Chapter 92

“No matter what, it’s a good thing to survive this disaster safely,” Tao Sheng said with a smile. “Tomorrow is the Ghost Festival, let’s go to the river to release lanterns and pray for blessings.”

Ji Yanming responded: “Okay, let’s go together tomorrow night.”

As they were talking, Eunuch Yin from Xuanzheng Hall came to look for Ji Yanming again: “I was ordered to go to the Dali Temple to pick you up early in the morning. I asked several officials in the Dali Temple and found out that you are back.”

Ji Yanming nodded and asked, “Is something wrong with your Majesty?”

“That’s right,” Eunuch Yin said. “His Majesty wants you to come over.”

Ji Yanming used his eyes to comfort Tao Sheng: “I’ll discuss this with you when I get back. I’ll be back soon.”

Xuanzheng Hall.

The emperor said, “No need to be polite,” to Ji Yanming, who was paying his respects, and gestured for him to come closer. “How about you come and take a look at this painting?”

Ji Yanming studied it for a while and said, “It is a unique and skillful painting, especially the peonies, which are so well painted that it seems as if the whole spring is contained in the painting.”

The emperor nodded: “I didn’t realize you were an expert in painting. This was presented to me by the Governor-General of Zhili the other day. Let’s not talk about the painting first, what’s important is the thought behind it.”

In addition to the painting gift, it was also a token of gratitude for leading the troops to protect the emperor.

“You’ve done a lot for the court lately. I know all about it. You act maturely and handle things well. You’ve never let me down, and this time is no different.”

Ji Yanming said, “Your Majesty, I’m too humble to accept such praise. I don’t deserve it.”

The emperor smiled and didn’t continue the topic. Instead, he brought up the painting on the table: “These peonies are beautiful, each competing with the other. In your opinion, which one stands out?”

With so much happening recently, the emperor wasn’t in the mood to look at the paintings. He might be afraid the paintings were hinting at something.

Ji Yanming pointed to the top one and said, “I think this one is blooming the best, fitting the spring scenery.”

The emperor narrowed his eyes and said, “You see, this is a painting of Su Causeway’s spring scenery. It’s only April, but this flower is already in full bloom. It bloomed too early and used too much energy, so it will naturally wither first. The flower next to it is also blooming well, but it’s too eager, growing from a branch too close, which isn’t good. What do you think, Lord Ji?”

The emperor wasn’t really talking about peonies; he was clearly referring to the Crown Prince and Prince Rui.

Ji Yanming replied, “I don’t understand flowers, but Your Majesty does. As long as Your Majesty likes them, there must be something good about them. I only recognize Your Majesty.”

The emperor smiled and said, “Your personality is similar to the King of Chu. When he was young, probably just married, we were appreciating paintings together, and he said the same thing.”

At that moment, Gao Zhen walked in and told the emperor, “The imperial edict you arranged this morning has been drafted. It was delivered by Li Xueshi himself. Your Majesty, would you like to take a look?”

“No need to look at it, just send it on.”

Gao Zhen replied “yes,” and before leaving, gave Ji Yanming a meaningful look, indicating that there was more to the edict than it seemed.

After Gao Zhen left, the emperor chatted with Ji Yanming again: “You are not young anymore. Next year, you will come of age. You must focus on self-cultivation, managing your family, and governing the country. You can’t fall behind in anything. Does your family have any girls picked out for you?”

“Your Majesty, we already have one.”

“I haven’t heard the King of Chu mention this,” the emperor said curiously. “Which family is the girl from, and when do they plan to marry?”

“My family hasn’t spoken about it yet, and His Royal Highness the Prince of Chu doesn’t know either,” Ji Yanming replied. “But I think it should be soon.”

After some time has passed, when the situation in the capital has stabilized and the King of Chu’s ascension to the throne becomes certain, Ji Yanming will confront Tao Sheng.

_

When Xie Huaian heard that Tao Sheng was going to light lanterns and pray with Ji Yanming that night, he felt responsible for Ji Yanming’s safety, so he also agreed to join them.

They had agreed to go with Ji Yanming to light the lanterns, but he was called to work due to urgent matters. So, Tao Sheng and Xie Huaian arrived at the moat first.

Tao Sheng had been living in the inner city, which is closest to the emperor and patrolled by the Imperial Guards. There were no major events except weddings and funerals, so her life had been very comfortable. She never imagined the moat would be so crowded.

Tao Sheng felt like a girl from a small town suddenly facing a first-tier city’s morning rush. She couldn’t adapt to the fast pace and had to follow the crowd. After nearly half an hour, she still hadn’t reached the edge of the moat and had gotten separated from Xie Huaian.

In a daze, Tao Sheng was squeezed by a tall, strong man. When she almost lost her balance, she was suddenly held in someone’s arms.

Though Tao Sheng had never felt this type of embrace before, after spending so much time together, they were already familiar with each other’s presence. When Tao Sheng was caught, she instinctively knew it was Ji Yanming.

The group of people following the strong man passed by, and the crowd eased.

Ji Yanming held Tao Sheng and asked, “Did you release the river lanterns?”

Tao Sheng sighed, “Not yet.”

To be exact, she hadn’t even managed to squeeze through yet.

Ji Yanming gently patted her shoulder: “Come with me.”