Chapter 87 – My main story is finished.
After extinguishing the ever-burning lamp, Zhao Qi said, “Brother, you should head back first. I have some matters to discuss with the Minister of Rites.”
Xiao Shiqing did not inquire further and simply responded, “Alright.”
Zhao Qi secretly gave Jiang Dehai a look. “Old Jiang, see the Prime Minister off.” Jiang Dehai acknowledged with a “This old servant understands” expression. “Prime Minister, please.”
Xiao Shiqing glanced back at Zhao Qi and smiled, “Don’t keep me waiting too long.”
Jiang Dehai walked ahead with the lantern. Xiao Shiqing remarked, “This isn’t the way to Yonghua Palace.”
Jiang Dehai replied meaningfully, “The Emperor only said to go back, but didn’t specify where.”
“So, where are we going then?” Xiao Shiqing asked with interest, “Changle Palace?”
Jiang Dehai nearly stumbled and almost fell. “How does the Prime Minister know?”
“What happens in the palace is not unknown to me.”
“…” Indeed, this was Xiao Shiqing. Not only was he well-informed about the palace, but he also had control over the entire capital and even the whole country.
Jiang Dehai smiled wryly, “The Emperor has been planning for a long time, all to give you a surprise. Now the Emperor must be feeling quite pent-up.”
Xiao Shiqing said, “That’s easy to handle; I’ll just pretend I don’t know.”
Changle Palace was the central palace of Empress Da Jing, the place where the Emperor and Empress had their wedding night. Since the late Emperor passed away and Empress Wen became Empress Dowager Wen, Changle Palace had remained vacant for decades.
At this moment, Changle Palace had red lanterns and red dr4p3s hanging at the entrance, swaying in the night breeze, emitting a warm and serene glow.
Even though Xiao Shiqing had long known about Zhao Qi’s secret preparations, his heart still trembled and softened when he saw the “Happiness” character on the door.
From the palace entrance all the way to the bedroom, a red cotton carpet was laid out. Xiao Shiqing followed the carpet to the “bridal chamber.”
Inside the bridal chamber, everything was in celebratory red. Red candles burned brightly, red curtains hung down, and the bed was covered with red new bedding.
Jiang Dehai presented a set of auspicious clothing. “Prime Minister, please change.”
Xiao Shiqing knew that Zhao Qi’s desires were unlike ordinary people’s, to the extent that for a moment, he thought Zhao Qi had prepared bridal attire for him.
Fortunately, Zhao Qi did not falter at such a crucial moment. The clothing was simple yet valuable, with only golden thread edging and no excessive decorations. Just as Xiao Shiqing finished changing, he heard Zhao Qi’s voice coming from outside the door.
“Ha—Prime Minister, are you here? I’ve arrived a bit late.” Zhao Qi had intended to take a small road from the Taijian to Changle Palace but unexpectedly encountered Mei Dai. Mei Dai informed him that he had received a letter from the Empress Dowager of the Eastern Japan, saying that the Eastern Japan Empress was pregnant with a male heir, and now was a time when manpower was needed, urging him to return to Eastern Japan quickly.
Zhao Qi was preoccupied with the matters of the Chang Le Palace, and absentmindedly said, “Then you can go back.”
Mei Dai asked, “Your Majesty, may I take my brother back with me?”
Zhao Qi responded, “Can your brother still stand up properly now?”
“Uh… not yet.”
“Oh, that’s really pitiful.” Zhao Qi felt a bit guilty and a bit gloating. “Alright, take him back to Dongying. Tell him to mend his ways and be a better person.”
Mei Dai was overjoyed. “Thank you, Your Majesty.”
Jiang Dehai said, “We’ve arrived, we’re just waiting for the Emperor inside.”
Soon, with a soft knock, a young man dressed in a dragon robe and celebratory attire walked in.
He seemed to be in a hurry, slightly out of breath, and his celebratory attire was a bit disheveled.
Yet, he still looked radiant like spring, delicate and beautiful. His expressive eyes seemed to melt Xiao Shiqing’s heart.
Zhao Qi was momentarily stunned. Xiao Shiqing rarely wore such a flamboyant bright red; it was enchanting yet not gaudy, handsomely charming. Even the most beautiful person would feel self-conscious in his presence.
Zhao Qi’s lips curled up as he called out, just like usual, “Brother! Surprised? Unexpected?”
Xiao Shiqing gazed at him quietly, his eyes tender as water, emotions surging within.
“Is that expression one of shock?”
“Yes,” Xiao Shiqing slowly smiled, “Your Majesty has given me the greatest surprise, the best kind of unexpected.”
“There’s even more of a surprise.” Zhao Qi clapped his hands, and a young attendant in ceremonial dress came in holding an imperial edict.
Zhao Qi said proudly, “Read it!”
The young attendant cleared his throat and read aloud, “Imperial Edict from the Empress Dowager: The Emperor, in accordance with Heaven’s will and the will of the people, shall perform the grand wedding ceremony. Xiao Shiqing, wise and filial, with both virtue and talent, elegant and intelligent, is specially appointed as the Empress of the Central Palace, to be revered and honored by all. By the grace of the Empress Dowager, this is hereby decreed—”
“How’s that?” Zhao Qi’s eyes sparkled, “Isn’t it impressive? It even has the Empress Dowager’s great seal.”
Xiao Shiqing raised his eyebrows. “The Empress Dowager gave this to the Emperor?”
“Uh… not really, I took it secretly.” Zhao Qi said quietly, “But that’s not important. What’s important is my heartfelt intention.”
Xiao Shiqing held back a smile. “Yes, I see. What should we do next? Please instruct me, Your Majesty.”
… How to instruct? This was Zhao Qi’s first time marrying an Empress, and he had no experience. Zhao Qi looked towards Jiang Dehai, who said with a smile, “Your Majesty and the Empress should now drink the bridal wine.”
“Yes, yes, yes, how can there be a wedding night without the bridal wine?” Zhao Qi said, “Quick, bring it out!”
Xiao Shiqing took the two goblets of wine from Jiang Dehai and said, “You all can leave.”
Jiang Dehai and the young attendant exchanged amused glances. “Yes.”
Xiao Shiqing poured a goblet of wine and drank it himself. Zhao Qi looked on with a puzzled expression—what about his own wine?
Xiao Shiqing used the hand that wasn’t holding the goblet to embrace Zhao Qi’s waist, lowered his head, and passed the bridal wine to him.
The taste of the wine, slightly bitter and spicy with a hint of sweetness, spread in their mouths. After drinking the bridal wine, Xiao Shiqing did not let go of Zhao Qi but deepened the kiss.
Zhao Qi felt dizzy from the kiss, and it seemed like he was beginning to get drunk. Somehow, he found himself pressed onto the bright red wedding bed, the golden crown fallen, and their long hair tangled and scattered over the pillow.
Xiao Shiqing kissed Zhao Qi’s lips again and whispered, “After drinking the bridal wine, what should we do?”
Zhao Qi was flustered by the deep, magnetic voice in his ear and answered weakly, “I know that. After the bridal wine, it’s time for the wedding night.”
Xiao Shiqing said, “Your Majesty is wise,” and then his hands started to become restless.
Zhao Qi, suddenly coming to his senses, clutched the jade belt around his waist tightly. “But… but, we just did it…”
“But this is our wedding night. How can there be no consummation on the wedding night?”
Zhao Qi: “…” Oh no, what if Brother makes a good point!
“It’s all your fault,” Zhao Qi said gloomily, “I originally planned to wait until after the palace banquet… Who knew you’d be so impatient.”
“I was too impatient,” Xiao Shiqing said nonchalantly, though his hands showed no signs of stopping.
In fact, he originally thought the same as Zhao Qi; since it was a “grand wedding,” the “consummation” should naturally wait until the wedding night. Unfortunately, a letter from Li Chisu disrupted his plans. Even though he knew it had nothing to do with Zhao Qi, he couldn’t help but act like a beast, making Zhao Qi too occupied to care about anyone else, leaving him crying and begging beneath him.
Zhao Qi trembled and asked, “Do you know your mistake now?”
“Yes.”
“Then stop!”
Xiao Shiqing, sticking to his purpose, said, “If Your Majesty doesn’t touch me, the Empress, on the wedding night, it would be a laughingstock.”
“Uh—how could such a thing get out!”
Xiao Shiqing ignored him, “How will I make a place for myself in the palace and be revered by all if this happens?”
“Dog, dog man, stop it already!”
In the end, Xiao Shiqing did stop, leaving Zhao Qi feeling dazed and unsatisfied.
Xiao Shiqing sat up and said: “Since Your Majesty does not wish it, I dare not force you. I’ll return to the Yonghua Palace to sleep. Otherwise, if I share the same bed as Your Majesty, I fear I won’t be able to resist.”
Zhao Qi was both amused and angry. “The Empress is getting complacent with me.”
“Without favor, how would I dare to be arrogant?”
Zhao Qi surrendered, “Fine, fine, fine! I’ll favor you, okay?”
Xiao Shiqing smiled brightly. “Then may I attend to Your Majesty’s bed?”
Zhao Qi shouted loudly, “Yes!”
“Rest assured, Your Majesty. I will serve you well.”
Zhao Qi soon lost his voice, feeling like a boat adrift in a stormy sea, swaying uncontrollably. He couldn’t help but curse, “No, no—bastard!”
Xiao Shiqing kissed Zhao Qi’s shoulder and said, “It’s too late to realize now, my love. We already have children.”
The spring night was short and ended with the rising sun, and the Emperor had a day off from court.
Two months later, the Northern army launched a full-scale attack. Prince Zhao Tong of Huai declared the uprising with a manifesto he had written himself. It didn’t reach the point of a thousand responses, but it at least had the effect of ten responses for every call.
Zhao Qi was not surprised by this. To the righteous men of the emperor, Zhao Tong was the benevolent ruler, whereas the emperor, despite some changes in the past two years, had already lost the hearts of his people due to his previous incompetence. Those who follow the righteous path receive much help, while those who have lost their way receive little. This has been true throughout history.
Even though Zhao Tong commanded hundreds of thousands of troops, styled himself as a just army, and had the support of the northern people, Zhao Qi was not afraid. He had Xiao Shiqing internally, He Changzhou externally, and within the enemy camp, there was also Rong Tang. Zhao Tong’s most formidable strategist had already fallen victim to Rong Tang’s scheme and had left his master. What was there to fear?!
When He Changzhou set out to lead the troops, Zhao Qi saw him off with the courtesy of the Three Dukes.
At the city gate of the capital, Zhao Qi wore a crown and dragon robes, with the five-clawed golden dragon on his sleeves dazzlingly bright in the warm spring breeze.
The young man standing in front of him was dressed in armor, dr4p3d in a bright red cloak, with a sword at his waist. His eyes were bright, full of vigor, and he was the epitome of a youthful, passionate young man.
Zhao Qi personally poured him a cup of wine, wishing him a triumphant return.
He Changzhou drank heartily and smiled elegantly. “Your Majesty, tell Meng Meng that when I return, I will teach him archery and horse riding.”
Zhao Qi said, “That won’t do.”
“Why not?”
“Because I want you to pacify the Northern chaos within two years and return in one piece. By then, Meng Meng will probably have just learned to walk and won’t be able to ride a horse.”
He Changzhou laughed heartily. “Alright, I promise Your Majesty, within two years, I will definitely bring you a peaceful world.”
After He Changzhou finished speaking, he turned and walked step by step towards the vast army of Dajin.
Zhao Qi watched his back and said firmly, “We will win, definitely.”
Xiao Shiqing patted Zhao Qi’s shoulder. “Definitely.”
Following this, Zhao Qi went through a series of extremely difficult months. Zhao Tong’s army was like a hot knife through butter, capturing several cities in the south. But as Xiao Shiqing had said, Zhao Tong’s forces were limited to one area, with insufficient supplies of food and weapons. The longer the front line stretched, the weaker they became. Moreover, in the summer, the northern soldiers could not endure the southern heat and suffered from illnesses due to the unfamiliar environment. At this time, He Changzhou received a secret letter from Rong Tang, locating the food supplies of the northern army and burning them all. With the timely assistance of the reinforcements from King Zhao Nan, He Changzhou used fire attacks to decisively defeat tens of thousands of northern troops, marking the beginning of a counterattack.
He Changzhou did not take two years; he completely recovered the northern region in just one year, directly attacking the false capital of the northern realm. The night before the city fell, Zhao Tong killed his own wife and children before taking his own life with a sword.
Zhao Qi sighed deeply upon learning this. As the original protagonist of the story, Zhao Tong preferred to die rather than be disgraced, but it was a pity for his wife and children. Zhao Qi ordered a grand burial for him and treated his relatives well.
Another year passed in March, with spring in full bloom and willow catkins flying about. He Changzhou returned triumphantly with his army, accompanied by the great contributors to the pacification, Rong Tang and Li Chisu. The three had appeared in the capital together during the Ten Thousand Longevity Festival two years ago, and now they returned to the capital together again. As Li Chisu put it, it was truly fate.
The three rode on horseback. Li Chisu said leisurely, “It’s been over a year since I last saw His Majesty. I wonder if he has grown a bit taller.”
He Changzhou scoffed. “It sounds like you see the emperor as a child.”
Li Chisu laughed. “My late father and Emperor Gaozu were sworn brothers. By seniority, His Majesty should call me ‘little uncle.’ What’s wrong with me seeing him as a child?”
He Changzhou replied sharply, “Let me remind you, the emperor’s little prince is already one year old, but you don’t even have a consort.”
Li Chisu half-jokingly said, “So now that I have a rare chance to enter the capital, I must work harder to make sure His Majesty gives me a prince too.”
As he finished speaking, there was a sudden “clang” sound as a long sword was unexpectedly pressed against Li Chisu’s neck. Even the usually aloof and cold Rong Tang cast a slight, disdainful glance at him.
He Changzhou said coldly, “King Zhao Nan, desecrating the emperor, do you wish to die?”
Li Chisu raised his hands in surrender. “I dare not, I dare not. It was my slip of the tongue. Please, Great General, considering we fought the enemy together, do not inform Prime Minister Xiao of this. Otherwise, I will become the second Huai King.”
The sword was sheathed, and He Changzhou said, “In that case, keep your mouth shut.”
“Yes, yes, yes. I will only think about it in my heart in the future and never say it out loud,” Li Chisu said. “By the way, Great General, this sword of yours looks impressive. Does it have a name?”
“It does,” He Changzhou’s tone softened a bit. “It was bestowed by His Majesty.”
“Oh? What is it called?”
“Frostmourne.”
Li Chisu laughed. “As expected of His Majesty.”
Rong Tang also faintly smiled, and this smile added a touch of human warmth to his usually ethereal demeanor.
Li Chisu noticed this and, feeling inspired, said, “Young Master Rong, there’s something I’ve always wanted to ask you, but I didn’t know how to start.”
Rong Tang said, “Then don’t ask.”
“But I’m really curious,” Li Chisu said. “During the palace banquet two years ago, His Majesty got drunk. The one who took him back was the Great General, and then I went, but you came and drove me away. Why did the prince end up being Xiao Shiqing’s?”
He Changzhou also cared about this matter and slowed the horse’s pace to listen closely to Rong Tang’s answer.
Rong Tang lowered his eyes, his thoughts drifting back to two years ago.
At that time, in order to discern Zhao Qi’s true feelings, he had slipped a love herb into Zhao Qi’s wine and had sent away the eunuchs and palace maids of Yonghua Palace in advance. Unexpectedly, Zhao Tong found him and claimed he had something to say, and when he returned to Yonghua Palace, he almost got there first.
“What are you doing?” His voice was especially cold with jealousy and anger.
Li Chisu was stunned and straightened up. “It’s you…”
Rong Tang looked at Zhao Qi, who was disheveled on the bed, feeling almost ready to explode.
Li Chisu came to his senses and said, “The emperor seems to be very unwell. It’s best to find a physician to check on him.”
“I will. You can leave now.”
Li Chisu smiled and said, “Why is it me who is leaving, not you?”
“I belong to him; the whole city knows that.” Rong Tang smiled lightly. “And I reside in Yonghua Palace, as per his decree.”
Li Chisu hesitated. It was understandable for Rong Tang to stay by the emperor’s side in such a situation, but… He glanced at the dazed Zhao Qi, feeling quite dissatisfied.
Rong Tang said coldly, “If you don’t leave now, the palace guards will arrive soon. Do you want to be accused of breaking into the emperor’s quarters at night?”
Li Chisu took a deep breath and said quietly, “Remember to call for a physician for him.”
After the others left, Rong Tang approached the dragon bed and grasped Zhao Qi’s chin. Thinking about what Li Chisu might have done to Zhao Qi, his actions became unavoidably rough. “Look clearly, who am I?”
Zhao Qi seemed to be in pain from his grip, struggling weakly before opening his eyes, looking around in confusion, and his gaze lost focus for a long while.
The Chang Xiangsi was a rare medicine from the East, which allowed one to see their loved one after taking it. He took it and saw Zhao Qi; he fervently hoped that Zhao Qi could also see him.
At the moment Zhao Qi spoke his name, he felt as if he had found redemption, his heart and chest relaxing.
“This time, you can’t escape,” he said.
…
Returning to the present, Rong Tang composed himself. Li Chisu and He Changzhou were on either side of him, eagerly waiting for his response.
Rong Tang said lightly, “If I can interrupt you, then naturally, Xiao Shiqing can interrupt me.”
“Just as expected.” Li Chisu sighed, “Xiao Shiqing was indeed fortunate. If he had arrived half an hour later, things would have been entirely different.”
He Changzhou said unwillingly, “If I had stayed, things would have been different too.”
Rong Tang was more open-minded about it. “The past cannot be changed; it is pointless to dwell on it.”
The three of them journeyed together for half a month and finally returned to the capital from the northern borders. Zhao Qi, leading the civil and military officials, came out of the city to welcome them. They barely had time to admire Zhao Qi’s smiling face before they had to kneel and salute, “Greetings to the Emperor—”
Zhao Qi’s smiling voice was almost the same as remembered, “Quick, get up! You three are the heroes who quelled the rebellion. I’ve prepared a celebration feast to welcome and honor you.”
As the three of them stood up, Zhao Qi was right in front of them, so close that they could reach out and embrace him.
But none of them would do that—unless they wanted to be executed by Xiao Shiqing, who was behind Zhao Qi.
Zhao Qi’s gaze swept over the three of them one by one.
“Changzhou, you’ve tanned a lot and lost quite a bit of weight… And it looks like you’ve grown a bit taller? Damn, why do you still keep growing?”
He Changzhou smiled, “How is Mian’er?”
“He can walk now; I taught him. Rong Tang is just as he was before. How have you been in the northern borders?”
Time had allowed Rong Tang to remain calm in the presence of the person before him. “Very well.”
“Really? In such a cold and freezing place like the northern borders… Never mind. The climate here in the capital is good. You should stay in the capital from now on and bring your parents over. I have an important task for you.”
Rong Tang smiled faintly, “You’re still as talkative as ever.”
Zhao Qi smiled at Rong Tang, then turned to Li Chisu, and said with a hint of expectation, “Thank you.”
Li Chisu: “…” That’s it?
Xiao Shiqing stepped forward, subtly blocking their view of Zhao Qi, “It’s time to return to the palace.”
Zhao Qi nodded and was about to speak when he suddenly felt a wave of nausea, barely holding back the urge to vomit. His head began to spin, and he nearly collapsed.
“Your Majesty!”
The three of them rushed to help, but Xiao Shiqing was quicker, catching Zhao Qi in his arms and anxiously asking, “Qi’er?”
Zhao Qi waved his hand, “I’m fine. I might have just stood too long. Let’s go, to the celebration feast—”
“Not going,” Xiao Shiqing insisted, “Return to the palace with me. Call for a physician to check on you.”
Zhao Qi had no choice but to say, “Then you three go ahead first. I’ll come later.”
The three exchanged glances.
Zhao Qi broke his promise; he didn’t show up at the palace banquet that entire night. Instead, he was inside Yonghua Palace, cursing loudly, “Meichuan is pretending to be his brother to deceive me again! Damn it—Hmph, I won’t rest until I tear him to pieces!”
T/N: There is plenty more where that came from, so stay tuned! And stay healthy! Straighten your posture, so some stretches and drink some water before continuing hehe~
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