Saving My Life By Simping For My Empress - Chapter 24

Chapter 24: Qin Ji: Your Good Intentions Suffice; Why Did You Actually Come?

It was, of course, not cold. With the thick walls of the Taiji Palace and the large crowd, if it were still cold, one would need to summon the imperial physicians.

The original rustle of voices was suppressed by Qin Ji’s light, casual remark.

“Today is my birthday. I am happy, regardless of anything else.” Qin Ji perfunctorily raised his wine cup. “I assume all of you share my sentiment?”

Who would dare say no? Anyone who did would likely be dragged out of the Taiji Palace on the spot by Qin Ji’s orders. One does not stroke an Emperor’s fur the wrong way when he is in high spirits—he will explode.

“On the occasion of Your Majesty’s birthday, your subjects ought to propose a toast.” As Chancellor, Zhao Anhong took the lead, standing up with his cup. “Long live the Emperor!”

The officials rose in response, and the envoys of various nations stood as well, lifting their cups in unison. Regardless of whether they truly wished for him to live ten thousand years, at this moment, they all had to shout the salute.

Qin Ji raised his goblet and drained the wine. This was genuine white liquor, not fruit wine; it was high-proof and spicy. Qin Ji didn’t know how to drink, and he only managed to keep it down while maintaining a calm demeanor through sheer physical habit.

Following the toast came the performances. Music and dances that had been rehearsed countless times were presented at the banquet. Qin Ji had reviewed the program and hadn’t allowed the Entertainment Bureau to perform anything too extravagant. He remembered it had been less than a year since the late Emperor passed away; even as Emperor, he couldn’t indulge in excessive revelry. Furthermore, over-extravagance was a waste of silver. Qin Ji was constantly trying to scrape silver into the national treasury and could not tolerate waste.

Many people watched the dancing, but few had their minds fully on it. Qin Ji had no interest in watching pretty girls dance; instead, he spent the entire time whispering to Wei Yu. It looked exactly like students passing notes in front of a teacher during class.

“That’s Qu-something, right?” The first person Qin Ji targeted was the Wei envoy.

Wei Yu lifted his eyelids for a look. “Yes, Qu Tingquan. Among those sent to Qin this time, he and my Royal Sister are the lead envoys.”

Qin Ji: “This Qu Tingquan is no good. He has too many wicked ideas.” After Bai Lu’s warning, Qin Ji’s already poor impression of Qu Tingquan had dropped to absolute zero. He really wanted to kick the man out; he didn’t want Qu Tingquan eating Qin’s grain.

“Everyone sitting here has many ideas,” Wei Yu smiled. “After all, those without a sharp mind are not suited to be envoys.”

What is an envoy? Someone who relies on a silver tongue to debate in the courts of other nations. However, many times envoys are simply close associates of the Emperor and may not necessarily possess such talent.

“In your family, you’re the one with the fewest schemes,” Qin Ji grumbled. “No wonder you’re the one suffering.”

Wei Yu said nothing, only taking a sip of wine. He didn’t exactly lack schemes; he just didn’t like or have the habit of using them against others. If he truly started playing the game, his Imperial Brother and Sister might not necessarily be his match. He simply never used schemes against his family.

Wei Wuxia watched from below as Qin Ji and Wei Yu whispered to each other, looking incredibly intimate. Her hand tightened, her chopsticks crushing the tenderly stewed meat into paste.

Why? We are both from Wei. Why does Wei Yu get such treatment while I, who personally met the Emperor, didn’t even get a pleasant look?

Qu Tingquan also harbored resentment toward Wei Yu, but having been intimidated by Wei Yu earlier, he was behaving himself for now. He pretended to be very interested in the Qin dances, keeping his eyes fixed on the performance.

The banquet wasn’t just about music and dance; it also involved various countries presenting gifts for Qin Ji’s birthday.

Qin Ji thought: Your good intentions suffice; why did you actually come?

After a few performances, an envoy from a small nation that had a good relationship with Qin stood up voluntarily to present a gift.

“On behalf of the Kingdom of Boli, I congratulate the Sovereign of Qin on his birthday. Our King presents Your Majesty with a jade-encrusted precious dagger.”

The gift was brought forward—a short blade with a hilt covered in gemstones. It might not be exceptionally powerful in actual combat, but the gems were priceless, and the dagger was almost entirely covered in them. From this, it was clear that Boli and Qin were indeed close. Boli’s willingness to offer such a precious item as a birthday gift demonstrated their desire to maintain a friendly relationship.

“Please convey my gratitude to your King,” Qin Ji personally raised his goblet and shared a drink with the Boli envoy. The envoy was delighted and drained his cup.

Following were other small nations. Their relationships with Qin weren’t particularly close, but they were much better than Wei or Duogua. Thus, Qin Ji’s attitude toward them was quite good, and he bestowed gifts for them to take back to their countries.

Wei was delayed until the second-to-last to offer congratulations. Qu Tingquan was barely maintaining his smile. After all, the person who had terrified him just that afternoon was sitting right next to Qin Ji; it was impossible to ignore.

“Wei presents the Sovereign of Qin with a set of ‘Fu Lu Shou’ Ruyi scepters in celebration of Your Majesty’s birthday.” Qu Tingquan finally delivered the gift.

The moment the Ruyi set appeared, the envoys of various nations looked at Qu Tingquan with strange expressions. Countless gazes made Qu Tingquan’s scalp tingle.

Qin Ji tapped his finger on the table rhythmically. His mood was unreadable, but it certainly wasn’t pleasant. Each country has its own rules and traditions; even when giving gifts, one must follow the recipient’s customs and not send things recklessly. In Qin, Ruyi scepters were items bestowed by the Emperor to concubines or ministers, representing imperial favor. For Wei to send Qin Ji Ruyi scepters—and three of them at that—was practically a provocation. Sending an item meant to be a symbol of imperial favor to an Emperor was a massive insult.

Wei Yu’s face also darkened. He didn’t believe the officials would overlook such a vital detail when preparing the gift. This was a major matter of diplomacy, not a petty squabble; no official would dare do this. Moreover, Wei Qiong, as Emperor, would have personally reviewed any gift sent to another sovereign. Wei Qiong did this on purpose.

Wei Yu was so angry he laughed. How long had it been since Wei lost the war? Wei Qiong dared to be this arrogant—was he afraid those three cities wouldn’t become Qin territory?

“Forgive me, Excellency!”

At that moment, a eunuch came forward to pour wine for Qu Tingquan. His hand “accidentally” shook, splashing the wine from the pot onto Qu Tingquan’s clothes. In Wei, Qu Tingquan would have surely scolded the clumsy eunuch, but this was Qin; it wasn’t his place to discipline people.

“It’s just a garment; I won’t hold it against you,” Qin Ji spoke indifferently and waved his hand. “You may leave.”

The eunuch lowered his head: “Yes.” He left without another word to Qu Tingquan.

The entire hall fell so silent that a pin drop could be heard.

“Qin does not lack clothes. Men, take him to change his robe so he doesn’t lose his dignity before so many people.” Qin Ji looked at Gao Huan.

Gao Huan: “I obey your command.”

Walking from the high platform to Qu Tingquan, Gao Huan bowed: “Lord Envoy, please follow me to change.”

Qu Tingquan indeed couldn’t keep wearing the wet clothes. He thanked Qin Ji and followed Gao Huan. As he left, he complained in his heart about his bad luck—a fine set of robes ruined by a rootless eunuch.

After Qu Tingquan left, the gift-giving ceremony fizzled out. The three Ruyi scepters were taken away and did not appear in the storage area for the other gifts.

Wei Yu leaned in: “Your Majesty, Qu Tingquan has lost his dignity before the throne. What should his punishment be?” He wouldn’t ask Qin Ji to go easy on him just because Qu Tingquan was a Wei envoy. Wei Qiong had been the first to cross the line; anything Qin Ji did would be justified. Having a young eunuch splash wine on him was nothing.

“Don’t be in a hurry.” Qin Ji placed a plate of loquats, which Gao De had peeled for him, in front of Wei Yu. “Who knows if this Lord Qu will make another mistake?”

Wei Yu covered his mouth with his hand to hide his wide, surprised expression: “What does Your Majesty mean?”

Qin Ji didn’t answer directly but asked, “Wei Yu, if I deal with Qu Tingquan and make him lose all of Wei’s face, will you be angry with me?”

Wei Yu pursed his lips and shook his head: “No.”

It seemed Qin Ji had decided long ago to teach Qu Tingquan a lesson at today’s banquet. Since Qin Ji had never met or contacted him before today, it was obvious for whose sake this lesson was intended. Wei Yu was not ungrateful; on the contrary, the fact that Qin Ji would act against Qu Tingquan for his sake filled him with a sense of satisfaction. Moreover, Wei’s “face” was already lost the moment Wei Qiong sent Wei Wuxia and Qu Tingquan as envoys. Even earlier, when Wei was defeated and “packaged” him off to Qin for the sake of three cities, there was no dignity left. As long as Wei Qiong was around, Wei had no face to speak of. Face must be earned by oneself.

“Then just wait and see.” Qin Ji patted Wei Yu’s hand under the table. “The things Qu Tingquan wanted you to do will eventually be visited upon him.”

Wei Yu’s brow twitched. He understood what Qin Ji was going to do.

The Wei incident was just an interlude, and the gift-giving continued. The last one was the Kingdom of Duogua, which Qin Ji had blacklisted. However, many eyes were still on Wei Wuxia. She was also a Wei envoy and a noble Princess Royal; if Qu Tingquan made a mistake, she couldn’t escape the consequences. Fortunately, Wei Wuxia was very enduring and managed to squeeze out a smile, showing the thickness of her skin. Truly, being an envoy required the thick skin of a Princess Royal.

The gift from Duogua was much more conventional and didn’t trample on Qin’s boundaries. It was a type of fabric special to Duogua that felt like ice-silk in the summer—a top-quality fabric. It was rare, and not even everyone in the Duogua royal family could afford a garment made from it, so the gesture was acceptable.

That is, if Duogua hadn’t taken it upon themselves to force a performance into the Entertainment Bureau’s program.

“Princess Aurora of Duogua wishes to perform a dance for the Sovereign of Qin.”

Qin Ji remained expressionless. Why hasn’t Duogua given up on marketing their princess? She was a princess of a nation, yet they marketed her like a commodity. But since the request was made in the name of celebrating his twentieth birthday and not as a “honey trap,” he had no reason to refuse. He could only let Aurora dance.

Aurora wore traditional Duogua attire, with several bracelets on her wrists adorned with bells that jingled with her movements.

“This princess looks to be only fifteen or sixteen, right?” Qin Ji whispered while chewing on a piece of fruit. “Is the King of Duogua out of his mind?” In modern times, she’d be a middle schooler, yet he was sending her for a political marriage. Is this something a biological father would do?

Regarding the princess’s dance, Qin Ji was merely speechless. He wasn’t angry; the one fuming was Wei Wuxia. They were both princesses with the same goal, yet Aurora was younger and prettier. Aurora might succeed where she failed. While Wei had lost so much face, Aurora was getting a chance to showcase herself. The fire of jealousy burned in Wei Wuxia’s heart.

Aurora didn’t seem like someone who had been coached by her father. Duogua intended for her to be an imperial consort, but they hadn’t told her to attract Qin Ji’s attention. She simply danced her dance, her eyes never once lingering on him.

“Such a good child, yet used as a tool,” Qin Ji sighed.

Wei Yu, however, thought deeper: “Duogua already has a princess as a consort in Wei, and now they bring Princess Aurora to Qin. This is essentially a backstab against Wei.” The King of Duogua clearly hadn’t considered whether this would anger Wei Qiong. Wei Yu didn’t dare judge the current Wei Qiong based on his memories of his brother, but judging by recent events, Wei Qiong would likely hold a grudge against Duogua. The princess in the Wei palace probably wouldn’t even have to wait for his sister-in-law to act before her life became unbearable.

“Actually, Duogua’s thinking is understandable. Using two women to gain massive benefits is a profitable trade,” Qin Ji said coldly. “I just wonder if he would accept it if the woman were his own mother.” It was a classic saying of many men that there are many women, so a wife isn’t necessarily a requirement. But a mother’s status is different.

“Why is Your Majesty guessing people’s hearts?” Wei Yu smiled. “It’s your birthday; let’s not talk about this.”

Qin Ji: “Right, right. Let’s not talk about it.”

Aurora’s dance reached its finale with a series of rapid spins before she came to a halt. The hall erupted in thunderous applause. Her dance was indeed brilliant; even a layman could see her mastery. She took her bow according to Duogua etiquette and returned to her seat without the slightest hint of seduction toward Qin Ji.

The Duogua envoy nearly vomited blood—why didn’t the princess take the opportunity to speak more with the Sovereign of Qin?

Before the envoy could find another opening, a eunuch rushed into the banquet, knelt with a “thud,” and knocked his head heavily on the ground.

“I beg Your Majesty to seek justice for Hongdou!”

Qin Ji put down the chopsticks he had just picked up and stood. “What happened?”

The kneeling eunuch was filled with grief and indignation: “I led the Wei envoy to change his clothes, but in the short time it took to fetch the garments, the envoy forced himself upon the palace maid Hongdou!”

The room was in an uproar.

Wei Wuxia slammed the table: “Don’t you dare slander him!”

The eunuch looked up, his expression stubborn and eyes tearful: “Whether it is slander or not, let His Majesty decide!” This eunuch was Gao Huan, who had led Qu Tingquan away earlier.

Wei Yu frowned and pulled at Qin Ji’s clothes: “Did Your Majesty really let a maid go…?”

“How could that be?” Qin Ji signaled for Wei Yu to stay calm.

“Is Wei here to celebrate my birthday or to show me up?” Qin Ji appeared to be in a towering rage and threw a loquat. Mostly because other things were expensive and he’d be pained to break them—these were Qin’s items.

Wei Wuxia hurriedly said, “Please calm your anger, Sovereign of Qin. There must be some misunderstanding.” No matter how crazy Qu Tingquan was, he wouldn’t dare sleep with a Qin maid in the Qin palace.

“We shall know if there is a misunderstanding by taking a look,” Qin Ji flicked his sleeve. “Everyone, come and be witnesses!”

Since Qin Ji had spoken, whether they wanted the gossip or not, they had to swallow it. Whether it was true or false, if Wei dared to use those three Ruyi scepters to insult Qin Ji, they had to be prepared for his retaliation. A lesson now was better than a war between two nations. Qin was powerful; who could afford to fight?

A large group moved from the lively banquet hall. Qin Ji strode ahead, with Wei Yu following. When Wei Yu struggled to keep up, Qin Ji slowed down and waited for him. One shouldn’t exhaust Wei Yu during a play, after all.

The crowd reached the scene of the incident. The imperial guards had already restrained Qu Tingquan, whose robes were disheveled and stained with something other than wine. Also present was a palace maid, her hair a mess, makeup ruined by tears, and visible marks on her exposed skin that looked like they had been left by force.

“The Emperor arrives!”

Hearing this, the maid crawled to Qin Ji’s feet and wailed: “I beg Your Majesty for justice!”

Qu Tingquan also tried to approach when he saw Qin Ji, but with the guards’ blades at his throat, he could only kneel and howl: “Sovereign of Qin, I am innocent! I never touched this woman!”

The maid, whom Gao Huan called Hongdou, didn’t argue with him; she just kept crying, curling herself up pitifully.

“But, there are marks all over this sister’s body,” Aurora, the youngest of the group, spoke with the innocence of a child. The Duogua envoy wanted to cry—Princess, can’t you just watch the show? Why did you have to speak!

“Summon the palace matrons to inspect,” Qin Ji said sternly. Palace matrons were not necessarily married, but their experience in certain areas was startling. Qin Ji calling them was to verify exactly how far things had gone.

With an imperial summons, everything moved fast. Two matrons arrived, bowed to Qin Ji, and were arranged to inspect Hongdou.

“To ensure fairness, perhaps the wives of the envoys could accompany them,” Qin Ji suggested.

Since he had spoken, they couldn’t refuse. The wife of the Boli envoy was the first to step forward, following the matrons into the room, and other ladies followed.

Wei Yu clenched his hands. Did Qin Ji really have a plan for this act?

After the inspection, Hongdou remained inside, while the ladies came out.

“I looked closely at that maid just now; she’s very beautiful and delicate. No wonder someone made a move,” the Boli envoy’s wife whispered to her husband.

The experienced matron also reported the result to Qin Ji: “Your Majesty, it is verified that the maid Hongdou has indeed lost her purity, and there is essence remaining.”

Qu Tingquan was horrified and desperately shouted his innocence: “Sovereign of Qin, please see clearly! I truly did nothing to that woman!”

Wei Wuxia pushed through the crowd and slapped Qu Tingquan: “You filthy thing!” Was he so desperate for women that he’d touch a maid in Qin Ji’s palace?

The slap cleared Qu Tingquan’s head. He suddenly realized something and snapped his gaze toward Wei Yu. Was this tyrant, Qin Ji, getting revenge for the Second Prince? He’s actually taking the Second Prince’s side? Why? Why!

Qin Ji moved imperceptibly to block Wei Yu. “Men, take Qu Tingquan to the Great Prison to await judgment.”

Wei Wuxia couldn’t let it go. She pleaded, “Sovereign of Qin, he only committed a grave error out of temporary confusion. It is better to mend one’s ways than to stay wrong. Please give him a chance; Qu Tingquan can marry that maid as his wife!”

Qin Ji remained silent, and Wei Wuxia froze in place. Wei Yu watched the farce with a cold eye.

“Princess Royal, don’t act as if marrying a Wei official is such a grand honor. Qu Tingquan might want to marry her, but he should see if the girl is willing to wed him.” Qin Ji waved his right hand lightly. “Take him away.”

The guards dragged Qu Tingquan off. Wei Wuxia sank to the floor in a daze, her magnificent robes unable to hide her dejection.

“It is a pity such a thing happened on such a good day. It is embarrassing for the envoys. The banquet cannot continue. Before you all depart for your countries, I shall hold another feast to see you off. That is all for today.” Qin Ji issued the dismissal. The show was over; it was time to leave. Watching too much might turn one into a participant, like Qu Tingquan.

As the envoys returned to the hostel, Qin Ji took Wei Yu back to the Ziji Palace. Immediately upon their return, Wei Yu asked how he had done it.

“Hongdou will come by after she’s tidied up and explain it to you. Go and bathe first, alright?” Qin Ji coaxed.

Wei Yu hesitated: “You really didn’t harm Hongdou?”

Qin Ji raised three fingers to the sky: “No. If I lied to you, may I be struck dead by lightning.”

Wei Yu reached out to cover Qin Ji’s mouth: “Why make such a poisonous oath?” He also believed Qin Ji wasn’t that twisted. However, the cunning Qin Ji displayed tonight made Wei Yu realize he was growing—and growing fast. It was as if Qin Ji had “awakened.”

Prompted by Qin Ji, Wei Yu went to bathe, and Qin Ji also washed off the smell of wine. He scrubbed for a long time until he was sure the scent was gone before stepping out of the tub. Hmm, his “one-pack” belly had disappeared, and the outline of abdominal muscles was starting to form. Qin Ji patted his not-yet-firm stomach; six-pack abs would return sooner or later.

Wei Yu couldn’t relax during his bath as his mind was occupied. After bathing, he hurriedly went to find Qin Ji.

“Sit, sit. Hongdou will be here soon.” Qin Ji held Wei Yu’s shoulders and sat him down. Once settled, he sat on the other side. Soon, Gao De led the now-tidy Hongdou into the hall.

“Hongdou greets Your Majesty.” She was no longer crying; she looked like she was about to burst into laughter.

“Rise,” Qin Ji raised his hand. “You worked hard tonight.”

Hongdou stood, her beautiful eyes curving into crescents. “It wasn’t hard. I’m just doing my job for the money as I should.”

“Hongdou, this is Prince Wei Yu. Please introduce yourself to him.” Qin Ji pointed to Wei Yu.

Hongdou placed her hands at her side and performed a slight curtsey. “Greetings, Your Highness. I am a lady of the Anxiang Pavilion.”

“Anxiang Pavilion?” Wei Yu was confused.

“Ahem.” Qin Ji covered his mouth and leaned into Wei Yu’s ear. “The Anxiang Pavilion is a brothel.”

Wei Yu’s pupils dilated in shock. He looked at Qin Ji, wondering how his brain had come up with such a ghost of an idea.

“Your Highness, this idea wasn’t His Majesty’s; I suggested it myself.” Hongdou, who lived among men, had her own sensitivity to certain things. She explained everything before Qin Ji could. “His Majesty originally just wanted to put on a show, but I suggested that we should do it thoroughly.”

Wei Yu: “…” But that’s a bit TOO thorough, isn’t it? Disheveled hair and clothes are one thing, but how was there… that kind of substance?

Hongdou smiled brilliantly. “Your Highness needn’t be shocked. I simply came from a man’s bed to a different venue, that’s all.”

Wei Yu was speechless. He couldn’t imagine what a girl had to go through to be so indifferent to such matters.

“When this is over, His Majesty will redeem my contract. He will let me live the rest of my life as a commoner in a place where no one knows me, and he’s given me a large sum of money.” Hongdou was very pragmatic. “Others don’t have my luck.” How many girls sold into brothels ever have a good end? To leave the brothel and live a wealthy life without relying on a man—many would beg for such an opportunity.

Wei Yu sighed: “It’s been hard on you.” Not just for tonight’s play, but for her life.

“His Majesty and Your Highness must be tired. I won’t disturb you further. I’ll take my leave.” Hongdou could see they had more to say and tactfully withdrew. Tomorrow, she would head to Jiangnan, buy a house, start a small business, and live a prosperous life.

“Wei Yu, I…” Qin Ji spread his hands and looked at them silently. “I am cold-hearted and ruthless; I am not a good person either.”

Wei Yu was surprised. It seemed Qin Ji hadn’t entirely turned into a calculating Emperor.

“That’s not true,” Wei Yu said seriously. “You are the Emperor. An Emperor cannot be a saint.” Qin Ji had already considered everything within the best of his ability.

“I often feel that I am different from Wei Qiong and Wei Wuxia—that they are the bad ones and I am not.” Qin Ji pouted. “In the end, I am a bad person too.”

Wei Yu knew that the man before him wasn’t the original tyrant; he couldn’t do things with a clear conscience. Qin Ji hadn’t been Emperor for long; even if he showed some royal tactics, he hadn’t truly reached that stage yet.

“Qin Ji, if it were Wei Qiong’s birthday and Qin sent gifts, would you deliberately humiliate him like he did to you today?” Wei Yu suddenly asked.

“If I don’t like him, I’ll just find a way to hit him,” Qin Ji said without thinking. He still didn’t dare mess around with such major matters; after all, if he acted recklessly, the ones who would suffer the consequences were the people of Qin.

Wei Yu: “See, you wouldn’t have thought of humiliating Wei Qiong on his birthday.”

Conflict between nations is normal; it all depends on which country is stronger. A strong country draws its blade against a weak one, and the weak one can only suffer. Between nations, interests come first; even a marriage alliance cannot withstand profit. This was why the Boli envoy’s wife praised Hongdou’s beauty after the inspection—it was simply to solidify Qu Tingquan’s crime.

When it came to schemes, Qin Ji was still far behind.

Wei Yu hid the calculations swirling in his eyes and said to Qin Ji, “It’s alright.”

Compared to what Qin Ji did, he had already thought of a way to make sure Qu Tingquan never returned to Wei. Wei didn’t need a minister like him, and his brother’s lackeys could afford to be reduced by one. He would clear out Qu Tingquan to give Wei a chance to replace him with a truly capable minister—of course, whether they could was up to his brother’s eye for talent.

“Then… can you give me a hug?” Qin Ji took the opportunity to push his luck, his eyes lingering on Wei Yu.

Wei Yu walked over and hugged him. “Thank you for seeking justice for me.”

Today was Qin Ji’s twentieth birthday, and he had disrupted his own banquet just to get revenge for him. How was this man’s brain sometimes so smart and sometimes so silly?

If anyone was pitiful, it was Qin Ji. Even on his birthday, he had homework from his teacher, and he had to attend court and classes as usual tomorrow.

When Qin Ji remembered his untouched homework, his head felt like it would burst. He sent someone to the imperial kitchen for a late-night snack and buried himself in his work at the desk.

Today was another day of hating to study…

While Qin Ji was doing homework, Wei Yu asked Gao De for a favor and summoned the Commander of the Imperial Guard, Chen Xuanwu.

“Greetings, Your Highness.” Chen Xuanwu was in full armor, which clanked with his movements.

“General Chen, please sit.” Wei Yu expressed his gratitude first. He had been able to return to the Ziji Palace from the assassins because of Chen Xuanwu’s efforts. If Chen Xuanwu hadn’t brought him to the palace gate and knocked, Qin Ji might have… thought he had really fled.

“Your Highness is too kind.” Chen Xuanwu didn’t think it was a big deal. “It was all for His Majesty.”

Wei Yu: “I asked you here because I need a favor.”

Chen Xuanwu raised an eyebrow. Surely Wei Yu didn’t want him to release Qu Tingquan? “Please speak, Your Highness.”

Wei Yu closed his eyes, gripped the chair, and took a deep breath. After preparing himself, he said: “I want to make this leverage over Qu Tingquan even bigger.”

Sending three Ruyi scepters as birthday gifts could be excused as Wei not knowing Qin’s customs. Qu Tingquan defiling a maid could be seen as something that could be compensated for by marrying the girl. None of these were leverage that Qin Ji could use to truly control Wei. To truly control Wei, there must be a reason for Qin to deploy troops at any time—a “just cause.” And among all crimes, the greatest is assassination.

Wei Yu didn’t want Qu Tingquan to actually stab Qin Ji, but he would help Qin Ji receive a “stab” from Qu Tingquan. Qin Ji had taken a hit for him earlier, and his arm still had a wound; even after it healed, it would leave a scar. This “stab” was something Wei Yu couldn’t let go of in his heart.

“General Chen, are you willing to help me? Just put me into the prison,” Wei Yu asked.

…

Qin Ji finished the homework assigned by Xu Ziye just in time and returned to the bedchamber yawning. The “fake” student-teacher relationship between him and Xu Ziye wasn’t even worth a day off; it was truly tragic.

The candlelight flickered at night.

“Wei Yu, why aren’t you asleep yet?” Qin Ji returned to the chamber and was stunned to see Wei Yu still sitting under the lamp reading.

Wei Yu looked conflicted, caught between speaking and staying silent.

“What is it?” Qin Ji guessed. “Can’t you sleep? Should I tell you a bedtime story?”

Wei Yu: “…” Qin Ji really has a way of ruining the mood.

“I have something to tell you.” Wei Yu finally forced the words out.

Qin Ji: “???”

“Can’t it wait until tomorrow?” Qin Ji started nagging again. “The physician said you need to rest your body. You shouldn’t stay up late; it’s bad for your health.”

Wei Yu interrupted him: “Qin Ji, I want to go back to Wei for a visit.”

Qin Ji’s nagging got stuck in his throat, and he had to work to swallow it down. “Why do you suddenly want to go back to Wei?” He was frantic and incoherent. “All your things have been moved to Qin. Going back means moving again. And haven’t you already decided to stay in Qin? You…”

“Listen to me first.” Wei Yu covered Qin Ji’s mouth. If he let him keep talking, who knows what he’d imagine. “Don’t speak yet; let me finish, alright?” Wei Yu felt Qin Ji’s mouth trying to talk, rubbing against his palm. Suddenly, he thought of a pig…

Qin Ji nodded: “Mmm-hmm!”

Wei Yu released him, his palm clenching his garment. “I’ve never understood why my Imperial Brother shows me such hostility,” Wei Yu said. These things hadn’t happened in his previous life. After arriving in Qin, he had been tortured by the tyrant; he was lucky to be conscious and had no energy to notice what Wei Qiong was doing. But in this life, so many things were different, and he could see things he had missed before. Even as rivals for the throne, for the sake of a good reputation as a brother, Wei Qiong shouldn’t have targeted him to this extent—especially since he never competed for the throne. Wei Qiong was the eldest son of the Empress, and he was the second; Wei Qiong was the natural heir, and their father hadn’t left a decree naming him Crown Prince.

So why?

This question had bothered Wei Yu for a while, and he couldn’t find an answer. After their father passed, Wei Qiong ascended the throne. By right, he should have titled him a Prince, but Wei Qiong had delayed it, so he remained the Second Prince, with no title and no fief. Later, he was sent to Qin as a hostage, and Wei Qiong had rushed him off overnight, letting him take nothing and prepare nothing, as if certain he would die in Qin. Since Qin Ji had “replaced” the tyrant, he hadn’t died and was highly favored. So Wei Qiong wanted to kill him to eliminate the possibility of his return—including ordering Qu Tingquan to suggest a marriage between Qin Ji and Wei Wuxia, hoping Qin Ji would kill him.

“Qin Ji, do you understand? Wei Qiong and I are biological brothers from the same mother. My mother never favored one over the other. Yet Wei Qiong has tried to take my life multiple times.” Wei Yu lowered his eyelids, hiding the coldness in his eyes. He wasn’t a piece of clay to be molded by Wei Qiong.

Qin Ji asked anxiously: “You won’t… not come back after you go to Wei, right?”

Wei Yu: “I promise I won’t.” He was going back for an answer; he had no interest in overthrowing Wei Qiong to become Emperor himself. Furthermore, if he really went back to be Emperor, he’d have to fight Wei Qiong to the death, and the people of Wei shouldn’t pay the price for their sibling rivalry.

“Then don’t be in a hurry. When the spring hunt is over, I’ll take you to the border.” Qin Ji grabbed Wei Yu’s nightgown, the white fabric wrinkling in his grip. “Then I’ll wait for you at the border. If Wei Qiong dares to bully you, I can go and get you.”

Wei Yu’s heart softened completely. How could Qin Ji do so much for him?

Seeing no response, Qin Ji gripped the gown tighter. “Wei Yu, don’t… don’t leave me.”

Since you’ve stayed by my side and given me the chance to pursue you, let me succeed, okay? I can share half of my big bed and let you keep my private savings.

Wei Yu looked down and held the hand that was gripping his gown. “As long as you don’t cast me aside, I won’t leave you.”

Hearing this, Qin Ji’s face instantly brightened, and he hugged Wei Yu, rubbing against him vigorously. “Wei Yu, you’re the best.”

Gao De, who had just poked his head in, pulled back immediately. As an excellent “navigation system”—no, wait—as a loyal servant, one must have enough tact. In this moment filled with affection, it would be inappropriate to disturb them. Ah, young people have their own things to do; an old man like him shouldn’t get in the way.

Wei Yu was hugged for a long time—so long that his neck began to tire. “Qin Ji, let go. I feel like my neck is going to cramp.” Could you find a more comfortable angle next time? My neck will break; it can’t handle such a twisted angle.

Qin Ji: “Then I’ll massage it for you.” He was about to perform his massage technique.

“What massage…” His neck was just sore, not twisted.

“It’s time to change your dressing. Sit properly.” Thinking of the wound on Qin Ji’s arm, Wei Yu’s heart softened.

“Alright.” Qin Ji chose to listen.

Seeing Qin Ji’s disappointment, Wei Yu said, “There will be plenty of opportunities for you to massage me in the future.”

Qin Ji… Qin Ji’s ears turned red. “Okay!”

Wei Yu thought: Where is the Qin Ji who was slaughtering everyone today? Why has he turned silly again?