Chapter 144 Joy

Looking at the crystal-clear lake water, Jiang Nan could clearly see the fine sand and soft aquatic plants at the bottom.

Without further hesitation, she deftly removed her embroidered shoes, and barefoot, she tentatively stepped into the water.

The cool lake water washed over my ankles and calves, bringing a refreshing and invigorating sensation.

She continued walking deeper into the water until it reached her chest.

He took a deep breath, felt light, and began to move skillfully.

On the shore, Niohuru and the others watched with bated breath.

Zhao Deyi and several eunuchs who knew how to swim, in particular, were on tenterhooks, their hearts pounding in their throats.

Until they saw Jiang Nan swimming freely in the water like a fish, her movements clearly showing her proficiency in the water.

Everyone breathed a sigh of relief, and while they looked at each other in astonishment, they were also secretly amazed—Your Majesty knows so many things!

Jiang Nan swam back and forth in the water several times, feeling as if every pore on her body had opened up.

The pent-up heat and restlessness were washed away by the lake water, leaving me feeling so comfortable that I almost sighed out loud.

Slightly out of breath, she switched to floating on her back, letting her body drift on the cool water.

Sunlight filters through the gaps in the leaves, casting dappled patterns that sway gently on the water's surface—it's incredibly pleasant.

She swam to a shallow spot where the water was just above her waist and stood still, then shouted towards the shore.

"Sister, come down and try it. The water here is shallow. It's very safe to go from shallow to deep."

Niohuru looked at Jiang Nan, who was so relaxed and carefree, exuding a joyful air of breaking free from constraints.

A thought suddenly crossed my mind.

She had never experienced such unrestrained play since she was a child.

She subconsciously looked around and saw no one but her trusted maids and eunuchs.

The entrance to Yingtai is guarded by soldiers, ensuring excellent privacy.

Jiang Nan's voice rang out again, with a seductive quality.

"Sister Dai Jia, you're here too. It's really comfortable. Don't worry, with me here, I'll make sure you're alright."

Daijia was already young, and her personality was even more unruly.

Seeing that Jiang Nan was having a great time, and hearing her personally greet him, he lost most of his initial restraint.

Instead, a sense of curiosity and longing arose.

She glanced at Niohuru and whispered.

"Your Majesty has summoned me... I'll go see her."

Seeing that she was interested, Niohuru couldn't resist and went along with it.

"Okay, then let's... go take a look together."

Only Consort Wang, holding the little princess, remained in the spot.

She watched the two walk towards the water's edge, her eyes filled with envy, but holding her child, she could only remain on the shore.

As Niohuru and Daijia cautiously approached the shallow water, a sly glint flashed in Jiang Nan's eyes.

She suddenly turned nimbly and stood up abruptly from the water.

He swiftly scooped up the lake water with both hands and splashed it at the two of them with a smile.

The cool lake water splashed all over Niohuru and Daijia.

The two women gasped in surprise at the sudden attack, still caught off guard.

Jiang Nan was already giggling, splashing water with her hands incessantly, creating even more spray.

Just like when we had a water fight as children, we splashed water at them.

Before long, the front of Niohuru's and Daijia's clothes and their hair were wet, making them look somewhat disheveled.

Dai Jia was initially startled, but was then infected by her cheerful atmosphere.

She simply took off her shoes and socks and, imitating Jiang Nan, clumsily scooped up the water with her hands.

He laughed and splashed the water at Niohuru, who was standing next to him.

Niohuru was attacked from both sides, water splashed in her face, and she could barely open her eyes. She waved her hands and begged for mercy.

"Oh dear, Your Majesty, Sister Dai Jia, please stop."

Jiang Nan then stopped, her eyes crinkling with laughter, and stepped forward to tug at Niohuru's wet sleeve.

"Sister, look, we're already here, and our clothes are soaked. What's there to be shy about? Since we're already like this, let's have some fun. Once we're done, we can go back and change into clean clothes. Wouldn't that be better?"

Niu Kulu was half-dragged and half-pulled into the water by her.

The lake water was cool and refreshing, and laughter echoed across its surface.

On the shore, Consort Wang and the palace maids and eunuchs watched this rare and relaxed scene, free from the constraints of palace rules.

A smile involuntarily appeared on his face.

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It was lunchtime in a side hall of the imperial palace.

Jiang Nan led Niohuru and Daijia, who had been playing in the water all morning and whose hair was still slightly damp, into the dining hall.

All three had the rosy glow and lingering smiles that come with exercise on their faces.

Consort Wang was already waiting inside, holding the little princess.

"We finally had a great time!"

Jiang Nan slumped unceremoniously in a cushioned chair, her face beaming with unprecedented joy.

"Yingtai is a wonderful place. Once you've been there a while, you'll get used to it. There will be many more days to come. If you want to play, just sneak into the water again. Next time, Sister Wang, you have to come too. You can't just watch from the shore."

Upon hearing this, Niohuru instinctively wanted to speak up and dissuade her from such an irregular agreement.

But thinking of the carefree joy he felt on the lake that morning, he swallowed the words that were on the tip of his tongue.

She simply smiled and pursed her lips, tacitly agreeing.

This kind of joy of freedom is truly irresistible.

Seeing her expression, Jiang Nan lowered his voice and said with a hint of slyness.

"However, this is a secret between us sisters. No one is allowed to let it out to the Empress Dowager and the Emperor, otherwise, we won't be able to play next time."

Dai Jia nodded quickly and whispered.

"Your Majesty, rest assured, I know what is important and will keep my mouth shut."

Her face still held the lingering excitement.

"Well, just don't let it slip."

Jiang Nan gave a word of advice, then raised her voice.

"Zhao Deyi, serve the meal. We've been playing all morning and are starving. Bring out plenty of meat."

"Yes, sir!"

Zhao responded with satisfaction and left.

Soon, palace maids and eunuchs filed in, placing one exquisite dish after another on the table.

Jiang Nan smelled the aroma and her appetite was whetted. She picked up her chopsticks and was about to start eating.

"Your Majesty, please wait."

Chunlan, who was standing nearby, spoke up in time to stop them.

She stepped forward, speaking respectfully.

"Now that Your Highness is not in Yongshou Palace, your meals are being watched over by your own people. This is Your Highness's first time here, so please be careful. Allow me to check it first."

Jiang Nan paused in mid-air with her chopsticks, pursed her lips, but did not object.

She was immune to all poisons and didn't care, but those seated at the same table included Niohuru, Consort Wang, and Daijia.

Since we're not at base camp, we really can't be careless about security.

"Okay, hurry up."

Chunlan responded, took out the silver needles she carried with her, and solemnly began to examine them one by one.

She started with the main dishes: steamed fish, braised pork, and seasonal vegetables. She inserted a silver needle into the dish, took it out, and found nothing unusual.

The atmosphere at the table was slightly tense, and Niohuru and the others subconsciously lowered their breathing.

The inspection proceeded smoothly until the neatly cut chilled watermelon was served after the meal.

Chunlan carefully inserted the silver needle into the juicy melon flesh, and then pulled it out after a moment.

The part of the needle that touched the melon juice turned grayish-black very quickly.

Chunlan's expression changed drastically.

"Your Majesty, it's extremely poisonous, it's...it's arsenic."

"What?"

Upon hearing this, Lady Niohuru, Consort Wang, and Lady Daijia were so shocked that they stood up instantly, their faces turning deathly pale.

He instinctively moved away from the plate of watermelon, his eyes filled with fear.

The hall fell into complete silence; you could hear a pin drop.

Only Jiang Nan was stunned for a moment, but instead of being frightened, she showed an extremely strange expression on her face.

It sounded like surprise, or perhaps... a sense of absurdity and ridicule.

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Chapter 144 is really unlucky; it's better to be cheerful.