Chapter 34

Zhao Jin, feigning ignorance to conceal his shocking thoughts, offered no explanation when Di Yan asked what was wrong.

Realizing his inadequate medical skills, Zhao Jin deeply reflected on himself. As far as he knew, His Majesty was only twenty this year and had not undergone any significant life events. Even if men could bear children, His Majesty couldn’t conceive out of thin air.

Di Yan said, “I don’t trust the palace physician. Zhao Jin, from now on, follow His Majesty closely. Give him a daily check-up and find out what the Regent Prince has given him!”

Chu Zhaoyou explained the historical reasons for his nausea, “Aunt, there’s no need to worry. It’s not a big deal.”

Di Yan, frustrated at Chu Zhaoyou’s naivety, said, “Do you really trust Xiao Heng? Are you that naive? Can emotional distress really affect your pulse?”

Chu Zhaoyou felt almost accused of being foolish. He fell silent, feeling a slight sense of doubt.

Could it be that after he had drugged Xiao Heng, Xiao Heng had retaliated by drugging him back, with plans to exchange the antidote a year later?

Chu Zhaoyou blinked, finding it entirely plausible. He had instructed Lu Huai to cooperate with him and pretend to have taken the Regent’s benefactor.

Although Chu Zhaoyou felt aggrieved from his own perspective, he considered it odd that the Regent hadn’t retaliated at all. He believed the Regent must be seething with anger. How could he not retaliate?

Little did Chu Zhaoyou know that Xiao Heng was enduring the torment of the He Xin Gu, feeling as if life wasn’t worth living. He would rather endure a subtle poison than a more overt one.

Reflecting on the Regent’s vengeful nature, Chu Zhaoyou felt he was right.

To ease his aunt’s worries, Chu Zhaoyou suppressed his suspicions, took a deep breath, and thought, “It’s been a while since I’ve cursed someone in my daily journal.”

….                                      

Yuexu ecently suffered a devastating typhoon that ravaged the entire country, leaving the populace in dire straits and the nation’s strength diminished. Consequently, they sought to make amends with Greater Chu. However, Prince Zhang Huiji, who was sent as an envoy to Great Chu, was brought back after his ill-fated encounter.

Zhang Huiji was unpopular in Yuexu Country, and the people showed no sympathy upon hearing of his misfortune, especially after learning of his lecherous behavior in Great Chu. Finally, someone had disciplined him, and there was unanimous approval.

The ruler of Yuexu Country, feeble-minded, and the mother of Prince Zhang Huiji, who was the queen, felt humiliated and demanded revenge, advocating for war.

Despite their hesitation, they eventually engaged in a slow and reluctant military mobilization. Observing Great Chu’s advanced equipment, high morale, and the presence of distinguished court generals, they dared not engage in direct conflict, instead resorting to sending troops disguised as pirates to harass the coast.

Xie Chaoyun effectively defeated the pirates, pursuing them to their lair and confiscating their weapons. His focus during this period was on procuring and, under the guise of combating pirates, methodically seizing Moonreaching’s weaponry. People could be spared, but all weapons were confiscated. Without weapons, how could they engage in combat?

With Yuexu’s weaponry entirely depleted, news of the successful campaign in Youzhou made its way south, leading to a complete cessation of hostilities as they obediently resumed life as fishermen.

Upon hearing of Xiao Heng’s triumphant return to the capital, Xie Chaoyun’s activities also drew to a close, and he arrived in the capital shortly after Xiao Heng.

This time, Chu Zhaoyou didn’t greet Xie Chaoyun as grandly as he did Xiao Heng, which brought a semblance of balance to Xiao Heng’s mind.

In the tradition of Great Chu, after a victorious return of the general, the emperor would lead the civil officials in a royal hunt to celebrate. This was designed to provide a firsthand experience of the toils of war and to caution the ruler against unnecessary militarism. Additionally, it served as a reward for the troops, utilizing the game captured by the monarch and officials, representing the highest honor, with additional rewards to be given separately.

It was evident that the puppet emperor’s hunting achievements held no honor, and no one cared.

The last time Xie Chaoyun returned to the capital, Xiao Heng had just returned from his disappearance, and due to the pressing matters at hand, no one had brought up the royal hunt.

This time, with Xiao Heng leading the victorious army, any further rewards could appear as an attempt to usurp the throne. Some ministers hinted that Chu Zhaoyou should attend the royal hunting at the Miqiu hunting grounds to formally commend Xiao Heng.

The ministers’ intentions often represented Xiao Heng’s covert instructions.

Xie Chaoyun, aware of the implications, teased, “General Xiao, are you after chicken eggs or bird eggs? Do you really think His Majesty can catch wild game?”

“Such is the custom of Great Chu. If General Xie finds this unacceptable, he can discuss it with the Emperor,” Xiao Heng said, gesturing to a pile of memorials beside him.

Xie Chaoyun casually picked up one of the memorials and flipped through it. “Wasn’t it said that His Majesty would handle the memorials? Why are you making these trivial changes?”

Local officials in some areas far from the capital often sent greetings at the slightest provocation, showcasing their loyalty by reporting their achievements. A few words of reassurance from the Emperor were usually sufficient to pacify these trivial concerns.

Xiao Heng, still recovering from his shoulder injury, was now burdened with this laborious task?

As he held the memorials, Xiao Heng recalled the recent banquet Chu Zhaoyou had hosted at the city tower, where he had claimed to have eaten inadequately, and Xiao Heng had patiently accompanied him.

With nothing else to occupy his time, Xiao Heng had inexplicably found some hidden pleasure in helping Chu Zhaoyou with the hot pot, and he couldn’t seem to stop.

Chu Zhaoyou expressed dissatisfaction with the constant meat consumption, “The Regent has a shoulder injury and should refrain from excessive movement. I will handle it myself.”

“A minor injury,” Xiao Heng replied, demonstrating remarkable dexterity with his chopsticks.

“Are you sure?” Chu Zhaoyou inquired.

“Does Your Majesty doubt me?” Xiao Heng retorted.

“I dare not,” Chu Zhaoyou bent down and retrieved a dozen memorials from under the table. “Since the Regent is now recovered, I still have to finalize yesterday’s memorials…”

He had intended to finalize them while waiting, but he must have dozed off, making it convenient for someone else to take over.

Returning and facing a pile of memorials, combined with the decisions that Chu Zhaoyou couldn’t make in his absence, had kept Xiao Heng confined to the study since his return.

According to Cui Geng, the weather was cold, and the little fellow had been napping during the afternoons.

Careful, idleness can lead to trouble.

Although Xiao Heng was outwardly disdainful, he decided not to dwell on the fact that Chu Zhaoyou was revising the memorials. Instead, he resolved to reopen the hunting ground and let Chu Zhaoyou go out and stretch his legs.

In response to Xie Chaoyun’s teasing, Xiao Heng, with a hint of insincerity, replied, “Even after he reviews the memorials, I still have to look through them again, so it’s easier if I handle it myself.”

In truth, he no longer reviewed them. After all, everyone makes mistakes, and sometimes, letting go can allow for independent decision-making.

Seeing through it all, Xie Chaoyun remarked, “Some people can’t argue with His Majesty’s desire to be lazy. They like to take charge, yet they talk as if they are pure and noble.”

Xiao Heng retorted, “…Get lost.”

As Xie Chaoyun traveled to Yuexu Country, distancing himself from this pair of immature ruler and subject, he grew calmer and more clear-headed. He began to vaguely understand Xiao Heng’s intentions. When faced with the Regent’s inexplicable behavior that defied common sense, this explanation fit perfectly, making everything seem logical.

For instance, why had Xiao Heng suddenly adhered to the customs of Great Chu, particularly the celebratory rituals? Even the highest rewards were no longer suitable. He seemed to want Chu Zhaoyou to personally hunt and celebrate with him.

Xie Chaoyun mused, “I bet even if His Majesty didn’t catch any live game, the Regent would still be thrilled to pick up a bird’s egg from the ground.”

Then changing the subject, Xie Chaoyun said, “I’m here for official business. Today, as I passed by the Imperial Academy, I noticed some young nobles acting suspiciously. I eavesdropped and learned that they’re planning something at the Miqiu hunting grounds.”

The Imperial Academy educated the sons of ministers, with two different curriculums. Those who planned mischief were considered the less capable lot, unable to advance in their careers and remaining at the academy to improve their social status.

According to the ministers, “If you can’t do anything else, it’s better to focus on studying.”

Xiao Heng responded, “I know. After the hunting date was set, they’ve approached His Majesty several times for discussions.”

“Why are you going then? You’re injured now, and it’s best to avoid unnecessary trouble.”

“It’s just a minor injury. I want to see for myself what kind of show they’ve prepared with His Majesty.”

Xiao Heng was indifferent. He had always said that if Chu Zhaoyou had the ability, he should take what he wanted from him. If necessary, he could even willingly walk into a trap, considering it as making up for a missed birthday gift.

Observing the Regent closely, Xie Chaoyun felt that his brother was in a dangerous state.

The Regent was his sworn brother, having been saved by Chu Zhaoyou. Naturally, he wished for harmony between them. If Xiao Heng had developed romantic feelings for Chu Zhaoyou, that would also be acceptable.

The premise was that Xiao Heng hadn’t been afflicted by the Gu, and if he had, the benefactor wouldn’t be Chu Zhaoyou.

With only nine months of clarity left, what could Xiao Heng accomplish in that time? What would happen the next time the Gu took hold?

Suddenly regretting his hasty words, Xie Chaoyun realized that Xiao Heng was rather inscrutable. If he were ever provoked to the point of realizing he had fallen in love with his enemy’s son, facing the threat of the He Xin Gu, how would he cope with the anguish?

Wearing a look of resentment, Xie Chaoyun was eventually driven out of the study by the Regent.

…………….

After the Lantern Festival, before the spring planting began, it was a lively period for theater troupes in the capital. People from all around flocked to the city to enjoy the bustling markets and watch the performances.

The theater troupes dared not perform on the main street, fearing it would interfere with the Regent, so they swiftly congregated in the less frequented southern part of the city, forming a lively theater street.

Xiao Heng didn’t disturb the festive atmosphere and even contributed funds to improve the street.

When passing through this street en route to Miqiu, the people below nervously inquired whether they should change their route or clear the area.

Xiao Heng responded, “Let them be… It’s no trouble.”

The Theater Street was likely something Chu Zhaoyou would enjoy. Xiao Heng wanted him to witness the liveliness, to prevent him from imitating obscure rituals, such as the Ma Gu birthday celebration. There was no shortage of activities in the capital, yet the little guy always seemed to prefer venturing outside—foolish.

On the 18th day of the first lunar month, the Emperor’s procession passed through the southern street, and the theater troupes had been informed to operate as usual.

Chu Zhaoyou and the “injured and unable to ride a horse” Regent shared a carriage.

Glancing to his left, Chu Zhaoyou pondered over the fluctuating nature of certain princes’ injuries, which was quite puzzling.

He raised the carriage curtain and saw the theater stage built along the street. The well-funded theater troupes skillfully and subtly arranged their performances, attracting a large audience. Even from outside, he could catch a glimpse.

As he observed the Regent resting with his eyes closed, Chu Zhaoyou felt a sense of satisfaction.

Could it be that the Regent was avoiding the sight of the theater troupes and using this as an excuse to retreat into his carriage?

The more he thought about it, the more it seemed likely, and Chu Zhaoyou almost laughed out loud. Suddenly, the procession slowed down, and he intentionally lifted the curtain to face the theater stage.

Zhao Jin had mentioned that he was almost certain that his pulse was related to his future offspring. He needed to find a certain herb to confirm his suspicions. His hesitant manner made it seem as though he had been afflicted with a dreadful poison.

Chu Zhaoyou was indifferent to his own succession, but if the Regent had poisoned him, even in retaliation, it didn’t sit well with him.

Uncomfortable feelings always require retaliation, or else one might feel depressed.

Leaning close to the Regent, almost next to his ear, Chu Zhaoyou loudly exclaimed, “The theater performance outside is so splendid. Wouldn’t the Regent like to see the city’s scenery and people?”

Did you hear that?

Hurry and open your eyes.

Xiao Heng, feeling a slight itch in his ear, opened his eyes and gave Chu Zhaoyou a displeased look.

Chu Zhaoyou leaned against the window, ensuring the Regent had a clear view.

As he observed the Regent’s reaction, he casually commented, “The performance is good, just a tad inferior to me.”

“That theater over there is well-built, perfect for me to showcase my talent. I can sing any play. How about I sing a few lines for the Regent?”

Seeing the Regent’s increasingly displeased expression, Chu Zhaoyou gloated, “Why not let’s watch this play? The Regent can decide who sings better, right?”

As he spoke, he glanced at the play being performed on the opposite stage.

Chu Zhaoyou swiftly pulled the curtain shut and composed himself, pretending as if nothing had happened.

He had forgotten that this was ancient times, and the performances often depicted scenes that pleased the public, still in their primitive form before the influence of socialism.

The play being performed was… a traditional Chinese opera. The actors often included subtly suggestive bed scenes, the kind with a glimpse of a leg behind a curtain, the table behind it creaking and shaking, and even the remnants of broken eggshells on the floor.

Xiao Heng stared at Chu Zhaoyou with an enigmatic expression, as if he were a crafty predator who, after tripping over a prey, had to pick it up and present it, saying, “Your Majesty, please.”

Chu Zhaoyou blushed, “I can’t.”

As a serious individual, he couldn’t understand what was happening on the stage, let alone associate the scene with a certain dilapidated house from a particular night.

Chu Zhaoyou rubbed his warm face to compose himself, while the idiot beside him is an oblivious fool who didn’t remember anything.

Author’s Note: 15,000 comments for an update~ Please avoid leaving repetitive zero-point comments.