Chapter 59
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He was taken aback by those eyes and unconsciously averted his gaze.
The mist was thick, and Chu Xie soon pushed aside this strange feeling and began pondering Zhao Lingqu’s situation. As warmth flowed through his body, he slowly succumbed to sleep and leaned against the emperor.
An hour later, Jiang Yanchi finally fished Chu Xie out of the water, and he didn’t call for any maids. Instead, he used a towel to dry the water from Chu Xie’s hair, gently dressed him in soft inner clothing, and wrapped him in a thick blanket before carrying him back to the main hall.
Chu Xie was too light.
With his tall and slender figure, he felt limp in Jiang Yanchi’s arms like a small bundle.
Chu Xie was frail and always deeply asleep, difficult to wake. The emperor realized that this couldn’t go on for long and felt concerned. After placing him on the bed, Jiang Yanchi kissed his forehead and then climbed onto the bed himself.
The room was still filled with Chu Xie’s favorite fragrance, a sweet-scented cypress.
The emperor snuggled closely to him and managed to sleep soundly for the whole night.
The following morning, Chu Xie woke up very early, as the sky began to lighten. He saw Jiang Yanchi preparing to go to court, with maids gently helping him adjust his jade belt.
Chu Xie was still half asleep and blinked his eyes lazily, only then realizing he had entered the palace the previous night.
When he heard some noise, Jiang Yanchi asked, “Are you thirsty?”
Chu Xie didn’t respond, so the emperor instructed a maid to bring him a cup of warm water. Chu Xie was feeling so exhausted that he guzzled down an entire cup of water. He then turned over and went back to sleep.
Jiang Yanchi asked the kitchen to prepare some hot porridge and medicine for when Chu Xie woke up. The maid was told to take good care of him, and Jiang Yanchi got ready to attend the morning court. He was about to leave but was stopped by Chu Xie.
“Jiang Yanchi.”
Addressing him directly by name was not a good sign.
“What is it?” The emperor’s voice was somewhat indifferent. “At this hour, I have to go to the morning court.”
Chu Xie propped himself up on his elbow, stifled a yawn with his hand covering his mouth and nose, and said, “I entered the palace, and I’ve agreed to the marriage. You must fulfill your promises.”
Jiang Yanchi’s gaze subtly changed.
Taking a few steps closer, he dismissed the maids who were wiping Chu Xie’s hands with a wet cloth and the palace servants who were about to enter the room for dressing and grooming. He stood tall on the side of the bed and asked, “What do you want to do now?”
“If you continue to let someone surnamed Zhao control 150,000 troops, then I won’t agree.”
“Do you want me to strip Zhao Lingqu of his 150,000 military power?” Jiang Yanchi frowned. “Why?”
“Because he wants to kill me,” Chu Xie’s voice was cold and firm. “So I want him dead.”
He spoke so bluntly.
“He wants to kill you…” Jiang Yanchi was skeptical. “How do you know he wants to kill you?”
“What, you don’t believe me?” Chu Xie smirked but not really, “You accused me of going back on my word. Jiang Yanchi, let me return the words you once said to me—”
Chu Xie grinned, and his two white canine teeth were particularly striking, like a cunning little fox with twisted thoughts. “Do you think I’m a bridge you can dismantle after crossing the river?”
“I just want to help you find out why he wants to kill you.”
“You said it so nicely at the beginning… that I should take you as my blade, kill all the people I want to kill in the world… and now, when I ask you to kill Zhao Lingqu, why don’t you agree?”
Jiang Yanchi never expected Chu Xie to be so unreasonable, and for a moment, he was speechless. He stared at Chu Xie with his dark eyes for quite a while before asking, “Then at least tell me how he plans to kill you.”
“If you’re really deceiving me, saying one nice thing after another, forget it. If you won’t kill him, I’ll do it myself.” Chu Xie seemed to have no intention of arguing with him. Seeing that he hesitated after a few more questions, he immediately became furious. “I don’t believe that without you, I can’t even kill a deputy general in a county town!”
Jiang Yanchi was startled by his words and quickly tried to stop him. “I didn’t deceive you. I…”
What’s going on?
Why is Chu Xie today acting more unreasonably than usual?
Before he could think it over more, Chu Xie had already dressed himself. Jiang Yanchi spoke in a stern tone, “Where are you going?”
Chu Xie sneered, “It’s almost time for the morning court, Your Majesty. If you’re not attending, I have to.”
Jiang Yanchi was alarmed when he heard that Chu Xie was planning to go to the court. He realized that Chu Xie might have been contemplating it all along, and the conversation this morning was just a test.
He hurried to stand in front of Chu Xie. “You can’t go to the court.”
Chu Xie squinted slightly; the morning wind was cold. He lazily tucked his fair hands into his sleeves. “What’s the matter, Jiang Yanchi? Do you think your position as emperor is very stable?”
“Chu Xie, Zhao Lingqu is a hero of the Battle of the Northern Barbarians. It doesn’t make sense for a hero not to be rewarded but killed. Because I haven’t firmly secured the throne yet, you have to consider the bigger picture…”
“Make sense?” Chu Xie raised his right eyebrow. “I don’t act according to reason. I don’t want to make an enemy of you, but if you won’t follow my wishes, then don’t stop me.”
With that, he grabbed the little emperor’s hand, raised it, and left the bedroom with an imposing demeanor.
Jiang Yanchi felt a headache coming on. He thought about Chu Xie’s past actions and realized the situation wasn’t looking good. He hurried to catch up and stopped Chu Xie just before he could enter the court.
“How about this, let’s compromise. I promise to find a way to strip Zhao Lingqu of his command, but you have to promise me not to kill him.”
Chu Xie’s beautiful eyes glanced around and he said in a casual tone, “Alright.”
Jiang Yanchi saw that Chu Xie agreed, but he still had concerns. He held Chu Xie’s hand tighter. “You should go back!”
Chu Xie pretended to look shocked, gazing at his own hand held by Jiang Yanchi, and said, “If I’m not going to court, how can I be sure you’re not deceiving me again?”
“And how can I know whether you’re deceiving me? If you do something sly and force me into a corner again in the court—”
Chu Xie smiled gracefully, the other hand covering the back of Jiang Yanchi’s hand, giving a gentle illusion. However, his smile was chilling, “If you don’t trust me, then don’t trade with me.”
“Even without you, I can still kill him.”
Chu Xie sneered, seeing Jiang Yanchi not letting go, he gave him a disdainful glance, “Your Highness, time is running out.”
“Don’t worry, I won’t do anything too outrageous. Besides, with you, the emperor, you can mediate. But if I’m not satisfied with the result, our cooperation… will end here.”
Having said that, he entered the front hall where the emperor would soon be in the meeting.
For a while, Chu Xie hadn’t appeared in the court. With the suspicion of assassinating Duke Rongguo hanging over him and the assistance of Zhenguo Marquis using a clever strategy, he had transformed into the future empress of Great Wei with the status of a eunuch.
This Chu Xie was truly admirable.
As he entered the hall, only the sound of his footsteps could be heard, as quiet as a pin drop.
The emperor soon entered the hall.
Today’s discussion was about the grand plan to deal with the northern invaders. The court officials debated, the civilian officials argued, and the military officials rebutted. First, there was a long debate about whether to fight or make peace, then there was a half-day argument over the mobilization of troops.
Chu Xie had ordered a chair to be brought in early on and was already seated, listening to the discussions, feeling almost bored to death.
As it approached noon with still no conclusion, they finally heard Zhao family’s proposal: “Why not refrain from moving troops and let the deputy general guarding Huaiqi County pursue the enemy…”
Jiang Yanchi’s eyes flicked over to Chu Xie, who was now looking sharp.
“Zhao Lingqu used to be just a gatekeeper in the western border two years ago. He was promoted to a minor commander recently,” Chu Xie spoke with arrogance. He didn’t even bother to stand up; he leaned on one side with his hand supporting his head. “Can you expect a person like him to win another battle? It’s either pure luck or that he didn’t win in the first place. Why are you suggesting that he goes and follows up? Is it to send him to his death?”
“The strategy you propose is flawed. Huaiqi County is easy to attack and difficult to defend, with a complex terrain that lacks defensible positions. The victory in this battle cannot be explained merely by luck,” remarked someone in the court.
“Oh, then why not speak plainly?” Chu Xie’s expression remained calm. His gaze swept over to Xu Chunmu, with a cold and indifferent look that made Xu Chunmu feel quite unfamiliar. “This kind of ingenious military strategy and skillful formation is clearly a plan devised by Young Marquis Xu, not something a junior lieutenant could come up with.”
The entire hall erupted in astonishment.
Xue Shangshu questioned, displeased, “Do you have any evidence, Zhangyin?”
“Do you have evidence that this military strategy was conceived by Zhao Lingqu?” Chu Xie countered, creating a trap. “Why not have Your Majesty, summon Lord Zhao to the capital to explain this matter thoroughly.”
“He is engaged in frontline combat, how can he be summoned to the capital at will!” Xue Shangshu shook his beard angrily. “Clearly, you are just causing trouble! You can’t stand to see the rise of the Zhao family!”
“The military formation used by the reinforcements is Xu’s Eight Diagrams Formation, and the weapon used is Xu’s skillful application of rockets. Everyone knows that Huaiqi County is easy to attack and difficult to defend, and I ask how a gatekeeper can win such a difficult battle—he clearly stole someone else’s tactics. Because if he doesn’t win, he must lose his head. Because he made a military pledge, he had to seek help from Young Marquis Xu to save his life. Young Marquis Xu has a compassionate heart, unable to witness innocent deaths and unwilling to see the county fall into ruin—thus, he handed over the credit.”
This statement left the hall in complete silence.
Even Xu Chunmu himself was extremely shocked.
“Zhao Lingqu deceived the emperor and should be put to death,” Chu Xie said each word slowly. Before his words had even faded, Grand Tutor Su finally spoke with a faint voice.
“Lord Chu has a silver tongue,” Grand Tutor Su’s gaze fell calmly on Chu Xie. “But I wonder if you still have the Chen family’s case on your hands, and whether you are qualified to intervene in the affairs of the court defending against external enemies.”
“Your Majesty, think twice, do not be misled by the villain’s distorted words. If a general who has won a victorious battle is suspected because of his humble origin, then Lord Chu, who is not from a prestigious family and holds the position of Zhangyin, may have borrowed the merits of others. Does this not also commit the crime of deceiving the emperor?”
“Then you tell me, whose merits have I borrowed?”
Chu Xie was silent for a moment, then looked at Su Mingan. “Could it be, Grand Tutor Su.”
“I am only pointing out that Lord Chu’s argumentation lacks reason. Just as Lord Chu did not borrow anyone’s merits, Deputy General Zhao, too, won the battle with his own abilities,” Su Mingan’s voice was steady, and he did not appear flustered by Chu Xie’s insinuations.
Private discussions erupted in the hall once again.
Jiang Yanchi also felt a bit of a headache. He suddenly remembered the words Chu Xie had said to him last night.
— “If you treat him as me to fulfill his wishes, you will only be constantly pushed into the abyss.”
— “If this version of me disappears, Your Majesty… let go of Chu Xie.”
His head was still throbbing faintly as he watched the person in the hall who was unwilling to compromise even an inch.
After a while, he looked at Xu Chunmu. “Young Marquis Xu, what is your opinion?”
Due to Jiang Yanchi’s question, the hall fell silent again.
Chu Xie interjected, “Marquis Xu, is 300,000 troops enough for you to defend against the Northern invaders?”
Grand Tutor Su’s expression remained unreadable, with only a slight furrowing of his brows.
Jiang Yanchi hesitated in his words.
He called him Marquis Xu, not Young Marquis Xu. Everyone knew that both Xu Yi and Xu Chengjin had already been executed. Now, the two grandchildren of the Xu family, Xu Changling and Xu Chunmu, should follow the order of seniority, and Xu Changling should inherit the title of marquis.
But the 300,000 troops had been under Xu Chunmu’s command all along. Now, with the Xu family having the suspicion of treason, the emperor clearly didn’t want to easily hand over all the military power. He wanted to allocate some of it.
The meaning behind Chu Xie’s words just now was not only to preserve the military power in Xu Chunmu’s hands but also to ensure that he ascends to the position of Marquis Zhenguo.
Xu Chunmu cast a meaningful glance towards Chu Xie, which made him feel uneasy.
“Your Majesty, I am aware of my guilt,” Xu Chunmu spoke softly, “and I dare not leave the capital easily.”
Grand Tutor Su’s eyes changed noticeably, and Jiang Yanchi’s expression softened.
Chu Xie was shocked when Xu Chunmu refused his proposal.
“……?”
I went to great lengths to secure you 300,000 troops for your self-defense and an opportunity to make your way to the capital, but you turned it down completely?
Chu Xie gritted his teeth, his voice low and each word heavy, “Little Marquis, have you thought this through?”
“Yubei Wang’s son, Jiang Silan, is a talented military leader. If Your Majesty is skeptical of the newly appointed Deputy General Zhao, you can order the Shizi to lead the troops. It will surely not disappoint Your Majesty.”
Jiang Yanchi’s expression softened as he looked at Chu Xie, who was still stunned.
Fortunately, Xu Chunmu was sensible.
Just as Jiang Yanchi was about to speak, Chu Xie turned slightly, casting a somewhat dangerous look towards the young emperor.
“Let the military power temporarily be under the command of Yubei Wang. If he can defend against the Northern invaders, it will be a significant achievement. Young Marquis, for now, stay in the capital. We’ll allocate a mansion for you. Today’s discussion stops here.”
At least he considered Chu Xie’s presence and chose a moderate approach. However, Chu Xie’s expression didn’t look good, and his brows were tightly furrowed after the court session.
Xu Chunmu had intended to say a few words to him, but Chu Xie turned and left without looking back.
He quickly stuffed a note into Chu Xie’s hand and whispered, “I have something to tell you.” The two planned to meet briefly, exchanging polite pleasantries.
He found a secluded spot to unfold the note. On it were written a location and time, hastily scribbled and messy, clearly written in a hurry.
Xu Chunmu, with his stubborn head.
He crumpled the paper in his hand.
Originally, he intended to ignore it and stand him up, but upon second thought, he decided to meet him and advise him to use the 300,000 troops for self-preservation.
Opening the note again and remembering the specified time, he returned to the mansion. After burning the note, Jiang Yanchi happened to enter shortly after.
To start the conversation, he didn’t mention anything about court affairs. Instead, he ordered someone to bring a cup of warm porridge and snacks, saying, “I haven’t seen you eat anything for breakfast. Are you starving? Quickly, have something to eat first.”
It was true, he really was hungry.
Chu Xie touched himself and drank about half of the porridge. Sure enough, another bowl of thick black medicine was pushed over.
“I won’t drink it.” Chu Xie glanced at Jiang Yanchi sideways. “My injury has long been healed.”
“I’ve said it before, this is not a medicine for injuries—”
“People with psychological problems won’t drink it either.”
Chu Xie frowned tightly, looking extremely displeased. “I don’t want to drink, and I won’t.”
The emperor knew that today he can’t soothe his temper. Now, he could only endure his temper for the time being and said, “At least I followed your suggestion to strip Jiang Lingqu of military power. You still need to be a bit reasonable…”
“Jiang Yanchi.” Chu Xie suddenly stood up, smashing the bowl in his hand to the ground. “Don’t forget, I was the one who let you become the crown prince in the first place! When you were ignored in the cold palace and no one cared about you, who would have bothered if you died in there! I brought you out of that place where even ghosts wouldn’t want to stay! What kind of life did you lead before, and what status do you have now…”
These words were sharp and pierced straight into the heart.
The emperor’s hand hidden in his sleeve tightened, and his brows furrowed.
Listening to these words, his face turned somewhat pale.
“Now you’re standing together with Su Mingan, blocking me. You play this act really well! Why did you marry me? You said you would help me kill people, didn’t you? It’s just Zhao Lingqu, a lowly life!”
His nails deeply embedded in his hand, leaving several bruised marks, but the little emperor’s face remained calm. He calmly said, “Today it’s Zhao Lingqu, what about tomorrow… If you want to kill because of hatred, it shouldn’t be such indiscriminate killing, Ah Xie. Being in a high position is inherently beyond one’s control, and how can I not be cautious? You, talking about me being with Su Mingan, if I were with him, why would I insist on marrying you—”
“Then don’t marry me!”
Chu Xie shouted sternly.
Jiang Yanchi lowered his head and looked at the debris on the ground, feeling a discomfort in his chest.
When he raised his head again, he seemed to see a hint of apology in Chu Xie’s eyes. He asked, seemingly aware, “Ah Xie, do you really think so?”
Reaching out to hold Chu Xie’s hand, Jiang Yanchi’s hand was dodged, but he managed to grab a corner of Chu Xie’s sleeve. “Is that how you talk because something doesn’t go your way?”
Chu Xie noticed that even though he was behaving in this manner, the young Emperor was enduring without getting angry. It was only when Jiang Yanchi held his sleeve that he didn’t leave in anger.
Deeply sighing to himself, Chu Xie turned his back, saying indifferently, “You said you could help me kill people, so I agreed to marry you. Do you think I like you? Or do you think that marrying you means I’ll be completely submissive to you and undergo some miraculous transformation from now on?”
“Jiang Yanchi, I never make a losing deal.” Chu Xie stood with his back to the young Emperor, but his brows were slightly furrowed, and his expression was not as ruthless as his tone. “I don’t like you, and you shouldn’t have any expectations. If you regret it now, you still have time. Don’t harbor any unreasonable hopes. I am Chu Xie, and you shouldn’t expect me to be as benevolent and accommodating as I was in the night. You have married me, and from now on, you can only fulfill your promise and kill for me. There is no room for negotiation.”
He finished speaking and even chuckled.
“Don’t forget, it was you who insisted on liking me.”
The room fell silent.
A long time passed, and there was still no sound from behind. Chu Xie’s legs were beginning to ache from standing for so long, and he thought the person might have left. He turned slightly to look, only to see the young Emperor still sitting in the same spot, staring blankly at the shattered porcelain on the ground.
The figure was silent, with no expression on their face. They seemed lost in thought, appearing pitiable from a distance.
Had he been too harsh?
Chu Xie wondered.
Sensing Chu Xie’s gaze, the young Emperor’s desolate eyes slightly retracted, assuming an indifferent posture.
“Let me think about it again.”
Chu Xie’s heart relaxed slightly. “Alright, take your time and think about whether you want to marry me or not, while it’s not too late—”
“I’ll think about how to help you kill Zhao Lingqu.”
“……?”
Jiang Yanchi’s voice carried a hint of weariness as he supported his forehead with his hand. “But, this is the last person. Chu Xie, I like you, and I want to avenge you, kill those people who deserve it and release your inner torment. But that doesn’t mean I will unconditionally indulge you…”
The young Emperor stood up and drew a clear line between them, his eyes gradually determined.
Step by step, he approached, pushing Chu Xie against the wall.
“Zhao Lingqu is the last one. You also need to maintain your boundaries. The one you helped ascend to the position of Crown Prince is still the Crown Prince. The one who ascended to the throne amidst adversities is still the Emperor. I don’t want to hear this again today. After we get married, I won’t allow you to recklessly take lives due to momentary anger or impulsiveness.”
Jiang Yanchi, who had a somewhat irritable temperament, managed to remain calm in his speech, but his eyes were filled with fury.
“You never learn to be reasonable, so I will teach you.”
After finishing his words, he ordered someone to prepare another bowl of medicine and issued an order, saying, “You will drink this medicine, whether you like it or not.”
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