Chapter 360 - 354_1
"Then just watch and see," Jiang Ziqi said, his innate pride still intact despite his realization sparked by Lin Yue’s thoughtless remark. He had no fondness for those with little skill who liked to ingratiate themselves with others, nor did he deign to pay them any heed. With a cold snort, he dismissed the matter and paid it no more attention.
Zhang Zhiheng saw Jiang Ziqi’s attitude and, though he felt aggrieved, he knew that to mock Jiang Ziqi even a few times was already an accomplishment. After all, the young man had achieved a status beyond his reach. Not only was Jiang Ziqi a Divine Doctor, but he was also favored by the Emperor. Zhang dared not push things too far, for fear that if the Emperor found out he had troubled Jiang Ziqi at the Empress Dowager’s birthday celebration, he might be displeased. It would also be laughable for someone of his age to trouble someone younger. Moreover, he understood that he was only still competing with the Jiang Family for the position at the Imperial Medical Academy because Jiang Ziqi did not wish to take up an official post. Despite this, the Emperor had granted Jiang Ziqi the privilege to come and go from the court as he pleased, which showed the Emperor’s particular favor.
The Emperor sat silently, watching his ministers present their gifts to the Empress Dowager. His expression revealed nothing of his thoughts—only occasionally did a flash of boredom appear in his eyes. However, when it was Jiang Ziqi’s turn to present his gift, the Emperor perked up, showing a hint of interest.
"I would like to know what kind of birthday gift Ziqi has prepared for the Empress Dowager. It must be something extraordinary," the Emperor said, the corner of his mouth curving slightly.
He and Jiang Ziqi had grown up together, so he knew exactly what kind of person Jiang Ziqi was—free-spirited and fond of independence. Otherwise, he wouldn’t have turned down the high positions and wealth offered to him to roam the world. It was a pity that the Jiang Family line depended solely on Jiang Ziqi’s shoulders, and the burdens of the family head were his whether he wished them or not. Despite his desire for freedom, he couldn’t escape, and now he was caught and brought back to take on the position of Family Head.
In the past, the Emperor often envied Jiang Ziqi for being carefree and unburdened by the responsibilities of governance, a contrast to his own position. Although he had sought the throne by his own designs, he couldn’t help feeling jealous, wishing to drag Jiang Ziqi down with him. Yet the slippery fellow had always managed to evade him. Now, seeing Jiang Ziqi forced to stay dutifully within the Jiang Family, busy with various affairs just like himself, the Emperor felt quite pleased. Seeing Jiang Ziqi maintaining his stern expression even enhanced the Emperor’s mood.
"Your Majesty, knowing the Empress Dowager’s fondness for collecting embroidery, I have prepared an Embroidered Picture as a gift, and I hope it will bring her joy," Jiang Ziqi said, not missing the schadenfreude flashing across the Emperor’s face and feeling somewhat annoyed at the Emperor’s thoughts.
Zhang Zhiheng, seeing the Emperor’s high regard for Jiang Ziqi, snorted silently to himself. He didn’t dare let others hear; the accusation of disrespecting the Emperor was not something he could afford. When he heard that Jiang Ziqi’s gift was merely an Embroidered Picture, he felt somewhat disdainful. The Empress was celebrating her fiftieth birthday, and yet to offer just an Embroidered Picture seemed insufficient. Many shared Zhang’s view, thinking that even if the Embroidered Picture was of the utmost value, how valuable could it be? Only a few who knew the truth were expectant, curious to see what extraordinary Embroidered Picture was worthy of being given to the Empress Dowager as a birthday gift.
Jiang Ziqi clapped his hands, and a few eunuchs carefully lifted a framed screen covered with red silk onto the stage. At the Empress Dowager’s gesture, they uncovered it, revealing a lifelike Longevity Picture that seemed as alive as any real creature.