Chapter 33

Chu Zhaoyou’s rosy cheeks rested against his arms, like a peony momentarily seeking shelter from the wind against a railing. A gentle touch would cause it to sway gently in the northern wind.

After the Regent set down his vermilion brush, his calloused hands now layered with a new callus after two months of handling swords and reins.

That fair, rosy cheek seemed to possess an almost magnetic allure. At the moment of contact, Xiao Heng felt as though he could hear the sound of snow falling beside his ear.

It had to be this fair, warm skin that enabled one to sense the weight of a snowflake, whereas hands as rough as the Regent’s wouldn’t feel the chill even if submerged in icy water.

Chu Zhaoyou’s eyelids fluttered slightly. The sound of the hooves hadn’t awakened him, but the faint itch on his face caused him to furrow his brow slightly.

Narrowing his eyes, Xiao Heng rubbed Chu Zhaoyou’s face firmly and, as he withdrew, he playfully pinched him.

“Awake?”

With a clang, Xiao Heng placed the sword on the table. He then massaged the pad of his index finger with his thumb, as though there were tiny ants crawling there. The Regent Prince’s fingers pressed down firmly, his gaze growing intense.

Chu Zhaoyou, half-mouthed, rubbed his cheek in surprise. “You pinched me! You pinch me as soon as you return?”

Couldn’t he have woken him up in a manner that reflected the camaraderie between ruler and subject?

Xiao Heng glanced at him indifferently and ordered more firewood to be added to the brazier. “What, do you want me to wash your face with snow?”

Chu Zhaoyou cleared his throat. The old dog rascal hadn’t been awake at the time, so how did he know he had pinched his face? He was being petty; this called for retaliation.

Glancing at the Regent Prince’s shoulder, then lifting his head slightly, he inquired, “How is the Regent’s injury? The governance of Great Chu still relies on the Regent, so please take care of yourself.”

Seeing Chu Zhaoyou’s expression, as if to say, “You’d better attend court tomorrow,” Xiao Heng became irritated. With a slight movement of his right hand, a trickle of blood emerged from his shoulder.

“It’s not fatal.”

Huh? Chu Zhaoyou clenched his fists placed obediently on his knees, tugging at the yellow robe embroidered with a dragon, “Should I summon the imperial physician?”

“No need. Let’s eat first.”

Chu Zhaoyou hosted the welcoming feast on the city tower, surrounding the area with heavy curtains to shield from the wind. The table was peculiar, featuring a pot atop a hollow filled with burning charcoal. The entire table exuded warmth, and Chu Zhaoyou stood by the fire, waiting for the Regent, to the point  he fell asleep.

Xiao Heng tossed thinly sliced lamb, fish, and vegetables into the boiling pot. The base was a duck broth stewed for five hours, then strained to leave behind only the clearest broth.

Chu Zhaoyou poured the sliced ginger by his side into the pot, regardless of its difficulty to drink, to warm the Regent Prince.

While it was freezing outside, the temperature here was pleasant. A sip of the hot soup, accompanied by freshly cooked side dishes, left nothing to be desired.

Chu Zhaoyou took the initiative to serve the Regent Prince, showing great agility. “I can manage the task of serving you.”

Xiao Heng suppressed a smile playing at his lips.

“Your Highness, your noble hands are meant for handling memorials, not these menial tasks.” Chu Zhaoyou

Xiao Heng resumed his impassive expression, observing Chu Zhaoyou swiftly serving both of them a bowl of soup and instructing the servants to bring two large bowls of rice.

“Let’s eat, I’m starving.”

Observing Chu Zhaoyou for a while, Xiao Heng felt that during his absence, Chu Zhaoyou had indeed been thriving.

As Chu Zhaoyou heartily dug into his meal, Xiao Heng found himself developing an appetite just by watching him eat.

“I fought with my back against the water in Youzhou, to regain military power for Great Chu. Although Your Majesty claimed concern, seeing you today, it seems you’re more at ease and well-fed.”

Chu Zhaoyou reacted incredulously, standing up to accuse him, “Are you saying I’m fat?”

“I’m not fat!”

He was the epitome of grace and pride, the kind that wouldn’t gain weight no matter how much he ate.

Just two months ago, his aunt had said he looked thinner. Could the Regent be wrong?

Following the Regent’s gaze, Chu Zhaoyou looked down at his belly.

“I’m just wearing layered clothes. My aunt insists I wear six layers! How can I not look fat?”

The Regent, somewhat childish, responded, “I just touched it. It’s not just the clothes, Your Majesty isn’t truly worried about the border soldiers.”

And me.

Chu Zhaoyou watched him warily. “You can’t be sure about that.”

Xiao Heng’s gaze deepened. “Does Your Majesty want to lift your clothes to show me?”

Chu Zhaoyou covered his stomach. “That would make me catch a cold. Wait till spring or summer, and the Regent will see how much weight I’ve lost due to military affairs and handling memorials!”

He still had time to lose weight.

Xiao Heng coldly served Chu Zhaoyou a bowl of fish slices. “Too late. If I return to the capital and Your Majesty quickly sheds weight, how will the court view me?”

Why did Chu Zhaoyou appear slimmer in his presence but gain weight in Lady Zhao’s care? When he was around, the little fellow ate quite a bit; it was a deliberate act of opposition.

Chu Zhaoyou remained silent for a moment, his expression gradually shifting from gloomy to bright. Xiao Heng’s concern was baseless; prohibiting him from losing weight was just an excuse to accuse him of not caring about his well-being.

Chu Zhaoyou recalled how initially he had issued three edicts a day, ordering the Regent to recuperate, as if throwing meat buns at a dog. Later, he realized that the Regent was in a hurry, probably not wanting to be away from the capital for too long and leaving him in charge, so he stopped issuing edicts.

Xiao Heng lowered his eyes and asked slowly, “Today is Your Majesty’s birthday. What does Your Majesty desire?”

Due to heavy snowfall during the New Year, he hadn’t been able to return; he was fifteen days late, coincidentally missing Chu Zhaoyou’s birthday.

Chu Zhaoyou was surprised. Wei Wanhong had mentioned something about his birth chart clashing with her own, causing his birthday to be recorded ten days later.

It was only after his aunt’s arrival that Chu Zhaoyou learned that his actual birthday fell on the fifteenth day of the first month.

Did the Regent also know?

Chu Zhaoyou pursed his lips. He remembered that he was facing the Regent; there were certain things he couldn’t accept.

“Then, Regent, praise me, excluding the fact that I make a decent emperor.” Chu Zhaoyou added.

Xiao Heng’s expression stiffened; that was indeed what he had intended to say.

Over the past two months, while he was in Youzhou, Chu Zhaoyou had managed state affairs without major mishaps, proving himself a competent emperor.

However, the inappropriate flattery got stuck in the Regent’s mind, and he retorted dryly, “You Sang very well, It’s just that I don’t enjoy listening to it.”

Chu Zhaoyou smiled. Indeed, this was the Regent’s birthday gift, no surprise there.

Xiao Heng retrieved a dark iron token from his sleeve and tossed it to Chu Zhaoyou.

Chu Zhaoyou caught it and examined it, finally realizing that the front bore the character “You” and the back the character “bing” (army).

Shocked, he looked up at Xiao Heng, who was gazing into the distance, and said emotionlessly, “Your Majesty has handled state affairs quite well over the past two months. Several ministers have written letters praising you, allowing me to focus on matters in Youzhou. Half of the military authority in Youzhou rightfully belongs to Your Majesty, but it doesn’t represent the authority of the Dragon Legion, only that of a token.”

He was giving it to him?

Chu Zhaoyou was astonished. His gaze shifted from the Regent’s injured shoulder to the token in his hand, feeling its weight.

“Do you now feel that the throne is secure?”

“Um…”

Xiao Heng continued, “Then release my benefactor, provide her with a sum of money, and arrange a place for her. I don’t like being indebted to others.”

Clutching the token tightly, Chu Zhaoyou had nearly forgotten about this matter.

“I only sheltered that young lady for a while. Not long ago, her family came and took her back,” Chu Zhaoyou assured. “She even gained five pounds before leaving! I certainly treated her well.”

Xiao Heng looked at Chu Zhaoyou suspiciously and said after a moment, “That’s good.”

He leaned towards the idea that Chu Zhaoyou had already released the person, as the young man seemed soft and benevolent. The Regent’s household would continue searching for the person, and if the other party intended to reveal their identity, they would eventually be found.

Chu Zhaoyou had already received the Dragon Legion from Xiao Heng, and now he had another token for Youzhou. Everything had come too easily. After some thought, Chu Zhaoyou decided to return the token to the Regent Prince. “I don’t want it.”

Xiao Heng was about to refuse when suddenly, the words of Zhou Qi came to mind: “You want to give, you want to take… I don’t want it.”

“In that case, use your abilities to take it for yourself,” Xiao Heng returned the token and adjusted Chu Zhaoyou’s collar. “Have you eaten your fill? It’s time to return to the palace.”

Chu Zhaoyou checked, “Not yet.”

Xiao Heng choked, “You eat so much. If you dare to lose weight, I’ll hold you accountable.”

Chu Zhaoyou burped and thought to himself, the Regent was so concerned about his image that he didn’t hesitate to serve him personally to demonstrate to the ministers how well he lived under the Regent’s care.

…

The Regent enjoyed hot pot, but Chu Zhaoyou had a bit of indigestion. When Di Yan prepared longevity noodles for him that evening, he found it hard to eat.

However, it was the first time in twenty years that his aunt had cooked longevity noodles for him. Even if they turned out to be a lump, he had to smile and eat them.

Di Yan said, “It’s my first time making noodles, and they don’t look great. Maybe you shouldn’t eat them. Shall I make another bowl for you, Your Majesty?”

Chu Zhaoyou glanced at the bowl in his hand. He had struggled to eat just a twentieth of it. Having another bowl would mean starting over again.

“It’s very delicious, Aunt. No matter the appearance, your cooking is always a delicacy, unique and unparalleled,” Chu Zhaoyou complimented with a smile, but suddenly felt a tightness in his throat and bent over the table, vomiting.

Di Yan quickly wiped his mouth with a handkerchief. “Zhaoyou! What’s wrong?”

Chu Zhaoyou felt a little embarrassed. “I’m sorry, Aunt. I’m just too full. How about I save the noodles for tomorrow?”

“Even after vomiting like this, you’re worried about the noodles?” Di Yan exaggeratedly scolded. “Zhao Jin, come and check His Majesty’s pulse.”

Though the General’s residence in Liangzhou had a simple population, Di Yan had initially seen all sorts of dirty tricks. Chu Zhaoyou’s pallor made her worry if something had been poisoned in the noodles.

Zhao Jin was sent by Zhao Cheng to protect Di Yan. He was not only skilled in martial arts but also had some knowledge of medicine. He had followed a traveling doctor in his youth, learning about peculiar and rare illnesses. This made him less adept at treating common ailments compared to a regular physician.

Zhao Jin, influenced by Di Yan’s anxiety, solemnly took Chu Zhaoyou’s pulse.

Chu Zhaoyou, experienced and composed, had vomited several times before. His extensive clinical experience made him quickly realize the reason: the Regent had been bleeding from his shoulder, and seeing blood, combined with eating to fullness, had prompted his own vomiting.

Seeing Chu Zhaoyou nonchalantly disengage, Di Yan was exasperated and hit the back of his hand.

“Be serious.”

A hint of puzzlement flashed in Zhao Jin’s eyes. “Your Majesty’s pulse is irregular, something I’ve never seen before.”

Di Yan tensed. “Can you tell what the problem is?”

Zhao Jin checked again, “Order within chaos. Upon further examination, it seems to be related to… to… the heir. I am not proficient in this area and need to think about it further.”

Di Yan’s face changed abruptly upon hearing this. She held Chu Zhaoyou back and said, “This matter shouldn’t be made public. Let’s wait until we have definite results.”

The mention of succession made her think of Wei Wanhong’s words. Was the Regent truly trying to eliminate Chu Zhaoyou to prevent him from having an heir?

At the time, she had dismissed it, believing the Regent wouldn’t resort to such despicable means.

But what if it were true?

Chu Zhaoyou added, “The court physician also checked my pulse and didn’t mention anything serious.”

“It’s precisely because the court physician isn’t trustworthy. Zhaoyou, as long as Zhao Jin is here, don’t consult the court physician until he’s treated you.”

In her words, Di Yan was certain Zhao Jin could cure him and was afraid that the old rascal Regent would find out.

Silently, Zhao Jin was sweating. He didn’t have that level of confidence.

The complexity of His Majesty’s pulse was truly daunting!

Chu Zhaoyou and Di Yan both wore serious expressions, somehow another person now is with a similar expression – Xiao Heng.

Chu Zhaoyou worried about his aunt and the Regent clashing, fearing that he would suffer.

Di Yan first mentally scolded the Regent and then worried about Chu Zhaoyou’s future.

Looking at the two, who were as alike as a mother and son, Zhao Jin suddenly had a strange thought.

He had previously mentioned that comparing His Majesty’s complexion with Di Yan’s was a good way to cheat, and the scene of Lady Zhao’s morning sickness in Liangzhou suddenly flashed through his mind, sending a shiver down his spine.

Causing harm under the guise of medical practice, Zhao Jin felt a bit abnormal.

Author’s note:

Chu Zhaoyou: What’s with all the panic? I’m just troubled.