FIMA Ch94: Tearing the Mask

The warm, soft sensation enveloped Xie Xuan from all sides, completely drowning his rationality.

He couldn’t tell if the warmth was from the hot spring beneath him or the towering figure above, working hard.

He didn’t know how long it had been. Xie Xuan’s voice was hoarse from shouting, having fallen asleep and been awakened countless times.

The crescent moon had gradually faded, and the first light of dawn was flickering in the eastern sky.

The cool breeze at the cliff top, combined with the warm spring water, brought boundless comfort.

Xie Xuan lazily laid on Gu Siyuan’s chest.

Gu Siyuan stroked his smooth, white back and said, “Your Highness still needs to continue recuperating. Why not practice with me every morning?”

“…” Xie Xuan listened drowsily.

Practice? Getting up early in the morning to practice? Why would he torture himself like that?

Was it just to be better… handled by you?

Normally, he would have jumped up and argued with Gu Siyuan endlessly, but at this moment, he could only hum hoarsely, “No, sleepy…”

Gu Siyuan frowned unhappily, but seeing the white body covered in marks, he softened.

He lowered his head and kissed the black hair of the person in his arms, then slapped the water lightly, using the rebounding force to lift them out of the spring.

Gu Siyuan grabbed the clothes hanging on the old plum tree and wrapped them both casually, then, following the same path, descended swiftly.

The mountain wind made their clothes flutter, moving as swiftly as a phantom.

In an instant, they had gone from the thousand-meter peak to the foot of the mountain, where the brightly lit camp reappeared.

Without alerting anyone, Gu Siyuan delivered Xie Xuan back to his tent.

The two of them had a pleasant night, but countless people down the mountain were sleepless.

The grand exchange meeting had taken a disastrous turn, causing turmoil both in the Northern Border and within Da Liang.

Regarding the investigation, Emperor Jianzhao personally arranged for the Court of Judicial Review to conduct an on-site interrogation. Additionally, Wang Chengying led the eunuchs from the Ministry of Rites to oversee it, arresting everyone who had interacted with the tiger in recent days. Everyone knew that these eunuchs were both ruthless and meticulous.

Once caught, one would be lucky to escape with just their skin intact.

In the central military tent.

Emperor Jianzhao had been silently sitting for a long time.

The scene kept replaying in his mind, where Xie Xuan ran to his side at the first sign of danger and later unhesitatingly shielded him from the tiger.

For a moment yesterday, he sincerely hoped Xie Xuan would survive.

Xie Huan, observing the emperor’s expression, had many thoughts racing through his mind.

He had to admit, Xie Xuan’s move yesterday was quite clever, causing their father to waver slightly.

However, it was only slight. Their father was inherently selfish and cowardly to the extreme. Throughout his life, besides the throne and his own mother, he had no genuine affection for anyone. Xie Xuan, hmph…

Xie Huan cleared his throat and cautiously called out, “Father?”

Emperor Jianzhao lifted his gaze, looking at the face that closely resembled his beloved’s under the lamplight. The resentment in his heart dissipated, and he spoke warmly, “I will handle the aftermath of this matter properly. However, has the person in the Sixth Prince’s residence not been found yet?”

Previously, he had heard from Xie Huan that Xie Xuan seemed to have noticed their schemes, so he secretly dispatched the Yulin Guard to monitor and investigate the Sixth Prince’s residence.

The Yulin Guard indeed discovered something.

Recently, the Sixth Prince’s residence had been very active, not only closely associating with various officials but also occasionally visited by a mysterious expert. However, despite the Yulin Guard’s elite members, they couldn’t track this expert, let alone identify who he was.

A sudden intuition made both Emperor Jianzhao and Xie Huan believe that this mysterious expert’s appearance was likely the reason behind Xie Xuan’s recent bold actions in court.

After all, Xie Xuan’s targeted moves were too precise and effective, suggesting he might have an intelligence network.

Xie Huan was particularly uneasy about this.

Setting aside the intelligence issue, such an elusive expert, whom even the Yulin Guard couldn’t handle, indicated that palace security could be breached at will. If Xie Xuan decided to take drastic measures, who could say if his life would still be his upon waking?

Where did Xie Xuan find such a person?

Therefore, Xie Huan had desperately convinced their father to implement the tiger plan.

One purpose was to pressure the calculating Northern Bordersmen into finalizing the alliance and possibly making concessions.

The second was to use this sudden incident to expose the mysterious expert in Xie Xuan’s residence and uncover more through the chain of connections.

To ensure the plan’s success, he suggested disguising the Yulin Guard as the imperial guards at the scene, ready to adapt to any changes.

Emperor Jianzhao hesitated only briefly before agreeing.

He already had little affection for Xie Xuan, and discovering Xie Xuan’s secret cultivation of forces and political maneuvering—a cardinal sin for an emperor—sealed the decision.

But…

Emperor Jianzhao furrowed his brow.

In last night’s crisis, the mysterious expert did not show up.

If not for Gu Siyuan’s timely arrival, Xie Xuan would indeed have…

The Yulin Guard was the emperor’s most trusted force, so he naturally didn’t doubt their reports. This could only mean that the mysterious expert didn’t follow to the training camp.

Although Xie Xuan’s unhesitating actions moved him, the existence of the mysterious expert and the intelligence network still made him uneasy.

Moreover, he recalled Xie Xuan’s unusually calm demeanor when leaving last night, suggesting that Xie Xuan probably had some suspicions.

Perhaps it was because his second son, Xie Kuan, had been feeding the tiger at the cage while he had Wang Chengying remind him; or perhaps it was the unusual movements of the disguised Yulin Guard when he shouted, “Protect the Sixth Prince!”

Even if Xie Xuan didn’t initially understand, he would surely deepen his suspicions upon reflecting on the previous sacrificial ceremony.

Sacrificial ceremony?

Emperor Jianzhao suddenly thought, given the mysterious expert’s unparalleled skills, which even the Yulin Guard couldn’t counter, perhaps only Gu Siyuan could handle this now.

Gu Siyuan was known for his integrity and had a promising future. He had not intended to involve him in such sinister matters, but circumstances left no choice.

Thus, Gu Siyuan, having just returned to his tent without closing his eyes, was summoned by Emperor Jianzhao and assigned an almost laughable task.

To monitor himself—a truly excellent assignment.

It only showed how well he had played his part, that even now, Emperor Jianzhao hadn’t suspected him.

Emperor Jianzhao said solemnly, “I had initially intended to give you some time to rest, but this matter is urgent and only you can handle it.”

Gu Siyuan, with a blank expression, bowed and said seriously, “It is my duty to alleviate Your Majesty’s concerns.”

Emperor Jianzhao nodded, “Yes, use your leave to act secretly, so as not to alert the enemy.”

“Understood,” Gu Siyuan replied.

When Xie Xuan fully awoke, it was already broad daylight, and he was lying safely in his original tent.

Previously, the attendants had called him several times without response, thinking the Sixth Prince was still shaken by yesterday’s tiger incident and didn’t dare disturb him.

Xie Xuan sat up halfway, reaching for the tea on the small table, but his overly sore waist and the strange feeling from behind made him pause.

The next moment, he saw a pair of large hands pick up the cup and bring it directly to his lips.

He leaned into the familiar, firm embrace, sipping the water slowly.

Gu Siyuan asked, “Want more?”

Xie Xuan shook his head.

Gu Siyuan was about to retract his hand and put down the cup.

The next moment, he felt a warm, wet sensation and a slight pain on his wrist.

Xie Xuan was biting him.

This little lion.

Gu Siyuan couldn’t be bothered to withdraw his wrist and simply watched Xie Xuan’s actions, saying, “Sixth Prince seems very energetic. It seems I was too soft-hearted yesterday. Seeing you cry nonstop, I let you off easily.”

“…” Xie Xuan was shocked.

Who cried nonstop?

And when did you let me off easily?

He only remembered that he had been exhausted to the point of passing out, waking up only to be tormented again, over and over, almost to the point of death.

“Next time…” Gu Siyuan’s words were interrupted by Xie Xuan’s eager voice.

“Ah, what are you saying? What next time?” Xie Xuan quickly let go of his wrist, gently kissed the bite mark, and looked up with a flattering smile, “General Gu, your hand is so beautiful that I couldn’t help but kiss it a few times. You don’t mind, do you?”

Gu Siyuan looked at him coldly and said slowly, “Of course, I don’t mind. I suppose you like my shoulder even more since it still has several clear bite marks.”

“…” Xie Xuan stared at him with his moist eyes.

No need to be like this.

Given their relationship, couldn’t he be more considerate?

Still bullying him?

Gu Siyuan pinched his soft cheek, “Sixth Prince is trying to act pitiful and cute again? But last night, your crying and acting cute were quite adorable, though ineffective.”

“No.” Xie Xuan denied loudly.

Mentioning last night made his waist hurt. He quickly changed the topic, “By the way, why are you here in broad daylight? Aren’t you afraid of being discovered?”

“Who would discover me?” Gu Siyuan’s expression was arrogant, then he continued, “Besides, there’s a small matter I need to tell you.”

Xie Xuan found a comfortable position, lazily leaning on his leg, playing with his hair, “What matter is it that made you come all the way here?”

Gu Siyuan briefly explained Emperor Jianzhao’s task.

After a while, Xie Xuan slightly turned to hug Gu Siyuan’s waist, his gaze deep, his voice drifting, “I see. No wonder such a scene happened. I thought he was really ready to finish me off.”

Gu Siyuan lifted Xie Xuan’s delicate chin, his expression serious, “I think the time is right.”

He wasn’t used to passively enduring attacks repeatedly, nor should the person he liked.

Moreover, he had been preparing for a long time.

In the past few months, he hadn’t been busy for nothing.

Xie Xuan looked up at him, smiling, “General Gu, what are you suggesting? You… want to rebel?”

“Why not?” Gu Siyuan’s expression remained unchanged.

He leaned down and whispered a few words in Xie Xuan’s ear.

Moments later, Xie Xuan’s eyes widened, his ears turning red.

This man, how could he think this way? Or rather, how dare he?

Their ancestors would jump out of their graves in rage.

The colder someone appeared on the outside, the more astonishing their thoughts tended to be. Perhaps pretending for too long had caused this.

But… it was indeed thrilling.

Xie Xuan looked at Gu Siyuan expectantly, “If we are to rebel, what’s the plan? Without a valid reason, it could be detrimental to us.”

Gu Siyuan’s eyes were sharp, but his tone was gentle, “Right now, you and the emperor are testing each other’s limits, waiting to reveal the truth. In that case, let’s make a big move, expose some truths, and see who breaks first. Is it the unloving father or the unfilial son?”

Seeing Gu Siyuan’s confident demeanor, Xie Xuan felt both soft and excited, purposely using a sweet tone, “Now that I belong to you entirely, of course, I will listen to you on such matters.”

“…” Gu Siyuan.

The little prince was quite the actor.

But holding him felt so right, the warmth and softness were intoxicating, making it hard not to be pleased with this notion.

“…” Xie Xuan.

Why did he feel like a sandbag?

They continued their intimate conversation, finalizing their plans for a potential change in dynasty with a few words.

Shortly after Gu Siyuan left the tent, Xie Xuan had just finished his lunch when Wang Chengying arrived.

He said that the sudden madness of the tiger last night had been investigated and the emperor wanted him to attend the hearing.

Xie Xuan put down his tea and looked at Wang Chengying with a half-smile, “I’ve heard this case was overseen by Chief Wang. It’s impressive that it was resolved overnight. The six ministries and the Court of Judicial Review aren’t worthy of your shoes.”

Wang Chengying shivered under his gaze and quickly said, “I don’t dare accept such praise from Your Highness. How could I compare to the ministers of the six ministries and the Court of Judicial Review? It’s just that His Majesty and Your Highness share a deep father-son bond, so he instructed me to be extremely diligent.”

Xie Xuan glanced at him, sneered, and nodded, “Let’s go then!”

When Xie Xuan arrived at the central military tent, not only were Emperor Jianzhao and the officials of Da Liang present, but also the delegation from the Northern Border, though Gu Siyuan was absent.

Emperor Jianzhao looked at Xie Xuan, “Xuan’er, you are here.”

Xie Xuan nodded, “Father.”

Emperor Jianzhao squinted his eyes. Indeed, there were suspicions.

Everyone else watched Xie Xuan’s expression, feeling puzzled.

Given that the Sixth Prince had risked his life for the emperor yesterday, the father-son relationship should have deepened. Why did they seem to be at odds now?

Strange, really strange…

After everyone had gathered, the officials of the Court of Judicial Review presented all the petitions.

According to the interrogation findings, this case had nothing to do with Da Liang’s internal affairs, nor with the Northern Border people, but was the result of the ambitions of the people from the grasslands.

They orchestrated all this to both attempt to assassinate Da Liang’s royalty and high officials, causing internal chaos in Da Liang, and to create a rift in the alliance between Da Liang and the Northern Border, achieving two goals with one effort.

As for the detailed process, there were petitions as evidence. The grassland people had infiltrated the Northern Border team, secretly feeding the tiger medicine, and once they reached Da Liang, they bribed palace servants with a large sum of money to put medicine that would attract the tiger into Xie Xuan’s wine.

The process was intricate and tumultuous, making it sound quite convincing.

This result satisfied everyone, both Da Liang and the Northern Border.

Even Xie Xuan was satisfied.

Yes, it was all the grassland people’s conspiracy. Now, the alliance between Da Liang and the Northern Border could proceed smoothly.

As for Emperor Jianzhao’s attempt to fool him, he wasn’t angry at all since he had already guessed it.

Since the sacrificial ceremony, he had no expectations of Emperor Jianzhao, and just before coming here, he had decided to confront Emperor Jianzhao.

Although he wasn’t angry, he still stood up and sneered, “Father, you are wise. Since the culprit has been found, I shall take my leave!”

Previously, he had to endure and pretend not to know anything; now, he had to fight back and see who would lose patience first.

“Xuan’er!” Emperor Jianzhao’s face changed, his eyes darkening.

Although he was moved by Xie Xuan’s actions last night, Xie Xuan’s current attitude was too presumptuous.

Xie Xuan ignored his anger, turning to leave as if he no longer cared about the future.

“Unfilial son!” Emperor Jianzhao was furious.

The tent was left with officials looking at each other in confusion. What was going on with these father and son?

Meanwhile, Xie Huan was secretly delighted.

Xie Xuan had made a foolish move. Did he think he could rely on last night’s events to act arrogantly?

The foolish Xie Xuan, after leaving the tent, immediately stretched his arms and yawned.

Tsk, there would be more opportunities to confront people in the future.

How satisfying.

Especially with someone backing him up.

The next day, the group took a detour back to the palace.

Due to the incident at the training ground, the Northern Border people did not resist any further after returning. They obediently signed the alliance document, agreed to some conditions they had previously refused, and then prepared to leave the capital.

However, before they left, there was still the matter of the Northern Border Princess’s marriage to be resolved.

Originally, the court officials thought the emperor would take the princess into the harem or marry her to his favored Sixth Prince.

After all, the princess represented the harmony between Da Liang and the Northern Border and should belong to the emperor or the future crown prince.

Unexpectedly, Emperor Jianzhao bestowed her in marriage to the Fourth Prince, Xie Huan.

This shocked everyone. What was the emperor thinking?

What was going on with this father and son?