The Sickly Beauty Official Faked His Death and Now the Tyrant Has Gone Mad - Chapter 8

The vermilion walls and palace pathways were once again blanketed with a fresh layer of snow over the swept-clean long walkways. The falling snowflakes seemed to drift aimlessly in the wind, uncertain of their destination, carried by the fierce gusts to every corner.

Lin Huaiyu’s clear, shallow eyes gazed at Su Yang, filled with both coldness and helplessness a complexity that left Su Yang unable to grasp his thoughts.

He had never truly understood Lin Huaiyu. Even in fleeting moments when he thought he had deciphered his teacher’s emotions and could predict his reactions, it was only for an instant.

Yet that brief moment was enough to send him into raptures. He often wished he could always read Lin Huaiyu’s emotions, to have his teacher entirely under his control, to make Lin Huaiyu belong only to him, with eyes that held no one else.

But Lin Huaiyu’s eyes were filled with too many things, leaving no room for him.

Outside, the wind and snow grew fiercer. Unable to withstand the cold, Lin Huaiyu coughed softly. Su Yang, no longer wanting to see his teacher in such a state, took his hand and led him toward the Qinchun Palace.

However, Lin Huaiyu’s shoes were ill-fitting, and after just a few steps, he nearly stumbled into the snow. Su Yang swiftly caught him and chuckled, “I suddenly think it would be quite nice if I broke your legs and kept you confined in the Qinchun Palace. Then, whenever you went out, I would have to accompany you, holding your hand.”

Lin Huaiyu shot Su Yang a cold glare, released the hand supporting him, and slowly made his way toward the Qinchun Palace on his own. “If such a day ever comes, I beg Your Majesty to grant me death a swift and painless end.”

Su Yang’s pupils contracted at the mere mention of the word “death,” his heart tightening as if gripped by an invisible hand, nearly causing him to lose his composure.

He quickly caught up to Lin Huaiyu, scooped him up into his arms, and strode purposefully toward the Qinchun Palace.

The umbrella was left behind on the palace pathway, soon retrieved by a palace attendant. Snowflakes fell upon Lin Huaiyu and Su Yang’s hair, as if fulfilling the saying, “If we share the snowfall today, it is as though we have grown old together.”

But soon, Lin Huaiyu’s eyebrows and eyelashes were dusted with snow, the heavy snowfall threatening to engulf them both.

Su Yang hurried back to the Qinchun Palace and gently laid Lin Huaiyu on the bed.

He fetched a silk handkerchief from nearby and tossed it over Lin Huaiyu’s head, as if placing a bridal veil upon him.

Lin Huaiyu tore off the “veil” and wiped the snow from his face and clothes.

Su Yang stood by, watching him, still recalling Lin Huaiyu’s earlier mention of death. He disliked hearing such words from his teacher and spoke coldly, “Earlier, Teacher mentioned wanting to sit on the empress’s throne. Do you know that an empress must kneel before the emperor? In all these years, you have never knelt before me. Since you wish to become empress, why not kneel before me now?”

His gaze was teasing as he looked at Lin Huaiyu on the bed. This proud and unyielding man had indeed never knelt before anyone except the late emperor.

Since Su Yang ascended the throne, he had exempted Lin Huaiyu from kneeling. Even in court, he allowed Lin Huaiyu to stand without kneeling before the emperor and even granted him a seat.

Su Yang couldn’t help but wonder: What would it be like to see this snow-like, aloof man kneeling before him?

The mere thought excited him.

Lin Huaiyu paused his movements, setting the handkerchief down on the low cabinet. He glanced lightly at Su Yang, then suddenly curved the corners of his lips. It was just a faint smile, yet it made Su Yang’s heart skip a beat.

Lin Huaiyu rarely smiled. Most of the time, he wore a cold and indifferent expression. Even toward Su Yang, though perhaps with a touch less distance, he never showed much emotion. Only when Su Yang himself provoked Lin Huaiyu would the jade-like man reveal a different side.

In that fleeting moment of distraction, Lin Huaiyu kicked Su Yang in the knee. Su Yang dropped to one knee, kneeling before Lin Huaiyu.

Lin Huaiyu looked down at Su Yang. In their younger years, he had often looked down on this young emperor in the same way. But Su Yang had gradually grown taller, quickly surpassing him. Lin Huaiyu had gone from looking down at him to meeting his gaze eye to eye, and finally to looking up at him, watching the young emperor become an unattainable presence.

Now, with Su Yang kneeling before him once more, Lin Huaiyu accepted it calmly. His light gaze fixed on Su Yang’s darkening expression as the faint smile vanished from his lips. “Even if Your Majesty kneels before me, I am worthy of it.”

Su Yang didn’t see what he had hoped to see, yet he still smiled. Indeed, this was Lin Huaiyu. If Lin Huaiyu had truly knelt to him, he wouldn’t be the Lin Huaiyu he knew.

Su Yang chuckled, his eyes fixed intently on Lin Huaiyu. “Does the teacher know what price must be paid for accepting this kneeling from me?”

Lin Huaiyu shot him a cold glance. “I am Your Majesty’s teacher. If we must account for it, it is only natural for Your Majesty to kneel before your own teacher.”

Su Yang laughed softly, rising slowly from the ground and sitting beside Lin Huaiyu. He picked up the handkerchief Lin Huaiyu had set aside and gently wiped away the remaining droplets of water on Lin Huaiyu’s face. “It’s a pity the teacher’s health is too weak. I fear this kneeling of mine might shorten your lifespan.”

As he wiped away the melted snow from Lin Huaiyu’s clothes, he called out to De Fu, “Go to the Imperial Hospital and fetch a ginseng root a large one.”

De Fu received the order and immediately headed to the Imperial Hospital.

Lin Huaiyu glanced at Su Yang, whose eyes were filled with mockery, as if watching a show. Just as Lin Huaiyu was about to rise, Su Yang pressed him back onto the bed. “Where is the teacher going?”

Lin Huaiyu replied calmly, “The imperial examinations are a complex affair. Naturally, I must attend to them personally.”

But Su Yang held him down, speaking casually, “No rush. The teacher’s health is weak. You should focus on recuperating first.”

Without giving Lin Huaiyu a chance to respond, he knelt down and removed Lin Huaiyu’s ill-fitting shoes. “I’ve discarded the teacher’s shoes. For the next few days, you should stay in bed.”

Lin Huaiyu fell silent, but after a moment, he couldn’t help saying, “I am not so delicate as that.”

Su Yang chuckled softly, taking Lin Huaiyu’s foot in his hand and gently caressing it, just as he often did at night when he held Lin Huaiyu’s ankle, refusing to let go.

Lin Huaiyu was almost conditioned to Su Yang’s actions, ingrained into his very bones. He tried to pull his foot back, but Su Yang anticipated the movement, preventing him from retracting it. Lin Huaiyu could only glare coldly. “What are you doing?”

Su Yang smiled, lowering his head to press a kiss to the back of Lin Huaiyu’s foot. His gaze, however, was feverish and obsessive. “Teacher, if I were to sever your tendons, would you no longer be able to run away?”

Lin Huaiyu directly kicked Su Yang in the chest: “Su Yang, put away your pointless thoughts. I’ve said it before I will fulfill my duty for His Majesty and the Great Yong until the day I die.”

Su Yang, having been kicked, showed no anger. He brushed the wrinkles from the front of his robe and calmly stood up from the floor. Just then, the door was knocked it was Defu returning with the ginseng.

Su Yang glanced at the ginseng in Defu’s hands, neatly packaged in an embroidered box. The ginseng was indeed large, as thick as three fingers, with abundant roots. Su Yang was quite satisfied and took the box. “Leave us,” he said.

Defu promptly slipped out and closed the door behind him.

Su Yang held the ginseng out to Lin Huaiyu, showing it to him. “I fear I may have shortened your lifespan, Teacher. This ginseng should provide a great tonic. You must eat it all later.”

Lin Huaiyu glanced at it, his expression indifferent, and reached to take the box and set it aside. But Su Yang moved it out of his reach. Lin Huaiyu looked at him, puzzled.

Su Yang merely curved his lips into a faint smile, casually placed the embroidered box on the bed, and tugged off Lin Huaiyu’s belt.

A warning bell instantly rang in Lin Huaiyu’s mind. Frowning, he said coldly, “Su Yang! Are you an animal?!”

He lifted his leg to kick Su Yang again, but his foot was caught in the other’s grip, unable to strike. Su Yang’s palm slid along Lin Huaiyu’s calf, moving upward inch by inch. “Teacher, feel free to raise your voice. I enjoy hearing it.”

Lin Huaiyu pressed his lips together, but his foot remained trapped. Not only could he not pull this one back, but his other leg was also dragged over by Su Yang. He stumbled entirely into the other’s embrace. As he let out a low cough, he heard Su Yang’s mocking tone: “Teacher truly has a weak constitution. I must feed you this ginseng quickly.”

Watching Su Yang take the ginseng from the box, Lin Huaiyu suddenly understood what he intended to do. He turned to get off the bed and run.

But his legs were held firmly by Su Yang escape was impossible.

The heated floor in the room burned fiercely, filling the entire space with a scorching warmth, as if steam were rising and enveloping everything within, blurring the surroundings.

The heavy snow continued to fall, persisting all the way into February.

In February, the imperial examinations began. The Ministry of Rites guided the scholars into the examination halls, where inspections were currently underway.

As the chief examiner, this was Lin Huaiyu’s first time leaving the palace in many days.

He sat in a chair, wearing a close-fitting purple official robe with a belt cinched at his waist, outlining his figure perfectly neither too tight nor loose, unlike the ill-fitting, sloppy attire he wore in the palace.

Lin Huaiyu’s expression was cold as he watched the scholars, having finished their inspections, pass before him one by one, each bowing in respect.

Most dared not even look at him. The name Lin Huaiyu had long spread throughout the Great Yong everyone knew that the current Prime Minister was ruthless, merciless, and indifferent. No one wanted to ruin their promising futures here.

They hurried past Lin Huaiyu, only daring to glance back furtively once they were behind him.

“That’s the current Prime Minister so young,” one scholar remarked upon seeing Lin Huaiyu, unable to hide his envy.

Other scholars nodded in agreement. “Not only young, but also exceptionally handsome. Though the Prime Minister’s presence is overwhelming just sitting there, I didn’t dare lift my head to meet his gaze.”

Several others whispered softly, “Same here, same here.”

“But he doesn’t seem as terrifying as the rumors say. Could it be that all those stories are false?” someone ventured cautiously.

Yet another scholar scoffed lightly, “Appearances can be deceiving. Surely you don’t think just because the Prime Minister is handsome, he couldn’t possibly have done those things? The waters of the court run deep. How could someone so young rise to the position of Prime Minister without cunning and means?”

Someone retorted, “But he couldn’t possibly have killed a prince. I’ve always thought those rumors were exaggerated.”

Another countered, “Even if he didn’t personally do it, he must have been involved. Where there’s smoke, there’s fire. You’re all too naive!”

Lin Huaiyu naturally did not hear these discussions, but even if he had, he wouldn’t have cared. There were far too many such conversations; he had no desire to intervene, nor did he bother.

Finally, the last scholar entered the examination hall. Passing before Lin Huaiyu, he knelt and bowed, then lifted his head, meeting Lin Huaiyu’s gaze. “Prime Minister, your efforts are appreciated.”

Lin Huaiyu offered no lengthy response, merely giving a slight nod.

But the scholar did not leave. Instead, gathering his courage, he spoke calmly, “Prime Minister, you were once the top scholar yourself. I have memorized your ‘Strategies for Governing the Nation’ by heart. Might I be fortunate enough to receive some guidance from you?”

Lin Huaiyu looked at the kneeling man. His tone was neither subservient nor flattering, simply straightforward, as if genuinely seeking advice.

Yet he had chosen to approach the highest-ranking official in charge. Lin Huaiyu saw through his intentions immediately.

If Lin Huaiyu agreed and this man succeeded in the exams, he would inevitably become Lin Huaiyu’s protégé. As a protégé of the Prime Minister, no one in the capital would dare obstruct him.

If Lin Huaiyu refused, given his reputation, many in the capital would eagerly recruit a successful candidate who was at odds with the Prime Minister, perhaps even gaining the Emperor’s favor.

Either way, for the scholar at this moment, it was a win-win situation.

But only if he could pass the exams.

Lin Huaiyu lowered his gaze, his dark lashes casting a shadow beneath his eyes. “If you achieve the top rank and ride in triumph through the imperial streets, feasting in the royal gardens, I will certainly offer my congratulations.”

If his predictions were correct, the top scholar this time should be the one named Zhao Xiangyi.

And the man kneeling before him was likely Zhao Xiangyi.

Talented and tactful, he could become a great asset to Su Hao in the future. It might be worth offering some guidance.

The imperial examinations lasted three full sessions, with seven essays, followed by the final selection of the top three candidates by the Emperor himself in the Golden Hall, where they would have an audience with the sovereign.

During this time, Su Hao sat in the Golden Hall, dressed in a dark robe embroidered with golden threads that exuded authority. He rested his head on his hand, eyes closed in repose, waiting with the civil and military officials for the results of the examinations.

Unnoticed by anyone, a guard quietly approached Su Hao from behind and whispered in his ear, “Before the examinations began, several scholars were discussing Prime Minister Lin. One of them even exchanged glances and words with him.”

He recounted the conversation verbatim to Su Hao.

Su Hao’s previously bored expression then curled into a faint smile.

Yet, for no apparent reason, it sent a chill down the guard’s spine.

Su Hao waved his hand dismissively, and the guard immediately withdrew, unnoticed upon arrival and equally ignored upon departure.

Soon, the imperial examinations concluded, and the essays were delivered into Su Yang’s hands. He also met the scholar whom Lin Huaiyu had “repeatedly” praised.

Zhao Xiangyi entered the golden hall filled with hope. No one dared to look directly at the emperor’s imposing presence, but for some reason, he felt as though the emperor had been scrutinizing him all along. The emperor’s gaze was like a mountain, pressing down heavily on him, making it difficult for him to breathe.

Had he somehow offended the emperor?

That shouldn’t be the case this was his first time meeting His Majesty. If the emperor truly had any grievances against him, he wouldn’t have summoned him into the golden hall at this moment.

Outside, the snow fell even more fiercely. Spring would likely arrive a little later.

Lin Huaiyu stood outside the hall, holding an umbrella. Before long, he heard the announcement of the palace examination results from within the hall the top scholar was none other than Zhao Xiangyi.

Lin Huaiyu was summoned into the hall. Seeing Zhao Xiangyi nod slightly to him in greeting, Lin Huaiyu returned the gesture with a nod of his own. When he raised his eyes, he met Su Yang’s gaze, which seemed to carry a hint of amusement.

He bowed and said, “Your Majesty.”

Su Yang stamped the imperial edict and handed it to Defu. He then asked Lin Huaiyu, “Prime Minister Lin, you have contributed greatly to the organization of the imperial examinations. What reward would you like?”

Lin Huaiyu replied calmly, “Your subject…”

But he stopped mid-sentence.

He hadn’t originally intended to ask for any reward. However, since Su Yang had been keeping him confined, sitting idly by was not in his nature. Today, he was determined to seize the opportunity to leave the palace. If he missed this chance, Su Yang would likely never let him leave.

Thus, Lin Huaiyu changed his words: “Your Majesty, your subject has been feeling unwell recently and wishes to take a period of leave to recuperate at my own home.”

He deliberately emphasized the words “my own home.”

Su Yang couldn’t have missed the implication. He smiled, but the corners of his lips held a chill. “Prime Minister Lin has dedicated himself wholeheartedly to the Great Yong. Naturally, I should grant such a request. Please take good care of your health, Prime Minister.”

Lin Huaiyu looked deeply at Su Yang. “Yes, thank you, Your Majesty.”

Su Yang had agreed so readily. Lin Huaiyu had thought he would need to argue further.

But being able to leave the palace was a good thing.

As the crowd dispersed, Lin Huaiyu followed those leaving the palace out of the hall. He had been standing at the front earlier, so now he was at the back as they departed.

Just as he stepped over the threshold, the voice of Chief Eunuch Defu rang out behind him: “Prime Minister Lin, please wait.”

Lin Huaiyu immediately sensed something amiss but had no choice but to stop and turn around. “Chief Eunuch Defu, does His Majesty have further instructions?”

Defu smiled at Lin Huaiyu and gestured for him to follow. “Prime Minister Lin, you’ve taken the wrong path.”

Seeing that the direction Defu pointed to was clearly the inner palace, Lin Huaiyu suppressed his displeasure and said, “Just now, I requested permission from His Majesty to return home to recuperate, and His Majesty granted it. What is the meaning of this?”

Before Defu could answer, Su Yang’s voice sounded behind him: “Is my home not also my teacher’s home?”

Lin Huaiyu frowned slightly and turned around. “I wish to return to the Lin residence. The steward has already prepared a carriage for me outside the palace gates. Is Your Majesty going back on your word?”

Su Yang leaned closer to Lin Huaiyu. “When did I go back on my word? My inner palace is also my teacher’s home. If my teacher wishes to recuperate at home, why not recuperate here with me? What is improper about that?”

Lin Huaiyu’s brows furrowed. “Your Majesty knows perfectly well what I mean. Why pretend not to understand?”

Su Yang leaned close to Lin Huaiyu’s ear, like mandarin ducks nestling their necks together. “I’ve said it before, Teacher all you need to do is stay obediently by my side. I won’t let you leave me.”

Lin Huaiyu suppressed his anger and held back from reacting. Turning around, he saw the ministers about to depart and quickly called out to the last one. “Minister Liu, I have some matters to discuss with you. Please stay for a moment.”

Upon hearing this, Minister Liu paused, glanced back at Lin Huaiyu, then looked at Su Yang. Pressing his lips together, he pretended not to hear and walked away.

Watching the ministers leave, Lin Huaiyu turned back to see Su Yang gazing at him with a faint smile. “Teacher, come back with me.”

Lin Huaiyu’s expression turned icy. “And if I insist on defying the imperial decree?”

Su Yang’s smile instantly vanished, his face darkening. “I just remembered Teacher met the newly appointed top scholar, Zhao Xiangyi, whom everyone has been praising today, didn’t you? He even spoke with you.”

Lin Huaiyu didn’t understand why Su Yang suddenly brought up someone else. “We exchanged a few words, but his talent has nothing to do with me. His essays are indeed well-written, otherwise Your Majesty wouldn’t have chosen him as the top scholar, would you?”

Su Yang sneered, his expression growing increasingly grim as he listened to Lin Huaiyu’s veiled praise of Zhao Xiangyi. With no one else around except De Fu nearby, Su Yang spoke in a low, stern voice. “Lin Huaiyu, don’t think I didn’t see it. Just now in the grand hall, the moment you entered, you were exchanging glances with him. Are you openly seducing him right in front of me?”

Lin Huaiyu flicked his sleeve, preparing to leave.

Su Yang grabbed him. “I recall that I stripped you of your position as Prime Minister some time ago. Although no formal decree was issued, my verbal order has already been given. Teacher, you are no longer the Prime Minister. If I decide to punish the new top scholar, do you think you can protect him?”

Lin Huaiyu didn’t care about the new top scholar, but Su Yang had always been regarded as a wise ruler in the hearts of the people. If his reckless actions were to ruin that image built over many years, it would be truly inappropriate.

Moreover, after his own death, this new top scholar might be able to assist Su Yang in some way or even take his place…

Lin Huaiyu asked him, “What do you intend to do?”

Su Yang glared coldly at Lin Huaiyu, his anger intensifying. “Teacher, you repeatedly defy me. Don’t you think you deserve punishment?”

“Kneel here and reflect on your actions until you are willing to return with me.”