However, grinding the ink was indeed quick. Soon, the ink became thick enough, and Jiang Liannan slowly stopped his hand.

At this moment, there were only him and Leng Xu in the room. It was quiet all around, with only the Yue kiln celadon incense burner burning sinking water fragrance, emitting a misty smoke that resembled clouds.

He couldn't help but look up and size up Leng Xu, who was already very close.

Leng Xu is extremely good-looking, but from afar, he is not as impressive as up close. When seen from a distance, one would be overwhelmed by his imposing aura and find him intimidating. However, upon closer inspection, one would not be affected by his imperial might and instead, be captivated by his exceptionally handsome appearance. His profile resembles a finely crafted piece of jade, almost perfect without any flaws.

However, Jiang Liannan knew that he was definitely not a decorative pillow.

At the age of ten, Leng Xu ascended to the throne, and at fifteen, he assumed full political power. It has been nine years since then. In these nine years, almost everyone within the imperial court, from the officials of the previous dynasty to the ladies of the palace, has been obediently at his command. Not a single person dares to question the ability of this young emperor, let alone make him feel dissatisfied.

When Empereror Leng Xu ascended the throne, Empress Zhao, as his mother, naturally assumed the position of Empress Dowager. However, this woman was too ambitious and foolish. She actually wanted to emulate Empress Lvhou, using her relatives to control the government and turn Leng Xu into a puppet. But how could Leng Xu agree to that? He quickly joined forces with the ninth brother of the previous emperor, the present Prince Qi'an, and together they uprooted all of the Zhao family's relatives, wiping them out completely. Now, within the court, the Zhao family no longer exists, and even the Empress Dowager has been sent to the Western Palace to worship Buddha, caring no more about worldly affairs.

However, Jiang Liannan remembered the version of himself in the dream - he actually fantasized about snatching the throne from Leng Xu. Not to mention Leng Xu at the age of twenty-three at that time, even if it was the fifteen-year-old Leng Xu, how could he possibly be his match?

I can't believe I was laughing at Empress Dowager Zhao's foolishness. Wasn't I just as foolish as her, or even more ridiculous?

Ah, fortunately, my present self has already made up my mind not to be enemies with Leng Xu anymore.

"What are you thinking about?" A deep male voice resonated.

"Ah?" Jiang Lennan snapped back to consciousness and realized that he had been deeply absorbed in watching Leng Xu. Now, Leng Xu was looking at him, their dark eyes filled with inscrutable emotions.

He quickly lowered his head, his face turning pale and red. "It's, it's nothing."

"Hmm?" Cold Xu clearly didn't believe it.

Jiang Liannan's face turned pale, and he quickly threw down the ink tablet in his hand and knelt down, saying, "I deserve death for daring to gaze upon your divine countenance..."

Perhaps due to being poisoned to death by Leng Xu in his dream, he was extremely terrified of Leng Xu, afraid that he might accidentally be given a death sentence again.

Seeing him kneel down, there was no expression on Leng Xujun's beautiful face, nor any warmth in his eyes. He did not ask him to get up, only saying, "Jiang Aiqing has taught you how to confess your sins quite well."

Jiang Liannan couldn't figure out his intentions, and for a while, he didn't dare to reply.

But after a moment, a hand reached out in front of him - the bones of this hand were distinct, the fingers slender, and the color as pure as fine white jade, with neatly trimmed nails. Its palm faced upwards, as if... it wanted to pull him up?

Jiang Liannan looked up at Leng Xu with a bewildered expression.

Leng Xu's brows furrowed with a hint of impatience, "Are you going to get up or not?"

Jiang Liannan immediately placed her hand on his palm.

The hand was dry and warm, completely different from what I had imagined.

Lu Xufeng's eyes narrowed slightly as she pulled him up, saying, "You don't have to kneel before me every time, I'm tired of hearing it."

"Oh." Jiang Liannan nodded hastily, but his heart was in disarray, thumping like he had a tiny little rabbit hidden within it.

The current Leng Xu is somewhat different from the Leng Xu in his dreams. In his dreams, Leng Xu treated him very well, right from the beginning. He was extremely affectionate and never spoke a harsh word to him. He indulged him in whatever he wanted, giving him anything he desired. It was even better than how the most favored concubine was treated. As a result, he was initially overwhelmed by the favor, gradually becoming arrogant due to his privileged position... But now, Leng Xu is not treating him so well.

Most importantly, he couldn't see through Leng Xu at all. This is probably what they call "difficult to fathom one's intentions".

Upon arriving at Shen Hour smoothly, Leng Xu had to return to the Chongming Palace to handle official documents. After Jiang Liannan saw him off, he also returned to Lvqi Pavilion.

It was that evening.

The lights in the Chongming Palace were still shining brightly. The young Emperor was exceptionally diligent in handling state affairs, and at this time, he would usually still be busy with official business. The Great Yue Empire stretched across vast territories, and there were always plenty of matters to occupy his mind every day.

But he still took the time to summon a palace maid.

Bishan knelt on the ground, with a respectful and obedient expression, and said, "Your Majesty, I pay my respects to you, long live the Emperor!"

Leng Xu didn't stop writing with his pen, nor did he lift his head. He only said, "Has he fallen asleep?"

"In response to Your Majesty's inquiry, the young master has already gone to sleep, and Bi Pei is waiting outside to attend to him."

Leng Xu finally stopped the pen in his hand, set the memorial aside, and lifted his head to look at her. "How is he?"

Bishan thought for a moment and replied, "The young master is very well-behaved. He only walks around the courtyard and has not gone out or been picky about his food, clothing, and accommodation. His temperament and disposition also seem to be quite good."

Leng Xu's expressionless and handsome face still remained calm and composed. "Go on," he said without any fluctuations.

The young master did not do much today. He just leaned on the windowsill and daydreamed for the whole afternoon. It seems that he is still not familiar with the life in the palace.

Hearing these words, Leng Xu remained silent.

After a moment, he said, "I understand. You may leave."

"Yes."

Gloomy Xue glanced at Qin San standing beside him and asked, "Qin San, based on what you've seen, what do you think of his character?"

Qin San pondered for a moment and then said, "Your Majesty, this servant has never personally interacted with Young Master Jiang, but the little servant has spoken to him a few times. From what this servant heard, Young Master Jiang is very well-behaved and not as arrogant and indulgent as other children from prestigious families... Today, when he was brought to the Chongming Palace for the first time, he kept his gaze straight ahead and remained silent the entire way. This shows that his upbringing is commendable."

"Is it not good?" Cold Xu murmured to himself, his lips curling with a hint of a cold smile.

He knew Jiang Jinsheng's character well. Jiang Jinsheng achieved success at a young age, becoming an imperial censor at a young age. However, he was never arrogant or overbearing, always treating others with humility. Later, he was promoted to the position of Chief Imperial Censor and became even more humble, upright, and dedicated, earning him the reputation of being a true incorruptible voice in the court.

A father like this is unlikely to raise an unruly son, but when Leng Xu imagines Jiang Liannan's pale face and excessively submissive kneeling posture, he can't help but feel strangely uncomfortable.

......

The next morning.

Jiang Liannan woke up a moment later than yesterday, but he didn't have anything important to do anyway, so it didn't matter whether he woke up early or late.

As he washed up, he thought to himself how amazing it was to be able to sleep in so late. Brother Leng had to wake up at four in the morning every day and attend the morning prayer at five. It must be so tiring!

Thinking about it this way, he began to feel that he didn't want to be that lazy emperor at all.

He was sitting and waiting for the early meal to arrive when he saw the eunuch Wu'er hurrying in and saying,

"Master, His Majesty has sent word that he wants you to attend to his early meal!"

Jiang Liannan: ......

"I'm not a courtier? Why do I still have to serve His Majesty breakfast?" Jiang Liannan's little face wrinkled up. Heaven knows how much he feared Leng Xu's presence and how much he didn't want to see him. Why did Leng Xu insist on meeting him anyway?

Bishan advised beside, "Young master, although you are a servant, you are ultimately a subject. His Majesty wants you to attend to his breakfast early, which shows his esteem for you. You should go... The other consorts and princesses are breaking their heads trying to earn such favor, but have not succeeded yet!"

Jiang Liannan thought to himself, "No, absolutely not. I can't handle such favor and grace. If I accidentally upset the Emperor and displease him, he might order my execution... It's better to find someone else!"

However much he thought about it, the emperor had summoned him, so he couldn't avoid going. Reluctantly, he made his way to the Yuqing Palace.