Chapter 142 – Imperial Edict

Xu Chun quickly changed into his official robes and brought out all the officials from the Harbor Administration Office at the government office. Sure enough, he saw He Zhiqiu and Fang Zixing standing in front of the main hall of the government office, dressed in their splendid official robes. They had set up an incense altar, and after three kneels and nine kowtows,

He Zhiqiu read the imperial decree, “Imperial edict: Since taking office, Prince Jing’s heir and the Director of the Harbor Administration Office Xu Chun has been loyal, diligent, cautious, and impartial. He has improved public welfare, eradicated corruption, suppressed bandits, and made significant contributions to coastal defense and anti-smuggling efforts. His political achievements are outstanding, and he is loved by the people. He is promoted to a rank four official, with the title of Yangwei General. This edict is to inform all. So decreed.”

Xu Chun accepted the decree, looking utterly bewildered. He Zhiqiu handed the imperial edict to him and said with a smile, “Congratulations, Brother Yuanshen. This is an imperial edict written in the emperor’s own hand, an extraordinary favor and great honor.”

Xu Chun was speechless. He first declared solemnly, “The emperor’s grace is vast, I shall certainly repay it with loyalty!” Then, he smiled at He Zhiqiu and Fang Zixing and asked, “Brother He and Brother Fang, how did you find the time to come over?”

He Zhiqiu chuckled, “We’re on duty, the mission isn’t complete yet.” He continued, “There’s a smuggling case that needs to be investigated. I’ve been ordered to question the suspects thoroughly here at the Prefectural Government Office before returning to the capital. At that time, I’ll have to summon relevant officials from the Harbor Administration Office for questioning as well. I hope everyone at the Harbor Administration Office will cooperate fully.” His eyes had already noticed the pale faces and profuse sweating of several officials behind Xu Chun.

But Xu Chun seemed oblivious, still smiling as he said, “Investigating and cracking down on smuggling is the responsibility of the Harbor Administration Office. Of course, we will cooperate. Which smuggling case is it?”

He Zhiqiu smiled, “Isn’t it the several ships of illicit salt that you and Commander Qin seized? The Prefectural Government Office interrogated those bandits and found evidence suggesting collusion with high-ranking officials in the capital. The Prefectural Governor didn’t dare to proceed with the investigation and reported it directly to the Ministry of Justice. The emperor ordered the Board of Censors to investigate the case in detail and assigned the Imperial Guards to assist. Since you’re here, I took up this mission. Then, the Cabinet issued another imperial edict, so I was also tasked to deliver it.”

Seeing the relieved expressions on the faces of the officials behind Xu Chun, He Zhiqiu smiled meaningfully.

Fang Zixing then said, “I’m here under orders to assist Lord He in investigating the smuggling case involving collusion with bandits. It’s also a good opportunity to visit you.”

Xu Chun’s face lit up with joy. “Please come inside, I’ll have a feast prepared for my two elder brothers to welcome you.”

He Zhiqiu said, “I still have duties to attend to. I need to go to the Prefectural Government Office to take over the case. I might not be able to come over for a while, let’s catch up later. You should spend some time with Lord Fang first.”

Xu Chun hurriedly smiled, “Of course, official business comes first.”

After seeing He Zhiqiu and the others off, Xu Chun warmly took Fang Zixing’s hand and led him to the back residence, bragging along the way, “Take a look at my newly renovated house, what do you think? How long will you be staying, Brother Fang?”

Fang Zixing curiously looked around for a moment, then frowned. “It’s too small, can you fit in here?”

Xu Chun laughed. “It’s enough. You haven’t seen what it was like before, it was really dilapidated and shabby. Now it’s decent, small as it may be, it has everything we need. Let’s go upstairs, I’ve made it very comfortable.”

As Xu Chun and Fang Zixing went up the stairs, they saw Chunxi waiting downstairs. Upon seeing Xu Chun and Fang Zixing, she bowed respectfully.

Xu Chun chuckled. “Look, Chunxi usually isn’t this reserved around me. She gets so nervous when you’re here, as if facing a great enemy.” He walked up ahead, not noticing the hesitation on Chunxi’s face.

Fang Zixing followed behind Xu Chun, asking as they walked, “I heard you ordered two large ships?”

Xu Chun replied, “Yes, I’ll have someone arrange it soon. I’ll take you and Brother He out to sea for fun! We can go sea fishing! And grill fish on the deck! We can even spend the night out at sea…”

As he talked, they reached the study on the second floor. Xu Chun noticed Su Huaibai standing outside the door with Wu Fuluishun, giving him a faint smile as he approached. He froze, his heart suddenly leaping with joy. He looked at Su Huaibai, opening and closing his mouth, surprised and delighted but unsure what to say. Su Huaibai pointed at the door, gesturing for him to go in.

Xu Chun’s heart pounded wildly as he rushed into the study. Sure enough, he saw Xie Yi sitting at the desk, reading something he had written. Dressed in a jade-colored robe, his expression focused, his eyelashes lowered, he was as handsome and dignified as a deity.

Hearing the sound, Xie Yi looked up, a teasing smile appearing on his lips, as if he felt accomplished at having startled Xu Chun.

Xu Chun pounced. “Ninth Brother!”

Caught off guard, Xie Yi was firmly embraced by Xu Chun, amused and exasperated. “Still wearing official robes, you were just saying you’ve matured, but now you’re acting like a child again, without any decorum.”

Xu Chun had straddled his lap, wrapping his arms around his shoulders and passionately kissed him.

Xie Yi had planned to take the initiative, wanting to see his lover’s surprised yet shocked expression. Then, he would wait for the formalities and catch up on their time apart before properly questioning him about his recent poor eating and sleeping habits. But he hadn’t expected his young and passionate lover to break the rules, hugging and kissing him first.

This intense reunion quickly caused Xie Yi’s breathing to become rapid. After a deep kiss, both of them were unable to control their emotions. Xu Chun was carried by Xie Yi and sat on the spacious black sandalwood desk, holding onto his waist as they shared intimate kisses.

The sky-blue official robes were rumpled beyond recognition, the hat long fallen onto the carpet. Xu Chun’s face was flushed as he whispered, “Ninth Brother, am I dreaming?”

Xie Yi had just released his chin to admire his blushing face and kiss-swollen lips. He now asked him with a smile, “Does Yuanshen dream of me often? In the study?”

Sitting on the wide tabletop with his legs dangling, Xu Chun kicked off his boots and looked up at Xie Yi, smiling boldly and smugly. “I’ve dreamed of more scandalous things, Ninth Brother. What’s the big deal about the study?”

As the sun set in a daze, the strict official robes and jade belt were ultimately discarded together on the thick carpet.

Xie Yi had originally wanted to praise him for looking like a bamboo shoot in his official robes, upright and elegant. But now, he thought the slim and muscular waist revealed after removing the robes was even more appealing. The bamboo branch swayed gently in the breeze, rustling leaves dancing in the wind, the sight even more endearing.