Chapter 96: Perhaps We Can Yet Become a True Son of Heaven

Yecheng, Imperial Palace, Side Hall.

“This damn weather is unbearably hot.”

Liu Xie wiped the sweat from his forehead with a handkerchief and sighed as he gazed at the scorching sunlight outside the hall. Being highly intolerant to heat, he found himself frustrated by the lack of air conditioning or fans in this era. It was now July, the hottest month, and the imperial robes he wore were exceptionally heavy.

Even taking just a few steps would leave him drenched in sweat due to the stifling attire, making him increasingly reluctant to move about.

“Ah well, might as well continue reading.”

After instructing a nearby attendant to fan more vigorously, Liu Xie gathered his focus and resumed studying the bamboo scrolls before him.

A small mountain of these scrolls piled up on the table in front of him, containing classics from various schools of thought during the Hundred Schools period.

His purpose for reading them was straightforward:

Firstly, to pass the time.

Secondly, to enrich himself so that in crucial moments, he wouldn’t appear ignorant and be seen merely as a braggart with no substance.

As Liu Xie immersed himself in his studies, a court eunuch entered the hall and reported, “Your Majesty, Lady Zhen requests an audience outside the hall.”

“Hmm?”

Liu Xie lifted his head, somewhat surprised by the news.

Apart from attending to him at night and offering her daily greetings, Zhen Mi had never sought him out on her own initiative before; this was truly unprecedented.

After pondering for a moment, Liu Xie replied, “Let her enter.”

Currently, he did not fully trust Zhen Mi or the Zhen family, so he preferred minimal interaction beyond their intimate moments. However, denying her request would seem overly cold-hearted, potentially alienating both Zhen Mi and the Zhen family.

The eunuch acknowledged the command and retreated.

Shortly thereafter, Zhen Mi entered the Great Hall accompanied by a serving girl. She gracefully bowed to Liu Xie, saying, “Your humble servant greets Your Majesty.”

Her movements were poised and elegant, perfectly refined.

Liu Xie set down the bamboo scroll in his hand and asked, “Mi’er, what brings you here today?”

Zhen Mi pursed her lips slightly and softly responded, “Your Majesty, with the recent scorching heat, I…I prepared some chilled plum soup specifically to help alleviate Your Majesty’s discomfort.”

With that, she gestured for the serving girl behind her to step forward, placing the food box she carried onto the table. Upon opening it, they revealed a bowl of plum soup along with ice blocks meant to keep it cool beside it.

Taken aback by this sight, Liu Xie couldn’t resist asking, “Where did these ice blocks come from?”

Liu Xie was genuinely astonished. With no ice-making machines in ancient times, how did Zhen Mi manage to obtain such a quantity of ice during the sweltering summer months?

Zhen Mi candidly replied without hiding anything, “In response to Your Majesty, my family owns an ice-selling business in Yecheng. We specialize in storing ice during winter and selling it to affluent families in the summer.

“These ice blocks were brought into the palace by my request.”

The technique for preserving ice had been known for quite some time.

During winter, large chunks of river ice would be cut out and allowed to continue freezing while floating on water. Once they reached a thickness of at least one meter or more, specialized workers transported these ice blocks to pre-dug underground cellars. The cellars were insulated carefully, with sawdust placed between each block to prevent them from freezing together. Additionally, the cellars were typically filled to capacity, allowing the ice to remain preserved until the hot summer months when needed.

However, storing ice was both time-consuming and resource-intensive, making it unaffordable for most people. Only true aristocratic households could afford the luxury of enjoying ice in the summer.

“I see,” Liu Xie responded, feeling slightly embarrassed. It dawned on him that he was the one lacking knowledge in this instance.

The ingenuity of ancient people truly deserved applause.

Zhen Mi carried out the chilled plum soup and presented it to Liu Xie with both hands, blinking her eyes charmingly as she said, “Your Majesty, please give it a taste.”

“Oh… alright.”

Liu Xie accepted the bowl and took a sip.

Undeniably, the chilled plum soup was absolutely exquisite. Not only did its tangy sweetness delight his palate, but the icy refreshment was incredibly invigorating. With just one mouthful, Liu Xie felt as if a bucket of cold water had been poured over him, instantly dissipating the oppressive heat from his body. The sensation was so delightful that he couldn’t help but shiver in pleasure.

Chillingly refreshing, soaring exhilaration!

If not for Zhen Mi’s presence, Liu Xie would have exclaimed aloud - this experience rivaled the sheer joy of sipping ice-cold cola on a scorching summer day!

After finishing the chilled plum soup in several gulps, Liu Xie felt thoroughly rejuvenated. Reluctantly setting down the porcelain bowl, he sighed contentedly, “This plum soup is truly delicious. Lady Zhen has put much thought into it.”

Being able to enjoy a bowl of chilled plum soup amidst such sweltering heat was pure bliss!

“Your Majesty’s satisfaction pleases me.” Seeing Liu Xie’s contentment, Zhen Mi smiled warmly, her eyes sparkling with captivating beauty.

Since their intimate encounter, Zhen Mi had shed some of her youthful innocence, gaining an indescribable allure instead. Her figure also appeared slightly fuller now.

Her charming smile captivated Liu Xie, making it difficult for him to look away, as the passion that had just subsided seemed to reignite.

Sensing his desires resurfacing, Liu Xie hastily diverted his gaze and changed the subject, asking, “Why did you suddenly decide to bring us sour plum soup today, Mi’er? Is there something you wish to request from us?”

Zhen Mi’s nature was reserved and quiet; she wasn’t one to proactively offer such attentions, a fact Liu Xie well understood even in their intimate moments. Today’s unexpected gesture of bringing him plum soup felt unprecedented.

Liu Xie couldn’t believe it was merely on a whim.

Caught off guard by Liu Xie’s question, a hint of panic flashed across Zhen Mi’s lovely face. Nervously, she replied, “N-no, not at all. It’s just that with the recent heat, I thought Your Majesty might appreciate some refreshment to beat the summer, nothing more.”

“Is that so?” Liu Xie responded, sounding slightly disappointed. “We assumed your sudden attention was because you wanted us to teach you painting. Seems we were presumptuous then. You may withdraw now.”

“No, Your Majesty! I-I…” These words flustered Zhen Mi, unsure how to explain herself. Her delicate oval face turned bright red, and her beautiful eyes welled up with misty tears.

Seeing Zhen Mi on the verge of tears, Liu Xie finally set aside his playful mood and smiled gently. “Alright, I’m not teasing you anymore; it was just a jest.”

“If you wish to learn painting from us, simply say so. We won’t bite, there’s no need for such indirect approaches.”

Zhen Mi, being merely a young maiden, made her intentions quite transparent.

The moment she unexpectedly showed such attentiveness today, Liu Xie knew she must have something to ask, likely wanting to learn painting skills.

As expected, with just a bit of teasing, her true motive surfaced.

Zhen Mi’s eyes brimmed with a sense of grievance, remaining silent as she kept her head bowed, her eyelids slightly reddened.

Liu Xie found this Goddess Luo endearingly innocent, easily brought to tears by his teasing. Amused yet feeling a softening heart, he reached out to wipe away her tears. Gently cradling her pale chin, he said warmly, “Don’t cry, we will teach you.”

Damn, what a beautiful girl, and her family is incredibly wealthy too.

If only Your Majesty could gain freedom, seize control of Jizhou, and secure the unwavering support of the Zhen family, perhaps becoming a true Emperor isn’t entirely impossible.

But how can we ensure their full-fledged assistance?