Chapter 117: Emperor’s Heart

Chapter 117: The Emperor's Heart

"Love Gu?"

"Does such a thing truly exist in this world?"

The emperor's deep voice echoed low within the grand hall.

Eunuch Hu put on an ingratiating smile. "The world is vast, full of wonders. Moreover, several witnesses saw with their own eyes that there were indeed gu worms inside those young masters. It seems it must be true."

Emperor Tianhong let out a cold laugh. "A centipede may die, but it never stiffens. One day, I will utterly eradicate these remnants of the previous dynasty."

Eunuch Hu's smile nearly faltered.

Over the years, he had more or less guessed the unusual circumstances of Shen Yuchao's background. Did the 'remnants of the previous dynasty' His Majesty spoke of include him?

His nephew was still serving under Shen Yuchao's command.

He was a eunuch, fated to have no progeny or familial bonds in this life. Yet, not long ago, he had finally found the biological son of his deceased elder brother. He had expended great effort to get him into the Shen Family Army, hoping he would distinguish himself and, in the future, perform his funeral rites.

He didn't care whether Shen Yuchao lived or died, but his nephew was still in his hands!

A pang of panic shot through Eunuch Hu.

However, having served by Emperor Tianhong's side for many years, he had learned to some degree to keep his emotions from showing. He tested the waters subtly, "Speaking of which, once His Highness the Crown Prince and His Highness the Prince return victorious, the wedding preparations should begin, shouldn't they?"

Emperor Tianhong remained silent for a long while, causing Eunuch Hu's heart to sink with a thud.

Just as he was growing uneasy, Emperor Tianhong changed the subject and asked, "How is Zhu Zexing?"

Suppressing his worry, Eunuch Hu replied, "He received forty solid strokes of the heavy rod. He is now laid up at home."

Emperor Tianhong: "Send the imperial physician to see him tomorrow."

Eunuch Hu understood then that although His Majesty was angered by Commander Zhu's failure in handling the matter, he had not truly fallen out of imperial favor.

"No need to attend further. You may withdraw."

"As you command." With this response, Eunuch Hu exited the hall.

Before leaving, he glanced back almost involuntarily.

The emperor, clad in bright yellow dragon robes, stood before the window. The night was as dark as ink, the window opening a pitch-black void, like a mysterious and perilous abyss.

He stood immovable, his figure tall and straight, steadfast as a mountain, a man who alone could face a hundred foes.

Eunuch Hu dared not look longer and hurriedly averted his gaze, picked up his lantern and left.

...

To extract the Love Gu, Baili He and Cheng Yu had taken a considerable amount of Qiu Lianying's blood, leaving her extremely weak upon waking. She remained bedridden all day.

As the heat of July began to wane, silver moonlight draped the night like gauze. Lanterns were lit, their glow mingling with the moonlight, creating a hazy beauty.

As the night breeze grew cooler, Qiu Shuiyi was about to close the window when a hand appeared, stopping her movement.

It was a powerful hand, with five slender, pale fingers and distinct knuckles, seeming to glow under the moonlight.

Qiu Shuiyi looked up, meeting a pair of deep, captivating eyes. Surprised, she said, "It's so late. Why have you come?"

As soon as the words left her mouth, a faint sound came from inside the room. Turning her head, she saw a figure dart past her field of vision.

Qiu Lianying's subdued yet delighted voice rang out in the quiet depths of the night.

Before Qiu Shuiyi could turn back to speak to the newcomer, a pair of hands reached over the windowsill, firmly grasped her waist, and swept her out of the room in one fluid motion.

The bright moon reflected in her eyes, pure, ethereal, and transcendent.

Behind her, the window shut with a soft 'snap.' Bracing her hands on Shen Yuchao's shoulders, Qiu Shuiyi gazed at him with bright eyes and said softly, "How can a dignified prince engage in something like sneaking into a lady's boudoir at night?"

Shen Yuchao gave a low chuckle, holding Qiu Shuiyi as he leaped onto the roof. Pointing downward, he said, "This is what's called sneaking into a boudoir. I haven't even set foot in your bedchamber. How can it count?"

Qiu Shuiyi shot him a reproachful look. "That's just sophistry."

Shen Yuchao laughed, holding Qiu Shuiyi close.

Quietly feeling each other's warmth, he suddenly said, "I'm leaving at dawn tomorrow for the campaign."

Qiu Shuiyi nodded. "I won't see you off. My sister is weak, and Mother has been overly exhausted lately. I'm too worried about them to leave."

"You heartless little thing." Shen Yuchao bopped the tip of her nose. "I'm leaving, and who knows when I'll be back, and you don't even want to see me off."

"You will come back," Qiu Shuiyi said, tilting her head with a smile. "Since you'll return sooner or later, what's the point of a farewell? It would only make us sad. I want to see you with a smile, not send you off with tears."

Shen Yuchao was taken aback.

The young woman looked up, her eyes like bright stars, holding a gentle smile.

His heart stirred. He lowered his head and pressed a kiss, his tender murmur lost between their lips.

"Alright."

Emperor Tianhong personally bid farewell to the grand army setting off on campaign.

With the Emperor's presence, the troops' morale surged to an unprecedented high. With an unstoppable momentum, they marched out of the city gates in a mighty procession.

Looking into the distance at the two figures on horseback at the very front, Emperor Tianhong slowly descended the city wall.

Returning to the Minghe Hall, he picked up a memorial from the desk. After reading for a moment, as if suddenly remembering something, he asked, "How is Zhu Zexing?"

Eunuch Hu was puzzled. Hadn't His Majesty just asked yesterday?

Though inwardly grumbling, he answered honestly, "According to the imperial physician, Commander Zhu has a strong constitution. It seems he'll be able to leave his bed in a few days."

Emperor Tianhong said nothing.

During the punishment, he had specifically instructed that Zhu Zexing's injuries should look severe but not actually harm tendons or bones. He'd be back on his feet in three or four days at most.

"Have him come see me immediately once he's recovered."

"As you command."

"Have the men outside the Marquis of Yun'an's residence been withdrawn?"

Eunuch Hu shook his head. "Not yet."

Emperor Tianhong snorted coldly and slammed the memorial down heavily. "What? Is he still guarding against me, worried I might kill his precious darling?"

Eunuch Hu knelt in fright. "Your Majesty, please calm your anger. Perhaps... perhaps the Prince simply forgot..."

"Don't bother making excuses for him."

Emperor Tianhong lowered his eyelids, as if sighing, "After all..."

What was it?

Eunuch Hu didn't catch the rest, but he had a feeling it wasn't anything good.

...

Three days passed in the blink of an eye.

Zhu Zexing knelt on the ground, quietly listening to the emperor's instructions from the throne.

After Emperor Tianhong finished speaking, he said solemnly, "Understood?"

Zhu Zexing betrayed no surprise and respectfully replied, "I will not fail Your Majesty."

Emperor Tianhong nodded, "Go."

Zhu Zexing performed a deep bow.

Leaving Minghe Hall, he mustered a team of Imperial Guards and headed straight for the Marquis of Yun'an's estate.

Elite soldiers surrounded the Marquis of Yun'an's estate. Passersby hurried past, not daring to cast a single glance.

Zhu Zexing quietly hid in the shadows, like a leopard lying in wait, waiting for the right moment to deliver the final blow to his prey.

As dusk fell, he changed into black clothes, masked himself, and said in a low voice, "Let's go."

...

Eunuch Hu was pouring tea for Emperor Tianhong.

While pouring, he secretly observed the emperor's expression.

Thanks to his excellent ability to read people, he felt that His Majesty seemed somewhat restless tonight.

Distracted for a moment, his hand slipped, and some tea spilled over.

"Your servant deserves death, your servant deserves death."

Eunuch Hu hurriedly wiped the spill with his sleeve, flustered and about to kneel.

"Enough, it's not a big deal. No need to act as if facing a great enemy."

Emperor Tianhong didn't blame him. "Since you're tired, you may leave me first."

Eunuch Hu, of course, didn't dare. He remained at his post, occasionally refilling Emperor Tianhong's tea.

When he noticed Emperor Tianhong tapping his fingers lightly on the table for the third time, Eunuch Hu tentatively asked, "Is Your Majesty in a bad mood today?"

Emperor Tianhong shook his head slightly. "I'm waiting for news."

Eunuch Hu didn't ask what news.

Some matters were not for him to inquire about.

The night breeze brought a slight chill. He closed the window, missing the sharp glint that flashed in Emperor Tianhong's eyes.

Better to kill by mistake than to let go.

He had only one son, Chen'er, and would never stand by and watch him be ruined by the Qiu family women.

And Shen Yuchao.

Before Qiu Shuiyi appeared, he had been his sharpest tool. Now, for the sake of a woman, even his weapon would turn against its master.

They were both nothing but trouble.

As for whether Shen Yuchao and Mu Yuanxi would turn against him upon receiving the news, that had never been a consideration for Emperor Tianhong.

He was the emperor, the ruler of the realm. Unless they rebelled, both his wrath and his favor were the grace of the sovereign, and they could only accept it.

They were just two women. With all the young ladies from good families in the capital, surely they couldn't find others they liked?

He waited until deep into the night when Zhu Zexing finally returned to report.

Upon seeing Emperor Tianhong, he knelt with a thud, his throat tight. "I have failed in my duty, Your Majesty. Please punish me."

Emperor Tianhong's hand tightened. "You failed?"

He laughed, filled with endless mockery. "It seems I underestimated them."

"No."

Zhu Zexing looked up and said gravely, "The Marquis of Yun'an's residence was empty. Both young ladies of the Qiu family were not in the estate."

"What?"

Emperor Tianhong showed a flicker of shock. "They fled?"

Zhu Zexing nodded. "I suspect they left on the day the army set out."

Emperor Tianhong's expression turned extremely grim. He gave a bitter, angry laugh. "Good, very good. Truly worthy of the wolf cub I raised with my own hands."

"Truly impressive!"

*Crash—*

The teacup on the table was swept to the floor, its crisp shattering sound piercingly loud in the deep night.

Zhu Zexing and Eunuch Hu knelt together.

The latter trembled as he stole a glance at the furious emperor, his heart filled with shock.

His Majesty... actually intended to move against the Qiu family's young ladies?!

...

"How are you so sure that His Majesty would definitely target me and my sister?"

Qiu Shuiyi sat cross-legged, idly poking at the campfire.

On the morning the army set out, she was still sleeping. Half-asleep, she sensed someone entering.

Opening her eyes, she found a tall figure standing by her bed, nearly scaring her to death.

Before she could scream, she was lifted, blanket and all, and placed into a carriage.

Not long after, Qiu Lianying was brought in as well.

Qiu Shuiyi and her stared at each other, utterly confused about what scheme these two were cooking up.

For these three days, Shen Yuchao had been so busy he didn't even have time to eat. It wasn't until yesterday, when Mu Yuanxi took Qiu Lianying and they divided their forces, that Shen Yuchao finally found a moment to visit her.

When Qiu Shuiyi asked him what was going on, he bluntly stated that Emperor Tianhong intended to take the lives of her and her sister, which made her jolt.

Shen Yuchao tore the roasted chicken into strips, put them on a plate and handed it over.

Qiu Shuiyi took it quite naturally, eating while keeping her eyes fixed on him, determined to get an answer.

Shen Yuchao chuckled, finding the way her cheeks puffed out utterly adorable. His palm itched with the urge to ruffle her hair.

But as he raised his hand, he noticed it was covered in grease. He took out a handkerchief and wiped it carefully before replying, “After all, I was raised by him. I may not know him ten-tenths, but I know him seven or eight.”

Shen Yuchao lowered his gaze. “He never lets anyone he sees as a threat live.”

“What threat could my sister and I possibly—”

She got halfway through the sentence, then suddenly thought of Mu Yuanxi and swallowed the rest of her words.

Her lips curled into a mirthless smile. “It’s understandable that ordinary people, unaware of the full story, blame my great-aunt. But what right do the Zhou family have? Did they not benefit from it? And he’s the emperor—how could he believe such an absurd notion that a woman could destroy a nation?”

Her words were highly treasonous, but fortunately, only the two of them were around. Shen Yuchao didn’t stop her, just said, “The imperial decree betrothing me to your sister was initially just a joking remark by the late emperor. It wasn’t formally issued until His Majesty ascended the throne. When I realized your sister had no interest in me, and I myself had no intention of marrying at the time, I tested the waters with His Majesty on whether the betrothal could be annulled.”

The crackling fire illuminated Shen Yuchao’s fair face.

“Though he never said it outright, I sensed his insistence. That was when I understood that my future bride had to be a daughter of the Qiu family.”

“Back then, I couldn’t make sense of it, but now I do.” Shen Yuchao let out a low laugh. “Perhaps in his eyes, with such an elder in the Qiu family, your clan must have treaded on thin ice, remaining utterly loyal and obedient—the most faithful and compliant hound under his command. Using such a subject to keep watch over me, a remnant of the previous dynasty, would naturally be the most fitting arrangement.”

Though harsh, it was the truth.

Her heart aching for him, Qiu Shuiyi picked up a piece of chicken with her chopsticks and held it to his lips.

Shen Yuchao’s eyes crinkled with amusement as he ate it.

After feeding him a few bites, Qiu Shuiyi grew impatient. Remembering someone, she asked, “Why did you spare Zhao Xiping?”

If even Han Zicheng was killed, there was no reason to leave such a troublemaker alive.

Shen Yuchao raised an eyebrow. “Guess.”

Guess, guess, guess—take a wild guess!

Qiu Shuiyi rolled her eyes at him, put down the plate, and returned to her own tent.

They had to march early the next morning—better get some rest sooner.