The newly bathed emperor smelled of soap, mixed with a faint scent of water vapor, fresh like after a rain.
The maidservants lit palace lamps, and Yin Wuzhi carried the emperor back along the corridor to the Taiji Hall.
Following Jiang Wu’s instructions, Yin Wuzhi placed him on the dragon bed and pulled the quilt over his chest.
Perhaps because he had just soaked in the bath and his body was completely relaxed, the emperor appeared somewhat harmless at this moment.
“Beloved Minister Yin.”
Yin Wuzhi withdrew his earlier thought.
“Go fetch the medicinal oil and massage my hand.”
“I don’t know how.”
“Learn.”
Yin Wuzhi went to find Qi Huanmiao to get the medicinal oil.
While waiting for him to return, Jiang Wu began to feel drowsy. Having been a wandering soul for so long, he had little concept of time but vaguely felt that Yin Wuzhi had been gone too long.
Just as he was about to fall asleep, there was finally movement outside. Yin Wuzhi said to him, “Imperial Physician Gu is here.”
Jiang Wu, half-lidded eyes, knew Yin Wuzhi likely didn’t want to deal with him, so he intentionally invited the Imperial Physician while fetching the oil. But Jiang Wu was too sleepy to argue with him.
Imperial Physician Gu, after paying his respects, approached and asked, “Where is Your Majesty injured? May I take a look?”
“My hand.”
The emperor, lazy as ever, hummed in response but didn’t move his hand. Imperial Physician Gu had to personally lift the quilt and take his hand.
Earlier, Qi Huanmiao had informed him that Jiang Wu had a bruise. Yin Wuzhi added lightly, “It’s very serious.”
Now, seeing the bruise, Imperial Physician Gu instinctively looked at Yin Wuzhi, his eyes questioning: “?”
Yin Wuzhi’s expression didn’t change. He nodded slightly, indicating, “Yes, this is the spot.”
Imperial Physician Gu: “…It is quite serious.”
He had only been assigned to serve the emperor last month. Perhaps, as a physician, he had seen much and wasn’t easily fazed, but while this injury might not seem significant to others, the fact remained that it was the emperor—a person of great stature. It was natural for him to be a bit more delicate.
Upon hearing this, Qi Hanmiao’s expression immediately grew worried. “The imperial physician is skilled; see if you can remove it. Seeing His Majesty like this truly breaks one’s heart.”
“It can’t be removed so quickly.” With that, Gu Yan looked again at the injury and indeed felt it was quite serious. On the emperor’s fair wrist, it certainly marred the appearance. He said, “Let’s apply some bruise-healing oil and take it slowly.”
After checking the emperor’s pulse and confirming there were no other symptoms, he retrieved a small porcelain bottle from his medical kit and instructed, “Apply this oil once a day, massaging it into the injury. In about seven days, it should heal.”
He deliberately extended the recovery time, knowing that the emperor was delicate and unlike ordinary people. For others, it would only take three to five days—or rather, for others, it would heal on its own without all this fuss.
He gestured for Yin Wuzhi to take over, but Yin Wuzhi said, “Imperial Physician Gu, why don’t you demonstrate?”
Gu Yan hesitated.
Jiang Wu, still half-asleep, said lazily, “Beloved Minister Gu.”
“Yes, Your Majesty.”
“He doesn’t know how. Show him how to do it.”
Imperial Physician Gu had no choice but to say, “I apologize for overstepping, but please bear with me, Your Majesty.”
Since it was a demonstration, it naturally required an explanation. He carefully instructed Yin Wuzhi: “First, do this—pour the medicinal oil into your palm and rub it quickly to warm it up.”
As he spoke, he demonstrated, being particularly detailed because of his responsibility to the emperor. “Once you feel the warmth in your palms, you can press them onto the injured area. The patient might feel some pain, but the warmth from your hands will quickly dispel the discomfort… How does it feel, Your Majesty?”
Jiang Wu replied, “Mm… It feels very comfortable.”
His large eyes narrowed into crescent shapes as he softly said, “Beloved Minister Gu, your hands are so soft.”
“It’s the effect of the medicinal oil. To avoid rough hands injuring the affected area, it contains ingredients that soften the skin.” Seeing that Jiang Wu was pleased, Gu Yan continued, “Then, like this, gently push outwards from the bruised area. The movements should be controlled; too much force will hurt the patient, while too little may not be effective…”
The sound gradually faded.
Gu Yan’s palms were red from the rubbing, while Jiang Wu’s wrist was very pale and delicate, resembling a piece of jade lotus root. The skin, now glossy from the medicinal oil, formed ripples under the pressure of Gu Yan’s fingers, looking like freshly steamed, soft, and elastic rice cakes.
Gu Yan focused on his task, and so did Yin Wuzhi.
Jiang Wu let out a soft sound of contentment; every push and rub from Gu Yan turned into an enjoyment. He turned his head to look at the young Gu Yan and suddenly recalled that it was also this person who had treated his neck wound last time.
“Imperial Physician Gu, you’re truly a miracle worker, saving me once again.”
Gu Yan continued to gently massage the bruised area and softly replied, “It is my duty to serve Your Majesty.”
Jiang Wu glanced at Yin Wuzhi from the corner of his eye: “Beloved Minister Yin, have you learned?”
Yin Wuzhi’s eyelashes fluttered.
“Coincidentally, my calf is feeling sore. Let’s use this as a test for you.” The massage seemed to have reinvigorated Jiang Wu: “Use the method that Beloved Minister Gu just explained to massage me.”
Gu Yan hesitated slightly.
Was this gesture of the emperor’s an act of favor or a humiliation?
He lowered his eyes and could clearly sense the drop in temperature around Yin Shizi, but the emperor had given his orders. Despite his resistance, he walked to the end of the bed.
Lifting the covers, a long leg was revealed underneath. Yin Wuzhi sat at the foot of the bed and placed the leg on his lap.
Jiang Wu’s leg was as fair as his arm, and when Yin Wuzhi placed his hand on it, it felt like warm, smooth jade.
His calf had a very graceful curve, more filled out than his arm… If this were massaged with medicinal oil, it wouldn’t create ripples but rather a wave of white.
Jiang Wu kicked him lightly: “What are you waiting for?”
Yin Wuzhi lowered his eyelashes and wrapped his fingers around the calf, silently giving it a squeeze.
The flesh of the calf squeezed between his fingers but didn’t overflow because the skin was too elastic, leaving something to be desired.
Jiang Wu kicked him again: “Lighter.”
Yin Wuzhi, being a warrior rather than a man of finesse, found it difficult to find the right amount of pressure that would please the emperor.
Exhausted, Jiang Wu lost the energy to kick him again: “Too light, it tickles. Do you even know what you’re doing?”
Gu Yan sighed and kindly advised Yin Wuzhi: “If the Shizi truly doesn’t know how, simply wrapping both palms around the calf and applying gentle pressure should also alleviate the soreness.”
What soreness did this emperor have to alleviate after lying around all day?
Yin Wuzhi remained silent.
“Forget it.” Jiang Wu gave up, saying with evident contempt, “Yin Wuzhi, you truly are a fool.”
Yin Wuzhi released his grip, his gaze cold: “I am a minister, not a servant.”
“Imperial Physician Gu is not a servant either.”
“Each has their own expertise…” Gu Yan quickly changed the subject: “Your Majesty, may I check on the wound on your neck? Has it improved?”
“Mm.” Though Jiang Wu agreed, he did not move his neck.
Gu Yan hesitated for a moment, then, as if to follow through with his words, gently lifted Jiang Wu’s chin to examine the wound carefully. After a thorough inspection, he withdrew his hand and reassured, “The scab is almost gone. Remember to apply the medicine regularly, Your Majesty, so it doesn’t leave a scar.”
“Alright.” Jiang Wu obediently agreed, and Gu Yan, satisfied, picked up his medical kit and said, “Your Majesty should rest early. I shall take my leave.”
After Gu Yan left, Jiang Wu completely lost interest in Yin Wuzhi. He ordered him to place his leg back under the covers and said, “I’m going to sleep now. Later, go to the imperial study and deal with the memorials.”
Finally relieved of this burdensome task. Jiang Wu had initially tried reading some of the memorials himself after arriving. It was then that he understood how the emperor, confined within the palace, could be aware of the events in the kingdom and what it truly meant to be an emperor.
It was a very intricate and complex process.
First, the officials would report what they saw and heard. For example, if they noticed that certain ministers were particularly friendly, they would note that in the memorials. Of course, this was usually unintentional, with the official documents typically detailing who hosted what event, who attended, and what transpired.
Many memorials were presented each day, even reporting on trivial matters like King Dingnan’s missing dog.
For instance, the emperor would extract key information from different reports: King Dingnan’s dog is missing.
In bold: It was a war dog that had always accompanied King Dingnan shizi, had suffered battle wounds, and earned merits.
Alright, that’s the event.
Next, the emperor must interpret the language and tone used by different officials to determine if they were friends or enemies of King Dingnan.
Of course, it might be hard to discern from a single memorial, but over time, these fragmented pieces of information would reveal patterns. The officials’ attitudes toward those they disliked or were close to would become clear. The emperor would then use this understanding to gauge loyalty and identify any budding factionalism among his court… and take appropriate action. His response could directly impact the distribution of official positions and the balance of power in the court.
It might sound simple, but the information wasn’t just in the memorials. During court sessions, the emperor also had to observe the expressions and tones of his officials to see if they matched their written personas. If he encountered someone particularly sly and inscrutable, he might have to summon them for a one-on-one audience… with no guarantee of success.
The above is just the tip of the iceberg of the emperor’s daily mental exercises. This doesn’t even account for when major issues arise, and the ministers might all have different opinions, each more persuasive than the last. The emperor must sift through the sea of suggestions, drenched in the saliva of his officials, to find the one decision that is foolproof, beneficial to the country and its people. A wrong choice could mean disgrace for eternity.
Ah.
Anyway, after running all of this through his mind, the despondent monarch decided to just give up.
What emperor? What Son of Heaven? He wasn’t fit for any of it.
Please, let this wretched soul die in peace.
After conceding this thought, Jiang Wu felt much more at ease, even though he had never been particularly tense. Now, he was simply more relaxed.
But Yin Wuzhi couldn’t understand.
As previously mentioned, the memorials submitted to the emperor contained details about the affairs of the entire nation. Wasn’t the foolish emperor worried that he might discover some military secrets?
After all, he was just a young shizi, holding a position in the Ministry of War, but clearly lacking the qualifications.
Could it be… a test of his loyalty?
Yin Wuzhi said, “I fear my knowledge is insufficient and may not be up to the task.”
Jiang Wu didn’t respond.
Feeling even more at ease, he drifted off to sleep.
Cold weather made for good sleep, and Jiang Wu slept deeply.
The rain came and went throughout the night, and early the next morning, Jiang Wu was woken up by a gentle voice.
Qi Hanmiao’s voice was soft, but it lingered like a ghostly whisper: “Your Majesty, Your Majesty, Your Majesty…”
Jiang Wu felt despair.
He hated being woken up, especially in cold weather when the warmth of the bed was the only comfort he had left in this world.
It alone could provide him with irreplaceable happiness.
He groaned miserably, “Go away.”
Qi Hanmiao sighed, “Your Majesty, it’s time for court.”
“Not today.”
“…Your Majesty, you’ve only attended court three times this month, and you fell asleep on the throne twice. The officials are already waiting outside in the cold rain. Many of them are elderly—would it not be a sin if they caught a cold?”
Jiang Wu felt profoundly sad, “Tell them to go home.”
“…They’ve been waiting since the end of the third watch. Now it’s well into the fourth watch. Please, Your Majesty, have mercy and see them.”
Jiang Wu, utterly miserable, said, “I’m not feeling well.”
“Then where does it hurt, Your Majesty? Shall I summon the Imperial Physician?”
“…Yesterday.” Jiang Wu frowned, “Beloved Minister Yin hurt me.”
Qi Hanmiao: “…”
He turned around to see Yin Shizi, who had not slept all night, sitting expressionlessly at the table, dark circles faintly visible under his eyes.
“Ahem.” Qi Hanmiao approached him, but before he could speak, Yin Wuzhi coldly said, “Attend court if you wish.”
This kingdom wasn’t under the Yin family’s rule anyway.
Qi Hanmiao said, “Shizi, you’ve been on the battlefield since childhood, witnessing the suffering of the people. If today’s court session is delayed…”
Yin Wuzhi: “.”
“Even King Dingnan arrived at the end of the third watch.”
Yin Wuzhi glanced at the rain outside, thinking of his father and teacher waiting under umbrellas. Suppressing his anger, he strode to Jiang Wu’s bedside and coldly said, “Your Majesty, it’s time for court.”
“No…”
Yin Wuzhi reached out and yanked him up. Ever since arriving here, Jiang Wu had never been treated so roughly, and the pain of losing sleep made his shoulders tremble.
Yin Wuzhi instinctively released him, his pupils dilating slightly, “You…”
The usually emotionless Jiang Wu suddenly showed an incredibly vulnerable side, as if he were a child who had lost his candy, full of grievances.
“Let me… sleep… five more minutes…”
