Da Qi Xi 2nd year, August 9th, avoid travelling but good for marriage

This day is indeed auspicious, it was carefully selected by the Chinese Astrology Department, clear skies, sunny, that made even the lion seemed tamed.

Cheung Ning Street near the forbidden city, a line of guards of honor can be seen leading a wedding procession. But unlike the ordinary people, the palanquin is not red, but instead a gold one with a raised ceiling carried by 16 people. The palanquin is drapped with gold embroidered Phoenixes, top to down golden tassels, and surrounded by expensive pearl strings, waving in the wind where together it dazzled to the point where eyes aches.

The only person that is eligible for this type of marriage treatment, is non other than the Empress.

The streets were lined with people, everyone was trying to see the procession. Even though there were other festivities that could match the occasion, but seeing the Emperor’s wedding is something that is very rare.

Although there were many people in the procession, some playing music and some not, it kept moving forward in an orderly manner. There was also four young presentable eunuch responsible to throw candies and coins placed in hemp bags to the crowds. Whenever the young eunuchs raises their arms, there will be a burst of fury in the crowd.

The procession can be seen to be moving towards the Ye Manor, and from far at the main door, a group of people dressed in dark colours can be seen kneeling on the floor and amongst them, the leader is a white haired, respectable expression, and shining bright eyes.

“That would be Ye Ge Lao” someone from the crowd said after identifying that old man from a far.

“Who is this Ye Ge Lao?” asked one young teenager.

“Ye Ge Lao is Zhong Ji Hall, head scholar, two generations of high positions in the cabinet and three dynasty veteran minister.” Following the explanation of the old man’s background, the speaker’s voice increases in confidences, even though he is not close with Ye Ge Lao, but it does not decrease him being proud of that man.

People around the area are also satisfied with the speaker’s introduction. Even though this matter is known to all, however every time it is brought up by someone, Ye Ge Lao will still receive the respect from many, like the street performances that has been seen many times, but one could not help but to see it again when available.

“Today’s bride is Ye Ge Lao’s first grand daughther, maiden name is Ye Zhen Zhen, 17 this year. Ye Ge Lao have 3 grandchildren but only one grand daughter, she has been brought up like a treasure, loved by many” another person said.

“You dare to address the Empress with her maiden name, are you not afraid of being caught and be planked?” Someone jokingly asked.

” I heard, this marriage has been confirmed three years ago”

“Then why only today, did they get married?”

“Three years ago, the late emperor passed away, the current emperor wanted to fulfill his filial piety therefore pushed the marriage till today.”

“Daddy, the emperor wants to marry Ye Ge Lao’s grand daughter, then won’t he need to call Ye Ge Lao grandfather?” A little boy asked.

This time there was no answer, but instead the father uses his hand to cover his son’s mouth.

The young eunuch raises their arms, coins falls from the sky. People no longer stay to chat but to bend down to collect the coins from the ground.

***

At the Ye Manor, today’s is a day of celebration, everywhere is pasted red papers with auspicious words, all the household members are looking happy, well except for one person.

Ye Zhen Zhen, with a expressionless mood faced herself in the copper mirror. The mirror was purchased before the marriage, with a very good quality which enables anyone to properly see themselves. This is also the first time Ye Zhen Zhen found out how she really looked like. Egg shaped face,small but high nose bridge making the face seems very charismatic; a pair of single lid phoenix clear eyes, which sometimes portrays a very strict expression. And also a pair of eyebrows that has the same length with her eyes, that made her look unhappy if she raises them.

Even though the make up was grand, it matches well with Ye Zhen Zhen’s face, making others feel cautious and in awe around her. But it is unsure whether the emperor will like this type of woman.

Xi Niang, helped Ye Zhen Zhen reorganize her clothes and her phoenix crown, making sure all is right, then helped her stand up. ” Miss, it will be time soon, please first receive the title”

Ye Zhen Zhen, did not answer and followed her to receive the decree.

Seeing Ye Zhen Zhen, receiving the royal decree and the title of empress, Xi Niang felt calmer, thinking that no matter how unwilling Miss is, the position of empress has already been confirmed. Oddly enough, when other people would think being an Empress is a great glory, it is only their Miss that is very unwilling. Normally Miss and the Master of the house have a great relationship, and because of this marriage they have been fighting a few times. However, in the end Miss still couldn’t win over her grandfather and finally submit to the wedding.

Not long after receiving the decree, it is finally the auspicious time, Ye Zhen Zhen was guided towards the gold and sparkling palanquin, and the wedding procession begins bringing along a trail of carts, which happens to be Ye Zhen Zhen’s dowry. It does not matter if the bride is willing or not Ye Ge Lao wanted to make sure his beloved grand daughter got married proudly.

Inside the palanquin, Ye Zhen Zhen, was remembering her grand father’s final words to her ” Must not be dethroned as an Empress”. While massaging her shoulders due to the heavy phoenix crown, she acknowledges that her grandfather knows her really well. But since you know me so well, why do you still push me into that palace that eats up people without leaving even bones.

Thinking about her future husband, Ye Zhen Zhen feels her head aches more. No matter from which angle, the emperor does not match her ideal husband type at all.

In the Da Qi dynasty, women’s social status is has been increased comparing to the previous dynasties, where women can have a certain freedom in marriage. Ye Zhen Zhen is from a big family, grandfather is 3 dynasties veteran minister, also the emperor’s teacher, her father is working in social affairs department, where if without accident her father will also join the cabinet. Therefore besides the princess, there should be no other girl that is as prestigious as Ye Zhen Zhen. With such a strong family background, there will be endless types of husband for her to choose from, and no matter who she decides, it definitely would not have been the emperor. She has been brought up in a pampered environment, and if she is at her husband’s place she would be treated the same, and of course the most important part is that her husband would not be able to look down at her. Above, is something the emperor would not be able to do.

Moreover, ever since the current emperor got throned, he has not been seeing the Ye Family in good terms. One is a powerful veteran minister, another is a new emperor with thoughts, in the court power has always been fought over. The emperor still does not have strong grounds to be able to do anything towards the Ye Family, but it does not mean that in the future he will not. At this moment, she may seem very lucky to be the empress, but when the emperor wants to get rid of the Ye Family, most probably Ye Zhen Zhen will be the first person the emperor will start with.

The more she thinks about it, the darker her future becomes. Ye Zhen Zhen can only stop her thinking and holds on to her yawn. This morning, before the sun comes out, she was awoken to wear the complicated and heavy wedding attire, making her tired to the extreme.

She fell asleep all the way to Kun Ning Palace, even when she was brought to her chamber, she was still drowsy. Thats why when Ji Wu Jiu walked in to the room, the first thing he saw was her yawning. Originally cold faced Ji Wu Jiu, when faced with the current situation turned even colder. What an Empress, which such actions, blaming Ye Xiu Ming (Ye Ge Lao).

After yawning Ye Zhen Zhen saw Ji Wu Jiu, so she slowly got up and greeted him. The emperor received the greeting even though he is not happy with it. But certain things still had to be done. After that he sat down next to her. One looked like a polished jade, another like a flower, they looked great as a pair.

This pair, looked at each other for a brief moment, and turned away. Both wanted to get a better glimpse.

Ye Zhen Zhen, poured herself a cup of wine, remembering that someone mentioned the first night of marriage will be rather painful. Therefore she would prefer to be in a drunk state so that she will not be aware of what is happening and won’t feel the pain.

Right after she drank her first cup, she realised Ji Wu Jie was watching her. Ye Zhen Zhen got a bit embarrassed and asked if he wanted a cup. She got up and poured another cup for the emperor, thinking that she should have first offered him a cup, but she ignored him earlier because he was not pleasant to her eyes.

Still, the emperor received the cup from her, and drank all in one shot. Finally, Ye Zhen Zhen remembered that she have forgotten the couple shot that newly weds needs to consume together, which was reminded by Xi Niang earlier, but due to the complicated ceremonies she has left it out, it should be understandable right..?

Ji Wu Jiu, after finishing his cup, filled it up, drank a little and passed the cup to Ye Zhen Zhen. Unwillingly she took the cup and drank it all.

After finishing the couple shot step, the next step is much more awkward. Ji Wu Jiu, willed himself to carry Ye Zhen Zhen to the bed, and starts to remove her clothes. But under her “you are a beast” gaze he no longer has the will to continue on.

“Close you eyes” Ji Wu Jiu requested.

Even after she closed her eyes, her expression still did not let him increase his ‘appetite’

But luckily she is still considered a beauty, and her charisma has dropped after closing her eyes, not to mention that her body figure is very good, and she feels good to his hands…

Therefore this love session can be considered good.

And then, Ye Zhen Zhen suddenly feels a pang of tearing pain at her lower body, without using her brains to think, her body has already given a reaction, her leg has already given a kick to the person who gave her the pain.

Peng!

Ji Wu Jiu fell to the floor, with a unbelieving expression. Ji Wu Jiu is actually a person that is good with martial arts, with a good teacher too and normally when handling Ye Zhen Zhen’s level of capability he would be able to avoid easily. However, just now he was concentrating on doing that type of thing….

“How dare you!” Ji Wu Jie retorted quickly, looking at Ye Zhen Zhen with a stern face. Even though he has always been able to hide his emotions well, this time he was not able to totally control his anger, heavily breathing, that is appears that he could breath out fire any time soon.

Ye Zhen Zhen, kneeling on the bed, trying to put on a sincere expression said ” It is my fault, accidently harmed the dragon body, may the emperor give punishment”

Punish? How to punish? This type of crime is very big. However this is the first night of marriage, and if he were to punish the empress, it would mean to not give face to Ye Ge Lao. No matter how much he wanted to, it is not the right time.

Furthermore, on the wedding night, allowing oneself to be kicked down the bed by his wife, if its spread out, the husband himself will lose face as well. That is why when Ji Wu Jiu looked at Ye Zhen Zhen, it has added an emotion of complicatedness.

Then, someone from outside called “Emperor”, allowing the both of them to come out from the awkward atmosphere. The person who called the Emperor is none other than his head eunuch Feng You De, who have accompanied the emperor ever since he was a crown prince, which has been over a decade.

“What is going on?”

“Emperor, just now Lu Hua Palace’s eunuch has reported that Li Concubine has accidently fell quite badly.”

Leaving out a huge sigh, Ji Wu Jiu feeling better said ” Head to Lu Hua Palace”.

“Following the Decree”

As Ji Wu Jiu was heading towards the door, he turned his head to look at the Ye Zhen Zhen on the bed, to only find her covering her mouth and taking a big and long yawn.

…

Note: As I am still new to translating, and that this is a period novel, many words are hard to substitute. Hopefully it will be smoother in the future chapters. Do drop any comments so that I can improve the translation.

Second Day of the Grand Marriage, Ye Zhen Zhen still had many things to do, praying to her ancestors, meet with the Empress Dowager, and which after she still had to lead and bring the inner court ladies/concubines to greet the Emperor. When she can finally return to her Kun Ling Palace, her shoulders are already in ache due to the amount of things she had to do, not to mention that her lower body is in dull pain. All in all, she was very uncomfortable.

Her maid servant, Su Yue is giving her a shoulder massage, while the other maid servant, Su Feng serves her a cup of tea, Ye Zhen Zhen drank a sip.

Su Yue and Su Feng, are both part of the dowry that has been serving her since young. Su Yue, does her job in detail and concise, while Su Feng is smart and has good wits.

“Niang-Niang, yesterday night the Emperor spent the night at Lu Hua Palace” Said Su Yue.

“En”, Ye Zhen Zhen answered nonchalantly.

“That Lee Concubine is really too daring, just because the Emperor is doting on her a little, she actually dared to pick a fight with you, she really don’t know what’s her worth” Su Feng added.

“oh”

Seeing that her own master is not paying attention to the matter at hand, Su Feng got a little anxious and said “Niang-Niang, you shouldn’t be like this now, you will allow others to bully you easily”

Sighing, Su Yue added, “Now the most important thing is to attract the Emperor, that Lee Concubine, is so arrogant now due to the Emperor’s doting, Niang-niang you should….”

Shaking her head, Ye Zhen Zhen said, “She is this arrogant, because her father is the general in charge of fighting of the Western Regions Barbarians.

What a joke, the emperor is not doting on her now, if he was Ji Wu Jiu wouldn’t let her enter the inner palace. It is just a way to control her father, to help control the western regions. The border is in current need of people, even though General Su is not a great general, but still considered talented and loyal, and since it is hard to find good generals, when there is one, it is best to placate them when possible, and one of the best way is to keep her daughter in the bed of the emperor.

Su Feng, however found this hard to accept. “ then the emperor….”

“The emperor can be considered sacrificing his body for the country, speaking of which I also admire his will” said Ye Zhen Zhen.

Her maid servants bursts into laughter upon hearing this sentence. Slowly Su Yue, stopped laughing, and said “ Our Empress, why are you still the same as last time, now you will need to control yourself, we need to be vary of the ears behind these walls, if it happens to get to the emperor, I am just afraid he will sentence you that you did him great disrespect”.

In her heart Ye Zhen Zhen said “ So what, nothing could be worst then yesterday night”

After resting a while, the other inner palace ladies and concubines came to greet the empress, and which after today, they are to come and greet her every day before she leads them to greet the Empress Dowager.

Ji Wu Jiu, is only 20 this year, that’s why his harem is still small, and higher rank concubines are even less, as for imperial concubines there are only 2 of them, Lee Concubine and Xian Concubine. Lee Concubine is the daughter (not from main wife) of Su General, originally she was just an inner court lady from Dong Palace (Crown Prince Quarters). After the coronation of Ji Wu Jiu, her rank has ben raised step by step. Xian Concubine on the other hand is the daughter (from main wife) of the Ministry of Household Fang Xiu Qing, which just entered the palace together with Ye Zhen Zhen yesterday. According to the rules, when an Empress are to be coronate, one or two other imperial concubines needs to be canonized as well. There can be two ways, either choosing from within the imperial palace or to bring in from outside, Xian Concubine belongs to the latter.

The ranks of the imperial consort are as below, in the second rank there are 3 sub ranks, Zhuang rank, Hui rank and Xi rank. In the third rank, “ Jie Yu” there will be 3 person, fourth rank “Zhao Yi”, 2 person and fifth rank “Mei Ren”, which are the rest of the people. All these imperial consorts are pretty in a various ways, showing that Ji Wu Jiu has many different tastes. Without an expression Ye Zhen Zhen, glanced through the consorts. An action albeit natural brings forth grace and majesty, and those who was glanced by her could not help but to feel in awe.

Then, her gaze stopped at Li Concubine. Initially she didn’t want to find trouble, but since Li Concubine arrived late today, she wanted to give her a chance to explain herself. Sure enough, Li Concubine started to explain herself, “I was not feeling well, therefore made it late here, therefore was rude to Empress, hope you give me punishment”. Ye Zhen Zhen answered nonchalantly “ Li Concubine, you don’t have to worry and be so formal, after all it was to serve the emperor, what is there to blame.

Li Concubine observed that Ye Zhen Zhen, did not show any expression on her face, feeling a little surprised. Another doted consort, the consort of Xi rank, smiled and agreed with the empress. Then turned and smiled at Li Concubine “Mei-Mei, heard that yesterday Sis accidently fell yesterday, are you feeling better now?” “ Yesterday the Emperor already asked the doctor to check on it, it is not a big deal, thanks for the concern” answered Li Concubine. “Sis, although you got hurt, instead of informing the doctor first, you told the Emperor, the way you act was truly cautious” Xi rank consort said while glancing at the Empress, to find out that her eyes were closed without any expression on her face.

The other consorts were happily watching them bicker, as Li Concubine were usually the most powerful one, not many dared to anger her. But since the empress is here today, Xi rank consort wanted to express her dislike as well as loyalty towards the empress. However it seems like the empress will not be bothering about them and sat there to watch them bicker like the rest.

Xi consort, went a little speechless although still wanted to stand by what she said. Then, Zhuang consort, who has always sided Li Concubine added “ Sister Xi, perhaps you didn’t know, the emperor has given instructions to the eunuchs and servants, if anything were to happen to Li Concubine, they are to report to him first. Also, that the Emperor arrived earlier than the doctor it’s because the empress’s chamber was nearer to Li Concubine’s place in comparison to the doctor’s office. The emperor also arrived quicker, perhaps because he places Li Concubine in his heart.

“What a clever mouth” commented Ye Zhen Zhen, with an expression full of praise. It seems that she was only paying attention to those words. Zhuang consort, did not know how to response, unaware whether the empress is praising or sneering. Unsure of the empress’s true intention. Li Concubine on the other hand smiled and said “ Zhuang mei-mei, what you said is true, I was not aware that the servants in the palace were like this, they didn’t think it through before reporting it to the emperor. I didn’t know that the emperor care so much about me as well”. Using words to uncover the scars of Ye Zhen Zhen.

Bored with their arguments, Ye Zhen Zhen made a gesture, and Su Yue immediately brought out a prepared gift towards Li Concubine. According to the rules, when one served the emperor they are to be gifted something by the Empress.

“Even with the grand wedding, even if you are the empress, the Emperor still slept at my place” thought Li Concubine, happily she looked at the thing that was brought forward to her. There was a few priceless jewelry, showing the generosity of the empress, also there was a white jade carved toad?

The toad is the size of a fist, clear and snow white, very well carved, looks almost like a real toad, but because it is too realistic, it does not really look too good and slightly disgusting. At the eyes, there are 2 red bean sized rubies.

The toad is placed in the middle of the platter, with an eerie feeling, the toad seems to be staring straight at Li Concubine, making her feel goosebumps all around, and she was also afraid that it will jump on to her. “Empress, what, what does this mean?” losing her smile Li Concubine asked.

Ye Zhen Zhen answered “Li Concubine, didn’t you know, Toad has a lot of children, and can grow wealth, it has long been a symbol of wealth and prosperity, today I think that it is the most suitable gift for you”.

Normally, after serving the emperor for concubines to get a symbol of fertility is good, but why is it a toad, is it that the empress wants to imply that Li Concubine is one.

Li Concubine is no longer able to smile, looking at the toad, it is already a wonder that she did not show her disgust. “Such a valuable item, its, its still best to keep it by the empress’s side”…

Ye Zhen Zhen stopped her, “Li Concubine, you don’t have to worry, this type of things, I have plenty, almost no place to put them anymore” Although not shown on the other consort’s faces in their hearts they are secretly enjoying it, looking at Li Concubine speechless..

Something that the Empress have too much, was seemed as a treasure by Li Concubine, this clearly shows that Li Concubine has not seen the world. Without anymore words to retort back, Li Concubine can only gratefully accept the gift.

****

In the Emperor’s Study

“Pu”……

After hearing the Eunuch’s report, Ji Wu Jiu, spit out the tea that he just sipped. The dark brown liquid was spilled on the papers on his desks, which were about where the emperor should have slept yesterday night, submitted by the ministers.

“She really said that?” Ji Wu Jiu asked while calmly wiped his mouth with the given hankerchief.

“To answer the emperor, even though if I have to die, I wouldn’t dare to keep anything from you!” The little eunuch was scared by Ji Wu Jiu’s reaction, still shivering he pondered about the details he told the emperor. It does seems like he knows a little too much and these info should have hurt the pride of the emperor a bit.

“Understood, you did a good job, next time keep being vigilant, do not let the empress find out”

“To work for the emperor, is my duty, your humble will definitely be able to do it”.

“Alright, you all may leave”

Because the emperor said all, Feng You De, also carefully left, not forgetting to close the door behind him. The moment the door was closed, he hears a porcelain item being smashed to the ground.

Looks like the emperor is really angry, Feng You De thought while shaking his head.

In the study room, Ji Wu Jiu was almost having a fit. So daring to say that “I” am sacrificing my body to save the country? And that she is admiring this will?? This woman.. really.. really….

Ji Wu Jiu, realized that he could not find a good word to describe Ye Zhen Zhen. Looks like she has already surpassed a normal person’s intelligence. Then, he slammed the table..”Really, looking for trouble!”

Since meeting her the first time yesterday night, Ye Zhen Zhen did not managed to please him at all, remembering her face of displeasure the other night, Ji Wu Jiu suddenly took a deep breath. He is the emperor, he is supposed to be the one that chooses which woman to like or despise, but now a woman actually dare to look down on him.

Indeed, those with the Ye surname, all are troublesome.

Author’s Note

The ranks of the imperial concubines.

Empress \= Sole Leader

1st rank \= Concubine (or Fei in chinese)

2nd rank \= Zhuang, Hui, Xi (chinese, no translation)

3rd rank \= Jie Yu (chinese, no translation)

4th rank \= Zhou Yi (chinese, no translation)

5th rank \= Mei Ren (chinese, means beautiful person)

Hope the addressing of the concubines are not too confusing..

Eventhough Ji Wui Jiu does not wish to admit that it is true, to a certain extend, what Ye Zhen Zhen said was true. However, since he is the emperor, his pride does not allow himself to admit that he sacrificed his body for the empire. Therefore, he automatically ignored part of the truth.

Reality hits fast, Li Concubine was already waiting outside with her maid servant holding a tray with a colorful lotus shaped bowl. Bowing Feng You De said; “Niang Niang, the emperor is currently going through the imperial documents, why not you give me the items instead” Then you can leave…

Of course Li Concubine would not want to leave this easily. Initially today she wanted to show off in front of the empress, and in the end it didn’t turn well, and not to mention the tease she received from Xi Consort. So she is here to tattle tale to the emperor.

“This bowl of soup, is personally made by me. The emperor is doing his best for the country, I must of course serve him better, don’t worry I will bring it in myself”

Although he has tried his best to give some hints, not sure if Li Concubine understood them or not, that she still wants to go in. It is also not right for him to tell her that the emperor is in a bad mood now too. Right at this moment, from the study comes a roar..”Who is out there!?”

“To answer my emperor….”

“Emperor, I have cooked a bowl of nutritious soup for you, will be bringing it to you now”

“Feng You De, let Le Concubine in”

Taking the tray from her maid servant, Li Concubine went into the study.

Looking at her being all petite and pretty walking in, placing the tray onto the table, each move seems like she is being flirtatious. Actually, even without General Su, with just her beauty alone, Li Concubine is worthy of being one of his consort. Not to mention that she is very good in making Ji Wu Jiu happy.

Normally, even when Ji Wu Jiu is not in a good mood, seeing Li Concubine will appease him, but today with her being the reason he was unhappy, he is still far from being appeased. Li Concubine served the soup to him “ Emperor, why not try a sip”

Drinking a little, without any expression “My beloved concubine, it was hard on you”

“To be able to do all these for you, it makes me very happy”

Ji Wu Jiu, held her hand for a moment and said “ I know”

“Furthermore”, Li Concubine smoothly moved to sit on Ji Wu Jiu, with her hands on his shoulder, gently continued “Emperor, is working everyday for the country, you would be more tired. Eventhough the country is important, your majesty should take care of your ownself more”

In the whole sentence said by Li Concubine, he only catched “ For the country”. His mind then wandered off to “Sacrifice for the country”

“I still have to look through the imperial documents, my beloved concubine you can go first” Pushing the pretty maiden away from his arms.

“…..Your majesty?” Li Concubine was astonished, not sure what happened, but this is different from what she predicted.

“By the way, you should not come to the imperial study anymore, this is not a place for woman in the first place”

Immediately kneeling, Li Concubine looked at the emperor with tears forming “Did I do something wrong?”

Answering her coldly “ It seems that I really dote on you too much”

***

In Kun Ning Palace, Ye Zhen Zhen opened up a blueprint, examining it in detail. On it was a detailed design of a gun. Looking at the intricate design, Ye Zhen Zhen’s eyes were shining brightly.

While holding down the drawing with her body carefully Su Feng asked “ Niang Niang, are you not afraid that Li Concubine went to the Emperor to tattle tale?”

“Tattle about what? I did not do anything wrong..”

“But….”

“Not to mention, even if she did not tattle, the Emperor will still dislike me”

“Niang-niang, aren’t you worried?”

“Worried.. yes very..” Looking at the drawing.. “ I want to get this gun made fast”

Looking at both of them, Su Yue can only shake her head.

“The emperor has arrived——“ announced by the eunuch guarding the door. At the end of this sentence, Ji Wu Jiu has already reached. Wearing an intricately design yellow robe. Ye Zhen Zhen, bowed too him while thinking “ this emperor, what is he doing here when there is nothing”

Ji Wu Jiu glanced through her room and saw a drawing, initially he thought that the empress is just learning how to draw some flowers or mountains, so with interest he walked towards it to get a better look. When he saw that it was a detailed blue print of a gun, he closed his eyes “ Where did you get this drawing from!?”

“I found it”

“O? Where?”

“Imperial Garden”

“What the empress means is that, some defense minister sneaked into the imperial garden with the drawing, and lost the drawing there?”

“….” In her heart, “what I meant was, your ability to talk nonsense is better than me”

Nodding, Ji Wu Jiu continued, since this is what you have said, there shouldn’t be any error. Those defense ministers are useless, I will go investigate now”

“Your Majesty!” Ye Zhen Zhen kneeled in a hurry. “This has nothing to do with the ministers of defense, nothing to do with my second brother as well” (Her brother is one of the minister there). If Ji Wu Jiu were to investigate, her second brother would be implicated as well.

Looking down at Ye Zhen Zhen, happy that she finally submit to him, “Then tell me, from where did you get this drawing from? Don’t tell me you drew it!”

With a crying face Ye Zhen Zhen “ Really it is drawn by me”

Taking a second look at the drawing again, he saw that although it was drawn properly, it still lacks in some aspect and really looked like a beginner’s drawing. But…

“How did you manage to draw it? From where did you refer?”

“I once stoled my cousin brother’s gun, took it apart..” “and also placed it back”

“Cousin Brother”.. Of Course he knows who is her cousin brother, the head of the imperial guards, Lu Li. Every 3 to 4 days he will be hanging around him, of course he knows who he is. Lu Li, really does have a gun, this way Ye Zhen Zhen has successfully helped save her 2nd brother, Lu Li will not be at fault as well. No matter if Ye Zhen Zhen told the truth or not, she is clever to use this excuse.

However, Ji Wu Jiu, haven’t decided to let her go easily, then with his finger slowly rapping the table, “Then, it looks like you have lied to me”

“Your Majesty, I am wrong,” A little scared, Ye Zhen Zhen understood that she cannot take on the crime of lying to the emperor.

Seeing her being afraid, Ji Wu Jiu felt a little better. “Seeing that it is your first time, I will let you go” Ji Wu Jiu, mentally take note of this matter, at this speed she will soon over take her grandfather. (In terms of ticking him off)

“Thank you, your majesty” Ye Zhen Zhen replied looking at him with the utmost sincerity.

“Ok, you may stand” Ji Wu Jiu said and returned his gaze to the drawing.

Trying to guess what does the emperor want actually, sitting opposite him, Ye Zhen Zhen was looking at the emperor. From her angle, she saw a high bridged nose, handsome face, high forehead, a very elegant face; blinking once in a while, with long and thick eye lashes, with a very fair complexion….

Such a nice face. Ye Zhen Zhen pouted..

“You have a lot of mistakes in your drawing”

“Which part?” Ye Zhen Zhen’s body leaned forward, looking at the drawing. While she leaned, she accidently exposed her chests by 1 inch more, and she did not realize.

“……..” Ji Wu Jiu, tried to look somewhere else “A lot of parts”

A little down, thinking that she has edited the drawing many times, thinking that it is finally time to make it into a real gun. Who would have known that it is far from completion.

With a gentle tone “I have a lot of completed blue prints and drawings of guns”

Ye Zhen Zhen with gleaming eyes “Will you show it to me your majesty?”

Ji Wu Jiu replied with a sly smile “ Of course… not”

Ye Zhen Zhen finally understood, the reason why he is here, is solely to make her unhappy.

When he say Ye Zhen Zhen looked like she just swallowed a fly, Ji Wi Jiu suddenly felt a little more happy.