FIMA Ch133: The Empress

From the bright midday sun to the setting sun, and then to the hanging moon.

At first, Xie Chenyun was still full of spirit, cursing a few words and pinching Gu Siyuan a few times.

In the end, he was like a broken person, resigned to just sleeping, with no one able to stop him.

…

When he woke up again, it was because of the slight coldness that fell on his cheek.

Xie Chenyun slowly opened his eyes, and the first thing he noticed was that the outside of the bed was already deserted, clearly indicating that the person who had slept there had left long ago.

Hmph… men.

Xie Chenyun was annoyed for a moment, propped himself up on the bed, and though his body was somewhat sore, he felt generally comfortable.

He turned his head to look outside; the window was not closed tightly.

Some light seeped in, making the room dimly lit.

He raised his hand to push the window open wider, but was momentarily stunned. The courtyard’s branches and the ground were covered in a thin layer of white.

The coldness that had just fallen on his face—it turned out it was snowing.

And the faint morning light on the horizon indicated that a whole night had passed.

The north wind blew gently, and large snowflakes flew through the open window, swirling around and hitting his face.

He waved his sleeve, and a faint red glow flashed past. A burst of white smoke rose in mid-air, and the snowflakes disappeared.

“Hmm?” Xie Chenyun’s face lit up with joy.

He could use his inner strength again? Gu Siyuan had unlocked his acupoints?

Hmph, at least that guy kept his word.

At this moment, there was a noise at the door.

Xie Chenyun turned to look, and the familiar tall figure came into view.

Dressed in a fitted robe with black and gold dragon patterns, he looked more streamlined and even more cold and imposing than usual. Especially with a layer of snow on his hair and shoulders, he looked like an ice king.

Xie Chenyun was first stunned by the sight, then furrowed his beautiful brows: “What are those guards doing? Can’t they even hold an umbrella?”

Gu Siyuan stepped inside, smiling faintly: “With my skills, does Chenyun still not understand? If I cared about a bit of snow, I would have dried it with my inner strength.”

Hearing this, Xie Chenyun pouted, feeling a bit disgruntled.

He puffed up his cheeks and said, “So, Your Majesty, what’s the fun in running out alone to get snowed on early in the morning?”

Gu Siyuan said nothing, sat down beside him, and brought a unique coolness with him.

Xie Chenyun instantly felt refreshed, as if all the fatigue from the previous night had disappeared.

“Just using the snow to calm my mind,” Gu Siyuan said softly, his smile fading.

Xie Chenyun blinked.

Suddenly, his nose twitched, catching a faint scent of blood and gunpowder.

His expression changed, and he looked at Gu Siyuan: “You went out before dawn, dressed like this. What were you up to?”

Seeing his anxiety, Gu Siyuan couldn’t help but smile again and said softly: “Didn’t Chenyun just guess it? Going out before dawn—it’s a good night for killing. Naturally, I went to kill.”

“…” Xie Chenyun.

Gu Siyuan continued: “It was fortunate that it started snowing midway. By the time everyone wakes up, all traces will be covered by the snow.”

“…” Xie Chenyun didn’t want to talk to him anymore.

He felt that this person especially liked teasing him.

He changed the subject: “Your Majesty kept your word and unlocked my acupoints.”

Gu Siyuan raised an eyebrow.

In the next moment, Xie Chenyun’s smile froze on his face.

Gu Siyuan’s palm quickly tapped several acupoints on his upper body, so fast that he almost couldn’t react.

Xie Chenyun tried to channel his inner strength, but it was no use.

His entire body’s meridians had no inner strength flowing through them, just like yesterday.

Seeing Xie Chenyun’s stunned expression, Gu Siyuan said sincerely: “Thank you for reminding me. I almost forgot about this.”

“…” Xie Chenyun’s face turned red with anger, almost as if it were on fire.

He felt like he was about to explode with rage.

He glared at Gu Siyuan, feeling both embarrassed and angry: “How can you bully people like this? Running away after eating and then coming back to rob the shop?”

Gu Siyuan pretended not to hear.

He even raised his hand, pinching Xie Chenyun’s white and rosy cheek, and said softly: “Chenyun looks just like a plum dipped in snow, so beautiful that it makes my heart flutter.”

“Gu Siyuan, don’t push your luck.” Xie Chenyun slapped his hand away.

However, in the next moment, his delicate wrist was grabbed by Gu Siyuan, and he fell into his broad embrace.

Gu Siyuan held his slender waist, looking down with a calm expression: “Had I known that upon my return I would have such a beauty throwing himself into my arms, I wouldn’t have needed the snow to calm my mind. A vigorous session in bed would be even better and not disappoint the beauty’s affection.”

“…” Xie Chenyun.

Xie Chenyun clenched his fists.

Shameless!

He struggled hard again.

However, the grip on his wrist and waist was like iron, making it impossible for him to resist.

Gu Siyuan rubbed the delicate wrist in his palm: “Seeing Chenyun so lively, it seems I wasn’t diligent enough yesterday. So how about…”

Xie Chenyun’s expression changed dramatically.

If it happened again, he feared he would die in bed.

Xie Chenyun immediately stopped struggling, leaning softly into Gu Siyuan’s embrace, wrapping an arm gently around his neck, and said in a breathy voice: “Your Majesty, Your Majesty was truly mighty yesterday. I still feel weak all over. Please, show mercy on me…”

A wise man knows when to retreat.

“…” Gu Siyuan was slightly taken aback.

He had finally met his match in the great acting career.

Xie Chenyun moved closer, making himself more comfortable in Gu Siyuan’s arms, continuously flattering him: “Your Majesty is truly the greatest man in the world. Unfortunately, I am inadequate and cannot bear your favor today. Please, Your Majesty, be kind and spare me…”

Even though Gu Siyuan was extremely indifferent by nature, he was rendered completely stiff by those words.

He covered the person’s mouth with his large palm: “Mm, I cherish you. My beloved consort, rest assured and take a good rest.”

With that, he reluctantly placed his hands on Xie Chenyun’s slender waist and began to slowly massage him.

Xie Chenyun was content.

He lazily leaned against Gu Siyuan, a stunning smile curling at the corners of his lips.

Gu Siyuan was also content.

The coercion could continue. After all, the acupoints were still sealed, and the beauty was still in his arms.

…

After breakfast.

Gu Siyuan had to go to the study to handle state affairs.

Xie Chenyun had stayed in the bedroom all day yesterday and naturally didn’t want to stay there again today, but he wasn’t allowed to go anywhere else. In the end, he could only follow behind Gu Siyuan.

When they entered the study, several ministers were already standing inside.

Seeing Gu Siyuan, the ministers showed a mixture of respect and delight. Upon seeing Xie Chenyun following behind, their minds instantly cleared. It seemed the Emperor’s love for beautiful men couldn’t be changed, even bringing him to such occasions.

Gu Siyuan led Xie Chenyun to sit on a chair and said to everyone: “Is everything thoroughly checked?”

The Shadow Guard commander immediately stepped forward: “As per Your Majesty’s orders, everyone in the Ministry of Personnel has been accounted for. Among them, 472 who resisted were killed, 269 were imprisoned, and the rest switched allegiance.”

“Mm.” Gu Siyuan nodded, then looked at Duke Song: “And in the military?”

Duke Song reported: “Everyone in the military associated with Wei Zhengping has been captured. Among them, 13 committed severe crimes, 52 were involved in bribery, and the rest were temporarily misled.”

Gu Siyuan said coldly: “The military must not be in disorder. I will personally oversee the reorganization.”

“Yes.”

Next came various reports, all regarding the handling of Wei Zhengping’s associates.

Sitting beside them, Xie Chenyun felt increasingly uneasy as he listened, and couldn’t help but grit his teeth.

Gu Siyuan was making such significant moves. How could that old dog Wei Zhengping be easily subdued?

He was a grandmaster, after all.

If he sought revenge later, it would be very troublesome.

Suddenly, a thought struck him.

A dark and windy night for killing?

Who did Gu Siyuan go out to kill last night?

Could it be Wei Zhengping?

It must be Wei Zhengping, otherwise, it wouldn’t be so quiet outside.

Thinking about how Gu Siyuan secretly went to do such a dangerous thing, Xie Chenyun was beyond furious.

Anger welled up, and he slammed his hand on the table. The blue and white porcelain cup in his hand shattered into pieces, falling to the ground.

This commotion drew everyone’s attention.

The ministers frowned.

This beauty Xie was too presumptuous.

“What are you looking at? Never seen a good-looking man?” Xie Chenyun glared at everyone, then sat back in the chair, sulking, and poured himself a cup of cold tea to cool down.

He didn’t know if it was the tea that didn’t suit him or if he was just in a bad mood.

Suddenly, there was another loud bang as he hit the table.

Everyone trembled.

Gu Siyuan looked at Xie Chenyun helplessly.

Then, he turned to the stunned ministers and said very calmly: “The Empress is probably expecting, so her emotions are unstable. Please do not take offense.”

“…” The ministers.

Uh, uh, uh…

Your Majesty, although our expectations and standards for you are very low, don’t treat us like fools, okay?

In this world, have you ever heard of a man getting pregnant?

Everyone was so shocked that they even automatically ignored the term “Empress.”

However, Xie Chenyun, being the person involved, certainly did not ignore it.

At that moment, all his resentment and anger vanished, replaced by immense joy and pride.

Gu Siyuan was so good at soothing him…

But then, as he realized it, his joy and pride quickly turned into intense embarrassment and annoyance.

How could he be so easy to placate?

Gu Siyuan, this guy, why was he so good at manipulating him!

This man looked so cold and serious, but he was actually very cunning, making him spin around like this.

Gu Siyuan’s expression remained unchanged as he said to everyone: “You may all go and prepare. The Empress’s pregnancy is unstable, I need to go and comfort him.”

“…” The ministers.

The Emperor had gone mad.

After just removing a major traitor from the court, it should have been a time of great celebration for clear governance.

But now, in order to make this enchanting consort the Empress, he was even spouting nonsense about a man being pregnant?

For a moment, they didn’t know whether to be happy or worried.

However, at this time, a sycophant hurried forward and respectfully congratulated: “May the Empress give birth to a dragon child soon, and may Your Majesty’s descendants flourish, ensuring the continuity of the Great Zhou.”

“…” Everyone turned to look at him.

You shameless flatterer.

How dare you suck up like that.

Gu Siyuan nodded with satisfaction and praised: “Lord Wang, you are thoughtful. In that case, you shall temporarily take charge of the Ministry of Personnel.”

“…” The ministers widened their eyes.

In the next instant, everyone rushed forward.

“The Emperor and Empress’s joy in having a dragon child is the fortune of the Great Zhou and the happiness of the people!”

“Your Majesty’s joy in having a son is the Great Zhou’s fortune!”

“Today, as I left the house, I heard a thunderous roar. It must be the dragon child entering the Empress’s womb, a great auspicious sign!”

“Today is indeed a day of double blessings for the Great Zhou!”

…

Listening to the varied congratulations and seeing the ministers scrambling to speak, Xie Chenyun was stunned for a long time.

After a while, he looked down at his flat belly, almost believing there was indeed a dragon child inside.

“…”

After everyone left.

Xie Chenyun looked at Gu Siyuan: “Why did you say such nonsense just now?”

Gu Siyuan held his teacup, taking a leisurely sip: “It’s just a form of psychological compensation. If I were to directly announce making you empress, some of those old fogies would probably spill blood in the golden throne room. But now, if they know I’m crazier than they thought, making a man empress is nothing compared to the idea of a man giving birth, right?”

“…” Xie Chenyun.

Though his heart felt sweet and touched.

He also felt a bit of shared sympathy, feeling slightly sorry for the ministers, realizing they were also at Gu Siyuan’s mercy, just like him.

Their salaries weren’t just for their usual duties; they were also a compensation for dealing with a crazy emperor…

Time passed quickly.

From the snowy winter to the budding spring, it was just a fleeting moment.

The reinforcements from the various major noble families who had rushed from all over the country gathered outside Huangzhou city, launching a proactive attack on the Wu family army across the river with the city’s defenders.