SWHCBB 5

Chapter 5 – Returning to the Palace to Give Thanks, Fighting with the Dog Emperor

But Wen Jue’s reputation as a fox spirit wasn’t for nothing—he quickly steadied his heart, the corners of his lips gently lifting. “Doing something you love with someone you love—even pain becomes joy.”

Jiang Chuang couldn’t speak as poetically as him. He simply held him tighter and whispered by his ear, “I promise you, from now on, there will be no pain in this—only pleasure.”

Wen Jue gave the faintest nod. He could hear the tenderness in Jiang Chuang’s words—not just lust.

But he didn’t fully believe it. Last night, when he’d been pinned and unable to move, he’d learned well how strong this man’s brute force was. Once he lost control, he cared for nothing.

Still, it confirmed that his plan was progressing smoothly—so smooth it even surprised Wen Jue himself.

He rejoiced quietly, but also remained on full alert. He wouldn’t let desire blind him.

The eunuch sent to escort them had long been waiting outside the palace. The moment the carriage arrived, he bowed and smiled fawningly, eyes darting about with calculation.

Jiang Chuang was the first to step down, face stern and cold. Wen Jue followed, supported by Jiang Chuang’s hand at his waist.

Strangely enough, Jiang Chuang’s expression eased a little when addressing the eunuch. “We’ll trouble you to lead the way, Gonggong.”Gonggong (公公) is a respectful title used to address eunuchs.1

The eunuch beamed, bowing deeply. “Yes, yes—congratulations to the General and Fifth Highness on your joyful union. His Majesty and Her Majesty are awaiting you both at Kunning Palace.”

At the mention of the wedding, Jiang Chuang’s expression darkened again. Wen Jue remained as mild as ever. “Lead the way.”

He lifted his hand, and Changning instinctively stepped forward—only to be edged out by Jiang Chuang.

With his face still stony, Jiang Chuang took Wen Jue’s hand. “Now that we’re married, I can’t fail to meet His Majesty’s expectations. Let’s go—let the Emperor see just how ‘loving and devoted’ we are.”

That last line came through gritted teeth, but only Wen Jue could feel how gently Jiang Chuang was holding him.

Jiang Chuang glanced casually at the eunuch ahead and the cluster of servants trailing behind.

Listen closely. Guess all you want. Aren’t you all fond of eavesdropping?

Whatever they wanted to hear—he’d say it all loud and clear.

Then he looked down again at Wen Jue by his side. His irritation finally eased.

They couldn’t keep up this act forever. At least back at the general’s manor, he wanted to live honestly.

He just needed to find a chance to root out the Emperor’s spies.

As for how to sweep out the trash with dignity—Jiang Chuang really didn’t know how. He was never good at playing politics, spouting pleasantries, or weaving schemes.

Better to leave all that to Zhiyu. He was brilliant at it.

At that thought, Jiang Chuang felt cheerful again. Zhiyu really was remarkable!

Wen Jue sensed the subtle change in his mood—he seemed to be secretly happy about something.

He’d always thought Jiang Chuang’s thoughts were easy to read. A straightforward, earnest military man—how complicated could he be?

But now, Wen Jue wasn’t so sure. He didn’t seem as blindly loyal as before, nor as rigid and simple-minded as Wen Jue had once assumed.

If he could see, maybe he could read more from Jiang Chuang’s expression.

But being blind wasn’t all bad. At least he didn’t have to witness all the phony smiles and false courtesy. Hearing it was nauseating enough.

When they arrived at Kunning Palace, the Emperor and Empress were seated at the top, as expected. But to the left sat a woman dressed in lavish, radiant robes.

The eunuch hadn’t mentioned she would be present, so she had likely arrived not long before them. Still, it would’ve been strange if she hadn’t shown up.

She had a face of unmatched beauty, surrounded by dazzling jewels and embroidery—but the only thing that truly drew attention was the woman herself.

She carried a natural aura of power and arrogance, making it hard to look at her directly. One could only submit.

Jiang Chuang merely glanced at her briefly before loosening his grip on Wen Jue’s hand, subtly putting some distance between them. Once inside the grand hall, he released his hold altogether.

These small gestures didn’t escape anyone’s notice. The Emperor smiled faintly, exuding both authority and subtle approval. The Empress looked on with a kind, gentle smile.

The two of them bowed together. Though Wen Jue couldn’t see, his etiquette was flawless.

“This son pays respects to Imperial Father and Imperial Mother .”

“This subject greets Your Majesty and the Empress.”

When the Emperor saw Jiang Chuang bowing alone—rising without so much as a glance at Wen Jue—his face was wearing a smile, but it was clearly forced, painfully so.

Then he looked to Wen Jue, who moved neither fast nor slow. But when he straightened up after bowing, he paused briefly, then slowly stood upright, a slight furrow in his brow.

The Emperor smiled with satisfaction. “Be seated.”

“Thank you, Your Majesty / Imperial Father.”

The two rose. Jiang Chuang was the first to turn and take a few steps toward the seats when he suddenly paused. Glancing back, he saw Wen Jue still standing in place.

He seemed to have just remembered—Wen Jue had entered the hall without an attendant and was without his guiding staff. He couldn’t move forward on his own.

So Jiang Chuang returned and took his hand, quietly saying, “Walk with me.” Then led him to their seats.

Seeing this, the Empress’s smile deepened. “Look at that—I’d thought General Jiang, so used to blood and war, wouldn’t know how to care for others. Who would have guessed that after just one marriage, he’d turn so tender? Seeing how gently you treat Zhiyu puts my heart at ease.”

Jiang Chuang remained expressionless as he replied respectfully, “His Highness’s eyes are inconvenient. It is my duty to care for him more.”

The richly dressed woman to the side let out a scoffing laugh. “Oh? Is that so? I think not. General Jiang’s acting… is rather poor!”

The Emperor’s voice dropped. “Ah Yan!”

Though stern, there was no true reprimand in his tone. He only shook his head, clearly helpless before her—but the affection was plain on his face.

Wen Jue instinctively turned toward the sound of her voice. For the first time, a genuine smile appeared on his lips. “Imperial Sister is here too?”

Wen Yan studied Wen Jue carefully, confirming that he had been thoroughly ravaged the night before.

Then she glanced at Jiang Chuang, then back at her delicate, porcelain-like younger brother. Suppressing her anger, she said coldly, “I came to see the two of you… this pair of ‘perfectly matched lovers.’”

The atmosphere immediately turned tense and strange.

Jiang Chuang had always had complicated feelings about this Princess.

In his past life, he had sensed her dislike the moment they first met after the wedding. Not quite hatred, but clear disdain.

They had only met a few times before, not enough to be considered familiar. Her dislike for him began the moment he married Wen Jue.

Back then, Jiang Chuang hadn’t cared much. After all, they didn’t interact, and she was a noble princess—best to steer clear.

But Wen Jue deeply respected this elder sister, so Jiang Chuang had shown her basic courtesy.

After he and Wen Jue fell out, her dislike grew stronger. She had deliberately made things difficult for him. Jiang Chuang hadn’t liked her either and dismissed her behavior as typical of a willful woman.

He’d thought her nothing more than a pampered royal woman who looked down on him.

But in the end, he had nearly died at her hands in the previous life—because of Wen Jue.

And truthfully, he’d deserved it.

Anyone would hold a grudge. Her beloved brother had been forced to marry a man under imperial edict, losing his chance to father children and inherit the throne…

Even though he had already been disqualified due to his blindness…

He was ridiculed behind closed doors.

“Prince or not, isn’t he still beneath General Jiang?”

“I heard he begged and pleaded with the Emperor to be married—tsk tsk tsk.”

“An unwanted prince—such a grievance for our Jiang General to be stuck with him!”

No one knew who started the rumors, but they painted Wen Jue as someone who shamelessly begged for the marriage—and it became an unbearable humiliation.

But Jiang Chuang knew: how could any of that be Wen Jue’s fault? It was the dog Emperor trying to put him in his place.

In the end, Wen Jue had suffered greatly because of him. Thinking back now, Jiang Chuang couldn’t even argue against being hated. He deserved it. Deserved to be beaten.

And how many grievances had Zhiyu endured that he never even saw?

So now, facing Princess Chenyu’s attitude, Jiang Chuang no longer felt irritated like he had in the past. He gave her a respectful nod.

“Thank you, Imperial Sister, for your concern.”

Wen Jue heard this and bit his lip, afraid he’d laugh aloud.

Wen Yan was so annoyed by that ‘Imperial Sister’ she actually laughed from anger. “Concern? Hardly. I’m far too busy to be concerned.”

Jiang Chuang’s smile faded slightly, and he said nothing more.

The atmosphere cooled again. The Empress stepped in to smooth things over. “Chenyu is just frank by nature. She doesn’t mean to offend, General Jiang. Please don’t take it to heart.”

Jiang Chuang replied, “Yes, Your Majesty.”

Wen Yan ignored the Empress entirely, stood, and walked into the center of the hall. “Father, I still have matters to attend to.”

This proud and domineering Princess Chenyu would only lower her head before the Emperor.

By acting as she did, it was clear she saw no one else in the room as worthy of her attention. Arrogant and spoiled—but such arrogance was what the Emperor indulged.

He clearly adored her overbearing ways. With a smile, he waved a hand. “Fine, go tend to your business. Stop bothering me and your brother.”

Wen Yan gave a shallow bow, somewhat petulantly. “Once I finish training the craftsmen in the capital, I’ll make sure to ‘bother’ you!”

Then she turned and left—but not before glancing at Wen Jue one last time.

The Emperor shook his head with a smile of helpless fondness. “That temper of hers—just like her mother. So unreasonable!”

The Empress chimed in softly, and only then did the Emperor finally look directly at the quiet Wen Jue.

“Zhiyu, you’re nothing like your mother. So soft-spoken, so mild-mannered—timid and reserved. I wonder where you got that temperament from.”

The Empress smiled kindly. “How could that be? Your Majesty must have forgotten—when Sister Chen was carrying Zhiyu, her temperament also became quiet and cautious. Isn’t that clearly who he takes after?”

The Emperor seemed to recall an unpleasant memory; his smile faded noticeably, and his gaze toward Wen Jue turned cold and distant.

Wen Jue’s expression didn’t change much, his tone light and bland. “Your son is blind, so I can only remain quiet and careful. How could I dare to be lively or outgoing?”

He was voicing his discontent, and the Emperor’s expression clearly darkened. The Empress, however, kept smiling serenely.

Jiang Chuang heard the grievance in his tone and clenched his fists. Wen Jue couldn’t see, but he could. He saw all too clearly how this imperial couple cornered and suppressed his husband.

Weren’t they both born of the same parents? Princess Chenyu was the Emperor’s favorite, spoiled to excess.

So why was Wen Jue so despised? Poisoned, blinded, and left uncared for. If not for Chenyu’s protection, he might’ve died long ago, forgotten in the depths of the palace.

If it weren’t for this forced marriage, he wouldn’t even have been granted a title. No one truly regarded him as a “prince.”

Jiang Chuang couldn’t understand it—he only felt heartache for Wen Jue.

But he still had to maintain the facade of being resentful about the marriage, of wearing a stiff, unhappy face.

“Not necessarily,” Jiang Chuang sneered coldly, contradicting Wen Jue deliberately. “He’s… quite lively in some circumstances.”

Mm, very lively…

It was a deliberate misdirection for that dog Emperor.

Sure enough, the Emperor and Empress, seeing the couple seemingly at odds, resumed their smiles and exchanged a few superficial words.

Just a couple rounds of formalities later, a eunuch arrived to read the imperial decree and announce the rewards.

Just five small chests of items and some scattered trinkets—pitifully little compared to what other princes received when marrying.

Jiang Chuang stared coldly, cursing inwardly: Stingy bastard!

The Emperor sat upright, waiting for them to kneel and give thanks for his “gracious favor.” But neither Jiang Chuang nor Wen Jue moved.

What they didn’t see was Jiang Chuang pressing down on Wen Jue’s leg, preventing him from rising.

Wen Jue was puzzled when he heard Jiang Chuang say aloud, “So this is the title-bestowing gift for Prince Jin? Your Highness, shouldn’t you kneel to thank His Majesty?”

The Emperor: …

The hall fell into stunned silence. Wen Jue blinked in astonishment, barely suppressing the smile threatening to curl his lips. Jiang Chuang withdrew his restraining hand.

The Emperor narrowed his eyes, staring at Jiang Chuang in displeasure, struggling to contain his anger.

Jiang Chuang, face blank, dipped his head slightly. “This minister understands. His Majesty must have prepared two separate sets of gifts, and thought to present them together today as a double blessing. Truly wise and generous!”

The Empress: … There was only one set of gifts.

Wen Jue stepped into the center of the hall and bowed low. “Your son thanks Imperial Father. I had thought, in your many burdens, you had forgotten my investiture. To find you still remembering—it fills me with surprise and gratitude.”

In his past life, the Emperor had mentioned conferring the title “Prince Jin” during the wedding, but it had never been formally granted. No ceremony, no reward, not even a change to his official jade tablet.

No one ever took his title seriously.

Now, Jiang Chuang was forcing the Emperor to give back what Wen Jue should have had in the first place.

The Emperor’s face turned dark and he opened his mouth. “We didn’t—”

Jiang Chuang cut him off. “When Prince Yi got married, I was present. His Majesty’s gifts came in crate after crate—more than ten of them brought into his manor like flowing water. Truly, a magnanimous imperial favor.”

“Now that I’ve been honored to wed Prince Jin and received Your Majesty’s recognition, I wouldn’t presume to match Prince Yi, but surely, with your favor, it wouldn’t be just this little? Thinking on it, these must be Prince Jin’s investiture gifts?”

“Your Majesty is benevolent and merciful, and your grace toward your subjects stirs the blood of this humble general. I will serve loyally to protect the empire, without hesitation!”

As he finished, Jiang Chuang stepped beside Wen Jue and knelt to give thanks.

Wen Jue followed, bowing once more. “ Imperial Father is truly a wise and just ruler.”

Their one-two act boxed the Emperor in completely. To laugh? To be angry? Either reaction would look bad.

Most importantly, Jiang Chuang’s final words were a reminder—he was a war hero. He had rendered great service. He could not be neglected.

Jiang Chuang wasn’t afraid. What he relied on was exactly that: the fact that the dog Emperor couldn’t do without him. If he wanted to stay on the throne, he still needed Jiang Chuang.

The Emperor was so furious he could cough blood, but still had to swallow it. This dog of a general—was he saying the reward was too small and didn’t even want it? Wolf’s ambition! Unforgivable!

The Empress curled her fists tightly, barely maintaining a smile. Inside, she was livid. This Jiang Chuang—he really was a bandit! Shameless enough to demand gifts from the Emperor’s own hands?

Wen Jue was just a blind cripple. Giving him that much was more wasteful than tossing it into the river!

“General Jiang…” she began—

But the Emperor cut her off. “Enough. Rise. I understand your hearts. This marriage was my decree—why shouldn’t it match Prince Yi’s? I thought it’d be too cumbersome to read everything here. You’ll receive the rest when you return to the manor.”

The Empress trembled with rage, nearly crying out. The Emperor actually gave in? Truly going to grant Wen Jue this much and make his title official?

Wasn’t this lifting Wen Jue up? That disgraceful child?

Her face twisted behind a mask of composure. She couldn’t speak a word.

And so, thanks to Jiang Chuang and Wen Jue’s duet, they not only forced the dog Emperor to cough up the full wedding gifts, but also made him grant Wen Jue an official title.

He was recorded on the royal jade tablet, given a salary, and granted territory.

A complete, bloodless victory.

But Wen Jue knew—the only reason they won today was because the Emperor still feared and needed Jiang Chuang.

If Jiang Chuang lost power, and Wen Jue had no accomplishment of his own, then this title of “Prince Jin” would be nothing more than a death sentence.

Wen Jue hadn’t planned to turn on the Emperor so soon. But today, he’d forced his hand—ripping a piece of flesh from him no bigger than a thumbprint.

Not much—but enough to make him wince.

Wen Jue found it deeply satisfying.

If they weren’t still in the palace, he wouldn’t be able to hide the smirk tugging at his lips.

When they walked out of Kunning Palace, neither he nor Jiang Chuang said a word. Jiang Chuang had resumed his expressionless act. They looked distant—cold even—and the palace attendants all took note of it.

Only when they drew closer did Jiang Chuang whisper low enough for only the two of them to hear:

“Still holding up?”

Wen Jue gave a small nod. His body was weak. After being tormented the whole night, sleeping poorly, and getting up early to face a crowd of loathsome people, he should’ve passed out by now.

But instead, he felt clear-headed, light-footed—refreshed.

Perhaps it was just the high of having won—just once—against the Emperor.

They were almost at the palace gates when a palace maid suddenly stepped into their path.

“Greetings, General. Greetings, Fifth Prince. Your Highness, the Grand Princess Chenyu requests your presence. The General may return first. A carriage will be prepared to bring His Highness back later.”

And so Jiang Chuang could only watch as his own husband was led away—his dream of holding him in his arms and stealing a kiss in the carriage instantly shattered.