Saving My Life By Simping For My Empress - Chapter 30

Chapter 30: The Sky Lanterns, Written by His Own Hand, Became Streams of Light in the Night, Illuminating the World.

Not long after Qin Ji burned the first letter sent by Wei Qiong, a second one arrived.

He knew it—an insidious villain like Wei Qiong wouldn’t yield until his own safety was directly threatened. Simply put, the man was asking for a beating.

“Gao De, read it and tell me what Wei Qiong said.” As usual, Qin Ji tossed the letter to Gao De. He felt that looking at Wei Qiong’s handwriting personally was bad luck.

The man was practically a pathogen of misfortune.

Hmm, I should get Gao De to wear a special scented sachet or something so he doesn’t catch any of that bad luck.

“Your Majesty, the Lord of Wei has agreed to pay three cities as ransom for the release of the Eldest Princess and the others.” Gao De skimmed through the letter. He didn’t even bother reading it aloud; he just summarized it.

“Heh, and here I thought Wei Qiong had some backbone. Three cities, just like that?” Qin Ji sneered.

He truly couldn’t understand how someone as spineless as Wei Qiong shared the same bloodline as Wei Yu. One must remember that during the days Wei Yu was tortured by the original tyrant, he never uttered a single cry of pain despite being covered in wounds. He swallowed his grievances and never begged for mercy.

Perhaps Wei Yu’s imperial parents just had bad luck—a ‘fine bamboo’ producing a ‘rotten sprout.’

For a nation, ceding territory and paying indemnities were the ultimate humiliations. Wei Qiong had done both. Qin Ji wondered what kind of shameful posthumous title the man would receive after he died.

“Since Wei Qiong has handed over the three cities, we naturally cannot go back on our word. Gao De, go and deliver the decree.” Qin Ji tucked the letter away. “Remember to mention to those staying at the embassy that their ability to return to Wei is a result of Qin’s benevolence.”

Qin Ji was putting a lot of effort into destabilizing the State of Wei. The more chaotic Wei became, the safer Wei Yu would be upon his return.

“Yes, your servant shall go to the embassy to deliver the decree immediately.” Gao De took the order and left.

Qin Ji then sent someone to summon Zheng Shou to the palace. It was time for a proper talk regarding the diplomatic mission to Wei.

Perfect. Since the Wei diplomatic mission had eaten so much of Qin’s food for free, he would send Zheng Shou to go and eat it all back.

He didn’t want Wei Qiong to gain even a sliver of an advantage.

Since it would take some time for Zheng Shou to arrive, Qin Ji went back to find Wei Yu. Xu Ziye had entered the palace early today, but instead of looking for Qin Ji, he had gone to find Wei Yu. Qin Ji had no idea what they were discussing.

He was incredibly curious.

Walking back from the study, Qin Ji saw from a distance that Xu Ziye was talking to Wei Yu, who was busy taking notes.

Qin Ji strode over. “Teacher, what exactly are you doing with Wei Yu?”

Xu Ziye pointed to the paper spread out on the table. “I am arranging lessons for His Majesty.”

Qin Ji: “???”

What on earth? Did my ears malfunction?

Seeing Qin Ji’s stunned expression, Xu Ziye sneered, “Does Your Majesty think that just because you are leaving the palace for a while, you no longer need to study?”

Qin Ji: “…I didn’t.”

He had been so focused on planning the trip that he had completely forgotten about the concept of “schoolwork.”

“So, Teacher, you want Wei Yu to supervise me?” Qin Ji felt a slight sense of suffocation.

Heavens! Is it possible that just as I’m about to share a moment with Wei Yu, he’ll suddenly whip out a book, slap it on my face, and tell me to recite poetry?

I’ll wither. I’ll go straight from a fresh flower in full bloom to a dried-up husk.

Xu Ziye’s sneer deepened. “Before reaching the border, Your Majesty shall obediently attend the Prince’s lectures. Once at the border, there will be daily assignments.”

You want to go out and play? In your dreams!

This brat left me with a mountain of government affairs and expects to be free? Not a chance!

Truly a touching display of teacher-student affection.

Wei Yu smiled and finished writing down everything Xu Ziye mentioned. “Lord Xu, please take a look. Is there anything missing?”

Xu Ziye trusted Wei Yu. He knew Wei Yu wouldn’t secretly omit a few items for Qin Ji’s sake while writing.

“That is all. As for the rest, it depends on Your Highness’s wishes; feel free to add whatever you like.” Xu Ziye’s tone toward Wei Yu was as gentle as a spring breeze—a completely different face than the one he showed Qin Ji.

Qin Ji: “…” As expected, all teachers in the world prefer the high-achieving students!

“Which day does Your Majesty intend to depart?” As Qin Ji’s teacher, Xu Ziye was well aware of the arrangements. He knew Qin Ji had already mapped out the route and was just waiting to leave.

Qin Ji replied, “We leave the day after tomorrow.”

Xu Ziye’s expression softened slightly. “In that case, tomorrow’s lessons are canceled.”

He wasn’t in a rush for one day of classes.

Anyway, Qin Ji would have to study on the road. With Wei Yu there, Qin Ji couldn’t run away.

Qin Ji was secretly delighted. He quickly said, “I am immensely grateful for Teacher’s hard work these days.”

Watching the back-and-forth between the mentor and his pupil, Wei Yu’s smile deepened.

Xu Ziye was still huffing and puffing at Qin Ji—mostly because he was at such an old age yet had “inherited” a mountain of paperwork. Anyone would have a bit of a temper. Qin Ji didn’t mind his teacher’s attitude; he knew that while he was away from the capital, he would have to rely on Xu Ziye for many things, especially matters involving the Imperial Examinations.

With government affairs in the hands of Zhao Anhong and Xu Ziye, Qin Ji felt at ease. Otherwise, he couldn’t just leave the capital for a month or two.

He was the Emperor, after all; he had that much sense of duty.

After Qin Ji managed to soothe Xu Ziye and saw him out, he returned to find that the paper detailing his future studies had dried. Wei Yu told Bai Lu to store it carefully—anything else could be forgotten, but not this paper.

“And here I thought I could take a breather.” Qin Ji hugged Wei Yu from behind, resting his chin on Wei Yu’s shoulder. “How can someone be forced to study while on a trip?”

Wei Yu reached back and patted Qin Ji’s head. “Don’t be afraid. I’ll study with you.”

Qin Ji let out a silly laugh and took the opportunity to kiss Wei Yu’s cheek. “You’re the only one who’s good to me.”

Wei Yu was between laughter and tears.

“By the way, where will you stay when you return to Wei? We need to tell Zheng Shou in advance, otherwise he won’t know where to find you.” Qin Ji said.

Wei Yu: “I will stay at the embassy with the diplomatic mission.”

Qin Ji: “What?”

Wei Yu said, “Wei Qiong never granted me a title or a manor. I can’t exactly move back into the palace. Besides, staying at the embassy is safer, isn’t it?”

Qin Ji gnashed his teeth in anger. “That dog, Wei Qiong.”

Wei Yu immediately smoothed Qin Ji’s ruffled feathers. “Alright, let’s not talk about that. Help me check if my wound has left a scar.”

Earlier, after the scabs on Wei Yu’s wound had completely fallen off, the imperial physician had sent over a newly developed ointment. It was said to remove scars, or at least ensure they weren’t visible unless one looked very closely.

“Alright, let me see if the Imperial Academy of Medicine’s ointment actually works.” Qin Ji led Wei Yu to sit down.

The physicians had sent the same ointment to Qin Ji, but he hadn’t used it. He was a rough man; a few scars didn’t matter. Plus, the scar on his arm was a souvenir from the assassin Wei Qiong sent. He refused to remove it because he wanted to constantly remember that idiot Wei Qiong tried to steal Wei Yu and kill him.

The scar on his arm was a reminder to himself—a reminder to keep causing trouble for Wei Qiong to avenge that night Wei Yu was abducted.

Qin Ji’s movements were very gentle as he parted Wei Yu’s collar, revealing the injured spot on the left shoulder.

Wei Yu hadn’t been using the ointment for long, but the effect was excellent. There was still a faint mark, but with a few more days of use, the scar would likely vanish completely.

Looking at that light pink mark, Qin Ji—as if possessed—leaned in and kissed it.

His warm lips lightly touched the scar.

Wei Yu subconsciously shrunk back. He pushed Qin Ji. “What are you doing in broad daylight…?”

What if a servant came in and saw this?

Qin Ji stared at the disappearing scar and said, “Wei Yu, I must never let you get hurt again. It’s too painful.”

He straightened Wei Yu’s collar, re-tied the fastenings, and pulled his outer robe back into place.

Wei Yu took Qin Ji’s hand. “Don’t think too much. I am very well now.”

Qin Ji bowed his head and kissed Wei Yu’s brow. “I will make your life better and better.”

“Your Majesty, Prince Zheng Shou has arrived.” Gao Huan, the unlucky fellow, chose this moment to announce the visitor, breaking the tender atmosphere.

“I’m going to talk some business with Zheng Shou.” Qin Ji cleared his throat.

Wei Yu: “Alright.”

Qin Ji gave Gao Huan a disgruntled glare for the interruption before striding toward the study.

Gao Huan: “???” What did I do wrong? Why did His Majesty glare at me?

Back in the study, Qin Ji had a chair brought for Zheng Shou and served tea.

“Zheng Shou, your father is the Duke of Zhen. Logically, you could inherit the title even if you did nothing. However, I believe you are not someone who only relies on family protection.” Qin Ji first expressed his high expectations. “I feel that you are capable of great things.”

Zheng Shou said quickly, “This subject is overwhelmed by your favor. As long as Your Majesty has a use for me, please just give the order!”

Qin Ji waved a hand, telling Zheng Shou not to be so excited.

“I mentioned to you before that I intended to send you to the State of Wei as an envoy. I called you here today to discuss the details of that mission.” Qin Ji said.

Zheng Shou had indeed received word earlier, but he had doubts. He asked, “Your Majesty, I am a military man. Usually, envoys are civil officials. Civil officials are skilled in debate and can secure more benefits for the country. Will I be able to do it?”

Qin Ji immediately affirmed him. “I believe you can do it well.”

“Furthermore, the reason I am sending you to Wei is not to exchange pleasantries. I want you to say exactly what is on your mind.” Qin Ji smiled, a glint of shrewdness in his eyes.

Zheng Shou bowed his head. “Please instruct me, Your Majesty.”

Qin Ji said, “The State of Wei is nothing more than a defeated nation at the hands of our Qin army. Now, to ransom Wei Wu Xia and the others, they have ceded three border cities to us. A nation like that has no standing to put on airs before us. You may be as bold as you like.”

If you aren’t bold, how can we verbally crush that bastard Wei Qiong?

Being a military man, Zheng Shou considered whether this would lead to war. He thought for a moment and asked, “What if Wei declares war on Qin?”

“Wei would have no legitimate cause, while we would. If Wei Qiong actually dares to declare war, your father will immediately lead the troops into Wei territory and take another three of their cities!”

You sent someone to assassinate me, so what if I say a few words to you? You want to hit me? Come on then, do you dare?

“The day Wei declares war will be the day Qin joins forces with other small nations to take a bite out of Wei’s territory.” Qin Ji had already calculated it. If war truly broke out, they would definitely bring in the surrounding small nations. Those countries had small territories and were hungry for more.

Zheng Shou’s eyes lit up. “This subject understands!”

Wei either had to lie down and take the ridicule or find the courage to fight. Regardless of what Wei did, the infamy would belong to them.

“There is one more task I need you to handle during this mission.”

“While in Wei, protect Wei Yu well. Do not let him suffer even the slightest grievance. Bring Wei Yu back to me from Wei safely.”

Zheng Shou was not Zhao Anhong, nor was he Xu Ziye. He didn’t know that the relationship between his Emperor and Wei Yu had undergone a qualitative change. He was momentarily stunned.

“Your Majesty… you said you want to bring Prince Wei Yu back to Qin?” Would… would the Prince even want to?

In Qin, he was a hostage. Even if he wasn’t suffering, he still bore the title of a hostage.

“He will want to.” Qin Ji smiled slightly. “Once Wei Yu returns from Wei, I shall begin planning the coronation of the Empress.”

He wouldn’t let Wei Yu be with him without a title. If they were to be together, it had to be out in the open.

Besides, could he pass up such a great opportunity to show off his “wife”?

Look, this is my wife—a world-class beauty. Do you have one?

Zheng Shou: “Your Majesty… you intend to crown Prince Wei Yu as the Empress?”

His voice wavered like a turbulent sea.

Qin Ji gave Zheng Shou a pitying look. Such a fine young man, and he’s already hard of hearing?

“That’s right. I will marry Wei Yu.” Qin Ji affirmed.

Zheng Shou felt as if he had been struck by a bolt from the blue. His jaw nearly hit the floor.

Wei Yu is a man!!!

“Your Majesty… are you truly not joking with me?” Zheng Shou asked tremblingly.

Qin Ji was shocked. “You haven’t really become hard of hearing at such a young age, have you?”

Please don’t. Zheng Shou is a talent I’ve got my eye on!

Zheng Shou: “…” My emotions are… complicated, to say the least.

“This subject… is not hard of hearing.”

Qin Ji nodded. “Good. Go and prepare. Get the diplomatic mission ready to head to Wei. When you get there, don’t be polite. Act as if you’re in your own home.”

When Zheng Shou walked out of the palace, he was in a daze. Why did he feel that His Majesty had the aura of a heavy-handed bandit?

It must be an illusion. His Majesty is of noble status, the Son of Heaven. How could he be like a bandit?

He decided to focus on arranging the mission to Wei so he wouldn’t let his mind wander.

Qin Ji, unaware of the severe shock he had caused to a future pillar of the State of Qin, happily skipped back to the Ziji Palace.

“Your Majesty, these are the items packed for the trip. Please take a look.” Over the past two days, Gao Huan had led the servants in packing everything Qin Ji would need. They had only just finished.

Qin Ji took the list and checked the items one by one.

He was mainly checking if everything for Wei Yu was packed. Being away from home wasn’t as convenient as being in the palace. There wouldn’t always be a town along the canal, so shopping wouldn’t be easy. It was best to bring everything.

Clothes, daily necessities, food, drink… everything was well-prepared.

Gao Huan was a bit silly sometimes, but he was Gao De’s direct disciple after all. He couldn’t be too incompetent. He had done a good job.

“This will do. If I think of anything else, I’ll tell you.” Qin Ji handed the list back to Gao Huan.

Gao Huan scurried away with the list.

Qin Ji entered the bedroom. Wei Yu was reading. When Qin Ji sat down, Wei Yu happened to turn a page.

“Why are you reading every single day? Don’t you find it boring?” Qin Ji snatched the book from Wei Yu’s hand, blinking his eyes rapidly.

Wei Yu was speechless. Qin Ji might as well have written “look at me, look at me” on a post-it note and stuck it to his forehead.

“What else is there to do?” Wei Yu placed a bookmark inside and closed the book. “As an Imperial Prince, one doesn’t exactly research how to eat, drink, and be merry.”

Qin Ji said seriously, “I beg to differ.”

Wei Yu raised an eyebrow. “Oh? How so?”

Qin Ji said, “Our version of ‘eating, drinking, and being merry’ isn’t about thinking about it all day. It’s about relaxing properly during our limited free time. It’s called balancing work and rest. Don’t you agree?”

Wei Yu: “Yes, yes, yes. So, how does Your Majesty plan to balance work and rest?”

He rested his chin on his hand, his eyes full of amusement.

Qin Ji gave a mysterious smile and grabbed Wei Yu’s wrist. “Come with me.”

The two left the Ziji Palace, took a palanquin, and went to the highest point of the Qin Imperial Palace—the seven-story Linglong Tower.

Linglong Tower was originally built for stargazing, which was why it was the tallest. The roof was open without eaves. Later, the astronomers found a better location for observations and moved their offices out of the palace, leaving Linglong Tower vacant.

“Come, let’s go up.” Qin Ji led Wei Yu as they slowly climbed to the seventh floor.

Wei Yu knew Qin Ji had many ideas, but he didn’t know what he had come up with today.

When it came to finding ways to have fun, Qin Ji never lacked inspiration.

At this moment, the galaxy hung high in the sky. From the top of Linglong Tower, it was even clearer.

On the roof, Wei Yu also saw several Kongming lanterns (sky lanterns).

“You’re taking me to release lanterns?” Wei Yu understood immediately.

Qin Ji squatted down to assemble a lantern. “I asked the astronomers; the wind isn’t strong tonight and there are few clouds. It’s perfect for sky lanterns.”

He lifted a lantern—one covered in paintings of peach blossoms. There was writing on it, and the rather mediocre handwriting was clearly Qin Ji’s own.

“May Wei Yu be healthy and long-lived always.”

Qin Ji’s eyes crinkled. “Wei Yu, light the lantern.”

Wei Yu took a fire starter and lit the lantern. He and Qin Ji held the lantern together until it had enough lift to fly, then they released it simultaneously.

“What else did you write?” Wei Yu’s fingertips curled slightly. Being with Qin Ji always brought surprises that made his heart flutter.

“You’ll have to see for yourself. I wrote quite a lot.” Qin Ji pointed at his cheek. “Is there a reward?”

Wei Yu laughed and pressed a kiss onto Qin Ji’s lips.

The second lantern Wei Yu lit said: “For life or for death, however separated, to our wives we pledged our word. We held their hands; we are to grow old together with them.” (Note: A classic poem of commitment).

The third lantern said: “Two people, one lifetime.”

The fourth lantern: “A man like jade, a gentleman without equal in the world.”

The fifth lantern, the sixth…

Wei Yu lost count of how many lanterns he lit, and how many of Qin Ji’s handwritten words he read.

There were wishes for him and praises for him.

Wei Yu could tell that Qin Ji had exhausted his vocabulary to come up with these words.

It was a display of utter devotion.

“Wei Yu, look up.” Qin Ji released the final lantern.

Wei Yu raised his head. Countless bright lanterns, like stars fallen to earth, drifted through the sky.

The moonlight was graceful, and the lanterns were brilliant.

Qin Ji stood beside Wei Yu with his hands behind his back. “Look, you have given yourself a city of lights.”

He turned his head and saw the scenery reflected in Wei Yu’s eyes.

“Someone once told me that these lights are the most romantic thing in the world.” Qin Ji looked back at the sky lanterns carrying his wishes and praises, watching them drift slowly into the distance.

Wei Yu watched the lanterns fade, feeling more and more attached to Qin Ji in his heart.

Qin Ji had given him too many sights he had never seen before—sights enough to stun him for a lifetime.

“I like you.” Wei Yu suddenly turned around and hugged Qin Ji’s waist, pressing his face against Qin Ji’s chest. Listening to the powerful beat of Qin Ji’s heart, he felt as though it were beating for him.

“Qin Ji, Wei Yu likes you.”

“Qin Mingche, Wei Liuguang likes you.”

The sky lanterns, written by his own hand, became streams of light in the night, illuminating the world.

There weren’t thousands, but it felt like more than thousands.

Qin Ji hugged Wei Yu back with both hands. He closed his eyes, trying to calm his breathing, which was frantic with excitement.

“I like you too.”

“Wei Yu, can I push my luck a bit?” Qin Ji took a deep breath. “When you return to my side from Wei… I’ll ask for your hand in marriage, alright?”

He couldn’t wait through a long courtship; he wanted to be with the person in his arms as soon as possible.

Love arose without knowing its origin, but it ran deep.

The only reason he wasn’t doing a “shotgun wedding” was because this era didn’t have a Civil Affairs Bureau!