FIMA Ch121: Schemes

Gu Siyuan released the cold jade-like slender hand and, to avoid awkwardness, turned to pick up the cold tea on the small table beside him and took a sip.

Xie Chenyun watched him with interest, resting his chin on his hand.

Gu Siyuan frowned, set down the tea cup, and asked, “Would Chenyun  like some tea?”

“…” Xie Chenyun.

Tsk, he’s quick to capitalize, now casually calling him by name.

If Gu Siyuan knew his thoughts, he would find it incomprehensible.

Now that he had entered the palace in disguise, he couldn’t call him Brother Xie; calling him consort would be more intimate and reasonable?

After spending most of the day in the Selection Hall, he was indeed thirsty.

“Thank you, Your Majesty.” Xie Chenyun reached for the teapot.

Gu Siyuan had already poured the tea and handed it over, their fingers and sleeves brushing against each other.

Xie Chenyun retracted his hand, thinking: This emperor truly lives up to his reputation for lechery. Though he had let go of his hand, he now took the opportunity to brush against him while handing over the tea.

Gu Siyuan was also looking at Xie Chenyun.

Just now, their sleeves had brushed, reminding him that the person before him was dressed as a woman.

Xie Chenyun was already extraordinarily handsome, and now, in a wide-sleeved crimson palace gown, with some hair adorned with golden hairpins and some flowing down his shoulders, his brows lightly drawn, lips touched with a hint of rouge, and his skin as fair as snow, his beauty was mesmerizing.

Seeing this, Gu Siyuan suddenly understood why ancient emperors often had no preference between genders.

Xie Chenyun noticed his unwavering gaze.

Feeling both anger and irritation, he smiled faintly and asked, “Your Majesty, what are you looking at?”

Gu Siyuan snapped out of it, calmly saying, “A rare beauty.”

It was the truth, spoken from an aesthetic perspective without any other intentions.

“…” Xie Chenyun.

A true master of flattery.

Such words came effortlessly.

Gu Siyuan composed himself and continued the previous topic, “Why did you suddenly return to Jinling and enter the palace?”

Xie Chenyun set aside his stray thoughts and explained seriously.

A month and a half ago, after joining the Yuhuo Sect with Xie Mingkong, because of his clear background, enmity with Wei Zhengping, and high martial skills, he directly became an inner disciple.

After that, during a mission for the sect, he unintentionally caught the leader’s eye and was taken as a disciple, being taught the sect’s supreme martial art, the “Nirvana Sacred Manual.”

Just a few days ago, the leader, at the request of the Song clan, wanted to use the selection process to send someone into the palace to monitor Wei Zhengping’s actions and also to gather information about the young emperor.

“You mean, the Yuhuo Sect sent you into the palace to monitor me?” Gu Siyuan pondered for a moment.

He automatically ignored the part about Wei Zhengping.

As an emperor, knowing someone wants to monitor you, regardless of their intentions, is naturally displeasing.

Indeed, martial artists do challenge authority.

Seeing his furrowed brows and discontented expression, Xie Chenyun raised an eyebrow.

Earlier, this foolish emperor seemed quite enthusiastic, probably thinking he had returned specifically for him?

After some thought, Xie Chenyun lightly coughed and explained, “Actually, I volunteered to come.”

“Mm.” Gu Siyuan casually nodded, not grasping the deeper meaning.

He thought it was not bad that Xie Chenyun was the one who came.

The world was rather chaotic now, and changing the country wasn’t something that could be done overnight or by his power alone. Xie Chenyun could be a valuable ally.

Xie Chenyun looked at the person before him, puffing his cheeks.

Such a greedy fellow, even after his explanation, still dissatisfied.

Wei Zhengping was one of the three grandmasters of the time. Monitoring him in the palace was extremely dangerous, and the original candidate was his second senior sister.

But at that moment, for some unknown reason, he volunteered himself.

After some consideration, the leader agreed.

Though he had joined the sect for a short time, he showed great talent in practicing the “Nirvana Sacred Manual.” Among the younger disciples, even the eldest senior brother could only tie with him in sparring.

As they chatted, the imperial palanquin arrived at the steps before the Hall of Diligent Administration.

Gu Siyuan, continuing his act to the end, extended his hand to lead Xie Chenyun down.

Wang Tan followed closely and asked, “Your Majesty, where should Lady Xie be housed?”

Gu Siyuan frowned. Considering the existing beauties in the harem, it was naturally inconvenient for Xie Chenyun to live there, given the difference in gender.

He looked around and said, “The Qingwu Terrace beside the Hall of Diligent Administration is still vacant; let her stay there.”

Wang Tan hesitated before responding, “Yes.”

The Qingwu Terrace was just a pavilion, not as prestigious as the residence of the harem’s primary consorts.

But it wasn’t seen that way; the Qingwu Terrace was close to the emperor, just a few steps away. In the previous dynasty, it was a place for emperors to rest and read after handling state affairs.

Since the emperor would pass by it daily, he would naturally be reminded of Lady Xie every day—an immense favor indeed…

Xie Chenyun glanced at the high eaves of the distant Qingwu Terrace and looked meaningfully at Gu Siyuan. This foolish emperor had a good plan, aiming for proximity to gain favor.

However, he wasn’t one to be trifled with.

“…” Gu Siyuan.

He couldn’t understand why everyone around him seemed to be giving him strange looks.

Were they not in the same world?

He was about to ask.

But at that moment, Xie Chenyun raised his chin and smiled lightly at him, then with a slight flick of his robe sleeves and hands behind his back, leisurely walked towards the main entrance of the Qingwu Terrace.

Wang Tan glanced at Gu Siyuan and then at Xie Chenyun’s back.

Then, with a flick of his whisk, he hurried after Xie Chenyun, fawningly saying, “Lady Xie, the Qingwu Terrace has been unoccupied for a long time. I’ll have someone come to tidy it up.”

“…” Gu Siyuan.

Wang Fatty, you really are perceptive.

Gu Siyuan shook his head, turned, and stepped into the Hall of Diligent Administration.

His daily schedule was quite tight, typically reviewing memorials in the morning and practicing martial arts in the afternoon and evening.

After all, this was a world where everyone was a master.

That afternoon, Gu Siyuan officially began practicing the lower volume of the “Xiantian Qiankun Gong.”

Compared to the upper volume, the lower volume was much more complex but also brought more benefits.

Had he been this advanced a month ago at the Xie Family Manor, he might have been able to contend with those so-called celestial disciples from the outer hall, and Tang Sheng might not have escaped.

Training was like learning.

Time flew by.

When he stood up again, the setting sun was already hanging outside, with red maple leaves scattered all over the ground.

Gu Siyuan walked to the window to get some fresh air.

As he looked up, he saw the pavilion not far away.

Xie Chenyun had let all his hair down, which swayed in the evening breeze. Still in his palace attire, relying on his martial skills, he was sitting barefoot and sideways on the thin railing of the Qingwu Terrace.

Seeing him, a faint smile curled on his lips.

Though called a terrace, the Qingwu Terrace was not small.

It was a four-story pavilion with a spacious courtyard below, where two giant parasol trees were planted. Now in autumn, several osmanthus trees had been moved over in large vats, filling the air with a rich fragrance.

Watching Xie Chenyun’s carefree and leisurely demeanor, Gu Siyuan suddenly felt that the scenery there seemed better than in his Hall of Diligent Administration.

Just then, Wang Tan entered, with his usual irritating face, looking like he had something to say but hesitated.

Gu Siyuan glanced at him impatiently.

By now, Wang Tan had learned to read Gu Siyuan’s thoughts and promptly said, “Your Majesty, since the new consort has entered the palace today, should Lady Xie be summoned to serve tonight?”

“…” Gu Siyuan was silent for a moment and waved his hand, “No need.”

Wang Tan squinted his small eyes in surprise.

Could the emperor still be pining for the mysterious consort?

Did he misunderstand the emperor earlier today?

Thinking this, he sighed and said, “Well, since His Majesty has arranged for Lady Xie to stay at Qingwu Terrace, that mysterious consort would be distressed if she came to the Hall of Diligent Administration at night. His Majesty should go and console her first to avoid her becoming agitated and harming the imperial fetus…”

“…” Gu Siyuan.

Gu Siyuan immediately turned and walked out to prevent this fat eunuch from saying anything more shocking. He said woodenly, “I thought about it and decided to go see Lady Xie after all.”

After all, they were both men, so sharing a bed was no big deal.

Nobody loses anything.

Wang Tan was momentarily stunned by the emperor’s capriciousness, but he quickly recovered and said, “Your Majesty is wise. Lady Xie, newly entered into the palace, is surrounded by unfamiliar sights and must be feeling uneasy. His Majesty’s unwillingness to let her sit alone until dawn shows your tenderness and iron-hearted compassion.”

Gu Siyuan: “…”

In any case, you always have a point.

No wonder you can be the head eunuch!

When Gu Siyuan went to Qingwu Terrace.

Xie Chenyun was still sitting sideways on the thin railing, his fair bare feet dangling and swaying below. He now held a green porcelain wine cup in his hand, and upon seeing the approaching figure, a knowing smile curled at the corner of his lips.

As expected, this foolish emperor couldn’t hold back.

Gu Siyuan, feeling this person was quite at ease while in the Hall of Diligent Administration earlier, walked to the railing to enjoy the view since he was here now.

Xie Chenyun drained his wine cup in one go and lazily leaned against the pillar behind him, watching Gu Siyuan with a light smile.

He wanted to see what new antics this foolish emperor would come up with today.

Gu Siyuan usually ignored others, but being stared at so intently by one person was uncomfortable.

Especially when that person seemed excessively at ease.

He turned around, placed his hands behind his back, and asked casually, “Chenyun, do you like this place?”

“Not bad,” Xie Chenyun nodded, pausing briefly before adding with a meaningful smile, “This place is very close to the Hall of Diligent Administration.”

Gu Siyuan nodded and said in a deep voice, “It’s good that you understand my intentions.”

Being close to the Hall of Diligent Administration, it was far from the harem and convenient for monitoring Wei Zhengping.

“…” Xie Chenyun was stunned, the green porcelain wine cup slipping from his hand and falling.

This foolish emperor just admitted it, admitted that he had ulterior motives?

Gu Siyuan didn’t understand Xie Chenyun’s sudden lapse but swiftly caught the falling cup, preventing it from shattering, and gently placed it on a small table nearby.

The sound of porcelain lightly hitting wood brought Xie Chenyun back to his senses.

He blinked, belatedly realizing that Gu Siyuan’s earlier move seemed to reveal some martial skill.

He curiously asked, “You… really practiced martial arts?”

He had a good memory and recalled the words Gu Siyuan said a month ago at the Xie family estate.

Gu Siyuan nodded, “Indeed, I’ve learned a bit.”

Xie Chenyun propped his chin on his hand and asked, “Which master taught you? I’ve heard there are many hidden experts in the deep palace.”

Gu Siyuan shook his head and said calmly, “No master, I just practiced on my own. It’s rather embarrassing to start learning martial arts at my age.”

Xie Chenyun blinked, feeling an indescribable emotion.

He had thought it was a joke or a ploy to get closer to him.

But he didn’t expect this foolish emperor to actually follow through, and judging by his earlier move, he had made considerable progress.

Xie Chenyun looked at him and said softly, “It’s never too late to start. You might do very well.”

Gu Siyuan looked up and gave him a glance, sensing some consolation and encouragement in his words.

Although he didn’t feel he needed such encouragement, as he had always succeeded in what he set out to do.

However, it didn’t prevent him from expressing gratitude.

He bent down, picked up the wine jug from the small table, poured two cups, and handed one over, “Hmm, thank you.”

It was seasonal osmanthus wine, crystal clear and bright, like a painting when held in the green porcelain cup.

Upon tasting, it was fresh, sweet, rich, and mellow, with a lingering fragrance.

Accompanied by the cool breeze and setting sun.

The two drank an entire jar of wine.

Xie Chenyun seemed to have drunk too much.

He half-closed his eyes, leaning against the pillar behind him, his white, bare feet resting on the dark wooden railing, looking like jade. His light red outer robe had slipped to his elbows, dragging long on the floor, and his loose hair was blowing in the wind, giving him an unusual allure and laziness.

But Gu Siyuan remained clear-headed.

Staring at Xie Chenyun, he thought: If he falls asleep and rolls off, wouldn’t a gesture of thanks turn into a grudge?

Even if he didn’t fall, the autumn wind was chilly, and sleeping too long would catch a cold, which wasn’t good.

He called softly, “Chenyun…”

No response.

He called again.

Still no response.

Gu Siyuan was certain.

He stood up and walked over.

Xie Chenyun’s fingers hidden in his wide sleeves tightened.

As expected, there were ulterior motives.

Though he kept his eyes closed, he could feel the prolonged gaze lingering on him.

Now, having brewed for so long and confirmed he was asleep, this foolish emperor was finally making his move.

Xie Chenyun thought: Hmph, when he gets close enough, I’ll open my eyes and scare him.

At that moment.

He felt warmth around his waist and neck, and his body lifted off the ground.

“…” Xie Chenyun.

This foolish emperor wasn’t just skipping to the last step, was he?

How terrifying!

Despite his tall stature, Gu Siyuan found him surprisingly light when held.

And there was a unique familiarity, as if he had held him countless times; it also brought a peculiar satisfaction, as if this person belonged in his arms.

“Heh…” Gu Siyuan chuckled softly, shook his head, and cleared this foolish thought from his mind. He bent down and gently placed the person on the bed.

“…” Xie Chenyun’s hand, hidden in his sleeve, clenched even tighter.

He laughed. This person actually laughed.

Was this the smug satisfaction of having his wicked thoughts about to be fulfilled?

He couldn’t wait any longer.

Xie Chenyun’s eyes snapped open.

Gu Siyuan raised an eyebrow and asked, “Did I wake you?”

“Mm.” Xie Chenyun responded deliberately loudly.

At this moment, soft footsteps suddenly came from the outer hall.

Then Wang Tan peeked his chubby head in through the curtain.

I did come to favor Lady Xie as you suggested; why are you still chasing after me?

Gu Siyuan frowned and straightened up from the bedside, walked a few steps forward, and asked in a low voice, “What is it?”

He didn’t want this fellow babbling nonsense in front of others and making him lose face.

Wang Tan also frowned in frustration.

He just saw His Majesty rise from the bedside; perhaps he accidentally interrupted His Majesty’s good moment.

Gu Siyuan asked again, “What is it?”

Wang Tan hurriedly said loudly, “Your Majesty, the lotus pool has been prepared.”

Now, he could only make up for his mistake.

The lotus pool was a bath in the palace. Every time a new consort was favored, the emperor would grant a bath in the lotus pool, a chance for a shared intimate moment.

Gu Siyuan was about to wave it off.

But there was a soft movement behind him.

Xie Chenyun got out of bed barefoot, wobbling as he walked towards him.

Gu Siyuan felt that this person was about to fall with the next step.

Seeing the outstretched hand, Xie Chenyun chuckled and leaned over.

Now that they were closer, Wang Tan noticed that both of them smelled of alcohol and immediately became more enthusiastic, “Your Majesty, Lady Xie, perhaps a bath in the pool to wash away the smell of alcohol?”

“…” Xie Chenyun glared at Gu Siyuan.

You sly emperor, you even prepared a backup plan.

Seeing Xie Chenyun staring at him like that, Gu Siyuan thought he wanted to go but was seeking his opinion, like a stray dog on the street eyeing the food in his hand.

To this, he had no strong opinion either way, so he nodded and said, “Prepare the bath!”

Wang Tan immediately ran off happily.

Considering Xie Chenyun had drunk too much and might not walk steadily, Gu Siyuan didn’t ask further and directly supported him as they walked out.

“…” Xie Chenyun, who couldn’t refuse at all.

This foolish emperor is so eager.

Finally seeing his true colors, all the usual stern dignity was just a facade.

As they reached the palace door, Gu Siyuan saw something out of the corner of his eye and turned to Xie Chenyun, “Wait a moment.”

Then he turned back to the inner chamber.

Leaning against the wall, Xie Chenyun watched his figure with narrowed eyes.

This foolish emperor was so eager just now, why turn back suddenly? Did he forget something more urgent?

Could it be some lewd thing for that act?

He remembered reading that many high officials and nobles played very extravagantly.

As he was thinking, the tall figure returned, casting a shadow over him.

“…” Xie Chenyun felt inexplicably nervous.

The next moment, that figure crouched down in front of him.

Then, a hard-to-ignore warmth covered his cool ankles.

“Thud…” A soft sound.

Gu Siyuan placed a pair of wooden clogs on the ground, then slowly put Xie Chenyun’s pale, bare feet into them.

After that, he stood up, took Xie Chenyun’s wrist again, and said expressionlessly, “Alright, let’s go!”

“…” Xie Chenyun lightly bit his lip, his cheeks turning a faint red, as if truly drunk.

Following Gu Siyuan in a daze, one hand covered his increasingly fast-beating heart.

This foolish emperor… really had deep thoughts!