Chapter 24 Like an Ordinary Couple
After some tender playfulness, Yuwen Che was reluctant to get up, but thinking of the pile of official business, he gently patted the back of the person in his arms and said softly, "Xue'er, I should get up now. I still have some official business to attend to. You sleep a little longer, okay?"
Su Luoxue was indeed still tired, but she obediently nodded, "Okay~"
Yuwen Che kissed her forehead before calling for someone to come in and help her change. Once dressed, he went straight to the inner hall next to Guanju Palace, which had been converted into a temporary imperial study.
Li Dehai was already waiting respectfully with several memorials and a secret report in hand. Upon seeing Yuwen Che enter, he quickly stepped forward to serve him.
Yuwen Che sat down behind his desk, took a sip of the hot tea offered by Li Dehai, and asked directly, "How's the investigation going with the Su family?"
Li Dehai bowed and presented the secret report, clearly stating, "Your Majesty, this servant has sent men to investigate carefully. Su Wenyuan has a good reputation among merchants in the capital. He mainly deals in silk and cloth, and also dabbles in some grain and oil businesses. He is fairly honest and trustworthy, and we have not heard of any forced buying or selling or market manipulation. The Su family's shops are fair in price, and they treat everyone fairly, young and old, and have a good reputation among the people."
As Yuwen Che listened, he quickly skimmed through the details in the secret report, nodding slightly. This matched his previous assessment: Su Wenyuan was a conservative businessman, perhaps lacking the drive to expand, but his strength lay in his reliability and stability.
Li Dehai continued, "As for his son, Su Jingxing, as Your Majesty knows, he is preparing for the imperial examination. I have also inquired about his reputation among the students, and they all say that he has solid knowledge, is humble, not arrogant or impatient, and has the demeanor of a gentleman. Many people are optimistic that he will pass the imperial examination this autumn."
"Hmm." Yuwen Che put down the confidential report, his fingers lightly tapping the table, lost in thought. Su Jingxing was a rough gem, worthy of being polished. As for Su Wenyuan's business, although it wasn't very large in scale, its foundation was clean, making it suitable for taking over some of the affairs of the imperial merchants and cultivating him slowly.
Observing the situation carefully, Li Dehai asked cautiously, "Your Majesty, what do you think of... this matter concerning the imperial merchants?"
Yuwen Che pondered for a moment before speaking, "Don't rush to grant him the title of Imperial Merchant. First, find a pretext to purchase some of the palace's ordinary silks, grains, and oils, and allocate a portion to the Su family for production. The specifications should be based on market prices, without any special treatment, but settlement must be timely. I want to see his ability and integrity."
This is a prudent approach of testing and nurturing. It gives the Su family an opportunity without immediately placing them in the spotlight.
"This servant understands." Li Dehai understood immediately.
"As for Su Jingxing," a glint of light flashed in Yuwen Che's eyes, "I will personally oversee the autumn examinations. I will personally review his essays. As long as he truly possesses talent and learning, I will not hesitate to place him at the top of the list."
The meaning couldn't be clearer: as long as Su Jingxing isn't incompetent, his career will be bright. His Majesty is personally paving the way for his future in-laws and brother-in-law.
"Yes, Your Majesty is wise." Li Dehai replied respectfully, gaining a new understanding of the status of the lady in Guanju Palace. His Majesty's game is becoming increasingly sophisticated.
Yuwen Che waved his hand, signaling Li Dehai to leave. He sat alone behind his desk, his gaze once again fixed on the secret report about the Su family. Power and wealth were the most direct guarantees he could provide for his beloved and her future family. He would gradually build up the Su family, making them one of the strongest backers for the future crown prince and princess. All of this was for the woman still sleeping peacefully in her bedchamber, and for the imperial heir she might bring, who carried all his hopes.
Time passed quickly, and after the turmoil at the palace gates, the days that followed seemed to flow into a relatively calm river. Yuwen Che practically regarded Guanju Palace as his and Su Luoxue's home within the Forbidden City. Except for necessary court meetings and handling state affairs, he spent almost all his time there. He reviewed memorials in his study in Guanju Palace, dined in the warm pavilion of Guanju Palace, and even his ordinary leisurely strolls were mostly done hand in hand with Su Luoxue in the exquisite gardens of Guanju Palace. The two did not resemble a monarch and his concubine, but rather an ordinary couple from the common people.
After the devastating events of the Shen family's downfall and the Empress's deposition, the other concubines in the palace underwent a complete transformation in their attitude towards Su Luoxue. Regardless of their family background, on the surface, they all had to bow respectfully and speak humbly before Consort Chen, daring not to show the slightest negligence or disrespect, even with a hint of fear. But behind the scenes, a deep-seated envy and jealousy lingered. However, no one dared to express these emotions openly, let alone take any action to provoke her. Everyone knew that the price of angering Consort Chen was something they and their entire families could not bear. After all, Consort Chen ate and slept with Yuwen Che. Poisoning, provoking, or framing her? Who would dare? Everyone knew that Yuwen Che stayed overnight at Guanju Palace every night. If the framing failed and Yuwen Che took the blame himself, then they would truly be finished.
Su Luoxue gradually got used to this life. With Yuwen Che's all-around protection, she no longer needed to pay attention to those hypocritical formalities and hidden gazes. She could simply stay under his wing and enjoy the unique pampering he gave her. Life was simple and warm, as if they were really just an ordinary loving couple.
In the blink of an eye, autumn deepens, the weather turns cool, and the leaves on the branches turn golden, foreshadowing the approaching winter.
That day, Yuwen Che returned from court and saw Su Luoxue sitting on a soft couch by the window, holding a hand warmer and gazing absently at the falling leaves outside. Fuling was directing the palace maids to bring out thicker brocade quilts and winter clothes to air and tidy up.
Yuwen Che walked over and naturally pulled her into his arms, holding her slightly cool hand. He frowned and said, "Xue'er, it's cold. Why are you sitting in the wind? Be careful not to catch a cold."
Su Luoxue came back to her senses, leaned against him, and smiled gently: "It's nothing. I just felt that time flies when I saw the leaves fall. It's been almost half a year since I entered the palace."
Her casual remark stirred something within Yuwen Che. He looked down at her serene profile and suddenly remembered something important… Xue'er's birthday was approaching.
He remembered clearly that Su Luoxue's birthday was in early November, when the weather was freezing cold. This was her first birthday since entering the palace, making it exceptionally meaningful. He was determined to throw a grand celebration for her, not only to make her happy but also to let the whole world know how much he, Yuwen Che, cherished this woman.
"Yes, it's been almost half a year." Yuwen Che followed her words, gently stroking the back of her hand with his fingers, and asked casually, "Xue'er, isn't your birthday coming up soon? What day of the eleventh lunar month is it again?"
Su Luoxue looked up at him in surprise: "Ache, you remember?" Before she entered the palace, her birthday was just a simple celebration with her family. She didn't expect that he, who was so busy with state affairs, would still remember such a small thing.
"I naturally remember what happened to you." Yuwen Che's lips curled slightly, his tone firm. "This year is your birthday, and it's also your first birthday in the palace. I want to celebrate it properly for you."
Su Luoxue felt a sweet warmth in her heart, but still shook her head: "No need for that, A-Che. Just keep me company and we can have a simple bowl of longevity noodles."
“How can that be?” Yuwen Che refused decisively, his eyes flashing with an undeniable light. “My Consort Chen’s birthday cannot be celebrated so casually. I want you to be the happiest and most enviable woman in the Great Zhou. I have my own plans for this matter, you just need to wait patiently.”
He had already begun to plan in his mind how to make this birthday banquet extremely luxurious and unique, both to demonstrate his affection for her and to use this opportunity to further solidify her position in the palace and the court. This was more than just a banquet.
Looking into his eyes, Su Luoxue saw that familiar, domineering look that said, "You can't object once I've made a decision." Knowing she couldn't go against him, she could only smile helplessly yet expectantly, burying her face in his warm chest. With him so devoted, this winter was destined to be anything but cold. "Okay~ I'll listen to A-Che. A-Che is the best!"
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