Chapter 102 – Mutual Promise

A cold autumn moon hung high above the majestic hunting palace, its light like water. The silk curtains in the hall dragged on the ground, stirred by the breeze passing through the hall, releasing a clear and distant fragrance.

The bedroom was quiet and peaceful. Xie Yi covered Xu Chun with a silk blanket, watching him sleep soundly, unable to resist a smile. Despite being so exhausted that his eyelids could barely stay open, he still mumbled while holding onto Xie Yi’s arm, “Brother Jiu, are you feeling better now?” A moment later, he had fallen into a deep sleep.

Xie Yi got up and went out to give some instructions to the eunuchs. Seeing Su Huaibei still standing guard, he told him, “You’re getting on in years. You’ve been busy all day today, go rest.”

Su Huaibei replied, “Serving the Emperor, I dare not say I’m tired. I received a message from Fang Zixing saying to release the old Taoist priest and Lady Chu, announcing publicly that they have been cleared of suspicion. But we’ll let them go for now.”

Xie Yi said indifferently, “Let’s wait patiently and allow that old Taoist to spread some rumors.”

Su Huaibei asked, “What kind of rumors should we spread?”

Xie Yi replied, “Just say that his niece has tremendous good fortune, but unfortunately, she’s had a bumpy life. The Regent couldn’t withstand her good fortune, and he’s still waiting for the right person. You can convey the general idea, and the old Taoist will understand it himself. He’ll fill in the gaps accordingly.”

Su Huaibei hurriedly agreed. Xie Yi continued, “This isn’t urgent. Let’s fish slowly. This won’t cause much chaos. Rest well; tomorrow, we need to summon the magistrate of this county for questioning.”

Su Huaibei smiled, “Your Majesty should also get some rest. It’s rare for you to relax outside, why are you still thinking about state affairs? Wouldn’t it be better to spend a few days relaxing with the young marquis? I see the young marquis smiling every day, and just looking at him lifts my spirits.”

Thinking of Xu Chun’s radiant and smug appearance, Xie Yi couldn’t help but smile in agreement.

When Xu Chun woke up the next day, he saw the autumn wind blowing the jade apricot-colored silk curtains outside the window. This bedroom was spacious and airy, with long windows on both sides facing each other, creating a refreshing cross-breeze. Xu Chun stared at the billowing curtains for a moment before his mind returned, remembering where he was.

He was still hugging the soft silk quilt tightly, but when he moved, he felt his arm muscles rebel. He shifted slightly, leaving an unpleasant expression on his face.

Not only his arms, but his waist, legs, and abdomen were all sore and painful. He struggled to move… Suddenly understanding why Xie Yi had suggested resting for a day… Brother Jiu really knew he would be unable to take a single step, didn’t he?

He had ridden horses and hunted before, but never had he ridden for an entire day like this, and hunting was usually interspersed with breaks, half play and half barbecue, far from the military-style hunting of today.

It seemed that the hunting in the next couple of days would be no small feat either, using the imperial guards to hunt large wild beasts!

Xu Chun swallowed hard, feeling the emptiness in his stomach, his limbs weak and numb, his whole body aching so much he could hardly rise.

“…”

No matter what, he couldn’t collapse in front of Brother Jiu. Biting his teeth, he got up, feeling his muscles tighten and ache all over. He leaned against the edge of the bed, feeling that his legs weren’t his own anymore. Faintly, he heard someone speaking in the main hall outside, asking and answering questions. Curiosity piqued, he suddenly found the strength to stand up and slowly walked to the carved sandalwood partition in the middle.

The rain-washed sky blue cicada-wing silk was pasted over the carved windows on the sandalwood partition, allowing him to see through to Brother Jiu sitting on a cushion facing away from this side. Several officials were kneeling and answering his inquiries below.

One official, trembling, bowed and replied, “Yes. This year’s rainfall has been evenly distributed, and we can expect a bumper harvest.”

Xie Yi asked, “How much is the rice price in this county?”

The official, who must have been the magistrate of this county, answered, “From five or six coins up to two taels or one tael, which varies.”

Xie Yi asked more questions about farming and military affairs, how the collection of taxes and grain was going, and then began to ask about which imperial examination the official passed, what his written test was about, whether his parents were still alive, how many children he had, and where his hometown was. He asked in great detail, and after listening for a while, Xu Chun felt his hunger grow stronger. He stopped listening and turned to look for some snacks on the table, remembering that there were some pastries and fruit there last night.

Turning around, he indeed saw pastries and hot porridge on the table, covered with a lid, which was why he hadn’t noticed them earlier. Seeing steam rising from them, he turned to the copper basin on the nearby shelf and reached his hand inside. Indeed, the water was warm. Hurriedly, he washed his face with a towel dipped in the warm water.

The sound of water reached the outside, and Xie Yi glanced at the eunuch serving beside him. Wu Fu quickly backed away and turned around to enter the inner chamber, assisting Xu Chun as he got up.

Xie Yi continued to ask for a while longer, dismissed the officials, and headed inside, seeing Xu Chun just finishing his ablutions, gritting his teeth and slowly sitting down, leaning on the armrest of the chair. Xie Yi couldn’t help but laugh, asking him, “Hurts, doesn’t it? I told you yesterday that you’d be sore today. I’ll have some pepper oil sent in, and I’ll massage it into your muscles later. After that, we’ll go for a walk, and you’ll feel better.”

Xu Chun frowned, “We still have to go for a walk? I feel like I can’t even take a step.”

Xie Yi laughed, “The more you feel this way, the more you should walk slowly. It helps circulate blood and energy, making it easier for you to continue tomorrow. Let me massage you.”

Xu Chun slowly sipped a bowl of fish flake porridge, then indeed saw Liu Shun bring in a tray of clear oil.

Xie Yi instructed him to lie down on a nearby bed.

Xu Chun went over but hadn’t lain down yet when Xie Yi came over to personally untie his shirt for him, reaching further to undo his silk pants. Xu Chun instinctively covered himself, his face slightly flushed. “Brother Jiu, I can do it myself.” It was too bright here, with the July sunlight flooding the room.

Xie Yi noticed his blushing cheeks, lowered eyelashes, and embarrassed expression, and turned to dismiss the eunuchs, “All of you, leave.” Then he took a thin silk cloth and covered Xu Chun’s waist. “Lie down properly, I’ll massage you for a bit, and you’ll feel better.”

Xie Yi slowly rolled up his sleeves, dipped his fingers into the basin, scooping some oil, and started applying it to Xu Chun’s shoulders, massaging his arm muscles as he went. Xu Chun felt a slight warmth where Xie Yi touched him, tingling sensations running down his spine, and caught the scent of fragrance, asking to distract himself, “Is that mint?”

Xie Yi’s gaze fell on the marks he had left last night, casually replying, “Mm, mint, pepper, apricot kernel essential oil, and a little ginger oil. Rubbing it in will make you feel better soon.”

As he spoke, he didn’t hold back, sliding his hands down Xu Chun’s muscles, vigorously massaging all the way to his waist. Xu Chun felt the pain become more pronounced, unable to suppress a cry, “Brother Jiu… Be gentler, please.”

Xie Yi’s hands, slick with mint-scented oil, continued down, “I’m already being gentle, bear with it for a bit. If you don’t massage it out, how will you ride a horse tomorrow?”

Then he continued to apply oil to Xu Chun’s legs, “Fortunately, your skin wasn’t broken from riding yesterday, otherwise, we wouldn’t be able to apply this oil.”

Xu Chun was already feeling a burning sensation, crying out, “Brother Jiu, Brother Jiu, forget it… I’ll do it myself.”

Xie Yi looked down at the moisture in his eyes, still holding one of his legs and rubbing it forcefully, “Almost done, you can’t reach it yourself. You’re such a pain-averse person, it might take until nightfall if you did it yourself. Let me do it faster for you.” Indeed, he quickened his movements.

Xu Chun’s eyes were genuinely brimming with tears as Xie Yi flipped him over and continued to push the oil down his back with forceful massages on each already sore muscle. Xu Chun buried his head in the soft pillow, biting his lip and forcing himself to endure, but his whole body trembled.

Xie Yi finished quickly, took a soap from the basin of water beside him to wash his hands, and turned to see Xu Chun still lying there motionless, hugging the pillow. He draped a robe over him and soothingly rubbed his back, “Now you should be feeling the effects of the oil, feeling better, right?”

Xu Chun looked at him sideways, the flush on his face not yet faded, his eyes moist, his voice slightly choked, “I think I’m feeling better.” Indeed, he was feeling much better; the oiled areas were gradually warming up, like soaking in warm spring water.

Xie Yi brushed aside his sweat-dampened hair, his gaze falling on those crimson lips. “Should you sleep for a while or get up and walk around? We need to select a bow and a musket for you to use in tomorrow’s hunt, and choose a horse.”

Unaware of Xie Yi’s dangerous gaze, Xu Chun had already forgotten the pain and immediately sat up, “Great! Let’s pick a bow and a horse!”

The hunting palace was built along the mountain, with towering arches, double eaves, and overlapping buildings, impressive and grand. This palace was constructed during the previous dynasty and had been renovated multiple times during this dynasty, serving as a royal hunting and summer retreat. The palace halls were spacious and airy, with trees and rocks creating a serene atmosphere.

The trees planted along the road were mature, their trunks thick, and their canopies lush. Although the sunlight was intense, walking under the shade of the forest, they only felt the cool autumn breeze, the fragrance of osmanthus permeating the air, the birdsong crisp and melodious, filling them with joy and tranquility.

Walking on the path, Xu Chun shook his limbs, marveling, “This oil really works. Just a moment ago, I could hardly take a step to get out of bed, but now, it’s only slightly sore. This massage oil formula is excellent; if sold, it would probably sell well.”

Xie Yi replied, “Ordinary families can’t afford it; pepper is expensive.”

Xu Chun happily suggested, “Brother Jiu should consider having various regions try growing some. If they could be grown on a large scale, they would become cheaper. I heard that pepper can be grown in the Guang region.”

Xie Yi smiled faintly, “There is very little arable land in each state and county, and the number of men capable of farming is limited. If they successfully grew pepper, farmers, driven by profit, would plant it instead of food crops and mulberry trees, leading to famine or war. What then?”

“Clothing and food are the foundation of people’s lives. Building water channels, promoting sericulture, and educating the people are the responsibilities of government officials, not something to be taken lightly.”

Xu Chun was startled, and Xie Yi smiled at him, “That’s why we need a time of peace and prosperity, merchants traveling everywhere, and the construction of sea routes and canals. This way, the places growing pepper can exchange with those growing food crops and mulberry trees. That’s how we achieve prosperity without famine, and when the people are fed, they will have children. With more children surviving, the population increases, and the country thrives.”

Xu Chun’s heart swelled with emotion, “Once the sea routes are opened, transporting southern grain northward will be much more convenient!”

Xie Yi nodded and pointed to the pavilions below, “Look down the mountain. On one side is the horse ranch, where most of the capital’s warhorses come from. On the other side are kennels for hunting dogs and leopards, specifically for hunting. There’s also livestock like cattle, sheep, deer, rabbits, and pheasants raised on the hillside, intended for the imperial family’s consumption.”

“There are nearly thousands of eunuchs, palace attendants, and guards stationed within the hunting palace. These people don’t engage in production, yet they eat and drink daily. This vast hunting palace exists solely for the imperial family’s visits once or twice a year, which is why Song dynasty officials advised against it. If it were you, given such a hunting palace, how would you ensure they can sustain themselves without wasting national funds?”

Looking up at Xie Yi, Xu Chun couldn’t help but laugh, “No wonder Zhang Bangyan used to say that His Majesty hates seeing people idle. Every time you come hunting, are you pondering this issue?”

Immersed in his thoughts, Xie Yi realized that Xu Chun’s comment made him seem rather unsightly and couldn’t help but laugh, “You’re quite bold, daring to gossip about the sovereign behind his back.”

Xu Chun replied, “With so many officials promoted or demoted based on just a word from Brother Jiu, how can they not try their best to figure out what Brother Jiu likes and dislikes? Brother Jiu prefers those who work hard. Even if they have a bad temper or questionable morals, as long as they achieve results, they can be promoted.”

Xie Yi agreed, “Yes, it’s the emperor’s lack of authority that leads to unpredictable behavior, causing subordinates to speculate and arbitrarily punish officials to demonstrate divine power. There’s no need for that. As long as they know that achieving results will earn my favor, they should focus on doing that.”

Xu Chun grinned, reaching out to take Xie Yi’s hand, “Then I’ll have to think carefully before answering Your Majesty’s question.”

Xie Yi also smiled, “There’s no rush. You can write back to me even after you join the Maritime Trade Office. Just pay attention these few days while hunting. We’ve arrived at the arsenal. Let’s find you a suitable bow first.”

Looking up, Xu Chun indeed saw the sign “Concealed Sharpness Pavilion.” Xie Yi took his hand and entered. The eunuch in charge of the warehouse had already come forward to greet them, and Su Huaibei was already waiting inside, smiling and coming forward to bow, “Your Majesty, this old slave has selected a few decent ones, but we need to see the young marquis’s arm span and strength to pick the most suitable one. Also, I wonder which eye the young marquis prefers to use?”

Xu Chun was confused, “What does it mean to have a preferred eye?”

Xie Yi explained, “In our daily vision, although we use both eyes, there’s actually a difference. It’s better to aim using the eye that sees things most clearly and is most habitually used. However, since you’re not planning to be a marksman, it doesn’t matter that much.”

But Xu Chun was eager to try, “How do I determine which is my dominant eye?”

Xie Yi had him extend his arm straight ahead and then had Su Huaibei stand about ten steps away, holding a sword in his hand. “Look at the sword in his hand, and form a circle with your hands, just like this.”

Xie Yi held his palm to form a circle and then said, “Keep both eyes open and look at the sword. Use the circle formed by your hands to frame the sword, and then slowly move it closer to your eyes.”

Through the circle formed by his hands, Xu Chun looked at the sword in Su Huaibei’s hand and slowly retracted his hands. Both Xie Yi and Su Huaibei laughed, “It’s your right eye.”

Xu Chun was confused, and Xie Yi reached out to touch his hand and eyebrow, “Naturally, your hands will move closer to your dominant eye. It doesn’t matter much, though. Just use your dominant hand. Such detailed distinctions are techniques used by those specifically training hunters and marksmen.”

Xie Yi smiled, then had Xu Chun stand straight and spread his arms. Su Huaibei came forward to measure the distance between the middle fingers of both his hands. “This is your arm span, used to calculate the draw length—the distance from the bowstring to the grip when the bow is fully drawn.”

Soon, Su Huaibei calculated and selected several bows. “Young Marquis, try drawing each one. There are targets outside.”

Xu Chun and Xie Yi left the courtyard, and the eunuchs brought the bows for him to try. Xu Chun picked one up, but Xie Yi reached over to correct his posture. Xu Chun felt Xie Yi’s breath on his ear and chuckled softly, “Brother Jiu, when we were at the villa in the past and hunted together, neither you nor Big Brother Fang ever mentioned that my shooting posture was incorrect?”

Xie Yi replied, “At that time, you were just playing around. Why would I dampen your spirits?”

Xu Chun asked, “Does that mean it’s not playtime now?”

Xie Yi replied seriously, “Tomorrow, you will lead your guards in the hunt. If you shoot poorly, your subordinates will look down on you.”

Xu Chun was taken aback, “My guards?”

Xie Yi explained, “The Fengxiang Army is your personal guard. Didn’t Big Brother Fang tell you?”

Xu Chun paused, remembering that they had mentioned protecting him, but not that he would be leading them.

Xie Yi continued, “When you have a team protecting you, naturally, you need to command them. Therefore, you must understand the military and learn how to use officers effectively, how to mobilize troops, and how to deploy generals. Tomorrow will be the time for you and your guards to familiarize yourselves with each other—how to issue orders, how to establish your authority, and how to balance kindness and severity. You need to figure these things out gradually.”

Xu Chun was speechless.

Xie Yi patted his arm. “Focus, look at the target… aim…”

Xie Yi held his hand and taught him to release an arrow, then had him continue practicing. “Find the one that feels the most comfortable in your hands. Don’t just go for the heavy bows that shoot far, but can only fire a few arrows. Hunting lasts a long time, and you still have to ride a horse. However, it shouldn’t be too light either. If it’s too light, you won’t be able to aim accurately.”

Xu Chun tried several bows and chose the one that suited him. Then, he saw Su Huaibei bring over a row of muskets for him to select from. Xie Yi personally tested each one and taught him how to choose the most suitable one.

After selecting the weapons, Xie Yi led him into the armory to tour the upper and lower floors. Xu Chun observed that the place was fully equipped with armor and weapons. Especially the various types of weapons, such as meteor hammers and halberds, which he rarely saw in daily life, amazed him. Xie Yi noticed his interest and ordered the eunuchs to fetch them for him to handle. They were all extremely heavy, requiring extraordinary arm strength to wield.

Xu Chun commented, “What kind of fierce general would be able to use such heavy weapons?”

Xie Yi replied, “Heavy cavalry, wearing armor and wielding such long spears or heavy weapons, rushing down from a height, are virtually unstoppable. However, few horses can carry such weight, and training such cavalry requires significant effort and is difficult to achieve. They’re mostly just for show. A mighty general comes around only once every few hundred years.”

He glanced at a long spear on the wall and pointed it out to Xu Chun. “That’s the long spear used by the Regent. His arm strength was quite remarkable.”

Xu Chun nodded, noticing a hint of sadness on Xie Yi’s face. To change the subject, he asked, “These many swords and knives, I wonder how they compare to the Dragon Scale?”

Xie Yi replied, “There’s nothing particularly suitable for you. Long swords are mainly used on battlefields. Most of these are kept for rewarding generals. Carrying the Dragon Scale Sword is enough for you. As for armor, most of these have been worn by others and aren’t clean. I’ve already had someone make you a set of soft armor. You can try it on later.”

After touring the upper and lower floors, Xie Yi took him to select a horse.

The stables were located at the foot of the mountain, near the river and valley, an ideal spot for horse washing and grazing. Xu Chun looked up and read the inscription “Eight Directions Heavenly Horse,” praising it, “Such a bold sentiment.”

Xie Yi smiled faintly. “Indeed, there are many famous steeds here. Since I don’t indulge in such pursuits, they are now primarily for military use. Each year, when the generals report to the capital for duty, if they have distinguished themselves, I personally reward them with fine horses and precious swords. It’s said that the generals take great pride in these rewards.”

Xu Chun quietly asked, “Has the Wuying Marquis received a reward from you?”

Xie Yi smiled broadly. “No, but Big Brother Fang has received quite a few. I bestowed upon him a heavenly blood horse. It’s said that they treat it like a treasure in their household.”

Xu Chun teased, “No wonder he was sour about not being able to fulfill his ambitions.”

Together, they entered the stables. The eunuch in charge immediately came to pay his respects and invited Xie Yi and Xu Chun to view the horses from the observation platform. He had the horses led out for the Emperor’s inspection. Xie Yi only had the eunuchs select horses with mild temperaments and good stamina, teaching Xu Chun how to choose the right one.

Xu Chun personally mounted and rode several rounds on the training grounds, eventually choosing a glossy black mare, three years old, quite spirited. Xu Chun fed her sugar cubes, which she licked and ate obediently.

Xie Yi laughed. “Once you’ve chosen the horse, you’ll take it back with you. You need to ride it often to develop a rapport.”

Xu Chun smiled. “Another wonderful gift from the Emperor. I have nothing to offer in return.”

Xie Yi thought for a moment. “How about composing a poem about the horse…”

Xu Chun was shocked and hastily placed his hand over Xie Yi’s lips. “Your Majesty, I’m still pondering the previous question you gave me. Please don’t give me another one! I’m going to lose my hair!” Would he accumulate a pile of homework after just going hunting?

Xie Yi’s lips curved into a smile, but he remained silent, merely looking at him.

Xu Chun belatedly realized that Xie Yi knew his level of ability; he was joking with him. He withdrew his finger, aware of the presence of the eunuchs, guards, and stablehands around them, and his face heated up. He refrained from speaking.

After selecting the horse, they walked up and down the mountain, and Xu Chun returned to the bedroom with Xie Yi for dinner.

Inside the Pillow Spear Hall, a cool breeze blew. Xu Chun, pondering the meaning of the name, asked Xie Yi, “Did Your Majesty inscribe this? It doesn’t seem like Your Majesty’s handwriting.”

Xie Yi replied, “It was inscribed by the Regent. He loved hunting. The prized horses and hounds in this hunting palace, the weapons and soft armor in the armory, most of them were collected by him. In the past, he enjoyed coming here to hunt every autumn and winter. Many of the pavilions in this hunting palace bear his inscriptions. Later, the chief eunuch asked if I wanted to replace all the inscriptions with mine. After considering it, I decided to keep his.”

Xu Chun was surprised that even after so many years since the Regent’s death, Brother Jiu hadn’t replaced the inscriptions he wrote.

Xie Yi noticed his expression and laughed. “Including the skills of selecting bows and horses that I taught you today, they were all taught to me by the Regent. Not only that, he frequently took me hunting, teaching me archery and horsemanship, how to observe prey, track their movements, read the weather, and camp in the wilderness. All of these were lessons he imparted to me. When I was young, I quite enjoyed coming hunting, as the Empress Dowager disliked it and rarely came. Whenever the Regent took me out, the rules were relaxed, and I could enjoy some rare moments of freedom.”

Xu Chun whispered, “The Regent treated you quite well at first?”

Xie Yi replied, “Yes, he was like a teacher and father to me. He was decisive in handling state affairs but was attentive and caring toward me, adopting the demeanor of a mentor and supporter. As your brother told you, he didn’t initially intend to compete with you for the title. Similarly, at first, the Regent regarded me as a nephew, patiently teaching and guiding me. But time changes, and people change.”

Xu Chun looked at Xie Yi and whispered, “Brother Jiu.” He wanted to say that he wouldn’t change, but he felt such a promise was too frivolous.

However, Xie Yi was lost in reminiscence. “Eight Directions Heavenly Horse was personally inscribed by the Regent. After his accidental fall from his horse and subsequent death, the horse he was riding at the time was slaughtered. The Empress Dowager still harbored resentment and issued an edict to have all the eunuchs, palace maids, and horses in the entire stable complex killed.”

Xu Chun was startled.

Xie Yi’s expression was impassive. “I intervened. Not only were the palace servants innocent, but there were over a thousand fine horses here. Horses are valuable military assets, and the Regent spent a considerable amount of national treasury funds and human resources gathering these rare breeds. The stable hands here were also highly experienced. To kill them all because of this incident would truly be a waste.”

Xu Chun looked at the coldness in Xie Yi’s dark eyes and whispered, “The Empress Dowager… Was she furious?”

Xie Yi replied, “She suspected that I was the one who killed the Regent. When I tried to save the lives of these people and horses, she became even more suspicious. At that time, she summoned the imperial princes, the Grand Chancellor of the Cabinet, and Lord Fan, the State Uncle, into the palace overnight. The Regent’s heir was also in Cian Palace that night. She planned to issue an edict to depose me and replace me with the Regent’s heir.”

Xu Chun felt as if he had been transported back to that thrilling night. Even knowing that the victor was here, he still worried for Xie Yi. “What happened next? How did Brother Jiu find out?”

Xie Yi replied indifferently, “I had arranged for Big Brother Fang in advance. He led his guards and cut down the commander of the palace guards, Fan Richang, seizing control of the palace gates. Anyone entering the palace was immediately escorted to the main hall. I then sent people to surround Cian Palace, claiming that the Empress Dowager was gravely ill and unable to rise.”

“I had already assumed the throne and declared my independence. The Grand Chancellor of the Cabinet had already distanced himself from the Regent. Upon the Regent’s death, he immediately sided with me. Lord Fan, the Imperial Tutor, was powerless in the palace and unable to communicate with the outside world. Overnight, I issued countless edicts, summoning several cabinet officials and military generals for an audience. The Regent’s residence was immediately surrounded, and all his confidants were killed.”

“The Empress Dowager, realizing the situation was hopeless, cried and begged me to spare the Regent’s heir. Empress Fan also pleaded for mercy. I let it go and granted him the title of Duke Duanping, allowing him to inherit the title of marquess. The price was that the Empress Dowager was confined to the palace and forbidden from interfering in state affairs.”

“But peace didn’t last long. Xie Ling was a troublemaker. He seduced the Empress, resulting in her pregnancy. He still harbored thoughts of rebellion. I forced the Empress to miscarry, deposed her, and sent her to accompany the Empress Dowager. Then I executed Duke Duanping. Later, Lord Fan committed suicide.”

“There was ultimately no room for reconciliation between mother and son.”

Xie Yi chuckled, showing no regret. “I worked hard to seize this empire. Thinking that I had seized it out of a sense of righteousness, I couldn’t afford to perform worse than the Regent or the late emperor. I governed the country and cared for the people, never betraying heaven, earth, or our ancestors. Even if I were to meet the Regent in the netherworld someday, I would be justified and could proudly proclaim that I didn’t plunge the world into chaos or become a tyrannical ruler. Instead, I stabilized the realm and expanded our borders, surpassing him.”

Xu Chun was speechless. Brother Jiu had a strong obsession with being an emperor.

However, Xie Yi looked at Xu Chun and smiled faintly, thinking: Now I teach you the ways of kingship. Even if the future is uncertain and we come to doubt each other, you will be able to be a good emperor.

Xu Chun looked into his eyes, feeling inexplicably uneasy. Staring at Xie Yi, he asked, “Brother Jiu, what do you want to say?”

Xie Yi replied, “When we were intimate that day, you mentioned that hearts are prone to change…”

Xu Chun immediately jumped up. “Brother Jiu! My heart will never change! Let us love each other without suspicion, Brother Jiu must not doubt me.” He had hit upon his vulnerable spot. He had nothing, yet he had gained the love of the emperor. If he claimed that his heart would remain steadfast, it would appear frivolous. But he was afraid that Brother Jiu would doubt his youthful capriciousness.

Xie Yi smiled. “Life is unpredictable… I often ponder our future. I’m not saying that you will change, but I fear that I might change myself. Countless emperors have grown old and senile. If I ever become confused and irrational, you should protect yourself and take my place if necessary. Like I imprisoned my mother and killed my brother, you should not hesitate.”

Xu Chun was enraged. He stepped closer to Xie Yi, pressing his hand against his chest. “Brother Jiu!”

Xu Chun’s face flushed red, his eyes blazing with anger. “Brother Jiu, how could you say such things!”

Xie Yi reached out to comfort him. “I misspoke. Little Lin, don’t be angry. We will always cherish each other, without mutual suspicion.”

Xu Chun’s chest swelled with anger. Xie Yi had no choice but to lean down and kiss his lips, which had reddened from anger. One hand slowly caressed his back, soothing him. He could feel that Xu Chun’s back, originally tense with tight muscles, gradually relaxed under the long kiss.

Xu Chun repeated softly, “Always cherish each other, without mutual suspicion.” But for some reason, his nose tingled, and his eyes welled up with tears, which rolled down his cheeks.

Xie Yi comforted him, embracing him and gently kissing away his tears. “Brother Jiu spoke out of turn.”

Holding him close, Xu Chun whispered, “Brother Jiu, if Brother Jiu no longer loves me, I will sail across the sea. But as long as Brother Jiu still wants me, I will stay by your side. Don’t ever say things about replacing you… If we ever have a disagreement in the future, Brother Jiu, just give me a clear answer. Please don’t make me guess. Brother Jiu has too many thoughts, and I can’t guess them.”

Xie Yi felt guilty and whispered, “Brother Jiu thought too much.” But if I don’t say it now, in the future, when you become powerful and wield influence over the court, you might suspect that I am testing you.

By saying it now, you will believe that it comes from the depths of my heart.