chapter 21

Just like what the name “Jade Goddess Breast Enlarging Pastry” suggests, it can help to make a woman’s body curvier.

Empress Xin did not expect him to ask about this. “You want to give it to Xian Sheng?”

Zhan Lue said, “I hope that Mother will keep it a secret. I wouldn’t want her self-esteem to be hurt.”

“You are quite considerate.” Empress Xin found it amusing. Recalling Xian Sheng’s skinny body, she thought that barely anyone would notice her body due to her beautiful face. Furthermore, Xian Sheng wore thick layers of clothes in the winter—without carefully observing, one would not even notice her body. Only Zhan Lue would care.

She asked, “How big is she?”

Although he was often dirty-mouthed to Xian Sheng, Zhan Lue felt slightly embarrassed now that his Royal Mother was asking him that. However, it was impossible for him to say, “It’s a shame. I have never seen it before.” Thus, he replied casually, “Not big at all.”

Empress Xin did not mock him either. What she told the Imperial Consort was true—it was only after a tough fight before Xian Sheng could be married in as her daughter-in-law. Zhan Lue had extremely high standards when it came to women—only Xian Sheng caught his eye, and the moment he saw her, he wanted her to be his Crown Princess. She genuinely felt that Imperial Consort Rong was being malicious when she deliberately tried to torment Xian Sheng to death. Her son would be single again, so naturally, she would not yield.

“Her body might not have fully developed because of how she’s always sick. But the pastry is very potent—I’ll send someone to ask the Imperial Physician if there are any ingredients inside that she can’t eat.” Zhan Lue was immensely grateful. Empress Xin seemed to recall something and asked, “Has Qi Si Le returned?”

“He previously thought that my marriage will be held in spring, never expecting that it will be brought forward. I have already sent him a message via a messenger pigeon—he should be able to reach the capital by the end of the year.”

“He has travelled far and wide, and his medical skills are exceptional. Get him to help Xian Sheng adjust her body. She’s been sick for the entire day. How long does she need to rest each night after sex?”

“… Mother, you are very concerned.”

Empress Xin tried again. “You are already eighteen. You know that her body is weak. In my opinion, you’ll need to marry a few more concubines. If you really don’t like them… just close your eyes. At least you can have children to continue your blood-line.”

“I’m unwilling.” Zhan Lue outrightly rejected her and said, “You don’t have to concern yourself about this.”

Upon seeing that she was about to speak again, Zhan Lue turned around directly. “I’m going to visit A-Jin.”

Zhan Jin and Zhan Yin both lived in the side chambers of the Empress’ Palace, and were very close-by. After hearing that the Empress would be cooking personally today, Zhan Jin did not leave and was playing pitch-pot with Zhan Yin.

Zhan Lue walked over and heard her say, “Royal Brother had already said it like that. Obviously, Qing Rong was lying. Don’t be too bothered about it.”

Raising her hand, she shot three long arrows into the pot at the same time. Zhan Lue’s eyes sparkled and could not help but glance at her again. Zhan Yin was unhappy and pouted when she saw Zhan Lue. “Big Brother.”

Zhan Lue ignored her and spoke to Zhan Jin, “A-Jin, you are becoming more and more impressive. If you’re a man, I will definitely send you to the army.”

Zhan Jin’s eyes brightened immediately and her heartbeat quickened as she said, “If Royal Brother is willing to make such arrangements, I can pretend to be a boy.”

Her voice was light and slightly low—a stark contrast from Zhan Yin’s crisp voice. However, it was quite similar to Xian Sheng’s, although Xian Sheng’s voice was gentler and weaker.

“This cannot do. Princesses must be raised delicately.” Zhan Lue bent down, picked up the arrows that had missed the pot, and placed it back in for them. He said, “Why else would you need Brothers for?”

Zhan Jin concealed the disappointment in her eyes, before hearing him ask coaxingly, “Is your injury better?”