Chapter 76
Cao Xun's conversation took an unexpected twist, laced with subtle hints about the gap between youth and adulthood. Yunzhu could feel his words hiding something beneath the surface, but her usual indifference kept her from reading too much into it. She preferred him to be straightforward, no games, no pretenses. If he didn't lay it out for her, she'd simply play along, pretending she had no idea what he was up to. Lavish gifts-whether a thousand taels or two-didn't move her in the least.
The first day of the New Year passed quietly, but by the second day, Yunzhu was heading back to her parents' house. This time, Cao Xun stuck around only for lunch before leaving in the afternoon, promising to return for her on the fifth day.
As she saw him off, her mother, Meng Shi, gave a soft word of advice. "Fushan's work is demanding, even during the holidays. There's always something happening at the Governor's Mansion. He doesn't have much time for family. But don't let it turn into a quarrel, alright? No point in holding onto grudges."
Meng Shi always seemed to think the couple was at odds, despite the smiles they exchanged.
Yunzhu smiled back, "You worry too much. I'm not that childish. I feel more at ease when he's back. I'd just worry if he stayed too long at my side, getting bored."
Cao Xun truly had his hands full. After the late emperor's passing, his position in Dingguo Palace had skyrocketed. He was flooded with invitations to banquets, most of which he couldn't decline. On top of that, his own personal affairs-meetings, documents, the usual-kept him busy. Being at Ningguo Duke's mansion, his freedom was limited.
On the fifth day, he arrived early to Ningguo's mansion, eager for a game of chess with his father-in-law. After lunch, he led Yunzhu to the carriage.
"Are you upset?" he asked, pulling her close as they settled in the carriage. It had been three long days without her.
Yunzhu looked up at him, her eyes sharp. "I'm an adult now. I can't afford to be childish with you anymore."
Cao Xun smiled, cupping her face in his hand, pulling her closer to kiss her.
His kiss was slow, lingering, and deceptively gentle-like spring rain that seems soft at first, but penetrates deep into the earth, leaving everything lush and vibrant. Each drop hung from the leaves like a promise.
At just twenty, Yunzhu found herself completely taken by him. Her hands, delicate as they were, traveled up his broad shoulders and circled his neck.
And for that one brief moment, the invisible walls between them dissolved, as if they were no longer restrained by anything, and time itself paused.
*
The palace wasn't throwing any lavish parties to ring in the new year, but that didn't matter much. With the dawn of the new era, Qianxing, the first Lantern Festival of the year was already shaping up to be something extraordinary.
On the fifteenth day of the first lunar month, Emperor Qianxing hosted a grand banquet for his ministers-everyone from the power-hungry civil servants to the military big shots, including Duke Li Yong, who typically stayed cooped up in his estate, far from the action.
But while the room buzzed with flattery and praises, Emperor Qianxing's mind was elsewhere. His attention wasn't on the ass-kissing ministers-no, his thoughts were focused on something much more alluring. He craved the chance to slip away to Cining Palace and find the enchanting lady, the one who had captivated him. He couldn't stop thinking about being alone with her.
His eyes flicked briefly to his uncle, Cao Xun, and Duke Li Yong, before his fingers absently played with his jade pendant. Without missing a beat, he found a convenient excuse to slip away from the crowd.
His eunuch in tow, the Emperor quickly made his way to Cining Palace, desperate to find her. But when he arrived, he found her already sitting next to his mother and Pan Shi. No one had thought to take her aside for a quiet moment to appreciate the lanterns. He stood there for a moment, torn.
He waited, letting time stretch on, his patience thinning as the minutes dragged. But despite his best efforts, the moment he craved didn't come. Stuck between his duties and his desire, he eventually had to leave-frustrated, disappointed, and longing for something he couldn't quite reach.
*
On the 18th day of the first Lunar New Year, after nearly a month of grueling, non-stop work, Li Yao finally reached the city gates just before sunset.
His body ached for home-he longed to embrace his parents and wife-but he knew the rules. He couldn't rush straight back without paying his respects first, so he made his way to the imperial city, intent on checking in with the young emperor.
As night fell, Emperor Qianxing, with a lazy smile, was passing the time, playing with a cat-a little reminder of his late father. He couldn't bring himself to get rid of them, and fortunately, he was young enough to still enjoy their antics from time to time.
When word spread that Li Yao had returned, the emperor was moved. He wanted to see the man immediately, so Li Yao was summoned.
Exhausted from his journey, Li Yao had barely stopped to rest. In his rush to get home, he only managed a single night of sleep, too tired to even wash up or change his clothes. He was a mess-dust everywhere, his hair windswept and unkempt, his face sun-kissed and rugged.
But, even in such a state, there was no mistaking the power he carried. Li Yao had always been a commanding presence, but now, looking like he'd been through hell and back, he somehow seemed even more formidable-like a fierce, untamed god guarding the gates.
The young emperor blinked in surprise when he saw Li Yao in such disarray. But when Li Yao explained his rushed return, there was something about his ruggedness that struck a chord with Qianxing. It reminded him of his father-in-law, Mr. Gu, who'd always criticized Li Yao for lacking cunning and finesse. While Mr. Gu had seen it as a weakness, Emperor Qianxing, in that moment, saw it differently.
A man who wore his emotions openly and showed his anger wasn't to be feared for lack of cleverness. No, what truly inspired fear was a mind that schemed-something Li Yao clearly didn't possess.
At first, Qianxing had been eager to win his aunt's favor, but now, seeing Li Yao's carefree nature, he reconsidered. There was value in keeping this honest, direct man close for now.
With a smile, Qianxing commended Li Yao, promising to honor him publicly in court the next day.
"It's getting late," he said. "Go. Reunite with your family."
Li Yao bowed, sensing a shift in the emperor's tone but feeling no fear. He took his leave quickly and headed home.
When he arrived, Chang Sui, who had accompanied him back to the capital, had already returned to the Duke Ningguo's mansion. Inside, his wife, Li Yong, and Gu Min were waiting for him in the hall.
Meng Shi, with a teasing glint in her eye, turned to her daughter-in-law. "Only three months of marriage, and you're already so familiar with him? But he's been gone for half a year-are you sure you won't find him a stranger now?"
Gu Min shot her a nervous look, hands trembling in her lap. Despite her best efforts to keep calm, anxiety was written all over her.
Then, the heavy sound of boots echoed from outside. Without warning, Li Yao stormed in, his tall, broad frame filling the doorway. The room seemed to hold its breath as he entered, his presence sweeping through the hall like a force of nature.
As soon as Li Yong laid eyes on his son, he immediately scanned for any signs of injury, before sizing him up, taking in his scruffy appearance.
Meng shi couldn't help but scowl. "Why the hell do you look like a beggar?"
Her voice dripped with frustration, feeling for her sweet, delicate daughter-in-law.
Li Yao let out a low chuckle, his eyes-those seductive peach blossom eyes that would have looked soft and charming on a scholar-now sharp and commanding, a quiet power emanating from him as he locked his gaze on his wife, sitting next to his mother.
Li Yong didn't budge. His expression stayed neutral.
Meng shi sighed, waving it off. "Never mind, go clean yourself up. We'll talk over dinner."
Li Yao gave his wife a lingering look, a spark of desire in his gaze.
Gu Min, flustered and wanting to escape, hurriedly followed her husband, cheeks flushed with embarrassment.
Once they were away from the main courtyard, Li Yao scooped her up effortlessly, lifting her into his arms. She was walking too slowly for him, so he took charge, guiding her with a gentle but firm grip. Gu Min squirmed, trying to resist, but ultimately gave in, letting him lead her along.
When they reached their quarters, Gu Min was quick to insist he bathe before they did anything else. As Li Yao washed off the dust from his travels, Gu Min whispered her worries to him, her voice soft and tender. He listened intently, his expression calm but unwavering. When he emerged from the bath, his presence was like a storm waiting to be unleashed. He wrapped his arms around her from behind, pulling her close.
Sensing his intentions, Gu Min playfully smacked his shoulder, a teasing protest escaping her lips. "No, our parents are waiting for us to eat!"
Li Yao smirked, his voice low and reassuring. "Don't worry, I'll be quick. You won't need to go back there."
Gu Min, silent, couldn't argue.
With an exaggerated sigh, Li Yao reluctantly slipped into his clothes, though his mind was elsewhere.
They had been traveling for so long, and he still hadn't heard anything about the Gu family. But when the news finally hit him while they were eating, his anger flared. He slammed the table, the force of his reaction so intense that it made even Li Yong jump in shock.
Meng shi, ever quick to temper her son's fury, jabbed him in the chest with a chopstick, her tone sharp and firm. "What, you think you've lived long enough? I still want a few more years!"
Li Yao was struggling to catch his breath, trying to reign in the storm of anger that churned within him.
Gu Min moved closer, gently guiding him back into his seat, her soothing voice working its magic. Slowly, his tension faded, the fire in him quelling under her tender touch.
Li Yong finally broke the silence, asking, "What did the emperor say when you met him?"
Li Yao gave a cynical smirk, his voice dripping with disdain. "He claims he wants to reward me. But tomorrow, at court, I think I'll give him a very different version of myself."
Li Yong's expression darkened, but he urged, "You have to hold it together. Even if you don't care about me or your mother, think about A Min and your siblings."
Li Yao nodded, his face serious.
*
After a night of satisfying indulgence, Li Yao stirred from the comfort of sleep just before the crack of dawn, ready to face the day's duties at court.
Beside him, Gu Min remained blissfully unaware, still tangled in the sheets after a night spent writhing beneath him. She was lost in a deep slumber, her body still bearing the marks of his attention, and didn't even stir as he slipped out.
Li Yao stood there for a moment, casting a lingering glance over his wife, the warmth of the night still thick between them. He couldn't help but admire her for just a moment longer before slipping away, the quiet departure of a man who knows the power he holds.
When he arrived at court, the officials could barely contain their shock as Emperor Qianxing lavished Li Yao with gold, silver, and jewels-a gift fit for royalty. But that wasn't all; he was appointed as the Jinwu vanguard commander, a post just shy of the one he held before, confirming his high standing in the Emperor's eyes. Confused yet grateful, Li Yao knelt to show his gratitude, basking in the unexpected favor.
Perched on the dragon throne, his youthful features betraying little of his true nature, Emperor Qianxing surveyed the scene from above. But his thoughts weren't with the court. No, they were on his aunt-the woman whose attention, once captured, was worth everything. He smirked inwardly, knowing how thrilled she would be to hear this news. She would no doubt shower him with rewards. He had no doubt she'd comply-but the true challenge would be maneuvering through the influence of the Empress Dowager. That was where the real game lay.
As for his uncle...
A few days later, as the ministers argued over who should head to Fujian to face the Japanese threat, Emperor Qianxing feigned concern, calling his uncle, Cao Xun, into the imperial study to seek his advice.
Cao Xun suggested several generals, but the Emperor quickly countered each one with arguments drawn from other ministers' opinions. His uncle held his tongue, the weight of his own perceived inadequacies pressing heavily.
Finally, Cao Xun admitted with some reluctance, "I accept my shortcomings, Your Majesty. Perhaps someone else might be more suited for this task?"
Emperor Qianxing, ever confident, met his uncle's gaze with a knowing smile. "Of course, Uncle. You, who have shattered barbarian hordes and reclaimed Jiuzhou, are Daxia's living legend. Your presence alone in Fujian will send those Japanese pirates scattering, just like fallen leaves in a storm."
Cao Xun hesitated, caught between pride and doubt.
Noticing the hesitation, the Emperor leaned in with a subtle challenge. "Could it be, Uncle, that you doubt your ability to handle a group of Japanese pirates?" The words were laced with a challenge, a subtle taunt that would force his uncle to rise to the occasion.
Cao Xun's lips curled into a sardonic smile as he countered. "Pirates? Hardly a real threat. As the Emperor's chosen, I'll deal with it. But..." He paused, his voice shifting to a more dangerous tone. "A word of caution, nephew: If I were to handle this while you play your games in the palace... well, you'd be wise not to test the winds that blow when I'm absent."
The tension between them thickened, and the Emperor, ever the strategist, pushed just a little further, a quiet challenge lingering in the air.
Emperor Qianxing's hand rose, the oath already forming on his lips, but just before he could speak, a soft, unexpected warmth brushed against his skin, halting him in his tracks. His eyes flicked up, meeting the gaze of Cao Xun-a look so gentle, yet heavy with knowing, as if the older man could see straight through him.
"Your health, Your Majesty," Cao Xun's voice purred, rich with concern and something deeper. "That's all I wish for."
The emperor froze, a rush of heat flooding his chest, mixed with something that tasted like shame. Here he was, ready to deliver some grand proclamation, while his most devoted advisor, this unwavering presence at his side, cared only about his well-being.
And yet, as Cao Xun's broad frame faded from the doorway, something shifted in Emperor Qianxing. A new fire sparked-defiance, perhaps. After all, he was the Emperor, wasn't he?
The world, with all its jewels, its treasures, its beauties, was his for the taking, if he chose to reach out and claim it.