The Foolish Husband of the Landlord's Family (GL)

Chapter 68: So Sweet

Xiao Yichen's skepticism infuriated the Emperor, but his frail body left him powerless, his voice too weak to express his anger, leaving him to stew in frustration and live a life of helplessness.

Just then, a eunuch announced, "Prince Jing requests an audience."

Xiao Yichen paused her tea service, responding coolly, "Let him in."

Jiang Yuan noticed Xiao Yichen glance her way but pretended not to see. Jing Anrui entered in her court attire, first saluting the Emperor, then the Empress, saying, "Your servant, Jing Anrui, greets Her Majesty."

Xiao Yichen merely nodded, acknowledging with a brief "Mm," and said nothing more. Jing Anrui adhered to protocol, inquiring about the Emperor's health and advising him to prioritize his wellbeing over seeking miracle cures and indulging in pleasures.

Such advice was reasonable from anyone but Jing Anrui, as she wasn't of royal blood but an outsider with too much power, whose influence was curtailed despite her competence. She managed to retain her authority in the end.

The Emperor's mind was elsewhere, outwardly compliant, though his true thoughts remained unknown.

That meeting felt like a dream, as Jiang Yuan didn't see Jing Anrui in the palace again.

Life in the palace was peaceful, though the Emperor's health declined after his illness, distrustful of doctors and medicine, obsessed with finding miracle cures.

Xiao Yichen patiently advised against such cures, knowing they were akin to harmful aphrodisiacs.

The Emperor, considering himself young, with no state affairs to handle and lacking real power, spent his time in the harem and sought pleasure outside. His declining health forced him to rely on 'miracle' treatments before intimate encounters, worsening his condition.

The Emperor's self-destructive behavior was beyond Jiang Yuan's concern, but Xiao Yichen continued caring for him, enduring his insults and threats to depose her, which only weakened him further.

Seven uneventful days passed. To Jiang Yuan, it felt short, but to Lin Kong, it was agonizingly dull. She longed for excitement to prove her worth.

Shi Qi, however, remained indifferent.

Though they lived in a secluded courtyard, the three shared a room for convenience.

Lin Kong couldn't be intimate with Jiang Yuan, especially with Shi Qi nearby. Restless at night, she chatted with Jiang Yuan.

"Wife, what do you think of the Empress?" Lin Kong asked.

She had been guarding Xiao Yichen, unable to understand her, finding her unusually detached.

Jiang Yuan, surprised by the serious question, thought for a moment, "She's extraordinary."

Lin Kong was delighted, "You think she's amazing too?"

Jiang Yuan nodded, "Yes."

Her composure was remarkable.

Lin Kong, eyeing Jiang Yuan's lips, said cheekily, "But I still think you're the most amazing."

As the conversation turned flirtatious, Jiang Yuan glared at Lin Kong, reminding her of Shi Qi's presence.