Chapter 36

**Chapter 36**

Eunuch Qin returned and took a nap. When he woke again, he noticed several junior eunuchs huddled behind a screen, rustling about as if concealing something.

He draped his robe over himself and rose to his feet. “Why aren’t you whelps serving His Majesty? What are you up to here?”

The young eunuchs jumped in alarm, revealing an ebony box with vine motifs. Inside was a jade orchid.

They hurriedly explained, “It’s the jade orchid His Majesty had us find. He told us to hide it well—it’s meant to be a surprise for His Highness.”

The orchid looked healthy, its buds just beginning to bloom, though missing half its stem—likely the very one the Emperor had seen earlier.

The flower was small and entirely green, making it difficult to spot among the dense mountain foliage.

“You’ve had quite the time finding it,” he remarked.

The eunuchs replied, “His Majesty left markings. We followed the direction he indicated and found it right away. There were several jade orchids there—we even discovered a few larger ones and brought them all back. But His Majesty insisted on only this one.”

Eunuch Qin thought: *This is the orchid His Majesty chose for Prince Huan. To the Emperor, this one holds special meaning—even if there were better ones, none could replace it.*

The Emperor’s temperament had grown increasingly stubborn over the years, his disposition altered, and it was unlikely to change back now.

If he was this fixated on a mere flower connected to Prince Huan, how much more so would he be toward the prince himself?

No matter how many beauties there were, none could take Prince Huan’s place.

But if His Majesty had left markings, why hadn’t he dug up the orchid with its roots intact back then?

He recalled how the Emperor had once intended to gift Prince Huan the Dragon Glory Sword—only to have it taken out and then ordered back into storage.

The Emperor… was indeed profound in his thoughts.

Truly skilled at controlling men.

Dressed by the junior eunuchs, he stepped out of the grand tent and was met with a clamor of cheers. Ahead, thousands had gathered around a hunting ground, where a figure in crimson robes streaked across the field.

The spring hunt spanned three days, and now, on the final day, the Emperor had ceased hunting himself. Instead, he served as a beater, driving game for Prince Huan.

Joining him were the Capital Garrison Commander, the Palace Guard Commander, several generals, and a number of junior ministers.

To Eunuch Qin, it seemed as though the Emperor was leading a group of high-ranking officials in putting on a show for Prince Huan.

Standing aside, arms crossed in his sleeves, lost in thought, he spotted Chancellor Xie’s carriage in the distance.

Chancellor Xie had been overseeing the imperial examinations in the capital these past two days and could not leave. Yet, with his youngest son accompanying the Emperor in the hunting grounds, he had grown gaunt with worry, unable to eat properly.

His elderly wife had been weeping her eyes out at home for two days straight.

Back when Xie Liangbi had insisted on pledging loyalty to the Emperor and joining the Golden Armor Guards, Chancellor Xie should never have relented—then this calamity might never have come to pass!

His heart trembling with dread, he arrived at the hunting grounds, only to find Xie Liangbi and several familiar Golden Armor Guards accompanying Prince Huan in the hunt.

This was the first time he had seen Prince Huan riding and shooting.

The senior ministers had often whispered among themselves that the imperial family of Great Zhou were all skilled in horsemanship and archery, their descendants tall and robust. Yet Prince Huan bore little resemblance to Fu Dynasty stock—almost as if he were an imposter.

After all, this was a prince who had been recognized through mere words, a few marks, and scattered recollections. His bloodline remained somewhat questionable.

Perhaps Prince Huan’s seamless reinstatement into the imperial line had only been because everyone wished to sound out the Emperor’s intentions by putting forth a potential heir.

Just how many factions and schemes are tangled up in this is anyone’s guess—even those involved probably can’t figure it out.

But there's no doubt that His Highness Prince Huan is a pawn for many.

That’s also why he always believed the prince’s current favor wouldn’t last.

He didn’t buy that the Emperor’s affection was genuine—there had to be an angle.

The current Emperor had long since shed all emotion and desire, showing no loyalty to family and no mercy to anyone.

Yet now, watching the Emperor and officials accompany Prince Huan on the hunt, he couldn’t deny that the prince had really made it big.

He’s the real deal now—a full-fledged prince.

They exchanged greetings with Eunuch Qin first, then joined the crowd to watch Prince Huan’s hunting display. When the hunt paused briefly, Chancellor Xie and other senior ministers, including the Minister of Rites, bowed before the Emperor and Prince Huan.

As the Emperor and Prince Huan went to change clothes, he didn’t care about appearances anymore—he seized the moment to call his son Xie Liangbi over.

It had only been a few days, but his youngest son already looked gaunt.

Though anger stirred within him, so did concern. He asked softly, “Has the Emperor…?”

Xie Liangbi quickly replied, “Father worries too much. His Majesty hasn’t mistreated me.”

It was just that these past few days, he’d been watching from afar, unable to get close to Prince Huan. The pining had gotten so bad he’d lost weight.

His roommate Wei Simo kept telling him how kind and approachable Prince Huan was—not just beautiful in looks, but even more so in heart, like some kind of fairy-tale prince.

Now that the spring hunt was ending, he was terrified this might be the last time he ever saw him. The prince had promised him a future, but who knew when that future would come?

He didn’t want some distant tomorrow—he wanted today.

But he also knew asking his father to help would likely be pointless. His father was known for being cautious. The hotter Prince Huan’s star rose, the colder his father’s shoulder got.

After changing, Fu Huang received Chancellor Xie and others in his tent, with Fu Ye listening in.

Fu Ye hadn’t had time to change, just tidied himself up. Afraid he might smell, he loaded his belt with perfume pouches before stepping into the neighboring tent.

Fu Huang said, “They’re going over the spring exam results—you should listen too.”

Fu Ye was used to this and took his usual spot off to the side.

Though Fu Huang sometimes let him get away with murder, in front of men like Chancellor Xie, he rarely tolerated impropriety.

So before the senior ministers, Fu Ye played the part of the perfect gentleman prince. Even now, with his hair slightly disheveled and cheeks flushed, standing beside the imposing Emperor, he looked like a fragrant red orchid—utterly stunning.

With the spring exams concluded, as per tradition, the results and profiles of standout candidates were presented to the Emperor before the palace examination, giving him a general sense of things.

Chancellor Xie and the others spoke of this year’s exams with excitement.

This round had produced a wealth of talent—almost as legendary as the "Hundred Blossoms Ranking" during Mingzong’s reign.

The "Hundred Blossoms Ranking" was often cited when people talked about the golden age of Mingzong’s rule. Great Zhou had a thing for class, and nobles loved fancy embroidery—like the Fu clan’s sun, moon, and stars for imperial emblems, while officials went nuts over intricate floral patterns.

In that year’s exam, over two hundred passed, and more than thirty later reached third rank or higher. That list became known as the "Hundred Blossoms Ranking," symbolizing a golden age blooming with talent. Some of those guys were big shots now—like Chancellor Xie Qi’an, who was the third-place finisher back then.

Earlier this year, Dayong fell to the Red Lotus Society, and its new ruler, Huang Tianyi—a battle-hungry hardass—had ambitions to conquer the realm. With war knocking at the border, people in Great Zhou grew uneasy. Seeing how indifferent the Emperor seemed to life and death, many figured the dynasty was done for.

But now, with the court buzzing with new energy and the exams stacked with talent, it felt like luck was finally smiling on Great Zhou—as if a comeback was in the cards!

Even better than the exam results was that His Majesty the Emperor had grown increasingly considerate toward his veteran officials. When Chancellor Xie and the others finished reporting the examination results and prepared to return to the capital, the Emperor, in a rather cheerful mood, said, "My dear ministers have traveled tirelessly. Join me for lunch before leaving—there's no hurry."

...Prince Huan bagged plenty of game today and wanted everyone to share in it, so he invited them to dine together.

Touched, Chancellor Xie and the other senior ministers prostrated themselves in thanks.

It had been years since they last received the privilege of dining with the Emperor.

Traditionally, the Emperor would share his own game with the ministers as a mark of favor. But this spring hunt, though His Majesty had a plentiful haul, he chose to bestow Prince Huan’s game as a reward to his subjects. Seeing how delighted the Emperor was over the prince’s modest catch of hares and pheasants, he seemed ready to shout it from the rooftops.

The Emperor truly doted on Prince Huan beyond measure.

But who knew what Prince Huan truly felt toward His Majesty?

Eunuch Qin steeled himself, determined to make a move for his lord.

For he had just overheard the ministers at the hunting grounds discussing a juicy gossip circulating among this year’s examination candidates.

The gossip involved male romance—what a heaven-sent opportunity!

He reasoned that he already understood the Emperor’s feelings. The pressing matter now was to determine whether Prince Huan might also develop affection for the Emperor.

Surely, the Emperor himself must be eager to know as well.

Otherwise, why would he be itching to act but holding himself back?

If Prince Huan harbored such potential, then all would naturally end in joy. If not, the Emperor should still be made aware, so he could proceed with greater caution in the future.

He mustn’t startle the prince.

With the spring hunt concluded, they were set to depart for the hot springs by Goddess Lake in mid-afternoon (the hour of Shen).

Fu Ye instructed Qing Xi and the others to pack their belongings.

Everything else was manageable, but the most crucial item was that single stem of green cypripedium orchid.

He intended to secretly preserve it as a specimen.

Seeing how dearly the prince treasured this orchid, Eunuch Qin took heart at this.

Thus, he personally attended to Fu Ye’s dressing. The Emperor was just behind the folding screen, reviewing memorials—there could be no better opportunity.

So, he proceeded to share the gossip he had just overheard with the prince.

"This humble servant just heard several ministers outside discussing this year’s top examination candidate. They say he recently caused quite a stir in the capital over his taste for men—these past two days, the matter has been the talk of the town."

Fu Ye, who had always loved gossip, was instantly all ears.

"Taste for men?"

Eunuch Qin nodded like a garlic pounder, his gaze flickering past the partition screen toward the distant Emperor. Steadying himself, he began recounting the tale to Fu Ye.

The story went that this spring’s top candidate was a brilliant young scholar named Zhang Gui, whose poetry was praised as "vigorous in craft and mighty in essence," while his policy essays were hailed by Chancellor Xie as "a once-in-a-generation mind."

Yet this top scholar had recently become embroiled in a scandalous controversy.

It was said that during his stay in the capital for the examinations, he had lodged at the White Water Temple in the outskirts. There, he met a young monk, formerly known as Zhao Ziying, whose appearance was exceptionally refined. Born into a scholarly family that had fallen into decline, he had taken monastic vows but remained skilled in music, chess, calligraphy, and painting.

During his stay, Zhang Gui and Zhao Ziying harmonized like zither and lute, becoming kindred spirits. After the examination results were announced, Zhang Gui, now the top candidate, immediately returned to the temple to take Zhao Ziying away and restore him to secular life. However, the White Water Temple, citing the monk’s violation of monastic vows by engaging in romantic affairs, imprisoned Zhao Ziying and forbade their reunion. Several of Zhang Gui’s fellow candidates, hot-headed and indignant, stormed the temple to forcibly retrieve Zhao Ziying, sparking an uproar. In the end, it was revealed that the temple’s supervising monk had harbored feelings for Zhao Ziying but, spurned, grew jealous and thus played the mandarin-duck breaker.

The abbot was no ordinary man either, so he reported Zhang Gui for misconduct, accusing him and Zhao Ziying of carrying on scandalously in the sacred grounds of the temple.

Now in the capital, some support White Water Temple while others side with Zhang Gui and his young paramour. The two factions each stick to their own version of events, causing an uproar.

Fu Ye listened, utterly dumbfounded.

This... could it be that male relationships in the capital had reached such a level of openness?

The entire capital was buzzing about it?!

Fu Ye was shocked.

Eunuch Qin, bowing his head as he secured the eight-jeweled pendant—a specific type of imperial jewelry—spoke with utmost gentleness: "Your Highness may not be aware, but in truth, male relationships are quite common in our dynasty. The Prince of Qi, the Prince of Zhao, and others all have favored male companions and cherished commanders."

This, Fu Ye already knew.

When he had previously admitted his preference for male company, Eunuch Qin had told him stories about these men and their male consorts—accounts so colorful they even included rumors of fights breaking out among the consorts themselves.

Eunuch Qin coughed lightly, then stole another glance at the emperor before lowering his voice. "Truth be told, it’s hardly unusual for members of the imperial family to have such preferences. Throughout history, many emperors have had male favorites in their courts."

Fu Ye replied, "I know that too."

Eunuch Qin, with a kindly expression, asked, "Then, Your Highness, what sort of man appeals to you?"

Unexpectedly, the prince became immediately guarded. He turned to look at him and whispered sharply, "Did His Majesty send you to probe me? I have absolutely no such intentions."

"No, no! This humble servant is merely curious on his own."

Fu Ye felt a sudden fluster and glanced toward the emperor, who was reading petitions. It was impossible to tell how much he had overheard, but the tent was so quiet that he must have caught at least some of their conversation. He finally answered, "Naturally, one with pleasing features."

Fu Huang's expression darkened slightly.

"Someone taller than me."

Fu Huang's expression eased somewhat.

No one around was taller than him.

Eunuch Qin, inwardly excited, coaxed further, "And what of lineage? This humble servant dares suggest that, given Your Highness’s supreme nobility, the other party’s background should not be too modest, lest Your Highness suffer indignity. Moreover, a true man must have capability and reliability. Some handsome but hollow men are nothing more than empty shells. Your Highness is unrivaled in beauty—if you wish to admire beauty, you need only look in a mirror! Though, come to think of it, given Your Highness’s noble grace and unmatched beauty, finding someone worthy is no easy task. The family must match, and the character must be fitting."

But Fu Ye remained silent.

Because as he listened, an image of Fu Huang inexplicably surfaced in his mind.

Ah, stop this.

Startled, his thoughts scattered, as if the subtle feelings in his heart had suddenly been exposed. Speaking as much to Eunuch Qin as to himself, he said, "Capability and lineage are important, yes, but for long-term companionship, a gentle temperament matters most—someone of good upbringing, cultured and polished, a true gentleman. That’s the kind best suited for domestic life."

In short, it could not be the emperor.

Eunuch Qin: "...I see."

Heavens, his worst fear had come true!

The Emperor didn’t fit the prince’s preferences at all.

Flustered, Fu Ye heard the sound of carriages outside and hurriedly said, "Is Chancellor Xie about to leave? I’ll bid him farewell on His Majesty’s behalf."

With that, he swiftly stepped out from behind the screen. His gaze flickered toward the emperor as his girdle pendants chimed and the eight-jeweled pendant swayed, catching the sunlight at the entrance in a dazzling shimmer of colors against his dark jade-colored robes—before disappearing past the drapery.

The grand tent fell into dead silence.

The emperor sat motionless, having stopped reading the memorials.

Though not rejected to his face, the emperor must have felt like a punch to the gut.

Eunuch Qin felt uneasy, regretting that he had asked, yet also thinking it was for the best—better than the emperor acting rashly and ruining their brotherhood.

But the emperor’s sullen mood frightened him. He wanted to offer comfort but didn’t know how to begin. He thought of how even an emperor could be denied what he desired, just like the Lady of Chu in the past.

…What a cruel fate.

Fu Huang only felt dizzy.

He had long known he wasn’t Fu Ye’s type, but hearing it from him still sent him into icy despair.

He grabbed a memorial, crushing it in his palm, when suddenly the door flap lifted. He looked up, only to see one of his Inner Officials entering.

Familiar with his temper, the Inner Official paled at his expression and quickly bowed his head, his voice trembling. "Your Majesty... Chancellor Xie requests to see you."

Chancellor Xie, aware that Xie Liangbi’s recent misconduct had left a bad impression on the emperor, feared keeping his son near the emperor. Seeing the emperor in a good mood today, he took the opportunity to plead for Xie Liangbi’s return to the capital. Thus, he brought his son before the tent.

But upon entering after the announcement, he found the emperor sitting gloomily on the couch, snapping, "What is it?"

Chancellor Xie flinched in fear.

The emperor’s moods were truly unpredictable! Hadn’t he been in a good mood just moments ago?!

It was too late to send Xie Liangbi away now, so he braced himself and said, "Would Your Majesty permit me to take him home? My elderly mother dearly misses my son."

Yet before he could finish, Xie Liangbi, who had been silent until then, suddenly knelt and kowtowed. "Your Majesty, I do not wish to return."

"Silence!" Chancellor Xie snapped in alarm.

Chancellor Xie, a cunning old fox who had served three reigns, was known above all for his obedience—a master at self-preservation. This was the first time anyone had heard him rebuke someone so fiercely.

Fu Huang, his head pounding, reclined on the couch and lifted his gaze. Xie Liangbi pressed his forehead to the ground and declared, "I have heard that all who joined today’s hunt received rewards from Your Majesty. I seek no reward—only a favor from Your Majesty."

"Xie Liangbi!" Chancellor Xie’s face flushed with panic.

Fu Huang leaned forward slightly, his sharp eyes narrowing. "What favor do you seek?"

As he moved, his black robes cascaded, the golden dragons embroidered upon them showing fierce eyes and menacing claws.

Xie Liangbi remained prostrate, his voice trembling—whether out of fear or passion, it was unclear. "I... wish to serve as Prince Huan’s personal guard. I beg Your Majesty’s permission!"

He lifted his head, his face flushed but his eyes burning with determination, as if for the sake of his love, he would brave any danger.

Fu Huang straightened, studying him intently.

Clad in a sky-blue robe embroidered with spring blossoms, the young man was just twenty.

His father was the current chancellor, his mother the daughter of a princess—his pedigree was impeccable.

His jade-like features, though incomparable to Fu Ye’s, still made him a handsome youth among ordinary men.

Standing nearly eight feet tall, he was undeniably tall and imposing.

As for temperament, he was renowned as a refined gentleman, graceful in demeanor.

Daring to defy Chancellor Xie and speak such a plea before the emperor showed both responsibility and courage.

What a perfect match for the prince!

Or maybe Fu Ye was just describing someone he knew well.

Wasn’t he close with Xie Liangbi?

At that moment, the emperor wanted nothing more than to have Xie Liangbi killed right then and there.

Eunuch Qin’s legs nearly gave out from fear.

That Xie brat had a death wish! He didn’t want the emperor to kill again!

The tent went deathly silent. Chancellor Xie was speechless—though he had no idea what to say. Years of serving the court told him instinctively that his son had enraged the emperor. Experience taught him that regardless of right or wrong, the first step was to kowtow and beg forgiveness.

He dropped to his knees with a *thud*. “My idiot son’s babbling nonsense! I beg Your Majesty’s mercy!”

With that, he pressed his forehead into the dirt.

Eunuch Qin fidgeted nervously, holding his breath, eyes fixed on the emperor.

The emperor looked like he was in agony, silent for a long while.

“Your Majesty…”

Fu Huang lifted a hand and ordered, “Summon Prince Huan.”

Eunuch Qin faltered. “Your Majesty…”

But Fu Huang’s gaze sharpened as he looked at him. “Go.”

Eunuch Qin gave a shallow bow and hurried out.

Right at the tent flap, Fu Huang suddenly called out, “Wait.”

Eunuch Qin froze and looked back.

Fu Huang remained silent.

Tentatively, Eunuch Qin ventured, “Your Majesty?”

He guessed Fu Huang meant to call Fu Ye—to test whether he would accept Xie Liangbi.

But His Majesty…

“Forget it,” Fu Huang abruptly said.

*My emperor, ruler of all! Why hesitate now?*

His chest tightened with frustration. “The prince wouldn’t take him anyway.”

Let the prince personally reject him—crush that Xie brat’s fantasies for good!

He believed the prince had the resolve.

But Fu Huang just looked at the father and son kneeling on the ground and said to Chancellor Xie, “Take your son away from here. Do not let me see him again.”

Chancellor Xie, as if spared execution, kowtowed deeply. “As Your Majesty commands!”

Xie Liangbi hurriedly grabbed his son's hand.

Xie Liangbi seemed to sense something was wrong, yet he couldn't figure out exactly what was happening.

He had merely wished to become Prince Huan's personal guard. Given his status, was such a request truly excessive?

It's not as if he had asked to marry the prince.

The tiger pattern on the carpet seemed to roar; the colors of yellow and red filled his vision. A strange smell combining earth and incense lingered around him. Already extremely nervous, he now felt even more frightened and confused, growing dizzy. Clutched tightly by his father's hand, he staggered out of the large tent.

"My head aches terribly," Fu Huang said to Eunuch Qin.

Eunuch Qin replied, "This servant once asked the prince, and His Highness absolutely showed no intention of taking anyone new into his quarters."

"It's not that he doesn't want to, he just dares not," Fu Huang gritted his teeth. "You don't know him—he is very..."

"What do you mean 'very'?" the eunuch asked.

"He looks at erotic paintings, he's lustful, he prefers men..."

Fu Huang refused to continue, simply repeating, "My head aches terribly."

Under his arm, inside a rosewood box, lay an orchid he had given to that person.

Eunuch Qin quickly said, "This servant will go immediately and summon the prince."

Fu Huang seized his arm, leaning sideways to look at him and saying, "Don't startle him, or else... or else..."

"My lord, this servant understands completely!" Eunuch Qin hastily responded, nearly shedding tears of emotion.

At that moment, the thin paper separating master and servant had finally been pierced!

Immediately afterward, he turned and instructed those nearby: "Hurry and send for the prince to come at once!"