Chapter 118 – Comfort

In the morning, when Xie Yi got up to change into his court robes, Xu Chun also sat up drowsily. Seeing that he could barely lift his eyelids, Xie Yi held his wrist and said, “Go back to sleep.”

Xu Chun mumbled, “I still have to return to the estate. I’ll accompany Jiu-ge for breakfast.” He had been counting the days until he would leave for his post, and the time he could spend with Jiu-ge was getting shorter by the day. He couldn’t bear to part even more than ever.

At this moment, Xie Yi recalled how Xu Chun had interrupted him last night, causing him to forget to tell him about the imperial banquet for his family. His heart sank slightly as he took a warm towel from Wufu’s hand and wiped Xu Chun’s face.

Xu Chun was extremely sleepy, but when Xie Yi placed the warm towel on his face, it felt incredibly comfortable. He laughed, took the towel himself, and raised his eyes as he sat on the bed. “Jiu-ge, you go ahead and do what you need to. I can take care of myself.”

Xie Yi said, “Last night was Mid-Autumn Festival, so I hosted a banquet for the ministers. I thought about your maternal uncle and how they’re returning to Minzhou soon. They came all the way here from so far away, and before you left, you benefited greatly from their care. So last night, I summoned them and your mother to the palace for the banquet and discussed the matter of establishing an empress.”

Xu Chun was holding the hot towel, enjoying it foolishly, but suddenly his eyes widened, and he snapped awake. “What?”

Xie Yi coughed lightly. “It was a sudden impulse. Primarily, I thought that if we were going to propose marriage, it would require the Sheng family’s cooperation. And… I’m worried that your mother might blame you if she finds out, so having your uncle there could help persuade her. Furthermore, it’s better if I’m the one to talk about this rather than you doing it yourself.”

Xu Chun was stunned. Xie Yi reached over and took the hot towel from his hand, giving it to Wufu. He held Xu Chun’s hand and said, “It was my sudden decision, and I didn’t discuss it with you. I’m sorry.”

“Your uncle and your mother are both very reasonable, but they didn’t agree immediately. They’re only worried that you won’t be able to withstand the ridicule of the world in the future. They just said they needed to consider it… I suspect they actually want to know your thoughts. If you disagree, you should explain it to your mother when you go back today. As for the golden edict, I’ll find an opportunity to handle it secretly. You should also tell your mother and your uncle not to worry…”

When Xu Chun realized that his own mother already knew, he didn’t know what to say. Xie Yi coughed lightly. “Last night, I sent some gifts back with them. In a bit, you should take some more back with you… Su Huaibai will bring them to you—now I must attend court.”

Xu Chun hurriedly grabbed Xie Yi’s hand. “Thank you, Jiu-ge, for handling everything for me… I really didn’t know how to talk to Ama about this. I thought it was my own matter. But Jiu-ge took on the role of the bad guy for me, and I appreciate it. There’s no need for you to apologize.”

Xie Yi knew that Xu Chun was always understanding, but he was embarrassed inside. He held his hand and whispered, “Jiu-ge has wronged you, Younglin. I’ll try to change in the future…”

He inwardly felt that his domineering personality wouldn’t change anytime soon, and most people probably couldn’t handle it. He hurriedly kissed Xu Chun and pulled out a bright green jade cicada from his sleeve, placing it in Xu Chun’s hand. “The Palace Bureau presented several options for you to choose from. I think the meaning behind this one, which signifies a stunning debut, is quite good. Wear it casually, or you can give it to someone else as a gift.”

After saying that, he rushed off.

Xu Chun held the transparent jade cicada, which still carried the warmth of Jiu-ge. He was at a loss whether to laugh or cry. Was this Jiu-ge trying to comfort him? He held the clumsy yet precious intention in his heart and sat on the bed in a daze for a while before getting up and changing clothes. Indeed, he wore the jade cicada on his waist.

After breakfast, he went out and saw Chunxi following Duke Dinghai into the small courtyard. He was delighted. “Chunxi, did you finish your training?”

Chunxi chuckled. “Greetings, Young Master. I returned yesterday, but I didn’t get to see you.”

Xu Chun asked a few more questions, and the tension and embarrassment he felt lessened somewhat. He rode with Duke Dinghai and Chunxi back to the Prince’s residence. When he arrived home, it was time for breakfast. He went to the flower hall and saw Lady Sheng sitting there, talking softly to Sheng Tongyu. Everyone looked at him when he came in, and there wasn’t a single servant around.

Sheng Changzhou smiled as if nothing had happened. “Why are you late?”

Xu Chun saw the exhaustion on his mother’s face and the deep-set eyes. He felt guilty and went forward, lifting his robe to kneel down before his mother. “I’ve caused Mother to worry.”

Lady Sheng hurriedly stood up to support him. “My child… get up quickly.” For a moment, everyone looked at each other, wondering if the Emperor hadn’t said anything.

Xu Chun got up, his eyes slightly red. “The Emperor had a sudden impulse last night. Last night, I rejected the idea of creating a twin daughter for the Xu family. But I didn’t know the Emperor had already spoken to Ama and Uncle about it. I’ve made Ama worry for nothing.”

Lady Sheng sighed with relief. “Good that you refused. Did the Emperor let you?”

Xu Chun said, “I refused the proposal to nominally make a Xu family daughter the empress. But Ama, my relationship with His Majesty cannot be changed.”

Lady Sheng was silent for a moment before forcing a smile. “My son has good taste.” But tears fell down her cheeks.

Xu Chun handed a handkerchief to Lady Sheng, unsure of what to do. He looked towards Sheng Tongyu for help.

Sheng Tongyu hurriedly stepped forward to persuade her. “I saw that His Majesty treats Younglin with great care. Last night, even though he seemed determined, matters like the imperial edict and establishing an empress are extremely difficult. The Emperor took on all the responsibility. But when Younglin opposed him, he listened to Younglin. This shows that things aren’t as worrying as you think. You should be at ease.”

Lady Sheng whispered, “Younglin doesn’t understand the dangers of the world. How can he know that words are like knives? He could stand proudly in the imperial court…”

Her tears fell like rain. Xu Chun said, “Ama, I am now standing proudly in the imperial court. Ama, don’t worry. When I first told you about my fondness for men, you didn’t change your expression. You even wanted to invite Master Helan to persuade me. Why, now that there’s a man of high character who’s close to me, are you unable to accept it?”

Lady Sheng said, “That’s the most valuable person in the world. To him, who is not just like common grass?”

Xu Chun said, “Ama, to say that is unfair to the Emperor. He was busy last night, hosting a banquet for the ministers. He still thought about Uncle and Cousin coming from afar, so he ordered a banquet for them. He also discussed marriage with Ama. Even the shocking idea of establishing a male empress, he was willing to do it. This shows how seriously he regards this matter.”

He whispered, “Ama doesn’t understand the Emperor. He’s an extremely kind and forgiving emperor. I’ve never seen him punish anyone out of personal motives. He’s always fair and open.”

Sheng Changzhou hurriedly said, “Younglin is right. Last year, when I came to the capital, I saw him wearing the cloak Younglin gave him, and I mistook him for Master Helan. He wasn’t offended but instead talked to me for a while and let me go home in peace. At that time, he only saw Younglin as a junior and wanted to nurture him well. The title for Aunt and the imperial business license for our family were given by the Emperor, but it was due to Younglin’s merit for saving the Emperor’s life. There wasn’t any sign of disrespect towards Younglin.”

Lady Sheng remembered the matter with her title. Xu Chun added, “Also, regarding the case of Big Brother’s birth mother being poisoned, if it weren’t for the Emperor ordering Chancellor Helan to investigate the case, the Prince’s residence would have become a laughingstock in the entire capital city by now. Ama, the Emperor handled many things well. It was my fault for tempting the Emperor first. It’s my mistake. Please don’t blame the Emperor, Ama.”

Lady Sheng: “…”

Xu Chun looked sincerely at Lady Sheng. “It really was my fault. I went to Master Helan’s pleasure boat and met him, thinking he was Master Helan. Enamored by his appearance, I approached him. Afterward, I pursued him relentlessly. The Emperor wanted me to focus on my studies and sent me to the Imperial Academy, hiring Master Shen to teach me. He wanted to cultivate me into a pillar of society. But I was shameless and ruined the Emperor’s reputation as a wise ruler.”

Sheng Changyun and Sheng Changtian burst out laughing. Xu Chun’s face was slightly hot, but he still held his mother’s hand and cooed, “Blame me, Ama.”

Lady Sheng said, “My child… who dares to blame him?”

Xu Chun said, “The Emperor was afraid that Ama and Uncle would blame me, so he preemptively spoke privately with Ama and Uncle. He cares about me, and I can’t push the responsibility onto the Emperor. Indeed, I was greedy for the Emperor’s good looks, good character, and how well he treated me. He taught me to read and learn, and he taught me principles. Ama, he treats me like a teacher, father, and older brother. I won’t let him go.”

Lady Sheng looked at Sheng Tongyu, who smiled. “No wonder Younglin has improved so much this year. It’s like this. We should thank the Emperor. But since you rejected the Emperor, what do you plan to do in the future? Your mother’s worries are justified. Actually, the Emperor probably thought of establishing a Xu family girl to cover for you. It was a well-thought-out consideration. If he never establishes an empress, it will be difficult to pass the ministers’ approval. The Empress Dowager is still alive too.”

Xu Chun muttered, “I’ll ask Jiu-ge to wait for me a little longer.” But he was quite nervous inside.

Sheng Tongyu exchanged glances with Lady Sheng and sighed inwardly. It seemed that the Emperor truly pampered Younglin. As the Son of Heaven, with an empty harem, how could he wait? But he easily backed down?

Sheng Changtian said, “You’re thinking too much. Let me put it bluntly. In Minzhou, I’ve seen many sworn brothers. Some lasted for years, while others only a few months. Soon, they all married and parted ways. How many long-lasting relationships are there? Younglin is still young. In a few years, when he grows up… Ow!” He turned to look blankly at Sheng Changyun, who had pinched him hard.

Sheng Tongyu and Sheng Changzhou glared at him. Sheng Tongyu said, “You know it’s not nice to say such nonsense!”

But Xu Chun chuckled. “Uncle and Ama, are you hoping that the Emperor and I will have a long-lasting relationship, or are you hoping that it will end after a short period? Are you worried that I’ll lose my beauty and fall out of favor like an autumn fan?”

Lady Sheng looked at Xu Chun’s clear, captivating eyes and trembled slightly. “The Emperor is very handsome, Younglin… you must think clearly. The imperial family doesn’t tolerate divided hearts.”

Xu Chun said, “Ama, even normal couples can’t say they’ll grow old together. The Emperor treats me well now, and I’ll remember it for a lifetime. I’ll treat him with all my heart. Even if the Emperor changes his mind in the future, I won’t blame him.”

Lady Sheng, who herself had a strained relationship with the Prince, was speechless. Sheng Tongyu laughed. “Regardless, Younglin is leaving for his post soon. Why worry too much about the future? I see that the Emperor genuinely cares about Younglin. He’s even worried that we might hinder his career. I think we shouldn’t worry too much.”

After breakfast, Xu Chun knew that Lady Sheng would definitely discuss with her brother further, but he had already expressed his stance. Suddenly, he felt relieved and walked out of the residence and into the palace again.

Lady Sheng, however, noticed Chunxi’s return and questioned him along with Sheng Tongyu, guessing that Chunxi must have often followed him into the palace.

Chunxi was straightforward. “Thanks to the Emperor’s promotion, I’m now a second-class guard of the Imperial Guard. For the past month, I’ve been training at the military camp. Duke Dinghai is a first-class guard and was originally the Emperor’s personal guard. The Emperor gave him to Young Master and said that Xia Chao, Qiuhu, and Donghai would all be promoted as well. When the time comes, they’ll all be promoted to personal guards.”

“All the guards for Young Master are following the Emperor’s standards. When we went hunting in the Western Palace last month, a squad of personal guards was specially assigned to Young Master. They’ll all be accompanying Young Master to Jin Harbor for his post.”

Sheng Tongyu and Lady Sheng exchanged glances. Sheng Tongyu asked Chunxi a few more questions and saw that he answered fluently. He couldn’t help but worry, “Will the Emperor punish you for telling us all this?”

Chunxi chuckled. “The Emperor instructed me that Uncle and Lady would definitely ask me about this. I should answer truthfully. But if something happens in the future that I can’t disclose to Uncle and Lady, please forgive me, Uncle and Lady.”

Sheng Tongyu nodded and dismissed Chunxi. Then he said to Lady Sheng, “I think you’re worrying too much. Look, the Emperor does treat Younglin very well. What was Younglin like two years ago, and what is he like now? If it were still the same as before, could Younglin be as outstanding as he is now? With scholars as teachers, the top three scholars as friends, and socializing with the families of scholars, the Emperor’s grace is boundless. You shouldn’t have any complaints.”

Lady Sheng muttered, “Duke Dinghai was already by Younglin’s side. Did you and Father guess it?”

Sheng Tongyu said, “Eunuch Xia Wan, the Superintendent of the Minzhou Customs House, personally brought Duke Dinghai here and passed on secret orders. At that time, Father guessed it. Only the Emperor could command a eunuch in charge of a province. But at that time, we only thought that the Emperor valued the Sheng family’s maritime trade and favored Younglin, planning to utilize the Sheng family.”

“It was only when I saw the Emperor give Younglin his coming-of-age ceremony that I guessed the depth of their affection. Also, knowing that Younglin likes men, I had some suspicions. But that’s the Son of Heaven. How dare we rashly speculate without evidence? If we told you, besides making you fear and worry, it would be disrespectful to the Emperor and not good for Younglin. Therefore, we didn’t dare to guess blindly. Don’t blame me, Sister. I’m not after wealth and honor. No matter how prosperous the Sheng family becomes, I’ve watched Younglin grow up and treated him like a son.”

“But coral, what the Emperor can give to Younglin, you and I can’t provide. What the Emperor can teach Younglin, you and I can’t teach him. Moreover, if what Younglin said is true, and it was initiated by him, then the crime of tempting the Emperor can’t be washed away. The Emperor taking on all the responsibility is already a great kindness.”

Lady Sheng took out a handkerchief to wipe her tears. “How could I not know? The root of everything is that I married Xu Anlin, that scoundrel. He didn’t love him since childhood, and he was neglected by his mother. He was a broken pot that couldn’t be fixed, and although you and Father raised him, he wasn’t your biological son. His brothers weren’t born of the same mother, so they were distant. They even became enemies over the title. He was taught by the Emperor, and he fell in love with the Emperor. Clearly, he lacked the love of a father and older brother…”

Sheng Tongyu was amused. “Don’t take everything on yourself. The Sheng brothers are not brothers? Why didn’t he fall for his cousin? What kind of character is the Emperor? Who can compare to him? You yourself said that Younglin has good taste. I think that since he likes men and falls for someone like the Emperor, it’s not surprising at all. Having seen the Emperor’s divine appearance, how could he possibly like anyone else?”

“Moreover, do you forget how Younglin got his nickname? The golden scales thrown down by the Heavenly Empress. This probably foreshadowed that he wasn’t an ordinary person.”

“Do you know how the Emperor reacted when he learned about Younglin’s nickname? He asked Changzhou if it was dragon scales that were thrown down?”

Lady Sheng was startled. Sheng Tongyu persuaded her, “The Heavenly Empress bestowed dragon scales. This is a genuine dream omen. The Emperor granted Younglin the name ‘Yuanlin,’ clearly recognizing this auspicious omen. Because of this omen, the Emperor will certainly not mistreat Younglin. You heard what the Emperor said: a prince equal to the throne, sharing the same tomb, golden edict and jade seal. Think about how great a blessing this is? This is the blessing bestowed by the Heavenly Empress!”

Author’s Note:

The Empress has taken on everything in the end.