Chapter 213: "Ah Yang, I missed you.

Xiao Yang was getting a major headache. She was fine with having a few boyfriends, but the kind you had one after another, not four at the same time.

Mu Yunlian was a debt from a past life, Rong Yin was a misfortune in this one, and Xu Xingchen was the only one she’d brought upon herself. And now, there was Li Wei.

Tsk, this was even harder to handle than a mountain of memorials.

Xiao Yang hadn’t responded to Li Wei yet. But after that kiss and his confession, it was impossible for them to return to a purely ruler-and-subject relationship.

Every interaction they had now seemed to be tinged with a bit of ambiguity.

But whenever that happened, Rong Yin would appear.

Then they would sit there, one to her left and one to her right.

Xiao Yang: "..."

’What have I done to deserve this? Isn’t this just pure torture?’

Fortunately, the New Year was in two days, so they all went home, and Xiao Yang finally got some peace and quiet.

It was actually quite nice for the vast Imperial Palace to be a little empty.

Mu Yunlian rushed back on New Year’s Day, appearing at the palace covered in snow, and pulled Xiao Yang into a tight embrace the moment he saw her.

"Ah Yang, I missed you."

Xiao Yang patted his back. "Where did you go? What took you so long to return?"

By rights, Mu Yunlian should have returned for the victory banquet, but he was only just getting back now, right before the New Year.

Mu Yunlian lowered his head and kissed her. "I went to the Southern Domain and found something amazing."

Mu Yunlian took out a hard, dry sheet of something. At first glance, Xiao Yang thought it was tofu skin, but when she caught the scent, she understood. "This is latex."

It was obvious why Mu Yunlian had gone looking for it.

’This guy is really going all out, isn’t he?’

Xiao Yang closed the box. "You’ve had a long journey. Go get cleaned up."

’Turning latex into... that thing... involves more than just one step. It’ll be a while.’

’But if this stuff can be mass-produced, we could make tires first.’

’Cars are unrealistic, but bicycles are possible.’

Xiao Yang immediately summoned Prince Jing to the palace. She had previously given Prince Jing blueprints for a bicycle, and he had already created a prototype. For the rubber parts, he had used cowhide and copper nails hammered into the wheel. It was functional, but not very effective.

The front and back wheels lacked the stability of a horse-drawn carriage, so riders kept falling off.

Xiao Yang showed him the latex and explained the manufacturing process. Others would naturally take care of preparing the materials. Once it was researched and mass-produced, it would generate a huge amount of income.

Xiao Yang said, "If we can sell these, the revenue could equal nearly half a year’s taxes. Uncle, you’ll be one step closer to becoming the god of engineering, your name immortalized in history. When the money comes in, I will give you one percent as pocket money."

Prince Jing immediately replied, "This subject is not short on money. As long as it is a task assigned by Your Majesty, I will do my utmost."

The Emperor had never treated him poorly. The amount of money she had given him this year was truly substantial; he couldn’t even calculate how much he had anymore. In any case, it was more than he could ever spend.

He had now reached a point where he could regard money as nothing.

As for being the ’god of engineering’ and having his ’name immortalized in history,’ he felt he was unworthy, truly unworthy.

He said he was unworthy, but his grin stretched from ear to ear. When he left, he was practically floating.

Xiao Yang chuckled, then turned and went inside, only to find that Mu Yunlian had gone straight to her bed after washing up.

He must have been truly exhausted, as he had fallen asleep right away.

Seeing this, Xiao Yang let him be and went out to check on the New Year preparations.

Although the Emperor didn’t need to personally handle the New Year preparations, she had to go to the Imperial Ancestral Temple to offer incense before returning for the New Year’s Eve feast.

When Xiao Yang returned, Mu Yunlian was still asleep. She went to wake him personally, but instead of waking up, he pulled her into bed with one arm, and she almost couldn’t get back up.

"Alright, get up. It’s time for the New Year’s Eve feast."

Xiao Yang had to push him away with both her hands and feet to finally refuse him. What would it look like if the Emperor missed the New Year’s Eve feast?

Xiao Yang got up and straightened her clothes. Mu Yunlian lay on the bed, watching her lazily. His fox-like eyes were fixed on her, a seductive smile playing on his lips as if trying to lure her back under the covers.

Finally, he rose unhurriedly, his robes hanging open, generously displaying his physique.

"Your Majesty, this subject would like to attend you in your chambers tonight. May I?"

Xiao Yang raised an eyebrow. "And if I were to throw you out, would you leave?"

Mu Yunlian shook his head firmly. "No."

’Well, that settles it, doesn’t it?’

Mu Yunlian walked over and wrapped his arms around her. Even though they had just been kissing, he still felt it wasn’t enough.

"I missed you. So, so much," he said.

In the end, Xiao Yang led Mu Yunlian to the great banquet hall by the hand.

This year, Prince Jing once again brought his family to the palace to celebrate the New Year with her. Rong Yin was also there, along with Xiao Suixi, Mu Yunlian, and Xiao Ziling.

With a dozen or so people, it wasn’t exactly a lonely affair.

It was just that the atmosphere was a bit strange when everyone was taking their seats.

According to protocol, Prince Jing and the Regent King should have been seated to the Emperor’s left and right.

But Mu Yunlian had already claimed the spot on one side of the Emperor.

Rong Yin saw this and, for once, said nothing. Instead, he went to the other side and sat in the seat below Prince Jing’s.

"I heard you had a good time drinking and chatting with General Li. Tonight, I’d like to have a proper drink with you as well."

Prince Jing: "..."

’This petty man is actually here to settle old scores with me.’

’Your Majesty, save me!’

Xiao Lv could tell at a glance that his old man was in for it, but he ultimately chose to stare straight ahead and pretend he hadn’t seen a thing.

’Dad got himself into this mess, so he can get himself out of it. It’s not like the Regent King is going to take a pound of his flesh. No big deal.’

Seeing that things were taking a bad turn, Prince Jing quickly tried to change the subject by addressing the Emperor. "Your Majesty, I’ve been meaning to talk to you about your cousin’s marriage. Regarding the Xie family, I must ask for Your Majesty’s assistance."

Xiao Yang looked at Xiao Lv. "Cousin, what’s the situation with you and Liu Zheng?"

Xiao Lv’s reply was startling. "If she won’t marry me, I’ll marry into her family. But the Xie family holds an old grudge against my father and won’t agree."

Speaking of the old grudge, Prince Jing sounded rather proud. "Look at him, so petty and vengeful. It’s no wonder your mother chose me back then."

Xiao Lv was exasperated. "Dad, could you please say a little less?"

’Ever since the Emperor started doting on him, his father has grown more and more rebellious, saying and doing things without any regard for his son’s well-being.’

Seeing Prince Jing’s expression, Xiao Yang’s interest was piqued, and she asked him to tell the story of his ’tangled history of love and hate’ with the Xie family.

Prince Jing told his story with great animation and a dramatic flair. Xiao Yang clicked her tongue in amazement. "I never would have guessed you were so romantic in your youth, Uncle. Your relationship is truly enviable."

Xiao Lv was utterly speechless.

’See? This is how the Little Emperor has spoiled his father.’

’He desperately wanted to ask, ’Dad, do you even remember your son’s unresolved marriage situation?’’

However, the Little Emperor’s very next sentence was: "From what I’ve heard you say, Uncle, this Xie Wei is a man of great learning and a real talent. He also served as a Deputy Governor for a few years. As it happens, there’s an opening in the Ministry of Rites. Do you think he would be up to the task?"

Anyone with half a brain could see what she was doing. The Emperor was practically spoon-feeding Prince Jing a solution.

For all his pride, Prince Jing still accepted the favor. "Although he’s my inferior in every way, he does possess at least that much ability."

Xiao Yang nodded. "The imperial examinations will be held in the spring. The two children of the Xie family should both be able to participate. When you go, Uncle, bring a message from me. Just say that I have high hopes for them."

Prince Jing replied, "This subject understands."

Xiao Yang hadn’t said a single word about the marriage, but everyone knew that when Prince Jing paid his visit, the engagement would be a sure thing.

This was the confidence that came from the Emperor’s own words. No matter how foolish the Xie family might be, they wouldn’t dare disrespect the Emperor.

Xiao Lv picked up his wine cup, not the least bit surprised.

’The Emperor had made a habit of flattering Prince Jing. But it wasn’t the malicious kind of praise meant to bring about one’s downfall; rather, she would flatter him and then subtly resolve the problem. She truly doted on him.’

’It felt like the Emperor didn’t treat anyone as well as she treated his father.’

’Think about it: first, his grandfather the Emperor; then, the late Emperor; and now, the current Emperor.’

’His father had been doted on by three generations of monarchs. His fate... even his own son couldn’t help but be envious.’