"This Chu Chen, after offering the three divine artifacts of agriculture, only asked for those two joking rewards. I truly don't know if he's genuinely devoted to the people, obsessed with love, or just has a problem with his brain."
"You can't say that. He's done an immeasurable good for the common folk. Such merit will easily earn him eternal fame."
"Damn it, why isn't it me who gets to be remembered in history!"
After the morning court, civil and military officials walked in twos and threes, discussing the day's events.
The military officials didn't feel it as much, but for the civil officials, it was like an earthquake.
To be admired by thousands, to be remembered for eternity, to have one's name etched in history – this was the lifelong pursuit of every civil official, yet Chu Chen had achieved it with such ease.
"After today, Chu Chen's prestige in our Yun Yue Kingdom will likely soar to the heavens. His future is limitless."
"Isn't that the truth? Those commoners will probably erect statues to worship him."
"Alright, stop being so bitter. The crops he developed are the greatest benefit to us. In terms of land, the powerful clans of the populace don't have as much as we do."
"That's true."
Chu Chen walked at the rear, his ears catching everything, and he heard the discussions of the ministers.
"It's you who are benefiting the most now, but it doesn't mean it will be so in the future."
Chu Chen looked up at their retreating backs and sneered.
Currently, Chu Chen still held a third-rank official position, but his post had been transferred from the Weaponry Department of the Ministry of Works to the Agricultural Department of the Ministry of Works.
This time, he hadn't ousted his superior to take his place, but he had displaced a colleague of the same rank.
The entire court was pleased, with the only unhappy person being the original Vice Minister of the Agricultural Department. But how dare he object? He could only force a smile and yield his position.
Upon returning home, the civil and military officials recounted the events to their families.
It was clear that before long, this news would spread everywhere.
The next day, not long after the sun rose, the gates of Chu Mansion were knocked upon.
"Who is it, disturbing my sweet dreams so early in the morning?"
The gatekeeper, annoyed, opened the door, yawning and rubbing his eyes.
"Hey, hey, who are you? Barging in like this, do you know where you are?"
Taking advantage of the gatekeeper's inattention, the knocker slipped inside. The startled gatekeeper hurried to chase after him.
"Chu Chen! This princess is here, wake up and stop sleeping!"
Princess Xin Yue ignored the stunned gatekeeper, her mind solely on Chu Chen, and kicked open his room door.
"My poor door!"
Chu Chen had known last night that Princess Xin Yue would come looking for him this morning, but he hadn't expected her to arrive so early.
"This princess will buy you a new one later."
"Quick, quick, quick, take this princess to the city for some fun."
"For three consecutive months, I was confined by Mother, I almost suffocated!"
As soon as she burst into the room, Princess Xin Yue couldn't stop chattering.
Chu Chen, both amused and exasperated, said, "Who told you, little princess, to be so bold and argue with His Majesty?"
"It's all for the sake of being with someone."
Princess Xin Yue huffed indignantly.
"Yes, yes, yes."
Chu Chen nodded helplessly.
He then walked up to Princess Xin Yue and looked at her intently.
"You, why are you staring at this princess like that? What do you want?"
Princess Xin Yue's pretty face flushed, and she asked shyly.
"A day apart feels like three autumns, let alone three months? I want to see if you've gotten thinner or more beautiful."
"Is that not allowed?"
Chu Chen said with a smile, pulling Princess Xin Yue into his embrace.
"You, you rascal, you've only been apart for three months, and your mouth has become so glib."
"Tell me, have you been practicing with some beautiful seductress?"
Princess Xin Yue tilted her head slightly, her eyes hazy as she asked.
"Not at all. Even if I had, it would have been practicing with you in my dreams!"
Chu Chen said sweet nothings with a chuckle.
"You rascal, really."
Princess Xin Yue lightly patted Chu Chen's chest, burying her small face in his embrace. Her arms wrapped around Chu Chen's waist, and she whispered softly, "But this princess likes it! It was worth it for this princess to wake up so early and rush over today."
Chu Chen remained silent, holding her, enjoying the warm and peaceful moment.
"Chu Chen."
"Hmm?"
"Thank you."
"Why?"
"Because the reward you asked from Mother is why this princess can come out. Otherwise, I don't know when this princess would be able to see you."
Princess Xin Yue looked up at Chu Chen with tender eyes, deeply moved.
Setting aside the potatoes, the sweet potatoes and corn alone were of immeasurable merit, yet he only asked for them to be able to meet her.
"You know to be moved now? Earlier you were always threatening to chop off my head."
Chu Chen chuckled and reached out, flicking her nose.
"Hehe~ If you have that kind of hobby, this princess isn't opposed to continuing, like with a whip, or a kick!"
Princess Xin Yue blushed slightly as if recalling something, and said with a smile.
"Alright, what books have you been reading these past three months? So indecent? Let's see how I'll deal with you!"
Chu Chen feigned 'outrage' at her words, grabbing Princess Xin Yue's soft cheeks with both hands.
"Wuwuwu~ I want to do something naughty!"
Princess Xin Yue cried out, her words unclear.
Chu Chen wouldn't indulge her, otherwise, her spoiled personality would return, which would be troublesome.
He lowered his head slightly, his forehead touching Princess Xin Yue's fair forehead, and his lips slowly drew closer.
Princess Xin Yue's eyes widened, her face flushed with shyness.
Just as Chu Chen's lips were about to make contact, she was too embarrassed to look and closed her eyes.
Feeling the soft and broad lips touch, Princess Xin Yue felt her heart pounding violently.
"Is this what they call a kiss in the storybooks?"
The last time, Princess Xin Yue had only kissed Chu Chen's cheek, a fleeting touch, not feeling much beyond shyness.
But this time, seconds ticked by, yet they didn't separate.
The contact of their lips was warm and continuous, burning her heart and blanking her mind.
After an unknown period, Princess Xin Yue came back to her senses and realized they had separated.
With a sense of loss in her heart, Princess Xin Yue looked around.
Chu Chen hadn't moved far, standing beside her. Just looking at his tall, upright figure, she couldn't help but feel sweetness and security.
"My princess, what are you still dallying for? Let's set off soon."
Chu Chen urged her with a helpless tone.
"I know~"
Princess Xin Yue reacted, let out a playful pout, and quickly walked over, grabbing Chu Chen's arm and laughing, "Lord Chu, who is already famous throughout the land, do you dare to go out with this princess like this?"
"Why wouldn't I dare? I only hope Xin Yue, you won't chicken out midway."
Chu Chen chuckled, and the hand she was holding, he clasped her arm in return.
"Let's go, I'll take you to see the beautiful scenery outside the city!"