Chapter 292 The Emperor Has Arrived
After leaving Qiushui Residence, a cool night breeze swept over us.
Zhou Hongying stood beside the imperial carriage and asked softly, "Your Majesty, shall we return to the Xuanzheng Hall next, or...?"
Li Yuanzhao sat on the imperial carriage, his fingertips lightly rubbing his temples, his expression showing a hint of lack of interest.
Having recently ascended the throne, she couldn't wait to savor the ultimate pleasure that came with assuming power for the first time.
The awe of the court officials, the smooth implementation of government orders, and the power of life and death—each of these fascinated her more than romantic love.
At this moment, she was no different from the emperors of all dynasties who had just ascended the throne, eager to do everything herself and impatient to make great achievements.
In recent days, she has been busy with the affairs of the previous dynasty, often reviewing memorials until late at night.
The newly arrived princes in the harem were nothing more than occasional pastimes for her.
Today, I have entered the inner palace because I cannot disrespect the Empress.
Unexpectedly, I was met with a cold shoulder, which was quite disheartening.
She casually said, "Let's go to Ningxiang Palace."
Just as Zhou Hongying was about to issue the order, Li Yuanzhao continued, "Forget it, let's not waste the Empress's good intentions."
"What's the name of the girl in green who danced at the banquet today?"
Zhou Hongying had an excellent memory and immediately replied, "Your Majesty, that is Minister Huang, who lives in Hanshui Pavilion. He is the younger brother of Huang Wei, the Minister of Works."
"Huang Wei's younger brother?" Li Yuanzhao raised an eyebrow slightly, genuinely surprised.
Huang Wei was previously sent by Cui Shiliang to assist Li Yuanyou in disaster relief. He was calm and methodical in his actions.
Later, when Li Yuanyou became a monk, he assessed the situation and sought refuge with him.
He also played a significant role in bringing down Cui Shiliang.
After she ascended the throne, he sought out artisans to improve agricultural tools and looms.
In just six months, new agricultural tools such as the curved plow and the dragon-bone waterwheel have been promoted nationwide, increasing farming efficiency by 30% compared to previous years.
Furthermore, the improvement of the loom doubled the production of silk, making it possible for ordinary people to wear high-quality and inexpensive cotton clothing.
He was a meritorious official, which is why she promoted him to Minister of Works within six months.
She said lazily, "Then let's go to his place."
Inside the Hanshui Pavilion, Huang Mian had just finished bathing and was lying on a soft couch, letting two palace maids wipe his wet hair and apply moisturizing cream to his skin.
Because a woman ascended the throne as empress, all the rules of the harem changed.
In the past, to prevent concubines from having affairs with men, palace maids served the concubines in the harem, and male eunuchs also had to be castrated before they could enter the harem to serve them.
Now that the harem is full of male concubines, the palace maids can no longer serve them closely, so all the servants in the harem have been replaced by male servants.
Huang Mian closed her eyes, enjoying the service of the servants.
Unlike other young masters from prominent families, before his elder brother passed the imperial examination, the Huang family was just an ordinary farming household.
He worked in the fields with his parents, carried loads, endured hunger and cold, and lived a life of hardship for more than ten years, having to be subservient to others.
His life only gradually improved after his elder brother passed the imperial examination with flying colors and entered officialdom.
Especially after his elder brother was promoted to Minister of Works, he became an enviable young nobleman in the capital.
Having experienced both extremes of wealth and poverty, he understood the value of power better than others and was less prone to unnecessary arrogance.
He knew that only by climbing the ladder step by step and firmly grasping the power in his hands could he forever escape the bitter days of the past and obtain everything he wanted.
So when his brother suggested sending him to the palace for the imperial concubine selection, he not only did not refuse at all, but also eagerly agreed.
Especially after entering the palace, seeing how Jue La Yun Dan could act so recklessly simply because of His Majesty's favor, and how even the Empress indulged him, he was greatly encouraged.
Moreover, he felt he had an advantage over Jue La Yun Dan.
With his elder brother, who held the official position of Minister, as his support, and having struggled in poverty since childhood, he was even more adept at reading people and currying favor.
That Jue La Yun Dan only won the Emperor's favor by relying on exotic customs and novelty. In terms of long-term success, how can he compare to him?
But reality dealt him a heavy blow. He painstakingly practiced his dancing skills and carefully selected his costumes, performing a dance at the banquet to win the emperor's favor, only to receive a perfunctory "Not bad" from the emperor.
On the contrary, it was Wang Yanzhi, who had a cold expression, who was inexplicably chosen by His Majesty.
"Hmph, just a substitute." Huang Mian sneered inwardly, a disdainful smile curling at the corner of her lips.
Even if His Majesty did glance at Wang Yanzhi more often because of that Chen Jinshi, he didn't think it was a good thing.
To rely on favors received from others is like standing under someone else's eaves to avoid the rain.
They may seem to have found shelter, but in reality, they live forever in the shadow of others.
Who knows when, when the "master" returns, or when His Majesty regains his senses, this kind of counterfeit will be destined to be discarded like worn-out shoes.
Just then, an announcement came from outside: "His Majesty has arrived!"
Huang Mian froze for a moment, then sat up in shock. "What?"
He grabbed the attendant's arm in disbelief. "Did I hear that right?"
The attendant beside him was even happier, his face beaming with joy. "Master, you heard right, the Emperor has arrived."
"Quick! A mirror! Give me a mirror!" Huang Mian's voice trembled with urgency.
He had just taken a bath and was only wearing a loose, plain-colored undergarment, and his hair was just loosely tied up. How could he possibly meet His Majesty looking like this?
The attendant quickly turned around, fetched a bronze mirror, and handed it to him.
Huang Mian looked at herself in the mirror from left to right, running her fingers through the stray hairs on her forehead.
"How's my outfit? Is my hair a mess? Oh! Does my complexion look a little dull?"
The attendant suppressed a smile and comforted her, "Your Highness, you are naturally beautiful and radiant, you couldn't be more beautiful."
Huang Mian looked at it more and more and felt that something was wrong, so she hurriedly ordered, "Quickly go and fetch that light green nightgown with cloud patterns that has been scented with orchids!"
After the servant brought her clothes, Huang Mian adjusted her belt in front of the mirror, took a deep breath, and looked at the figure in the mirror that was both nervous and excited.
This is His Majesty's first visit, and he must seize this opportunity no matter what.
After Li Yuanzhao entered the room, he saw Huang Mian, dressed in a light green nightgown, kneeling upright on the ground.
The light and thin silk fabric flowed like water over a jade mountain, with wide sleeves and skirts layered on the blue bricks, resembling rippling blue waves.
The beautiful woman kneels amidst the clouds and brocade, her head respectfully resting on the back of her hand, her fair nape forming a graceful arc.
Li Yuanzhao said calmly, "Get up."
Huang Mian did not get up, but instead raised her head and looked at her.
His eyes seemed veiled by a layer of mist, hazy yet carrying a hint of unspoken words, as if a thousand thoughts were swirling within them.
The moment his eyes met Li Yuanzhao's, his cheeks flushed crimson, and he hurriedly bowed his head in gratitude, saying, "Your subject... thanks Your Majesty for your great kindness."
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