Ever since that "Understanding Cake" successfully won over His Majesty the Emperor's taste buds, the daily life in Kunning Palace has been rapidly "going astray" on a track that outsiders cannot understand.
Xiao Che visited Kunning Palace more and more often, to the point that he practically refused to leave.
At first, he would use the high-sounding reason of "supervising the Empress's reflection." But gradually, even he himself felt that this excuse was somewhat untenable.
Thus, his excuse changed from "supervising and reflecting on his mistakes" to "just stopping by," and later, he simply stopped bothering to come up with an excuse altogether. Every morning after the court session, his imperial carriage would very naturally and logically turn directly from the Hall of Supreme Harmony to the Palace of Earthly Tranquility, as if this were his true workplace.
The Imperial Study had become nothing more than a decoration.
Kunning Palace, once a desolate palace where the empress was confined, has transformed into the most coveted and most perplexing place in the entire palace.
It practically became the emperor's second study, and... his personal tea room.
In the past, Lin Wanwan would secretly observe him, figure out his needs, and then "prescribe the right medicine".
Now, the situation has reversed.
This high and mighty emperor began to learn to take the initiative to "order food".
Sometimes, he would frown, toss aside a nonsensical memorial, and then casually say to Lin Wanwan in his unique, indifferent voice, "I have a headache today."
Lin Wanwan would then understand and walk behind him to massage and soothe him.
Sometimes, when he felt tired in the afternoon, he would put down his vermilion brush, tap the table lightly, and say softly, "I'm a little tired."
Lin Wanwan would immediately get up, go into her little kitchen, and concoct a brand new, novel dessert that he had never tasted before. It might be a sweet and soft egg tart, or a refreshing and palate-cleansing fruit pudding, or sometimes, she would even make a glass of sweet and sour lemonade with ice cubes.
Each and every dish perfectly tantalizes his discerning palate, which craves novelty.
Later, he didn't even bother to make up excuses anymore. He would just look at her and command in an unquestionable imperial tone, "I'm hungry. Make me something to eat."
And every time this happens, Lin Wanwan can see the pixelated little figure above his head, pitifully holding an empty bowl, looking at her with expectant eyes.
[Feed them! Come and feed them! .jpg]
Lin Wanwan could never help but chuckle at this.
She found herself increasingly finding amusement in this hypocritical emperor.
She is also getting more and more used to this peculiar way of getting along.
One was reviewing memorials, worrying about national affairs; the other was studying recipes, racking his brains to "feed" him.
The two remained silent for most of the time in the room, but the silence was no longer the awkwardness and wariness of their first meeting; instead, it was a tacit understanding and tranquility that needed no words.
The air is always filled with the faint scents of ink and sandalwood, as well as... the tempting aroma of food that occasionally wafts from the kitchen.
Lin Wanwan's month-long "stay-at-home" period had actually passed quietly in this peculiar daily routine.
But neither the Empress Dowager, nor the Emperor, nor Lin Wanwan herself brought up the matter again.
It seemed as if everyone had accepted that this "new normal" in Kunning Palace would continue indefinitely.
Of course, Lin Wanwan knew that this peace was only temporary.
She could tell from Chun Tao's occasional hesitant reports that the rumors about her in the palace had never stopped. In particular, the arrogant and domineering Consort Shu had done her no shortage of slander against her in front of the Empress Dowager.
Although the Empress Dowager never summoned her again, her silence itself spoke volumes. She was like a lurking tiger, observing and waiting in the shadows.
Lin Wanwan knew that she was able to live such a "comfortable" life in Kunning Palace entirely thanks to the "protection" of the emperor beside her.
This protection stems from her ability to continuously provide him with "value".
She was like someone walking a tightrope on the edge of a cliff, having to be extremely careful with every step.
That evening, the afterglow of the setting sun dyed the entire sky a warm orange-red.
Xiao Che finally finished processing the last memorial of the day.
He stretched, a remarkably human gesture that diminished his imperial majesty and added a touch of youthful languor.
"I have returned." He said calmly to Lin Wanwan, who was tidying up her desk.
This has become their new farewell.
"Respectfully seeing off Your Majesty." Lin Wanwan stopped what she was doing and respectfully curtsied.
She followed behind him and escorted him to the entrance of his bedchamber.
The afterglow of the setting sun cast a long, long shadow of him through the palace gates. He was dressed in a dark-colored casual robe, his posture upright, his shoulders broad, and he did not look like a long-ailing emperor, but rather like an ordinary young man about to return home.
Lin Wanwan's heart skipped a beat for no reason.
As she watched his retreating figure, she vaguely felt that perhaps, such days weren't so bad after all.
Just when she thought he would leave without looking back as usual, Xiao Che, who had reached the door, suddenly stopped.
He didn't turn around, but simply turned to the side, showing her a sharply defined profile.
The soft light of the setting sun gently outlined his face, softening his otherwise harsh features.
He spoke slowly in his usual flat, emotionless voice:
"I will be very busy tomorrow."
Lin Wanwan's heart sank suddenly.
What does he mean by that?
I'll be very busy tomorrow, so... I won't be coming?
Was it because the affairs of the previous dynasty were too troublesome, or because... he was tired of this monotonous way of getting along? Or perhaps, other forces in the palace had finally begun to exert pressure?
In an instant, countless thoughts flashed through her mind.
Is the delicate balance she has painstakingly built about to be broken?
She felt as if an invisible hand was squeezing her heart, making it hard to breathe. She opened her mouth, wanting to ask something, but then felt that she had no right to ask given her status.
A hint of disappointment involuntarily crept onto her face.
And just then, she saw it.
In her eyes, filled with despair, above the head of the emperor who still had his back to her, leaving her only with a solitary and aloof silhouette…
A brand new emoji, tinged with a sense of entitlement and even a touch of arrogance, is slowly emerging—
It was a pixelated figure tapping an empty rice bowl, accompanied by a simple and blunt line of text.
[Remember to save dinner for me.jpg]
Lin Wanwan: "..."
She was stunned.
I was stunned for a full three seconds.
Then, a huge, indescribable joy and mixed feelings of laughter and tears, like a warm tide, instantly overwhelmed her.
That hypocritical, despicable emperor!
He wasn't telling her "I'm not coming tomorrow" at all.
He's... making a reservation for tomorrow's dinner!
Because I'll be very busy tomorrow and might be back late, I asked her to prepare in advance so he can eat when he gets back!
Having figured this out, Lin Wanwan felt as if a huge weight had been lifted from her heart, replaced by a light, unreal feeling, as if she were walking on clouds.
She looked at his back, which still maintained its aloof demeanor, and then at the self-righteous "urging me to eat" emoji above his head...
The disappointment and worry I felt earlier vanished instantly.
Her lips could no longer be contained, and a large, bright smile curved upwards.
She bowed gracefully to his back, her voice carrying a hint of lighthearted laughter that she herself was unaware of.
"Yes, Your Majesty... I obey your command."
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