Chapter 123: The Cheongsam

Once Zhang Erke had withdrawn, Xiying could not help but cover her cherry lips and laugh softly. She said to Zhao Huan, "Your Majesty, you are the ruler of a nation after all. When rewarding your subordinates, couldn't you be a bit more generous? Giving someone half a horse—how are they supposed to accept such a reward?"

Zhao Huan replied nonchalantly, "I am the Emperor. At a time like this, I must lead by example. Only in this way can I set a precedent for all the ministers. If I were to be as extravagant and indulgent as the old man, then this Great Song Dynasty would not be far from ruin."

"Pah, pah, pah..." Xiying hurriedly interrupted him, her expression turning earnest. "Your Majesty must not say such inauspicious things."

Zhao Huan smiled and said, "People shouldn't only listen to auspicious words; it only serves to numb oneself. That is not good."

Xiying, being a sharp woman, immediately grasped his meaning and said, "Then from now on, I shall also cut back on expenses." She then turned to her maid and ordered, "Pass on the word: starting next month, all expenditures for Xiying Palace are to be halved."

Regardless of whether Xiying was doing this just to please him, Zhao Huan was deeply touched. A clever woman is one who best knows how to capture a man's heart.

"During this time of internal and external turmoil, you have all suffered. I promise you that in three years' time, I will certainly ensure you lead a life of comfort," Zhao Huan vowed to Xiying.

A peculiar light flickered in Xiying's beautiful eyes. She nodded firmly and said to Zhao Huan, "It is only a pity that I cannot share your burdens."

Zhao Huan waved his hand. "I came to see you today for that very purpose. Who says you cannot share my burdens?"

Xiying, who had spoken off the cuff, was surprised that Zhao Huan truly intended for her to help him. Curious, she asked, "I wonder what Your Majesty wishes for me to do."

"Bring it here!" Zhao Huan commanded Cheng Dafu.

Cheng Dafu signaled to the maids waiting nearby, and one of them immediately brought a tray over to Xiying. On the tray lay a garment.

"Your Majesty, what is this?" Xiying had seen the "uniform" Zhao Huan had designed for his personal guard, Zhang Yu. She had been quite envious at the time and had felt a twinge of jealousy that he had designed clothes for a guard. Seeing that he had now prepared a garment for her, she was instantly delighted.

"This is a set of clothes I thought up in my leisure time. Would my beloved concubine like to try it on?" Zhao Huan said.

Xiying asked happily, "Is this a gift from Your Majesty to me?" Zhao Huan nodded. Xiying stood up, clutching the garment, and said, "Your Majesty, please wait a moment. I shall go and change into it for you to see." Without waiting for a reply, she hurried off to the inner chamber, truly overjoyed.

Before long, Xiying emerged wearing the outfit. "Your Majesty, this garment feels so strange!" she said, acting coy and blushing slightly. What she was wearing was none other than a qipao.

Seeing Xiying in the qipao, Zhao Huan couldn't help but marvel in his heart; she was truly beautiful. In his eyes, the qipao was the garment that best displayed the beauty of women from the Celestial Empire. It was even more perfect on Xiying, who seemed to have been born to wear it; the dress fit her as if it had been custom-made for her.

Xiying had a tall, slender figure. The high slits of the qipao perfectly outlined her long, straight legs, while the tight waist and the elastic collar accentuated her perfect S-shaped silhouette.

Though she felt awkward at first, seeing Zhao Huan’s mesmerized gaze made her let go of her inhibitions. A woman dresses to please those she loves; how wonderful it was to receive the favor of the man she cherished. She spun around before him and asked with a coy smile, "Your Majesty, do I look beautiful in this?"

Zhao Huan nodded vigorously. "Beautiful, like a celestial maiden descended from the heavens. You are truly exquisite." Without another word, he took action; he rose, swept the spinning Xiying into his arms, and headed toward the inner chamber. Cheng Dafu quickly ushered the eunuchs and maids away, leaving the two of them to their privacy.

After a long while, Xiying leaned against Zhao Huan like a bird, her delicate fingers tracing circles on his chest. "Your Majesty, I truly love the gift you gave me." Her voice was filled with joy; though the eras were different, a woman’s love for beautiful clothes remained the same.

"From a woman's perspective, do you think people would buy these if they were made and sold?" Zhao Huan asked. "I want an honest answer; do not try to appease me."

"They certainly would," Xiying replied seriously, seeing his earnest expression. "Women all love beauty. What woman wouldn't love such a beautiful garment?"

Zhao Huan nodded. "I plan to establish a garment workshop to produce and sell these. What do you think?"

Xiying was stunned. "Your Majesty, are you planning to go into business?"

Zhao Huan nodded. "Of course, the Imperial Court cannot be seen doing this directly. We must find an agent, much like with the Zuixian Tower. I will entrust the management of this workshop to you."

Xiying was ecstatic. "Truly? I thank Your Majesty!"

Competition for favor was common among women, and Xiying was well aware that Zhu Lian was the secret owner of the Zuixian Tower—a fact that had often made her jealous. She never expected Zhao Huan to entrust her with a workshop of her own. It felt even more significant than the Zuixian Tower, especially since it was dedicated to women's clothing. This meant she could look stunning every day.

"And how do you intend to thank me?" Zhao Huan asked with a grin as Xiying sat up.

"Your Majesty, you are wicked," she teased with a coy pout.

Later, Xiying lay limp beside Zhao Huan. Despite her physical exhaustion, her spirit was bright. She asked curiously, "Your Majesty, our ancestors always looked down upon merchants as lowly. How is it that you, on the other hand, place such importance on commerce?"