After My System Went Bankrupt, I Found My Happy Ending with the General - Chapter 8

After securing the painting with a paperweight, it was time for lunch. Heqi and Shechuan followed the South Garden’s steward, who brought several food boxes, and arranged them one by one on the square table on the waterside pavilion’s platform.

The midday autumn sunlight was gentle, casting soft ripples of light on the pond’s surface. Luo Chuchen followed Liang Jue and sat down at the table, facing the beautiful maple grove in front of the pavilion. He felt particularly refreshed and at ease. Pointing into the distance, he said, “Later, from this angle, we can capture the entire scenic view on the right in the painting. What do you think?”

Liang Jue went along with him, agreeing to everything he said.

Luo Chuchen was quite accustomed to this dynamic. He would take a few bites of food, then pause to chatter excitedly to Liang Jue about the ideas that had suddenly occurred to him. He knew that if he asked again later, Liang Jue would surely remember them for him.

After finishing their meal, while the South Garden servants were clearing the table, Liang Jue took Luo Chuchen for a stroll through the maple grove.

Luo Chuchen had initially been reluctant to go, dawdling in the pavilion with a series of complaints and even using his poor health as an excuse.

Liang Jue said, “There are stone benches for resting every few dozen steps in the maple grove. Besides, I’m here with you. If you get too tired, I can carry you back.”

“…” Luo Chuchen blinked, unable to resist imagining the scene of being carried back.

Wow, that was tempting.

He feigned embarrassment and coughed lightly. “How could I trouble you like that? Never mind, I can walk.”

Liang Jue smiled without replying, took his hand, and led him out of the pavilion.

After a few steps, he spoke gently, “Don’t sit down right after a meal. A short walk will help with digestion and is better for your health.”

“I know,” Luo Chuchen said.

“But you still tend to be lazy out of habit, don’t you?” Liang Jue teased.

“Mhm, yeah.” Luo Chuchen wasn’t bothered by being called out and simply shrugged.

As they walked along the stone path through the grove, Luo Chuchen had barely begun to appreciate the scenery when he first noticed the warmth continuously radiating from Liang Jue’s hand holding his. He secretly rubbed his fingers over it for a while, realizing that Liang Jue’s palm had grown much rougher since their childhood days, with calluses likely formed from handling reins and weapons.

The thought made Luo Chuchen’s heart ache a little, so he tightened his grip.

Though he made no further moves, Liang Jue couldn’t help but glance back at him.

“What’s wrong?” Luo Chuchen asked, pretending innocence.

Liang Jue seemed to restrain himself before saying, “Stop fidgeting.”

“I’m not fidgeting,” Luo Chuchen retorted, then couldn’t resist teasing him, scratching lightly in Liang Jue’s palm. “See, this is fidgeting.”

“…”

Liang Jue gave him a deep look, making Luo Chuchen feel a twinge of guilt, but he quickly regained his boldness.

Relying on the fact that Liang Jue would never lose his temper with him, he grinned mischievously. “If this is fidgeting, then if I did something even more outrageous, wouldn’t you cry harassment?”

As he spoke, Luo Chuchen used his other hand to stroke Liang Jue’s chest, then trailed his fingers upward along the fabric to his neck. With a hint of curiosity, he touched Liang Jue’s Adam’s apple and, for good measure, flicked his chin.

Tilting his head back to look at Liang Jue while maintaining the chin-flicking gesture, Luo Chuchen put on a playful, flirtatious act, his demeanor unyielding. “My fair maiden, I see you possess beauty enough to outshine the moon and put flowers to shame. You’ve quite captured my fancy. How about it? Would you care to return to my estate and become my eighteenth cherished concubine?”

Their eyes met, and Liang Jue was the first to look away. He grabbed Luo Chuchen’s teasing finger and said, “Stop fooling around.”

“Oh.”

Luo Chuchen withdrew his hand awkwardly, feeling his fingers burn slightly. He realized he might have gone too far and obediently followed behind Liang Jue.

After a few steps, he cautiously glanced at Liang Jue’s profile and froze.

Liang Jue’s face seemed much redder than before.

Perhaps it was just the fiery red maple leaves reflecting on him.

Luo Chuchen didn’t dare to think too much, afraid he might do something foolish again.

It was strange no matter how well-behaved and proper he acted in front of others, he always felt more relaxed around Liang Jue, often leading to all sorts of messy antics.

They strolled through the maple grove for over an hour before returning to the waterside pavilion.

Luo Chuchen was utterly exhausted, wishing he could lean entirely on Liang Jue. Seeing He Qi and She Chuan approaching at the pavilion’s entrance, he waved weakly, about to ask for a cup of water, but noticed both of them looked anxious.

“What’s wrong?” he asked, straightening up with effort.

He Qi seemed hesitant, exchanging meaningful glances with Liang Jue.

Liang Jue said, “Speak slowly.”

He Qi stammered, “He’s here.”

“Who?” Luo Chuchen asked, puzzled. Turning back, he saw Liang Jue’s expression had also shifted subtly.

He Qi whispered, “He’s inside.”

Liang Jue sighed and said, “You two may step back for now.”

Luo Chuchen grew even more curious, then heard Liang Jue say, “The Emperor is here.”

Luo Chuchen was so startled he nearly jumped, stammering, “Th-the Emperor?”

Liang Jue replied, “Yes.”

All fatigue vanished instantly, and Luo Chuchen felt he could sprint all the way back to the Chu residence.

He instinctively thought, “Did he come to discuss official matters with you? Should I step aside? We can always paint the landscape another time, I don’t want to hold you up.”

Liang Jue thought for a moment, equally puzzled. “Probably not. There haven’t been any urgent military affairs at court recently.”

Luo Chuchen remained uneasy, unable to fathom why the Emperor would suddenly appear here. Shouldn’t he be in the palace, constantly discussing state affairs with his uncle?

He wasn’t prepared to meet the Emperor at all.

Seeing him so frightened, Liang Jue found it somewhat endearing and comforted him, “There’s no need to panic. His Majesty is a gentle and wise ruler, not much older than I am, and very easy to get along with.”

Luo Chuchen also realized that since the Emperor had come here, how could he not know Luo Chuchen was present? Fleeing now would only cause trouble for Liang Jue.

Taking Liang Jue’s words to heart, he calmed down slightly. After straightening their clothes and appearance, he followed Liang Jue into the pavilion, his heart pounding.

At the central table inside the pavilion stood a man dressed in bright yellow brocade, exuding an aura of nobility as he examined the papers on the table.

Heavens, those were his paintings!

Luo Chuchen’s ears burned with embarrassment. Not daring to look directly at the Emperor, he nervously fixed his gaze on the painting.

Liang Jue patted his hand reassuringly and led him in a bow, saying, “Your Majesty.”

The Emperor looked up, his gaze sweeping over them, and smiled. “This portrait of General Liang is remarkably lifelike. Is this your work, Lord Luo?”

It took Luo Chuchen a moment to realize “Lord Luo” referred to him. He quickly bowed again and replied, “Yes, Your Majesty.”

My heart was still racing uncontrollably. Referring to myself as “chen” (your subject) couldn’t be wrong, could it?

“Seeing once is better than hearing a hundred times,” the Emperor praised. “Your painting skills are exquisite. Luo Qing indeed possesses remarkable talent. No wonder General Liang chose to forgo the Ministry of War and went through great lengths to secure your presence here in the South Garden.”

Luo Chuchen was momentarily stunned, unsure of the Emperor’s implication. Was he subtly reprimanding her for delaying Liang Jue’s official duties?

In her panic, she saw Liang Jue step forward calmly and ask, “Your Majesty, have you come today because you require my assistance?”

“Can I not visit without a reason?” The Emperor circled the table, his gaze fixed on Luo Chuchen. “I heard Luo Qing has poor health. I thought it was merely a rumor, but even a short walk leaves you flushed and breathless.”

Luo Chuchen swallowed nervously, unsure how to respond.

“Since Your Majesty knows she is unwell, why deliberately frighten her?” Liang Jue interjected.

Luo Chuchen was taken aback by Liang Jue’s blunt tone toward the Emperor.

The Emperor showed no sign of offense, his expression unchanged as he sighed. “When I think of someone neglecting state affairs for two consecutive days, indulging in leisure outside, I feel such indignation that I can’t help but want to disrupt their enjoyment.”

Liang Jue replied, “If Your Majesty still wishes for me to share your burdens, it would be best for you to return to the palace early.”

The Emperor chuckled. “Do not be angry, my dear subject. I was merely overcome with curiosity and couldn’t resist taking a look.”

Luo Chuchen could feel the intensity radiating from Liang Jue beside her. She stole a glance at him, but his expression remained composed as he calmly asked, “Has Your Majesty seen enough?”

The Emperor nodded and returned to the table. “Indeed, and the painting is even more impressive. I wonder when Luo Qing might paint one for me?”

Luo Chuchen, who had been listening in confusion, was suddenly addressed and jolted upright. “Anytime, Your Majesty. I await your command.”

The Emperor spoke gently, “We must still find a suitable time. I merely stopped by on my way to visit Minister Liu and must leave shortly to attend the evening banquet at his residence.”

“I respectfully bid Your Majesty farewell,” Luo Chuchen said, relieved, as she obediently bowed.

Liang Jue escorted the Emperor out. When he returned to the pavilion, Luo Chuchen had collapsed into a chair, looking utterly drained.

Seeing Liang Jue enter, she quickly reached out and grabbed his wrist, her eyes nearly welling with tears.

Help! Even though my health points weren’t decreasing, being in the same room as the Emperor felt like my life was draining away every second!