Chapter 46

Outside the Xuanzheng Hall, there was an unusually profound commotion. All the officials, including Chu Zhaoyou, involuntarily turned to look.

Amidst the dozens of gazes, the Regent strode in with the grandest attire in Great Chu. Coupled with his majestic and elegant countenance, the resplendent Xuanzheng Hall instantly paled in comparison.

The moment the Regent entered, even the sunlight had to divert its path to shine upon him, as if enveloping him in a radiant glow.

The officials were astounded, speechless, feeling nothing but awe in the depths of their hearts.

For seven years, the Regent had worn black attire, rarely smiling, as cold as ice. Few dared to meet his gaze directly, to the extent that they had almost forgotten that the Regent’s appearance was as stunning as his abilities.

The officials dared not overinterpret the Regent’s appearance, but the implications within were worth savoring.

After all, official attire bore the character “official,” indicating servitude. For seven years, the Regent had acted wantonly. Now, by donning the official attire with such respect, did it signify his willingness to step back as a servant and honor Chu Zhaoyou as the sovereign?

What significant event had occurred at the mausoleum to change the Regent’s mind about seizing power at any moment?

As the resounding chant of “Long live His Majesty” surged even more profoundly than before, Chu Zhaoyou could finally tear his gaze away from the Regent.

Uh-oh, it seems like I might really be a sucker for good looks.

Chu Zhaoyou keenly sensed that the officials were showing him more respect, and while he didn’t entirely understand, he couldn’t help but wonder: Could it be that during his time at the mausoleum, the officials had finally realized just how much the court, under the forceful and dominant rule of the Regent, needed a lucky charm?

Chu Zhaoyou’s lips curled into a faint smile. He realized that one’s worth in life didn’t necessarily have to be demonstrated through seizing power like the Regent. What was wrong with being a lucky charm?

He sat with interest, listening to their debates while observing the officials.

Lord Yan stole two glances at the Regent, while Chamberlain Jin stole three glances. They were caught by him. It was just a change of attire, so why sneak around? Wasn’t it fine to look openly, just like he did?

If Chu Zhaoyou could notice these stolen glances, how could the Regent not be aware? He thought of Xie Chaoyun’s peacock analogy and couldn’t shake the feeling that others had also seen through his intentions. His expression grew even colder, and his gaze almost seemed capable of freezing people.

Under the severe warning glances, the officials immediately lowered their heads, with no one daring to look at the Regent again.

After enduring the morning court session, the officials left the Xuanzheng Hall with a sense of relief, collectively hoping that the Regent would revert to wearing black attire the next day.

Xiao Heng leisurely ascended the jade steps, casually perusing the memorials on the dragon desk. “Your Majesty, how did you sleep last night?” he asked.

Chu Zhaoyou sniffed. The Regent seemed to have a different scent today. “It was bearable.”

He had slept alone in the Funing Hall last night. It wasn’t as warm as when the Regent was there for the past two nights, but at least he didn’t have to worry as much. He still remained cautious, guarding against anyone touching his belly as he slept.

He woke up once during the night and felt a craving for crystal pear in syrup, but he figured it wasn’t easy for the eunuch on night duty outside, so he didn’t wake him.

Xiao Heng leaned in closer, lowered his eyes, and sure enough, he saw the little one sneakily nuzzling his sleeve, much like a puppy craving a meaty bone.

He had deliberately soaked this set of official attire in regular soap water for an hour, then wrung it dry and left it to air for a day and a night. The scent was not just strong; it was far more overpowering than Lu Bo’s white outfit.

First, he wanted to test if Chu Zhaoyou was telling the truth, and second… Xiao Heng pressed Chu Zhaoyou’s head against his attire. “What are you looking for on me, Your Majesty? Hmm?”

Caught off guard, Chu Zhaoyou found himself ensnared in the embroidered dragons on the Regent’s chest, his cheeks flushing. “I’m not doing anything!”

“Why are you blushing?”

“You’re suffocating me with your weight. Let go,” Chu Zhaoyou said, while discreetly taking a couple of sniffs of the soapberry scent. The soap used in the Regent’s residence was different from others; the alarming amount of soap content was practically an assault on his senses!

Amusement sparkled in Xiao Heng’s eyes as he ruffled Chu Zhaoyou’s head. “The capital is teeming with all sorts. Your Majesty should refrain from leaving the palace without my consent, for the time being.”

“Why? I don’t agree,” Chu Zhaoyou pouted. He had been fine at the mausoleum, and now the Regent had brought him back, but now he wasn’t allowed to leave the palace?

He couldn’t even leave the palace gates. Was he supposed to swell up with the Regent watching over him?

Unable to resist, Xiao Heng pinched his cheek. He pressed a bit too hard, leaving a flush mark, and quickly rubbed it with the back of his hand to cover it up.

Chu Zhaoyou didn’t dwell on the pain in his cheek. Right now, he was worried about being confined by the Regent within the palace for a year. Xiao Heng must have noticed that he didn’t want to stay in the palace, but he couldn’t fathom the reason and was trying to confine him by any means necessary.

Xiao Heng said, “I’ve spread some information. The capital might see a gathering of people from all walks of life, including skilled individuals. I’m concerned that you, as the sovereign, might be a prominent target and it could pose a risk for you to walk the streets.”

Xiao Heng tidied up the memorials on the table into a stack to take away later. The memorials presented by the officials were collected and placed on the dragon desk by Eunuch Xue, to be delivered to the Regent’s council chamber after the morning court session.

Openly seeking the cure for He Xin Gu had its pros and cons. The downside was that it could invite unnecessary trouble. Many coveted the position of the Regent, and throughout his journey to his current position, it was impossible for him not to have made enemies. Learning that the Regent was seeking a cure for the He Xin Gu at any cost, anyone with a bit of sense would think that the Regent had been afflicted by the gu himself.

Even those who knew nothing about the He Xin Gu would assess the situation and consider that the Regent, plagued by the gu, was vulnerable, and it would be the perfect time to strike.

Fortunately, the threat from Youzhou had been eliminated, leaving only small fry, who would simply be walking into their own demise.

In truth, no one would want to harm Chu Zhaoyou. The young emperor wasn’t significant to Great Chu. Killing him wouldn’t threaten anyone and might even play into the Regent’s hands.

Xiao Heng was well aware of this. However, it didn’t stop him from finding reasons to keep Chu Zhaoyou within the palace.

Every time he says he wanted to spend six months at the mausoleum, coupled with his prior history of trying to escape the palace, Xiao Heng was convinced that Chu Zhaoyou was up to something he was hiding from him.

Thinking of disguising himself? As long as he was around, the little one would have to sit obediently on the throne!

Chu Zhaoyou still wanted to negotiate, “I can change my appearance and ensure no one suspects.”

Xiao Heng’s expression softened. “No.”

He dared to change his appearance. What if he took the chance to slip away? Where would he find him then?

Chu Zhaoyou slumped despairingly on the dragon throne. Nothing seemed to work. Was he supposed to go on a hunger strike?

Fasting was out of the question. Right now, Chu Zhaoyou just wanted to eat a roast duck.

Seeing that he had genuinely upset him, Xiao Heng relented, “One month. You can resume your usual routine next month.”

Chu Zhaoyou sullenly pushed the Regent away a bit, creating some distance between them, and leaned against his belly.

For Chu Zhaoyou, who had grown up in the palace, it was indeed too monotonous and dull. Xiao Heng had no choice but to offer, “If you want to leave the palace, I’ll take you out.”

Seizing the opportunity, Xiao Heng added, “In the future, after the morning court session, you can leave the palace with me. For safety reasons, I will personally protect Your Majesty at night.”

The Regent intentionally painted the outside world as extremely dangerous, as if coaxing a three-year-old child, emphasizing that without an adult, one shouldn’t go out on their own.

Chu Zhaoyou took a sip of water to calm his nerves. Sharing a bed at night, was the Regent trying to get him killed?

“If the capital is dangerous, then I ask the Regent to pay more attention to security. I am perfectly safe within the palace.”

More focus on the people, less on my belly. You’re well, I’m well, everyone’s well.

Watching Chu Zhaoyou leave in a huff, Xiao Heng’s eyes revealed a depth that was unfathomable. He tapped the memorials, instructing the Royal Guards to take them away.

The more Chu Zhaoyou behaved this way, the more Xiao Heng felt the need to keep him within his sight.

If a solution for the He Xin Gu wasn’t found, it would be eight months. Even if he had to chain Chu Zhaoyou to the bed, he wouldn’t allow him to succeed in any other tricks!

…

General Xie, with exceptional martial prowess and boundless prospects, inexplicably had dark circles under his eyes for half a month, sparking speculations among the city’s countless unmarried girls.

Who dared to challenge Xie Chaoyun? Who could possibly defeat him?

With darkened eye sockets, Xie Chaoyun, seething with anger but unable to voice it, no longer flaunted himself publicly and often took back routes home.

The Regent had gone too far, a paragon of virtue himself, yet he dared to harm this general’s face.

As he passed by the back entrance of the Regent’s residence, where once it had been bustling like a market, it was now desolate. The people were gradually awakening, no longer swayed by the title of the Regent’s consort. The Regent’s consort was no heavenly figure one could simply stumble upon!

Just as the covert guards responsible for locating individuals were becoming increasingly adept, a young woman arrived at the door.

She was clad in a striking red outfit, with several beautiful feathers adorning her head, clearly not someone from the Central Plains.

The covert guard beamed, “Please answer ten questions before proceeding.”

Miao Ruoqiu didn’t take the pen offered by the covert guard, as if finding it dirty, and took a step back. “I heard that the Regent has been afflicted by the He Xin Gu. I want to see the Regent.”

The covert guards exchanged glances. If she wished to see the Regent, she could have presented a name card. What was she doing at the back entrance, cursing their master?

Arriving without clear intentions and wanting to see the Regent? Quite presumptuous.

“The young lady should continue straight, then turn right at the corner and deliver the name card at the side gate.”

“Do you not understand human speech?” Miao Ruoqiu touched the feathers on her head, and inconspicuous pink powder fell into her palm.

Xie Chaoyun swiftly stepped forward and grasped her wrist. “Miss, please speak your mind.”

“General Xie!” the covert guard called out.

Miao Ruoqiu made a slight movement, realizing the unfathomable depth of the other’s martial skills. She changed her demeanor, speaking softly, “I have an urgent matter to discuss with your Regent.”

Xie Chaoyun’s expression remained unchanged, but internally, he was already in turmoil. “What kind of gu can you cure?”

“All the gu in the world, there is none that I cannot resolve.”

After assessing her credibility, Xie Chaoyun released her wrist. “The Regent is temporarily not in the residence. Please follow me.”

As they approached the Regent’s residence, Xie Chaoyun paused. “As a gesture of goodwill, please remove any concealed weapons you may have on you.”

“General, you jest. I am not skilled in martial arts and have no concealed weapons.”

“You may not be skilled in martial arts, but poison is another matter.” Xie Chaoyun’s gaze fell upon the gorgeously gleaming feathers on her head, seemingly coated with poison.

Miao Ruoqiu hesitated for a moment, not entirely willing, but ultimately, the allure of wealth and prosperity prevailed. She raised her hand and plucked out those few feathers.

As long as she cured the Regent’s Gu, she could have anything she desired.

The implications were met with astonishment. Underneath the beautiful feathers lay a finger-length poison needle.

Xie Chaoyun arranged for Miao Ruoqiu’s accommodation and hurried to find Xiao Heng in the palace.

His brother was going to be saved!

In the short journey, Xie Chaoyun employed the pinnacle of his lightness skill, even considering which outfit he would wear for the joyous toast between the Emperor and the Regent. Ah, who would marry whom?

Chu Zhaoyou followed behind the Regent like a little tail. Half a month had passed, and Xiao Heng remained vigilant, never allowing him to leave the palace freely.

If he were to leave, he had to be accompanied by the Regent. What was the point then? He couldn’t even scout the surroundings.

During this time, the Regent had wanted to stay and protect him at night, but Chu Zhaoyou adamantly refused.

Clearly, it was just supervision, not protection. The palace was safe everywhere except for sleeping next to the Regent.

Xiao Heng now regarded him with suspicion, always suspecting him of scheming. Chu Zhaoyou had obediently played the part for half a month, but he found that other than a few compliments, the Regent hadn’t changed at all.

As the earth gradually revived, green shoots emerged from the crevices in the cobblestones.

Chu Zhaoyou hadn’t thought of a foolproof plan yet, and he was truly worried about the warming weather, which was causing him a lot of stress.

He couldn’t cover up his belly with clothes all year round, could he? It would soon be impossible to hide.

He was so anxious.

The day before, Chu Zhaoyou had recalled the Dragon Guard from the mausoleum. He had an immature plan in mind.

Perhaps I can learn from those emperors who ventured to the southern regions. First, I will step out of the palace, enjoy the spring scenery, and then start making excuses about missing the sights of the south.

I’ll report later, saying I want to visit Lu Huai  to inspect the troops, then abruptly head straight for the south. With the Dragon Guard present, he learned his lesson and would first make arrangements with Lu Huai. This time, he couldn’t allow the Regent to drag him back.

He even mentally rehearsed three verses of “Beautiful Jiangnan” as a prelude.

Just as he was about to step out of the palace gates, Xie Chaoyun suddenly flew over and whispered something in the Regent’s ear.

Chu Zhaoyou had a hunch that this outing was about to be ruined. Sure enough, he saw the Regent’s expression change. The Regent glanced deeply at him and said urgently, “I have urgent matters. I will take Your Majesty out next time.”

Chu Zhaoyou was left standing in place, but he quickly caught Xie Chaoyun.

“What’s happened?”

Xie Chaoyun wasn’t rushed. To put it plainly, he didn’t need to explain the cure for the gu if it wasn’t necessary.

“Your Majesty, no need to worry. A rare guest has arrived at the Regent’s residence.”

“A guest?” Chu Zhaoyou had a sudden realization. Could it be someone impersonating him again?

Judging by Xie Chaoyun and the Regent’s reactions, it seemed this time it was convincing enough to cause confusion.

“A female?” Chu Zhaoyou probed.

Xie Chaoyun’s expression froze. If the young emperor had no interest in Xiao Heng, he wouldn’t believe it for a second!

What kind of person would be so concerned about gender from the get-go?

Fearing to complicate things for Xiao Heng, Xie Chaoyun solemnly said, “It’s a male doctor.”

Doctors don’t have genders, you know?

Chu Zhaoyou asked knowingly, “When you advised me to endure, did you mean that the Regent is ill?”

Xie Chaoyun nodded vaguely, without specifying that it was the He Xin Gu.

Chu Zhaoyou’s heart skipped a beat. It seemed that a skilled female doctor had arrived to cure the Regent of the He Xin Gu.

She would surely be able to discern that the Regent’s Heartbond Gu had been cured. If her method was the same as the old man’s, and Xiao Heng discovered Chu Zhaoyou’s identity because of it…

Upon reading the late Emperor’s copper scrolls, Chu Zhaoyou deduced that he too had been afflicted by the He Xin Gu. However, it did not affect him, while it could be fatal for Xiao Heng. He hadn’t wanted to consider this possibility, but the name “He Xin Gu” was too suggestive; it was clearly meant for two people.

Coincidentally, his constitution was able to counter the gu, and then he became pregnant… It wouldn’t be fair to solely blame the He Xin Gu.

Once Xiao Heng realized that the gu had been resolved, he would undoubtedly suspect those three days. If someone were to tell him now that the person who helped him must have a unique constitution, linking it to the late Emperor’s despicable methods, it wouldn’t be difficult for Xiao Heng to guess that the person was Chu Zhaoyou.

Chu Zhaoyou’s face paled as he imagined the scene of the Regent holding his wrist while the male doctor examined him.

In an instant, he decided to save someone, and the decision to bear a child was his alone. He could be fearless and resolute, as long as the other person didn’t tell him, “You were wrong to do this. I don’t need it, and you have caused me trouble.”

Unable to leave, Chu Zhaoyou had no choice but to tell Xie Chaoyun, “The Regent is the pillar of the nation. I am deeply concerned about his health. General Xie, I command you to go and find out immediately. I want to know everything within the time it takes for a stick of incense to burn.”

Xie Chaoyun found this request somewhat familiar. Hadn’t the Emperor said something similar to him before?

“Um… Your Majesty, I cannot just enter the Regent’s residence and pry around.”

Chu Zhaoyou tried to remain calm and composed. “You know that all my memorials are approved by the Regent. I simply want to know how serious his illness is and if it can be treated. I’m not consulting with you; I’m leveraging a favor!”

This was the first time he had used a life-saving favor as leverage.

Xie Chaoyun was unable to refuse. After all, he wasn’t asking him to disclose everything. The young emperor had always meant well, and his concern for the Regent’s health aligned with his expectations.

“I’ll go and be back soon.”

Chu Zhaoyou paced anxiously at the palace gates, even considering returning to the Funing Hall to pack, if Xie Chaoyun returned with troubling news, he would immediately leave.

The cruel reality that he couldn’t leave hit him hard.

Fifteen minutes later, Xie Chaoyun returned as promised, wearing a somewhat unusual expression.

“What illness is it? Can it be cured?”

“Your Majesty, the physician said this illness has been latent for several years, but she has a way to treat it.”

Chu Zhaoyou was momentarily puzzled. What kind of inept doctor was this? Could she even cure the illness without leaving any evidence?

“Do you believe this physician?” he inquired.

Recalling Miao Ruoqiu’s words, Xie Chaoyun responded, “She merely took the pulse and mentioned symptoms that matched the Regent’s condition. She also guaranteed that she could cure the Regent’s illness with her life, provided the Regent is willing to be treated.”

Xie Chaoyun’s expression was complex. However, the woman had made an audacious demand, and the Regent probably wouldn’t comply with her wishes.

Caught in a dilemma, Chu Zhaoyou keenly asked, “Why does General Xie seem troubled? Does this quack, this physician, demand a high price?”

Xie Chaoyun rubbed his nose. Had he worn his thoughts on his face today? Could the Emperor really discern his inner thoughts at a glance?

Defeated, he admitted, “Yes, the Regent may need to consider it.”

Chu Zhaoyou took a deep breath. What kind of demand was this? Even someone as arrogant as the Regent would need to consider it carefully.

Power, wealth… or the position of a consort?

Someone was attempting to seize the fruits of his labor!

He couldn’t just let it go. No, he couldn’t swallow this insult.

Stay calm… but he couldn’t. He was furious, to the point of feeling fetal movements!

Author’s note: “Your labor is in your belly, why do you care about the consort’s position?”

Chu Zhaoyou: Can’t I have a broad view?

Child: Hello, does anyone have nutrient solution? I want to drink some bubbles.