Lord: Start with a book of Water Margin

Chapter 733 Duties
For the next two days, contrary to Wang Yuyan's expectations, Zhao Zhen not only did not summon Zhong Ling and Mu Wanqing to his bedchamber, but he also did not summon Wang Yuyan.

Zhong Ling was the first to speak up, "Sister Yu Yan, is it because you spoke up for us that you've also been disliked by the King?"

"Ling'er, don't overthink it. The King is the ruler of the country and is busy with countless affairs of state. Besides, there are more than just the three of us concubines in the palace. How could we be summoned by the King every day?"

Looking at Wang Yuyan's pure yet slightly alluring face, Zhong Ling chuckled and said, "That's right, with your beauty, sister, who wouldn't be moved? How could anyone resist seeing you?"

Upon hearing this, Wang Yuyan sighed, "Ling'er, although we haven't seen all the concubines in the palace, there are probably many beautiful ones. The king has four female officials by his side, who were his maids before he ascended the throne. Now they serve as imperial maids, in charge of the female guards in the king's palace. They serve him at all times and are highly trusted by the king."

"According to Buddha's Hand, the most beautiful concubine in the palace is Xu Caiwen, the king's newly acquired concubine, and the next most beautiful is Fan Qi, the concubine of the king."

"Huh? Is there anyone in the world prettier than my sister?" Zhong Ling said, unconvinced.

Although Mu Wanqing didn't speak, she kept her eyes fixed on Wang Yuyan.

Wang Yuyan nodded. "There are so many beauties in the world."

After saying this, Wang Yuyan stopped talking.

Mu Wanqing suddenly said, "So, the King isn't attracted to our beauty, but simply wants a marriage alliance and needs hostages?"

Zhong Ling listened, unsure how to respond.

Wang Yuyan replied, "Between power and beauty, how many men can give up power for beauty alone?"

Upon hearing this, Mu Wanqing immediately thought of Wang Yuyan, who was first abandoned by Murong Fu and then sent by Duan Zhengyan for a political marriage. This was probably the reason for Wang Yuyan's rapid change of heart.

Mu Wanqing said, "Sister, if the three of us join forces, is there anyone in the Liang Kingdom's palace who can compete with us for the emperor's favor?"

Upon hearing Mu Wanqing's words, Wang Yuyan looked at Mu Wanqing in surprise.

Of the three, Mu Wanqing was the most devoted to Duan Zhengyan. And now she could actually say such a thing. "Sister Mu, you..."

"Hmph, I haven't been idle these past few days either. I've also inquired about a lot of information from the palace maids."

"Am I just sitting here in the palace doing nothing?" Zhong Ling couldn't help but say.

Mu Wanqing glanced at Zhong Ling and continued, "I heard from the maids that not all the concubines in the palace are confined to the palace. The four imperial maids that Yu Yan mentioned earlier, named Osmanthus, Mint, Buddha's Hand, and Rose, are responsible for leading the female guards and protecting the king personally. Even Xu Caiwen, who is only a few days older than us, has her own duties."

"What news did you find out, sister?" Wang Yuyan asked.

"Hmph, the King has quite a few concubines. His lawfully wedded wife, Cheng Wan'er, is now the Imperial Concubine. She is in charge of the Secret Pavilion in the Secretariat, serving as the Chief Secretary of the Secret Pavilion. Rare books, paintings, books, and guidebooks are all under her jurisdiction. She is also the Director of the Imperial Kitchen, in charge of the food and dishes."

"Consort Shu, Ji Qingwan, served as the Vice Director of the Palace Secretariat, overseeing the administration of the king's food, medicine, clothing, tents, carriages, and lodging. She also concurrently served as the Secretary of the Secretariat, participating in military and political affairs."

"Even Jinlebo Chuyuan and Xiulebo Chuyan, who both came from the Nüzhan (female warrior) class, worked in the [Jiaofang and Qianxia Jiaofang] as instructors of the Wuxuanse and Nüzhan (female warrior) classes."

Upon hearing this, Zhong Ling asked, "What about Xu Caiwen?"

"She's the newly appointed head of the Imperial Wardrobe. The robes and crowns we're to be appointed to are made under her supervision." "Why hasn't Sister Yuyan been appointed to a position yet? It can't be because we're from a marriage alliance and don't deserve the King's trust, can it?" Zhong Ling blurted out.

The three of them pondered for a long time, but still couldn't figure out how to break the deadlock.

At night, a female official came to Qixiang Palace to announce an imperial decree to carry Zhong Ling to Qianqing Palace.

Afterwards, Zhong Ling, nestled in Zhao Zhen's arms, asked, "Your Majesty, all the sisters in the palace have their duties. Should the three of us wait until the two countries form an alliance?"

Upon hearing this, Zhao Zhen sat up and looked at Zhong Ling's round little face with a small dimple at the corner of her mouth. Zhao Zhen couldn't help but poke it with his finger.

Zhong Ling's already rosy cheeks, like the morning glow, became even rosier. Her fair and delicate skin, with a hint of pink, was beautiful and charming. Her eyes sparkled, and her gaze was as clear as autumn water.

In addition, her voice was both delicate and sweet, her tone was soft, and her breath was as fragrant as orchids.

Zhao Zhen couldn't help but pull Zhong Ling into his arms and said with a smile, "That's not it. Since I've already agreed to the matter of Dali Kingdom, as long as nothing goes wrong, I will naturally fulfill my promise."

"As for the three of you, I don't object to you wanting something to do. However, I'll need to see what you three sisters are good at before I can make arrangements," Zhao Zhen said, offering a reason.
"I see. Sister Mu is highly skilled in martial arts, and Sister Yuyan is knowledgeable and reasonable, and knows all the martial arts in the world by heart." After saying that, Zhong Ling looked at Zhao Zhen.

"how about you?"

"I also know some martial arts, but what I like best is taming animals. My 'Lightning Sable' is still with my father. Your Majesty, please have someone send my 'Lightning Sable' to the palace; it's very obedient."

Zhao Zhen nodded and said, "Have someone send your Lightning Sable to the palace tomorrow."

"Your Majesty, no, that won't do. My Lightning Sable recognizes people. Either I leave the palace, or my parents come in. It will bite anyone else, and besides, and besides..."

"And what?"

“The Lightning Sable is poisonous.” After saying that, Zhong Ling buried her head in the blanket.

Zhao Zhen gently patted Zhong Ling's head and said, "It's nothing."

"Speaking of which, I haven't met your parents yet since you entered the palace. What kind of people are they?"

Upon hearing this, Zhong Ling crawled out of the covers. "My father is Zhong Wanchou, who kills anyone he sees, and my mother is Gan Baobao, who is quite famous in the martial arts world. They came to Liang Kingdom with me because of a marriage alliance. They are currently staying at Huaiyuan Post Station."

“My father is not my biological father, but he has been very good to my mother and me. He used to own the Wanchou Valley business, but he has given it all up now.”

"Hmm, is there anything your parents want to do?"

“My father only wants to revolve around my mother, and now that he is trapped in Huaiyuan Post Station, it suits his wishes perfectly.”

Zhao Zhen said, "It just so happens that I also need to meet my father-in-law and mother-in-law. You write a letter, and I will host a banquet for them tomorrow. I will also send the Lightning Sable to the palace. Since you want to do something, why don't you go and become a supervisor in the Yushu under the Taipusi?"

"The [garbage] is home to many exotic animals, including elephants, deer, falcons, parrots, white-naped cranes, Kangal dogs, royal poodles, Shih Tzus, and more."

(End of this chapter)