Chapter 173 Extra 1

Since Cang Jiu Xuan became the Emperor of the Da Jing Dynasty, under his rule, the lands of the dynasty had enjoyed favorable weather and abundant harvests. He welcomed all counsel and implemented a series of policies to appoint individuals based on merit. In no time, insightful people across the realm responded, filling the court with an abundance of talent. The court’s various decrees were executed efficiently; the government was transparent, and officials strictly abided by the law.

He also encouraged farmers to reclaim wastelands and build water conservancy projects. Under his vigorous promotion, reservoirs and waterwheels were built in many places to facilitate irrigation. The enthusiasm for land reclamation had surged in recent years. No longer solely dependent on hunting for survival, the people had begun to farm for themselves and develop animal husbandry. During the harvest years, waves of wheat rolled across the fields, and the fragrance of rice filled the air. The Beastmen had granaries overflowing with food, and their lives gradually grew prosperous.

Dams were built throughout the southern regions, ensuring rivers no longer flooded into disasters. The entire Da Jing Dynasty presented a scene of flourishing prosperity. In various prefectural cities, tall pavilions reached into the sky, streets were kept immaculate, and traffic bustled with endless streams of carriages and horses. In the countryside, the sounds of chickens and dogs could be heard, and cooking smoke curled upwards as people lived peaceful, happy lives. Private schools began to spring up everywhere. The young Beastmen read aloud in their classrooms, creating a thriving, vibrant atmosphere.

The Beastmen were grateful for Cang Jiu Xuan’s benevolent rule and filled with hope for the future.

Qiao Suluo had taken in all the changes across the Da Jing Dynasty over the past few years. This year, she and her Beast Husbands happened to return to the Capital City, so she brought her daughter to the Imperial Palace to visit Cang Jiu Xuan.

Although Cang Jiu Xuan was her Beast Husband, he was also the Emperor and sometimes had to busy himself within the Imperial Palace. However, due to the political harmony in recent years, many matters did not require his personal attention. Thus, when not attending court, he would go to Xinghua Village to accompany her. Still, not having seen him for half a month, Qiao Suluo was somewhat worried about him.

Qiao Suluo led the six-year-old Cang Yunqing into the Imperial Palace. As soon as the guards saw Qiao Suluo and the Princess, their attitudes became exceptionally respectful. They wouldn’t dare show the slightest neglect or attempt to block their path. Everyone knew that to the Emperor, Miss Qiao and the Princess were the ultimate treasures in his heart. Moreover, everyone held a deep, bone-deep respect for Miss Qiao. They rejoiced that she was the Emperor’s wife because she carried the common people in her heart.

Only after Qiao Suluo and Cang Yunqing entered the palace did the gate guards begin to whisper among themselves.

“My parents and siblings have constantly nagged me, saying I must never show the slightest disrespect when I see Miss Qiao,” one guard murmured.

“Of course. It’s the same in my family,” another replied. “The person my mother and sister admire the most is Miss Qiao. We used to live in a remote countryside, relying on hunting to survive, never knowing where our next meal would come from. But ever since we bought her high-yield wheat, peanuts, and corn to plant, we no longer fear running out of food in the winter. We can store our own provisions.”

“Yeah, even though there used to be grain shops in the city, the prices weren’t cheap. We had to sell beast meat for Copper Coins just to buy food.”

“In the past, my family would just stew everything. Only now do we realize there are so many ways to prepare food.”

“Right! Things like roasted meat, stir-fried meat, and sliced meat for boiling are so delicious.”

“Once I get my wages, I’m definitely taking my whole family to the hotpot restaurant for a meal.”

That hotpot restaurant was also something Qiao Suluo had popularized, and it was exceptionally beloved by the Beastmen. Knowing the shop was opened by her, everyone was eager to support it. Furthermore, she had set the prices quite low, so everyone felt a meal there was a great bargain.

“The agricultural tools developed by the Ministry of Industry last year are really handy,” another chimed in.

“They save a lot of effort when plowing the fields…”

“Those were all invented by Miss Qiao. The Ministry of Industry just manufactured them for trial use…”

Serving in the Imperial City, these guards naturally had a clearer understanding of many matters. Regardless, they worshipped Qiao Suluo from the bottom of their hearts.

Cang Yunqing smiled sweetly. “Mother, they are saying good things about you. Even though Father is the Emperor, everyone likes you more.”

Although Cang Yunqing was only six years old, she had received an excellent education since childhood. Coupled with her immense talent, she understood a great deal. From the day she was born, she had been conferred the title of crown princess and would inherit the throne in the future. Therefore, although Cang Jiu Xuan doted on her, he was also rather strict. On the other hand, Que Hongjin and the others tended to spoil the little girl, as did her older brothers and sisters. Fortunately, she was never delicate or spoiled; she knew her responsibilities and was strict with herself.

Qiao Suluo felt quite gratified by this. Normally, Cang Yunqing just called Cang Jiu Xuan ‘Father’ instead of using imperial titles, as Cang Jiu Xuan disliked being addressed according to strict royal etiquette.

Hearing her daughter’s words, she smiled. “Everyone also deeply respects your father. He actually does much more. If he didn’t exhaust himself on the throne, considering every aspect of governance, the Da Jing Dynasty wouldn’t have this peaceful and prosperous state today.”

Cang Yunqing’s expression turned serious. “Mother, I want to be a good emperor in the future too.”

Qiao Suluo looked at her with encouraging eyes. “Yes. Because a single decision of yours can affect the lives of countless Beastmen, you must be a wise ruler.”

The mother and daughter chatted as they proceeded deeper into the palace.

Cang Jiu Xuan was in the middle of reviewing imperial memorials. Upon receiving the news, he came straight out of the Imperial Study Room to welcome them personally. The moment he saw them, the cold, ruthless aura around him dissipated, and his entire demeanor became gentle. When he looked at them, his eyes held a tender, affectionate gleam.

“You’re here. You should have told me in advance so I could go pick you up.” Cang Jiu Xuan stepped forward, naturally scooping up his daughter, and then took Qiao Suluo’s hand as they walked further into the palace. “Did Da Bao and the others not come?” he asked, as he normally cared for Da Bao and the other children very much.

Qiao Suluo smiled. “They’ve been here many times and find your palace boring, so they went shopping.”

Cang Jiu Xuan chuckled. “The palace is indeed boring.”

Originally, he hadn’t wanted to sit on this throne either, but being born into the royal family, many things were out of his control. Only by taking this position could he survive. Now, however, he was grateful for his past decision because only by doing so could he give his wife a better life. He could build a peaceful and prosperous dynasty for her, allowing her to live a carefree and unrestrained life.

“Have you been very busy and tired lately?” Qiao Suluo looked at the bloodshot vessels in Cang Jiu Xuan’s eyes, her heart aching slightly.

Cang Jiu Xuan replied softly, “I’m not busy. I just wanted to finish my work early so I could go see you in Xinghua Village sooner. Now that you’re here, I can finally relax. What do you want to eat? I’ll have the Imperial Kitchen prepare it.”

The dishes currently mastered by the Imperial Chefs in the Imperial Kitchen were all personally taught by Qiao Suluo. Strictly speaking, they were considered half-disciples to her, so naturally, the food they cooked was flawless.

“I’ll cook myself,” she said.

Hearing Qiao Suluo say she would cook personally, Cang Jiu Xuan was filled with anticipation. Though he hated to see her tire herself out, he knew his wife enjoyed cooking. He looked at her, his eyes brimming with intense affection. Cang Yunqing was used to it; whenever her mother was around, her father’s attention was entirely focused on her.

Cang Jiu Xuan wanted to help, but Qiao Suluo steadfastly refused. So, he took his daughter to the study to read first.

After Qiao Suluo finished cooking, she placed a cake, candles, presents, and longevity noodles on the table. Only then did she call Cang Jiu Xuan over.

“What is this?” he asked.

“This is a cake. Today is your birthday. You probably forgot because you were so busy, but I remembered.”

Cang Jiu Xuan remembered everything related to her, but he would always forget his own matters. Qiao Suluo, however, remembered them all.

Listening to her words and looking at the scene before him, Cang Jiu Xuan’s eyes turned red. “Thank you, my wife.”

He had grown up in the Imperial Palace, and the trauma he had endured was later completely healed by his wife. Now, his heart contained only love and warmth.

That night, Qiao Suluo naturally stayed in the palace. Cang Jiu Xuan was usually an aloof and majestic person, but only at certain times would he become exceptionally domineering and intense. He knew that he loved her—loved her incredibly deeply, more than he could ever imagine. However, he was an emotionally reserved person who was not good at expressing himself on a normal day. Only at moments like this would he use his own way to convey the love in his heart, hoping she could feel it.

Qiao Suluo could naturally feel it. Having been with Cang Jiu Xuan for so long, she had come to understand a great deal about him. In truth, her heart ached for him, and she was equally willing to love him in her own way. The moment she responded, the flames ignited into an unstoppable, blazing inferno. They would love each other forever.

Cang Yunqing had been sleeping in her own room since she was three years old. She had a separate pavilion within the Imperial Palace, along with dedicated attendants to keep her company. Naturally, the two of them didn’t worry about her. Cang Yunqing also knew that her parents were endlessly affectionate with each other all year round.

Theirs was a home filled with love.