The two, master and servant, hurriedly arrived at the Qianqing Palace and happened to see the Empress accompanying the Emperor in reviewing memorials.
"Jing Shu greets the Emperor and Empress."
"Rise. How is Consort Chen feeling today? Why did you come out? Take care of yourself."
The Emperor recalled that when Consort Chen suddenly went hunting that day, he went to see her once and she said she was unwell. He assumed that she had caught a cold while hunting and did not ask too many questions.
"Your Majesty, I am feeling much better. I have come today to ask for your permission."
Qiu'er shivered. Could it be... could it be... that her mistress was about to confess? Although the Emperor had promised after the Empress entered the palace that if she ever found a man she liked, he would let her leave.
But one can't just confess to one's master like that, can one? Cuckolding the emperor is a crime punishable by the execution of one's entire family and nine generations of relatives.
Your Majesty, please think it over carefully...
"I have been unwell since returning from the hunt, but I am much better now. It just so happens that tomorrow is the day for distributing porridge, and I would like to go and distribute porridge to pray for the well-being of the people and to share the burden with Your Majesty."
When Qiu'er heard that her mistress wanted to distribute porridge, she immediately breathed a sigh of relief.
"Does Consort Chen intend to distribute porridge?"
The Emperor put down his pen and looked at Chen Jingshu, who was becoming increasingly unpredictable.
They always make unexpected requests.
"It is the Emperor."
"Providing porridge is not as simple as Consort Chen thinks. Moreover, you will have to rest at the porridge shop for the next three days. Minister Chen loves Consort Chen so much, I am worried that Consort Chen will not be able to endure this hardship."
"Your Majesty the Empress shares His Majesty's burdens every day. I wish I could do the same, but I am not as wise as Your Majesty. I can only think of things like distributing porridge to help Your Majesty."
"Since Consort Chen has made up her mind, I grant her permission."
"Thank you, Your Majesty. I shall take my leave now."
After Chen Jingshu left, the Empress reminded her, "We've been distributing porridge every month for years to provide disaster relief. Although many displaced people have been able to eat, there are also many people from other places who come to help each time the porridge is distributed, and inevitably some..."
The Empress looked at the Emperor, refraining from uttering those unpleasant words. As the ruler of a nation, she felt ashamed for failing to ensure the well-being of the people; the word "cunning" was inappropriate to describe them.
"Your Majesty, I am worried that if Consort Chen has any problems, Lord Chen will make things difficult for you again."
"It's alright."
The emperor suddenly thought of something, but then felt there was no clue to it, so it seemed unlikely and was dismissed.
When Chen Jingshu returned to the palace, she happened to see the mechanical bird flying in from a distance, and Qiu'er also happened to see it.
"Your Majesty, I have a stomachache and would like to go to..."
"Go."
Chen Jingshu looked in the direction Qiu'er had left. This maid had been with her since she was a child and was quite shrewd. Now she knew her temperament and was quite familiar with her. With her by her side, some things would be much easier to handle.
The day for distributing porridge was established five years ago. At that time, the disaster victims were displaced and had no chance to eat a full meal. Although the national treasury was not abundant at that time, the emperor was determined to establish the country and first ensure the well-being of the people.
Therefore, it was decided that the 15th, 16th, and 17th of each month would be designated as porridge distribution days, and porridge would be distributed every day without interruption over the years.
Chen Jingshu wanted to take advantage of this porridge distribution day to see Yan Shaoheng. These days, they could only communicate by letter, and these letters were like a claw, scratching at Chen Jingshu's heart every day.
For the two of them, the biggest obstacle to meeting was the palace. As a concubine in the harem, it was not an easy thing for Chen Jingshu to leave the palace.
So this time, no matter what, she had to find a way to see him, as a farewell before parting, for who knows when they would meet again.
Chen Jingshu opened the letter, which still contained words of longing for Chen Jingshu and expressed that he would definitely find a way to meet her.
"Your Highness, there is a law in Yue Kingdom that designates the 15th, 16th, and 17th of each month as porridge distribution days. Because there are many people in need of disaster relief on these three days, people will stay at the porridge distribution center during this period. Jing Shu has already applied to the Emperor for disaster relief work, so I will be able to leave the palace early tomorrow morning. Also, the porridge distribution center is the mansion next to the East Gate of the capital. Porridge is usually distributed in the courtyard of the porridge distribution center."
Chen Jingshu told Yan Shaoheng everything she knew, and said that if he also wanted to meet her, he would find a way.
Chen Jingshu placed the letter on the mechanical bird and sat quietly by the window, waiting for Yan Shaoheng's reply.
When Yan Shaoheng received the letter and saw that the porridge shop was the mansion next to the East Gate of the capital, he was overjoyed. His handsome face shone with pride, and his eyes and brows revealed his undisguised joy.
"I am aware of the matter of distributing porridge. I will come to see you after the porridge distribution is completed tomorrow."
Chen Jingshu saw that Yan Shaoheng was going to see her the next day. The blazing sunlight streamed in from the window, casting dappled shadows on her. Her golden hair shone, her ears turned red, and her voice was soft and sweet.
He said he was going to come find me, he was going to come find me.
Chen Jingshu held the letter close to her chest, looking forward to their meeting the next day.
"Qiu'er, Qiu'er."
"Your Majesty."
"Tomorrow I will be distributing porridge. Go and prepare some clothes for me."
"It is Your Majesty."
Chen Jingshu suddenly remembered that Yan Shaoheng seemed to have a particular fondness for white these days. "Remember to pack some white dresses, the kind that are understated yet still gorgeous."
"This servant understands."
Thinking about seeing Yan Shaoheng tomorrow, Chen Jingshu went to bed early to be in the best condition.
The next morning, she changed into the white dress that Qiu'er had prepared for her, and Qiu'er also applied exquisite makeup to her.
"How are you, Qiu'er?"
"Your Majesty is naturally beautiful, the most beautiful woman in the Moon Kingdom. With just a touch of makeup, it would not be an exaggeration to call you a fairy."
Chen Jingshu looked at herself in the mirror. Her face was bright and beautiful, her eyebrows were lightly drawn and her eyes were full of spring. Her skin was as smooth as warm jade, and her skin was soft and lustrous. She was delicate and beautiful.
Very satisfied.
Let's go.
Chen Jingshu and her entourage departed from the palace by carriage, heading east to the eastern part of the city.
"You have all met Consort Chen."
"Get up."
"I never expected that it would be Lord Wang who would be the imperial envoy for this porridge distribution. Have all the other envoys left the capital?"
"Your Highness, apart from the Second Prince of Yan, who is still recovering and remains at the State Guesthouse, all the other envoys have left the capital."
"Is that so? I also participated in this hunting competition. It has indeed been hard work for you, Lord Wang."
"It is my duty to share the Emperor's burdens; it is my honor."
In fact, Wang Runchao was unaware that Consort Chen had come to join in the fun on this porridge-giving day. He simply assumed that she was bored in the palace and wanted to relieve her boredom by going out.
"Your Highness, the time for distributing porridge is about to begin. Would you like to come inside and have a seat?"
"Well, since I have requested permission from the Emperor to come and distribute porridge, how can I sit inside? If you need me to do anything, just tell me, Lord Wang."
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