Chapter 35

Xiao Heng flicked open the fur collar of his fox fur coat, pinching Chu Zhaoyou’s nape. “Your Majesty, can you sing any play?”

Chu Zhaoyou replied, “I am a serious person.”

Xiao Heng tapped the mahogany table inside the carriage with his knuckles, producing a clear, crisp sound. “We have the curtain and the table. Do I need to provide additional props for your performance?”

Chu Zhaoyou blushed, lowering his head as the Regent pinched his nape, exerting just the right amount of pressure to make his scalp tingle. What other props were needed, apart from what was on the ground? Was the Regent really behaving in such a rascally manner?

Chu Zhaoyou, who had often used acting to outmaneuver the Regent, was now in a position where he couldn’t say a word, metaphorically shooting himself in the foot.

Normally lively, now he blushed like a young bride.

Amused by the situation, Xiao Heng refused to let him off the hook. “When you teased me, why didn’t you say you couldn’t do it? Huh?”

“How about I have them turn around and take Your Majesty back for further study?”

“Your Majesty is so diligent in learning. You left the palace and immediately went missing following an old actor?”

The Regent began to bring up old grievances, while Chu Zhaoyou maintained the posture of a schoolchild listening attentively.

Xiao Heng seemed a bit irritated. Chu Zhaoyou had only been away from the palace for three days and had dabbled in various unsavory activities. “You loudly proclaimed in the old temple that I liked you? You ensnared Zhang Huiji and sought out a couple of wastrels at the inn for lewd storytelling. Who wrote that objectionable content? And now you’re pretending to be serious here?”

“Can we take words spoken in an emergency at face value? When did this happen? How does the Regent remember all this so clearly?”

“You studied ‘Ma Gu’s Birthday Celebration,’ to sing for the Empress Dowager before, now  I ask you to sing a traditional pink opera, and you keep hesitating?”

He knows quite a lot, even about traditional operas. Chu Zhaoyou grumbled inwardly, wondering when this ordeal would end. He felt like a pet dog whenever he had to pull back the curtain while passing through the southern street.

Chu Zhaoyou’s eyes flickered, and he quietly exclaimed, “Imperial Uncle!”

Given their difference in age, the Regent was his senior. Wasn’t it disrespectful for him to keep teasing like that”?

” Imperial Uncle” was the respectful address Chu Zhaoyou used for Xiao Heng, something he hadn’t used in over three months. Xiao Heng was struck speechless by the sudden call.

Chu Zhaoyou, fed up with having been provoked by Xiao Heng, had long stopped caring about these trivial matters. Upon reflection, he realized that the little Emperor who used to timidly call him “Imperial uncle” had become nothing more than a shadow in his memory.

Three months ago, he didn’t interact much with the little Emperor. Sometimes, he wouldn’t even glance at the Dragon Throne during the entire morning court.

Chu Zhaoyou, always so bold and lively, daring and blushing as he called out ” Imperial uncle,” made Xiao Heng want to squish him.

As Chu Zhaoyou slyly glanced at the Regent, a smirk formed on his lips. Ah, has he realized he’s getting older?

As if reciting a powerful incantation, he playfully repeated the address several times, drawing out the final syllable, unintentionally sounding coquettish.

Xiao Heng quietly scolded, “Shut up!”

Coincidentally, the carriage jolted, causing Chu Zhaoyou to tumble into the Regent’s arms.

With his ear against the Regent’s chest, he could sense a slightly accelerated heartbeat, and he casually remarked, “Does Imperial Uncle know how to feel scared too?”

Xiao Heng took a deep breath and covered Chu Zhaoyou’s mouth. “Quiet down.”

“Mmm—,” Chu Zhaoyou struggled, as it seemed the Regent genuinely disliked the disturbance, his arm holding him tightly. He glared at the Regent and forcibly found a comfortable position, closing his eyes.

If he couldn’t speak, then he would sleep.

The hunting ground in Miqiu was vast, encompassing a large expanse of level forest and gently sloping hills. Dangerous predators like jackals, wolves, tigers, and leopards had been cleared from the hunting grounds, which were usually closed off to allow the wildlife to thrive, releasing agile prey for hunting.

Mounted on a spirited steed with a quiver of arrows, the red feathers peeking out, Chu Zhaoyou stood with a perplexed look. “Does the Regent truly believe I can catch game?”

I don’t think so.

Why does Xiao Heng insist on consuming the game I catch as a reward? Is it superior to the palace’s offerings?

Let him go hungry. I can’t even catch a chicken.

Struggling to climb onto the horse, Chu Zhaoyou’s mount was personally chosen by the Regent, known for its gentle and stable temperament.

Chu Zhaoyou had some prior experience riding, but it was limited to gentle walking; he couldn’t gallop.

The officials dispersed into the woods. According to tradition, those who failed to catch any game would be mocked for an entire year.

Chu Zhaoyou, lagging behind, rode alongside Xie Chaoyun.

As one of the rewarded individuals, Xie Chaoyun didn’t need to hunt; he was there to protect Chu Zhaoyou.

Chu Zhaoyou cleared his throat. “General Xie, you are handsome and elegant…”

“If Your Majesty has something to say, please speak freely.”

“General Xie, do you think a foolish partridge might knock itself unconscious by flying into a tree? The same goes for rabbits.” Chu Zhaoyou hinted, “As I draw my bow, the prey, panicking, will have no escape, meeting its end.”

Xie Chaoyun: “…” Wasn’t this hinting at him to help cheat?

But the Regent expects you to catch the game.

“No,” Xie Chaoyun responded frankly. “If I see a pheasant’s nest later, with eggs, I will remind Your Majesty.”

What’s the use of my saving you?

It would be quite embarrassing if the great Emperor returned empty-handed, wouldn’t it?

Chu Zhaoyou watched as a long-tailed pheasant ran past, making an exclamation but not making any move. After all, he wouldn’t hit the target, so why bother?

Xie Chaoyun accompanied him in circles, almost unable to bear it.

Whether you can catch anything or not, at least try.

Headache.

The Regent knew the young Emperor was incapable and warned himself not to help, so why did Chu Zhaoyou come at all?

Xie Chaoyun couldn’t understand. He attempted to change his perspective and saw Chu Zhaoyou’s forehead glistening with sweat. Tired from riding, he began leading his horse, stepping on crackling leaves, looking spirited.

Suddenly, Xie Chaoyun thought that the Regent had previously criticized Chu Zhaoyou for sleeping in the palace. Could it be that he deliberately organized this hunting event to get Chu Zhaoyou to come out and be active?

Was it really necessary?

After handling matters, the Regent came to find Chu Zhaoyou. Just a few dozen meters into the woods, he saw the two still lingering at the forest’s edge.

Chu Zhaoyou was digging into a clump of mushrooms, while Xie Chaoyun watched, and there was no sign of any game.

Xiao Heng was pleased. Xie Chaoyun restrained himself from showing off in front of Chu Zhaoyou, which was good.

“Don’t eat wild mushrooms,” Xiao Heng spoke up.

Chu Zhaoyou paused, then threw the twig. “I was just digging for fun. It’s not my fault it only grew one leg, so it can’t run.”

Things with two legs run fast; he couldn’t catch them.

Just as Xiao Heng sensed his complaint about the hunting, before he could speak, his arm was suddenly tugged.

Chu Zhaoyou grabbed the Regent’s clothes, pointing excitedly to the treetops. “There, there!”

A pheasant.

Xiao Heng swiftly fashioned a branch into an arrow and shot it through the woods, hitting the pheasant in the neck.

Chu Zhaoyou’s eyes lit up. “Direct hit.”

He ran over, lifted the pheasant, and handed it to the Regent. “Help me tie it up.”

Xiao Heng complied.

Xie Chaoyun, watching on, was impressed and chose to leave.

Not allowing him to help was a way to let him take action.

Xie Chaoyun didn’t believe that the Regent and the young Emperor had no prior experience. They were so coordinated and skilled; it didn’t seem like their first time.

Most people brought provisions, having lunch in the woods. They set out in the morning, returned in the afternoon, and in the evening, the game would be tallied and rewarded by the Emperor based on merit. If someone’s game was chosen by the Emperor to be given to the Regent, it would be a matter of pride.

Chu Zhaoyou, however, was different. He hadn’t gone far before choosing to return to camp to eat.

“Can I count it as a successful hunt?” Chu Zhaoyou tied a rabbit and a pheasant to his horse’s rear, feeling accomplished.

Upon arriving at the palace outside the hunting ground, Chu Zhaoyou dismounted and solemnly presented the game to the Regent, “You can eat it as you like. If you can’t finish it, you can roast the chicken and share half with me.”

The Regent’s e roasted chicken is delicious, but he would rather have him submit more memorials than roast chicken.

Xiao Heng held the game, his brow slightly furrowed, feeling that Chu Zhaoyou’s instructions were too proficient. He tossed the chicken to his subordinate. “Take care of this.”

Unaware that the Regent had already started roasting the chicken, Chu Zhaoyou returned early to find the palace lunch not yet prepared, so he sat and waited.

Feeling a bit thirsty and cold, Chu Zhaoyou picked up the nearby wine flask. “Your Majesty!” Zhao Jin hesitated, “Your Majesty’s tolerance for alcohol is not good. Since we are leaving the palace today with the ministers, why not have tea instead of wine?”

Chu Zhaoyou paused; he didn’t know if his body could handle alcohol. His tolerance was poor, and there had been no improvement.

If he got drunk and fell asleep, would he be able to boldly sleep through the afternoon?

“Just a little,” Chu Zhaoyou licked his lips. He was grown up now, no longer needing to protect his voice for singing; he was at the age for drinking heartily.

While he said just a little, Zhao Jin clearly saw the desire to drink in his eyes.

He quickly intervened, “I haven’t taken Your Majesty’s pulse today. It’s not advisable to drink. How about I check your pulse first?”

“Ah,” Chu Zhaoyou rolled up his sleeve slightly, revealing a fair wrist. “Go ahead.”

As the midday meal was served, Chu Zhaoyou drew back his hand cautiously, then extended it again after the others left.

Zhao Jin focused and gently placed his fingers, his eyes reflecting a hint of joy before turning to shock.

He was pleased that the Emperor’s pulse seemed clearer today, indicating a stabilizing internal change. However, he was startled by the direction in which the results were heading.

He cautiously inquired, stuttering, “H-H-Has Your Majesty ever… been intimate with anyone?”

Chu Zhaoyou raised an eyelid and gazed at the ceiling for a while before responding firmly, “No.”

Whether I can have offspring or not, It doesn’t matter.

No.

Zhao Jin suddenly knelt down, bowing his head low, and whispered, “It doesn’t have to be a woman.”

Chu Zhaoyou’s cheeks flushed suddenly.

Zhao Jin’s medical skills are so unscientific? Can he even see this?

Could it be that he is worried that my broken sleeve will lead to the end of my generation?

He said, “Even if there is, it’s not because I like him.”

Understand?

Zhao Jin stammered, his voice getting softer, “Even if there is… is there or isn’t there?”

If there is, the young emperor seems so weak, looking like the one being bullied…

Chu Zhaoyou put down his chopsticks. Do we have to discuss this kind of thing while I’m eating?

The curtain lifted, and the regent came in. His gaze swept over the table in front of Chu Zhaoyou, his expression unchanged. “Since Your Majesty has already called for lunch, I won’t disturb you.”

Chu Zhaoyou’s eyes flashed, and he quickly followed the regent who was leaving. “You roasted chicken for me, didn’t you? I want to eat.”

Zhao Jin: “…” Did he have to show it so obviously if he doesn’t want to answer?

He followed out of the palace, anxiously watching Chu Zhaoyou’s food.

A few clumps of green grass grew by the courtyard. Zhao Jin casually glanced at them, and his eyes suddenly lit up.

Muzi grass, ordinary in appearance, tasteless to most, but for pregnant women, just a whiff can make them vomit.

Author’s Note: Chu Zhaoyou: Damn, the regent’s roasted chicken always brings strange things. Eating more is like being a puppy!