Chapter 48 Must Make Cousin Unable to Resist

Chapter 48: To Leave Cousin Wanting More

Half a month later, the capital garrison's troops were fully replenished, and the training of new recruits began. Xie Xiao and Bian Shen went to the Jade Terrace again to report to the emperor.

The two waited outside for a moment before a eunuch emerged to inform them that His Majesty had caught a cold and was feeling unwell, advising them to keep their report brief: "His Majesty is still dressing. Please wait a moment longer, Marquis of Dingbei and Count of Anding."

Bian Shen was somewhat surprised upon hearing this. After the eunuch turned to leave, he hesitated a moment before asking Xie Xiao, "How has Chuner been these days? It feels like I haven’t seen him in a while."

Xie Xiao assumed Bian Shen was merely concerned about his son and replied, "He’s doing well. He leaves early and returns late every day for his duties and has become much more settled."

Bian Shen said, "That’s good, that’s good."

So, the emperor wasn’t actually ill—what was the Young Emperor up to this time?

Inside the imperial study, Yan Weichu forced the selected young eunuch to change into the emperor’s casual attire, personally placed his own winged headdress on the eunuch’s head, and pressed him down onto the throne. Leaning close, he sternly instructed, "Later, in front of the Marquis of Dingbei, you must put on a good show for me. As long as he doesn’t become suspicious, I will reward you handsomely afterward."

The young eunuch looked miserable: "Your Majesty, please have someone else do this. I truly can’t…"

Yan Weichu was somewhat displeased. Among all these people, Shun Xi was the cleverest, but Shun Xi was now serving as the attendant to the heir to the Count of Anding and had stayed at the Marquis’s residence, so he couldn’t be used.

"If I say you can do it, you can. Even if you can’t, you must."

Yan Weichu insisted firmly, "Later, speak less and stay calm. If they greet you, acknowledge them. After that, just listen to their report. When they finish, offer a few words of encouragement, tell them they’ve done well, and dismiss them."

The eunuch: "But—"

Yan Weichu frowned: "No buts. Do you understand?"

"Y-yes, I understand." The eunuch didn’t dare refuse.

Starting two days ago, the emperor had been feeding him five roasted meat meals daily, successfully making his voice hoarse. With white cosmetic paste applied to his face, he truly looked sickly. This task had to be done by him.

Yan Weichu patted his shoulder: "Relax. As the emperor, no matter what your ministers say, just maintain an inscrutable demeanor and keep your emotions hidden."

The eunuch lamented inwardly—the key was, he had never been an emperor before!

Xie Xiao and Bian Shen waited another quarter of an hour before finally being summoned to the imperial study.

Xie Xiao appeared calm, while Bian Shen grew increasingly puzzled… The Marquis of Dingbei didn’t seem to have realized the identity of the person by his side, so why had the Young Emperor suddenly stopped hiding?

But he soon found out. As the two entered the imperial study, bowed, and offered their greetings, a hoarse voice came from above: "I am well."

Bian Shen sensed something amiss. Looking up, he saw that the person seated on the throne was not the emperor. Surprise flashed in his eyes, but when he noticed Yan Weichu standing casually to the side, he fell silent.

"…Could things really be done this way?"

Xie Xiao also looked up, first spotting Yan Weichu. The mischievous brat winked at him, but Xie Xiao ignored it and turned his gaze to the "emperor."

The figure sat slouched on the throne, an elbow propped on the armrest supporting his forehead. His eyelids were half-closed, his face pale and sickly.

He didn’t carry the imposing aura Xie Xiao had expected; instead, he looked like an ordinary young man, fairly delicate-featured but otherwise unremarkable.

Xie Xiao only glanced briefly before lowering his eyes again, showing the proper respect expected in the emperor’s presence.

Afterward, Xie Xiao and Bian Shen discussed official matters. The emperor occasionally responded with an "Hmm," likely too unwell to pay much attention to what they were saying.

When they finished, the emperor merely said, "Satisfactory. Proceed as planned. That will be all for today. You may go."

Though the words were perfunctory, Xie Xiao didn’t think much of it, given the emperor’s poor health. He and Bian Shen took their leave together.

After exiting, Bian Shen remarked casually, "His Majesty truly works hard. Falling ill again from his daily toils—we should also make more effort to shoulder some of his burdens."

Seeing Xie Xiao nod in agreement, Bian Shen knew the Young Emperor had succeeded once again. The Marquis of Dingbei truly hadn’t become suspicious.

"…Well, then."

Not long after they left, Yan Weichu also emerged and conveyed the emperor’s intentions to Bian Shen: "His Majesty said that in a few days, an edict will be issued for Father to be adopted as a distant imperial relative of the Prince of Weinan, still using his former name Yan Xun, and inherit the princely rank. Afterward, His Majesty will also confer an official position on Father. You should return first and wait for news."

Bian Shen’s expression immediately turned serious upon hearing this. The Prince of Weinan was from a collateral branch of the former Qing princely house. Though they hadn’t participated in the Rebellion of the Six Princes years ago, they had still been affected and had maintained a low profile all these years. The old Prince of Weinan had no sons and had passed away three years ago, making the identity a suitable fit. However, for the emperor to restore Ji Lanshu’s imperial clan status, have him adopted to inherit the princely rank, and even confer an official position—this imperial grace far exceeded expectations. The idea of an official post was something they hadn’t even dared to consider, and it left them uneasy.

He worried, "It is ancestral rule that members of the imperial clan cannot participate in military and political affairs…"

Yan Weichu smiled and said, "His Majesty has arrangements in place."

Since he was the emperor, what he said went. Bian Shen could only swallow his concerns, say no more, and quickly take his leave to return to his residence.

Meanwhile, Xie Xiao seemed deep in thought. Yan Weichu noticed and asked, "What are you thinking about, Cousin?"

Xie Xiao asked him, "Does His Majesty truly hold your Household of the Count of Anding in such high regard?"

"What do you mean, 'your'?" Yan Weichu corrected him. "You and I—we are 'us.' I am now part of the Household of the Marquis of Dingbei."

He leaned closer to Xie Xiao: "Cousin, was today your first time truly meeting the emperor? What did you think of him?"

Xie Xiao asked, "Why did His Majesty agree to meet us in person today despite being unwell?"

Yan Weichu replied without missing a beat: "To keep you from gossiping about him behind his back, of course."

Xie Xiao stared at him: "Did you tell him?"

"Of course not," Yan Weichu explained with a smile. "The emperor is an outsider. Why would I share what we say between husband and wife with him? I merely mentioned that since he never shows himself in front of external ministers, there’s been some gossip, so he changed his mind."

Xie Xiao seemed to believe him: "Let’s go back."

Yan Weichu breathed a sigh of relief—it seemed the deception had worked.

*

Three days later, an imperial edict was issued: Ji Lanshu was adopted as an imperial relative of the Prince of Weinan, inherited the princely rank, was appointed as Vice Minister of the Ministry of War, and joined the Grand Secretariat to participate in confidential state affairs.

The court erupted in protest.

According to ancestral rule, imperial clansmen were not permitted to serve as court officials. Even the former Prince Regent had only held the title of regent without an official post! Even if he had to be given an official position, there was no reason for him to directly enter the Grand Secretariat!

Only those who passed the palace examinations could enter the Hanlin Academy, and only Hanlin academicians could join the Grand Secretariat. How could some distant imperial relative who appeared out of nowhere inexplicably inherit a princely rank and step over all civil officials to enter the Grand Secretariat? Where would that leave the dignity of literati throughout the realm?

Clearly, Yan Weichu was doing this intentionally—"you held those pointless literary banquets to gossip about me, so I’m going to make you squirm."

Issuing this edict had not been easy. The Ministry of Personnel, cowed by the emperor’s authority, had acquiesced to his wishes, but the Office of Scrutiny for Personnel had opposed it outright. The emperor, furious, had summoned them for a stern reprimand and pushed the edict through.

After all, as emperor, his daily life was a war of wits with the entire court—he could only win, never lose!

This world ultimately belonged to the emperor. Those jokes about sharing power with the world were just that—jokes.

The emperor seemed to have developed a taste for matchmaking. Once the twenty-seven-day state mourning period ended, he issued another betrothal edict arranging the marriage of the newly titled Prince of Weinan, Yan Xun, to the Count of Anding, Bian Shen.

Once a transgressive precedent occurred, it was bound to happen again. The court officials no longer found it surprising.

Some even whispered privately: "If marrying a male wife or wedding a man could earn the emperor’s favor, then… perhaps it wasn't completely impossible?"

The wedding banquet at the Estate of the Count of Anding was held very low-key. Bian Shen and Ji Lanshu invited colleagues and peers on the first day, and on the main celebration day, only family members gathered behind closed doors for a celebratory feast.

During the banquet, Yan Weichu and Xie Xiao raised their glasses together to congratulate Bian Shen and Ji Lanshu on finally having their wish fulfilled.

The two of them were full of emotion and deeply grateful to Yan Weichu, though some words were better left unsaid in front of Xie Xiao—everything was conveyed in that toast.

Yan Weichu indulged a bit too much and ended up drinking heavily.

Usually, Xie Xiao kept him in check, so he rarely drank to his heart's content. Today, he finally seized the chance to indulge freely.

As the night deepened, Xie Xiao pulled Yan Weichu—who was still eager to continue—to his feet, took the cup from his hand, and said, "No more drinking. Let's go back. We shouldn’t interfere with their auspicious timing."

Yan Weichu, his face flushed with intoxication, muttered and grumbled, "Fine, no more drinking then."

Even drunk, he was misbehaving. Though held by Xie Xiao, he remained fidgety, and with a wave of his sleeve, he accidentally knocked over a wine jar nearby, spilling its contents right onto Xie Xiao’s robe.

"It got dirty," Yan Weichu mumbled belatedly.

Xie Xiao, ever patient, didn’t complain and simply pressed a firm hand against the troublemaker’s head.

Seeing this, Ji Lanshu called for a steward and instructed someone to take Xie Xiao to the rear chambers to change clothes.

After he left, Bian Shen also went out to give instructions to the servants, leaving only Ji Lanshu and Yan Weichu in the main hall.

Yan Weichu sat back down, eyes dazed, still reaching for more wine.

Ji Lanshu advised him, "Your Majesty, please drink less. If you get truly drunk, the Marquis of Dingbei would worry."

"Alright," Yan Weichu replied obediently, though reluctantly withdrawing his hand.

"Would you like some sobering broth?" Ji Lanshu asked concernedly.

Yan Weichu tilted his head, propping his temple with one hand, and closed his eyes. "No, I don’t want any."

Ji Lanshu felt like laughing—the Young Emperor was being so childish. If he and Bian Shen ever had a child, one like the Young Emperor wouldn’t be so bad.

"Your Majesty, a few days ago, you arranged for someone to impersonate you and summon the Marquis of Dingbei, didn’t you?"

Ji Lanshu had been pondering this for days and decided to advise Yan Weichu: "You and the Marquis of Dingbei are already in this relationship. Wouldn’t it be better to be upfront with him? Even if he can’t accept it at first, he’ll eventually understand. Why keep trying to hide it? Honesty is the most important thing between partners..."

Yan Weichu’s reaction was sluggish, taking a while to understand Ji Lanshu’s meaning. He lowered his gaze, remaining silent for a long time before shaking his head. "I can’t. I can’t tell him."

Ji Lanshu sighed. The Young Emperor was too stubborn—the longer this was hidden, the harder it would be to resolve later. Unfortunately, those caught up in it can't see clearly, and outsiders’ advice rarely helps.

In his muddled state, Yan Weichu was thinking: if he told him, and his cousin got angry, abandoned his wife and…tch, what then?

He felt he somewhat understood his ancestors now—forcing someone to stay sounds easy, but if it wasn’t willing, what was the point?

Bian Shen and Xie Xiao returned one after another, and their conversation came to an end.

Xie Xiao stepped forward, wrapped up Yan Weichu who seemed to have fallen asleep in his fox fur cloak, and scooped him up in his arms.

Yan Weichu, wallowing in misery and not fully aware, was startled when Xie Xiao picked him up. Instinctively, he wrapped his arms around Xie Xiao’s neck and leaned submissively against him.

Xie Xiao bid farewell to Bian Shen and Ji Lanshu and carried Yan Weichu away.

After boarding the carriage, returning to the residence, alighting, and entering the house, Xie Xiao carried Yan Weichu all the way to the room and placed him on the daybed, then ordered someone to prepare sobering broth.

He didn’t leave it to Shun Xi or the others but knelt down to help the dazed Yan Weichu remove his fur coat and outer robe, take off his boots and socks, and loosened his hair.

Yan Weichu stared blankly at him… If only there were more ties to completely bind him—too bad he couldn’t give birth.

"Cousin—"

Xie Xiao gently pinched his ankle and looked up. "What?"

Yan Weichu pointed to his own lips. "Kiss me."

Shun Xi and the others discreetly excused themselves.

Xie Xiao leaned in, biting Yan Weichu’s lips, his tongue slipping in to entwine with Yan Weichu’s warm, wet tongue in a deep, drawn-out kiss.

When the kiss ended, Yan Weichu closed his eyes and smiled. He reached toward the low cabinet by the couch, opened a drawer, pulled out something, and held it out on his palm for Xie Xiao to see.

Xie Xiao glanced down and asked knowingly, "What’s this again?"

Yan Weichu opened the lid and held it up for him to smell.

There had been several jars of ointment before, nearly used up. This one smelled different—more fragrant.

"It’s for that too."

Yan Weichu didn’t elaborate. That damn eunuch Wan Xuanju had told him this was the special kind—so good even immortals would envy it, whether for the top or bottom.

He was a bit skeptical. After all, the damn eunuch was a eunuch and hadn’t tried it himself—who knew if it was a trick?

He’d had the stuff for over a month but only thought to take it out today.

Yan Weichu leaned down closer to Xie Xiao and softly explained the special properties of this item.

His warm breath brushed Xie Xiao’s ear, making him slightly dazed. Xie Xiao turned his head and asked, "Didn’t I say before not to ask your Cousin Zheng for these random things anymore? Forgot?"

"Ah," Yan Weichu chuckled, "without these, wouldn’t I suffer? Have some mercy, cousin."

Xie Xiao was silent. "...The previous kind was fine. No need to be creative."

"This is better," Yan Weichu insisted, wrapping his arms around Xie Xiao’s neck. "Let’s try it."

Xie Xiao gazed into the spring-like pools of his eyes, then after a moment, picked him up again and carried him to the bed.

Yan Weichu was unusually passionate tonight—whether it was the special stuff taking effect or him being thoroughly drunk, he was accommodating and eager, even complying with positions usually too embarrassing to attempt.

Xie Xiao felt as if a fox spirit had stolen his soul—he feared he might die because of him.

During another round, Yan Weichu sat in Xie Xiao’s lap, staring into his desire-heavy eyes amid the swaying vision, carefully noting every expression of loss of control provoked by him.

He wasn’t completely drunk—he knew clearly that if he wanted to bind Xie Xiao firmly, this might be the only way.

The beauty ploy worked well—he needed to make his cousin crave more, unable to stop.