Chapter 25 He Has Some Dignity Too

Chapter 25: He Has Some Pride Too

When Yan Weichu emerged, he was wearing casual clothes, his damp hair loose and a faint mist still clinging to the corners of his eyes and brows.

Xie Xiao glanced at him, took a towel from a servant, and gestured, "Sit down."

Yan Weichu dutifully sat in a chair. Xie Xiao wrapped the towel around his hair ends and patiently dried his hair.

Tilting his head back slightly, Yan Weichu looked up at Xie Xiao’s focused expression and asked, "Cousin, have you ever done servants' work before?"

Xie Xiao replied calmly, "No."

Yan Weichu smiled. "Then I'm truly honored to be served by you like this."

Xie Xiao was briefly dazzled by his smile but showed no reaction, asking evenly, "How do you plan to repay the favor?"

"You're so calculating, Cousin," Yan Weichu continued smiling. "Didn't I help you just now?"

He was hinting at something without showing any embarrassment.

Xie Xiao was just as unflappable: "Didn’t I use my hands to help you? We’re even."

Alright, alright. Yan Weichu gave in. Then again, Xie Xiao, who had spent years handling blades and spears, had callused palms and far greater strength. Yan Weichu had actually enjoyed it—so maybe he hadn't come out so badly after all?

He thought these things without blushing or getting flustered.

Well then. He was the emperor, and magnanimous, and would grant his cousin pardon for the serious offense of disrespect toward his imperial person.

A servant brought over a bowl of longevity noodles, still steaming.

It was nearly evening, and after all the day's activities, Yan Weichu was already hungry. He commented wistfully, "I haven't had these since I was seven."

Xie Xiao asked, "Why?"

"My birth mother passed away. No one bothered to arrange it."

Yan Weichu said it casually, without much sadness showing on his face.

Every year on this day, he would receive greetings and blessings from officials at banquets, playing his part as a puppet. As for the personal meaning of his birthday—there was none.

Empress Dowager Xie wouldn't withhold a bowl of noodles from him, but since her wishes for his long life and health weren’t sincere, eating them seemed pointless.

Xie Xiao felt a slight tug of emotion. "Eat."

Yan Weichu smiled. "Thank you, Cousin."

Xie Xiao’s gaze rested on his bright face and nodded slightly. "Mm."

After he finished the bowl of noodles, Shun Xi entered and reported in a low voice, "My Lord, someone from the residence just came with urgent news, requesting your return."

Yan Weichu raised an eyebrow. This "home" clearly didn't mean the Count of Anding’s residence—it was word from Yaotai.

He turned to Xie Xiao and said, "Cousin, I need to head back now."

Xie Xiao stood. "Very well, I'll walk you out."

Before getting into the carriage, Yan Weichu suddenly turned back and asked Xie Xiao, "Are you going to Yundu Mountain?"

Xie Xiao said helplessly, "Why are you so set on Yundu Mountain?"

Yan Weichu grumbled, "I want to go."

He hadn’t originally considered it, but after Su Ping failed to invite Xie Xiao, he was dead set on succeeding.

If others couldn't get this honor, he had to.

Unfortunately, Xie Xiao wasn't biting. "I’ll think about it. If I have time, perhaps."

Yan Weichu didn’t believe he lacked time. "What keeps you so busy every day, Cousin? Even without your official post, you still have no time?"

"Studying."

Xie Xiao said, "Spend more time studying—cultivate your character and mind."

Yan Weichu believed that even less.

In broad daylight, in a carriage, you wanted to have your way with me—your character cultivation doesn’t seem very effective.

"Get in the carriage," Xie Xiao reminded him. "Return early."

Yan Weichu shot him a reproachful glance and stepped inside.

Xie Xiao remained standing by the carriage, unmoving.

Yan Weichu pushed open the window and said finally, "Cousin, until next time."

His smile was vivid. Xie Xiao watched him and nodded lightly. "Alright. Until next time."

*

Yaotai.

Cui Shao and Wan Xuanju were already waiting for the emperor.

Yan Weichu entered, too lazy to change clothes, and sat down directly. "Speak."

The Embroidered Uniform Guard and the Eastern Depot had been investigating the Prince Regent’s old accounts these past days. Today, they made a new discovery: at one of the Prince Regent’s manors in the distant suburbs, they uncovered a batch of forbidden items.

The manor’s stewards and servants had already been imprisoned and confessed without resistance—the items had indeed been hidden there earlier under the Prince Regent’s orders.

Among them were twenty sets of heavy armor, over a hundred repeating crossbows, stockpiled blades, spears, bows, arrows, and firearms, privately carved jade seals, official seals, several sets of dragon robes, and even imperial crowns.

This wasn’t about brother succeeding brother—it was the Prince Regent openly aiming to usurp the throne himself.

Yan Weichu picked up one of the presented jade seals, examined it, and commented fairly, "The craftsmanship is better than the Imperial Workshop’s."

Cui Shao said, "Your Majesty, the Prince Regent’s treasonous intentions are clear. The previous Commander of the Embroidered Uniform Guard’s rebellion must be connected to him. I failed to investigate thoroughly and concluded the case hastily—that was my error. I beg Your Majesty to allow me to atone by investigating this matter completely."

Yan Weichu followed up, "Do you have any leads?"

Cui Shao gritted his teeth. "That manor was gifted to the Prince Regent by the Marquis of Huai’an years ago. Since the Prince Regent harbored disloyal intentions, the Marquis of Huai’an is likely involved as well. Although the Prince Regent is dead, the people in his residence and the Marquis of Huai’an’s mansion must be investigated one by one. I request permission to surround both mansions and imprison everyone in them for interrogation."

This was clearly personal vengeance—even willing to have the Marquis of Huai’an’s family executed and their clan exterminated. A ruthless man indeed.

Yan Weichu didn’t expose him, only saying, "Wait a few more days. Don’t alert them prematurely. Besides the Marquis of Huai’an’s mansion, investigate every noble household that had ties or was close to the Prince Regent’s residence. Scrutinize them all for me."

Cui Shao responded with solemn respect, cupping his hands in acknowledgment.

Yan Weichu gave a few more instructions and dismissed him to handle the task.

Left with only Wan Xuanju, Yan Weichu glanced at him sideways and asked, "In the past, the Embroidered Uniform Guard followed the Eastern Depot’s lead. Now that you’re assisting them, do you resent it?"

The old eunuch bowed respectfully and fawned, "Any task assigned by His Majesty, I am willing to do whatever it takes; how could I possibly object?"

Though Yan Weichu disliked this eunuch, he couldn't fault his attitude. He added, "My mother is gravely ill, and the imperial physicians have taken turns treating her to no avail. What do you suggest I do?"

Wan Xuanju knew well that the Young Emperor still harbored resentment over the incident years ago when Consort Zheng was forced by the Empress Dowager to drink poison and join the burial. He was grateful he hadn't been involved then and had even secretly sent word to the Young Emperor, allowing them a final meeting between mother and son. That act had earned him favor in the Young Emperor's eyes, sparing his miserable life thus far.

With keen perception, he said, "I originally came from the Empress Dowager's palace and also worry about Her Majesty's health. I am willing to attend to her illness and humbly ask for Your Majesty's permission."

As for whether serving her might end up serving her to death, that was another matter entirely.

If the Young Emperor didn't want to dirty his hands, wasn't it their duty as servants to volunteer?

Yan Weichu lounged lazily in the imperial throne, eyes drooping, not immediately responding.

Wan Xuanju and Cui Shao were two extremes—Cui Shao was ruthless and brutal, while Wan Xuanju was cunning, despicable, and utterly shameless. One was a blade, the other a dog, both exceedingly useful.

After a long pause, he said, "I still hope my mother can hold on, at least through the New Year."

Otherwise, he'd have to enter a mourning period for that old witch, which would be terribly annoying.

Wan Xuanju understood immediately and said, "The Empress Dowager will surely be heartened by His Majesty's filial piety and strive to endure a while longer as you wish. However, given her long-standing illness, she may suffer greatly. This servant will do my utmost in attending to her."

Yan Weichu glanced at him. "Then proceed as you suggested."

Having received the Young Emperor's consent, Wan Xuanju felt relieved. Keeping the Empress Dowager barely alive and in agony wasn't difficult—the Eastern Depot had no shortage of underhanded methods guaranteed to make Her Majesty wish for death.

Yan Weichu knew full well but suddenly thought of something else. Hesitating slightly, he asked, "Do you have any ointment for men to use... during intimate relations?"

Wan Xuanju choked, assuming the Young Emperor had taken a fancy to some male companion. Smiling obsequiously, he replied, "Naturally, we do."

Though a eunuch, he was well-versed in decadent practices and had seen it all. "Does His Majesty want the ordinary kind or something more... specialized?"

The Young Emperor asked expressionlessly and earnestly, "What's the difference?"

Wan Xuanju elaborated, "The ordinary kind simply provides comfort, applied during relations to prevent injury. The specialized kind has... arousal-enhancing properties..."

Yan Weichu frowned. "The ordinary kind will suffice."

If he asked Zheng Shize, that scoundrel would surely have such things too, but he'd inevitably spout vulgar nonsense.

As the exalted Emperor, he had his dignity to maintain.

*

The next day, Xie Xiao went again to the Count of Anding's residence, but Yan Weichu was not there.

Bian Shen received him in the hall, gesturing for him to sit as if welcoming family. "The young master went out early to play. I've sent people to look for him. Please have some tea and snacks—he should be back soon."

Xie Xiao asked, "Where did he go? I can go find him myself—no need to trouble you."

Bian Shen couldn't very well say the Young Emperor was still at Yaotai and hadn't arrived yet. He smiled. "That child is wild—I don't know where he's run off to. I can only send people to his usual spots to look. Please sit. Don't you want to catch up with your uncle?"

With the elder insisting, Xie Xiao had no choice but to sit. Servants brought tea and snacks, and he made small talk with Bian Shen.

Bian Shen had once garrisoned Suzhou with Xie Xiao's maternal grandfather, the Marquis of Loyalty. Xie Xiao had spent two years there as a child and was quite familiar with this Count of Anding.

Both were generals who had made their names young on the battlefield, feeling a mutual respect. Despite the age difference, they were almost like friends across generations.

The Count of Anding's residence had never been particularly prominent in the capital. Their ancestral glory had long faded, and over the years, only Bian Shen had achieved prominence. Xie Xiao had never quite understood why he chose to live in seclusion but knew better than to ask pointed questions.

As they reminisced, Xie Xiao seemed distracted, his gaze frequently drifting toward the courtyard. Bian Shen noticed and found it amusing.

So the Young Emperor wasn't the only one invested. Good.

Though this game was playing out rather intensely—it might be hard to rein in later.

Midway, a maid serving tea accidentally spilled some on Xie Xiao. Bian Shen had someone take him to the rear chambers to change.

When he returned, Ji Lanshu was also in the hall, discussing matters with Bian Shen.

"I've reviewed these betrothal drafts and picked two promising candidates. Tomorrow, I'll send someone to inquire about auspicious dates. Once chosen, we can quickly exchange detailed betrothal documents with the young woman's family to finalize the marriage arrangements. This will also put your mind at ease."

Bian Shen smiled, satisfied. "Thank you for your hard work."

Xie Xiao's steps faltered slightly as he realized they were arranging a marriage.

The one to be married couldn't be Bian Shen himself—otherwise, why would he have taken in an heir? So it must be the heir, Bian Chun.

As fellow nobles and both heirs, Xie Xiao knew this was inevitable.

The various interactions between him and that young lord were indeed due to his own indulgence—completely improper and not worth dwelling on.

Xie Xiao quickly suppressed his emotions, stepped inside, and bid farewell to Bian Shen and the others.

"Weren't you waiting for the young master to return?" Bian Shen asked, puzzled.

Xie Xiao said, "There are matters at my residence I must attend to. I should head back now. I'll arrange to meet with the heir another time."

Insisting on leaving, Bian Shen didn't press further and had the steward see him out.

Ji Lanshu watched the figure walking away and hesitantly said, "...Did the Marquis of Dingbei overhear our conversation just now? Could he have misunderstood?"

Bian Shen looked at the betrothal drafts in his hand and suddenly understood. "No wonder."

How would they dare arrange a marriage for the Young Emperor!

Though he had no son, he had a nephew. His second brother had died of illness two years ago, and his nephew had gone to Jizhou to inherit his father's position, now serving as a captain in the Jizhou navy. At sixteen, it was natural for him, as an elder, to help arrange the marriage.

What a misunderstanding...

"Should we inform His Majesty?" Ji Lanshu asked.

Bian Shen thought for a moment. "Forget it. Let's pretend we don't know and let them sort it out themselves."

Ji Lanshu felt uneasy, but Bian Shen smiled. "Don't worry. Nothing goes smoothly without some setbacks. Without experiencing some turbulence, how can the Marquis of Dingbei become utterly devoted to His Majesty? I'm doing this for our son's sake."

Ji Lanshu could only sigh. You're really presuming upon your relationship with the Young Emperor now.

As the emperor, Yan Weichu had numerous governmental affairs to attend to daily and couldn't always leave the palace.

When the message from the Count of Anding's residence arrived, he was in the midst of an audience with officials. Another half-hour passed before he dismissed them and prepared to set out. Then another message came, saying the Marquis of Dingbei couldn't wait any longer and had already left.

Yan Weichu remained silent.

Is that all the patience you have?

He simply sat back down and returned to his duties.

Since Xie Xiao had already left, why would he go making the trip for nothing?

He did have his dignity, after all.