Chapter 190 (One Hundred and Ninety Chapters) - Device Connection Successful...
With the emperor and three princes present, the imperial meal was naturally very lavish. The large long table was laden with twenty or thirty dishes. This did not even include Qi Chengming, who had just arrived. The chief eunuch of the imperial court, without being told, quietly withdrew and instructed someone to bring up more food.
Qi Chengming glanced around and saw a variety of dishes that he couldn't quite place. He only recognized the Rouge Duck, the Plum-pickled Perch, a small pot of Bo Xia Gong (a type of stew), several bowls of Chestnut Rice, a plate of delicate and lovely Persimmon Cakes, as well as Five-Flavor Roasted Chicken and a plate of thin-skinned cabbage buns that looked like jade.
"..." Qi Chengming usually couldn't stand Emperor Hongren's meals, finding them all extravagant and wasteful, and how could such food possibly taste good? But today was strange; there were actually a few simple dishes among them. Had the sun risen in the west? Or did one of the princes share his tastes?
Qi Chengming silently looked away, wondering to himself.
He wasn't a recent time traveler; he knew that most of the fine dishes in the palace were made with all sorts of luxurious ingredients, even more extravagant than what the Jia family in the Dream of the Red Chamber described. They tasted like they were made with piled-up gold and jade, and clean, refreshing, and simple ways of eating were rare. Small portions wouldn't show off their grandeur.
"I know you don't like those complicated dishes, so try this 'Victory Rice'." As soon as Emperor Hongren spoke, the serving maid quickly brought the untouched bowl of chestnut rice in front of him to Qi Chengming.
The two palace maids who followed behind each brought over a small plate without saying a word, with a persimmon cake and a cabbage bun on it respectively.
Qi Chengming became even more suspicious.
He certainly prefers these simple dishes, but now that he's in the imperial court, he's always trying out new and delicious royal cuisine.
But he glanced to the side—in front of all the princes were three dishes: chestnut rice, persimmon cakes, and cabbage buns. Whether they liked them or not, everyone had touched some.
The eldest prince ate the most; the young and strong boy could eat the most, and he was about to devour the whole thing in a flash. He only left a little chestnut rice for appearances, and was even instructing the palace maids to serve him more filling meat and vegetables. The sixth prince's smile was forced; he had only taken a small bite out of his persimmon cake, and was slowly grinding it with his teeth, eating it as if it were torture.
Qi Chengming smiled as he picked up a steamed bun, then tentatively asked, "Victory Rice sounds nice and pleasant, it's my favorite. Are there any other auspicious dishes on the table?"
Emperor Hongren smiled upon hearing this, his expression softening. Pointing at Qi Chengming, he said to the eldest prince with a smile, "Look at your second brother, he's the most astute. Of the whole table, only those two brothers noticed!"
The eldest prince smiled without batting an eye and said with shame, "Your subject is not as intelligent as my second brother, nor as innocent and clever as my seventh brother."
He secretly grumbled to himself.
It's not like only the second and seventh brothers could have discovered it. He had made a mistake, and since his release, he hasn't dared to utter a single word. The sixth prince has wasted his status as the eldest son; for the past few years, he's been as docile as a quail in front of the Emperor, and even when he suspects something, he won't ask.
He admired his seventh brother for this. With no one behind him and no confidence at all, he still dared to be so eager to take the lead after making a mistake.
The eldest prince's thoughts turned back to him.
...Or perhaps it's more accurate to say that it's precisely because the Seventh Prince has nothing left that he can be so reckless. After all, he has no maternal family; his mother was a palace maid. What difference does it make if he goes too far? He's got nothing to lose. The First Prince, on the other hand, is different. He has a large family of children; which of his wife's or maternal relatives can withstand further attacks?
Thinking of this, the eldest prince became a little more composed, though a hint of resentment and gloom had been concealed beneath his lowered eyelids.
They soon dispersed again.
Qi Chengming subconsciously glanced towards the last seat, where the youngest boy, around ten years old, sat. The Seventh Prince, despite the praise, remained calm and composed, showing remarkable composure.
In the original storyline, I vaguely remember that this male lead was favored by Emperor Hongren, especially compared to the Sixth Prince's dullness. But looking at the seating arrangement now, it doesn't seem like it... Was it because something about him was discussed in front of the Emperor?
While secretly observing him, Qi Chengming listened as Emperor Hongren revealed the answer: "Persimmon cakes symbolize 'everything goes smoothly' in folk tradition, and cabbage is also known as 'all things go smoothly.' It's auspicious to eat these at the beginning of the new moon! Good! Today's breakfast is excellent!"
As the old emperor spoke, he was overjoyed and ordered someone to summon the head chef who had served the dishes that day, intending to reward him handsomely.
The princes had different expressions, and Qi Chengming sighed knowingly.
Today is supposed to be the day when all nations pay tribute. While this is the official title, it seems Emperor Hongren, though eager for it, lacks true confidence. He's desperately seeking auspicious omens and meanings for the day, subtly implying smooth sailing, success in all endeavors, and a triumphant start.
Even the head chef of the imperial kitchen is better at understanding Emperor Hongren's thoughts than these princes.
After the meal, everyone moved to a side hall to sit and have tea, as it was almost time for the morning court session.
The walls of the side hall are adorned with portraits of the late emperor, some depicting him playing ball, others offering sacrifices to heaven, and still others holding birds. The atmosphere is not solemn, but rather imbued with a sense of everyday life.
Yes, this was originally the residence of the late emperor. Because it was only a short walk from here to the main hall, it was very convenient for reviewing memorials and attending court, which is why it was favored by the late emperor. Emperor Hongren followed suit and also liked to use this side hall when handling state affairs and summoning close court officials to discuss matters.
However, Emperor Hongren did not remove the portrait of his late father. Instead, he devoutly placed an incense burner, auspicious beasts, and offerings of fruits beneath it, as a sign of his son's constant remembrance. This act earned him a reputation for benevolence and filial piety in the previous dynasty, and he grew accustomed to it over the years.
Emperor Hongren began to summon the princes in turn, seemingly casually, and it was vaguely understood that he was inquiring about their duties. After asking one prince a question, he would send someone ahead to wait for the court session. The Seventh Prince was sent to the Imperial Study early on, and he gave the adult princes a rather resentful look.
Qi Chengming was left until the very end.
At that moment, Emperor Hongren glanced around, and Eunuch Fuman respectfully withdrew, leaving only the two of them in the vast hall. Qi Chengming began to recall the progress of the honeycomb briquette factory, mentally drafting his speech.
Emperor Hongren didn't ask any of those questions, but simply asked with a casual smile, "Did you like those two palace maids from yesterday?"
Okay, we have a contingency plan for that too.
Qi Chengming calmly changed his words and tentatively replied, "Your Majesty, I am overjoyed. I was just short of a personal maid, and with their arrival, I have no more worries!"
"You—do you even know what that palace maid was there to do?" Emperor Hongren was taken aback, and asked again with exasperation, afraid he had been too vague. He, a prince accustomed to meat since childhood, never dreamed that someone so old would be completely unmoved by women. Was he still immature? Or did he have some hidden ailment?
Having a hidden illness is not an option.
The old imperial physician who returned before didn't seem to have mentioned it.
Emperor Hongren began to recall the original medical records, but still felt uneasy. He planned to summon the person over later and question them in detail.
Seeing that Emperor Hongren's expression did not change much, Qi Chengming calmed himself down and pretended to be oblivious, continuing, "Your subject knows. It's just that Your Majesty values you highly now... Your subject is full of energy, how can I care about such things? It's not too late to talk about these things properly after I have a family!"
He shook his head, adopting a very serious and disdainful air of superiority.
Emperor Hongren: "..."
The old emperor was speechless. He stared at his second son in shock, as if he were looking at a rare object, for a long time before finally saying dryly, "Just don't regret it! You've only been back in the capital for a short time. I was planning to find you a good marriage after a few years when things were more stable... You really don't want a palace maid?"
He simply brought it up openly.
The marriage of this second son cannot be chosen lightly, nor can the most expensive one be chosen right away. Wouldn't that mean everyone would know that he has completely decided on this son? Emperor Hongren wanted to struggle and hesitate for a few more years, but looking left and right would only delay things.
He called his second son over just to discuss this matter, and at the end he added a question, fearing that his son might be too embarrassed to refuse.
Qi Chengming was secretly pleased and very happy. On the surface, he said frankly and fearlessly, "That's great!"
This left Emperor Hongren speechless, so he waved his hand, trying to ignore it: "Go, go, before you leave, offer incense to your grandfather! Tell him that it was you who refused, not that I have been mistreating you!"
This was the place where Qi Chengming intended to tamper with things. Seeing his chance, he perked up and agreed.
Emperor Hongren always valued filial piety, frequently having his princes offer incense, and he himself would light one as often as eating a home-cooked meal. Even if Qi Chengming didn't get the chance to offer incense today, he would wait for the next opportunity.
Now that only the two of them are left, it's the perfect time!
Before transmigrating, Qi Chengming would always wonder if the emperor had secret guards lurking on beams, under eaves, and in trees when reading novels. After transmigrating, Qi Chengming would always observe the palace with apprehension and veiled suspicion. At most, he would see hidden guards and eunuchs in corners, against walls, and outside windows. He had never seen anyone on the beams, nor had he heard any extra breathing sounds.
He finally smiled after recovering.
How could an emperor dare to allow anyone else to stand in a higher position than him? Would that be considered disrespect for imperial authority in ancient times?
Qi Chengming slowly walked towards the incense burner.
—He had thought about it carefully as early as when he first had the idea.
Everything in the emperor's residence could be changed, and there was no guarantee that a hidden camera wouldn't be discovered at any time. Therefore, it was necessary to choose a place that was difficult to change and that was not too difficult to access, because the battery had to be removed and charged every few months.
The emperor's residence was crowded and noisy, but the portrait of the late emperor was enshrined here without being moved. The large incense burner was heavy and luxurious; only here could something be made of.
Qi Chengming approached the table and, seemingly reverently, lit an incense stick. His gaze was calm as he focused on the incense burner. He noticed that the old ash inside was piled up in layers, making it impossible to clean frequently. In ancient times, the old ash in incense burners symbolized prosperity and inheritance, and was considered a blessing bestowed by ancestors. It was only considered auspicious if the ash was piled up securely, so such sacrificial incense burners were not to be moved lightly.
Although the eunuchs would wipe the remaining ash from the four corners of the incense burner clean, keeping it spotless, Qi Chengming secretly ran his finger along the inside of the burner's base and smeared his hand with ash. The narrow opening of the burner's base made it difficult to clean, and nothing could be hidden underneath, so it went unnoticed.
Qi Chengming originally had two options: either bury it in the ashes or stick it to the bottom of the stove. Both were things that could be done quickly and unnoticed by sweeping his sleeve while offering incense.
But he noticed the ash was piled up firmly and in a well-defined shape. If he moved it, the eunuch in charge of the incense burner might notice something amiss as soon as he stepped outside, realizing that something had been moved and buried inside. Then he wouldn't be able to explain himself. So, he decided to leave it stuck to the bottom of the burner.
The pinhole camera is extremely small, with only the slightly larger, button-like battery hanging there. Its dark exterior is stuck to the irregular bottom of the incense burner and cannot be felt unless you carefully examine it.
This was the first time Qi Chengming had done something so thrilling, and his heart was pounding, but he remained calm on the surface. He opened the system list and, following the simulations he had done many times before, took out the pinhole camera from his spatial storage. The battery had already been pre-applied with adhesive, so Qi Chengming only needed to touch it lightly to remove it.
The camera hole, only about one millimeter in size, is hidden at the bottom of the furnace.
That puts my mind at ease.
These types of cameras won't be detected by reflections unless the camera itself is directly visible. Even in modern times, you need a flashlight or infrared light to carefully locate them.
Qi Chengming didn't linger for long. After offering incense, he went to the front court in a proper manner, though he seemed rather restless. Afraid of revealing his unusual state, he forced himself to calm down and secretly opened the system page.
really……
There's an extra device where the Wi-Fi icon is located.
In addition to the "mp4" located far away in Silver Island Prefecture, there is now a "camera device" connected successfully!
Qi Chengming clicked on it without hesitation to see the effect...
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