Chu Qianli had nothing more to say and sat quietly, admiring the room's decor.
Since she remained silent, Chu Jiangnan paid her no mind and continued with his work.
The Empress Dowager had brought Chu Qianli to accompany the Emperor for dinner.
However, Chu Qianli said nothing, and Chu Jiangnan, being very busy, had not even thought about dinner.
Thus, more than an hour passed in the blink of an eye.
When Xiao Shunzi, worried the Emperor might starve, came in to remind him, Chu Jiangnan finally put down his brush.
He looked up and saw Xiao Shunzi standing to the side, hesitating to speak.
Chu Jiangnan's gaze also fell upon the long bench beside him.
The girl was sleeping soundly.
She had actually fallen asleep in his chambers, with one leg dangling off the chair, occasionally swaying...
Xiao Shunzi's expression turned peculiar.
The beauty sent by the Empress Dowager was far too uncivilized!
Did she not know that a girl sleeping like this was most unseemly? Her skirt was even parted, it was simply... simply shameless!
However, despite the lack of decorum, Xiao Shunzi did not find her unattractive.
She simply didn't seem gentle at all.
Had the Empress Dowager not trained her before sending her? How could such a girl, lacking all rules and manners, serve the Emperor?
Xiao Shunzi looked at Chu Qianli, then at Chu Jiangnan, and finally couldn't help but whisper, "Miss, Miss!"
Chu Jiangnan's brow furrowed.
He recalled that this girl had once slept for three days and three nights. He had gone to the Empress Dowager's palace to see her, and she had indeed been as still as if she were dead.
Except that she was still breathing!
At this moment, was she going to fall into a deep sleep for several more days?
"Send her back to Ling Wang's mansion," he waved his hand.
He couldn't trouble the Empress Dowager with this matter again, fearing that her health might not withstand such a shock.
Xiao Shunzi was somewhat helpless.
He had thought this girl might finally catch the Emperor's eye.
Who knew she would be defeated by her love for sleep.
Xiao Shunzi called out, "Guards!"
The guards immediately entered, but at that very moment, Chu Qianli yawned and woke up.
A cold smile flickered in Chu Jiangnan's eyes.
"The girl's methods seem to have improved."
Chu Qianli stretched, wondering what he was talking about.
However, her stomach grumbled loudly at that moment, as if on cue.
She hadn't eaten a single grain of rice in three days and three nights and was now hungry enough to swallow an elephant.
"Your Majesty, can we eat first?" Could they discuss other matters after eating?
"Your Majesty, this..." Xiao Shunzi looked troubled. Should he take her away immediately?
Chu Jiangnan frowned for a moment, then waved his hand, "Prepare dinner."
...After a ravenous meal.
Chu Qianli felt as if she had finally come back to life.
"Your Majesty, were you about to send me back to Ling Wang's mansion just now?"
"Playing tricks in front of me?" Chu Jiangnan's eyes were icy.
Chu Qianli couldn't be bothered to explain. "I just happened to wake up and heard, but Your Majesty, could you also send Miss Fu Ning from the Empress Dowager's palace back to Ling Wang's mansion?"
Chu Jiangnan narrowed his eyes, unsure what schemes this dead girl was hatching.
Chu Qianli explained, "She is the maid I brought with me. The Empress Dowager had someone bring her from Ling Wang's mansion to take better care of me."
"I didn't ask you about this." If he didn't investigate this outsider woman, how could he allow her to stay in the Empress Dowager's palace.
"Then... Your Majesty agrees? I'll leave immediately and will absolutely not take up any of Your Majesty's extra time."
"I've changed my mind."
He put down his chopsticks and stared at Chu Qianli's slightly surprised little face, saying expressionlessly, "I've decided to make you my concubine."