Chapter 120 Mind Reading and Mine Clearance
Although Su Xiaoxiao, who brought a sesame seed cake, was retained in the initial selection of Chuxiu Palace, the remaining dozen or so candidates were no pushovers either.
After all, which of those who made it to this round didn't have some kind of background? Which of them wasn't raised from childhood to be a "future empress"?
To ensure the young emperor's harem doesn't turn into another "Empresses in the Palace" drama, and more importantly, so she can enjoy her retirement without worry, Jiang Mianmian decides—
He's cheating.
The next morning, at the "Floating Cup Pavilion" in the Imperial Garden.
The room was set up as a temporary "interview venue." Jiang Mianmian and Shen Jin sat side by side in the main seats, while Shen Xingchen sat beside them like a mascot, staring nervously at the entrance.
"Uncle, Aunt, what are we doing?" Shen Xingchen asked in a low voice. "Haven't we already chosen Su Xiaoxiao? Why are we calling the rest of them?"
This is called 'background check'.
Jiang Mianmian held a list in her hand, making notes on it. "Although I like Su Xiaoxiao, this is about choosing an empress, which concerns the fate of the country. We have to dig up everyone's secrets... cough cough, we have to dig them out completely."
She turned to look at Shen Jin and gave him a flirtatious wink:
"Your Highness, are you ready? Today's 'lie detector' depends entirely on you."
Chen Jin held his teacup, his expression calm:
"rest assured."
“As long as they dare to think it, I will hear it.”
This is Jiang Mianmian's ultimate plan—mind reading and mine clearance.
On the surface, this was a flower-viewing tea party hosted by the princess, but in reality, it was a death interview called "Truth or Dare." Shen Jin was responsible for listening to people's true feelings, while Jiang Mianmian was responsible for setting the questions and... kicking people out.
"Announce the first place!" Jiang Mianmian waved her hand.
The first person to walk in was Zhao Wanru, the legitimate daughter of the Minister of Personnel.
This Miss Zhao was dignified and poised; her steps were measured and precise, each one treading with the tinkling of jade pendants. She approached, bowed gracefully, and spoke in a gentle voice:
"Your subject, Zhao Wanru, greets the Regent, the Queen, and Your Majesty."
Jiang Mianmian looked at her with a smile:
"Miss Zhao, please rise. I've heard you love reading 'Rules for Women'? If you were to enter the palace, how would you plan to assist His Majesty?"
Zhao Wanru lowered her eyes and answered flawlessly:
"If I am fortunate enough to enter the palace, I will certainly uphold the virtues of a wife, advise Your Majesty to be diligent in governing and to care for the people, to ensure the continuation of the royal family, never be jealous, and live in harmony with my sisters..."
These words were a textbook example of a good answer. Even Shen Xingchen, who was standing next to her, nodded repeatedly, thinking that this older sister was quite sensible.
However.
Sitting next to him, Shen Jin's face instantly darkened.
Because in his mind, Zhao Wanru's completely different thoughts echoed:
[Hmph, what diligent governance and love for the people? That's all nonsense.]
[The first thing I'll do once I become Empress is to keep that young Emperor under control! I've heard he's easily swayed, so he'll be easy to manipulate.]
As for those disobedient concubines? Heh, I have plenty of ways to make them 'die of illness.' This harem can only belong to my Zhao family!
Shen Jin put down his teacup, making a soft "clattering" sound.
This was the secret code he and Jiang Mianmian agreed upon: Poisoned, Pass.
Jiang Mianmian immediately stopped smiling and put on a critical expression:
"Oh dear, Miss Zhao, what you said is beautifully phrased, but..."
She pointed to the gold hairpin on Zhao Wanru's head and said, "The frequency of your hairpin's swaying is wrong. According to my 'micro-expression psychology,' your left eyelid twitched three times just now, which means you have ulterior motives and are suspected of plotting to usurp the throne."
Zhao Wanru: ? ? ?
Micro-expressions? Eyelid twitching?
What kind of ridiculous reasons are these?
"Guards!" Jiang Mianmian gave her no chance to explain. "Miss Zhao is unwell; her eyelids are twitching. She may have a serious illness and should not enter the palace! Show her out!"
"I'm innocent! Your Highness! My eyelids didn't twitch!"
Zhao Wanru was dragged away by two strong nannies, looking completely bewildered.
Shen Xingchen stared in disbelief: "Imperial Aunt... is she really wicked?"
"If your royal uncle says so, then it is."
Jiang Mianmian pointed at Shen Jin, "He's a human lie detector, even more sensitive than a dog's nose."
Shen Jin: […Could you use a different analogy?]
Over the next hour, the Flowing Cup Pavilion turned into a major "car crash scene".
The second to enter was a daughter of a military family. She appeared forthright, but inwardly she was thinking: "This young emperor looks like a weakling. I wonder if he can take a beating? If he doesn't obey, I'll beat him until he does!"
Calm and cautious: Pass.
Jiang Mianmian: "This young lady exudes too much murderous aura; she might startle His Majesty. Show her out!"
The third was a talented woman who appeared aloof, but secretly thought: "The Regent is so handsome... If I could use the opportunity of entering the palace to seduce him, I'd be willing to be his mistress..."
Chen Jin's face turned ashen: Pass! Immediately! Right now!
Jiang Mianmian: "This young lady's eyes are wandering; she's obviously attracting unwanted attention. To prevent her from having an affair, see her out!"
After eliminating more than a dozen people, the previously crowded list was instantly emptied by more than half.
Shen Xingchen broke out in a cold sweat as he watched the young women being dragged away on trumped-up charges.
"Uncle, Aunt... this... this is too strict! If we keep eliminating people like this, I'll be a bachelor forever!"
Do you understand the principle of "better to have nothing than something bad"?
Jiang Mianmian cracked sunflower seeds, "Marrying a troublemaker will only make you regret it. Next!"
Finally, it was the turn of the "pancake girl"—Su Xiaoxiao.
When Su Xiaoxiao entered the pavilion, she was noticeably more nervous than the others. She kept her head down, her hands tightly twisting her handkerchief, and she walked with a slightly unsteady gait.
"Your subject...your daughter Su Xiaoxiao...pays her respects..."
She stammered as she bowed, almost tripping over herself.
Looking at her adorable appearance, Jiang Mianmian felt a little less alarmed, but she still looked at Shen Jin, awaiting the final judgment.
"Miss Su."
Shen Jin spoke, his voice devoid of any emotion, "If you entered the palace and discovered that His Majesty favored other concubines and neglected you, what would you do?"
This is a question that could cost you your life.
Su Xiaoxiao paused for a moment, then looked up, her eyes filled with confusion.
She was thinking.
At the same time, her innermost thoughts were heard without reservation by Chen Jin:
Pampering others? That's perfect!
[Does that mean I won't have to serve His Majesty anymore? I won't have to get up early to pay my respects?]
【Then I can hide in the palace every day and eat snacks! I heard the imperial kitchen's hibiscus cake is amazing! And that crystal pork knuckle!】
[As long as His Majesty provides the food, who cares who he favors! I'm just here to freeload!]
A slight smile slowly curved the corners of his usually composed lips.
There was no jealousy.
There was no scheming involved.
She didn't even have the thought of vying for favor.
All I can think about is food.
This sentiment... why does it sound so familiar? It's exactly the same as that of a certain lazy bum who just entered the manor back then.
"Your Highness?" Seeing that Shen Jin didn't speak and even smiled, Jiang Mianmian felt reassured. "How is it?"
Shen Jin turned his head and nodded to Jiang Mianmian:
"clean."
"Cleaner than a blank sheet of paper."
Jiang Mianmian slapped her thigh: "It's settled! She's the one!"
She jumped down from her seat, walked up to Su Xiaoxiao, took her hand, and smiled like the wolf in sheep's clothing trying to lure Little Red Riding Hood:
"Little one, don't be nervous. I have a question for you."
"Ah?" Su Xiaoxiao trembled in fright. "Your...Your Highness, please ask."
"If you were made empress, but had to manage many things and review many accounts every day, wouldn't you find it annoying?"
Upon hearing "manager" and "check the ledgers," Su Xiaoxiao's face instantly fell.
"It will...it will be very annoying. I hate reading the most; it gives me a headache as soon as I start reading."
"What if you didn't become Empress, but just became... a leisurely Empress who was responsible for having meals and playing with His Majesty, and who could receive a lot of salary every month to buy snacks?"
Jiang Mianmian patiently and skillfully guided her.
Su Xiaoxiao's eyes lit up instantly, shining like two big light bulbs:
"Really? Is there such a good thing?"
"have!"
Jiang Mianmian pointed to Shen Xingchen next to her, "As long as you make him happy and feed him well, this kind of good life is yours!"
"I do! I do!"
Su Xiaoxiao was so excited she almost jumped up, "This humble woman is the best at coaxing people to eat! This humble woman knows which family's sesame cakes are the crispiest and which family's roast ducks are the fattest!"
Shen Xingchen, listening from the side, was practically drooling.
"Royal Aunt! I'm willing too! I want her!"
"She has a good eye for food! She must be a good person!"
Looking at the two young people whose souls resonated because of "eating", Jiang Mianmian and Shen Jin exchanged a glance, both seeing the satisfaction of "mission accomplished" in each other's eyes.
"Alright."
Shen Jin stood up and made the final decision, "Since His Majesty is pleased, then let the selection of the Empress be made."
"The daughter of the Assistant Minister of Rites, née Su, is of pure and virtuous character, and is capable of undertaking great responsibilities. She shall be conferred the title of Empress today!"
"yeah--!"
Shen Xingchen and Su Xiaoxiao cheered at the same time.
A "talent show" that could determine the future structure of the imperial harem for decades to come came to a successful conclusion with a unique "mind-reading and mine-clearing" and "food temptation" session.
There is no palace intrigue, and no bloodshed.
Only two foodies "went to each other".
Jiang Mianmian looked at the two young people huddled together discussing "what to eat for dinner" and sighed:
That's wonderful.
This is youth.
【Chen Jin, our mission is complete. Shouldn't we... start packing our bags?】
Shen Jin took her hand and walked out of the Liubei Pavilion.
Sunlight streamed onto the stone paths of the Imperial Garden, warm and bright.
"Um."
He said softly, "Yingyi has already packed her luggage. We'll leave after the wedding tomorrow."
Where to?
"Go wherever you want to go."
"Should we bring Tuantuan along?"
"...Take it with you. It might be a little in the way, but at least it can help you carry your luggage."
"Hahaha! My real dad!"
The laughter faded into the distance.
The palace's red walls and yellow tiles remained majestic, but the shackles that bound the two of them were finally completely broken.
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