Chapter 42

The cold rain drizzled, and Chu Zhaoyou sat up, huddling in bed, gazing at the Regent in the darkness.

Xiao Heng, dressed in black, blended into the night, with only the jade buckle on his belt faintly glowing. After his morning court session, he suddenly felt the need to see Chu Zhaoyou and, after arranging important matters, ventured alone to Hualing Mountain.

After riding for half a day, he realized it was raining near Hualing Mountain. Disregarding the need for an umbrella, he left the horse at the foot of the mountain and used lightness skills to ascend.

The mausoleum was heavily guarded, exuding a desolate tranquility. Within the layers of the Imperial Dragon Guard’s enclosure lay Chu Zhaoyou’s residence.

Upon entering, Xiao Heng overheard two guards chatting. They mentioned that the grave robbers were skilled in martial arts. He immediately regretted not leaving more people to guard the mausoleum, wishing that Chu Zhaoyou didn’t have to stay in such a place, unable to sleep soundly at night.

Drenched and chilled, Xiao Heng didn’t dare approach Chu Zhaoyou. Instead, he stood a couple of steps away, as if he intended to stand there like a statue.

Chu Zhaoyou spoke, his voice soft, almost tender, “What are you here for?”

Xiao Heng was taken aback. He had expected Chu Zhaoyou to angrily question him, but the tone was unexpectedly amiable. Just the day before, they had argued, and afterward, Chu Zhaoyou had either ignored him or spoken harshly.

Seeing Chu Zhaoyou so tender, Xiao Heng momentarily wanted to embrace him tightly and give him a good rub. He recalled the last time they spent the night at the Funing Palace, where Chu Zhaoyou had willingly nestled into his embrace, holding on tightly.

Chu Zhaoyou was completely different during the day and at night.

Xiao Heng concluded that he genuinely felt like visiting often at night from now on. He found a suitable excuse, “Although I hold a grudge against the late Emperor, I didn’t dig the tomb. I’m afraid that some might intentionally pin the evidence on me. I need to personally clear my name.”

The Regent appeared righteous and unapologetic for intruding into the emperor’s  sleeping quarters.

Chu Zhaoyou pursed his lips, realizing it must have been his misinterpretation.

The Regent’s arrival had startled him, making him almost believe that Lu Huai was working for the Regent, passing on the contents of the copper scroll and then allowing someone in to “cure the poison.”

Chu Zhaoyou tugged at the blanket, blaming his uneasiness on feeling guilty after reading the copper scroll, causing him to overthink.

After hesitating for a moment, he asked, “Do you detest the late Emperor?”

Xiao Heng had never expected to set foot in the Chu imperial mausoleum. When Chu Zhaoyou asked, he felt a vein pulsing on his forehead. Despite this, he chose to speak the truth, “It’s a deep-seated enmity, but it has nothing to do with you.”

Chu Zhaoyou lowered his head despondently. Xiao Heng indeed knew about the He Xin Gu. Perhaps it had nothing to do with him before, but now, with his pregnancy, this enmity was related to him.

How could Xiao Heng tolerate being manipulated by the late Emperor a second time?

Chu Zhaoyou let out a subdued “Oh,” and asked, “So, why did you come to my room?”

Xiao Heng replied, “I’ve toured the entire mausoleum, and Your Majesty’s room is the best.”

Chu Zhaoyou detected a hint of “favor” in his tone and widened his eyes, “Are you trying to… drive me out?”

I’m carrying a child!

“No need.”

Sleeping together, even reluctantly, could work. Chu Zhaoyou glanced at the Regent, shocked. “Why are you taking your clothes off? I’m not taking mine off!”

Xiao Heng paused, looking perplexed. “My clothes are wet.”

Chu Zhaoyou blushed at being looked at. What was he doing tonight? “I just said that.”

Xiao Heng had initially intended to put on one of Chu Zhaoyou’s spare outfits casually. Suddenly, he changed his mind and, after drying off the water stains with a towel, wrapped himself in the blanket, shirtless, much to Chu Zhaoyou’s incredulous gaze.

The Regent’s openness made Chu Zhaoyou feel like he was a warm bed.

He sat stiffly, carefully maintaining a distance from the Regent.

The old dog was becoming shameless. The more patient Chu Zhaoyou was, the more the Regent pushed the boundaries. He only seemed to respect Chu Zhaoyou when they argued.

Chu Zhaoyou took a breath and realized that he didn’t have any intention of arguing tonight.

If someone had poisoned him with the He Xin Gu, causing his once sharp mind to deteriorate day by day, he would surely resent everything associated with it.

The late Emperor’s sins had to be atoned for by Chu Zhaoyou. He was truly pitiable.

Xiao Heng stared at what seemed like a small Chu Zhaoyou and grumbled, “I warm your bed, and you’re still not happy?”

Chu Zhaoyou immediately accepted this arrangement and slipped under the covers. “It’s just so-so.”

With an extra person in the bed, the warmth felt different.

Chu Zhaoyou thought he would sleep lightly, as he did earlier in the night, but soon, he unconsciously hugged the Regent and fell into a deep, sweet slumber.

Gradually, Xiao Heng realized that Chu Zhaoyou’s weight was pressing on him. There was only a layer of Chu Zhaoyou’s sleepwear between them, and he could distinctly feel… that Chu Zhaoyou had gained some weight.

Madam Zhao had some skill. He would reward Zhao Cheng later, repaying her kindness.

The Regent was very confident, insisting that he, still entangled in a difficult ruler-subject relationship with Chu Zhaoyou, should repay a favor to Chu Zhaoyou’s aunt.

Now that Lady Zhao had returned to Liangzhou, Xiao Heng would take over and ensure Chu Zhaoyou was fed even better. Speaking of Lady Zhao, a spy had reported that she was searching for a swordsman who wore red. Xiao Heng had a hunch that it was related to Chu Zhaoyou. To avoid coming up with infuriating answers, he decided to have the spy gather information and bide his time.

Unlike his icy and sculpted physique, Chu Zhaoyou’s slightly plump belly was soft, pressing against Xiao Heng, almost like a playful fox’s belly inviting a touch.

The Regent didn’t hesitate to touch it.

In his sleep, Chu Zhaoyou immediately tensed and moved away, wary.

What couldn’t be touched?

Xiao Heng, feeling unsatisfied, withdrew his hand, pulling Chu Zhaoyou closer.

…

The next morning, Xiao Heng woke earlier than Chu Zhaoyou. He gazed at Chu Zhaoyou’s rosy cheeks, feeling a sudden unfamiliar impulse.

He wanted to kiss Chu Zhaoyou.

The Regent, currently twenty-eight, unmarried, uninterested in miscellaneous books, and unenthusiastic about operas, seemed like a clueless youth of fourteen encountering a village girl in the fields. He unconsciously regulated his breathing, even using the techniques of a martial artist to conceal his presence, fearing that Chu Zhaoyou might wake up at any moment.

“Knock, knock—”

Xue, the eunuch, knocked on the door, only to find that His Majesty had actually locked the doors and windows. “Is Your Majesty awake?” he called.

Just a palm’s length away, Xiao Heng glared angrily at the figure outside, regretting his slow reaction and resenting Xue for waking them up so early.

Hadn’t he noticed that the little one was sound asleep?

Xiao Heng had completely forgotten that he had previously issued a command forbidding Chu Zhaoyou from sleeping in, even threatening to lift his blanket if he didn’t wake up.

Rubbing his eyes, Chu Zhaoyou saw Xiao Heng shirtless beside him and momentarily forgot to blink.

When he had reorganized the events during the day, the Regent’s actions were quickly distorted.

He could even change his demeanor while lying down. Chu Zhaoyou dismissed Xue and then glanced at the Regent askew, “Why are you sitting there once you’re awake?”

This was his territory. If the Regent was awake, he should leave.

Xiao Heng’s voice was hoarse, as if he was trying to calm something down. He closed his eyes and, gritting his teeth, said, “Please, Your Majesty, move your foot.”

Chu Zhaoyou reflexively twitched his toes, his face suddenly blushing. He silently huddled into the corner of the bed.

Being accustomed to sleeping alone, he could forgive anything.

Chu Zhaoyou buried his head in the pillow. “Aren’t you going to put some clothes on, Regent?”

Upon reflection, they were quite evenly matched.

Peeking out from the pillow, Chu Zhaoyou surreptitiously glanced at Xiao Heng. “I’m just taking a casual look. Last time, it was too dark for you to see properly.”

Observing Xiao Heng’s well-proportioned figure, Chu Zhaoyou’s hand under the covers subtly touched his own belly.

Gaining weight was unbearable.

With a glance, Xiao Heng noticed Chu Zhaoyou’s hostile gaze. It seemed that his previous night’s tenderness had been a mere illusion.

Knowing that teasing the cat would result in a bite, Xiao Heng seemed to be addicted to it, casting a disdainful look at the wet clothes on the floor. “I have no clothes to wear. Would Your Majesty kindly lend me a couple of garments?”

Chu Zhaoyou opened his mouth, “You’re so… cold…”

Xiao Heng replied, “Then I’ll go out with Your Majesty just like this.”

“How can that be? It will tarnish my innocent reputation.”

Chu Zhaoyou was about to call for Xue, but then he heard Xiao Heng say, “General Lu and I have similar physiques.”

Was he implying that Chu Zhaoyou should personally go and borrow clothes? Did he find ordinary people’s clothes beneath him? This person, who wore black every day, dared to look down on others’ clothes?

Chu Zhaoyou blurted out, “Are you crazy?”

As soon as he said it, he regretted his impulsive words. Last time, in front of Xie Chaoyun, he had insulted the Regent, and now he had done it again.

Xiao Heng openly admitted, “Yes, I am.”

Chu Zhaoyou retorted, “You’re not!”

Xiao Heng’s mouth twitched, barely containing a smile.

Chu Zhaoyou angrily threw off the covers and went to find Lu Huai to borrow some clothes. He had even cured the Regent’s ailment, and now, is he expecting that by saying he was sick, it will stir sympathy? How dare him!

Chu Zhaoyou, who usually needed multiple reminders to get out of bed, was now energetically leaving as soon as Xue called for him.

Xue entered the room in surprise, only to be startled and hastily retreat a second later.

As General Lu stepped out of his room, he saw Chu Zhaoyou looking troubled outside his door.

“Your Majesty, are you facing a problem?” General Lu asked.

Chu Zhaoyou nodded gravely.

“Please, Your Majesty, tell me.”

Chu Zhaoyou, with a determined look, asked, “Could you lend me a set of clothes?”

Understanding Chu Zhaoyou’s request, Lu Huai didn’t inquire about the recipient and simply said, “Please follow me, Your Majesty.”

Lu Huai’s wardrobe was quite limited, with simple shades and an uncluttered style.

Chu Zhaoyou scratched his head. “Uncle Lu, don’t you have something a bit brighter?”

Fiddling with the red vermilion seal on the table, he dropped a heavy hint.

Daring to lend him clothes, would Lu Huai lend him something in bright red?

There were no bright red or purple garments in the mausoleum, and certainly none in Lu Huai’s possession. He suggested, “Lu Bo seems to have a white cotton robe.”

Disappointed at not finding something red, Chu Zhaoyou conceded, “Then, General Lu, please remember to say it’s from you.”

“Your Majesty, you can trust me.”

As Chu Zhaoyou walked away, Lu Huai asked Lu Bo, “Did someone visit last night?”

Lu Bo looked surprised. “No, no one did.”

Lu Huai stroked his beard. With his exceptional martial arts skills, he knew who it was.

Whenever the young emperor asked him to lie, it always had something to do with the Regent.

Not only in significant matters, but also in trivial ones.

Xiao Heng looked sharply at the clothes in Chu Zhaoyou’s hands. “As far as I know, General Lu doesn’t wear white.”

It is always green, black and gray-brown, which is a little better than the Regent.

Anticipating Chu Zhaoyou’s mischief, Xiao Heng specifically insisted on wearing Lu Huai’s clothes.

Chu Zhaoyou tossed the clothes aside, openly smirking. “These are Lu Hai’s, It’s up to you whether  you wear it or not.”

Chu Zhaoyou’s laughter was laced with a sweet, sugary tone, much like a bowl of stewed pear soup, endearing and delightful.

Xiao Heng suddenly regretted not heeding Xie Chaoyun’s advice earlier.

With just a few months remaining, was it necessary to argue with the young emperor every day? Chu Zhaoyou’s laughter was so sweet, sweet enough to make him want to take a sip.

Chu Zhaoyou felt as if he were hallucinating. Xiao Heng, clad in white, had become a hundred times more amiable, even more handsome.

The Regent must have been consumed by perpetual melancholy in his black attire in the past.

As Hualing Mountain cleared up, Chu Zhaoyou’s mood improved. He followed behind the Regent, admiring his clean and upright figure, and complimented, “You look good.”

Xiao Heng was taken aback, pondering something.

After the meal, Xiao Heng urged Chu Zhaoyou to solve the case. “I won’t interfere, but there are matters in the court. You must return within three days.”

In truth, there wasn’t anything major. He mainly wanted to bring Chu Zhaoyou back to the palace. The place was a mess; the late Emperor had been difficult in life and unvirtuous in death. The mausoleum had been plundered. Xiao Heng didn’t want Chu Zhaoyou to stay there guarding the late Emperor’s tomb.

“I have matters to attend to. I need to Leave first.”

“Three days to solve the case…” Chu Zhaoyou firmly refused. He had set a three-month deadline for himself.

Xiao Heng said, “Your Majesty is clever and quick-witted. You can surely solve the case in three days.”

Chu Zhaoyou ate silently. Normally, it was harder to get you to praise him than it was to move mountains, but now, even praising mountains wouldn’t make a difference.

Seeing Chu Zhaoyou unmoved, Xiao Heng felt a headache coming on.

The late Emperor’s tomb had been plundered. Why was his enemy more anxious than the late Emperor’s son?

He covered Chu Zhaoyou’s bowl. “What are you planning?”

Chu Zhaoyou paused, then looked up. “With the Regent present, criminals might not dare to speak the truth.”

“Your Majesty still doubts me?”

Chu Zhaoyou replied, “In this world, everyone except me is a suspect.”

Xiao Heng hit the nail on the head. “I just went to the mausoleum. The grave robbers were only after the burial goods. They were seeking wealth. Your Majesty even depleted Qian Shicheng’s private funds. Logically speaking, I should have the lightest suspicion.”

Chu Zhaoyou felt disheartened. The Regent was indirectly flaunting his wealth and implying that Chu Zhaoyou was poor.

So what if I’m broke? Even if I am, I haven’t asked you money for milk. I have a high moral character and unyielding spirit.

The Regent personally urged progress, and fearing that delaying too long might expose his motives, Chu Zhaoyou had to put on a show. He claimed that he needed to investigate the small river village outside the imperial mausoleum.

Considering that the tomb guardians might be involved in the theft, the villagers in the small river village were equally suspected. The burial items might even be hidden within the village.

With only forty households in the village, Chu Zhaoyou insisted on questioning each one, hoping to annoy the Regent enough to leave early.

Whether due to exceptional luck or misfortune, Chu Zhaoyou spotted a glimpse of red fabric in the wardrobe of the second household at the village entrance.

The villagers of the small river village were generally superstitious and refrained from wearing red near the imperial mausoleum.

This homeowner was remarkably audacious.

Chu Zhaoyou asked, “Who owns this?”

A tall, handsome man stepped forward from the crowd. “I’m just a commoner.”

Despite his deliberate attempt to appear rustic, his martial arts skills were still not hidden from Xiao Heng.

Although he had a refined demeanor, he insisted on wearing rough hemp clothing, a jarring contrast.

This man seemed a little foolish, thought both Chu Zhaoyou and Xiao Heng simultaneously.

Chu Zhaoyou’s eyes darted around. This suspect was probably the one. After committing the crime, was he just waiting to be caught?

Regardless of the reasons for the man’s decision to stay, Chu Zhaoyou had no intention of pursuing him. He decided to let him go for now and have Lu Huai come to apprehend him later, once it was late at night.

Chu Zhaoyou had made up his mind to delay things for the next three days. At the very least, he couldn’t solve the case in front of Xiao Heng. He couldn’t return to the capital.

Xiao Heng looked at the man and suddenly thought of a certain unapprehended womanizer.

Chu Zhaoyou waved his hand. “Alright, let’s go to the next house.”

Xiao Heng: “…”

Was Chu Zhaoyou deliberately going easy on him???

Xiao Heng cast a sharp look at the man’s wrist and noticed a scar. Red clothing, a scar on the wrist… the person Lady Zhao was seeking. The womanizer Chu Zhaoyou had encountered. Very well, from now on, he would not leave Chu Zhaoyou’s side.

Author’s note: Today, I almost got blown away by the wind.