Chapter 742 - Prince Changshou Proclaims Sovereignty (II)
Chapter 742: Prince Changshou Proclaims Sovereignty (II)
There existed four types of sorcery in Asia: Dai country’s skills to change one’s gender, Wo country’s makeup skills, Bang country’s plastic surgery skills, and Hua country’s Photoshop skills.
When these four types of sorcery were cast, a person would not recognize even their own mother, let alone their enemies.
Huijun’s appearance was so stunning, it could spell trouble for her easily. It was imperative that she hide it somewhat.
“Langjun, your official garments have been tailored and delivered. Do you wish to try them on and see if they fit? If they don’t, alterations can be made.”
Huijun held layers of garments and loose accessories as she entered. Her disposition was gentle, respectful, and humble. There was no trace of a seductive demeanor.
“Alright, let me try them on.”
Jiang Pengji was also a district magistrate, but because of her unique situation when she had accepted the position, she had had no official garments until today.
But because she was making an appearance at the emperor’s funeral and the coronation of the new emperor, it would be inappropriate not to adorn official attire.
Thus, she had to get someone to work overnight to tailor a set for her.
As she saw the layers of neatly folded official wear, she smiled widely. Then she took the garments to the guest room in the back hall to try them on.
In this era, differences in status were obvious. They were evident even in small instances. One’s garments became the symbol of their rank based on class.
When she noticed the loose accessories, she turned off the livestream. One by one, she tried them on. She accessorized her robes with a jade belt.
After she had neatly put on her official wear, she came out and turned on the livestream.
When they looked at the charming youth who had just walked out of the back hall, Liu She and Huijun were momentarily stunned.
It truly fulfilled the saying, “The handsome gentleman is unmatched in the world; he is to be valued as jade.”
The viewers were already accustomed to the way Jiang Pengji prioritized her privacy. None of them left. They waited patiently for the livestream to be turned on again.
Indeed, as expected, after more than 10 minutes, the livestream was switched on again. It was time for them to battle with their clicking speed and luck.
[Nongfu Shanquan Youdianxuan]: “Oh wow! Let me have a look. Who is this scholarly and poised youth before me?”
[Shitang Dafan Ayi]: “It’s her! It’s her! That’s her! Our streamer, Jiang Pengji!”
[Jianghu Baliansha]: “To the viewer above… Are you on drugs? My emotions led me to say that out loud.”
[Heimisa Zhige]: “I’ve always wished to see the streamer adorned in official clothes. After waiting expectantly for so long, I have finally witnessed it. I am so overwhelmed with emotions.”
[Kaixin Dian]: “Hehe, I am more excited to see the streamer wearing her tassel crown.”
She was only serious for three seconds. Then she toyed with the ceremonial tablet in her hands, her brows knitted together.
“When the officials attend their court meeting, do they plan to use this board to smack those whom they cannot outwit in speech?”
When these words left her mouth, countless of xx marks posted by the viewers filled the bullet screen. Liu She, sitting in the corner to enjoy his wine, almost choked.
“Lanting, stop joking. These words can be said privately as a joke, but you must not speak of this outside.”
Again, Liu She coughed twice. His daughter’s brain worked differently from others’.
The ceremonial tablet served as a cheat sheet. It was used as a memorandum, but the description that came out of his daughter’s mouth made it a weapon for fighting.
If the officials acted as she described, attacking those whom they could not out-talk with the ceremonial tablet, then would the court still be in motion?
Huijun covered her lips with her sleeves, but there was obvious glee in her eyes.
“In a few days’ time, Langjun will have to change into another set of clothes.”
A different status would result in a difference in design of the official garments, the material used, and the accessories. At that time, naturally, they’d have to tailor another set of official attire.
“You have too much confidence in me.”
Huijun nodded her head and lowered her eyebrows. Her cherry-red lips broke into a faint smile. No matter how superb her makeup was, it still could not hide the unique elegance of her eyes.
“Langjun will fulfill your promises. If your servant doesn’t believe in you, who should I believe in, then?”
Jiang Pengji playfully threw the ceremonial tablet on the tabletop. She used a tone that begged for forgiveness. “Your speech has left me with nothing to say.”
Liu She watched silently. He quietly ate his melon and reflected.
Was his child a daughter or son?
“It seems slightly small. Your servant will take it back to alter it.”
As Huijun smiled, a manservant reported from outside, “My lord, there is an invitation card from the crown prince’s manor. It is an invitation for the lord to pay a visit.”
Jiang Pengji was shocked for a while. “An invitation from the crown prince’s manor?”
Huijun half-knelt as she helped her pack her accessories. When she heard this, she was momentarily shocked.
“It should have been sent by the crown princess.”
As of now, she was still the crown princess. After the funeral of the previous emperor, his burial, and the young emperor’s ascension to the throne, she’d be the imperial dowager.
Jiang Pengji knitted her brows. She threw the invitation card on the tabletop and complained, “Why did the crown princess send me an invitation? I refuse to go—”
A cunning look flashed in Huijun’s eyes. She picked up the invitation card with her hands and placed it near her nose to smell it.
“It’s better that Langjun makes a trip there.”
Jiang Pengji turned to face her. “Why?”
“Come smell this. Isn’t there a faint fragrance exuding from this letter?” Huijun passed the invitation card to her. She smiled broadly. “The crown princess cannot bear the loneliness of being a widow. She wishes to invite you into her harem. If Langjun misses out on this, you will no longer have opportunities in the future.”
Her fingers froze. She and her 150,000 viewers were dumbfounded.
“What?”
Huijun smiled as she continued, “Such fragrance is a secret scent only used in the palace. The main ingredient that composes the scent is a beauty’s sleep. It is combined with twenty-four rare scents to manufacture the product. It is useful in creating chemistry between a man and a woman. The scent is fragrant but not overwhelming, and it could evoke one’s emotions…”
Liu She, who was looking on, coughed loudly. He held his wine cup and pot of wine tightly as he stood up.
“Please continue your conversation. Father is rather tired. I will return to my room to rest first.”
Jiang Pengji did not reply.
When Liu She reached the exit, he suddenly stopped in his tracks and said, “If you wish to attend the banquet tonight, remember to return before dawn tomorrow.”
Jiang Pengji still did not reply.
Did Father remember whether his child was a daughter or son?
Huijun’s cheeks reddened, and she said awkwardly, “The crown princess’s invitation card is filled with this scent. Obviously she wishes to spend a romantic night with Langjun.”
With a humorless laugh, Jiang Pengji remarked, “Her husband just passed on, and it’s been less than seven days since her father-in-law passed on. Is she already thinking of how to lure her guests into her chambers?”
Huijun sighed gently. “Your servant saw this crown princess once. If she has decided to make such a bad move, perhaps it’s for the sake of her son.”
The crown princess belonged with the ladies in the inner palace. She had not been born into a powerful family. Moreover, her foresight was limited. Unbeknownst to her, the marquis and officials had already planned to support the young emperor. Only she saw that Wuma Shang was creating havoc. She was worried and sorely afraid that the throne that belonged to her son would be lost, and the position as imperial dowager, which belonged to her, would be taken away from her.
Because of their sensitive identities, if both mother and son failed to rise as emperor and imperial dowager, only death awaited them.
Amid chaos, they could only choose this inferior strategy.
Of course, apart from her helplessness, this crown princess always acted in this manner.
“Based on your servant’s understanding, this crown princess isn’t as law-abiding as she appears to be. The crown prince was fickle in love and lecherous, and there were countless beauties in the inner palace. Thus, the crown princess felt lonely in her ladies’ chambers. She shared a close relationship with those eunuchs who served her, that of fake husband and wife. Now that the crown prince has passed on and the imperial clan has met with such tribulations, she has no other considerations and could do whatever she wishes.” Huijun laughed. “Now that she has the lascivious desire to seduce Langjun into her inner chambers, it is understandable.”
Once she won Jiang Pengji to her side, it would be equivalent to having kidnapped the Liu family’s father and son to her side in the war.
In the eyes of others, Liu Xi was an 18-year-old charming youth who had not yet come of age.
If the crown princess offered herself to him, she would have an advantage.
“Does Langjun wish to reject or agree to this matter?”
Jiang Pengji looked at the invitation card and abruptly commanded those outside, “Get someone to summon the affairs manager.”
Now, Feng Zhen had a position as the affairs manager in name only, without any true authority.