The Beloved Imperial Consort Chapter 162

On the surface, Zong Zheng Lin and Mu Xi Yao appeared to have reached an agreement, but in reality, their standards of conduct differed. In the future, the Sixth Highness’s moral compass would gradually collapse, consumed by Mu Xi Yao’s ‘numerous misdeeds’.

“Your Highness.” With the matter settled Mu Xi Yao engaged in a serious conversation with Zong Zheng Lin about the gift for the little bun Cheng Qing’s first birthday, which had been ‘carried’ into the garden. 

When it came to the aspects that Mu Xi Yao disapproved of most about Zong Zheng Lin, it was his excessive indulgence and pampering of Cheng Qing. 

“Your Highness has acquired numerous rare treasuries from Shuzhong, many of which are priceless antiques of extraordinary value. How can these items be casually given to a child?”

Yan Cheng Zhou had brought along people carrying boxes and cages, accompanied by an inventory detailing the origins of each item. As for their value, over seventy percent were classified as ‘rare treasures’. With just these two boxes of items…Mu Xi Yao looked through them one by one and was utterly astonished.

In the previous life, many of these things were displayed in the Empress Dowager’s and Yuancheng Emperor’s palaces. After Zong Zheng Lin ascended the throne, he selected a few to be placed in the imperial study for appreciation and enjoyment. From this, it was evident that these hot potatoes were not just expensive; their worth transcended monetary value.

And now, the Sixth Highness was sending them over without batting an eyelid, giving them to the tiny little tot. Mu Xi Yao found this inappropriate. 

Zong Zheng Lin embraced the woman in his arms, his eyes showing tenderness.

He had grown accustomed to seeing people bowing to express their gratitude. It was extremely rare to encounter someone like Mu Xi Yao, who had objections to rewards from her lord husband, not only in the Sixth Prince’s residence but also in the homes of noble families.

This woman was not indifferent to wealth, but she was keenly aware of boundaries. Especially when it came to things she should not touch, she exercised great caution and self-restraint.

However, Zong Zheng Lin’s understanding of Mu Xi Yao was misguided. The reason Mu Xi Yao knew ‘when to ask and when to hold back’ was because she was still under the constraint of the Yuancheng Emperor, whom she couldn’t defy. She had no choice but to act with prudence for the time being. If Zong Zheng Lin were in charge, her behavior would completely differ.

“Does Jiao Jiao know, what is the biggest gain from this journey?” Zong Zheng Lin hadn’t initially revealed it, not wanting to alarm this woman. If it weren’t to ease her concerns at the moment, Zong Zheng Lin wouldn’t have brought it up in her presence. This woman delved even into a tiny unusual event. If she were to find out about this, her curiosity would undoubtedly be boundless.

Mu Xi Yao pondered silently. Was Zong Zheng Lin implying that a single item alone could contend with the priceless treasures in this room? 

“Your Highness, did you present that item to His Majesty?” Since these objects appeared before her, it must have been with the approval of the Yuancheng Emperor. To make Yuancheng Emperor, who always attached immense importance to the treasury, to generously bestow such lavish rewards could only mean that Zong Zheng Lin had presented him with an even greater surprise!

What exactly could it be? Mu Xi Yao contemplated deeply.

In the previous life, Zong Zheng Lin hadn’t been involved in suppressing the Shuzhong bandits, and she possessed scant details. This event preceded War in Mobei; if she could piece things together….Mu Xi Yao’s mind quickly searched for several major events from the previous life, seeking any subtle connections between them. 

After the War in Mobei, the military supplies for the Great Wei’s stationed troops were replenished…the snow disaster in four regions of Liaodong, the imperial court’s effective relief efforts…Yuancheng Emperor’s tax exemptions…

All these signs indicated that, in the previous life, the Great Wei’s treasury had become abundant during a certain period! And fitting within that timeframe, it would have been before Zong Zheng Lin was conferred the title of prince, after the Shuzhong rebels were eradicated by the General-in-Chief of Anxi, personally appointed by Yuancheng Emperor! 

Could it be… Mu Xi Yao suddenly raised her head, locking her gaze on the man before her, whose eyes were deep and enigmatic. She stared wide-eyed, left utterly speechless. 

Compared to these precious and rare treasuries, the reason that could make Yuancheng Emperor generously reward Zong Zheng Lin was undoubtedly—“The hidden treasure of Prince of Yi!” Mu Xi Yao murmured in astonishment. 

Zong Zheng Lin’s pupils suddenly contracted. He lowered his head and looked at the still-shocked woman, his expression dark and inscrutable. 

Mu Xi Yao was sharp; The Sixth Highness had known that from the beginning. However, he hadn’t expected this woman to be so astute. In less than half an incense stick’s time, she had managed to discover even the faintest clues and deduced the situation with uncanny accuracy! 

How did she learn about ’the hidden treasure of Prince of Yi’? He himself had obtained precise information about this matter only at the last minute.

“Does Your Highness wonder why Qie made such an assumption?” If there was anything about Zong Zheng Lin that Mu Xi Yao disliked, it was the common ailment of emperors: excessive paranoia! 

His reaction wasn’t rooted in genuine suspicion towards Mu Xi Yao. Rather, it was an inherent inclination to address the issue objectively and get the heart of it. This twisted desire for control made Mu Xi Yao scoff. 

“《Annotations, Commentary, and Interpretations on the Water Classics》has conducted numerous analyses and speculations concerning the unique terrain in the area around Songmang Mountain in Shuzhong. Among them, there’s a mention that during the reign of Wen Emperor, the lineage of the Prince of Yi had amassed wealth for generations, hidden deep within an underground palace. Due to a lack of convincing evidence, it was regarded as a populist utterance aimed at pleasing the masses at that time.” Mu Xi Yao’s eyes sparkled, showing great interest in the hidden treasure of the Prince of Yi. The ways of the world are unpredictable; there have always been those considered absurd who suddenly become celebrated as wise scholars overnight. The opinions of people should not be entirely relied upon.”

Mu Xi Yao only took a brief glance at Zong Zheng Lin’s reaction to know that her words had hit the mark.

“Jiao Jiao’s genuine love for books lives up to your reputation.” Zong Zheng Lin praised. 

《Commentary on the Water Classics》consisted of two volumes, spanning one hundred and twenty scrolls.《Annotation and Interpretations》served as a supplementary text, focusing on often the most intricate content within the main text.

For ordinary people, even reading the entire main text was a challenge. Having the patience to search for and read the 《Annotation and Interpretations》was exceedingly rare. Mu Xi Yao’s ability to read them showcased her disciplined approach to learning, her sincere love for books, and her passion for seeking the real truth. 

In Zong Zheng Lin’s memory, there were rumors in Shengjing that Zhu Ge Li had read over a thousand scrolls. He wondered, in comparison to Mu Xi Yao, who might be more superior.

“Jiao Jiao is clever. What was acquired this time is indeed an inventory of hidden treasures.” 

Mu Xi Yao had a flash of understanding. There had to be seals in the inventory as evidence; as for what came next, further words were unnecessary.

“Your Highness has expressed intentions for a Mobei military campaign, which would likely mean returning to Shuzhong won’t be on your agenda.” If Zong Zheng Lin were to embark on the planned expedition to Mobei and relinquish his hold on valuable Shuzhong, Mu Xi Yao would find it quite regrettable. 

“Indeed. Imperial Father has assigned Eighth Brother with complete authority to take charge of affairs.”

Upon hearing this, Mu Xi Yao furrowed her brows. Zong Zheng Han! If this person takes on the task and Yuancheng Emperor was to be pleased once more, wouldn’t that be aiding the enemy? 

“Where does Your Highness think the hidden treasure of Prince of Yi is?” 

Zong Zheng Lin raised his eyebrow. This woman, Mu Xi Yao…yesterday, Di Wu Yi Zhao asked the same question.

“What does Jiao Jiao think?”

Mu Xi Yao grabbed both sides of the ribbons on his crown and tied them into a knot. “Qie is just a woman and truly unknowledgeable when it comes to matters of state. However, Qie recalls from the records in books that the Prince of Yi used titanium gold and molybdenum in the construction of his temporary palace. This content belongs to thehlifestyle.com, if you see this translation elsewhere, it’s been stolen!

Zong Zheng Lin pulled her mischievous little hands down, looked at the disarrayed crown ribbon, and frowned. 

Once again, she was spot-on. Di Wu Yi Zhao had specifically tasked Gong Shu Yang to look up over a hundred books related to Prince of Yi, yet unexpectedly, he couldn’t match Mu Xi Yao’s impromptu response. 

“How many books has Jiao Jiao read?” Going by what she revealed in her words, it was probably quite abundant.

Mu Xi Yao delicately yawned and her eyes gradually welled with moisture. It looked like she was getting sleepy. 

“Never counted.” Since taking the elixir, her mental prowess has grown substantially, to the extent that she has almost developed a photographic memory. The books she has perused at the Qingzhou Library combined with the sole copies of the books Zong Zheng Lin procured for her, it appears that the total count was quite a few.

Gently stroking her back, Zong Zheng Lin picked her up and placed her on the bed. 

“Regarding the affairs in Shuzhong, Imperial Father has appointed two supervisors to assist Zong Zheng Han in his duties.” “Zong Zheng Lin’s words came to a halt, but a smile appeared on Mu Xi Yao’s face.

The capabilities of the Sixth Highness and his good-for-nothing adviser were indeed impressive.

Translation notes:

Relationship Diagram  (by Sith Kazar)

Previous Chapter | Table of contents | Next Chapter