Chapter 80 Can't handle spicy food? Tearing apart
Zhan Xingxiu strongly disagreed: "You're going to raise it? Cold-blooded beasts can't be tamed; it'll hurt you!"
"Hey, Lord Zhan, you can't say that! House snakes bring wealth! Besides, what's so scary about a small snake? You can't see into someone's heart. Some people may have a smile on their face, but they're hiding a devil inside. They'll open their mouths and want to suck people's blood and flesh!" Lu Wensheng raised his eyes and looked directly at Wen Ciming, then suddenly changed the subject: "Lord Wen, what do you think human blood and flesh taste like?"
Last night, Shen Hegui told her that Wen Ciming was a thorn in Shen Rui's side.
In his previous life, Wen Ciming informed him about the dragon horn, which is why he unknowingly walked into the trap.
After all, who could have imagined that the mentor who imparted all his knowledge, accompanied him in his growth, and openly admitted that he was a prodigy, would turn around and kill him?
There's another point that most people in this world can't quite grasp, but she sees it clearly: Wen Ciming's so-called direct assault on the Japanese pirates' lair is actually a sinister plot! As long as the maritime ban policy remains unchanged, the Japanese pirate raids will never stop. Even if the real Japanese are wiped out by chance, countless fake Japanese will emerge!
Therefore, what Wen Ciming truly wanted to destroy was never the Japanese pirates at sea, but the national strength accumulated by Shen Hegui, his loyal and brave soldiers, and Shen Hegui himself.
He wanted to use the unpredictable outcome of the naval campaign to destroy Shen Hegui! Defeat would lead to moral and ethical lapses, and injuries would leave no trace, potentially resulting in the destruction of both his reputation and his body.
Shen Hegui told her that it would take several months for a mortal to fuse with a dragon horn. She estimated that Shen Rui would not dare to show himself until his limbs had fully healed, so she couldn't let Shen Hegui go to the coast to exterminate the Japanese pirates so soon. She had to help stall for time.
Stopping his thoughts, Lu Wensheng pressed on before Wen Ciming could answer, asking, "Is it sour, sweet, or bitter? I am young and inexperienced, and have not experienced war or famine. I hope the Grand Secretary can enlighten me!"
Wen Ciming's face tightened suddenly, his gaze sharp as a knife: "What does Lord Lu mean by this?" Is Lu Wensheng trying to contradict him?
Those who could serve as officials in Yanjing were all seasoned veterans with keen senses, and they immediately detected the silent smell of gunpowder.
Luo Wenqing's eyes darted around, and he tugged at Lu Wensheng's sleeve to defuse the situation, saying, "You've taken so many days off, you must be seriously injured. Before His Highness arrives, go to the side and I'll take a look at you."
"No need, I've already applied the medicine for her!"
A tall and imposing figure appeared in the hall at some point. Shen Hegui pulled Lu Wensheng behind him with an almost possessive posture. He first glanced at Luo Wenqing, and then met Wen Ciming's questioning gaze, saying in an unquestionable tone, "She was just curious, she didn't mean anything else. After all, among all the civil and military officials, the teacher is the oldest."
Luo Wenqing touched his nose and stepped back. He was so jealous!
Zhan Xingxiu also tried to smooth things over: "Eighteen years old, hasn't even been crowned yet! It's normal that he's never seen a snake poop before!"
Zhan Xingxiu meant well, but as soon as she finished speaking, Lu Wensheng, Shen Hegui, and Wen Ciming all looked at her with intense eyes. He took a half step back and touched his face: "What's wrong? Why are you looking at me like that?"
Looking at the tall figure in front of her, Lu Wensheng thought to herself: She really had never seen him before, and she was a little bit curious!
Shen He returned to the scene, and the grand court assembly officially began.
After the standard procedure was completed, Lu Wensheng spoke before Wen Ciming could.
"Your Highness, recently there have been rumors throughout the streets and alleys of Yanjing that a divine dragon has appeared. Out of curiosity, I investigated a little and discovered some strange objects, which I suspect are auspicious omens left behind by the divine dragon. I humbly request Your Highness's permission to have these items presented to me."
Shen Hegui raised his thick eyebrows, smiled as he looked down at Lu Wensheng, and said gently, "Granted!"
What is Lu Wensheng up to? Others may not know why there is a dragon, but does she not? The contract has been in place for over ten days, and her eyes are mostly healed. She's so busy during the day that she's rarely seen; it seems she's gone to create auspicious omens.
About half a cup of tea later, two eunuchs in blue robes carried a large bamboo basket up. The thick cotton cloth was lifted, and an overwhelming fragrance instantly filled everyone's noses.
"It tastes like roasted sweet potato!"
"It's not just a 'seems', it is! What's so special about this sweet potato? How is it associated with auspicious omens?"
Zhan Xingxiu stepped forward, curiously picked up the soft, golden sweet potato, and exclaimed in admiration, "It's the size of two fists! If it grows any bigger, it'll become a spirit! I've never seen a sweet potato grow so well."
Lu Wensheng turned over the potatoes at the bottom and took out a large pot of stewed chicken with potatoes, the kind with lots of chili peppers and Sichuan peppercorns.
The aroma filled the air, and a series of cooing sounds suddenly arose.
Lu Wensheng seemed not to hear: "Your Highness, the dragon left behind an improved sweet potato that can yield ten shi per mu, and also its brother potato. Both are drought-resistant, barren-resistant, high-yielding, and extremely effective in famine relief. I stewed the potatoes according to the secret recipe left by the dragon."
She paused briefly, then deliberately held the basin high in the wind: "I have tasted it; it is soft, glutinous, and very filling!"
Shen Hegui gave a subtle signal, and Feng Gou, with keen insight, took the stewed chicken with potatoes from Lu Wensheng.
Shen Hegui took a small bite, enduring the spiciness and numbing sensation, and falsely praised, "It tastes very good! Share it with everyone so they can try it too."
Having spent several days intimately with Shen Hegui, Lu Wensheng remembered every color on his body clearly. The moment his pale pink lips turned slightly red, she immediately knew that Shen Hegui was aroused by the spiciness.
It's strange that the little white dragon can't eat spicy food!
Lu Wensheng glanced around and saw that everyone was watching the food. She immediately took out the roasted sweet potato hidden in her sleeve, quickly went up the steps and handed it to Shen Hegui. She whispered, "I'll cover it for you. Take a couple of bites to warm up. I only put in a little bit of chili, it's not spicy at all. And the Sichuan peppercorns are the same, they have no flavor at all."
The small, still warm roasted sweet potato hidden in her sleeve was quickly devoured by Shen Hegui in two bites. He pursed his lips, but still found it spicy and numbing, unbearable.
Just as he was about to say something, gasps of surprise erupted from below.
"Lord Wen, what's wrong with you?!"
Then, another voice rang out, this time from Luo Wenqing: "It seems like she's passed out from the spiciness!"
Before the words were even finished, a pot of stewed chicken with potatoes made several people faint from the spiciness, and screams and cries erupted everywhere.
Naturally, the grand assembly was suspended.
Zhang Chanyi arrived in a hurry, looked at several people, and finally concluded: "You dare to eat something made with half a basin of chili peppers and Sichuan peppercorns! Don't you even know your own age!"
Seeing the various old men clutching their stomachs, Lu Wensheng felt extremely guilty and hid behind Shen Hegui.
I should have just served it raw. It's strange, it didn't taste spicy to her!
She was picking at her nails when she suddenly felt a warmth on her wrist, followed by a deep voice from above her head: "Show Lu Wensheng this too. Gu Ruo guessed right, that pot of potatoes was stewed by her."
Could it be that he asked for too much, causing her health problems and loss of taste?
Being held by the wrist in public made Lu Wensheng a little embarrassed.
She subtly pulled her sleeve to cover herself and quietly glanced to the side. Sure enough, she spotted many pairs of eyes watching the drama unfold.
Zhang Chanyi checked Lu Wensheng's other wrist pulse and said calmly after a few seconds, "There's nothing wrong. Lord Lu is in good health."
Shen Hegui immediately felt a weight lift from his throat.
As long as you're healthy.
Given that many people had fallen, the court session was adjourned for half an hour, and Lu Wensheng was taken to the rear hall by Shen Hegui.
Although he had already checked Lu Wensheng's pulse, Shen Hegui was still not entirely at ease. He then instructed Feng Gou to fetch some oil, salt, soy sauce, and vinegar for Lu Wensheng to taste.
At the table, Shen Hegui held Lu Wensheng and asked worriedly, "How is it? Compared to before, is there any difference?"
Lu Wensheng pressed his soft, supple skin as he took a sip of warm tea, not paying much attention: "It tastes the same as before."
She raised her hand to cover the handsome face so close to hers, completely unconcerned: "Maybe it's because I've been craving spicy food lately, so my tolerance has increased a lot, and I've been a bit reckless when cooking."
Shen Hegui cares about her so much, I really want to marry him!
Unable to contain himself, Lu Wensheng kissed Shen Hegui's cheeks twice, then buried his face in Shen's chin, nuzzling him like a clingy cat, his breath filled with the fragrance emanating from Shen's body.
Whether it's a dragon, a jiao, or a snake, they are all creatures driven by desire, unable to resist the allure of their lovers, and Shen Hegui's pupils dilate slightly.
Lu Wensheng quickly sensed the menacing aura of the large dagger.
The rear hall of Fengtian Hall is separated from the court by only a screen. In addition, Shen Hegui is dressed in a crimson gauze robe, complete with a knee cover, a wide belt, a jade pendant, socks and shoes. He exudes a noble, aloof, and ascetic aura. It is hard for Lu Wensheng not to be moved.
She felt like she'd eaten the gall of a bear and the heart of a leopard again, and really wanted to flirt with Shen Hegui.
Yan Hong pressed herself against the soft bone that was so close to her and deliberately rubbed it a few times.
"Don't provoke a fire, or things will get out of hand!" Shen Hegui's Adam's apple bobbed heavily as he lowered his eyes and warned.
For her health's sake, let's be patient and wait a few days.
"I just rubbed against it and smelled it, I didn't do anything." Lu Wensheng acted shamelessly, stirring up trouble everywhere, and immediately realized that Shen Hegui would not be serious.
Sunlight illuminates the floating dust particles, casting a golden glow on the fine down, while a deep, dark gaze descends.
Her fingers were delicate and long. When her fingertips became slightly calloused and sticky from holding a pen, she could not hold onto him no matter how hard she tried. She would always beg for mercy and delay, eventually falling into the trap he had woven.
He really wanted to stay inside her forever, but he didn't dare to do so yet, fearing it would frighten her and that she wouldn't be able to handle it.
Her phoenix eyes narrowed.
A long, strong hand suddenly pressed her hand heavily onto the arched fabric of her clothes, and his hot breath sprayed onto her earlobe: "If you continue, I will make you suck on it and walk back to Zhaowu Hall from Fengtian Hall by yourself!"
The mischievous little hands suddenly stopped, and instead poured Shen Hegui a cup of tea. Lu Wensheng instantly became serious: "Your Highness, tea helps to cool you down! Your idea is unacceptable!" Where did he learn all this? The color is too dark!
"Why not? Those storybooks are all in the new secret room of Zhaowu Hall. Don't you remember the annotations you made?" Shen Hegui gently bit Lu Wensheng's earlobe as if punishing him, repeating the annotations: "It's a pity there are no demons in the world, so I can't try it myself. I'm very curious about what it feels like..."
Halfway through the conversation, Lu Wensheng blushed from head to toe, quickly covering Shen Hegui's mouth and saying urgently, "Stop talking! I remember now, please stop!"
Bringing Shen Hegui to hide in her little nest was a complete mistake. He understood everything he should and shouldn't have understood!
Lu Wensheng stood up, straightened his robe, and asked hesitantly, "When did you start reading those storybooks?"
Shen Hegui: "At the beginning of this month."
Lu Wensheng persisted: "You've read it all?"
Shen Hegui calmly took a sip of tea to calm his temper and said gently, "I've finished reading it. I've made a list of your annotations. I'll find an opportunity to guide you through them one by one in the future."
Lu Wensheng was struck as if by a heavy blow.
I shouldn't have let Feng Gou serve tea; I should have served tofu for her to bump into. She's completely ruined her image!
Lu Wensheng screamed wildly in his heart, his facial expressions becoming increasingly varied, which made Shen Hegui laugh.
He pulled her back and hugged her tightly, whispering comforting words: "Don't panic, and don't be ashamed. It's normal to have curiosity and desires; otherwise, you'll seem lonely and useless."
Lu Wensheng looked into the clear phoenix eyes and said, "Your Highness doesn't think I'm some kind of spoiled brat with nothing but..."
He stopped her from speaking further with his long finger and said seriously, "Reading erotic novels doesn't violate the law or harm anyone's interests. It was your way of relieving stress, and it's your freedom."
Shen Hegui lowered his head and kissed her eyes: "Don't let your thoughts hold you back. In my eyes, you've always been very, very good."
Lu Wensheng buried herself in his arms, somewhat moved: "Shen Hegui, in my eyes, you are also very, very good. If only we could have been together sooner. You should have just snatched me away from Shen Zhao four years ago."
Shen Hegui gently stroked her back, raised his eyebrows and said, "I snatched it from you so you could accompany me to the imperial mausoleum to suffer. Besides, you were only fourteen years old then. I'm not an animal."
Lu Wensheng was successfully amused by his words.
Feng Gou lifted the curtain and quietly entered the inner hall, reminding him, "Your Highness, it's time." Whenever His Highness is with Lord Lu, he seems much more lively.
Releasing Lu Wensheng, Shen Hegui stood up, straightened his clothes, and said, "Take Lu Wensheng out. I will be there shortly."
Feng Gou: "Yes, sir!"
A huge pot of spicy potato and chicken stew, too much for the old to eat, but that doesn't mean the young can't. So Lu Wensheng was surrounded as soon as he appeared.
A variety of bizarre questions followed, with many expressing curiosity about how many potatoes an acre of land could produce and why sweet potatoes could grow so big.
She answered what she could, and for what she couldn't, Lu Wensheng simply smiled and replied, "We'll talk about it when His Highness arrives."
Nowadays, sweet potatoes have long been introduced to Yanjing (Beijing), but unfortunately no one knows how to grow them. People at the time neither knew how to store seeds in cellars, cut vines for planting, nor how to turn over vines to suppress vine growth, which resulted in small fruits and constant trouble with seed saving.
She had been in Yanjing for four years, and her adoptive father had gone to great lengths to find the overseas goods she longed for. He asked around on merchant ships from all over the world, and in addition to potatoes, he also found cabbage, zucchini, strawberries, tomatoes, and other things that Yanjing did not have. However, she did not plan to take them out for the time being, since the natural disasters in the next few years were more important, and having too many new things would only make her feel uneasy.
A noisy crowd gathered around the throne. Feng Gou caught a glimpse of Shen Hegui walking out slowly, so he had no choice but to raise his voice and announce, "His Highness the Crown Prince has arrived."
A figure in crimson robes emerged from the rear hall, his phoenix eyes deep and imposing, exuding authority without anger. As Shen He returned to his high throne, Lu Wensheng bowed deeply, following the grand ceremony.
After the ceremony, Lu Wensheng stepped forward quickly, took out a seal and a stack of black paper with white characters from his sleeve, held them up, and continued, "The dragon left behind a good method for planting sweet potatoes and potatoes, as well as a seal!"
Since Liangfang was flat, everyone's attention was drawn to the seal.
"Is that a white dragon carved on it? It's so lifelike!"
"Yes, it's incredibly detailed. Look at the dragon horns, the long tail, the dorsal fin, and its majestic figure. Seeing this seal is like seeing the sun after the clouds have parted! The ones I've seen before are like earthworms now!"
Be careful what you say!
...
Hearing the whispered words, Lu Wensheng's lips curled slightly: How could it not be true? It was carved exactly like the real dragon on her chest.
Shen Hegui curled his fingertips almost imperceptibly, then stepped down from the throne without making a sound. His gaze was obscure, and his love was growing stronger.
Lu Wensheng is helping him solve the problems he will face in the future! He only mentioned it casually that day, but she took it to heart!
Shen Hegui lowered his eyes and took the seal and a thick stack of papers. A continuous warmth penetrated his skin, and he was slightly surprised: It was actually warm jade.
Filled with curiosity, he looked at the paper again, but his brows furrowed instantly: "Why can't I understand a single word of this?"
With his gaze falling on the simplified Chinese characters that only exist in modern times, Lu Wensheng solemnly fabricated, "At first, I couldn't understand them either, but after seeing them more often, I understood them. The one at the bottom is my translation; Your Highness can unfold it and take a closer look."
The nearly meter-long sheet of paper was unfolded, containing not only words but also drawings that were easy to understand at a glance.
Shen Hegui not only reads things quickly, but also has a photographic memory. About ten seconds later, he handed the long paper to Zhan Xingxiu and had it circulated among the officials.
The pure white warm jade seal and the jade ring on Shen Hegui's hand complemented each other beautifully. He stared intently at Lu Wensheng, his eyes deep and unfathomable.
Lu Wensheng wouldn't harm him, so what's written above must be true! If he can gain tangible benefits, it's a sign of divine intervention, and it will surely be confirmed! Monopoly can create countless riches, and she's now directly offering it up, sacrificing her own interests, all to reduce obstacles after his ascension to the throne, turning a bumpy road into a smooth one.
Shen Hegui touched his burning chest and suddenly felt an urge to pull Lu Wensheng into his arms without a care in the world.
Exclamations of surprise rose from all around, and the murmurs grew louder.
Seeing that the time was ripe, Lu Wensheng took out a memorial from his sleeve and raised it to Shen Hegui, who was two steps away, saying, "I have heard that Prime Minister Wen wants to send troops to strike directly at the Japanese pirates' lair, and I agree with that. However, I believe that an important issue needs to be resolved before sending troops: the internal troubles along the coast! I propose that, depending on the circumstances, the sea ban be lifted and cross-sea trade be allowed!"
She paused deliberately at this point, waiting for someone to speak.
As expected, the once bustling court fell silent instantly. Then, a conservative old minister shouted, "You want to overthrow the ancestral system, disrupt the foundation of our dynasty, and allow cross-sea trade. If the people abandon farming for commerce, the fields will be abandoned, and how will we collect taxes?"
Wen Ciming stepped forward and said, "This is inappropriate! Merchants pursue profit over righteousness, crossing seas to communicate with foreigners. Where is the moral code then?"
Seeing the fish take the bait, Lu Wensheng raised his eyes and stared directly at Wen Ciming, his words clear and distinct: "The Prime Minister wants to destroy the Japanese, which is why I proposed opening the seas. The Qian family has only been wealthy for a few years, yet their wealth has already piled up like mountains, demonstrating the immense profits from foreign trade. The Prime Minister has been clamoring to destroy the Japanese these past few days, but have you considered how you will end things if you run out of money and still haven't won? At that time, do you plan to raise taxes on the people? Or cede territory and pay reparations to a small island nation?"
Lu Wensheng changed the subject, speaking firmly: "Sea bans breed piracy and smuggling. Opening the seas can turn pirates into merchants, solve internal problems, and stabilize the coastal areas. When war breaks out, the daily costs are enormous, and farming depends on the weather. No one can predict the future. Opening the seas can create a stable source of tax revenue, replenish the national treasury, and alleviate financial pressure. Besides, I didn't say to open the seas completely!"
Lu Wensheng handed the memorial to Zhan Xingxiu and said, "I would like to trouble Lord Zhan to read the contents to me to avoid suspicion."
Zhan Xingxiu glanced at Shen Hegui, and only after seeing him nod did she take over the reading.
Lu Wensheng was not a diligent person unless absolutely necessary, so his memorials were very short but extremely well-organized.
She begins by listing a series of benefits of lifting the sea ban, then cites data on the loss of coastal population in recent years and the steps and amounts involved in the Qian family's smuggling and resale, and concludes with details of the trial implementation and points to note.
It specifically named and strictly prohibited trade with Japanese pirates, strictly inspected goods before they went to sea, implemented a system of collective responsibility among neighbors and imposed severe penalties on those who smuggled goods. The opening of the sea was mainly aimed at the common people, while the official tribute system would not be affected.
Thus, from that day onward, the court had another topic to debate—whether to establish trading ports along the southeast coast and partially lift the sea ban.
Wen Ciming, as a representative of the conservative faction of the aristocratic families, resolutely disagreed with overthrowing the ancestral system!
Lu Wensheng is a representative of the forward-looking conservatives: without lifting the sea ban and without additional stable income, he resolutely disagrees with going to sea to exterminate Japanese pirates.
Half a month has passed in the blink of an eye, the cicadas' chirping is growing louder, and the height of summer has arrived.
Lu Wensheng first presented auspicious omens and then proposed new policies. He also spent every day with Shen Hegui, which naturally gained him many supporters and gradually created an opposing force with Wen Ciming.
After another grand court assembly, Lu Wensheng and Wen Ciming, who were both disgusted with each other, went their separate ways.
Humming a cheerful tune as he returned to Zhaowu Hall, Lu Wensheng gulped down several mouthfuls of cold tea before realizing that Shen Hegui was also there, with a mountain of memorials piled high in front of him.
Wiping the water droplets from her lips, Lu Wensheng's eyes darted around. She propped herself up on the imperial desk with one hand, her eyes filled with anticipation: "Your Highness, did you notice Wen Ciming's purplish-blue face this morning? I'm so happy! He thought he could get you to the coast soon, but summer is almost over and he still hasn't achieved his goal! By the way, it seems even hotter today than yesterday!"
Meeting Lu Wensheng's wide eyes, Shen Hegui very tactfully put down his vermilion brush, then got up and closed the palace door, saying at the same time, "Don't push people too hard. A cornered dog will jump over the wall and hurt you."
As soon as he finished speaking, he skillfully conjured up a long, snow-white tail.
Lu Wensheng's eyes lit up, and he immediately snuggled up to her, rubbing against her and hugging her while enjoying the cool air and absorbing the dragon's energy.
She said, "I know. My second uncle wrote this morning that he has safely brought Lu Yunzhi to Shuanglang Island, and my godfather has also successfully taken control of Moon Shadow Reef. From now on, you and I will have a share in the world's largest offshore shopping mall!"
She touched the cool, smooth scales under her hand, and after a few seconds, when Shen Hegui still didn't say anything to praise her, she looked up in confusion: "Why don't you praise me?"
Shen Hegui sighed deeply, and said slowly with reluctance, "Sheng'er, Shen Rui and the nameless island have been found. The time is ripe, and I plan to set off tomorrow night."
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Author's Note: Never seen a snake poop = you're ignorant [please]
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