(T/N: Someone wrote in the comment section asking, ‘How does one translate using a potato? Do you mash the keys?’ 😂 Seriously, you’re asking the ‘ real’  questions!..hehe.. Look, when life give you a potato, you kinda just…roll with it, right? 😉 Especially, when the chapters get so long they almost ascend to heaven, and my tablet nearly joined my laptop in the afterlife from translating them. And, yeah, sometimes I just kinda mash ’em on the keyboard, hoping for the best. 😊 From now on.. Daily chapter updates( 1 or 2 chapters per day), though, absolutely! I wouldn’t leave you hanging!..hehe..)

Chapter 21

During the morning meal, An Qiao’er brought over ginseng soup once again, but Nie Qinglin refused to drink it this time.

“This soup is too nourishing. I’ve already gained weight for no reason. If I keep drinking it, I’m afraid even a blind man could see through the truth at a glance.”

An Qiao’er looked at her young master’s face—now rosy and plump after recovering from illness—and had to admit that with just a little extra softness, the young master looked even more radiant and pleasing to the eye than before.

After instructing Qiao’er, Nie Qinglin only sipped three spoonfuls of plain porridge before refusing to eat more.

It would be best to shed this extra weight as soon as possible, or else her chest would keep feeling uncomfortably tight and sore.

Though reluctant to leave the inner palace, the Grand Tutor’s “grand gift” had already arrived, and failing to express gratitude in person would be a breach of etiquette.

Upon hearing that the Grand Tutor had returned from the morning court session, Nie Qinglin headed to the imperial study.

The young eunuch guarding the door saw the bright figure of the little emperor and, with a forced smile, bowed before whispering, “The Grand Tutor is currently discussing important matters with the Minister of Works. Would Your Majesty prefer to wait a while before entering?”

Nie Qinglin studied the eunuch carefully.

This clear-eyed, delicate-looking servant seemed honest and kind-hearted—unexpectedly daring to warn this disregarded emperor of the dangers lurking within the study.

Though the study door was closed, it couldn’t muffle the Grand Tutor’s icy reprimands: “The canal in the northwest of the capital has been blocked for an entire month! Goods traveling north and south are piling up like a dammed river. If the waterway isn’t cleared within half a month, you and your colleagues from the Ministry of Works can personally carry the cargo on your backs!”

Before long, the Minister of Works—now metaphorically transformed into a pack mule—emerged with a face full of dust, his hunched back as if weighed down by a thousand pounds.

Nie Qinglin felt she had left her palace without checking the calendar.

Entering the study now seemed like courting death, so she decided to retreat.

But just then, the man inside the study suddenly raised his voice: “Who is waiting outside?”

The young eunuch hurriedly replied, “His Majesty feared disturbing the Grand Tutor and has been waiting outside.”

Nie Qinglin sighed deeply. An emperor waiting outside a study for a minister’s summons—she had truly pioneered a new chapter in the history of the Nie Dynasty.

After the eunuch’s report, silence fell inside the study.

Nie Qinglin regretted not turning away decisively earlier.

Just as the attendants outside were beginning to feel secondhand embarrassment for the little emperor, the man inside finally spoke:

“Invite His Majesty in.”

Upon entering, Nie Qinglin saw the Grand Tutor, whom she hadn’t seen in a long time, sitting sternly behind the desk, reviewing memorials without even glancing at the emperor.

Clearing her throat, Nie Qinglin smiled and said, “It’s been a while since I last studied with the Grand Tutor in the study. I hope you can forgive my neglect.”

Yet even after the emperor broke the ice, the Grand Tutor remained unmoved, not even lifting an eyelid.

Only then did Nie Qinglin fully grasp the terrifying extent of the Grand Tutor’s suppressed fury over the past few days.

But even as a fallen emperor, the dignity of the Nie ancestors had to be preserved.

She didn’t know how the Grand Tutor planned to humiliate her, but she refused to let the Nie family’s face be trampled in front of the palace servants.

Wei Lenghou disliked having attendants present in the study, so Nie Qinglin turned to the servants behind her and said, “All of you, withdraw and wait outside.”

Once only the emperor and his subject remained, Nie Qinglin approached the Grand Tutor’s desk and sat beside him.

Without another word, seeing that the Grand Tutor was reviewing memorials, she picked up the inkstick resting in the inkstone and began grinding it carefully in the water-filled stone.

This inkstick was a product of Wu County in the south, its surface adorned with a coiled golden dragon—a symbol of its tribute to the imperial family.

The high-quality ink was mixed with special gold powder, dissolving smoothly upon contact with water, making the grinding almost addictive.

Before long, she had ground so much ink that the large inkstone was nearly overflowing.

Wei Lenghou had long anticipated that this useless emperor would come to see him.

He was curious how the emperor would argue and resist the selection of those “beauties.”

To his surprise, the little emperor acted as if nothing were amiss.

After uttering a few perfunctory words, he picked up an inkstick and started playing with it, thoroughly engrossed.

Though the Grand Tutor didn’t look directly at the emperor, the corner of his eye caught sight of those slender, pale fingers lightly circling the inkstick against the smooth surface of the inkstone—as if they were teasing and caressing the very heartstrings of a man…

Just as the ink was about to spill, Wei Lenghou finally spoke coldly: “Has Your Majesty ground so much ink to serve as a drink for this humble subject?”

Nie Qinglin, having idly occupied herself with the task, snapped back to reality at his words.

Looking down, she realized she had ground away nearly half the inkstick.

“I was lost in thought again. I hope the Grand Tutor won’t take offense,” she said with an apologetic smile.

Only then did Wei Lenghou glance up slightly, taking in the little dragon pearl he hadn’t seen in so long.

…After so long, those cheeks had indeed grown fuller, the complexion even more delicate, and the contours of the eyes and brows exuded an irresistible allure.

When that radiant smile appeared, the small, palm-sized face seemed to glow…

For a man, this one was born far too bewitching.

Truly… an ill omen.

The Grand Tutor found himself unable to look away, greedily drinking in that enchanting face.

But then, recalling the scene in the warm chamber that day, his gaze turned cold again.

“This humble subject heard that Your Majesty was unwell recently. Instead of resting, why come to the study?”

Nie Qinglin composed herself and replied solemnly, “Despite your heavy duties, you took the time to arrange matters for my harem. I came to express my gratitude.”

The Grand Tutor set down the memorial and straightened.

“Is Your Majesty satisfied?”

The little dragon pearl answered, “Anyone selected by the Grand Tutor is surely a virtuous empress. But the ladies you sent each have their own merits, and I find it hard to choose. I entrust this decision to you.”

Wei Lenghou’s thick brows nearly shot up.

After a long pause, he let out a cold laugh.

“Your Majesty trusts this subject greatly. In that case, I shall boldly make the decision for you.”

Hearing this, the little emperor relaxed and stood.

“The Grand Tutor is busy with state affairs. I won’t disturb you further. The imperial physician will soon arrive for my pulse reading, so I shall return to my chambers.”

With that, she left the study.

Grand Tutor Wei truly hadn’t expected the emperor to show not a hint of resistance toward his own marriage.

Even the most malicious and nitpicking courtier couldn’t find fault with this emperor—what an obedient little puppet!

Snap!

The brush in Wei Lenghou’s hand broke in two.

Seeing the Marquis of Dingguo’s handsome face pale with rage, the eunuch who had just entered with tea quickly set down the cup and tiptoed out.

Sigh…

In a little over a month, it would be the little emperor’s birthday.

But lately, it seemed the emperor was doing everything in his power to turn that birthday into a death anniversary.

—

The collapse of the western canal had been a long-standing issue.

The trees along the riverbanks had been cut down by refugees flooding into the capital in previous years, used as firewood.

Without roots to hold the soil, the heavy rains before winter caused massive landslides, raising the riverbed and blocking the canal.

Winter was the coldest season.

Shallow parts of the canal froze, making dredging a laborious task.

Though he had reprimanded the Minister of Works, it was still necessary to reassure the merchants and demonstrate the court’s concern.

The Ministry of Rites arranged for the emperor to visit the canal bank and pray for divine blessings to clear the waterway—symbolically using the true dragon to suppress the unruly earth dragon.

With the Lantern Festival approaching, they chose a date deemed most auspicious by the Ministry of Rites.

The little emperor prepared to make another ceremonial appearance by the canal.

Upon arriving at the altar by the canal, Nie Qinglin discovered that the Grand Tutor—overseeing the dredging progress—was also present. Perhaps it was his idea for the emperor and subject to pray together, showcasing their unity.

The prayer had been meticulously composed by the scholars of the Hanlin Academy—eloquent, moving, and capable of stirring the heavens.

Even if there were a real earth dragon causing trouble, it would surely weep in shame and die in its lair after hearing it.

Once the formalities were over, the Grand Tutor, representing the emperor, personally met with several merchant representatives to offer reassurance.

Nie Qinglin sat idly in the imperial carriage, watching as the Grand Tutor inquired about their losses and promised that the court would dispatch troops to ensure their safety if they had to detour by land.

His approachable demeanor made him seem born to be emperor.

These merchants, well-traveled and well-connected, would surely spread tales of his benevolence far and wide after this encounter.

After the meeting, the Grand Tutor approached the carriage and said coolly, “Your Majesty rarely leaves the palace. Would you care to join this subject in visiting the nearby villages incognito?”

Nie Qinglin was taken aback.

The Grand Tutor, who had been ignoring her, was suddenly making such an offer?

But she never opposed his suggestions.

Since this was an unofficial outing, An Qiao’er couldn’t accompany her.

Only young eunuchs attended her.

Fortunately, her chest bindings had been tight these days, and the dragon robes were lined with thick padding.

Even if the eunuchs helped her change, there was no risk of exposure.

Soon, the little dragon pearl was transformed into an exquisitely delicate young nobleman.

The Grand Tutor, now in plain clothes, resembled a wealthy young lord.

Upon boarding the carriage, Nie Qinglin realized with embarrassment that she would be sharing it with the Grand Tutor.

She hesitated, but his cold demeanor and impatient urging didn’t suggest any intention to take liberties.

The bumpy country roads jolted the carriage relentlessly.

Despite the thick cushions, Nie Qinglin was tossed about until, hitting a pothole, she tumbled straight into the Grand Tutor’s arms.

As she jerked her head up in panic, her lips accidentally brushed against his.

Just that fleeting touch—too brief to even register the cool softness—yet the hands gripping her arms tightened abruptly, as if threatening to crush them.

The Grand Tutor had been meditating, trying to shut out the carriage’s honeyed fragrance, when the little figure suddenly collided with him.

Those soft lips had grazed his own—so tender and sweet that he nearly succumbed to the urge to capture them, to devour every last bit of that delicate freshness in the confined space…

But no matter how the beast inside him roared, the proud Grand Tutor merely parted his lips slightly and said with faint disdain:

“Your Majesty, please sit properly. Lest this subject mistake your actions for an attempt to take liberties…”