Chapter Thirty-Seven: No Looking Back

Chapter 37: No Turning Back

As dawn broke, a humble carriage covered in gray cloth was stationed not far from the eastern city gate for nearly an hour.

Inside the carriage, Zhu Yunxuan leaned against the wall with his eyes closed, seemingly resting, though his tightly knitted brows never relaxed.

Gao An called to him softly from outside, "Your Majesty, they have arrived."

"Help me alight," he instructed.

Outside the carriage, Zeng Huai, accompanied by his entire family, prostrated themselves on the ground for one final obeisance to Zhu Yunxuan. Today, they were to be escorted away into exile.

Zhu Yunxuan was assisted down from the carriage by Gao An. Stepping forward, he used both hands to help Zeng Huai to his feet. "Master, please rise."

Cheng Huai's eyes brimmed with tears as he exclaimed, "This subject has no face to see His Majesty, no face at all…"

Observing that his already-gray hair had now turned entirely white, Zhu Yunxuan sighed deeply. "It is I who have wronged you, Master. If only that day... I had not burdened you with my troubles, you would still be enjoying your peaceful retirement in that rural cottage. I have failed to treat you as you deserve..."

"Your Majesty, please do not say such things. It is this subject who has failed Your Majesty's trust. My unworthy descendants have committed this heinous crime. I am a disgrace as a loyal subject; it is my fault, all my fault!"

Zhu Yunxuan was also deeply pained, but he found himself unable to offer more comforting words. When Zeng Hua regained some composure, Zhu Yunxuan took a wooden box from Gao An and passed it to him. "There are some banknotes and jewelry in here. Take them for your use while you're away."

"I cannot accept this, Your Majesty," Zeng Hua waved his hands hastily. "I am going to be punished. How can I take these gifts from you...?"

"Take it, Teacher. Even if not for yourself, think of the young ones back home," Zhu Yunxuan urged.

A one-year-old great-grandson of Zeng Hua's, held by a woman in the family, knelt on the ground with a red, frozen nose, clueless about the situation. Zhu Yunxuan sighed inwardly and tried again. "There isn't much money here. It's only enough for your daily expenses. Please accept it, Teacher."

Hearing the sobs of the women and children, Zeng Hua hesitated for a long time before finally gritting his teeth and accepting the gift. Zhu Yunxuan continued, "In two or three years, I will find a way to grant you a special pardon. Then, Teacher, you can return home with your family."

Zeng Hua was about to kneel again to thank Zhu Yunxuan, but the emperor stopped him. "There's no need for that, Teacher."

Zeng Hua wiped his eyes, calming his overly emotional state. In a trembling voice, he said to Zhu Yunxuan, "There's something I wanted to inform you about. My wayward grandson mentioned that when he was out carousing, he overheard people talking about how someone in the Jingnan Garrison was using the military's funds to run an underground gambling den and lend money at exorbitant interest rates for profit. That wicked boy was even taken there to see it for himself. It seems that Commander Zhang and Deputy Commander Liu were involved. Your Majesty might want to send someone to investigate. If there's solid evidence, you can rightfully remove these two men and severely weaken Prince Zhao's influence. It would also create an opportunity to regain control of the Southern Camp."

Upon hearing this, Zhu Yunxuan's gaze darkened. "I understand. Thank you for your reminder, Teacher."

Zeng Hua stepped back and insisted on giving Zhu Yunxuan a deep bow. "To have His Majesty see me off personally is the greatest honor of my life. I must leave now. I hope Your Majesty will take good care of yourself in the future."

With red-rimmed eyes, Zhu Yunxuan nodded. "The journey ahead is long. I've instructed people to look after you and your family along the way. Please take care of yourself as well, Teacher. Until we meet again."

Watching Zeng Huai and his group leave the city gates far behind, Zhu Yunxuan stood in the biting cold for a long while. It was only when Gao An softly reminded him that it was time to return that he reluctantly retracted his somewhat dazed gaze, blinked, and turned to get into the carriage.

By the time they returned, the sky was already bright, and bustling market stalls lined both sides of the lively streets. The air was filled with the aroma of food. Halfway through the journey, Gao An asked Zhu Yunxuan, "Your Majesty, would you like something to eat? I've heard that there are a few pastry shops with rather tasty treats."

Zhu Yunxuan casually pushed open the window to look outside. The crowded marketplace and the flow of people transformed before his eyes into overlapping, indistinct images.

Gao An called out to him again, "Your Majesty..."

Zhu Yunxuan snapped back to reality, his gaze landing on a nearby wonton stall run by an elderly couple. After a moment's pause, he instructed, "Stop here."

Gao An helped him down from the carriage, pleased to see that he had an appetite. "Your Majesty wants wontons? These street vendors aren't very clean. There's a famous noodle shop up ahead that's renowned for its wonton noodles. Why not go there instead?"

Zhu Yunxuan smiled faintly. "You're quite curious, knowing even the best places to eat outside the palace despite staying inside all day."

"I hear about these places from the new palace servants who just arrived," Gao An explained. "Princess Shu He, the Grand Princess, also enjoys that shop. She often sends her servants there to buy food. Your Majesty should give it a try?"

Zhu Yunxuan dismissed the suggestion with nonchalance. "Let's stay here. It's all the same."

He stepped into the stall and sat down at a random table. A hunched old man came over, serving him a cup of tea and asking with a smile, "What would the guest like to order?"

"Two servings of wontons, but no green onions, please."

"Very well."

The imperial guards stood watchful outside the stall, while Gao An stood by the table, ready to serve Zhu Yunxuan at any moment. Zhu Yunxuan gestured to him, "Sit down and join me for a meal."

Gao An was startled and dared not comply, "How can that be, Your... Master, please enjoy your meal, I'll attend to you."

"Why not? If I tell you to sit, then sit."

"But I absolutely cannot, if word gets out... I won't have a life left, Master, please don't put me in such a predicament." Gao An pleaded with a pained expression.

Zhu Yunxuan didn't insist further. Lost in thought, he stared at the swaying tea leaves in his cup.

A couple of days ago, he had finally written a letter to Zhu Yunjing, asking if he would visit the capital. He knew that Zhu Yunjing's return could put him in danger and trouble, but he... was just too lonely.

In the past, when his elder brother was still around, every time they left the palace together, he was thrilled to share the street food with his brother. Even though most dishes were despised by his brother, he cherished them. Now, there was no one left to accompany him even for a meal.

The steaming hot wontons arrived promptly. Zhu Yunxuan ate slowly with his head lowered. The taste was probably good, but it felt bland in his mouth.

The snow began to fall softly, marking the first snow of the winter season. Upon hearing someone announce its arrival, Zhu Yunxuan lifted his gaze briefly before lowering it again.

The elderly couple were whispering about closing their stall early to prepare a warm soup for their bodies and adding extra firewood to their heated bed at night. Listening quietly to their insignificant yet intimate chatter, Zhu Yunxuan's furrowed brow gradually relaxed, and the corners of his mouth involuntarily turned up slightly.

Not far away, another carriage had been parked at the street corner for quite some time.

There had been no early court session that day. Liang Zhen had visited the Imperial Guard headquarters in the morning and was on his way back to his residence when he spotted Zhu Yunxuan, who had left the palace incognito. He instructed his driver to stop but ultimately hesitated, deciding not to approach. Instead, he watched from a distance. As he observed Zhu Yunxuan eating, Liang Zhen saw a smile flicker in his eyes, seemingly triggered by a thought. Then, a hint of melancholy briefly appeared before a smile returned to Zhu Yunxuan's face. Liang Zhen's heart pulsed in rhythm with the subtle changes in Zhu Yunxuan's expressions.

After finishing his bowl of wontons, Zhu Yunxuan sat for a while longer. When the snowfall intensified, Gao An felt compelled to remind him, "Young Master, it's time to go back."

He nodded, signaling Gao An to give the elderly couple additional money.

As they prepared to board the carriage, one of the horses drawing it suddenly knelt on the ground, refusing to rise despite the urging of the attendants. The guards sweated in anxiety, but Zhu Yunxuan waited patiently on the side, finding the situation amusing and observing intently.

Fifteen minutes passed, and the horse remained stubbornly still. Liang Zhen instructed the carriage to approach and halt in front of Zhu Yunxuan.

Seeing Liang Zhen step down from the carriage, the faint smile on Zhu Yunxuan's lips vanished. He acknowledged him with a calm nod. "Prince Zhao."

Liang Zhen spoke softly, "This servant accompanies His Majesty back to the palace."

The standoff didn't last long. Zhu Yunxuan got into Liang Zhen's carriage, each occupying a side, silent and facing one another.

As the wheels rolled forward, Liang Zhen broke the silence, asking Zhu Yunxuan, "Your Majesty left the palace specially today... Was it to bid farewell to Former Prime Minister Zeng?"

To avoid any misunderstandings, he added, "I'm guessing, I had no intention of prying into Your Majesty's movements. Today was merely a coincidence."

Zhu Yunxuan's expression remained unchanged as he coldly reminded Liang Zhen, "My teacher is no longer a cabinet minister but just a convicted criminal awaiting exile. He doesn't deserve the title of 'Prime Minister' from Prince Zhao."

Liang Zhen sighed inwardly but said nothing more.

After escorting Zhu Yunxuan back to the palace, the carriage stopped outside the Ganlin Palace. Liang Zhen didn't follow inside, only watching as Zhu Yunxuan climbed the steps. Zhu Yunxuan suddenly turned around, looking down at Liang Zhen from above. In a calm voice, he asked, "Is this what Prince Zhao wanted? This situation now?"

Liang Zhen's pupils constricted as he gazed back at Zhu Yunxuan with deep eyes, "Your Majesty..."

"Back then... when Prince Zhao offered your assistance, I genuinely felt grateful towards you. At that time, you were the only person in this palace willing to help me. I didn't even know how to repay you."

"I also imagined what it would be like if we could coexist peacefully, as a harmonious king and subject. But now, it seems that's no longer possible."

"You want too much, and I can't give it to you. What I want... you're not willing to give either."

Recalling the past, Zhu Yunxuan's expression momentarily wavered, but he quickly regained his calm demeanor.

Through the thick snowfall, Zhu Yunxuan's face a few steps away became blurred, causing Liang Zhen's heart to tighten abruptly. "What does His Majesty desire?"

Zhu Yunxuan was slightly taken aback. After a moment, he shook his head gently. "It no longer matters."

He turned around and ascended the steps one by one, entering the grand hall without looking back.

Liang Zhen watched his retreating figure intently, feeling his heart sink deeper and deeper... Did Zhu Yunxuan truly have no intention of turning back?

Excerpt One: Lovers (1)

In the seventh year of Jingrui, in the third month, on the twenty-third day.

The afternoon sunlight outside the window was perfect, and Zhu Yunxuan sat cross-legged on the couch, supporting his forehead with one hand on the table, absentmindedly flipping through official memorials. The warmth of the sun made him drowsy.

Ink dripped from the tip of his writing brush, staining the memorial beneath his hand, but Zhu Yunxuan was unaware. Still squinting, he nodded off, almost asleep.

Gao An approached helplessly, calling out to him, "Your Majesty..."

Zhu Yunxuan jolted upright, straightening his posture. After a moment of stunned stillness, his mind gradually cleared. He turned to Gao An and asked, "What time is it?"

"It's already six moments past the sixth hour of the afternoon. If Your Majesty is feeling tired, shall I attend to you and help you rest inside?"

"It's already that late. Forget it, I won't sleep now. Rong'er will be back from school soon..."

Muttering softly, he lowered his head again, dozing off while continuing to flip through the memorials.

The words before him became blurry outlines, and sleep overtook him once more. In his daze, he caught a familiar scent of tea wafting near, lingering around his nose. Zhu Yunxuan instinctively leaned closer, gently rubbing against it before closing his eyes completely.

When he awoke, the sun was setting, casting a golden glow across the windowpanes. Blinking a few times in confusion, Zhu Yunxuan gradually regained consciousness, realizing he had fallen asleep on Liang Zhen's shoulder until this hour.

He remained still, and Liang Zhen, absorbed in reviewing the memorials, didn't notice his awakening. Zhu Yunxuan's gaze lingered on Liang Zhen's profile for a moment. He thought to himself that after more than half a month apart, Liang Zhen seemed slightly darker and thinner, with a faint stubble on his face. The journey must have been arduous for him.

Feeling a soft touch on his cheek, Liang Zhen paused in his writing, turning his head. Their noses brushed lightly against each other, and he smiled, saying, "Your Majesty has awoken?"

"Why didn't you tell me you were coming back early..."

As the complaint left his lips, the rest was silenced as Liang Zhen placed a hand on the back of Zhu Yunxuan's head, pressing him into the couch for a deep, entwining kiss.

Liang Zhen's kiss was as domineering and invasive as always. Amidst their passionate exchange, Zhu Yunxuan felt his tongue being nipped, causing him to moan softly and push back slightly. "Enough... Enough... Rong'er..."

After the deep kiss, Liang Zhen pecked at his lips gently. "Don't worry, when your little brother came over earlier, you were still asleep. I sent him out to play."

"How could you do that? He hasn't finished his studies yet."

Zhu Yunxuan struck Liang Zhen's chest with his hand, but Liang Zhen caught it. Smiling, Liang Zhen lowered his head, brushing his tongue across the palm of Zhu Yunxuan's hand. Zhu Yunxuan's eyelashes fluttered delicately; he found it ticklish – a sensation that spread from his palm to the tip of his heart.

They shared a smile before their lips intertwined once more.

After their intimate exchange, the two finally delved into more serious matters. Liang Zhen had been dispatched as an imperial envoy to investigate a corruption case outside the palace. Along the way, he encountered a few fearless and desperate criminals, which made his task quite challenging. Fortunately, he returned unscathed and with all the necessary information in hand.

He downplayed his perilous encounter and focused on detailing the case to Zhu Yunxuan, who interrupted with a frown, "You were held captive for three days and almost killed? When did you become so helpless?"

Liang Zhen sipped his tea with a calm smile, "This isn't my first time as a prisoner, Your Highness. I always manage to turn danger into safety. It's nothing to worry about."

Zhu Yunxuan's lips twitched, his gaze darkening slightly. Liang Zhen reached out to draw the man closer, gazing at him with a smile, "Upset? Alright, I won't bring up the past then."

Zhu Yunxuan wrapped his arms around Liang Zhen's neck, leaning in to whisper against his ear, "…You did that on purpose, just to make me worry about you."

"Does Your Majesty love this subject?"

Zhu Yunxuan remained silent, instead pressing another kiss against his cheek. Liang Zhen's lips curled up. "So well-behaved."

Rong'er only returned just in time for dinner, the little prince, drenched in sweat from playing outside, held up the flowers he picked in the imperial garden as if presenting a treasure to Zhu Yunxuan. "For Father."

Zhu Yunxuan pinched his small nose. "Your other father is back too."

Rong'er lifted his gaze to glance at Liang Zhen before lowering his head again, mumbling, "Then for Father too."

Zhu Yunxuan lifted the child onto his lap, frowning as he asked Liang Zhen, "What did you do to him?"

Liang Zhen fed Zhu Yunxuan a peeled grape, amused. "What could I have done? He just doesn't like that I'm back, and he can't cuddle with you at night anymore, that's all."

Upon having his thoughts exposed, Rong'er puffed up his cheeks. Liang Zhen rapped his forehead and pulled him closer, deliberately tickling his soft cheeks with his stubble. The little one giggled, soon hugging Liang Zhen's neck affectionately.

After a bout of laughter and play, Rong'er persistently asked, "Can I sleep with Father and Father tonight?"

"No," Liang Zhen teased his son but wouldn't budge on this matter.

It had been over half a month since he and Zhu Yunxuan last spent intimate time together. Now that he was finally back, how could he let this little brat interfere?

Rong'er puffed up his face again, looking at Zhu Yunxuan with hopeful eyes. Zhu Yunxuan cleared his throat softly. "Rong'er, be good. Your father and I have important matters to discuss tonight. Will you sleep on your own today?"

The young prince pouted in disappointment. "Okay."

Liang Zhen coaxed him with a smile. "I won't make you study for the next few days. Tomorrow, I'll send you to stay with your brother Yuan Bao for a few days. You can go and play with them, alright?"

Upon hearing this, Rong'er's eyes lit up immediately. "Really?"

Liang Zhen nodded with a smile. "Of course, it's true."

Zhu Yunxuan fed a grape to their son without mentioning that his father only wanted to get rid of him for a few days.

The little one clung to Liang Zhen's arm, looking at him eagerly. "Your brother Yuan Bao's foal is so majestic. I want one too, Father. Can you get me a horse?"

Liang Zhen was about to agree instantly. He had all sorts of horses in his stable; it was no big deal to get his son a foal. However, Zhu Yunxuan intercepted him, asking Rong'er, "Can you ride a horse?"

"…No."

"And why do you want a colt?" Seeing his son lower his head without an answer, Zhu Yunxuan pinched his nose again. "That's vanity. You see others with something nice and you want it too. Your Ming brother doesn't even have one. If you want a colt, you must first learn to ride and study diligently with your teacher. Then, your father will get the best one for you."

The young prince quickly nodded, obediently agreeing. Liang Zhen didn't say more, only smiling, feeling that this little fellow was truly well-behaved, making it hard for him to bully him.

After helping Zhu Yunxuan wash up at night, Gao An led all the palace attendants out, closing the doors to the royal chambers behind them.

Faint silhouettes were projected onto the bed curtains, with occasional muffled sounds escaping, echoing through the candlelit hall.

Zhu Yunxuan's damp hair clung to his forehead, his eyes and brows exuding an indescribable charm. Liang Zhen leaned down, his hot breath whispering into Zhu Yunxuan's ear with a teasing smile. "Your Majesty, don't hold back. I want to hear you cry out."

Zhu Yunxuan panted, his eyes reddened as he glared at him. As if truly bewitched, his voice overflowed with sweetness and coquettishness. "You... bastard..."

Half an hour later, Zhu Yunxuan leaned against Liang Zhen in his embrace, both drenched in sweat. They embraced each other, engaging in casual conversation.

"Didn't Your Majesty tell Rong'er that we needed to discuss important matters? What could be so urgent that we must talk through the night?"

Ignoring Liang Zhen's jest, Zhu Yunxuan closed his eyes, resting on one of his arms. Liang Zhen lowered his head, kissing Zhu Yunxuan's bare shoulder blade, then spoke softly. "A Xuan, after sending Rong'er away tomorrow, let's leave the palace and stay at the manor for a few days, alright?"

Zhu Yunxuan murmured hoarsely, "All you think about is finding ways to get rid of our son."

"So what?" Liang Zhen said nonchalantly. "He's almost five years old. It's one thing not to let him live in the Eastern Palace alone, but it's another to always sleep with him. You can't dote on a child like that."

"So he asked for the colt, and you agreed without any hesitation? Aren't you indulging him as well?" Zhu Yunxuan sighed softly. "He's only five years old. For the past few years... we both owe him."

Liang Zhen was left speechless, patting his waist gently: "Then let us take it slow. After all, he is the Crown Prince, destined to grow up eventually."

Zhu Yunxuan turned over, facing Liang Zhen, and traced circles on his chest with a finger. "I've heard that during your recent excursion, there were still some daring souls who attempted to present you with gifts of people, yes?"

Liang Zhen smiled and raised an eyebrow. "Your Majesty even knows this? Has someone from my entourage become Your Majesty's spy?"

"…I'm asking you a question. Don't evade it."

Liang Zhen kissed his hand gently. "Indeed, those individuals didn't initially intend to confront me head-on. They first tried to entice me with promises of benefits and even sent over a few people..."

Noticing Zhu Yunxuan frowning, Liang Zhen's amusement grew in his eyes. "Both boys and girls, all around fifteen or sixteen years old, quite attractive, like blooming flowers..."

Seeing that Zhu Yunxuan was about to withdraw his hand, Liang Zhen pulled him back into an embrace. "I was just joking with you. I didn't even look at them; I had them thrown out immediately. After all, I am the Empress of Great Yan. How could I ever betray His Majesty by being unfaithful?"

Zhu Yunxuan's fingers pressed against Liang Zhen's chest, poking fiercely twice. "Well aware, Your Majesty. If you ever dared, I would surely depose you."

"Not at all, not at all."

Zhu Yunxuan nestled into Liang Zhen's embrace and closed his eyes, softly sighing. "Initially, I thought hanging those despicable individuals would suffice. But no, we can't let them off lightly. They should all face the death sentence by beheading, at the very least."

"Your Majesty may decide as you wish, as long as it pleases you," Liang Zhen soothed, gently patting his back.

"Mm," Zhu Yunxuan replied contentedly, rubbing against him. "Let's finalize the arrangements tomorrow, then head to the manor. The one near Yuanji Temple at the foot of the mountain. We can also visit the stables to choose a foal for Rong'er."

Liang Zhen smiled and agreed. "Very well."