Although Zhang Gonggong didn't understand what the Empress meant, he nodded blankly and led the person inside.
Upon learning of the Empress's arrival, the ministers wisely departed.
Jian Yang carried the food box into the council hall and happened to meet the emperor's probing gaze.
Her heart skipped a beat.
Recalling the emperor's attitude towards her last night, she panicked.
But he remained as calm as a rock on the surface.
"I heard that Your Majesty is busy with state affairs, so I specially asked the Imperial Kitchen to prepare a pot of ginseng chicken soup. Your Majesty should drink it while it's hot."
She walked gracefully to the desk, put down the food box, and took out the chicken soup.
Zhou Jingzhi raised an eyebrow slightly, and a subtle awkwardness immediately settled in between the two of them.
Jian Yang knew that simply sending chicken soup would be seen as an attempt to curry favor, and it wouldn't reveal the emperor's true attitude.
Therefore, she has another plan!
"Actually, there is something else I would like to tell Your Majesty."
Zhou Jingzhi narrowed his eyes slightly and nodded slightly.
Jian Yang smiled and said, "Because I was unwell a few days ago, I assigned the task of preparing the welcoming banquet to the sisters in each palace. It seems that everyone has done a great job. Your Majesty, please don't forget to reward them when the time comes."
He doesn't take credit or claim credit, and he even proactively seeks benefits for others...
Jian Yang suddenly felt much more impressive!
But the emperor's expression turned disappointed upon hearing this.
Jian Yang: "?"
What does this person mean?
Emperors are known for their capricious and unpredictable moods.
After a long while, the emperor said calmly, "The empress is right. As the head of the harem, you naturally do not need to do everything yourself."
Jian Yang immediately showed a touched expression: "Your Majesty originally thought that Your Majesty would complain that I was not attentive enough in my work and could not fulfill the duties of the Empress."
"How could the Empress think such a thing?" The Emperor frowned. "I have seen your dedication to the royal family. No one in the harem can surpass you in the slightest."
OK, all done.
With the emperor's words, Jian Yang was basically certain that this damned emperor wouldn't kill her next.
With no risk of being burned to death, she was too lazy to put on airs with him anymore.
Whatever Zhou Jingzhi said next, Jian Yang would respond with a few lukewarm words, completely lacking the enthusiasm she had shown when she delivered the chicken soup.
The emperor was somewhat displeased by her sudden change in attitude.
Why has the Empress suddenly become so taciturn?
Jian Yang's breath hitched.
I was careless!
She forgot that the emperor was a master at reading people's expressions and moods.
She lowered her head silently and said in a low voice, "Your Majesty values me so much, but I am not worthy of Your Majesty's favor. I can't help but feel a little sad."
Zhou Jingzhi: "..."
He had noticed Jian Yang's recent lack of work performance, and today he came over seemingly out of concern but actually to test her.
He's not stupid!
The emperor patted her arm symbolically: "Empress, there is no need to worry, and you need not belittle yourself. Your contributions and abilities are evident to all, and I am extremely satisfied."
"Your Majesty, I am deeply grateful for your kindness." Jian Yang's eyes were filled with emotion.
Both of them knew exactly what was going on, yet they feigned compliance and put on a show of acting.
After seeing Jian Yang off, Eunuch Zhang returned to find the Emperor with a faint smile on his lips, looking quite pleased.
When their master is happy, the servants are naturally happy too.
With a smile, Eunuch Zhang asked, "Your Majesty, a new batch of Shu brocade has been presented as tribute from Sichuan. Would you like me to deliver it to the Empress?"
"Okay, go ahead."
On the day of the welcoming banquet, the palace hall was decorated with lanterns and colorful streamers, looking peaceful and festive, with singing and dancing.
Jian Yang was very satisfied with the results.
However, while she was satisfied, the other concubines were not so satisfied.
Everyone was eager to participate in the preparations, thinking they could make some money off it.
But who would have thought that Jian Yang would eventually assign the financial statistics work to Yu Fei!
In the past, Consort Yu would certainly have embezzled some money as well.
This time, however, Jian Yang used a combination of harsh words and sweet treats to coax her into submission.
Jian Yang first told her that this was an important task entrusted to her by the Emperor, and that failing to do it well would inevitably disappoint him.
He then added that the reason he entrusted this task to her was because he believed that her family was wealthy and powerful and that she would never stoop to embezzlement!
Yu Fei was already proud and arrogant. After hearing Jian Yang's words, in order to prove that she was indeed disdainful, she insisted on cutting back on the already limited budget!
She was very confident that saving the national treasury a large sum of money was a sign of her outstanding ability.
Little did the emperor know that this was yet another demonstration of Jian Yang's exceptional management skills!
Now he was even more satisfied with Jian Yang's work ability.
Jian Yang: "???"
Before noon, Prince Aoji of Qiangwu led his envoy team into the palace in a grand procession.
The emperor, along with his concubines and ministers, greeted them in the main hall.
After a friendly meeting and discussion, Zhou Jingzhi announced the start of the banquet.
As the sounds of string and wind instruments filled the air, a group of dancers dressed in traditional Qiang and Wu costumes quickly entered the arena.
Immediately afterwards, the palace maids filed in, serving each person fine wine and delicacies.
Listening to the music, watching the dances, and eating the food of his hometown, Aoji was deeply moved.
This proves how much the Lebanese people valued them!
He rose with his wine cup in hand, walked to the center of the hall, and toasted the Emperor and Empress, saying, "I sincerely thank the Emperor for preparing such delicious food and wine from Qiang and Wu regions for us, allowing us wanderers to taste the flavors of home!"
Upon hearing this, the other Qiang and Wu people also stood up and raised their wine cups to the emperor.
The emperor looked at Jian Yang beside him, and was about to praise her, but someone beat him to it.
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