Transmigrated as the Emperor, but Slacking Off - Chapter 20

Yongshou Palace.

An elderly man clad in a stone-blue four-clawed dragon robe (mangpao), his hair and beard streaked with grey, sat in an armchair in the guest hall, weeping bitter tears.

“Your Majesty, you must seek justice for my grandson! A healthy, fine young man entered Yongshou Palace, and after a single meeting with His Majesty, he is gone!”

Wang Fuwei, resplendent in her elaborate robes and wearing the heavy, ornate kingfisher phoenix crown, sat high upon her throne. She cast a cold glance at the County Prince kneeling below and spoke chillingly: “You still have the face to bring this up? If not for your grandson’s audacity in daring to poison His Majesty, how could he have met such an end? He even implicated this Palace and ruined the arrangement I had so carefully set!”

The County Prince of Pingyang acted shocked and enraged. “Impossible!”

“Ever since my grandson saw His Majesty in the palace three years ago, he has been captivated. His heart and eyes were filled with nothing but His Majesty. This time, it was he who heard Your Majesty intended to recommend talent to the Emperor and begged this old servant for a chance. He cherished His Majesty too much to ever attempt regicide!”

Wang Fuwei looked at him coolly and sneered. “Still acting in front of this Palace? If not for you, how could your grandson have obtained the ‘Drunken Bone Silk’?”

Upon hearing this, the County Prince immediately donned an expression of utter shock. “What did Your Majesty say?! Drunken Bone Silk? But that is…”

Wang Fuwei narrowed her eyes and said coldly, “This Palace does not care if you were truly ignorant or intentionally indulgent. In short, your grandson used such underhanded methods on His Majesty. That he did not exterminate your entire clan is already the peak of His Majesty’s benevolence!”

The County Prince’s gaze suddenly sharpened. “How can Your Majesty speak so lightly of exterminating clans? Yian still had to call you Great-Aunt.”

Wang Fuwei seemed utterly dismissive of this attempt to claim kinship. She scoffed, “This matter has been finalized by His Majesty; there is no room for your excuses.”

Seeing her so heartless, the County Prince wiped away his tears and said chillingly: “Ning Wujie has been in the palace for less than two months, yet His Majesty has grown distant from you. Now, they have upended the Six Ministries and taken the Nine Treasuries into their own hands. Our people are being investigated, seized, or exiled. Your Majesty, can you truly swallow this indignity?”

At these words, a cold light finally flashed across Wang Fuwei’s face.

“Had the Minister of Revenue not been sensible enough to take his own life, once they dug to the root, would it not have reached Your Majesty?”

Wang Fuwei frowned, her sharp gaze sweeping over him. “Wang Xuanyi! You dare to threaten this Palace?”

The County Prince grit his teeth secretly. “This old servant would not dare. But Your Majesty must not forget that you hold your position today thanks to our Luohe Wang clan. The elders are all watching you.”

Wang Fuwei’s gaze hardened, her sharp fingernail guards gripping the armrests of her throne.

Seeing her expression, Wang Xuanyi struck while the iron was hot: “The one from the Ning family has the entire Northwest behind him. Your Majesty must weigh this carefully. This old servant only asks for Ning Wujie’s life to atone for my grandson’s. And Your Majesty needs an opportunity is now not the best chance?”

Wang Fuwei closed her eyes to calm herself. When she opened them again, her composure had returned. “How do you want this Palace to help you?”

The County Prince’s eyes lit up, his lips curling. “Simple. Your Majesty only needs to…”

Late night at Funing Hall.

Wen Xing was wrapped in his quilts like a silkworm cocoon. He was sleepy, but he couldn’t sleep. That damned residual poison still hadn’t faded. Last night, Ning Wujie had read him memorials and stories all night, only managing to coax him to sleep after midnight. Early this morning, the man had vanished again, claiming he had cases to investigate.

Why can some people work non-stop and remain energetic, while I sleep all day and still can’t get enough? It’s unscientific.

But right now, he truly needed his human audiobook app. Wen Xing looked up and asked Li Dequan, “Where is Ning Wujie?”

The old eunuch replied, “In the side hall. Lord Ning said Your Majesty forbade working in the bedchamber, so he took his official duties to the side hall. He also said he’s too busy and might have to work through the night, so he won’t be coming over.”

Wen Xing remembered; he had said he didn’t want work handled in his bedchamber. He didn’t expect it to become the stubborn man’s excuse to avoid him. Investigating cases by day, handling administration by night in short, you have no time, right?

Heh. You can run, but you can’t hide. He sneered inwardly. “Tell him to come over.”

The old eunuch complied and turned to call for him with a smile.

Inside the side hall.

Zhai Yuanqing was tending to Ning Wujie’s injury while saying helplessly, “Lord Ning, I only just stitched this wound yesterday. How did it burst again so quickly? I remember instructing you not to clench your fist too tightly before it heals; it’s easy to cause a relapse.”

Ning Wujie apologized: “It is my fault.”

Zhai Yuanqing let out a faint sigh, thinking to himself: Doesn’t the Emperor pity him? Why must he hounding him like this? After re-bandaging the hand, he paused before leaving. Thinking he might as well help to the end, he set his bag down, took out an exquisite small bronze box, and handed it to Ning Wujie.

“Keep this ointment.”

Ning Wujie opened the box to find a semi-transparent paste emitting a pleasant, fresh fragrance. He pushed it back. “The medicine Physician Zhai gave me last time isn’t used up yet.”

Zhai Yuanqing shook his head. “It isn’t for wounds.”

Ning Wujie was puzzled. Seeing the youth’s confused expression, Zhai Yuanqing hesitated. Finally, his conscience won out over his shame. He cleared his throat and said, “For a man, that place isn’t meant for that kind of thing; it’s easily injured.”

Ning Wujie: ?

Seeing that Ning Wujie still didn’t understand, Zhai Yuanqing felt awkward. Was I not direct enough? Recalling the injury on Wen Xing’s lip last night, he felt he should take precautions to reduce future trouble for himself. Thus, he braced himself and said with a flushed face, “His Majesty is, after all, the Son of Heaven. He is used to being served and likely isn’t very meticulous. He might be a bit… rough in bed.”

Ning Wujie’s face froze. Although he didn’t fully understand, he guessed the physician wasn’t saying anything good.

“But it’s fine. As long as you prepare beforehand, you won’t be hurt.” As Zhai Yuanqing spoke, he very considerately scooped out a bit of ointment to rub between his fingers. He then took a pear from the fruit plate and applied the medicine to the “fruit navel” at the bottom as a demonstration. “See, it looks like a paste, but it turns into an oil upon contact with body heat. Applying it there makes it easier to lubric…”

“Mmph…”

Zhai Yuanqing’s mouth was covered. Actually, “covered” wasn’t quite right; his entire jaw was clamped by a massive force, nearly dislocating it. He saw the deathly grim face of Ning Wujie.

Zhai Yuanqing: ?!

Ning Wujie’s gaze was as cold as a blade. Zhai Yuanqing felt as if he were being flayed alive and shivered all over. What is this? Repaying kindness with enmity!

Ning Wujie said coldly, “I do not need it.”

Zhai Yuanqing blinked: Are you sure?

Ning Wujie closed his eyes deeply, cursing the faint-hearted ruler for the ten-thousandth time in his heart. “When I release my hand, you will turn and walk out. Do not say another word.”

Frozen by that bone-chilling tone, Zhai Yuanqing nodded frantically. Suddenly released, he gasped for air, thinking: Is this the ‘little beauty’? He’s a Rakshasa ghost! He dared not speak again, grabbed his bag, and fled.

Ning Wujie stared at the physician’s departing back, grit his teeth, and looked back at the table—only to see that the physician had left the box behind.

Ning Wujie: … He wanted to throw the box away, but his outstretched finger froze in mid-air. Even touching it felt filthy.

Just then, Li Dequan came with the message that the Emperor summoned him. Ning Wujie ignored the eunuch entirely, sat back down at his desk, and calmly picked up a memorial. Without looking up, he said flatly: “Busy.”

Li Dequan: ?! This temper was certainly growing. Acting arrogant due to favor! Li Dequan “tsked” in his heart. Experience told him that the higher one is held up, the harder they fall. To be arrogant today is to find no place for burial tomorrow. Thus, he advised earnestly: “Lord Ning, to repeatedly defy an edict… even if His Majesty cherishes you, he will be enraged. Even if you don’t think of yourself, think of the Old Marquis Ning.”

“Those things again.” Ning Wujie let out a scoff it was so soft it seemed like he was talking to himself, and the old eunuch didn’t hear clearly.

“What did you say?”

Ning Wujie looked up at him. “Pray inform His Majesty that my Ning family has been loyal for generations. If he wants the lives of my family, he may take them as he wishes; my father, my brother, and I will not say a word.”

Li Dequan was startled by that icy gaze and finally realized that something was wrong with Ning Wujie today. So stubborn! He has guts. Likely, the Emperor had bullied him too hard last night, and the youth was venting his fire.

The old eunuch racked his brains for a way to persuade this stubborn man. His wandering gaze landed on the exquisite small bronze box on the table. It was far too delicate, looking completely out of place among Ning Wujie’s simple belongings. Curious, he asked, “This is…”

Following Li Dequan’s gaze, Ning Wujie’s eyes turned cold. “Pray take that thing and throw it away when you leave. Thank you.” He didn’t want to touch it.

Seeing that Ning Wujie had issued a guest-dismissal and was already writing in a memorial, appearing to refuse any further communication, Li Dequan sighed helplessly. “Fine.” He picked up the box, shook his head secretly, and exited.

However, just after leaving, he curiously opened the box. A fresh fragrance reached his nose. Being a man of vast experience, it was as if his “governor vessel” had been opened his eyes instantly lit up! Everything is prepared, so why drive people away? The little beauty’s heart is truly hard to guess.

Li Dequan pondered for a moment and suddenly understood. He slapped his palm. Got it! How could the little beauty just ask him to help throw something away? Does one need help to throw away a tiny box? This was clearly a hint! He’s got a temper and needs to be coaxed!

Li Dequan chuckled, took the box, and went back to report.

Wen Xing frowned when he saw Li Dequan return alone. Before he could question him, Li Dequan spoke: “Your Majesty, this old servant saw that Lord Ning is indeed too busy with state affairs to leave, but this is also to share Your Majesty’s burdens.”

Seeing the bronze box in Li Dequan’s hand, Wen Xing sneered: “He bribed you? Was it worth you speaking up for him like this?” Then, Wen Xing felt surprised. Is Ning Wujie the type of person to do such a thing?

Li Dequan waved his hands hurriedly. “This is the little beau ahem, Lord Ning’s sentiment for Your Majesty.” He handed the box to the Emperor.

Wen Xing looked at the paste in the box, confused. Li Dequan smiled. “Actually, the side hall is not far, just a few steps away. Why doesn’t Your Majesty go and have a look? Perhaps someone is prepared and waiting for you?” As he spoke, he peeking at the Emperor’s expression.

Wen Xing’s frown deepened, his face written with utter bewilderment. Li Dequan continued to push: “Perhaps… someone wants to handle official business and serve the Sovereign at the same time?” At these words, the old eunuch’s own face turned red. Truly know how to play.

Wen Xing sneered in his heart. Serve the Sovereign or regicide? Is the stuff in this box… poison? But he figured Ning Wujie wouldn’t be so stupid even if he wanted to strike. If it wasn’t poison, why send him a box of ointment? Surely not medicine for his lip? Would someone who sees me as a debauched ruler be so kind?

Though he didn’t understand what the boy was up to, he decided to go and see. He rose from the couch. The old eunuch draped a cloak over his shoulders and led the way with a lamp, looking jubilant. See how beautifully I handled this! The little beauty will surely owe me a favor. Li Dequan was quite satisfied with his performance.

Thus, Ning Wujie, who was writing by the lamp, saw the old eunuch push the door open and lead the Emperor in with a beaming face. Then, bowing, the eunuch retreated and considerately closed the door.

Ning Wujie: …

The young Emperor was draped in a primrose-yellow brocade cloak, his jade-white undergarment loosely hanging from his collar. Though his attire could be described as disheveled, the yellow brocade glowed under the lamplight, the gold threads shimmering. The flowing light shrouded the Emperor in a golden aura. His usual ethereal clarity was tempered by this touch of gold into a noble air. Only then did Ning Wujie remember that this faint-hearted ruler was, after all, true royalty.

He was dazed for a moment, actually forgetting to ask: What are you doing here?

Wen Xing saw his silence, walked forward, and tossed the small bronze box onto the table. “What is this?”

Ning Wujie was recalled to his senses by the voice. His gaze fell on the box that had somehow found its way back, and his expression suddenly turned extremely ugly. He looked up at Wen Xing and said coldly: “I don’t know.”

Noticing the sudden change in his face, Wen Xing raised an eyebrow. Refusing to admit it? Or afraid to? Could it truly be poison? Refusing to believe in such bad luck, Wen Xing flicked the lid open with a finger, and the fragrance filled his nose. He squinted at Ning Wujie, looking at that grim face that looked ready to drip ink. Then, right in front of the man, he scooped up a bit with his fingertip and brought it to his nose to sniff.

Is the poison in the scent? He didn’t believe Ning Wujie would poison him, but he wanted to do this in front of him to test his reaction. Would this kid truly use such a stupid method for regicide? Or was it just to annoy him?

Ning Wujie watched as Wen Xing’s jade-like fingertip was stained with the ointment. The paste quickly turned into a drop of liquid, sliding down his knuckle. The gold-like liquid traced the fair finger, finally dripping into the gap between his fingers and vanishing into the depths.

In his mind, images of the physician teaching him how to use it flashed uncontrollably Apply the tip of the finger to the indentation at the bottom of the pear…

Something seemed to ignite. The spark suddenly became a wildfire, breaking through all restraints and burning all barriers to ash. Wen Xing was surprised to see that the man who had been as cold as ice just a moment ago now had ears that were completely red the flush even reached down into the collar of his undergarment. It was redder than any time he had seen before.

Wen Xing: ? I haven’t even said anything today. What is the situation?! Does he not even need teasing now, just a reflex?

“Why are you…”

Just as Wen Xing opened his mouth, he saw the youth like a red-hot iron bolt up, snatch the bronze box, and throw it out the window in a flash of lightning.

Wen Xing: … A moment of conscience? Or afraid of clan execution? Isn’t it a bit late to destroy the evidence? Wen Xing found it funny and mocked coolly: “Next time, choose a smarter method.”

Ning Wujie had his back to Wen Xing, hands propped on the window frame. His head was buzzing, and he could barely hear what Wen Xing was saying. He forced himself to calm down, and after a long time, suppressed the fire in his heart. However, his lowered gaze swept over the hem of his robe, and seeing… whatever he saw, his entire body froze. He closed his eyes tightly in utter chagrin and resentment. For the first time, he cursed a profanity in his heart.

Seeing the youth’s hands practically welded to the window frame, his whole body frozen, Wen Xing mocked chillingly: “Regretting it now? Too late. I already know everything.”

Ning Wujie’s entire frame stiffened, his pupils shaking violently. “What?” Know what? Know those unspeakable, filthy thoughts of mine? It was as if a basin of cold water had been poured over him, extinguishing all the flames that were burning him. He almost didn’t dare to turn back, but he always forced himself never to escape; this day was bound to come.

After several deep breaths, he turned back stiffly to face the Emperor. So what if he knows? What can he do? Use this point to humiliate me further? Force me to serve him with my looks? Since it’s already like this, how much worse can it get? Thinking of this, he actually became calm.

He looked coldly at the Emperor, about to say: Since you know everything, I have nothing to say.

Then he heard Wen Xing say: “Such a clever person as you, why did you use the stupidest method to poison me? Knowing you would be found out.”

Ning Wujie: ? …Wait a minute.

“Did you think I wouldn’t kill you, so you wanted to test me?”

A vein in Ning Wujie’s temple throbbed.

“Are you not afraid I’d take it as truth and execute your entire clan?”

The tension suddenly left him. Ning Wujie rubbed his throbbing temple, not knowing where to begin. After a long while, he said with a mixture of helplessness and amusement: “This subject did nothing.”

Wen Xing was startled.

“That box was given by Physician Zhai…” Ning Wujie hesitated for a moment before saying, “…medicine for wounds.”

Wen Xing: ? “Then why did you throw it away just now?” And why did his face change the moment he saw the box? It was the clear mark of a guilty conscience. If not for that, he wouldn’t have been so certain.

Ning Wujie curled his lip and answered woodenly: “Left out too long. It spoiled. I feared it would harm the Dragon Body.”

Wen Xing: … Do you think I believe you? Truly can’t even be bothered to make up a decent lie. But forget it. Wen Xing didn’t want to dwell on such boring questions. Who knew what was going on in this stubborn kid’s head? It was simply inexplicable.

He let out a sigh, surveyed the room, and walked to the bed on his own. He lay down, blatantly occupying Ning Wujie’s couch. “I am tired.”

Ning Wujie frowned: “If Your Majesty is tired, you may return to your bedchamber.”

Wen Xing turned his head to look at him gloomily. “I need hypnosis.”

Ning Wujie lowered his eyes. With total helplessness, he walked to the desk, picked up a few memorials, and returned to sit by the couch. “This subject has no time to make up stories today. I shall read memorials.”

Wen Xing: … Truly getting more and more perfunctory. But he really wanted to sleep, so he didn’t care to argue. He nodded. “Read.”

Ning Wujie scanned the pile and pulled out a memorial sealed with the fire-wax of the Ningyuan Army. He composed himself and began:

“‘Memorial Petitioning the Removal of Ning Wujie from Participating in Secretarial and Administrative Affairs’ — Respectfully submitted by Ning Zheng, Marquis of Ningyuan.”

The closed eyelids of the person on the couch snapped open.