Book Synopsis
Book Tags
Donation Rankings
Comment
0 Comments
You May Also Like
How to Fix a Bad Marriage
墨書 Inktalez
In the hazy rain, the grandeur of the Six Dynasties shimmered.
The majestic palace was bathed in a faint golden light in the morning sun, as ministers dismounted before the palace gates, bowing their heads and forming two lines to enter slowly.
A sharp voice shattered the morning silence, causing even the dewdrops on the grass to tremble before falling into the soil with a soft "thud."
"The Emperor has arrived!"
Dressed in a golden dragon robe, the Emperor strode into the great hall with a vigorous pace, exuding an aura that felt as chilling as a battlefield!
He ascended the high platform and gazed into the distance...
That era of fierce competition among heroes... was already in the past. The bloodshed of those wrapped in horsehide... had become history.
"Alas..." The entire court of civil and military officials, along with the Emperor, withdrew their unrealistic fantasies and sighed mournfully.
Just a month ago, peace had finally settled over the realm.
With countless generals fighting on the battlefield, it was only then that Tang Hezhao unified the land and stood at the pinnacle of power, looking at the founding fathers who once radiated vigor but now bore pallid faces, feeling a pang of sympathy.
For an Emperor accustomed to bloodshed and for the Ministers, this unusually peaceful and harmonious world felt utterly devoid of passion...
"If there are matters to discuss, my loyal subjects should report them promptly..." Tang Hezhao rested his chin on his hand and waved his other hand languidly.
"Your Majesty, order is well-maintained in Hedong; the people are simple and honest, even leaving their doors unlocked at night and not picking up lost items..."
"Your Majesty, along the Yangtze River, economic development is rapid, and the people have welcomed another year of bountiful harvests..."
"Your Majesty... good... favorable weather for crops..."
Tang Hezhao listlessly tapped on the table: "Why is everything so good everywhere? Is there not a single place worth worrying about? What about peasant uprisings, border provocations, or foreign invasions..."
Suddenly, silence fell over the hall.
After a while, an old minister hesitantly stepped forward. "Your Majesty, I have heard that there have been some unusual happenings in the capital..."
Tang Hezhao straightened up with a sound of surprise, focusing his gaze on the trembling Old Man below.
The Old Man, a high-ranking official in the court, appeared pale and worn. Tears streamed down his face as he met Tang Hezhao's seemingly caring yet secretly gleeful eyes. "A foreign girl with blonde hair and blue eyes has come to the capital, selling something called Ice Cream in the streets. The children are so enamored that they can't eat or sleep, crying every day for more. After eating, they suffer from stomachaches but still want more... My ungrateful grandson has caused me no end of trouble... They are not of our kind; their hearts must be different. I implore Your Majesty to see this clearly."
As soon as the Old Man finished speaking, a wave of ministers knelt down, even those from opposing factions who usually clashed with him seemed eager to stand by his side, all with somber expressions and tear-filled eyes.
"Please, Your Majesty, understand the plight of the people!"
Tang Hezhao was taken aback. In the past, during times of strife and bloodshed, these ministers had never shed a tear even when their families were destroyed or they were gravely injured.
Yet now, they were unsettled by a mere girl, which was quite embarrassing.
However, peace had just been restored to the realm. To win the hearts of the people, he needed to first gain the trust of those in the capital. It was crucial not to commit any impropriety against this young girl.
The ministers had almost all pressured her at her stall, but she remained unmoved and even generously offered bowls of Ice Cream to those who came to persuade her, which was truly... heartwarming.
Tang Hezhao slammed his hand on the table. "How could such a thing happen!" The ministers looked up in anticipation at their emperor.
The emperor exclaimed indignantly, "This is too interesting! Why didn't anyone tell me sooner?"
The ministers fell silent.
The old minister finally reacted and cautiously asked, "Does Your Majesty mean...?"
With a wave of his hand, the emperor declared, "I will go see for myself!"
Thus, after dismissing the court session, Tang Hezhao changed into a simple blue cotton robe and set off in a small sedan chair amidst the complex gazes of those around him, heading out into the streets.
In the Peaceful Era, everyone was eager to start small businesses to recover the wealth lost during the war.
The once-quiet streets were now bustling with activity. The Emperor strolled through the crowd, casually holding a skewer of candied hawthorn, looking quite pleased with himself.
He gestured for a hidden guard behind him to step forward and pay three copper coins to the vendor. He then asked the old man selling candied hawthorn, "Do you know where that girl selling Ice Cream has set up her stall?"
The old man's hand trembled as he took the coins, and he suddenly stiffened.
When he looked at the Emperor again, his expression had changed dramatically. The vendors and customers around them, who had been listening to their conversation, all paused their activities and stared at him with strange looks.
The old man sighed deeply, "Young man, you seem quite distinguished; why do you have such peculiar tastes?"
People around nodded in agreement.
"Yes, your preferences are really too unusual!"
The guard stepped forward to remind him, "That girl is quite famous in the capital. They say her hair is as golden as bars of gold and as curly as vermicelli. Her eyes are as blue as the cat owned by Consort Xiang, and she speaks as if she has a sore throat..."
A porter nearby whispered, "Though she looks strange, her figure is truly..."
A woman next to him pinched him and scolded, "You naughty man!"
Comment 0 Comment Count