Chapter 33 Just How Many Good Cousins Do You Have?

## Chapter 33: Just How Many "Good Cousins" Do You Have?

Xie Xiao’s grip tightened slightly, and Yan Weichu winced with a soft hiss of pain. "Cousin..."

Xie Xiao remained unmoved. "Answer me."

Yan Weichu feigned ignorance. "Answer what?"

Xie Xiao fixed his gaze on him, his eyes dark and intense, and asked again, "Are you the Emperor's man?"

Yan Weichu sighed. His cousin was so clever—the moment the imperial edict was delivered, everything was exposed. He had specifically arranged for the edict to be delivered after the wedding ceremony, fearing this very outcome. If only he had waited a couple more days...

"Cousin, you’re hurting me," Yan Weichu said, his eyelashes fluttering slightly, his eyes welling up.

Even though he was the one who had schemed, he could still act completely unbothered and innocent.

Xie Xiao released his grip, feeling utterly disappointed.

His voice was hoarse when he spoke again. "Rest. I’m going to the study."

With that, Xie Xiao turned and left.

Just as he was about to push open the door, Yan Weichu called out from behind him, "Cousin!"

Xie Xiao’s steps did not falter; he walked out without looking back.

For the first time, Yan Weichu felt a pang of hesitation and guilt. After a moment of internal struggle, he ultimately did not get up to follow. He sat quietly for a while before reaching up to remove the phoenix mask from his face and tossing it aside with force.

Shun Xi and the others lowered their heads, not daring to make a sound. The wedding official was sweating profusely, bewildered by how the wedding night had taken such an unexpected turn.

Finally, Yan Weichu spoke: "Everyone, leave."

The crowd withdrew, leaving only Yan Weichu alone in the bridal chamber. He remained seated on the edge of the bed, motionless.

After a long while, he closed his eyes briefly, then looked down at the phoenix mask he had thrown away. He reached out, picked it up, and gently traced his fingers over it before scoffing lightly. "So what if we don’t consummate the marriage? What’s the big deal… This Emperor doesn’t feel like serving him anyway."

*

Early the next morning, Shun Xi helped Yan Weichu with his hair. Yan Weichu glanced at his pale face and the faint dark circles under his eyes in the mirror and felt irritated.

It was all his cousin’s fault. Who causes trouble on their wedding night? If word got out that he had been abandoned on the first night—no, not abandoned, but disregarded—where would that leave the dignity of the Emperor?

Another young servant entered to deliver a message: "Young Master, breakfast is ready. The Marquis is expecting you."

Yan Weichu asked, "Did he say anything?"

The servant lowered his head. "...No."

Yan Weichu waved his hand impatiently. "Understood. You may go."

A quarter-hour later, Yan Weichu appeared in the dining hall. Xie Xiao was already seated at the table waiting for him.

When Xie Xiao saw him, he said nothing and simply picked up his silver chopsticks.

Yan Weichu was also in a sour mood. Fine, if he didn’t want to talk, then so be it. He took a seat as far from Xie Xiao as possible, had the servants serve him food, and ignored Xie Xiao completely.

The breakfast was awkward. On the first morning of their marriage, neither of them was willing to back down, and not a single word passed between them.

According to tradition, Xie Xiao was supposed to take Yan Weichu to the Duke of Zhenguo's residence to pay respects.

Before they left, they met Xie Yunniang, who had been waiting for them in the main hall. As the elder sister, she presented Yan Weichu with a wedding gift—a small jade bow. Yan Weichu finally smiled and said sweetly, "Thank you, Sister."

Xie Yunniang smiled in return. "I’m glad you like it."

Earlier, when Xie Xiao had informed her of his intention to marry the son of the Count of Anding, Xie Yunniang had guessed his underlying motives and advised him not to push himself to such extremes. But Xie Xiao’s remark, "A Li is quite endearing," had eased her concerns.

Others might not understand Xie Xiao, but she, his blood sister, knew him best. Her brother had fallen in love without even realizing it.

Yet today, the atmosphere seemed different from what she had imagined.

Xie Yunniang looked slightly puzzled, but Xie Xiao, not wanting her to worry, said they were in a hurry and left with Yan Weichu.

"I didn’t even get to speak with Sister properly…" Yan Weichu muttered, feeling uncomfortable. He searched for something to say. "Why doesn’t Sister live at the Duke’s residence? Isn’t she worried about gossip, living alone with you at the Marquis’s residence as a young woman?"

Xie Xiao’s eyes remained half-lidded. After a moment of silence, he replied flatly, "The Duke’s residence has too many rules. Sister doesn’t like it. She grew up on the frontier with me and dislikes such constraints."

Yan Weichu asked, "How strict are the rules at your Duke’s residence? Do they eat people alive?"

After a long pause, Xie Xiao finally glanced at him. "Yes, especially little liars."

Yan Weichu: "…"

This conversation was going nowhere.

By the end of the morning hours, they arrived at the Duke of Zhenguo’s residence. Several of Xie Xiao’s paternal uncles and cousins were waiting at the gate to welcome them.

During the previous day’s wedding banquet at the Marquis’s residence, only Xie Yi had initially attended. The Duke of Zhenguo's residence hadn’t even hung a single lantern. Later, the Emperor had sent someone to reprimand the Dowager Duchess, prompting the uncles to rush over to the Marquis’s residence.

Today, the Duke of Zhenguo's residence was adorned with red lanterns, finally showing some festive spirit. Ultimately, they were just asking for trouble—they wouldn’t behave unless scolded.

Xie Xiao’s uncles were all concubine-born and had to live at the Dowager Duchess’s mercy, so their behavior was hardly surprising.

The capable uncles and cousins were stationed at the frontier; only the incompetent ones remained in the capital, living idly and waiting to die. Yan Weichu looked down on every one of them.

But these men were shrewd. Knowing how much importance the Young Emperor placed on this marriage, they were all smiles today, exceptionally warm and polite to Yan Weichu. They lavished him with compliments and praise, afraid that the Young Emperor’s ever-watchful gaze would catch them failing to show proper respect and bring another round of scolding.

The Young Emperor was the one who truly devoured people!

Xie Xiao said, "Let’s go inside first."

The uncles stepped aside and ushered them in.

Xie Yi walked beside Xie Xiao and quietly informed him that the Dowager Duchess had fallen ill the night before, after the Emperor’s harsh reprimand. She likely wouldn’t be able to receive them.

Xie Xiao asked indifferently, "Is it serious? What did the physician say?"

Xie Yi replied, "Grandmother’s illness is of the heart. Since the Emperor just sent someone yesterday, we didn’t dare call for an imperial physician. The house physician prescribed some sedatives and said she needs to make peace with it herself."

As if the Dowager Duchess would ever make peace with it.

Her most treasured grandson had been convicted because of Xie Xiao and exiled by the Emperor. News had arrived a couple of days ago that he had died on the journey. The family could only secretly send someone to retrieve his body and hold a discreet funeral. Meanwhile, Xie Xiao married a male wife, and the Emperor sent someone to reprimand her for her improper attitude, publicly humiliating her.

She was elderly, yet she had been publicly humiliated by a young Emperor. How could she ever show her face in the capital again? Which noblewoman would not avoid her? If suicide wouldn’t anger the Emperor and bring ruin upon the family, she might have hanged herself last night.

Listening nearby, Yan Weichu’s only thought was that her illness was fortuitous. If she was sick, he wouldn’t have to perform the tea ceremony. Did that Dowager Duchess deserve such respect from him?

He had deliberately sent someone yesterday with the intention of scolding her into illness. This outcome was perfect for him.

Entering the main hall, the Old Madam was indeed absent, but they dared not ignore them as they had the day before. She sent her most trusted matron to deliver a welcoming gift for Yan Weichu.

Since Yan Weichu was a man, the Old Madam did not give him jewelry or accessories but instead presented him with a treasured calligraphy copybook by a renowned master from the previous dynasty and a set of exquisite Four Treasures of the Study (brush, ink, paper, and inkstone). She made sure not to slight Yan Weichu, her "new spouse."

"The Old Madam is unwell and cannot rise. She asks that you make yourselves at home, enjoy the food and festivities, and not worry about her." The matron was exceptionally humble and courteous in front of Yan Weichu, volunteering an explanation for the Old Madam's absence.

Yan Weichu accepted the gifts and, for once, was uncharacteristically polite: "Please convey my thanks to Grandmother. She is very thoughtful, and I wish her a speedy recovery."

The matron respectfully acknowledged this before withdrawing.

Yan Weichu also distributed the gifts he had brought for Xie Xiao's younger siblings. The children were overjoyed, and a young girl, innocent and naive, asked Yan Weichu, "Should we call you sister-in-law?"

Yan Weichu replied with a smile, "Call me Brother Chun."

Xie Xiao, standing nearby, remained silent, tacitly approving this address. The children then began calling out "Brother Chun" and "Chun" one after another.

Yan Weichu was in a good mood; children were truly adorable.

In the Xie household, the elderly were biased, the middle-aged were calculating, and the younger ones, like Xie Yi, were overly scheming and possibly harbored ill intentions. Only the children were innocent and lovable.

After sending the children away, only a few uncles and Xie Yi remained in the main hall besides themselves. They engaged in casual conversation over tea.

But there was little to discuss. These uncles were good-for-nothings, holding nominal military titles and idling their days away, skilled only in eating, drinking, and merrymaking. Xie Xiao had nothing in common with them, let alone Yan Weichu.

After a few awkward pleasantries, everyone moved to the dining table, thinking that topics might come more easily over food and drinks.

After a few cups of wine, their tongues loosened by drink, the conversation indeed opened up.

The eldest third uncle affectionately patted Xie Xiao's shoulder and said, "The emperor truly values our Xie family. See, he just handed the position of Capital Garrison Commander right over to us. Look at all those other families outside—none can compare to even a finger of our Xie family."

Yan Weichu inwardly rolled his eyes. The emperor clearly only valued his cousin; what did any of these people have to do with it? They were so full of themselves.

Xie Xiao replied indifferently, "We are overwhelmed by the emperor's favor; we must not become arrogant."

Third Uncle Xie waved his hand dismissively, entirely unconcerned: "There are no outsiders here. Why bother with such formalities? You're even more capable than your father. If not for your youth, the position of Commander of Wulong would have been yours. We all see it, and how could the emperor not know? You're truly skilled, making a tactical retreat to advance—marrying a man to put on a show for the emperor, and thus got the capital garrison command in return. That was a brilliant move."

"Exactly," another uncle chimed in. "Did you see the looks on the Zhang family's faces yesterday? Wow, they were priceless. They’re still dreaming that with the empress dowager out of power, the emperor will put them in important positions. How delusional."

Everyone at the table echoed agreement.

Xie Xiao said helplessly, "Speak less. Walls have ears."

"We're at home; what's there to fear?" Third Uncle Xie said boldly, as if forgetting that the Old Madam had just been reprimanded by the emperor's envoy the day before. He took a sip of wine and pointed at Xie Yi, who had remained silent, saying to Xie Xiao, "We few have no hopes, but this Second Lad has some ability, though not as much as you, his eldest brother. Now that you’ve risen to prominence, don’t forget your second brother when you're in a position to help. The emperor has executed a great many people, and there are many vacancies in the Five Military Commissions. He’s been a sixth-rank clerk for two years now. Why don't you have a word with the emperor and have him promoted?"

Xie Yi said, "Third Uncle, don’t talk nonsense. This isn’t something Eldest Brother can get involved in."

"Why can’t he? It’s just a word from your eldest brother. I’m sure the emperor will grant him this favor," Third Uncle Xie muttered. "Just wait for your promotion."

Xie Xiao sipped his wine leisurely without expressing an opinion.

Xie Yi glanced at him subtly and quickly changed the subject.

Yan Weichu listened as these people casually and disrespectfully discussed him, the emperor, but he couldn’t be bothered to take offense. However, he could see that Xie Xiao's uncles were all harboring ill intentions.

Likely, their daily lives in the ducal residence were difficult, and the Old Madam, his father's official wife, was unkind. Resentful, they now took turns provoking Xie Xiao against his father and against Xie Yi.

Xie Yi was clearly tempted, but Xie Xiao didn’t take the bait. Who knew what he was really thinking?

After three rounds of drinks, a cousin uncle tactlessly brought up the deceased Xie Shi, feigning sympathy: "That boy brought it upon himself. Daring to plot against the emperor’s longevity banquet—he ended up paying with his life. Thankfully, the emperor saw reason and didn’t implicate the rest of us."

Third Uncle Xie said disdainfully, "That boy didn’t have the brains for it. He’d just been punished by family law and was lying in bed, unable to move. It was all that troublemaker Wang Ping, the old man by his side, who came up with the terrible idea. Speaking of which, that old man used to serve you, Second Lad, didn’t he? When he was with you, he didn’t dare act so lawlessly."

He was referring to a steward from Xie Shi’s courtyard. Yan Weichu knew of him—Zhao Anfu had mentioned during the investigation that Xie Shi had confessed this man was the mastermind. However, the steward had drowned himself in a well after hearing about the palace maid’s incident.

Yan Weichu looked at Xie Yi. Though Xie Yi tried to hide it, a flicker of unease crossed his face. He said awkwardly, "I never expected that after serving Third Brother, he would change so drastically, even daring to incite Third Brother to such absurd actions. Today is a joyous occasion; let’s not bring up Third Brother’s affairs. It would only sadden Grandmother."

At that moment, Yan Weichu was almost certain that Xie Yi had been involved in the incident at the banquet. Xie Laosan had been a fool, completely manipulated by this Xie Second Brother.

Xie Xiao’s expression remained unchanged as he calmly continued drinking, seemingly unaware.

After noon, the two of them returned to the marquis’s estate.

Xie Xiao was no longer as attentive and considerate as he had been at the ducal residence. Once in the carriage, he ignored Yan Weichu again. Yan Weichu, suppressing his anger, asked him, "Cousin, regarding the drugging incident at the emperor’s banquet, it seems not only your third brother was involved. Your second brother might have been the mastermind. Do you plan to let it slide?"

Xie Xiao instead asked him, "How do you know about this? Did the emperor tell you?"

Yan Weichu: "…"

Since Xie Xiao had already decided he was on his side, he might as well admit it: "Just tell me—are you going to settle this score or not?"

"There’s no evidence," Xie Xiao said coolly. "What can be done?"

Yan Weichu was indignant: "Then what about your third uncle’s request for you to help him seek an official position from the emperor? Are you really going to do it?"

Xie Xiao retorted, "Did I agree?"

Fine. Although his cousin wasn’t one to hold a grudge over every little thing, at least he knew to hold a grudge. Yan Weichu was relieved.

He would settle this score himself.

After returning to the estate, Xie Xiao secluded himself in his study again and didn’t come out for dinner.

That night, Yan Weichu once again found himself alone in an empty room.

Yan Weichu ignored everyone, gently stroking a porcelain jar in his hand. This was something Wan Xuanju had obtained for him… a medicinal ointment for intimate matters.

He was willing to sacrifice this much, yet someone remained unappreciative. Did his emperor not care about face?

"What time is it?" Yan Weichu finally asked.

Shun Xi bowed his head and replied, "It's almost the end of the Xu hour (7-9 pm)."

Yan Weichu asked again, "Has the study light been extinguished?"

Shun Xi said, "Not yet."

After a moment of silence, Yan Weichu stood up and left, heading to the study in the east wing.

This study in the inner courtyard did not receive outside guests. Xie Xiao often rested here, and if he intended to stay here permanently, Yan Weichu really had no way to deal with it.

"All of you, withdraw," he said, dismissing the servants before pushing the door open.

Behind the desk, Xie Xiao sat in a chair, reading by lamplight. He didn’t look up at the sound of the door opening or the footsteps entering.

Yan Weichu closed the door behind him and approached: "Cousin… why are you ignoring me?"

Xie Xiao finally raised his eyes. Yan Weichu’s face wore a sorrowful expression, the lamplight reflecting his slightly reddened eyes, as if he had suffered great injustice.

Xie Xiao was at a loss for words.

He was always like this, putting on an innocent and blameless face, deceiving him completely.

Yan Weichu drew nearer: "Cousin..."

After a moment of tension, Xie Xiao suddenly reached out, seized Yan Weichu's wrist, and yanked him hard, pressing him down onto the desk. He rose, leaning in, his arms encircling Yan Weichu on either side as he bent slightly to meet his eyes at close range.

In this overpowering stance, Xie Xiao's gaze was intense and shadowed, his voice cold: "Are you blaming me?"

Yan Weichu did not struggle: "Cousin, what are you angry about?"

"Shouldn't I be angry?" Xie Xiao questioned him, "Are you the Emperor's man? Did the Emperor send you to my side? The Emperor appointed me as Capital Garrison Commander and made your father the Commander of the Central Military Governor's Office, so we could balance each other out, isn't that it? Does he trust your father so much? Trust that he and I won't collude?"

Yan Weichu's gaze flickered: "Why would you think that?"

"What do you think?" Xie Xiao sneered, "Right after I was ennobled, the Emperor gifted me four beautiful women—they're still in the embroidery room of my residence. When he saw I wasn't touching them, he later tried to offer me male companions during an audience, which I also refused. So he tried a different approach and arranged for someone to get close to me? He is indeed formidable—I still fell for it, tricked by you."

"..." Yan Weichu had nothing to say. His cousin was too clever, having almost guessed the whole truth, except that he was the Emperor himself.

But it wasn't his cousin's fault for not considering that possibility—after all, the Emperor marrying a man was truly shocking and unheard of; no ordinary person would think of it.

Yan Weichu then asked: "Did I deceive you?"

"Didn't you?" Xie Xiao asked fiercely, "What happened at Zhanyun Garden back then—was it deliberately arranged by you? A staged play to befriend me? That member of the Zheng family is the Emperor's own cousin—did you know him all along? How much sincerity was there in your so-called admiration?"

By the end, Xie Xiao's voice was almost gritted with anger. Yan Weichu suddenly understood: "Cousin, do you think my saying I admire you was a lie? It wasn't—that part was absolutely sincere. Otherwise, why would I go to such lengths? The Emperor wanted to win you over, even resorting to using a seduction scheme. I had my own selfish reasons, which is why I stepped forward."

Xie Xiao stared into his eyes glistening with tears, trying to discern how much of the affection in them was real and how much was feigned.

Yan Weichu continued: "Isn't this good as it is? You've always worried that the Emperor wants to take action against you, to deal with the Duke of Zhenguo's residence. But the Emperor doesn't necessarily have to do that. As long as you're willing to help him, he's even willing to give you the Capital Garrison command. Why won't you trust the Emperor?"

Xie Xiao asked in a low voice: "What exactly is your relationship with the Emperor?"

The words "I am him" froze on Yan Weichu's tongue.

He couldn't say it aloud. Knowing he was the Emperor's man had already made Xie Xiao so angry—if he found out he was the Emperor himself, his cousin might truly never speak to him again.

He could not accept that, no matter what.

He could only offer the explanation he had prepared earlier: "...It was the Emperor's idea to have me adopted by my father. My birth mother and Empress Dowager Zheng are biological sisters. Zheng Shize is my actual cousin, and the Emperor... is also my actual cousin."

"..." Xie Xiao's expression darkened.

Zheng Shize is an actual cousin, the Emperor is also an actual cousin—then what about him? What does that make him?

Just how many 'cousins' do you have?

Author's Note:

Zheng Shize: Can anyone believe this?!