Transmigrated as the Emperor, but Slacking Off - Chapter 34

When Zhai Yuanqing arrived in a hurry, this was the exact scene he stumbled upon

The Emperor and his little beauty were standing inside the sleeping quarters, locked in a passionate embrace.

In the middle of his sprint, the imperial physician executed a flawless, sudden halt-and-slide. With a practiced, fluid motion, he lowered his head and immediately turned on his heel to leave.

Li Dequan quickly intercepted him, asking in bewilderment, “Lord Zhai?”

Zhai Yuanqing pointed inside helplessly. “It is not the right time.”

Understanding dawned on Li Dequan. He covered his mouth and chuckled. “Then let us wait out here.”

Zhai Yuanqing sighed. This was the second time he had been summoned tonight. In the dead of night, were people not allowed to sleep?

Just a while ago, His Majesty had been fuming with rage because the little beauty had attempted to commit an offense against his imperial station. How long had it been since then? And they were already reconciled.

Tsk, tsk, tsk.

The imperial physician thought to himself that he would never understand the minds of people in love. His Majesty simply loved to play these games.

Hearing the commotion outside the door, Ning Wujie suddenly snapped back to his senses mid-kiss. This was not the inner chamber; countless eyes outside the door were watching!

Realizing this, the tips of his ears flushed a sudden crimson. He hurriedly tried to push the man away. However, the moment his lips parted from the Emperor’s by a mere fraction, Wen Xing yanked him right back.

“Don’t run.”

Wen Xing thought to himself that he hadn’t kissed him nearly enough.

“Your Majesty, someone is…”

Ning Wujie’s voice was unsteady, laced with a faint breathlessness that was devastatingly attractive.

Wen Xing gripped the other man’s lapels tightly, refusing to let go. Under the scorching aura radiating from the youth, he gradually detected a faint, crisp fragrance like a pine forest atop a snow-capped ridge.

It felt like a collision of ice and fire.

It was unexpectedly intoxicating.

Noticing that the other man was kissing him half-heartedly, Wen Xing took a deep breath. He looked up to catch Ning Wujie’s restless gaze and his crimson-tinged ears.

The corners of Wen Xing’s lips curved into a smile, and only then did he decide to let the man off, though still longing for more.

“Zhai Yuanqing,” he called out.

The imperial physician acknowledged the call with an “Aye,” entered the room with his head bowed, and cautiously looked up. Only after confirming there were no scenes inappropriate for innocent eyes did he finally set down his medicine box with relief.

Wen Xing walked over to sit on the couch and commanded, “Strip.”

Ning Wujie hesitated for a moment. “Your Majesty, this subject is fine.”

“Then what was the blood on your hands about? I saw it just now.”

Ning Wujie knew he could not avoid it. Left with no choice, he closed the palace doors, stepped back, and shed his upper robe.

It was a piercing wound, appearing as though a sharp blade had driven straight through his right shoulder.

So, this brat had been enduring this the entire time?

Only now did Wen Xing recall that when the youth had held him earlier, he seemed to have used only one arm.

How could he have been so dense as to not notice that this person was already injured to the point of being unable to lift his arm? No wonder it had been so easy to snatch the blade from his hand earlier.

Ning Wujie’s martial arts skills were so formidable that even Xing He was no match for him, yet he had actually been wounded to this extent by a mere assassin.

Wen Xing’s fists clenched tightly once more.

The scars from the previous explosion still remained on the youth’s back. The marks had faded considerably, but they were still vividly stark against his jade-white skin.

Wen Xing reminisced that ever since he kept Ning Wujie by his side, the youth had been constantly suffering injuries. He even began to question whether keeping him close was truly a wise decision.

What if he actually died by his side?

Wouldn’t he then become a villain cursed for eternity?

The military dispatches stated that the Ning Expeditionary Army had already utterly crushed the Shuofeng Tribe in the deep winter of last year. Although remnants were still raiding the peripheral towns, they were no longer a significant threat. If he released him to return now, it should be safe, right?

He watched intently as Zhai Yuanqing treated the wound, the suturing needle piercing through flesh and blood, drawing beads of crimson.

He suddenly spoke up. “Return to the Northwest.”

The imperial physician’s hand trembled mid-stitch, nearly wounding the patient. Zhai Yuanqing silently shed a tear of sympathy for Ning Wujie in his heart.

How pitiful. He had been pushed by His Majesty to the point of rebelling and trying to dominate the Emperor, and now he had fallen out of favor.

The imperial physician sighed inwardly, but it was not his place to speak, so he could only bury his head and continue his work.

Ning Wujie’s expression darkened instantly. He snapped his head up to glare at Wen Xing, his eyes burning with an unmasked mixture of shock and fury.

“Why?”

Wen Xing raised an eyebrow. Why did this brat have such an expression? Shouldn’t he be happy?

Thus, he countered with a question, “Do you not wish to return and aid your father and elder brother?”

Ning Wujie stared straight at him. “Now that the Shuofeng Tribe has suffered a crushing defeat, the military situation in the Northwest is no longer critical. Whether this subject returns or not will not affect the theater of war. Why does Your Majesty insist that this subject return right now?”

Previously, when he wanted to leave, the Emperor refused to let him go. Now that he no longer wished to leave, this man wanted to cast him out.

This tyrant simply relished toys and games with him!

If he didn’t infuriate him to death, the Emperor wouldn’t consider it finished!

Thinking up to this point, his teeth itched with hatred again, his eyes entirely inflamed by fury.

Wen Xing frowned. Was this stubborn creature born to oppose him at every turn?

When he wanted to go east, the youth insisted on going west.

As the Emperor, which of his words was not absolute and meant to be obeyed implicitly? Yet this brat always managed to defy his imperial edicts within a mere two sentences.

And he even dared to ask why. Was he supposed to say: I am afraid you will die here, and then there will be no Great Zhou Dynasty left?

He said coldly, “There is no need for so many ‘whys.’ You need only obey the command.”

Ning Wujie’s gaze was like a torch, locking onto the Emperor with a death glare. His fists were clenched so hard that his knuckles turned stark white.

Because he exerted too much force, the muscles in his upper arm and shoulder tightened like solid stone. Zhai Yuanqing’s needle almost failed to pierce through.

The imperial physician could not help but say helplessly, “Lord Ning, please relax. If you stay like this, I cannot properly administer the stitches.”

Ning Wujie offered an apologetic look to Zhai Yuanqing before forcibly suppressing the raging fire in his heart. He stated coldly, “This subject does not wish to return.”

Wen Xing flared up. “Ning Wujie, are you defying an imperial edict yet again?”

Defying edicts day in and day out what did he take him for? Did he even hold the Emperor in any regard?

This roar, saturated with imperial wrath, caused the physician’s hand to tremble once more.

He broke into a cold sweat for Ning Wujie. He thought to himself that this little beauty was truly relying on imperial favor to act presumptuously. To treat defying edicts like daily meals yet still breathe perfectly fine and even sleep in the Dragon Bed  this was likely the sole individual in all of history.

Yet, Ning Wujie showed no trace of fear. “Your Majesty has just placed the Empress Dowager under house arrest. How could this subject possibly depart at such a time?”

These words caused Wen Xing to freeze.

“Surely Your Majesty does not believe the Empress Dowager will just sit idly and submit? The current situation is fraught with peril. How could this subject return to the Northwest with peace of mind?”

The tightly knit space between Wen Xing’s eyebrows gradually relaxed. After staring blankly at Ning Wujie for a moment, he slowly curled one side of his lips into a smirk. “Is Minister Ning… worrying about Me?”

Looking at the tyrant’s wicked expression, Ning Wujie had an ominous premonition.

Sure enough, the tyrant spoke again, “So it turns out that Minister Ning has long developed a deep, profound affection for Me.”

The physician’s hand… his hand dared not tremble anymore. He held it perfectly steady and snipped the thread.

Ning Wujie’s brow twitched.

As expected, one could never hope to have a proper, serious conversation with this tyrant for more than a few exchanges!

Consequently, he averted his eyes from the tyrant’s vexing gaze, refusing to take the bait. He simply countered frostily, “As the Head of the Supervisory Bureau, this subject bears the duty of protecting Your Majesty. I shall never abandon Your Majesty’s safety.”

“Although the list Wang Xuanyi provided last time did not include the Imperial Guard, judging from these recent incidents, there must be a hidden chess piece belonging to the Empress Dowager within their ranks.” As he spoke, he cast a warning glance at Wen Xing. “Is Your Majesty not worried at all?”

In truth, it wasn’t just the Imperial Guard. Ning Wujie reasoned that Wang Xuanyi likely did not know all the pieces in the Empress Dowager’s hand. Looking at recent events, there might even be involvement from the City Defense Garrison.

Wen Xing lowered his gaze. He naturally knew that there were bound to be people from the Wang Clan inside the Imperial Guard.

The last time Gu Chengping caused a disturbance at the Meridian Gate, the Imperial Guard and the City Defense Garrison stood by and did nothing, using the excuse that censor officials possessed the right to report based on hearsay, leaving only the centurion on duty to bear the blame for negligence.

This time, the burning of the Hall of Diligent Administration was clearly an inside job.

But even if they investigated further, it would end just like last time; the clues would break at whichever Golden Crow Guard was on duty, and that would be the end of it. Without unearthing this hidden pawn, they would always have to remain constantly on guard.

Ning Wujie added, “After all, Your Majesty almost raised a blade to kill her tonight.”

Zhai Yuanqing: “…”

Zhai Yuanqing’s hands were now shaking like chaff.

Why did these two individuals completely disregard his presence? Such a sensational statement as the Emperor raising a blade to kill the Empress Dowager was blurted out so casually?!

Did they not value the life of a mere imperial physician at all?

He hurriedly finished bandaging Ning Wujie and immediately sought to take his leave.

Upon receiving Wen Xing’s sweeping glance as he departed, Zhai Yuanqing tactfully lowered his head. “This subject heard nothing.”

“It matters not even if you did,” Wen Xing voiced coldly.

In any case, his falling out with the Empress Dowager was already common knowledge. He could even guess that even if he didn’t bring it up, Wang Fuwei herself would make today’s events known throughout the city to paint herself as the victim.

But even so, he did not regret it. If it happened again, he would still do the same.

No one could touch his people not even if that person was the Empress Dowager.

Having escaped the fate of being silenced, Zhai Yuanqing breathed a sigh of relief. He muttered a few medical instructions to Ning Wujie. Before leaving, he hesitated for a moment, finally whispering a reminder in Ning Wujie’s ear: “Do not defy His Majesty too excessively.”

Stop trying to dominate the Emperor from below; your little life matters, child.

Ning Wujie frowned, intending to ask for clarification, but the imperial physician had already greased his soles and slipped out the door.

Wen Xing leaned back, looking at Ning Wujie with a half-smile. “But the inner perimeter of the Imperial Palace and My personal guard have always been handled by the Supervisory Bureau, never employing the Imperial Guard. Is Minister Ning still uneasy?”

He flashed a wicked grin. “What should we do then? It seems the only way to put your mind at ease is for Minister Ning to personally provide ‘intimate, body-to-body’ protection for Me.”

Ning Wujie knitted his brows.

Here it came again.

It seemed his lesson today wasn’t enough; this tyrant showed absolutely no restraint!

He donned his garments and said frostily, “This subject is improperly dressed, which offends Your Majesty’s vision. I shall take my leave to bathe and change.” With that, he exited the room.

Wen Xing narrowed his eyes.

Heh, this brat thinks that by scaring Me today, I will stop playing?

Does he think I was raised on frights?

Just wait. I want to see who ends up scaring whom.

Inside the Empress Dowager’s Sleeping Quarters

Wang Fuwei’s gaze was venomous. She gripped the armrests of her chair with a death vice, her sharp nail guards nearly sinking into the wood.

Ultimately, as an act of venting her rage, she swept her arm across the side table, sending the cups, bowls, and tea sets crashing to the floor, shattering into pieces.

The attendants threw themselves to the ground, burying their faces.

A eunuch knelt on the floor, kowtowing like garlic being pounded in a mortar, trembling in terror as he said, “Your Highness, appease your anger! This servant indeed saw that Ning Wujie collapse! As for why he did not die…”

The eunuch’s eyes rolled around. Catching sight of Wang Jiang, who was likewise prostrated beside him, he suddenly pointed a finger. “It is him!”

“It must be him conspiring with Ning Wujie to deceive this servant!”

Hearing this, Wang Fuwei’s fierce gaze swept toward Wang Jiang.

Wang Jiang put on a shocked expression, looking at the eunuch and roaring, “You speak nonsense!”

His voice was slightly stammering, “I… when I administered the drug, you witnessed it with your own eyes! How could I possibly conspire with Ning Wujie! It is clearly you! It was your own negligence; you didn’t have the patience to wait for Ning Wujie to lose consciousness entirely before frantically lighting the fire! This… that is what gave him an opportunity to exploit!”

The eunuch defended himself, “I clearly saw him fall!”

Wang Jiang looked terrified as he turned to Wang Fuwei. “Empress Dowager, naturally discern the truth. It takes time for that knockout drug to take full effect. Even if someone collapses, one must wait until the person is completely unconscious before setting the fire. Otherwise, stimulated by the smoke and searing heat, it is entirely possible for a person to awaken. Furthermore, Ning Wujie is a martial military officer; his five senses are far sharper than ordinary individuals.”

As he spoke, he pointed at the eunuch, “It must be that he was anxious to claim credit, striking before the man was fully unconscious. It truly has nothing to do with this subject!”

Wang Jiang channeled the finest acting skills of his entire life, even squeezing out two streaks of tears. “Your Highness does not know, but that Ning Wujie views this subject as a thorn in his side. He has tried to kill me multiple times. How could he possibly conspire with me? Moreover, he even suffered injuries today because of this, nearly dying in the fire. This subject and he certainly do not possess such life-and-death camaraderie!”

He shifted his buttocks slightly and pointed at his rear. “If Your Highness does not believe it, you may summon an imperial physician to inspect. This subject still has wounds on his backside caused by his hidden sleeve arrows! This subject truly came within a hair’s breadth of dying by his hand!”

At this point, his slight grievance no longer needed to be faked; he genuinely began to weep tears of distress.

Wang Fuwei frowned, her gaze scanning Wang Jiang’s pointed rear with considerable disgust. She supported her forehead and spoke coldly, “Kneel properly.”

“Oh.” Wang Jiang submissively knelt back down, sobbing as he wiped his tears. However, his heart was in a state of suspense, uncertain whether the Empress Dowager believed his narrative or not.

Wang Fuwei then directed a cold eye toward the eunuch. “Useless trash!”

The eunuch kowtowed repeatedly, still attempting to explain, “This servant indeed saw—”

“Shut your mouth!” Wang Fuwei cut him off. “Go down and receive your punishment yourself!”

The eunuch accepted the order with immense reluctance, then retreated out the door, shivering.

Wang Jiang had just breathed a sigh of relief when he heard Wang Fuwei speak again, “It is not that This Empress Dowager disbelieves you, but you two indeed failed to accomplish this task, causing Me to suffer such a massive grievance.”

“For the sake of the Count of Danyang, I do not wish to penalize you. But you…”

Wang Jiang hurriedly interjected, “This subject understands!”

“Your Highness can rest assured. Regarding the examinees selected for the imperial mathematics examination this spring, this subject has carefully vetted them. Aside from the various ministries, I have also recommended two into the Directorate of Astronomy, and His Majesty has consented to both.”

“Presumably, Your Highness will find great use for them at this time.”

Wang Fuwei lowered her eyes, nodding in satisfaction. “At least you are clever.”

She waved her sharp nail guard. “Retire.”

Wang Jiang nodded repeatedly in assent, wiped the cold sweat from his forehead, and hurriedly retreated.

As Wang Fuwei rubbed her throbbing temples, a military general clad in armor stepped out from behind the screen next to her.

“Your Highness, do you truly believe him?”

Wang Fuwei snorted, “Whether This Empress Dowager believes him or not is immaterial. The Wang Clan of Luo River rises and falls together; his Danyang Count Residence cannot exempt itself either. As long as he still cares for his biological father’s life, there is no fear of him disobeying.”

“Furthermore, judging from the matter of the mathematics examination questions, it is evident the Emperor does not trust him. This actually sets My mind at ease. If the Emperor had been willing to hand over the examination questions to Wang Jiang, that would have made Me apprehensive about using this person.”

“Allowing him to participate in the arson was merely to ensure he completely loses the Emperor’s trust, leaving him with no choice but to depend on Me.”

The general displayed a look of confusion. “Is Your Highness not afraid the Emperor will cease to employ him? After all, the position of Chief Examiner is a rare commodity.”

Wang Fuwei smirked. “The Emperor must employ him.”

“With him occupying that position, those wavering court officials will maintain neutrality or even project loyalty to the Emperor. Do not be fooled by the Emperor’s facade of indifference; if the hundred officials truly boycotted the court and caused governance to paralyze, it is not something he could endure.”

Realization dawned on the general’s face. “Your Highness possesses matchless strategy; it was this subject who was dull.”

“But currently, Your Highness is confined to the traveling palace, which creates many inconveniences for operations. If there is a need, why not return to the main Imperial Palace openly?” He cast a disdainful glance out the door. “Those supervisory emissaries cannot halt our Imperial Guard. This subject shall personally escort Your Highness back to the palace.”

Yet, Wang Fuwei responded with a cold gaze, “No.”

“I shall remain right here.”

The general was perplexed. “But His Majesty has humiliated Your Highness to such an extent; even this subject cannot swallow this insult! The Emperor has long alienated himself from you. Does Your Highness still intend to support him? In my estimation, it would be better to select a younger candidate from the imperial lineage to ascend the throne…”

A chilly glint flashed across Wang Fuwei’s phoenix eyes. “His imperial throne must naturally be deposed. However, meeting force with force is not a wise move; there are better methods.”

“Your Highness means…”

The corners of Wang Fuwei’s lips curled into an inscrutable smile. “He neglects state affairs, acts lazily, is dim-witted and incompetent. Not only does he favor treacherous ministers, but he also went as far as to place his own mother under house arrest, defying the natural order of filial piety.”

She cast a sidelong glance at the general. “Tell Me, can such an emperor continue to sit on the throne?”

Hearing this, the general’s eyes brightened slightly, and he flattered, “Your Highness is brilliant.”

Wang Fuwei let out a low chuckle. “Only when his reputation for incompetence and unfilial behavior spreads across the land can I execute the deposition of the Emperor with absolute legitimacy. Otherwise, a rash deposition will inevitably trigger court turbulence and uprisings across the military. Lest you forget, the Ning family holds two hundred thousand heavy troops in their hands. Once they are handed a pretext to march south, do you comprehend the consequences?”

The general lowered his head in assent. “It is still the Empress Dowager who possesses far-reaching foresight.”

Wang Fuwei peered at him. “Furthermore, if I were to return to the palace just like that, could your Imperial Guard escape culpability?”

“I am doing this for your own good as well. With the Hall of Diligent Administration burned today, the Emperor will bound to seek trouble with your Imperial Guard. If you all resist his edicts further or even slaughter the supervisory emissaries, wouldn’t that grant him a justification to inflict punishment?”

“Yang Qi, you are My hidden pawn. Until the absolute critical moment, you must not be exposed. Do you understand My painstaking efforts?”

Yang Qi immediately displayed a look of profound gratitude. “Your Highness shows such consideration for this subject and the men; it is our blessing.”

Wang Fuwei stated, “Regarding today’s matter, push out the Golden Crow Guard on duty to take the blame for negligence, and leave it at that.”

“As for the rest, rest assured. With Me present, the blame shall never fall upon your head.”

Yang Qi nodded repeatedly in assent, offering his gratitude once more.

Wang Fuwei added, “You need only know that I shall never mistreat those loyal to Me. Moving forward, no matter what I intend to do, you need only obey commands.”

Just as her words fell, the agonizing shrieks of that eunuch being subjected to staff beating drifted in from outside the palace doors. The heavy thuds of the wooden boards striking flesh echoed clearly into the pavilion.

Yang Qi looked askance out the door, his expression turning solemn as he intoned smoothly, “Understood, Your Highness.”

Half a Month Later

Perhaps Wen Xing had grown weary of soaking in the hot springs, or perhaps he was exasperated by Ning Wujie’s condition that required him to listen to a daily lecture in exchange for staying one day at the traveling palace. After playing rogue a few times and being threatened with a freeze on his funds, he could no longer wiggle out of it. Consequently, he decided to move.

Compared to soaking in hot springs, the tyrant preferred to avoid the daily lectures.

Thus, the imperial retinue departed from the Hot Springs Traveling Palace.

Under the nine-dragon parasol, the wheels of the imperial carriage rolled across the smooth, swept official highway. The front of the procession was led by supervisory emissaries, while the civil and military officials followed behind according to their official ranks, either riding horses or proceeding on foot. The accompanying entourage numbered over a thousand people, forming a grand, sweeping line that advanced slowly toward the imperial city.

Ning Wujie rode a tall, formidable steed, a long blade slung at his waist, guarding the left side of the imperial carriage.

He wore a black fly-fish patterned robe woven with gold thread and makeup flowers, with a crimson cape draped over the horse’s back, its corners occasionally whipped up by the gentle breeze. His entire being radiated an icy aura that kept people a thousand miles away.

The window curtain of the imperial carriage was lifted by the handle of a folding fan, revealing only half of the Emperor’s exquisite jaw. “Is Minister Ning not going to guard Me?”

Ning Wujie cast a sidelong glance at the Emperor before returning his gaze straight ahead. “This subject is already guarding you. What more does Your Majesty require?”

The Emperor smirked. “Come inside. Provide intimate, body-to-body protection.”

Ning Wujie was speechless. “Your Majesty’s carriage is perfectly secure. It is the same whether this subject is outside or inside.”

Ning Wujie felt that this tyrant was absolutely determined to oppose him. Just because he had warned the man once last time, this person began to escalate his antics, seizing any opportunity to pester him. It carried a distinct momentum of refusing to stop until vengeance was exacted.

Wen Xing asserted without shame, “But when Minister Ning is not by My side, I am afraid.”

The corner of Ning Wujie’s eye twitched.

Xing He, who was on the right side of the carriage, overheard this. He enthusiastically hoisted the curtain, his head practically shoving its way into the window. “Master, I will come inside!”

Wen Xing slapped a hand directly over Xing He’s face.

“There is no need for you.”

“Huh?” With his face pressed back, Xing He’s voice sounded muffled and disheartened. “Does Master not trust me?”

“Although I cannot beat him right now, with two more years of training, I will definitely win!”

Wen Xing lost his smile. “Yes, yes, our Xing He is the most formidable.”

Xing He detected the perfunctory tone in his voice and pouted his lips in dissatisfaction.

Wen Xing stared at the ice-block face atop the tall horse outside the carriage. His eyes rolled, a trace of mischief entering his gaze. “Halt the procession first. I wish to rest.”

Following a succession of relayed commands, the imperial retinue slowly ground to a halt.

Ning Wujie frowned. After surveying the surroundings, he noted, “Your Majesty, there is no official courier station in this vicinity.”

The tyrant casually pointed to an open clearing within the woods. Adjacent to it lay a lake, and the scenery appeared quite pleasant. He declared, “Right over there then. Pitch the tents and set up camp.”

Thus, under the collective gaze of the multitude, the curtains parted, and the young monarch stepped out of the carriage. He turned to look at Ning Wujie on horseback, extended both arms, and commanded, “Hold Me.”

Ning Wujie looked on in utter disbelief. He suddenly glanced left and right, only to see a thousand pairs of eyes from the front and back of the column snapping toward them in unison, like beams of light, scorching down upon this single carriage.

His knuckles tightened around the reins, nearly snapping the leather.

This tyrant was trifling with him yet again!

He gritted his teeth, backing his horse several paces. “Your Majesty, please maintain decorum. If you wish to alight from the vehicle, there is a mounting stool.”

Yet, Wen Xing merely smirked, his eyes fixed on him. “But I only want you.”

As Wen Xing spoke, he gave the other party no opportunity to refuse, leaning his body forward.

“If you do not catch Me, I shall simply jump. If I am injured from the fall, it will be due to your failure to provide adequate protection.”

Without waiting for Ning Wujie’s reply, he threw caution to the wind and leapt straight down from the imperial carriage.

Ning Wujie: !