Chapter 78 078 I love you.
In the biting cold wind, the athletes rode their horses at full gallop, and the continuous cheers created a lively atmosphere.
The candidates selected by Mingde Academy and the Imperial Academy were all very capable. There was no scene of being overwhelmed. The score was close, very suspenseful, and kept everyone on the edge of their seats.
This exhilarating batting match ended in a draw, with both players showing regret on their faces but still burning with fierce fighting spirit in their eyes.
Although Zhao Jialing couldn't participate herself, she was treated to a spectacular performance. As usual, she rewarded the students with money and cloth. Those who performed exceptionally well on both sides received an additional cotton-padded jacket as a reward.
In Yangzhou, cotton planting and the improvement of textile machinery were carried out simultaneously. After studying the "Textile Manual," Ruan Sijing personally went to Yangzhou. After the cotton harvest, the governor of Yangzhou immediately began arranging textile work, sending the woven cloth and some finished cotton garments to Chang'an. Zhao Jialing kept some cotton cloth, but as for the finished garments, since they were originally made to resemble border garments, she directly ordered them to be sent to the border. Unfortunately, cotton had only just begun to be planted, and the number of garments that could be made was not large.
The best performer from Mingde Academy was Yuan Lingzhun, daughter of Marquis Li and the Vice Magistrate of Jingzhao. From the Imperial Academy, it was Ashina Bilian, from the Turkic tribe. The two didn't approach Zhao Jialing directly, but instead bowed respectfully from afar. Only after Zhao Jialing and the ministers had disappeared from sight did Ashina Bilian feign ignorance and ask, "What's a cotton-padded jacket?"
Yuan Lingzhun glanced at her and said gently, "Isn't it quite common in the Western Regions?" It was no secret that the Turkic Khan and the Tibetan Zanpu coveted the Western Regions. Seeing that Ashina Bilian still looked blank, she added, "It's made of a warmer fabric."
Ashina Bilian's mind raced. She had actually heard of cotton; the Sogdians had brought back cotton cloth from their travels, and she knew that cotton was grown in those regions. But cotton cloth was inferior to other fabrics, especially silk from the Central Plains. The Western Regions considered it inferior and naturally wouldn't use it as tribute. So where did Dayong's cloth come from? Did they grow their own cotton?
Yuan Lingzhun gazed at Ashina Bilian, who was lost in thought, raised an eyebrow and smiled, then slowly and leisurely walked away with light steps. She had heard from her father that the Turkic princess was very interested in Central Plains culture, but she didn't know if she was going to be a spy to deliver messages, or if she had other plans.
Meanwhile, Zhao Jialing and Xie Lanzhao returned to Chang'an.
The residence in Guangzhai Lane was not as large as the Xie residence, but it still had pavilions, artificial hills, and winding corridors. In winter, darkness fell early, and the afterglow of the setting sun was rather bleak. The lanterns hanging under the porch were already lit. A gust of wind caused the flames to flicker, clusters of bright light dispelling the gloom.
Zhao Jialing and Xie Lanzhao sat in the hall chatting. When the topic turned to cotton-padded clothes, Zhao Jialing sighed and said, "It's far from enough to ensure that all the soldiers stationed on the border have cotton-padded coats to keep them warm."
"The experimental field was very successful. We can allocate some seeds so that they can try planting some there." Xie Lanzhao considered for a moment. She had also looked through the booklets. Longyou was more suitable for planting than Jiangnan. However, due to the unrest on the border, she was afraid that a sudden outbreak of war would affect the reclamation and planting. Large-scale planting was not suitable, but small-scale experiments were possible.
Zhao Jialing nodded.
A biting wind blew, and every breath was chillingly cold, capable of freezing one's lungs. If it was like this in Chang'an, how much more so in the further north? She thought for a moment, then said, "The ointment developed jointly by the Imperial Medical Academy and Mingde Academy to prevent frostbite and treat external injuries has already been sent over by me."
"It has been delivered, and the soldiers' petitions of gratitude have also been sent. The soldiers are deeply grateful for His Majesty's kindness," Xie Lanzhao said.
Zhao Jialing let out a soft "Ai," and then sighed, "I wish time would pass more quickly."
Xie Lanzhao stared at Zhao Jialing, puzzled, and asked, "Why?"
Zhao Jialing's eyes shone brightly, and she said with great enthusiasm, "In that case, I will be able to see the results of the reform directly."
Xie Lanzhao chuckled and said, "Then His Majesty's wish cannot be fulfilled."
"It's not bad as it is now," Zhao Jialing said again. She was quite good at comforting herself; she couldn't just throw a tantrum because her daydream couldn't be realized, could she? Her gaze lingered on Xie Lanzhao, and she changed the subject, "Does your family know you're staying in Guangzhai Lane tonight?"
Xie Lanzhao glanced at her and said, "I am not a three-year-old child."
"That's good." Zhao Jialing nodded, and under Xie Lanzhao's gaze, she coughed heavily again and explained, "I was afraid that the Xie family would come looking for you, which would alarm the Imperial Guards and spread throughout Chang'an."
Xie Lanzhao remained silent.
Although I knew it was impossible, following His Majesty's train of thought—the whole of Chang'an knew she and His Majesty were having a secret rendezvous in Guangzhai Lane, which was indeed quite shocking. Wouldn't those who habitually jump to conclusions write a grand drama about "keeping a mistress in a golden house"?
Xie Lanzhao's expression shifted slightly as she pondered her thoughts, which puzzled Zhao Jialing. She stood up and approached Xie Lanzhao, placing her hands behind her back and leaning slightly forward to meet Xie Lanzhao's gaze. "What are you thinking about?" Zhao Jialing asked casually.
Xie Lanzhao snapped out of her reverie, her gaze focusing on the beautiful face so close to hers—just an inch closer and their noses would collide. She leaned back slightly, deliberately ignoring the touch of Zhao Jialing's falling hair against her face. "I'm thinking—"
"Oh, so you were just wondering if staying here was inappropriate." Zhao Jialing pushed him away, her expression one of certainty, "I see right through you." After a pause, she smiled and added, "But you still came."
The figure hovering above gracefully withdrew, and Xie Lanzhao slightly straightened up. She smoothed the wrinkles in her robes and said slowly, "Your Majesty has invited me, and I dare not refuse."
"Come on, have you ever refused me countless times?" Zhao Jialing was in a good mood, her cheerful tone devoid of any reproach. She crossed her arms and gazed at Xie Lanzhao, chuckling to herself, "Anyway, I'm here."
Xie Lanzhao could see right through His Majesty's thoughts. Her gaze was deep and thoughtful as she tilted her head slightly towards Zhao Jialing, and she chuckled lightly, "So what if I'm here?"
Zhao Jialing was stumped by a simple question.
Without thinking it through, of course I couldn't answer.
A hint of unease flashed across her face, but she still had to save face; she couldn't afford to be utterly defeated in front of Xie Lanzhao. Her eyes flickered, and words from a storybook flashed through her mind. Suddenly, an idea struck her: "Since you're here, you have to obey my orders."
Xie Lanzhao: "..." She really wanted to advise His Majesty to read fewer miscellaneous books, but if she did, he might end up discussing their contents with her all night. Given His Majesty's temperament—sometimes smug, sometimes cowardly—the best approach was probably to take the initiative. After a slight shift in thought, Xie Lanzhao continued, "Then how does Your Majesty intend to manipulate me?"
Zhao Jialing was indeed stunned.
The words "manipulate" felt completely different when said to herself versus Xie Lanzhao. A jolt of electricity, sparks flying, numbed her heart. Xie Lanzhao wore a slight smile, her gentle tone… was she encouraging her? A person should be looked at with new eyes after three days' absence; she was no longer someone who let opportunities slip by.
So Zhao Jialing grabbed Xie Lanzao's hand, pulled her up, and warmly invited her, "Come with me."
Xie Lanzhao's eyelids twitched slightly.
His Majesty blushed, but he was no longer as blank as a goose.
She was pulled to her feet by a gentle force, listening to His Majesty's mumbled words and the gradual thumping of her own heartbeat.
Xie Lanzhao, with her composure intact, managed to pierce through the vortex of confusion: "Where does Your Majesty intend to take me?"
Zhao Jialing answered truthfully, "The inner chambers." When Xie Lanzhao looked at him with disbelief, she put on an innocent expression, "Didn't you say yourself that you would let me do as I please?"
"I was merely asking, I didn't agree," Xie Lanzhao said, her face flushed, denying it outright.
"Don't you want to see how the house is furnished? It's where you'll be staying for a while," Zhao Jialing tempted her. "I even sent eunuchs to tidy it up."
Xie Lanzhao: "It is also possible for me to come and see during the day."
Zhao Jialing asked earnestly, "Where will we sleep tonight? Are we going back to Wubenfang? We'll have to go see it eventually."
Xie Lanzhao: "..." She might not be fully aware of what was happening, and was led astray by His Majesty's few words. Without her noticing, His Majesty had become even more adept, and the original methods were no longer effective.
The candlelight flickered, and shadows intertwined.
With their own thoughts in mind, the two arrived at their destination.
With a creaking sound of a door being pushed open, Xie Lanzhao stopped.
"What's wrong?" Zhao Jialing asked her.
Xie Lanzhao sighed. The stories she had read wove together bizarre and fantastical images in her mind. Passing through this door felt like entering another strange world of stories. The Daming Palace locked up the Secretariat, not the Emperor and Empress. She turned to look at Zhao Jialing, whose face was beaming with joy, and in a daze, abruptly asked, "What is between Your Majesty and me? Your Majesty should explain it to me clearly." Even she herself was taken aback, not expecting to ask at this moment, without even preparing herself. And after getting the answer? How should she react? Xie Lanzhao's heart leaped, followed by a deep sense of confusion.
Zhao Jialing was taken aback, frowned, and lowered his voice: "You can talk inside the house too."
Xie Lanzhao silently surveyed the room, as if she were looking at a dragon's den or a tiger's lair.
"It's chilly outside," Zhao Jialing said, sneezing.
Xie Lanzhao's gaze remained relatively calm. She looked at Zhao Jialing's red nose, quickly walked into the room, pushed the door shut tightly to minimize the amount of draft.
Zhao Jialing got what she wanted, but her brows drooped and her eyes were filled with melancholy. She knew what Xie Lanzhao meant, but it was still difficult to say it aloud; after all, she needed enough courage at the right time. This question came too suddenly; she hadn't even rehearsed it in her mind or carefully considered how to answer it.
Xie Lanzhao stood with her back to the lamp, while Zhao Jialing paced around the room.
The lively atmosphere vanished, as if the world itself had been frozen by the freezing temperatures of midwinter.
"I—" Zhao Jialing uttered one word before falling silent again.
Her heart began to pound. If she didn't mention anything, she could maintain the status quo. But if she did, would Xie Lanzao distance herself from her? Although Xie Lanzao had made promises, was it for their ideals or for her, Zhao Jialing? In the past, she could be smug and make some boastful remarks, but deep down she actually harbored all sorts of worries.
Xie Lanzhao looked at her helplessly: "Your Majesty's spinning has made me dizzy."
Well, Your Majesty still only has that little bit of courage.
She herself was a little hesitant, but having already asked, should she back down?
Zhao Jialing gave an "Oh," and said awkwardly, "Then I'll sit down." After a while, she leaned on the armrests of the chair as if to stand up, but under Xie Lanzhao's questioning gaze, she slowly sat back down and asked, "Would you like to play chess?"
Xie Lanzhao lowered her eyes: "I do not wish to."
Zhao Jialing: "Are you reading?"
Xie Lanzhao still replied, "I don't want to."
Zhao Jialing pursed her lips, somewhat dejected. It seemed running away was no longer an option. Her heart pounded with anxiety, her expression hesitant. Finally, with a trembling heart, she asked tentatively, "If I say something, will you just refuse me?"
These words were still vague and ambiguous, not the directness Xie Lanzhao wanted. Without looking at Zhao Jialing, she said, "Your Majesty, I do not know what you want to say, nor do I know what kind of answer you will receive."
"Don't you even know that I need to explain myself? How do you know I have something to say?" This was a smooth sentence. Zhao Jialing looked at Xie Lanzhao, knowing she was also feigning ignorance. She was certain that if she didn't speak directly, Xie Lanzhao would continue to play games with her. In this respect, she was no match for the prime minister.
That's terrible, Xie Lanzhao.
Zhao Jialing lowered his voice and asked, "Do you hate me?"
Xie Lanzhao replied without hesitation: "I don't dislike it."
The simple three words lifted her spirits. Zhao Jialing wanted to ask directly, "Do you like it or not?" but she was afraid of being rejected or silenced. After thinking for a moment, she asked indirectly, "Then do you hate my embrace?"
Xie Lanzhao did not hesitate: "I don't dislike it."
Zhao Jialing's eyelids twitched: "Then... what if we take it a step further?"
Xie Lanzhao was silent for a moment: "Your Majesty, please do not ask me about things that have not happened. I do not know."
She had initially been deeply hurt by Xie Lanzhao's silence and was filled with resentment, but once she heard the words, her thoughts became active and rushed in another direction. Overjoyed, she said, "You're inviting me? Are you trying to see if we're a good match?" It was like a huge windfall had fallen into her lap; it was truly unbelievable.
Xie Lanzhao: "..." She firmly refused, saying, "No."
Zhao Jialing said disappointedly, "Alright, I was being presumptuous."
Xie Lanzhao didn't respond, her gaze shifting away from Zhao Jialing. This rambling was avoiding the main point. She couldn't quite figure out her own feelings; did she even need to ask? Xie Lanzhao tried to analyze her inner thoughts rationally, but the more she thought about it, the more frustrated she became, her emotions showing on her brow. She said softly, "Never mind."
Looking at the sorrow in Xie Lanzao's eyes, Zhao Jialing's heart sank; something was not good.
How did things get to this point? She racked her brains, but couldn't figure out where things went wrong.
The arrow was on the bowstring, ready to be released. But she was afraid of being rejected by Xie Lanzhao, which would be incredibly embarrassing. Had Xie Lanzhao previously refused to speak to her because she wasn't in Guangzhaifang? Returning to the palace from Guangzhaifang, so distraught, was indeed a short distance. Lost in thought, Zhao Jialing sighed and said, "Yes, I do covet you."
Xie Lanzhao: "?"
"Oh, no, it's 'I admire you.'" Since the hardest words have already been said, it's better to just go for it. But the word "covet" is unpleasant to hear, so it needs to be corrected immediately.
Xie Lanzhao's eyelashes trembled.
It's not hard to guess; clues can be seen in their thoughts, words, and actions. But unless it's brought up directly, it remains unclear.
The throbbing emotions in my heart were gently punctured, and fell lightly. A sour, swollen feeling, indescribable and inexplicable.
"Why aren't you saying anything? You asked me to speak, aren't you going to answer?" How could he not be heartbroken when his confession went unanswered? "Or are you considering whether to use a lengthy, thousand-word essay to rebuke my wishful thinking?"
"I did not." Xie Lanzhao raised her eyes, her expression showing a hint of bewilderment.
"Then what do you mean?" Zhao Jialing's accusatory tone was somewhat aggressive as he looked at Xie Lanzhao. "My heart has been torn apart by you, and you just give me these three words? Xie Lanzhao, you have no conscience."
Xie Lanzhao pursed her lips and said, "I don't know."
Zhao Jialing was bewildered: "What do you mean?"
[They probably haven't discussed it, so I'm not sure.] The Wise Ruler System couldn't hold back any longer; its host was too picky. It directly chose an iron tree. [Host, ask indirectly.]
Zhao Jialing: "..." Wasn't she being roundabout enough? Roundaboutness only resulted in cryptic remarks, while directness only resulted in ignorance. If she had simply refused outright, she could have said that she would henceforth be a cold-blooded emperor and never be moved again.
After thinking for a moment, Zhao Jialing brought up Chen Xiyuan again, asking dejectedly, "What if your senior sister said that?"
Without a second thought, Xie Lanzhao replied, "That's impossible."
Zhao Jialing was at her wit's end. She sat down dejectedly and tapped her fingers on the chair repeatedly.
The tapping sound lingered in the quiet room until Zhao Jialing's hand was grasped.
Xie Lanzhao said softly, "I aspired to accomplish great things in my youth, and I will never start a family in this life."
Zhao Jialing looked away: "You cut off your affections for your children, but I am different. I am useless; I am too sentimental and short-tempered."
Xie Lanzhao knew her own nature well; no matter how she changed, she could never become a blazing fire. She continued, "Your Majesty is the most special one in my heart, but it is my nature, and I am afraid I cannot give Your Majesty the same passion."
"I'm not a businessman, do you expect me to weigh the depth of our feelings?" Zhao Jialing gazed at Xie Lanzao. "Even if I am the sea and you are the pool, as long as you give me the whole pool, I won't be short."
Xie Lanzhao looked stunned.
She rarely discussed personal matters with others, and naturally hadn't heard such arguments before. Some people are deeply affectionate, while others are indifferent; in her understanding, these two types of people were not suitable for each other. A passionate person would become cold-hearted and disappointed. "Your Majesty, I—"
Zhao Jialing interrupted Xie Lanzhao and said listlessly, "I will give you a handwritten edict. The guards patrolling the streets will let you pass. Go home if you want."
Xie Lanzhao's breath hitched, and after a long while, she said, "But wasn't this house bestowed upon me by His Majesty?"
Now it was Zhao Jialing's turn to be speechless. She slowly said, "Then do you want to send me back to the palace?"
Xie Lanzhao: "I have absolutely no such intention."
Zhao Jialing remained silent.
She wasn't happy; the confession she envisioned wasn't like this, nor was it that ambiguous answer.
So Xie Lanzhao is truly despicable. Is this a calamity sent by heaven?
Zhao Jialing, indignant and resentful, began to ramble: "She won't agree to my request, but does she want me to stay and be her devoted lover?"
On the bright side, she didn't reject me, but those who wanted to propose marriage to her didn't even get inside the door.
[Alas, not as good as the best, but better than the worst.]
Having successfully consoled herself, she glanced at her hand still being held by Xie Lanzhao, and the gloom on her face instantly vanished. She said, "Then do you want to try it with me?"
Xie Lanzhao's expression returned to calm, and she slowly said, "His Majesty may be disappointed." When a major rift appears in her relationship with His Majesty, how could it not affect the country?
Zhao Jialing asked, puzzled, "You're not me, how do you know I'll be disappointed?" After a pause, she added, "I don't want you to give up everything for me." Everyone has ideals, and there's no conflict now, so why give them up? "I only want your romantic feelings." As she finished speaking, Zhao Jialing emphasized, "All of it."
The heartfelt confession left Xie Lanzhao somewhat dazed. After a moment, she heard a serious question in her ear: "Can you give it to me?"
Does stepping through the door truly signify a crucial, life-altering decision? Xie Lanzhao noticed His Majesty withdraw his hand. Her fingertips curled, and past scenes flashed before her eyes, like fleeting shadows, vanishing in an instant. Her gaze refocused on His Majesty's face, first meeting those deep, affectionate eyes, as sincere and genuine as ever.
Zhao Jialing: "Every word I say is law, and I will remember everything you say. I can write a promise, and I can swear an oath to the heavens." Her heart was once again thrown into the waves, bobbing up and down like driftwood.
Xie Lanzhao said, "I can give it to you." Her gaze softened, and as she finished speaking those three words, the invisible constraints in her heart suddenly loosened, and a sense of relief spread throughout her body.
It was the answer she had been waiting for, but when it reached her ears, Zhao Jialing still felt a little surprised. She was stunned at first, thinking she had misheard, and couldn't respond in time. After a few breaths, she finally came to her senses, and with a surge of emotion, she squeezed out a "haha" from her throat.
Xie Lanzhao glanced helplessly at Zhao Jialing, then raised her hand to rub her temples.
He was already arrogant, and now he was even more outspoken: "I should have had the eunuchs prepare a bright red mandarin duck quilt beforehand."
Knowing what she was thinking as soon as she said that, Xie Lanzhao said, "Life takes time, doesn't it?"
Zhao Jialing understood this was a polite refusal, and felt a little regretful, but upon reflection, she realized that it couldn't be rushed. She then asked, "What about the one you said you'd give it a try before?"
Xie Lanzhao asked, puzzled, "Which one?"
Zhao Jialing looked at her with hopeful eyes: "It's something beyond a hug."
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