Bai Su’s letter arrived in the afternoon of the second day.

Xiao Ba hurriedly came and handed the letter to Duan Changchuan.

This time, the envelope was replaced by a paper tube. Upon opening it, there were two letters inside. Of course, the silk handkerchief infused with pheromones was still sealed in the paper bag. When opened, the scent of peonies filled the air. The young man brought the handkerchief to his nose and sniffed it twice before carefully putting it back.

[It’s sister’s scent … Must protect it well.]

After ensuring the handkerchief was wrapped properly and the scent would not spread out, he opened the letter.

Unlike the last time, which began with a lengthy and formal pandemic report, this one started with a casual conversation.

[To my dear Omega,

Seeing words are like seeing faces.

Hope this letter finds you well.

I’m doing well in Huainan. It’s raining these past two days and I miss you very much.

It seems that every time I kiss you, it’s on a rainy day, so I especially like rainy days.

Has the baby been very naughty lately? I’ll make sure to educate him properly when I return. How can he bully his father when his mother is not around? It’s my fault for not giving him proper instructions before leaving, making him so mischievous.

In addition, you mustn’t skip your medicine but don’t take too much either. Omega’s body is fragile during pregnancy, and daily diet needs to pay attention, let alone medication. You have to follow the physician’s advice and listen to Senior Huang. When I return, I’ll make sure to feed both you and our baby to comfort with my pheromones.

The infection rate of the pandemic this time was not as high as imagined, but it came with a fierce. It was very dangerous when contracted. Fortunately, Feng Yao had dispatched many disciples who were skilled in medicine from Bai Mu Palace. We have enough manpower and supplies, and I believe it won’t take long to get it under control. At first, the people of Huainan were in a panic, but when they saw Old Imperial Physician Sun personally taking the field and bringing many disciples with him, they calmed down and followed our instructions step by step. With the people are united, controlling the pandemic has become much easier.

Don’t worry about me or the people. We are doing well in Huainan.

Well, That’s enough about the epidemic for now. I’ll let Elder Sun send a report, lest my certain Omega thinks I’m indifferent to not chatting with him.

So, baby, did you miss me?

Signed: Your Beloved Bai Su]

The young man’s lips couldn’t help but smile when he read the letter.

She remembered everything he ever told her, even the smallest complaints. Even casual remarks like “Your letter doesn’t sound like a letter from home at all”, were remembered by her, and she adjusted to make him happy.

He was someone she held dear …

So sweet.

Just as he was about to open the second letter to see what else his Alpha had written, Chang Le’s voice came from outside.

“Your Majesty, Lord Qian and Lord Zheng are here for an audience. They are waiting in the front hall.”

His hands paused for a moment, and quickly put the letters back into the paper tube, put on his robe, and went out, “Quick, bring me there!”

As he walked towards the front of the hall, he asked carefully, “Did you serve tea to the two elders?”

During this period, he first dealt with the refugee problem in Huainan, bringing these corrupt officials to justice one by one. Then, he discovered and predicted the pandemic in Huainan in advance, decisively summoning Elder Sun for a discussion and sending people to the pandemic area within three days.

These things were executed with lightning speed.

Since yesterday’s morning court, Duan Changchuan had received memorials from the ministers. Most of them were pledging their loyalty, while some were clear attempts to ally with him, those who had been neutral in the court, the backbone of the court.

The two elders visiting today were the most esteemed and capable among them. They had served under Duan Changchuan’s grandfather, later being appointed Grand Tutors, assisting his imperial father in becoming emperor. Now, over a decade after his father’s passing, they had become one of the few elders in the court who had served three dynasties.

Duan Changchuan held these two elders in high regard. Upon receiving their memorial, he immediately arranged for today’s meeting, inviting them to Ming Sheng Hall for tea.

“And Have the pastries I ordered from the Imperial Kitchen been served?”

Chang Le, listening to the emperor’s questions, respectfully replied one by one, “The tea has been served by Yi Man. It’s all freshly picked tea from the tea garden and very fragrant. The pastries have also been served. They’re freshly made and still warm. The imperial chef said they’re best enjoyed at this time.”

“That’s good.”

As the young man spoke, he straightened his sleeves and ensured there were no wrinkles. Only then did he straighten his back and step in.

When the two elderly men saw the young man in bright yellow robes, they immediately stood up, dropped to their knees, and bowed, “This old official pays his respects to Your Majesty and wishes Your Majesty great fortune.”

These were elderly men past their prime, who had intended to retire long ago, yet had remained in court for the sake of the kingdom.

How could Duan Changchuan bear to let the two of them kneel? Over the years, the Regent had controlled the court, elevating many unscrupulous individuals. It was all because these two elders had secretly maintained balance. It could be said they had made great contributions to the country for more than ten years, despite being filled with corruption.

Thinking of this, Duan Changchuan quickly stepped forward and helped them up before their heads could touch the ground, “Please rise, esteemed elders. There’s no need for such formalities.”

After all, these two were granted special permission by the late emperor to be exempt from kneeling due to their age when meeting the emperor.

Duan Changchuan initially thought that these highly esteemed ministers might take advantage of their seniority in front of him. Relying on the former emperor’s authority to pressure him or perhaps test him first. However, to his surprise, the two ministers immediately performed the highest form of Datong’s obeisance upon seeing him.

“Ah, Your Majesty, such rituals must not be neglected. The Emperor should have assumed full authority upon turning eighteen, but we never formally acknowledged this. Today, we make up for that oversight and seek Your Majesty’s forgiveness.”

“This official too.”

After the two of them finished speaking, they bowed firmly.

Duan Changchuan could not even stop them.

“This subject pays his respects to Your Majesty. Long live Your Majesty.”

Duan Changchuan’s eyes grew warm at the sight. He quickly signaled Chang Le and Yi Man to help the two elders up, “I asked Changle to prepare the finest tea and pastries. Please, take a seat. The Imperial Kitchen says the pastries are best enjoyed while warm.”

“Thank you for Your Majesty’s kindness. Then this old official shall not refuse.”

“This official too.”

One was tall and thin, the other short and stout. As one spoke, the other followed suit. After a few exchanges, Minister Zheng, who usually took the lead, voiced his discontent, “Do you not have anything of your own to say?”

The slightly shorter and fatter Lord Qian immediately widened his eyes, “Weren’t we just expressing gratitude to His Majesty? What do I need my own words for? Besides, you told me earlier to speak less and follow your lead. I’ve been doing as you instructed. Why are you so hard to please.”

Lord Zheng, “… I told you to follow my words, but I didn’t tell you to keep saying ‘me too’.”

Lord Qian, “What I said ‘this official too’, Not ‘me too’!”

The two elderly men were a little childish when bickering.

Duan Changchuan suddenly remembered a similar scene from his childhood. When his imperial father handled state affairs in Ming Sheng Hall, Duan Changchuan had often heard such squabbles.

It seemed that … it was also an afternoon like this, with sunlight streaming through the windows.

He was sitting in the study in the front hall, reviewing the homework taught by the junior preceptor, while his Imperial Father was playing chess with the two ministers.

At that time, the two elders were not yet fifty and were still robust. Their voices were strong as they argued over a chess move.

“How can you place it in there?! Sigh, let this old man show you!”

“It should be placed here.”

“What do you know … Bah! That’s not it! Chess is like a battlefield. I have real combat experience, unlike you who only strategize on paper.”

“Lord Qian, don’t boast too much. Chess is a strategic game, and scholars naturally excel at it over warriors.”

“You’re talking nonsense!”

The two of them were so loud that even Duan Changchuan, who was seriously reviewing his homework, was disturbed. He raised his head to look at the couch by the window.

At that time, as if his Imperial Father sensed it as well, unexpectedly looked at him at the same time. Seeing Duan Changchuan’s bewildered expression, he smiled and raised an eyebrow, “Xi’er, do you want to come over and play chess with the two Grand Tutors grandpas?”

He then walked over and carried the young boy to the chessboard.

Duan Changchuan who was still a small ball, saw the complicated chessboard, his small face wrinkled and he whispered, “Young Tutor just taught me how to play chess. Xi’er still doesn’t understand it yet … I have to learn well in the future before I can play chess with the two Grand Tutors grandpas.”

His serious response elicited a laugh from his father, “It’s alright if you don’t understand chess yet. You can learn slowly and will understand it better when you grow up. For now, you just need to watch the fun. For example, look at the two grandpas across from you. Aren’t they very interesting right now?”

At that time, he was even more confused. And so, the laughter that began with one person turned into a chorus of three.

He was only five or six years old then. In a flash, nearly twenty years had passed. Now, after a leap in time, he could still watch these two old men bicker in front of him.

“Tsk, I’m a military general, so I’ll be frank. You young lad are really black-bellied, just like your Imperial Grandfather. All these years, you’ve been so timid, hiding your true intentions and biding your time. I was worried you’d lose the throne with such tactics.” Grand Tutor Qian’s words poured out without warning.

Grand Tutor Zheng, who was too late to stop him, expressionlessly pinched his waist.

Yet, Grand Preceptor Qian, undeterred, continued loudly, “What are you pinching for? I’ve told you many times, I’m thick-skinned. Your pinches don’t work.”

Duan Changchuan couldn’t help but cover his lips with a half-clenched fist and let out a soft smile. The two elders fell silent immediately.

With a smile, the young emperor said, “It’s alright. My father didn’t care much for formalities, and neither did I. You don’t need to be so cautious. I am well aware of you being secretly mediating in the imperial court, so I dare to hide and bide my time. Speaking of which, I have to thank the two seniors for it.”

Grand Tutor Zheng immediately cupped his hands in salute, “Your Majesty, you are too kind.”

Grand Tutor Qian was more straightforward, “Young lad, you had a plan all along but didn’t share it with us. Lord Zheng here almost lost his hair worrying, always saying the dynasty had no future, Datong was doomed, and I had to comfort him daily. Anyway, when the time comes, both of us will be dead and won’t be able to see the fall of the dynasty… Hey hey! Don’t kick me, Lord Zheng, be dignified, aren’t scholars supposed to be dignified? Hey, you’ve even left footprints on my robe.”

Fortunately, Grand Tutor Qian, being a military man, no matter how Grand Tutor Zheng pinched and kicked, Grand Tutor Qian did not get angry. There were already two footprints on his robe, yet he could still smile at people.

Minister Zheng maintained a dignified manner as he spoke to Duan Changchuan, “Your Majesty has acted decisively and with great authority these past few days. Both Minister Qian and I have witnessed it. Like father, like son! This official always knew with such an illustrious emperor as the former emperor, and the strength of our ancestors, Your Majesty would undoubtedly be a wise and enlightened ruler. Your Majesty, both Grand Tutor Qian and this official are now over sixty and may not have many years left to serve, but we still wish to exert our utmost efforts for Your Majesty.”

On the other side, Lord Qian also chimed in, “Although Lord Zheng was drunk last month and saying how the previous Emperor and my ancestor could have such a good-for-nothing descendant. Nonetheless, we are willing to serve Your Majesty to the best of our abilities.”

Of course, he was pinched again.

Grand Tutor Zheng remarked, “You really shouldn’t speak.”

Grand Tutor Qian glared at him, “I knew you were hard to please!”

The two bickered continuously, but it didn’t interrupt their eating and drinking. Minister Zheng maintained his dignified demeanor, while Minister Qian, with his blunt words, received several ‘punishments.’

Duan Changchuan watched them with a smile. Not only did he not have any ill feelings, he even had Chang Le and Yi Man serve tea attentively to the two elders.

It was only when the sun was about to set and Old Imperial Physician Huang arrived with medicine that the two of them were willing to raise their butts away.

Duan Changchuan originally wanted to have them stay for dinner, but when the two elders, upon hearing that he was still recuperating, decided not to overstay. As they left, they repeatedly reminded him to take care of his health.

The young man smiled and replied, “Thank you for your concern, Grand Preceptor and Grand Tutor. I will make sure to take good care of myself.” Then he had Chang Le and Yi Man to see them out

–

After they left, Duan Changchuan returned to the central hall with Old Imperial Physician Huang. Inside the room, the letters from Bai Su were still on the table. Old Imperial Physician Huang leaned over to examine the paper tube, “Did Bai Su send you a letter? What did she say? How are things over there?”

Duan Changchuan quickly guarded the letters, “It’s just a family letter. The situation in Huainan should be okay … Bai Su didn’t mention much.”

He looked nervous as if he was afraid the old man would steal it from him.

Old Imperial Physician Huang shook his head and clicked his tongue, “I know that you two are in love, she must have written plenty of private words. Although I have never married, I’m old enough to understand these things. No need to guard it so closely; I won’t read your letter.”

After ensuring Duan Changchuan finished his medicine, old Huang couldn’t help but lean over, “So, what did Bai Su say to you?”

Duan Changchuan, “…”

“Nothing much, just some family matters.”

“You’re not willing to tell me family matters? I get it, it’s family’s talk between husband and wife, right?”

Even though Duan Changchuan knew the elder was teasing him for his being thin-skinned, he still couldn’t help but blush.

Then, he lied softly, “I … haven’t read it yet.”

“Oh, you haven’t read it yet. Before you were eager to await her letter, but once it arrived, you tossed it aside to serve those two old fellows. When Bai Su returns, I’ll make sure to tell her someone doesn’t really care about her. She’s less important than the ministers to him.”

He, “…”

He was about to get angry when the elder swiftly retreated. Duan Changchuan was left alone, holding the letter from Bai Su in his hand.

In front of him was an empty medicine bowl that still faintly smelled of peony. Seizing the moment before dinner was served, he opened the small paper tube.

Bai Su had sent two letters. He had only read one in the afternoon, leaving the other unread. The yellowed paper was rolled into a small paper tube and tied with a yellow hemp string. Upon unrolling it, he found a small note inside.

The note said, “Baby, read it before you go to bed tonight.”

Duan Changchuan:?

He was puzzled, what letter did he have to open before he went to bed?

The curious young man opened the letter directly.

The first line: [Baby, are you in bed?]

The young man looked around bewildered … Perhaps, sitting on the couch was also considered as being on the bed? But why did she ask if he had gone to bed?

He continued to read.

The second line of the letter: [Be good, lift the quilt and let me see.]

The third line: [Why are you still wearing clothes when you sleep? Baby, take off your garments.]

Duan Changchuan: !!!

This …

This couldn’t be what he was thinking, right?!