Volume Two: The Second Chapter
"How could that be!" he hurriedly retorted, "I'm here on official business."
"They're using public funds for food and drinks."
"It's true. At the beginning and end of each month, I go to the Dongxu Mansion to discuss matters with the various Commander Mansion. Pig Kid, and I was afraid you'd feel awkward, so I came to ask you to come along." He smiled innocently, but Zhu Bafu saw something more to it. "This is a great imperial favor! You're looking at me with that 'what mischief are you up to now' expression. That's very impolite."
There's no way around it; even the most honest and straightforward person will become wary after being scammed too many times.
Zhu Bafu straightened her scholar's Confucian Robe, and the Hair Crown that bound her hair suddenly came loose. Before she could raise her hand to fix it, a cascade of soft, black hair cascaded down, the woman's hair delicate and fragrant, filling the room with its aroma. She was startled and bent down to pick up the Hair Crown, hurriedly trying to tie her long hair back up. However, the Your Majesty's index finger lightly hooked her chin, forcing her to look into his eyes.
His Your Majesty's eyes gleamed with amusement, his nose twitching slightly as he stared at her as if savoring the taste of a woman. "Hmm? Pig Kid, why do you suddenly exude a delicate, feminine fragrance instead of that stale, poor smell?"
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Author's Note:
=.= Okay!! I'll start updating Volume Two today!! QAQ I don't actually have that many chapters saved up!!!! But I'll try my best to keep you all entertained!!
Chapter 44, Volume Two, Chapter Two
"Your Majesty, you've made a mistake! That... that was because a Rouge vendor accidentally spilled Rouge on me on my way back last night, which is why I have some of the Rouge scent on me."
"Oh--so it's Rouge. I like this scent, much better than the cosmetics used by the concubines in my Inner Palace. Where is this vendor from? You must take me to see him, my Pig Kid. I'll buy some to reward the Inner Palace." As he spoke, he subtly flicked a strand of hair near her cheek with his long fingers.
"Heh... hehe, if I am fortunate enough to encounter you again, I will certainly inform Your Majesty." She awkwardly hugged her Hair Crown and retreated.
Seeing her hesitation, His Your Majesty stopped approaching, letting a few Dark Hair slip from his palm. "Pig Kid, has anyone ever told you that you look quite pretty with your long hair down to your shoulders?"
The ambiguous remark instantly made her cheeks flush bright red. A mix of guilt, panic, and shyness welled up inside her, making it impossible for her to continue standing before His Your Majesty. "This humble servant will go to the well to tidy his hair and then accompany Your Majesty to the Dongxu Mansion!"
Watching her flee in panic, His Your Majesty lowered his long fingers to his lips, his tongue lightly touching the faint fragrance lingering on them. His eyes narrowed into slits, his gaze passing over the dilapidated windowsill to the figure with her hair tied up by the well, a deep smile playing on his lips.
The Dongxu Mansion held regular meetings once at the beginning and end of each month. These meetings served as a Ministry Administration Office for the Ministry Administration Office to report to Holy Emperor on the current situation of the Son of Heaven's Disciple and to recommend talented individuals who could enter the court and pursue official careers.
Being able to meet the emperor and express one's opinions directly is a privilege reserved for officials of the third rank in the Inner Capital City. Therefore, although those in the Imperial College are still Academy Student have not yet entered the Imperial Court, those who can sit in the Commander Mansion's seat must be young masters from noble families.
A towering mountain, its shape resembling a galloping celestial horse soaring into the heavens, hangs Parents above the Deliberation Hall. Six Four Treasures of the Study, complete with the Four Treasures of the Desk personnel, revenue, rites, war, justice, and public works), are arranged in two rows on either side of the Dragon Throne Desk. On each Desk rests a Jade Porcelain Cup, its lid slightly tilted, the aroma of tea wafting out and mingling with the ink's fragrance. Yet, instead of the leisurely pursuits of literati, the atmosphere is tense and serious, as if male politicians are about to make life-or-death decisions in the blink of an eye.
Zhu Bafu stopped outside the door, but no matter how hard he tried, he couldn't get over the obstacle.
Even though she's had some education and read a few books, she's still lived the life of a maiden for over a decade. Asking her to instantly switch to a man's mindset and discuss history like a politician would definitely make her reveal her Empress nature. No, no, she really should refuse His Your Majesty...
"I knew that Pig Kid would be intimidated by the show these bastards put on. Come with me, let's see who dares to bully you in front of me."
Before she could even feign a runaway turn, her sleeve was grabbed by His Your Majesty. Before she could even utter a "no," she was already tumbling into the abyss of officialdom, a place even more filthy and corrupt than Pink Pavilion. Good heavens! Her Old Man had bet the whole family on this, and she, this little brat, had foolishly dragged herself into it too!
"I have arrived! Let me introduce you all. This is my new favorite— Zhu Bafu, the Minister of Works. You must treat him as you would treat me..."
Your Majesty could finish speaking about presenting the treasure, a book flew straight at her and slapped her across the face.
That was a good slap in the face! A resounding "slap!" Your Majesty, it's not that she wanted to be a treacherous minister! She just felt that having him as her backer was completely unreliable! He couldn't protect her at all! Now you see what kind of life this so-called new favorite is living, right?
With a red welt on her wrist, she glared angrily at the man who had assaulted her—a man Nian Youyu from the Minister of Revenue. Damn it! Everyone here had the right to beat her up, except for this guy who coveted someone else's only son! How dare he hit his brother-in-law! Did he really think she was easy to bully?!
Before she could even roll up her sleeves and grab this short Ministry of Revenue to teach him a lesson, he stood up first, pointing his patched-up cuffs directly at her. "You, the Minister of Works, haven't even warmed your seat yet, and you dare to embezzle and accept bribes right under my nose!"
Greed, embezzlement and bribery? Heaven have mercy, she'd better have that ability, become a rich and handsome man through greed, then turn back into a beautiful and wealthy woman, manage the mansion, and reach the pinnacle of life!
"Ha, Lord Zhu, who relied on the Emperor's favor to get in through back channels, is quite audacious. He's only been in the Commander Mansion for a couple of days and he's already planning to turn the world upside down in the Dongxu Mansion." Picking up her Tea Cup, the Minister of Rites was still dressed in a gorgeous women's dress. From the Buyao Hairpin to the Nail Polish, she was charming and impeccably armed, making this real woman look like a complete tomboy.
"Tch, he's just a lowly commoner after all. Give him a little power and he thinks he's some kind of lowly stable boy." Longyang, the Military Minister, sat arrogantly in his Grand Master Chair, casually resting his chin on his hand. His bright eyes scanned her from head to toe and then from bottom to top, his displeasure growing with each glance.