chapter 111

Chapter 111: Burning the Boats

Shen He initially smiled. But when he saw Qi Zhuoyun open his arms, hinting at a hug, he promptly adopted a stern expression, gesturing and saying, "What are you doing? Be composed; I'm here for official business."

A mirthful chuckle escaped Qi Zhuoyun's nose.

He lowered his hand, his deep eyes met Shen He's, and with a smile curving his lips, he nodded, "Alright, I am all ears. What guidance does Lord He have for me?"

Shen He pulled out a piece of paper from his sleeve and placed it before Qi Zhuoyun, saying, "Look at this. Let's discuss after you've read it."

Qi Zhuoyun reached for the document, realizing Shen He wasn't in a mood for affection, he focused intently on the content.

Qi Zhuoyun never dismissed anything Shen He presented as trivial or unimportant.

He read meticulously and quickly, grasping the essence of what Shen He had written and its implications.

How should he put it?

Qi Zhuoyun thought, his beloved He always surprised him when he least expected it.

Unable to contain his curiosity, Shen He moved closer, leaning against Qi Zhuoyun's arm, peeking at the document again and stealing glances at the emperor's expression.

A hint of anxiety in his voice, he asked, "Brother, have you finished? Do you think these strategies are effective?"

Setting the paper aside, Qi Zhuoyun took advantage of Shen He's distraction, enveloping him in an embrace and planting a firm kiss on his cheek. Beaming, he said, "Tell me, for such a brilliant proposal, what reward does Lord He desire? Choose anything from my private treasury! However, I can't grant you an official title just yet. I'm still waiting for you to be my top scholar."

The kiss took Shen He by surprise, causing his cheeks to blush.

His face reddening, Shen He's eyes sparkled as he muttered, "I don't want rewards. The sooner we implement this, the better! Brother, quickly tell me any modifications needed, and I'll figure it out!"

Shen He waved dismissively, boasting, "I may not have connections, but I have plenty of silver!"

He had saved a significant amount for retirement!

Not only did he have substantial savings, but his trade caravans, operational for years, could spread messages. A whispered word in one of his shops could spread north or south in less than half a month.

Shen He had even prepared the structure and keywords for the rumors, waiting for them to be written and spread, letting the rumormongers add their touch.

Qi Zhuoyun wasn't too concerned.

Qi Leyong was at his wit's end.

It was nothing but a last-ditch effort, a self-inflicted path to ruin.

However, seeing his beloved fretting on his behalf, Qi Zhuoyun's heart softened, reluctant to let him worry further.

He encircled Shen He's waist, holding the young man's hands in his, caressing his fingers and gently said, "Let's entrust this matter entirely to Lord He, shall we? If you succeed, I'll grant you any reward you desire."

The young emperor lowered his head, touching foreheads with Shen He. Their breaths mingled as they drew close. His voice, tinged with a seductive quality, whispered, "Is there anything you'd like me to do for you? I'd grant any wish you have."

Though, truth be told, even if his dear Shen He asked for nothing, he'd most likely acquiesce.

That, however, didn't stop him from playfully teasing the innocent youth.

Shen He: "..."

He was a bit taken aback, deep in thought. A reward? What kind of reward should he ask for?

Indeed, after all the effort, why shouldn't he ask Qi Zhuoyun to do something in return?

In the past, he dreamt of working for years, then relaxing as a non-blood-related prince, enjoying a wonderful retirement. Now, it seemed his years of hard work had gone to waste, and retirement seemed a distant dream.

Shen He suddenly felt very justified in expecting a reward for himself.

He's not the type to work for free!

Not even for a boyfriend!

He needs to think this through!

He watched as the person in his arms lost himself in thought.

Qi Zhuoyun felt a touch of helplessness.

Why isn't he getting the hint?

As sharp and perceptive as he can be, there are moments when he's surprisingly dense.

Qi Zhuoyun was tempted to pinch Shen He's waist to snap him out of it.

Finally, Shen He realized what he wanted to ask for.

Shen He's eyes lit up suddenly, turning to Qi Zhuoyun he said, "Brother! Could you grant my father, ah, I mean me, a small official post in some remote, impoverished, and cold place? Preferably at the northernmost or southernmost point?"

He couldn't openly do anything against Shen Congyun, but couldn't he find a way to send him away from the capital to endure some hardships?

From now on, let him stay out of sight, where he can't ever upset our grandparents.

Qi Zhuoyun gazed at the indignation hidden within Shen He's bright eyes.

Suddenly, he remembered that despite Shen He's vibrant charm, appearing always joyful, he, like Qi Zhuoyun, was a child who grew up without a mother and with an absent father.

For a long time, he had overlooked this fact, always picturing Shen He with an upturned face filled with laughter, a child who melted hearts.

For years, they had been kindred spirits, relying heavily on each other. Hence, they understood each other's troubles and decisions better than anyone else.

How many in the world truly understood that after the crown prince committed patricide, there was not a hint of resentment, but rather, a desire to defend and uphold his name?

Very few. Extremely few.

Perhaps only the one before him. Just this one.

Therefore, Qi Zhuoyun wouldn't let his young love bear such burdens himself.

He would clear away Shen He's worries and the detestable issues for him.

He said, "I know, Shen He. Just wait a bit longer. Once I'm done with my immediate tasks, I'll decide on Shen Congyun's fate. Don't worry."

He would devise the perfect solution, ensuring Shen He remains untarnished and without any association with the filth.

……

After a thorough discussion with Qi Zhuoyun, Shen He began attending to his own affairs.

Truthfully, he was a bit nervous.

Just a little bit, though.

Having lived two lifetimes and always treated as a child, he had never taken charge of resolving such significant issues.

Shen He felt like a rookie entering the professional world, filled with trepidation, fearing a misstep.

Shen He left the palace again, liaising with various contacts to resolve matters, while Qi Zhuoyun met with officials, issuing orders to support Shen He's plans.

While Shen He could provide funds, Qi Zhuoyun hated the idea of tapping into his beloved's purse.

Once was enough. Once things settled, he needed to replenish Shen He's coffers.

A coordinated effort was set into motion.

Half a month later, streets and alleys, villages and towns buzzed with fresh gossip.

First, the new emperor ascended the throne and announced a decree of grace. Local government offices distributed free grain. Families with more than three dependents, those with elderly or young members, or households with fewer than two able workers could line up to receive these provisions.

The announcement of the free grain distribution led to immediate crowds outside the government offices. Even in remote areas, soldiers were dispatched to spread the word.

Within days, the initiative was a resounding success.

The new emperor also reformed the taxation system, offering a two-year tax break, and disbanded many troops, allowing them to reunite with their families.

Those who harbored any intentions of causing trouble suddenly found themselves pacified, going about their business.

With these crowds gathered and dispersed, gossip spread like wildfire.

"Have you heard? Rumor has it that our current emperor is a demon from the underworld, sent to exact revenge on the late emperor. They say the past emperor's sins were numerous, leading many spirits to complain in the underworld. After striking a deal with the King of Hell, these spirits inhabited the crown prince's body to seek revenge. Once their mission was completed, they returned to suffer their punishment…"

"Where did you hear that?"

"A wise Taoist priest traveling through our area said so. He came from the capital and had once performed a ritual to extend the late emperor's life. Unfortunately, it didn't work, so he fled the capital to avoid any repercussions..."

"No way, you must have misheard! I distinctly heard that our emperor is the reincarnation of a drought demon, responsible for the deaths of the previous emperor and empress. He's a formidable demon, so powerful that even the royal aura couldn’t subdue him. My source is much more reliable—it's from the head monk at Ji Yun Temple!"

"Nonsense! My source is definitely correct. If he were a drought demon, wouldn't the entire land be parched and barren? Just the other day you collected the relief grain. How could you do that during a drought?"

The debate intensified, with each side wanting to bring forward their respective Taoist priest and head monk as proof.

In other areas, even wilder and more bizarre rumors circulated.

Some claimed the new emperor was a demon, while others believed he was a divine incarnation of a celestial star. Other tales spun intricate yarns about the late emperor's harem, alleging that he had no children of his own and that the princes were adopted. Various extraordinary origins were attributed to them.

Amidst these wild speculations, regions that were once on the brink of rebellion suddenly grew quiet and peaceful.

Qi Leyong had been anticipating a spectacle, waiting to see how Qi Zhuoyun would handle widespread revolt, hoping to capitalize on the chaos.

Unexpectedly, the initially tumultuous situation took a bizarre turn.

The stirred public outrage dissipated mysteriously.

Within his residence, Qi Leyong flew into a helpless rage, throwing and breaking various objects.

Finally, from a young servant, he received an urgent secret letter destined for the capital. He grimly tore it open and stared at its contents for a long time before a chilling smirk crept onto his face.

The message on the envelope was concise, just a few brief lines.

It was sent by Qi Chengfeng.

Qi Leyong spread out his palm, crumpled the letter, and clenched it tightly. His face twisted in a blend of mania and satisfaction, as if he was cornered and grasping at his last chance, ready to go all in.

He had to act this way.

If he didn't seize this opportunity, once Qi Zhuoyun was free, his fate would be even worse.