The Prince's Beloved Little Wife

The next day, after returning from court, Ouyang Han went to Chen Mengyao's courtyard. He found her sitting there writing something, having already finished breakfast. He approached her and asked what she was writing. She said she was writing down the planting methods for several crops to give to the Emperor, so he could arrange for people to plant them according to those methods. She had found relevant books in her spatial dimension the night before and copied them down; she was currently converting the text into traditional Chinese characters. Ouyang Han was even more impressed by her thoughtfulness.

Chen Mengyao handed her written text to Ouyang Han and asked him to rewrite it using a brush, as she didn't know how to write calligraphy. Ouyang Han then led her to the study. It was Chen Mengyao's first time in the Prince's study, as it was generally forbidden to enter without the Prince's permission, as important items were kept there.

Entering the study, one sees it filled with various books and documents, several calligraphy and paintings hanging on the walls, and a pot of elegant orchids by the window. Ouyang Han walks to the desk, spreads out Xuan paper, picks up a brush, and begins to carefully copy. Chen Mengyao watches him quietly from the side, a hint of admiration flashing in her eyes.

Soon, Ouyang Han finished copying the planting method, his handwriting neat and powerful, just like his own resolute character. He handed the paper to Chen Mengyao and asked, "Is this alright?" Chen Mengyao took the paper and nodded in approval, "It's good." Then, she looked at the books in the study and couldn't help but ask curiously, "Have you read all of these?" Ouyang Han smiled and replied, "Most of them. However, there are so many books in this world, and I only know a little bit about them." Chen Mengyao smiled slightly, thinking that this war god prince was not only highly accomplished in battle but also so learned, which was truly admirable. She had previously bought many books on military affairs and strategists, which she could give him to study, and then implement them in the army to strengthen its defenses.

Thinking of this, she used her consciousness to retrieve the military treatises she had bought, including Sun Tzu's Art of War, the Thirty-Six Stratagems, and other military books, and handed them to Ouyang Han, saying, "Take a look at these military books; I hope they can be helpful." Ouyang Han took the books and opened Sun Tzu's Art of War. He was immediately captivated by the content after reading just the first page and found the book to be truly excellent. Since he had to go to the palace to meet the Emperor, Ouyang Han placed the book on the table and said to Chen Mengyao, "This book is excellent. I'll study it more carefully when I have time. Thank you, Yao Yao. Shall we go into the palace now?" With that, he took the planting method he had written, grabbed Chen Mengyao's hand, and left.

Ling Feng had already prepared a carriage at the gate. Ouyang Han helped Chen Mengyao into the carriage first, then he got in himself. The two remained silent throughout the journey. Ouyang Han was thinking about the book *The Art of War*, while Chen Mengyao shyly lowered her head. The carriage quickly arrived at the palace gate. Ouyang Han and Chen Mengyao alighted and entered the palace together. Upon entering the palace, Chen Mengyao was awestruck by the sight before her. Majestic palaces stood in rows, resplendent in gold and jade, exuding an imposing aura. The buildings within the palace were ornately decorated, exquisitely beautiful, showcasing the majesty and nobility of the ancient imperial family.

As Chen Mengyao ventured deeper into the palace, she was increasingly struck by its grandeur and magnificence. Huge stone pillars supported the rooftops, and luxurious carpets carpeted the floors; each step felt like stepping into a historical scroll. Chen Mengyao was captivated by the magnificent scenery and filled with anticipation for her upcoming meeting with the emperor. She secretly resolved to do everything in her power to bring about change in this ancient world.

The palace was solemn and dignified, with guards standing in neat rows on both sides. They passed through the hall and arrived at the emperor's bedchamber. Although the emperor exempted Chen Mengyao from the kneeling ceremony, she still curtsied to him. The emperor was delighted by her politeness and carefully observed her. Chen Mengyao wore a lake-blue dress, the hem of which flowed like water. Her upper body was adorned with an exquisitely embroidered short jacket, paired with a pale yellow sash, which accentuated her graceful figure. Her hair was styled in an elegant updo, adorned with a jade hairpin, with a few strands falling beside her ears, gently swaying in the breeze. Her beautiful face was even more captivating in the classical attire; her eyes were clear as water, and her lips were slightly upturned, revealing a faint smile. She was like a fairy who had stepped out of a painting, exuding an otherworldly aura.

A hint of amazement flashed in the Emperor's eyes. He nodded in satisfaction and gestured for Chen Mengyao to rise. Next, the Emperor conversed with Chen Mengyao, inquiring about her insights into agricultural planting. Chen Mengyao, drawing upon her modern knowledge, spoke eloquently, impressing the Emperor. Finally, Ouyang Han presented the Emperor with a transcribed planting manual and explained its key points. The Emperor was very pleased, praising Ouyang Han and Chen Mengyao's righteousness, and promising to arrange for its implementation as soon as possible.

After chatting with Chen Mengyao for a while, the Emperor grew increasingly fond of her, impressed by her composed and confident demeanor. He thought to himself, "This woman is not only exceptionally beautiful but also remarkably intelligent and knowledgeable about agriculture. She is truly a rare find. If she could become my daughter-in-law, she would undoubtedly help my son achieve great things." Thinking this, the Emperor couldn't help but smile with satisfaction.

He decided to find an opportunity later to subtly hint to Ouyang Han that he should propose to Chen Mengyao as soon as possible. After all, such an outstanding woman shouldn't be snatched away by someone else. Meanwhile, Chen Mengyao was unaware of the emperor's thoughts; she was focused solely on communicating with him, hoping to make greater contributions to the country.

Soon it was lunchtime, and the Emperor warmly invited Chen Mengyao to stay for lunch. Chen Mengyao readily agreed, eager to try the imperial chefs' cooking, as she had never tasted it before. At lunchtime, the imperial chefs meticulously prepared a sumptuous feast. Chen Mengyao sat opposite the Emperor, her heart filled with anticipation as she gazed at the dazzling array of delicacies before her.

Every dish was exquisite in color, aroma, and taste. One roast duck had a golden-brown, crispy skin and an irresistible fragrance; another was steamed fish, tender and melt-in-your-mouth. Chen Mengyao savored these delicacies, praising the imperial chefs' superb skills. Seeing her satisfied expression, the Emperor smiled and asked, "Are these dishes to your liking?" Chen Mengyao nodded and replied, "Your Majesty, these dishes are truly delicious. I am deeply grateful."

The three enjoyed their meal and chatted happily. After lunch, the Emperor ordered servants to bring out fruit and pastries for Chen Mengyao to sample. Chen Mengyao praised the palace's fruit and pastries highly, and it was quite some time before he finally allowed Chen Mengyao and Ouyang Han to leave.

After leaving the palace, Ouyang Han and Chen Mengyao walked side by side. "Thank you so much for today, these books have been very helpful," Ouyang Han said sincerely. "I'm glad you like them," Chen Mengyao said, blushing and lowering her head. "If I have time in the future, I can teach you some martial arts moves as a way of repaying you," Ouyang Han suggested with a smile. "Okay!" Chen Mengyao looked up, her eyes sparkling with excitement. She had always longed for the ancient art of lightness skill; if she could learn it, the feeling of flying would be amazing, and she could also escape quickly in case of danger.

On the carriage ride back, Ouyang Han said to Chen Mengyao, "Yaoyao, I think Father Emperor likes you quite a bit. I'll take you to meet my mother another day. She should like you too." Hearing that she was going to meet his mother, Chen Mengyao felt a little nervous and quickly said, "No need so soon. I'm not ready yet. Let's wait a little longer." Seeing her nervousness, Ouyang Han didn't press her. They didn't speak again on the way back until they arrived at the palace. After getting off the carriage, Chen Mengyao quickly ran back to her courtyard. Seeing her like this, Ouyang Han shook his head helplessly. It seemed he still had to work harder to win her heart. Thinking this, he returned to his study to continue reading.