Chapter 5

Chapter 5

8th Year, March 16.

Governor of Zhehai: Submitted a memorial reporting that Li Shanfu, a commoner of Jiande, found money and returned it honestly.

I: The hearts and customs of the people show signs of returning to simplicity and honesty. I am deeply comforted and pleased, and he ought to be commended. Bestow upon him ten shi of rice, ten bolts of cloth, and a plaque.

8th Year, March 25.

Governor of Zhili: Submitted a memorial reporting that Lady Liang, wife of Lu Shangyi, a resident of Wen’an County, found money and returned it honestly.

I: An edict has already been issued.

8th Year, April 6.

Finance Commissioner of Dong’an: Submitted a memorial reporting that the soldier Liu Zifeng found money and returned it honestly.

I: An edict has already been issued.

8th Year, April 11.

Governor-General of Shandong: Submitted a memorial reporting that the soldier Liu Zifeng found money and returned it honestly.

I: The Finance Commissioner of Dong’an has already memorialized on this matter, and an edict has already been issued.

8th Year, April 23.

Governor of Yunbei: Submitted a memorial reporting that Jin Gui, a soldier of the local garrison, and a tobacco peddler found money and returned it honestly.

I: An edict has already been issued.

8th Year, April 27.

Admiral of Fujian Navy: Submitted a memorial reporting that a peasant woman found money and returned it honestly.

I: Read.

…

I only praised it once. Why are they memorializing me every day about people returning found money?

Do they think my plaques are wholesale goods?

Are they all here to stock up?

After approving memorials for so long, the old pain in my hand flared up again, so I could only switch to my left hand and keep going.

Just then, a eunuch came to report that the Empress, Consort De, Consort Rong, and Noble Lady Yu had all invited me to dine with them tonight.

Naturally, I went to the Empress.

It was not only because I respected and loved the Empress most, but also because the Empress had her own private kitchen.

Could the concubines’ dinners possibly compare to the Empress’s?

After spending several hours approving memorials, surely I deserved something good to eat.

“Prepare the palanquin. We are going to Kunning Palace.”

As soon as I entered, the Empress had the meal served.

Milk tea, rich duck soup with tofu slices, braised pork knuckle, stir-fried chicken with spring bamboo shoots, pork-and-chive stuffed pastries, ivory chess-piece buns, shredded venison tendon with meat, and more.

Mm. As expected, the Empress knew my preferences very well.

Not a single dish she chose was something I liked.

It seemed the Empress was sulking at me again.

Was it about the mangoes?

I truly had no idea.

I had merely received some rare goods and sent the Empress a portion of everything. Who could have known she would break out in a rash after eating them?

Had one of the concubines annoyed the Empress again?

Then I would find time to go give them a warning.

Could it be Imperial Mother?

At last, I saw the Empress’s head palace maid signaling to me.

Oh. So it was that irritable time of the month.

Good thing it was not my fault.