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"This humble subject, Chu Mo, greets the Emperor. Long live the Emperor!" After the audience, Gou Liang bowed again. "This humble subject was unable to perform his duty. Your Majesty did not blame me and instead gave me an imperial physician. This humble subject is ashamed. In the future, this humble subject will faithfully perform his duty and share Your Majesty's worries."

The Emperor had said that no matter how he got this illness, he could only pretend to be deaf and mute.

"You may rise."

A cold voice came from above. Gou Liang raised his head and unexpectedly bumped into the Emperor's inquisitive gaze.

After a slight pause, Gou Liang, who had already learned the whole story from the system's surveillance, stood up and tried his best to keep a straight face and maintain an unchanging boring and stiff expression.

Seeing him trying to cover it up, the Emperor was slightly surprised. He put down the pen and said, "That day, my beloved subject suffered an undeserved calamity. Zhen feels guilty. If my beloved subject wants any compensation, just say it."

"This humble subject is afraid …"

Gou Liang was startled and wanted to kneel again. The Emperor raised his hand and stopped him. "Zhen wants you to speak."

Gou Liang was in fear and trepidation. Just as he was about to decline, he saw a young eunuch quickly walk in and prostrate himself. "Reporting to Your Majesty, Feng Ning Palace Head Eunuch Zhang has come to request an audience. He said that the Empress Dowager has something important to discuss and asks Your Majesty to come over when you have the time."

The Emperor's face showed a rare gentleness. His eyebrows slightly furrowed.

He naturally knew what his mother wanted to discuss with him. He also knew that if he didn't go, the other party would not give up. Thinking of the past tricks of crying, throwing a tantrum, and going on hunger strikes, the Emperor pressed his eyebrows and felt quite tired.

He stood up and said to Gou Liang, "When Zhen comes back, tell Zhen what you want."

The Emperor was a man of his word. Seeing this, Gou Liang didn't dare to decline.

The Empress Dowager really did want an heir.

That year, when Tian Zong ascended the throne, he vigorously reorganized the court and showed no mercy to the landowning households. After the autumn, he counted a few major crimes and killed a few people. This almost shook the foundation of the landowning households. In order to prevent them from rebounding too much and joining forces to rebel, the empress dowager immediately went to the landowning households to select concubines for the emperor in the third year of Chenwu, after the emperor finished his mourning period. Almost half of the landowning households of the right age were brought into the palace to win over the hearts of the people.

Although this method was old-fashioned, it was very effective.

The nobles took this as a sign of truce. After the event, the Emperor stopped while he was ahead and didn't kill them all because of his youthful vigor. They all breathed a sigh of relief and turned their gazes to the imperial heir.

Under the reign of Emperor Chen, there was little hope for them to stir up trouble again. If they wanted to restore the glory of the landowning clans, they would have to work hard on the imperial heirs.

But to the disappointment of the landowning households, nearly ten years had passed. Seeing that Shuang 'er's flowering period was about to be missed, the emperor's knees were still empty.

If it weren't for the fact that the Imperial Academy of Medicine's medical records had never shown any problems with the Emperor's health, they would have suspected that the Emperor was dying.

In the early years, the landowning households were worried that the Emperor didn't want the imperial heirs to have relatives who were too prominent. They had been nervous about this for a long time. But later, the Emperor canceled the concubine selection that happened once every three years because of the emptiness of the national treasury and the flood in Jiangnan. He also didn't bring in any Shuang 'er from a poor family into the palace. From beginning to end, the palace only had the first batch of nobles to enter the palace. Other than the empress and the four imperial concubines, the other people also worked hard to raise their status.

However, no matter how noble their status was, if they didn't have any heirs, it was all superficial and useless.

Today, not to mention the landowning households with different thoughts, even the Emperor's trusted aides repeatedly pointed out in memorials that there were no imperial heirs and that the country was unstable. However, the Emperor was completely unmoved.

In reality, the person most worried about this matter wasn't the officials, but the empress dowager.

He was the only person who knew that the Emperor had never touched these Shuang 'er. In order to hide this matter, he had spent a lot of effort these years.

In the past, he, like the landowning households, thought that the Emperor didn't want the concubines, who had powerful families behind them, to have children. Later, the Emperor said that he was busy with government affairs and didn't even bother to give an excuse.

The empress dowager couldn't understand why the Emperor wasn't interested in the beautiful Shuang 'er and wasn't curious about the matters of the bed.

Thinking back, he had taken a young and beautiful Shuang 'er naked and sent her to the dragon bed. He could also throw her out of the palace as she was without any mercy. He didn't care that the other was her husband in name. Later, he even burned the dragon bed and replaced it with a new one.

The empress dowager had tried to persuade him, cried, and made a fuss. This time, the empress dowager had even made a plan and secretly allowed the Empress to use the red dust wine.

But not only did the Empress not succeed, she was grounded for half a year after kneeling in the royal study for half a day, making him happy for nothing.

The empress dowager thought left and right and brought up the old topic again, asking the Emperor to take in a new concubine.

Just as the Emperor's words of refusal left his mouth, the empress dowager began to cry, "What sin have I committed? You are forcing me to die! You are the Emperor, but you have no children. How do you want the people of the world to see you? How do you want me to face the late Emperor after I die? How do you want me to face my ancestors? Or are you willing to hand over your country to those ambitious bastards? "

The Emperor said with a cold face, "Muhou, there is no need to mention this again."

The empress dowager repeatedly asked for the reason, but the Emperor kept his mouth shut. He was really annoyed and only said, "Zhen still has government affairs. I will pay respects to Muhou another day."

Seeing that he was about to leave, the empress dowager became anxious.

Grabbing his arm, the empress dowager blurted out, "My son, what difficulties do you have that you can't tell Muhou? If the group of trash in the Imperial Academy of Medicine is incompetent, there are still capable divine doctors among the people who can let my son display his might! "

"Pu!!"

When Gou Liang saw this, he spat out a mouthful of tea.

… … One could imagine how ugly the big blind spot's expression was.

Sure enough, on the way back from Feng Ning Palace, his anger had not dissipated and his face was calm. The Emperor was born with sword-like eyebrows and starry eyes. His facial features were distinct and sharp. Once he became angry, he became even more dignified. Just like right now, even if he did not say a word, the eunuchs on duty in the imperial study all clamped their tails between their legs and did their work, afraid that they would make a sound and disturb the Emperor.

"Beloved official, have you thought it through?"

The Emperor never took out his anger on others. He drank a mouthful of cold tea to suppress his anger. Seeing that Gou Liang was about to kneel, he did not let him be overly courteous.

"Replying to Emperor, this humble official has heard that there is a library in the inner palace that contains thousands of ancient books. This humble official boldly … …"

"Approved."

Without waiting for Gou Liang to finish speaking, the Emperor nodded his head.

The library was located in the side hall of Zhen Yang Palace. It was a part of the inner palace. Without a decree, men were not allowed to enter. Gou Liang's request was unreasonable.

However, with the Emperor's golden mouth and jade words in front of him, he himself did not place much importance on these empty formalities. Taking ten thousand steps back, since Gou Liang had been poisoned and lost the ability to cause chaos in the inner palace, it did not matter if he agreed to this small request.

Gou Liang was overjoyed. For a moment, his stern expression was dyed with joy. He knelt and said, "This official thanks Your Majesty for your grace!"

He raised his head. The joy on his face had not yet faded.

This was the first time the Emperor had seen his young and mature attendant so happy. He also saw that Gou Liang had a deep dimple on his left cheek. When he smiled slightly, it was completely exposed. When he did not smile, he had a cold and dignified appearance. However, when that dimple was revealed, it added a bit of childishness to his entire person and made his appearance even more charming.

No wonder he liked to keep a straight face at such a young age.

Discovering this, the Emperor's mood inexplicably improved. His original plan to send him out of the palace was dropped.

The memorials were put to one side. The Emperor picked up a book that he had not finished reading the day before and asked him, "Do you know of a place in Jiangnan called Suyang? What is the meaning of these two words?"

The Emperor liked to read military books, county records, and travel notes. Those who could stay by his side to study knew his preferences and had worked hard in this area. The original owner was the same. However, sometimes the Emperor's questions were very obscure. For example, even though the original owner had read a lot of books, he did not know everything. However, this was not a problem for Gou Liang, who had the system's cheating device in his hands.

He knelt under the table, sitting upright and still. His back was ramrod straight, and his face was solemn.

"Is Your Majesty asking about Suyang County in Caifeng County of Yangzhou Prefecture?"

In the past, the Emperor had only thought that he had been poisoned by the books of poetry and etiquette and was very bored. Now, however, he nodded with interest and listened to him say, "Although I have not seen it with my own eyes, I have seen a trace of it in a book. The book said that at dusk in Caifeng County, the sky is dyed red all year round and there is little rain. In Suyang County, there is a magnificent scene called a line of sky. During the day, when you look up at the sky, you can always see a line of sunlight. Therefore, it is called the vertical sun. Later, someone wrote a county record for this place and changed the vertical sun to Suyang. Therefore, it was named … "

He spoke with assurance and spoke with substance. Whatever the Emperor asked him, he always had a unique opinion.

The two of them were in high spirits. They talked about everything from the county records of Jiangnan to agriculture, local customs, and famous battles in history. Then they introduced the art of war. They talked endlessly.

When they talked about what they were interested in, Gou Liang forgot about seniority. Just like when he was debating with his teachers and classmates in school, he quoted classics and said what he wanted to say.

Sometimes, when the Emperor said something wrong, Gou Liang unconsciously retorted. As soon as he spoke, he was shocked by himself and suddenly shut his mouth. The Emperor was in high spirits and directly said that he was not guilty. Only then did Gou Liang tactfully express his opinion. After doing this a few times, his words were much more relaxed.

The tea was changed a few times. The two of them did not notice the passage of time. It was only when Eunuch Tong reminded them that it was dinner time that they stopped.

His earlier unhappiness at Feng Ning Palace had already dissipated without a trace. As the Emperor heard Gou Liang's request to leave, he said with a rare pleasant countenance, "Today, after speaking with my beloved subject, I have benefited greatly. Why don't you stay for a meal and express my gratitude?"

Ding, the target's favorability has been updated. Current favorability: 30!

"Your Majesty, you are too kind."

The dimple on his left cheek flashed in surprise for a moment before it was stingily hidden by the host.

Gou Liang thanked him profusely and cautiously sat to the side to eat.

He had been drinking medicine for three days and his appetite was not good. In addition, the food made by the imperial chef was too good. Although it was delicious, it was not as good as Gou Liang's own cooking, so he did not eat much.

The Emperor thought that he was being restrained and did not ask him to stay after dinner. Before he left, he remembered to ask Tong Gensheng to give him the pass to the library.

Gou Liang thanked the Emperor again, but when he was about to leave, he was slightly hesitant.

It was probably because today's conversation had allowed him to relax a bit. After a few moments of hesitation, Gou Liang still said, "Your Majesty, I see that you are not well. If I may ask, did Your Majesty not sleep well last night?"

Hearing this, Eunuch Tong was startled and quickly raised his guard.

The Emperor had been irritated by the Empress Dowager and the other court officials chasing after his son, so he did not sleep well at night. However, he did not disturb anyone. Even Tong Gensheng, who served him by his side, did not notice. He never thought that Gou Liang would notice.

The Emperor raised his eyebrows and said, "I didn't know that you are proficient in medicine."

It was hard to tell if he was happy or angry. Gou Liang trembled and then lowered his body even more. Even though he tried to hide it, there was still a trace of concern in his voice, "Your Majesty, I only know a little and do not dare to say that I am proficient. This concerns the health of Your Majesty's body. If I may speak more, no matter if it is a matter of state or family, there will be a conclusion when the time comes … I hope Your Majesty will not worry too much. Your Majesty, your body is the most important thing. "

"What a good state and family."

The Emperor looked down at Gou Liang, who was kneeling in front of him, "What do you think of the matter that concerns me?"

"I am afraid …"

Gou Liang raised his head and wanted to explain, but when he met the Emperor's calm gaze, he nervously swallowed. After a moment of hesitation, he still said what he thought, "I think that Your Majesty has sacrificed a lot for the country and the world. Since some things have nothing to do with the foundation of the country, it is not impossible for Your Majesty to do as you wish. "

The Emperor looked at Gou Liang silently for a moment. He did not express his opinion and only allowed Gou Liang to leave.

When he walked out of the hall, the Emperor laughed and said, "Tong Gensheng, listen to what he said just now. How much of it was sincere for me and how much was selfish?"

Eunuch Tong was shocked and hurriedly lowered his head, "Your Majesty … I am slow-witted and could not see clearly."

A layer of cold sweat had already formed on his back. He was not only shocked but also afraid that Gou Liang would say such things. Official Chu still didn't know that his thoughts had been seen through by His Majesty. He actually dared to say that His Majesty didn't need to force him to have children with his concubines. Seriously … If these words were spread out, it wouldn't be enough for him to lose his head!

Because Gou Liang could not be a "man," Eunuch Tong had a heart of compassion. Although he had many thoughts in his heart, he did not add insult to injury.

The Emperor glanced at him and did not say a word.

Eunuch Tong carefully said, "Your Majesty, should I summon an imperial physician to check your pulse?"

The Emperor did not refuse.

On the other side, Gou Liang, who had earned 10 points of affection, was in a good mood. He returned home and made himself a bowl of supper.

After a good night's sleep, Gou Liang was no longer on duty in front of the Imperial Palace the next day. Instead, he went to the Hanlin Academy to take the roll call. After organizing the laws and classics that he needed to compile, he took the command tablet and entered Zhengyang Palace, arriving at the library pavilion.

Not long after, the Emperor, who had taken the medicine, returned to his bedroom.

He was about to take a nap when someone who did not have eyes brushed his chest while taking off his clothes. It was actually an act of flattery.

The Emperor was furious and immediately ordered the person to be dragged out, have his hands chopped off, and throw out of the palace. No matter how Shuang 'er said that it was the Empress Dowager's order, he was merciless.

Zhengyang Palace was silent. The Emperor coldly said, "Tong Gensheng, send someone to send this filthy person to Fengning Palace. Thank mother for her kindness and then execute him!"

Eunuch Tong's scalp tightened and he hurriedly went to do it.

When he returned, the Emperor had already dismissed the others and changed his clothes. He only sat on the dragon bed and massaged his temples. He did not feel sleepy at all.

Eunuch Tong softly advised, "Your Majesty, please calm down. The Empress Dowager loves her son and so … please do not take it to heart."

The Emperor ignored him and waited for himself to calm down before saying, "In a few days, it will be father's birthday. Pass down my decree. Everyone in the harem will take off their hairpins and wear plain clothes. They will burn incense and fast to pray for father."

There was still a month before the late Emperor's birthday, but Eunuch Tong did not dare to persuade him again. He knew that this was just an excuse for the Emperor to prevent the Empress Dowager or the concubines from causing trouble during this period of time. Although it was a temporary solution, it could at least let people have some peace.

When he finished his task and returned, he was holding a bowl of smoothies.

The Emperor looked at the iceberg covered in smoothies and looked at Tong Gensheng with some confusion.

Eunuch Tong smiled and said, "Your Majesty, Young Master Chu was reading in the library today and talked to the palace servants about this food to relieve the heat. So I went to the imperial kitchen to ask for praise. I thought it was a clever idea and brought it to Your Majesty to ask for a reward. "

The Emperor looked at him with amusement and tasted it. He did not have a good impression of sweets, but this mouthful of smoothies brought a trace of irritation to his mouth.

The Emperor said, "Not bad. Find the Landscape Commentary that I read last night. I have some things to ask Chu Hanlin."

Eunuch Tong saw that the Emperor's mood had improved and quickly agreed with a smile.

Without any trouble, the Emperor followed Eunuch Tong, who was holding a few books, all the way to the library. In order to not disturb Gou Liang, he waved his hand and dismissed the guard who was going to report. When he passed by a few bookshelves and approached the side room, he heard a burst of clear laughter.

The Emperor was startled and took a few steps forward. His line of sight looked through the hollow door and saw Gou Liang holding a book and laughing so hard that he was leaning back and forth.

Outside the window, the sun was shining brightly and the sound of cicadas could be heard. The room was bright and peaceful. A pot of tea was boiling and smoke was rising in spirals. On the table were a few exquisite desserts and the iceberg dessert that he had just eaten. At this time, half of the iceberg had been dug out.

Gou Liang, who was dressed in a cyan official's robe, was lying on the armrest of his chair, reading a book, unlike his usual cautiousness.

It was unknown what he was reading that made him so happy. His dimples, which were always hidden, were full of smiles. Not only were they embedded in his cheeks, but his eyebrows were also curved. The appearance of joy on his eyebrows was infectious.

Although he tried his best to keep his voice low, he endured until his whole body trembled. The corners of his eyes were suspiciously wet.

Gou Liang wiped his tears and laughed as he scolded, "Fool, he said that he likes you …"

The Emperor heard an almost inaudible sigh in the midst of this laughter. He was distracted for a moment. He saw him lean over to scoop up a spoonful of ice jam and put it into his mouth. He puffed up his cheeks and happily flipped to the next page. That touch of worry that gently slid across the bottom of his eyes was replaced by a brilliant smile. That carefree appearance made the Emperor feel rather amused.

Eunuch Tong asked in a low voice, "Your Majesty?"

The Emperor shook his head, indicating that he did not need to disturb him.

He thought that if he went in at this time, Young Chu, who had always been more "mature and prudent" than Old Hanlin, would probably hit the pillar and die in shame.

After watching for a while, he waited for Gou Liang to finish a large bowl of ice jam before he turned and left.

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[Ding! Target's favorability has been updated. Current favorability: 41!]