Palace Intrigue?: I Make the Emperor Cry by Rewinding Time!-Chapter 142 - 123:

Xie Zhixing is a true native of the Capital City, living right within the first ring, as local as one can be. Yet, he is distanced by a palace wall, and only the noblest of foods are presented to the Emperor. Street food, which cannot be served at an official banquet, is not brought unless the Emperor himself requests it.

When he said he had never tasted it, Yun Jiao gave him a sidelong glance and said, "Even when you were a Prince, you never strolled through the streets? How unrelatable!"

"A gentleman does not stand beneath a precarious wall."

His path in life had no turning back; he had to be responsible for the people.

Xie Zhixing paused for a moment, "But, if you want me to taste it, I’m willing."

Yun Jiao thought through all the names in her family tree before swallowing the words, "Eat if you like, if not, get lost," back into her stomach.

The Emperor is a man of taste; she must accommodate him a little.

Yun Jiao said, "Alright, next time I’ll make it for you."

"Once made, send it over to Qiankun Palace," Xie Zhixing suggested, feigning casualness, "Don’t you know others always send me snacks and soups?"

"Then I’d better not send it. I’m afraid you won’t finish it all."

Xie Zhixing coughed awkwardly, "I don’t like what others send."

Yun Jiao comforted him, "Your Majesty, don’t be upset. It’s against protocol to guess your preferences. Next time, how about having them send Silver Taels? Then you can use their Silver to order from the Kitchen whatever you like, and it’ll be considered their gesture."

The mighty Emperor was likened to a cyber beggar needing someone to pay for his takeout.

Xie Zhixing was exasperated, "I’m not lacking in food, it’s the sentiment that matters."

Speaking with Yun Jiao, if one doesn’t clarify their words, she could lead them into a ditch or let their imagination soar. Despite his irritation, Xie Zhixing was fond of this quality; she possessed a casual freedom absent within the Deep Palace, his antithesis. The palace walls hadn’t extinguished this precious trait of hers. Listening to her made him happy, "I just want you to think of me, wonder if I’m hungry, if I’m eating or sleeping well... don’t bring up others, there’s no one else here."

Yun Jiao, a bit befuddled at having her hand held, said, "Your Majesty, your eunuchs and my palace maids are all here, how can there be no one else?"

The surrounding Palace Attendants were shocked!

Concubine Xi had no need to acknowledge their presence at this moment!

"Then think of me, feel sorry for me."

Xie Zhixing rested his head on her shoulder; he was truly exhausted. Even the Empress could not set his mind at ease. He was aware of the affairs at Jianzhang Palace. Would the Empress not love gold and silver, not want palace power, but only love him? Not at all; she had both wealth and palace authority and still sought his favor.

Even one seated upon the Dragon Throne wouldn’t dare be so greedy.

"What troubles you, Your Majesty? Let me hear it; I’ll share your burden."

Her words comforted him greatly; at least she knew to help ease his concerns.

Xie Zhixing patted her head, "Were you bullied at Jianzhang Palace today? Tell me."

During the morning assembly, a certain hour was backtracked, likely indicating a disturbance at Jianzhang Palace.

Yun Jiao, leaning against the cabinet, shook her head, "Nope!"

Xie Zhixing thought, Yun Jiao was a bit dull, but she knew not to trouble him with issues.

What could have caused her to turn back time...?

Recently, Lady had been acting amicably towards Yun Jiao; apart from her, only the Empress had the standing to trouble her!

An unseen blame landed on the Empress; it was her fault for lacking tact in the past.

"Don’t worry,"

Xie Zhixing wrapped his arm around her shoulders, promising with a deep tone, "I won’t let you be bullied in vain."

"...Alright, then. I thank you, Your Majesty."

Yun Jiao didn’t argue with him.

Yet he pushed further, "I stood up for you, shouldn’t you reward me?"

"Just say, Your Majesty. As long as it’s something I can do, I won’t refuse."

Seeing her stand up, Xie Zhixing looked a bit uneasy.

After a while, he said, "I want you to kiss me."

The Emperor’s fair and handsome face flushed a suspicious shade of red, and he even stumbled over his words. Yet Yun Jiao laughed graciously, "I thought it was something else! The Xianfu Palace has no mountains of gold and silver, but a kiss is simple."

Xie Zhixing almost fainted at her words—kissing, what a brazen, roguish manner!

He kept a stern face, "Not a kiss."

He refused such shameless behavior.

Yun Jiao thought he was troublesome, wanting a kiss but not on the lips, perhaps she could kiss elsewhere then!

While Xie Zhixing was wondering how to communicate with this fool, she leaned forward and kissed him on the forehead. Her kiss, laden with boldness, landed with a thud; he couldn’t help but grasp her hand, his palms sweating, feeling a bit flustered.

She even dared to ask, "Is it here?"