Chapter 293 I see you were...exhausted last night.
The following morning, the newly renovated Qianqing Palace awoke in the gradually brightening light of day.
Although they look exactly the same from the outside, for some reason, in the warm morning light, they always exude a kind of warmth that is different from the usual majestic imperial residence.
Bright golden sunlight streamed through the carved windows, illuminating the inner hall.
The changes are particularly noticeable here.
The imperial desk still occupied a key position in the inner palace, but a new, exquisitely designed rosewood dressing table had been added to its side and behind the window, with a narcissus-themed dressing case on it.
Against the wall, an embroidery frame depicting the Four Gentlemen stands quietly, with colorful silk threads on a small table beside it.
What makes it even more cozy is that a corner of the hall has been specially set aside, covered with a soft Western Region velvet carpet, scattered with children's toys such as cloth tigers and tangrams, as well as a small desk suitable for a child's size, on which Yongning's literacy copybook is placed.
This place has become a private little world exclusively for the princesses and princes.
Emperor Zhaoheng was not awakened by Feng Shunxiang's usual cautious, low call. Instead, he felt a soft little hand gently patting his face, accompanied by Princess Yongning's childish voice calling out, "Father...it's dawn..."
He opened his eyes and saw Yongning wearing his nightgown, lying next to his pillow, her big, round eyes filled with the bewilderment of someone just waking up.
At the same time, the sounds of Qingyan and Qinghe babbling and the gentle coaxing of their wet nurses could be heard from the next room.
Emperor Zhaoheng's lips unconsciously curled up, and he reached out to pull his daughter into his arms and rub her gently before getting up.
This was a warmth he had never experienced before, a warmth that belonged to an ordinary family, and it warmed his heart.
Shui Xian was already dressed and standing by the bed, holding his court robes in her hand.
Seeing him get up, she walked over naturally, like the most ordinary wife in the world, straightened the collar of his nightgown, and then carefully helped him put on his elaborate dragon-patterned court robe, tying every belt and smoothing out every wrinkle.
Emperor Zhaoheng took her hand, picked it up, and kissed it.
While Yongning was going to the side hall to find her younger brother, she whispered in Shuixian's ear, "You made such a fuss last night, why are you up so early today?"
The man's breath brushed against her ear, causing a shiver to run through her. A blush rose on Narcissus's cheeks, and she gave him a reproachful look before smoothing the court beads hanging on his court robes.
"You still say that...?"
Her voice gradually faded away as Yongning ran back.
In the morning light, she and Emperor Zhaoheng looked at each other and exchanged knowing smiles.
The atmosphere during breakfast was completely different from usual.
Yongning sat on a specially made high chair, her little mouth never stopping, chattering about how she dreamed of a flying pony last night, or how she wanted to take her younger brothers to the Imperial Garden to see the newly blooming peonies today.
Qingyan and Qinghe were held by their nanny and waved small silver spoons, trying their best to eat by themselves, getting rice grains all over their faces, which made the palace servants laugh.
Emperor Zhaoheng's expression softened more than ever before. As he listened to his daughter's innocent and amusing words, he casually pushed a plate of crystal shrimp dumplings in front of Shuixian, and then placed a piece of her favorite jujube and yam cake on her plate, saying gently:
"I see you were exhausted last night, so please eat more."
Narcissus looked up and met his gaze. No words were needed; their eyes conveyed their mutual affection.
After finishing his breakfast, Emperor Zhaoheng was to attend court.
Feng Shunxiang and others stood outside the hall, while the palace servants stood respectfully with their heads bowed.
Under the watchful eyes of everyone, Emperor Zhaoheng straightened his cuffs and did not turn around immediately. Instead, he naturally reached out and put his arm around Shuixian's shoulder, placing a gentle kiss on her smooth forehead.
Caught off guard, Narcissus paused slightly, and then a faint blush uncontrollably rose on her fair cheeks.
Emperor Zhaoheng seemed oblivious to her embarrassment, speaking in a voice only the two of them could hear.
"It's getting chilly today, so don't sit there looking at those account books and regulations for too long. Remember to ask Tinglu to put an extra layer of clothing on you."
Shui Xian felt the gazes of the palace servants around her, who, though bowing their heads, could not hide the smiles on their lips. Her ears burned even hotter, and she could only nod slightly and reply softly, "Your Majesty, I understand."
This scene broke the old palace rule that the emperor and empress should maintain a solemn demeanor in front of their servants, yet no one felt it was inappropriate, and no one dared to utter a single word.
Everyone knew perfectly well that this was the Emperor's way of showing favoritism towards the Empress, placing her above all rules and regulations.
Emperor Zhaoheng then turned around, abandoning his unique imperial composure and majesty, and strode out of the palace.
As Narcissus watched his tall, departing figure, her fingertips unconsciously brushed against the forehead where he had just kissed her, where the warmth still seemed to linger, and a fleeting flutter rose in her heart.
After Emperor Zhaoheng left, the Qianqing Palace returned to tranquility.
Shui Xian composed herself and moved to the study in the side hall to begin handling the day's palace affairs.
Tinglu entered carrying several volumes of rosters and documents, her expression somewhat solemn.
"Your Majesty, the first batch of female officials will be selected next month, and everyone is eyeing this lucrative opportunity. A group of court officials, led by Zhao Wenyuan, the Vice Minister of the Ministry of Personnel, have been making frequent moves."
Narcissus's hand, still holding the pen, gestured for her to continue.
"They either intended to include their own daughters or nieces in the selection list, or secretly contacted some old scholars who admired old customs, preparing to recommend several women who only knew the 'Rules for Women' and 'Admonitions for Women' and were good at flattery but had no real talent to participate in the selection."
"It seems they want to use this to control the initial establishment of the female official system... If they succeed, they can both plant spies and question Your Majesty's authority in implementing the new policies, which is a win-win situation."
Upon hearing this, Narcissus paused slightly with her pen, raised her eyes, but there was no surprise in them; instead, a fleeting look of understanding crossed her eyes.
Just then, Qingyan, who had only recently learned to crawl, broke free from her wet nurse's care and crawled to her feet, babbling as she reached out her little hand to grab the jade pendant tassel on her skirt.
The coldness on Narcissus's face instantly turned into a doting smile.
She put down her pen, bent down and lifted her son onto her lap, letting him curiously play with her fingers, while casually giving instructions to Tinglu in a relaxed tone, as if she were talking about something very ordinary.
"Pass down the word that I will personally be the chief examiner for this grand examination of female officials. All the questions will be jointly drafted by me and several trusted Hanlin scholars, and will be sealed and opened only on the spot in the examination hall."
Narcissus, referring to the big exam, continued:
"The marking of all papers will be done anonymously, and the papers will be transcribed by designated personnel to avoid handwriting identification. In addition, an interview will be added, which will be personally presided over by me to assess the candidate's adaptability and practical skills."
With just a few words, she effortlessly blocked all avenues for those who tried to take shortcuts or plant their own people.
Anonymizing names and having a specialist transcribe them... eliminates the possibility of cheating based on connections and handwriting.
The fact that the Empress personally presided over the examinations and interviews ensured that the final selection power was firmly in her hands, and no one could easily interfere.
Tinglu's eyes lit up, and she immediately accepted the order: "Yes, Your Highness! This servant will arrange it right away!"
——
In the evening, Emperor Zhaoheng returned home under the moonlight.
Shedding his heavy dragon robe and wearing only his usual black casual clothes, he looked weary from handling state affairs.
But when he saw Narcissus playing the Nine-Linked Rings game with Yongning under the candlelight in the warm pavilion, his fatigue quietly disappeared.
After the children were put to sleep by their wet nurses, the Emperor and Empress sat facing each other on a soft couch by the window, with a small rosewood table between them, on which were placed two cups of tea and several plates of delicate pastries.
Like the most ordinary couple in the world, they enjoy a rare moment of tranquility after a busy day.
Emperor Zhaoheng took a sip of tea and casually brought up the matter: "Today in court, Zhao Wenyuan and others again made indirect inquiries about the selection of female officials. Their words were nothing more than concerns about women interfering in politics, or hints that respected senior officials should be involved in the selection process."
As Shui Xian was fiddling with the candied fruit in the dish with a silver skewer, she looked up upon hearing this, a slight smile playing on her lips, and calmly recounted her day's plans.
Finally, she chuckled and said, "If they want to send people in and control us, they'll have to get past the obstacles I've set up first."
Upon hearing this, Emperor Zhaoheng's eyes flashed with admiration.
He put down his teacup, reached across the small table, and gently took the hand that Narcissus was resting on the table, his rough fingertips caressing the back of her delicate hand.
"What a clever way to write names and transcribe... Xian'er now has quite the air of 'strategizing within the tent and winning battles a thousand miles away'."
He paused, then smiled broadly and said, "With a wife like this, intelligent and decisive, what more could I ask for?"
Emperor Zhaoheng's praise was not exaggerated, but rather a heartfelt appreciation.
He looked at her, his gaze deep.
Seeing that she seemed moved, Emperor Zhaoheng suddenly smiled mischievously, leaned closer, and lowered his voice to say:
"Since Xian'er is so adept at planning, why don't I issue an order tomorrow to set up a small court for my beloved wife in the Qianqing Palace? It would be dedicated to handling these women's affairs, and let me see how the Empress wins battles outside my study."
Shui Xian was taken aback by his sudden teasing. She was startled at first, then glared at him reproachfully and subconsciously raised her hand to lightly punch his shoulder: "Your Majesty... you always make fun of me!"
Her coquettish gesture was natural and intimate, which made Emperor Zhaoheng laugh loudly. He then pulled her light and graceful body into his arms.
Narcissus gasped softly and slumped down beside him, her body tightly encircled by his strong arms. The scent of ambergris and faint ink wafted around her nose, and the slight embarrassment and annoyance she had felt earlier instantly turned into helplessness and a hint of secret sweetness.
Emperor Zhaoheng lowered his head, his fingertips unconsciously stroking her waist. His laughter gradually subsided, turning into a satisfied sigh.
The candlelight flickered, casting the shadows of the two people intimately embracing on the window paper. The room was quiet, with only the lingering aroma of tea and the warm breaths of their intertwined bodies.
The Qianqing Palace ultimately became their true home...
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