Gu Fang looked at Jing Xuan. His gaze was plainly indifferent, yet he resembled a resentful housewife catching her philandering husband red-handed.
Jing Xuan almost got chills from that look.
"I am not! I didn't!"
He had no idea why he felt so guilty. He could only hurriedly lift the carriage curtain and look outside.
Then, sure enough, he saw a young man with decent looks, wearing a veiled hat, desperately trying to break through the imperial guards' blockade. He cried out toward the imperial carriage with deep sorrow:
"Your Majesty! Your Majesty! I am Yu He! Have you forgotten Xie Yuhe at the end of Zhangtai Alley? Your Majesty! I see you! Why won’t you acknowledge me, Your Majesty?!"
Xie Yuhe, my ass!
Even with the veiled hat, Jing Xuan instantly recognized him from that unmistakable air of gaudy flirtation. This man was none other than Xie Buzi.
And Xie Buzi’s words made it clear, he had recognized Jing Xuan as Consort Xuan.
To avoid exactly this kind of situation, Jing Xuan had deliberately ordered the carriage walls to be thickened, and Hua Ting was dressed completely differently from that day at the gambling den. What kind of damned eyes did Xie Buzi have to recognize him so quickly and even slap such a ridiculous label on him?!
Jing Xuan was on the verge of exploding. "Bring him into the carriage!"
Outside, Fu Chang hesitated. "But wouldn't this be bad for Your Majesty's reputation?"
"What reputation do I even have left?!" Jing Xuan was grinding his teeth. "Besides, letting him spout nonsense about me out there, does that do any good for my reputation?!"
Well, that was true.
Fu Chang glanced at the pitifully sobbing Xie Yuhe, then at the murmuring crowd and finally at the officials whose expressions were turning increasingly difficult to describe.
With a sigh, he hurried forward and dragged the tearful Xie Buzi into the imperial carriage.
As Xie Buzi climbed aboard, Gu Fang had already put on a light pink veiled hat and was peeling walnuts for Jing Xuan, exuding an air of "serving with beauty."
Xie Buzi didn’t pay much attention to him. He simply removed his own veiled hat, grinned at Jing Xuan, and said, "So it really is Your Majesty."
Jing Xuan fumed at the sight of him. "Kneel and pay your respects!"
Thankfully, Xie Buzi knew when to yield. "Fine, fine, kneeling, kneeling."
He actually knelt, but his expression showed no fear or reverence. Instead, he had the audacity to shamelessly say, "I never expected Your Majesty to truly be as beautiful as the rumors say."
Jing Xuan’s ears turned red. "You—!"
"Ow!"
Before Jing Xuan could scold him in embarrassment, Xie Buzi suddenly clutched his stomach and collapsed. "Ahhh, pain! Pain! Pain!"
"?"
Jing Xuan glanced sideways in confusion.
Only to see Gu Fang calmly picking up another walnut, unfazed as he said, "Apologies, my hand slipped."
"???"
How could that kind of strength be an accident?!
He looked at Jing Xuan, his eyes full of grievance, shock, and fury.
Jing Xuan turned away, coughed lightly against his lips, and said, "It’s just a mere walnut, and you're already in so much pain? What kind of man are you?"
Xie Buzi: "???"
Demonic consort! A full-fledged demonic consort!
Fatuous ruler! A full-fledged fatuous ruler!
Great Yan is really doomed!
"Your Majesty! This humble subject came to pledge allegiance! How can you allow a mere member of the harem to humiliate me like this?!" Xie Buzi may have been shameless, but he still had a shred of dignity, and he was utterly humiliated.
But he shouldn’t have spoken because the moment he did, Jing Xuan got even angrier. "If I hadn’t realized you were here to pledge allegiance, your head would already be rolling! If you’re here to defect, then defect properly. Why the hell are you ruining my reputation?!"
Back at the Golden Jade Pavilion, the ones who had interacted closely with him were none other than Liu Chou’er and Xie Buzi. That these two recognized him wasn’t surprising.
The key was that after recognizing him, Xie Buzi had come straight to acknowledge him. That alone proved that, at least for now, Xie Buzi wasn’t aligned with any faction in Chang’an.
Coupled with his earlier attempts to direct attention toward the Golden Jade Pavilion, Jing Xuan concluded that Xie Buzi definitely had something important to report, something he wanted to report only to the emperor himself.
Otherwise, Jing Xuan would have long since had him chopped up and fed to the dogs!
"So, if you have something to say, say it! If you need to fart, then fart!"
If he didn’t make himself clear, he’d still be dog food!
Jing Xuan had already made up his mind.
Xie Buzi also realized that the person in front of him was no longer the playful and teasing Young Master Xuan or Consort Xuan but the true emperor, the one who held the power of life and death.
So he immediately adjusted his expression and solemnly said, "This humble subject, Xie Buzi. Birth name Xie Liu, courtesy name Buzi. I am the youngest son of the Xie family from Shu. I am twenty-two years old and have spent many years studying abroad. When I returned home this year, I discovered that several Jiangnan merchants were purchasing my family’s silk at prices far above the market rate.
"But Jiangnan is famous for Su embroidery, while my family produces Shu embroidery. Even if we exported our goods, there was no reason for them to be sold at such a high price. Suspicious, I investigated further and found that these Jiangnan merchants all had government ties. The Shu silk they bought in bulk was then funneled to the southwestern border tribes, and the money from the sales was deposited under the name of Prince Rui’s manor in my family’s bank.
"After several more transactions, all of this silver was withdrawn. Its purpose completely unknown. And it just so happens that this year, the taxes and corvée labor in the southwestern territories have suddenly doubled.
"I found this extremely concerning. But my only relative in office is a distant cousin, a mere eighth-rank petty official, utterly insignificant. With no other options, I had to muster the courage to come to Chang’an in search of a powerful figure who could investigate this case thoroughly."
That was why the incident at the Golden Jade Pavilion had happened.
Jing Xuan had to admit Xie Buzi, despite his flamboyant aesthetic and over-the-top behavior, did have a fair bit of courage and ability.
His expression turned cold. "How much silver are we talking about?"
"Three hundred thousand taels."
Three hundred thousand taels again.
There were already three hundred thousand taels that had flowed into Chang’an to be laundered. Another three hundred thousand taels had already been cleaned in Shu. And then there were the three hundred thousand taels sent to the northern border that had disappeared along the way.
That meant nearly a million taels had been devoured. And despite this, taxes and corvée labor were still being increased.
Could it be that Prince Rui was truly getting restless?
For years, he had endured. Why was it that this year, he suddenly couldn’t sit still anymore? Why go so far as to create such a massive disturbance, forcing even Jing Xuan, all the way in Chang’an, to take notice?
Jing Xuan narrowed his eyes, then said coldly, "But the entire nation knows I am nothing more than a useless, incompetent ruler. What’s the point of telling me this?"
"This humble subject has spent years traveling and studying. I have no other great skills, but I am exceptionally good at reading people. Due to previous rumors, I did not trust Your Majesty, and thus never sought to pledge allegiance. But I have witnessed Consort Xuan's actions with some careful restraint yes, but still undeniably intelligent. And today, upon recognizing that Your Majesty is indeed Consort Xuan I naturally understand Your Majesty’s true nature."
A smart man indeed.
Yet the coldness at the corners of Jing Xuan’s lips deepened. "And how do I know you are not a planted pawn? What reason do I have to trust you?"
As if anticipating this, Xie Buzi presented a seal. "This is my family's seal. With it, one can withdraw any amount of silver from any bank in the empire, as long as the total does not exceed one million taels at a time."
Jing Xuan took the seal without hesitation and tossed it outside. "Go test it."
A hidden figure responded, "Yes."
Jing Xuan then asked, "Are you aware of the consequences if you have bet on the wrong person by defecting like this?"
Xie Buzi didn’t even think before answering, "My entire family will die."
"Yet you remain so resolute?"
"Since ancient times, scholars, farmers, artisans, and merchants those who possess wealth invite disaster upon themselves. My Xie family’s wealth rivals that of the nation, yet we have no officials in court. If I do not place my bet on Your Majesty, then should turmoil arise, my family will still be doomed. No matter what, we die either way. But by pledging loyalty to Your Majesty, at least it will be in service to the country, our name will sound better in history."
The imperial carriage fell into silence, each person lost in their own thoughts.
Until the hidden figure finally returned with a report.
"Your Majesty, his identity is real, and the family seal is genuine."
Only then did Jing Xuan leisurely toy with the seal, lowering his eyes as he drawled, "Very well. Since that is the case, I shall temporarily accept your allegiance. As for what official position to grant you…"
Xie Buzi chuckled, "Why not grant me the title of imperial concubine? Just like when Your Majesty posed as Prince Xiangding’s beloved consort?"
The words had barely fallen when two pairs of eyes inside the carriage suddenly lifted to look at him.
Xie Buzi: "…"
How strange. For a moment, he seemed to glimpse his deceased grandmother.
It must have been an illusion.
Braving the chill that ran down his spine, Xie Buzi pressed on courageously, "Moreover, Your Majesty, although I do not know the exact nature of your relationship with Prince Xiangding, I can say with certainty that Prince Xiangding does not regard Your Majesty with mere loyalty. His gaze is far too complex. There must be deeper schemes at play. I urge Your Majesty to be cautious."
Jing Xuan remained silent.
Meanwhile, on Jing Xuan’s right, Consort Fang cracked a walnut with a sharp "snap."
Xie Buzi shivered involuntarily.
Wait a moment. What was this sudden, inexplicable killing intent? Could it be that merely hearing this name had triggered a murderous impulse in His Majesty?
It seemed that he had truly struck a nerve!
Seizing the opportunity, Xie Buzi pressed forward, "And besides, Your Majesty, there are already numerous scandalous storybooks about you and Prince Xiangding circulating in the streets. If you do not put a stop to it soon and drive him out of Chang’an, I fear it will be detrimental to your reputation as a wise ruler for generations to come!"
Jing Xuan only shifted his gaze away.
Xie Buzi: "?"
Had he not spoken persuasively enough?
The ever-serene Zhaoyi Fang, who had been peeling walnuts the whole time, suddenly placed a handful of clean, tender white walnut kernels into Jing Xuan’s palm. Then, dusting off his fingers, he asked, "Are you certain you want to be His Majesty’s beloved consort?"
Xie Buzi: "???"
Since when did a mere concubine have the right to speak?
"Your Majesty! Such a wicked—"
Then the "wicked consort" lifted his head, and the veil of his hat slid aside, revealing sharp, jade-like features beneath.
Xie Buzi: "…"
For a moment, he felt as though his great-grandmother had also arrived.
---
"You don’t want him to stay with the title of a consort, fine but you can’t just turn him into your eunuch!"
In the palace, Jing Xuan sat in the Zichen Hall, listening to the distant sound of pig-like wails. His brows furrowed, but he continued crunching on the walnuts that Gu Fang had peeled for him.
Gu Fang sat beside him, brewing tea with a devoted and gentle demeanor.
"This is all for Your Majesty’s sake. If you truly took him in as a consort, not only would it harm Your Majesty’s reputation, but it would also ruin the image of exclusive favor that Your Majesty has carefully cultivated. Then, those old ministers would seize the opportunity to interfere."
"That is true." Jing Xuan did not doubt him but still felt irritated. "But having him castrated in public. Isn’t that a bit too ruthless?"
Gu Fang replied calmly, "I am naturally jealous."
Jing Xuan: "?"
Gu Fang placed a cup of tea in front of him. "Xie Buzi must remain close to Your Majesty. Since he cannot be a consort, he must be a eunuch. Besides, this will serve as a warning to others, reinforcing my reputation as a jealous and favored consort. If anyone else wishes to offer themselves to Your Majesty, they will have to consider whether they have the same fate awaiting them. After all, it’s just an act. He won’t actually be castrated."
The reasoning made sense, but Jing Xuan still felt something was off.
"Even if it’s just an act, he should be my personal eunuch not yours!" Jing Xuan finally realized. He slapped the small pile of walnuts toward Gu Fang. "He’s an important figure, yet you insist on keeping him by your side. Just what are you planning?"
Jing Xuan naturally wanted to keep Xie Buzi under strict control. But for the sake of appearances, he had handed all matters of the inner court over to Gu Fang. And now, Gu Fang had done this.
At first, he hadn’t thought much of it, but now he realized Gu Fang had turned someone firmly in Jing Xuan’s camp into a shared pawn between them.
Such deep cunning!
"And now you even dare to scheme against me!"
Jing Xuan was furious, smashing a walnut into pieces.
Gu Fang had no idea how he had managed to offend him this time. No matter what he did, it always seemed to be twisted into something sinister.
But past misunderstandings had to be unraveled slowly. From now on, he didn’t want any more to arise.
So, he took Jing Xuan’s hand and carefully wiped away the walnut dust with a silk cloth. Then he spoke.
"Your Majesty overthinks. Your Majesty already has Hua Ting, who is youthful and naive, and Xue Qingshu, who is refined and talented. Now, with Xie Buzi, who is lively and flamboyant… I, on the other hand, am aging and fading. I do not wish for another person closer to Your Majesty than me."
His lashes lowered as he spoke slowly and steadily, yet sincerely. His movements remained gentle, meticulously cleaning Jing Xuan’s hand, just as he had cared for him in the past.
Jing Xuan’s first instinct upon hearing this was to refute it.
Gu Fang might have been a few years older, but what did that have to do with aging and fading?
Hua Ting was youthful and naive, but foolish.
Xue Qingshu was refined and talented, but sharp-tongued.
Xie Buzi was lively and flamboyant, but ostentatious.
Each had their own merits, but in his heart, none could compare to Gu Fang at twenty. Dressed in silver armor, spear in hand, riding into Chang’an with heroic valor, striking down the Crown Prince of Liang with a single thrust.
None could compare to Gu Fang at thirteen, bloodied yet fearless, cutting through enemy lines alone to bring him home.
None could compare to the Gu Fang of today who had endured countless separations, countless struggles for power, yet remained unwavering and steady, giving him a sense of security like no other.
And certainly, no so-called aging man could wear pink robes with such an air of fox-like charm!
What was Gu Fang thinking?
But just as he was about to argue, the words caught in his throat.
Wait, why was he about to argue?
And why was Gu Fang comparing himself to those others?
Jing Xuan had lived a clean and proper life, never entangled with any man. Even if he had been, since when did Gu Fang have to compete for favor?
"Gu Fang! Have you played this act so much that you’ve confused yourself? I—I—I have never, ever—"
Jing Xuan wanted to rebuke him sternly, but for some reason, a strange heat surged in his chest.
It wasn’t the burning desire from the love poison, it was something else. Something he couldn’t quite define.
Something unfamiliar, something unsettling.
Unable to describe the feeling, he could only snatch his hand back and stammer, "Who I keep at my side is none of your concern!"
With that, Jing Xuan bolted from the room, desperate to clear his head.
However, it seemed that Gu Fang also felt that burning sensation in his chest, like the stirrings of youthful infatuation, and he grabbed Jing Xuan's wrist in return.
"Your Majesty's ears are red. Could it be that you've caught a cold? Should we call for a physician?"
"I haven’t! It’s just that the charcoal fire in this hall is too hot. I need to step outside for some air!"
Jing Xuan’s heart was pounding in his chest, his thoughts still in turmoil after the inexplicable comparison he made earlier. His mind had clearly malfunctioned, and that’s why he had spoken like that to Gu Fang.
He desperately tried to pull his hand back.
But Gu Fang held on tightly, his voice soft and gentle, yet filled with sorrow, “Your Majesty, could it be that you truly despise my aging, fading beauty, and wish to seek a younger, more beautiful new concubine?”
“I haven’t! Which new concubine could be more beautiful than you?”
Hearing Gu Fang’s voice, filled with guilt-inducing tones, Jing Xuan couldn’t help but turn back, instinctively reacting to the "Gu Fang always asks, and I must always answer" reflex.
Only after answering did he realize what nonsense he had just said, and his ears and cheeks flushed with embarrassment.
“It’s the emotional poison talking!”
“Mm, I know.”
“You know nothing!”
With a light chuckle, Gu Fang, in the middle of Jing Xuan’s embarrassment and shame, was about to be pushed away.
But Jing Xuan’s foot slipped. Not only did he fail to push Gu Fang away, but he also watched in helpless surprise as Gu Fang pulled him back into his embrace.
“Thud!”
Jing Xuan sat squarely on Gu Fang’s lap, instinctively clutching Gu Fang’s neck. Just then, the sound of a watermelon rind falling to the ground was heard from the outer hall.
Jing Xuan turned sideways and saw, in the grand hall, Grand Consort was holding a watermelon in one hand, while holding the arm of the young concubine with her other hand empty.
The half-eaten watermelon fell from her hand, and the pink juice splattered, flowing down and staining the pale pink long robe of the young concubine.
Looking up further, the jade pendant on Jing Xuan’s neck swayed, catching the light.
Grand Consort who had finished most of the grand banquet preparations, glanced at the jade pendant on Jing Xuan’s neck, her lips parted as if to speak, but she hesitated.
After a moment of silence, she finally spoke.
“Your Majesty, I have a question, though I’m not sure if I should ask.”
“?”
“That jade pendant around your neck... Could it be the one that was said to have been personally handed down by Elder Gu, only given to the Gu family head mistress, the one with an unmatched value, the only one in the world, the genuine one, the White Crane Saluting the Sun jade pendant?”
"???"