Chapter 66 Neither Sovereign Nor Subject

Chapter 66: Neither Sovereign Nor Subject

Yan Weichu awoke with a hangover, his head still spinning. He opened his eyes and stared blankly at the ceiling beams for a long while, realizing he was in the side hall—but the bed beside him was empty.

Zhao Anfu entered with attendants and softly asked outside the bed curtains if he needed help getting up.

Yan Weichu rasped, "What time is it?"

Zhao Anfu reminded him, "Your Majesty, it’s almost 9 a.m."

Yan Weichu pushed his weary body upright, pressing his temples. "Help me dress."

As a hot towel covered his face, his muddled thoughts gradually cleared. Frowning, he asked, "Where is the Marquis of Dingbei?"

Zhao Anfu whispered, "The Marquis left early this morning to inspect the city defenses. He instructed us to let you sleep longer and not disturb you."

Yan Weichu’s gaze grew distant… What had happened last night?

He had gotten drunk and come to this side hall to sneak into bed—and then? He really was a pig; he’d fallen asleep and forgotten everything.

Did his cousin kiss him? He raised a hand to touch his lips—it felt like maybe yes, maybe no…

They definitely hadn’t done anything—his backside didn’t hurt.

Seriously, why did he run off so early in the morning?

Yan Weichu felt listless. "Did he say anything else?"

Zhao Anfu’s voice grew even softer. "The Marquis also said… you are not allowed to drink anymore."

"He sure likes to control everything," Yan Weichu muttered. He wouldn’t acknowledge him as his husband, yet he still tried to control him like before—so high and mighty.

Zhao Anfu hesitated. "Your Majesty, your neck…"

Yan Weichu frowned. "Bring me a mirror."

A bronze mirror was handed to him. Seeing his neck in the reflection, chewed up like a dog had gnawed on it, he fell silent.

…What exactly did his cousin do to him while he was asleep?

In the afternoon, the Commander of the Southern Min Capital Military Command, who had overseen the campaign against the pirates, arrived at Qingjiang Prefecture and came to the temporary palace for an audience. With him was the former pirate leader, now pardoned and renamed Deng Yongxing.

Two days before the imperial procession reached Qingjiang Prefecture, the pirate rebellion had been quelled. Several rebel leaders were captured alive and only brought here today, handed over to the Jin Yiwei for interrogation.

Yan Weichu received the military commanders at the temporary palace to reward them based on their merits.

Cao Rong, the Commander of the Southern Min Capital Military Command, had been recommended to Yan Weichu by Xie Xiao. Previously, he had served as a staff officer under Xie Xiao in Shuoning. When Xie Xiao was recalled to the capital, Cao Rong also came south to take up a post. He was one of the few local commanders Yan Weichu trusted and had indeed performed excellently.

Then there was Deng Yongxing, who had led his men to capture the pirate leaders at sea and eliminated over thirty thousand enemies—he deserved the highest merit.

Yan Weichu granted him a marquis title on the spot. Though it was a non-hereditary title, it far exceeded Deng Yongxing’s expectations.

Afterward, Yan Weichu kept Deng Yongxing behind and spoke bluntly: "I will disperse your subordinates into local naval garrisons. As for you, I plan to reassign you elsewhere. Do you have any objections?"

The man was shrewd. Knowing that his background made it rare to return to Dajing and earn a title, he dared not be ungrateful. "I am at Your Majesty's disposal."

Yan Weichu said, "Go to Suzhou. Take up the post of Commander-in-Chief there. Moving from the southeast to the far northwest might be challenging at first, but it’s also an opportunity to make your mark. Do not disappoint my expectations."

Deng Yongxing knew that Ji Lanshu, Prince of Weinan, was currently serving as governor in the northwest and was happy to go. He had no complaints.

He respectfully accepted the imperial decree, then gritted his teeth and broached another matter: "Your Majesty, my father conspired with Prince Qing to raise troops back then. Though his crime was unforgivable, he was forced into it. There are some unknown secrets I wish to report to Your Majesty."

Yan Weichu’s expression shifted slightly. "…Unknown secrets?"

Deng Yongxing asked, "Does Your Majesty know what the Yunshan faction is?"

Yan Weichu almost immediately thought of it. "You mean Yunshan Academy?"

"Yes," the man said. "Yunshan Academy originated in Jiangnan. This is where they built their foundation. A century ago, when Emperor Suzong made his first southern tour here and personally wrote 'Scholars from Yunshan,' a large group of Jiangnan scholars began using these words to form factions and consolidate power."

Yan Weichu wasn’t too surprised. Earlier, when Wan Xuanju returned from Jiangnan, he had mentioned Yunshan Academy. But due to various delays, Yan Weichu hadn’t had time to send anyone to investigate thoroughly.

"But every previous emperor of Dajing was born from a Xie woman of the Duke of Zhenguo’s household, having the blood of generals in their veins. They would never comply with the faction’s wishes. So the faction decided to cut the problem at its root—Prince Huaide died at their hands."

Yan Weichu’s pupils constricted sharply. Prince Huaide was his father’s elder brother. If that crown prince hadn’t died in his prime, his father, a concubine’s son, would never have ascended the throne.

Deng Yongxing’s words were truly bold, but Yan Weichu didn’t get angry. Instead, he said, "Go on."

Deng Yongxing clenched his fists, his words filled with suppressed fury. "My father and Prince Qing had obtained evidence of Prince Huaide’s murder and wanted to seek justice for him. When those people found out, they struck first, framing my father and Prince Qing for rebellion. They had no choice but to raise troops in resistance."

Yan Weichu frowned and asked, "What about the Duke of Ning, Zhang Ren, and the Duke of Zhenguo, who led the troops to suppress the rebellion? Did they know these details?"

Deng Yongxing gritted his teeth. "The main general suppressing the rebellion was Zhang Ren, Duke of Ning. Prince Qing met with him before his death—he must have known."

But what did it matter if he knew? Yan Weichu instantly realized: by then, his father was already emperor. Since it involved a struggle for the throne, Zhang Ren—his father’s maternal uncle—would naturally suppress these secrets to protect his father’s reputation.

Even his father himself might have known—perhaps he tacitly approved.

He finally understood why, back then, when the Duke of Ning and others annexed so much land from the rebel kings, all the civil officials pretended ignorance or even helped cover it up. They must have made a deal with the Duke of Ning in exchange for his silence.

After that, his father’s legitimate son died young for no reason. Batch after batch of Jiangnan beauties were sent into the palace—including his birth mother—and then he was born.

He was the one those Jiangnan gentry had been eagerly awaiting: a puppet ruler with no military bloodline, someone they could fully control.

In his final years, his father probably sensed their intentions and left him a Regent. And before his death, he entrusted power to Empress Dowager Xie.

Unfortunately, those two were only concerned with their own interests.

And his own unconventional actions after assuming power had clearly disappointed those who had placed "great hopes" in him.

Yan Weichu quickly suppressed his emotions and asked, "These are all matters of the past. Why are you telling me this? Whether your rebellion was framed or not, rebellion is rebellion. I cannot overturn your father’s case."

Deng Yongxing said bluntly, "I know. My father deserved his punishment—there’s nothing more to say. When this disaster happened, the Prince of Weinan was still young and unaware of these matters. I only heard from him that Your Majesty has great vision and is determined to purify court governance. I risked my life to report this. If we can truly eliminate these national vermin who secretly control the court and usurp power, I will be satisfied just to get this bitterness off my chest."

Yan Weichu fell silent for a moment, then nodded. "I understand. Just wait and see—Jiangnan here is the beginning."

In the evening, Xie Xiao came to the temporary palace—summoned specifically by Yan Weichu to join him for dinner.

When Xie Xiao arrived, Yan Weichu was standing at the palace entrance waiting for him, just like last time.

Xie Xiao paused at the foot of the jade steps and looked up. Suddenly, he remembered back in the capital, when he returned from outside assignments, Yan Weichu would wait for him at the mansion entrance just like this. That soft, clingy side of his little husband might not have been entirely an act.

Xie Xiao quickly ascended the steps. Just as he was about to bow, Yan Weichu interrupted him.

The Emperor loosened his collar and demanded, "Look what you did to my neck! I can't even cover it up! How am I supposed to show my face?"

Xie Xiao looked closely. The red marks on Yan Weichu’s neck were even more noticeable than when he had left that morning. He stepped forward and calmly fastened Yan Weichu’s buttons. "Last night, just as I had fallen asleep, someone sneaked into my bed and burrowed into my arms. So it was Your Majesty."

Yan Weichu scolded, "You just accept whoever throws themselves at you? A few days ago, you were still talking about how deeply devoted you were to your wife—it was all lies, you philanderer!"

Xie Xiao asked softly, "How many people saw it?"

At his tone, Yan Weichu’s anger instantly dissipated. "...Not many. They wouldn’t dare keep their heads raised and stare at me."

Xie Xiao nodded. "Then don’t be angry."

Yan Weichu tentatively called out, "Cousin."

Xie Xiao responded, "Hmm."

Yan Weichu breathed a sigh of relief. Xie Xiao had finally acknowledged him. If he’d continued being sarcastic, Yan Weichu would have really lost his temper.

Xie Xiao accompanied him inside and sat down beside him for dinner.

Looking at Xie Xiao like this, Yan Weichu felt a restless urge. "Did you kiss me last night?"

Xie Xiao glanced at him. "You figure it out."

If I could remember, why would I ask you?

Xie Xiao served him food. "Eat."

...Whatever, I’ll eat.

Yan Weichu lowered his head and ate quietly.

He still felt that the atmosphere between them was subtly different from before.

He couldn’t quite put his finger on what had changed. Perhaps it was the lingering distance created by their shifted roles. Xie Xiao’s attentiveness didn’t feel as natural as it once had; it now carried a cautious undertone.

He really didn’t want his cousin treating him with such caution.

"Cousin—" Yan Weichu spoke just to break the silence.

Xie Xiao acknowledged him and ladled him soup.

"You don’t need to be so restrained," Yan Weichu said. "I don’t mind if you are unrestrained around me. If I scolded you for it before, it doesn’t count."

"I wasn't being restrained," Xie Xiao denied.

_Neither sovereign nor subject, neither minister nor servant._

It wasn’t so much restraint as him still trying to find a balance in how to interact with Yan Weichu now.

Yan Weichu had to let it go and instead told him about what he’d heard that afternoon.

Though surprised, Xie Xiao was more concerned and cautioned him bluntly, "Your Majesty, the previous emperors likely knew about these matters but chose to turn a blind eye. Do you really intend to bring it all to light? It might be a thankless task."

Yan Weichu snorted. "I can’t stand sand in my eyes. I can’t just ignore it. Since I’m the emperor now, it’s their tough luck."

Xie Xiao didn’t try to dissuade him further. "Then do it. Just as long as it's right with your conscience."

After the meal, they drank half a cup of tea before Xie Xiao rose to take his leave.

Yan Weichu was taken aback and instinctively grabbed his hand. "Aren’t you staying?"

Xie Xiao explained, "I met with Cui Shao earlier. He said the captured pirates have given up a list of names. We start making arrests tonight. The Jinyiwei alone might not manage it smoothly—they’ll need troop support. I have to oversee it personally to avoid any trouble."

Yan Weichu felt bad. Xie Xiao had taken command of the local garrison as soon as they arrived. He wished now that he hadn’t given him so many responsibilities.

But Xie Xiao saw it differently. More than moments of romance, he worried about Yan Weichu’s safety—especially with the risks Yan Weichu was taking. As long as Yan Weichu remained here, Xie Xiao couldn’t rest easy. He had to personally oversee all security measures to feel somewhat assured.

"Then go," Yan Weichu said, releasing his hand.

Xie Xiao bowed and prepared to leave.

"Stop with the formalities!" Yan Weichu raised his voice.

He hated nothing more than Xie Xiao emphasizing the distance between them as ruler and subject.

Xie Xiao held back the respectful words on his lips and left quietly.

As he stepped through the palace door, he paused, stood still for a moment, then turned and strode back. He firmly yanked Yan Weichu—who was sitting there sulking—to his feet.

Yan Weichu was startled. Xie Xiao’s palm cupped his face, his eyes filled with an intensity Yan Weichu had never seen before.

He felt burned by the intensity of the fierce, boiling emotions in Xie Xiao’s gaze. "You—"

Xie Xiao’s kiss descended, prying his lips open, pushing his tongue inward in a dominating advance.

Yan Weichu’s lashes fluttered as he instinctively returned the kiss.

Their tongues entwined, and his tense body gradually relaxed in Xie Xiao’s embrace.

A long time later, Yan Weichu—kiss-drunk—opened his eyes blurrily. The eyes meeting his were like deep, unfathomable depths, concealing all turbulence beneath.

Xie Xiao gave his lips a final gentle suck before releasing him.

"Stay here. Don’t run around. I’m going to handle my duties," Xie Xiao said softly.

"Cousin," Yan Weichu called after him, "will you come see me tomorrow?"

Xie Xiao nodded. "Yes."

Yan Weichu was satisfied. "No matter how busy you are, you have to come see me every day. Even if I don’t summon you, you should come on your own."

Xie Xiao promised, "Alright."

Xie Xiao left.

Yan Weichu sat back, idly touched his lips, and let out a soft laugh.

*

Over the next half-month, the entire Jiangnan government was thrown into upheaval. First, merchants were imprisoned, then the gentry behind them were implicated, followed by local officials.

Yan Weichu’s resolve exceeded everyone’s expectations. While past emperors toured the south to curry favor with the local gentry who could sing their praises, Yan Weichu had come to kill.

Batch after batch of people were imprisoned. Once their cases were clear, they were dragged out for execution—to make room and conserve supplies for the next wave. Regardless of status, anyone who had colluded with the pirates was shown no mercy.

It wasn’t that Yan Weichu was addicted to killing. But without a show of force to intimidate these people, his subsequent plans—whether land surveys or lifting the coastal trade ban—would be extremely difficult to implement.

The local officials who had attended the palace banquet that day were all held captive in Qingjiang Prefecture. Only then did everyone realize that the grand feast had actually been a Hongmen banquet set by the emperor.

On the day the Provincial Commissioner here was executed, Yan Weichu brought all his accompanying officials to witness the event, making them kneel and watch.

On the dais, the emperor sat imposingly on his throne, his expression severe.

Civil and military officials knelt below according to their ranks, too afraid to utter a word.

The midday sun was blinding, yet carried a biting cold.

A wave of shock and outcry swept through.

On and off the platform, it had become a life-and-death struggle.

Soon, several individuals were called by name, crying out their innocence as they were dragged away. Whether wronged or not, they’d be tried first.

Amidst the dead silence, a censor knelt and stepped forward from the ranks, throwing himself to the ground and exclaimed vehemently, "How can Your Majesty act so recklessly, indulging in mutual accusations, false incriminations, and slander, slaughtering high-ranking officials and scholars over unfounded crimes! Such tyranny will surely leave an eternal infamy!"

"If today Your Majesty can kill them on mere suspicion, what will you have us executed for tomorrow? If this continues, who in the court would dare to serve Your Majesty wholeheartedly? Your Majesty’s actions are cutting off your own right arm and chilling the hearts of loyal subjects across the land!"

Upon the imperial throne, Yan Weichu remained expressionless, his eyes showing not a flicker of emotion.

Xie Xiao stood below; aside from the imperial guards, he was the only official present granted special permission not to kneel.

At this moment, he slightly raised his head, gazing up at Yan Weichu on the high platform, whose face was nearly blurred by the interplay of light and shadow. He felt a sudden unease.

It seemed he had finally truly grasped the meaning of "the solitary ruler" and "the loneliness of high position."

His young husband sat there alone, still at an age where he should be laughing and playing, yet forced to bear all this.

Unwilling to kill, yet having no choice.

Condemned by thousands, with nowhere to defend himself.

Anguish spread through Xie Xiao’s chest like choking vines, densely occupying his entire chest.

Yan Weichu slowly spoke, his voice not loud but carrying a commanding authority: "Disrespect before the throne, offending Our person. Drag him away."

The censor, wide-eyed and furious, knelt upright, raised his arm, and shouted, "Tyrant! Your perverse actions will surely bring divine retribution! Today you forge this unjust prison; tomorrow, history’s pen will record your infamy for eternity! Heaven’s principles are clear, retribution is certain! Under this bright sky, justice will prevail! I will watch from the underworld, seeing how the great Dajing falls by your hand, you tyrant!"

Several imperial guards stepped forward, attempting to gag and restrain him. The man, with inexplicable strength, suddenly erupted, breaking free from the guards in front of him, scrambling up, and charging directly toward the imperial throne.

A flash of sword light, faster than anyone could react.

The charging figure came to an abrupt, almost comical halt mid-stride, and the clamorous words ceased abruptly. The censor looked down in disbelief at the sword tip protruding from his chest.

"Ty—"

The final word never had a chance to be spoken. Xie Xiao’s sword withdrew forcefully, and the man collapsed to the ground with a heavy thud.

The previously agitated and boiling atmosphere, stirred by those inflammatory words, instantly froze. No one made another sound, all unconsciously holding their breath.

Yan Weichu descended step by step from the throne, his gaze sweeping over the trembling officials below. Coldly, he said, "Who else wishes to join him in the underworld to see if Our empire will fall?"

No one dared respond.

"Carry out the executions. All of you, lift your heads and watch carefully."

Heads rolled one after another on the execution platform. Among the officials forced to watch this at close range, those with weaker constitutions soon turned pale and retched uncontrollably.

Yan Weichu paid them no further mind. Turning to face Xie Xiao, he noticed the splattered blood and grime on his cheek from when he had drawn his sword.

Xie Xiao was also looking at him, his pupils clearly reflecting Yan Weichu’s proud and untroubled face at this moment. Xie Xiao gazed intently, even cherishing this look of his.

At this instant, Yan Weichu suddenly smiled. Before everyone’s eyes, he raised his hand, pinched the sleeve of his dragon robe, and gently wiped it across Xie Xiao’s cheek, calmly wiping away the stain.

His dear cousin ought to stay spotless like this.

Author's note:

The officials thought: "Adding insult to injury—damn this blindness!"