Chapter 28 Love-Struck Brains Are to Be Avoided

Chapter 28: No Room for Love-Struck Folly

Half a month later.

Early in the morning, Yan Weichu was reviewing petitions when Zhao Anfu entered, presenting an invitation. He explained that the Marquis of Dingbei had personally delivered it to the Count of Anding's residence that very morning.

"The Marquis is still waiting for you in the main hall of the Count's residence. If you do not wish to see him, I can send someone to inform the Count of Anding, who will then politely dismiss him."

Yan Weichu said nothing, casually opening the invitation. It contained only one line:

"I did not redeem him. I was wrong. Will you go to Yundu Mountain with me?"

Zhao Anfu looked up, relieved to see the Young Emperor's face, which had been clouded for half a month, brighten like the sky after a rainstorm.

The Marquis of Dingbei had finally done something sensible.

That night, after Yan Weichu had posed his question and seen Xie Xiao speechless, he had fled again and hadn't sought him out since.

His anger and sorrow at the time were not entirely feigned. Yan Weichu felt his pride was wounded, thinking that if Xie Xiao truly insisted on marrying that musician, he would have to use his imperial prerogatives to break them apart. Fortunately, his cousin had seen the light and returned to the right path.

Closing the invitation, Yan Weichu's lips curved into a smile as he instructed, "Help me change."

In the main hall of the Count of Anding's residence, Xie Xiao was, as usual, distracted, sipping tea and engaging in desultory small talk with Bian Shen.

The Count of Anding mentioned that his nephew's marriage had been settled and that the wedding would take place next month. He was beaming with joy.

Xie Xiao finally realized he had misunderstood something and hesitantly asked, "...Is the Count not concerned about your heir's marriage plans?"

Bian Shen chuckled. "Chun'er is still young; there's no rush. His temperament isn't settled yet. I'll ask His Majesty to give him a position first, then we can consider these matters."

What he didn't mention was that his nephew was actually younger than the Young Emperor.

Xie Xiao quietly took a sip of tea.

Yan Weichu arrived at the Count of Anding's residence through a side entrance. When he appeared in the main hall, Xie Xiao had already been waiting for him for some time.

"Chun'er, you're too slow. What were you doing back there?" Bian Shen played along.

Yan Weichu mumbled in explanation, "How was I to know Cousin would come so early in the morning? I hadn't even gotten up yet..."

Xie Xiao knew he was doing it on purpose but didn't make an issue of it. "It wasn't too long a wait."

Yan Weichu leaned closer and asked with a smile, "Cousin, did you come to see me?"

Xie Xiao looked into his smiling eyes and nodded slightly. "Yes."

The stalemate from that night melted away.

Yan Weichu beamed and said to Bian Shen, "Father, Cousin and I are going out to play."

Bian Shen waved them off. "Go on, go on. Don't get into too much mischief, and come back early."

Xie Xiao stood up and bid farewell to Bian Shen.

Once they were in the carriage, he asked Yan Weichu, "Where are we going?"

Yan Weichu said, "My cousin is getting married soon. He's in Jizhou, so I can't see him, but I still need to send a gift. Let's go buy a wedding gift."

Xie Xiao paused at this, then asked with a hint of meaning, "Your cousin is already getting married. What about you? The Count of Anding says you haven't settled down yet. Aren't you ashamed?"

Yan Weichu smiled and glanced at him. "Cousin is very concerned about when I'll marry?"

Xie Xiao fell silent.

...That night, someone had red eyes and accused him of planning to marry someone else.

Xie Xiao remained quiet, and Yan Weichu didn't press the matter.

Xie Xiao had only said he hadn't redeemed the musician, but that didn't mean he had given up on the idea of marrying a male spouse altogether. This was a score that still needed to be settled.

They went straight to West Street, and the carriage stopped in front of the largest jewelry shop there.

As soon as they stepped out, imperial guards came to clear the way, shouting at everyone to back up and not block the road or delay the Eastern Depot's business.

Again, it was the Eastern Depot's locust-like swarm making a mess.

Xie Xiao wanted to avoid trouble and pulled Yan Weichu back a step toward the carriage, intending to go directly into the store. But Yan Weichu stopped and said curiously, "Let's watch first."

Up ahead, they could see imperial guards approaching in a long procession. At the front, on a tall horse, was Wan Xuanju, strutting arrogantly.

"Which family is being raided today? It's actually Wan Xuanju personally leading the prisoners?"

Someone in the crowd spoke up, and those around began buzzing with talk.

The regent had been accused of treason, and three commandery princes were also implicated. The Embroidered Uniform Guard had already escorted them from their fiefs to the capital a few days prior. Countless noble houses were involved, and the first to be targeted was the Marquis of Huai'an's residence. Cui Shao had personally led the raid, locking his father up in the Imperial Prison.

In just half a month, not only was the Imperial Prison packed, but the Ministry of Justice's prison and the Dali Temple prison, which had been requisitioned, were also nearly full. The noble families in the capital were on edge.

"I heard it's the Marquis of Wuyang. Early this morning, the Embroidered Uniform Guard and the Eastern Depot directly surrounded the Marquis of Wuyang's residence with soldiers. The Embroidered Uniform Guard's men rushed in to raid the place, and these Eastern Depot operatives dragged the old Marquis out like a dead dog. So arrogant!"

"How many marquises have been taken down now? His Majesty truly doesn't make a sound but strikes with thunder. The regent is dead but still labeled a rebel. In just half a month, not only has the entire Prince Cheng's household been thrown into the Imperial Prison, but three commandery princes, one duke, six marquises, and four counts have also fallen. Who knows when this will end..."

"Exactly. The Commander of the Embroidered Uniform Guard even personally led the raid on his own family. What does that mean? No wonder His Majesty previously allowed him to sever ties with the Marquis of Huai'an. It was all leading to this."

"All of you, lower your voices! Discussing His Majesty openly on the streets—do you have a death wish?"

Various voices came from all directions. Yan Weichu tilted his head and made a face at Xie Xiao. "Cousin, these Eastern Depot agents led by Wan Xuanju are so fierce. They really need to be taught a lesson."

Xie Xiao frowned. The soldiers clearing the way were loudly driving away the onlookers, occasionally drawing their swords to intimidate them. They were truly lawless.

A dozen prisoner carts passed by, carrying the weeping and wailing Marquis of Wuyang and his family.

Wan Xuanju was personally leading the escort. As he passed by, he overheard Yan Weichu's comment and turned to glare fiercely. What lowlife dared to gossip behind his back...

Huh?!

The eunuch's eyes widened in shock, and he swiftly turned his head back. Was he seeing things? Did he just catch a glimpse of His Majesty?

Yan Weichu took a step back at his glare and hid behind Xie Xiao. "Cousin, I'm scared."

Xie Xiao sighed to himself, unsure whether the young man was bold or timid. He dared to speak recklessly on the street but got scared when glared at.

Wan Xuanju caught sight of this out of the corner of his eye, and his heart pounded. He barely managed to keep himself from falling off his horse.

The person next to His Majesty seemed to be... the Marquis of Dingbei? But why was His Majesty acting like a bashful newlywed?

Oh no, he seemed to have stumbled upon some incredible secret. What His Majesty had asked for before... was it what he thought?

The eunuch, having survived to this day, was no fool. After a moment's thought, he quickly abandoned his plan to dismount and kneel. Instead, he loudly scolded the others who were swaggering about: "Quit stalling! Move quickly!"

His Majesty has already said you all need to be taught a lesson; we'll deal with you later!

The guards escorting the prisoners hurried away, and the onlookers also dispersed.

Xie Xiao turned back and gestured to Yan Weichu: "No more show to watch, let’s go in and shop."

Yan Weichu gave an awkward laugh: "Mm."

As soon as they stepped inside, the shopkeeper hurried over to greet them.

This pearl shop had three floors, filled with dazzling jewelry, gold, stone, jade, and artifacts. Its owner was a wealthy tycoon from Jiangnan.

Since the Marquis’s carriage was parked right outside, the shopkeeper knew their status and was exceptionally attentive, inviting them directly to the third floor.

The third floor exclusively served VIP clients like them. Hot tea and snacks were served, and the items brought out were premium items not publicly sold downstairs, including rare treasures from overseas.

Yan Weichu picked up a pearl larger than a longan, holding it up to the light to examine. The pearl was perfectly round and flawless, with a brilliant shine and a faint pink hue—truly a rare treasure.

The shopkeeper smiled and praised his discerning eye, saying these high-quality pearls were from the South Seas. There were over a dozen, and this was the largest one, having just arrived this morning—they happened to come at the right time.

Yan Weichu glanced at the shopkeeper and said, "Oh, so it’s contraband from overseas."

The shopkeeper’s smile stiffened, but he calmly replied, "Not at all! These were specially shipped here by South Seas merchants to sell. That’s why the stock is limited, making them even more precious."

Yan Weichu couldn't be bothered to call him out: "Fine, I’ll take all these pearls. They’ll make a nice necklace for my sister-in-law. Also, have a set of gold hairpieces made, and pick out a set of jade crowns and hairpins for men—as a wedding present."

Since he was borrowing the identity of the Count of Anding’s heir, and as the emperor, he wasn’t stingy. Imperial gifts were tricky, but buying expensive jewelry was convenient.

After all, he’d been seizing properties left and right lately—he had money.

The shopkeeper beamed with delight: "Excellent! You two please sit and enjoy some tea. I’ll go pick out a few more fine items for you."

After the shopkeeper left, Xie Xiao reminded Yan Weichu: "These things aren’t cheap."

Yan Weichu sipped his tea and reassured him: "My father has money."

He was referring to his biological father, the late emperor, who had left a substantial amount in the imperial treasury—all squandered by the regent. Now, he’d taken it back through his own efforts.

Xie Xiao didn't say anything more. As long as he was happy.

"Still, we should keep a low profile," Yan Weichu added. "Wealth shouldn’t be flaunted. If the Eastern Depot takes notice and raids my home, wouldn't that be something."

Xie Xiao laughed: "Why are you worried? Didn’t you say before that even if they target the vulnerable, it wouldn’t be like this? This matter shouldn’t involve the Count of Anding’s estate."

"What about your Duke of Zhenguo’s estate then?" Yan Weichu asked him. "That night, cousin, you said His Majesty wasn’t at ease with you. What if His Majesty uses this as a chance to target you?"

"Unlikely," Xie Xiao said calmly. "As I said, His Majesty wouldn’t want instability in the border regions at this time, so he wouldn’t move against the Duke of Zhenguo’s estate now. His Majesty moved decisively against the capital’s nobility as soon as he regained control of the capital garrison, but he isn’t reckless. He hasn’t touched the families holding military power in the border regions. However…"

Yan Weichu picked up: "However what?"

Yan Weichu smiled: "Didn’t General Shi temporarily take over the capital garrison?"

"He’s not suitable," Xie Xiao dismissed immediately. "He’ll have to return south eventually. Besides, he’s old and lacks prestige in the capital. Those here won’t respect him."

Yan Weichu ribbed: "Cousin, you seem to know His Majesty well. Guess what he might do?"

Xie Xiao lifted his eyes, seeing Yan Weichu’s amused look, and didn’t continue: "I can’t guess."

The shopkeeper returned with several lookbooks for Yan Weichu to choose accessory designs from, along with a few other fine items, hoping to catch Yan Weichu’s eye.

He could already tell this was a high-value customer—plenty of money and willing to spend it.

Yan Weichu took a liking to a pair of paired jade pendants, made of warm white jade, depicting the sun and moon united, twin and interdependent, and paid for them then and there.

Xie Xiao asked: "Are these also for a gift?"

Yan Weichu blinked: "I'm not telling."

Xie Xiao picked up the two pendants for a closer look, then set them back down: "Suit yourself."

"..." Couldn’t you ask a bit more about who they’re for? You're no fun.

Around noon, Xie Xiao saw Yan Weichu back to his residence. When the carriage stopped, he asked: "Are you going to Yundu Mountain the day after tomorrow?"

The same question, but now the asker and the asked had switched places.

Yan Weichu smiled: "If I have time—"

Xie Xiao gave him a stern look. Yan Weichu changed his answer: "Alright, fine, I’ll go."

Xie Xiao said: "I’ll pick you up at 7 a.m. the day after tomorrow. Remember to have the servants pack your things for the trip."

Fine, he’d go. Yan Weichu nodded obediently—he was so easily persuaded.

*

After Xie Xiao left, Yan Weichu returned to Yaotai.

Cui Shao came to ask how to handle those imprisoned. Yan Weichu, fiddling with the two jade pendants, replied offhandedly: "After verifying everything, I will convene a court session. The imperial clan members involved in the rebellion will have their titles revoked and their entire families executed. The rest, as before, will have three generations purged. At that time, have Wan Xuanju deliver the head of that young Prince Cheng to the Empress Dowager."

Cui Shao didn't dare question, simply cupping his hands and accepting the order.

After he left, Liu Zhu requested an audience, intending to advise Yan Weichu.

"Your Majesty, you’ve only just taken power. Last time, you already dealt with over a thousand people. Now, with such widespread executions, nearly ten thousand are implicated this time. The public is abuzz with discussion—I fear it may harm your reputation..."

Yan Weichu’s attention remained entirely on the jade pendants, his fingers slowly tracing their patterns. He replied scornfully: "What reputation? That I’m a tyrant? So what if I am a tyrant? Otherwise, those outsiders will think I’m just a greenhorn easy to bully.

"Besides, did I wrong those people? I had been imprisoned by the regent for ten years. They openly helped the regent try to replace me. With both witnesses and evidence, why should I spare them? They betrayed me first—what right do they have to blame me for being merciless?"

Liu Zhu worried: "But—"

Yan Weichu didn’t want to hear it: "Enough, Lord Liu. Let them talk. I don’t care about such things."

How many emperors could truly be completely indifferent to their reputation? Yet Yan Weichu was convinced he didn’t care.

Liu Zhu had no choice but to drop it, reminding him: "But the appointment for the Capital Garrison Commander must be decided quickly to reassure the public and prevent further chaos."

Yan Weichu asked: "Does Lord Liu have any suitable candidates to recommend?"

Liu Zhu was at a loss. The candidate needed to be able to suppress the remaining nobility in the capital, reassure the border regions and local authorities to prevent them from developing rebellious thoughts due to the emperor’s current actions, and, most importantly, be utterly loyal. Such a person would be very hard to find.

"I do have someone in mind," Yan Weichu set down the jade pendant and lightly uttered three words: "Marquis of Dingbei."

Liu Zhu was stunned. The—Marquis of Dingbei?

The Marquis of Dingbei’s status was sufficient—he could indeed suppress others and keep the Duke of Zhenguo in line. If the Duke of Zhenguo remained quiet, the other border regions wouldn’t dare act either. But—

Was he really suitable? Did His Majesty trust him? Wasn’t he recalled to the capital to strip him of his military power? Why would you give him the capital garrison? Your Majesty, have you lost your mind!

The father guards the crucial border stronghold, and the son controls the three major battalions of the capital garrison...

The Xie family is truly about to co-rule the empire with the Emperor—Your Majesty, what kind of joke is this!

If they join forces and raise the flag in rebellion, wouldn’t the Dajing Empire immediately change its surname to Xie? What’s left for you, the Yan Emperor?

Liu Zhu was literally sweating profusely, feeling deeply deceived and trapped on a doomed ship: "Your Majesty, please reconsider! This must not be done!"

Yan Weichu ignored him: "I think it’s fine. My imperial cousin is capable in every aspect and is the most suitable candidate. As long as I ensure his loyalty to me, and that he stands firmly by my side over the Duke of Zhenguo, there should be no issue."

"..." Where does this confidence of yours come from?

Liu Zhu suddenly recalled the Young Emperor’s words from that day: "My imperial cousin is highly capable, and I admire him greatly." His gaze toward Yan Weichu shifted entirely.

This isn’t just a case of being bewitched—it’s like he’s been hexed.

"Your Majesty, there’s something I don’t know if I should say!"

That lovesick nonsense is the last thing we need!

Yan Weichu straightened his expression: "If it shouldn’t be said, then don’t say it."

But I’m going to do it anyway.