Chapter 66: C66. I Didn't Ask Him To Please Me.

Chapter 66

In the soft glow of the gauzy canopy bed, the newlywed couple clings to each other, their love palpable and intoxicating, a deeper connection in that fleeting, intimate moment.

Yunzhu couldn't shake the memory of the intensity in Cao Xun's eyes when he warned her about seducing the little emperor. He wrapped his message in veiled words, but the meaning was clear, a sharp reminder of his control.

The more he plays the part of the gentle, composed man, the more his true, forceful nature cuts through, especially when that expression flickers on his face.

With a slow, deliberate touch of his firm arm, Yunzhu leans in, her voice low and teasing as she sighs, "So tell me... what can I do to prove that I haven’t taken my frustrations out on you, hmm?"

Cao Xun, however, remains quiet, his silence like a thick wall between them.

She taps his arm gently, then whispers, "I tried to behave with more grace before. I thought it was the right thing to do. You might not be used to it, but you’ll come around."

It's clear now to Cao Xun—Yunzhu is truly upset with him.

The next morning, as Cao Xun buries himself in his work, Sun Yurong barges into the Dingguo Mansion, her eyes gleaming with excitement, as if there's a new fire blazing in the capital. Could it be that word of the Du shi incident had leaked out?

She eagerly presses Yunzhu to spill the details of what happened at the Hu Mansion's banquet the day before.

Yunzhu shakes her head, a slight smirk on her lips, before asking Lian Qiao to fill in the blanks.

Lian Qiao first rips into Du shi, then recounts her humiliation with biting accuracy.

Sun Yurong’s face lights up in surprise. "Is that so? And you left early? You didn’t see the chaos at the Hu family's wedding banquet?"

The news hits Yunzhu hard, rattling her composure.

With unrestrained glee, Sun Yurong reveals everything she knows, "If Liu shi's words are true, Hu Shangshu might lose his post, and the number one scholar could fall from his pedestal."

Yunzhu is left in stunned silence. The thought of the lawsuit rattles her, and her mind immediately jumps to Cao Xun. Why hadn't he told her? He must have seen everything unfold. So why keep quiet?

The coincidence of Liu shi’s visit to the capital to right his wrongs is hard to ignore. Someone was clearly behind the situation, stirring up the pot.

Hu Bochang had been the Minister of War for years. In the political game, there were always players—both allies and enemies. Cao Xun wasn’t the only one with the power to make a move on him.

But wasn’t it just recently that Cao Xun had hinted that once he solidified his power in the capital, he'd shield Yunzhu's family from the emperor’s influence?

Yunzhu’s gut twisted, sensing that Cao Xun may have played a hand in what happened at the Hu family’s banquet.

He hadn’t spoken of it directly to her—he wasn't the type to boast or brag, not like those younger, flashy men, Cao Shao or Xie Lang. But soon enough, Yunzhu would hear the truth from others, and the purpose behind his actions would unfold. He’d silently set the stage to impress her, all while letting her discover it on her own.

But still... was Cao Xun powerful enough to bring down someone like the Minister of War?

*

This case naturally alarmed Empress Dowager Cao and Emperor Qianxing.

Emperor Qianxing was somewhat reluctant to address Hu Bochang's situation because, within the veteran officials, Hu Bochang was the most skilled at flattering him.

However, three of the five pavilion elders, including Gu Shoufu, believed that the case required thorough investigation.

Emperor Qianxing, feeling uneasy, called upon his two uncles to discuss the matter.

Cao Xun commented, "In all honesty, Mr. Hu has expressed some criticism toward me. I believe it is inappropriate for me to participate in this case."

Emperor Qianxing indeed recognized that Hu Bochang's indirect criticism of his uncle's excessive military power was reasonable, yet he also felt that it was premature. If a sudden invasion occurred, they would likely reinstate his uncle's command of the troops before it was safe.

In the present circumstances, when his uncle brought up the matter, Emperor Qian Xing was eager to make his position clear: "Hu Bochang is envious of your military accomplishments. Despite being younger, he is causing trouble for you everywhere. No need to worry, uncle, I know his true intentions. I will not heed his slander."

Cao Xun smiled and replied, "I appreciate your trust, Your Majesty. However, an Emperor shoulders the responsibilities of the world and should seek wisdom from various sources. Don't rely solely on the advice of your family just because I am your uncle."

Emperor Qianxing nodded and turned to Cao Shao, asking, "How do you propose we handle this case? Should we hand it over to the Ministry of Punishment or to the Jin Yiwei?"

If handed over to the Jinyiwei, Emperor Qianxing could subtly indicate that they need not be overly cautious in their investigation, should he desire to protect Hu Bochang. However, Guo Hong, the Secretary of the Ministry of Punishment, is impartial. The Emperor would feel awkward asking Guo Hong to overlook the crime, and might not be confident in pressuring him to do so, risking being reprimanded by Guo Hong.

Civil servants can be quite brazen. If they think the Emperor is wrong, they will not hesitate to directly remonstrate, and may even take pride in it.

After some contemplation, Cao Shao suggested, "Considering that the Liu family brought their grievances to Hu Mansion and Minister Guo was present to take charge, I believe it's best to continue having the Ministry of Punishment handle the case. Minister Guo's integrity is renowned across the realm, and whether Minister Hu is guilty or not, Guo will announce the verdict, which will earn the trust of officials and the people."

Emperor Qianxing hesitated and asked, "What if Hu Bochang is indeed guilty?"

Cao Shao replied, "If Minister Hu has colluded with local commanders to exploit the people, punishing such a highly-ranking, treacherous official at the start of your reign will help you establish your authority among the people."

Emperor Qianxing's mother has been urging him to study diligently to avoid becoming a neglectful ruler. While stubborn, he desires a good reputation. He was moved by his uncle's words. As long as the people are prosperous and the nation is stable, a slight flaw in personal morality is inconsequential for an emperor.

"Very well, then let the Criminal Department investigate."

*

To accelerate the investigation, Guo Hong, the razor-sharp and resolute Minister of Punishment, didn’t bother with diplomacy. He took matters into his own hands and led his team straight to Ningbo.

The people of Ningbo Prefecture had been suffering under Commander Chu Xiao’s oppressive rule for far too long. When word spread that the formidable Qingtian Grand Master, Guo Hong, had arrived, they swarmed to the prefect’s Yamen, where Guo was temporarily holding court. Every grievance and cry for justice poured in like a tidal wave.

Guo Hong wasted no time. Chu Xiao and his cohorts were dragged in and grilled with ruthless precision. While Chu Xiao stubbornly proclaimed his innocence, his wives and concubines—timid and vulnerable—crumbled under pressure, their secrets slipping out, or fell prey to Guo Hong’s cunning traps. It didn’t take long for the hard evidence to come to light: Chu Xiao wasn’t just exploiting the commoners but had been deep in bed with Hu Bochang, lining his pockets for years.

The noose tightened. Even Chu Xiao’s most loyal allies turned their backs when the weight of the proof crashed down. One confidant, likely eager to save his own skin, finally spilled the sordid truth—a conspiracy between Chu Xiao and Hu Bochang to take out Tang Changhe, the lionhearted general whose victories against the Japanese had made him a national hero.

Guo Hong didn’t stop there. He sent every damning shred of evidence and witness testimony straight to the capital, leaving no room for doubt.

At first, Emperor Qianxing hesitated. Hu Bochang was no small player, and cutting him loose would be a seismic move. But the sheer gravity of the evidence—and the undeniable opportunity to burnish his image as a wise and uncompromising ruler—broke his indecision. He authorized Jin Yiwei, his secret hounds, to storm Hu Bochang’s mansion in a raid for the ages.

What they uncovered was staggering: 700,000 taels of silver hidden away in the mansion and his hometown, and treasures galore—antique masterpieces, priceless paintings, calligraphy, and rare artifacts, totaling another million taels. As if that weren’t enough, they dug up silver illicitly funneled in from officials who had been bribing Hu Bochang all along.

It was unforgivable. Hu Bochang’s sins sealed his fate. The death sentence came swift and hard, and by late July, he met his deserved end.

Even before the axe fell, Emperor Qianxing, spurred by his cabinet’s swift recommendations, had already installed a new Minister of War. His message was crystal clear—no man, no matter how powerful, could escape justice.

*

Sun Yurong had always made it a point to avoid the spectacle of beheadings at the Meridian Gate. The gruesome theatrics weren’t her style. Still, that didn’t stop her from devouring every detail of the case, breathlessly hurrying over to Yunzhu’s side with the latest updates like a woman on fire.

Yunzhu couldn't help but smirk at her friend’s unrestrained excitement. “What is it exactly, Yurong? Did the Hu family personally offend you, or are you just enjoying the show a little too much?”

Sun Yurong let out a shrug, her expression as casual as her words were cutting. “Offended? Not at all. It’s just—how could I not pity Chen Dingzhi? The man earned the top scholar’s title, became a minister, yet still couldn’t recognize the woman he was meant to marry. Imagine that. His downfall with the Hu family is practically poetic—his own misfortune laid bare.”

Yunzhu looked at her, amusement playing at the edges of her mouth but with none of Sun Yurong’s supposed sympathy in her gaze. She knew better.

There it was: the top scholar, Chen Dingzhi—the same man Sun Yurong had admired from a careful, hopeless distance. He was unattainable, but that didn’t stop her from coveting the dream of him. And then there was the Hu family—the clan that robbed Sun Yurong of her favored man, fair and square. Now, with both parties dragged through the mud, Sun Yurong was basking in the schadenfreude, every bit as smug as her words were sharp.

What made it even better was that Chen Dingzhi’s misfortune practically opened the door for Xu Guan, the second-ranking scholar. Fortune had a sense of humor, didn’t it?

Amidst their spirited gossip, Sun Yurong suddenly turned, her eyes alight. “By the way, has Du Xuan’s husband been demoted yet? Did your husband say anything about it?”

Yunzhu tilted her head, cool and curious. “Why would Du Xuan’s husband be dragged into this?”

“They’re unrelated, of course,” Sun Yurong replied with a sly grin. “Just unfortunate timing. A censor seized the moment to file a complaint, and suddenly, Du Xuan’s man’s old sins from years ago resurfaced. Odd coincidence, wouldn’t you say? Especially when Du Xuan had the gall to toss tea at you. It’s almost as if someone gave the censor a little nudge.”

Yunzhu’s gaze lowered, unreadable, though the hint of a satisfied smile played on her lips.

Seeing that reaction, Sun Yurong chuckled knowingly and nudged her arm. “You’re too good at this, Yunzhu. Your husband is an esteemed man, so deeply devoted to you that he’d turn the city upside down to right your slights. Don’t you see? Every woman in the capital will know about his loyalty to you. Meanwhile, Du Xuan—poor thing—brought it all on herself. She started the war; she just didn’t know who she was picking a fight with.”

Yunzhu said nothing, her composure unshakable.

But Sun Yurong wasn’t finished yet, her tone teasing and probing. “Something doesn’t add up, though. You—of all people—could’ve had your way with anyone by now. If your husband spoils you this much, why haven’t you bared your claws yet? Or are you just playing demure with me?”

Yunzhu finally met her gaze and smiled—slow, deliberate, and laced with an edge. “You’ve seen others try to please me before. How did that work out for them?”

Sun Yurong fell silent, recalling Cao Shao. That man had practically worshipped the ground Yunzhu walked on. He’d bent over backwards for her, only to break off their engagement like a fool—a decision he regretted long after Yunzhu had moved on.

Yunzhu leaned closer, her voice soft but carrying the weight of experience. “Let me tell you something, Yurong. You’re about to step into marriage, so listen carefully. If a man makes the effort to please a woman, it’s because she has something he wants. That doesn’t mean he takes her seriously. Take Cao Xun, for example. He didn’t lift a finger himself to deal with Du Xuan’s husband—he simply dropped a word, and others rushed to handle it for him. He did it to make me smile, sure, but let’s be honest: how much did it cost him?”

She leaned back, her tone turning sharper, silk wrapping around steel. “Now, if a man is willing to tear himself apart—break his own bones to prove his devotion to me—then I’ll believe I hold a place in his heart. But if all he does is flash empty smiles and smooth words, while never putting his skin in the game, that’s not love. It’s a performance.”

The room hung heavy with the weight of her words. Sun Yurong paused, her expression flickering with disbelief before narrowing her eyes and letting out a sly little laugh. She leaned closer, tapping Yunzhu lightly on the forehead and purring in a teasing, almost scolding tone:

"You really don’t know how good you have it, do you? You're drop-dead gorgeous, and you've spent your life being worshiped by men. You think that’s normal? Most women don't even get a damn compliment, let alone a ring on their finger. They’re too busy taking their frustrations out on life, but here you are—beautiful, adored—and you’re still not satisfied with how your husband treats you?"

Hell, even if Duke Dingguo—handsome and powerful as he is—were out of the picture, any other woman would be over the moon to get half as much attention from someone as plain as Xu Guan after tying the knot.

But Yunzhu just exhaled, her tone languid and unconcerned, lips curving into a faint smile. "What can I say? It’s not my fault I look like this. I didn’t beg him to fawn over me; everything he does is of his own free will."

And honestly?

At this point, Cao Xun had already addressed every complaint she could possibly have. If he wanted to keep bending over backward to please her, well… that was entirely his problem.