Chapter 64 Chapter 64 Palace Maid Sixty-four Days
When Shen Qing came out of the bedroom, he saw the pavilions and small buildings in the courtyard. Under the green plants that shaded the pavilions, there was a pond with a large lotus flower. The red and green colors complemented each other, and the summer heat seemed to be swept away by such a scene.
Ji Chen was standing on a small building at the side with his hands behind his back. If you didn't look over there specifically, you wouldn't be able to see him at all.
So Shen Qing found a familiar young eunuch and asked, "Where is the cat that the emperor brought back?"
The young eunuch immediately held out his hand and said, "Please come this way, young lady."
Shen Qing followed him and saw a light yellow kitten in a small house. The light yellow was the color of the kitten's back. The closer it was to the forehead, the darker the color became, even slightly orange. The limbs and belly were white, and the cat's paw pads were a sweet tender pink.
The kitten's pupils were blue-black, and its gaze was pure, as if it was only a few days old, but its fur was very clean. There was a mat under its body, and a small bowl of goat's milk was placed next to it.
At first glance, Shen Qing liked it and gently stroked its fur with his fingers.
The kitten was teased and stretched out its claws to scratch her. Shen Qing couldn't help but smile.
The eunuch said at the right moment, "The emperor brought this kitten back yesterday by himself, putting it in his clothes. He also asked the best animal-raising person in the villa to take good care of it. It has not been named yet."
"Then let's take it to the emperor to give it a name." Shen Qing thought, holding the cat skillfully, with an intoxicated smile on his face, his eyes still fixed on the kitten in his hands, and asked the eunuch: "Where is the emperor?"
"This..." the eunuch hesitated, "The emperor forbids us to tell you."
Shen Qing adjusted the cat's position to make it more comfortable, and said to him soothingly, "Then I won't embarrass you. I'll go find the emperor myself."
The young eunuch exclaimed happily: "The Emperor may be enjoying the scenery somewhere!"
Although the emperor instructed not to reveal his whereabouts before leaving, he obviously paused before saying it, and did not leave after saying it. It seems that he wanted to tell them something else, but did not say it. Then he turned around and left.
So he guessed that the emperor wanted to see someone but didn't want to be found so easily.
Shen Qing smiled, nodded to thank him, and went out to find Ji Chen.
At this moment, from Ji Chen's perspective, Shen Qing had just appeared from the hall when he was taken away by the eunuch in the opposite direction. He frowned, thinking that the eunuch should not be so inconsiderate. Then, Shen Qing appeared in his sight again with the kitten. Although he lowered his head to touch the kitten and did not look for him, Ji Chen's brows were still relaxed.
The weather is nice today, with a sunny day and a breeze blowing Shen Qing's hair. The lotus hairpin in her bun complements the lotus flowers in the pond behind her.
The scenery is beautiful, and the people are even more beautiful.
Ji Chen watched this scene silently.
Finally, Shen Qing looked up and began to look for Ji Chen.
She first looked around the small buildings and pavilions around her, but didn't find anything, so she walked around and looked for a place hidden by lush trees.
Shen Qing found Ji Chen downstairs of the small building because there were people following him - wherever the emperor went, there was always a large army, even if Ji Chen was a little brief now.
Shen Qing was sure that Ji Chen's eyes were on her, so she immediately picked up the kitten and smiled at him.
Her smile was gentle, like spring flowers blooming in the not-so-glaring sunlight.
Ji Chen still had that dead look on his face, with a cold expression, except that his eyes were always following Shen Qing.
Shen Qing was not annoyed when he saw this. He found the way to the small building, walked up to him, held the cat in front of his face, and the smile on his lips became even wider: "Look, isn't it cute?"
Ji Chen brought the cat back, so how could he not know? But what was there to praise about a cat? However, he didn't want Shen Qing's words to go to waste, so he said, "You are more lovable than a cat."
His eyes were dull and his tone was less enthusiastic and more normal.
But how could he casually say such compliments in the most ordinary tone?
What's so adorable... Shen Qing silently put the cat down, laughed dryly twice, and returned to business: "The emperor doesn't seem to have named the cat, you can't call it cat like this."
“You can name it.”
Shen Qing said without hesitation: "But this is not my cat."
Ji Chen lowered his eyes, his voice getting softer and softer: "I found it for you, you can do with it as you please..."
If she came just to talk about cats, there would be nothing to talk about.
Shen Qinggang was still thinking that Ji Chen would answer questions even when he was angry, but judging from his appearance, it seemed that he would leave here at any time, so he handed the cat to the eunuch who followed her and told him to be careful.
Then he looked at Ji Chen: "Where does Your Majesty want to go?"
Ji Chen went downstairs after hearing that. Shen Qing followed him and secretly made up her mind that she would follow him wherever he went.
She could try to comfort him, but this was only a temporary solution and not a fundamental one. The identity issue still lay between them and there was no solution.
Although she could understand the reason for Ji Chen's anger, after all, she was his, and Ji Chen might think that they would prosper together and suffer together, but she didn't understand why Ji Chen took his anger out on her.
Shen Qing thought that if she didn't understand, she could just think about it slowly. If she really put Ji Chen aside, then it would be hard to tell who was the emperor. When Ji Chen realized what was going on, he would definitely think that she had violated his majesty.
So no matter where Ji Chen went, there was a little tail following him. This tail was different from the eunuch who accompanied him, because Ji Chen had to slow down his pace because of her.
He would be unhappy if he walked too fast and left others behind.
But this tail just wouldn't say anything, her mouth was tightly pursed, and saying a few soft words to her was like asking for her life.
Qian Ji watched this scene, marveling at Shen Qing's boldness while worrying about what the two of them were angry about again.
You could say Shen Qing was disrespectful to the emperor, he came with a smile on his face, but he was respectful, except for a few words about the cat at the beginning, he kept silent.
Shen Qing refused to speak, and the emperor also refused to speak, his expression not softening at all.
So such a strange scene appeared before their eyes. The emperor walked forward and Shen Qing followed behind. The emperor realized too late that his steps were too big, so he stopped and turned back to wait for Shen Qing. Shen Qing caught up with him in small steps, with a smile on her face and curved lips. The emperor took her expression into his eyes, but he was in a bad mood and remained indifferent. He turned around and looked straight ahead and continued walking, but this time his steps were slower.
Qian Ji reached out to wipe the sweat off his forehead, groaning in his heart.
But how could he adjust this?
The group did not spend much time in the main palace area, but instead went to other scenic spots.
There are many lakes in the Summer Resort. Ji Chen looked towards the center of the lake and said, "Find a boat and go fishing on the island in the center of the lake."
The servants under him acted quickly. Since they already had a small boat prepared for their masters, they only needed to prepare some fishing equipment.
Just at this moment, Yupin appeared. Seeing the emperor, she called out to him immediately, with an unstoppable smile on her face. She quickly approached and saluted, saying, "Your Highness, I am your concubine."
The emperor hummed.
Yupin stood up, wiped her cheek with a handkerchief and said, "Your Majesty is going to the island in the middle of the lake, and I want to go with you. Can Your Majesty take me with you?"
Although it was noon and she was reluctant to go on a boat trip under the hottest sun of the day, she was very willing to go with the emperor.
The angry emperor was not in a good mood towards anyone, and he also suspected that Yupin's appearance here was the result of spying on the saint, so he said quickly: "No, you don't have to go either."
After saying that, Ji Chen looked at Qian Ji and said, "Don't let anyone go to the island in the middle of the lake to spoil my mood today."
Yupin froze. This was not an order for Qian Ji to stop other people; it was clearly a slap in her face in public!
Qian Ji immediately said yes.
Ji Chen passed by Yupin and boarded the boat.
This cruise ship is neither big nor small. Although it has all the necessary equipment, including a sunshade awning and a small stove for boiling water and making tea, it is too exquisite and can only accommodate three or four people, plus the boatman...
Shen Qing was a little hesitant about whether to go up. After all, Ji Chen even rejected Yupin, and Yupin did not leave and continued to watch.
But if she didn't go up, all her previous following would be in vain, and it would seem that her heart was not sincere at all.
Shen Qing felt Yupin's gaze on her, and she made up her mind, boarded the boat and entered the cabin.
Ji Chen had already sat down at this time.
Shen Qing sat beside him and said, "If the emperor does not want to ride with me, I will go down and change a boat."
As she spoke, she made a gesture to stand up, but Ji Chen quickly held her hand down.
Ji Chen glanced at Shen Qing who was acting pretentiously. If she went down now, it would be embarrassing. Wouldn't Concubine Yu look down on her?
"You are not allowed to leave."
Shen Qing smiled and sat down again.
Ji Chen was about to take his hand away, but Shen Qing held it instead. He looked at her, but was met with a pair of eyes as bright as stars.
Really...heartless.
Ji Chen turned his face away but did not withdraw his hand.
Shen Qing was not in a hurry to calm him down. She even thought Ji Chen's look was funny. Just be angry and keep it to yourself for the whole day.
We arrived at the small island in the middle of the lake without any problems.
When they arrived at the island, Shen Qing let go of his hand, and another boat carrying other people also arrived. They all came forward to arrange everything, and Ji Chen began to sit down and start fishing.
Qian Ji secretly glanced at Shen Qing several times, until Shen Qing secretly met his gaze.
Qian Ji said silently, Your Majesty.
Shen Qing could keep calm, but he couldn't. He just wanted to urge the two to reconcile as soon as possible, either Shen Qing would lower his head first, or Shen Qing would coax the emperor. As for making a request to the emperor, he begged him to go along with it and stop being reserved.
Although it sounds unpleasant, it is impossible for the emperor to be angry and calm himself down.
Shen Qing tugged at Ji Chen's sleeve and said indifferently, "Don't be angry anymore, or you might damage your dragon body."
Ji Chen said: "I am not angry."
Shen Qing raised his head and glanced at him. Indeed, there was no anger at all in him. Instead, he looked as cold as ice.
Shen Qing had a good temper, but he still couldn't hide his depressed tone as he said, "But you suddenly left me behind, and I was really terrified."
Ji Chen's hands froze, letting the fishing rod shake violently. The fish in this lake were well fed and fed, and some of them were stupid, biting the hook as soon as they saw it.
Shen Qing held his chin and continued, "I am very happy that the emperor is angry with me, but I feel a little wronged that he is angry at me. The emperor might as well tell me what I did wrong so that I can correct it one by one."
"The only one I can rely on now is the emperor. If you abandon me completely, I will become mud on the ground that can be crushed at will, and I will be nothing."
Ji Chen said: "I won't." Even if Shen Qing wanted to let go, he would keep her by his side for his own selfish desires, so there was no need to be so humble. She could be as arrogant as she wanted, and he would not do anything to her.
Shen Qing pretended not to hear, and the smile gradually disappeared from his lips: "When the emperor left, he didn't even look back. I was so uneasy, scared and frustrated. It took me a long time to leave the palace. I didn't dare to go directly to you, so I had to carry the cat with me, thinking that you would be a little happy for the cat's sake..."
Ji Chen placed his hands on Shen Qing's and held them tightly. Her hands trembled, as if she was recalling the short yet long time in the bedroom, and as Ji Chen held her hands tightly, she slowly felt at ease and calmed down.
"Don't say anymore." Ji Chen had already cast down his fishing rod and was staring at her with his brows deeply furrowed.
I wanted to comfort her but didn't know where to start. In the end, I blurted out such cruel words.
Shen Qing took a breath and didn't look at him: "... I just want to say that seeing you unhappy, I can't think of any way to resolve your anger, so I can only accompany you all the time, and dare not show my sadness. I just hope that when you turn around, you can see the good color you like, and all your worries will go away."
She said in a low voice aggrievedly: "But it seems to be of no use. You are still angry. I am so scared that I dare not say anything."
Ji Chen's cold heart gradually softened. Although he felt that Shen Qing's smile along the way did not seem fake, when he thought about it carefully, he seemed to be able to really feel the sadness in her smile.
All because I care about him.
"But you didn't say nothing." Ji Chen said.
Having said that, why bother talking about something he is not interested in.
Shen Qing said dimly, "Is it wrong for me to muster up the courage to talk to you about nothing? One taciturn person is enough, and I don't want to be the second one."
Their eyes met. Shen Qing looked at him with confidence, while Ji Chen turned his head away uncomfortably.
"Your Majesty, can you allow me to get closer to you?"
Upon hearing this, Ji Chen pulled Shen Qing's chair to his side, then reached out to the other side of Shen Qing's bun and pressed her head against his shoulder.
Still need to ask? Just ask.
Shen Qing's lips curved slightly: "So what is the emperor angry about? Don't say you are not angry, just push me away and leave."
She will remember this incident for the rest of her life, Shen Qing thought cautiously.
Ji Chen swallowed the words "I'm not angry" in order to save face, and said: "I'm angry at your cowardice, angry at your inability to resist, and even more angry at your good temper."
"You have me behind you, so even if you act arrogant and make a scene, it's better than obeying the Queen's arrangements. Do you know how others will talk about you if you make this choice? How will others bring up the past if you fall out with the Queen in the future? With your personality, if other concubines bully you, will you not tell me and swallow the grievance alone?" He was getting angrier and angrier as he spoke, and his speech speed increased.
Ji Chen lowered his head and pulled Shen Qing into his arms.
Shen Qing finally understood and suddenly realized: "The emperor blames me for not mentioning it to you?"
Ji Chen snorted.
Shen Qing felt very aggrieved: "But I just wanted to give you a surprise - don't say anything! I know I screwed up and you don't like it, but my original intention was not wrong!"
Ji Chen stretched out his hand and pinched Shen Qing's cheek angrily: "In your heart, am I a lecher? Just because I look beautiful, you can push me into your arms?"
Shen Qing was suspicious, isn't it? He said sternly, "Of course I know that the emperor is a gentleman, but isn't it because I am sure that you won't reject me that I agreed to this stupid idea?"
The matter came back to the original question. Ji Chen said, "You can't be so mean to yourself..."
He was so annoying. He spoke so bluntly. Shen Qing felt uncomfortable and seemed to realize that something was wrong: "I was wrong about this. At that time, I just thought that I was a palace maid and had to obey the queen's orders..."
"Now you are not, I will let Qian Ji draft the decree!" Ji Chen interrupted her.
Qian Ji prepared to step forward.
Shen Qing quickly grabbed Ji Chen's hand and said, "If you confer the title on me now, where will I live? Besides, if you confer the title on me, I will have to go to the Queen's Shui Fang Yan Xiu to pay my respects before dawn every day. Please forgive me. Didn't you say to wait for the second half of the year? It's only half the year now."
Since she is staying with Ji Chen anyway, why not take advantage of the convenience and stay with Ji Chen in the summer resort.
First, she doesn't have to deal with concubines. Concubine Yan and Concubine Yu will definitely cause trouble for her. Second, she doesn't want to pay her respects.
Ji Chen pointed out her mistake and said, "The master can travel in a sedan chair."
What’s the point of paying respects? Just showing up is enough.
"What about the concubine? Will you protect her for me too?" Shen Qing held his hand tightly.
Ji Chen: "Except for the Queen, no one else in your entourage has a higher position than you."
Both of his concubines are in the imperial palace. If he cannot even control these concubines, then he is still the source of his anger and his temper is too soft.
Shen Qing: "Uh..."
She hugged Ji Chen and said softly, "But I don't want to leave you."
The one who is close to the water gets the moon first. There is no better time than now. After returning to the palace, she didn't know how far her palace was from the Qianqing Palace.
Even if Ji Chen thought she was weak, she would not refute him, even though Shen Qing did not think she was someone who would be bullied.
Since she could be pitied, why should she destroy this impression?
Shen Qing continued, choking up and saying, "Even if you think I'm not doing well, you can't force me to grow!"
Ji Chen looked down at her, wiped away her tears in a panic, finally sighed softly, hugged Shen Qing and coaxed her softly.
At this moment, I don't even have any anger in my heart.
Just as Shen Qing said, she was a disappointing person, so why should he blame her? He should just protect her well.
She was not meant to be a concubine, let alone a favorite concubine, but he wanted to make her a favorite concubine.
Shen Qing sobbed, "Then next time you get angry, will you abandon me again?"
"I was wrong this time." Ji Chen lowered his head.
Shen Qing turned the tables: "It's not that I don't want you to be angry, but even if you are angry, you have to be next to me, at least give me a chance to coax you."
Ji Chen felt so soft in his heart: "Yeah."
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com
