Chapter 55.2 Chip Chip Chip Chip…
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The lack of capable military leaders was a great sorrow for the Di Dynasty.
Even Li Jinyu, within the palace, received reports of both Beiyue Pass and the southwest erupting in warfare.
Huo Caiyu made sure to compile a detailed report for the Emperor, organizing all matters that passed through his hands. This way, even if the Emperor didn’t attend court, he would have a firm grasp on the happenings within the court.
Given the magnitude of the situation, Li Jinyu couldn’t spare a thought about whether he might be pregnant. Since that night with Huo Caiyu, it was the first time he had encountered someone and summoned Huo Caiyu over. “Huo Aiqing, what are your plans?”
After a long separation, Huo Caiyu finally laid eyes on his beloved again. His gaze instinctively focused on His Majesty but soon regained composure. He replied softly, “This official plans to personally go to the border, but the candidate for the southwest hasn’t been decided yet.”
“You want to go to the border?” Li Jinyun was momentarily surprised and blurted out, “Why not let Chi Zhongming go?”
Wasn’t Chi Zhongming in charge of guarding the border in the novel?
Huo Caiyu’s fingers subtly curled, feeling a tinge of bitterness. It seemed His Majesty had grown distant, not even entrusting him with the task of defending the border.
“Chi Zhongming is indeed skilled at defense. This official intends to bring him along this time, but he lacks influence among the troops. It might be challenging to gain their support. With Jiao Kingdom launching a fierce attack, our first wave of defense requires unity and no room for errors,” Huo Caiyu explained softly, and in the end, he couldn’t help but add, “This official has unwavering loyalty to Great Di. He is prepared to defend the border for Your Majesty even at the cost of his life. Please rest assured.”
Li Jinyu’s head felt muddled as he gazed blankly at Huo Caiyu.
It wasn’t that he doubted Huo Caiyu’s ability to defend the border.
It was just… he couldn’t imagine a life without Huo Caiyu, even for a moment.
The journey from the capital to the border was incredibly distant, enduring the illumination of countless cold moons even when riding at full speed. The border conflict was filled with hardships. Once Huo Caiyu left, how long would it be until his return?
Having spent over half a year in this world, nearly every day was accompanied by Huo Caiyu’s presence. Li Jinyu had grown accustomed to having Huo Caiyu by his side, accustomed to a simple call resulting in Huo Caiyu attentively taking care of everything…
He held onto the hope that Huo Caiyu would seize power and become the Emperor, liberating him from the constraints of this human body and allowing him to return to being a carefree hamster spirit.
But what would happen once he achieved that freedom?
Li Jinyu had never considered it before.
He couldn’t pinpoint when it happened, but he no longer wanted to entertain the thought of a life without Huo Caiyu.
However, defending the border was an immensely significant task, far more important than his own personal desires.
After a prolonged silence, Li Jinyu spoke softly, “If you go to the border, what will happen to the court?”
“Regarding court matters, this official has already promoted Zhou Wenyan and others to form an interim cabinet, temporarily assuming the role of Prime Minister,” Huo Caiyu naturally didn’t forget this aspect. “These individuals are reliable and loyal to this official. Your Majesty, please rest assured.”
So, they have reached a decision.
Li Jinyu’s gaze gradually dimmed, and he lightly scratched his ear, instinctively shifting the conversation. “What about the southwest?”
“This official hasn’t made up his mind yet about who will go to the southwest,” Huo Caiyu pursed his lips. “The rebellion in the southwest at this time must have a close connection with Jiao Kingdom. The person going there needs to act swiftly, accurately, and ruthlessly, resolving the situation in the southwest immediately to prevent any chain reactions.”
Jiao Kingdom’s arrival had been too sudden, happening before Huo Caiyu had the chance to completely cleanse all the corrupt aspects within the Di Dynasty.
If the situation in the southwest wasn’t addressed promptly, those who were secretly collaborating with Jiao Kingdom might become restless.
Even if the border was well defended, if the internal state of the Di Dynasty deteriorated, Huo Caiyu wouldn’t have the power to reverse it.
When Huo Caiyu mentioned “swift, accurate, and ruthless,” Li Jinyu’s first thought was of the “Ghost-Faced General” from the novel—Huo Caiyu’s elder sister, Huo Caijin.
Huo Caijin’s tactical style revolved around swift attacks, precise strikes at key points, and unconventional maneuvers, making it highly suitable for lightning-fast warfare.
It seemed incredibly fitting for the current situation.
However, Huo Caijin’s tactical style, much like the Ghost-Faced General herself, had been greatly influenced by the tragic events she experienced in the novel. Now, without Huo Caijin having gone through the series of unfortunate events depicted in the original story, did she still possess that same tactical prowess?
Li Jinyu felt uncertain, but after glancing at Huo Caiyu’s expression, he still raised the question. “What if we send your sister to the southwest?”
Huo Caiyu was contemplating suggesting to His Majesty to let Huo Caijin lead troops to quell the rebellion in the southwest—despite Huo Caijin’s lack of renown, having grown up together for twenty years, Huo Caiyu knew well her natural talent and tactics in military affairs, which might even surpass his own.
Dealing with the southwest rebellion required more than just military might. Strategic planning was paramount. In this regard, Huo Caiyu was confident that, among the generals remaining in the capital, except for General Meng, who was unsuitable for leaving the capital, no one could surpass Huo Caijin.
However, would His Majesty agree with this?
Promoting Huo Caijin, who lacked any military accomplishments and was also a woman, wouldn’t the Emperor view it as an abuse of personal power and nepotism?
Huo Caiyu tried his best to avoid creating a negative impression on the Emperor. He carefully chose his words, attempting to explain his sister’s natural talent in military affairs.
To his surprise, His Majesty brought it up before he could speak.
Huo Caiyu lifted his head in astonishment, thinking the Emperor was joking. However, upon seeing the Emperor’s serious expression, Huo Caiyu understood: His Majesty genuinely acknowledged his sister’s abilities and believed she could flawlessly handle the southwestern conflict.
His Majesty, even while confined within the depths of the palace, possessed knowledge of Huo Caijin’s exceptional skills, despite her never showcasing them anywhere before.
His Majesty possessed such incredible insight, but only Huo Caiyu remained unsure of his intentions.
Perhaps he didn’t wish to understand.
Huo Caiyu felt a mixture of pride and melancholy in his heart. “Your Majesty is wise. This official will arrange it soon.”
After saying those words, the hall suddenly became quiet.
Li Jinyu kept his head low, and Huo Caiyu’s gaze landed on him. Suddenly, both of them found themselves unsure of what to say.
Huo Caiyu was about to depart for the border soon, not knowing if he would be able to return. He greedily looked at His Majesty, wanting to engrave his image deeply in his heart.
Although Li Jinyu didn’t lift his head, he could sense the burning intensity of Huo Caiyu’s gaze, causing his inner turmoil to escalate.
He hadn’t fully grasped the meaning behind Huo Caiyu’s kiss earlier, nor was he certain if he would conceive. Facing Huo Caiyu, with whom he had spent a night, he felt that something had changed between them, breaking free from his previous state of comfort and making him instinctively yearn to escape.
However, with Huo Caiyu’s departure from the capital approaching, Li Jinyu felt a sense of reluctance in his heart.
He couldn’t pinpoint the origin of this feeling but knew that if given the chance, he would like to accompany Huo Caiyu, just like they did in Qingshui Prefecture.
However, he was no longer the naive and ignorant little hamster he was when they first went to Qingshui Prefecture.
Along their journey to this day, as the Emperor of the Di Dynasty, Li Jinyu had come to understand that he had many responsibilities to fulfill.
The two of them fell into silence for a while until Huo Caiyu suddenly extended his hand. “Please allow this official to check Your Majesty’s pulse.”
Li Jinyu paused for a moment before obediently offering his hand.
Huo Caiyu placed two fingers on Li Jinyu’s wrist, pondered for a moment, and then raised his head. “The medicine prescribed by the Ye clan earlier has caused some minor harm to Your Majesty’s body. During these days, Your Majesty need to take good care of the dragon’s body. This official has instructed his mother to prepare some health-preserving remedies, which have been given to Chief Kang. Remember to take them daily, Your Majesty.”
Li Jinyu didn’t feel any unusual sensations in his body, but he still followed the advice of the expert and nodded. “Zhen will remember.”
“There is another matter…” Huo Caiyu had initially planned to investigate thoroughly before reporting to Li Jinyu to avoid causing unnecessary alarm. However, since he was about to depart, he had to explain in advance, “Is Your Majesty aware that the dragon body has been poisoned?”
This time, Li Jinyu was genuinely taken aback. “Zhen has been poisoned?”
How did he not know about it?
“During Your Majesty’s previous visit to this official’s residence, his mother examined Your Majesty’s pulse and suspected that Your Majesty may have been afflicted with the ‘Sterility’ poison. However, since Your Majesty didn’t encounter any significant issues regarding intimate matters at that time, a definite diagnosis couldn’t be made.” Huo Caiyu’s gaze became somewhat inscrutable. After a moment of silence, he seemed to struggle with the words and continued with difficulty, “That night… This official discovered that Your Majesty was unable to engage in normal intimate activities, which compelled this official to commit an offense against the dragon body.”
Forced to bring up the events of that night, Li Jinyu was taken aback. Instinctively, he shrank back and felt a blush spreading behind his ears.
Huo Caiyu initially didn’t want to mention something that could remind Li Jinyu of unpleasant memories. However, in order to explain clearly, he had no choice but to speak up. “That night, while examining Your Majesty’s pulse, this official noticed unusual patterns, which confirmed the presence of the ‘Sterility’ poison. It hinders normal intimate activities for men and prevents conception for women. As this official is about to depart for the border and won’t have the time to investigate further, he urges Your Majesty to conduct a thorough inquiry to determine who wishes to harm Your Majesty.”
The purpose behind administering this ‘Sterility’ poison to His Majesty was quite clear—it aimed to bring an end to the Great Di’s royal lineage!
Such malicious intentions should not go unnoticed, and if Huo Caiyu had the time, he would have investigated thoroughly.
Despite being aware that raising the issue of “intimate difficulties” challenged His Majesty’s dignity and might provoke anger, Huo Caiyu couldn’t avoid it.
Since that night, His Majesty must have grown weary of him anyway, so adding this point wouldn’t make much difference.
Li Jinyu had no concept of intimate matters and lacked human’s peculiar sense of dignity, so he didn’t feel offended at all. He didn’t even understand the true meaning behind it.
After all, pet shops didn’t provide hamsters with educational information about their physiology or teach them about the importance of not living together. There were no experienced senior brother hamsters to guide them in such matters.
“Your Majesty can investigate the issues with the consorts before intimate activities.”
As Li Jinyu listened for a while, he became increasingly perplexed. According to Huo Caiyu, “intimate activities” seemed to be somewhat similar to what happened between him and Huo Caiyu that night… but how did it also involve the consorts?
Wasn’t being with the consorts just about them singing, while he peacefully fell asleep?
Could it be that he misunderstood something?
Realizing that there might be a difference in common knowledge here, Li Jinyu cautiously closed his mouth, intending to quietly gather information on his own.
After giving his instructions, Huo Caiyu looked at His Majesty, who still kept his head lowered and remained silent. He had the urge to reach out and gently touch His Majesty’s hair but forcefully restrained himself. “This official shall take his leave for now, Your Majesty… Take care.”
Yesterday, he had gathered the courage to confess his feelings to His Majesty, but now those sentiments were buried deep inside him, too afraid to bring them up. If it had been before, His Majesty could have simply laughed off his romantic daydreams. However, after disrespecting His Majesty’s dignity and then confessing his love, would His Majesty see his affection as an insult?
Huo Caiyu closed his eyes slightly, afraid that his reluctance would reveal his true feelings. With a firm resolve, he turned around and left.
Going on this journey meant risking his life, just like his father did. If he could die in battle, it would save him from many troubles.
Li Jinyu stared in silence at Huo Caiyu’s determined figure and moved his lips, wanting to call him back.
Earlier, it seemed that Huo Caiyu had something to say, but he held back the words that were on the tip of his tongue.
Li Jinyu had a mysterious sense that those words were undoubtedly important, so important that a voice inside him insisted he must listen — otherwise, he might genuinely lose Huo Caiyu.
However, an inexplicable fear caused him to shrink back, and ultimately, he could only watch as Huo Caiyu stepped out of the palace.
Unconsciously, Li Jinyu pressed his lips together, reassuring himself — tomorrow, tomorrow he would go and find out what Huo Caiyu wanted to say.
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