Palace Fighting: Naive Concubines' Ascent to Power-Chapter 431

The Emperor summoned Zhang Qing to come in and assist him in changing his clothes.

While changing, the Emperor looked around the inner chamber to spot any signs of what Little Concubine had been up to, but everything appeared normal. The dressing table was neatly tidied, with her usual papers for writing and drawing all put away, revealing nothing; the piles of melon seed shells in the outer hall were somewhat more noticeable, though.

His gaze shifted to the bed. The curtains were hung at both sides, and the bedding and pillows were neatly arranged. He was tall and needed a slightly higher pillow, while Little Concubine’s pillow was a bit lower. Both pillows, through the clever work of Little Concubine, had become even more comfortable. At that moment, the two pillows lay closely together, much like the relationship between him and his Little Concubine.

There was only one quilt on the bed, and in his recollection, from the first time they stayed at Canglan Court until now, they had always shared one quilt. Perhaps Little Concubine did not know the rules, or perhaps Zhang Qing had forgotten, but either way, they had never split the quilts. However, the Emperor was quite pleased with this arrangement; two quilts would feel too distant, but one was just perfect for embracing someone in sleep.

The Emperor had no idea that initially, Lian Hua had only one summer quilt and one winter quilt left, and since Star Palace did not bring extra quilts, she had no choice even if she knew the rules; she certainly couldn’t let the Emperor cover himself with a winter quilt in summer.

The Emperor thought that the focus of tonight should be on making amends, and he was greatly looking forward to it.

A faint smile appeared around his lips, and his peripheral vision briefly passed over his desk, where he spotted a book.

His eyes slightly moved, feeling curious, since his desk was always kept very tidy, with objects like paperweights, and everything such as memorials and books were neatly organized; he did not remember leaving any book on it.

"Your Majesty, it’s done," Zhang Qing said respectfully as he put away the clothes that had been changed out of.

The Emperor nodded, "You may leave."

"Yes, your servant will take his leave," Zhang Qing bowed and backed out of the room.

The Emperor walked towards the desk, feeling puzzled, and lowered his head to take a closer look: "The Strange Records of the Human World Judges."

What is this book? He had never heard of it.

And who put it here?

He picked up the book and saw the words "judge," which in the Netherworld referred to an official position responsible for deciding the loyalty and treachery of souls, adjudicating the souls in the Underworld, determining their reincarnation, punishing the wicked and rewarding the virtuous. The most renowned and famous among the four great judges were: Wei Zheng of the Rewards Division, Zhong Kui of the Punishment Division, Lu Zhidao of the Inspection Division, and Cui Yu of the Judicial Division.

Before the words "judge," there were also the words "human world."

He thought that this book might metaphorically reference some just and stern official, describing the deeds of such an official?

The Emperor was intrigued. Regardless of the dynasty, there was a need for officials who were just and could discern right from wrong. If all the officials under the heavens were like this, why would there be any trouble arising from unfairness?

He wanted to see how just and strict the "judge" inside was and to comprehend the principle from it.

As he turned to the first page, the Emperor was slightly startled. The accounting method was quite unique, with illustrations alongside the text, and although it felt somewhat strange, it was very easy to understand.

After initially being unaccustomed to it, he quickly became familiar with the layout and arrangement after a few pages, finding it easy to continue reading.

However, as he read on, his expression grew increasingly dark and anger inevitably rose.

He read very rapidly, and this book, being simple and straightforward with nothing profound, could almost be read ten lines at a glance, scanning it quickly to grasp the meaning.

Yet, the more he read, the angrier he became, and his face turned darker.

"Ha, how was I not aware, that there exists such a judge who can reincarnate to the human world!" He initially thought it was a metaphor; while he thought the introduction was written subtly, using reincarnation to hint at the capabilities of a judge, he had not expected it to actually be about reincarnation.

"The duality of Yin and Yang discerns loyalty from treachery, yet it’s all pretending and spouting nonsense," he declared. Being able to identify loyalty or treachery at a single glance through the use of Yin Yang Eyes, without relying on factual evidence, was absurd. Such a person, if they really existed, would be the first he would execute!

"To count the sins of a past life against one’s current life is completely absurd!" This fake judge, this fool, condemned people with a mere flick of his tongue. An innocent person was declared utterly wicked, truly ridiculous!

"Spreading such deceitful words, the crime deserves execution!"

"Abusing private punishment, disregarding the law—how absurd!"

The more the Emperor read, the angrier he became. The content of the book was completely contrary to his beliefs. This false judge did not just fail to distinguish right from wrong but also ignored the law, deceived the world, and used simplistic tricks to make the populace revere him as a deity. With his clever words, he incited the people to do as he pleased!

If the Son of Heaven and the court officials acted according to what was written in this book, it would lead to a lack of propriety among the upper echelons and a lack of learning among the lower, fostering thieves among the populace and leading to endless calamity. It was truly malicious in intent, deserving of condemnation!

After flipping through the last page, the Emperor, unable to contain his fury any longer, slammed the book down on the table and demanded in a stern voice, "Whose book is this?"

Placed on his desk and recommended to him, surely someone wished to gain his favor!

How did such a misleading book find its way into Canglan Court—who intended to use his Little Concubine? Should he find out, he would punish them without mercy!

The majesty of the Emperor was undeniably revealed at this moment!

No one responded from behind him. Suddenly, he turned around, and the words of rebuke were stuck in his throat, unable to be spoken.

Unbeknownst to him, the Little Concubine had been standing behind him, her mouth agape and a look of bafflement on her face, seemingly about to raise her hand.

A feeling of alarm shot through the Emperor’s heart. Oh no, he had frightened her!

Speaking of Lian Hua, she and Xiao Qing and Xiao Jizi rushed straight to the kitchen, scouring the entire place. Lian Hua didn’t feel like eating anything they found.

Seeing some unused meat that still smelled fresh, she personally directed Xiao Qing and Xiao Jizi to make stuffed pastries with it.

The dough was ready, and so was the meat; soon, they had neatly wrapped the round pastries.

Xiao Jizi, who was experienced, soon had the fire going, and Xiao Qing quickly placed the pastries on the heated pot, one after another at a rapid pace.

Lian Hua watched, her mouth watering.

Xiao Linzi, hearing the commotion, also came over. He was troubled today, lamenting his own worthlessness, gloomy and unhappy. He had eaten half a bowl less for dinner and wasn’t full, feeling slightly unwell. He mentioned this to Xiao Jizi and decided not to serve.

By this time, he was desperately hungry, feeling his stomach grumble. Enticed by the aroma and hearing the noise, he came to investigate.

Upon entering the kitchen and seeing his master there, he respectfully greeted her, but Lian Hua was completely focused on the pot and dismissed him with a wave of her hand, paying no attention to him.

Now, the fragrant smell continuously wafted from the large pot in the kitchen, intense and inviting. Xiao Jizi tended the fire while Xiao Qing flipped the meat pastries. Lian Hua leaned in close to watch, the three of them bustling by the stove.

He swallowed continuously, squeezing into a small corner to peep into the pot, where he saw the golden-brown meat pastries, fried to a crispy and fragrant perfection, sizzling delightfully. His mouth nearly watered onto the floor, finding the sight irresistibly appetizing.

Around the pot, a solid crowd had gathered, all craning their necks to see inside, their eyes fixed unblinkingly.