The Difference Between Adults and Children!

According to that high-ranking noble, the Dragon Saliva Jade Dew Cake was made by refining collected morning dew through a secret method, removing its impurities while preserving its purity and sweetness.

Next, ambergris was finely ground and mixed with golden-thread honey dates and reishi spores, then simmered over a low flame until its fragrance filled the air and its color resembled jade.

Finally, the refined morning dew was stirred evenly into the mixture and poured into specially made molds. Spiritual energy was used to finish the cakes, and once they cooled, the result was the crystal-clear, irresistibly fragrant Dragon Saliva Jade Dew Cake.

Chu Ruoyan's thoughts even drifted back to the year she had tasted the Dragon Saliva Jade Dew Cake. It had practically melted in her mouth, as though it could cleanse her soul and make her forget the clamor of the mortal world.

After eating it back then, she had thanked that high-ranking noble a thousand times over.

Who would have thought that a rare treasure outside the palace, a gift only a high-ranking noble could afford to give, was merely an ordinary snack here?

And according to the Head Palace Maid, more could be provided whenever she finished it.

That sent a little surge of excitement through Chu Ruoyan's heart.

But as a woman, she still had some reserve.

She sat there for a long time, not daring to eat any.

She stole a few glances at Li Chen's handsome profile and found him still diligently reviewing memorials.

She thought to herself, I'll just try one piece.

But once she started, she found it rather hard to stop.

The exquisite texture had already immersed her in a world of fantasy.

She had only intended to try one piece, yet before she knew it, she had finished every cake on the plate.

Just as she instinctively reached for another, she accidentally knocked over the teacup beside her.

With a crisp crash, the teacup made intimate contact with the floor and instantly shattered.

The premium tea leaves and tea inside spilled all over the floor.

The noise drew not only the palace maids outside, but also Li Chen's gaze.

Chu Ruoyan hurriedly rose, approached Li Chen, and bowed as she knelt to apologize.

She was already wearing a low-cut dress, and that posture gave Li Chen an unobstructed view.

As Li Chen studied the sight intently, he thought, Who would have guessed? She's actually this well-endowed.

Though she was nowhere near as exaggerated as the Empress Dowager, she was still quite formidable among women her age.

It was only a minor interlude. Once Li Chen had looked his fill, his mood improved a little. He assured her it was no great matter, had the palace maids clean everything up, and ordered more tea and snacks for Chu Ruoyan.

Then Li Chen went back to dealing with the memorials.

This time, Chu Ruoyan did not continue indulging herself. Her long lashes fluttered as she watched the serious man before her.

Li Chen's diligence as he reviewed the memorials exuded the charm of a mature man.

Coupled with his godlike good looks, it truly made for an intoxicating sight.

Chu Ruoyan did not even realize she had fallen into a daze.

She had met all sorts of men in her life. Some were spirited at drinking parties, bold and generous.

Some were young and hot-blooded, tenacious and fierce.

Others were utterly devoted to her, unwavering even unto death.

As one of the Twin Beauties of the Imperial Capital, she had far too many men pursuing her.

In other people's eyes, many of those suitors were outstanding sons of heaven, each a match for the best.

Yet she had never met a man like Li Chen, who held the entire realm in his heart and truly labored for his country and its people.

In the past, when Chu Ruoyan watched her pack of devoted admirers openly and secretly fight over her, sometimes even coming to blows, she claimed not to care, but deep down she was rather pleased. Was that not proof of her charm?

Only now, seeing a man who truly accomplished great things, did she understand the difference between adults and children.

Seen in that light, the other men were not even worth mentioning beside Li Chen.

Honestly, Chu Ruoyan could not even be bothered to compare the men she knew with Li Chen.

They simply were not on the same level.

At that thought, Chu Ruoyan had already developed a little affection for this emperor so absorbed in his work.

She could not help it. He really was too outstanding. Where else in the world could she find another like him?

Even Li Chen had not anticipated this. He had no idea how much was going on inside Chu Ruoyan's head.

In fact, the moment Li Chen first saw Chu Ruoyan, he had thought that this woman had a full chest and long legs. She certainly lived up to being "handpicked by the Empress Dowager" and was well worth pursuing.

But he was simply too busy today, so he could only leave her waiting nearby for the time being.

After finally finishing, he had thought he could at last go on their date.

Who would have guessed that another pile of matters would arrive, all requiring him, the emperor, to handle them personally?

Li Chen figured this date was probably going to fall through.

The woman might not show anything on the surface, but surely she was growing impatient inside.

Who would have guessed that Chu Ruoyan could win herself over on his behalf?

Finally, after five and a half hours of work, Li Chen finished at six-thirty in the evening.

Setting down the last memorial, Li Chen leaned back in his chair and let out a long breath. At last, he was free!

By this hour, Li Chen no longer had much inclination to go out on a date.

He simply had the imperial kitchen prepare some food, then chatted with Chu Ruoyan as they ate.

It was supposed to be a casual conversation, but whenever Li Chen spoke, Chu Ruoyan obediently set down her bowl and chopsticks. Only after listening to him finish and answering him did she dare resume eating.

Li Chen told her not to be so restrained and to just talk naturally.

It had to be said that Li Chen knew a thing or two about flirting.

He began with some basic information, then asked about Chu Ruoyan's interests.

Once he knew what Chu Ruoyan enjoyed, he could use her interests as a starting point to broaden their conversation.

After all, if he abruptly started talking to a woman about something he knew well, and she knew nothing about it, she would not know how to answer or join the conversation.

Starting with her interests gave her plenty to talk about, making it an excellent choice.

But conversation was about getting to know each other, not just one person learning about the other.

So once they had talked enough about Chu Ruoyan's interests, Li Chen brought up a few things that interested him, drawing her curiosity toward those topics.

As long as she showed interest, Li Chen would make that the focus and play to his strengths, letting her remember what he wanted to tell her and form an initial impression of him.

Once the conversation opened up, Chu Ruoyan naturally became less restrained than she had been at first.

Their evening meal was filled with plenty of cheerful talk and laughter.

By this point in their conversation, the two had gained a fair understanding of each other.

Seeing Chu Ruoyan's radiant smile, and the way her voluptuous figure quivered with her soft laughter, Li Chen knew her first impression of him was quite good.

At the very least, this meal had brought them closer.

Next, he only needed to spend some time taking things further to find out whether she had feelings for him.

Finally, of course, there would be exchanges of all sorts of special skills to deepen their affection.

It was getting late, so Chu Ruoyan could only take her leave for now.

On the way back, she felt utterly relaxed and delighted.

Having seen how young and commanding His Majesty was, tasted delicacies she could not normally enjoy, and discussed so many interesting experiences with the emperor, she truly felt comfortable from head to toe.

Escorted by the palace maids, Chu Ruoyan left the imperial palace, then rode back to the Chu Lineage's residence in their carriage.

But from the shadows, a mysterious figure quietly followed her!