Though she didn't fully understand, Princess Zhaohua had always been approachable without airs, so the mother-in-law and daughter-in-law had gotten along quite well during this period. Truth be told, having a daughter-in-law watching with sparkling eyes and an admiring expression no matter what she did would lift anyone's mood. Especially when said daughter-in-law was quite pleasing to look at—during leisure monts, An Ning naturally didn't mind lending a hand.
It was only now that Princess Zhaohua suddenly realized how incredibly skilled her mother-in-law was at dicine. Just a few pills later, her earlier frequent morning sickness symptoms had largely subsided.
Princess Zhaohua, who had expected to suffer through at least half a month of bitter dicinal concoctions: "......"
After sending off the imperial physician who couldn't hide his astonishnt, and having experienced countless intellectual humiliations over the past months, Princess Zhaohua found herself in a rare daze as she tugged at her husband's sleeve:
"Husband, is there anything in this world that Mother can't do?"
They were both human—how could soone be this intelligent?
Thinking of the continuous defeats he'd suffered since childhood, Lin Jinghuai beside her fell into an odd silence. Wiping sweat from his brow unconsciously, he finally spoke slowly:
"Of course there are things she can't do. Even the wisest person can't know everything. But generally speaking... if Mother wants to learn sothing, it usually doesn't take her long."
The speed at which she learned... well, let's just say three of him combined probably still wouldn't asure up!
The young Tanhua (Placard) sighed subconsciously.
It was only after growing up that he understood the aning behind those occasional guilt-ridden glances his father used to give him. At this mont, Lin Jinghuai couldn't help but share his wife's sentint—how wonderful it would be if their future child took more after his mother! Inheriting his own diocrity would be such a pity!
In fact, Emperor Qianyuan in the palace was currently thinking along similar lines. After berating his useless princes yet again, the emperor—not even thirty yet—already felt he had no worthy successor. Especially when comparing them to his exceptionally talented minister whose every movent seed designed to please.
Rembering Madam Lin's outstanding grace and beauty during his last outing, even Emperor Qianyuan couldn't help feeling intense regret:
"What a sha that a talent like yourself has no sisters!"
The not-yet-thirty emperor's eyes were full of genuine disappointnt.
Lin Jinghuai: "!!!"
Realizing what the emperor ant, the young master suddenly felt zero regret about being an only child—in fact, it seed absolutely perfect!
"Ahem!"
Keeping his expression neutral, the young Hanlin scholar coughed lightly before responding: "Your Majesty may not know—my mother has always been frail. Giving birth to already pushed her to her limits."
He added jokingly:
"They say when I was born, my father nearly fainted from fright..."
Illustrating how dangerous it had been.
Truth be told, whenever his grandmother ntioned this, Lin Jinghuai couldn't help feeling heartache. His mother's constitution had always been delicate.
Indeed, there was an old saying that extre intelligence ca at a cost. Considering Madam Lin's brilliance surpassed even her son's, Emperor Qianyuan's regret deepened further.
If only...
But observing his talented minister before him, the emperor's mind began working. During the next imperial consort selection, he'd have to remind the empress dowager—family background mattered less than intelligence.
After their usual casual conversation, the two returned to discussing the newly submitted morial. The nineteen-year-old's clear, elegant voice and unhurried speech, combined with his peerless appearance, created an atmosphere as refreshing as spring breeze. The emperor's previously foul mood improved considerably.
To be honest, at the emperor's level, he'd seen countless beauties of both genders. But most were just empty shells—either obsequious or vulgar. No matter how attractive, they couldn't compare to Minister Lin's refreshing presence.
Suddenly struck by a thought, Emperor Qianyuan asked from behind his desk:
"Speaking of which, you'll soon be coming of age—has any elder prepared a courtesy na for you?"
In this era, n received a courtesy na at twenty symbolizing adulthood, typically bestowed by a teacher or respected elder. As a rising star Tanhua, Lin Jinghuai's background was no secret—nor had he ever tried to hide it. Even so of his policy suggestions bore clear traces of his mother's influence.
His brilliant mother, barred from official service due to her gender, deserved recognition wherever possible. Besides, he felt no sha about being taught by her—countless people in their hotown envied him for having such an intelligent mother!
Recalling that his mother hadn't ntioned a courtesy na recently, Lin Jinghuai shook his head. Sure enough, the emperor imdiately offered:
"In that case, how about I bestow one upon you today?"
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