You Rong suppressed the surprise in his eyes and placed a black piece, saying, "Your Majesty, please..."
Lin Qinghe smiled slightly, "Alright."
You Rong played chess with Lin Qinghe. Lin Qinghe seemed to play without a strategy, but in the end, she trapped You Rong's white pieces, and only then did he realize that Lin Qinghe had thought carefully before each move. With a casual demeanor, she had cornered him with no escape.
After placing the last black piece, You Rong pursed his thin lips and said, "Your Majesty, I have lost."
Lin Qinghe smiled and set down the white jade chess piece. "It is Prime Minister You who indulged me. However, playing against Prime Minister You is truly exhilarating. If there is a chance next time, let us have another spirited game."
"Yes, Your Majesty." You Rong looked at Lin Qinghe with complex emotions in his eyes. He continued, "May I ask why Your Majesty has deigned to visit my humble abode today?"
Lin Qinghe propped her chin with her hand, her eyes slightly lowered. Her slender, fair fingers idly toyed with a white jade chess piece, hands fairer and more beautiful than the jade itself. She smiled faintly and said, "I was concerned about your health and specifically came to check on you. Have you been feeling better these past two days?"
"Thank you for your concern, Your Majesty. My health has improved greatly."
"That is good." Lin Qinghe sat up straighter, trying to appear more serious and focused. "Actually, I have come today to discuss a matter of state with you."
You Rong said, "Your Majesty, please speak."
"Did I not send Minister Gu to Jingzhou for disaster relief? The floods in the south happen every year, yet we are unable to improve the situation. I wish to solve this once and for all by building canals and reservoirs. Firstly, it can effectively alleviate floods, and the reservoirs can store water for use during droughts. Secondly, building canals and widening river channels will facilitate flood discharge and also make it convenient for boats to transport goods, allowing foreign goods to enter Dongli and for merchants to sell Dongli's silk and other products to neighboring countries, thereby increasing trade."
You Rong was inwardly surprised but showed no outward reaction, continuing to listen to Lin Qinghe.
"Although proposing this in court now will surely be met with opposition from most officials, who will accuse me of wasting manpower and resources, this matter, viewed in the long term, will undoubtedly bring more benefits than drawbacks!" Lin Qinghe said with bright eyes.
You Rong pondered for a moment. "Your Majesty's intention is..."
Lin Qinghe raised an eyebrow slightly. You Rong was indeed perceptive.
Lin Qinghe continued, "It is very simple. You will propose this matter. You will argue logically in court for me to approve the construction of the canals. After all, you are more trustworthy in the hearts of the people of the capital and among many of the old officials than I am. If you propose it, they should be more willing to accept it."
You Rong contemplated for a moment. What Lin Qinghe proposed was indeed beneficial to the people of Dongli. He had no reason to refuse.
You Rong said, "Your Majesty, you jest. Regardless of whether it is in the eyes of the common people or the officials, you are the sovereign. However, I will certainly do my utmost to fulfill Your Majesty's command."
"Good, then..."
The chess game was over, and the important matters were discussed. You Rong remained silent, looking at Lin Qinghe, implicitly indicating that she should leave, though he did not say so directly.
Lin Qinghe pretended not to understand and shamelessly said, "It is already time for lunch. I heard the chef at your residence has excellent skills. I wonder if I am fortunate enough today to have a taste?"
You Rong asked, "May I ask who told Your Majesty that the chef at my residence has excellent skills?"
"Uh..." Lin Qinghe looked embarrassed. "I just heard, heard... I can't remember which minister mentioned it, but he told me."
"Oh? Is that so? Not a single minister in court has dined at my residence. Your Majesty might have misremembered. Perhaps that minister was referring to someone else's residence, not mine."
Lin Qinghe's embarrassed expression froze. Just as she was about to assert her status and insist on staying for lunch, she believed You Rong would not dare to turn her away!
You Rong continued, "The chef at my residence has average skills. If Your Majesty does not mind, I will order the servants to prepare lunch."
Upon hearing this, Lin Qinghe immediately smiled. "Certainly! I am not picky and will eat anything! Just have the servants prepare a few dishes casually; there's no need to go to too much trouble."
You Rong hummed and called for a young servant named Suifeng, ordering him to prepare lunch.
Suifeng acknowledged the order and retreated. You Rong lowered his eyes, subtly observing Lin Qinghe.
Today, without her elaborate court attire, she was dressed in simple clothes with light makeup. She lacked her usual overbearing demeanor and appeared much more agreeable.
After lunch was prepared, Lin Qinghe, led by You Rong, went to the front hall to dine. During the meal, You Rong's father and mother were also present.
When Lin Qinghe picked up her chopsticks to take food, they trembled nervously. When she put down her chopsticks, their bowls and chopsticks in their hands became unsteady.
Lin Qinghe frowned in confusion. Did she look so frightening?
Unbeknownst to her, her frown caused You Rong's mother's expression to change drastically. She said fearfully, "Your Majesty, forgive me! It is my oversight. These dishes do not suit Your Majesty's taste. I will have them replaced immediately..."
"Old Madam You, there is no need. I find it quite good, and it suits my taste."
"Then, then... I will have a few more dishes prepared."
Seeing the tense You Rong's father and mother, Lin Qinghe sighed inwardly. Without much thought, she knew that the original owner had nearly caused their family's ruin. Coupled with the original owner's personality, their fear was understandable.
What had initially been an eagerly anticipated lunch with You Rong became rather disheartening.
Seeing that You Rong's expression was not quite right, Lin Qinghe put down her chopsticks and said, "Old Madam You, there is no need. I just remembered I have urgent matters in the palace and must return. I have troubled you all today."
"Yes... yes, Your Majesty. This old woman sees Your Majesty off."
Lin Qinghe stood up, and You Rong followed, "This humble servant will see Your Majesty out."
"No need. You are still injured. Please rest well indoors. I hope you will return to court soon."
Lin Qinghe left with Wang Jiang and others. You Rong's mother's face turned pale, and she slumped onto the chair. You Rong's father asked worriedly, "Xiu Niang, are you alright? Are you feeling unwell? I'll send for a doctor!"
"No need to trouble yourself. I am fine..." Old Madam You placed a hand on her chest, her brows furrowed. "I was frightened. Your Majesty suddenly visiting our residence and intending to stay for lunch, she must have wanted an excuse to reprimand us. Fortunately, she left without incident. You have scared me to death."
You Rong's father sighed and patted Old Madam You's shoulder to comfort her, though he felt just as anxious.
You mother looked at You Rong, whose expression was unreadable, and said with great concern, "You Rong, I'm not trying to nag you, but you must hasten your resignation! Your Majesty has spared you for now, but it seems she has not given up. Who knows when she might lose patience and become angry with you? Then, we will all lose our heads!"
You Rong subtly frowned and said, "Father, Mother, please rest assured. I know what I'm doing and will never again put your lives in danger!"