Minister Jiang, Attend Me Tonight

Xue Ye had finally kicked the bucket... ahem, tragically passed away. Grief appeared at the corners of Qian Renxue's mouth as she waved a grand hand and declared that the funeral must be lavish, absolutely lavish, and held in glorious style.

With the emperor dead, an air of sorrow hung over the entire imperial city.

By law, no one could marry for six months. As Crown Prince, "Xue Qinghe" also had to arrange Xue Ye's funeral and wear mourning clothes for twenty-seven days.

Naturally, Jiang Mingyang, a good friend of the Crown Prince, had to visit his residence and help ease his burdens.

But the Crown Prince had spent the past two days arranging Xue Ye's funeral and had been too busy to see him.

Jiang Mingyang decided he could only visit at night.

As she had not yet ascended the throne, Qian Renxue had remained in the Crown Prince's residence, the Eastern Palace.

Jiang Mingyang arrived openly at the gates of the Eastern Palace, righteousness practically radiating from him. The trusted guard at the gate recognized him, hurriedly bowed, then went inside to announce his arrival.

A moment later, the guard returned and invited Jiang Mingyang in.

Jiang Mingyang knew his way around the Eastern Palace well. Before long, he reached the hall where Qian Renxue usually handled state affairs.

At his first sight of her, Jiang Mingyang froze. Qian Renxue was not dressed as the Crown Prince or wearing Xue Qinghe's appearance. She sat in the hall as herself.

She wore a long gown of deep-blue brocade, its hem embroidered with tiny white plum blossoms. A white brocade sash bound her slender waist, so narrow it seemed one hand could encircle it.

Her golden hair was gathered into a ru yi bun, held by a single white-jade plum-blossom hairpin. Simple as it was, the style looked fresh and elegant.

At Jiang Mingyang's arrival, Qian Renxue's eyes flickered. Suddenly in a playful mood, she smiled gently, nodded to him, and said slowly, "Minister Jiang, come see how I've handled these memorials."

Jiang Mingyang heard her words, took one look at her expression, and understood.

Playing along, he said, "Your Majesty, I'm not much good at handling memorials, but I do know medicine. I could examine Your Majesty's health."

As he spoke, he made as though to approach her.

Qian Renxue's face flushed crimson. Seeing him move, she hastily stopped him. "M-Minister Jiang, th-there's really no need.

"I am in excellent health. My imperial person is perfectly sound, so there's no need for Minister Jiang to concern himself."

Qian Renxue did not realize how adorable her flushed face, breathtaking beauty, and flustered gestures made her look.

Jiang Mingyang had felt thoroughly relaxed today, without the slightest desire. He had only intended to keep Qian Renxue company.

But when he saw how adorable she looked and remembered that she would soon ascend the throne as emperor, his desire to conquer surged in an instant.

So Jiang Mingyang insisted, "As the ruler of a nation, Your Majesty's health concerns the fate of the Empire. We can't be careless. Let me examine you!" His eyes burning red, he climbed the steps.

Qian Renxue hurriedly backed away, while Jiang Mingyang advanced one step at a time.

When he drew very close, Qian Renxue found she had nowhere left to retreat. Blushing, she quietly closed her eyes and waited...

Jiang Mingyang slowly kissed Qian Renxue...

Her gaze gradually grew hazy. She gently... Jiang Mingyang, then told him with a tenderness that brooked no refusal, "Minister Jiang, don't worry. No one will come here. Today, I permit you to... a-attend me in bed."

Two hours later

Qian Renxue lay against Jiang Mingyang's chest, gasping for breath. Her clothes barely covered her fair, delicate skin. Judging by the satisfaction on her face, it had certainly been a long...

Jiang Mingyang had not expected himself to become so formidable. By rights, one hour would have been a normal performance.

Yet this time, he had grown considerably stronger. Whenever he had been on the verge of falling in battle, he had remembered that he was fighting the future ruler of the Empire.

Though Jiang Mingyang had been adopted by the Heaven Dou Empire's First Military Commander, he considered himself a commoner at heart.

Qian Renxue, as the Empire's ruler, belonged to the feudal ruling class. The two sides were enemies. He had to rid the people of this scourge.

Strength had welled up from nowhere. It had to be the power of conviction, the power of the mind! Jiang Mingyang nodded firmly. Yes, that must be it!

After catching her breath, Qian Renxue said tenderly, "I'm about to ascend the throne. When I do, I'll appoint you my empress."

At that, she could not help covering her mouth and laughing.

Jiang Mingyang smiled. "Your Majesty, this consort of yours can't do that!"

If it happened every day, Jiang Mingyang felt he... he definitely wouldn't have a problem!

He was just a little worried about Qianqian. Really... he was only worried about Qianqian...

Qian Renxue's smile grew even more adorable. Jiang Mingyang's eyes sharpened, and he wanted to teach her another lesson. But he seemed to have grown merciful. Well, since his little brother had spoken, he would let it go!

After so long together, Qian Renxue could tell what Jiang Mingyang wanted from a single look. She was about to beg for mercy when she seemed to notice something.

A challenge entered her eyes. "Minister Jiang, everyone has his limits. I understand. It's normal, perfectly normal!"

As she spoke, Qian Renxue began to laugh.

Jiang Mingyang rubbed his forehead helplessly. He had let himself down! All he could do was secretly add this to her tab. Hmph, does the Douluo Continent have an Immortal Herb that boosts a man's vigor?

One that restores it on its own every twenty-four hours, so I can keep going for twenty-four hours at a time?

If it exists, I'll snatch it even from a God King!

Jiang Mingyang then tried to buy time. "Let me rest. Just let me rest a little!"

Seeing his helpless expression and the grudge in his eyes, Qian Renxue's smile grew brighter. Her eyes brimming with provocation, she said, "Either you can or you can't, Minister Jiang. What do you mean, 'rest a little'?"

Jiang Mingyang felt his authority had been challenged!

He chose his words carefully, preparing to appeal to her feelings as he asked for mercy indirectly. "Qianqian, you know me. I'm just not at my best today!"

Qian Renxue laughed. "Shouldn't you be performing better than usual?"

In truth, Qian Renxue had outdone herself today too and was already spent. But she saw no reason to stop provoking Jiang Mingyang.

Faced with her merciless words, Jiang Mingyang had no answer. He conceded defeat.

Qian Renxue burst out laughing. "Haha! Don't worry, Minister Jiang. I won't look down on you! Haha!"

Her merciless mockery made Jiang Mingyang furious. "I'm only a teenager! I've yet to reach my prime. Once I do, things will change!"

Qian Renxue nodded in agreement. "Ah, yes, yes, of course!"

Whatever else happened, Jiang Mingyang had achieved his purpose in visiting Qian Renxue. He had helped His Majesty relieve her stress, after all!

It might have been a little more exhausting, but for Her Majesty's sake, Jiang Mingyang was willing to be a loyal minister.

(2021 National College Entrance Examination, Paper II) "I've yet to reach my prime. Once I do, things will change." This is a famous saying of the Grand Ancestor Emperor. Question: What does this sentence mean?

Answer: (1) Translation: I have not yet grown up. When I do, this matter will change. [2 points. Full credit for the general meaning; partial credit may be awarded if only part is correct.]

(2) It shows the Grand Ancestor Emperor's youthful ambition and high spirits, expressing his earnest hopes and grand aspirations for the future.

[4 points. Full credit if the general sentiment is conveyed; partial credit may be awarded for a partly correct answer.]