Chapter 742 – Changshou Wang Declares Himself Emperor (Part 2)
In Asia, there are four major evil arts — the gender-changing technique of the Dai people, the makeup art of the Wa people, the cosmetic surgery of the Bang people, and the photo-editing skills of the Hua people.
When all four evil arts come into play, don’t even mention enemies; even your own mother wouldn’t recognize you.
Hui Jun’s beauty is too striking, easily attracting trouble, so she needs to conceal herself a bit.
“Young Master, the official robes have been prepared and delivered. Would you like to try them on to see if they fit? If they don’t, we can make some adjustments.”
Hui Jun entered with a pile of clothing and accessories, her demeanor gentle and respectful, showing no hint of seduction.
“Alright, I’ll give it a try.”
Jiang Pengji, despite being a county magistrate, hadn’t yet received her official robes due to the peculiar circumstances of her appointment.
However, she must attend the Emperor’s funeral and the new Emperor’s enthronement ceremony, so she cannot go without her official attire.
Thus, someone had to work overtime to rush a set out for her.
Looking at the neatly folded official robes, Jiang Pengji smiled and took them to the back room to try them on.
In this era, social hierarchy is evident, with every detail marking the distinction; clothing has become a symbol of status.
Examining the various pieces, she closed the live stream and changed one by one, donning the ceremonial sash over her robe.
Only after dressing up properly did she emerge and reopen the live stream.
Upon seeing the valiant young figure walking out from the back room, Liu Zhi and Hui Jun were momentarily stunned.
It truly fits the saying — a gentleman, unparalleled in the world, a young man as flawless as jade.
The audience in the live stream had long become accustomed to Jiang Pengji’s emphasis on personal appearances, and none had left, eagerly waiting for the stream to start again.
Sure enough, a few minutes later, the live stream resumed, and it was time for hand speed and luck to shine once more.
【Farmer Spring Water Suspended】：Awoo—let me see, who’s this refined young man before me?
【Cafeteria Lady】：It’s her! It’s her! Our streamer, Jiang Pengji!
【Jianghu Eight Kill】：Are you nuts up there? I couldn’t help but sing along.
【Black Mass Song】：I’ve been thinking about how the streamer looks in official robes for so long. Finally seeing it brings me to tears.
【Cheer Up】：Hehe, but I’m even more excited to see the streamer wear imperial robes and a crown.
Jiang Pengji couldn’t keep a straight face for three seconds. She disdainfully waved the ceremonial tablet in her hand, her brow furrowing.
“Do officials take this thing to court, preparing to get outtalked by someone and then just slap them with it?”
As soon as the words left her mouth, the comments from the audience turned into a flood of ellipses, and Liu Zhi, who was sipping wine beside her, nearly choked.
“Lan Ting, don’t joke around. You can say that in private for fun, but don’t say it outside.”
Liu Zhi coughed a few more times; his daughter’s thought process was indeed different from others’.
The ceremonial tablet is meant for note-taking, a kind of memo, yet in her mouth, it became a weapon for fighting.
If officials really behaved as she described, using the tablet for brawls, how could court meetings carry on?
Hui Jun also covered her mouth with her sleeve, the amusement in her eyes barely concealed.
“After some time, Young Master’s set of official robes will need to be replaced again.”
Different ranks lead to significant changes in styles, materials, and decorations for official robes, so they would naturally have to make a new one.
“You seem to have faith in me.”
Hui Jun nodded shyly, her cherry lips spreading into a light smile. No matter how skilled the makeup techniques are, they still can’t hide the unique charm in those eyes.
“Since Young Master promises, if I can’t believe you, who else can I trust?”
Jiang Pengji chuckled and tossed the ceremonial tablet onto the table, saying in a pleading tone, “I can’t take that kind of talk.”
Liu Zhi silently watched, quietly eating popcorn, reflecting —
Did he give birth to a daughter or a son?
“It seems a bit small; I’ll take it back to adjust.”
As Hui Jun was smiling, a young servant came in to relay, “Lord, the Crown Prince’s residence sent an invitation. The Crown Prince wishes to meet with you.”
Jiang Pengji paused for a moment. “An invitation from the Crown Prince’s residence?”
Hui Jun, still half-kneeling as she arranged her accessories, froze for a moment upon hearing this.
“It should be from the Crown Princess.”
Now she is still the Crown Princess, but once the late Emperor is buried and the Young Emperor ascends, she would become the Empress Dowager.
Jiang Pengji frowned, casually tossing the invitation onto the table. “What does the Crown Princess want to invite me for? I’m not going —”
Hui Jun’s eyes sparkled with a hint of cunning as she picked up the invitation and sniffed it.
“It’s better for Young Master to go.”
Jiang Pengji turned to look at her. “Why?”
“Take a whiff; doesn’t it have a faint fragrance?” Hui Jun handed the invitation back to her, a playful smile lingering. “This Crown Princess can’t stand the loneliness after her husband’s passing and plans to recruit you as her confidant. If you miss this chance, there may not be another.”
Jiang Pengji’s fingers froze, and she, along with her fifteen thousand live stream viewers, was left dumbfounded.
“What?”
Hui Jun smiled and said, “This scent is a secret used in the palace, mainly derived from the ‘beauty’s slumber’ and blended with twenty-four rare fragrances. It is said to enhance romantic feelings, sweet yet subtle, but it can stir emotions…”
Beside them, Liu Zhi cleared his throat heavily, lifting his wine glass and jar as he rose.
“You continue your chat. I’m feeling a bit weary and will retreat to my room for a while.”
Jiang Pengji: “…”
As Liu Zhi reached the door, he suddenly stopped, turning back to say, “If you go out for dinner tonight, remember to come back before dawn.”
Jiang Pengji: “…”
Dad, do you still remember you gave birth to a daughter, not a son?
Hui Jun’s cheeks flushed slightly, and she awkwardly said, “The Crown Princess infused this invitation with that fragrance, clearly inviting Young Master to share a bed with her.”
Jiang Pengji snorted, “Her husband has just died; her father-in-law hasn’t even finished mourning. She’s already scheming to recruit confidants?”
Hui Jun sighed softly, “I’ve seen this Crown Princess before. Considering her situation, it’s understandable why she would resort to such measures for her remaining son.”
The Crown Princess, a woman of the inner quarters, came from a minor family herself, lacking in experience. She didn’t realize that the lords had already set their minds on supporting the Young Emperor. All she could see was Wu Ma Shang’s antics, anxious about her son’s imperial seat slipping away and her own future as Empress Dowager disappearing.
Because of their sensitive positions, if they weren’t able to become the Emperor and Empress Dowager, death would be the only outcome.
In her panic, she had no choice but to take such desperate measures.
Of course, beyond the tragedy, this Crown Princess’s style had always been like this.
“From what I gather, this Crown Princess is not as proper as she appears on the surface. The Crown Prince is known for his infidelity, surrounded by countless beauties, and the Crown Princess has had a secret relationship with a young eunuch serving her. With the Crown Prince deceased, her family facing turmoil, she has become even more reckless.” Hui Jun chuckled, “Now wishing to recruit Young Master into her circle is quite reasonable.”
As long as she has Jiang Pengji by her side, it effectively ties Liu Zhi and his son to her chariot.
To outsiders, Liu Xi is merely an inexperienced youth still shy of eighteen.
If the Crown Princess takes advantage of him, she wins the benefit.
“Does Young Master wish to decline or accept this?”
Looking at the invitation, she suddenly called out, “Find someone to summon Feng Zhen.”
Feng Zhen currently held a nominal post as a secretary.
