FIMA Ch90: Beauty

It was a sunny day.

The sky was a clear, jade-like blue, and although it wasn’t officially autumn yet, there wasn’t a cloud in the sky.

Gu Siyuan looked up at the azure sky, watching a formation of geese fly overhead, suddenly letting out cries and scattering.

Two dark spots chasing after the geese gradually became clearer, revealing two majestic golden eagles.

Gu Siyuan squinted his eyes, reaching to touch the bow and arrow by his saddle, feeling an itch in his hands.

Xie Xuan, sitting with his elder brothers in the ten-mile pavilion ahead, had been waiting for a long time. Glancing up, he caught sight of Gu Siyuan’s movement.

Xie Xuan’s lips curled slightly, and he thought to himself: There’s a folk saying that if a man is sincere when proposing marriage, he will personally hunt a wild goose.

But wild geese are too gentle and delicate, not fitting for Gu Siyuan’s temperament. Let him shoot down a golden eagle instead…

At that moment, a thunderous sound of hooves came from the end of the road.

Dust rose from the ground, its momentum like a mountain collapsing.

The crows that had been fearlessly perching on the thatched pavilion let out a sharp “caw” and flew away, disappearing into the sky.

The four princes exchanged glances and got up from the pavilion.

Sure enough, moments later, a long, dark caravan appeared in their line of sight.

A squad of ceremonial cavalry cleared the way, protecting three figures, one elder and two younger, who rode out slowly from the group.

The two younger ones, a boy and a girl, followed behind the elder, all dressed in foreign attire.

The elder man, dressed in luxurious clothes, showed no signs of pampered arrogance, indicating his life was mostly spent on horseback.

The young man had slightly tanned skin and a vibrant spirit.

But the most striking was the girl. Although her face was covered with a thin veil, her waist and arms were exposed, showing a small patch of fair skin. Her aura was noble and distinct from that of the women of Da Liang.

These three were the King of the Northern Borders and his prince and princess.

The King of Northern Borders scanned Xie Xuan and the others with eyes like a hawk, cupping his hands and saying, “It’s said that the Emperor of Da Liang has four outstanding sons. Indeed, seeing is believing; each one is impressive.”

Xie Hong, as the eldest brother of his generation, naturally stepped forward to respond, “The King of the Northern Borders praises us too much. After such a long journey, braving the elements, our Da Liang’s Emperor has prepared a banquet in the palace. Please, King of the Northern Borders, come!”

After a brief introduction, everyone proceeded toward the city.

From the city gate to the palace gate, the route was heavily guarded by the Imperial Guards, with red carpets laid out, water sprinkled to settle the dust, and no speck of dirt in sight.

The banquet was arranged in the Wuying Hall.

By the time they arrived, it was just after Shen hour (3-5 PM). Exquisite palace lanterns were lit around the hall, and the ground was spotless after being washed with clear water, with palace maids scattering flower petals.

From the moment they stepped into the palace gate, the Imperial Guards announced, “The King of the Northern Borders has arrived!”

“The King of the Northern Borders has arrived!”

Emperor Jianzhao sat on the high platform of the Wuying Hall, smiling broadly.

The King of Northern Borders and his prince and princess crossed their hands over their chests and bowed, “Greetings to the Emperor of Da Liang.”

The people of the Northern Borders were usually wild, but they behaved politely now, seeking aid and alliance.

Emperor Jianzhao was clearly pleased, “It is a joy to welcome friends from afar. King of the Northern Borders, there’s no need for such formality. The long journey must have been tiring. Please, take your seats!”

“Thank you, Your Majesty.” The three of them bowed again.

Subsequently, the princes and civil and military officials also took their seats.

Having arrived in the afternoon after a long journey, the King of Northern Borders and his entourage were indeed weary.

Today was merely a welcoming banquet, casually discussing the customs of both regions, without touching on important matters of alliance.

After the banquet, they returned directly to the guesthouse to rest. By the time everything was settled, the sky was full of stars.

The next day.

The ministers of the cabinet and six departments began intensive discussions with the King of Northern Borders’ people about the alliance agreement.

The princes took turns accompanying the prince and princess of the Northern Borders on various outings.

The princess of the Northern Borders was lively, enjoying the twisting neck dance the most, often pulling the palace musicians to play music for her, ready to dance anytime and anywhere.

Gu Siyuan, on duty in the palace, had seen her a few times and occasionally watched her performance when in the mood.

Today, while the princess was admiring flowers in the Yujing Garden, she suddenly felt inspired and started dancing in a nearby pavilion.

“Is it very beautiful, General Gu?” A sinister voice sounded nearby.

Gu Siyuan lowered his head, a slight smile on his lips, but his face returned to an icy, indifferent expression when he turned around, “Doesn’t the Sixth Prince think so?”

Xie Xuan puffed his cheeks, “There’s no one here.”

Gu Siyuan’s expression softened slightly as he retorted, “I remember the other day; Your Highness was also watching intently.”

“…” Xie Xuan.

How is that the same?

He was just being polite.

Gu Siyuan pinched his cheek.

Little jealous bundle, so obviously double standards.

He watched too, but now won’t let him watch.

Xie Xuan glared at him unreasonably and said, “Anyway, you’re not allowed to watch. Am I not more attractive?”

Hearing this, Gu Siyuan narrowed his sharp eyes, leaned closer to his ear, and whispered in a clear yet seductive voice, “If the Sixth Prince dressed like that, you’d certainly be more attractive than the princess of the Northern Borders.”

“…” Xie Xuan’s ears instantly turned red.

This person seemed cold as ice, but his mind was full of such thoughts.

“Your Highness…”

At this moment, a voice called out from ahead.

Xie Xuan quickly changed his expression, stood up straight, and harshly scolded Gu Siyuan, “General Gu, be extremely vigilant on palace duty, especially with the King of Northern Borders frequently entering the palace today. If anything goes wrong, I will not spare you.”

“No need for Your Highness to say; just don’t find excuses to make a fuss,” Gu Siyuan replied nonchalantly, standing up straight as well.

Xie Xuan glared at Gu Siyuan fiercely.

Was he acting or being serious?

Then, with a wave of his sleeve, he left.

Gu Siyuan also let out a cold laugh at his departing figure and continued his patrol.

It was merely a playful laugh, but to the approaching ministers, it appeared as a cold sneer.

The ministers remained silent: The Sixth Prince and General Gu really have a bad relationship!

Ding Ye wore an enlightened expression: Ignorant humans, you know nothing. They are actually flirting.

The Sixth Prince’s anger was clearly out of embarrassment; did he think he could fool him?

In the following days, both Gu Siyuan and Xie Xuan became busier than usual.

Especially Xie Xuan, who originally planned to settle the score with Gu Siyuan later, but ended up swamped with work.

Xie Xuan held a nominal position in the Ministry of Rites, but everyone knew he was the de facto decision-maker.

The negotiations for the alliance with the Northern Borders were primarily handled by the Ministry of War and the Ministry of Rites.

The negotiations often started amicably but ended in discord.

Though the people of the Northern Borders appeared rough, they were cunning negotiators, continuously making tiny, even one- or two-word changes to the thin paper of the agreement.

But in the end, it was related to the lives of thousands of civilians.

By the end of July, there were still some details that were difficult to finalize, such as the annual tribute and so on.

This went on for several days.

One day, perhaps after receiving some news, the Northern Border King became urgent.

The next day, the Northern Border King proposed to hold an exchange conference, to ease the tension temporarily, and to find a brave warrior to be the consort for his princess. The negotiations would continue after the exchange conference.

It was decided this way.

However, what was said to be an exchange conference was actually a way to show off their might to the Liang.

The Northern Border people are fierce and brave, regardless of age or gender, everyone is a soldier.

In terms of single combat capability, Liang is somewhat inferior. However, Liang is rich in resources and people. If single combat doesn’t work, they overwhelm with numbers, which the Northern Border can never catch up with.

For safety reasons.

The exchange conference was arranged at the royal drill ground not far from the imperial city.

A few days in advance, Gu Siyuan led people to check the defense situation around.

At this moment, at the entrance of the drill ground, a respectful salutation was heard.

“Greetings, Your Highness the Sixth Prince.”

Xie Xuan worked in the Ministry of Rites, and this time, the task of hosting the Northern Border King was the responsibility of the Ministry of Rites and the Honglu Temple. It was reasonable for him to come and inspect.

The two met face to face.

Xie Xuan raised his eyes and sneered, “General Gu is also here?”

Gu Siyuan ignored him.

However, Xie Xuan left after speaking, walked around a few times, and although it was just early autumn, the autumn tiger was quite fierce. Xie Xuan, who was always pampered, soon had beads of sweat on his forehead.

Since he wasn’t really there to inspect, after pretending for a while, he went into a nearby tent to rest.

After Gu Siyuan finished inspecting, he instructed his subordinates, “Follow the rules I mentioned for patrolling. If anyone dares to disobey or leave alone, report it immediately.”

The deputy general nodded, “Yes.”

Xie Xuan was lying in the tent with his eyes closed for a while when he felt the tent flap move, bringing a slight breeze.

He listened to the footsteps and mumbled with his eyes closed, “After not seeing you for more than ten days, what do you want from me now?”

Gu Siyuan raised his hand and gently flicked his nose, saying indifferently, “Then I shall take my leave.”

Xie Xuan immediately opened his eyes, grabbed the hem of the person’s clothes in front of him with his slender wrist, and glared at him fiercely, “Gu Xun, is this your attitude towards me?”

Gu Siyuan’s lips slightly curved, and he sat down on the couch beside him, saying indifferently, “Is Your Highness angry already? I was just joking.”

“…” Xie Xuan.

This detestable man.

He half-raised his body, rested his head heavily on Gu Siyuan’s leg, not caring about the heat at all.

When going out, Xie Xuan’s tent was very simply furnished.

A big bed, and then a soft couch, a desk, and such.

Gu Siyuan picked up the folding fan on the small table by the soft couch, ready to cool them down, but squinted his eyes, “This fan looks familiar?”

He remembered that the first time he went to the Sixth Prince’s mansion, he was wearing a crane cloak and carrying a folding fan. In the end, he left the crane cloak for this ungrateful person, but took the folding fan back, which was now still on the desk in his study.

But this one was exactly the same.

Xie Xuan’s ears turned slightly red, and he deliberately hummed, “You’re so particular, what’s so special about a broken fan? If you like it, I’ll give you ten or eight of them.”

Gu Siyuan gave him a cold glance, picked up a brush from the table, and slowly wrote a few words on the fan.

Xie Xuan, who pretended not to care, now couldn’t help but sneak a peek.

Gu Siyuan just finished writing, and the fan had a simple sketch of a person. Although it was just a few strokes, it clearly resembled Xie Xuan, very vivid.

At the end of the fan, there were two small characters ‘Xie Xuan,’ the style was impressive and vigorous.

Xie Xuan wanted to take the folding fan, but was stopped.

He glared at him, “Is General Gu’s family so poor that you have to snatch my folding fan?”

Gu Siyuan raised an indifferent eyebrow, “Didn’t Your Highness say you could give me ten or eight of them? Just a moment ago, you’re already going back on your word?”

“…” Xie Xuan.

So annoying.

This person just bullies him.

Gu Siyuan, seeing his face not sunburned but slightly red from anger, thought he had bullied him enough, handed over the fan and said, “A sword for a hero, a fan for a beauty.”

Xie Xuan immediately smiled with joy, cherished the fan, but still stubbornly said, “How dare you say give, is this fan yours? It’s clearly mine.”

Gu Siyuan slightly lifted his eyelids, his dark eyes swept over him.

“…” Xie Xuan shivered slightly, guilty but also a bit expectant, “What do you want to do to me? I won’t give in…”

“…” Gu Siyuan.

He hadn’t even said anything?

I see you want it badly.

Gu Siyuan didn’t hesitate, grabbed his fair wrist, pressed him onto the couch, and kissed him.

He wanted to taste if this mouth was as tough as his words.

“Mm…” Xie Xuan hummed lightly.

After a while, Gu Siyuan got up, poured a cup of tea, and sat aside, slowly drinking it.

Xie Xuan, with his clothes slightly disheveled, lay on the couch, panting, his lips moist and red.

He glanced up, seeing Gu Siyuan sitting so straight and calm, felt a sudden surge of anger. Would he never be able to turn the tables in his life…

The more he thought, the angrier he got.

Xie Xuan shook the folding fan angrily to cool his face.

But after a while, the pampered Sixth Prince felt his hand sore, immediately called out, “Gu Xun?”

Gu Siyuan handed over the cup, said indifferently, “Have a sip?”

Xie Xuan nodded, and like a little duck, drank the cup of slightly cool tea bit by bit.

Then, he shoved the folding fan he had just snatched back and said, “You fan me. It’s all because of you that I’m so hot.”

Gu Siyuan took the folding fan, seemingly quite helpless, and said, “I did not know Your Highness was so sensitive. How will this be in the future?”

“…” Xie Xuan.

Not a good person at all.

Gu Siyuan did not argue with him any further and began to fan him casually.

Xie Xuan hummed contentedly, kicked off his long boots and white socks with force, rolled up his sleeves to reveal his slender white arms, and with his collar already in disarray, he lazily half-leaned on the couch, feeling the cool breeze.

Gu Siyuan fanned him and looked at him for a moment, not having any inappropriate thoughts, but rare to joke, said, “Your Highness, do you know what you look like right now?”

Xie Xuan lazily glanced at him, raised his hand to brush aside the stray hair on his forehead, and then hummed, “What do I look like?”

Even more like it.

Gu Siyuan raised an eyebrow and said indifferently, “Not at all like a proud and noble prince, but like one of those concubines in the harem who have nothing to do all day and laze around.”

“…” Xie Xuan.

Can this person say anything nice?

After a while, he lifted his eyelids, his jade-white toes gently brushing against Gu Siyuan’s back, and said in a soft voice, “If I were a concubine in the harem, then what would General Gu be? A little eunuch in my palace, or the king who abandons me before my beauty fades…”

This was extremely inappropriate.

Even though Xie Xuan was a prince, he shouldn’t speak such insolent words.

However, Gu Siyuan wasn’t a proper person either.

He grabbed the slender, cold ankle at his back, leaned down slightly, and in a deep, magnetic voice, whispered with warm breath on Xie Xuan’s face and neck, “I am neither a eunuch nor a king. I am the cousin who grew up with you. When you were chosen to enter the palace, I couldn’t bear to part with you and joined the palace guards. So, every night when no one is around, in dark and quiet corners, we would whisper sweet nothings, our passion blazing. When the night patrol passed by, I would cover your mouth…”

“…” Xie Xuan.

This is too vivid.

He felt a rush of heat straight to his lower abdomen.

He quickly pushed away the tall figure over him, and said furiously, “You look so serious, but you speak such nonsense.”