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“I wouldn’t go that far.” Xiao Heng glanced at the evasive Chu Zhaoyou, feeling a surge of anger in his chest.
Chu Zhaoyou shrugged, “See?”
Xiao Heng was somewhat convinced.
After a night’s sleep, Xiao Heng’s mind was unusually clear, but at the same time, the anger stirred by Chu Zhaoyou’s threat last night strangely remained buried in his heart, just like it had for the past month.
A few words with Chu Zhaoyou would easily rile him up, unlike his usual self, but the anger would dissipate unusually quickly. Most of the time, once the matter passed, he found it hard to stir up any more waves.
Deep down, he told himself to endure, unsure if it was resignation or reluctance. However, the inexplicably suppressed fire would always flare up at some point because Xiao Heng couldn’t understand why he had to tolerate Chu Zhaoyou.
Rubbing his temples, the regent was well aware of how exasperating Chu Zhaoyou’s words could be. Why did he keep falling for it?
He found a seemingly reasonable excuse for himself, stubbornly stating, “Last night’s incident won’t be repeated. Don’t think I don’t have a way to deal with you. You intervened to stop the medicine for Xie Chaoyun once; I took the medicine for you once. That girl is innocent. You better let her go. Within a year, I won’t trouble you.”
Brothers are like limbs, useful for justifying the unjustifiable.
After the regent finished speaking, he let out a sigh. As for a year later, when the He Xin Gu acted up again, it would be time to decide his and the nation’s fate.
Chu Zhaoyou responded, “Regent, if you treat me a little better, I guarantee that the girl will live well.”
“You don’t intend to release her?”
Releasing the hostage would invite retaliation later. Chu Zhaoyou changed the subject, “My aunt is coming to the capital. I hope the regent will give me some face. We may appear as ruler and subject on the surface, but everything will be peaceful.”
This information was relayed to him by Lu Bo. Lady Zhao and her entourage were about to arrive in the capital. They should have arrived several days ago, but heavy rains caused road closures near Ming County, delaying them for seven days until the mud dried up and they could continue their journey.
Zhao Cheng arranged for his best one hundred soldiers to disguise themselves as a merchant caravan, purchasing goods along the way and escorting Lady Zhao to the capital. Di Yan had a good eye, and the goods sold well in the capital, ensuring a good sum for the one hundred men.
Zhao Cheng, a high-ranking general, couldn’t leave his post without an imperial order. However, Di Yan, regardless of this, hastened his journey. Left with no choice, he urgently petitioned to the regent, requesting to report to the court ahead of schedule.
Xiao Heng was not surprised by Chu Zhaoyou’s aunt’s presence. Without his consent, how could Chu Zhaoyou have delivered the letter?
Two years ago, through covert inquiry, Xiao Heng learned that Lady Zhao, Zhao Cheng’s wife, was the young emperor’s aunt. He knew that this relationship would eventually come to light. Keeping it hidden was also a risk, so he decided to test Zhao Cheng.
Chu Zhaoyou believed he had the regent in his grasp and finally dared to bring up his aunt.
He reached for the back of Chu Zhaoyou’s neck, causing Chu Zhaoyou to shiver.
Chu Zhaoyou reflexively shrunk back, inadvertently increasing the contact area with Xiao Heng’s icy palm.
Was he seeking revenge for the cold water incident?
Xiao Heng’s gaze fell on the exposed fair and delicate part of Chu Zhaoyou’s neck.
No red marks, no signs of being grabbed, just as pristine as before.
He raised his wrist and released Chu Zhaoyou.
He insisted that last night, he only pretended to hold Chu Zhaoyou’s neck, at most cupping his chin, forcing him to tilt his head, without even touching him with a few fingers.
This person could cry a river, playing the victim.
Accusing me falsely?
Then, thinking of Chu Zhaoyou’s propensity to vomit, Xiao Heng instinctively moved his hand behind his back.
Precious, not to be tampered with.
Chu Zhaoyou raised his collar, covering the back of his neck tightly. “What are you doing? Are you being childish?”
The regent reminded him, “Are you awake now? It’s time for the court assembly.”
Chu Zhaoyou was dragged to the court, his steps dragging. He would rather die than yield. He kindly woke the regent up for the court assembly on time, only to be repaid with ungratefulness.
“I haven’t eaten yet.”
“Neither have I.” Xiao Heng observed Chu Zhaoyou’s resistance and suddenly changed his mind, raising an eyebrow. “Didn’t you say you wanted to save face for His Majesty?”
Chu Zhaoyou nodded, “Yes.”
Going to court on an empty stomach, it’s quite humiliating for me.
“Starting today, I will abstain from court for a month. His Majesty will handle the state affairs for this month. Don’t be late for court; the advisory officials will impeach.”
Seeing the regent walking away in the opposite direction of the Xuanzheng Hall, indicating no intention to attend court, Chu Zhaoyou was stunned.
He remembered the daily pile of memorials that Xiao Heng had to go through, the pending political and judicial matters from various regions, the assessment of officials’ performance, and the alleviation of snow disasters all over the country, especially nearing the year-end.
Chu Zhaoyou suddenly felt overwhelmed by the weight of life on his young shoulders.
The regent was capable on his own, directly responsible for the six ministries.
He recalled the historical emperors who were worked to death.
Did an actor governing the country lead to disaster? Had the regent gone mad with anger?
The eunuch Xue came to escort Chu Zhaoyou to court, bringing a thick dragon robe. Since the regent had reprimanded the eunuch supervisor, the quality of the clothes made for the Emperor had rapidly improved. The fabrics that some eunuchs had never seen before felt completely different.
This comparison made him realize that the Empress Dowager’s upbringing of the Emperor was somewhat coarse.
Chu Zhaoyou lamented to Eunuch Xue, “The regent said that I have to attend court alone for this month.”
At first, Eunuch Xue was delighted, thinking that the Emperor could take the opportunity to win over the courtiers. Then, like Chu Zhaoyou, he furrowed his brow.
The Emperor had never learned statecraft, and the Grand Tutor appointed by the Empress Dowager only taught vague concepts.
Not to mention the imperial tutors; carefully selected scions from the Empress Dowager’s faction. The Emperor had only attended school with them for five days before he became infatuated with opera and couldn’t focus on anything else.
It’s clear that the Empress Dowager, knowing the regent’s aversion to actors, sought to instill this hobby in the young Emperor. Little did she know that the Emperor had a natural love for opera. The Empress Dowager merely guided his interest appropriately, but the Emperor couldn’t be restrained.
Now, in the Xuanzheng Hall, most of the attendants are aligned with the regent, and the Emperor is unable to assert himself. Furthermore, the regent has his own methods of governance. If the Emperor fails to understand the deeper implications and makes hasty decisions, his first attempt at ruling would mar his reputation and potentially harm the state.
Chu Zhaoyou, having eaten a few bites, was convinced that the regent was retaliating for the previous night. He refused to attend court today, citing the regent’s refusal to attend after he had taken the medicine for him.
It was all to provoke him.
The courtiers in the Xuanzheng Hall craned their necks, noticing the absence of the regent. They exchanged glances and turned their attention to Chu Zhaoyou.
The positions of the regent and Chu Zhaoyou were different, and Chu Zhaoyou could always observe the officials’ reverent gazes at the regent’s expressions during court assemblies.
This time, it was his turn.
Eunuch Xue said, “If there’s anything to report, please do so. Otherwise, the court is dismissed.”
The Assistant Minister of Revenue stepped forward, “The snow disaster in Zhenzhou has affected more than 23,000 households. The Ministry of Revenue proposes to distribute cotton clothes, charcoal, and medicinal materials for disaster relief. We seek Your Majesty’s approval on the quantity and the swift dispatch of officials to Zhenzhou.”
Zhenzhou is located in the northern part of Great Chu, adjacent to the capital, with a relatively dry climate. This year’s heavy snowfall is a rare occurrence in a century.
Others were surprised as they hadn’t expected the Assistant Minister of Revenue to take the lead in reporting. They had planned to act as bystanders and then submit the memorials to the regent for review.
The Assistant Minister of War suddenly whispered, “Still planning to wait for the regent’s review? I have some news that might not be entirely accurate.”
He paused, and the officials around him held their breath.
He continued, “The Emperor has angered the Regent to the point where he refuses to attend court for a month and won’t review any memorials. If any of you have urgent matters, submit them promptly. Don’t wait.”
Chu Zhaoyou thought, Why are you whispering during court? I can hear everything.
Upon hearing this, everyone looked at the memorials in their hands and then at the composed figure of the Assistant Minister of Revenue.
Given the close relationship between the Assistant Minister of Revenue and The regent, his intentions reflected those of the regent.
The regent wanted them to submit their reports and not worry about anything else, allowing everyone to assess the young Emperor’s ability to govern.
Got it.
Chu Zhaoyou received the memorial from Eunuch Xue. He read it slowly, unlike the regent, who could scan through it at a glance, asking sharp questions while reading.
Chu Zhaoyou observed for a while, often feeling anxious for the ministers who couldn’t answer the regent’s challenging inquiries.
It felt quite awkward, like being the class representative in the front row unable to answer the teacher’s questions.
He felt like he was doing a reading comprehension exercise, even solving some mathematical problems by dividing the relief amount by the number of affected people.
Should be fine, right?
Chu Zhaoyou finished reading the memorial, composed, and said, “The people’s suffering concerns me deeply. This year, palace expenditures should be reduced by half, and a portion of those funds will be allocated here. Lord Wang, who do you think would be suitable as the relief envoy?”
Traditionally, the largest portion of palace expenditures went to the Shoukang Palace, which could be seen as skimming off 70% of the internal profits. While the Emperor’s treatment had diminished, the Wei Residence outside the palace had grown richer.
With the Empress Dowager currently under house arrest, the money saved could be used for disaster relief.
The Assistant Minister of Revenue replied, “I believe Chen Ping is suitable for this task.”
Chu Zhaoyou looked up this person and recalled that Xiao Heng had arranged a few tasks for him, which seemed suitable. Additionally, Chen, being young, could endure the cold.
Chu Zhaoyou nodded, “I remember that Lord Chen is from Zhenzhou and is quite familiar with the disaster-affected area. Let’s assign him.”
As more officials presented their reports, the courtiers were surprised to find that despite the Emperor’s lack of involvement in governance, he had an excellent memory. He remembered the various officials and their matters quite clearly from his regular attendance and observation.
More officials presented their reports, covering a wide range of topics from trivial matters to military movements. Chu Zhaoyou would inquire about the ministers’ opinions, if he understood, make prompt decisions, and if he didn’t, he would have them submit the memorials for later deliberation.
The ministers, who initially worried about Chu Zhaoyou’s impulsive decision-making, were reassured. One could be discreet, but being autocratic was unacceptable.
Chu Zhaoyou had already accumulated over a dozen memorials and was about to review another one, but most of them pertained to matters initiated by the regent, which lacked context. The ministers couldn’t afford to spend the entire court session explaining everything to him.
Too many memorials.
Every one less would be a relief.
Chu Zhaoyou surveyed the surroundings, “Do any of you esteemed ministers have any ideas about this matter?”
The ministers fell silent.
The hall remained quiet for three seconds as both ruler and subjects reflected.
After a while, the imperial censor suggested, “The regent must have a solution.”
“Yes, the regent must be at his residence right now.”
Some even openly hinted, “The one who started the trouble should be the one to resolve it.”
Chu Zhaoyou silently nursed his hungry stomach, feeling like a fool, reverting to his old foolish self by attending court.
How did he never notice that the court session was so long? There were so many matters, one after another, poking into his areas of ignorance.
He waved, “Court’s adjourned. I have an idea of what to do.”
Eunuch Xue, holding a stack of memorials, was somewhat puzzled.
The courtiers didn’t make things difficult for the Emperor?
If the regent’s people were ganging up on the Emperor, disrupting the court session, both he and the Emperor would be overwhelmed.
Using a scapegoat might be effective, but the problem was that no one was willing to be the scapegoat for the Emperor.
Eunuch Xue’s thoughts were evident, and Chu Zhaoyou understood.
That petty regent, despite having warned the courtiers, still had to add the part about how he had prevented the regent from attending court due to being angered by him last night.
Petty. Wasn’t it just because he had been faint from anger last night?
Chu Zhaoyou exasperatedly said, “Eunuch Xue, I want crab meat lion’s head
Listing the names of the dishes, he suddenly remembered the snow disaster in Zhenzhou, “Forget it, just give me a bowl of egg fried rice, sprinkle some more green onions.”
…
When Xiao Heng left the palace, he happened to run into Xie Chaoyun.
Xie ChaoYun stared at the regent leaving the palace at this hour, scrutinizing him and couldn’t help but ask, “Did you have a fight with the emperor?”
It looked like he lost.
Xiao Heng looked at him as if he were an idiot, “Get lost.”
Xie Chaoyun pointed to his own cheek, “Take a look in the mirror yourself, it’s all red here, obviously pinched.”
Under the heavens, daring to pinch the regent, that’s not something he expected.
Xiao Heng was stunned; he never cared about injuries on his body unless it involved muscles and bones, not bothering to spare a thought.
Before Chu Zhaoyou washed his face with ice water, did he really pinch his face?
No need to ask, asking would just prompt him to get up and attend the court session.
“I’m not attending court.” Xiao Heng strode away from the imperial palace.
Xie Chaoyun paused; he got a break and was about to attend the court.
“Why?”
Xiao Heng’s face was terrible; he finally remembered his original purpose for entering the palace last night.
He wanted to know what Chu Zhaoyou and Lu Huai’s messages, to find out what secretive matters needed to be written in the hands of the general’s man.
Chu Zhaoyou’s actions conveyed the answer; he asked Lu Huai to find the Seal of authority and to search for poison.
Indeed, matters not fit for public knowledge.
Xiao Heng had no intention of informing Xie Chaoyun about the additional poison on his body. He said indifferently, “Wasn’t it your suggestion. Try staying away from Chu Zhaoyou.”
Xie Chaoyun retorted, “You never followed that before.”
Seems like they had another argument? This time, it probably escalated.
Xiao Heng continued to ignore him.
Xie Chaoyun had no choice but to go to the court. He would assess the young emperor’s mood later to understand what had transpired.
Suddenly, the regent turned back and stopped Xie Chaoyun, “You don’t need to go either.”
Chu Zhaoyou had already noticed Xie Chaoyun’s uneasy gaze, and now there was an added layer of indebtedness between them.
What if… it would make things complicated for me in the future?
Sharing a room? Impossible.
Xiao Heng knew that Xie Chaoyun didn’t like attending court sessions. Today, his eagerness probably stemmed from wanting to thank the emperor in front of the courtiers, enhancing Chu Zhaoyou’s reputation.
The debt of gratitude had been repaid on behalf of Xie Chaoyun, and everything was settled.
Xie Chaoyun circled on his tiptoes, “Are you leaving the emperor to face a group of treacherous ministers alone?”
Without him going in to keep an eye on things?
“I have my arrangements,” Xiao Heng said, understanding what Xie Chaoyun meant by treacherous ministers. With the civil and military personnel he had assembled, they would naturally comprehend his intentions.
…
Having finished his meal, Chu Zhaoyou, holding a stack of memorials, went to find the regent.
Ministers had subtly hinted multiple times during their conversations that these memorials were urgent.
Who would have thought that the regent would abandon his responsibilities?
No one in the regent’s residence stopped him; Xue Gonggong was the only one intercepted. He navigated the familiar halls and arrived at the study. The memorials were placed on the floor, and he took a moment to catch his breath.
A hidden guard descended from the rooftop, bowing with folded hands, “Your Majesty, the regent is not in the study.”
Chu Zhaoyou blinked; he had already reached the door of the study, how could the regent be absent?
“I’ll wait.”
Chu Zhaoyou found a stone stool and sat obediently.
When the regent threw away the things in the Funing Hall and replaced them with some greenery, Chu Zhaoyou had noticed that the regent had indeed decorated according to his preferences.
The plants in the Funing Hall were also present in the regent’s residence.
In the corner, the red plum blossoms were just beginning to bloom, contrasting against the white walls like snow.
It seemed that the capital might experience snowfall tonight.
Just as Chu Zhaoyou was thinking this, a personal guard brought a blanket and a brazier.
Was this a sign for him to continue waiting?
Chu Zhaoyou clearly heard movement from the study. Was the regent intentionally making a spectacle of him?
Since he had come all this way and there was no one he couldn’t meet, why not entertain the regent with a song?
He deliberately asked loudly, “Xiao Qi, you said the regent is not in the study?”
“Your Majesty, the regent went to inspect the city tower.”
Chu Zhaoyou nodded, “Then I’ll sing a song, and the regent won’t hear it, right?”
The personal guard’s mouth twitched. Everyone knew that the regent disliked actors, yet the emperor deliberately came to his residence to sing.
“This…” The personal guard hesitated, but the regent was indeed present.
Chu Zhaoyou had already cleared his throat, carefully selecting a line of poetry, “In the present enlightened dynasty, nurturing unfettered orphans. The ruler and his ministers enjoy harmony and prosperity, virtue and influence abound…”
A silence fell in the courtyard. Was the emperor praising himself?
Chu Zhaoyou intended to repeat this line, but before he could reach the second repetition, the regent appeared with a dark face, looking as if he were about to kill someone. However, the only words that came out of his mouth were, “Shut up.”
Outside the door, Xie Chaoyun pulled Qian Shicheng, “Let’s go, I’ll take you to the regent’s residence to see a good show.”
The regent had told him not to come unless it was important, so he urged Qian Shicheng, “You said you had important matters to report.”
Qian Shicheng replied, “Yes.”
He did have something important. Joining Xie Chaoyun to see the commotion, he suddenly heard a segment of a play.
Oh my, it’s actually a real show, and there might even be money involved.
He instantly regretted coming in.
Xie Chaoyun also heard it. He even heard the regent’s teeth-gritting and helpless “shut up.”
He couldn’t help but feel that with such childish behavior between the ruler and his minister, why hadn’t the country already fallen?