Pregnant Before the Royal Marriage

Chapter 972: Chapter 972: Gift_1

Jiang Ning always felt that the Emperor’s words had hidden meanings.

Before she could think carefully, the Emperor drawled out, “Now is the cold season, the children are young, don’t take them outside all the time.”

“I will bear this in mind,” she replied.

Jiang Ning touched the box in her hand and said, “This is a piece of text embroidered by my mother, a gift for the Emperor.”

Upon hearing that the gift was from Lin Zizi, the Emperor instinctively straightened his back, eyes glued to the box and asked, “What gift is your mother giving me on such a normal day?”

“Originally, my mother planned to present it to the Emperor during the Lantern Festival, but…” Jiang Ning intentionally paused before continuing, “There is no snow this year, which means there will be drought next year. It might not be appropriate for the royal family to hold the Lantern Festival Banquet. I’m afraid there won’t be a chance to offer it to you, so she asked me to bring it.”

“Humph, nonsense!”

Clearly, the Emperor didn’t believe a word she said.

He took the box handed over by Eunuch Chen, opened it, and took out a roll of snow-white silk. Unfolded, it depicted a complete poem.

The handwriting was graceful, each stroke divinely applied.

At first glance, it appeared to be the work of a famous master, but a closer look revealed that this was an embroidery piece, not a piece of calligraphy.

Being able to “write” such characters with needle and thread is much harder than using a brush and ink.

Especially this piece of snow-white silk under the light, shimmering radiantly, making it hard to look away.

Even Eunuch Chen exclaimed in surprise.

The Emperor meticulously admired it for a while, then carefully stored it back into the box with reluctance. He then looked at Jiang Ning and said, “Your mother doesn’t have your crafty mind. You must have been the one who asked her for this. As for whether it was originally intended for me, I can’t say for sure.”

Jiang Ning showed no embarrassment of having her scheme exposed but openly affirmed, “Yes, indeed. I borrowed this from my mother.”

“Borrow?” The Emperor sneered, “Once things are in my possession, don’t think about getting them back. You should quickly think about how to apologize to your mother.”

Jiang Ning quickly responded, “Being a rare wise man, Your Majesty has guessed correctly. So, I will dare to speak the truth.”

“When have you ever needed courage to speak to me?”

“Emperor Father.” Jiang Ning led the three children to kneel down, “I beg for your permission to hold the rain praying ritual.”

“Humph! I knew it.”

The Emperor scoffed again.

Jiang Ning said, “I know Emperor Father doesn’t believe in such things. I understand too, that these so-called praying rituals have no effect at all. But, even if they serve no purpose, shouldn’t we follow protocol? Otherwise, how can we soothe the hearts of our people?”

“So, you are saying this rain praying ritual is to appease the people?”

“Otherwise?” Jiang Ning counter-questioned.

The Emperor was stumped for an answer.

If he doesn’t take some action soon, he might incite public opinion and be portrayed as a tyrant in future history books.

That was something the Emperor could not allow.

He had worked diligently for decades, finally achieving stability in his reign. He was on the brink of making his mark in history. How could he allow his legacy to be tainted?

The Emperor changed his position and after a long contemplation, suddenly asked Jiang Ning, “Did the children come with you today at the Crown Prince’s suggestion?”

Jiang Ning immediately shook her head, “I went out of the palace recently and frequently heard complaints from the common people about the lack of snowfall…”

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