FIMA Ch121: Schemes

Gu Siyuan let go of the slender hand that felt like cold jade. To avoid awkwardness, he turned sideways, picked up the cold tea on the small side table, and took a sip.

Xie Chenyun rested his chin in his hand, watching him with great interest.

Gu Siyuan furrowed his brow, set down the teacup, looked up, and asked, “Does Chenyun want to drink?”

“…” Xie Chenyun.

Tch, he really knows how to take a mile when given an inch. He just directly called my name like that.

If Gu Siyuan knew what he was thinking, he would definitely find it bizarre.

Now that he had entered the palace cross-dressing as a woman, he couldn’t very well call him ‘Brother Xie’; or would calling him ‘Beloved Concubine’ be more intimate and reasonable?

Having stayed in the Chuxiu Palace for the better half of the day, he was indeed a bit thirsty.

“Many thanks, Your Majesty.” Xie Chenyun reached out, just about to grab the teapot on the table.

Gu Siyuan, however, had already taken the initiative to pour a cup and handed it over. Their fingers touched, and the hems of their clothes brushed against each other.

Xie Chenyun withdrew his hand, thinking to himself: This foolish ruler truly deserves his famous reputation as a lustful lecher. Although he seemingly let go of my hand magnanimously, he immediately took the opportunity of passing the tea to make intimate contact again.

Gu Siyuan was also looking at Xie Chenyun.

Just now, when the hems of their clothes touched, he finally realized that the person in front of him was fully dressed in women’s attire.

Xie Chenyun already had an outstanding appearance. At this moment, wearing a wide-sleeved, water-red palace dress, part of his ink-black hair was braided and pinned up with gold hairpins and jewelry, while the rest cascaded neatly over his shoulders. His moth-like eyebrows were lightly swept like dark, distant mountains, and a dab of rouge on his lips accentuated his snow-white skin, making him so beautiful it was hard to tell if he was male or female.

Seeing this, Gu Siyuan suddenly understood. No wonder so many ancient emperors weren’t picky about their ‘diet’, having no taboo against either men or women.

Seeing him staring, not even blinking an eye, Xie Chenyun felt both angry and annoyed for a moment. The corner of his mouth curled into an arc as he smiled faintly, “Your Majesty, what are you looking at?”

Gu Siyuan snapped back to reality and said faintly, “A magnificent earthly view.”

This was the genuine truth. As a normal person with an appreciation for aesthetics, there was absolutely no other meaning behind it.

“…” Xie Chenyun.

What a veteran amongst the flowers (playboy). He tosses out these kinds of lines so casually.

Gu Siyuan straightened his expression and continued their previous topic: “Why did Chenyun suddenly return to Jinling and even enter the palace?”

Xie Chenyun also put away his wild thoughts and began to explain seriously.

Over a month ago, after he and Xie Mingkong joined the Bathing Fire Cult, because of their clean backgrounds, their enmity with Wei Zhengping, and their high martial arts skills, they directly became inner sect disciples.

Later, while executing a sect mission, he inadvertently caught the Cult Leader’s eye and was taken in as a disciple, being taught the Cult’s peerless mental cultivation method, the Nirvana Holy Canon.

And just a few days ago.

Entrusted by the Song Clan, the Cult Leader wanted to use the beauty draft to send someone into the imperial palace to monitor Wei Zhengping’s movements, and conveniently spy on the little emperor’s situation.

“You’re saying that the Bathing Fire Cult sent you into the palace to spy on Zhen?” Gu Siyuan pondered for a moment.

He automatically ignored the previous statement about Wei Zhengping.

As an emperor, knowing someone wanted to spy on him—regardless of whether that person had good or bad intentions—was naturally not a pleasant thing.

Sure enough, martial artists use their martial prowess to break the law.

Seeing him furrowing his brows with a displeased expression, Xie Chenyun couldn’t help but raise an eyebrow.

This foolish ruler was so full of excitement earlier, he probably thought I came back specifically for him, right?

After thinking for a moment, Xie Chenyun coughed lightly and explained, “Actually, this minister also came voluntarily.”

“En.” Gu Siyuan nodded casually, failing to grasp the deeper meaning hidden in those words.

He was just thinking that having Xie Chenyun be the one to come wasn’t bad. The world was currently quite chaotic. Wanting to change this country wasn’t something that could be done overnight, nor was it something he could easily achieve with just his own strength. Xie Chenyun would make a pretty good helper.

Xie Chenyun looked at the person in front of him and puffed his cheeks.

What a greedy fellow. I already explained it like that, and he’s still not satisfied.

Wei Zhengping was one of the three great Innate Grandmasters in the world. Entering the palace to monitor him was naturally extremely dangerous. The person originally designated to enter the palace was actually his Second Senior Sister.

However, at that time, for some unknown reason, he was driven by ghosts and gods to volunteer himself.

After some consideration, the Cult Leader eventually agreed.

Although he had been in the sect for a short time, he had quite a talent for cultivating the Nirvana Holy Canon. Now, among the young disciples in the sect, even the Eldest Senior Brother could only fight him to a draw.

As the two conversed, the imperial palanquin arrived at the base of the steps in front of the Qinzheng (Diligent Governance) Hall.

Gu Siyuan played the act to the very end, reaching out to escort Xie Chenyun as they stepped down together.

Wang Tan followed closely beside them, asking, “Your Majesty, which palace should Consort Xie be settled in?”

Gu Siyuan furrowed his brow. Considering there were still some beauties left behind by the original owner in the inner palace, there was ultimately a difference between men and women, so it naturally wouldn’t be very convenient for Xie Chenyun to live there.

He glanced around and said, “The Qingwu (Clear Wutong) Pavilion right next to Qinzheng Hall is still empty. Let him stay there.”

Wang Tan was momentarily stunned before saying, “Yes.”

The Qingwu Pavilion was merely a pavilion; naturally, its status couldn’t compare to being the master of a palace in the inner harem.

But one couldn’t look at things that way. Qingwu Pavilion was close to His Majesty! It was practically just a step away. Furthermore, during the previous dynasty, Qingwu Pavilion was a place for the emperor to rest and read books after exhausting himself with state affairs.

As long as His Majesty entered and exited Qinzheng Hall every day, he would definitely pass by this place. Then, naturally, he would think of Consort Xie every single day. This was truly a monumental heavenly favor…

Xie Chenyun looked at the high, sweeping eaves of the Qingwu Pavilion not far away and shot Gu Siyuan a knowing look. This foolish ruler sure has a good idea, trying to ‘get the moon first by being the pavilion closest to the water’ (taking advantage of proximity)… However, I am not someone to be trifled with.

“…” Gu Siyuan.

He didn’t know why, but he always felt that the looks in the eyes of the people around him were a bit weird.

Were they perhaps not in the same parallel universe as him? He was just about to ask.

But right at this moment, Xie Chenyun tilted his chin up, gave him a faint, unbridled smile, then flicked his robe sleeves, placed his hands behind his back, and strolled leisurely toward the main doors of Qingwu Pavilion.

Wang Tan looked at Gu Siyuan, then at Xie Chenyun’s retreating back.

Then, with a flick of his whisk, he ran after Xie Chenyun, saying very obsequiously, “Consort Xie, Qingwu Pavilion hasn’t been lived in for a long time. This slave will have people come over to reorganize it.”

“…” Gu Siyuan.

Fatty Wang, you really are a man who understands the times.

Gu Siyuan shook his head, turned around, and stepped into Qinzheng Hall.

His daily schedule now was quite tight. Generally, he reviewed memorials in the morning, and practiced martial arts in the afternoon and evening.

Who told him to be in a world where everyone was a martial arts master?

This afternoon, Gu Siyuan officially began cultivating the second half of the Innate Heaven and Earth Cultivation Arts.

Compared to the first half, the second half was much more obscure and difficult. However, the benefits it brought were also correspondingly greater. If the him of a month ago at the Xie Family Manor was like this, he could have fought the so-called fairy disciple of the Outer Heaven Pavilion, and that fellow Tang Sheng definitely wouldn’t have been able to escape so easily.

Practicing martial arts was like studying. Time flew by in a flash.

By the time he stood up again, the setting sun was already hanging outside, and red maple leaves blanketed the ground.

Gu Siyuan walked to the window to catch the breeze. Lifting his eyes, he met the pavilion not far away.

Xie Chenyun’s hair had been completely let down, swaying in the evening breeze. He hadn’t changed out of his palace dress yet. Relying on his good martial arts, he was currently sitting barefoot and slanted on the thin railing of Qingwu Pavilion.

Seeing him, the corners of his lips curled into a faint smile.

Although Qingwu Pavilion was called a pavilion, the place actually wasn’t small. It was a four-story-tall building with a broad courtyard below, planted with two giant wutong trees. It was currently autumn, and the palace servants had moved several osmanthus trees over in giant vats, exuding a rich fragrance.

Looking at Xie Chenyun’s uninhibited and leisurely appearance, for some reason, Gu Siyuan suddenly felt that the scenery over there seemed quite a bit better than his Qinzheng Hall.

Just then, Wang Tan walked in, wearing his usual annoying ‘hesitant-to-speak’ expression.

Gu Siyuan shot him an impatient look.

Over these days, Wang Tan had already become able to see through Gu Siyuan’s thoughts. He immediately got straight to the point: “Your Majesty, today the newcomers entered the palace. Does Your Majesty want to summon Consort Xie to attend the bed?”

“…” Gu Siyuan fell silent for a moment, then waved his hand: “No need.”

Wang Tan narrowed his small eyes in amazement.

Could it be that His Majesty hasn’t forgotten his old feelings for that mysterious Beauty Consort? Did he misunderstand His Majesty during the day?

Thinking this, he said with deep emotion: “That is also good. His Majesty placed Beauty Xie in the Qingwu Pavilion; if that mysterious Consort comes to Qinzheng Hall again at night, she might get upset seeing her. It is better for Your Majesty to go pacify her first, lest she harms the dragon fetus in a fit of rage…”

“…” Gu Siyuan.

Gu Siyuan immediately turned and walked out, lest this Fatty Wang say anything more shocking. He said woodenly: “Zhen thought about it, it’s better to go see Beauty Xie.”

Anyway, they were all men. If they slept in the same room, they slept in the same room. Neither of them would lose anything.

Wang Tan was momentarily stunned by this temperamental monarch, but quickly reacted and immediately said: “Your Majesty is wise. Beauty Xie just entered the palace today and sees unfamiliar scenery everywhere. She is probably uneasy in her heart. For Your Majesty to not bear letting her sit in boredom until dawn shows that you are the most gentle, considerate, and tender iron-hearted man.”

Gu Siyuan: “…”

In short, you are always right. No wonder you became the Head Eunuch!

When Gu Siyuan went over to Qingwu Pavilion.

Xie Chenyun was still sitting slanted on the thin railing, his fair, bare feet dangling and swinging gently below. However, he now had a celadon wine cup in his hand. Seeing someone arrive, a knowing smile curled at the corners of his mouth.

I knew it, this foolish ruler definitely couldn’t hold himself back.

When Gu Siyuan was in Qinzheng Hall earlier, he felt this fellow was enjoying himself quite a bit. Now that he was here, he also walked to the railing to admire the view from high up.

Xie Chenyun downed the wine in his cup in one gulp, lazily leaned against the pillar behind him, and looked at Gu Siyuan with a soft chuckle.

He wanted to see what kind of tricks this foolish ruler was going to pull today.

Gu Siyuan had always treated others as if they were air, but being stared at so intensely by someone wasn’t comfortable either.

Especially when the person staring at him looked excessively comfortable.

He turned around, clasped his hands behind his back, and asked casually, “Chenyun, are you satisfied with this place?”

“Not bad.” Xie Chenyun nodded. Pondering for a moment, he suddenly smiled and said meaningfully, “This place is extremely close to Qinzheng Hall.”

Gu Siyuan nodded and said deeply, “As long as you understand Zhen‘s intentions.”

Being close to Qinzheng Hall meant, on one hand, being far from the inner harem, and on the other hand, it made it more convenient to keep an eye on Wei Zhengping.

“…” Xie Chenyun froze. For a moment, he couldn’t even grip the celadon wine cup in his hand, and it dropped directly.

This foolish ruler actually admitted it just like that? Admitted that he has ulterior motives?!

Gu Siyuan didn’t understand Xie Chenyun’s sudden loss of composure, but that didn’t stop him from striking out like the wind, catching the wine cup to prevent it from shattering, and gently placing it on the small table nearby.

The sound of ceramic lightly tapping the wooden table brought Xie Chenyun back to his senses.

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

He asked curiously, “You… did you really learn martial arts?”

He had a good memory and remembered what Gu Siyuan had said a month ago at the Xie Family Manor.

Gu Siyuan nodded: “I indeed learned a bit.”

Xie Chenyun rested his chin on his hand and asked, “Which senior instructed you? I heard long ago that many seasoned masters are hidden deep within the palace.”

Gu Siyuan shook his head, saying faintly, “No master, I just practiced casually by myself. Starting to learn martial arts at such an old age is truly a bit shameful.”

Xie Chenyun blinked, suddenly feeling an indescribable sensation in his heart.

At the time, he thought it was just a joke or an empty promise deliberately used to get close to him. But he didn’t expect that this foolish ruler, Gu Siyuan, would actually do what he said. Moreover, judging by his speed and agility just now, it had already yielded quite some results.

Xie Chenyun looked at him and said softly, “Actually, it’s never too late to start. You might end up doing very well.”

Gu Siyuan lifted his eyes, glancing at him. He heard a hint of comfort and encouragement in his words.

Although he didn’t feel he needed this encouragement—there was nothing he wanted to do that he couldn’t achieve—it didn’t prevent him from expressing his gratitude.

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

This was seasonally brewed osmanthus wine. The clear, bright liquid held in the celadon cup looked as beautiful as a painting. Upon entering the mouth, it was fresh, sweet and sour, mellow and soft, with a lingering aftertaste.

Accompanied by the cool breeze and the setting sun. The two of them drank an entire jar of wine empty.

Xie Chenyun seemed to have drank too much.

His eyes were half-closed, leaning against the pillar behind him. His snow-white bare feet rested on the dark brown wooden railing backrest, making them look as lustrous as jade. His water-red outer robe slipped down to his elbows, trailing long onto the ground. His ink-black hair scattered over his shoulders, fluttering in the wind, giving him a uniquely charming and lazy appearance.

Gu Siyuan, however, was still completely clear-headed.

Staring at Xie Chenyun’s appearance, he thought to himself: I wonder if he is actually sober or not. If he falls asleep and tumbles straight off the building, wouldn’t my gratitude turn into enmity? Even if he doesn’t fall, the autumn wind is cool now. Sleeping for too long and catching a cold is not a good thing either.

He called out softly, “Chenyun…”

No reaction.

He called out again.

Still no reaction.

Gu Siyuan confirmed it. He stood up and walked toward the man.

Xie Chenyun tightened his fingers hidden in his wide sleeves.

I knew he had ulterior motives.

Although his eyes had been closed the entire time, he could feel this person’s gaze lingering on his body, reluctant to leave for a long time.

Now it’s perfect. Having brewed for so long, and confirming I was asleep, this foolish ruler is finally going to make his move.

Xie Chenyun thought to himself: Hmph. When he leans in to kiss me later, I’ll open my eyes and scare him to death.

Just at this moment.

He felt a warmth at his waist and neck, and his body lifted into the air.

“…” Xie Chenyun.

No way, this foolish ruler… could it be he wants to skip straight to the final step? How truly terrifying!

Although Xie Chenyun was tall, once held in his arms, Gu Siyuan only felt he was frighteningly light.

There was even a special sense of familiarity, as if he had held him like this countless times; and a unique sense of satisfaction, as if this person was meant to stay in his arms just like this.

“Heh…” Gu Siyuan chuckled softly, shook his head, shook these foolish thoughts out of his mind, and bent over to gently place the person on the bed.

“…” Xie Chenyun gripped his hands hidden in his sleeves even tighter.

He’s laughing, this guy is actually laughing. Is this the smug satisfaction of an evil thought about to be fulfilled? I can’t wait any longer. Xie Chenyun snapped his eyes open.

Gu Siyuan raised an eyebrow: “Did I wake you up?”

“En.” Xie Chenyun deliberately responded loudly.

Right then, faint footsteps suddenly came from the outer hall.

Next, Wang Tan poked his fat head in from outside the hanging door.

Didn’t I already follow this guy’s suggestion to come favor Beauty Xie? Why has he chased after me now?

Gu Siyuan furrowed his brow, straightened up, left the bedside, walked a few steps forward, and asked in a lowered voice, “What is it?”

He didn’t want this guy spouting another round of nonsense in front of others, making him lose face.

Wang Tan also frowned in considerable chagrin.

He had just watched His Majesty get up from the bedside; he might have accidentally interrupted His Majesty’s good deed.

Gu Siyuan asked again, “What exactly is the matter?”

Wang Tan hurriedly said loudly, “Your Majesty, the Lotus Pool has been properly prepared.”

Now I can only make up for my faults with merits.

The Lotus Pool was an open-air hot spring bath in the temporary palace. Every time a newcomer attended the bed, the original owner would bestow a bath in the Lotus Pool, going together to ‘play in the water like mandarin ducks’.

Gu Siyuan immediately was about to wave his hand and say no need.

But faint sounds came from behind him.

Xie Chenyun got out of bed barefoot and stumbled unsteadily toward where he was.

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

Xie Chenyun looked at the hand extended toward him and leaned over with a soft chuckle.

Now that they were close, Wang Tan smelled the stench of alcohol on both of them, and immediately became even more proactive: “Your Majesty, Consort, it is the perfect time to go take a pool bath to wash away the scent of alcohol?”

“…” Xie Chenyun glared at Gu Siyuan with wide eyes.

Good for you, you foolish ruler, you actually prepared a backup plan.

Seeing the man staring straight at him like that, Gu Siyuan thought Xie Chenyun wanted to go and was asking for his opinion—just like those stray dogs on the street that wanted to eat the food in his hand and so stared at him intently.

Regarding this, he was indifferent either way, so he nodded and said, “Prepare the palanquin!”

Wang Tan immediately ran out joyfully.

Considering that Xie Chenyun had drunk too much and his walking was probably unsteady, Gu Siyuan didn’t ask anything else and directly supported him by the arm, striding outward.

“…” The completely unable-to-refuse Xie Chenyun.

This foolish ruler, look at his impatient appearance! I’ve finally seen his true colors; his usual cold majesty is all just an act.

When they reached the hall doors, Gu Siyuan caught sight of something from the corner of his eye. He turned to Xie Chenyun and said, “Wait a moment.”

After saying that, he turned back toward the inner room.

Xie Chenyun leaned against the wall, watching his back, and narrowed his eyes ominously.

This foolish ruler was so eager just now. To suddenly turn back, could it be he forgot something even more urgent? Could it be some filthy gadget used for doing ‘that thing’?

Tch. He had read in storybooks before that many high officials and nobles played very wildly.

Just as he was thinking, the tall figure had already returned, enveloping him in a shadow.

“…” Xie Chenyun inexplicably grew nervous.

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

Immediately after, his icy-cold ankle was enveloped by a warmth that was hard to ignore.

Thud… a soft sound.

Gu Siyuan placed a pair of wooden clogs on the ground. Then, he grasped Xie Chenyun’s snow-white bare feet and slowly slipped them in.

Afterward, he stood up, supported Xie Chenyun’s wrist again, and said expressionlessly, “Alright, let’s go!”

“…” Xie Chenyun bit his lip lightly. His cheeks, which rivaled frost and snow, were dyed with streaks of crimson, as if he were truly intoxicated.

Xie Chenyun followed behind Gu Siyuan in a daze, one hand clutching his increasingly fast-beating heart.

This foolish ruler… truly has such deep schemes!

Support me on Ko-fi