Note: Thank you Rika-same. Another chapter!
Chapter 51 Part 1
Xue Yuan recalled that this was a handkerchief he and Chang Yu had picked up in the lake a long time ago. After finishing the evening meal provided by the emperor from the palace, he absentmindedly took this handkerchief, which had been trampled underfoot by him, into the bathhouse and casually tossed it aside while bathing.
Only Xue Yuan and the cleaning servant entered this bathhouse, yet somehow this handkerchief inexplicably remained until now.
It belonged to Gu Yuanbai.
There was even a dragon pattern on it.
The scene of carelessly trampling on the handkerchief vividly replayed in Xue Yuan’s mind. His face changed as he looked at the dirt on it, forgetting to continue bathing. He strode over to the bathtub and began washing the handkerchief.
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Dwl Zwyd, bl vbswtbv, obu eke usw byhl vs pvlr sd y bydejlanbklq sq yzz vbkdtp?
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Ekvb vbl olyvbla clnsxkdt bsvvla, qalpb plypsdyz qawkvp olal yzps rzynle sd Qw Zwydcyk’p ekdkdt vyczl.
Qw Zwydcyk bye y olyj nsdpvkvwvksd yde nswzed’v vszlayvl vbl nsze sa vbl blyv. Lso vbyv vbl xsdvb bye alynble Kwdl, cu vbl lde sq Kwdl sa vbl cltkddkdt sq Kwzu, bl oswze byhl vs xshl vs vbl pwxxla ryzynl yde prlde vbl ldvkal pwxxla vblal.
Usdpsav Eyd oswze xshl kd xke-Kwdl. Mbl kxrlakyz rbupknkyd bye alnldvzu kdqsaxle Qw Zwydcyk vbyv Usdpsav Eyd’p blyzvb nsdekvksd pllxle vs byhl pvyckzkgle, yde yp zsdt yp pbl eked’v pwqqla y plakswp kzzdlpp ewakdt vbkp pwxxla, pbl pbswze cl yczl vs tlv vbaswtb kv.
Qw Zwydcyk pnszele vbl yvvldeydvp cu Usdpsav Eyd’p pkel yde tyhl vblx kdpvawnvksdp, yde pkdnl vbld, vbkp taswr sq rlsrzl bye clld lhld xsal nywvkswp obld plahkdt Usdpsav Eyd.
Mbl ralryayvksdp qsa vbl vayel aswvl olal zkjlzu vs cl nsxrzlvle cu Kwzu sa Gwtwpv, obknb oswze cl vbl tszeld ywvwxd plypsd. Ju vbl vkxl vbl vayel aswvl alynble vbl csaela, kv xktbv yzalyeu cl Flrvlxcla.
Gwvwxd oyp y plypsd sq byahlpv qsa vbl Py Tldt Pudypvu, cwv dsxyekn vakclp sqvld nbspl vs yvvynj vbl csaela ewakdt vbkp plypsd.
Their warhorses were well-fed and robust, and their cavalry was formidable. They would take advantage of the Da Heng Dynasty’s grain harvest in autumn to invade the Central Plains and seize the winter’s entire food supply.
The timing was just right. While enjoying the fruits, Gu Yuanbai pondered that when he would be in the summer palace, the border should have already engaged in battle. The nomads would have no food throughout the winter and could only trade their valuables with the merchants. That would be the ideal situation.
Thinking about the border, Gu Yuanbai looked up at Xue Yuan and asked, “Captain Xue?”
Xue Yuan, lost in his thoughts, snapped back to attention and quickly stepped forward. “Your Majesty?”
“If I were to send you to the border, what would you do?” Gu Yuanbai asked.
Xue Yuan smiled coldly, far from friendly. “Exterminate them.”
This… was a bit problematic.
First and foremost, Gu Yuanbai had to consider the interests of the entire Da Heng Dynasty. Currently, the cavalry of the Da Heng Dynasty was unable to resist the nomadic tribes on the northern grasslands as a whole. With a scarcity of warhorses in the Da Heng Dynasty, the first step was to acquire the horses from the nomads. Once enough light and heavy cavalry were trained and transportation became convenient, then it would be the time to eliminate them and subjugate the northern frontier.
Therefore, what Gu Yuanbai wanted now was to frighten them, not to cultivate enmity.
Now was not the time for revenge; it would take at least two or three more years for that. At this moment, it was better to send a rational and broad-minded general to promote the establishment of mutual trade at the border.
Xue Yuan could wait until the time came to subjugate the northern frontier.
An experienced general who was familiar with both the nomads and the border, and possessed a composed character, flashed through Gu Yuanbai’s mind—General Xue.
Xue Yuan called out, “Your Majesty?”
Gu Yuanbai snapped back to attention and said directly, “But I don’t currently need you to exterminate them.”
Xue Yuan calmly responded, “I understand.”
But did His Majesty really mean to send him to lead the troops?
Xue Yuan’s heart skipped a beat.
He had almost gone crazy without seeing Gu Yuanbai for just one day. Now, the thought of not seeing him for two or three months made him want to take Gu Yuanbai away with him.
His mansion was so large, the border was vast, and he could afford to keep a delicate little emperor. Xue Yuan calculated his wealth and salary, and it seemed like it wouldn’t be impossible.
With a plan in mind, Gu Yuanbai asked Xue Yuan to step aside. The morning passed by with work, and when it was time for lunch, Tian Fusheng promptly reminded him. Gu Yuanbai had no choice but to put aside his official duties and had the meal served.
While he was eating, Xue Yuan stood nearby, observing. The Captain of the Imperial Guards noticed his gaze and cautiously approached, kindly saying, “Lord Xue, if you’re hungry, why not eat first?”
Xue Yuan stared at Gu Yuanbai’s lips, glistening with oil, his throat feeling itchy. He didn’t catch the words clearly and asked, “Hungry for what?”
The Captain of the Imperial Guards raised his voice a little, “If you’re hungry, then go eat.”
“Go eat?” Xue Yuan couldn’t move his eyes away, his voice hoarse. “Can I eat?”
Can his mouth eat?
“What can’t you eat?” The Captain of the Imperial Guards chuckled and felt that Xue Yuan reminded him to be wary of Chu Wei, making him a good person. “The palace’s food is delicious and abundant. You can eat as much as you want.”
“Eat as much as you want…”
Xue Yuan’s breath quickened, and he suddenly became tense, but his nervousness caused him to choke and emit a low cough.
Gu Yuanbai paused and gestured to the side, saying, “Get him a glass of water.”
A palace attendant brought a glass of water to Xue Yuan, who took a sip and finished it in one gulp. His peripheral vision caught a glimpse of Gu Yuanbai’s porcelain-like profile, and he became entranced once again.
How much money would a meal cost? Xue Yuan couldn’t help but calculate it in his mind. After the calculation, he realized that he could afford it. Unexplainably, Xue Yuan found himself smiling with satisfaction.
After lunch, Gu Yuanbai took a short nap.
When he woke up, it was exactly an hour later. Gu Yuanbai lay on the bed to clear his mind. There was some commotion outside, and when he raised his eyelids to look, he saw the door being opened.
Tian Fusheng said, “Your Majesty, it’s time.”
Gu Yuanbai made a muffled sound of acknowledgment.
“What’s happening outside?” he asked.
Tian Fusheng replied, “When you were sick a few days ago, Lord Xue brought two wolf cubs into the palace. Now that the palace staff sees that you’re feeling better, they came to ask if you’d like the two cubs to keep you company.”
Gu Yuanbai chuckled in a muffled voice, “When I said I wanted wolves, they actually brought them to me.”
In a good mood, he lifted the blanket and said, “Let’s get up.”
The two wolf cubs had silver-gray fur and were incredibly beautiful. When they were brought over, they started howling at Xue Yuan.
Xue Yuan approached and personally grabbed the relentlessly barking wolf cubs, then handed them over to Gu Yuanbai.
The wolf cubs were cute when they were small, but they already possessed the wildness to attack people. As Gu Yuanbai reached out his hand towards the two cubs, they opened their mouths wide, eagerly wanting to bite his fingers.
Xue Yuan glanced down and tightly held the cubs’ vital points. The cubs drooped their ears and tails, timidly letting out a howl.
Gu Yuanbai’s fingers landed safely on the top of the little cub’s head.
With their fluffy fur, it was evident that the emperor had a fondness for soft-haired creatures. The previous red fox was also kept in the palace.
The two wolf cubs were quite clever, understanding how to be petted. Apart from their initial attempt to bite Gu Yuanbai, they obediently let him stroke their fur. The sound of their gentle howling was particularly pleasing.
These fierce beasts were always so adorable when they were young, melting people’s hearts. As for when they grew up, they would completely transform.
Gu Yuanbai reminisced about encountering two wolves at Xue Mansion before. Those wolves had black fur, exposed fangs, and drools dripping from their sharp teeth. They were completely different from when they were young and couldn’t be compared.
After playing with the wolf cubs for a while, as Gu Yuanbai was about to retract his hand and focus on work, Xue Yuan suddenly threw the two wolf cubs he was holding to the ground. The cubs were abruptly tossed and nearly saw stars from the impact.
Xue Yuan tightly grasped Gu Yuanbai’s hand and before Gu Yuanbai could furrow his brow, Xue Yuan smiled and took out an emerald jade finger ring from his pocket, placing it on the thumb of Gu Yuanbai’s left hand.
The Emperor’s fingers were slender and fair, the most pampered and noble hands in the world. When adorned with the weighty and translucent green jade finger ring, his hand suddenly came alive. The whiteness appeared even whiter against the green, and the green seemed even greener against the white. The two complemented each other, exuding unparalleled delicacy.
Xue Yuan was delighted and wanted to raise the ring to his lips to give it a kiss. He smiled and said, “It seems my taste is not bad.”
Gu Yuanbai withdrew his hand and examined the jade ring. He turned it over in his hand and unexpectedly found it to his liking.
The Emperor’s face softened, and a faint smile curved his lips. “Guard Xue has put in effort.”
“If you’re willing to wear it, how can it be considered troublesome?” Xue Yuan spoke, thinking it was just an ordinary statement. But when he heard his own voice, he found it unexpectedly soft. “Your Majesty, tonight is the first day of the Lantern Festival. Would you like me to accompany you to see the lanterns?”
If Xue Yuan’s subordinates and the attendants in his mansion were to witness him in this posture, they would surely be astounded.
The two wolf cubs were clinging to Xue Yuan’s black boots, trying to climb up and grabbing onto his official robe. Xue Yuan kicked them away, his gaze fixed on Gu Yuanbai. “Your Majesty?”
Gu Yuanbai suddenly realized, “Today is indeed the Lantern Festival.”
He became enthusiastic. “We must go. The lanterns I made some time ago were meant for today, weren’t they?”
The Lantern Festival lasted for three days, during which the curfew was lifted in the capital. As night fell, with the sound of drums, every household lit up their lanterns, turning the entire capital into a shining beacon in the dark.
Smiles adorned the faces of families, and people of all ages laughed cheerfully.
A scholar stood at the bridge and proclaimed loudly, “In the Splendid Lane, fragrant banquets are set, with orchid reds from the early years. Elaborate colors are scattered afar, and dazzling lights adorn the distant sky.” [1]
Others burst into laughter. Besides these poets exchanging verses, many people held copies of the “Da Heng State Gazette” and gathered in small groups, happily discussing something.
The lanterns dazzled, painting the sky in a multitude of colors. The streets were filled with people, and laughter and chatter resounded everywhere. Young men and women walked hand in hand, sharing their secrets with rosy cheeks.
Da Heng prospered and flourished. Clean seas and clear rivers.
As Gu Yuanbai found himself in this sleepless city, his heart softened at the sight before him. He walked along the streets with his lantern, brushing past crowds of people. Occasionally, he would see soldiers in full armor with large swords patrolling. Every year during such festive occasions, the city magistrate would dispatch guards to ensure the prevention of theft and mischief.
Gu Yuanbai held onto his simple lantern, its glow accentuated by the darkness, while Xue Yuan closely followed by his side. Xue Yuan resembled the tallest wolf beside Gu Yuanbai. Several times, due to the crowded crowd in front, Gu Yuanbai almost fell into Xue Yuan’s arms but was promptly supported by him. Compared to the incident when Xue Yuan impulsively pulled down his pants, today’s Xue Yuan could be considered well-behaved.
Gu Yuanbai chuckled and teased, “Guard Xue, how do you feel about working together with Chu Wei these past few days?”
Xue Yuan’s expression remained unchanged. “Your Majesty, Chu Wei is not suitable for this position.”
Gu Yuanbai raised an eyebrow. “Oh?”
If he were to go to the border, he wouldn’t be able to return to Gu Yuanbai’s side for several months. Leaving behind Chu Wei, who harbored ill intentions towards Gu Yuanbai, seemed dangerous no matter how one looked at it. Xue Yuan solemnly said, “He has a hidden agenda.”
Gu Yuanbai was momentarily stunned, then his expression turned strange.
Xue Yuan pretended to be serious as he spoke, as if he were saying something genuine. “He appears decent on the surface but is actually despicable. Your Majesty, this man is cunning, you must not be deceived by him.”
Gu Yuanbai felt a hint of complexity.
In theory, it would be normal for Chu Wei to have a preference for men, but Xue Yuan’s current attitude and tone made it seem as if Chu Wei’s inclination towards men was utterly repulsive.
Moreover, it was the first time Xue Yuan had so blatantly disparaged someone in front of the Emperor.
Curiosity arose in Gu Yuanbai’s heart, and he directly asked, “Do you like men?”
How could that be?
Xue Yuan wanted to say he didn’t like them.
Men? What men should he like?
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[1] This is a poem describing the festive atmosphere of the Lantern Festival.
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ofc he does ..but he doesn’t know it yet hehe