PM - 71

“Your humble servant has urgent military intelligence to report.” The gray brim of the cap obscured the face beneath. The soldier squirmed twice, feigning discomfort. “The Grand Commander is oppressing people with his power, damaging his dignity.”

He sneered ferociously, emphasizing the word “oppress.” Lowering his head, he sniffed near the soldier’s neck. “Didn’t you say ‘hug’? Did I misunderstand?” Then, like a sea eagle capturing a yellow sheep, he hoisted the struggling soldier and tossed them onto the low couch.

The couch was covered with thick tiger skin, its four corners anchored by glazed jade pi xiu. With a casual toss, the soldier rolled lazily, their helmet falling off, releasing a cascade of black hair. Slowly raising her head under his enamored gaze...

Her face as white as jade against the mottled tiger stripes, red lips, and hazy eyes... She propped herself up and smiled softly at him. “Does my lord miss me?”

It wasn’t just missing—his longing was gut-wrenching. He moved closer, sitting on the edge of the couch, gently brushing his fingers across her cheek. “Why have you come? At this critical moment, aren’t you afraid of ruining everything?”

She sat up, pouting, glaring at him. “I missed you so much I couldn’t help but come. Are you not happy to see me?”

His hands rested on her shoulders, saying nothing, only lowering his head.

Seeing no reaction from him, Fu Wei panicked. “Are you angry with me?” She lowered herself, trying to see his face. “Angry that I’ve pushed you into this situation? I followed your instructions... Of course, based on circumstances, I improvised a bit. So you’re unhappy?”

He shook his head, still silent. Fu Wei was flustered, unsure what to do. Suddenly, he leaned forward, embracing her tightly, their necks intertwined.

“You did perfectly right—it should be this way.” He whispered, “I just miss you so much; I didn’t expect you to risk coming to see me.”

Fu Wei finally relaxed, happily hugging him back, affectionately nuzzling his cheek.

“I said in court that I would send a chamberlain to relay messages from Father Chancellor. A chamberlain always brings two attendants. I disguised myself and sneaked into the army.” She grinned at him, examining him carefully. “The army doesn’t know the taste of meat; you’ve visibly lost weight. Or is it that you miss me so much you’re physically and mentally exhausted?”

Her words carried so many implications; pondering them was enough to make him blush. He lowered his eyes, feeling quite embarrassed, but still hummed in agreement. “Both. No meat, and yes, physically and mentally exhausted.”

Her lips hovered before him, and she leaned in, lightly touching his lower lip. “How could I be any different? Every day I long for your pigeon. Hearing the sound of wings above makes me happy. How much longer... I can’t bear it anymore; I want to be with you every day, living a life of intoxication.”

Hearing this, he chuckled and pecked her once. “Intoxication? What about the vast lands?”

“In truth, the empire isn’t that important. When I sit behind the desk, I want to be a good emperor. But when I lie on the bed, I yearn for wine pools and meat forests. Sleeping soundly, beauty on my lap—that’s real freedom.” She blinked her big eyes, pitifully looking at him. “What to do? Maybe deep down, I’m a tyrant.”

“Wine, women, wealth, and pleasure—aren’t these the highest realms of life? An emperor should be like this!” He mocked her while comforting her. “Never mind, endure now for the future life you desire.”

She smiled faintly, stars twinkling in her eyes. “I don’t ask for anything else, just one day where I can sleep with you till dawn.”

Such a simple wish, yet it seemed unattainable. He felt a pang in his heart, holding her hand in his palm. “Once this crisis passes, we’ll have plenty of time.” Suddenly remembering, he pulled her up. “Today is the Shangsi Festival. Does Your Majesty remember?”

She said she remembered; the palace had been celebrating. Palace maids dressed in golden-sleeved robes, fragrant sachets tied around their waists. Outside the city, beautiful women could be seen along the riverbank. On the Shangsi Festival, maidens cleansed ribbons by the Chang River, seeking love. She had yearned for it but never had the chance—a pity.

He glanced outside; dusk was settling, the tent dim inside while a final streak of twilight lingered outside. “Since you’re here, let me show you around the Southern Army. The Hu cavalry belongs to the Southern Army. In case of sudden changes, I will lead the Changshui and Xuanqu forces to break through. Outside the palace, we’ll surround with the garrison and Yue cavalry...” He paused. “But I don’t know which army they will use.” Saying this, he placed a helmet on her head and led her to the tent entrance.

Leaving the main tent, he resumed his authoritative demeanor, hands clasped behind his back, striding confidently without lingering. Fu Wei followed humbly behind. The encampment was built beside water and mountains; the terrain of Shenlong Plain was always undulating with great elevation differences. Here, a verdant plain stretched out, and half a mile east stood a cliff. Beyond it lay another picturesque world.

She followed behind him; he occasionally looked back to ensure she hadn’t gotten lost. The Southern Army was completely secure, with fixed personnel—no unfamiliar faces would appear suddenly, so there was no fear of surveillance. He led her through the camp, walking toward the cliff in the warm breeze. Looking up at the sky, the timing was perfect. He pointed to the winding moon river below. “My lord asks Your Majesty to observe something.”

Curious, Fu Wei saw only a misty expanse of winding rivers, nothing particularly special. Just as she was about to ask, a burst of firelight emerged from the darkness, then spread and spread... Soon, bonfires lined both banks of the Moon River, forming a peculiar ribbon of light. She exclaimed, “What army is stationed there?”

Standing tall, he smiled calmly. “It’s an elite force I’ve assembled—orphans of fallen warriors, trained officially in five weapons, called ‘Orphan Guards.’”

If this Da Yin realm were his, who knows how he would reorganize his personal army. The Orphan Guards, descendants of loyalty and bravery, would surely charge forward more valiantly than selected young men from six counties. She squinted into the distance for a long time, then turned to ask, “Lingjun should have been one of them, right? I often think bringing him into the palace ruined him. If he could be like them, even risking life and death would be better than being trapped in Changqiu Palace.”

Mentioning Lingjun, the chancellor seemed somewhat regretful. “That was for expediency, unavoidable. You reached the age where an empress must be established. If plans hadn’t changed, Lingjun would have been the one to accompany you for life.”

But plans couldn’t keep up with changes. The mastermind lacked firm belief, ultimately trapping themselves, making Lingjun redundant.

Fu Wei felt guilty but not remorseful. She had never hidden her thoughts from him. Before Lingjun entered the palace, she had explained clearly; the final decision was his. Since the path was self-chosen, he had to accept the consequences.

“The Orphan Guards...” She murmured, watching the scattered fires like stars in the Milky Way. “Will they merge with the Imperial Guard in the future?”

He affirmed, “If Your Majesty wishes to remain on the throne long-term, cultivating your own personal army is necessary.”

She thought for a moment. “You previously mentioned not knowing which troops they would mobilize. What did you mean?”

The chancellor replied, “Mobilizing large numbers of troops from fiefs to rebel is the worst strategy. Once troops move, news inevitably spreads. Before they even enter the capital, they’d be crushed. To seize the palace, momentum should be built within the city, selecting forces closest to the imperial city. Once the inner palace is fully controlled, regional troops can be summoned. That’s the best plan...”

Fu Wei pondered. “In your opinion, could it be the Imperial Guard? After all, the Middle Captain position granted to Marquis Jing’s grandson wasn’t for nothing.”

The chancellor remained noncommittal. “Perhaps their web is larger than I imagined. Your Majesty must be patient. By Empress Dowager Liang’s birthday, everything will naturally become clear.”

Discussing state affairs could go on forever. Personal matters interested her more. Turning back, the vast wilderness offered the perfect opportunity. With a leap, she pounced on him, pinning him down in the grass.

Spring flowers bloomed vibrantly; tiny leaves pricked her nose, making her sneeze twice. She shouted, “I came to see you, not to hear about your defenses.”

He wrestled with her, rolling together. “Then why did you come?”

“To reward you. So you won’t panic from not seeing me for days.”

They tussled under the moonlight. The chancellor felt foolishly helpless with her, realizing immaturity was contagious. Finally exhausted, he lay back under the starry sky, the heavens pressing down unusually close. She nestled her head on his stomach. Unfortunately, even such tender moments had to be concealed under the night’s cover.

She pinched his thigh. “More muscular. Father Chancellor hasn’t slacked off in the army.”

He hummed vaguely, “I’m always ready.”

Her hand slipped into the front of his robe, moving upward, pressing lightly on his abdomen. “No wonder you’re a warrior. Look at this figure—like a leopard.”

Speaking of leopards, it was his lifelong shadow. Through the fabric, he gripped her hand, guiding it downward, asking absently, “Has Your Majesty considered what to do if they fight to the death?”

She instinctively caressed him, igniting a fire in his most sensitive spot, mumbling, “Is the date set? Is it really Empress Dowager Liang’s birthday?”

He breathed shallowly, affirming, “The palace gates open—it’s the perfect opportunity.”

The paperweight grew hot in her hand. She bent down, licking it lightly as depicted in the fire-avoidance diagram. The chancellor tensed, clutching handfuls of grass.

“Can we… prevent them from facing the officials directly?” she slurred. “Eliminate them upon entering the palace gates…”

The chancellor was utterly speechless. The fun between husband and wife had so many variations. It seemed she had studied extensively; compared to the imperial guidance diagrams he drew earlier, she clearly preferred these more.

Under the vast sky, stars glittered all around. In the cool night breeze, she gracefully rose, her long black hair flying in the air. Even the infantry’s chainmail couldn’t hide her delicate contours. She pressed her hands against his broad chest, slowly settling over his heart, and whispered, “My lord, do you love me like this?”

He trembled slightly, “Aying, I love you like this, I love you...”

Fu Wei smiled contentedly. Those simple three words moved her more than any elaborate vows could. She didn’t believe in eternal promises, but she believed in these words. He loved her—not because he was forced to submit, but with genuine affection from his heart.

“I love you too,” she tilted her head back, her smooth neck forming a beautiful curve. Hastily and passionately, she said, “From age ten until now, and it will continue... for a lifetime.”

Their statuses were extraordinary; they were always surrounded by attendants as a sign of their nobility. But this often deprived them of human pleasures. They had to be proper, elegant, unable to laugh, scold, or cry out loud—living like clay statues.

Everyone has emotions and desires. When she was with him, she didn’t want to be an emperor—she just wanted to be a devoted wife, loving and pleasing her husband in any way possible. She knew he loved it, calling her name repeatedly. She swayed with the wind, softly weeping in his murmurs. The flames of passion spread fiercely from their union. She whispered by his lips, “My lord, I’m exhausted.” Upon hearing this, he sat up, tightly gripping her waist with such force that it nearly crushed her.

She was satisfied. The man she once revered and feared had been brought down from his pedestal. She thought she wouldn’t succeed, but she did—perhaps her mother was watching over her from above. As for her father, he would probably be furious! She had slept with the regent appointed by him—the very imperial uncle she was supposed to rely on. She could even imagine her father’s exasperated expression. Looking at it optimistically, the complete alliance of two families was more reliable than so-called brotherly loyalty. She couldn’t think of another way to keep him by her side permanently—only like this could he truly belong to her.

The night was young, the gentle breeze caressed her face, yet her mind was filled with intoxication and confusion. She clung to his shoulders, following his lead through peaks and valleys. He was so wonderful... so wonderful. In her screams, she shattered into pieces, the wilderness dissipating her cries. She became a puddle of spring mud beneath him.

The moonlight shone from behind him; she couldn’t see his expression, but she could picture his features in her mind. She hadn’t realized how deep her feelings for him were. She had always thought love and politics were inseparable, but that wasn’t the case. She simply liked this person—liked everything about him, even his arrogance and overbearing nature.

His strength was astonishing, earth-shattering. She raised her weary arms, gently cradling his face. His temples were damp with sweat, having traveled a thousand miles, then slowly melting and pausing in her sobs, nestling into her neck like a child.

She sighed contentedly. He sought confirmation of her feelings, reaching up to touch her eyes, ensuring she hadn’t cried before relaxing. Perhaps feeling a bit foolish, he smiled shyly, “I couldn’t help myself; please forgive me, Your Majesty.”

She playfully responded, “I pardon you of all crimes.”

He couldn’t understand why, at his age, he was so deeply immersed in these feelings. He loved being close to her lips, loved their intimacy. He missed her every moment with an intensity that frightened him. Perhaps it was because they were both lonely—he had thousands of retainers who only discussed politics, none sharing heartfelt conversations. Though seemingly glorious, he had always been alone. Now, another misfit had come to keep him company. Thankfully, she existed in this world; otherwise, he might have ended up spending his life in solitude.

After frolicking in the wilderness for a while, they feared drawing attention, so each time was hurried. The Grand Commander returned to the camp with the soldier. The chamberlain, fulfilling his routine duties, met him briefly to convey greetings from the emperor, inquiring after the chancellor. He solemnly bowed to the heavens, “Your humble servant thanks Your Majesty for your concern and prays for Your Majesty’s well-being.”

Shangguan Zhao reported that the emperor was well. “On the sixth day of next month is Empress Dowager Liang’s birthday. Will the chancellor return to the capital?”

He seemed to remember, “Please request permission on my behalf. Next month during the defense duty, I am willing to enter the city upon the call.”

Shangguan Zhao accepted the mission, “I will immediately return to the capital to report. Life in the army is dull; please take care, Chancellor.”

After exchanging formalities, the chamberlain and his entourage galloped away, disappearing into the deep night.

Before a storm, there is always a deceptive calm. Fu Wei returned smoothly to the palace, not retiring until the second watch. As usual, she rose at dawn to handle state affairs, but sitting in her tent, she yawned incessantly. Her drowsy appearance was too much even for the Grand Tutor to bear.

“Is Your Majesty unwell?”

With tears in her eyes, she managed to say, “I stayed up late reading last night, so I lack energy this morning. Please forgive me, teacher.”

The Grand Tutor nodded thoughtfully, “Please forgive my disrespect, Your Majesty, but I have something to say. Whether I should speak or not...”

Fu Wei’s yawns instantly stopped. Without asking, she knew it was inappropriate. But she dared not reject him outright, so she feigned compliance, “Please enlighten me, teacher.”

The Grand Tutor had always been concerned about her private life. He was the one who had taught her the fire-avoidance diagrams, so discussing the emperor’s bedroom matters was no taboo for him.

“At your youthful prime, continuing like this may harm your health,” the Grand Tutor earnestly looked at the young emperor, who appeared bewildered. He had to clarify further, “What I mean is... how long has it been since Your Majesty visited the Changqiu Palace? Everyone has desires, which can be channeled but not suppressed. You are the Son of Heaven. Apart from governing the nation, the most important thing after your reign is your progeny. Among the concubines, you have never favored anyone. I, along with the Minister of the Imperial Household and the Chief Eunuch, have discussed selecting five women with auspicious physiognomy to ensure the continuation of the Da Yin lineage. Regarding the estrangement between Your Majesty and the Empress due to the Chancellor’s influence, I believe that once the Crown Prince is born, Your Majesty can consider deposing the Empress. The selection of the Empress concerns the state; avoiding it entirely is highly undesirable.”

Fu Wei felt embarrassed by his words. “My relationship with the Empress is strong. Why would you think I want to depose her? Although the Empress is the Chancellor’s adopted daughter, she resides deep within the palace and has no contact with him. My absence from the Changqiu Palace is due to her recent poor health, not estrangement.”

But the Grand Tutor gave her a sidelong glance. The matter of the golden neon incense circulated in the Empress’s private quarters was no secret. The emperor’s order to ban its use henceforth was undeniable. Why continue to cover up the truth? However, the Grand Tutor was not the emperor’s tutor-mother. He could only advise from a broader perspective, urging the young emperor to share her favors for the sake of progeny.

Fu Wei was troubled. “Discussing state affairs with you is warmly welcomed, but the matters of the emperor’s private chambers need not trouble you.”

The Grand Tutor fell silent, then suddenly said after a while, “Does Your Majesty have some unspoken difficulties?”

This statement startled even Sun Mo beside them. The young emperor on the throne thought of her passionate encounters with the Chancellor—unspoken difficulties? It was almost laughable!

“There are none,” she replied sternly. “Teacher, don’t let your imagination run wild. I am full of vigor, though perhaps you haven’t witnessed it. Currently, I’ve just taken personal control of governance, with countless state affairs to handle. It’s not suitable to be entangled in personal relationships. Once the court is stable, I...” She waved her sleeves grandly under the gaze of the two ministers, “Having two children consecutively won’t be a problem.”

Two children? He expected ten or eight! The Grand Tutor was utterly disappointed, while Sun Mo discreetly rubbed his nose. This topic clearly couldn’t continue.

The Grand Tutor and the Deputy Chief Secretary bowed and took their leave. No sooner had they departed than the Prefect of the Capital entered. Wei Shixing bowed, “It has been three months since the Jing Prince’s rebellion. The Secretariat is pressing for a resolution. What does Your Majesty intend to do? I refer to the Yan clan—should they be spared or eradicated? Please instruct us.”

This was indeed a dilemma for Fu Wei. The Yan clan was blood-related to the Chancellor. Executing them all might betray the Chancellor; but sparing them required clearing the Yan elder’s suspicions, making the Chancellor’s dismissal also an injustice.

She furrowed her brows in thought, “My intention is to delay until after Empress Dowager Liang’s birthday. If the Secretariat has objections, let them come and see me.”

“Yes,” Wei Shixing paused again, “Then may Your Majesty inform me of your decision beforehand? Having clarity will aid my actions.”

After much deliberation, she slowly clenched her fists, “The Yan elder’s crime cannot be pardoned.”

No further words were needed; Wei Shixing understood completely. The current situation was most advantageous for the emperor. The Chancellor could return to the court, but most of his power must be curtailed. For instance, veto and remonstrance powers could remain, but the era of single-handedly controlling two armies was over. There were currently four colonels, and more would be added later—splitting responsibilities would make control easier. Any monarch couldn’t tolerate someone wielding power just below them. Personal preferences were secondary; the stability of the state affected the lives of all citizens—it couldn’t be taken lightly.