Chapter 85 085 I don't use my hands.

On New Year's Day, the phoenixes lingered during the court assembly in the Daming Palace, where civil and military officials, as well as those in the northern markets, witnessed the phoenixes' splendor. But this time, the Qilin appeared on Zhuque Avenue.

Under the autumn wind, the horses on the street bent down to make way. The Qilin carried Xie Lanzao step by step along the wide street, galloping towards the palace under the watchful eyes of the people of Chang'an.

Fear, panic, astonishment, and ecstasy... all sorts of emotions appeared on the faces of all kinds of people, and for a time the streets were filled with shouts of "The Qilin has appeared, the sage has appeared," like a surging tide.

Those who previously echoed the rumors and pinned the disaster on Xie Lanzhao, how could they not feel ashamed? How could they not feel sorrow? With auspicious beasts welcoming them, how could disaster befall them? It is clearly Heaven's approval that Xie Zhongshu is a sage and a virtuous minister of our time!

Years of self-cultivation had allowed Xie Lanzhao to maintain a composed demeanor, exuding the air of an immortal being. Yet, her heart was in turmoil. His Majesty had elevated her far too high, but the path had already been paved; she could only walk it step by step. The clatter of hooves sounded behind her, and attendants saw her off at a distance. She gazed ahead and exhaled a long, stale breath.

Outside Jianfu Gate of Daming Palace.

Xie Lanzhao dismounted from the Qilin, adjusted her official robes, and bowed towards the Qilin and the palace. The Qilin let out a long cry, each step landing on auspicious clouds, and soared towards the sky above the palace, finally disappearing into the misty clouds. Xie Lanzhao lowered her eyelashes and handed over the token to enter the palace.

News of the Qilin's appearance spread like wildfire, causing great alarm among the court officials. The first thought of the high-ranking officials who could hear their innermost thoughts was of His Majesty's actions, but upon reflection, they realized His Majesty hadn't come out of the city to greet it. Even if His Majesty had used divine intervention, achieving this much already spoke volumes; His Majesty's resolve was truly as firm as a rock. Xie Lian had been attacked twice in connection with the Mandate of Heaven, but with the Qilin's appearance, who would dare to question it again?! As for her relationship with His Majesty… everything is interconnected; it's best not to speculate.

Inside the bathhouse hall.

Zhao Jialing waited patiently.

After Xie Lanzhao entered the hall and paid her respects, she quickly stepped forward to help Xie Lanzhao up and gestured for everyone around to leave. She had so much to say, but when she met Xie Lanzhao's eyes, she suppressed the urge. She asked, "How is things in Henan?"

Xie Lanzhao bowed respectfully and said earnestly, "I have not failed Your Majesty's trust." She recounted the specific details of the disaster in the various prefectures of Henan Province, explaining the considerable manpower and resources expended. When she mentioned the dead, Xie Lanzhao paused, her tone becoming heavy. The situation in Yuzhou was the worst. The governor had failed to eradicate the locusts. Although he hadn't embezzled, he had offended the prefectural officials, causing everyone to slack off. Even the matter of opening granaries for disaster relief was handled carelessly. With these two delays, the streets were filled with starving deaths.

Zhao Jialing sighed upon hearing this. She had actually seen the petitions and knew about the situation in Henan Province, but hearing Xie Lanzhao mention it made her feel uneasy. How could a wise and benevolent ruler allow his people to starve? "Fortunately, we arrived in time, preventing the situation from worsening," Zhao Jialing added, pursing her lips.

The disaster in Henan Province needed to be discussed, and the officials involved needed to be dealt with. This discussion of state affairs led to the topic of lighting candles in the palace. The candlelight was dim, illuminating the two of them. "It's been from summer to autumn in the blink of an eye; a season has passed just like that," Zhao Jialing said, staring intently at Xie Lanzhao.

Xie Lanzhao said gently, "Your Majesty and I have a history that lasts more than just one season."

Zhao Jialing asked again, "It's been so long, have you missed me?" She asked directly, her eyes filled with deep emotion, waiting for Xie Lanzhao's answer.

Without hesitation, Xie Lanzhao replied, "Yes." She blinked, and a pair of warm hands landed on her cheeks, lifting her face to examine her closely.

Zhao Jialing said, "I've gotten darker and thinner."

Xie Lanzhao grasped Zhao Jialing's hand and teased, "Does this mean Your Majesty dislikes me?"

Zhao Jialing glared at her: "What are you saying?" Her hand moved down, finally encircling Xie Lanzhao's waist. She leaned closer and kissed the corner of Xie Lanzhao's lips, but only lightly. Suppressing her surging emotions and overwhelming feelings, she said, "We can't go any further."

Xie Lanzhao's earlobes turned red, and she lowered her eyes without responding.

"You've just returned, so I won't keep you in the palace tonight," Zhao Jialing said. Her anxious heart was soothed the moment she saw Xie Lanzao. Thinking about the long years to come, she decided not to rush things. She wasn't a child begging for candy anymore, and she needed to be considerate of Xie Lanzao.

Xie Lanzhao was taken aback, wanting to say that staying in the palace was fine, but meeting those sincere eyes, she swallowed her words. She put her arm around Zhao Jialing's waist and took the initiative to bring her lips close. A light, fleeting kiss broke through her forced restraint. After a long while, she finally recovered from her dazed state. Xie Lanzhao's cheeks were flushed, and her clear, bright eyes held a kind of unspoken longing. Calming her breathing, she raised her hand to straighten her clothes and whispered her farewell to Zhao Jialing. But before leaving, she turned back to look at Zhao Jialing one last time.

By the time Xie Lanzhao returned home, it was already quite late.

The servants in the house probably also knew about the Qilin, and their eyes were filled with undisguised astonishment.

At this time of day, my grandmother had not yet rested, so as a junior, I naturally had to pay my respects to her as soon as I got home.

"You're back." The Grand Princess of Xiangcheng sat upright, her tone gentle. Her gaze lingered on Xie Lanzhao's lips for only a moment before quickly shifting away.

Xie Lanzhao briefly mentioned the locust plague in Henan and explained her late return to her grandmother, but she fell silent at the end. It wasn't that political affairs were endless; personal matters also held sway. She hadn't mentioned her relationship with the Emperor to her grandmother, but her grandmother could guess.

"There really is a Qilin in the world!" the Grand Princess exclaimed, deeply moved. Both Emperor Taizu and Emperor Taizong were enthusiastic about auspicious omens, but they always exercised restraint, never making a big fuss about them, and few actively sought to claim them; they only appeared at opportune moments. Only a select few witnessed auspicious omens firsthand; most people simply followed hearsay. But this Qilin, it caused a sensation in Chang'an. Could it truly be divine protection?

Xie Lanzhao said softly, "Your Majesty possesses the appearance of a celestial being and is blessed by the spirits of your ancestors."

The Grand Princess chuckled lightly, shocked as she was, but not particularly interested in such auspicious omens. She gazed intently at Xie Lanzhao and asked, "Have you thought it through?"

Xie Lanzhao was taken aback. There was no need to spell it out; she knew what her grandmother was asking. She gave a gentle but firm "Mmm."

The Grand Princess did not try to dissuade her; she simply said "okay."

Xie Lanzhao hesitated for a moment and said, "Won't Grandmother stop it?"

The Grand Princess chuckled, "It's your own decision, as long as you can bear the consequences." The future is uncertain, and it's hard to say whether it will be good or bad. She wouldn't advise her to move forward, nor would she advise her to turn back. This was the way the grandmother and granddaughter got along, both before and after.

Xie Lanzhao was moved by the words, and a smile appeared on her face. She chatted with her grandmother for a long time until the Grand Princess finally told her to leave, and she returned to her room to rest. Her thoughts were in turmoil, like snowflakes fluttering in the wind. Lying on the small pillow, thinking of the meaning behind His Majesty's gift of the pillow, her heart involuntarily calmed down.

I slept well all night.

The next day, Chang Chao.

The Ministry of Rites reported the auspicious omen of the Qilin (a mythical creature).

Zhao Jialing only listened to one ear before waving his hand, indicating that these matters would be discussed by the prime ministers later.

The main topic of the court meeting was the severe drought and locust plague in Henan. She and Xie Lanzhao had discussed it privately, but some things needed to be known to the officials, such as the appointment and removal of the officials involved. A pedantic scholar like the governor of Yuzhou, who only knew how to recite scriptures, could not be retained. If no disaster occurred, he would steadily climb the ranks and be promoted, but when disaster struck, his stubbornness would have extremely terrible consequences.

Zhao Jialing and Xie Lanzhao intended to strip him of his official post, but some court officials felt this punishment was too harsh. The governor of Yuzhou wasn't without recourse; he simply followed the scriptures but applied the wrong method. As for pronouncements related to the Way of Heaven… wasn't that how things were said and done in the past?

Upon hearing the words "Heaven's Way," Zhao Jialing scoffed. She casually remarked, "You all previously made vows to share the calamity. Why then does Heaven show no mercy to you? Why have we not seen any auspicious omens? Is it because your hearts were not sincere?" Her words, so easily piercing, left the courtiers who had made their vows speechless. Why did the Qilin favor Xie Zhongshu? Is Heaven's grace so boundless, that it only loves those Your Majesty loves?

The voices of dissuasion subsided, and Zhao Jialing was satisfied.

After a few moments of silence, Xie Lanzhao suggested holding a special examination this year, with the subject related to "farmland irrigation and drainage." Henan was suffering from severe drought and locust plagues, and agricultural students were proposing improvements to the soil and water. Selecting talent at this time would provide an opportunity for those not from academies, and also allow those already capable of handling tasks independently to step forward. She added, "I believe there should be no restrictions on who should take the exam; all people, regardless of background, should be eligible to apply, as long as they have talent."

What could the court officials say? They could only agree. Leaving aside Xie Zhongshu's current high position, they had no reason to obstruct the "examination system." While some individuals might not conform to the old system in this respect, there were many other areas where they didn't conform; ultimately, wasn't it His Majesty who made the final decision? The examination system was entirely based on His Majesty's will.

"Once suitable candidates are selected through the special examinations, they should be appointed directly based on their abilities," Xie Lanzhao discussed in Zhao Jialing after the court assembly. The Three Departments and Six Ministries of the imperial court also had corresponding positions in the prefectures and counties. In the past, how could such detailed divisions exist? Scholars only saw those minor officials as stepping stones to advancement. Now, those stepping stones still serve their purpose, but some things need to change. In a few years, when the time is right, those minor officials also need to change; they must be truly integrated into the system, and the phenomenon of fathers, sons, and relatives holding consecutive positions and monopolizing power in some areas must be eliminated.

"Although there have been setbacks, things are still generally improving. We'll have achievements to report during the ancestral temple ceremony." Zhao Jialing's eyes shone brightly. Of all the late emperor's sons, she and her fourth sister were the least favored. Her fourth sister was mentally unstable, and she was dull-witted, yet only she and her fourth sister were doing well. This showed that the late emperor's judgment was seriously flawed. If the late emperor knew this in the afterlife, he should repent to his ancestors.

"Oh, right, I also told the ancestors about our marriage, and they didn't object." Zhao Jialing suddenly changed the subject, smiling happily. She looked at Xie Lanzhao and said, "I forgot who submitted the memorial earlier. Why don't you submit it again?"

Xie Lanzhao: "..." If her ancestors were to object, then things would be very complicated. Zhao Jialing's radiant smile was infectious, and Xie Lanzhao's heart soared along with his tone. She could remember that person's name, but he had failed his previous examinations and had long been sent away from the capital.

"There's a lot of talk about the Qilin among the people, and some books on it are selling very well. We should strike while the iron is hot. You and I are a match made in heaven." Zhao Jialing rested her chin on her hand, winked at Xie Lanzhao, and looked on with anticipation.

Xie Lanzhao smiled and said, "When the time comes, someone will naturally come to invite you." However, this "time" is also artificially created. Isn't the copper box for people to submit letters? As for the people who submit letters, it's not difficult to find them.

"You mean you agree?" Zhao Jialing looked surprised. She could think of what Xie Lanzhao could think of, but she had some concerns. However, if she could get Xie Lanzhao's approval, she would have Yin'e do it immediately.

"Does Your Majesty have any other choice?" Xie Lanzhao glanced at Zhao Jialing and asked slowly.

"No, no," Zhao Jialing hurriedly shook her head, denying it repeatedly. She snorted, pulled Xie Lanzao into her arms, puffed out her chest proudly, and declared, "There is no choice but me!"

On his first night back in Chang'an, Zhao Jialing let Xie Lanzao go home to see her family, but on the second night, Zhao Jialing would not let her go, only wanting to spend time with Xie Lanzao.

In the sleeping quarters, the servants withdrew one by one.

The flickering candlelight illuminated her jade-like face, adding to her serene beauty.

Xie Lanzhao was sitting on the bed reading a book, wearing only a single layer of clothing.

Zhao Jialing didn't have Xie Lanzhao's studious spirit. She sat cross-legged opposite Xie Lanzhao, her elbows resting on her knees, her hands supporting her cheeks as she looked at Xie Lanzhao, as if she couldn't get enough of looking at her.

However, this patience gradually dissipated with the rustling sound of turning pages. Zhao Jialing pretended to say "Ai" and said, "I don't believe you missed me on the road." She was sitting there so casually, yet Xie Lanzhao didn't seem to be looking at her affectionately.

Xie Lanzhao's cheeks flushed slightly, a hint of shyness in her expression. She flipped through the book again and again, only she knew how many pages truly caught her eye. Setting the book aside, she watched Zhao Jialing stretch out his legs and couldn't help but ask, "What's wrong?"

Zhao Jialing said, "It's numb."

Xie Lanzhao looked at her suspiciously. Had she already gone numb in such a short time? But despite her thoughts, she still moved closer. As soon as she got close, Zhao Jialing's smiling face loomed large before her eyes. Zhao Jialing pulled her down to kneel on her lap, her hands resting on her shoulders, the two facing each other.

Zhao Jialing put his arm around Xie Lanzao's waist, took a deep breath, and said with a smile, "It's better now." Her eyebrows lifted, and the meaning in her eyes was quite clear. Xie Lanzao raised her hand to brush a strand of hair from her forehead and said softly, "The curtains." She made a move to get up, but Zhao Jialing grabbed her quickly, preventing her from moving: "No one will see."

Xie Lanzhao frowned slightly. This was no ordinary lamp in the tent; the moonlight, candlelight, and smoke intertwined, and the crystal curtains swayed in the breeze, giving her a strange feeling. She had always been dignified, but now, under His Majesty's influence, she was becoming increasingly outrageous.

Zhao Jialing looked up at Xie Lanzhao and pleaded with her, "Just this once." After a pause, she said pitifully, "You've been gone for months. I just want to see you properly."

Xie Lanzhao looked at her: "Just looking?"

Zhao Jialing said frankly, "It's more than that." She kissed Xie Lanzao on the chin, "but this part can't be missing."

Xie Lanzhao took a breath and gave in to Zhao Jialing's pitiful gaze. She suppressed her embarrassment and nodded slightly with her lips pursed.

Zhao Jialing was delighted, showering Xie Lanzhao with kisses. His nimble hands roamed around Xie Lanzhao's waist, loosening the sash but not removing it. Xie Lanzhao was somewhat dazed by Zhao Jialing's kisses, and after a while, she suddenly realized that Zhao Jialing's "ill intentions" were far more than she had imagined. Zhao Jialing had no intention of lying down; he maintained his initial position and began to fidget. A glance downwards revealed exactly what she was doing!

Xie Lanzhao's cheeks flushed crimson. She tried to get up, but Zhao Jialing held her waist firmly with one hand. She twisted and turned erratically, essentially offering herself up, and only managed to muster a little strength before going limp again, leaning against Zhao Jialing's shoulder. She bit her lip, suppressing a soft moan, but a few breaths escaped her lips as she trembled.

Zhao Jialing started rambling incoherently: "You don't even look at me, you don't cherish me."

Xie Lanzhao didn't want to pay attention to her. The candlelight in the small world enclosed by the bed curtains was dim, unlike now. So that's where her sinister intentions were—she didn't actually want to see her face in the lamplight. If she looked up, it would be hard for her eyes not to wander. She didn't speak, but when she couldn't hold back, she would bite Zhao Jialing's shoulder.

After a long while, Xie Lanzhao slightly raised herself. The bed curtains were open, and a cool breeze blew through. Xie Lanzhao shivered slightly and sat weakly on Zhao Jialing's lap. She reached out and pulled her inner garment together, slightly covering her body. The blush on her cheeks was still lingering, and even her gaze towards Zhao Jialing was somewhat weak and powerless.

Zhao Jialing asked, "Are you hot? Do you want me to wipe it off?"

Xie Lanzhao still remembered the mistakes she had made before, and she didn't believe this statement.

Zhao Jialing uttered nonsense again: "No hands, just legs." The night was long; how could anyone fall asleep? The physique gained from exercise was strong enough that even sitting down, lifting one's legs was effortless. "When I miss you, I read." But knowledge gained from books is ultimately superficial; true understanding comes from practice. She embraced Xie Lanzhao, her burning gaze lingering on her snow-white, rounded shoulders.

Xie Lanzhao glanced at her, embarrassed and annoyed. She used the strength she had finally mustered to push her away. Zhao Jialing pulled her down into the bed. Her eyelashes fluttered, and she met Zhao Jialing's obsidian-like eyes. He pressed her down with his elbow and hissed, "Lie down."

Zhao Jialing wanted to try everything, but considering Xie Lanzhao's feelings, she could only take a gradual approach. She hugged Xie Lanzhao and whispered in her ear, "Too reserved."

Xie Lanzhao pretended not to hear. This person was initially hesitant, but after receiving permission, he let loose and indulged in reckless behavior. As for herself—she was simply lost in her uncontrolled descent into depravity, somewhat bewildered. She pursed her lips and finally whispered, "It will take some time."

Zhao Jialing nodded seriously, counted "one," and then said with a smile, "One o'clock has passed, is it ready now? You have to try it out, how will you know if you can accept it if you don't try?" As she spoke, she showed the determination of someone who would be "kicked off the bed" and crawled under the covers.

Xie Lanzhao was startled and quickly grabbed Zhao Jialing's head. Even the most self-controlled person has moments when they break down and become unlike themselves.

Zhao Jialing was just teasing her. Seeing her panic, he laughed and said, "This isn't absurd. It wasn't on the imperial throne or in the ancestral temple; it was in the sleeping quarters."

Xie Lanzhao: "..." When she said "no," it was a firm statement from the bottom of her heart. Even if she didn't believe in ancestral spirits, she was still afraid of being struck by lightning. Would a wise and virtuous ruler be followed by the words "licentious and dissolute"? She simply couldn't bear to think about it.

Zhao Jialing's eyes lit up; her cleverness kicked in again. She asked, "So, is it possible to do everything in the bedchamber?"

Xie Lanzhao was defeated and could only retreat again and again. She covered Zhao Jialing's mouth, her palm was licked by his warm, wet tongue, and she hurriedly withdrew her hand. Zhao Jialing's lips covered hers again, and only a "I won't say anything more" escaped from between his lips. The long night could not be wasted; it should not be spent in sleep, nor should it be wasted on rambling.

The next day was a sunny day when there was no need to attend court.

They can sleep until the end of time and no one will wake them up.

Upon waking, Zhao Jialing muttered "the spring night is too short," as if she intended to sleep soundly until the very end.

But Xie Lanzhao got up.

Memories of last night still linger in my mind; even if I've forgotten them, the "mess" on my body can still evoke those memories.

She said she shouldn't have trusted His Majesty's "cleanup," because in the end, she didn't know if it was cleaned up or not, and instead, she was the one who got cleaned up.

Zhao Jialing sat up and looked at Xie Lanzhao: "Aren't you sleepy?"

Xie Lanzhao shook his head and said, "I need to stay with my grandmother for a while in the near future."

Zhao Jialing hissed.

a bolt from the blue.

She went too far.

She looked at Xie Lanzhao with a pitiful expression, feigning sadness: "I want to see you all the time. What if your feelings for me fade if we can't be together every day?"

Xie Lanzhao glanced at her and said coolly, "Your Majesty, I will come to see you during the day."

Zhao Jialing: "..."