With the telescope already setting such a high bar, Qin Lu's curiosity about Gu Yanshu's promised "never-before-seen yet absolutely beloved" gift had reached fever pitch.
Especially since Gu Yanshu had explicitly stated it would be their token of love—a phrase that conjured images of his smug little smirk when making the declaration.
The mental picture was so vivid that Qin Lu nearly abandoned court proceedings to rush back to the estate immediately.
Only the memory of Gu Yanshu's strict instructions kept him in check—first to the imperial study as ordered.
"Prince Li requests an audience? Admit him at once!"
Emperor Qin Yuan had barely returned from court when the announcement came. His hand wave was almost frantic—
Not that anyone could blame him.
Lately, every visit from Qin Lu had delivered delightful surprises:
The glass lantern shade (now his favorite reading companion)Toothbrushes and that miraculous toilet paperSoaps and scented soaps that made bathing a sensory delight
Initially dismissive of these "trivialities," Qin Yuan now recognized their true worth—
Daily happiness enhancers, as Qin Lu had termed them.
Each item had quietly revolutionized his routines.
Where once he'd scoffed at his son's "petty domesticity," he now awaited each delivery with barely contained anticipation.
While the emperor's mood soared, elsewhere in the palace—
"Third Brother certainly visits Father's study frequently these days."
The First Prince's forced smile couldn't mask his bitterness as the news reached Consort Hui's chambers.
Beside him, the consort's teacup clinked a fraction too loudly.
"I wonder what treasure Prince Li brings His Majesty today."
Her honeyed words dripped venom.
Though Gu Yanshu had been politically astute—sending identical gifts to the imperial harem—
Each delivery was a fresh wound:
"This toilet paper is presented by Prince Li's estate to Consort Hui."
"This scented soap is presented by Prince Li's estate to Consort Hui."
Worse were the emperor's constant praises during visits:
"That clever Princess Consort of Li's..."
"How thoughtful my third son has become..."
Every compliment was a dagger twisting in Consort Hui's heart.
Her manicured nails dug into her palms.
If only she and the First Prince had someone—anyone—capable of producing such ingenious novelties!
But talent like Gu Yanshu's didn't grow on trees.
Their frantic searches had yielded nothing but mediocrity.
Meanwhile, Qin Lu's star kept rising—
And there wasn't a damned thing she could do about it.
nitially, Consort Hui had considered stashing away all gifts from Prince Li's estate.
If she couldn't compete with these novelties, at least she could minimize the emperor's reminders of the Li household during his visits.
But luxury, once tasted, is impossible to forsake.
After experiencing soap that left skin supple and delicately fragranced, how could she revert to harsh, foul-smelling lye cakes?
For her son's sake, she'd tried enduring the discomfort—
Only for the emperor, noticing the absence of Li estate's offerings during a visit, to subtly distance himself afterward.
The silent snub had shattered her composure along with several porcelain vases before she reluctantly reinstated the items.
Now, each use was a fresh sting to her pride.
News of Qin Lu's latest imperial study visit triggered another throbbing headache.
Would Prince Li's household never cease their antics?
Yet she resisted dispatching spies—years of observing the emperor had taught her boundaries.
Harem intrigues were tolerated; eavesdropping on imperial discussions was fatal.
Besides, given recent patterns, whatever Qin Lu presented would eventually reach the inner palace anyway.
As these thoughts swirled, Linglong entered bearing an ornate box:
"Your Highness, the Noble Consort sends this—a silver mirror from Prince Li's estate."
"Open it."
Weary of such rituals, Consort Hui's command was flat.
Beside her, the First Prince straightened subtly—his poorly concealed interest belying his scowl.
The revealed mirror differed starkly from Qin Lu's prototype.
Framed in exquisite golden nanmu wood, its polished surface transformed the once-plain glass into an object of refined luxury.
"This surpasses their previous offerings in novelty."
Decades of palace survival had honed Consort Hui's objectivity, even through resentment.
The First Prince's sneer came as the dazzlement faded from his eyes:
"Novelty aside, it's merely a mirror—women's trinkets."
"Indeed, only we women would appreciate such things."
Trailing fingers across the flawless reflection, Consort Hui beheld her image with unprecedented clarity.
Time had softened but not erased the beauty that once captivated the court.
Years of pampering had preserved her elegance, the mirror capturing every nuance of her enduring charm.
She lingered until the First Prince's impatience threatened eruption before remarking:
"Since it's feminine frivolity, surely His Majesty won't be impressed."
The First Prince's expression eased marginally—
Until Linglong interjected:
"But Your Highness... word from the study says the emperor was exceptionally pleased after meeting Prince Li today. More so than ever before."
"Verified?"
Consort Hui's smile vanished as she scrutinized the mirror, baffled.
This defied logic.
The emperor prized utility—hence his preference for the practical glass lantern shade over decorative tea sets.
How could a mirror provoke such delight?
What she didn't know was that the silver mirror had barely registered with Qin Yuan.
After initial curiosity, he'd actually admonished Qin Lu:
"Focus less on feminine adornments."
The true sources of his jubilation were:
The magnifying glassPrescription lenses (finally alleviating his age-dimmed eyesight)The telescope
Together with the glass lantern, these formed an unbeatable trifecta for reading clarity.
But the telescope—
That was the crown jewel that had left the emperor truly exhilarated.
Like Qin Lu before him, Emperor Qin Yuan's first realization upon grasping the telescope's capabilities was its military potential.
Though Tianqi's fortunes had improved since Qin Lu's rise as a military prodigy,
The empire remained perilously behind neighboring powers in overall strength.
This looming vulnerability had haunted Qin Yuan's strategic calculations—
Until today.
With this device, scouts could monitor enemy movements from ten li away—
A game-changing advantage that might finally secure Tianqi's borders.
No wonder the emperor's jubilation knew no bounds.
Ignoring the winter chill, he'd ascended the palace's highest tower, telescope in hand—
Transforming the capital into his personal diorama:
"Look, Xiao Dezi! That lazy eunuch sneaking a nap by the eastern gate!"
"And there—a bird's nest in the maple tree! I can count the twigs!"
"Isn't that the Noble Consort's courtyard? Her plum blossoms have bloomed early this year!"
Eunuch Wang, lacking a telescope, saw none of these details.
Yet he nodded along enthusiastically—recognizing this rare moment of imperial exuberance.
Meanwhile, the architect of this joy had already departed.
Qin Lu had declined the emperor's invitation to share the viewing session—
Having spent two days marveling at the telescope himself, his priorities now lay elsewhere.
Gu Yanshu's promised gift awaited.
The moment Qin Lu crossed Prince Li's estate threshold, Xingren greeted him with urgent news:
"The Princess Consort awaits in the bedchamber!"
Without breaking stride, Qin Lu redirected his steps—
Only to pause at the doorway upon hearing Gu Yanshu's playful voice:
"Back so soon, Your Highness?"
Seated casually by the rosewood table, Gu Yanshu gestured to an open sandalwood box:
"Your token of affection—care to inspect it?"
Inside lay a dagger.