The Darling of Heaven Owns a Rip-off Shop

”Yes, she should be punished.” Tianmiao nodded in full agreement. ”Oh right, Noble Lady An has been coming to pay respects a lot lately, but I think she’s really coming for the food here.” Tianmiao couldn’t help finding it funny when she mentioned Noble Lady An.

”Hahaha, Mother, you mean Noble Lady An, that chubby Noble Lady An. I also think she’s so fun. When I went to her place, she just kept eating, and only at the end did she suddenly realize and hurriedly knelt to beg forgiveness. Mother, let me tell you, I’ve pinched Noble Lady An’s waist—tsk tsk, it’s all soft fat.” The Emperor couldn’t help bursting into laughter as well.

Tianmiao gave the Emperor a very subtle look, then let her gaze drift down to his waist.

The smile on the Emperor’s face froze. He covered his own waist and said, a bit embarrassed, ”Ah, well, of course, I’ve got soft fat on my waist too; I don’t really have the right to laugh at her. But, Mother, you won’t dislike your son for that, will you?” The Emperor looked at Tianmiao with a pitiful expression.

”Of course not. Fat or thin doesn’t matter; as long as my son is healthy, that’s more important than anything.” Tianmiao replied with a gentle smile.

”I knew Mother wouldn’t dislike me.” The Emperor said happily. ”Ah, Mother, the autumn hunt is coming up in a few days. I’ve already ordered people to pick out a gentle little mare for you, so you can also go out and have some fun then. The bow has been custom-made too.”

”My son is so thoughtful, Mother is very pleased.” Tianmiao smiled and nodded. No matter what this son did, he always thought of her first; Tianmiao was naturally well aware of such deep affection.

”Oh right, Mother, we were just talking about the orb earlier, let me continue. Concubine Jing’s little orb is very rigid. It infers things based on the environment at the time and my tone of voice. But if I change my mind on the spot, the little orb can’t react quickly enough. I haven’t bothered with Lin Daying’s little orb, because that fool is still under confinement.” The Emperor frowned. ”Mother, I think what Lin Daying meant was that she isn’t from this world, and it seems she came from the future. Just what kind of stray ghost is she?”

”No matter what kind of stray ghost she is, I don’t think she’s anything to be afraid of. I’ve already sent people to look for the master who gave me the Jade Pendant. Hopefully we’ll hear something soon.” Tianmiao thought for a moment about who should play this master’s role. Better let the steadier Dong Xiao do it.

”Really? It would be best if we can find him. Since this Jade Pendant is so miraculous, that master must be even more formidable. I can’t wait to meet him.” The Emperor spoke with some excitement.

”As soon as we find him, you’ll be informed immediately.”

...

The day of the autumn hunt finally arrived.

After the ceremony, the Emperor changed his clothes and led his men out to hunt.

On the Empress Dowager’s side, the ladies of rank, noble young ladies, and concubines who wanted to take the field were all ready as well.

The Empress Dowager also changed into military attire. Concubine Rong, brimming with spirit, followed at her side. She too was in full martial dress today, a dagger and a whip at her waist, and a bow slung across her back.

The Empress did not enter the field; she only sat upright above, chatting with the ladies beside her. Only occasionally did her gaze drift toward Concubine Rong, with envy and also jealousy in her eyes. She very much wanted to go hunting as well, and very much wanted to stay by the Empress Dowager’s side to win her favor. But she was the Empress; she felt she could not be too willful.

Concubine Shu had also changed her clothes. She glanced at the high-spirited Concubine Rong and sneered inwardly. It was nothing more than relying on her father and brothers holding military power. When the Emperor no longer needs them, the birds will be gone and the bow put away—let’s see what she has to be so pleased about then. Concubines from such families always end up miserable; it’s only a matter of time.