The Empress’ Livestream

Jiang Pengji’s words were like used tissues that were thrown away.

The debate on the screen grew more intense as some viewers defended the host while others made some intolerable criticisms. The fierce dispute, however, did not affect Jiang Pengji one bit. She even managed to spot with her sharp eyes some comments that said she should observe ancient furniture more closely.

As a legitimate “son,” Liu Lanting had all kinds of resources from the family that were available to him. The study room usually belonged exclusively to her because Master Liu was rarely in the house, and her only illegitimate brother had to ask for her permission to borrow books.

In that era, the difference between being legitimate and illegitimate was very significant. For some eminent houses, the status of illegitimate children was even lower than the status of servants. That was why she didn’t need to show much concern about her brother bumping his head. A simple inquiry would be enough. No one assumed there was any kind of intimacy between the siblings.

In the eastern yard’s sizeable study room, there were piles of bamboo manuscripts and bound books made out of bamboo paper on the shelves. Although Jiang Pengji did not know much about calligraphy, she could tell that the handwriting on the documents was done by a skilled artist.

Books were indicators of a house’s influence. The amount of bamboo paper, the most expensive kind from that time, the Liu family owned reflected their affluence.

Then a bullet screen grabbed her attention.

Yongyuan de Tiankong: “An unneglectable bug. What dynasty is this? Has paper been invented yet?”

Paper?

That reminded Jiang Pengji, and she felt the book once again with her thumb and pointing finger. It was much smoother than she expected. It was still rough according to her standards, but in this period, paper was more expensive than even gold because it was a new invention.

According to Liu Lanting’s memories, other nobles used paper that was much coarser than this. Jiang Pengji smiled with surprise and curiosity. It seemed the house really was an unusual place.

The number of viewers soared to almost a 1,000. Perhaps it was because of the active commentary in the channel, which was undoubtedly satisfactory for the System. Jiang Pengji could picture it smiling.

Before long, an attendant called from outside the study room. “Second Langjun, Madam Hu would like to see you.”

Madam Hu? Jiang Pengji frowned as she wondered why. The System was extremely thrilled. “Oh my god! I am ready to record your first meeting! What an encounter this will be!”

“Do not expect too much. It is probably about the servants. I want to talk to her too.” Placing the books back onto the shelves, she walked to the door and told the attendant, “Lead the way. We must not keep Madam Hu waiting.”

At that moment, some new bullet screens shot through the interface.

Sheiren bu Xizao: “[Laughed.] What the heck is ‘Second Langjun’? In what dynasty will they call that? I thought she said ‘Second Langshen,’ the TV character, you know?”

Sheiren bu Xijiao: “Haha, same here! I thought of the actor Da Biaoge’s noodle-like hair.”

Jiang Pengji was confused. Second Langshen was a name from an ancient myth, so she knew about him. But who was Da Biaoge with his “noodle-like hair”?

Murui Huakai: “Host, where do you find these ancient beauties? They are so elegant and much more breathtaking than the wax figures in museums! Can you zoom closer and find a better angle? Please, please, please!”

The request troubled Jiang Pengji.

It just so happened that the attendant missed a step and lost her balance. She fell down as her body inclined forward. Without hesitation, Jiang Pengji took a few steps and quickly came up beside the girl.

“Watch out.” While holding her slim waist with one hand and her thin, round shoulders with the other, Jiang Pengji turned smoothly to help both of them balance.

“Be careful next time. You may fall or even sprain your ankle.” She freed her hands as soon as they regained their balance. Instead of scolding her, she expressed gentle care.

“Thank you… Second Langjun.” The attendant could barely utter a word because she had not expected the kind help, and she curtseyed at her.

The quarreling bullet screens were soon covered by more comments.

Murui Huakai: “Screenshotted some pictures of the pretty girl for my PC and mobile wallpaper. That was so sweet. You are so lucky to hold her in your arms!”

Yongyuan de Tiankong: “So sweet! I wish I were the host!”

Toudu Feiqiu: “Haha, the girl’s response is not surprising at all!”

Bieqiang wo Erlou: “This reminds me of all my girly fantasies! Host, can we be friends?”

“It is nothing. Let us go to Madam Hu. I wonder why she asked for me.”

The attendant had always been impudent to Liu Lanting, but what had just happened made her feel different. She moved her head slightly towards Lanting. “Second Langjun, the head servant and his family are complaining to Madam Hu, claiming that you abused them.”

Toudu Feiqiu: “Wow, I dare say she is captivated by the host’s manly acts.”

Jiang Pengji wanted to smile too.

Host V: “Cute ladies should be handled with care. I cannot bear the sight of them frowning at pain.”

This caused another wave of bullet screens that said “agree”, “wow,” and “so sweet” to overtake the other comments.

The comments, combined with the information that the attendant had given, put Jiang Pengji in a good mood. There were always suitable candidates that she could use to send a warning to the others, like the head servant’s family in this case.

Toudu Feiqiu: “Why do I have the feeling that the host is pulling the big gun?”

On the other side, Madam Hu, who had just started feeling better, wondered why Liu Lanting would be unhappy with her. If she could remember, it could explain why Lanting was giving her trouble before her father returned.

Madame Hu took a sip of tea as she sat. Her face was white from being ill. The head servant was kneeling and crying before her with his family, eager to prove their loyalty for the Liu’s. They had carried out every instruction from their masters without delay. Additionally, they had given up the prospect of a better life by leaving the Liu’s territory with Master Liu, despite receiving opposition from his legitimate brother. They were devoted servants, and they never imagined that the young, rash Second Langjun would cast them away for some minor mistake, especially when he didn’t have any proof.