FIMA Ch120: Only Take a Sip

That morning, Gu Siyuan sat on the dragon throne, reading the recent memorials, mainly regarding the disaster relief in southern Anhui and the Wu family in Jing planning a rebellion.

According to the usual practice, after the memorials were submitted, the original Gu Siyuan would not even glance at them. They were reviewed and commented on by Wei Zhengping, then issued with the emperor’s seal.

But this time, Duke Song frequently visited the Hall of Diligent Governance under the pretext of delivering the names of the selected beauties, coaxing and overseeing him to personally review the memorials.

Naturally, Gu Siyuan went along with it.

Wei Zhengping was greatly displeased, as this clearly divided his power.

But now, with Duke Song closely monitoring, even finding an excuse to let the young emperor rest was inconvenient.

After finishing the last memorial, Gu Siyuan reached out to the side, but his hand grasped nothing.

He frowned slightly, “Where is the tea?”

“Tea, tea is coming.” Chief Eunuch Wang Tan immediately brought the tea, poured it, and handed it to him.

Gu Siyuan took it, drank it in one gulp.

Wang Tan was quite good at serving people. He was meticulous with food and drink, although sometimes his mind seemed unclear, somewhat odd.

Thinking about this, as he placed the tea cup on the table, he noticed Wang Tan standing by with a hesitant and furtive expression.

Gu Siyuan: “…”

Praise indeed invites trouble.

He raised an eyebrow, “What is it? Speak if you have something to say.”

Wang Tan immediately smiled obsequiously: “Your Majesty, after lunch, you are to go to the Hall of Beauties to select concubines.”

Gu Siyuan looked up, “Hmm, and then?”

Wang Tan said considerately: “Shouldn’t you arrange for the mysterious beauty to be placed in a palace and have the imperial physician check her pulse for peace of mind?”

“…” Gu Siyuan was silent, then puzzled: “Mysterious beauty?”

Wang Tan nodded naturally: “Yes, Your Majesty. Hasn’t the mysterious beauty been serving you these days, and you haven’t given her any tonic? The beauty might already be carrying a dragon heir.”

Gu Siyuan began to understand his line of thinking and continued: “So, why should she be placed in a palace?”

Wang Tan disapprovingly glanced at him: “Your Majesty, the beauty has enjoyed your exclusive favor for a month, but now, with a large number of new concubines entering the palace, she might feel some jealousy, which could endanger the dragon heir in her belly…”

“…” Gu Siyuan.

He looked up, expressionless: “Exclusive favor for a month? Dragon heir?”

Wang Tan nodded: “Yes, Your Majesty. I must advise you, while clandestine romance has its charm, it must not endanger the dragon heir. It’s best to have the imperial physician check her.”

Gu Siyuan stared at him.

Clever Wang, with your imagination, it’s a waste you’re not writing novels.

His lips moved slightly, uttering two words: “Get out!”

Wang Tan shivered: “Yes, Your Majesty, I will leave immediately…”

With that, he darted out of the Hall of Diligent Governance, even closing the door behind him.

Outside, a young eunuch anxiously asked him: “Master, is His Majesty angry?”

Wang Tan glanced at him: “What do you know?”

His Majesty is not angry this time.

His Majesty is what commoners call henpecked…

After being reckless for over a decade, His Majesty finally found someone he likes and naturally wants to pamper her.

Ah, it was also because he was too impatient. His Majesty was in high spirits, and he spoke too much.

Wang Tan sighed.

…

The Jinling Palace was originally the imperial palace of the previous dynasty.

After the founding of the Zhou Dynasty, the late emperor initially used Jinling as the capital and lived here for a while. Later, due to military considerations, he moved the capital to the north, and Jinling became a part of the Southern Direct-controlled Region.

Therefore, the scale of the Jinling Palace was no different from that of a real imperial palace, with all the proper regulations in place.

After lunch, Gu Siyuan rode the imperial palanquin grandly to the Palace of Beauties.

Since practicing martial arts, his senses had become quite sharp.

Thus, as soon as the imperial palanquin approached the outer walls of the Palace of Beauties, he heard several voices laughing inside the walls.

“Sister, you are so tall! Which family are you from?”

“In our Jiangnan region, to have such a tall daughter, not inferior to men!”

“Although it is said that His Majesty has always loved the gentle Jiangnan girls, Sister has a unique charm, and may find a different path to success!”

…

As they spoke, the girls laughed.

Gu Siyuan: “…”

It seems today’s selection includes a giantess?

While thinking this, the imperial palanquin turned the corner of the vermilion wall and proceeded down the wide path in front of the main gate of the Palace of Beauties.

“His Majesty arrives—”

The two eunuchs guarding the palace gate, upon seeing the arrival of the emperor, immediately craned their necks and loudly announced.

The laughter within the walls ceased instantly.

All the selected beauties, under the direction of the palace matrons, stood in two neat rows on either side of the courtyard, bowed their heads, and gracefully greeted: “May His Majesty live long and prosper!”

After someone paid their respects, they couldn’t help but sneak a glance.

They saw a tall figure, dressed in luxurious black robes with gold threads and wearing a crown with twelve jade tassels, striding past.

The midday wind blew, the scorching sun peeked through the clouds, casting its light on the white jade beads hanging from the crown. For a moment, they felt the emperor’s face seemed to be bathed in dazzling golden light, majestic like a deity, making them afraid to look directly.

Yet, their hearts pounded uncontrollably, and their faces flushed.

In front of the hall of the Palace of Beauties, three chairs were already set up. The central one was the golden throne with nine dragons, Gu Siyuan’s seat.

On the right sat Wei Zhengping, and on the left, Duke Song in armor.

Having two ministers supervise an emperor’s selection of concubines was unprecedented.

The two rose to greet him.

Gu Siyuan waved them off, then sat on the dragon throne, half-closed his eyes, and casually glanced at the courtyard not far away.

He had not glanced sideways as he walked past.

When he looked up, he saw among the bowed and slim figures, one that stood out exceptionally tall.

Gu Siyuan squinted his eyes.

In the modern world, he had studied anthropology.

Therefore, although this selected beauty bowed her head respectfully, with a slender and tall frame, even padding her chest and hips, she was undoubtedly a man in disguise.

Moreover, judging by the stance, this person likely had some martial skills.

Heh…

This was interesting.

Before coming here, he was quite worried.

A month ago, to ensure the disaster relief funds were handed over to Duke Song smoothly, he agreed to this inexplicable beauty selection.

But after the selection, what about these beauties?

He had no interest in having a harem of three thousand.

If he chose no one, it would arouse Wei Zhengping and Duke Song’s suspicions; if he did choose, it would ruin these young girls’ lives.

Now, since there was a man, regardless of his intentions, whether an assassin or a spy, it would suffice to deal with the situation.

Seeing Gu Siyuan staring outside, Duke Song quickly presented the matter: “Your Majesty, after several rounds of selection, a total of more than thirty have entered the palace. You may choose those who please you…”

After speaking, seeing no reaction from Gu Siyuan, whose gaze remained outside, even with a slight smile, he couldn’t help but twitch.

The emperor’s fondness for pleasure and beauty was incorrigible.

Struggling for a while, he finally said: “If Your Majesty likes, you can…keep them all…”

However, his tone was full of distress.

“…” Gu Siyuan glanced at him.

He had just been worried about what to do with these beauties.

And now you want to push them all to me.

However, someone soon objected.

Wei Zhengping, sitting beside him, was displeased with Duke Song’s suggestion.

Recently, he had been busy subduing martial forces and searching for the legendary book “Innate Heaven and Earth Technique,” thinking the young emperor was firmly under his control, thus spending less effort in the palace.

Who knew…

Duke Song, usually a straightforward loyal minister, had now learned to use beauties to captivate the foolish emperor, making him obedient and even actively reviewing memorials.

If so many beauties were to enter the palace, wouldn’t they all be Duke Song’s people surrounding the young emperor?

Wei Zhengping quickly advised Gu Siyuan: “Your Majesty, as the saying goes, maintain moral principles and eliminate desires. As a ruler, how can you easily indulge in pleasures? Your Majesty must not listen to Duke Song.”

“……”

Everyone was stunned by these words.

They vaguely looked up at the sky, wondering if the sun had risen from the west.

Wei Zhengping, the foremost treacherous minister, advising the emperor not to indulge in pleasures?

Duke Song was stunned for a while, then couldn’t help laughing: “Eunuch Wei, I truly admire you. Does this mean that the pools and feasts in the capital were built by someone with the same name as you for the emperor?”

Wei Zhengping, having weathered many storms, remained unperturbed by these words.

He immediately countered in a measured tone, “Back then, His Majesty was young and inevitably indulged in play. Now that he has come of age, he naturally must attend to state affairs and cannot continue to indulge.”

Duke Song sneered, “If I am not mistaken, that pleasure palace was built just two years ago. Did His Majesty grow from a child to an adult in the blink of an eye?”

Wei Zhengping shamelessly retorted, “His Majesty is a true dragon, and his growth, advancing a thousand miles in a day, is beyond the understanding of us mere mortals.”

“…” Duke Song was stunned.

How could this man shamelessly flatter so brazenly?

Gu Siyuan also understood. No wonder this old eunuch could rise high through three reigns. His thick skin was unimaginable.

Thinking this, Gu Siyuan deliberately snapped impatiently, “Both of you seem to be enjoying yourselves. If you don’t clarify, I might wonder if today’s selection is for my consorts or for yours?”

Wei Zhengping and Duke Song quickly bowed their heads and apologized, “Your Majesty, we were out of line.”

Gu Siyuan, unwilling to look at them further, waved at Wang Tan and said, “Begin!”

“At once.”

Wang Tan replied, then walked to the corridor, loudly addressing the beauties, “Raise your heads.”

In an instant, there was a soft rustling, the sound of jade and silk brushing lightly.

It was truly ‘Three thousand beauties are lined up, competing to be admired, each with delicate eyebrows.’

Then, Gu Siyuan fell silent.

Gu Siyuan: “…”

Gu Siyuan stared at the most conspicuous figure among the beauties for a long time without averting his gaze.

Wang Tan glanced at his master, then at the beauties, thinking: Isn’t His Majesty usually fond of delicate and gentle beauties? Why is he now staring at someone so… robust and tall without blinking?

The scene fell into silence, with neither the emperor nor the beauties uttering a word.

However, Wang Tan, the most favored eunuch beside Gu Siyuan, knew it was up to him to break the silence. He leaned forward slightly, whispering in Gu Siyuan’s ear, “Your Majesty, perhaps you could have this beauty come closer for a better look?”

After a while, Gu Siyuan didn’t respond.

In Wang Tan’s eyes, his master’s silence was a tacit approval.

He immediately took the registry and found the portrait and name of the tall beauty, announcing loudly, “Beauty Xie Yun from Chuzhou, step forward.”

Upon hearing this, Xie Chenyun walked forward, but his emotions were complex.

Ah…

Just as expected.

When this foolish emperor sat on the throne, he immediately fixed his gaze on me, probably recognizing me due to his deep love. And now, he can’t wait any longer, calling me forward.

It seems that coming to this selection, under the guise of an agent, might have made this foolish emperor too excited.

With many thoughts racing in his mind, Xie Chenyun maintained a composed demeanor as he walked to a few steps before the throne and respectfully bowed, “This commoner greets Your Majesty!”

Wang Tan quickly reminded the dazed Gu Siyuan, “Your Majesty…”

Seeing the familiar face before him, Gu Siyuan felt a complex mix of emotions.

Although he had already decided to select this tall person into the palace, this surprise was…

He glared at Wang Tan.

It must be this guy, always talking about beauties, and now he’s really brought one in.

Wei Zhengping, observing Gu Siyuan’s reaction and then looking at Xie Chenyun, sneered, “Duke Song, after a month of selection, what kind of peerless beauty have you found? This one, standing with His Majesty, looks like another man.”

Duke Song retorted disdainfully, “Eunuch Wei, do you know what makes a beautiful woman? Beauty comes in many forms, both delicate and strong. As long as His Majesty likes her, that’s all that matters.”

Gu Siyuan looked deeply at Duke Song and said indifferently, “You are right. I find this lady exceptionally beautiful, one in a million.”

Duke Song nodded in satisfaction.

Wei Zhengping snorted unhappily.

Xie Chenyun slightly lowered his head, lightly biting his lip.

This foolish emperor was indeed shameless, speaking such sickeningly sweet words in front of him.

It was truly…

Gu Siyuan, half-closing his eyes, noticed Xie Chenyun’s fingers tremble slightly.

Was he angry at being referred to as a woman?

And at this moment, the foolish Wang Tan eagerly suggested, “Your Majesty, would you like to ask this beauty something, like her skills in music, chess, calligraphy, painting… or needlework?”

Needlework?

“…” Gu Siyuan fell silent.

If this “beauty” suddenly attacked with a sword, you’d regret it.

But considering Wang Tan’s generally good service, Gu Siyuan decided to save him for now. After a moment, he rounded off, slowly asking Xie Chenyun, “What… skills do you have? Anything is fine.”

Xie Chenyun glanced at the emperor.

This foolish emperor was quite considerate.

However… if only he could apply such thoughtfulness to state affairs, it would be better.

Thinking this, Xie Chenyun straightforwardly replied, “I can dance with a sword.”

Gu Siyuan raised an eyebrow.

Such a hard tone.

Clearly angry.

Wang Tan’s plump face wrinkled.

This is a selection, not a military recruitment. Is this beauty perhaps too robust?

Wei Zhengping didn’t mind at all and seemed to be quite interested.

Wang Tan hesitated and asked, “Your Majesty, should we leave a token?”

Upon hearing this, Wei Zhengping sneered first, “With such quality, how could these ladies serve His Majesty? Your Majesty, in my humble opinion, today’s candidates are of poor quality. Perhaps another day, I could present some more suitable ones…”

At this moment, Gu Siyuan suddenly chuckled, stood up from the dragon throne, walked over to Xie Chenyun, took that cold jade-like pale hand, and said, “Leave the token, but only for her. Reward the others and send them back to their homes. Of all the beauties, I only need this one.”

With that, he directly led her, striding out of the Selection Hall.

“…” Everyone was stunned.

Only one?

Was this still the same indulgent emperor?

Wei Zhengping couldn’t help but smile. The young emperor was so intrigued by this one, but he would likely tire of her in a few days. Then, when Wei presented a batch of beauties, he needn’t fear the old fox Duke Song would continue to win him over.

Duke Song was also quite pleased. The young emperor wasn’t completely foolish, showing such restraint. Perhaps he could even overcome his weakness for beauty in the future.

Being led away, Xie Chenyun felt clear-headed.

Ah… He had anticipated being chosen. The emperor’s gaze had been blatantly direct since their first meeting. It seemed the emperor had lusted after him from the beginning.

He hadn’t expected the emperor to go this far, changing his ways and even saying something like “out of the water’s myriad beauties, only one suffices.” It was somewhat impressive and unsettling.

“Greetings, Your Majesty!”

Outside the Selection Hall, the guards saluted in unison.

Gu Siyuan raised his hand, “Rise.”

Then he turned to Xie Chenyun and said, “Fair one, ride with me.”

Xie Chenyun’s feelings grew more complicated.

But seeing the anticipation in the emperor’s eyes, he ultimately nodded, “Alright.”

Wang Tan, who had hurried over, watched the two figures enter the imperial palanquin one after another, his expression changing. He couldn’t help but sigh: The emperor’s whims are indeed fickle. In the morning, he was devoted to that mysterious beauty; now, he’s already doting on this new favorite.

Pity the mysterious beauty who had served for over a month without even a proper title. If she bore a prince or princess, her situation would be even more pitiable.

In the palanquin, Gu Siyuan and Xie Chenyun had no idea they had been cast in such a dramatic tale of tragic love and abandoned concubines.

Sitting across from each other, Gu Siyuan wanted to ask why Xie Chenyun had suddenly returned to Jinling.

As he looked up, he saw Xie Chenyun with his delicate, pale neck slightly tilted, staring at something intently.

He followed his gaze and saw their tightly clasped hands.

“…” Gu Siyuan.

He wanted to explain.

He had been lost in thought and hadn’t noticed.

Xie Chenyun sighed, “Your Majesty, let go.”

Though he understood the emperor’s feelings and knew he wanted to take advantage of the situation, there should be limits.

“…” Gu Siyuan.

Why did this expression and tone seem odd?

… Could he even explain it?