Volume Two: The Second Chapter

"How could that be!" he protested at once. "I'm out on official business."

"Eating and drinking on the public purse, more like."

"It's true. At the beginning and middle of every month, I go to Dongxu Mansion to discuss affairs with the ministers. You've only just taken office, Pig Kid, so I thought you might feel awkward going alone. That's why I came to fetch you." He smiled innocently, though Zhu Bafu was sure he was up to something. "This is an enormous imperial favor, yet you're looking at me as if to say, 'What mischief are you plotting now?' How rude."

Well, even the most trusting person would grow wary after being tricked enough times.

Zhu Bafu raised a hand to straighten her Confucian Robe. Suddenly, her Hair Crown came loose. Before she could catch it, her long black hair spilled over her shoulders, its faint fragrance spreading through the room. Alarmed, she bent to pick up the crown and hurried to tie her hair back, but His Majesty hooked a finger under her chin and forced her to meet his gaze.

His Majesty watched her with amused eyes, his nostrils flaring slightly as though savoring her scent. "Hm? Pig Kid, why can't I smell that pauper's stink anymore? Why do you smell so sweet, like a woman?"

The author has something to say:

=. = All right!! Volume Two starts updating today!! QAQ I don't actually have many chapters saved up!!!! But I'll work hard to keep you fed!!

Volume Two: The Second Chapter

"Y-Your Majesty, you've got it wrong! On my way back last night, a rouge seller accidentally spilled some on me. That's why I smell of it."

"Oh—so it's rouge. I like this scent. It smells much better than the cosmetics my consorts use