FIMA Ch132: A Visit

The second day.

After waking up from a deep sleep.

Feeling the familiar warmth and weight in his arms, Gu Siyuan cast a sidelong glance at the person sleeping beside him.

Just like every morning in the past, Xie Chenyun’s head rested on his shoulder, both hands tightly hugging his arm. His sleeping face was tranquil, beautiful, and obedient…

Gu Siyuan observed him for a moment and couldn’t resist reaching out to trace his features.

However, the more he touched, the more addictive it became. He simply lowered his head and pressed a few light kisses against the other’s eyes, brows, and lips.

Disturbed, Xie Chenyun furrowed his brows delicately, but didn’t let go or move away. With a turn of his small head, he buried himself even deeper into Gu Siyuan’s chest, rubbing gently and letting out adorable little hums from his mouth.

Seeing this, Gu Siyuan was thoroughly satisfied.

Such an adorable existence truly ought to stay in his arms forever.

He carefully moved the person to the inner side of the bed and meticulously covered him with the blanket.

When he walked to the outer room, Wang Tan had already brought people to wait, ready to serve him in changing clothes and washing up.

Gu Siyuan spread his arms, allowing them to attend to him.

However, once everything was properly settled, just before stepping out the door, he turned back toward the courtyard and ordered: “Keep a close watch on Beauty Xie.”

“Yes,” the guards responded in unison.

Because Gu Siyuan was staying here, the manor had specially set aside a large study to serve as a place for him to handle state affairs.

After spending about half a shichen (an hour) scanning through all the memorials on the desk, Gu Siyuan directly used the vermilion brush to approve several concerning corvée labor and military armaments, issuing instructions for them to be handled as quickly as possible.

Since a little over three months ago, every single memorial presented by the Grand Secretariat had been personally reviewed and issued by him.

Actually, before the memorials were even sent over, the Grand Secretariat had already drafted their suggested opinions; he only needed to use the vermilion brush to check the appropriate box.

Of course, occasionally he would provide his own opinions. Though extremely rare, every word was a pearl of wisdom.

Regarding this, the court ministers naturally felt quite emotional.

Although His Majesty had become infatuated with another demonic consort, ultimately, having just one person was better than an entire harem. At the very least, His Majesty was able to spend more time on state affairs. Furthermore, perhaps because His Majesty had been young and ignorant before, now that they truly looked at it, His Majesty was actually quite talented in state affairs, truly looking the part of a proper ruler.

As for Gu Siyuan’s reaction to this, he felt as if he had become a master PUA (Pick-Up Artist/manipulator).

As long as he set the baseline low enough at the very beginning, no matter what earth-shattering things he did later, the court ministers could face it calmly and even take pride in it.

Tch…

Gu Siyuan set down the vermilion brush, took a sip of tea, and pushed the remaining pile of unreviewed memorials together, but didn’t touch them again.

Several days had passed since the incident on Xuanqing Mountain, and the inside news and situation had gradually spread throughout the world.

These memorials were all intelligence reports regarding this matter from various regions.

Among them, a few were even presented by the major aristocratic clans. Their goal was also identical: they were filing complaints with Gu Siyuan.

Around the Si hour (9:00 AM – 11:00 AM).

The Duke of Song, Wei Zhengping, and several others came one after another to request an audience.

As soon as he opened his mouth, the Duke of Song said: “Your Majesty, through the investigation and confirmation of this minister’s informants, those rebels of the Wu Family Army indeed seized the Imperial Seal of the Realm.”

“Hm?” Gu Siyuan looked up, feigning confusion: “The Imperial Seal of the Realm?”

“Your Majesty, during the time you were coaxed by Beauty Xie to leave the grand army and go out to play, the Wu family rebels seized the Imperial Seal,” Wei Zhengping said sinisterly.

Gu Siyuan’s expression darkened slightly, and he scolded coldly: “Wei Zhengping, you are becoming more and more insolent! What does this matter have to do with Beauty Xie?! Yesterday, you sent over two male servants, causing Beauty Xie to throw a tantrum with Zhen all night long, and Zhen hasn’t even punished you for that crime yet!”

Hearing these words, Wei Zhengping’s expression grew even darker: “Your Majesty, jealousy is a major crime in the inner harem! How can you allow that demonic consort to run wild? They should be swiftly punished!”

Gu Siyuan slammed his hand on the desk: “Audacious! When did matters of Zhen‘s inner harem become your place to comment?!”

Wei Zhengping’s expression remained unchanged as he cast a glance at Gu Siyuan.

By this time, he already understood that the pair of twins he sent yesterday had been of absolutely no use. This little emperor intended to walk down a single path until it turned dark (stick to his ways stubbornly).

He let out a long sigh: “Your Majesty, do you truly intend to turn against this minister for the sake of that demonic consort?”

“Turn against you?”

Before Gu Siyuan even had time to get angry, the Duke of Song’s face turned black. He immediately pointed at Wei Zhengping and roared furiously: “Wei Zhengping, you are nothing but a mere eunuch! If not for His Majesty’s favor and trust, how would you have your current status?! You actually dare speak to His Majesty about ‘turning against’ him?! Who do you think you are?! You are simply committing insubordination!”

“Wei Zhengping, Zhen has truly favored and trusted you too much these past few years, making you lose sight of the immensity of heaven and earth, and even failing to hold Zhen in your eyes.”

Gu Siyuan directly threw a teacup down and said coldly: “Someone come, pass the decree! From this day forth, strip Wei Zhengping of all his duties. The Directorate of Ceremonial is to be handed over to Wang Tan to manage, and all affairs of the Purging Court will be personally taken over by Zhen.”

Wei Zhengping’s eyes flickered.

After remaining silent for a long while, he finally looked at Gu Siyuan and chuckled lightly, remaining as obsequious and affectionate as always: “Your Majesty, it was a slip of the tongue by this minister. This minister will step down first, so as not to anger you further.”

Gu Siyuan sneered coldly: “Why haven’t you scrammed already? Are you trying to be an eyesore to Zhen here?”

“Yes.”

The moment he turned around, the corners of Wei Zhengping’s mouth instantly dropped.

The guards stationed at the door met his eyes for a split second, their hearts nearly stopping.

The might of a Supreme Innate Grandmaster was truly terrifying.

Sitting in his chair, Gu Siyuan narrowed his eyes slightly as he watched Wei Zhengping’s retreating back.

He originally hadn’t planned to fall out with Wei Zhengping this quickly. However, due to a serendipitous coincidence last night, he had achieved a major breakthrough in the Innate Heaven and Earth Cultivation Arts.

Coupled with the fact that Wei Zhengping might be a hindrance in his upcoming plans.

Since that was the case, why continue to endure him?

Glancing up, the Duke of Song just happened to catch sight of his Majesty’s expression—so cold, stern, and sharp that even a veteran of the battlefield like himself couldn’t help but feel a chill in his heart.

He thought of the letter his son had sent. Perhaps all of them had never truly known this Majesty.

Gu Siyuan withdrew his gaze and swept it toward the Duke of Song: “Minister Song, do you have something to say?”

The Duke of Song cupped his fists: “According to this minister’s secret spies, that martial arts holy land, the Outer Heaven Pavilion, used the guise of a martial arts assembly to convene a so-called ‘Choosing a Ruler on Behalf of Heaven’ assembly in Jiangcheng, even bringing out the Imperial Seal of the Realm that was lost a century ago during the chaotic era. Among them, the Wu family relied on their geographical advantage to secretly bring over a massive army and planted explosives in advance. In the end, they blew up almost everyone attending the assembly and seized the Imperial Seal.”

Hearing this, Gu Siyuan gave a cold sneer: “Oh, dogs biting dogs, ending up with mouthfuls of fur. Isn’t this excellent? These rebels are truly audacious enough to cover the sky. Zhen is still alive, yet they dare to ‘choose a ruler on behalf of Heaven’.”

“Their crimes are heinous to the extreme; ten thousand deaths would not be enough to atone for their sins,” the Duke of Song nodded.

However, after thinking silently for a moment, he ultimately couldn’t help but speak bluntly: “According to my young son’s words, he also saw Your Majesty and Beauty Xie at the assembly venue. The reason he and a portion of the Bathing Fire Cult’s forces were able to escape with their lives was entirely due to the people of the Thunderbolt Hall deliberately letting them go.”

Gu Siyuan lifted his eyelids slightly, saying faintly: “Minister Song is a smart person. There are some things Zhen does not need to speak too plainly about.”

The Duke of Song felt a jolt of shock, followed by a surge of joy, and said repeatedly: “Yes. Your Majesty’s mind is as deep as the Nine Netherworlds; this minister and the others can only gaze at your dust from afar (are vastly inferior).”

Gu Siyuan said casually: “Merely treacherous little tricks.”

“For Your Majesty to use four taels to deflect a thousand catties (use minimal effort to achieve maximum results), causing those rebellious ministers and treacherous thieves to reap what they sow—how brilliant and wise,” the Duke of Song added. “However, since the Imperial Seal of the Realm has appeared, it naturally should belong to Your Majesty. Why leave it for the Wu family rebels?”

Gu Siyuan looked at him, pointing to the stack of memorials by his hand: “Does Minister Song know what is written in these memorials?”

The Duke of Song: “I ask Your Majesty to bestow guidance.”

Gu Siyuan’s voice was deep and distant: “Among the four great aristocratic clans, aside from the Song Clan to which you belong, the memorials presented by the other three major clans—Zhao, Shen, and Qian—almost all speak of the exact same thing. They state that upon hearing Zhen has personally led an expedition to Huangzhou, they have the heart to bring rations, troops, and armor to provide support.”

The Duke of Song was momentarily stunned before quickly realizing the implication, immediately sneering coldly: “I fear the support is fake, and wanting to exact personal revenge is real! I heard that at the assembly on Xuanqing Mountain, the people of these major aristocratic clans were slaughtered by the Wu Family Army until not a single one remained. Although the Zhao and Qian families lost legitimate sons and pillar ministers, that can already be considered a minor loss.”

“The one who attended from the Shen Clan was their Clan Head himself, directly dying without even a corpse to be found. Now, his several sons and brothers are already fighting tooth and nail over the position of Clan Head. This minister’s secret spy sent a letter saying that in order to stop the continued internal friction, the elders of the Shen Clan declared that whoever can seize back the Imperial Seal and avenge the Shen Clan Head will be the one to succeed as Clan Head.”

Gu Siyuan’s sword-like eyebrows rose: “This is exactly the usefulness of leaving the Imperial Seal with the Wu Family Army. Zhen‘s next game of chess is also about to begin. Since they all want to come, then let them all come. But once they arrive, it will no longer be up to them. What does it matter if we have another Xuanqing Mountain assembly?”

Hearing these words, the Duke of Song’s expression turned solemn, instantly understanding his Majesty’s meaning.

This was to thoroughly catch them all in one fell swoop!

Next, the two discussed matters concerning troop deployment.

The Duke of Song became increasingly astounded. This young Emperor’s talent was truly unimaginable; this was a massive fortune for the world!

The late Emperor in heaven could finally rest his eyes in peace.

…

The morning quickly passed.

When lunchtime arrived, Gu Siyuan left the large study and walked back toward the small courtyard from the morning.

As soon as he entered the courtyard gates, he saw all the guards wearing expressions of unspeakable suffering. It seemed that after Xie Chenyun woke up, he had probably tormented them quite a bit.

Thinking of Xie Chenyun’s adorable appearance when throwing a tantrum, Gu Siyuan couldn’t help but curl the corners of his lips.

Following that, he felt slightly annoyed with himself. He should have had people move the memorials over here to read this morning. That way, he could have witnessed Xie Chenyun throwing a tantrum firsthand.

Thinking this, he immediately took large strides toward the room.

However, before his foot even crossed the threshold, he heard a whoosh, and a black object flew violently through the air straight toward him.

With a raise of his arm, he caught a Jian ware black porcelain teacup in his hand.

He slightly raised his eyelids, thinking to himself: Tch, it seems there was no need to rush. Throwing a tantrum isn’t something that ends after just one or two throws…

Carrying the Jian ware cup, Gu Siyuan walked into the room. At a glance, he saw Xie Chenyun sitting on the soft couch by the window with his hair unpinned and cascading down. When their eyes met, Xie Chenyun’s gaze carried a half-smiling, mocking look.

“Has Your Majesty finished busying yourself with major affairs, and finally remembered to come favor this concubine?”

Gu Siyuan raised his hand and tossed it casually, and the Jian ware cup landed steadily on the small tea table beside the soft couch.

He also walked over to sit on the soft couch, reaching out to gently stroke Xie Chenyun’s ink-black hair, before slowly opening his mouth: “Chenyun, do you know what ‘favoring a concubine’ (consummation) means?”

Xie Chenyun’s face flushed red.

He had originally only intended to casually mock Gu Siyuan.

Gu Siyuan then pinched his fair, smooth cheek, pressed down on his bright red, soft lips, and said coldly: “Chenyun was so stubborn-mouthed last night, but it seems it was merely a misunderstanding born of shyness. Had Zhen known Chenyun harbored such intentions, why would Zhen have waited so long?”

“Shut up,” Xie Chenyun turned completely red from his toes all the way up to his scalp.

However, his mouth remained as stubborn as ever.

He gave a soft hmph and decided to change the subject: “Your Majesty, how long do you plan to lock me up for?”

Gu Siyuan straightened his expression: “That depends on Chenyun’s behavior.”

Xie Chenyun glared at the man, puffing his cheeks: “Then what if my heart is never moved by Your Majesty for the rest of my life? Are you going to lock me up in this manor for the rest of my life?”

Gu Siyuan gently shook his head: “That will not happen.”

Joy appeared on Xie Chenyun’s face: “Your Majesty…”

“In about two months, Zhen will prepare to return to the capital. If you are still not obedient by then, Zhen will help you move and lock you up in the imperial palace instead.” Gu Siyuan calmly shattered his fantasy.

“…” Xie Chenyun.

Is that something a human would say?!

Xie Chenyun swallowed hard, brewing his words for a long time before saying: “Is there really no other compromise? Didn’t Your Majesty say you wanted to respect my feelings?”

Gu Siyuan looked at his slender, pale neck, his exquisite and beautiful collarbones, and his bare feet, cold as jade, resting on the couch. He nodded gently: “There is.”

Xie Chenyun hesitated for a moment before asking: “What method?”

Gu Siyuan’s expression was placid, his gaze deep: “Cooking raw rice into mature rice (making it an accomplished fact). The ‘favoring’ Chenyun mentioned just now sounds very good to Zhen.”

“…” Xie Chenyun.

Hehe, I knew it.

He stood up from the couch, stepping barefoot onto the freezing floor, and acted spoiled: “I’m hungry, let’s go eat lunch!”

With a look of considerable regret on his face, Gu Siyuan also stood up.

However, he first walked over to the side to grab some shoes, crouched down beside Xie Chenyun, and grasped his slender, crystalline ankles: “Put your shoes on.”

Feeling the warmth on his feet, Xie Chenyun lowered his eyes, the back of his ears turning red.

Catching sight of the man’s broad back out of the corner of his eye, he couldn’t help but recall that evening a few months ago, the day he entered the palace for the beauty draft. This person had also crouched in front of him like this, holding his ankles to put on his shoes.

At that time, he had seemed just as at a loss for what to do, his heart pounding wildly.

Perhaps from that moment on, he had been destined to be manipulated and have his heart stolen by this person.

“Let’s go,” Gu Siyuan straightened up, reaching out his hand to hold his.

“Oh…” Xie Chenyun dragged out the sound, replying softly, and placed his slender hand into his palm.

…

The afternoon.

The sunlight was bright and beautiful, leisurely and relaxed.

The two were dressed casually, sitting facing each other on the soft couch, brewing tea.

Thinking of what Gu Siyuan had mentioned earlier about returning to the capital in two months, Xie Chenyun couldn’t help but ask: “Your Majesty, have you already decided to fight a quick battle to force a swift decision?”

Gu Siyuan nodded, saying casually: “Everything is ready.”

Seeing him only offer these few words, still keeping him in the dark just like on Xuanqing Mountain, Xie Chenyun couldn’t help but curl his lip: “With Your Majesty’s brilliance, naturally it will be as easy as catching a turtle in a jar.”

Gu Siyuan glanced at the person in front of him, seemingly detecting a faint trace of resentment in his tone.

He thought for a moment and asked: “Chenyun, do you want to know Zhen‘s plan?”

Xie Chenyun’s eyes instantly lit up.

Seeing this, the corners of Gu Siyuan’s mouth curled up. He couldn’t help but feel that he was truly incomparably brilliant and very good at coaxing his partner into being happy.

A long while passed.

After listening to Gu Siyuan’s entire scheme, Xie Chenyun was too shocked to recover his senses.

After a long time, he finally blinked, sighing as if in awe: “To think Your Majesty had already calculated so much, step by step, all the way since Jiangcheng?”

“I wouldn’t call it calculation. The pieces just happened to be there, so I simply made the best use of them.”

Gu Siyuan’s expression was incredibly calm—as calm as if he were saying today’s food was good and they could eat it again next time—rather than discussing a massive scheme about to overturn several major aristocratic clans.

“…” Xie Chenyun took a deep breath.

Seeing his dazed appearance, Gu Siyuan furrowed his brow slightly and said: “Zhen has already told you everything. Are you still not happy?”

“…” Xie Chenyun.

Xie Chenyun rested his chin on his knees, covering his cheeks with both hands.

It seems that in Gu Siyuan’s eyes, using this plan to coax me into being happy is more important than the plan itself?

In this split second, Xie Chenyun suddenly felt that he could comprehend the massive, heart-pounding sensation of having ‘three thousand favors entirely focused upon oneself.’

Such grandeur—who in the world could refuse it?

Xie Chenyun also thoroughly understood the meaning behind the phrase: ‘Power and wisdom are the greatest charms in the world.’

Because Gu Siyuan was the absolute best interpretation of this charm itself.

As long as one had met him and conversed with him, who wouldn’t be won over by this charm?

He lifted his head, looking fixedly at the person opposite him.

The sunlight filtered thinly through the window screens.

Gu Siyuan sat there, sitting within a pool of light, yet the light could not steal even a fraction of his radiance. His entire person was noble and aloof, like a deity.

That’s right. If there truly were immortals and gods in this world, that person ought to be Gu Siyuan.

He is the Son of Heaven of this mortal realm, the sole Emperor of the human world.

Gu Siyuan’s sword-like eyebrows rose slightly: “Chenyun, why are you looking at Zhen like this? Could it be your heart is moved for Zhen?”

Xie Chenyun pursed his lips and smiled: “En. Therefore, Your Majesty, unseal my acupoints!”

“…” Gu Siyuan was highly suspicious.

Xie Chenyun let out another soft chuckle, enunciating every word: “Otherwise, Your Majesty… favor me.”

“…” Gu Siyuan.

Has my IQ regressed? Why do I feel like I understand the person beside me less and less?

Xie Chenyun rose to a kneeling position on the soft couch. The outer robe slipped down with his movement.

Through the thin silk inner robes, one could almost imagine the absolute, breathtaking scenery hidden within.

Smiling, he opened his arms toward Gu Siyuan.

Gu Siyuan’s mind buzzed.

He suddenly felt his IQ might have truly regressed. Otherwise, how could he be seeing blazing peach blossoms blooming in the middle of winter?

The next moment, a dark-gold dragon-patterned wide sleeve swept out, accompanied by an endless series of crashes and clatters as the low table, along with its cups, saucers, teapots, and everything else, was swept entirely to the floor.

Only the chirping insects resting on the window lattice witnessed the long hair tangling together, and those pale white toes curling up abruptly.

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