How could someone be unhappy living in a matriarchal society?

Chapter 143 Misunderstanding

Since becoming the Empress's general, Chu Ci has often had to accompany the Empress, spending most of her time in the palace and working longer hours than before.

Fortunately, there weren't many urgent matters in the palace, so Chu Ci was mostly quite leisurely.

At noon, a special restaurant was set up in the palace for the officials to dine.

However, Shi An hoped to have lunch with Chu Ci.

Therefore, Chu Ci would rush home on horseback every day around noon.

Fortunately, Chu Ci's home was not far from the palace; it only took a quarter of an hour to get there on horseback.

After all, the more expensive the rent, the closer it is to the palace.

This noon, Shi An specially made a dish of oil-splashed noodles for Chu Ci.

The noodles were very chewy, and paired with the spicy chili oil and fragrant scallion oil, the taste was absolutely delicious.

Chu Ci ate with great relish, devouring five large bowls in one go, only putting down his chopsticks when he was completely satisfied.

In contrast, Shi An's appetite was much smaller; he felt full after eating only a small bowl.

Seeing Chu Ci eat so many noodles, Shi An couldn't help but feel curious. He gently touched her stomach and asked with a smile, "Where did all these noodles go, my lady?"

Seeing this, Chu Ci took Shi An's hand and gently kissed it, saying, "If my wife gets fat, will you still like me?"

"Of course, I don't care about those things."

Chu Ci smiled after hearing this, "I do wish you could gain some weight, you're still too thin right now."

Shi An pouted, he had his own thoughts, "Men look better when they are delicate and graceful."

Chu Ci pinched Shi An's waist.

Shi An exclaimed "Ah!", her face slightly flushed. "My lady, it's still daytime..."

Chu Ci sighed deeply, looked at Shi An with some worry, and said, "You've become so thin, and you're still eating so little."

Hearing this, Shi An felt a little unconvinced and pouted as she retorted, "I eat my fill at every meal, I haven't eaten less than I should."

Seeing that Shi An was somewhat unhappy, Chu Ci didn't say anything more, but simply replied, "Alright, let's not talk about this anymore. You know what's going on."

In reality, Chu Ci was quite happy at that moment.

Because she likes Shi An to occasionally throw a little tantrum, it means that Shi An feels very safe and secure when he is around her, and doesn't have to be overly cautious.

After finishing his meal, Chu Ci hurriedly got up and prepared to ride his horse to the palace.

Shi An silently walked to the door and quietly watched Chu Ci's departing figure, a feeling of reluctance rising in his heart.

Thinking back to when Chu Ci was in the army, although he couldn't go home for lunch, he finished his duty very early every day and could get home before it got dark.

Although those days were simple, they were filled with warmth and happiness.

Now...

Although they live very close to home and can go home for lunch, they get home very late at night. Usually, they just wash up and go straight to bed. It's been a long time since they've spent time together doing anything.

Shi An couldn't help but feel a little disappointed and sad.

However, his wife told him that he could learn more about the truth behind the confiscation of the Shi family's property in the palace.

Thinking about this, Shi An felt that this little discomfort was bearable.

Back at the palace, the Empress was still asleep.

She tiptoed back to her position and stood quietly, waiting for the Empress to wake up.

Just then, the beautiful female official came out from the inner palace.

As she passed by Chu Ci, she suddenly looked up at her and asked in a low voice, "Didn't you stay in the palace for lunch?"

Chu Ci nodded. "I went home for lunch."

Upon hearing this, the female official frowned slightly, a hint of doubt in her eyes. "Why is that? Is it because the food in the palace doesn't suit your taste?"

Chu Ci shook her head and explained frankly, "That's not it. I just prefer the dishes my husband makes."

Her voice was calm and natural, as if it were the most ordinary thing in the world.

Lin Shuyue couldn't help but show a hint of surprise when she heard this answer.

Clearly, she had not expected Chu Ci to give such a reason.

Her gaze was fixed on Chu Ci, as if trying to glean more information from her face.

"Do you...like your husband very much?"

Chu Ci answered without hesitation, "Of course."

Her voice conveyed a genuine emotion that made it impossible to doubt her words.

Lin Shuyue lowered her head and remained silent for a while, lost in thought. Then she raised her head, and for a moment, her gaze towards Chu Ci became unusually complex.

Chu Ci was taken aback by her sudden gaze and couldn't help but ask, "What's wrong?"

Lin Shuyue simply shook her head silently, then turned and left without saying a word.

Chu Ci frowned, seemingly puzzled by Lin Shuyue's reaction.

However, she quickly adjusted her emotions and regained her usual composure.

Not long after, the Empress slowly woke up and wanted to call Lin Shuyue in to serve her, but Lin Shuyue was not there.

Upon seeing this, the young eunuch standing to the side quickly stepped forward to ask the Empress if she needed anything.

After a moment's thought, the Empress ordered a eunuch to bring in Chu Ci.

After being summoned, Chu Ci entered the inner palace.

At this moment, the Empress was sitting in front of a mirror, being served by a group of eunuchs who were combing her hair.

She was holding a memorial to the throne in her hand, seemingly reading it.

The Empress, nearing forty, showed little sign of aging; instead, she exuded a mature charm that was breathtakingly beautiful.

After Chu Ci entered the room, the Empress noticed her arrival.

She slowly stood up, opened her arms, as if waiting for something.

Seeing this, Chu Ci was puzzled. She didn't understand the meaning behind the Empress's actions, so she subconsciously glanced at the eunuch standing next to the Empress.

But the eunuchs all kept their heads down and gave her no hints whatsoever.

Seeing that Chu Ci was standing still without moving, the Empress frowned slightly, revealing a hint of displeasure.

Chu Ci sensed the Empress's displeasure, hesitated for a moment, but finally steeled himself and stepped forward. He carefully stretched out his arms, picked up the Empress in one arm, and gently placed her on the bed.

The Queen was visibly surprised when she was picked up.

Her body trembled slightly, and she involuntarily raised her head, where Chu Ci's snow-white chin and pink lips came into view.

The Empress's gaze lingered on Chu Ci's face for a moment, but quickly moved away, and finally she was placed on the bed.

The next second, all the eunuchs seemed to be frozen in place, kneeling down in unison, their faces filled with fear and terror.

Upon seeing this, Chu Ci's heart sank, and he immediately realized that he must have done something wrong.