Chapter 133: They have already decided on the child's name

Shi Liangdi sat down slowly before the tea mat, her back straight, her posture dignified, every gesture displaying elegance.

She extended her fair, slender fingers and lightly picked up the tea jar on the table, her movement so gentle it seemed as if she were holding a rare treasure.

She leaned slightly, pouring the tea leaves slowly into the tea scoop; the leaves danced like lively sprites at her fingertips.

Liu Ju's heart also rose and fell continually.

From nearby came Wei Zifu's praise and the envious voices of the crowd.

Shi Liangdi lightly opened her vermilion lips, her voice gentle and unhurried, like a spring brook, saying: "These tea leaves were picked this spring morning by tea-picking maidens in the misty mountains, bringing the mountains' purest essence."

Next, she lifted the copper kettle and poured the boiling water from a height; the stream fell like a silver thread precisely into the teapot, stirring fine droplets.

Her gaze was focused and earnest, the corners of her mouth always bearing a faint smile, that smile like warm spring sunshine, warm and healing.

While waiting for the tea leaves to steep, she lightly turned her wrist, arranging the tea utensils neatly one by one; each motion was smooth and natural, without any affectation.

After a moment, Shi Liangdi lightly lifted the teapot and poured the tea slowly into the cup.

The tea liquid was golden and clear, its fragrance wafting forth, filling the entire consort-selection venue.

She lifted a cup of tea, rose, and with light steps first approached Wei Zifu, slightly bending her knees in salute, and said softly, "Empress Dowager, please try the tea."

Her tone bore just the right respect and humility, making one feel as if bathed in a spring breeze.

Afterwards, she walked toward Liu Ju and likewise offered him a cup of tea. As she handed it over, she slightly raised her head, her eyes meeting his, full of tenderness and shyness, her cheeks faintly flushed like early spring peach blossoms.

She spoke softly, "Your Majesty, please taste this commoner's skill." Her voice was as gentle as a spring breeze, lightly brushing over Liu Ju's heart.

Shi Liangdi's tea-art performance had no flashy technique, yet thanks to her graceful movements, gentle voice, and meticulous attention to every detail, everyone present was immersed in this tranquility and beauty, as if time had stilled for her.

As her performance ended, cheers rose from the venue.

Wei Zifu kept nodding, looking at Liu Ju beside him, and asked, "Ju, how is it?"

Liu Ju hesitated slightly, then said, "Everything is up to the Empress Mother."

Wei Zifu smiled faintly and ordered, "Wait here, next."

It was Li Yan's turn.

Li Yan took a deep breath, steadied the slight nervousness within, stood tall, and walked forward with composed steps.

Her gaze was bright and firm, without a trace of panic or timidity; the composure born of having seen great scenes was fully displayed in this solemn consort-selection venue.

Arriving before Wei Zifu and Liu Ju, she slightly bowed, her posture graceful yet not losing dignity.

Li Yan composed herself a little, removed her veil, and said, "Commoner Li Yan..."

As soon as her words fell, the onlookers exclaimed in surprise.

Evidently many recognized who she was.

Wei Zifu looked at Liu Ju, smiling without speaking.

At that moment, Liu Ju was still reeling from his surprise at seeing Shi Liangdi, but upon hearing Li Yan's name, he almost exclaimed aloud.

This!

Li Yan actually came to participate in the consort selection?

This is somewhat outrageous!

If saying Liu Ju wasn't moved by Li Yan's beauty were false, of course he also greatly admired her talent.

But held back by his memories of a past life, after all Li Yan was Lady Li of Emperor Wu of Han in his previous existence.

She is famous in the historical records.

Although due to his butterfly effect as a transmigrator, Emperor Wu of Han now lies far in Central Asia, and Li Yan has become a renowned female representative of the Great Han.

Founding newspapers, organizing disaster relief, drafting blueprints for the Yellow River textile machine, and other achievements—she truly exemplifies women not yielding to men, surpassing many males.

Liu Ju greatly admired her talent, character, and work ability.

But Liu Ju never had any private romantic feelings for her.

Unexpectedly this time, Li Yan actually participated in the consort selection herself.

She didn't tell Liu Xiaojun, nor did she mention it to Liu Ju.

And upon recalling their past...

Liu Ju stared blankly at Li Yan below, while she at that moment looked back at him with feeling in her eyes.

Suddenly.

Some soft spot in Liu Ju's heart was touched.

Actually he ought to have known Li Yan's thoughts earlier, but he was busy with state affairs and overlooked it.

At this moment, Li Yan withdrew her gaze from Liu Ju and, speaking slowly, said: ""Your Majesty, Empress Dowager, I have a skill I wish to display for the two of you."

Among the women participating in the consort selection, she was the only one who referred to herself as "subject"!

She also had the qualification!

After Li Yan finished speaking, she indicated to the palace maid to present the prepared painting tools.

Only see her skillfully unfold the xuan paper, lightly grind the ink, her movements flowing like clouds and water.

Li Yan lifted her eyes, her gaze sweeping back and forth over Wei Zifu and Liu Ju, capturing every subtle expression and posture.

As she put brush to paper, she wielded the brush swiftly yet without losing delicacy, the lines flowing and rhythmic.

In no time, the outline of Wei Zifu gradually appeared on the xuan paper, her gentle brows and eyes, dignified demeanor, rendered by her lifelike.

Thereafter, she added a few strokes, and Liu Ju's image leapt onto the paper, his posture upright, his eyes revealing wisdom and authority.

Li Yan set down her brush, held up the painting with both hands, and presented it to Wei Zifu and Liu Ju, saying, "I am unworthy; I send my feelings through this painting, hoping Your Majesty and Empress Dowager will not disdain it."

This painting not only captures their likeness but also fully displays their spirit and charm, evidencing her profound accomplishment in painting.

Finally, Li Yan solemnly said, "I wish to contribute my modest abilities with what I have learned for the prosperity of the Great Han, for Your Majesty's grand undertaking; no matter what position I hold, as a commoner I will give my all and not disappoint Your Majesty and Empress Dowager's expectations."

""I have long admired the Son of Heaven, hoping my wish may be fulfilled."

Her words rang with force; each character revealed her strong ambition and outstanding work ability.

There is also a deep affection for Liu Ju.

Wei Zifu kept praising, took Li Yan's hand, and said gently: "Yaner, I know that you do not have astonishingly outstanding song and dance talent, and cannot win a smile from the lord with graceful dance and melodious voice."

Then Wei Zifu paused slightly, light flashing in her eyes, and said: "But in your days working in media, you studied day and night, devoted yourself to spreading knowledge. Educating the masses, raising women's autonomy and status, it is truly indispensable."

It is you who let Han women know they should not be confined to the inner chambers, let more women's voices be heard, let them understand the affairs of the world, and have the courage to pursue their dreams.

When talking about Li Yan researching the spinning machine, Wei Zifu even more emotionally said: "You saw the people toiling hard for their livelihood, cooperating with the Son of Heaven to develop a spinning machine of epoch-making significance, letting the Han people have clothes to wear; this can be said that women are not inferior to men."

Wei Zifu looked at Liu Ju and said: "If even such a woman cannot gain the Son of Heaven's favor, then who can?"

Her words immediately gained the approval of the onlooking crowd, who shouted their praise.

Li Yan became even more moved, tears welling up, her gaze lingering on Liu Ju.

Wei Zifu softly said to Liu Ju: "These ladies each have their own merits, Emperor, what do you think?"

Liu Ju pondered for a moment, his gaze once again falling on Shi Liangdi and Li Yan.

Shi Liangdi gave him a feeling of familiarity and warmth, a continuation of their fate from a previous life;

and Li Yan's independence and talent made him feel deep admiration.

Finally, he slowly said: "Your humble servant feels that Shi Liangdi and Li Yan may enter the Imperial Harem."

Hearing her name called, Shi Liangdi's cheeks instantly turned crimson; she lowered her head shyly, her heart filled with joy and nervousness.

Li Yan's eyes flashed with excited light; she suppressed her inner joy, slightly bowed in salute, though she tried to keep composure on the surface, her inner self was already tumultuous.

Yearning never forgotten, there will be a response; years of persistence finally received an answer.

Recalling the time when she once served as editor-in-chief of Han Women's Media, interacting with Liu Ju again and again.

Every time they discussed work, Liu Ju's focused expression and unique insights made her deeply fascinated.

At that time, she could only carefully hide this affection in her heart; merely being able to work side by side with Liu Ju was for her a great happiness.

And during those days of researching the spinning machine, whenever she encountered difficulties, Liu Ju's encouragement and support became her motivation to persevere.

She never imagined that one day she could enter Liu Ju's life with such a special status.

Now the dream has come true; her heart holds not only joy, but even more anticipation for the future.

At that moment, Li Yan even had the names of their two children ready.