Chapter 38 Marquis's Sophisticated Palate

he knew that it was the sound of the flute that had been the real driving force behind everything. But why wasn't the榆木公子speaking Qi Lin glanced at榆木out of the corner of her eye and saw him quietly si...Chapter Thirty-Eight: The Prince's Unique Preferences

"His Majesty has a decree. Princess Bu Yao, known for her gentle and virtuous demeanor, graceful appearance, and dignified bearing, is hereby granted in marriage to the Dragon Ye of the No Worries Prince by imperial favor. Be grateful." The red-robed eunuch intoned softly as he announced the edict, then looked down at Bu Yao condescendingly and continued, "Congratulations, Miss Bu Yao. You've flown up to a higher branch. Quickly thank His Majesty."

Bu Yao gave a cold laugh, her eyes lifting coolly as she gazed at the disdainful eunuch. She raised both hands above her head and said softly, "Commoner woman Bu Yao thanks Your Majesty's grace."

The eunuch sneered inwardly. Women like this were common in the royal family, but based on his experience, they didn't last long.

Placing the edict into Bu Yao’s hands, he patted his sleeves and continued, "Miss Bu Yao is truly blessed. From now on, you will be the No Worries Princess Consort. You should know that His Majesty's most beloved brother, the No Worries Prince, was promised a life without worries when he ascended to the throne seven years ago. The fief of Xuan Ling is one of Fenghuang Kingdom’s prime pieces of land. The prince…"

"Eunuch." Bu Yao raised her eyebrows slightly and sized up the eunuch from head to toe. She then bowed politely and asked, "May I ask your esteemed surname"

The eunuch lifted one corner of his mouth as he replied, "I am startled by Your Majesty's favor, Esteemed Eunuch Jiang Yuanchen."

During their conversation, he had already bowed to the sky in thanks three times, making Bu Yao’s arms ache. She smiled gracefully and picked up the edict to hand it over to Qiao Er.

"Then I must thank Esteemed Eunuch Jiang for his trouble." This time, Bu Yao was completely unburdened by decorum. Seeing how he had been waiting for payment, she didn’t move towards action. She pulled out a Phoenix Captive from her hair, recalling that it was only when speaking about the classic Phoenix Captive in front of Long Ye that he had commissioned the best craftsmen from Fenghuang Kingdom to create one for her. Though slightly different from the legend, it was still quite impressive.

While inspecting the Phoenix Captive, Bu Yao kept an eye on Jiang Yuanchen’s reaction; his eyes were about to fall out of their sockets as he gazed at it with satisfaction. He lifted the corners of his mouth proudly and took the Phoenix Captive from her hands, smiling as he said, "Esteemed Eunuch Jiang is favored by His Majesty in every way and must be highly esteemed indeed. Although I am but a princess consort, I hope for your continued favor."

Receiving the priceless Phoenix Captive, Jiang Yuanchen held it carefully in his hands, marveling at its beauty that he had never seen before, though it could move hearts to an extent. He found himself unable to look away.

"A princess consort who understands propriety; no wonder the prince specially petitioned His Majesty." After putting away the Phoenix Captive, Jiang Yuanchen said with a satisfied smile, "I will now return to report my mission. Princess Consort should rest well."

"Thank you for your trouble, Esteemed Eunuch Jiang." As she watched him leave, Bu Yao’s eyes revealed a hint of disdain as she lifted her lips in a cold manner and instructed Qiao Er, "Qiao Er, when the prince comes back, tell him I am feeling down and have no appetite."

Qiao Er was taken aback but smiled knowingly upon remembering the Phoenix Captive. "I understand."

Back in her room, she looked around at all the dowries filling it, noting that nothing was missing. The place was resplendent with gold and jewels, almost as if they intended to decorate the entire area with gold. She thought about mentioning a story about building a golden house to hide her away.

However, while Bu Yao’s eyes were dazzled by all the dowries, Qi Lin pretended to sleep but was actually in pain from lying still for so long.

The day before she had jumped down impulsively and although it had scared her a little, she only fell asleep briefly. She did not expect to be sleeping this long; moreover, Feng Changqing had been sitting beside her bed all the while without leaving. It was already dusk after a whole day of sleep, and her stomach was starting to rumble.

"Emperor, your slave has completed the imperial mandate. Miss Bu Yao is here to receive and thank for the grace."

Feng Changqiang toyed with a strand of hair and twirled a bright yellow fan in his other hand, his eyes filled with amusement as he occasionally looked at Qi Lin.

Waving his hand to dismiss everyone else, Feng Changqiang remained where he was.

Damn it, she could barely hold on anymore. Help! What's worse is that she needed the toilet so badly.

She had been holding it all day and couldn't pretend any longer.

Mimicking someone from a TV show, she sniffed and frowned, moved her fingers slightly, then slowly opened her eyes, pretending to ask, "Where am I"

"In your private estate," Feng Changqiang snapped open his fan and turned towards Qi Lin, narrowing his eyes. "Don't you recognize this place"

Stunned for a moment, Qi Lin's face changed slightly as she pretended to be surprised by the turn of events. She quickly got out of bed and knelt down in proper form. "This humble woman did not know that Your Majesty was here. I ask for your forgiveness."

Feng Changqiang narrowed his eyes, reaching with his long arm to grab Qi Lin's slender arm. His sword-like eyebrows furrowed as he asked, "Are you trembling Are you afraid of me"

"No." Qi Lin quickly denied it, feeling her words weren't appropriate and lowered her head. Only she knew that the tremors were from holding in her bladder all day. She continued calmly, saying, "Your Majesty, this humble woman is dressed lightly and thus feel a bit cold."

Cold Looking at Qi Lin's thin clothing, he gestured for her to stand up. He then said, “You keep calling yourself 'this humble woman.' Do you know that you were the first one to reach my side this morning I promised to make the first one who arrives here my queen."

Queen She had heard about how Feng Changqiang had been on the throne for seven years without appointing a queen, which was like emulating Qin Shi Huang. But hearing the word "queen" still startled her.

"This humble woman..."

"Ah, shouldn't you change your way of addressing" Interrupting Qi Lin, he caught the bewildered look in her eyes and felt a bit annoyed as he continued, “Are you going to defy the imperial mandate"

Qi Lin bowed and firmly stated, "Your Majesty, this humble woman comes from Drunken Flower Pavilion. I am of lower birth than several fair maidens around here. My knowledge is shallow, making me unworthy to be a queen, let alone..."

Feng Changqiang seeing Qi Lin's silence asked, “Let alone what”

"I said something, can you" Innocently looking at Feng Changqiang, she blinked twice and laughed awkwardly.

"Very well, the emperor pardons you."

Upon receiving the pardon, Qi Lin finally relaxed but didn't dare to be reckless. She said, "Your Majesty, your humble servant dares to say that since there is no commotion at the front and back doors now, it can be inferred that Your Majesty has not yet issued an edict to establish a queen. Therefore, your humble servant has not violated any imperial decree."

After speaking, Qi Lin cautiously observed Feng Changqing. Seeing his sword-like eyebrows slightly furrowed and fine beads of sweat on his forehead, she couldn't help wondering how he could be sweating in such cold weather.

Waiting for a long time but seeing no reaction from Feng Changqing, she was also desperately needing to go to the toilet and her head had already started to perspire profusely.

Just as Qi Lin thought Feng Changqing had fallen asleep, he suddenly stood up and left in a hurry.

Sigh~

Finally gone. Although his departure was silent, Qi Lin couldn't hold back any longer, getting up hastily to put on an outer robe before rushing out of the door.

However, when she rushed outside, she saw neatly lined-up eunuchs and palace maids in the courtyard, Zi Yun Longye standing respectfully, behind them were all the jade ladies candidates, and Feng Changqing wearing a black long gown was waving his fan and looking at her.

Eyeballs spinning, Qi Lin walked over and just as she intended to kneel down, she was stopped by Feng Changqing.

"Didn't you say that the emperor hasn't issued an edict" With a wave of his hand, Jiang Yuanzheng respectfully took out an imperial decree. The other palace maids prepared ink and brush for him as he said, "The emperor is about to issue an edict."

Qi Lin was taken aback by Feng Changqing's actions. She wanted to speak up to stop him but a glance from Zi Yun silenced her. There was nothing else she could do except keep quiet and adapt.

Feng Changqing wielded his brush vigorously, affixing several seals with the imperial jade seal in swift succession, then said, "Brother of the emperor, please read out the imperial decree."

Zi Yun was stunned for a moment before taking the decree and respectfully unrolling it. After reading its contents, he hid his surprise well and walked forward to announce solemnly, "All jade ladies, listen to the imperial decree!"

Everyone knelt down, waiting for what they already knew would be the outcome.

"By the grace of Empress Dowager's benevolence. From ancient times, emperors have been careful in selecting virtuous women to fill the palace ranks and assist with internal affairs. According to past regulations, these rites are highly significant. Consort Xiao, gentle and upright, has made remarkable contributions; she is hereby promoted to the rank of Empress. Du Ruo Huan is appointed as Princess Xiao, Bai Lu as Princess Zhuang, Jun Zi as Princess Huai, and Jade Lady Hongxue is ennobled as a lady in waiting. A date will be set for their formal enthronement. Thus decrees His Majesty."

Hearing such an imperial decree, everyone was greatly surprised. They originally thought Qi Lin would be appointed as Empress so they all took a look at her.

Although she was slightly astonished too, Qi Lin was still quite satisfied with this outcome. After all, big trees attract wind.

"Thank you for the grace."

Feng Changqing walked in front of Qi Lin, using his fan to lift her chin and forcing her to look at him. Noticing the restraint in Qi Lin's eyes, Feng Changqing looked disdainfully at her and coldly said, "How Are you not satisfied with my arrangement"

"Your servant... ." Seeing Feng Changqing slightly frown, Qi Lin quickly changed her稱呼" I不敢妄自菲薄。Thank you for the grace."

However, Feng Changqing suddenly became displeased, but it wasn't because of what Qi Lin said; rather, it was due to the absence of restraint in her eyes, replaced by indifference. He snorted and left without a word.

Only when everyone had left did Qi Lin raise her head to see Zi Yun standing quietly alone before her. Qi Lin could no longer hold back and rushed towards the toilet.

"Is this outcome what you sought for yourself" Zi Yun toyed with a nearby branch, suddenly spotting the rose vine twining around it, with a tiny bud on one of the dry branches. Looking up at the twilight sky, he realized that the air was no longer as cold, and time had passed so quickly.

After Qi Lin finished her physiological needs, she walked out of the茅廁and strolled to the stream to wash her hands, wiping her face with a handkerchief. She finally felt relieved; otherwise, she might have suffocated. However, once her need was satisfied, she felt hungry.

Stretching lazily, she suddenly noticed a tall figure behind her. Turning around, she saw it was Zi Yun, who was looking at her with a smile but exuding cold killing intent, which made Qi Lin quickly hide her smile.

Zi Yun approached Qi Lin step by step, while she stepped back in turn. When she reached the edge of the stream and the ground beneath her loosened, she lost balance and fell towards the water.

Fortunately, Zi Yun acted swiftly, stretching his long arm to摟住Qi Lin's waist and pulling her into his embrace before turning around to a safe place. He did not immediately let go but instead lowered his head to Qi Lin’s neck and inhaled deeply. Besides the scent of rose oil from her hair, he didn't detect that strange fragrance mentioned by someone else.

"Zi Yun, what are you doing" Irritated by Zi Yun's breath, Qi Lin tilted her head to the side and softly said, "Shouldn’t you let me go now"

Zi Yun looked up at Qi Lin’s calm eyes. In his heart, Qi Lin always appeared very rational; even in a man's arms like this, she would not refuse or react otherwise. However, what he heard from others seemed to be a different side of Qi Lin. Why was that He wanted to see another side of her.

"I say—ah."

Qi Lin felt dizzy as consciousness momentarily left her; the softness on her lips wasn't tender like someone else's, but rather felt somewhat experimental. When a wet tongue prepared to pry open her teeth, she suddenly thought of that man.

"Ah!" She pushed Zi Yun away forcefully, wiping blood from her lip corner, glaring at him with a smile. To her surprise, the faint red on his lips only added several strokes of devilish charm; under this light and angle, he looked somewhat similar to that man in terms of features.

"Humph, quite fiery indeed." Licking the blood on the corner of his mouth casually, a subtle sweet flavor lingered on his tongue, spreading into his mouth. It was true after all, as he slightly raised his lips and looked at Qi Lin. Was this expression one of embarrassment Mostly it seemed to be委屈。"Your Highness kisses you once, and you feel wronged"

Hearing these words, Qi Lin wiped away the remaining taste of Zi Yun from her lips fiercely, biting them as she said, "Your Highness has a noble status, born with a silver spoon in your mouth; naturally, you have strong tastes. I can't bear it."t it, she's a cute lady.Zi Lin raised her gaze to the azure sky and then looked towards the tranquil White Tiger Mountain in the distance. He must be here somewhere, right He always comes and goes lik...