Chapter 190 To Live to a Hundred Years Old
Huo Lin pursed his thin lips, his fingertips gently caressing the inside of Jiang Huan's wrist.
Let's just lock it in like this.
She was talking to Shen Yi for so long, but she didn't even glance at me.
[I also want to chat with her about storybooks. I can recommend books to her; I have far more books than that brat Shen Yi.]
Jiang Huan listened to his bittersweet and slightly aggrieved thoughts, feeling both helpless and amused.
She deliberately shook the hand he was holding: "Your Majesty, the snacks are getting cold."
Huo Lin suddenly stood up, took her hand, and walked towards the side hall of the Imperial Study.
"Come with me."
Jiang Huan was pulled along by him, completely bewildered.
"Where are you going? We haven't finished our snacks yet."
Huo Lin didn't turn his head, his voice muffled.
"I have something even better to show you."
The side hall was where Huo Lin occasionally took a break. It was simply furnished, but a row of tall bookshelves stood against the wall, filled with all kinds of books.
Huo Lin, holding the candlestick, walked straight to the bookshelf at the far end.
The candlelight flickered, illuminating the books on the bookshelf, each with its own unique binding.
Unlike the solemn classics on governance in the main hall, the books here are noticeably more diverse.
There are folk travelogues, supernatural tales, local chronicles, and even a few cookbooks and agricultural books that look quite old.
Huo Lin released her hand, his fingertips tracing the spines of the books, finally stopping on a blue thread-bound book.
He took it down and handed it to Jiang Huan.
"Tales of the South China Sea?" Jiang Huan took the book and read the title aloud with a puzzled expression.
Huo Lin nodded, his eyes sparkling with a hint of barely perceptible anticipation.
"This book records many strange and wonderful stories from the South China Sea, including singing seashells and schools of fish that can predict storms. I think you will like it."
[I have memorized the "Thirty-Six Strategies for Pursuing a Woman" by heart, and I have studied the chapter on "playing to her preferences" three times.]
[Isn't it just finding some interesting books? Ever since I found out she liked these things, I've practically had Wang Degui empty every bookstore in the capital.]
These items displayed here are all things I found interesting after reviewing them.
[She didn't ask, and I didn't say anything either, but I didn't expect that brat Shen Yi to beat me to it!]
Jiang Huan casually flipped to a page and saw a picture of a strange fish with a human face, labeled "Human-faced Mermaid," whose voice was like a baby's cry, and whose appearance foretells wind and rain.
"Wow, this is interesting!"
Jiang Huan's eyes lit up, and she couldn't help but take a few more glances.
Seeing that she liked it, Huo Lin couldn't help but smile, and quickly pulled out a few more books from the bookshelf and stuffed them into her hands.
"And these too: 'Records of the Western Regions' describes a phantom city in the desert and a moving oasis; 'Night Talks of the Northern Mountains' is full of stories about mountain spirits and monsters; and this 'Jiangnan Recipes' contains many novel dessert recipes, which I specially had collected..."
He became more and more enthusiastic as he spoke, his eyes shining with an astonishing light. He had lost all trace of imperial majesty and looked more like a little boy eager to share his treasure.
Jiang Huan's arms were soon piled high with books. She looked down at these books, which had clearly been read many times but were still well preserved, and her heart suddenly softened.
She looked up at Huo Lin, whose features were softened by the candlelight.
Those usually deep and aloof eyes were now filled with anticipation.
Does she like it? My taste is certainly no worse than Shen Yi's, is it?
[I've read all these books; we can discuss many plot points together.]
If she doesn't like these books, then I'll keep looking until I find ones she's satisfied!
Listening to his anxious inner monologue, Jiang Huan suddenly felt that the person in front of her was so clumsy that it was heartbreaking.
"Your Majesty," she called softly.
Huo Lin immediately stopped searching and looked at her nervously.
"Um?"
Jiang Huan placed the book she was holding on the low table beside her, then gently cupped Huo Lin's face in her hands, her clear eyes filled with tender smiles.
"I really like these books."
She paused, her voice softening slightly: "But more than these books, I prefer the time I spend with Your Majesty."
Huo Lin's pupils dilated slightly, as if he had been struck in the heart by this sudden, direct attack.
His ear tips turned red at a visible speed, and his Adam's apple bobbed up and down.
She...she said she likes being with me.
[Did I hear that right?]
[Turns out, jealousy can have a sweet aftertaste!]
Huo Lin's inner self was overjoyed, but on the surface, he just nodded stiffly, his voice a little strained.
"Yes, so do I."
Jiang Huan couldn't help but laugh when she saw his forced composure.
She released his face, then took his hand and held it in her palm.
"Then it's settled. From now on, when I read these books, you have to stay with me and tell me the stories inside."
"Okay." Huo Lin agreed without hesitation, and then gripped her hand even tighter.
"I will accompany you."
Those three simple words sent a shiver down Jiang Huan's spine.
Looking at the man in front of her, she suddenly realized with absolute clarity that she didn't want to lose him.
She didn't want to lose Huo Lin, who would be jealous of her, feel wronged for her, and be overjoyed by just a few words from her.
I don't want to experience the pain of being treated coldly and like a stranger again.
I don't want to... watch him walk towards that predetermined, premature death.
Jiang Huan lowered her eyelashes, concealing the emotions that flashed in her eyes.
She leaned gently against Huo Lin's shoulder, listening to his suddenly accelerated heartbeat, and whispered, "Your Majesty, please promise me one thing."
Huo Lin immediately tensed up: "What?"
"Live well."
Jiang Huan raised her head, looked into his eyes, and spoke each word clearly.
"May you live a long and healthy life, and stay with me for the rest of my life."
Huo Lin was stunned, then chuckled: "Nonsense, of course I would."
“I’m serious.” Jiang Huan interrupted him, her eyes more determined than ever before. “No matter what happens, no matter who tries to harm you, you have to be okay. Promise me.”
Huo Lin looked at her serious expression. Although he didn't understand why she suddenly brought this up, he still nodded solemnly.
"I agree."
She's acting strangely today. Did she hear something?
[Or perhaps I've been too busy lately and haven't spent enough time with her, causing her to overthink things?]
[This won't do. From now on, even if it means squeezing all those ministers' time out of their schedules, I will make time for her.]
Hearing his worried words, Jiang Huan smiled again and deliberately changed the subject.
"It's settled then. Starting tomorrow, take one hour each day to rest and spend time with me."
Seeing that her mood had improved, Huo Lin immediately nodded.
"Very well, I'll put aside my memorials and spend time with you."
"No need for that." Jiang Huan smiled and poked his chest. "I don't want to be cursed by those old ministers as a wicked concubine who brought ruin to the country."
"They dare!" Huo Lin's brows furrowed, and his imperial majesty instantly returned.
Jiang Huan quickly covered his mouth: "Okay, okay, I know you're the best, but now..."
She pointed to the main hall next door, "The osmanthus cake I made is really getting cold."
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com