Phi-Fic Chapter 724 Playing Chess with the Emperor!
Chapter 724 Playing Chess with the Emperor!
Whether Mu Xin Nuan wanted it or not, she still had to go to the palace to pay her respects to the Empress.
The emperor has yet to issue an edict ordering the brothers to leave, and no one knows what he is planning.
After what happened last time, Duanmu Chuze naturally became more careful around Mu Xinnuan, following her everywhere.
It's no exaggeration to say that as long as he leaves the manor, even if Mu Xin Nuan goes to the bathroom, he will follow her.
Since they entered the palace, the Empress's eyes had never left Duanmu Zonghua.
"My dear grandson, you seem to have gained some weight again."
"Yes, that's right. Children change a bit after just a few days apart."
On this day, Duanmu Chuze and Mu Xinnuan were just like an ordinary family's son and daughter-in-law, chatting and gossiping with the Empress.
Later, when the Emperor came, Duanmu Chuze played a game of chess with him in a private room. Such moments seemed extremely rare for the Emperor and Empress.
After lunch, the group sat together and talked.
At this moment, Mu Xin Nuan felt much more relaxed. She no longer regarded the emperor as that majestic and invincible ruler, but simply as an ordinary father-in-law and the grandfather of her child.
"I heard from the fourth brother that your chess skills are also quite good."
“Father, don’t listen to him. I have never won against him in chess.”
The Emperor was taken aback, and even the Empress was somewhat surprised.
Mu Xin Nuan couldn't understand why Duanmu Chu Ze's chess skills, so far, seemed to have only resulted in him feigning defeat to her once. Otherwise, whether playing against a national champion or the emperor, he had never lost.
"I'm not surprised that you lost to him. However, judging from your words, your father's chess skills are also inferior to yours?"
"This? Your Majesty, it was you who taught me chess. However, perhaps it is because you are getting old and want to let the younger generation win, that's why you were able to let me win a few times."
The emperor became even more curious upon hearing this.
"Bring the chess set out. I wish to play a game of chess with Princess Chang Le to see who is better."
"Yes, Your Majesty."
The two played against each other for more than half an hour, and in the end, the emperor resigned in defeat, somewhat dejected.
The Empress stood to the side, observing the Emperor's expression. Although he appeared somewhat dejected, he did not seem angry.
Since ancient times, playing chess with the emperor has been one of the most perplexing things for ministers.
If they kept losing, the emperor would naturally think they were deliberately throwing the game.
But what if we win? That's the emperor, who dares to defeat an emperor?
Now, this Mu Xin Nuan has won a round against him. In this world, besides Duanmu Chu Ze, there is now another person who dares to beat him.
“Ah Nuan’s chess skills are indeed impressive! However, I also saw Your Majesty play against Lord Mu before. Ah Nuan’s playing style seems to be different from his, but it is somewhat similar to that of the Fourth Prince.”
Upon hearing this, the Emperor's expression softened somewhat.
Duanmu Chuze laughed and said, "Anuan has lived with me for so long. We can't say we play chess every day, but we often play against each other. It's only natural that she would be influenced by me."
The Emperor looked at Mu Xin Nuan and turned his head with a smile, his eyes filled with deep affection as he looked at Duanmu Chuze. Looking at the two of them, there always seemed to be a kind of temperament that could calm people down and make them feel at ease.
"Excellent! Guards, bestow a reward."
The Emperor's rewards were naturally quite generous.
"Thank you, Father. Actually, it is a blessing for us juniors to be able to spend time with you and Mother. Your Highness knows that Mother likes Zonghua, so you thought that Zonghua should spend more time with her. Your Majesty, I am truly unworthy of such kindness."
The Emperor nodded. This daughter-in-law was indeed the one he liked the most among his daughters-in-law, and she also knew the best how to conduct herself.
Neither arrogant nor impatient, neither haughty nor conceited, in front of them there is only respect and filial piety, not servility and flattery. This is the demeanor that a royal daughter-in-law should have.
Not only the Emperor had this thought, but the Empress also felt that Mu Xin Nuan was a very likable daughter-in-law.
Since they returned this time, Mu Xin Nuan gave her several suggestions, including improving her diet. She also taught her a very simple set of Five Animal Exercises, just to help her strengthen her body.
Compared to the gold and silver jewelry brought by her other daughters-in-law, nothing could make her happier than the good mood and good health that Mu Xin Nuan brought her.
The Empress truly felt that her health was getting better and better, and she no longer always felt so heavy; instead, she felt quite relaxed.
In addition, the symptoms of insomnia and excessive dreaming at night have been greatly improved. Mu Xin Nuan's filial piety is all based on her physical health, not on other superficial aspects, which is what makes the Empress most happy.
The Emperor had naturally noticed the changes in the Empress these past few days.
He was naturally happy to learn that it was Mu Xin Nuan's doing, and since she was here today, he immediately asked Mu Xin Nuan to take a look at it for him.
Mu Xin Nuan was genuinely hesitant, after all, this was the ruler of a country.
After obtaining Duanmu Chuze's approval, she still managed to get the emperor's pulse checked.
After a long time, she gave the emperor some advice on everything from diet and medication to daily routines.
Mu Xin Nuan knew that the Emperor was different from the Empress.
The Emperor is busy with state affairs; he cannot simply rest whenever he wants.
The Emperor's health was a matter of great importance and could not be taken lightly. Someone was sent to the Imperial Hospital for examination, and the hospital quickly responded.
These are just a few suggestions, which are beneficial to the Emperor's health and are recommended that the Emperor follow them.
The emperor was very pleased.
That afternoon, instead of going to the Imperial Study or the Hall of Diligent Governance, he took a short nap with the Empress. After waking up, he and the Empress took Duanmu Zonghua for a walk in the Imperial Garden.
Duanmu Chuze and Mu Xinnuan followed behind. Seeing the Emperor's constant smiles today, Duanmu Chuze quietly took Mu Xinnuan's hand. "Anuan, I heard that Father Emperor hasn't been this happy in a long time. Last time we entered the palace, Father Emperor's behavior was quite unexpected, and this time is no different."
"His Majesty is actually quite lonely. As the Emperor, he can't always come to the inner palace to talk to His Majesty. But he doesn't have many close friends around him. I'm afraid that Father is now somewhat dissatisfied with Duanmu Chen."
“You’re right. We rarely come back, so let’s take this opportunity to properly show our filial piety.”
"You say we were all brothers, born of the same father and mother, so what difference does it make who becomes emperor? Why bother?"
Duanmu Chuze remained silent. As a woman, Mu Xinnuan naturally couldn't comprehend things like power.
The conflict between the Crown Prince and Prince Ming had been brewing for many years and was not formed overnight, making it even more difficult to resolve.