Chapter 69 Already Acting the Empress’ Part

Chapter 69: The Empress Already Acting the Part

In the following days, Xie Xiao never managed to leave the imperial bedchamber for even half a step.

Yan Weichu was dead set on keeping him confined, unwilling to let him hear the rumors and gossip outside and afraid he might slip away again right under his nose.

After asking that one time, Xie Xiao never again brought up leaving and truly settled into idleness, seeing Yan Weichu off each morning and waiting for his return at noon and dusk.

They made love nearly every night, once or twice, sometimes even three times, finding endless joy in it, as if trying to make up for all the times they had missed over the past year.

At times, Yan Weichu felt that Xie Xiao was finally beginning to resemble the master of his harem. If only it could always be like this.

Another half-month passed in the blink of an eye. Lower-ranking officials began urging that if they did not return soon, they would miss the New Year, but Yan Weichu remained unmoved.

Then, urgent military reports arrived from the Huguang region: the Prince of Long, enfeoffed in Qingtong Prefecture, had raised troops under the pretext of "cleansing the court of evil influences," joining forces with the local Commander and Provincial Administrator. Within days, they had captured several surrounding cities, with defending officers and soldiers surrendering at the mere sight of their approach.

"Rebellion is rebellion—spare me the 'cleansing the court' nonsense. Do they take me for a three-year-old child?"

When the news arrived, the court fell into dead silence, broken only by Yan Weichu’s scornful laughter. His gaze swept over the faces below, each wearing different expressions—how many of them were secretly colluding with the rebels? Probably too many to count on both hands.

He had long known these people would not accept their fate quietly. Sure enough, the farce had begun again. How dare they rebel while he was still here? If they wanted to "cleanse the court," they should first take a good look at whether they had the ability!

An official stepped forward and mentioned the "villains in the court" cited in the rebel kings’ proclamation. Not daring to point directly at Xie Xiao, he instead brought up Wan Xuanju.

Wan Xuanju, the head of the East Depot, had long been a thorn in their side. After Yan Weichu assumed personal rule, he had protected Wan Xuanju, who only grew more ruthless as the emperor’s vanguard—first using brutal methods to enforce merchant taxes, now investigating their lands everywhere. How could they tolerate it?

"Your Majesty, we beg you to execute this villain to clarify the truth and calm the hearts of your subjects!"

One after another, they knelt, seizing the opportunity to pressure Yan Weichu into killing Wan Xuanju.

Of course, Yan Weichu knew that beheading Wan Xuanju would strip the rebels of their pretext for rebellion, making it easier to rally the world against them.

But if he yielded today, it would be tantamount to admitting that everything Wan Xuanju had done was wrong. Neither merchant taxes nor land surveys could ever be implemented again.

Wishful thinking—he would never submit!

Yan Weichu’s response was to simply adjourn the court, treating their admonitions as nothing more than flatulence.

If they wanted to kneel, let them kneel. If a few knelt themselves to death, it would only bring him peace.

When Xie Xiao arrived at the imperial study, Yan Weichu was personally drafting an edict ordering Cao Rong, who had already returned to Minnan, and the Shi Family Army from the southwest to march together and capture the rebellious prince to quell the uprising.

As Xie Xiao entered, Yan Weichu continued writing furiously without looking up. "I said you are not to leave the bedchamber. Who gave you permission to come here?"

Xie Xiao asked him, "Who does Your Majesty intend to put in command of the troops here in Jiangnan?"

Yan Weichu threw down his brush and glared up fiercely. "Certainly not you!"

Xie Xiao reminded him, "Your Majesty, this concerns the stability of the state. Do not be stubborn."

After a tense pause, Yan Weichu slumped defeated into his seat. How could he not know? Those he could trust were too few. The rebel army was marching here, and the most capable and reliable person by his side was Xie Xiao.

"Go back."

Xie Xiao gently persuaded him, "If you stay here, you will only become their sitting duck. Return to the capital. Let me handle things here for you. Once order is fully restored, if Your Majesty summons me, I will come without fail."

Yan Weichu stared at him fiercely, his eyes reddening again.

Xie Xiao reached out, pinched Yan Weichu’s cheek, and gently brushed his fingertips over the corner of his eye. "Be good."

Yan Weichu had no choice but to go back, leaving Xie Xiao here to command the troops and suppress the rebellion. In this matter, he truly couldn’t afford to be willful.

But he was unhappy, really unhappy. He had to be separated from Xie Xiao again, and he didn’t know how long this separation would last. The more he thought about it, the more frustrated he felt.

Xie Xiao suggested to him, “Your Majesty, I heard that the lantern market is open tonight. Would you like to go see it?”

Yan Weichu was in a bad mood and was about to refuse, but then he recalled their time together at the Autumn Lantern Festival in the capital. Reluctantly, he changed his mind: “Alright, let’s go.”

After nightfall, Xie Xiao had a carriage prepared and took Yan Weichu out in civilian clothes.

The lantern festival was held along the banks of the Huai River, shrouded in mist and waves. Every year, after the Autumn Lantern Festival in the capital concluded, similar festivals would spring up across the regions, each selecting its own lantern king as a prelude to the upcoming Spring Lantern Festival for the New Year.

Qingjiang Prefecture was renowned for its lantern craftsmanship, and the festival here was incredibly lively, rivaling even the capital’s Autumn Lantern Festival.

The recent turmoil and the approaching flames of war had not affected this place in the slightest. It remained a scene of peace and prosperity, filled with song and dance.

The temporary palace was not far from the lantern festival. By carriage, it took only half an hour to arrive.

They got out at the entrance of the street, accompanied by a few guards, and strolled side by side, taking their time to enjoy the sights.

The air was fragrant with the scent of rouge and powder, and the melodies of strings and flutes drifted from all directions. Yan Weichu’s restless heart gradually eased.

“Cousin…” he began to say, but when he turned, Xie Xiao was nowhere to be seen.

Yan Weichu froze, panicked, and frantically scanned the bustling crowd for Xie Xiao’s figure.

The guards following behind stepped forward. Yan Weichu, frowning deeply, was about to order them to search when the crowd ahead parted, and Xie Xiao reappeared before him, holding a newly purchased lantern.

Yan Weichu strode over and asked unhappily, “Cousin, where did you go just now?”

Xie Xiao handed him the lantern. “For you.”

It was another cat lantern. Yan Weichu took it but remained sullen. He lowered his head and muttered softly, “Actually, I’m not interested in this at all.”

Xie Xiao asked, “Then why did you ask me to buy it back then?”

Yan Weichu’s voice grew even softer. “I just wanted you to buy it for me.”

Xie Xiao nodded. “I just wanted to buy it for you. This time is no different.”

Yan Weichu took it, his eyes downcast as he stared at the lantern in his hand. The light blurred in his vision.

He took a step forward and buried himself in Xie Xiao’s embrace.

Xie Xiao was long accustomed to his young husband’s habit of acting spoiled at any time and place. He opened his arms and held him close.

“The emperor still plays the fool; all beings are but mortal flesh.”

From ahead came the soft, lilting strains of a song, mingled with the laughter of young men and women—a scene of romance and tender affection.

Yan Weichu chuckled softly against Xie Xiao’s ear.

“What are you laughing at, A Li?” Xie Xiao asked gently.

“Me?” Yan Weichu sighed as if exhaling a breath. “I just wish to be that fool.”

Xie Xiao lowered his head, listening to Yan Weichu’s laughter stir his own heart into an irregular rhythm, and held him tighter.

*

On the day before the imperial procession was set to depart for the capital, Xie Xiao's uncle arrived in Qingjiang from Wurhun, covered in dust and travel-weariness, bringing with him Xie Xiao's five hundred light cavalry.

Yan Weichu was quite surprised upon hearing the report that they had already arrived outside the city: "When did I order the Ministry of War to issue a transfer order for them to come?"

The Qilin Guard who came to deliver the message reported: "They hold an imperial edict from Your Majesty."

Yan Weichu took the edict handed to him and looked at it, then fell silent—it was the blank one he had sent to Xie Xiao earlier.

"Summon the Marquis of Dingbei to me."

Two days prior, after Yan Weichu agreed to return to the capital and allowed Xie Xiao to stay behind to lead the troops in suppressing the rebellion, he no longer kept him confined in his bedchamber.

Xie Xiao had been busy these past few days making preparations for this matter and would deploy troops as soon as the imperial procession departed.

Upon receiving Yan Weichu's summons, he arrived in less than half an hour. Before entering, he had already heard that his uncle had just arrived with the cavalry.

"I asked him to come," Xie Xiao casually explained in response to Yan Weichu's questioning. Knowing he might not be able to return with them, he had written to his uncle a month earlier, specifically asking him to bring troops. "Even with five thousand escorts on Your Majesty's journey back to the capital, I would still be uneasy. Having these elite troops from Wurhun escort you will make it safer."

Yan Weichu asked doubtfully: "You gave him this edict? So how did you manage to come to me back then?"

Xie Xiao showed no guilt: "It’s not the first time I’ve run around without an edict anyway. Why should Your Majesty bother holding it against me?"

"..." He hasn’t even become empress yet, but he’s already putting on airs like one.

Yan Weichu looked him up and down, then down and up, feeling somewhat speechless: "Who was it that cried that night saying they didn’t want to become a stain on my reputation? Now you dare to act recklessly—running around without an edict and forging imperial decrees. Cousin, what do you think I should do with you?"

Xie Xiao said indifferently: "Your Majesty may deal with me as you see fit."

When it came to Yan Weichu’s safety, there was nothing he wouldn’t dare to do.

Yan Weichu shook his head thoughtfully: "Cousin—"

As soon as Xie Xiao heard this tone, he stepped forward voluntarily. Yan Weichu reached out and pulled him closer, eyes full of hope: "Since your uncle is here, why not let him lead the troops? Will you come back to the capital with me?"

"No," Xie Xiao refused without hesitation. "I’ve already spent some time acclimated with the local garrison troops. My uncle has just arrived here and is unfamiliar with the place—how could he rashly take command? Besides, after escorting you back to the capital, my uncle must return to Wurhun. Someone needs to hold the fort there."

Yan Weichu shook off his hand: "So after all that, you just refuse to go back with me."

Xie Xiao reached out to hold his hand again, but Yan Weichu shook it off once more.

The Young Emperor did have a somewhat childish side at times—Xie Xiao had come to realize this more and more lately. Only in front of him did Yan Weichu show this distinctly different side; the Yan Weichu he had seen before was always his truest self.

Thinking of this, Xie Xiao firmly took Yan Weichu’s hand, gripping it tightly with his palm. Yan Weichu winced in pain and glared at him fiercely.

Yet Xie Xiao’s voice was exceptionally gentle: "I’ve said it before—once matters here are settled, if Your Majesty summons me, I will surely come."

Yan Weichu said sulkily: "You may go. Attend to your duties."

Xie Xiao bent down, leaning close to where Yan Weichu was sitting.

Yan Weichu looked at him: "What are you doing?"

"Close your eyes," Xie Xiao said softly.

Yan Weichu’s eyelashes fluttered shut. He closed his eyes, expecting a kiss, but instead, the kiss landed on his eyelashes—tickling, a sensation that tingled all the way to the tip of his heart.

After comforting him, Xie Xiao left to continue his work.

Yan Weichu mustered up his energy and received Xie’s uncle, who had already entered the city and come to the palace to pay his respects.

This man was far more respectful and submissive toward Yan Weichu than he had been back in Wurhun. After all, if the emperor were just the emperor, frontier generals like them tended to be somewhat rebellious and unruly. But since the emperor was the household's young master's wife, he was family—it was different.

"Since you’ve come, I won’t pursue this matter further."

Yan Weichu said seriously: "If others ask, don’t let the secret slip."

The uncle hurriedly assured him that he understood, and the earlier unease in his heart completely dissipated. The emperor trusted the young master more than he had imagined—not even pursuing the forged edict and even helping to cover it up. It was truly moving.

The young master really married well...

Yan Weichu had a seat and tea brought for him: "What was the Marquis of Dingbei like when he was in the border town? Tell me about it."

The uncle sat down, not the least bit reserved, and opened up, talking freely about Xie Xiao from his childhood.

"As the young master was born as a twin brother and sister with the eldest young lady and was the Senior Duke’s legitimate eldest grandson, he was highly valued by the Senior Duke from birth and was personally raised by him."

"When he was young, his temperament was somewhat soft, and the Senior Duke spent considerable effort helping him correct it. The rumors outside about him reciting military strategies at three and drawing a strong bow at five are all false. The young master’s talent for equestrian and martial skills wasn’t particularly outstanding, but he was sensible. From a very young age, he understood the Duke of Zhenguo family’s mission to protect the country and forced himself to learn and practice bit by bit, which is how he became who he is today."

The uncle shared many stories from Xie Xiao’s childhood. Yan Weichu listened intently and asked: "What happened later?"

The uncle continued: "Later, as the young master grew older, his temperament became increasingly steady. Only then did the Senior Duke dare to take him to the battlefield at just fifteen. It was then that he achieved a remarkable feat—leading these five hundred cavalry in pursuing Wurhun Khan for two hundred li and personally cutting off the opponent’s head."

"Some people privately commented that the young master was reckless for merit and only succeeded by luck, but that’s not true. The young master has always been one to plan before acting—determined and ambitious but not impulsive. He never acts rashly or out of line. The only time he lost his composure was when he learned that Your Majesty had gone to Pingchuan Valley and went after you without an edict."

Yan Weichu thought to himself: Three times. Later, he ran back to Wurhun overnight without an edict, and came here without an edict too. He’s becoming more and more reckless.

The uncle said cheerfully: "Before the young master married, he specifically wrote to the Duke to express his intention to marry a male wife. I also saw that letter. In it, the young master wrote that his wife was vibrant and unrestrained and deeply likable, and that he was willing and happy about this marriage. I knew then that everything he said was sincere."

Yan Weichu coughed lightly. When he had asked Xie Xiao about it back then, Xie Xiao had said the same thing in front of the emperor—so it wasn’t just perfunctory? Still, hearing his cousin speak of him like this in front of an external official made him rather embarrassed...

The uncle observed his reaction and, mustering his courage, added: "Last time the young master returned to Wurhun, he spoke with me about Your Majesty. He said he was somewhat unsure about how to interact with Your Majesty in the future and shared some of his concerns, especially about worrying that delaying the imperial lineage would harm Your Majesty. I dare not comment on these matters, but I boldly hope that Your Majesty will, in light of the young master’s sincere devotion toward you, show him more care."

As emperor, Yan Weichu naturally didn’t need to make any promises in front of a subject. He could even choose to ignore it, but he still faintly "mm"ed in acknowledgment.

After sending Xie’s uncle away, Yan Weichu thought for a moment and then summoned Yan Biao.

As soon as he entered, Yan Weichu directly issued an oral decree: "Take the Qilin Guard and stay behind to accompany the Marquis of Dingbei in suppressing the rebellion."

Since Xie Xiao had already found him five hundred additional guards, he decided to leave all thousand of his Qilin Guard escorts behind. These were all promising members of the Qilin Guard—he wanted to cultivate generals, not guards. Letting them gain more experience in the field could only be beneficial.

Yan Biao accepted the order gladly. Fighting proper imperial rebel armies was far more interesting than putting down refugee rebellions.

He had been a slacker before, but now he genuinely wanted to achieve something great, especially since the emperor was willing to give him the opportunity.

He also sincerely admired Xie Xiao and even wanted to become sworn brothers with him. He had mentioned it to Xie Xiao a couple of days prior. At the time, the Marquis of Dingbei had looked at him expressionlessly and told him to bring it up with the emperor, saying it would be fine if the emperor agreed.

Perplexed, he later went to ask Zheng Shize about it. Zheng Shize laughed for a long time after hearing it and said: "You want to recognize the Marquis of Dingbei as your sworn brother? That’s the emperor’s beloved brother. If you’re not afraid of the emperor holding a grudge, go ahead and ask."

After thinking it over, he also felt it was unreliable and didn’t dare to actually bring it up before the emperor.

After finishing the official business, Yan Weichu didn’t immediately dismiss Yan Biao. Instead, he fixed his gaze on him.

Yan Biao grew somewhat nervous under the stare: "Your... Your Majesty..."

He thought guiltily: Could the emperor have found out about his idea of becoming sworn brothers with the Marquis of Dingbei?

Yan Weichu asked: "When are you getting married?"

Yan Biao honestly confessed: "I have long been engaged, but my fiancée was in mourning for her family. Then the Prince's estate had its incident, and I had to wait until my own mourning period passed..."

Yan Weichu frowned and said: "Stop eyeing my cousin. After you marry, have more children."

"..." Yan Biao understood the first part, but the latter part left him somewhat puzzled.

Yan Weichu offered no explanation. An imperial heir didn’t necessarily have to be his own biological child—he could adopt one. The sooner he brought a child to raise, the closer they would become.

His cousin’s worries were truly unnecessary. Even a biological heir could be mediocre, incompetent, or unfilial enough to infuriate him. It was better to cast a wide net. With countless members in the Dajing imperial clan, if he raised several, he was bound to find one with both talent and filial piety.

Moreover, dangling the throne before the feudal princes and the imperial clan would surely keep them loyal and diligent.

The next day, the imperial procession set out from Qingjiang Prefecture.

Yan Weichu did not allow Xie Xiao to see him off, bidding farewell within the travel palace instead. Otherwise, he might have truly changed his mind at the last moment and dragged Xie Xiao back with him.

Xie Xiao specifically called his uncle, along with Cui Shao, Zheng Shize, and several officers from the Capital Battalion, repeatedly instructing them to protect the imperial procession and ensure the Emperor’s safe return to the capital.

The future Empress sure had a commanding presence.

The group listened obediently to his directives, not daring to slack off.

Yan Weichu grew impatient waiting in the imperial carriage. It was only at the last moment that Xie Xiao approached, cupping his hands respectfully to bid farewell.

"Your Majesty, take care."

Yan Weichu looked at him, bottling up his mixed feelings. He wanted to step down and embrace him but ultimately restrained himself, giving a proud nod. "When you reach the front lines, take care of yourself."

He threw down his Imperial Sword and snapped, "Don’t you dare say you can’t accept it and try to return it again."

Xie Xiao did not refuse this time, solemnly accepting the sword. "Thank you for Your Majesty’s gracious gift."

Yan Weichu’s gaze glanced at Xie Xiao’s waist but he remained silent.

Xie Xiao also stayed quiet, watching Yan Weichu’s torn look in the carriage—itching to speak but holding back, wanting it but playing hard to get. Suppressing a laugh, he waited until he had taken in the Emperor’s look before unfastening the sword at his own waist and offering it with both hands. "Please accept this, Your Majesty."

Yan Weichu snorted. Zhao Anfu, standing nearby, quickly stepped forward to take the sword, boarded the carriage, and handed it to the Emperor.

Yan Weichu reached out to take it, lifting his chin arrogantly. "Marquis of Dingbei, you may withdraw. I'm leaving."

Xie Xiao looked up, his gaze profound.

"..." Yan Weichu felt a twinge of sadness again. He still wanted to hog-tie the man and drag him back.

As the procession set off, Xie Xiao remained in place, watching until the golden-red imperial canopy gradually faded from sight and disappeared.

This time, he had been the one to send the other away, and it was hard on him.

Inside the carriage, Yan Weichu zoned out for a moment before noticing the returned sable hand muff placed beside him.

He hadn’t noticed it earlier and didn’t know when Xie Xiao had someone place it in his carriage.

He reached out, picked it up, and slipped both hands inside.

After leaving the city, Yan Weichu summoned Zheng Shize to the imperial carriage and asked what Xie Xiao had just said to them.

Zheng Shize reported everything truthfully—it was all the nitty-gritty details about protecting the imperial procession along the journey.

Xie Xiao worried about every little thing. Over the past two days, he had also repeatedly instructed Zhao Anfu regarding the Emperor’s day-to-day needs and meals. But what good was that when the man wasn’t by his side?

Yan Weichu felt a little resentful. Xie Xiao had said that once matters were settled, if summoned, he would come.

But what if he didn’t summon him? Would Xie Xiao come find him on his own?

The words Xie Xiao had spoken that day about willingly yielding him to others still stuck in his craw.

"...If the matters here are resolved and he still refuses to come to the capital to see Us, what then?"

Yan Weichu asked, in a gloom.

Zheng Shize looked puzzled. "Your Majesty, didn't you tell the Marquis about your intention to make him Empress?"

Yan Weichu said dejectedly, "Even if I told him, he might not be willing. He’d probably say it dishonors you and ruins your reputation."

"That’s no big deal," Zheng Shize said without hesitation. "Your Majesty simply needs to let it be known that you are preparing for a grand wedding to install an Empress—without specifying who. When the news reaches the Marquis’s ears, he will surely rush back to the capital overnight."

But Yan Weichu lacked that confidence. "What if he doesn’t come?"

Zheng Shize spread his hands. "If even that doesn’t bring him, then Your Majesty might as well write this husband off."

Yan Weichu: "..." Very well.

If his cousin truly didn’t come, then he—then he would also ignore his cousin from now on!