Captured by the Emperor After a Successful Faked Death - Chapter 2

Seeing Xie Chengyun stand up while leaning on the table, the people nearby immediately scattered in a flurry.

Xie Chengyun commanded, “Prepare the carriage; I am entering the palace!”

Han Cizhi reached out to stop him, wanting to say something, but Xie Chengyun shook his head and insisted on heading out.

A white stallion pulled the embroidered carriage toward the palace. Dust rose wherever it passed, and the path remained completely unobstructed.

To be able to ride a carriage, carry a sword, forgo court attire, bypass clan rules, and omit the standard rituals there was only one person in all of Shangliang who held such honors: the Prime Minister, Xie Chengyun.

Yet, at this moment, he was leaning against the carriage cushions, desperately suppressing the taste of blood in his throat.

Is this body really this frail? It’s barely a hundred meters from Liunong Academy to the palace, and I’m already dizzy and unable to hold myself up.

Am I a man, or am I Lin Daiyu?

When he reached the Imperial Study, the palace attendants bowed their heads in respect as he passed. Xie Chengyun walked in briskly, the head eunuch following hurriedly behind him, wanting to speak but not daring to open his mouth.

Xie Chengyun ignored him because, a second later, he realized exactly what the eunuch wanted to say.

Inside the Imperial Study, the young Emperor, Zhu Yunyin, was sleeping soundly, hunched over his desk. Drool had even dripped onto the rice paper, and he was still gripping a brush in his hand.

He lived up to his status as the “stud-horse” male lead; even at such a young age, the authority of an Emperor was already visible in his brow and eyes.

Eunuch Li whispered, “His Majesty cried while copying books all night long, and was truly exhausted. He fell asleep while writing, and we servants, considering that His Majesty is young and still growing, didn’t have the heart to wake him.”

Xie Chengyun saw through the excuse but didn’t call it out. He steadied himself against a bookshelf and waved his hand, signaling him to say no more.

A moment later, he added, “Send someone to carry His Majesty to bed.”

With that, he walked forward, intending to see how the copying had gone.

Who would have guessed that the moment he touched the desk, the little Emperor would wake up.

“You fools, why didn’t you wake me up? The Father-in-court will be here to check, and I haven’t finished copying…”

Before he could finish his sentence, the little Emperor looked up and saw the Father-in-court himself. He was so startled he nearly fell off his chair, and Xie Chengyun hurriedly steadied him.

Once the little Emperor was seated, Xie Chengyun retreated three paces and bowed. “May Your Majesty be in good health.”

“Father-in-court, please, rise quickly.”

After Xie Chengyun stood, the little Emperor lowered his head, feeling too guilty to look him in the eye.

Look at that, Xie Chengyun thought. You’ve terrified the poor little Emperor. Anyone who didn’t know better would think you were the one wearing the crown.

Xie Chengyun sighed and asked, “Your Majesty, how much have you finished?”

“I’ve copied it twenty times; eighty times remain.”

“You only copied this much all night?” Xie Chengyun found it hard to believe.

The little Emperor turned his head to look out the window.

“Forget it, forget it. Go get some sleep.”

Xie Chengyun boldly patted the little Emperor’s head and continued, “Shangliang has always respected teachers and the Way. Dean Kang is a great scholar. Since he stands at the lectern in the Imperial Study, you ought to show him due respect.”

“With the Hu people still eyeing our borders from beyond the passes, I hope Your Majesty understands my painstaking efforts.”

The little Emperor nodded and, as if to curry favor, hugged Xie Chengyun’s waist. “I know everything Father-in-court does is for my own good.”

Xie Chengyun was almost in tears; children were just so easy to coax. How could the original Xie Chengyun have had the heart to abuse such a lovely child? Why choose to be a traitor who usurps the state when you could have been the beloved Father-in-court, a man above all others?

Xie Chengyun helped the little Emperor up and walked toward the sleeping quarters.

Zhu Yunyin kept stealing glances at his face, acting just like a little rabbit.

“What is Your Majesty looking at? Is there something on my face?”

The little Emperor shook his head. “I just feel that Father-in-court is especially different today.”

“Oh?”

“In the past, Father-in-court would never hold me like this.”

Xie Chengyun felt his world go dark, and he inwardly screamed: Damn it, Xie Chengyun, just how exactly did you treat the little Emperor before? You’ve turned a perfectly good Emperor into an attention-starved youth.

Arriving at the bedchamber, Xie Chengyun watched as the little Emperor climbed into bed. Just as he was about to leave, the little Emperor whispered, “Can Father-in-court stay with me?”

Before Xie Chengyun could even speak, the sensible child added, “I know you’re busy; it’s alright if you don’t stay.”

How could I refuse that? The next second, Xie Chengyun was sitting by the bedside.

He tucked the quilt around the little Emperor and said softly, “Go to sleep, Your Majesty. I will stay here and keep you company.”

The little Emperor opened his round, wide eyes and asked, “Will Father-in-court stay with me forever?”

“Of course, Your Majesty.”

“But I heard that Father-in-court is in poor health.”

Xie Chengyun froze; he had no comeback for that, for he was indeed a sickly person.

“Father-in-court must take your medicine and take good care of yourself. I will grow up quickly to help share your burdens. I hope you can stay by my side for a hundred years, to see this age of peace, and to write our story together in the history books.”

He hadn’t expected the little Emperor to be so ambitious. Xie Chengyun touched the little Emperor’s cheek. “Go to sleep, Your Majesty. I will always be here.”

I hope you still think that way when you grow up, and then spare my wretched life, Xie Chengyun thought, filled with silent tears.

Once the little Emperor fell asleep, Xie Chengyun rose to return to his manor.

Between the running back and forth, he felt his already fragile health becoming even weaker.

He had intended to go home and get some good sleep, but he found an unexpected guest sitting inside—Kang Wendao, the Vice Dean of Liunong Academy and an Assistant Grand Secretary.

Liunong Academy recruited talent from all over the world, with Hanlin scholars taking turns giving lectures. For scholars across the land, there were three dreams: to study at Liunong Academy, to top the Imperial Examinations, and to achieve great success so they could return to the academy to lecture.

Speaking of which, Xie Chengyun’s own life was quite impressive: the Dean of Liunong Academy at twenty-six, a feat unprecedented in history.

Born into a family of high officials, he had won first place in three consecutive levels of the civil service exams.

As the youngest Prime Minister in history, his reputation as a scholar was known everywhere. Wherever Xie Chengyun sat, he was the academy’s gold-plated sign.

He might as well have held up a sign that read, “If I can do it, so can you.”

“Chengyun,” Kang Wendao said with concern, “I heard that you fainted during your lecture?”

Xie Chengyun waved his hand hurriedly. “Don’t listen to the rumors; I just lost my footing.”

“Lost your footing? If you just lost your footing, would the students have gone to find Mr. Han?”

Xie Chengyun stopped talking, sitting in his chair with a look of, I don’t fear the boiling water anymore.

Seeing Xie Chengyun like this, Kang Wendao sighed helplessly. “I know what you’re thinking, Chengyun, but your health is the root of everything. Moreover, the Buzhou Mountain Spring Hunt is nearly upon us.”

“The Buzhou Mountain Spring Hunt?” Xie Chengyun’s eyes widened.

“Indeed. The Son of Heaven is still young, and the feudal lords are watching with hungry eyes. During the Spring Hunt, neighboring countries will visit, which is a perfect opportunity to display our national prestige. Military defense depends on the Marquis of Dingyuan, but internal affairs must be managed by you.”

Xie Chengyun felt a headache coming on. Spring Hunt, Spring Hunt… do I look like prey? Why don’t you just hunt me and get it over with.

“Also, the Hu people will be attending this year’s hunt. The late Emperor favored civil officials over military ones. The Hu are a people on horseback, and the Marquis of Dingyuan is far away at the frontier; even if he rushes over, it may be too late.”

“We must see if there are any students skilled in archery and riding and get them training immediately. We cannot afford to lose face for Shangliang in front of the Hu people.”

Xie Chengyun nodded. Seeing his complexion growing paler, Kang Wendao asked with concern, “Have you taken today’s medicine?”

“I’ve been too busy; I haven’t taken it yet.”

“Sigh. While you’re still young, you really should look for a wife.”

“Someone to make sure you eat and take your medicine on time. The ladies of marriageable age from the noble families will all be at this year’s Spring Hunt. Originally, it was for the Emperor to see if there were suitable candidates, but you might as well take the opportunity to see if there’s a lady you like.”

“Cough, cough, cough! Kang-xiong, you know I’m not thinking about that right now.”

“It’s time to start thinking about it. Do you really intend to be a father figure to the little Emperor for the rest of your life? Chengyun, I am not saying the Emperor is a bad person, but the most ruthless of all homes is the Imperial House. You must plan for your own future.”

Xie Chengyun wanted to refuse, but he watched as Kang Wendao waved his hand dismissively. “It’s decided then. Your teacher entrusted you to me, and I have always regarded you as a younger brother; I must take responsibility for your future. Drink your medicine, and stay here to rest. I am leaving.”

It was one thing to be pressured into marriage in the modern world; I never thought I’d be facing it again after transmigrating into a book.

Xie Chengyun was ten thousand times unwilling, but time flowed like water, and soon the time for the Spring Hunt arrived.

He and Zhu Yunyin rode in the same carriage. The mountain roads were bumpy, shaking Xie Chengyun until he felt nauseous.

Though it was fully equipped with wool blankets, soft cushions, a daybed, and a small desk, Xie Chengyun felt as if he were going to be shaken to pieces.

Zhu Yunyin carefully let Xie Chengyun lean on his shoulder. The little Emperor was still young, but he was already as tall as Xie Chengyun.

He’s well-nourished, and he’ll probably keep growing. He’ll definitely be taller than me later.

It would be a lie to say Xie Chengyun wasn’t jealous; after all, height is a man’s dignity.

Zhu Yunyin looked at the Father-in-court’s pale face and picked up a small incense ball, slowly placing it under Xie Chengyun’s nose.

As the soothing, clear scent dispersed, Xie Chengyun immediately felt less dizzy and prepared to sit up.

Zhu Yunyin didn’t let him move, stroking Xie Chengyun’s hair. “Sleep for a while, Father-in-court. It will still be several hours before we reach the mountain; be careful not to get dizzy again.”

Xie Chengyun thought that made perfect sense. The little Emperor was still a child and likely wouldn’t do something to end his life while he slept.

He is a child I raised with my own hands, after all, Xie Chengyun thought, leaning against him and falling into a peaceful sleep.

Zhu Yunyin quietly gazed at his face. This Xie Chengyun was truly beautiful.

His ink-black hair was scattered throughout the carriage, his eyelashes like raven feathers, and the bridge of his nose high and straight.

Like a bright moon, like an immortal. Ripples surged in his heart; for a moment, he did not know where the feeling began, but it grew deep and profound…

With a burst of noise, they arrived at the Buzhou Mountain base camp.

The vanguard had already arrived ahead of them to set up camp. By the time they arrived, the large tents were already pitched, with colorful banners of all kinds fluttering in the wind, looking beautiful.

Xie Chengyun looked closely and saw the banners of neighboring states’ feudal lords and the various noble clans of Shangliang.

There were armored guards in brocade robes everywhere, and palace maids and eunuchs rushing about to tidy up.

There was a hint of chill in the spring wind. Xie Chengyun coughed twice, and Zhu Yunyin draped a cloak over his shoulders.

As darkness fell, campfires were lit.

Xie Chengyun looked at the pitch-black mountain ranges, still feeling uneasy, so he called someone to his tent to ask about the safety arrangements.

He heard the person explain in detail: “Buzhou Mountain has always been the royal hunting ground. The terrain is flat, with no large wild beasts. Prey will be released when the hunt begins. We have the Imperial Guards, the guards from the palace, and men transferred from the Iron Cavalry Camp.”

“There is a post every three paces and a sentry every five. The generals and lords have also brought their own men; safety is certainly guaranteed. Please rest assured, Prime Minister.”

Xie Chengyun had just started to feel at ease, when the person threw in a sudden twist: “However…”

“However what?”

“The Marquis of Dingyuan has not yet arrived. I hear the Hu have sent a fierce and brave General. He was defeated by the Marquis of Dingyuan at the border and lost face, and this time he has come to seek revenge.”

Xie Chengyun felt another headache. “I don’t know much about war. Is this fierce General really that formidable?”

The man nodded. “This fierce General is said to be the first warrior of the Hu tribes, skilled in both riding and archery. He has fought all across the frontier undefeated, only encountering three losses when he met the Marquis of Dingyuan.”

“Don’t we have other generals here?”

“Our generals here,” the man hesitated, “are fine at riding, but their archery is truly poor. They are all men who dance with knives and spears, and none have studied archery.”

Xie Chengyun sighed. “I understand. You may leave.”

Someone brought in a bowl of medicine. As Xie Chengyun drank it, he thought, It seems there is going to be a tough battle to fight tomorrow.

He couldn’t help but let tears stream down his face like noodles in his heart, waving a tearful goodbye in his mind: Marquis of Dingyuan, Father Dingyuan, please hurry up. I really can’t hold on any longer.