Rebirth: So what if my husband is a little crazy? He loves me.

Chapter 210 Entering the Palace to Report on Duties

"Ah Li... um..." Gu Chang'an squeezed her shoulders with both hands but ultimately didn't push her away, worried that he might hurt her by being too indecisive.

After the kiss, Shen Li was finally satisfied and stayed in Gu Chang'an's arms, refusing to get out of bed. After all, she didn't have to attend court while she was at the imperial palace, and Gu Chang'an was ill and didn't need to get up early.

Looking at her childlike appearance, Gu Chang'an felt both helpless and doting: "A-Li is still like a child."

"I'm not like this when I'm out in public. I act more like an official." Shen Li considered herself to be quite composed when dealing with people and situations.

"Did you find this trip meaningful, Ah Li?"

Shen Li nodded: "Yes, did you see this? The villagers gave it to me."

As she spoke, she took out the peace charm she carried with her. It was a thin little piece, and she always handled it gently, afraid of accidentally crushing it.

"It's ebony. It seems Ah Li is very popular." Gu Chang'an carefully examined both sides.

"Right? But I've decided to go out less and spend more time with you from now on." Shen Li said, rubbing his face. "My husband also needs my care."

Gu Chang'an's eyes were moved; Ah Li really cared about him.

"Does Ah Li enjoy doing these practical things?" he asked.

Shen Li nodded without hesitation.

"Then go for it. I'll take good care of myself and not hold Ah Li back." Gu Chang'an said as he put the peace charm on Shen Li's body, his eyes filled with admiration and pride.

His Ah Li is a good official, and she shouldn't be confined to the inner quarters, nor should she be trapped by him.

Shen Li thought he would be happy, but she was stunned for a moment and then hugged him.

She often wished that Gu Chang'an would have some selfish motives and could fight for something for himself, instead of always putting her first.

She really does feel sorry for people.

"Ah Li," Gu Chang'an called softly.

"Don't wake me up. You're too sick to go to the palace. I'll just hold you here." Shen Li said with her eyes closed beside him.

"But what about you?"

"Me?" Shen Li's eyes widened suddenly, and she sat up almost immediately: "How could I forget that I have to go to the palace to report on my duties?"

She was clearly not used to her official position yet. She had just returned from an official business trip, and even though this was a temporary palace rather than the capital, the emperor was still there.

"There's no rush. It's hot, so His Majesty doesn't get up that early. He usually doesn't arrive at the study until around 7 AM these days." Gu Chang'an patted her back reassuringly. "There's still time to wash up and have breakfast now."

He hadn't forgotten; in fact, he was calculating the time in his mind. This was the perfect moment to remind him, neither too early nor too late.

Shen Li finally breathed a sigh of relief: "Thank goodness you're here."

But then she thought about it again and realized that she had also wasted her time on Gu Chang'an. She wasn't usually a careless person, but she felt too safe around him, so her brain would slack off.

After breakfast, Shen Li changed into her official robes. From the Hanlin Academy to the Imperial Censor, everyone wore the same blue brocade robes. Although they were nice, Shen Li found them monotonous.

She wanted to wear red.

But that's the color of clothing for officials of the third rank or above, so it's unlikely they'll be wearing it anytime soon.

As a summer resort, the Tanghuai Palace was only used for less than two months a year. Therefore, its construction was not as grand and imposing as the imperial palace. It had fewer halls and was more focused on pleasing garden scenery.

Pavilions, terraces, artificial hills and rocks, artificial lakes and gardens are everywhere.

When Shen Li met the emperor, he was with Consort Zheng, and it appeared that the consort was serving him in reviewing memorials.

"Your Majesty and Your Highness, I pay my respects." Shen Li stepped forward and bowed.

Consort Zheng's first reaction upon seeing Shen Li was heartache. The image of the goddess that she had finally managed to forget resurfaced before her eyes, and she was so distressed that she lacked the strength to confront Shen Li.

"Li girl, get up quickly. I was just praising you to the Imperial Concubine. You quelled the rebellion without firing a single shot when the rebels occupied the city. You are truly a hero among young people, and a woman who is just as capable as any man." Emperor Cheng smiled as he saw Shen Li.

"Your Majesty flatters me."

"The divine physician you brought has also made a great contribution. When we return to the capital after the epidemic has been completely eradicated, I will reward you handsomely."

"Thank you, Your Majesty. It is all thanks to Your Majesty's teachings that things have gone so smoothly. I dare not take credit for it."

"My beloved concubine, look at her, doesn't she speak with the same tone as her father? Perhaps she can become a Grand Secretary in the future," Emperor Cheng joked.

Consort Zheng looked listless and could only offer a dry laugh in response.

"Your Majesty is joking, I dare not accept such praise." Shen Li said this, but in his heart he thought that a cabinet minister was a second-rank official and could wear red.

Even if she puts her heart into it, it might not be impossible.

"Of course it's a joke. It's better for a girl like you to live a peaceful and stable life than anything else."

Emperor Cheng then asked, "After the rewards are distributed and you return to the capital, I will discuss with everyone who went there. I would like to ask you whether you wish to return to the Hanlin Academy or continue as an imperial censor?"

"I am of limited talent and learning, and I would still prefer to return to the Hanlin Academy to study." Shen Li had already made up her mind before she came.

The Hanlin Academy was indeed the best school for becoming an official, and she certainly hadn't learned it yet.

"To achieve such success and still remain so humble, such a child is truly rare." Emperor Cheng praised her while asking Consort Zheng, "What do you think, my beloved consort?"

"Your Majesty, I wholeheartedly agree." Consort Zheng's smile was insincere, and her praise of Shen Li was also quite insincere.

"Then you shall continue your studies at the Hanlin Academy, but your official position as Censor will remain unchanged. You will still be a member of the Censorate in the future," the Emperor ordered.

After all, an imperial censor is half a rank higher than a Hanlin scholar. Shen Li has made great contributions, so there's no reason for him to be dismissed. It's not a big deal to keep his post while also serving as an official.

"Your Majesty, I am grateful for your great kindness. I will certainly study diligently and live up to your grace."

"Alright, let's go check out the inner palace. Little Fourteen has been looking forward to your return to teach him to draw all day long."

Shen Li then bowed and said goodbye, "Your subject takes his leave."

The names and landscapes of the various parts of the palace are generally elegant. The Empress's residence is named Songhexuan, and the fourteenth prince, Li Che, lives with the Empress because he is still young.

Shen Li always had to pay her respects to the Empress before seeing Li Che when she entered the palace, which she was used to. However, she rarely bumped into Li Heng.

Led by a palace maid, Shen Li entered the garden, crossed a small bridge, and entered a corridor when she saw Li Heng come out. He seemed to be angry and was talking to a eunuch beside him.

"This little thing is getting more and more disobedient. When I ask him to do something, he starts lecturing me. He really doesn't know his place."

The little eunuch chimed in, and Li Heng was about to say something when he saw Shen Li walking towards him, so he immediately put away his indignant expression.

"I heard that Sister Shen contracted the plague in Xuzhou. Is she well now?" He asked with concern, his eyes scanning Shen Li up and down.

Compared to her previous cautious and composed demeanor, Shen Li now exudes a brighter and more dignified air, and her official robes make her even more captivating.

He would eventually have her enter the palace to accompany him, and even if she belonged to Gu Chang'an now, she would definitely be his in the future.

"Your Highness, I thank you for your concern. I have recovered after some time."

Shen Li felt a pang of regret when she saw him get up and walk away. His injury had healed too quickly; he hadn't even left any lasting health problems.

Looks like we'll have to go even further next time.

I need to discuss this with Lin Wan'er later.