Transmigrated as the Emperor, but Slacking Off - Chapter 4

“Your Majesty, the Provincial Administration Commissioner of Jiangnan petitions to convert thirty percent of the tribute grain into silver payments, priced at one tael and two mace per picul, to spare the commoners the hardship of transport. Is it approved or not?”

Wen Xing was in a daze. A voice, like spring water hitting stone, rang out in his ear not too high, not too low, yet perfectly calm, pleasant, and hypnotic.

His consciousness soon became muddled, and he completely lost the ability to think. Whatever the youth said, he replied with “Approved.” Without realizing it, he had “approved” an unknown number of memorials.

“From the 23rd year of Yongguang to the 12th year of Yongjing, seven counties from Guangling to Qingxi have accumulated debts of over nine million taels. This is truly due to heavy taxes being impossible to fulfill; a special decree is requested for their remission…”

“Your Majesty, is it approved or not?”

The person on the lounge chair kept his eyes closed. The fingers resting on the armrest loosened, and the handle of the feather fan slid to the ground.

Hearing Wen Xing’s rhythmic breathing, Ning Wujie let out a soft sigh. He had originally intended to test this tyrant to see if he would truly let him handle the memorials as he pleased, but the man had simply approved everything, truly intending to let go of the reins entirely.

Does he really trust me that much?

As he thought, his gaze rested on Wen Xing’s face. The lips, pale due to illness, were now closed, finally ceasing to spill those words that made one feel like dying of shame.

He found himself staring at those thin lips, and his mind uncontrollably replayed Wen Xing’s earlier whisper: If you keep reciting, I’m going to kiss you.

A faint red crept slowly up to his earlobes. Shameless tyrant!

Li Dequan, seeing that Wen Xing had fallen asleep, leaned down and whispered, “Your Majesty?”

There was no response.

The old eunuch said helplessly, “What are we to do? His Majesty is weak. If he sleeps here in the draft, he’ll surely be ill when he wakes.” He thought for a moment, looked at the kneeling Ning Wujie, and said with a dry smile, “General Ning, could I trouble you to help carry His Majesty inside? We ‘rootless’ ones have weak arm strength; I fear dropping him.”

Ning Wujie stood up and walked onto the veranda, looking down at the young Emperor.

How can someone born so beautiful be so utterly shameless?

Seeing him hesitate, Li Dequan urged, “General Ning?”

Ning Wujie took a deep breath, slid his arms beneath the Emperor, and with a slight surge of strength, lifted the man in a princess carry.

Surprisingly, he was very light. As his palms pressed against the man’s shoulders, the shoulder blades felt impossibly thin; even the wrist supporting the back of the knees could feel the delicate bone structure.

As the precious and noble Emperor, why is he so thin?

He lowered his gaze in confusion, and the Emperor’s sleeping face was reflected in his dark, cold eyes. In his sleep, the tyrant found a comfortable position, tucking his forehead into the crook of Ning Wujie’s neck. A few stray hairs brushed against the tensed skin of his throat, and a warm breath drifted into his collar, making his whole body freeze.

Suppressing the itch, Ning Wujie strode into the sleeping quarters. He walked quickly, impatient to put this shameless tyrant down. However, when he reached the bed, his movements grew unconsciously gentle, as if he were setting down a feather.

Once finished, he gave Wen Xing only a single glance before turning to stride away.

“Thank you, General Nin—” Before the old eunuch could finish, the youth was gone.

“He left so quickly,” Li Dequan shook his head, muttering to himself. “He must have much official business to handle. Truly hard-working.”

Since Ning Wujie took over the government affairs, Wen Xing’s life had become much more peaceful. No more ministers clamored for him to rescind orders or staged death protests outside his bedroom. He was very satisfied.

However, the peace wasn’t total; ministers still occasionally sought an audience. This time, it was someone whose name he hadn’t even heard before.

“Who did you say seeks an audience?” Wen Xing was lying on the bed reading a storybook, not even looking up.

Li Dequan bowed. “Wu Jing, the Vice Commander of the Three Thousand Camp.”

Capturing the keyword, a character card appeared in Wen Xing’s vision:

Wu Jing. A commander of the Three Thousand Camp during the Yongjing era. In the 17th year of Yongjing, when Ning Wujie led his army to break into the city, Wu Jing as the defender of the capital abandoned resistance and flung the gates wide. His betrayal allowed the rebel Chi’e Army to enter as if through an uninhabited land, charging straight for the Hall of Supreme Sovereignty.

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Wen Xing understood. Excellent. Another rebel leader.

“What is he here for?” Wen Xing asked, puzzled.

“He says he received Your Majesty’s transfer order and has come specifically to seek an audience and receive his seal of office.”

Wen Xing finally set down the book and looked at Li Dequan in surprise. “When did I issue him a transfer order?”

Seeing Li Dequan looked equally confused, Wen Xing said, “Fine, let him in. I’ll ask him myself.”

The burly commander, dressed in crimson military robes, was led to the veranda by a eunuch. “Your servant, Wu Jing, greets Your Majesty.”

Li Dequan helped Wen Xing to the outer room to sit. Looking across the parlor at the man on the veranda, Wen Xing asked, “You say I issued you a transfer? Where is the order?”

Hearing this, Wu Jing’s entire body stiffened in horror. How could the Emperor not know? Who had such audacity? Realizing something was wrong, he hurriedly pulled the order from his robes and handed it to the attendant.

Li Dequan opened the scroll for Wen Xing to see.

Wen Xing lowered his head to sip his tea, then lifted his eyelids. He saw the transfer order clearly stated that Wu Jing was to go to the Northwest to fill the vacancy left by Ning Wujie. It even bore a massive imperial seal.

Clink—

The lid dropped back onto the tea bowl with a sharp sound. Wen Xing was stunned for a moment, then suddenly realized something. He ground his back teeth and said in a low voice, “Tell Ning Wujie to get his ass over here.”

Shortly after, the youth appeared on the veranda in black robes. After bowing, he stood side-by-side with Wu Jing.

Hearing the anger in the Emperor’s earlier tone, Wu Jing glanced at Ning Wujie with worry, but the latter appeared calm and entirely fearless.

Wen Xing tossed the decree down. “Explain this.”

Ning Wujie gave the discarded order only a glance. He said indifferently, “What does Your Majesty wish for me to explain?”

Wen Xing was flabbergasted by this man’s righteousness. He actually dares to ask me back?

His slight dissatisfaction had now blossomed into a visible flame between his brows. He was slacking off, yes but that didn’t mean anyone could forge an imperial decree! Wouldn’t everything fall into chaos?

“Ning Wujie, do you know that forging an imperial decree is a capital offense?” he said coldly.

Hearing the words “capital offense,” Wu Jing broke out in a cold sweat. He whispered to Ning Wujie, “Wujie, did you really do this?”

Ning Wujie gave him a reassuring look. He then spoke solemnly to the Emperor on the high seat: “Your Majesty ordered your servant to handle memorials in your stead, and that all government affairs be handled at my discretion. The Northwest is in desperate need of men, yet your servant cannot be in two places at once. Thus, I submitted a petition requesting General Wu Jing to guard Hantie Pass in my stead.”

Wen Xing understood. Ning Wujie wrote a petition, and then approved it himself.

Wen Xing was speechless. What kind of godly maneuver is this?

Wu Jing understood too and broke into a cold sweat. Does this kid have no fear?

“But…” Wen Xing thought for a moment and realized he couldn’t actually argue. In terms of process, there was no flaw he was the one who gave the imperial power to this holdout.

Predicting Wen Xing’s silence, Ning Wujie said coldly, “When Your Majesty handed such important power to me, did you never think this day would come?” He looked at the Emperor without a shred of fear.

Do you see now? his eyes said. I only moved one general. If one day I developed a rebellious heart and decided to follow the treacherous ministers of old taking the Son of Heaven to command the lords how easy it would be. This was the very reason the Grand Tutor wanted to ram his head against a pillar. If even he alone could do this, how terrifying would it be if all officials touched this supreme power?

So, rescind the order.

Wen Xing saw it. This holdout was using practical action to warn him that there is a reason imperial power is absolute. This method was far more clever than the Grand Tutor’s suicide attempts. At the very least, even a total slacker like him was genuinely startled.

The youth on the veranda stared back with eyes like deep pools, waiting for him to “wake up.”

After staring at the youth for several breaths in shock, Wen Xing suddenly curled his lips into a smile. Impressive.

It seemed that giving the power to Ning Wujie alone was the right move. Otherwise, who knows how many monsters would have been bred. If the reality allowed it, Wen Xing would love to give the throne to Ning Wujie right now. It was too much trouble and lacked freedom; anyone who wanted to be Emperor could have it.

Thinking this, he sipped his tea with total composure and said frankly, “In that case, I assume you’ve already prepared the seal of office?”

Wu Jing’s eyes bulged in shock; it felt as if something in his brain had snapped.

Ning Wujie’s pupils trembled. He subconsciously raised his voice: “Your Majesty! Even if your servant acts with such arrogance and disregards the Imperial—”

“Quiet.”

Wen Xing interrupted him, set down his tea, and said with a half-smile, “Since it is General Ning’s petition, I naturally have no objections.” He gave Ning Wujie a warning look not to continue. If the words “disregard imperial authority” were spoken aloud in front of so many people, he would be forced to handle it and a flogging would be unavoidable.

This holdout is so desperate to push away this hot potato that he’s even willing to risk his life. Hmph. I’m not letting you go.

Wu Jing: “……”

Wu Jing realized that what had snapped in his brain was his own worldview. Word was spreading outside that the Emperor loved Ning Wujie so much he’d give up the throne. Wu Jing hadn’t believed it, thinking it was just a passing whim. Now he saw it was all true!

Such immense power given away just like that?! And Ning Wujie even tried to convict himself, only to be stopped by the Emperor! Wu Jing felt he must be dreaming; otherwise, how could reality be so absurd?

Ning Wujie stared at the man on the seat for a long time. The light in his eyes died out completely. He lowered his gaze in extreme disappointment and whispered, “Your servant understands. The seal is in the Imperial Study; I shall go fetch it.”

Wen Xing: “No need. Let Wu Jing go with you to fetch it.”

Wu Jing was shocked once again. Any general being appointed unless they were border troops unable to leave—was required to go to the court to receive the order and have the seal bestowed personally by the Emperor.

The current Sovereign wouldn’t even go to the Hall of Proclamation; receiving the order in the sleeping quarters was already against the rules. Now, the bestowing of the seal was being handled by Ning Wujie.

Doesn’t this mean… Wu Jing didn’t dare think further.

Ning Wujie closed his eyes, seemingly accepting reality at last. When he opened them again, his expression shifted; his gaze grew sharp and determined. He had done his best. Since the tyrant was determined to be incompetent to the end, then he wouldn’t hold back.

“Your servant has one more matter to request Your Majesty’s approval. Aside from my father’s delayed supply petition, many other critical memorials have been suppressed and not submitted, involving the Six Ministries. In my view, this is likely not as simple as ‘negligence’ by the officials involved. I request…” Ning Wujie paused, making a firm decision: “…a thorough investigation of the Six Ministries.”

Wu Jing: ! He turned his head mechanically to look at Ning Wujie, silently mouthing: Wujie, are you insane? A mere General of the Yue Horsemen wanting to investigate the Six Ministries! For anyone else, even saying those words would be life-threatening. Even if the Emperor favored him, he couldn’t possibly—

Then he heard the Emperor speak leisurely: “Approved.”

Wu Jing: “……” Why do I actually feel zero surprise?

“However, your current rank is not suitable for such a heavy responsibility,” Wen Xing added.

Wu Jing breathed a sigh of relief. Good, good. His Majesty still has some sense of propriety.

“I hereby appoint you as the Commander of the Surveillance Bureau,” Wen Xing declared.

Wu Jing’s legs went weak, and he nearly fell over.

The Surveillance Bureau! That was a transcendent entity directly under the Emperor’s control—investigating officials, managing the Imperial Prisons, and existing entirely outside the standard judicial system. If Ning Wujie were to look at his childhood friend right now, he would see a face numb with shock.

Ning Wujie bowed and accepted the command.

“Dismissed,” Wen Xing said, waving them away before letting out a yawn. He had stayed up all night reading; his eyes were sore. Next time I’ll find someone to read to me; reading is so tiring, he thought, dragging his lazy steps toward his bed.

The Imperial Study

Ning Wujie handed the seal to Wu Jing. “My apologies, Brother Wu. I truly cannot leave the capital, yet I worry for my father and brother. This was a desperate measure. The Northwest is dangerous; you…”

Wu Jing patted his shoulder. “There is no need for this between us. We grew up together; I am three years older and have always viewed you as a brother. On this trip, I will do everything in my power to keep the old Marquis safe.”

Ning Wujie relaxed and nodded. “I have one more favor to ask. The supply petition was delayed for over a month; I worry there is a deeper reason behind it. Though it has been approved, I don’t trust the Ministry of War. I want you to concurrently serve as the supply officer and personally oversee the transport.”

Wu Jing thought of Ning Wujie’s request to investigate the ministries. “You mean… the Grand Secretariat…”

Ning Wujie made a shushing gesture. “Keep my investigation of the ministries a secret. Only you, I, and the Emperor know; do not alert the ‘snakes.’ Externally, I will claim I am investigating the Ministry of War for the delay, starting with the officials who handled the petition.”

Hopefully, I can follow the vine to the melon, he thought.

After speaking, Ning Wujie took out a blank official form and personally wrote Wu Jing’s appointment as supply officer. Then, under Wu Jing’s shocked gaze, he picked up the Imperial Seal on the desk and stamped it with total nonchalance.

Wu Jing finally couldn’t hold it in.

He looked concerned and said earnestly, “Wujie, I had heard rumors about the Emperor’s favor before I arrived. I came into the palace today intending to defend you before His Majesty. But seeing the Emperor today…” He sighed. “Let alone me someone of low standing I fear even the Empress Dowager couldn’t persuade him.”

Ning Wujie looked at him and shook his head. “You shouldn’t try. Not just the Empress Dowager; the Grand Tutor and the other ministers have already tried. If you try as well, you’ll only incense him.”

Wu Jing looked at Ning Wujie with sympathy and a hint of righteous indignation. “But we are military men! How can we ‘serve others with our looks’? The Emperor is truly…” He swallowed the words “going too far.”

Hearing the phrase “serve others with his looks,” Ning Wujie’s temple twitched. He wanted to speak but couldn’t refute it, so he simply closed his eyes and cursed the tyrant again in his heart.

A moment later, he thought of something. “You mean… everyone in the court has heard this rumor?”

Wu Jing was a Vice Commander and wasn’t stationed inside the palace. If the rumor had already reached the outside…

Wu Jing nodded with indignation. “Even the chiliarchs under my command know.”

Ning Wujie rubbed his temples. It’s spreading too fast. That isn’t normal. But since rumors were the hardest thing to investigate and he had more important tasks, he had to set it aside for now. Besides, it was easy to guess: many in the court were likely jealous of his position and wanted to use public opinion to force him to leave.

Wu Jing thought for a moment and cautioned, “Wujie, you must know: the higher you climb, the harder you fall. Right now the Emperor favors you, so he lets you have whatever you ask for. But if one day he takes an interest in someone else, all these oversteps today will become your crimes.”

“I know,” Ning Wujie said softly, his eyes calm but hiding deep currents.

If he didn’t do this, he feared he couldn’t even protect the Ningyuan Army. The delayed memorial was proof: if he hadn’t come to the capital and caught the Emperor’s eye, would the supplies ever have been approved? He didn’t dare think about it.

He needed power, and right now was the best opportunity. He couldn’t let it go. If he was angry before because the Emperor forcibly kept him here, he was now beginning to feel fortunate.

Wu Jing wanted to say more, but seeing Ning Wujie’s resolute gaze, he swallowed the advice. “Fine. I know you’ve always had a grand plan. Don’t worry if the day comes when that tyrant ‘loves and then abandons’ you, I’ll risk my life to save you from the fire.”

Ning Wujie’s lip twitched. Loves and then abandons…

“Find some time to read more books,” he said tonelessly. Stop misusing idioms!

Wu Jing scratched his head in confusion. Why did the topic suddenly change to that?

“Let’s go. I’ll see you out.”

The two walked out of the Imperial Study together, into the flickering night lights of the Imperial City.