Chapter 336: I Still Prefer the Way You Were—Defiant and Unruly at First

…

Speaking of it, whether Liu Mingjie's adoption by Liu Qingjing was a stroke of luck for either of them remains unclear.

It was Liu Qingjing's complete and unreserved instruction that enabled Liu Mingjie to master her skills, allowing her—even among Zhao Yu's many women—to secure a place beside him, bear him three sons and one daughter, and become a definitive victor among his harem.

Yet on the other hand, even now that Liu Mingjie has become Zhao Yu's Virtuous Consort, she still must obey Liu Qingjing.

Moreover, the daughter Liu Qingjing bore Zhao Yu is officially registered under Liu Mingjie's name and must be raised by Liu Mingjie on Liu Qingjing's behalf.

Crucially, whenever Liu Qingjing has any matter—big or small—in the harem, she always sends Liu Mingjie to handle it, especially matters concerning Zhao Yu. Liu Qingjing knows Zhao Yu doesn't care for her, the woman who threw herself at his bed, so when she wishes to see Zhao Yu or needs his favor, she sends Liu Mingjie to summon him—this greatly increases her chances of success.

—Liu Mingjie can persuade Zhao Yu more effectively not because he obeys her blindly, but because she is exceptionally skilled at speaking, always hitting exactly what Zhao Yu wants to hear.

At this moment, Liu Mingjie told Zhao Yu: "With Empress Meng and Empress Zheng watching over our Empress, how would she dare harbor any improper thoughts? But Your Majesty has been on a personal campaign for over seven months, leaving our Empress without her anchor. Princess Yikang has now reached marriageable age, so I've been sent to inquire whether Your Majesty has time…"

Liu Mingjie's words subtly conveyed that Liu Qingjing was not forcing Zhao Yu to take her as a concubine, but rather deeply reliant on him, missing him terribly after so long without seeing him, and that Princess Yikang's marriage to a prince consort was approaching—she merely wished for Zhao Yu's counsel, nothing more.

Liu Mingjie also made clear that with Meng Xiang and Zheng Xiansu keeping Liu Qingjing in check, she would cause no trouble.

Hearing this, Zhao Yu considered it and decided to meet Liu Qingjing. After all, she was one of the widows left behind by the previous dynasty; her status and position were undeniable, and leaving her neglected and perpetually unsatisfied was inappropriate.

Thus, Zhao Yu followed Liu Mingjie to her small courtyard.

Liu Mingjie personally cooked carp-baked noodles for Zhao Yu, using carp he had brought back from the Yellow River.

Throughout the entire harem, Zhao Yu ate only the meals prepared by a few women, one of whom was Liu Mingjie.

Liu Mingjie not only learned superb culinary skills from Liu Qingjing, but also specifically sought out Yuan Qingcheng as her master to study cooking.

Therefore, when Yuan Qingcheng had no time to cook for Zhao Yu, she would sometimes send Liu Mingjie to substitute for her.

After dining at Liu Mingjie's, Zhao Yu summoned several women and played two rounds of Ye Shi Yun's "invented" game of Bandit Kill (in reality, Werewolf).

When night fell, Zhao Yu retired as usual, ordering Liu Mingjie and one of her original palace maids to spend the night with him.

After their exchange, Zhao Yu dismissed everyone else, including the newly promoted young wife, declaring he wished only to hold Liu Mingjie as he slept that night.

Everyone in Liu Mingjie's palace knew that whenever Zhao Yu visited, he only slept holding Liu Mingjie; thus, even though the newly promoted young wife was reluctant, she could only leave with three steps backward and frequent glances over her shoulder.

Once everyone had left, Liu Qingjing, dressed in a sheer, cicada-wing-thin robe that revealed her figure faintly, eagerly crawled out of the secret tunnel.

—In Zhao Yu's harem, there were several secret tunnels, built deliberately by Zhao Yu during the construction of Yanfu Palace: five led to five Shenzhi Army camps (the Shenzhi Army knew nothing of these tunnels), and two connected the old palace to Yanfu Palace—one of which ran from Chong'en Palace directly to Liu Mingjie's quarters.

The moment Liu Qingjing emerged from the tunnel, she immediately climbed onto the bed in an irresistibly alluring pose.

Then, she began sniffing upward from Zhao Yu's toes, her face filled with pure delight.

When she reached Zhao Yu's face, she moved to kiss him.

But Zhao Yu tilted his head back, avoiding her kiss.

Seeing this, Liu Qingjing did not grow angry; instead, shamelessly, she wrapped her arms around his waist, resting her cheek against his chest, and cooed softly: "Your Majesty has been gone seven months—I prayed day and night, longing for your return. Your Majesty does not know: since you left, I have fasted and recited sutras daily, begging the Buddha to protect your safety and bring you home…"

Hearing Liu Qingjing "confess" her affection, Zhao Yu was half-skeptical of her words, yet showed no sign on his face—only gently patted the hand resting on his waist, his voice calm yet faintly distant: "I know you miss me. This campaign was arduous, but I have returned safely. Do not worry further."

Liu Qingjing, however, seemed not to hear the coldness in his tone; she clung tighter, her voice sweet and tender: "Since you left, I dream every night of your return—only to wake to an empty palace. That agony is unbearable."

As she spoke, she began to weep softly, tears welling in her eyes, ready to fall at any moment.

'Drama queen!'

Zhao Yu, growing impatient, said: "Enough. Stop crying. I'm back, safe and sound."

Hearing this, Liu Qingjing stopped crying, lifted her tear-blurred face, and gazed at Zhao Yu with deep affection: "I do not ask Your Majesty to achieve glory unmatched through the ages—I only wish you health and longevity, so I may always see you."

Looking at Liu Qingjing like this, Zhao Yu thought: 'I still prefer the way you were—defiant and unruly at first.'

"Enough. Get to the point. No more sentimental nonsense," Zhao Yu said slowly, attempting to shift the topic.

But Liu Qingjing had no intention of letting it go; she traced circles on his chest with her index finger, her voice laced with coquettishness: "I know Your Majesty is burdened with state affairs, but I simply cannot help missing you~!"

Zhao Yu knew Liu Qingjing's greatest talent was providing emotional value and pleasing men—if he indulged her, it would never end.

So he shifted the topic again, saying: "Princess Yikang is no longer young—she should be betrothed to a prince consort. Which noble son do you favor? I shall arrange it for her."

Hearing Zhao Yu bring up her daughter's marriage, Liu Qingjing immediately dropped the emotional play and quickly seized the opportunity: "The fifth son of Grand Tutor Cai, and the eldest grandson of Grand Tutor Su are both suitable."

One from the Chancellor's family, one from the Chief of the Privy Council's—both with deep scholarly pedigrees. Liu Qingjing truly dared to pick them.

Yet judging from her choices, she must have already withdrawn from politics—otherwise, Cai Jing was a New Party member, Su Shi an Old Party member; she could not possibly care only for power and ignore factional alignment.

But then again, emperors are inherently suspicious—Zhao Yu was no exception—so he said calmly: "A daughter cannot marry two husbands. Choose one of them, and I shall issue the imperial decree."

Liu Qingjing knew Zhao Yu disliked her meddling in politics.

Moreover, since Zhao Yu's ascension, the New Party had ceased to acknowledge her, the fallen former Empress; she was now entirely detached from politics.

Under these circumstances, Liu Qingjing boldly declared: "I have long admired Grand Tutor Su's literary talent."

Seeing Liu Qingjing choose to marry her daughter into the Old Party, Zhao Yu nodded inwardly and said: "Su Shi is robust and energetic—he could serve another three or five years as Chief of the Privy Council. He is a master of poetry, calligraphy, and painting; his grandson will surely be exceptional."

As he spoke, Zhao Yu—who had been ignoring Liu Qingjing all along—finally reached out and wrapped his arm around her slender waist.