Lin Qinghe fell into thought upon hearing You Rong's words, her small face wearing a pensive expression as she remained silent.
Seeing Lin Qinghe's silence, You Rong's heart sank with hers.
Would she listen?
She had always been willful and independent, never heeding anyone's advice!
The thought of Lin Qinghe truly sending Shen Chengwen to Jingzhou for disaster relief made You Rong's expression darken further, a spark of anger flickering in his deep eyes.
Just as You Rong was about to scold Lin Qinghe, she spoke first, "You mentioned Gu Wenyuan, I recall him. He is indeed as you described, capable of shouldering the heavy responsibility of disaster relief in Jingzhou. However, being of humble origins, his actions in the complex official circles of Jingzhou might face many inconveniences."
Lin Qinghe paused, then said, "How about this! I will issue him a secret decree, ordering him to investigate corrupt officials while he is in Jingzhou for disaster relief. If necessary, he can execute first and report later! With my secret decree in hand, he should no longer be hindered… Let it be decided! Otherwise, the imperial court holds disaster relief year after year, and Jingzhou suffers floods year after year, with no change whatsoever!"
Lin Qinghe's words stunned You Rong.
Were those words truly spoken by her?
If not for hearing it with his own ears, You Rong would never have believed that Lin Qinghe could utter such words, could think so thoroughly!
Lin Qinghe blinked in confusion, "You Rong, why are you silent? Is my decision incorrect?"
You Rong turned back, collected his thoughts, and cupped his hands. "No! Your Majesty's consideration is even more thorough than this humble servant's. This humble servant believes Your Majesty's words are entirely feasible!"
Lin Qinghe's eyes curved slightly, and she said with a smile, "Good, then we shall proceed as you suggested. I will issue the imperial decree now to have Lord Gu preside over the disaster relief in Jingzhou!"
Watching Lin Qinghe pick up her brush to write, You Rong's gaze flickered, and he lowered his eyes, lost in thought.
Perhaps the matter of disaster relief had somewhat changed You Rong's impression of Lin Qinghe. Lin Qinghe, shamelessly, lingered in Changning Palace for the entire day and even thick-skinnedly asked to share dinner with You Rong. You Rong did not refuse and did not show her a displeased face.
Lin Qinghe, unable to resist, became a little more forward. After dinner, under the guise of needing to review memorials, she continued to linger in Changning Palace, refusing to leave.
You Rong, perhaps still concerned about state affairs, said nothing, allowing Lin Qinghe to stay and review memorials. He even occasionally discussed matters of court with her.
As night deepened, Wang Jiang entered. He glanced at You Rong, then at Lin Qinghe. While handing Lin Qinghe tea, he quietly asked, "Your Majesty, will you be returning to the Imperial Study to rest today, or will you rest in Changning Palace?"
Lin Qinghe subconsciously stole a glance at You Rong.
You Rong sat on the bed, his black hair cascading over his shoulders, his pale and handsome face exuding an indescribable elegance.
Lin Qinghe's heart stirred. What if she was a little bolder and tried to stay overnight in Changning Palace?
Even knowing that sharing the same bed was impossible, being in the same room as a man and a woman was still a form of progress.
She had to find a way so that others wouldn't realize she was intentionally trying to stay?
How should she do it… After much thought, Lin Qinghe suddenly had an idea.
Lin Qinghe coughed twice, "Um… Wang Jiang, I recall there are other urgent memorials submitted by ministers in the Imperial Study, right? Go fetch them for me. I will quickly review them, so as not to delay important matters."
Wang Jiang, having served both the former Emperor and Lin Qinghe, was astute. He instantly understood Lin Qinghe's intention and quickly replied, "Yes, Your Majesty, this servant will go and fetch the memorials for Your Majesty immediately."
Not long after Wang Jiang left, he returned with a thick stack of memorials and placed them on the couch.
Lin Qinghe nodded with satisfaction and said, "Good, Wang Jiang, you may leave. I need to continue reviewing memorials. I will call you if I need anything."
Wang Jiang replied, "Yes, Your Majesty, this servant takes his leave."
As Wang Jiang retreated, he gave a look to the other palace maids and eunuchs in Changning Palace, signaling them to withdraw. Thus, only Lin Qinghe and You Rong were left alone in Changning Palace.
Wang Jiang closed the palace door and, covering his mouth, chuckled, "Your Majesty, you just wanted this, didn't you… You must reward this servant handsomely tomorrow."
As the sound of footsteps outside the sleeping quarters gradually faded, Lin Qinghe, not forgetting to maintain the appearance of a gentleman, said to You Rong, "You Rong, if you are tired, you may rest first. I will review some more memorials. You don't need to mind me."
You Rong looked at the thick stack of memorials and subtly frowned. "Yes, Your Majesty, this minister understands."
Lin Qinghe retracted her gaze and continued to bury her head in reviewing memorials, writing diligently. When she encountered something she didn't quite understand, she would ask You Rong. You Rong spoke little, but when it came to matters of court, he would patiently explain them to her.
Seeing that more than half of the thick stack of memorials had been reviewed, and it was now past midnight, Lin Qinghe feigned sleepiness, nodding frequently. Finally, she pretended to fall asleep at the desk on the couch.
As time passed, Lin Qinghe, who was pretending to sleep with her head down, grew increasingly anxious.
Was it possible? Was she so insignificant in You Rong's eyes? Even though she was asleep, he hadn't noticed?
As Lin Qinghe pondered whether to make a sound to remind You Rong, You Rong finally reacted. He called out in a deep voice, "Your Majesty? Your Majesty…"
Lin Qinghe, pretending to be asleep, naturally gave no response.
You Rong was silent for a moment longer, then called out towards the outside, "Eunuch Wang? Is Eunuch Wang outside?"
Wang Jiang, having already understood Lin Qinghe's intentions, pretended not to hear You Rong's voice from outside. He even glared at the young eunuch who tried to remind him, gesturing for the eunuch to remain silent.
Since Wang Jiang did not come in, You Rong stopped calling for him. His brow furrowed as he looked at Lin Qinghe, who was slumped over the desk.
Lin Qinghe pricked up her ears, listening intently. She heard You Rong get down from the bed and walk slowly towards her.
Lin Qinghe's heart leaped with excitement, but she still tried her best to maintain her pretense of sleep, lest she be exposed.
She had expected You Rong to at least show some tenderness, perhaps cover her with a blanket, or worse, wake her up and send her back to the Imperial Study to rest.
However, to her surprise, You Rong did nothing. After standing still for a moment, he turned and walked back.
No way, You Rong had no reaction at all?
Lin Qinghe's heart stirred. She pretended to murmur in her sleep, her voice indistinct, "You Rong… I know I was wrong, I'm sorry, I'm sorry… I will never force you again. I want you to be happy, your happiness is all that matters. You Rong… I truly like you…"
These sleep-talk confessions were like speaking the truth after getting drunk. You Rong would surely believe them to some extent, right!
Lin Qinghe listened carefully and heard You Rong's footsteps halt. She couldn't help but feel a surge of joy.
Surely You Rong would believe her words a little more this time? The progress bar should increase a little, shouldn't it!
However, Lin Qinghe was disappointed. The progress bar did not increase. After pausing for a while, You Rong continued to walk back, and then got into bed to rest.