FIMA Ch132: A Visit

The next day.

Upon waking up.

Gu Siyuan felt the familiar warmth and weight in his arms and turned to look at the person sleeping beside him.

As always, Xie Chenyun’s head rested on his shoulder, his hands tightly holding his arm, his sleeping face peaceful, beautiful, and obedient…

Gu Siyuan observed him for a moment, unable to resist reaching out to trace his face.

But the more he touched, the more addicted he became, so he lowered his head and gently kissed his eyebrows and lips a few times.

Disturbed, Xie Chenyun furrowed his brows adorably but did not let go, instead burrowing his head further into Gu Siyuan’s chest, softly rubbing against him and making cute little sounds.

Seeing this, Gu Siyuan was completely satisfied.

Such a cute existence should always stay in his arms.

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

As he walked to the outer room, Wang Tan had already brought people to attend to his dressing and washing.

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

Once everything was in order, just before leaving, he once again instructed towards the courtyard, “Watch over Lady Xie.”

“Yes,” the guards responded.

Because Gu Siyuan was staying here, a large study had been specially set up in the courtyard for him to handle state affairs.

After spending about half an hour going through all the memorials on the desk, Gu Siyuan directly made imperial decrees on a few regarding corvée labor and military equipment, instructing that they be handled promptly.

For the past three months, every memorial presented by the cabinet had been personally reviewed and decreed by him.

In fact, the memorials were already drafted with opinions by the cabinet before being sent to him, so he only needed to select and approve them with a red pen.

Of course, occasionally he would give his own opinions, though rare, they were always valuable.

The ministers naturally felt quite emotional about this.

Though the Emperor had fallen for another enchantress, at least it was better than the whole harem. The Emperor now spent more time on state affairs, and perhaps it was because he was young and inexperienced before, but now it seemed the Emperor had a talent for governance, doing quite well.

Gu Siyuan, however, felt like a master of PUA.

As long as he set the baseline low enough at the start, no matter what shocking things he did, the ministers would face them calmly and even take pride in them.

Tsk…

Gu Siyuan put down the red pen, took a sip of tea, and piled the remaining unreviewed memorials together without further action.

Since the incident on Xuanqing Mountain, several days had passed, and the news had gradually spread across the land.

These memorials were reports from various places regarding the incident.

Some were even from the great aristocratic families, with a common purpose of complaining to Gu Siyuan.

Around the hour of Si.

Duke Song and Wei Zhengping came to seek an audience.

As soon as Duke Song spoke, he said, “Your Majesty, according to my informant’s investigation, the rebels of the Wu Family Army have indeed seized the Imperial Seal.”

“Hmm?” Gu Siyuan looked up, feigning confusion, “The Imperial Seal?”

“Your Majesty, during the time you were persuaded by Lady to leave the army and go sightseeing, the rebels of the Wu Family Army seized the Imperial Seal,” Wei Zhengping said sinisterly.

Gu Siyuan’s expression darkened, and he coldly rebuked, “Wei Zhengping, you are becoming more and more presumptuous. This matter has nothing to do with Lady Xie! Yesterday, you sent two male attendants, causing Beauty Xie to be upset with me all night, and I haven’t even held you accountable yet!”

Hearing this, Wei Zhengping’s face grew darker, “Your Majesty, jealousy is a great sin in the harem. How can such a witch be allowed to act wantonly? She should be dealt with swiftly!”

Gu Siyuan slammed the table, “Audacious! Since when is it your place to meddle in my harem affairs!”

Wei Zhengping’s expression remained unchanged as he glanced at Gu Siyuan.

By this time, he realized that the pair of twins he sent yesterday had no effect. This young emperor intended to follow through to the end.

He sighed deeply, “Your Majesty, do you really intend to fall out with your ministers over that witch?”

“Fall out?”

Before Gu Siyuan could get angry, Duke Song’s face darkened, and he immediately pointed at Wei Zhengping, shouting, “Wei Zhengping, you are but a eunuch. If not for the Emperor’s favor, how could you have your current status? How dare you talk about falling out with the Emperor? You are simply committing treason.”

“Wei Zhengping, I have indeed favored you too much over the years, making you unaware of the heights of heaven and depth of earth, no longer putting me in your eyes.”

Gu Siyuan threw a teacup at him and coldly said, “Someone, pass the decree. From today, Wei Zhengping is stripped of all his duties. The Directorate of Ceremonial Affairs will be overseen by Wang Tan, and I will personally take charge of the affairs of the Clear Chamber.”

Wei Zhengping’s expression changed slightly.

After a long silence, he finally looked at Gu Siyuan and smiled flatteringly, just as he usually did: “Your Majesty, it was my mistake to speak out of turn. I will withdraw now to avoid angering you further.”

Gu Siyuan snorted coldly, “Why aren’t you leaving already? Do you think I want to see you right now?”

“Yes, Your Majesty.”

As he turned around, the smile dropped from Wei Zhengping’s face.

At the door, the guards’ hearts almost stopped when they caught a glimpse of his eyes.

The pressure of a Grandmaster was truly terrifying.

Gu Siyuan, sitting on his chair, watched Wei Zhengping’s departing back and narrowed his eyes.

He hadn’t planned to break with Wei Zhengping so soon, but due to a stroke of luck last night, his practice of the “Xiantian Qiankun Gong” had made significant progress.

With upcoming plans, Wei Zhengping might become a hindrance.

Since that was the case, why tolerate him any longer?

Duke Song glanced at the emperor’s expression, and the stern, sharp look made even this seasoned military man feel a shiver in his heart.

He recalled the letter from his son, thinking perhaps none of them had truly understood their emperor.

Gu Siyuan withdrew his gaze and looked at Duke Song, “Do you have something to say, Duke Song?”

Duke Song clasped his hands in respect and said, “According to my informants, the sacred martial ground Tianwai Hall, under the guise of holding a martial arts conference, has actually organized a so-called ‘Heavenly Selection’ meeting in Jiangcheng. They even produced the lost Imperial Seal from a century ago. The Wu Family used their local advantage, secretly brought their army, planted explosives in advance, and nearly killed everyone at the conference, seizing the Imperial Seal.”

Upon hearing this, Gu Siyuan sneered, “Oh, dogs biting each other; that’s just fine. These rebels are truly audacious, daring to claim heavenly mandate while I’m still here.”

“The crime is so heinous that ten thousand deaths are not enough to atone for it.” Duke Song agreed with a nod.

After a moment’s contemplation, he couldn’t help but speak frankly, “According to my son, he saw Your Majesty and Lady Xie at the conference. His survival, and that of the Yuhuo Sect members, was due to intentional leniency from the Pili Hall members.”

Gu Siyuan raised an eyebrow slightly and said indifferently, “Duke Song, you’re a wise man. Some things need not be spelled out too clearly by me.”

Duke Song’s heart skipped a beat, followed by a surge of joy. He quickly replied, “Indeed, Your Majesty’s foresight is unparalleled, far beyond our reach.”

Gu Siyuan casually remarked, “Just some small, cunning strategies.”

“Your Majesty’s strategy of turning opponents against each other is truly brilliant,” Duke Song praised. “However, since the Imperial Seal has reappeared, it rightfully belongs to Your Majesty. Why leave it with the Wu rebels?”

Gu Siyuan glanced at him and pointed to a stack of memorials beside him, “Duke Song, do you know what these memorials say?”

Duke Song replied, “Please enlighten me, Your Majesty.”

Gu Siyuan’s voice was low and distant, “The memorials from the other three major clans, besides your Song Clan, all speak of the same thing. They express their intention to bring provisions and armor to support us upon hearing that I have come to Huangzhou.”

Duke Song was initially taken aback, but quickly understood and coldly laughed, “I suspect their support is a pretext for revenge. It’s said that the representatives of these major clans were almost completely wiped out by the Wu rebels at the Jiangcheng conference. The Zhao and Qian clans lost direct heirs and key ministers, which is already significant damage.”

“The Shen Clan’s representative was their head himself, who disappeared without a trace. Now his sons and brothers are fighting for leadership. My informants tell me that the Shen family declared whoever retrieves the Imperial Seal and avenges the clan head would become the new leader.”

Gu Siyuan raised an eyebrow, “That’s the value of keeping the Imperial Seal with the Wu rebels. My next move is about to begin. Since they all want to come, let them. But once they do, they’ll be under my control. Why not hold another Jiangcheng conference?”

Hearing this, Duke Song’s expression became solemn, instantly understanding the emperor’s intention.

This was a plan to eliminate them all in one sweep!

They then discussed military matters.

Duke Song became increasingly astonished at the young emperor’s capabilities, realizing it was a great fortune for the realm.

Even the late emperor could rest in peace now.

…

The morning passed quickly.

At lunchtime, Gu Siyuan left the study and headed back to the courtyard from earlier.

As soon as he entered the courtyard gate, he saw the guards looking extremely distressed, likely having been thoroughly troubled by Xie Chenyun after he woke up.

Thinking of Xie Chenyun’s adorable tantrums, Gu Siyuan couldn’t help but smile.

Then, feeling a bit annoyed, he thought he should have had the memorials brought here so he could see Xie Chenyun’s antics firsthand.

With this in mind, he hurriedly walked into the house.

Just as he was about to step over the threshold, a black shadow flew at him with a “whoosh,” a black porcelain teacup hurled directly at him.

Raising his arm, he caught the teacup easily.

He lifted his eyelids slightly, thinking: Tsk, there’s no need to hurry; tantrums aren’t over in just one or two moments…

Gu Siyuan walked into the room holding the teacup and saw Xie Chenyun sitting on the couch by the window with disheveled hair. When their eyes met, Xie Chenyun’s gaze carried a mocking, sarcastic smile.

“Your Majesty has finished your important affairs and finally remembers to grace your concubine with your presence?”

Gu Siyuan casually tossed the teacup, which landed steadily on the small tea table next to the couch.

He sat down on the couch and gently stroked Xie Chenyun’s black hair before slowly saying, “Chenyun, do you know what ‘grace’ means?”

Xie Chenyun’s face turned red.

He had only meant to casually mock Gu Siyuan.

Gu Siyuan pinched his smooth, white cheek and pressed against his soft, red lips, coldly saying, “Last night, you were so stubborn, but it seems it was just a shy misunderstanding. If I had known you felt this way, why would I have waited so long?”

“Shut up,” Xie Chenyun’s entire body flushed red, from his toes to his scalp.

Yet, his mouth remained defiant.

He snorted lightly and decided to change the topic, “Your Majesty, how long do you plan to keep me confined?”

Gu Siyuan’s expression tightened, “That depends on your behavior, Chenyun.”

Xie Chenyun glared at him, pouting, “So if I never fall for Your Majesty, will I be locked up in this other courtyard forever?”

Gu Siyuan shook his head lightly, “No, that won’t happen.”

Xie Chenyun’s face lit up with hope, “Your Majesty…”

“In about two months, I will return to the capital. If you are still disobedient by then, I will move you and confine you in the palace,” Gu Siyuan calmly shattered his illusion.

“…” Xie Chenyun.

Was this something a person could actually say?

Xie Chenyun swallowed, took a moment, and asked, “Is there no other compromise, Your Majesty? Didn’t you say you would respect my feelings?”

Gu Siyuan looked at his fair, slender neck, the exquisite and beautiful collarbones, and his bare, jade-like feet on the couch, and nodded gently, “There is.”

Xie Chenyun hesitated before asking, “What way?”

Gu Siyuan’s expression remained calm, his gaze intense, “Make the uncooked rice into cooked rice. The ‘grace’ you mentioned earlier, Chenyun, sounds quite good to me.”

“…” Xie Chenyun.

He knew it.

He stood up from the couch, his bare feet on the cold floor, and said playfully, “I’m hungry. Let’s have lunch.”

Gu Siyuan, looking somewhat regretful, also stood up.

But first, he fetched a pair of shoes, squatted beside Xie Chenyun, and took hold of his slender, translucent ankle, “Put on your shoes.”

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

His peripheral vision caught Gu Siyuan’s broad back, and he couldn’t help but think back to a few months ago, on the evening of the selection into the palace, when this man had also knelt in front of him, holding his ankle to help him with his shoes.

Back then, he had felt equally bewildered, his heart pounding wildly.

Perhaps from that moment, he was destined to be captivated and charmed by this man.

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

“Alright…” Xie Chenyun replied softly, extending his delicate hand into Gu Siyuan’s palm.

In the afternoon.

The sun was bright and leisurely.

The two of them, dressed casually, sat on the couch brewing tea together.

Thinking about what Gu Siyuan had mentioned earlier, that they would return to the capital in two months, Xie Chenyun couldn’t help but ask, “Your Majesty, have you planned a quick resolution?”

Gu Siyuan nodded and said casually, “Everything is ready.”

Seeing that he only offered a few words, just like how he had kept things from him during the Xuanqing Mountain incident, Xie Chenyun couldn’t help but pout, “With Your Majesty’s wisdom, success is naturally assured.”

Gu Siyuan glanced at him and seemed to sense a faint resentment in his tone.

After a moment of thought, he asked, “Chenyun, would you like to know my plan?”

Xie Chenyun’s eyes immediately brightened.

Seeing this, Gu Siyuan’s lips curved slightly, feeling immensely proud of himself for being so adept at making his companion happy.

After a while.

Xie Chenyun, having heard Gu Siyuan’s plan, was left in shock.

It took him a long time to blink and marvel, “Your Majesty had calculated everything step by step from Jiangcheng?”

“Not calculated, just made good use of what was available,” Gu Siyuan’s tone was extremely calm, as if discussing a good meal rather than a grand scheme to overturn several powerful clans.

“…” Xie Chenyun took a deep breath.

Seeing his dazed expression, Gu Siyuan frowned slightly, “I’ve explained everything. Aren’t you happy?”

“…” Xie Chenyun.

Resting his chin on his knees, he covered his cheeks with his hands.

It seemed that in Gu Siyuan’s eyes, the ability to make him happy with this plan was more important than the plan itself?

In that moment, Xie Chenyun suddenly felt a deep sense of being cherished.

Such grandeur, who in the world could refuse?

Xie Chenyun fully understood the saying ‘strength and wisdom are the greatest attractions in the world.’

Because Gu Siyuan was the best embodiment of this charm.

Anyone who had seen or interacted with him could not help but be captivated.

He lifted his head and stared at the person across from him.

Sunlight streamed through the window screen, softly illuminating the room.

Gu Siyuan sat there, in that pool of light, but the light could not diminish his brilliance. He was noble and indifferent, like a deity.

Yes, if there were truly a god in this world, that person should be Gu Siyuan.

He was the emperor of this world, the sole ruler.

Gu Siyuan raised an eyebrow, “Chenyun, why are you looking at me like that? Have you fallen for me?”

Xie Chenyun smiled and said, “Yes, so Your Majesty, please release my acupuncture points.”

“…” Gu Siyuan was skeptical.

Xie Chenyun laughed softly, “Otherwise, Your Majesty, ‘grace’ me.”

“…” Gu Siyuan.

Was his intelligence regressing? Why did he feel more and more unable to understand the person beside him?

Xie Chenyun knelt on the couch, his outer robe slipping off with his movement.

Through the thin silk undergarment, one could already imagine the exquisite beauty beneath.

He smiled and opened his arms towards Gu Siyuan.

Gu Siyuan felt a buzz in his mind.

Suddenly, he thought his intelligence might indeed be regressing. Otherwise, how could he see blooming peach blossoms in the middle of winter?

The next moment, with a sweep of his sleeve adorned with golden dragon patterns, a continuous clatter sounded as the low table, along with cups and teapot, were all swept to the ground.

Only the cricket perched on the window frame witnessed the long hair intertwining and the sudden curling of pale toes.