FIMA Ch82: Pigeon

Early spring morning, again by the river in the forest, there was a thin mist in the air.

People’s emotions seemed to become ethereal and intertwined.

Xie Xuan blinked his moist eyes, raising his wide sleeves, revealing delicate fingers as white as scallions, and touched the cold, sharp blade on his neck with a casual attitude, not at all afraid of being hurt.

Gu Siyuan raised his sword-like eyebrows.

He stared at the pretty fingers dancing on the edge of danger, inexplicably feeling that something of his was being treated carelessly.

Through the thin mist, his already stern face looked even colder and had an inexplicable profound charm.

Xie Xuan clearly sensed that the person in front of him seemed unhappy. Thinking he disliked being spied on, he felt a bit uneasy and murmured, “I didn’t mean to peek.”

Gu Siyuan’s gaze remained fixed, and his expression was still cold.

Xie Xuan felt a bit awkward.

Although he was a prince with a high status, the look on this person’s face made him panic uncontrollably.

His mind in disarray, his hands became even more clumsy.

Originally just teasing the blade, his delicate fingertips accidentally slipped, almost slicing across the sharp edge.

Gu Siyuan’s gaze turned cold, and he reached out his left hand, directly grabbing the misbehaving delicate fingers.

This sudden movement made Xie Xuan’s eyes widen, his fingertips trembling.

Then, his entire hand fell into the broad, warm palm, even feeling the slight calluses formed from long-term sword-wielding.

Gu Siyuan retracted his long sword into its sheath with one hand, while unconsciously tightening his grip with the other, savoring the delicate and soft skin’s temperature.

Indeed, just as he had imagined, wonderful.

Xie Xuan’s breath quickened, his heart pounding as if it would jump out of his throat.

His mind was completely muddled; he didn’t know what this person wanted to do, but his fingers were powerless, unable to struggle out of the grasp.

At this moment, Gu Siyuan slowly released his hand and said coldly, “Don’t touch the blade carelessly.”

Xie Xuan rubbed his fingertips, ignoring the faint sense of loss in his heart, and responded softly, “Ah…”

After a long while, he vaguely realized that this person seemed to be warning him not to touch his sword.

Xie Xuan suddenly raised his head: “…”

Good for you, Gu Siyuan.

What’s the big deal if I touch your sword, will it get dirty? Do you despise me that much?

To think I was just being sentimental? Bah, just an illusion.

Xie Xuan puffed up his cheeks and glared fiercely.

“…” Gu Siyuan.

Looking at the person in front of him changing expressions.

He squinted and pinched the puffed-up cheek: “What’s wrong? Just talking properly, and you got angry?”

Xie Xuan was even more annoyed, glaring and arrogantly saying, “You dare to touch my face and then blame me!”

Gu Siyuan remained calm and nodded: “You can go complain to His Majesty!”

“…” Xie Xuan.

How could he say that?

Besides, who his father favored more was not certain.

Unwillingly, he puffed up his cheeks, grumbling, “You are so petty, for someone so big, but so stingy.”

Gu Siyuan sighed helplessly.

Who is petty, getting angry so easily?

He crossed his arms and leaned lazily against a tree, asking indifferently, “Why did the Sixth Prince come to find me?”

“Who came to find you? The entire camp is so small, passing by here is normal.” Xie Xuan waved his sleeve, patting his neck, restoring his noble demeanor: “But General Gu, next time you practice swordsmanship, be careful. If it were my father or my brothers passing by, it wouldn’t be this easy.”

Gu Siyuan placed his hand on the sword hilt, glancing sideways at Xie Xuan, his voice cold: “Thanks to the Sixth Prince’s generosity.”

“That’s it?” Xie Xuan immediately widened his moist eyes, smugly retorting, “What you did just now was a crime of insubordination.”

…He wanted to pinch his face again.

Gu Siyuan touched the rough patterns on the hilt of his sword with his fingers, nodded slightly, and said, “I’d like to hear the details.”

Xie Xuan lightly coughed, looking as if he was in control: “This prince won’t make things difficult for you, you just need to answer a question honestly.”

Gu Siyuan squinted at him.

And he said he was just passing by, but isn’t it obvious he came with a purpose?

This riverside is quite far from the camp, very secluded.

Xie Xuan was embarrassed and angry under his gaze, huffing, “You don’t want to agree?”

Gu Siyuan’s expression remained indifferent: “Let’s hear it.”

Xie Xuan felt slightly relieved.

After a while, he stared at Gu Siyuan and slowly asked, “Those assassins you captured, did they really say nothing?”

By the end of the sentence, his tone wavered, as if he wasn’t sure what answer he was hoping for.

Gu Siyuan lifted his eyelids, beckoned coldly, “Come here.”

Xie Xuan blinked, obediently taking two steps forward: “Speak.”

Gu Siyuan’s palm moved slightly downward, grabbing that delicate chin, forcing him to lift his head, their gazes meeting directly. In a low voice, he said, “It doesn’t matter whether the assassins spoke or not, the Sixth Prince has to act as if he knows nothing.”

Xie Xuan’s face turned pale: “You… what do you mean?”

Gu Siyuan sneered coldly: “The Sixth Prince knows very well.”

“Don’t hold any unrealistic expectations for the emperor. Pretending to know nothing can at least keep you safe for a while. Use this time wisely to build up your strength, and maybe one day you’ll find a way out.”

Xie Xuan’s pupils contracted, and he grabbed the large hand on his chin, staring intently at the person in front of him: “Do you know what you’re saying?”

Gu Siyuan gave his soft cheek a final pinch before withdrawing his hand, his expression calm: “I said nothing, it’s getting late, today the emperor will return to the palace, I need to make preparations, farewell.”

With that, he left behind a tall, cold back.

The morning sun rose, the thin mist in the forest dissipated like gauze.

The light flickered in Xie Xuan’s beautiful pupils, casting a faint blue shadow.

After a while, he gently rubbed his chin and cheek, which were slightly red from being pinched, still feeling the faint warmth and calluses of that dry large hand.

It was a hand completely different from his own pampered and delicate one, firm and steady, powerful as if it could hold up the entire world.

And on the altar, it was indeed this large hand that protected him.

Still, Xie Xuan couldn’t help but pout: “If you’re going to give advice, just do it. Why take advantage of me? He looks all serious, really knows how to put on a show.”

…

That day, just after the hour of the dragon, the grand imperial procession set off back to the palace.

The news of the altar collapse and the assassins inevitably spread.

Along the way, commoners pointed and talked.

Gu Siyuan, with his sword and on horseback, rode at the front of the procession, thinking: Such a good ceremony turned out like this, all to help his beloved son by striking at another, Emperor Jianzhao is quite creative.

Qing County is only over eighty li from the capital, so the imperial entourage arrived at the palace gates by evening.

Whether because the goal wasn’t achieved or for some other reason, Emperor Jianzhao did not look pleased as he stepped out of his sedan chair.

In Qing County, dealing with the assassins was enough.

But now back in the capital, the real trouble was just beginning.

The fact that assassins were hiding under the altar, regardless of other issues, the Ministry of Works responsible for the construction would bear the brunt; next, the Ministry of Rites and the Astronomical Bureau officials overseeing the progress were also inescapably guilty.

Additionally, the capital guards who cleared the area and guarded it days in advance also bore significant responsibility.

Since these people could turn a blind eye and let assassins in, no matter the purpose, they were effectively working for the Fourth Prince Xie Huan.

If Emperor Jianzhao were to punish them severely, it would cut off Xie Huan’s support.

Xie Huan, without the backing of his mother’s family, already had less power compared to the other princes, most of which was secretly given to him by Emperor Jianzhao.

However, not dealing with them was not an option.

If even treasonous acts against the emperor were lightly passed over, not to mention the doubts of the court officials and Xie Xuan, who knows how many would follow suit, conspiring against the throne?

Emperor Jianzhao valued his own life too.

Aside from these considerations, what was even more troubling now was that Consort Lu, upon hearing about the events in Qing County, immediately ran tearfully to the gates of the Huangji Hall.

Emperor Jianzhao, extremely annoyed, for the first time regretted finding such a scapegoat.

Gu Siyuan, as the Lieutenant Commander of the Imperial Guards, ranked just below the Commander and Deputy Commander.

Apart from accompanying the emperor on outings, in the palace, his main area of defense was from the Hall of Supreme Harmony to the Palace of Heavenly Purity and the Huangji Hall. Basically, wherever Emperor Jianzhao was, he would be there.

At this moment, as usual, he coldly reached out to stop Consort Lu: “The emperor is handling state affairs in the Huangji Hall, no one from the harem is allowed to enter.”

His colleagues, as well as the eunuchs and maids around, all looked at him with great admiration.

Everyone knew that the emperor doted on Consort Lu greatly and never once refused to see her.

But Gu Siyuan, this guy, always blocked her, not afraid of offending anyone.

Consort Lu, although forty years old, was very well maintained. Naturally straightforward, she was full of energy and her dressing style was luxurious and beautiful, appearing no older than thirty.

Even though she was stopped by Gu Siyuan, she didn’t get angry. This had happened many times, and she knew this lieutenant’s temperament well, knowing that expecting him to bend the rules was impossible. She just glared at a nearby little eunuch: “You see me here, why aren’t you reporting it?”

“Yes.” The little eunuch immediately ran inside.

Consort Lu adjusted her bright red nails and looked at Gu Siyuan: “I heard it was Lieutenant Gu who saved Xuan’er at the ceremony?”

Gu Siyuan’s expression remained indifferent: “I am responsible for the security of the ceremony, protecting the Sixth Prince is my duty, it can’t be called saving.”

Consort Lu smiled: “Regardless, I still have to thank you, Lieutenant Gu.”

Gu Siyuan did not reply.

Seeing him like this, Consort Lu couldn’t be bothered to waste any more words. She turned slightly and started walking towards the Huangji Hall again.

In the next moment, she was quickly stopped by Gu Siyuan again.

Consort Lu frowned: “I have already sent someone to report, the Emperor will surely summon me soon.”

Gu Siyuan remained unmoved, only saying: “Then wait for the Emperor’s decree.”

Naturally, Emperor Jianzhao had heard the commotion outside. Although he had always had a good impression of Gu Siyuan, this time, he truly appreciated Gu Siyuan’s behavior.

If all his officials were as obedient as Gu Siyuan, following his orders without question, he wouldn’t have so many worries.

By his side, Wang Chengying reminded him again: “Your Majesty? The Consort is requesting an audience outside.”

Emperor Jianzhao frowned and glared at him.

He had heard it long ago, no need for your reminder, can’t you see the situation?

After a moment of silence, he raised his hand, signaling Wang Chengying to go and bring her in.

In the evening, the setting sun was like fire.

Gu Siyuan stood on the high steps outside the Huangji Hall, listening to Consort Lu crying and making a fuss inside.

After an unknown amount of time, the noise finally subsided.

With the sound of tinkling ornaments, Consort Lu, her eyes slightly red, walked out of the Huangji Hall with two attendants carrying a pile of rewards.

As she passed Gu Siyuan, Consort Lu paused and took a few items from the rewards, throwing them down.

“Lieutenant Gu, although protecting Xuan’er is your duty, I am not a stingy person, so take these as my reward.”

After speaking, she walked away arrogantly.

She fully displayed the demeanor of a favored consort.

Gu Siyuan glanced at the items on the ground, sneered, and acted as if he didn’t see them, continuing to stand his post.

Wang Chengying, who had escorted Consort Lu out, saw this and smiled helplessly.

Serving by the Emperor’s side, he naturally knew that Gu Siyuan always looked down on Consort Lu and her family.

However, these were imperial rewards, they couldn’t just be left on the ground.

He instructed a little eunuch to pick them up and hand them to Gu Siyuan, smiling good-naturedly: “Lieutenant Gu, the Consort is generous, you shouldn’t be stubborn, the Emperor would be displeased if he knew.”

Gu Siyuan glanced at him, then reluctantly took the items and casually stuffed them into his sleeve.

Wang Chengying chuckled and went back inside the hall.

Emperor Jianzhao looked at him and asked casually: “Siyuan was disrespectful to the Consort again?”

Wang Chengying heard the sharp words but light tone, knowing that the Emperor was actually satisfied with Gu Siyuan’s behavior, and quickly recounted what had happened.

Emperor Jianzhao cursed lightly: “That stubborn dog.”

Wang Chengying also laughed: “Lieutenant Gu is like this, except for Your Majesty, who has he ever shown respect to?”

Emperor Jianzhao was silent for a moment, then said: “The Consort cares about Xuan’er and rewards Siyuan, I should also reward him with something. I heard there’s a fine sword newly presented to the treasury…”

After the hour of the rooster, Gu Siyuan changed shifts with his fellow Imperial Guards and left the palace with his newly obtained sword.

Gu Siyuan’s grandmother, Lady Cao, was Emperor Jianzhao’s wet nurse, and they shared a deep bond in the past. After Emperor Jianzhao ascended the throne, he granted a modest residence not far from the imperial city.

Although Lady Cao had passed away several years ago, the house was still kept.

Gu Siyuan’s father, Gu Guangyao, had taken an arrow for Emperor Jianzhao over a decade ago, and since then, he frequently complained of headaches and fevers. The Emperor arranged a leisurely position for him in the Department of Internal Affairs, with ample perks.

When Gu Siyuan arrived home, the main hall of the Gu residence was brightly lit and lively, as they were having dinner.

As soon as he entered, the atmosphere seemed to freeze, and everyone’s expressions changed.

Especially his half-brother and half-sister, who trembled, clearly still intimidated by him.

Gu Guangyao frowned and scolded: “Why are you back at this time? Weren’t you accompanying the Emperor to the ceremony?”

Gu Siyuan glanced at him and casually replied: “Yesterday, there were assassins at the ceremony, so the imperial entourage returned early.”

Gu Guangyao was shocked: “The Emperor was attacked?”

If anyone sincerely wished for Emperor Jianzhao’s long life, Gu Guangyao was certainly one of them. His current life of drinking, eating, and cricket fighting was all thanks to the Emperor. If a new emperor came to power, who knew what would happen?

He immediately cursed angrily: “Weren’t you responsible for the Emperor’s security? How useless can you be, letting the Emperor get attacked?”

Gu Siyuan coldly glanced at him: “Who said the Emperor was attacked?”

With that, he ignored them and walked straight to his courtyard.

“This unfilial son!” Gu Guangyao angrily slammed the table.

After returning to his courtyard, Gu Siyuan left the door wide open. He first set down the sword and then took out the items from his sleeve.

These were the rewards Consort Lu had given him today.

After a moment, looking at the gray powder that had spilled out, he sniffed lightly, and it smelled like incense.

Frowning slightly, he lit it with a fire striker.

Then, he loudly ordered someone outside to bring dinner.

Gu Siyuan had a strong reputation in the residence, even stronger than Gu Guangyao’s. Once his order was given, it took less than half a tea’s time for three dishes and a soup with a large bowl of rice to be delivered.

The three dishes were pickled cabbage and lamb, steamed fat chicken, and garlic eggplant. The soup was meatball and cabbage tofu soup.

Gu Guangyao enjoyed good food, so the cook in the Gu residence was quite skilled.

Gu Siyuan tasted a few bites and then ate heartily. Just as he finished, he heard a small noise outside the window.

A pure white pigeon, without a single flaw, stood steadily on the window ledge, peering inside with its beady eyes full of curiosity.

Gu Siyuan raised an eyebrow, scooped some leftover rice from the bowl into his palm, and spread it out towards the little creature, whistling lightly.

The pigeon, with its green bean-like eyes, stared at him for quite a while before flapping its wings and flying over, finally realizing that the person in front of it was harmless.

Gu Siyuan’s eyesight was excellent, and he had already noticed the small note tied to its leg. He was just about to reach out and take it off.

However, perhaps because Xie Xuan had mistreated this pigeon lord, it buried its head into the rice and wouldn’t come out. When Gu Siyuan tried to touch it, it directly jumped up and kicked at him.

But Gu Siyuan was not one to be trifled with. When gentleness failed, he resorted to force. He grabbed the pigeon by its little back, flipped it over onto the table, and forcefully removed the note.

After a while, the pigeon still lay motionless on the table, its wings modestly covering its belly, and its little green bean eyes filled with indescribable emotions, as if it had never encountered such a rough human before.

After reading the note, Gu Siyuan glanced at it and sneered: “Keep playing dead, and I’ll throw you into the chicken coop for breeding.”

“…”

The pigeon lord was utterly disoriented.

In the next moment, it shot off like a bolt, wanting to stay far away from this terrifying and cruel human, intending to return to its soft and gentle owner to complain.

Now it realized the goodness of its master and vowed never to be picky about food again.

In the main courtyard of the Sixth Prince’s residence, Xie Xuan held a book, staring at a page without turning it for a long time.

At that moment, the familiar sound of fluttering wings reached his ears.

Xie Xuan immediately turned his head, and without needing to extend his hand, the pigeon lord eagerly flew over.

Xie Xuan’s eyes curved with a smile, habitually raising his hand to stroke its smooth feathers. For the first time, the pigeon lord did not resist, obediently staying under his hand, its little green bean eyes filled with affection.

“…” Xie Xuan.

Something seemed off.

Usually, in this prince’s residence, the pigeon lord was the boss, and he was second. What was going on today?

He stared at the pigeon lord intently: “Did you do something wrong? What mischief did you get into?”

The pigeon lord remained motionless, still filled with affection.

Xie Xuan felt a bit flustered and glared at it: “Could it be that the message I just had you deliver wasn’t sent? Did you fly halfway and then sneak into someone’s kitchen?”

Saying this, Xie Xuan reached for its leg, only to find the small bamboo tube empty, the note already taken.

Now, Xie Xuan no longer cared about the pigeon lord and directed all his frustration towards Gu Siyuan.

“Hmph, since you saw it, why didn’t you send a reply? So high and mighty.”

“Who is His Highness scolding?”

A cold yet slightly casual familiar male voice suddenly sounded outside the intentionally open window.