Chapter 63
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The official from the palace faithfully relayed this message to Xue Yuan.
Xue Yuan smiled gracefully, “Thank you for His Majesty’s grace.”
After the official left, he leisurely walked to the door of Second Young Master Xue’s room, looking at Second Young Master Xue, whose face was frozen with fear and trembling all over. His eyes were deep and profound.
Second Young Master Xue felt a chill run down his spine when he looked up and met Xue Yuan’s gaze.
The imperial physician who was checking his pulse stroked his beard and comforted him, “Please, Young Master Xue, don’t move.”
Half an hour later, after the imperial physician and palace attendants had left, Xue Yuan walked into Second Young Master Xue’s room leisurely. He sat down beside him, exuding an imposing aura, and glanced at the numerous medicinal herbs left by the palace attendants.
Feeling touched, Second Young Master Xue said, “Brother, take whatever you need.”
Xue Yuan chuckled and ordered the servant beside him, “Open the quilt and get two buckets of ice water to cool down Second Young Master’s fever.”
Although Second Young Master Xue was already covered with two layers of quilts in the scorching summer, the servant who heard Xue Yuan’s words seemed not to notice and directly pulled away the quilt covering Second Young Master Xue, then brought two buckets of cold water mixed with ice cubes and poured them all over Second Young Master Xue’s body from head to toe.
“Ah!” Second Young Master Xue screamed miserably.
Xue Yuan smiled sincerely and said, “Lin Ger, there’s something I need you to do for me.”
Second Young Master Xue’s teeth chattered, and he looked at Xue Yuan in horror.
Xue Yuan smiled faintly, “Can you stay sick until the Emperor goes to the summer palace?”
Second Young Master Xue sneezed violently.
“Come, get more ice water for Second Young Master Xue,” Xue Yuan suddenly stood up, his shadow looming over Second Young Master Xue’s bed. His voice was low and intimidating, “Let me tell you, if you can get out of bed and eat a meal before the Emperor leaves, I’ll cut off your tongue and break your hands.”
“But if you behave,” Xue Yuan said, “as for the shizi of Marquis Anle, insulting you as a cripple? Shall I cut off his fingers for you to play with?”
Second Young Master Xue was so frightened that he couldn’t speak properly, “Th-thank you, big brother.”
Xue Yuan really felt like he had become a good older brother. He looked at Second Young Master Xue with satisfaction, waited until Second Young Master Xue felt numb all over, then turned and left the room like lightning.
Second Young Master Xue breathed a sigh of relief. He looked at the two buckets of ice water brought in next to the bed, gritted his teeth, and thought of the arrogant face of the shizi of Marquis Anle, shivering, “Pour…pour the water over me.”
Five days passed in the blink of an eye.
During this period, there was a small incident. When the shizi of Marquis Anle went out for a trip, he unfortunately got separated from his servants and encountered robbers who stole his money. After robbing him, the robbers even cut off one of the Marquis of Anle’s thumbs.
This incident happened outside the city of the capital, within the jurisdiction of the city magistrate, but because it was too far away, the city magistrate couldn’t attend to it. It’s unclear how the shizi of Marquis Anle ended up in such a remote place, but that place was far away, with few people coming and going, making it difficult to investigate.
Even though Marquis Anle was furious, everyone knew that the culprits probably wouldn’t be caught.
Gu Yuanbai also heard about this incident. He frowned and secretly sent someone to strengthen patrols and enhance the defense of the areas that the city magistrate couldn’t attend to.
On the day of departure to the summer palace, Xue Yuan appeared in front of Gu Yuanbai on time.
He was wearing the uniform of a Marquis Douyu, looking somewhat tired. “I pay my respects to Your Majesty.”
Gu Yuanbai was casually dressed today, prioritizing comfort. He smirked as he walked past Xue Yuan, “If you’re worried about your brother, you don’t have to stay by my side.”
Xue Yuan followed Gu Yuanbai, laughing casually, “My brother is fine. It’s just that I feel uneasy receiving a salary from the Emperor while not being by his side.”
Gu Yuanbai seemed oblivious, whether he heard or not. He didn’t even glance at Xue Yuan, just climbed into the carriage. Xue Yuan stood alone by the carriage for a moment before stepping back and mounting his horse, riding alongside the Emperor’s carriage.
Once inside the carriage, after Gu Yuanbai gave the order, a long procession began to move. Behind the Emperor’s carriage and its guards, there were carriages of various princes, ministers, and royal relatives, along with their servants. The imperial guards surrounded them from all sides as they slowly made their way to the summer palace.
On the way to the summer palace, both the Emperor and the ministers couldn’t afford to neglect state affairs. There was no need for morning court sessions, but everyone had to handle government affairs in their respective carriages, and the Emperor occasionally summoned ministers to discuss state affairs in his carriage.
As a result, the efficiency of the ministers on the way to the summer palace was higher than usual.
Gu Yuanbai was a good employer; he didn’t overwork his subordinates. Occasionally, when they encountered beautiful scenery along the way, he allowed the procession to take a temporary break so that everyone could enjoy nature with their families. Sometimes they would climb mountains, play in the water, and explore local attractions, returning satisfied and relaxed.
Sometimes when the carriage window was open and the breeze carrying the scent of grass blew through, it was particularly pleasant.
Although the capital was close to the summer palace, even though the Emperor’s procession was long and slow-moving, after seven days, they all arrived at the summer palace.
The summer palace had many lakes and numerous scenic spots. Gu Yuanbai had been here two or three times before, but only this time was the most enjoyable. As the cool lake breeze blew, the sweat on his body dried instantly.
Gu Yuanbai dismissed everyone to go to their own mansions and rest for the next two days before starting work on the third day, just like in the capital.
After everyone dispersed, Gu Yuanbai had some water prepared to wash away the sweat from his body.
Meanwhile, Xue Yuan, who had been silent all along, looked at his figure and pondered heavily on how to have Gu Yuanbai keep him by his side.
During these seven days, Gu Yuanbai seemed to have completely ignored Xue Yuan, never giving him a moment of attention.
When he got on and off the carriage, he only called for Zhang Xu, the chief guard. When Gu Yuanbai’s fair hand was occasionally held by the chief guard, who was loyal and dedicated, he didn’t withdraw it unless Gu Yuanbai did.
But when it came to Zhang Xu, Gu Yuanbai didn’t see it as crossing a line. However, when it came to Xue Yuan, Gu Yuanbai didn’t even regard him.
Gu Yuanbai must have noticed something.
Xue Yuan knew it all too well.
The only chance for him to stay by Gu Yuanbai’s side was this trip to the summer palace.
After bathing, changing into inner garments, and resting for a while, Gu Yuanbai called someone in.
Tian Fusheng brought him warm tea, and after taking a few sips, Gu Yuanbai felt somewhat relieved. “The windows in there were tightly closed, making me uncomfortable.”
“The palace attendants in the summer palace can’t compare to those in the capital,” Tian Fusheng said. “They’re a bit careless. I’ll teach them how to work properly today.”
Gu Yuanbai had another cup of tea and exhaled a warm breath. After his clothes were neatly arranged, he walked out of the palace.
Tian Fusheng suggested, “Your Majesty, if you find the palace uncomfortable, there are open-air pools in the summer palace. Soaking in them should be more to your liking than staying in the palace.”
“Oh?” Gu Yuanbai’s interest was piqued. “I’ll check it out next time.”
Gu Yuanbai hadn’t been able to enjoy the summer palace on his previous visits due to the weight of his responsibilities, so he wasn’t familiar with it.
Later, Gu Yuanbai went to visit the Wan Taifei’s residence and paid his respects to her.
After returning from Wan Taifei’s place, Gu Yuanbai finally had some free time.
He planned to take a two-day break for himself, except for urgent matters, everything else could wait.
In the summer palace, there was an island in the middle of the lake that resembled the appearance of the Taiye Pool in the Great Ming Palace.
The island was surrounded by cool breezes on all sides, and even in summer, one could feel the coolness of autumn. After lunch, Gu Yuanbai boarded a boat with some attendants and leisurely headed towards the island in the lake.
The summer palace was built by the previous dynasty, and when it reached the present dynasty, the name was changed accordingly. The founding Emperor renamed it as Nanhu Island.
Nanhu Island was neatly arranged, but Gu Yuanbai’s body couldn’t withstand fatigue. Before the boat even reached the island, he had already fallen asleep with the swaying of the boat.
To avoid disturbing the Emperor, the boat continued to circle around Nanhu Island. When Gu Yuanbai woke up, most of the attendants had already turned pale, showing signs of seasickness.
Gu Yuanbai was still feeling groggy and dizzy. He rubbed his forehead and stepped onto the shore, nearly losing his balance due to the swaying boat.
Xue Yuan steadied him without changing his expression, helping him onto the shore. His arm was incredibly strong, and Gu Yuanbai hardly had to exert any effort to stand steadily on the ground.
He asked hoarsely, “How long did I sleep?”
Xue Yuan replied, “For a little over half an hour.”
Gu Yuanbai felt dazed, finding it hard to believe he had only slept for half an hour. Pushing away Xue Yuan’s support, he turned to look at Tian Fusheng, who had already completely passed out, feeling uncomfortable and unable to move near the boat.
Gu Yuanbai shook his head helplessly. “Anyone feeling unwell, go back and rest.”
Tian Fusheng, struggling and tearful, said, “But Your Majesty—”
Xue Yuan smiled, “Steward Tian, His Majesty still has me by his side.”
In the past, Tian Fusheng would have admired Xue Yuan, feeling reassured with him by the Emperor’s side. But now that he knew the Emperor intended to distance himself from Xue Yuan, he didn’t know whether to let Xue Yuan stay by the Emperor’s side or not.
Tian Fusheng glanced at the Emperor, and Gu Yuanbai noticed his gaze, saying casually, “You may go back.”
Tian Fusheng respectfully replied, “Yes.”
Those who couldn’t hold on any longer were sent back by the boatmen. The chief guard also felt uncomfortable, but he insisted on staying by Gu Yuanbai’s side.
Gu Yuanbai led the way to the pavilion, where he sat down to rest for a while. When everyone’s complexion improved, he continued to lead them forward.
Xue Yuan remained silent along the way, but when he bent down to brush away the willow leaves above Gu Yuanbai’s head, he suddenly spoke, “Your Majesty.”
Gu Yuanbai glanced at him sideways.
Xue Yuan smiled faintly and extended his hand towards Gu Yuanbai, “It’s steep ahead, Your Majesty. Hold onto my hand.”
Among the attendants, none could match Xue Yuan’s vigor. While everyone else felt a bit drained from the circles around the water, Xue Yuan seemed as fresh as when they first set out, even more so than Gu Yuanbai, who had just woken up.
Gu Yuanbai withdrew his gaze, as if casually remarking, “Official Xue, I am a man.”
Xue Yuan understood that Gu Yuanbai was reminding him. The Emperor was a man, and Xue Yuan shouldn’t harbor such thoughts towards another man.
Even if the Emperor’s body was weak and his appearance was good, he was still the most respected man in the world.
He was the ruler of the country, with desires and ambitions for power, a man who exuded dominance and charisma from his very bones. Xue Yuan couldn’t help but understand that this was the reason why he felt so deeply conflicted.
Xue Yuan smiled as he withdrew his hand. “When Your Majesty needs it, I’ll assist you again.”
After the steep section, they heard the sound of flowing water. As they approached, they saw a clear shallow lake flowing gently, ripples forming on its surface as a breeze blew.
“Your Majesty, would you like to cool off in the water?” Xue Yuan asked. “This spot is quite nice. Look at the flow of the water; it should only reach chest height.”
The group of sweaty individuals were all tempted, eagerly looking at the Emperor.
“How’s the water temperature?” Gu Yuanbai asked.
Xue Yuan approached and tested it. “It’s mild. Your Majesty should find it acceptable.”
Gu Yuanbai’s eyelids twitched, feeling a sense of déjà vu. He crouched down, reached out to touch the water, and was somewhat surprised as he looked at Xue Yuan, “It’s just right…”
After being exposed to the sun all day, the water was pleasantly warm, providing an exceptionally comfortable temperature for swimming.
The person who previously couldn’t feel the heat when hot water was poured on their hands, now can clearly sense even the temperature of the water in the wilderness lake.
Gu Yuanbai couldn’t help but look at Xue Yuan’s hand in the water.
Xue Yuan’s fingers remained still, allowing the Emperor to see clearly.
He looked at the black, soft hair on Gu Yuanbai’s head. But even the softest hair and the gentlest face couldn’t conceal Gu Yuanbai’s ruthlessness.
Xue Yuan thought to himself, his heart was nearly frozen.
He had been kicked, trampled, and even slapped in the face several times before. He had climbed onto the dragon bed, kissed the lips, and even touched.
But now that he knew he liked him, why did Gu Yuanbai want to transfer him away?
Xue Yuan was also a person. Although he would never take a step back, he couldn’t help but feel unhappy about it.
Gu Yuanbai came back to his senses and let the attendants cool off in the water while he walked ahead along the flow of the water, finding a quiet spot that was just the right size.
He took off his inner garments and swam a few laps, feeling satisfied.
Gu Yuanbai lazily leaned against the shore, and there were quite a few yellow flower petals from the summer flowers scattered on the water’s surface.
“Plop.”
Gu Yuanbai opened his eyes and saw that Xue Yuan had already taken off his outer robe and entered the water. He was swimming towards the deeper end. Gu Yuanbai watched him for a while, then closed his eyes.
After a while, Gu Yuanbai suddenly felt the water around him move. He looked up and saw Xue Yuan approaching, waves rippling around him as he stopped in front of Gu Yuanbai.
Xue Yuan reached out, picked up a yellow flower petal from Gu Yuanbai’s neck, and put it in his mouth.
This flower petal had been stuck to the Emperor’s neck for quite some time, and Xue Yuan had been watching it for a while. Now, he finally tasted it, his eyes squinting with the sweetness.
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