Chapter 24 I Want None

Chapter 24: I Want Neither

Jiang Yanzhou had long admired and revered the Xiao Yunlang immortalized in historical records.

Separated by time and shrouded in countless unsolved mysteries, Emperor Wu had become, in his mind, a saintly figure suspended high among the clouds.

Yet the Xiao Yunlang standing before him was no flawless paragon—nor some cold, emotionless statue. He possessed a razor-sharp, biting tongue; when angered, his gaze turned colder than the deepest winter frost, so chilling that no one dared meet it.

And yet, Jiang Yanzhou now felt this Xiao Yunlang far surpassed even his highest expectations.

Xiao Yunlang had called him *his brush*. Though likely just a rhetorical flourish meant to deflate the Northern Barbarians’ arrogance…

Jiang Yanzhou covered his cheeks. Sure enough, they were burning—flushed red.

He immediately pulled up his cloak, burying his face within it to avoid being noticed.

Only a pair of sparkling eyes and half-concealed, reddened ears remained visible.

The soldiers, warriors, and even some civil officials had found the rousing cheers exhilarating—but once Tieguluo was bested, their shared purpose dissolved.

As the cheers gradually faded, the noble families were the first to dismiss the Northern Barbarians as unworthy of fear—then swiftly resumed their resentment toward Xiao Yunlang.

Today’s spotlight had belonged entirely to him.

The Emperor, too, slowly settled from the swelling pride of a supreme empire, reverting to his usual stern expression as he narrowed his eyes at Xiao Yunlang.

Earlier, he had feared Xiao Yunlang’s rebuttal might lack impact; now that it proved *too* impactful, he grew wary.

This was the first time he realized the Crown Prince could so powerfully stir the crowd.

His gaze swept slowly across the field. Many still looked fervent, gazing up eagerly at Xiao Yunlang astride his horse—as if ready to follow him without hesitation.

Amid scattered laughter, the Emperor lowered his voice. “Consort Wei.”

Imperial Concubine Wei—secretly seething that her son had lost face while the Crown Prince gained it—hurriedly composed herself upon hearing the Emperor’s summons. “Your Majesty.”

“Have you selected a consort for the Crown Prince?”

Her eyes lit up. “Yes. The daughter of the former Provincial Administration Commissioner Yang of Yizhou—and the granddaughter of the Right Censor-in-Chief. Both are virtuous, gentle, and of suitable lineage.”

Yizhou was one of Xiao Yunlang’s fiefdoms. The former commissioner had been forced into early retirement shortly after Xiao Yunlang’s enfeoffment and assumption of office—whether friction had existed between them remained unclear.

The Right Censor-in-Chief had recently faced impeachment. Imperial Concubine Wei clearly intended to push these women onto the Crown Prince before the charges were confirmed—lest their family status later prove insufficient.

She knew the Emperor would never approve her installing a Wei-family spy directly, so she wisely avoided such a blunt move, opting instead for this roundabout approach.

Neither candidate’s family offered any support to the Crown Prince’s household—and both families opposed the Jiang clan.

Imperial Concubine Wei was certain such choices would please the Emperor.

Sure enough, he nodded.

She secretly rejoiced, bowing her head in silent obedience.

Once the cheers at the field’s edge died down, Tieguluo retrieved the eagle from the ground. It had lost only a few feathers; Xiao Yunlang had wounded but not killed it—a warning.

After Tieguluo departed with the eagle, Emperor Yonghe’s voice boomed from the high platform: “The Crown Prince’s valor shall be rewarded.”

He was expected to dismount to receive his reward—but Xiao Yunlang turned his horse toward the platform, remaining mounted, unhurried.

Emperor Yonghe watched this young, unlikable son. “Record: award a pair of bear paws, ten fox pelts, and bestow the *Cangtian* Bow.”

A eunuch bowed to transcribe the decree. The Emperor continued, slowing his speech. “Yet mere worldly goods are unworthy of the Crown Prince’s bearing today. Seeing his youthful vigor, it is fitting to add another joyous matter.”

Jiang Yanzhou, still leaning against the railing, tilted his head slightly. Xiao Yunlang tightened his reins—the earlier free-spirited boldness darkening in his pitch-black eyes.

“The Right Censor-in-Chief has a daughter—virtuous, wise, graceful, and intelligent. Bestowing her upon the Crown Prince would make an excellent match.”

The Right Censor-in-Chief, facing impeachment, was absent today; his son accompanied the hunt. Hearing his family suddenly thrust into a marriage arrangement, he sprang to his feet, flustered and uneasy.

The Emperor had named only one woman first—determined to arrange the marriage and observe Xiao Yunlang’s reaction.

But Xiao Yunlang slung his bow over his back and casually flicked his riding whip. With that single gesture, he transformed from heroic Crown Prince into arrogant, unruly scion.

He shifted effortlessly—any demeanor suited him uncannily well.

“I, however, do not consider it an excellent match.”

The Emperor’s eyes turned icy. Imperial Concubine Wei—delighting inwardly at the trouble—feigned concern and softly advised, “Your Highness need not rush to judgment. Perhaps, if you met the young lady…”

“I do not like young ladies. Meeting her would make no difference.”

Her feigned counsel cut off abruptly—nearly jolting the hairpin from her head.

Had her relentless scheming to remove the Crown Prince finally triggered auditory hallucinations—or had Xiao Yunlang gone mad?

What *was* he saying?

Yet the stunned expressions of everyone around her—including the Emperor—confirmed she had not misheard.

Xiao Yunlang guided his horse in a slow circle, his heavy gaze sweeping the surroundings. “Since everyone is here today, let me make this clear.”

“Whether Qi Dynasty subjects wish to marry off daughters—or foreign states seek alliances—do not set your sights on the position beside me. Otherwise, you are merely climbing the social ladder, disregarding your own flesh and blood’s welfare—unworthy of being parents!”

The weight of the words *“unworthy of being parents”* struck everyone present dumbfounded—leaving them stunned and speechless.

Who would dare suggest marrying a daughter to the Crown Prince after this?

So *that* was why, even after his ascension, no courtier urged him to marry?

Jiang Yanzhou, too, stood stunned.

So Xiao Yunlang… liked men?

No wonder his harem remained empty—and he never married.

But for Emperor Wu to declare such a preference so openly and fearlessly—unafraid of censure from the Censors, daring to speak it outright under feudal rites and doctrines—why was there no record of this in later generations?

Even unofficial histories fabricated only romantic tales involving women!

Yet after his initial shock, Jiang Yanzhou grew puzzled again. He had never heard of Xiao Yunlang favoring any particular man, either.

Someone as bold as Emperor Wu could not possibly have fallen for someone without *at least* a whisper of rumor emerging.

Though Xiao Yunlang said he did not like women—he did not like men, either.

He was simply letting others misunderstand, to utterly sever their schemes of arranging another marriage for him.

Jiang Yanzhou was an exception, and no one in Daqi would ever force him to marry a man again. Perfect—now no one would dare meddle with whether he had anyone in his inner quarters.

Emperor Yonghe was so enraged by Xiao Yunlang that his vision went black again and again. For the reigning Crown Prince to spout such nonsense was utterly preposterous!

An elderly minister with a graying beard stepped forward, heartbroken: "Your Highness, such lack of virtue and disregard for propriety, speaking so recklessly—this is not how the Crown Prince of our great Daqi should conduct himself!"

Xiao Yunlang swept a dismissive glance over him. "You dare step forward now to admonish me. May I ask, when the Emperor bestowed a male spouse upon me, did you speak up to debate propriety then?"

The old man choked, because he had not.

As a minister from a powerful family, he secretly wished for the Crown Prince's misfortune.

Back then, a few had indeed voiced opposition—but only a handful, all truly loyal ministers concerned for the state. Xiao Yunlang remembered them.

Xiao Yunlang looked down at him with contempt. "Silent back then, only daring to speak now—what a pillar of the court! Your Majesty, Chancellor Jiang, he is insulting both of you!"

Cold sweat instantly drenched the old man, and he hurriedly bowed in apology. "This old minister absolutely did not mean that!"

The Emperor was already too furious to speak.

Chancellor Jiang maintained his composure and remained silent.

Having triumphed over external foes and trampled political rivals, resolving a major issue, Xiao Yunlang was in quite a good mood. Just as he was about to leave the field, suddenly a brown-haired, green-eyed man from the Western Regions delegation rushed out, cupping his hands like a trumpet and shouting loudly: "Great Daqi Crown Prince, if women cannot form a marriage alliance with you, then can men?"

Xiao Yunlang: "..."

Everyone turned to look in unison, never expecting an even bigger surprise today!

Where did this oddball come from?

The green-eyed man spoke in heavily accented official language, stumbling but with imposing momentum: "In our homeland, marriage between men is very common. Your heroic bearing, like the rising sun, has deeply impressed us. We have many handsome men. So, can men?"

He was quite good-looking, his gaze earnest. Others suspected he actually wanted to ask, "Can I?"

Unfortunately, Xiao Yunlang was equally cold and ruthless toward handsome men.

"I don't want men either," Xiao Yunlang said. "Besides, which of you could surpass the beauty of my Daqi Crown Princess?"

The brown-haired, green-eyed young man let out an "ah," dejectedly lowering his head, utterly disappointed.

That certainly could not be surpassed.

During the Lantern Festival banquet, everyone had noticed this ethereal, immortal-like Crown Princess, including these foreigners, who all found him exceptionally beautiful.

Xiao Yunlang had blocked all paths for both domestic and foreign men and women. He rode to the edge of the field, tossed the reins to his bodyguard, and remembered something: "The bear paws, fox pelts, and bow awarded earlier—I still want them. Go collect them later."

The bodyguard acknowledged.

Extra fox pelts could be used to get more things for Jiang Yanzhou—no point letting them go to waste.

Xiao Yunlang had gotten dusty from riding earlier. He returned to his tent, washed up, and changed into a dark red robe.

When he returned, he found that a eunuch had actually brought Emperor Yonghe a bowl of soothing tea. Empress Jiang and Imperial Concubine Wei were both in attendance.

Consort Li and another consort obediently stayed in the back, seemingly not daring to act out in front of the Empress and Imperial Concubine.

Not a trace could be seen of the ambition to take down both the Crown Prince and the Prince of Jin.

Xiao Yunlang ignored them, sitting back in his seat. Feng Yi reported in a low voice: "His Majesty was quite furious earlier."

Xiao Yunlang thought: If he could actually die from anger, that would be convenient.

Xiao Yunlang noticed that Jiang Yanzhou beside him was not as composed as usual, his hands making small movements from time to time, as if restless.

After all that had just happened, Jiang Yanzhou probably had something to say to him.

But in such a setting, they could not even exchange casual conversation.

Still too inconvenient... Xiao Yunlang twirled the cup in his hand, dissatisfied: When will the Jiang family finally be properly finished?

Xiao Yunlang was only partially correct. Although Jiang Yanzhou was distracted, he had no time to speak with others at the moment—his mind was very busy.

Busy mentally listing all the men later recorded in Qi Dynasty history who were notable and close to Xiao Yunlang.

This was a major undertaking.

As for those who were distant, they had neither the opportunity nor the time for romantic affairs with Emperor Wu.

Therefore, either Emperor Wu favored men but never found a suitable partner in the end and remained alone till old age;

or Emperor Wu changed his approach, keeping private matters secret and ordering historians not to record them.

If it really was the latter... Jiang Yanzhou really wanted to see what kind of person could earn Emperor Wu's such affection!

Surely it would have to be a man of exceptional talent and appearance, humble and open-minded, peerlessly elegant, to be worthy of Emperor Wu.

Moreover, given Xiao Yunlang's personality, he didn't seem the type to fall in love at first sight. If there really was such a person, it was more likely a gradual development of feelings.

Emperor Wu was actually attracted to men.

This was a groundbreaking historical discovery!

How could only he, a modern person, know about it?

And now he couldn't even be considered modern anymore.

Jiang Yanzhou's history-obsessed brain simply couldn't be restrained.

He thought: if Xiao Yunlang didn't want to reveal it in this era, would he mind letting future generations know? If not, could he request Xiao Yunlang's permission to write a biography himself?

Absolutely not letting anyone in this dynasty see it, to be buried with him after his death.

Given Jiang Yanzhou's current status, he would surely have a tomb of appropriate scale after death. When his tomb was opened thousands of years later, this biography would make a tremendous contribution to history and archaeology.

The more Jiang Yanzhou thought about it, the more reasonable it seemed, and the more tempted he felt, as if already seeing people stirring up a new wave of lively discussion about Emperor Wu.

But for now, nothing was certain. It wouldn't be too late to record it if such a person truly appeared. Of course, if Xiao Yunlang didn't agree to let him write it, he definitely wouldn't.

Although he very much wanted to do something for fellow history enthusiasts, Emperor Wu's own wishes naturally came first.

Having finished the busywork in his mind, Jiang Yanzhou took a sip of the pear blossom soup served by an attendant. He couldn't look at Xiao Yunlang, so near yet so far, in such a setting, so he turned his gaze back to the field.

A new competition was underway in the field.

Daqi certainly wasn't lacking in talent besides Xiao Yunlang; it was just that Tieguluo was too formidable. Currently in the field was the newly appointed Assistant Prefect of the Imperial Guards, Sui Yedao, who also performed splendidly.

The second day of the spring hunt ended with Xiao Yunlang stealing the spotlight, and the night passed peacefully without incident.

On the third day, perhaps because the Emperor had been too enraged the previous day, he only made a brief appearance. The rest of the time was for everyone's own leisure and amusement.

Jiang Yanzhou didn't know anyone here. Liu Hexuan and others had not yet entered the court, and their families weren't prominent enough to join the spring hunt. Other young nobles mingled in small groups, but Jiang Yanzhou stood alone.

It wasn't that no one came up to him, but those were all from his family's faction. And due to the presence of the Crown Prince's guards, they spoke in hushed, guarded tones.

Unable to obtain useful information, Jiang Yanzhou simply found a place to sneak away for some peace and quiet, seeing no one.

Feng Lan said, "If Your Highness does not wish to see them, we can head them off beforehand."

But Jiang Yanzhou shook his head. "No, it doesn't hurt to see them. After all, some of them might be useful in the future."

For example, the young master from the Vice Minister of War's household earlier was a classic case of one person screwing up and the whole family paying the price, but the situation wasn't hopeless.

The reckless playboy himself was unaware he had been set up, dragging a bunch of unrelated nonsense into it. Although the Vice Minister was at fault, his mistake wasn't unforgivable.

The Crown Prince's residence could offer them this favor, lending a helping hand.

Xiao Yunlang, during his tenure as Crown Prince, still needed to reform Zhangzhou and return to Yizhou to crack down on bandits. Getting on good terms with the Ministry of War early on couldn't hurt.

Jiang Yanzhou walked while thinking.

He was walking slowly today, and his thoughts were slow too. Last night was a rare night since he'd crossed over where he didn't sleep soundly, because he was too busy thinking about where to start if he could write a private biography of Xiao Yunlang unknown to later generations.

He was so lost in thought he fought off the medicine's effects, disturbing his sleep.

The weather was warm today, and moving around a bit would do him good. Feng Lan didn't dare let him go into the mountain trails again, only allowing him to walk nearby. Jiang Yanzhou felt somewhat hot and tried to loosen his heavy cloak.

Just as Jiang Yanzhou stopped to rest, looking around for a place to sit, he suddenly heard the rapid drumbeat of approaching hooves.

He turned his head, but before he could clearly see anything, a rush of wind whipped past him. Then, with a rustling sound, the cloak in Feng Lan's hand was snatched away and thrown over Jiang Yanzhou's head, covering him completely.

Jiang Yanzhou's world went black, then light, startling him. When he tugged at the cloak and looked up, he found himself face to face with the Crown Prince, with sword-like brows and star-bright eyes.

Xiao Yunlang, having ridden his horse somewhere, was radiating vitality. From galloping over to dismounting, he moved in one fluid motion. He pulled the cloak closer and asked Jiang Yanzhou in a low voice, "Why did you take off your cloak?"

Jiang Yanzhou first instinctively glanced around. Seeing no outsiders nearby, he fingered the fluffy trim of the cloak and whispered, "I felt a bit hot while walking."

"That's true. Getting too hot isn't good either. But once you stop for a while, you should put your clothes back on. You're most likely to catch a chill if you get cold right after being hot."

Jiang Yanzhou nodded. He wanted to remove the cloak from his head—the fur-lined collar acted like a hood, wrapping around his face entirely.

Also, why did Xiao Yunlang suddenly come to find him, and... stand so close?

Did he have something important to say?

Xiao Yunlang leaned in, getting even closer, and lowered his voice. "Got a little something for you."

Jiang Yanzhou immediately straightened his expression. Was it an important item that could be useful later, or some inconvenient verbal message?

He held out his hands, solemn and intent. Xiao Yunlang pulled something from his sleeve, moved his hand, and let go. In Jiang Yanzhou's palm now lay—a round, fluffy little ball.

Jiang Yanzhou's eyes widened slightly, completely stunned.

A plump, fluffy little titmouse nestled in his palm. Its foot was injured and already bandaged. It wasn't scared of people in the least, looking up at him with its little black eyes like beads. "Chirp."

Seeing the look on Jiang Yanzhou's face, Xiao Yunlang couldn't help but laugh.

After laughing, he lowered his voice again. "This little thing is quite clever. When chased by a bird of prey, it knew to dart near me. I found it interesting, so I brought it back to keep you company."

Jiang Yanzhou cupped the little bird in his hands, momentarily unsure how much force to use, truly afraid of hurting the little creature.

He thought to himself, *I don't feel bored, but... this little bird is really quite cute.*

Jiang Yanzhou couldn't resist extending a finger, gently stroking it.

The little bird shook its wings and even actively tilted its head to rub against Jiang Yanzhou's finger.

Jiang Yanzhou: !

So tame!

Jiang Yanzhou instantly fell in love with this little fluffball, unable to put it down. His slender fingers brushed against the soft feathers, and a smile that shone like sunlight on water rippled in his eyes.

Seeing his expression, Xiao Yunlang knew he liked it.

"Once its injury heals, you can decide whether to keep it or release it," Xiao Yunlang said, taking hold of his horse's reins, preparing to leave. "Tonight will definitely be unsettled. Return to the traveling palace early this afternoon to rest. Once the ruckus starts in the evening, there'll be no chance to sleep."

Jiang Yanzhou agreed. Watching Xiao Yunlang take the reins, he realized something and was even more surprised than when he received the little bird.

Did Xiao Yunlang specifically choose a time when others weren't around to make this trip, just to give him a little fluffball and say these few words?

Because everyone else had places to go and have fun, but he didn't, so was he worried he might be bored?

Although he didn't feel there was anything wrong with it, this feeling of being remembered even in small matters...

Jiang Yanzhou only felt that the warm, soft little bird in his palm had melted his heart completely.

Xiao Yunlang was so attentive to his subordinates. If he ever had someone he liked in the future, goodness only knows how devoted he'd be.

He stroked the little bird's feathers. Perhaps because the bird was too adorable and the atmosphere too pleasant, he actually voiced the question that had disturbed him half the night last night.

"Your Highness, what kind of person do you like?"

Xiao Yunlang was just stepping onto the stirrup to mount his horse. Upon hearing this, his back stiffened. Fortunately, his horsemanship was top-notch, allowing him to smoothly and gracefully swing onto the horse. If it were someone else, they might have slipped because of these words and fallen on the spot.

Why ask this suddenly?

Because of what I said yesterday... or is Jiang Yanzhou himself concerned and wants to ask?

Xiao Yunlang sat on his horse. He originally wanted to say, "I won't like anyone," but the moment he lowered his head, he met Jiang Yanzhou's eyes.

Those eyes, touched by the spring breeze, mingled with anticipation and scattered with starlight.

To dim those eyes even slightly seemed like a grave fault. Who would bear to do it?

Xiao Yunlang: ...

He looked up and saw the patrolling imperial guards in the distance already heading this way. So he shook the reins and changed the words that had reached his lips. "I don't know either."

"Someone's coming. I'm leaving. Giddy up!"

The black steed neighed and galloped out like a swift wind, disappearing in the blink of an eye before the imperial guards could approach.

He doesn't know?

Jiang Yanzhou looked up from under the cloak. That meant Xiao Yunlang hadn't fallen for anyone yet.

Alright, he could wait and see.

But why leave in such a hurry? Even if the imperial guards really saw them, they wouldn't know what the two had said.

Jiang Yanzhou gently stroked the little tit: "You'll be staying with me for now."

The little tit chirped: "Chirp chirp!"

Feng Lan stood silently to the side, carefully keeping his eyes downcast and his thoughts to himself, not daring to mention that Xiao Yunlang had seemed almost like he was withdrawing earlier.

He didn't even dare to voice the thought that, despite being the Crown Prince and Crown Princess on the imperial registry, the way they slipped away from the crowd to exchange a few words felt almost like... two young lovers sneaking off for a secret rendezvous.

Feng Lan closed his eyes, first reproaching himself inwardly. These two were a sovereign and his subject, like-minded confidants—how could he entertain such improper thoughts!

But... it really did seem that way.

He had a feeling this thought was going to stick with him for a while.