Chapter 54 Presenting the Sword as Emperor

Chapter 54: Gifting the Imperial Sword

From that day on, their days were thick as thieves, sweet as honey.

The emperor no longer attended morning court—not that he ever had. It was true that the emperor, wrapped up in tender romance and love, was now too content to think of anything else.

Yan Weichu showed Xie Xiao the painting he had made with his own hands—a fleeting glimpse from the day Xie Xiao first returned to the capital, a dashing leap onto his horse. The painting had originally hung in the inner chamber of his bedchamber in Yaotai Palace, and he had specially brought it to show it off to Xie Xiao like a treasure.

Yan Weichu’s painting skills were not bad, and what was even more rare was the heart he poured into his brush. Even Xie Xiao could see it himself.

Xie Xiao’s fingers brushed over the painting as he asked softly, “So you liked me even then?”

Yan Weichu admitted generously, “Maybe even earlier.”

Xie Xiao then asked again, “Was the beauty plan the emperor’s idea or your own?”

Yan Weichu laughed, wrapping his arms around Xie Xiao’s neck. “Same thing.”

He was the emperor, and the emperor was him. Once the Ministry of Rites prepared the coronation ceremony for the empress, he would tell his cousin.

Xie Xiao set him on the desk, sealing it with a passionate kiss.

Yan Weichu tilted his head back in cooperation, parting his lips, letting Xie Xiao’s tongue in. In this matter, Xie Xiao was a good teacher, and he was a quick learner.

The messy documents and scrolls on the desk were swept to the floor. Yan Weichu lay down, the painting he had made beneath him. His hair was disheveled, his clothes half-open, in complete surrender.

Xie Xiao loomed over him, gazing down.

Yan Weichu swallowed as he stared into those eyes, which were like dark jade in a deep pool—calm on the surface but turbulent beneath.

Just meeting that gaze made him feel weak all over, mouth gone dry, instinctively craving more.

"Cousin…"

Xie Xiao’s fingers combed through his hair. "Call me something else."

Yan Weichu meekly called out, "Husband."

Xie Xiao chuckled softly, lowering his head to gently suckle his lips.

*

From the study to the bathhouse and back to the room, they lost themselves in pleasure till late.

Exhausted, Yan Weichu fell asleep. Xie Xiao held him in his arms, eyes closed as he pretended to sleep. Then someone knocked on the door outside and reported in a low voice, "Marquis, someone from Jizhou has arrived."

Hearing this, Xie Xiao opened his eyes, his gaze sharpened instantly. He released Yan Weichu from his embrace, got out of bed quietly, threw on an outer robe, and walked out.

In the corridor of the front courtyard, he met the person who had rushed back from Jizhou, dust-covered, having carried out tasks on his behalf.

The first words out of the other’s mouth were: "Marquis, a disaster has struck Jizhou!"

Xie Xiao’s expression changed. "Speak."

The messenger, pale-faced, said, "There’s been a major upheaval there. Rebel refugees set fire to the Pengze County government office and Prince Shun’s residence. Prince Shun’s entire family perished in the fire!"

Such shocking news left even Xie Xiao astonished. "How could something like this happen?"

The messenger quickly explained, "Last autumn, a severe drought struck many areas in Jizhou and Yuzhou, and it has continued until now. The court repeatedly dispatched disaster relief funds and grain, but the local officials lied to their superiors and hid the truth—the money and grain all ended up in their pockets. As a result, the area is now filled with disaster victims, with starved corpses everywhere—a pitiful sight!

"These people could bear it no longer and rose up in rebellion. The local officials sent troops to suppress them by force but did not report it to the court. When some tried to come to the capital to bring their case to the emperor, officials arranged for men to intercept and kill them along the way. Many refugees were forced to flee into the mountains and become bandits. A few days ago, these people raided Pengze County in Qingxu under cover of night, killed the local magistrate, and occupied the entire county. Prince Shun is the emperor’s paternal uncle and was enfeoffed in Pengze County. It’s said that his entire residence was burned to the ground, and no one in the household made it out alive…"

Upon hearing this, Xie Xiao frowned deeply. "How is it that the court hasn’t heard even a whisper of such a major event?"

The messenger, both angry and anxious, replied, "Those local officials, afraid of taking responsibility, have been hiding the refugee revolt and didn’t dare report it, allowing the situation to escalate. Now that Prince Shun’s residence has been caught up in it, this matter can no longer be hidden. Once the emperor learns of it and sends someone to investigate thoroughly… I fear the events of those years will also be exposed. Marquis, what should we do now?"

Xie Xiao’s face was grim, and he too hesitated.

Back when the six princes raised their armies, his grandfather, maternal grandfather, and Duke of Ning, Zhang Ren, were commanded to lead troops to suppress the rebellion. After the rebellion was quelled, the over seven hundred thousand hectares of fertile land seized by the six princes in Jizhou and Yuzhou ended up in the hands of their three families.

It was Duke of Ning, Zhang Ren, who first proposed concealing the matter and not reporting it. His grandfather and maternal grandfather acquiesced. The three of them burned the account books seized from the six princes’ homes, bribed officials in the Ministry of Revenue to destroy and recreate the yellow registers and fish-scale records, thus pulling the wool over everyone’s eyes.

Two years ago, his grandfather passed away. On his deathbed, he informed Xie Xiao of the matter and instructed him to return the thirty percent of the land that the Xie family had obtained back then to avoid leaving a disaster for future generations. Xie Xiao had been trying to do so, but it was far more difficult than he had imagined.

Xie Xiao asked doubtfully, "When the emperor sent people for disaster relief, he always had the Imperial Guards supervising. Why did the Imperial Guards not react when those local officials embezzled relief funds and grain on a large scale?"

The messenger cursed, "The Imperial Guards sent to the regions are already in cahoots with them. They share the benefits together, working together to deceive the court—how could they care about anything else? Commander Cui may be highly capable, but he’s in the capital and too far removed to control affairs outside."

"What about Shen Yan and Su Maoxun? Were they also involved?" Xie Xiao calmed down and asked again.

Mentioning those two made the messenger even angrier. "The disaster in Pengze County this time was caused by them. To silence those who wanted to come to the capital and expose their actions, they led troops to massacre over a dozen villages around Pengze. Their actions were monstrous and inexcusable!

"I followed your instructions, Marquis, to release those lands, but the two of them obstructed and sabotaged it at every turn. Several months ago, I discovered they were embezzling disaster relief funds and grain and wanted to return to the capital to inform you. But they detected it and detained me. It wasn’t until the Pengze incident erupted and they were too preoccupied that I found a chance to escape and return to the capital."

Hearing the words "massacre of villages," Xie Xiao’s expression turned very grim. Just as he was about to ask more, Yan Weichu’s voice sounded behind him: "Cousin, why aren’t you sleeping? What are you doing here?"

Xie Xiao turned around. Yan Weichu, wearing thin robes and with sleepy eyes, appeared at the corner of the corridor ahead.

Yan Weichu had already walked over, glanced at the retreating figure, and asked Xie Xiao, "Who was that?"

"A steward who went out to handle affairs for me, returning to report."

Xie Xiao didn’t elaborate, instead scooping Yan Weichu up horizontally. "You’re not wearing proper clothes. What are you running out for?"

Yan Weichu leaned into his embrace and complained, "I opened my eyes and you were gone. I came out to look for you."

"Let’s go back."

Xie Xiao carried him back to the room.

After lying down again, Yan Weichu closed his eyes in Xie Xiao’s embrace. After a moment of silence, he said quietly, "Cousin, I actually overheard earlier."

Xie Xiao’s hand around his waist tightened slightly. He looked down to see Yan Weichu’s eyes open in the darkness, meeting his gaze. "You’ve always worried that the emperor would target the Duke of Zhenguo’s residence. Aside from achievements overshadowing the sovereign, is it also because you’ve done things yourselves that the emperor cannot tolerate?"

After a moment of silence, Xie Xiao got up and relit the lamp.

He had originally not intended to tell Yan Weichu these things, but now he had no choice.

After hearing about the events of those years, Yan Weichu’s first question was: "Why? The old Duke of Zhenguo and the Marquis of Loyal were both loyal and righteous men. Why did they also do these things?"

Xie Xiao explained calmly, "The previous emperor emphasized civil affairs over military ones. For decades, military pay along the borders was reduced and delayed severely. Coupled with consecutive years of natural disasters, military farms couldn’t support the soldiers. The barbarians repeatedly harassed the borders. My grandfather and the others, in a moment of poor judgment, chose this path to barely sustain the border defenses.

"It wasn’t until the previous emperor passed away and the Empress Dowager took power that the situation improved somewhat. But by then, my grandfather knew his time was limited and wanted to crush the Wuerhun people once and for all before his death, which also required large amounts of provisions. When we marched north to the desert, over sixty percent of our provisions were self-funded. The court provided less than forty percent."

Yan Weichu was stunned. He knew his cousin wouldn’t lie—this must all be true.

He had asked Xie Xiao about military farms before, and at that time, Xie Xiao had told him, the emperor, that they could barely be self-sufficient. But the reality was actually like this.

The border generals, in order to secure military provisions, were forced to misappropriate fertile lands seized by the rebel kings, resorting to such means to become self-sufficient—how both ironic and absurd.

Xie Xiao continued, "Other participants in the matter back then included my aunt’s elder brother, the current Commander of the Jidu Division, Shen Yan, and Su Maoxun, the uncle of Su Ping, who serves as Assistant Commander. Following my grandfather’s wishes, I’ve been gradually redistributing those lands over the past two years. However, those two acted out of self-interest, attempting to profit from the situation. Not only did they refuse to cooperate, they also put up repeated obstacles. I didn’t dare push too hard, worried the matter might get out and come to the attention of the court and His Majesty.

"Now that such an incident has occurred in Jizhou, given His Majesty’s temperament, he will surely send someone to investigate thoroughly. The truth of what happened back then will likely no longer remain hidden. I don’t know how His Majesty will handle our case... A Li, regarding the divorce you mentioned the other day—if you wish, I can sign the letter of divorce immediately."

By the end, Xie Xiao’s voice had lowered, carrying a touch of sadness.

He sat by the edge of the bed, the flickering candlelight casting a somewhat blurred shadow of his figure on the wall.

Yan Weichu was displeased. He leaned over, grabbed Xie Xiao’s arm, and gave it a light bite, then pushed him away. "What are you talking about? Have you forgotten what I said? If the heavens fall, I’ll hold it up for my cousin."

Xie Xiao lowered his gaze and looked at him quietly.

Yan Weichu’s eyes were slightly red in the candlelight.

Xie Xiao turned over, lay down, and embraced the struggling figure again. "There’s no need. I will personally go to His Majesty and confess my crimes."

Yan Weichu felt his heart ache. The confession that had been on the tip of his tongue nearly spilled out, but someone knocked on the door again. It was Shun Xi, delivering a message: "Your Majesty, His Majesty summons you to the Jade Terrace immediately."

This was the excuse Yan Weichu had instructed others to use if there was an urgent matter requiring his presence.

Likely, news of the incidents in Pengze County and Prince Shun’s residence had already reached the Jade Terrace, and those involved did not dare delay, hence summoning him in the middle of the night.

"His Majesty certainly has terrible timing," Yan Weichu remarked as he sat up.

Xie Xiao held him back. "I’ll go with you."

Yan Weichu thought for a moment and did not object. "Alright."

Xie Xiao also suspected it was related to the incident at Prince Shun’s residence. Yan Biao, the youngest son of Prince Shun, was currently serving in the Qilin Guard. With such a major incident occurring, Yan Weichu, as the Commander, had to assist the emperor in managing the situation and calming the imperial clansmen.

Without delay, they changed clothes and set out immediately.

They arrived at the Jade Terrace within two quarters of an hour, and Yan Weichu was summoned first.

As he entered the hall, the relaxed expression on his face vanished completely.

Waiting for him was Superintendent of the Eastern Depot Wan Xuanju, who had been away for nearly six months collecting merchant taxes in the south.

He had just returned from Jiangnan and, while passing through Jizhou, happened upon the incident. His identity was exposed, and he was nearly detained by the audacious local officials. After managing to escape, he rushed back to the capital and reported the matter directly to the emperor.

Wan Xuanju’s report was more detailed than what Xie Xiao’s informant had relayed. The refugee uprising in Ji and Yu provinces had been ongoing for over four months, with tens of thousands of people involved. In just a few days, they had seized control of several towns around Pengze County.

Commander Shen, fearing repercussions, had not reported the situation to the higher authorities. Instead, he dispatched troops to suppress the uprising without discrimination, killing refugees on sight. This had already incited widespread popular resentment in the region. If this continued, the situation would likely spiral out of control.

Yan Weichu’s expression turned icy. Cui Shao, who had rushed to the scene upon hearing the news, bowed and apologized. Despite the magnitude of the incident, the Qilin Guard had failed to detect any signs of it. As the Commander, he bore undeniable responsibility.

However, now was not the time for assigning blame. The priority was to quell the rebellion, pacify the refugees, and deal with the corrupt officials.

After a moment of rapid consideration, Yan Weichu ordered, "Summon the Marquis of Dingbei and the Count of Anding."

Bian Shen had also received the news and arrived shortly after.

As usual, Yan Weichu received them from behind a curtain. He issued concise orders: they were to assemble the Capital Garrison Troops and set out immediately to suppress the rebellion in Jizhou. Along the way, they were to take control of the local garrisons in Ji and Yu provinces. Anyone who resisted was to be arrested on the spot. Cui Shao was to accompany them to open the granaries and distribute grain and investigate all local civil and military officials involved in embezzling relief funds and supplies. Regardless of the amount embezzled, they were to be arrested and brought to the capital for strict interrogation.

Once the orders were given, Yan Weichu dismissed them to make preparations. Only Xie Xiao remained, having requested to stay.

It was better to confess proactively than to have the Qilin Guard uncover the truth later.

Knowing how stubborn his cousin could be, Yan Weichu had no choice but to grant his request.

After the others had left, Yan Weichu signaled to him. "Speak frankly, cousin."

Xie Xiao first asked, "Might I inquire if His Majesty is present?"

"He is not," Yan Weichu replied, sensing that Xie Xiao preferred to speak without being overheard. "I sent him to the Martial Lecture Garden earlier."

Reassured, Xie Xiao took out the confession letter left by his grandfather before his death, along with the true ledger and account books of all the lands owned by the Duke of Zhenguo’s residence, and presented them to the emperor.

Zhao Anfu emerged from the inner chamber, took the documents, and handed them to Yan Weichu.

After skimming through them quickly, Yan Weichu asked, "Is everything stated by the Senior Duke true?"

Xie Xiao elaborated on the matter in detail. Finally, he knelt and said, "The Duke of Zhenguo’s residence has no excuse for what happened back then. If Your Majesty decides to punish us, I will accept it without complaint. However, the Count of Anding's heir is innocent. He was betrothed to me by Your Majesty and knows nothing of these matters. I beg Your Majesty, for the sake of your cousinly bond with him, to grant clemency and not implicate him. If this poses a difficulty for Your Majesty, I am willing to divorce him and let him go."

Yan Weichu clenched the confession letter tightly, feeling distressed. His cousin had kept this from him and was now pleading with the emperor for a divorce, all to avoid implicating him.

"Rise and speak," Yan Weichu said, his voice hoarse.

Xie Xiao was about to lead the troops to suppress the rebellion. He had no choice but to temporarily set aside his confession to avoid distracting his cousin during such a critical mission.

Assuming the emperor had accepted his plea, Xie Xiao rose and expressed his gratitude.

Yan Weichu composed himself and asked the question he had not had the chance to raise earlier. "You mentioned that Shen Yan and Su Maoxun acted out of self-interest. But what about the old Duke of Zhenguo and the Marquis of Loyal? When they chose to collude with the Duke of Ning back then, were they truly without any personal motives?"

After a moment of silence, Xie Xiao replied, "Both my grandfather and grandfather on my mother's side have passed away. I dare not speak for them with certainty. However, based on the ledgers I reviewed, the grain collected was indeed used for army provisions and not stored in the Xie family’s private granaries."

Yan Weichu said, "In that case, what crime should I punish you for? Before assigning blame, should I not first question why the court failed to ensure military provisions for the border troops, forcing you to resort to such measures? But the court at that time was my father’s court. A son does not speak ill of his father. What can I question?"

The emperor’s words took Xie Xiao completely by surprise. He felt a stir of emotion, suddenly realizing that this emperor might not be as unworthy as he had previously thought.

Whether a ruler is benevolent or tyrannical can never be judged hastily.

"Go and focus on suppressing the rebellion," Yan Weichu assured him. "I will ensure that no harm comes to you or your household. You need not worry about this."

Xie Xiao breathed a sigh of relief. For the first time, he truly believed in the emperor’s promise and expressed his gratitude sincerely. "Thank you for Your Majesty’s mercy."

Yan Weichu responded with a faint "Mm." His gaze shifted to a sword rack nearby, from which he retrieved the only sword placed there—the Imperial Sword, handed down since Emperor Taizu’s time to successive emperors.

He said, "This sword has served me well. As you lead the troops to suppress the rebellion on my behalf, today I shall bestow it upon you for protection."

Xie Xiao received the sword from Zhao Anfu, cradling it respectfully with both hands, and knelt again to thank Yan Weichu.

He did not know that this was the legendary Imperial Sword.

Yan Weichu did not elaborate. Ever since he had seen the collection of swords in Xie Xiao’s study, he had conceived of this idea—and insisted on gifting the sword as the emperor.

"Cousin, leave early and return quickly. Return safely and victorious." (Second update at seven o’clock.)