Fresh from her bath, Yue Hongling strode confidently into the hall, naturally taking a seat beside Zhao Changhe.0

Despite the lack of modern soaps, shampoos, or fragrant bath products, the subtle freshness she carried was enough to stir anyone’s heart. Her heroic posture, long and graceful legs, and strikingly beautiful face made her undeniably dazzling. Even some of the old monks quietly chanted under their breath to refocus their thoughts.0

Yet Zhao Changhe, with his peculiar preferences, always felt that Yue Hongling was at her most captivating when her body was streaked with blood, and her face smudged with soot, her gaze still sharp and fierce.0

“Go on, continue your conversation,” Yue Hongling said with a smile, her voice teasing yet warm. “I was enjoying your discussion about taxes and labor. It was really educational.”0

“Ahem.” Zhao Changhe cleared his throat awkwardly. “There’s really nothing more to say… If I wanted to sound pretentious, I’d say it’s enough for me to set the tone; a competent minister can handle the details.”0

Yue Hongling’s eyes sparkled with amusement as they traced over his...0