Chapter 74 Shameless Ruffian Beyond Endurance

Chapter 74 The Shameless Ruffian is Truly Outrageous

Yan Weichu couldn't recall when he had drifted off to sleep. His last memory lingered in the bathhouse, where the world before his eyes continued to sway and blur amidst the steaming mist, repeatedly numbing all his senses.

It was no exaggeration to say he had been utterly exhausted by Xie Xiao.

The pampered and high-born Young Emperor was truly tasting the feeling of being disciplined for the first time, and in a way that left him with a deeply personal, unforgettable experience.

Outside the window, dusk gradually filtered through the windowpanes, the last remnants of the sunset fading away.

On the bed, Yan Weichu lay on his side, sunk deep into dreams, his breathing soft and steady. Xie Xiao stayed by his side, rubbing the golden phoenix mask in his palm.

He was quiet and motionless. All the chaotic thoughts and the myriad burdens on his heart were slowly soothed away by the tranquility of the room and the peaceful sight of the sleeping figure before him. The exhaustion from rushing here after days of travel had now transformed into a serene calm.

As the sky darkened completely, Xie Xiao felt his heart truly brighten.

Yan Weichu slowly woke, dazedly opening his eyes and instinctively reaching out for Xie Xiao.

When Xie Xiao leaned over to embrace him, he stiffened again and resisted. "I really don’t want to do it anymore…"

Xie Xiao’s kiss descended, capturing his lips, nipping and teasing gently.

The kiss didn’t deepen, but it felt unusually tender. Yan Weichu finally felt the loving tenderness within it again and was quickly soothed, pressing closer and responding instinctively.

Xie Xiao’s fingers slid into his hair as he kissed him earnestly for a long time. When they finally parted, both were slightly breathless.

Xie Xiao lowered his head, arms braced on either side of Yan Weichu’s head, staring intently at him.

Yan Weichu grew somewhat uncomfortable under such intense scrutiny and lifted his arms to wrap around Xie Xiao’s neck. "Cousin—"

Xie Xiao lowered his eyes, concealing the raw and unconcealed emotions in his gaze. Finally, he planted one last kiss on Yan Weichu’s lips, pulled his hands down, and sat up straight. "Since you’re awake, get up. Don’t keep sleeping."

Yan Weichu’s body felt sore and lethargic. Even as he propped himself up, he was restless, nuzzling into Xie Xiao’s arms. "What time is it?"

"Look outside and see for yourself," Xie Xiao said. "What time do you think it is?"

Yan Weichu turned his head and saw that the sky had turned completely dark… He’d been missing for so long—had the outside world descended into chaos?

Xie Xiao seemed utterly unconcerned about his worries. He got up to light the lamp, then fetched the casual clothes he’d worn when he lived here, which had just been delivered, and helped Yan Weichu into them.

Yan Weichu glanced at his imperial robe, which was draped over a nearby screen, rumpled beyond recognition, and silently held out his arms.

Memories returned of how, while still wearing the black ceremonial robes, Xie Xiao had had his way with him repeatedly—it was truly improper.

As Xie Xiao tied the sash at his waist, he asked, "What are you thinking?"

Yan Weichu was too shy to admit. He cleared his throat. "I need to return to Yaotai. There are matters outside that need handling."

"Not allowed," Xie Xiao refused. "Stay here and behave yourself."

Yan Weichu glared. "Are you really planning to hold me hostage and keep me under house arrest?"

Xie Xiao said firmly, "If Your Majesty is dissatisfied, call someone in to arrest me. Otherwise, stay here with me."

Yan Weichu was truly at a loss. He poked Xie Xiao’s chest. "You’re just taking advantage of my affection, knowing I can’t bear to have you arrested, and now you’re testing my limits by threatening me."

"I am a treacherous minister. Your Majesty will have to put up with me," Xie Xiao said shamelessly.

Yan Weichu thought it over and decided to let it go. Arguing with him was pointless. Staying here might even give him a chance to flush out more schemers, like that rear guard Commander who’d tried to fish in troubled waters earlier today under the pretext of rescuing him.

This time, he was determined to cleanse the capital of all restless forces.

Once he’d made up his mind, he relaxed again, draping his arms around Xie Xiao’s neck. "Cousin, cousin, my rear is sore."

Xie Xiao’s hand slid from his waist down to give it a playful squeeze. With a straight face, he asked, "Where does it hurt?"

Yan Weichu flushed. He had thick skin, but his cousin’s was even thicker. Better to let it go—if this continued, he might end up with another round of punishment.

Xie Xiao, still holding the phoenix mask in his other hand, asked, "You wore this today during the audience and then when going to fetch your consort?"

Yan Weichu snatched it back and held it up to Xie Xiao’s face. "I told you, it looks good."

Xie Xiao recalled Yan Weichu’s earlier ramblings about making him the empress and mostly believed it now. He found it both infuriating and amusing—all his tangled, agonizing thoughts during this time seemed absurd and ridiculous in hindsight.

"Wearing this, Your Majesty has become a laughingstock among the court officials," Xie Xiao reminded him.

Yan Weichu didn’t care. "Let them be furious. They say I’m the ruler and the empress is the subject, that the ruler shouldn’t lower himself for the subject. Well, I refuse."

The Young Emperor clearly hadn’t outgrown his rebellious phase.

Xie Xiao’s heart softened, and his anger dissipated. "Where’s the edict? And the empress’s seal and credentials—give them to me."

He was quite direct, reaching out to demand them outright.

Outside, Shun Xi, likely noticing the lamp had been lit, chose that moment to knock again, saying the Imperial Guards had delivered something.

What was brought in was precisely the edict and the seal and credentials Xie Xiao had asked for.

Xie Xiao took them directly, skipping even the pretense of thanking the emperor. By now, he couldn’t be bothered with imperial decorum in front of Yan Weichu—trying to uphold such formalities with this little rascal would only end up driving himself mad.

The edict was indeed written in Yan Weichu’s own hand, filled with over a hundred words praising him, and the contents encouraging his involvement in court politics were highly irregular.

The little rascal was clearly determined to infuriate the entire court.

In the past, Xie Xiao might have tried to dissuade him, but now—he’d accept it graciously.

Yan Weichu leaned lazily against his back and asked Shun Xi, who had entered with a bow, not daring to look up, "What’s the situation outside now?"

Shun Xi replied, "Deputy Commander Ding from the Capital Garrison brought three thousand men to guard outside the residence. The Rear Guard Commander who caused trouble has been apprehended by the Imperial Guards. Earlier, Commander Cui and Vice Commander Zheng came seeking an audience with Your Majesty…"

Shun Xi stole a glance at Xie Xiao before continuing, "This servant told them you were resting and asked them to return later."

"Cousin, how could you?"

Just as Yan Weichu was about to protest, Xie Xiao glanced at him and said, "Your Majesty is getting married today. Surely you’re not planning to handle official business?"

Yan Weichu chuckled awkwardly. "The wedding ceremony was ruined by the assassins. I’ll have the Imperial Astronomers pick another auspicious date…"

"No need," Xie Xiao said. "Today is fine. I’ve accepted the edict and received the seal and credentials. No need for further fuss."

Well, it seemed his cousin was eager to become empress. All the superficial procedures were skipped—as long as the most important items were secured, that was enough.

Hearing this, Yan Weichu abandoned any thought of further arrangements and instructed Shun Xi, "Do as the empress commands. You may leave."

Once Shun Xi had withdrawn, Yan Weichu turned his head and planted a playful kiss on Xie Xiao’s cheek. "My empress, are you satisfied now?"

Xie Xiao turned to stare at him, silent and unmoving.

Yan Weichu felt inexplicably on edge under his stare, his heart fluttering. "…Cousin?"

"Why did we encounter assassins today?" Xie Xiao asked coldly. "Is His Majesty that reckless—daring to use himself as bait and take risks every time?"

*How was there still this account to settle?*

Yan Weichu explained softly, "I was simply sick of it and wanted to flush out everyone with ulterior motives in one go. Everything had been arranged in advance. Even if you hadn’t come today, I would have been perfectly safe."

Xie Xiao’s expression darkened further. "So I shouldn’t have come?"

*The Empress’s temper was truly formidable.*

Yan Weichu coaxed him, "If I hadn’t gone to fetch you in person—and if you’d been even a moment late—could you have entered the palace at all? You wouldn’t even have been able to stop the wedding! I was giving you a chance, yet you show no gratitude. Did you really want to be left weeping outside the palace walls?"

Xie Xiao seized his face, and before Yan Weichu could cry out in pain, lowered his head and bit his lips—silencing that mouth capable of infuriating him at any moment.

Yan Weichu wisely yielded before being kissed breathless, gasping for air as he pleaded for mercy. "I won’t say it again…"

Xie Xiao finally brushed their noses together affectionately and released him.

"His Majesty is not permitted to leave anywhere. Stay right here," he emphasized once more.

Yan Weichu nodded obediently.

He knew Xie Xiao was worried—so deeply worried that he wouldn’t even allow him to return to Jade Terrace. Perhaps the only way to ease his mind was for Yan Weichu to remain by his side, here at the Marquis’s estate.

*So be it. Whatever makes Cousin happy.*

Yan Weichu still felt a twinge of regret at having missed seeing Xie Xiao wear the imperial robes prepared for the grand wedding and enthronement.

*Never mind. Once Cousin becomes Empress, there will be countless opportunities to stand beside him and share the future.*

After eating his fill, Yan Weichu felt truly revived—as if he could go another three hundred rounds.

*Better not. Excessive indulgence is unwise.*

Shun Xi brought in the wedding cups filled with wine.

They hadn’t completed the ceremonial shared cup drink last time, so this time they were determined to make up for it.

The two connected cups symbolized unity and shared destiny.

They held the cups together and drank simultaneously.

When Yan Weichu lifted his gaze, his eyes sparkled with laughter, candlelight dancing in his pupils as though his joy overflowed.

"Cousin, from now on, we are neither ruler nor subject. We will grow old together—never parting, never betraying each other."

Xie Xiao gazed quietly into his smiling eyes, recalling many past moments—the young eagles soaring and the huqin music echoing across the desert, blood and tears amid the beacon fires, mountains, rivers, and seas traversed by galloping horses.

Back then, he had always believed his finest end would be dying on the battlefield. But after walking alone through those vast, silent years, he never expected such a vivid, vibrant blessing awaiting him ahead.

Enchanted by the laughter in Yan Weichu’s eyes and his words, Xie Xiao reached out and gently wiped the wine stain from his lips, replying, "Yes."

*

The next afternoon, Cui Shao and Zheng Shize arrived together at the Marquis’s estate to brief Yan Weichu.

Aside from those killed on the spot, the rest of yesterday’s assassins had been captured alive.

Most spoke with southern accents and were likely affiliated with the same group as the assassins from Pengcheng. Upon capture, they attempted to bite off their tongues to commit suicide—but this time, Cui Shao acted swiftly, dislocating their jaws to prevent it.

"These people have probably been hiding in the capital for over half a year—lurking here since before Your Majesty’s return from the southern inspection, waiting for an opportunity. I’ve already extracted confessions from several and am interrogating them intensively."

Yan Weichu knew the Brocade Guard’s methods—they always had ways to extract truth through expertise. Assassins might not fear death, but that didn’t mean they were willing to endure inhuman torture while alive.

In addition, over the past day and night, over a hundred suspicious individuals had also been apprehended across the city—all taken to Zhao Prison for rigorous interrogation.

Yan Weichu nodded and turned to Zheng Shize: "And your side?"

The Qilin Guard was responsible for investigating court officials. Though he had detained them forcibly at Chengtian Gate yesterday, he couldn’t treat all these courtiers as accomplices of the assassins. So, yesterday he had detained only a few with strong suspicions of ties to southern official matters; the rest were sent home, with guards stationed at each residence to prevent them from leaving or sending messages—allowing for individual investigations.

The imperial clansmen of the Qilin Guard handled affairs in a rather unorthodox manner—resorting to deception, trickery, and every possible means. Those with guilty consciences, as long as they were prevented from secretly colluding, would inevitably reveal unexpected information after a few rounds of questioning.

Listening to Zheng Shize’s animated account, Yan Weichu offered no comment—while Xie Xiao shot him a cold sidelong glance and said, "Is this how your Qilin Guard handles affairs? Focusing on dirty tricks? Don’t corrupt His Majesty."

Zheng Shize: "…" *He was utterly wronged.*

Sensing that the new Empress seemed to dislike him no matter what, Zheng Shize reflected—had he offended anyone? *What did this even mean?!*

Yan Weichu coughed lightly but didn’t declare Zheng Shize wrong—only advising, "Just ensure no wrongful convictions occur."

Zheng Shize quickly assured him, "Your Majesty, rest assured—that certainly won’t happen."

Yan Weichu gave them a few more instructions and dismissed them. Xie Xiao detained Zheng Shize: "From now on, feed His Majesty fewer bad ideas." It was both a reminder and a warning.

Zheng Shize was speechless—finally understanding why he had drawn the attention of this formidable figure.

*Cousin Emperor, you’re truly something!*

*If I ever meddle in your affairs again, I’ll write my name backwards—and take your surname!*

Yan Weichu felt no guilt. When Xie Xiao pressed him yesterday, he immediately threw Zheng Shize under the carriage—after all, it was *your* idea; shouldn’t *you* bear Cousin’s resentment instead of me?

After everyone departed, Xie Xiao drew Yan Weichu close and held him on his lap.

Yan Weichu leaned against him, laughing. "Cousin, don’t be so harsh—everyone’s afraid of you."

Xie Xiao said, "What’s wrong with that?"

He had decided to play the villain—and he would see it through to the end.

He was willing to shoulder all the infamy and scorn for Yan Weichu’s sake—as long as his Emperor cherished him.

Yan Weichu understood his thoughts, his bright eyes meeting the deep, tender gaze within Xie Xiao’s.

Xie Xiao whispered, "A Li—close your eyes."

Yan Weichu’s eyelashes fluttered and slowly lowered.

Xie Xiao’s kiss descended—lingering, sweet—this was what it felt like.

*

For the next month, Yan Weichu remained at the Marquis’s estate. Every day, aside from a few trusted members of the Imperial Guard, the only person he summoned was Liu Zhu.

Countless individuals were implicated in the assassination case, with officials arrested daily. The Qilin Guard confined suspects to their homes for seven days to prevent collusion—indeed uncovering a large number of hidden schemers. For a time, the entire capital was gripped by tension and fear.

But the Emperor’s public assassination during his wedding was an unprecedented outrage—and no matter how forcefully Yan Weichu pursued the matter, it was not excessive.

Some seized the opportunity to stir trouble and spread rumors, publicly claiming the Emperor’s lack of merit had brought about this disaster. Often, before nightfall, such individuals found themselves imprisoned in Zhao Prison.

Even those who privately discussed the matter faced consequences—friends and relatives were rewarded for reporting them, delivering a harsh lesson on the perils of loose tongues.

Within a few days, no one dared to discuss these matters any further.

However, tales of the Marquis of Dingbei heroically saving the beauty and stopping the wedding procession on the streets were freely shared without restraint.

Opinions varied on whether the one appointed as Empress that day was truly the Marquis of Dingbei, but dozens of versions of the romantic stories between His Majesty and the Marquis of Dingbei spread like wildfire.

Those who told the stories well even received discreet rewards from the Jinyiwei.

Yan Weichu stayed at the marquis' estate, where daily memorials and reports were delivered. There were still those fearless enough to submit impeachments against Xie Xiao, accusing him of colluding with the assassins and rebels, detaining and confining the emperor on the streets with malicious intent, and so forth.

Yan Weichu, as usual, ignored these memorials. The fools who revealed themselves were handed over to Zheng Shize and Cui Shao to deal with, and those with treacherous intentions were arrested on the spot.

In just a month, over thirty percent of the vast court officials were removed from their positions.

By mid-July, the emperor finally held a long-awaited court session.

As the ministers took their places and saw the emperor seated safely on the throne, their feelings were mixed—

While they dared not comment on the handling of the assassins and rebels, shouldn’t His Majesty give the world an explanation regarding his ambiguous relationship with the Marquis of Dingbei?

Speaking of the Marquis of Dingbei, where was he?

Having returned to the capital, why had he not attended court? What exactly did he mean by this?!

Yan Weichu knew exactly what they were thinking: "Summon the Marquis of Dingbei to appear."

The protocol officer announced: "Summon the Marquis of Dingbei to appear!"

Xie Xiao emerged, striding forward under the gaze of the entire assembly, and bowed before the throne.

The ministers were stunned—Xie Xiao was wearing court robes that exceeded what's permitted for princes! Such attire had previously only been worn by crown princes and the former regent. For Xie Xiao, a marquis of non-imperial clan surname, to wear this was not just overstepping—it was rebellion!

Yet the emperor on the throne remained calm and nodded slightly: "Rise."

Immediately, a censor stepped forward and demanded loudly: "How dare the Marquis of Dingbei wear royal robes? Are you plotting treason?!"

This was something he and Xie Xiao had agreed upon a few days earlier. The wedding ceremony might not be repeated, but his status must be publicly affirmed—hence today’s court session.

As Yan Weichu spoke, the ministers turned pale with shock.

The court erupted into chaos. No one cared about court protocol anymore; whispers filled the hall, and all eyes turned to Xie Xiao, filled with disdain, scorn, disapproval, and even hatred.

In their eyes, the emperor’s deviation from tradition and disregard for rites were all caused by Xie Xiao, this military man.

"Your Majesty! The natural order must be maintained, human relations have their constants! To appoint a male empress would overturn the natural order and destroy rites and music! This subject would rather dash against the pillars and die than witness our glorious ancestral temple suffer such shame!"

The Senior Minister of Rites was truly prepared to make a bloody protest by crashing into a pillar—after all, he had overseen the emperor’s wedding ceremony. Who would believe he had no idea the emperor intended to appoint a male empress? He had to make a clear stance!

Fortunately, there were no pillars in the square before the Fengtian Gate.

Before Yan Weichu could speak, Xie Xiao calmly exposed him: "There are no pillars here, Minister. You jest."

The old minister glared—how dare this impudent youth insult him!

Ministers stepped forward one after another, offering advice and remonstrations to Yan Weichu.

They all spoke of how this violated proper moral codes and disgraced the ancestors, with no fresh arguments.

They also took the opportunity to curse Xie Xiao as shameless, wicked, deceitful, and currying favor with the ruler, cursing him to die horribly.

Even while being pointed at and cursed, Xie Xiao’s expression did not change in the slightest.

He even had the composure to retort: "Whether I deceive or curry favor with the ruler, these are matters between me and His Majesty as husband and wife. What business is it of yours?"

What kind of talk was this?! The shameless insolence was appalling!

Your Majesty, if you are being held against your will, blink!

Yan Weichu grew tired of listening and directly ordered the reading of Emperor Taizu’s posthumous edict.

The ministers, still seething with anger, were shocked anew at these words—Emperor Taizu?

The ancestor who had died over a century ago—how could there be an unknown posthumous edict?

The herald stepped forward holding Emperor Taizu’s posthumous edict and announced loudly: "Proclaiming the posthumous edict of Emperor Taizu."

The ministers knelt in confusion, uneasy and anxious—what was the emperor up to now?

The herald slowly unrolled the yellowed imperial decree.

"I have borne the Mandate of Heaven, ruling for thirty-six years, diligent day and night, never daring to prioritize personal feelings over the state..."

As the first line was read, those with quick minds recalled the recently rampant rumors about Emperor Taizu and the Xie family ancestor’s romantic affairs and grasped the emperor’s intention. Surely not? It couldn’t be what they were thinking?

Yan Weichu also descended from the throne, kneeling at the front, calmly lowering his eyes.

The next passage detailed Emperor Taizu’s account of meeting, knowing, and pledging himself to the Xie family ancestor—a detailed and moving account.

The ministers: "..." Fabrication! This must be fabricated!

"Yet, in the end, I did not dare to overstep the bounds of ruler and subject, leaving only a lifetime of regret... This passion burns like embers, undying even through nine deaths. Thus, I hereby decree: the Xie family, full of loyal servants, generationally guarding the nation's instruments—should later descendants find shared devotion with a son of Xie, they may appoint a male empress, properly establishing him in the central palace. Ruler and subject united in heart, governing the world together; the imperial lineage continuing, extending the state’s foundations—thus fulfilling the solemn duty to the state."

"The state is weighty, yet sincere passion is also witnessed by the heavens."

As Emperor Taizu’s posthumous edict concluded, complete silence fell over the Fengtian Gate.

Those who had protested the most vehemently earlier all fell silent. None dared question the founding emperor of Dajing—that would be joking with their clans' safety!

As for the possibility of the edict being forged, the thought only flickered briefly in their minds. No matter how bold or absurd the current emperor might be, he surely would not dare to deceive the world and dishonor his ancestors, right?

Yan Weichu had already risen and faced the ministers: "Emperor Taizu’s posthumous edict has been proclaimed. Do any of you still have objections?"

In the awkward silence, Liu Zhu was the first to step forward and bow in acceptance: "Congratulations to Your Majesty and the Marquis of Dingbei on this auspicious union! The Marquis of Dingbei, versed in both civil and military matters, will surely assist Your Majesty in bringing order to the court and peace to the land!"

Internally, the others cursed him as that old flatterer, but in the end, none dared raise further objections. Reluctantly, they accepted the fact that Dajing would welcome its first male empress in history.

Xie Xiao advanced and knelt.

Yan Weichu stood before him, personally taking the empress’s seal and credentials from the official.

"I inherit Heaven’s mandate and appoint you as empress." Yan Weichu’s voice was clear and resonant, a smile appearing in his eyes like ice thawing in spring.

The double-dragon seal pressed lightly into Xie Xiao’s palm, Yan Weichu’s thumb brushing over Xie Xiao’s fingertips.

Xie Xiao accepted it with both hands and raised his voice: "Your subject Xie Xiao receives the seal and credentials. Thank you for Your Majesty’s imperial favor."

Bell tones resonated through the palace—a moment the history books would record.