8

 “What the hell?!”

Even someone as highly skilled in acting as Jing Xuan couldn’t help but widen his eyes in shock, frozen in place after hearing this sudden torrent of heartfelt words.

The nearby troupe members, who had never seen much of the world, were completely dumbfounded.

Prince Xiangding’s most beloved concubine?

Ran away because she hated Prince Xiangding?

Yet instead of blaming her, Prince Xiangding not only sent the Silver Crane Guards in full force to search but even publicly confessed his deep love?

—

"What a spectacular drama! What an entangled love and hate!"

"What an exhilarating twist!"

The troupe leader, as if seeing a golden opportunity to revive their struggling opera house, immediately lit up with excitement. He whipped out paper and brush, scribbling furiously, eagerly noting down this stroke of literary inspiration.

Meanwhile, the other young women in the troupe stood frozen in place, staring at the two figures on stage with shattered worldviews.

Prince Xiangding?

A beloved concubine?

Prince Xiangding actually has a concubine?!

For the past eight years, throughout all of Chang’an, if there had been a ranking of the most desirable men, Prince Xiangding would be second only because no one dared to claim first place.

The reason was simple, everyone knew that Prince Xiangding was not only noble and refined, as elegant as frost, but also highly skilled in both the civil and military arts, holding immense power and influence. His character was as profound and steadfast as towering mountains, his demeanor as radiant and untouchable as the moon.

With such unparalleled talent, appearance, status, and authority, he still remained pure and disciplined, a paragon of virtue.

All these years, his life had revolved solely around matters of state. He had never indulged in excess, never sought pleasure, and there had never been even the faintest rumor of him visiting places of leisure or becoming entangled with any woman.

He was like a steadfast pine amidst the winter frost, a lone crane soaring high above worldly temptations.

Because of this, he had become the ideal match for countless women in their boudoirs.

After all, what woman wouldn’t want to marry a man who was handsome, virtuous, powerful, and most importantly someone they never had to worry about straying outside?

But now… it seemed that while this dream-like man truly did not indulge in flowers.

He might have set his sights elsewhere instead!

And that "elsewhere" seemed particularly hard to handle.

"Gu Fang! You—"

Jing Xuan finally snapped out of his shock, his face burning as he clenched his teeth and raised his sword.

The blade’s cold gleam was just about to slice through the pale skin of Gu Fang’s throat.

Yet, gripping the hilt tightly, Jing Xuan couldn’t bring himself to move an inch closer.

Because he had no idea where to even begin cursing.

Gu Fang’s subordinate’s absurd speech was clearly ridiculous nonsense, completely unfounded.

But at the same time, it also wasn’t.

It was a clear indication that after Xie Buzi’s outburst earlier, Gu Fang had decided to go along with it, using this "searching for an escaped concubine" excuse to cover up the Silver Crane Guards’ true mission.

This meant that the Silver Crane Guards hadn’t found anything useful in Golden Jade Pavilion.

If Jing Xuan were to expose Gu Fang’s ruse in front of everyone now, the excuse would fall apart. Gu Fang’s military mobilization would lose its justification, leading to speculation and unrest from all sides, and the hidden masterminds behind Golden Jade Pavilion would only become more vigilant.

In other words,

This utterly ridiculous, absurd, and shameless act,

Not only did he have to play along, but he had to do it twice in one day.

Jing Xuan seriously suspected that Gu Fang had done this on purpose.

But whether or not it was intentional, given the bigger picture, as the son of heaven, he had no other choice.

Jing Xuan’s slender, pale fingers tightened, a flush of deep red creeping up his skin. His expression was hidden behind layers of powder, unreadable, but the faint grinding of his teeth betrayed the seething rage in his voice.

"That’s right, I hate you."

"So if you have the guts, kill me!"

His words were utterly provocative.

Yet, Gu Fang’s sorrowful expression only grew calmer and more indifferent. “But you already know… even if I were to die, I would never let you suffer the slightest harm.”

As soon as he finished speaking, the surrounding women instantly clutched their chests.

“Oh my god, he’s so devoted! I’m so moved!”

Jing Xuan, the very one being "gazed at with deep affection": “...???”

Were these people blind?!

Gu Fang’s eyes were so cold, it could probably freeze a pig dead for the New Year.

What did this have to do with deep affection?!

Mid-Autumn Festival was coming—could they at least be sane?!

“Then go die!”

Jing Xuan snapped, unable to bear it any longer, blurting out his true thoughts.

But Gu Fang wasn’t the least bit angry. He remained as composed and serene as ever.

“If that would make you happy, then I shall die.”

With that, he took a step forward.

His chillingly pale skin brushed against the edge of the blade, and in an instant,

Crimson blood gushed forth.

Jing Xuan panicked on the spot, shouting, “Gu Fang, are you insane?!”

Gu Fang remained unfazed, gazing at him calmly.

“I’m not insane,” he said, “You know this if it were for you, I have never feared death. But if I die, then who in this world will be left to protect you in my stead?”

His every word was spoken gently, unhurriedly, and without force. His eyelashes merely lowered faintly.

Yet among the gathered onlookers, several had already covered their mouths, silently sobbing in emotion.

Jing Xuan: “…”

Were these people sick?!

Gu Fang spoke again.

“And just now, you were so anxious for me… that proves, Ah Sui, that in your heart, you still care for me.”

Ah Sui.

That was the name given to him by his late mother, who had wished for him to be blessed with autumn’s peace and winter’s joy, to live a lifetime of safety and well-being.

Only the most intimate of people had ever known it.

After the deaths of the emperor and empress, it was a name he had barely heard again.

It had been so long since Gu Fang had last called him that, so long that Jing Xuan couldn’t even remember when.

And because of that, the moment Gu Fang lowered his gaze toward him, Jing Xuan couldn’t meet his eyes.

All he could do was avert his gaze in a fluster, snapping back in guilt, “Who’s anxious for you?! Stop flattering yourself! I just don’t want to die with you! And I have hands and feet. I don’t need your protection! Even if I die, I will never go back with you!”

Jing Xuan tried to sound righteous and firm.

But his naturally easy-to-redden ears… had already betrayed him.

Gu Fang’s tone remained mild.

“With your beauty if you were to fall into the brothels, have you considered what would happen?”

Jing Xuan: “?”

Gu Fang: “Even if you don’t care for yourself… would you not at least think of your old, loyal servant?”

Jing Xuan: “??”

Before he could react, a familiar figure was suddenly escorted out by two soldiers.

Fuchang—his elderly servant was holding an armful of rouge powders, pastries, and candy figurines as he was “politely” dragged out.

Upon seeing Jing Xuan, he grinned sheepishly.

“Ah… Young Mistress, this old servant got a little too excited shopping… and uh, well, I didn’t notice until it was too late… Hehe…”

Fuchang smiled so kindly, so foolishly.

Jing Xuan: “…”

“Gu Fang! You despicable bastard!”

With fury boiling over, Jing Xuan pressed his sword to Gu Fang’s throat once more.

Gu Fang did not refute him. "But rest assured, even if one day you are gone, the young servant who helped you escape. I will personally see to his burial. He will not be left exposed in the wilderness."

Hua Ting’s "Body" immediately trembled.

Jing Xuan: "..."

Why was his entire servant in Zichen Hall full of the old, weak, sick, and disabled?!

“Fine! You win! Let them go, and I’ll go back with you!”

Jing Xuan threw down his sword, looking as if he had finally conceded.

With a single gesture from Gu Fang, the soldiers released their grip. Fu Chang and Hua Ting quickly scurried behind Jing Xuan for cover.

Jing Xuan led them, storming toward the carriage prepared by the Silver Crane Guards.

Then, the moment he stepped out of the theater’s gates,

"Run!"

With that command, he lifted his robes, took a long stride forward,

—only to be yanked back by the collar and seized by the wrist.

The world spun before he even registered what had happened, he was already thrown onto Gu Fang’s horse.

Jing Xuan blinked in disbelief, staring at the suddenly elevated street view and the dangerously close face before him.

Gu Fang sighed helplessly. “Beloved consort, you truly insist on refusing the wine only to drink the penalty.”

With that, he tightened his legs,

The horse shot forward like an arrow.

Jing Xuan, caught off guard, instinctively clutched the front of Gu Fang’s robes.

“Gu Fang! Galloping through the market. You really are insane!”

But Gu Fang seemed to be enjoying this madness.

The fierce wind whipped past them, and beneath the dark sky, his black cloak billowed wildly.

Just like before, the person in his arms would tightly grip his lapels, emotions spilling forth before they could be hidden.

Back then, they had both still been carefree children.

Back then, their fights and quarrels had all been mere games.

Now, however… the boy in his arms had already grown into a man with strong bones.

And he himself… no longer had the freedom to gallop recklessly through the city.

But after all these years of duty, taking advantage of state affairs for one moment of indulgence shouldn’t be considered a crime.

Gu Fang finally spoke.

“Don’t worry. The Silver Crane Guards cleared the streets in advance, no civilians will be harmed. Besides, if I don’t act wildly enough tonight, how else will I give those noble families a reason to impeach me? And how else would His Majesty take this chance to strip me of power?”

Jing Xuan, half-buried in Gu Fang’s robes, lifted his head.

Gu Fang, however, wasn’t looking at him.

"The Jiangnan case was investigated in complete secrecy, only top officials knew about it. Yet, even after searching Golden Jade Pavilion, we found no trace of the embezzled silver."

Jing Xuan asked, “Are you saying the mastermind behind Golden Jade Pavilion is among those high officials?”

"Perhaps one of them. Perhaps two. Or perhaps… even those officials are merely pawns. Nothing is certain yet."

"That’s why tonight, Your Majesty must play along as my concubine."

"And see the bet with Xie Buzi through to the end."

One of Gu Fang’s hands held the reins; the other firmly encircled Jing Xuan’s waist.

Jing Xuan, however, didn’t even notice.

Because in that instant, he understood.

The embezzled silver from Jiangnan—the lowest estimated amount was at least several hundred thousand taels.

Even if only half of it had been transported to Chang’an, it was still an enormous sum.

If the money had truly passed through Golden Jade Pavilion, it could only be hidden for so long.

After today’s raid, Golden Jade Pavilion would have no choice but to speed up its movements.

And with his and Xie Buzi’s wager amounting to over a hundred thousand taels, that sum was enough to mix a portion of the stolen silver into the bet.

Once it was distributed to the twenty thousand refugees in the western outskirts, the immense volume of transactions would ensure that the money quickly spread throughout the capital and beyond.

Then, tracing the origins later will become even more difficult.

By then, the silver notes that Xie Buzi lost to him would have already become clean money in Golden Jade Pavilion’s hands, free to be used for any purpose.

Such a rare, delivered-on-a-platter opportunity for money laundering. Golden Jade Pavilion could not possibly remain unmoved.

This was also why Jing Xuan had insisted that Xie Buzi exchange the gambling stake into silver ingots and distribute them to the refugees.

One reason was to rob the rich and aid the poor, using that fat cat’s money to alleviate some of the burden on the Jingzhao Office.

The other was to create an opportunity for Golden Jade Pavilion to tamper with the funds. After all, the more they acted, the more mistakes they would make, making it easier to spot a flaw.

But why must it be under the identity of Gu Fang’s favored concubine?!

“Do you take those people for blind or stupid?

Even if I wasn’t recognized tonight, their spies would identify me later. Wouldn’t that be exposing myself without a fight?”

Jing Xuan refused to believe that Gu Fang hadn’t thought of this.

Sure enough, Gu Fang calmly replied,

“His Majesty is a man, while my beloved concubine is a woman. How could anyone recognize them as the same person?”

Jing Xuan: “?”

Gu Fang: “By tomorrow, all of the Eastern Market will be buzzing with tales of how my beloved concubine dressed as a man to escape from the prince’s manor, then disguised herself as a woman to hide.

Not only did I mobilize the Silver Crane Guards, but I nearly killed myself for ‘her.’ In the end, I even took ‘her’ galloping through Chang’an, throwing away all decorum, madly in love to the point of life and death.”

Jing Xuan: “???”

Dressing as a man and then disguising as a woman?!

“What kind of nonsense are you spouting?! I am a dignified man, standing tall at seven feet, mighty and valiant, exuding masculine strength

Which eye of yours sees anything remotely resembling a woman disguised as a man?!”

Jing Xuan was practically fuming.

Gu Fang, however, remained unbothered.

“His Majesty need not worry. You are slender and beautiful, peerless in elegance. Even the goddess of the Luo River would pale in comparison. There is no need to fret.

Moreover, my Silver Crane Guards have been trained for years. When it comes to spreading rumors, they are quite skilled. So, His Majesty need not overthink this matter.”

“You—!!”

Before Jing Xuan could vent his fury, Gu Fang continued,

“Only by making my actions seem truly reckless can I lure them into filing a report against me.

Then, His Majesty may seize the opportunity to reprimand me, place me under house arrest in the prince’s manor for a month, and reclaim the Silver Crane Guards’ command.

This way, the waters will be muddied enough. Whether we can catch any fish will depend on His Majesty’s acting skills.”

“And since His Majesty was willing to accompany me in that performance at the teahouse earlier, I believe it must be out of concern for the people of Jiangnan.

Surely, His Majesty will not refuse.”

As Gu Fang spoke, he gave a slight tug on the reins, bringing the white horse to a halt.

Lowering his gaze to Jing Xuan, his expression was one of rare openness and clarity—something Jing Xuan had not seen in a long time.

His eyes were too close, making Jing Xuan’s heart stir.

Gu Fang was actually willing to hand over the Silver Crane Guards’ command?

Did he trust him that much?

…No.

That was because even if Gu Fang relinquished the command token, the Silver Crane Guards—top to bottom—would only listen to him alone!

Jing Xuan quickly snapped back to his senses, shoving Gu Fang away with a fierce glare.

“Bullshit! I don’t understand a single word you’re saying! What performance? What Jiangnan? I know nothing of it!

And there is no way, absolutely no way I would ever lower myself to play your so-called beloved concubine…" gurgle

Before he could finish, his stomach let out a long and drawn-out growl.

He froze in embarrassment.

Gu Fang, however, seemed unsurprised.

Lowering his lashes to hide the mirth in his eyes, he dismounted and extended a hand to Jing Xuan.

“If you don’t want to, that’s fine. I’ll take you to eat first.”

When he spoke, he did not say “We,” nor did he address Jing Xuan as “His Majesty.”

His tone was steady and calm, carrying a trace of indulgence that seemed to echo the carefree days of their youth, when they had wandered the streets together.

Jing Xuan: “…”

He was absolutely not falling for this!

He clenched his teeth, his will unwavering, and declared firmly,

"Rest assured! Even if I starve to death today, I will never share supper with you. You lawless, insolent, heartless, and treacherous dog who dares to humiliate your emperor!"

---

"Smells amazing!"

Jing Xuan picked up a plump, steaming hot wonton, lifted it with the broth, and sent it straight into his mouth. The thin, delicate wrapper instantly melted on his tongue, while the fresh, tender filling and the rich, savory bone broth enveloped his entire tongue.

The smoothness of the wrapper, the umami of the filling, and the fragrance of the broth intertwined, carrying the fresh warmth of just-cooked food. On this slightly chilly early autumn night, it brought Jing Xuan immense comfort and solace.

"Xue Zhan’er, after all these years, your wontons are still the best, even better than the finest imperial chefs in the palace!"

Jing Xuan, completely unconcerned about the fact that he was still dressed in women's clothing, buried his head in his meal, his cheeks puffed up round.

Beside him, a woman was hanging up a "Temporarily Closed" sign. Upon hearing his words, she couldn’t help but laugh. "Your Highness, you flatter me. It’s merely that my wontons happen to suit your taste."

"Of course they do. Back when I was in the northern lands, my father and I loved eating yours the most."

Jing Xuan’s father, the former emperor had originally been an unfavored prince and was sent to the northern territories at an early age.

At that time, Xue Zhan’er’s wonton stall was just behind the royal residence in a small alley. Because of its delicious flavor, father and son would frequently visit, especially after his father stayed up late training. Those nights, he loved eating a warm bowl of wontons.

That was also how Jing Xuan became childhood playmates with Xue Zhan’er’s younger brother.

Later his grandfather, the emperor at the time began to dote solely on the crown prince and became superstitious, insisting on capturing young children as funeral sacrifices.

Xue Zhan’er’s younger brother had the perfect birth chart they sought and was nearly taken away until Jing Xuan’s father intervened, cutting down the imperial envoy sent to seize the child.

His grandfather was furious and immediately ordered the crown prince to lead an army to kill his father.

At the time, Grand Tutor Gu who treated his father like a son hosted a grand banquet with the senior ministers of the three councils. A man of patriotism, he could no longer endure such a foolish and cruel emperor or his heir. He took his own life on the spot, using his blood and sacrifice to awaken the buried patriotism of the imperial scholars.

Thirteen-year-old Gu Fang, guided by his grandfather’s disciples, fled the capital, clad in mourning clothes as he traveled day and night for a thousand miles to the northern territories. He brought not only a list of trustworthy officials but also the unwavering resolve of countless scholars who longed to serve their country.

That day, Jing Xuan’s father made his decision to rebel.

The father of the boy he had saved, in gratitude, enlisted in the army without hesitation and later perished beyond Yumen Pass.

At that time, Xue Zhan’er’s younger brother was only ten years old. Yet, he held no resentment. Instead, with his small frame, he knelt before Jing Xuan’s father.

He declared that he sought neither wealth nor riches.

He only wished to enter the capital to study, to place first in the imperial examination, to become the greatest official, and to serve the greatest emperor so that no child would ever again suffer as he and Gu Fang had, growing up fatherless.

Thus, on the day his father became emperor, he sent people to bring Xue family to the capital, set up a wonton stall for them in the alley behind Gu Fang’s princely residence, and arranged for the youngest son of the Xue family to study at the Imperial Academy.

Recalling this, Jing Xuan naturally asked, “Speaking of which, Qing Shu should be taking the spring examination next year, right?”

“Yes.” Xue Zhan’er’s expression immediately brightened with happiness at the mention of her youngest son. “He hasn’t been home for quite some time now. Studying day and night at the academy. He insists that he must win first place in the metropolitan exam next spring, and then, when the time comes, ask Your Majesty for the top scholar title as well. That way, he’ll achieve a grand slam of all three top titles!”

Xue Qingshu was naturally gifted and had always been diligent in his studies. Having already secured first place in the provincial exam, his ambition now made it clear—he had never forgotten his childhood vow.

But when he becomes the greatest official in the world, will I still be the greatest emperor?

Jing Xuan glanced at the women’s clothing on his body, then at his reflection in the wonton broth. Finally, his thoughts turned to the corruption case in Jiangnan that he didn’t even dare to investigate openly. A bitter smile unconsciously curled at his lips.

But before anyone could notice, he quickly replaced it with a lazy, flirtatious smirk.

“That won’t do. Qing Shu is good-looking, and I’ve been waiting for him to be a flower escort in my entourage when I ride through Chang’an, just to add some flair.”

Xue Zhan’er laughed. “No matter how good-looking Qing Shu is, he can’t compare to Your Majesty. Why would you need anyone else for that?”

“Well, that’s true.” Jing Xuan was completely unabashed. “I take after my mother, the most beautiful in the world.”

“Indeed.” Xue Zhan’er was happy to humor him, laughing as she wrapped wontons. “When my boy was little, he was so naïve. He saw how pretty Your Majesty was and thought you were a girl. He kept saying he wanted to marry Your Majesty when he grew up. Then, he got beaten up real good. Your Majesty told him that even if you were a girl, you’d never marry someone with skinny little legs like his. If you had to marry, you’d pick someone like your Young Uncle Gu Fang, a real man. That made my boy so mad he held a grudge against Prince Xiangding for years.”

“…That really happened?”

Gu Fang, who had been quietly picking out the coriander from Jing Xuan’s side dishes, finally looked up.

Jing Xuan, who was halfway through his wonton: "…"

“No!” He denied it instantly, without hesitation. “I would never say something so tasteless! You must be misremembering, Xue Zhan’er!”

But the tips of his ears had already turned the color of rouge.

Xue Zhan’er, however, looked completely serious. “Impossible! Back then, Your Majesty used to go on and on to Qing Shu about how handsome Young Uncle Gu was, how knowledgeable, how brave, how talented—praising him like there was no one else like him under heaven. You even said that if Young Uncle Gu were a girl, Your Majesty would make him empress. But since he wasn’t, Your Majesty would make him the highest-ranking official instead, so that every morning in court, he’d stand at the very front where Your Majesty could see him. Have you really forgotten?”

Jing Xuan, who absolutely had not forgotten, met Gu Fang’s gaze.

"…!"

He bolted.

Only to have Gu Fang seize his wrist in an instant. “So, in Ah Sui’s heart, there really is only me.”

Gu Fang’s tone was slow and languid, his expression taking on that familiar, fox-like seductiveness.

Jing Xuan shut his eyes in despair.

His reign as emperor ends here.

Today is an auspicious day.

The perfect time to drop dead.

🌸 Hiii, just a quick note! 🌸

1. Gu Fang's horse name is Zhao Ye Bai (照夜白) meaning "Illuminating Night White." 
2. Luo Goddess (洛神) is a divine figure from Chinese mythology. She symbolizes beauty, grace, and unattainable love.

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