Chapter 163: I was just saying it casually, you

The Jiang family estate was also exceptionally busy today.

In order to let Li Chen live comfortably in the Jiang family for a period of time, the beautiful woman Jiang Ningyue also racked her brains.

The dishes for dinner were all the finest local ingredients, and the tea and snacks were also of a special supply grade.

Every maid who could get close to Li Chen was given a thousand instructions.

Except for not telling them Li Chen's identity, everything else was treated with the highest specifications.

Just taking the words the maids heard, it seemed that the previous head of the Jiang family hadn't received such high treatment.

This couldn't help but make the maids even more curious about who the man who had come was.

Considering the rest issue, Jiang Ningyue directly cleared out the best room in the estate for Li Chen and personally led people to tidy it up.

"Mother-in-law, what are you doing?"

A charming young woman walked over.

She was the daughter-in-law Jiang Ningyue had hand-picked, Dong Zhiqing.

When a mother-in-law chooses a daughter-in-law, she naturally looks at things comprehensively; just looking at Dong Zhiqing's figure, one could tell she was good at bearing sons.

It was a pity that Jiang Ningyue hadn't yet held a grandson before her own son died so inexplicably.

However, Jiang Ningyue was very good to Dong Zhiqing, and Dong Zhiqing had always listened to her mother-in-law.

"You came just in time; help tidy up this room together," Jiang Ningyue said while busy.

Hearing her mother-in-law say this, the obedient Dong Zhiqing naturally came over to help.

She actually lived nearby; this was the inner courtyard of the Jiang family, a place where outsiders couldn't come.

Seeing the maids busy here, and her mother-in-law's figure, Dong Zhiqing came over to take a look.

While busy, Dong Zhiqing was inquiring about who had come to the Jiang family.

Generally speaking, ordinary guests stayed in the side rooms.

Ever since the Jiang family's men had all died, the estate hadn't hosted any men, let alone in the inner courtyard.

Dong Zhiqing had been thinking about who could have come to the Jiang family; thinking and thinking, she thought of the Jiang family member who was an Imperial Consort, and perhaps only if she returned would there be such treatment.

However, this was just her thought; for accuracy, she had to listen to Jiang Ningyue's answer.

After they were mostly done, Jiang Ningyue sent the maids to other places and pulled Dong Zhiqing to the side.

"Zhiqing, a distinguished guest has come to the house today; you must not be negligent."

Saying this, Jiang Ningyue quietly informed Dong Zhiqing of Li Chen's identity.

Upon hearing that the current Emperor had come to the Jiang family, Dong Zhiqing was so frightened that her face showed surprise, and her body trembled a little.

In her cognitive level, she wasn't even qualified to see the City Lord, let alone the Emperor.

The Emperor was a very vague concept to a little woman like her.

She knew that the May Tian Ce Dynasty had such a high-and-mighty figure, the monarch of the behemoth that was the May Tian Ce Dynasty.

As a person of the May Tian Ce Dynasty, Dong Zhiqing was naturally the Emperor's subject.

In the cognition of a little daughter-in-law of a family like her, the Emperor's words were absolute and could not be disobeyed.

Moreover, the Emperor was the kind of existence who killed without blinking; as long as one did something wrong, one would be executed immediately.

So hearing that the Emperor had come to the Jiang family, Dong Zhiqing was naturally terrified.

Now she understood why her mother-in-law, who was always grand, could show such a cautious appearance.

If the Emperor came, it explained why others couldn't stay in this inner courtyard.

Seeming to notice her daughter-in-law's unease, Jiang Ningyue comforted her: "Rest assured, as long as you haven't committed any mistakes, His Majesty naturally won't blame you."

Dong Zhiqing also said "Mm," not knowing what she was thinking.

Jiang Ningyue told her daughter-in-law to change into more formal clothes and incidentally told her what to do when seeing the Emperor.

At any rate, Jiang Ningyue had been in contact with the royal family before and knew these etiquettes.

Dong Zhiqing also kept them all in mind.

At this time, Li Chen was resting in the courtyard of the Jiang estate, enjoying a moment of tranquility.

Wu Nanzhi was skillfully peeling fruit to the side, feeding it to Li Chen's mouth, and gently wiping the corner of Li Chen's mouth with a handkerchief.

This was a technique she had learned from Ji Lianyu; she had always felt that Ji Lianyu was very good at taking care of people.

Just feeding fruit wasn't enough; the posture used while feeding to make Li Chen feel comfortable was the true technique.

"I wonder what the late Emperor came to Shanghe City to investigate."

Li Chen leaned in Wu Nanzhi's soft embrace, thinking about some problems.

At this point, Lin Yue'e should have also arrived in Shanghe City.

As long as she took over the security of this place, then she could investigate many things.

Li Chen was relatively leisurely; if he didn't have to go personally, he certainly wouldn't.

As for investigating the sects, that was also something his subordinates couldn't complete.

"I think the late Emperor should have come to this place to track down remnants of the previous dynasty; it's just that I don't know what he discovered or how he solved it."

Wu Nanzhi had also stayed in the Imperial Palace for a period of time and sometimes heard Li Chen talk about these topics.

However, she did have a certain basis for saying this; judging from the situation where the late Emperor had the Crown Prince investigate the remnants of the previous dynasty, he should have known something or was guarding against something.

It was just unexpected that the son he trusted most would turn a blind eye to the remnants of the previous dynasty.

In this way, the late Emperor coming to the vicinity of Shanghe City was likely following the trail of the remnants of the previous dynasty, tracking them all the way to the sects.

But from the subsequent lack of gains, it could be seen that the sect where the remnants of the previous dynasty were hiding should be very strong, to the point that the late Emperor had no countermeasures.

Li Chen planned to wait for the 'insider' to come, collect some intelligence, and then see how strong these sects were.

Just at this time, a figure with graceful curves walked over.

This person was none other than Jiang Ningyue, the mistress of this estate.

Unlike their first meeting, perhaps to be more formal, this time Jiang Ningyue had changed her attire.

Her jet-black hair was coiled into a high cloud-like bun, held by a wooden hairpin, simple and refined; her swan-like, graceful, and slender neck had an indescribable elegance.

Her shoulders were like knife-cut, her waist was slender and moving, and her breasts were full and firm.

She wore a tight red silk dress that clung to her body, outlining her mature and beautiful figure to the fullest, indescribably intoxicating.

When walking, she was both dignified and cautious.

It was the uncontrollable rise and fall on her body that made this beautiful woman, Jiang Ningyue, appear even more outstanding.

Seeing that there was no one else nearby, Jiang Ningyue bowed slightly and said softly: "Your Majesty, dinner is ready; please move your carriage."

Her words were full of apology, not knowing what had happened.

Even though Li Chen wasn't wearing a dragon robe, the majesty of a superior still made people involuntarily respectful.

Hearing Jiang Ningyue say this, he nodded slightly, indicating his agreement.

Jiang Ningyue didn't dare to walk in front of Li Chen, so she followed to the side, pointing out the location of the estate banquet for Li Chen.

When Li Chen and Wu Nanzhi stepped into the Jiang estate's banquet hall, the maids had already arranged all kinds of delicacies neatly.

Li Chen's status was distinguished, so he was naturally arranged in the seat of honor.

Jiang Ningyue personally stepped forward to move the stool for him, her movements gentle and meticulous, showing her thoughtfulness as a mistress.

Her daughter-in-law, Dong Zhiqing, also stood to the side; this was her first time seeing the Emperor in person, and she couldn't help but feel a bit nervous and timid.

Her hands were tightly clenched, her gaze lowered, not daring to look directly at Li Chen, her face full of inexperience and shyness.

On the table were placed rare deer antlers from the deep mountains, from a rare species of deer in the surrounding mountain ranges.

This kind of deer lived on the peaks of high mountains shrouded in clouds, and its antlers contained the spiritual energy of heaven and earth, each one crystal clear.

There were also sturdy and meaty tiger paws, also from a local rare tiger species, said to live in the depths of dark forests, known for their speed and strength, and their meat was incomparably delicious.

Placed in the very center was the Profound Spirit Back-Shell Soup, made from the back shell of a rare spirit beast, slow-cooked with various rare medicinal herbs, making the soup rich and the taste mellow.

Besides this, there were all kinds of delicious delicacies, filling the table.

These things were not only precious but also highly nourishing.

Seeing this, Wu Nanzhi felt that her pressure would be very great next.

Wherever Li Chen's gaze swept, Jiang Ningyue began to introduce it.

Li Chen felt the most outrageous thing was that when her gaze swept to the young woman beside Jiang Ningyue, Jiang Ningyue really introduced her in all seriousness.

This was her daughter-in-law, Dong Zhiqing.

She even let Dong Zhiqing greet Li Chen.

Since she had introduced her like that, Li Chen took a good look.

This little daughter-in-law named Dong Zhiqing had eyebrows like paintings, a small nose, and a rosy, fair face.

Her entire body's skin was as fair and delicate as smooth, her figure was well-proportioned and slender, with a thin waist and rounded buttocks; she was indeed the type that was good for bearing children. Coupled with breasts that were fuller than her age group, it could be said that she had both the beauty of a woman and the charm of a young woman.

She wore a pink silk gauze tight-fitting dress, which set off a stunningly beautiful face.

At first glance, Li Chen had the feeling that she had been developed, but not fully developed, making one want to develop her well upon seeing her.

The more timid Dong Zhiqing acted, the more it made one want to bully her.

But if you said she was timid, she would occasionally peek at Li Chen.

This made Wu Nanzhi to the side feel that her unintentional 'flirting' seemed to be seducing Li Chen, perhaps she hadn't even realized it herself.

Dong Zhiqing had always been obedient since marrying into the Jiang family and followed the rules of the estate.

A woman like her was the type who didn't go out the front door or the back door, and hadn't even seen many men.

Today, she was also seeing such a divine and refined man for the first time, handsome enough to completely fit the 'him' in every woman's dreams.

From childhood to adulthood, Dong Zhiqing hadn't been in contact with many men, but she felt that Li Chen was undoubtedly the best-looking man she had ever seen.

Moreover, this was the Emperor from the Imperial Capital, with an incomparably distinguished status.

!

This made her unable to resist taking a few more looks.

After Li Chen sat down, Wu Nanzhi naturally sat beside him, but the beautiful woman Jiang Ningyue and her daughter-in-law stood to the side.

Only after Li Chen signaled did they dare to sit down.

There was no help for it; Li Chen's status was too distinguished to them, and they truly didn't dare to offend Li Chen.

During the banquet, Jiang Ningyue kept toasting to express her apology.

The so-called apology was actually that the personnel were not all present.

Originally, two more people should have appeared at this banquet, but these two people didn't come.

They were the wife of the former head of the Jiang family, Xie Minjun, and the eldest young lady of the Jiang family, Jiang Rong.

Xie Minjun had always been mysterious and had occasionally left the Jiang family recently, seemingly busy with something; she had left the Jiang family this morning and still hadn't returned.

Jiang Ningyue had heard Xie Minjun mention before that she seemed to want to avenge her late husband and similar topics.

As for Jiang Rong, the maid had just gone to inquire; Jiang Rong wasn't at the Chamber of Commerce and should have gone out.

Originally, Jiang Ningyue had planned to introduce Jiang Rong to Li Chen and had even mentioned it when Li Chen first arrived.

But now that two people were missing, Jiang Ningyue felt very apologetic.

While Li Chen was dining, Jiang Ningyue was also full of worries, fearing that Li Chen wouldn't be used to the food, and also fearing that Li Chen would feel it wasn't lively enough with so few people.

If Li Chen were unhappy, leaving directly would be a small matter, but if he were to hold the Jiang family accountable, that would be a big problem.

However, she was indeed overthinking this; Li Chen was a relatively casual person.

Besides, wasn't everything he liked to eat laid out right here?

This meal was finished quickly; Dong Zhiqing was like a shy little daughter-in-law, and except for greeting Li Chen at the beginning, she didn't say a word.

And she ate in a slow and deliberate manner.

Especially when she was picking up food, seeing Li Chen's chopsticks also approaching this dish.

Dong Zhiqing quickly withdrew her hand, sitting there obediently watching Li Chen pick, and only dared to eat after confirming Li Chen had eaten enough.

Her every move was so trembling with fear.

To Li Chen, it might just be a meal, but to her, it was a life-and-death test.

In her concept, it was still that offending His Majesty meant losing one's head!

After Li Chen finished eating and left, Dong Zhiqing let out a long sigh of relief, as if she had just finished a battle.

"Too terrifying, His Majesty is really too terrifying," Dong Zhiqing kept muttering in her heart.

I don't know if it was her fear filter or what, but she was just like this beside Li Chen.

Leaving the banquet hall, Li Chen could be considered to have had his fill of food and drink.

At this time, appropriate exercise was needed to maintain physical health.

So he pulled Wu Nanzhi into the room.

Every time he came to such a place, Li Chen would pull her to experience it.

Even if she was a bit shy, she also felt the different stimulation brought by a fresh place.

Perhaps Wu Nanzhi was only reserved on the surface, and in her heart, she yearned for it even more than Li Chen.

After a while, the beautiful woman Jiang Ningyue came to the door with tea and snacks.

Originally, she wanted to ask if Li Chen was satisfied with the place to rest, but hearing the movement inside, she stopped her steps.

Already a woman, she naturally knew what the movement inside was.

Those were things between the Emperor and his consorts; Jiang Ningyue couldn't manage it either, so she retreated silently, only a trace of envy flashing across her brow.

However, she quickly recovered, and her inner chastity told her that these were not things she could think about.

Returning to the hall, Jiang Ningyue saw her daughter-in-law sitting there obediently.

This daughter-in-law was good at everything, except for not leaving any descendants for the Jiang family.

Jiang Ningyue knew that this couldn't be blamed on her; back then, Jiang Cheng was also a well-known second-generation heir, flirting and flirting outside, and his body wasn't very good.

Even though Jiang Cheng had passed away for many years, it was already very good that her daughter-in-law was still so obedient at home, keeping herself chaste.

Seeing Jiang Ningyue come over, Dong Zhiqing immediately stood up to greet her.

The two chatted for a while, and Jiang Ningyue said: "The eldest young lady hasn't returned; I'll go to the shop to see what happened; you stay at home and don't disturb His Majesty."

Dong Zhiqing nodded like a chicken pecking at rice, indicating no problem.

With her personality, how could she disturb Li Chen?

Before Jiang Ningyue was ready to leave, seeming to think of something, she continued: "If you see the Imperial Consort appear alone, go up and greet her, and find a way to curry favor with her to ask about His Majesty's hobbies; this is very important to our Jiang family, understand?"

If it were to ask Dong Zhiqing to approach Li Chen, she certainly wouldn't dare, but the Imperial Consort looked very gentle.

As a daughter-in-law of the Jiang family, Dong Zhiqing also wanted to do something for the Jiang family, but she had never been able to help; now that there was finally an opportunity, Dong Zhiqing naturally had to work hard.

Jiang Ningyue actually didn't think much; the meaning here was just wanting to know what Li Chen liked, so she would prepare it for him, then he would naturally stay in the Jiang family longer.

Dong Zhiqing also understood that this was the way of hospitality, especially when facing a distinguished guest like Li Chen; being able to keep him in the Jiang family for a day was the Jiang family's honor.

"Also, when I'm not here, if His Majesty needs anything, you must satisfy him immediately."

Of course, here Jiang Ningyue meant things like wine, tea, and snacks.

Dong Zhiqing initially understood it this way, and there were no problems at the current stage.

After Jiang Ningyue led people to leave the Jiang estate, Dong Zhiqing kept observing nearby.

After about two hours, when it was almost dark, Dong Zhiqing saw the Imperial Consort come out of the room.

According to the content her mother-in-law had instructed, Dong Zhiqing went up to curry favor with Wu Nanzhi and asked if Wu Nanzhi had any needs.

Wu Nanzhi had a holy beast fostered in her body, and it was easy to get hungry after exercise, and she was also a bit thirsty.

She had originally thought of coming out to find something to eat, but the Jiang family's little daughter-in-law had come.

Hearing that the Imperial Consort only wanted food and water, Dong Zhiqing immediately went to prepare it.

Without Li Chen and her mother-in-law beside her, Dong Zhiqing relaxed a lot and began to strike up a conversation with Wu Nanzhi.

It had to be said that the two of them chatted quite congenially, and soon had a preliminary understanding.

While Wu Nanzhi was halfway through eating, Dong Zhiqing took the opportunity to speak: "Imperial Consort, I don't know what His Majesty likes, so I can prepare it for His Majesty."

Wu Nanzhi said while chewing a chicken leg: "His Majesty likes beauties like you and your mother-in-law."

As Li Chen's consort, she knew what Li Chen liked just from Li Chen's eyes.

There were not a few women of this type in the inner palace, so there was nothing strange about it.

And with Li Chen's strength and status having reached the peak, what he needed was indeed only women.

Of course, Wu Nanzhi was just saying it casually here; after eating, she went to the courtyard for a walk to maintain her figure.

But this little daughter-in-law, Dong Zhiqing, really took it to heart!

At this moment, she was very conflicted in her heart; she was a married woman, and even if her husband had passed away for a long time, she shouldn't do this.

But her mother-in-law had said, let me satisfy His Majesty's requirements by all means; this was for the Jiang family.

And His Majesty couldn't be judged by common sense; if His Majesty needed me, I should satisfy him.

I don't know what Dong Zhiqing finally thought, but she really went to Li Chen's room.

At this time, Li Chen heard movement at the door and thought it was Wu Nanzhi returning, preparing for a second battle.

As a result, it was this obedient and timid little daughter-in-law of the Jiang family who came.

Li Chen asked: "What are you doing here?"

Dong Zhiqing looked up at Li Chen, then shyly lowered her head and answered: "Returning to Your Majesty, I heard from the Imperial Consort that His Majesty wants the little woman to serve in bed; I don't know if it's true?"

(End of chapter) ===== CHAPTER 164 =====