Chapter 103:
After asking, Jiang Juan gripped the brocade quilt, nervously pinching a fold.
He lowered his head, possibly from rubbing against the railing; his hair was half loose and half tied up, and his pale neck was partially covered. Under the dim, yellow light, he looked like a beauty painted on sheer silk, delicate and easily crumpled or melted with a touch.
“Are you going to play or not?”
Xue Fangli remained silent for a long time, making Jiang Juan’s heart race. This kind of play was different from their usual fun. He was genuinely embarrassed and a bit annoyed at himself for not getting an answer.
“If you’re not going to—” Before he could finish his sentence with “forget it,” everything suddenly spun around. Jiang Juan was pushed down onto the bed, Xue Fangli’s clear, bony fingers gripping his chin. Xue Fangli’s gaze was lowered, a dangerous smile playing on his lips, “Play with my fingers?”
“Play where?”
Jiang Juan’s eyelashes fluttered, “The place… you played last time.”
Xue Fangli pretended not to understand, “Hmm? Where did we play last time?”
“There are so many places you’ve touched, I can’t remember.”
Jiang Juan’s gaze wandered. Knowing that Xue Fangli was pretending, he pushed Xue Fangli’s hand away, “You don’t even know where to play? How useless.”
Xue Fangli gave him a sly look, leaning in as if to kiss him but stopping just short. He gently brushed aside the black hair on Jiang Juan’s shoulder and caressed a red mole on his neck, his voice sultry, “Here?”
Jiang Juan didn’t respond. Xue Fangli’s fingers drifted downward, as if to massage Jiang Juan’s chest, but touched a different spot, “Here?”
Jiang Juan’s soft eyelashes fluttered, his eyes glistening, but he remained silent.
Soon, Xue Fangli grasped Jiang Juan’s waist, which was slender and supple. Xue Fangli always found it irresistible.
“Here?”
Jiang Juan, buried in the quilt, shook his head randomly. His black hair spread out, his face flushed with color.
Seeing his denial, Xue Fangli’s hand began to explore again, more forcefully this time.
Suddenly, Jiang Juan’s eyes widened. Xue Fangli lowered his gaze, smiling nonchalantly, “Is it here?”
After a moment’s pause, Xue Fangli moved his fingers slightly, “Or here?”
“No…”
Of course, Jiang Juan had to put up a polite resistance.
“Not here?”
Xue Fangli looked at him with regretful tones, “Then forget it.”
As he spoke, he seemed about to pull his hand away. Jiang Juan, feeling distressed and not wanting him to leave, instinctively clamped his legs shut.
“What’s wrong?”
Xue Fangli was quite pleased with Jiang Juan’s attempt to keep him but still asked calmly, “What’s wrong? Didn’t you say we couldn’t play here?”
Jiang Juan wouldn’t admit it, “…I didn’t.”
Xue Fangli studied him for a moment and then kissed Jiang Juan, but it was a light, fleeting kiss, “You said it.”
This annoying person was doing it on purpose.
Jiang Juan licked his lips, feeling quite frustrated.
“Play with me, and do it quickly. You can play anywhere you want.”
Jiang Juan spoke in a voice so soft it was almost a whisper.
Xue Fangli knew how to torment Jiang Juan, and Jiang Juan knew his weak points. He looked at Xue Fangli and called out in a sweet, almost cat-like voice, “Husband…”
His voice was sticky and clingy. Xue Fangli paused in his actions. Jiang Juan, slowly, asked, “Husband, am I not fun? Why aren’t you playing yet?”
Since he had asked so directly, there was no need for further politeness. Xue Fangli’s gaze grew harsher.
…
These repeated “Husband” calls allowed Jiang Juan to regain some ground but also left him crying for a long time.
What was supposed to be just once turned into several times.
Xue Fangli only took this as an opportunity to push further.
After an indeterminate amount of time, Jiang Juan’s eyelashes fluttered, and he shook his head vigorously. He resisted, saying, “I don’t want this, I don’t want…”
Xue Fangli kissed him in a soothing manner, his voice hoarse, “I’m not touching you.”
Jiang Juan had cried for so long that the corners of his eyes and the tip of his nose were red. Tears clung to his eyelashes as he angrily asked, “Is this what you call not touching?”
Xue Fangli chuckled softly, his crimson lips curling up, “This is just rubbing.”
The next day. The late Emperor’s death had occurred, and the new Emperor was returning to the capital.
The news had long reached the capital, and it was no longer decorated with festive lights but draped in mourning attire and ceremonial banners, creating a sea of white.
Gu Yunzhi and Jiang Sentao had returned to the capital first, leading the civil and military officials who had been waiting here for a long time.
“Long live the Emperor—long live the Emperor for ten thousand years—!”
Upon seeing the young new Emperor, all the officials knelt and paid their respects in unison, their voices echoing like thunder.
Jiang Juan, who had been swaying and sleeping in the carriage, was jolted awake. He lifted the curtain and looked outside. Xue Fangli was receiving the homage.
Riding at the front, Xue Fangli’s robe billowed in the wind, making a rustling sound. The golden phoenix embroidered on his garment seemed ready to fly, dazzling and radiant. Though he had red lips and white teeth, his overall demeanor was cool and had a strangely alluring quality.
Bastard.
Jiang Juan secretly cursed him in his heart.
He had barely slept the previous night, unable to rest properly, fearing the well-known scam of “just a little rub.” Jiang Juan had to stay alert and cautious, dreading that he might be lulled into submission, which was truly frightening.
It was too intense and definitely very painful.
Despite Jiang Juan’s strong resistance, they didn’t go all the way, but Jiang Juan was still held and tormented for a long time. The inner thigh was even chafed, and he walked uncomfortably in the morning.
Fortunately, Xue Fangli was accustomed to carrying him around, so when Jiang Juan was carried onto the carriage in the morning, no one paid much attention.
“Stand up.”
Xue Fangli lazily spoke, then, catching sight of something, he slowly added, “Prime Minister Li, I didn’t tell you to stand up. Stay kneeling.”
Prime Minister Li shuddered.
When he came to receive the new Emperor, his eyelids had been twitching uncontrollably.
To be precise, Prime Minister Li had been quite uneasy recently. On the day of the crown prince’s enthronement, he had advised Minister Li against it and used the crown prince consort’s background as an argument. The plan failed, and Minister Lihad acted on his own, pushing the crown prince consort down the stairs!
If Emperor Hongxing were still alive, his daughter—Imperial Consort Mei—might have still managed to say a few words. But now that Emperor Hongxing had passed away, not only was it up to him, but even his daughter had to rely on this new Emperor.
If Xue Fangli were to hold Prime Minister Li accountable for this matter, neither Prime Minister Li, Imperial Consort Mei, nor the Eldest Prince would escape unscathed!
Thinking of this, Prime Minister Li felt a chill in his heart. His forehead pressed tightly to the ground, cold sweat dripping steadily, and his trembling hands barely held him up as he anxiously awaited the new Emperor’s response.
“I’ve heard that you’re not very satisfied with my Empress?”
Xue Fangli spoke in a flat tone, as though merely making a casual inquiry. However, since he had brought it up specifically, it was clearly not just a casual question.
“No, that’s not the case at all.”
Prime Minister Li forced a dry laugh, “It’s my mistake for not recognizing Your Majesty’s greatness. I didn’t realize that the Empress…”
At this point, Prime Minister Li realized that the new Emperor was referring to the “Empress,” not every Crown Princess could become an Empress. Since the new Emperor mentioned it, then this Crown Prince Consort would indeed become the Empress!
This showed how high Jiang Juan’s position was in his heart!
Prime Minister Li was already panicking, and this revelation made his cold sweat pour even more heavily. “I did not recognize the greatness of the Empress. I was mistaken. The Empress is indeed the most worthy match for Your Majesty. It is truly a match made in heaven!”
He stifled his frustration, trying his best to flatter. Xue Fangli seemed pleased and showed interest, “Go on.”
Prime Minister Li was momentarily stunned, then he braved it and continued, “The Empress’s nature is pure and kind, while Your Majesty is decisive. Together, you balance each other perfectly, complementing each other’s strengths. This is a blessing for the state and joy for the people!”
Xue Fangli smiled, “Continue.”
Prime Minister Li : “……”
“You and the Empress, you two, you two are a match made in heaven…”
Prime Minister Li, after much thought, estimated that the new Emperor enjoyed hearing praise about his match with the new Empress. However, Prime Minister Li was at a loss for words on how to continue. After waiting for a moment, Xue Fangli, growing impatient, clicked his tongue softly. Prime Minister Li felt a shiver run down his spine, sensing impending doom.
Sure enough, the next moment, the new Emperor spoke in a leisurely tone, “Forget it. It’s evident that a few words can’t fully express our compatibility. Since that’s the case, Prime Minister Li, you shall stay in your residence for these few days and properly write a detailed account for me.”
With just a casual remark, Xue Fangli dismissed Prime Minister Li clearly showing his disdain.
Prime Minister Li was stunned. The new Emperor’s succession was a time of many affairs, and being asked to stay at home during such a time meant he was no longer needed. His future in politics would undoubtedly be fraught with difficulties.
Prime Minister Li, filled with regret, could only comply, “Yes, Your Majesty. I will write it diligently.”
Xue Fangli nodded, then turned his gaze away, no longer looking at him. “Depart.”
The procession began moving again. The officials who had accompanied him stayed at the end of the line, while only Prime Minister Li remained. Xue Fangli did not permit him to rise, and even when everyone had left, Prime Minister Li dared not stand up, remaining kneeling in place for a long time.
This scene seemed like a mere act of the new Emperor tidying up past grievances towards the new Empress, but it was clear to all that the new Emperor was also warning them.
— The Empress is not to be trifled with!
He is someone he holds dear!
Only the Empress himself, Jiang Juan, was somewhat confused.
How did he become the Empress all of a sudden?
Wasn’t he just recently made the Crown Prince Consort?
This promotion seemed a bit too rapid.
With the new Emperor ascending the throne, it was time to move into the palace, and Jiang Juan was also sent inside.
However, Xue Fangli had many matters to attend to and went to the Imperial Study, while Jiang Juan went to Xue Fangli’s palace from his younger years.
— Lingguang Palace.
Jiang Juan had previously stayed in the palace once before and had intended to visit again, but he never managed to. This time, he did arrive, but he was so exhausted that he couldn’t even think about exploring Xue Fangli’s past. Instead, he collapsed onto the bed and almost immediately fell asleep.
“Good grandson.”
In his drowsy state, Jiang Juan heard Bai Xuechao calling him. He barely managed to open his eyes and saw Bai Xuechao approaching.
“Grandfather.”
Jiang Juan was extremely sleepy, but Bai Xuechao misunderstood and said affectionately, “Were you scared yesterday?”
Bai Xuechao had only gone to Qiulu Mountain and spent a night there. When he returned to the capital, he found everything had changed drastically. Concerned for Jiang Juan, he hurried over without delay.
Jiang Juan wasn’t terribly frightened, but he couldn’t admit that he was exhausted from Xue Fangli’s activities. He could only say, “…It wasn’t too bad.”
Bai Xuechao managed a strained smile, “It’s my fault.”
After learning the full details of the palace upheaval, Bai Xuechao felt deeply remorseful.
Qi Xiuran had been saved by him, and the Eldest Princess’s conspiracy wasn’t without some signs. Previously, Qi Xiuran—or rather, the Eldest Princess—had sent a message to Fengqi Mountain, apologizing for the marriage arrangement and mentioning the Peach Blossom Spring. She inquired about Bai Xuechao’s views and expressed a desire to create a Peach Blossom Spring, hoping for his assistance.
Bai Xuechao had ignored it.
When he arrived in the capital, Qi Xiuran, under the guise of Su Feiyue, came to visit. Bai Xuechao did not see him, assuming they would understand his stance.
The Peach Blossom Spring was a beautiful and harmonious fantasy, but Bai Xuechao saw only the EldestPrincess’s hatred in her words, knowing she was seeking revenge for Su Feiyue.
Bai Xuechao, now in his seventies or eighties, was nearing the end of his life. He had seen so much, and the most painful moment was the early death of his proud disciple.
The death was agonizing and filled with regret.
It took away his passion and sincerity.
Not long after, Bai Xuechao, disheartened, resigned from his official position and retreated to the mountains.
People called him the “Snow Sage” and praised his high moral character, but ultimately, he was just a mortal. His proud disciple had died, and Bai Xuechao chose to retreat in bitterness, no longer caring about worldly affairs.
Bai Xuechao had gone to Qiulu Mountain to visit Su Feiyue.
He had intended to offer Xue Fangli some advice to be wary of the Eldest Princess, but things had taken a sudden turn. He didn’t expect the Eldest Princess to be so bold as to secretly gather troops over the years.
Ultimately, it all came down to that year when Su Feiyue had just died. Bai Xuechao had accidentally saved a man covered in arrows from the river.
Su Feiyue wanted to live, but he died. The person Bai Xuechao saved also wanted to live, but his identity doomed him to death.
—If Emperor Hongxing wanted him dead, he had to die.
At that time, Bai Xuechao thought of him as another pitiful soul.
Under the suggestion of the Eldest Princess, Bai Xuechao asked a renowned doctor from Jiangnan to make a human skin mask.
Thus, Qi Xiuran ceased to exist, and Su Feiyue, due to an old case and his prolonged discontent, eventually changed his disposition and became a pleasure-seeker.
The young man who was once full of ambition disappeared from the world in another form.
Bai Xuechao sighed deeply, “If only I had warned earlier, things might not have turned out this way…”
“The Eldest Princess, she truly is foolish!”
Jiang Juan shook his head, “Grandfather didn’t foresee this either.”
Bai Xuechao gave a bitter smile. The old man, who had been so spirited yesterday, now showed signs of aging, “If you were to encounter any misfortune, I…”
Having experienced the pain of sending a loved one off, Bai Xuechao didn’t want to go through it again. Just speaking of it made him weep.
“I would never forgive myself!”
Jiang Juan looked at him, feeling a pang of sorrow.
In the original plot, the character who shared his name had already bitten his tongue and committed suicide. Bai Xuechao never appeared in the story except for this single event.
—Marquis Anping and the protagonist shou had repeatedly sought an audience with Bai Xuechao, but he never met them.
How much pain must this old man have felt?
Jiang Juan hugged him, “Grandfather, I’m fine.”
Bai Xuechao patted his back, murmuring, “That’s good, that’s good.”
Jiang Juan wanted to lighten the mood with some amusing stories, but before he could say much, a maid rushed in with an urgent report.
“Your Majesty, Imperial Consort Mei and the Eldest Prince request an audience. They’ve prepared a banquet and invite you to join them.”
Note: the consorts mentioned now have different title, like they’re referred to as previous consort as they’re the wives of the previous emperor, but I can’t find suitable titles for them so let’s stick to same title.
Before Jiang Juan could process this, another maid hurried in.
“Your Majesty, Imperial Consort Mei and the Sixth Prince are also here. They say the lotus flowers in the palace have bloomed and invite you to take a stroll.”
Jiang Juan: “?”
What’s going on?
What is Xue Congyun planning?
This isn’t over yet.
Not long after, a maid came in carrying a stack of invitations. “Your Majesty, Lord Zhang, Lord Yu, Lord Song, Lord Jiang… have all come to request an audience with you.”
Jiang Juan: “???”
He was bewildered. “What do they want with me?”
Jiang Juan didn’t understand these things, but Bai Xuechao did. He chuckled softly, “They’re showing some insight. They know who is truly influential now—whether it’s the new Emperor or Empress. It’s wise to come and ingratiate themselves.”
Author’s Note: Salted Fish Juan: Arrogant Fish.jpg
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