Happy reading~

Chapter 78: Biggest Boss

Ning Shu wondered if Miao Qing would still be able to become Li Wen's consort after being labeled as disloyal. She felt a great deal of schadenfreude. Miao Qing was a complete white-eyed wolf that bit the hand that fed her. After she became Li Wen's consort, she added plenty of trouble to the original host's plate.

"Jiahui ah, you must come back to the palace to visit Sister-in-law." The Empress reached out and took Ning Shu's hands as she spoke. At the same time, she sized her up.

Today, Jiahui was wearing gold threaded tree peony brocade garments. Her hair was combed up into a very complicated and graceful hairstyle and completed with hair ornaments. On her feet, she was wearing embroidered shoes with inlaid pearls. Her outfit enhanced her imposing manner and also complimented her complexion, making her look like a consort from the Ninth Heaven. Even her imposing aura, the aura of the Empress, lost in comparison.

Ning Shu had dressed this way on purpose in order to let people know that she wasn't slipping out of the palace. That way, when Duan Xinghui came back, people wouldn't start saying that she had gone to the Princess Residence to recover from heartache.

The Empress's hands tightened over Ning Shu's as a trace of envy flashed through her eyes. Originally, she thought that Duan Xinghui's death would make Jiahui suffer terribly. It was unexpected that she actually recovered this quickly.

The Empress made use of Jiahui, but at the same time, she was like the other women in the Inner Palace. Inwardly, she was jealous that Jiahui received special treatment from Li Wen. For example, right now, there were so many people here to see her off. What princess received such respectful treatment? Li Wen didn't even treat his own daughters this way.

Ning Shu pulled her hands out of the Empress's grasp and exchanged a few more words with her before curtsying towards Li Wen. "This sister-subject is leaving now. Imperial Older Brother must take care of yourself and be well."

Li Wen said 'en' in reply before saying, "You should go."

Ning Shu, helped by Yuan Dong, got onto the eight treasures carriage with an ornamented hood that was decorated with green jade and pearls. Little gold bells hung from the four corners of the carriage, making a clear-sounding tinkle whenever wind blew past. Two large robust horses were standing side-by-side and snorting as they stamped the ground.

Ning Shu sat down on the couch inside the carriage and inwardly sighed in relief. She has finally left the Imperial Palace. Then she closed her eyes to nap.

When Yuan Dong saw her master like this, she didn't dare to speak and tactfully stood to the side, bowing slightly. She could sense that Master had treated Miao Qing and her much more distantly ever since she had woken up. The princess's eyes now seemed capable of seeing through everything. Yuan Dong felt as if the princess now knew all of her most deeply hidden secrets.

The carriage became very quiet. Next to one's ears was the melodious sound of the golden bells tinkling, mixed with the rhythmic sound of horse hooves. The carriage swayed lightly; it was extremely comfortable.

Ning Shu really ended up falling asleep in this gentle swaying. After an unknown period of time pa.s.sed, Yuan Dong pushed Ning Shu gently. Ning Shu opened her eyes and Yuan Dong said in explanation, "Princess, we've arrived at the Princess Residence."

Ning Shu said 'en,' then got off the carriage. She looked at the large vermilion doors, then upwards at the sign hung above it with the words 'Princess Residence' written in flamboyant cursive calligraphy.

These words were written by Li Wen when the Princess Residence had first finished construction. The sight of these words gave off a stern imposing aura like golden spears and steel horses; the imposing aura seemed strong enough to engulf the world. It was completely different from Li Wen's usual cold and reserved aura.

Just from these words, one could tell that Li Wen did everything with careful thought. He would probably become a famous emperor remembered for his talents and strength. Ning Shu had a sudden realization. Since Li Wen was an Emperor who cared about his country, then to curry favor with him, she shouldn't focus her attentions on him but set about her goal from the country's citizens.

She was seriously so pitiful ah. She originally thought that this task would be simple, but now it turns out, it wasn't freaking simple at all ah! Li Wen turned out to be the biggest boss that she had to deal with strategically.

Happy reading~

Chapter 79: A Treasured Book?

The Princess Residence was very large with lots of pavilions and buildings, colored gla.s.s and glazed tiles, rock gardens and flowing water, and beautiful serene paths. It was truly quite nice. Ning Shu expressed that it felt very comfortable, like a vacation spot. It was great.

Chest after chest of items were carried into the Princess Residence. Though there had not been a master in the residence, it was kept very clean, and servants stood in neat lines waiting to welcome their master.

When Ning Shu got to her room and saw the layout, she was quite pleased with it.

En, from now on this was her home. It was much more comfortable than staying in the palace, and most importantly, she didn't need to face Li Wen, whose thoughts seemed as mysterious and deep as the sea.

Yuan Dong looked at the decorations and layout of the room, and spoke as if complaining for Ning Shu. "Princess, this room is really small ah. It really can't compare with the palace."

Ning Shu simply glanced indifferently at her. "This was something Imperial Older Brother bestowed on this princess. This princess likes everything that Imperial Older Brother gives."

Yuan Dong's face paled when she realized how impudent her earlier words had been and hastily said, "Y-yes, His Majesty's grace is vast."

Ning Shu prepared to go take a look at the original host's a.s.sets.

When she got to the storeroom, she saw that guards were currently moving the chests into the room. Yuan Dong immediately opened a chest for Ning Shu to inspect. This particular chest was filled with books.

Ning Shu picked one up and casually looked through it. She didn't feel much interest. It was all traditional characters and even had to be read from left to right vertically; it was seriously tiring.

Wonder if there were any orphanages in the ancient era? It would be good to just donate all these books instead of leaving them here to simply take up storage room. She knew from the original host's memories that the original host didn't like to read much. At most, she would read some love stories about a gifted scholar and a beautiful lady, or some legends and supernatural myths. In short, she rarely read nonfiction.

Ning Shu also wasn't very interested in these books and simply rummaged through them casually. At the bottom of the chest, she found a book that was turning yellow and smelled moldy.

Ning Shu's heart leapt. This was probably something good. After all, it had been placed at the very bottom so the original host probably valued this book a great deal. Ning Shu excitedly took it out and gave it a shake. A burst of dust immediately filled the air.

Yuan Dong, who was at the side, coughed. When she saw that Ning Shu's eyes were s.h.i.+ning, she asked, "Princess, what is it?"

Ning Shu looked down to read the book's name. It was just three large words: Unsurpa.s.sable Martial Arts.

Ning Shu: What the f-ing f.u.c.k?

Could it be anymore ridiculous? No wonder the original host put this book at the bottom of the chest and ignored it. The book had been nibbled by bugs and was completely damp.

Ning Shu flipped it open and saw that it really did contain figures showing meditation and martial arts motions. From the looks of it, the book was serious.

"Where did this book come from?" asked Ning Shu as she continued flipping through the book.

Yuan Dong walked over and glanced at it. After thinking for quite a while, she finally seemed to recall and said, "This was a gift from the administrator that governs Princess's land in Taiyuan. He had heard that Princess liked to read so he sent it over."

Ning Shu: …

Ning Shu shook out the book and caused another burst of dust to fill the air. Although the name was a little ridiculous, she was very interested in things that might be able to increase her strength.