TPNCQ CHAPTER 52

You have two choices

That night, the Emperor summoned Ling pin, marking the first time he had done so since returning from the mountain retreat. Early in the morning, Xiao Hezi personally delivered the message, informing Ling pin to await the Emperor's arrival at the Yanxi Palace.

That night, Ling pin bathed, dressed herself in simple and plain clothing, and sat at a desk, her hair adorned with no ornaments, her left hand holding her beloved jade pendant, and her right hand holding a gilded sheet of paper, murmuring softly.

When the Emperor entered the main hall, this was the scene he witnessed: a beautiful woman, elegant and graceful, although without makeup, her eyebrows and eyes exuded charm. Her lips moved slightly as she recited poetry.

“Is this... a poem I wrote?” the Emperor asked with pleasure.

“Chenqie greets Your Majesty. It is indeed a poem Your Majesty composed during our trip to the mountain. After returning to the palace, chenqie copied it and has been reading it over and over again. It truly is a delightful experience.” Ling pin rose to greet him, her voice soft and melodious. “It is said that beauty is something to be savored. In my opinion, poetry is even more delicious. As I read Your Majesty’s poems, I recall the joyous times we spent together on the mountain. The past month has flown by so quickly.”

The Emperor stepped forward to help Ling pin up and took the gilded sheet of paper from her. He examined it carefully, noticing that the paper in the lower right corner was slightly worn and yellowed, indicating that it had been copied a month ago and had been frequently handled. It seemed that Ling pin had missed him deeply and treasured his poetry.

“You’ve worked hard over the past month,” the Emperor said, feeling a pang of sympathy.

“Chenqie was praying for the Empress Dowager's health and dared not be negligent or complain of tiredness. Chenqie knows her place,” Ling pin replied, growing even more humble. She knew that the Emperor valued etiquette and hierarchy, and the more respectful she was towards the Empress Dowager, the more he would appreciate her.

“You are very sensible,” Qianlong said with a smile.

“It's just that I don't know when I will be able to write such beautiful poetry myself, to live up to Your Majesty's careful guidance,” Ling pin took a step forward and leaned closer to the Emperor.

“Poetry and song cannot be mastered overnight. In just a few months, you have made significant progress. Take your time. I will guide you when I have the opportunity,” Qianlong smiled, very pleased with Ling pin 's devotion.

Hearing this, Ling pin sat on the Emperor's lap, wrapped her arms around his neck, and whispered into his ear, "Then chenqie will wait for Your Majesty's favor in the Yanxi Palace every day."

"Hmm..."

The next morning, Ling pin got up early to serve the Emperor. After helping him change into his court robes, she knelt on the ground to adjust the hem of his robe, hung the jade pendant on his waist, and helped him put on his court beads and hat, all with great care.

Feeling content, the Emperor looked at the gilded paper on the desk. "Your fine calligraphy pairs perfectly with these gilded papers. I've ordered the Imperial Household Department to give you all their remaining stock. From now on, use these gilded papers for your writing; they're worthy of you."

"Chenqie thanks Your Majesty for your grace. However, gilded paper is too precious. I use ordinary paper for my daily practice and copying of Buddhist scriptures. It would be a waste to use such fine paper." Ling pin smiled coquettishly, her eyes filled with charm. She placed her delicate hand on the Emperor's chest, her body almost leaning entirely on him.

"A little paper is nothing," Qianlong laughed, pinching Ling pin 's cheek. "I'll be going now."

"Chenqie sees Your Majesty off," Ling pin bowed and watched the Emperor leave Yanxi Palace before returning to her bedroom. She rubbed her sore shoulders and said, "I'll have a little nap. Breakfast will be served later."

"Yes, niangniang. Niangniang slept late last night and woke up early this morning. You should get some more rest." Linglong helped Ling pin onto the bed, lowered the mosquito net, and left the main hall with the other palace maids.

In the afternoon, the head of the Imperial Household Department, Baifu, personally arrived at Yanxi Palace carrying trays of gilded paper.

Ling pin estimated that there were about one or two hundred sheets of paper on the two trays and smiled. "Thank you, Head Eunuch, for coming personally. Linglong," she said, giving Linglong a nod. Linglong, understanding her mistress's intention, handed a silver tael to Baifu.

"I know the Head Eunuch is always upright, but the weather is getting hot, and we should buy some tea for the servants. This is just a small token of our appreciation. Please accept it, Head Eunuch." Linglong said as she handed the silver to Baifu.

Baifu took the silver and gave it to a young eunuch behind him before thanking Ling pin. "We, your servants, thank Ling pin for her generosity."

As the head of the Imperial Household Department, he was always cautious and careful not to make any mistakes. He only obeyed the Empress Fucha and the Xian guifei. However, he also knew that the eunuchs below him had meager salaries. If they couldn't even accept small tips, it could lead to internal strife. Therefore, he would reject large sums of money given by the various palaces, but for small amounts like one or two taels, he would let his subordinates divide it among themselves. As a result, he had been the head of the Imperial Household Department for several months without any problems, and his subordinates respected him.

*

By mid-June, the weather was getting hotter and hotter. Each palace received a fixed amount of ice daily, and if they wanted more, they had to pay extra. Sometimes, even with money, they couldn't buy more.

Because Princess Jing Shun was raised in the Jingren Palace, the Empress Dowager ordered the Imperial Household Department to deliver more ice daily to prevent her beloved granddaughter from feeling the heat.

Since Princess Hejing had married into the Khorchin tribe, Princess Jing Shun was the only young princess left in the palace. The Empress Dowager loved her dearly. Some servants would gossip behind her back, saying that the Empress Dowager loved this little princess even more than her grandsons.

When these words reached the Empress Dowager's ears, she stated clearly, "I only have this one granddaughter to cherish. It's only natural that I spoil her a little."

After the Empress Dowager said this, no one dared to say another word.

Su Limo was naturally aware of this. If a girl was too spoiled, her future would be smoother. By naming her Jing Shun, which meant "prosperous and smooth sailing," the Empress Dowager was clearly hoping for a bright future for her granddaughter, free from any setbacks.

Over the past year, Su Limo had been gradually paving the way for her future, and things were looking up. As Princess Jing Shun grew older, Su Limo would often gently teach her various principles. Although a one-year-old child might not fully understand, the constant teaching and guidance would help shape her character from a young age, preventing her from becoming spoiled and unruly due to excessive pampering.

Jing Shun had started eating solid food, so Su Limo would personally feed her soft, delicious, and nutritious baby food every day.

One afternoon, while sitting on a brocade couch and feeding Jing Shun, Su Limo heard the announcement from outside that, "His Majesty has arrived." She quickly put down the small spoon, handed the Jing Shun to the wet nurse, and stepped forward to curtsy. "Chenqie greets Your Majesty."

"Father, I miss you," Jing Shun said in a babyish voice, reaching out for the Qianlong to hold her.

The Emperor signaled for Su Limo to rise and turned to embrace Jing Shun, sitting down on the brocade couch. "Have you missed Father?"

"Every day," Jing Shun giggled, standing on the Emperor's knee and shaking her little hand. The small bell on her wrist jingled, making a clear and pleasant sound.

"Jing Shun has been wearing this silver bracelet for a year now. The craftsmanship isn't very exquisite. Why haven't you replaced it? I remember that Xian guifei sent Jing Shun a pair of gold bracelets with lotus flower carvings a few months ago. Those would be much better," the Emperor said to Su Limo.

"Jing Shun is used to wearing this one, and she likes the little bell on it, so I haven't changed it," Su Limo replied softly and gently. She took the princess back and said, "Come, Mother will feed you some fish."

While feeding Jing Shun the fish, Su Limo gestured for Dongxue to bring a plate of pastries and a bowl of iced milk and purple rice. "Your Majesty, please try these. I made them myself."

Qianlong took a spoonful and after a while said, "I remember you like making iced milk tea. Why didn't you make some?"

Hearing this, Su Limo looked up and saw that the Emperor's bowl of iced milk was almost empty. She managed to suppress her smile and said softly, "If Your Majesty would like, come tomorrow and I'll prepare some for you early."

No one goes to the temple unless he has something to do.

Clearly, the Emperor had a purpose for visiting the Jingren Palace.

"..."The Emperor was surprised by Su Limo's response. Usually, whenever he mentioned something, Su Limo would personally prepare it and have it sent to the Yangxin Palace that day or the next. Today, things were different. It was as if the sun had risen in the west. She was actually inviting him to the Jingren Palace the next day.

This was unprecedented.

Qianlong was momentarily puzzled.

Could it be... that she had something to ask of him aging, right?

She would only be so proactive when she had a request, or when it involved their children.

When would she be able to focus on him?

"You..." Qianlong began, but then stopped. If he asked, it would make him seem petty and suspicious.

No, he couldn't do that.

Seeing the Qianlong's changing expression, Su Limo became even more gentle and submissive. "Chenqie has no other intentions. With the weather so hot, if the iced milk tea is sent to the Yangxin Palace,  no matter how well it is stored, it won't taste as fresh."

In fact, Su Limo wanted to say that clean ice for making desserts was now both expensive and difficult to obtain. Unless the Empress Dowager, the Emperor, or the Empress granted it, the Imperial Household Department generally followed the rules. Unlike in the past when the head of the Imperial Household Department was biased and would supply more to favored concubines while withholding supplies from those who were out of favor, the current system was more regulated.

If she had to buy ice every two days to make iced desserts, even ten taels of silver a month wouldn't be enough. Her monthly allowance was barely enough to make ends meet. She would prefer to spend less on such things if possible.

While she was indeed concerned about money, she couldn't say it out loud. 

In the dramas she had watched, the noble consorts always seemed to have endless amounts of money, spending it lavishly. They would often reward others with hundreds or even thousands of taels of silver.

Of course, there were such concubines who came from wealthy families and had endless financial support from their relatives. But as a concubine from a humble background and whose parents and brothers were all in the south and with no powerful family to rely on, she could only rely on her monthly allowance and occasional rewards. Despite being a guifei, she did not really have much money.

Could she really go to the Emperor and beg him for money? Could she say, "Your Majesty, please grant me some silver. Just a thousand taels, not too much."

Hmm..

Over the past year, she had gradually figured out Qianlong's temperament. Only when she served him to his satisfaction would he reward her, and those rewards were always items that couldn't be sold, like ornaments. She had never seen him reward any concubine with silver. Of course, during childbirth, she would receive some silver, but that was it.

The Empress Dowager, on the other hand, had once given Su Limo five hundred taels of silver as a reward for her hard work in raising Princess Jing Shun. But that was the only time.

However, she did have a request to make of this fellow right now. She had been planning to ask him for a few days and now, unexpectedly, he had come to her today.

After feeding Jing Shun, Su Limo wiped her clean and handed her to the Qianlong. "Your Majesty, please hold her. I'll go check if the milk for Jiang Shun is ready."

Qianlong watched as Su Limo naturally handed the princess to him. This action made him feel a moment of disorientation, as if they were an ordinary couple raising their child together, taking turns holding her. She didn't feel any hesitation because he was the Emperor.

The little princess in his arms, as bold as a calf, was trying to pull off the red ruby on his hat with her little hands, babbling happily.

This was the first time Qianlong had spent so much time alone with Jing Shun. Fortunately, the princess was sweet and obedient, did not make any noise and he didn't find it troublesome. Instead, he couldn't help but want to tease her, listening to her giggle.

Su Limo returned with the warmed milk and had just stepped inside when she heard a startled cry from within.

"Help! Someone come, someone come quickly!"

Hearing Qianlong's voice, Su Limo immediately handed the tray to Dongxue, who was waiting outside, and hurried inside.

She saw the Emperor holding Princess Jing Shun under her armpits, lifting her high up, and sitting uneasily on the brocade couch.

Su Limo looked and saw that a large wet patch had formed on the Emperor's legs. She couldn't help but burst out laughing. Then, she looked at the culprit, Princess Jing Shun, who was giggling at the Emperor's legs, looking incredibly innocent.

It seemed this was the first time the Emperor had been peed on while holding a child.

Su Limo couldn't help but laugh. She managed to suppress her laughter and walked over to take the princess from the Emperor and handed her to Dongxue. "Dongxue, take Jing Shun to wet nurse and change her clothes and  then feed her the warm milk."

"Yes, niangniang," Dongxue replied, taking the princess away.

"Li Yu, go get a set of clothes. The emperor needs to change clothes," Su Limo ordered softly.

Although Li Yu was waiting outside, he quickly guessed what had happened and immediately sent his apprentice Xiao Hezi to fetch a change of clothes.

Su Limo came in to attend to the Emperor, wiping the wet spot on his clothes with a handkerchief. She said softly, "Chenqie has sent someone to fetch a change of clothes. Your Majesty, please wait a moment. Princess Jing Shun always gets restless and pulls on people's clothes before she urinates. Your Majesty doesn't hold her often, so you don't know."

"..." The Emperor looked at the wet patch on his leg and sat uneasily.

Seeing the Emperor's gloomy expression, Su Limo dared not speak. For a moment, the room was so quiet that you could hear a pin drop. It was incredibly awkward and embarrassing.

Fortunately, Xiao Hezi soon returned with a change of clothes. Li Yu and Xiao Hezi quickly helped the Emperor change his clothes. Xiao Hezi personally took the soiled clothes to the laundry room. Fortunately, the Emperor was only wearing ordinary robes and not his dragon robes, which would have required more effort to clean.

After changing his clothes, Qianlong could finally sit down comfortably.

"Your Majesty, would you like to try the swan egg pastries I made?" Su Limo asked tentatively.

"..." Qianlong didn't respond, his expression unpleasant.

"Your Majesty, actually... this is very common in ordinary people's homes. Every parent has experienced something like this. Your Majesty, please don't hold a grudge against a child for such a small matter..." Su Limo smiled even more gently and sweetly, her voice soft. "Your Majesty~"

Su Limo intentionally raised the pitch of the last syllable, adding a hint of coquettishness to her voice.

"... Alright. I'm not angry. Just act normally." The Emperor listened to Su Limo's voice and watched her pretentious appearance. He felt a strange itch and scolded her.

Hearing this, Su Limo quickly stopped. It turned out that not everyone could be a coquette, and not everyone was suitable for acting coy. Even she felt awkward listening to herself.

"I'll go back to reviewing the documents," the Emperor said as he got up and walked towards the door.

She will have to bring it up tomorrow then. Su Limo hurriedly bowed and said, "Chenqie sees Your Majesty off. Your Majesty, remember to come tomorrow."

The Emperor left in a hurry, and Su Limo had to raise her voice to be heard.

Li Yu heard the guifei niangniang say, "Remember to come tomorrow," and paused for a moment before quickly following the Emperor.

It seemed like the sun had risen in the west. The guifei niangniang was actually inviting the Emperor over.

*

After a nap the next day, Su Limo personally went to the small kitchen to make some milk tea. The snow-topped winter green tea from last year had all been used up, and a few days ago, the Imperial Household Department had sent some new tea as a ration—Mao Feng. Su Limo grabbed a handful and brewed it into a strong tea, then added milk and simmered it for a while before pouring it into a soup bowl.

Su Limo also cut fresh fruits into small cubes and had Dongxue take a silver ingot to the Imperial Household Department to get a pot of clean ice.

After finishing these tasks, Su Limo washed up and changed into a clean set of clothes. Feeling refreshed, she played with her newly made beaded bracelet in the main hall, waiting for Qianlong.

"Niangniang, based on the usual time, His Majesty should be here soon. Will His Majesty come today?" Dongxue asked while fanning her.

"I think so," Su Limo replied. "Even if he doesn't, it doesn't matter. We can drink it ourselves. But I'll have to spend some more money to buy ice in a few days."

As soon as Su Limo finished speaking, she heard a noise outside, indicating that the Emperor had arrived. She quickly put down the beaded bracelet and gestured to Dongxue to prepare the milk tea, while she personally went to greet him at the courtyard.

"Chenqie greets Your Majesty. May Your Majesty enjoy eternal peace and happiness," Su Limo bowed in the middle of the courtyard.

Seeing Su Limo greet him so eagerly in the courtyard, Qianlong had a bad feeling. However, since he was already here, there was no reason to turn back.

Moreover, he wanted to see what tricks Su Limo had up her sleeve.

Yesterday, she had told him that she had no other intentions, but he had believed her lies.

Qianlong strode forward to the corridor before saying, "Rise." Then he entered the main hall.

Su Limo quickly got up and saw Dongxue coming out of the small kitchen carrying a glass cup. She took it from Dongxue and personally carried it into the hall, gesturing for the other servants to leave.

Only Qianlong and Su Limo were left in the hall.

"This milk tea is made by chenqie herself. Your Majesty, please try it. I've added a lot of ice this time, so it's both refreshing and won't keep Your Majesty awake at night," Su Limo said with a gentle and sweet smile, her soft voice as smooth as milk.

Sure enough!

Last time he had tossed and turned all night because of the hot milk tea! And she had even denied it! The doubts he had had for months had finally been confirmed. For a moment, Qianlong didn't know how to express his anger.

If it were another concubine who had been so deceitful and disrespectful, he would have left in a huff.

Somehow, whenever Qianlong see Su Limo's seemingly gentle and submissive smile but actually hypocritical smile, he feels like he was frozen. Even though he was very annoyed, he can never truly be angry with her.

Despite being annoyed, the Emperor would still find himself visiting the Jingren Palace. It was as if he was drawn to her, even though she never took the initiative to invite him.

What was even more infuriating was that when he didn't come, she acted as if he didn't exist. She would simply enjoy herself, taking care of Jing Shun, visiting the princes, playing mahjong with other concubines, and chatting. She never seemed to worry about whether he would come or not, nor did she try to attract him.

Unless... she had something to ask for.

"Speak. What do you want this time?" Qianlong asked bluntly.

"Your Majesty, I have nothing," Su Limo replied with a gentle and submissive smile. She picked up a small spoon and handed it to the Emperor respectfully.

Qianlong didn't take it. He looked at the woman standing before him, her eyes level with his. He wanted to see into her heart, to see what she was really planning and what her ultimate goal was.

Su Limo held out the spoon for a moment, her arm aching. Seeing that Qianlong had no intention of taking it and wasn't telling her to put it down, she had to speak. Otherwise, she believed that based on Qianlong's current demeanor, he would make her hold the spoon until she spoke. "Your Majesty, isn't it time for the summer retreat to the Rehe Palace in July? I was thinking... thinking..."

Su Limo watched the Emperor's expression as she spoke. Seeing that he had no expression and was just waiting for her to continue, she said, "I was thinking that I wouldn't go. Yongrong and Jing Shun are still young and have never left the Forbidden City. If we suddenly went to the  Rehe Palace and got sick, it wouldn't be as convenient as it is in the palace. Young children are more vulnerable, so I want to stay in the palace with them."

"Have I said which concubines will be going with me?" the Emperor asked indifferently.

"No, Your Majesty. I dare not guess Your Majesty's thoughts. I was just thinking of mentioning it first. Your Majesty doesn't have to consider me and the children. You can arrange for other sister to go." Su Limo smiled, becoming even more submissive.

"Since you're worried about your children getting sick, then leave them in the palace. Have someone take good care of them. You can follow me to the Rehe." After saying this, the Emperor looked at Su Limo's surprised expression and felt a sense of satisfaction.

"This..." Su Limo had originally planned to stay in the Forbidden City with Jingrong and Yongrong so that she could have more freedom. When the tiger is not at home, the monkey will be the king. Without the Emperor, the Empress Dowager, the Empress, and the favored concubines in the palace, there would be less drama, and she could enjoy a leisurely two months.

Traditionally, whenever the Emperor visited the Rehe Palace or Mulan Hunting Ground, he would always take the Empress Dowager with him, along with a few favored concubines who had children. 

So, Su Limo was eager to mention her request before the Emperor issued any formal decrees. If she could manage it...

Unexpectedly, this guy came up with such a bad idea. He wanted her to leave the children in the palace and go to the Rehe Palace with him. He knew that if she went, she would definitely take the children with her. He was deliberately teasing her.

"You have two choices. Either you take the children with you to the Rehe Palace, or you leave the children in the palace and go to the Rehe Palace yourself," the Emperor said as he picked up the spoon and started drinking the iced milk tea.

Today's iced milk tea had fruit pieces added to it, making it more flavorful.

The ice was refreshing and perfect for cooling down.

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