Chapter 599: Almost Dried Into a Husk

Night fell, and the bright moon rose.

By now, the imperial palace was ablaze with lights.

Unlike when Zhu Youxiao had first ascended the throne—back then, lighting lamps in the palace had to be planned in advance, calculating where and when to light them, lest the expenses run over budget.

Over the past few years, life in the palace had become somewhat easier, and Zhu Youxiao truly had money to spare now. It wasn't extravagant, but daily life could proceed normally—when it was time to light the lamps, they lit them.

The imperial palace was no longer pitch-black wherever one went; instead, it was bright and well-lit everywhere.

At this moment, Zhu Youxiao arrived at Kunning Palace.

Tonight's banquet was held at Kunning Palace, hosted by Empress Zhang, with everything planned by her. Zhu Youxiao was merely a prop.

In fact, Zhu Youxiao was just a tool.

Once he arrived, the banquet followed its prescribed protocols. Zhu Youxiao's role was to put on a display of affection with Empress Zhang.

Throughout the process, Zhu Youxiao could only cooperate and appropriately welcome the Da Yu'er sisters.

Empress Zhang arranged the palace where Bumbutai and her companions would stay, and also distributed rewards to the other consorts. Only then did the banquet come to an end.

Of course, Zhu Youxiao's tasks were not yet finished—he still had to continue.

There was no surprise tonight: he was to stay overnight at Kunning Palace, accompanying Empress Zhang to showcase their loving relationship.

Early the next morning, when daylight was fully bright, Zhu Youxiao finally made his way from Kunning Palace to Qianqing Palace.

This display of affection had been rather exhausting—they had gone at it several times last night.

No good—he was getting older now. If he kept this up, problems would arise.

Zhu Youxiao looked at Wei Chao and said, "Tonight I'm not going anywhere. I'll rest at Qianqing Palace."

"Very well, Your Majesty." Wei Chao hurriedly agreed.

In truth, Wei Chao was somewhat worried too. After all, His Majesty had endured a long and tiring journey. Add to that the two Mongol sisters back in Liaodong—His Majesty had seemed quite reluctant to leave, as if he'd forgotten all about home.

Now that they were back in the capital, the Empress had pulled this stunt. If the other consorts followed suit, His Majesty truly wouldn't be able to handle it.

Wei Chao had made up his mind: since His Majesty had given the order, he would go tell everyone not to disturb him for the next couple of days.

In fact, Zhu Youxiao also knew he wouldn't get much peace for long. Never mind the others—he still had to visit his two Noble Consorts, and there was also that woman he'd brought back from Jiangnan whom he needed to placate.

Having too many women was a very troublesome thing.

"Alright, bring me the memorials from the Grand Secretariat and the Staff Office. I want to take a look." Zhu Youxiao instructed Wei Chao.

Having been away from the capital for so long, he truly needed to catch up on things—to see what had happened recently, whether his subordinates had handled anything improperly, and whether there were matters requiring changes.

"Yes, Your Majesty." Wei Chao hurriedly agreed.

Of course, not everything was brought over. What came first was a summary outline, recording the routine memorials the court had approved and received during this period.

It highlighted the key points—what the matters were and how they'd been handled. If Zhu Youxiao deemed the handling appropriate, he'd skip over it; if he deemed it inappropriate, he'd have the full documents brought over for detailed review; and if he still found it problematic, he'd summon people to inquire about the handling.

He was busy like this all morning, and time passed without his noticing.

Fortunately, nothing major had gone wrong.

In truth, the Ming Dynasty's bureaucratic system had been running for over two hundred years. Officials handled most matters with ease, and Zhu Youxiao didn't need to worry about them at all. Once the rules were established, his subordinates would get things done.

The reforms Zhu Youxiao had implemented over the past few years were also running smoothly. Major events were handled on a large scale—wherever there was famine, money and grain were sent for relief; wherever there was rebellion, troops were dispatched to suppress it.

His subordinates could all handle these things well.

Seeing that it was past noon, Zhu Youxiao stretched his body and said to Wei Chao, "I'm actually a bit hungry. What's for lunch today?"

"Your Majesty, Her Majesty the Empress has already made arrangements." Wei Chao said hurriedly.

In truth, as he said this, Wei Chao felt somewhat awkward, and he carefully watched Zhu Youxiao, afraid he might get angry.

In such a situation, Wei Chao was terrified that His Majesty might punish him.

But Zhu Youxiao was in a good mood today, since nothing had seemed wrong in the morning. He said, "Then bring the food up."

"Yes, Your Majesty." Wei Chao hurriedly agreed.

Soon, the dishes were brought up.

Scallion-braised sea cucumber—Zhu Youxiao spotted this dish at a glance.

Speaking of which, ever since the Imperial Household Department had started doing business across the length and breadth of the land, the Ming's logistics had become much smoother.

The Imperial Household Department had established a very comprehensive logistics network throughout the country, even with warehousing in various regions. Of course, much of it was done in cooperation with local merchants, adopting a franchise model.

But in the current era, this kind of logistics system was already extremely powerful. Apart from limited transport capacity and slow speed, it already resembled the logistics systems of later generations.

As a result, goods from all over the country now circulated freely. For instance, the sea cucumber Zhu Youxiao was eating now came from Liaodong. Of course, it had been dried when it arrived, but after rehydration it was still very tasty.

Chives stir-fried with eggs—a very home-style dish.

Cumin lamb—Zhu Youxiao's favorite dish.

Beside it was a clay pot; opening the lid, it was turtle soup.

Zhu Youxiao looked up at Wei Chao, a strange meaning in his eyes.

Wei Chao's face was awkward as he stepped back and said, "Your Majesty, this was arranged by Her Majesty the Empress."

The implication was clear: this was the Empress's doing—please don't blame me, this has nothing to do with me. If you want to find fault, go to Her Majesty the Empress.

Zhu Youxiao shot Wei Chao an exasperated glare, then picked up his chopsticks and began to eat.

Attended by Wei Chao, Zhu Youxiao drank two bowls of turtle soup.

It had to be said, the turtle at this time was truly excellent—one could tell at a glance it was wild-caught. And the imperial chefs' skill was superb; it was cooked very well.

After eating two bowls of rice, Zhu Youxiao stood up contentedly.

Having eaten and drunk his fill, it was just right to go out for a stroll—after all, he couldn't go back to sleep right after a meal.

Speaking of which, he did feel a bit sleepy after eating. Last night had truly been too exhausting, and he still hadn't recovered since returning.

"Come on, let's go for a walk." Zhu Youxiao said to Wei Chao with a smile.

At this moment, Zhu Youxiao was in quite a good mood, with a smile frequently on his face.

But after leaving Qianqing Palace, Zhu Youxiao's mood was no longer so good.

Because he saw a large crowd of people walking toward him.

This group was quite numerous—many palace maids and eunuchs, with an extremely grand display.

In the entire Ming imperial palace, the only people who could put on such a display, besides Zhu Youxiao, were Empress Zhang.

Sure enough, Empress Zhang had already walked over with a beaming smile.

Upon seeing Empress Zhang, Zhu Youxiao's expression turned serious. He gave a light cough and said to Empress Zhang, "What are you off to do?"

"Why, to see Your Majesty, of course." Empress Zhang said with a radiant smile. "You've just finished lunch—were you thinking of taking a stroll outside? The flowers in the imperial garden are in full bloom right now. Would Your Majesty like me to accompany you for a look?"

"Fine." Zhu Youxiao didn't refuse and nodded in agreement.

Although he knew Empress Zhang must have something on her mind in seeking him out, Zhu Youxiao had already made up his mind—no matter what, this time he absolutely would not give in. He would definitely not go to Empress Zhang's chambers; tonight he would sleep alone.

He needed to be diligent in state affairs. Having just returned from Liaodong, with so many matters to handle, he absolutely could not afford to delay.

He was precisely the kind of good emperor who disregarded himself, placed no importance on personal romance, and devoted himself wholeheartedly to serving the country and the people. Women and such could stay away—they would only become his burden and slow down his blade.

Empress Zhang, of course, had no idea what Zhu Youxiao was thinking. She simply smiled and accompanied him on the tour.

After walking a full circuit, the two came together to a pavilion.

Fruits, pastries, and tea had long since been prepared here by someone.

After sitting down, taking a sip of tea, and eating a couple of fruits, Zhu Youxiao looked up at Empress Zhang and said, "If there's something between us, just say it."

"Your Majesty should come to Kunning Palace to rest tonight!" Empress Zhang looked at Zhu Youxiao and said.

Hearing this, Zhu Youxiao furrowed his brow, his expression extremely solemn, and said seriously, "That won't do. I have just returned from Liaodong, and affairs are numerous and complex. These next few days I may only be able to work late into the nights. After all, there's simply too much to handle—I'm also afraid something might go wrong."

Empress Zhang looked at Zhu Youxiao, her tone somewhat aggrieved. "If Your Majesty doesn't go anywhere at all, people will say that I've been draining Your Majesty too harshly. What kind of reputation would that spread? I am the reigning Empress—how could I bear such a reputation?"

"Once Your Majesty arrives at Kunning Palace and rests well, I naturally won't disturb you." As she spoke, Empress Zhang looked up at Zhu Youxiao with a pitiful expression.

Hearing this, Zhu Youxiao felt it made quite a bit of sense.

If nothing was going to happen, there was no harm in going there to sleep for one night. It was just sleeping for one night, after all—it would still show his favor toward the Empress, and he could also get a good rest.

"I was thoughtless in my considerations. Then let's do it this way." Zhu Youxiao nodded in agreement.

"Then I shall await Your Majesty." Empress Zhang's expression instantly shifted from tears to smiles, speaking with a cheerful air.

Zhu Youxiao said nothing more and went back to handling official business, then went to Kunning Palace early in the evening.

Since he was already going to stay there, he might as well have a meal with Empress Zhang.

After dinner they strolled about for a while, and only then did the husband and wife return to exchange some intimate words before going to sleep.

The next morning, daylight shone bright and full.

Zhu Youxiao walked out of Empress Zhang's bedchamber.