“That’s right. Jiaojiao doesn’t need to do anything. Just being there is enough to make millions fall in love with her,” Wei Huaixu said as he walked in.
"Your Majesty, even you are making fun of me."
"Just telling the truth." Wei Huaixu sat down, frowned when he saw the untouched pastries on the table, and asked, "Don't you like any of these?"
"No, the pastries are very good, it's just that I haven't had much of an appetite lately," Qingying quickly explained, afraid that he might be blaming someone else.
A while ago, she only complained that the fish and meat prepared by the imperial kitchen had a strong fishy smell, and that imperial chef was immediately dismissed. She was afraid that if she was unhappy, she would harm others.
Wei Huaixu appeared to be completely obedient to her, but in reality, he was extremely domineering and authoritarian.
Qingying picked up a pastry and symbolically ate half of it, then took a sip of pear juice to moisten her throat before changing the subject: "I heard that Consort Du is pregnant. Your Majesty should go and see her."
"I've already checked. I've promoted her rank according to regulations and given her many additional rewards." As he spoke, his eyes were fixed intently on Qingying, not missing a single change in her expression.
He was disappointed in the end. She showed no displeasure whatsoever, and instead said with a smile, "This is the Emperor's first child, so it should indeed be taken seriously."
Wei Huaixu nodded listlessly, instantly becoming dispirited. "You're right."
Why does His Majesty seem rather unhappy?
"No, I am very happy, so happy that I am about to die."
"...Huh?!" Qingying looked at him in confusion. "What nonsense is Your Majesty talking about?"
"Yes, I was just talking nonsense." Wei Huaixu slowly ate his pastries, his eyes seemingly falling on her. "A letter has come from Jiangnan. The floods have been alleviated, the dikes have been rebuilt, and it hasn't rained much since autumn. Wei Dongchen will be able to return to court soon. I plan to hold a celebration banquet for them."
"Oh." Qingying said indifferently, "The Prince Yu's son has done a good job in controlling the floods, so it should be celebrated."
"I have already selected some women for him. When he returns, he can take a look at them and choose one or two. They are all excellent in terms of appearance and family background, and they are worthy of him."
"Yes, Your Majesty, you may decide."
Seeing that she remained calm, Wei Huaixu finally relaxed and happily ate the last bite of pastry. He took a handkerchief to wipe his mouth, then took her hand and said, "I'll take you to see something."
Qingying obediently let him lead her away, and before leaving, he didn't forget to put a cloak on her.
The carriage clattered out of the palace. Qingying lifted the curtain and looked outside, asking in surprise, "Your Majesty, where are we going?"
"You'll find out soon enough." He winked mysteriously.
Since he didn't say anything, Qingying wisely didn't press the matter. It was a rare opportunity to leave the palace, and she was happy no matter where she went.
She lowered the carriage curtain, looked at Wei Huaixu who was resting with his eyes closed, and leaned closer. "Were you testing me just now?"
Wei Huaixu's eyelashes trembled slightly, but he did not open his eyes. "No."
She smiled gently, "Your body has betrayed you, Ah Xu. You want me to be jealous."
"..."
"I won't be jealous."
Wei Huaixu pursed his lips, remained silent for a moment, and then asked, "Why?"
“I foresaw this day long ago. You are an emperor, and it is destined that there will be more than one woman by your side. Moreover, you know my body... It is a good thing that someone else can continue your lineage, so I should not be jealous.”
"But……"
All I want is you.
Wei Huaixu clenched his fists, swallowing back the words he hadn't said. After all, saying such things now would seem pale and powerless.
Qingying was unaware that the child in Consort Du's womb could not possibly be his; it was all a scheme he had set up.
He gently took Qingying's hand and said nothing more.
The carriage stopped after traveling for less than half an hour. Wei Huaixu carefully tied a cloak around her neck. "Although the sun is shining today, the autumn wind is still a bit chilly. Take care of yourself."
"knew."
He got off the carriage first, and Qingying walked out. He stood on the ground and reached out his hand to her.
Qingying glanced at the scene outside and realized that he had brought her to the horse training ground in the east of the city.
"This is?"
"Let's get down first and then talk."
Wei Huaixu took her hand and lifted her down. Once downstairs, he didn't put her down immediately, but walked straight inside.
Outside the training ground, grooms were already waiting, with two long rows of people kneeling respectfully to greet them.
With so many people watching, Qingying felt a little embarrassed and struggled slightly. "Your Majesty, it's time to put me down."
"The ground is dirty, let me carry you over."
His tone was firm, so Qingying had no choice but to give up resisting, resignedly wrapping her arms around his neck and burying her face in his neck.
No wonder so many people cursed her as a bewitching concubine; she truly seemed to bewitch the monarch and disrupt the court.
Wei Huaixu didn't care about these rumors and gossip. He only wanted to love her infinitely in the limited time he had and do his best to present her with the best of everything in the world.
They walked slowly and leisurely, followed by a long line of people, who dared not even breathe loudly or look up at them.
Wei Huaixu walked to a pavilion before putting her down.
"Bring it up," he ordered.
Soon, a groom led over a magnificent white horse.
"What a beautiful horse!" Qingying exclaimed, her eyes shining.
This horse is truly beautiful, without a single stray hair, with long, firm legs and clear, bright eyes.
She couldn't help but murmur a few lines of poetry: "Zhao guest with a silk tassel on his hat, Wu hook sword gleaming like frost and snow. Silver saddle on white horse, swift as a shooting star."
"Do you like it? It's a gift for you." Wei Huaixu sat beside her, tilting his head slightly as he looked at her with a gentle smile.
"I like it." Qingying leaned against the railing of the pavilion and reached out to touch the white horse's head.
The white horse seemed to understand human nature, lowering its head to let her stroke it, and she immediately smiled with her eyes crinkling.
Does it have a name?
"No, please get one for me."
Qingying thought for a moment and said, "Let's call it Zhaoye."
Wei Huaixu was silent for a moment, then nodded. "It's a good name. I'm glad you're happy with it."
Seeing his strange expression, Qingying belatedly realized that Wei Dongchen had a horse named Zhaoxue. Zhaoye and Zhaoxue, the two names did sound quite fitting at first glance.
"Your Majesty should stop collecting salt tax and start collecting vinegar tax instead."
"Hmm?" Wei Huaixu raised an eyebrow. "When did I get jealous?"
"No? Perhaps I'm just overthinking it." Qingying smiled and glanced at him sideways before turning and walking out of the pavilion.
Reaching the horse, she took the reins from the groom, stepped into the stirrup, and nimbly mounted.
Wei Huaixu was so startled by her actions that he quickly flashed to the side of the horse. "You, why didn't you warn me first! What if you fell off!"
Qingying lowered her eyes and looked at me with a slight smile. "Your Majesty may not know, but I secretly learned to ride two years ago when you went on your campaign. I wouldn't dare say I'm an expert, but I'm more than capable of riding well on the field."
After saying that, she squeezed her legs tightly around the horse's belly, leaned down, pulled on the reins, and shouted "Giddy up!"
The horse galloped forward swiftly like an arrow released from a bow.
Wei Huaixu stared wide-eyed at the direction she left in, and immediately ordered someone to find a new fast horse.
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