novelhk Chapter 764 A rare enjoyment and peace!
Chapter 764 A rare enjoyment and peace!
Gao Yao's eyes fell on the empty seat, and curiosity surged in his heart. He couldn't help but wonder, why didn't Qi Ji appear here? Was she delayed by something? Or did she deliberately avoid this occasion?
While Gao Yao was thinking, he suddenly made a decision. He said without hesitation: "Let's go back. I will go to Qi Ji's place to rest tonight!"
As soon as these words came out, the women present were all stunned. They looked at each other, obviously a little surprised by Gao Yao's decision. Especially those women who were looking forward to spending a good night with Gao Yao, their faces were full of disappointment.
In this astonishment, only Lu Zhi's mouth corners slightly raised, revealing a barely perceptible arc. She was secretly proud in her heart, because Qi Ji did not appear here, which was completely her intentional arrangement.
Lu Zhi knew Gao Yao's character very well. She estimated that if she really called Concubine Qi, Gao Yao would most likely not choose anyone, or choose to rest with Ayi and others. Instead of doing that, it would be better to go with the flow and let Concubine Qi get this opportunity. Anyway, Concubine Qi had been won over to her side, so letting Gao Yao rest with Concubine Qi was also a gesture of goodwill.
This will prevent Yu Shu from getting any further opportunities to speak, which is a good thing. Now Lu Zhi's purpose is very clear. If she can't get any benefits, she can't let Yu Shu get more say.
Lu Zhi had to admit that she had always underestimated the threat that Yu Shu brought to her. She always thought that a woman of a foreign race could only take advantage of her in terms of beauty, but was far inferior to her in other aspects.
The fact is just as Lu Zhi expected. Yu Shu is indeed inferior to herself in all aspects, whether in political wisdom or ability. Even Lu Su is slightly better than Yu Shu. However, Yu Shu is valued by Gao Yao, which makes Lu Zhi very helpless.
This is actually a question that Lu Zhi has never figured out, but the problem is actually very simple, that is, Gao Yao does not like a person who manages the backyard to always think about getting involved in political issues.
Even though he knew that Lu Zhi's "advice" was often covered with the fancy guise of "relieving his worries" and "considering his interests", the deliberate shrewdness and desire for control still made him instinctively reject it.
On the one hand, the shadow of Empress Lü, who was deeply engraved in historical memory and ultimately dominated the government, was lingering, and Gao Yao could not completely ignore this warning from the future; on the other hand, it was the reality of this era - once Empress Lü really established an influence that could not be ignored in the court,
Then it will inevitably lead to bigger problems, that is, it will affect the choices of the ministers below, and even make them start to take sides, which is something Gao Yao does not want to see.
Gao Yao was fully aware of the importance of choosing a successor, and even knew that delaying too long would only lead to greater suspicion and turmoil. He was already 40 years old, an age that was already at the threshold of "knowing the destiny" in the Qin Dynasty, where the average life expectancy was much lower than that of later generations. Qin Shihuang was only 49 years old when he died, so time was not abundant for him.
The issue of offspring will come to the fore sooner or later. But Gao Yao's inner wish is to let his children grow up and compete in a relatively fair environment with less external interference. He hopes that those who can finally stand out are those who are truly virtuous and talented and can take on great responsibilities, rather than just relying on their mother's power and skills in the harem. What he can't tolerate in particular is the women in the harem reaching out their hands through the corridor to manipulate and influence the process that concerns the foundation of the country!
Gao Yao's idea was ultimately just his wishful thinking. Even if he repeatedly stressed and clearly defined the boundaries, how could these women, who were at the center of power and whose future honor and disgrace depended on themselves and their families, really stay put?
Being a mother means being strong, or being a mother means being prudent. Their eyes have long passed the wealth in front of them and are looking to the more distant future. Seeking the greatest opportunities for their children is almost an instinct engraved in their bones. Even if Gao Yao is a powerful prime minister, it is impossible for him to keep an eye on every child all the time, and he cannot completely cut off the deep and sometimes even twisted "love" from mothers. This game from the depths of human nature cannot be completely banned by him alone.
When Gao Yao arrived at Qi Ji's place, he was surprised that she seemed to have seen through his state of mind. The courtyard was clean, and the air was filled with warm water vapor and a faint fragrance. Qi Ji had obviously made careful preparations. Not only did she prepare hot water for bathing, she also set up a table of exquisite but not extravagant side dishes in the room, and a pot of warm wine was beside it.
"I respectfully welcome the Prime Minister!"
Concubine Qi's voice was as gentle as water, just enough to wipe away the gloom from Gao Yao's brow. She bowed gracefully, and then naturally led Gao Yao inside. With gentle and familiar movements, she and the maid helped Gao Yao take off the outer robe that symbolized power and burden.
When his eyes fell on the refreshing and delicious side dishes and the pot of warm wine, Gao Yao's tired eyes finally flashed a long-lost light. This ordinary smell of fireworks instantly hit the deepest and sealed memories in his heart. Before the time travel, those nights were so ordinary that they couldn't be more ordinary: I got home from work, was too lazy to cook, and casually made some braised peanuts, opened a bottle of beer, and curled up on the sofa, aimlessly browsing my phone or watching TV,
It was as if he was not a historical figure, a time traveler, or even a powerful prime minister. He was just a tired "self" who had taken off all social roles. What was important was not the food or the show, but the freedom to "waste" time, which was completely his own. There, he could find his true individual self called "Gaoyao".
Qi Ji led Gao Yao to a comfortable seat and filled his glass without any extra words. Following her eye signal, the maid standing beside her picked up a small jade hammer and gently struck a set of equally small and exquisite chimes. The clear and ethereal music flowed through the room like the sound of spring water.
Qi Ji, who had quietly changed into a long gauze dress as thin as a cicada's wing, began to dance to the music under the dim light. Her dance was graceful and soft, without any deliberate provocation, but with a pure and soothing rhythm.
Gao Yao leaned on the table, took a sip of warm wine, picked up a small dish with chopsticks, followed the light gauze shadow, and heard the clear sound of chimes. The tense nerves caused by the court intrigues and backyard calculations in recent days were relaxed unprecedentedly at this moment.
A sense of tranquility that was almost luxurious enveloped him. This scene made him involuntarily have an idea: once upon a time, when he watched the Investiture of the Gods, he felt that King Zhou's indulgence in wine and meat was ridiculous, and even faintly envied his extreme enjoyment; but now, sitting here, enjoying the fine wine, delicacies, elegant music and wonderful dance carefully served by the beauty, he suddenly understood that addiction. From doubt to envy, and then to the personal immersion at this moment,