a smile and pulled Xie Lanzhao, who was about to get up, into her arms, saying, "I'll just hug you for a moment."

This statement was highly improbable, but Zhao Jialing, whose mind was soaring like a cloud, wouldn't feel ashamed of going back on her word. As their lips intertwined, only joy blossomed within them.

Their foreheads touched, Xie Lanzhao's eyelashes drooped slightly, and she said, "Uncle took Grandmother to stay with him for a while."

The implication was that they could now stay in Guangzhaifang. Zhao Jialing's face lit up with surprise, and he immediately asked, "Did you figure something out?"

Xie Lanzhao raised her eyes and glanced at her sideways. She said it was for the convenience of discussing politics, but the rumors were rampant, and her grandmother should know about it too. Just like the Empress Dowager, wasn't she also pretending to be deaf and dumb? What use would that little bit of disguise be?

“Some people were opportunistic before and submitted a memorial asking me to make you empress, which you saw. What if someone does it again this time, and the court officials start gossiping?” Zhao Jialing’s eyes flickered, and she sighed, “Without a title or status, I don’t feel at ease.”

Under Xie Lanzhao's gaze, she added, "You don't need to worry. I will never let you be confined to one place. You will still be the Grand Secretary." As for the matter of not conforming to the system, wasn't it unprecedented for her to make Xie Lanzhao empress? Systems are meant to be changed.

The phrase "There's no need to rush" lingered in her mind, something both of them knew perfectly well, and which His Majesty probably didn't want to hear. So, Xie Lanzhao swallowed her words and gently comforted her, saying, "Your Majesty is enough for me."