After 62 shakes, there is no more worry

  Yongning Hall, all ministers withdrew.

  Huā Yù Rǎn was grinding an inkstone in her hand, not knowing what she was grinding, anyway, just grinding like that, it's better than facing this dog emperor again, and who knows what he wants to say to her.

  Li Shunde fetched a clean handkerchief. Li Zimo wiped his hands and said, "How long has it been since I last wrote?"

  "Returning to Your Majesty, you wrote a piece of calligraphy for Empress Dowager's birthday last year, wasn't it?" Li Shunde replied.

  "Yan Shangshu, how should I reward you?"

  Silver and gold, in Huayu's mind, jumped out suddenly.

  "I'll write you a calligraphy piece."

  The inkstone that had been grinding smoothly came to an abrupt stop, and her slender eyebrows furrowed: what did she want his writing for? Ah yes, the emperor's handwriting should be very valuable. If she sold it outside the palace tomorrow, she would get a good price. Maybe if she put it up for auction, she could get an even higher price, and in the future, she and her son wouldn't have to worry about money.

  "Housewife thanks for the kindness."

  "Thank you?" Looking at her with that low-eyebrowed and obedient appearance, he felt a pang of annoyance, his eyebrows and lips curling in distaste.

  "The emperor wants to bestow a calligraphic painting on the commoner's wife, this is an honor for the commoner's wife."

  "Then you turn around and immediately sell my calligraphy and paintings."

  The dog emperor's eyes are needles, and he can see through her small abacus.

  "I'm telling you, if you dare to sell or give away the calligraphy and paintings I bestowed upon you, once they're no longer in your possession, I'll have your head chopped off."

  She bit her lip and said: I won't sell your calligraphy, what would I do with it? Hang it on my wall to look at every day? Can you see gold in it? Only rich people have the leisure to indulge in such hobbies, sister is not a rich person, sister needs to raise her son.

  The rice paper is spread out, the brush is dipped in ink, and with a few swift strokes, several large characters dance across the white paper. The brushstrokes are clean and sharp, revealing the artist's true nature: beautiful yet ruthless, taking what they want by force of will.

  "Mount the characters and give them to Yan Shangshu." With a flourish, he finished writing four large characters, put down his brush, and let Li Shunde clean up.

  The brush was placed on the inkstone, and she didn't even lift her head, as if she had no interest in the words he wrote. Even the strongest self-esteem could be ruined by her to nothing.

  The eyebrows wrinkled slightly, and the hands pretended to roll up their sleeves: "Are my words hard to look at?"

  "The common woman is poorly educated and actually doesn't understand how to appreciate calligraphy and painting. The Emperor's calligraphy is naturally the best in the world."

  "It's probably worth saying that the most valuable thing is my signature."

  Li Shunde listened to the dragon's tone, sweating profusely, and directly signaled to Hua Xiyuan: Miss, why did you offend the emperor for no reason? Don't you know that our lives are in this man's hands?

  Hua Yu Nian didn't think so either, but hadn't she boasted about him before? If there's a problem, is it because he tried his best to entangle her and compare who was better?

  "Li Shunde, what's wrong with you?"

  Li Shunde's forehead sweat dropped even more, but it was easy to be a slave. Once the dragon's face got angry, he wouldn't take out his anger on the beauty, only on the slaves. He quickly gathered his things, held the saint's calligraphy and painting with both hands, and retreated.

  The ink block in Huayexuan's hand was grinding slowly and steadily, doing this kind of work could nourish her temperament. However, by her ear, there were constantly gusts of wind blowing past, the sound of her clothes fluttering unceasingly.

  Watching her calm and composed demeanor, it's enough to drive someone crazy with frustration.

  Is it because he hasn't been with a woman for too long? To the point where now seeing an ugly girl with scars on her face can make him infatuated.

  Hua Yuye suddenly felt a hand coming from behind her and wrapping around her waist, before she could even struggle, her body was already pulled back.

  Deep and mysterious like a pool of ink, his eyes stared at her intensely.

  "You can't even read my writing? You dare to speak eloquently in front of me, exposing the false learning of my ministers. Yan Shangshu, you think you're so clever, surpassing me and even Taifu, yet you claim to be just a country woman?"

  Mei Xiao Chui: "The common woman merely understands what the Emperor and his officials are unfamiliar with."

  His slender fingertips grasped her chin, and with a forceful press, left an imprint: "Dissolve the disguise pill inside you!"

  Since she herself doesn't know who the father of the child is, then first resolve another doubt in his heart. As long as he resolves the Easy Change Pill in her body and reveals her true face, immediately, he can make a decision.

  "Easy Rejuvenation Pill, ordinary women can't afford it." Hua Xiyan was forced to squeeze out these words, with a hint of emotion in her heart.

  That day, she took the Easy Makeup Pill from the Hua family's box and consumed it. She thought that this thing could automatically undo itself. Because there was no antidote for the pill in the box. Who would have known, until now, there has been no sign of the Easy Makeup being lifted. It was just that she herself had given birth to a son, and she had never really cared about her appearance. In ancient times, beautiful women often suffered calamities, which made her inwardly resistant to having a beautiful face. For the safety of her and her son, it's better to be ugly than beautiful.

  But when she spoke these words, that dog emperor must have first disbelieved her, as if every word she said was a lie to his ears.

  "Can't solve it?"

  A chill wind blew over her head, brushing against her face.

  "Do you think I won't be able to deal with you?!"

  Her teeth clenched, Hua Xueyan's heart was also stifled: "Your Majesty, why would a humble woman like me deceive you? If I really wanted to deceive you, why would I follow you back to the palace?"

  His mind was in a daze, and when he looked at her expression, it didn't seem like she was pretending. No, maybe she was still acting, still deceiving him, an even more cunning deceiver. If that were the case, he should have thrown her into prison and let Gong Xiangyu interrogate her. But he hadn't done so. Especially when he thought of his own son, who had tearfully begged him to save her. Was it just because of his son? He couldn't deny that when she spoke in front of him about Zhu Er'kou's defeat, the shock in his heart was no less than when he stood in front of the pavilion, watching a certain someone play that one song on the zhusha.

  Her body stiffened suddenly as his fingers touched her collarbone.

  "Your Majesty?"

  "What did you think I kept a woman by my side for?" A low, slightly evil laugh swept past her ear.

  Fine, she overestimated the intelligence of this dog emperor. She thought he just wanted to torment her and treat her as a servant girl.

  She only saw her lowering her eyebrows and eyes, again with a obedient appearance, which made his brows tightly locked, and his fingers naturally relaxed on her. He didn't have the interest to force a woman.

  Huā Yùyán covered her mouth with her hand and let out a soft sigh.

  On the other side, he shot a glance over, as if catching her breath, his ink-like eyes slightly narrowed, and the flowing light that shot out seemed to not let go of any expression on her face.

  Huā Yùyán's beautiful eyes slightly turned, and she said: "A common woman in the market has been fortunate enough to hear that His Majesty had once declared to the world that in this life, he would only dote on one woman."

  He originally wanted to use this remark to infuriate his army. After saying this, he would certainly fly into a rage and launch a thunderous attack. After all, that was a thorn in his heart.

  However, the dragon's heart is unpredictable, referring to the man in front of her. She only felt that his gaze made her feel like she had been stripped naked, and he had seen through her from head to toe. He himself was fine, with a pair of eyes like a deep sea, which no one could see clearly.

  After a long time, he heard him say in a flat tone: "In this life, I only loved one woman."

  A gentleman's word is like a swift horse, impossible to catch; how much more so the words of an emperor.

  In the blink of an eye, he had already turned his sleeve and gone out the door.

  Her slender eyebrows tightened slightly, and for some reason, her mood fluctuated with his move.

  Li Shunde came in from outside, wiping the sweat on his forehead and said to her: "Yan Shangshu, the emperor's temper is like this. You can't argue with the emperor, it's you who will suffer."

  Huā Yùyán also felt that she should reflect on herself: "Thank you for reminding me, Grandfather."

  Li Shunde narrowed his eyes and stared at her for a while.

  "Grandfather?"

  "It's all right. In the future, if Madam Yan wants to go anywhere, please let me know. A woman with such extensive knowledge like Madam Yan is truly one of a kind."

  Her apricot-like eyes narrowed slightly, clearly aware of the other's good intentions. Today she revealed this trick, and in this turbulent court where many people looked on, it might have become a thorn in their side.

  Li Zimo walked and walked, somewhat aimlessly, when he suddenly turned his head to the small eunuch following behind him and said: "I want to go to the Crown Prince's palace, don't disturb the Crown Prince."

  Recently, the Crown Prince has been studying in the palace. Starting today, there is a new study companion who can accompany the Crown Prince to read in the palace. This can be said to have never happened before in any dynasty.

  Zhang Ming first went to the Yongning Hall to pay his respects, then came to the Crown Prince's palace to prepare some new lessons for the young prince. Especially today's experience in the Yongning Hall had a great impact on him, making him feel that imperial education should not only focus on moral teachings, but also teach common sense of the people.

  Entering Guangyang Hall, two small figures, one sitting and one standing. From the silhouette, they are almost identical.

  Xiao Mu Mu got up early, but his mother was nowhere to be found. He was furious. What made him even angrier was that his mother had someone deliver a message to him, telling him to study hard here. That despicable man had not only taken his mother away, but also deceived him into studying!

  Li Dongyun flipped through the book on the edge and said in a warm and jade-like voice: "Sit down. Aren't you tired of standing?"

  "Don't sit!" Xiaomu would think of his father as soon as he looked at him, and then think of how his father had deceived his mother.

  "Why are you angry?" The calm and composed little brow slightly raised, "Is it because I made you study?"

  This kid knew the answer but asked anyway. Xiao Mu sat down with a plop, folding his legs on the chair and pouting: "I'll tell you, last time, you said I could eat and drink for free here, but you didn't say I had to help you study. As a result, I almost got beaten by that old man."

  "Old man? Are you referring to Zhang Taifu?"

  "What business is it of yours whether I'm a good or bad boy? In the countryside, even the village schoolmaster can't control me. They say I'm an unteachable young rascal, and no matter what, I won't learn."

  Lí Dōng Yù listened to his complaints, and the corners of his mouth couldn't help but curve upwards. This child looked like him, but had a completely different temperament, making him feel like he was looking at his own younger brother. Especially when he thought about how this child was called "wild seedling" by everyone in the Huā family, it made him feel even more sympathetic towards him. Of course, what was even more important was that Little Mù Mù was nothing like any of the children he had met before.

  He was the young prince, and from a young age, the children who could get along with him were at least the children of noble families. The children of noble families are either spoiled or have deep thoughts at a young age. Of course, this is all due to environmental pressure, and it's not the fault of these children. Born in the imperial family, he was no exception, which is why Yun Chenjing always said that he didn't look like a seven-year-old but rather a seventy-year-old.

  If he didn't hide his inner thoughts at all times, hiding them so that no one knew, it would implicate the people he liked. This was what his father had taught him since childhood, the phrase he remembered most deeply. Because Li Shunde had said before, his mother, precisely because of this reason, had passed away.

  From a young age, the first time he opened his heart, perhaps it was in Huachi City. When he met this child for a moment, his shock surpassed all his rationality. Quarreling, arguing, deceiving this child, and taking this child to the Hua family to scold people, the most unbearable thing, he had never thought that such things could happen to himself, but he did them all. Now, thinking back carefully, it must be said that this child has stayed in his heart.

  As soon as he saw this child with two chubby cheeks like small buns, he wanted to laugh. He who had never felt happy living in the palace, felt what it was like to truly smile.

  "Are you laughing?" Little MuMu pointed at his face with her finger, "Are you laughing at me in your heart?"

  This child is so innocent. Who dares to point at his face and speak to him directly? Almost every child who sees him is afraid that he will kill them with a single glance. However, they do not know that the two words "kill" and "head" are what he dislikes the most.

  "I wasn't laughing at you." Li Dongyuan said calmly.

  "Whether you laugh or not, it doesn't matter to me. Anyway, studying is like this for me, calling me to study is no different from calling me to eat."

  The last sentence made everyone laugh so hard their stomachs hurt.

  Li Dongyun held back his laughter with great effort. Because he had a feeling that even if he laughed out loud, this kid would get angry again, and whatever he said next would make him laugh to death.

  Zhang Ming was already standing outside the door and had heard Xiao Mu's declaration of war against the teacher, his white eyebrows raised.

  Director Zhang said to him: "This child, Commander-in-Chief, you know that last time you taught him. So the Emperor says, please put in some effort, Commander-in-Chief."

  This is going to cost him his life, not just his energy.

  Looks just like Little Prince, but when it comes to reading books, they are worlds apart.

  Director Zhang again passed on to him what Li Zimo had said: "This child's mother must have been seen by Director Zhang, she is the newly appointed Imperial Secretary Yan."

  Surprise flashed across Zhang Mingxian's old face: "Is this true?"

  "True."

  That woman, he had only met once, knew she was an extraordinary talented woman. But how could she have taught her own child to be like this?

  It's really not Flower Evening Color's fault. Flower Evening Color has spent a lot of effort teaching her son to read books. It's just that her son's brain is filled with buns.

  Zhang Ming stepped into the house first. Li Dongyuan stood up and performed a student's courtesy to his teacher. Zhang Ming returned with a monarch-subject courtesy. Xiao Mu sat cross-legged on the chair, watching them exchange courtesies, which had nothing to do with him anyway.

  "Flower gentleman." Zhang Ming first turned to Xiao Mu Mu.

  Hua Mu Rong's small nose twitched upwards, and she picked up the brush on the table and poked it at her nose: "You should know now, I'm a fake crown prince, can't read books."

  Zhang Ming had never taught such a naughty student before. Seeing that the child was no longer pretending to be a prince, he revealed his true nature and became even more arrogant. Zhang Ming was so angry that he puffed out his cheeks and glared with his eyes, wanting to take out his whip to scold him, but it wasn't good to do so in front of the prince. He could only shout angrily: "Put down your brush! Come here and stand up straight! I'll teach you some manners first. Do you know what it means to stand like a pine tree and sit like a bell?"

  Little Wooden Nose stood up with a brush on his nose, this kid has good balance, the brush on his nose didn't move at all and didn't fall off. He spat out: "My mother taught me, she put a bowl on my head and let me practice."

  It means Zhang Lao wants to teach him a lesson, but it's too childish. Xiao Mu Mu is someone who has been reborn from the devil training of his mother.

  Unexpectedly, Zhang Ming sat down first, panting heavily: "Alright alright, you stand there for me."

  "How long have you been standing? My mother once made me stand for several days and nights."

  Mr. Zhang hurriedly patted Zhang Ming's back, afraid that Zhang Ming would roll his eyes first, while in his heart he was anxious and didn't know what to do.

  Li Dongyun's eyebrows were slightly raised, and he was watching the scene with interest on one hand, while on the other hand, he also felt that Zhang Mingshen's method might be suitable for teaching other children, but for Xiao MuMu, it was like hitting his own foot with a stone. For a moment, he was a little worried that Zhang Mingshen would be driven mad by Xiao MuMu first. But who could control this child? It wasn't that he looked down on the child, but rather, he felt that the child was like a ball of fire, and not just anyone could suppress him.

  A familiar feeling shot in from the window. The corner of his eye glanced outward casually, and when he saw the dragon robe, his heart suddenly skipped a beat: Dad?

  Others in the house soon noticed him standing outside the window looking inside, and probably saw the dragon's face that had just passed by.

  Zhang Ming's old face suddenly showed a hint of embarrassment.

  No one went out to greet him, because everyone knew Li Zimo's habits. He came to visit the prince's studies, this was not the first time. It was common, only quietly coming and going. Li Zimo always believed that he couldn't disturb the teacher teaching his own son, because that would affect the teacher's prestige in his son's eyes. Having hired a teacher for his son, he had to emphasize respect for the teacher and the way.

  Fortunately, his son has never disappointed him. In just a few short years, his son seized the title of the world's number one young master.

  He's too well-behaved and excellent as a son, almost making him forget about teaching children.

  Seeing Zhang Ming's embarrassed old face, then looking at the small back of his son, who was about the same height as him, Yun Mei's eyebrows furrowed slightly, and almost without thinking, he stepped into his son's school for the first time.

  Everyone was shocked and immediately knelt down: "Long live Your Majesty."

  "Let's dispense with the formalities."

  He walked over to the one child who had not bowed down to him.

  Little wooden evil eyes stared at him with two small eyes that wrote two big words: Hate!

  This child has a similar temperament to his mother, but it was enough to stir something within him, and he decided - sat down in the teacher's seat.

  "Director Zhang, what lesson are you planning to teach the students today?"

  "Return to the palace." Zhang Ming said, "Today I want to give the Crown Prince a lecture on 'Shui Jing Zhu', this should be a book that the Crown Prince has never touched before. As for this child, it is said that he has never really read a book, so I can only start teaching from the 'Three Character Classic'."

  "The Three Character Classic was taught by my mother." Xiaomu looked at this man who had wronged her with disapproval, and she must confront him.

  "Your mother has taught you, recite it back." Ink eyes gazed at the small face that was as stubborn as a little calf, seemingly with great interest.

  It's easy, just quote: "At the beginning of human beings, they are like pigs."

  Everyone wipes sweat from their forehead: What is this kid carrying?

  Zhang Ming was stunned. He had taught this child for several years, and the child only knew how to recite this one sentence. The consequences of Zhang Ming's actions in the future were unthinkable.

  Xiao Mu Mu proudly raised his two small eyebrows: Who dares to teach him how to read now?

  Lai Dongyuan felt a bit nervous in front of his father, because he knew his father's temperament, the more daring one was to defy him, the more his father would be infuriated.

  Everyone's eyes widened as they heard the man grab a teacup and slam it onto the table.

  The little wooden house stared at the two small eyes: What's this? Does this man want to hit him?

  "Director Zhang."

  "Ah, Your Majesty."

  "Go to the treasury and bring over a tributary langur fruit."

  What's that? Tribute? The two little foodies' eyes lit up. Little pig Nini quickly poked her head out of the master's arms.

  In an instant, a delicate jade plate was placed in front of Li Zimo, with a fruit that looked delicious on it.

  Two little foodies drooling nonstop.

  Xiao Mu Mu watched as the man picked up a delicious fruit and was about to take a bite, when he suddenly sucked in his own saliva.

  "Do you want to eat?"

  The man looked at him, and the fruit in his hand was the best bait for fishing.

  She wiped the corner of her mouth with her sleeve, Xiao Mu took a deep breath and said whatever she wanted, she wouldn't be fooled by this man again. Xiao Yan retorted: "Who wants to!"

  The dragon's face was cold, with a slight curl at the corner of his lips, and he played with the fruit in his hand: "I heard that this Mi Hou Guo comes from Xian Hou Shan, and as long as you eat one, you can live as long as the immortal monkeys."

  Good stuff! Little master! Piggy NiNi rubbed her snout on her little master's body.

  "Are you stupid? He's cheating us!"

  "Whether it's a pit or not, you'll know once you've eaten it. The fruit of this immortal monkey, one bite and the flavor is absolutely something you've never thought of in your life."

  Everyone else was stunned: had they gone blind? Were they seducing little kids?

  Anyway, the two little foodies were both desperately drooling.

  "Alright." He casually tossed the immortal fruit from his left hand to his right, seeing the two little foodies' eyes following closely, and the corners of their mouths hooked up slightly, "If you can recite the Three Character Classic, this fruit belongs to you. If you can't recite it, I'll give it to Little Pig."

  A burst of thunder struck above Xiao Mu's head: This man, how could his tactics be so similar to his mother's?

  Little Piggy Nini is about to jump down and run away from her master: she wants to eat the delicious fairy fruit!

  "Nini! Come back here! That's mine, not yours!" Two small hands grasped desperately at the little pig running forward.

  As the owner of Little Piggy, Xiao Mu Mu was all too clear that if this immortal fruit fell into Nini's mouth, it would be gone in one bite.

  Two small hands held the pig tightly, on the one hand, to see if the man was cheating him, anyway, he couldn't lose to his own pig!

  The clear childish voice recited urgently: "Man's nature at birth is good, natures are similar, habits make them far apart." Feeling the little pig in his arms was about to break free, he could only recite faster and faster: "Three Transmitters, there is Gong Yang, there is Zuo Shi, there is Gu Liang... Diligence has merit, playfulness has no benefit, beware! It's advisable to strive hard... I've finished reciting! The rhesus macaque is mine! Nini, spit it out for me!"

  Mr. Zhang felt like his chin had dropped, and when he touched it again, he looked at Zhang Mingxian once more. Zhang Mingxian's old face was excitedly flushed, as if he had been injected with chicken blood. Who says this child is a hopeless case? This child clearly has talent.

  The little snack goods, who could care about the discovery of the golden-like bright eyes, stretched out his small hand and snatched the langur fruit from the man's hand, then hastily stuffed it into his own arms: "Nini, I'm telling you, don't eat. It's for my mother!"

  What a lovely child! Lei Dongyuan's little eyebrows flew up: I originally thought this kid would always get into trouble for his mother, but in fact, he loves and takes care of his mother more than anyone else. He likes it!

  The profound imperial gaze swept across his son's small face, and suddenly, Lei Zimo felt a warmth in his heart. He knew that his son was too lonely, otherwise he wouldn't have liked to sneak out of the palace like him.

  "Director Zhang."

  "I am here." Zhang Ming's voice was still shaking with excitement, "Your Majesty can rest assured, I will know how to instruct this child from now on and will definitely teach him to be as outstanding as the Crown Prince."

  Little Wooden heard this and raised his little nose: Hum, if you have the ability, bring out all the delicious food in your palace!

  Hua Yu Yan really wanted to go see her son, but thinking of his temperament, if she went there and accidentally got tangled up with him, the hard-won opportunity for him to correct his ways and study would be wasted. So she decided to wait a couple of days until her son had calmed down a bit before going to take a look.

  When a mother has painstakingly raised her son, one day the fledgling in her arms will turn into a wild goose, spread its wings and fly high. At that time, she can't catch up even if she wants to, nor is it possible for her to chase after him. In the end, she must let go. This bittersweet taste mixed with sweetness is truly only understood by mothers.

  The Dog Emperor didn't know where he went to slack off, she stayed in the Yongning Palace with nothing to do, just taking advantage of this opportunity to visit the injured Green Jade. Green Jade was arranged in the Tingting Courtyard.

  She greeted Li Shunde, and Li Shunde arranged for a palace maid to accompany her, showing her the way. This palace maid happened to be someone she knew, it was that day when she first entered the palace, the one who helped her put on new clothes, only now did she learn from Li Shunde's introduction that this person was the leader of the palace maids in Yongning Hall, known as Liu Gugu.

  Liu Auntie bowed slightly and said: "I don't know if Miss's shoulder wound has healed?"

  It seems that this Liu aunt is intentionally getting close to herself, and Hua Xiyan doesn't find it strange. She thinks that Li Shunde also has the intention of pleasing her, showing off his good attitude towards her. In the palace, who isn't looking at the emperor's attitude?

  It's just that her relationship with the dog emperor is unclear, and she can't quite put it into words. It's possible that one day, the dog emperor might suddenly want to kill her. Of course, if he develops a murderous intent towards her, she won't be foolish and will escape quickly.

  However, at this stage, she still needs to rely on these people while staying in the palace, so she took advantage of the other's enthusiasm and said: "With Aunt Liu's concern, Xiyan's injury has almost recovered."

  Liu Auntie was delighted when she heard this and took her to the inner courtyard, chatting enthusiastically with her all the way.

  Before they reached the courtyard, they met several palace maids on the way. Suddenly, Liu's expression changed and she pushed her to hide in a nearby house. But it was too late, the other side seemed to have made arrangements, and when they turned around to leave, several more people came from behind, trapping the two of them in between.

  "Who is it?" Hua Yuexuan asked in a low voice. At this point, they had to figure out the other person's identity first before they could come up with a countermeasure.

  Liu's aunt was hesitant, seemingly unwilling to tell her the truth.

  As soon as the leading palace maid walked in front of them, she smiled and asked: "Lady Liu, is this young lady the Yan Shangshu appointed by His Majesty?"

  "The slave and servant greets Aunt Sun." Liu auntie bowed to the other party.

  The palace maids in the palace are also divided into grades. Undoubtedly, this Sun aunt is one grade higher than Liu aunt.

  Huā Yùyán glanced at Sun Aunt from the side.

  "Sun Auntie felt her gaze and smiled: 'Prime Minister Yan, it's a coincidence that you're here. The Empress Dowager was just looking for Prime Minister Yan to ask about something.'"

  It turned out to be the female official in front of the empress dowager. Hua Xiyuan cursed silently: This dog emperor, indeed made her conspicuous. The empress dowager suddenly finding her was not a good thing, of course she had to push it away, so she said: "Auntie, I am just a nominal Shangshu, with no real power, and have only recently entered the palace, nor do I understand the affairs of the palace. I don't know what the empress dowager wants me for? If it's not something that I can be aware of, I'm afraid that if I go to the empress dowager, I will ask three questions and not know anything."

  "Sun Auntie said: 'Yan Shangshu is being modest. The Empress Dowager knows that Yan Shangshu is a chess master, and wants to play a game with him, nothing else.'"

  This remark was so unexpected that it left Liu's aunt in a state of utter astonishment and bewilderment.

  "Let's go, Yan Shangshu. Yan Shangshu may not know that Her Majesty the Empress Dowager is actually a very kind-hearted person, especially when it comes to matters related to the Emperor, she almost only listens to the Emperor." Sun Auntie said this, probably just wanting to reassure them in their hearts, this time the Empress Dowager summoned her, won't harm Hua Xiuyan.

  Hua Yuexuan thought that if she were the Empress Dowager, of course, she would first investigate the other party's background before making a move. To take action, one must wait for another opportunity. Therefore, meeting with the most powerful woman in the palace at this time was not too bad. Knowing oneself and knowing others is the key to winning every battle.

  "The commoner's wife thanked the empress dowager for summoning her and asked Aunt Sun to escort her."

  The old lady looked at her with a surprised expression and then smiled: "Please follow me, Mr. Yan."

  Hua Yuye walked in front, Liu Gugu followed behind, with people both ahead and behind, to prevent them from running away halfway.

  Walking to the Yongshou Palace, passing through the Empress Dowager's backyard, only a group of women's laughter came from the flowers and grass, and the swallows' shadows were faintly visible among the flowers and trees.

  "Oh my, this mouth of yours is as smooth as jade, getting more and more clever by the day. It's like a parrot, making our family laugh so hard their intestines are about to burst." A slightly aged woman's voice accompanied by a few coughs.

  Liu Auntie whispered to Hua Yuxuan behind her: This is the Empress Dowager. And the one the Empress Dowager mentioned, Ruyi, was from the Sun family military, the second miss of General Sun's mansion, deeply favored by the Empress Dowager.

  Sun Ruyu said: "The Empress Dowager looks at what you said, is this to ask the minister's daughter to present the red-beaked parrot that was just obtained from the merchants of Dayuan to the Empress Dowager?"

  The red person in front of the empress dowager is indeed a red person, and doesn't need to be polite when speaking with the empress dowager. Hua Xiyuan's forehead twitched, remembering that she had just formed a karmic connection with this Miss Sun Er yesterday.

  Sun Auntie went ahead to report to the Empress Dowager. Hua Xiyuan took advantage of the interval, through the leaves of the trees, saw three young noble ladies as beautiful as flowers in the small pavilion, surrounding a rich and noble woman sitting there. Liu Auntie introduced two more people: "The one on the right wearing a yellow goose robe is the daughter of Lin Shangshu, the Minister of Revenue. On the left, separated by Sun Second Miss who was wearing red clothes, the one in green robe is Seasonal Jade Princess. Seasonal Jade Princess is the elder princess, the aunt of the Emperor, and the only daughter under her knees."

  Huā Yùyàn jì le xià míng zì: Sūn Rúyù, Lín Mùróng, Lí Jìyáo.

  "The Empress Dowager has arrived with Yan Shangshu."

  "Let her come up and take a look at our Lai family."

  The few girls who were still chatting and laughing immediately stopped making a sound, and several pairs of eyes fell on Huayu Ye, who appeared from among the grass and trees.

  Huayu stepped onto the small platform and walked into the pavilion, making a bow: "Your Majesty, I wish you good health."

  Empress Hu looked up at her, and when she clearly saw the obvious ugly scar on her left cheek, she was taken aback for a moment. Perhaps she had heard about it before, but she was still startled.

  The three ladies on either side reacted differently. Lin Murong instantly covered her mouth with a handkerchief, while Ji Yaoguang's eyes widened in surprise and she exclaimed, "Good heavens!"

  Only Sun Ruyu, because I had seen her before, her facial expression was chaotic, like a stroke.

  "Guangzhou." Hu Tai Hou regained her composure and first scolded Ji Yaoguang Jun.

  Ji Yao County Master was a straightforward person, immediately stood up, saluted Empress Hu, and smiled at Hua Xiuyan: "Yan Shangshu, this county master is being rude."

  Huā yù yán kàn tā yáng mèi de xiào rǎn, zài yáng guāng xià sì hǎo zhū měi lì de xiàng rì kuí.

  English Translation:

  Hua Yuyan saw her bright and sunny smile, under the sunlight it was like a beautiful sunflower.

  Perhaps because she saw that her appearance was not threatening, Empress Hu no longer sized her up and just had someone bring over the chessboard and pieces. When asked who would make the first move, Empress Hu's gaze slowly swept over the three women carefully selected to be by her side before stopping at Sun Ruyue: "Ruyue, you play a game with Yan Shangshu first. The old rules apply - whoever wins can ask for anything and I'll grant it."

  The royal family is generous, giving whatever they want. Huayexuan thought of that dog emperor at this point, without his mother's generosity, he gave her a calligraphy and didn't allow her to sell it.

  She sat down face to face with Miss Sun. Sun Ruyu's eyes, cold as snake fangs, were nailed to her face, as if saying: You wait!

  Hua Yu Nian wasn't afraid of her suddenly flying into a rage, if she really did fly into a rage, he would expose the fact that she had hit herself on the street that day, and it would be her own bad luck.

  He picked up a handful of white pieces from the chess box and placed them on the board. As a result, Sun Ruyu's black piece went first.

  Empress Hu and the other two ladies were watching from the side. Sun Auntie and Liu Auntie were also staring at the chessboard. Empress Hu had a reason for pointing out Sun Ruyue first, because among the three of them, Sun Ruyue's chess skills were mediocre, just right to test Hua Xiyan's chess skills. If Hua Xiyan lost to Sun Ruyue, then her reputation as a superior player would automatically be stripped away.

  A game of chess takes time to play out. Especially when the two players are evenly matched, it can be a back-and-forth stalemate, with no way to predict the final outcome from the chaotic board.

  Empress Hu slowly sipped her tea. Anyway, even if Sun Ruyue lost, losing by one or two moves was nothing to be afraid of, as there was still a strong player behind her.

  Sun Ruyu's forehead was covered in layers of sweat, and the maid beside her wanted to help her wipe it away but was pushed away by Sun. Not wanting to lose to Hua Yihong was one thing, at the same time, she also didn't like Lin Muyang showing off in front of Empress Hu more than her.

  Hua Yuxuan played chess like an old master, grasping the pieces and making moves with a calm and steady pace, which only made his opponent more anxious.

  Just then, Li Ji Yao suddenly leaned into Lin Mu Rong's ear and whispered: "I think Sun Ru Yu is going to lose."

  Sun Ruyu glared at Li Jiuyao.

  Hu Taihou smiled: "Ji Yao, don't you know that your sister Ruyi is a firecracker?"

  "Empress Dowager, she is a cannon barrel, I am a respectful barrel. Don't say anything, don't say anything, I know I have a crow's mouth." Li Jiying stuck out her little tongue and fanned herself with her hand fan. Among the three girls, she was the youngest and the most mischievous.

  In the end, since it was impossible to tell who would win from the chessboard, they could only count the numbers. After counting to the end, everyone was shocked to find that it was a draw.

  Neither winning nor losing is just right. Sun Ruyu let out a long sigh and snorted, saying: "Yan Shangshu has conceded."

  "It was Miss Sun who yielded." Hua Xiuyan replied slowly and calmly.

  Sun Ruyu stood up and left the chessboard, bowed to Empress Hu, and said: "Ruyu's chess skills are still shallow, not as good as Lin Niang. Please let Lin Niang play for Your Majesty."

  Lin Murong was slender and elegant in appearance. Hua Xiyue had not known before that this quiet and composed young lady of the Lin family was the most famous talented woman in the capital.

  "Come down, Murong," Empress Hu said.

  "I have received your orders." Lin Murong thanked and sat down in the position where Sun Ruyue had just sat.

  Huā Yù Yán only needed to glance at the person in front of her to see that their temperament was not like Sun Ruyan's, but rather someone with real talent and substance. Unfortunately, today she really couldn't let anyone win. If she were to be won over by anyone, it would be fine, but going back would definitely lead to being scolded by the Emperor, and those officials who had lost face in the palace today would hate her even more.

  This game of chess was even more intense than the first one. Both sides fought until the last piece. Lin Muyong's forehead also sweated fine beads, and he wiped it with a handkerchief before picking up the pieces to count them again.

  Hu Taihou's tea had gone cold, and she was only waiting for the outcome of the chess game. Sun Ruyue, on the other hand, had a look of enjoying the show.

  Black and white pieces, all rearranged on the chessboard - another draw.

  Empress Hu let out a long sigh. Sun Ruyue secretly stomped her foot.

  Lin Muyong appeared to be in a slightly dazed state, and after being helped up by the maid, she deeply curtsied to Empress Hu and said: "This servant girl has been remiss in her practice for several days—"

  Empress Hu waved her hand: "Victory and defeat are common things in the military. The Ai family lets you come to play chess, just to relieve boredom."

  I'm not sure if this is a step down or not, anyway, it's a draw and not a loss. It's just that I couldn't defeat her, Hua Yexuan, in one move and knock her off the divine stage, which is somewhat regrettable.

  "Empress Dowager, is Autumn Swallow coming down?" asked Li Qiuyao.

  Empress Hu was taken aback: Who doesn't know that Li Jiuyao is a poor chess player? She had originally planned to let Hua Xiyan lose two games and win one, so as not to make outsiders think that Empress Hu was bullying the emperor's people. But now, her own two high-ranking officials had ended up with two draws. If she were to send Li Jiuyao out again, wouldn't that be shooting herself in the foot?

  Li Ji-yao didn't wait for Empress Hu to respond, and plopped herself down in the chair across from her. With a naive and charming smile, she said: "Your Majesty has spoken, we're playing chess to help you pass the time. I'll play a sloppy game with you to help you relax."

  Empress Hu's one hand supported her forehead and the other covered her chest. If it weren't for this being Princess Chang's treasured daughter, she would have...

  Huā Yùyán gazed at the county lord's daughter sitting across from her, and couldn't help but think that this young girl looked just like her own son. People with simple thoughts are always easy to sympathize with.

  Feeling Hua Yexuan's gaze, Li Jiyao stuck out her tongue at her and made a fist: "Yan Shangshu, the county master is really bad at playing chess, please Yan Shangshu go easy on me."

  "The county master has acknowledged it. No one can determine the outcome until the end." Hua Xiuyan smiled and replied.

  It seems that this third game of chess is bound to be played, and Empress Hu can only cover her eyes with her hands, trying not to look. However, as time passed, everyone discovered something unusual again. Li Jiuyao's moves were all wrong, and the game should have ended quickly. But this third game of chess was actually a stalemate, just like the first two games. The people around the chessboard stared with their eyes wide open.

  Lin Murong's lips were bitten by her teeth, and blood was oozing out. Sun Ruyu's eyes seemed to devour the two chess players. Empress Hu sat up straight, her eyebrows jumping up and down.

  When it came down to the last number, almost everyone who was watching had already anticipated the result. However, when the outcome emerged, it still shocked the crowd.

  "It's a draw!" Li Ji-yao jumped up, pointing at Hua Yu-wen with her slender hand. "Heavens, you're too formidable! The lousy chess moves of this young lady, you actually managed to turn them into a draw!"

  Huā Yùyán brushed her sleeve and stood up, saying calmly: "It's the princess who yielded, the princess is originally a chess master, not inferior to any expert."

  Sun Ruyu hummed and found that her palms had unknowingly clenched into fists, and when she looked at Lin Murong beside her, his face was pale to the point of being ashen.

  Suddenly, a burst of loud laughter caused everyone to turn their heads. Seeing that it was Empress Hu who was laughing, everyone immediately knelt down with tense expressions.

  Empress Hu's eyes narrowed slightly as she gazed at Hua Yexing's face and said, "Yan Shangshu, what do you want me to grant you?"