ADWMCES Chapter89

The eunuch who delivered the imperial edict was guarding the Chu Mansion while waiting for Chu Fengqing to leave together.

 

“Gonggong, may I ask why His Majesty wants to see him?” Chang Wang asked with a smile as he helped to stuff some silver into the box.

 

That eunuch weighed the silver in his hand, narrowed his eyes slightly, and pushed the box back. “His Majesty’s summoning is a good thing. Don’t worry.”

 

Chang Wang was stunned for a moment, thinking that the silver was not enough. The eunuch noticed his intention and said with a smile, “This is all I can say even if you move a mountain of gold in front of Zajia today.”

 

“Uh…” Facing the eunuch who couldn’t be persuaded, Chu Fengqing didn’t bother to argue any more. “Please wait a moment. I want to talk to my family.”

 

That eunuch lowered his eyes, not daring to look at him directly. This person was strange. He looked down on everyone in the Chu Mansion but was very respectful to Chu Fengqing. “Please don’t worry, this servant will be waiting outside.”

 

Chu Fengqing nodded, and meeting the worried eyes of his father and mother, he curled his lips and said soothingly, “Don’t worry.” He said, “Mother, Father can’t stand the wind, you help him in first.”

 

Chu Zhengyin waved his hand and said, “No hurry, Qing’er. The new emperor and I were officials in the same court. Yinyin was also engaged to him back then, and we had a deep relationship. He looks warm and gentle, but he is actually unfathomable.”

 

He paused, frowned as he thought of something, and said, “He is petty and ruthless. Ever since we became involved in engagement, I haven’t been able to sleep, but defying the emperor’s command is not an option.”

 

“It could be seen as a blessing in disguise. I don’t know why he called for you, but you have no real connection with him, and there’s little shared interest between the two of you. The first one is probably about Ji Yujin, and the second is about the plague that year. If he values your medical skills, these two things will be fine. If…”

 

He glanced at Chu Yinyin out of the corner of his eye, and his expression turned a little ugly. Although he didn’t say it explicitly, but everyone understood.

 

Madam Chu tightened her hold on her handkerchief. In truth, the whole matter sounded absurd, and she found it hard to believe. Yet, she couldn’t think of any reason why he would summon Chu Fengqing without cause. Moreover, the timing was just a coincidence. Chu Fengqing was summoned right after the announcement of Chu Yinyin and Ji Yujin’s separation.

 

Chu Zhengyin: “You must not act on impulse and confront him head-on. We can discuss everything after you return.”

 

Chu Fengqing pursed his lips after listening to his father’s analysis “Yes, Father.”

 

He hesitated for a moment but still said, “Father, go back to Jiangnan. The warmth in Jiangnan is more suitable for recuperation than here.”

 

Father Chu was stunned for a moment, then he looked up at Chu Fengqing and understood.

 

His originally black hair was now mixed with a lot of silver hair, and he looked much older. “Alright, we will go when you come back.”

 

Chu Fengqing frowned and wanted to say something, but Mother Chu pressed his hand and said, “A family must be in good order.”

 

Chu Fengqing pursed his lips and smiled, then replied, “Alright.”

 

After Father and Mother Chu returned to their rooms, Chu Fengqing took out a token from his sleeve pocket and handed it to Chu Yinyin, “Yinyin, go find Li Yu and ask him to send you and our parents out of the capital.”

 

Chu Yinyin’s almond-shaped eyes widened slightly. “Brother, is there any danger?”

 

Chu Fengqing rubbed her hair and said, “I will go to Jiangnan after I leave the palace. There is no one I need to wait for in the capital anymore.”

 

He had originally planned to go to Jiangnan. Given Ji Yujin’s current status, it was no longer appropriate for him to come to the capital, so he planned to go to Jiangnan and wait for him there.

 

Chu Yinyin was skeptical but still nodded, tugged at the corner of Chu Fengqing’s clothes, and whispered, “Brother, be careful.”

 

The carriage was swaying, and there was a drizzle outside.

 

Chu Fengqing lifted the carriage curtain and glanced towards the palace gate. The palace was magnificent, with tall gates standing tall and heavily guarded on both sides. But perhaps it was the gloomy and rainy weather that made it feel both eerie and scary.

 

The eunuch outside saw his movements and said with a smile, “Young Master, wait a moment. We will be there soon.”

 

Chu Fengqing nodded and let down the curtain. Even though he was only in the carriage for a short while, he already felt a little uncomfortable, and his face turned pale.

 

When they arrived at the palace, they had to change to a sedan chair. He was somewhat puzzled. Although he and Ji Yujin had also taken a sedan chair when they came to the palace before, but it was because of Ji Yujin’s influence at that time. He was so powerful that no one dared to say anything. But now…

 

He took a step back with some resistance and said to that eunuch, “A commoner like this humble one dare not ride in a sedan chair in the palace.”

 

The eunuch smiled and said, “Young Master Chu, don’t worry. It’s raining today, and the roads are slippery. His Majesty was worried that your shoes and socks would get wet, so he specially arranged a sedan chair. His Majesty feels sorry for you…”

 

The eunuch slapped his own mouth and said, “Look at this servant’s mouth. His Majesty is being considerate to the Young Master. Please get on the sedan chair, Young Master.”

 

Chu Fengqing was very conspicuous in his white clothes. These words made him feel uncomfortable for some reason. He frowned, feeling that he had overlooked something.

 

“No need.” He said as he walked forward while holding an umbrella. His back was straight, his black hair was tied up high, and he was wearing white clothes and holding a green umbrella. He walked in this vermilion imperial city, and gradually a beautiful picture was created.

 

The young eunuch next to him asked, “Gonggong, what should we do?”

 

That eunuch put his hands in his pockets and looked at Chu Fengqing’s back, smiling and saying, “What can we do? Just do it this way.”

 

The shrill voice was not harsh. He shook his head and sighed, “Tsk, this is indeed a tough nut to crack, but he truly lives up to the title of a ‘Jade-like Gentleman.’”

 

That eunuch narrowed his eyes slightly and thought of the man in red who had walked side by side with Chu Fengqing before. The man in red looked arrogant, while the person in white looked cold and aloof. He always felt that he and that man were a good match when standing together.

 

The young eunuch also nodded and looked at Chu Fengqing’s back, “He’s really beautiful.”

 

That eunuch glanced at the young eunuch from the slit of his eyes and patted him on the head. “Beautiful? It is none of your business even if he’s beautiful. You still linger and didn’t chase after him?!”

 

“Ai!”

 

Several people hurriedly caught up with Chu Fengqing.

 

“Young Master, you are going the wrong way. We are not going that way.”

 

Chu Fengqing took a deep breath and made himself look normal. “Not going to the main hall?”

 

Facing Chu Fengqing’s question, the eunuch rolled his eyes and hesitated for a while before saying, “His Majesty is feeling unwell and has returned to the bedchamber earlier. Please follow this servant.”

 

Chu Fengqing had no doubts either and followed him.

 

When they arrived at the bedchamber, he found Zhao Yiyu sitting in the hall in a dragon robe with a black gauze winged hat on his head. Compared with his previous appearance of a modest gentleman, he looked much more majestic.

 

When he saw Chu Fengqing, he narrowed his eyes slightly, stood up, and a smile appeared on his face, “Fengqing.”

 

After the person arrived, the eunuch retreated, and the palace maids had also been dismissed long ago, leaving only two people in the entire hall.

 

Chu Fengqing bowed and said, “This humble one greets Your Majesty.”

 

Zhao Yiyu: “Fengqing, there is no need to be polite between us.”

 

The familiarity revealed in his words made Chu Fengqing frown, they clearly had only met each other a few times.

 

Chu Fengqing: “This humble one dares not.”

 

Zhao Yiyu’s smile dimmed slightly, yet he still managed to say with a smile, “You are always so composed.”

 

He walked down the hall and approached Chu Fengqing, “Zhen summoned you to the palace for two reasons. One is that you saved my mother last time. Zhen’s mother and Zhen are very grateful. She also asked Zhen to find an opportunity to reward you.”

 

Chu Fengqing: “Your Majesty is too polite. That is what this humble physician should do. Moreover, this humble physician has already received the silver. The silver and the goods have been exchanged. There is no need to reward again.”

 

The palace was incredibly large, and he had almost exhausted all his energy after walking all the way here. In addition, the shaking of the carriage made him feel a little dizzy. He just wanted to go home quickly and have a good sleep.

 

“Hahaha.” Zhao Yiyu suddenly laughed twice when he heard his words, causing Chu Fengqing to look at him in confusion.

 

Zhao Yiyu shook his head. “It’s really hard to deal with someone like you. You don’t want power nor wealth. Zhen really doesn’t know how to impress you.”

 

As he spoke, he turned his head and stared at Chu Fengqing while smiling, “Fengqing, what do you think Zhen should do with you?”

 

When he speaks, his voice is always perfectly balanced—not too loud, yet not so soft that it can’t be heard. But if he remains silent and simply gazes at you, it carries an unmistakable weight.

 

His eyes were profoundly dark, and he gazed at Chu Fengqing with an intensity that seemed capable of drawing one in.

 

Chu Fengqing frowned and couldn’t utter a word for a long time. It wasn’t that he didn’t want to say anything, but he didn’t know what to say. He now felt that Zhao Yiyu was a little weird and that some of what he said was incomprehensible.

 

He used to think that this person at least had a good sense of propriety, but now even this advantage is gone.

 

Seeing that Chu Fengqing didn’t say anything, Zhao Yiyu’s eyes became more depressed, but he still controlled himself well. He reached out and took a strand of Chu Fengqing’s hair and played with it.

 

Chu Fengqing looked at him in confusion and took a step back, trying to avoid him.

 

But Zhao Yiyu wouldn’t let him evade. Still smiling, he said gently, “Fengqing, don’t hide from me.”

 

His tone was very gentle, as if he were talking about a love story, and he asked with a smile, “I’ve always been puzzled. I’ve never harmed you, and I’ve protected you both openly and in secret. So why do you always have such a poor impression of me? Did I do something wrong?”

 

Chu Fengqing pursed his lips and said nothing, but still took a step back, putting some distance between them. He had remained still for a long time, and when he finally moved, he staggered slightly, his lips growing even paler.

 

Fortunately, Zhao Yiyu didn’t seem to want his answer either. He stroked the fingers that had just pinched Chu Fengqing’s hair and said to himself, “The first time we met was in the Imperial Garden. At that time, you were wearing a wedding dress, which was dazzling red, but it suppressed all the gorgeous colors in the world. Guess how I felt at that time?”

 

A strange look flashed across Chu Fengqing’s eyes, and a sense of disbelief slowly rose in his heart. What made him even more unbelievable was that he actually knew that the “Chu Yinyin” at that time was him.

 

Zhao Yiyu was dissatisfied that Chu Fengqing’s eyes never fell on him, so he reached out and turned Chu Fengqing’s face around. He had to make him look at him, and their eyes finally met.

 

He said word by word, “A single glance can astonish, yet the beauty of life is fleeting.”

 

Seeing Chu Fengqing’s pupils shrink, he smiled again, seeming very satisfied with his surprise.

 

“Are you surprised that I have such thoughts about you?”

 

He let out a “tsk” and said, “Sometimes when I think about it, I myself also find it a little ridiculous. If a detail was misplaced, it wouldn’t have led to this situation now. If you were wearing men’s clothes at that time, I wouldn’t have thought of it this way either.”

 

“So.” He looked at Chu Fengqing and smiled, “Qing’er, this is all your own fault.”

 

Zhao Yiyu’s eyes darkened, and the smile on his lips disappeared. “Do you remember Xiao Qi¹FYI, it refers to the Seven Prince.? When he drugged you, I also found out about it, but at that time I wanted the throne more than I wanted you, so I envied him at that time. I envied him for being able to take whatever he wanted without caring about anything, unlike me, who had to pretend and endure in various ways.”

 

“I also know that you were pretending to be Chu Yinyin early on. I felt a little regretful at that time. I thought if I hadn’t called off the engagement, wouldn’t you have married into my house disguised as a woman as well?”

 

“Hmm…” He smiled and narrowed his eyes, looking at Chu Fengqing’s clear eyes, and said, “So, in fact, you should have been mine from the beginning.”

 

“Zhen is now the emperor, and Zhen wants to try what it feels like to ignore everything.”

 

As he spoke, he took the imperial edict that had been prepared long ago from the table. The bright yellow imperial edict and the bright yellow dragon robe—everything that eyes can see was filled with the high and mighty colors that could not be looked directly at.

 

“Your Chu family’s Yinyin comes from the noble Zhongxiang family, a household known for its refinement and prestige. She is respectful, virtuous, and well-mannered. Zhen is very pleased with her and will elevate her to Consort Yi, with the wedding set for April 20th.”

 

April 20th is a good day, the only auspicious day in the month suitable for marriage.

 

Zhao Yiyu held up the imperial edict and looked at the person standing there. He did not pursue the charge of disrespect, “Qing’er, don’t you want to accept the edict?”

 

Chu Fengqing clenched his fists, cold sweat broke out on his back, and he felt uncomfortable both physically and mentally.

 

But his expression was well maintained. Apart from his face being a little too pale, there was nothing unusual. He was still aloof and cold, and his face was still as delicate as if he were an immortal.

 

He raised his eyes coldly and looked at Zhao Yiyu and said in a low voice, “Don’t involve Yinyin.”

 

Although he thought this matter was ridiculous and even thought Zhao Yiyu was a lunatic, but none of this mattered. The most important thing was that he could not involve Chu Yinyin.

 

Zhao Yiyu paused for a moment, then smiled even more, “You are finally willing to talk to me. It seems that family is still more important.”

 

He hesitated for a moment, then said slowly, “But I can’t agree to this. Yinyin still has to enter the palace. Of course, if you are willing to use the same trick again, I will naturally agree.”

 

At this moment, Chu Fengqing realized that Zhao Yiyu moved Chu Yinyin out just to make him compromise and make him dress up as a woman again and become his concubine…

 

Chu Fengqing didn’t understand, he frowned and said, “I am a man.”

 

Zhao Yiyu: “Ji Yujin is also a man.”

 

Chu Fengqing looked up suddenly, he knew everything.

 

“Qing’er, don’t be surprised.” Zhao Yiyu smiled and put the imperial edict in his hand. “I don’t mind.”

 

Who cares whether you mind or not? Chu Fengqing’s upbringing over the years has prevented him from swearing, but his expression was still extremely ugly.

 

Holding the imperial edict in his hand, he recalled his father’s warning never to come into direct conflict with Zhao Yiyu. In truth, his father was overthinking, how could he possibly clash with the new emperor in the palace?

 

Chu Fengqing bowed and prepared to leave the palace first before making any plans, “Yes, if Your Majesty has nothing else to tell this humble one, this humble one will take his leave first.”

 

Zhao Yiyu’s eyes flickered as he watched Chu Fengqing walk to the door and then was stopped by two guards. He seemed to have a bit of a bad taste. He loved watching the subtle changes in Chu Fengqing’s eyes when something happened, as if…

 

Chu Fengqing was held in his palm, allowing him to do whatever he wanted, looking both pitiful and adorable.

 

The next moment, Chu Fengqing turned to look at him. Zhao Yiyu smiled and shook his head. The drizzle outside the room gradually became heavier and soon turned into a heavy rain.

 

He said in a strange and doting tone, “Qing’er, you are too smart. I can’t let you out for the time being. I will have to inconvenience you for a while.”

 

……

 

On the other side, Chu Yinyin found Li Yu. After Li Yu heard the news, his head almost exploded. Could it be that Zhao Yiyu knew about Ji Yujin and Brother Chu?

 

He remains the head of the Jinyiwei, but because of his close ties to Ji Yujin, the title is merely nominal, and he no longer handles any real responsibilities.

 

But he could also understand that the Jinyiwei dealt directly with the emperor and were an important guarantee for the emperor’s safety. They were also the last wall to protect the emperor. Not a single brick of this wall could be crooked, not even a little bit.

 

It was only because of his father’s prestige in the court that he was not kicked out in one breath.

 

Li Yu scratched the back of his head. In the past, Ji Yujin was the one who did most of the brainwork. He hadn’t used his brain much for a long time, so it might have atrophied a little now. He couldn’t even figure out why Zhao Yiyu could summon Chu Fengqing for anything other than anything that’s related to Ji Yujin.

 

Think about it, he is not even an official and has nothing to do with the royal family. Could it be that he was invited to be an official?

 

This possibility was not ruled out. Li Yu comforted Chu Yinyin and told her not to worry, then he went to the palace to find out the news.

 

Li Yu hurried out but turned back halfway. “Little sister of the Chu family, I’ll send someone to escort you home. Tell Uncle and the others to stay hidden for now. It’s too sudden to travel far. I have a secluded farm outside the city with my people there. I’ll have someone take you there to stay safe.”

 

Chu Yinyin: “Brother Li Yu, is my brother in danger?”

 

Li Yu hurriedly shook his head and pursed his lips and said, “I also don’t know the news yet, it’s better to be prepared.”

 

If the emperor really wants to cause trouble for the Chu family because of Ji Yujin, that would be real trouble.

 

Li Yu felt overwhelmed. Although Ji Yujin was missing now, but he still had something in his hand that the emperor cared about very much—the Tiger Tally²It was a token of military power in the ancient Chinese imperial system..

 

Damn it, he doesn’t even understand this man. A eunuch, yet he managed to steal the tiger tally, and now that man is still at the border. Since ancient times, our dynasty has relied on vassal princes to help guard the frontiers. These vassal princes hold more power than the others and are often at odds with each other. Whoever he chooses, even the emperor must address him as “Imperial Uncle” out of respect for seniority. The old emperor is timid, so several vassal princes have military power. Now he can’t move nor can he fight. He feels worried for Zhao Yiyu.

 

If Ji Yujin really joined forces with a few vassal princes to attack the palace, then the new emperor would be in trouble.

 

That’s why Zhao Yiyu started hunting down Ji Yujin as soon as he took the position. It’s quite scary for someone like Ji Yujin to stand next to the throne.

 

Li Yu hurried to the palace but was turned away without even seeing the emperor. The eunuchs beside the emperor stood as if their mouths were sewn shut, unmoved like towering statues no matter how strong the wind blew.

 

At night, he returned to the mansion somewhat defeated and found Chu Yinyin still there. He looked at Chu Yinyin and blinked, “Why didn’t you go to the manor?”

 

Chu Yinyin: “Father and Mother left first, I am a little worried about my brother.”

 

In fact, Father and Mother Chu were reluctant to leave at first. Chu Yinyin lied to them and said that Chu Fengqing had left the palace and would be there soon. Only then did they leave.

 

Chu Yinyin: “Brother Li Yu, it’s already dark, why hasn’t my brother left the palace yet? Did something happen?”

 

Li Yu smacked his lips, not knowing what to say, but he guessed that there was a high probability that something had already happened. He only knew that his life would not be in danger for the time being.

 

“Nothing serious for now. I’ll go and find out tomorrow.”

 

Li Yu: “I will have someone take you to the farm tomorrow. You can rest in the mansion for one night.”

 

Chu Yinyin shook her head. “Last time, my brother had to face everything alone. This time, I want to accompany him. Although I can’t do anything, but… I can’t let my brother be alone every time.”

 

Li Yu was slightly stunned. “Your intention is good, but something bad might happen later, so I still hope you go to the manor. You are the only one with your parents now, you have to take care of them.”

 

If Ji Yujin knew that Brother Chu was captured and taken to the palace, he would definitely come back, and by then there would probably be another bloody storm.

 

Chu Yinyin hesitated for a while, feeling a little conflicted.

 

“Forget it. It’s late tonight. Let’s make plans tomorrow.” Li Yu asked someone to settle Chu Yinyin down and went out again. This matter has not yet come to a conclusion, and he feels empty in his heart.

 

Fortunately, he had not served as a Jinyiwei for so many years in vain. Although his network of relationships had been blocked to some extent, but it was still useful.

 

When he really found out the truth, he felt that this world was too fantastic. He looked at the words on the note and sighed deeply, saying bitterly, “Dog Ji, if you still don’t come back, even your wife will be taken away by someone else.”

 

He wrote a letter overnight, which was composed of some strange symbols that ordinary people could not understand. He looked at the letter in his hand and walked to a room where there was a falcon, which was trained by the Xichang and used for long-distance letter delivery.

 

This was the last one in Li Yu’s hand. He tied the letter to the falcon’s feet and said, “Be good, baby, you must deliver the letter to Ji Yujin; otherwise, things will get out of hand.”

 

The falcon’s triangular eyes were sharp and terrifying. It took off into the air with the whistle and disappeared in the blink of an eye.

 

To be honest, he didn’t know whether the letter could reach Ji Yujin or not. At this moment, he suddenly missed Qing Niao. After all, that “bird³Qing Niao means green bird.” was really amazing at delivering messages.

 

But after the incident, he also followed Zhao Li to the border to look for Ji Yujin.

• 1
  FYI, it refers to the Seven Prince.
• 2
  It was a token of military power in the ancient Chinese imperial system.
• 3
  Qing Niao means green bird.