I Rely on Beauty to Stabilize the Country - Chap 51
Xue Yuan recalled that this was a handkerchief he and Chang Yu had picked up in the lake a long time ago. After finishing the evening meal provided by the emperor from the palace, he absentmindedly took this handkerchief, which had been trampled underfoot by him, into the bathhouse and casually tossed it aside while bathing.
Only Xue Yuan and the cleaning servant entered this bathhouse, yet somehow this handkerchief inexplicably remained until now.
It belonged to Gu Yuanbai.
There was even a dragon pattern on it.
The scene of carelessly trampling on the handkerchief vividly replayed in Xue Yuan’s mind. His face changed as he looked at the dirt on it, forgetting to continue bathing. He strode over to the bathtub and began washing the handkerchief.
Xue Yuan, he thought, why did you have to step on a handkerchief of all things?
***
With the weather becoming hotter, fresh seasonal fruits were also placed on Gu Yuanbai’s dining table.
Gu Yuanbai had a weak constitution and couldn’t tolerate the cold or the heat. Now that the month had reached June, by the end of June or the beginning of July, he would have to move to the summer palace and spend the entire summer there.
Consort Wan would move in mid-June. The imperial physician had recently informed Gu Yuanbai that Consort Wan’s health condition seemed to have stabilized, and as long as she didn’t suffer a serious illness during this summer, she should be able to get through it.
Gu Yuanbai scolded the attendants by Consort Wan’s side and gave them instructions, and since then, this group of people had been even more cautious when serving Consort Wan.
The preparations for the trade route were likely to be completed by July or August, which would be the golden autumn season. By the time the trade route reached the border, it might already be September.
Autumn was a season of harvest for the Da Heng Dynasty, but nomadic tribes often chose to attack the border during this season.
Their warhorses were well-fed and robust, and their cavalry was formidable. They would take advantage of the Da Heng Dynasty’s grain harvest in autumn to invade the Central Plains and seize the winter’s entire food supply.
The timing was just right. While enjoying the fruits, Gu Yuanbai pondered that when he would be in the summer palace, the border should have already engaged in battle. The nomads would have no food throughout the winter and could only trade their valuables with the merchants. That would be the ideal situation.
Thinking about the border, Gu Yuanbai looked up at Xue Yuan and asked, “Captain Xue?”
Xue Yuan, lost in his thoughts, snapped back to attention and quickly stepped forward. “Your Majesty?”
“If I were to send you to the border, what would you do?” Gu Yuanbai asked.
Xue Yuan smiled coldly, far from friendly. “Exterminate them.”
This… was a bit problematic.
First and foremost, Gu Yuanbai had to consider the interests of the entire Da Heng Dynasty. Currently, the cavalry of the Da Heng Dynasty was unable to resist the nomadic tribes on the northern grasslands as a whole. With a scarcity of warhorses in the Da Heng Dynasty, the first step was to acquire the horses from the nomads. Once enough light and heavy cavalry were trained and transportation became convenient, then it would be the time to eliminate them and subjugate the northern frontier.
Therefore, what Gu Yuanbai wanted now was to frighten them, not to cultivate enmity.
Now was not the time for revenge; it would take at least two or three more years for that. At this moment, it was better to send a rational and broad-minded general to promote the establishment of mutual trade at the border.
Xue Yuan could wait until the time came to subjugate the northern frontier.
An experienced general who was familiar with both the nomads and the border, and possessed a composed character, flashed through Gu Yuanbai’s mind—General Xue.
Xue Yuan called out, “Your Majesty?”
Gu Yuanbai snapped back to attention and said directly, “But I don’t currently need you to exterminate them.”
Xue Yuan calmly responded, “I understand.”
But did His Majesty really mean to send him to lead the troops?
Xue Yuan’s heart skipped a beat.
He had almost gone crazy without seeing Gu Yuanbai for just one day. Now, the thought of not seeing him for two or three months made him want to take Gu Yuanbai away with him.
His mansion was so large, the border was vast, and he could afford to keep a delicate little emperor. Xue Yuan calculated his wealth and salary, and it seemed like it wouldn’t be impossible.
With a plan in mind, Gu Yuanbai asked Xue Yuan to step aside. The morning passed by with work, and when it was time for lunch, Tian Fusheng promptly reminded him. Gu Yuanbai had no choice but to put aside his official duties and had the meal served.
While he was eating, Xue Yuan stood nearby, observing. The Captain of the Imperial Guards noticed his gaze and cautiously approached, kindly saying, “Lord Xue, if you’re hungry, why not eat first?”
Xue Yuan stared at Gu Yuanbai’s lips, glistening with oil, his throat feeling itchy. He didn’t catch the words clearly and asked, “Hungry for what?”
The Captain of the Imperial Guards raised his voice a little, “If you’re hungry, then go eat.”
“Go eat?” Xue Yuan couldn’t move his eyes away, his voice hoarse. “Can I eat?”
Can his mouth eat?
“What can’t you eat?” The Captain of the Imperial Guards chuckled and felt that Xue Yuan reminded him to be wary of Chu Wei, making him a good person. “The palace’s food is delicious and abundant. You can eat as much as you want.”
“Eat as much as you want…”
Xue Yuan’s breath quickened, and he suddenly became tense, but his nervousness caused him to choke and emit a low cough.
Gu Yuanbai paused and gestured to the side, saying, “Get him a glass of water.”
A palace attendant brought a glass of water to Xue Yuan, who took a sip and finished it in one gulp. His peripheral vision caught a glimpse of Gu Yuanbai’s porcelain-like profile, and he became entranced once again.
How much money would a meal cost? Xue Yuan couldn’t help but calculate it in his mind. After the calculation, he realized that he could afford it. Unexplainably, Xue Yuan found himself smiling with satisfaction.
After lunch, Gu Yuanbai took a short nap.
When he woke up, it was exactly an hour later. Gu Yuanbai lay on the bed to clear his mind. There was some commotion outside, and when he raised his eyelids to look, he saw the door being opened.
Tian Fusheng said, “Your Majesty, it’s time.”
Gu Yuanbai made a muffled sound of acknowledgment.
“What’s happening outside?” he asked.
Tian Fusheng replied, “When you were sick a few days ago, Lord Xue brought two wolf cubs into the palace. Now that the palace staff sees that you’re feeling better, they came to ask if you’d like the two cubs to keep you company.”
Gu Yuanbai chuckled in a muffled voice, “When I said I wanted wolves, they actually brought them to me.”
In a good mood, he lifted the blanket and said, “Let’s get up.”
The two wolf cubs had silver-gray fur and were incredibly beautiful. When they were brought over, they started howling at Xue Yuan.
Xue Yuan approached and personally grabbed the relentlessly barking wolf cubs, then handed them over to Gu Yuanbai.
The wolf cubs were cute when they were small, but they already possessed the wildness to attack people. As Gu Yuanbai reached out his hand towards the two cubs, they opened their mouths wide, eagerly wanting to bite his fingers.
Xue Yuan glanced down and tightly held the cubs’ vital points. The cubs drooped their ears and tails, timidly letting out a howl.
Gu Yuanbai’s fingers landed safely on the top of the little cub’s head.
With their fluffy fur, it was evident that the emperor had a fondness for soft-haired creatures. The previous red fox was also kept in the palace.
The two wolf cubs were quite clever, understanding how to be petted. Apart from their initial attempt to bite Gu Yuanbai, they obediently let him stroke their fur. The sound of their gentle howling was particularly pleasing.
These fierce beasts were always so adorable when they were young, melting people’s hearts. As for when they grew up, they would completely transform.
Gu Yuanbai reminisced about encountering two wolves at Xue Mansion before. Those wolves had black fur, exposed fangs, and drools dripping from their sharp teeth. They were completely different from when they were young and couldn’t be compared.
After playing with the wolf cubs for a while, as Gu Yuanbai was about to retract his hand and focus on work, Xue Yuan suddenly threw the two wolf cubs he was holding to the ground. The cubs were abruptly tossed and nearly saw stars from the impact.
Xue Yuan tightly grasped Gu Yuanbai’s hand and before Gu Yuanbai could furrow his brow, Xue Yuan smiled and took out an emerald jade finger ring from his pocket, placing it on the thumb of Gu Yuanbai’s left hand.
The Emperor’s fingers were slender and fair, the most pampered and noble hands in the world. When adorned with the weighty and translucent green jade finger ring, his hand suddenly came alive. The whiteness appeared even whiter against the green, and the green seemed even greener against the white. The two complemented each other, exuding unparalleled delicacy.
Xue Yuan was delighted and wanted to raise the ring to his lips to give it a kiss. He smiled and said, “It seems my taste is not bad.”
Gu Yuanbai withdrew his hand and examined the jade ring. He turned it over in his hand and unexpectedly found it to his liking.
The Emperor’s face softened, and a faint smile curved his lips. “Guard Xue has put in effort.”
“If you’re willing to wear it, how can it be considered troublesome?” Xue Yuan spoke, thinking it was just an ordinary statement. But when he heard his own voice, he found it unexpectedly soft. “Your Majesty, tonight is the first day of the Lantern Festival. Would you like me to accompany you to see the lanterns?”
If Xue Yuan’s subordinates and the attendants in his mansion were to witness him in this posture, they would surely be astounded.
The two wolf cubs were clinging to Xue Yuan’s black boots, trying to climb up and grabbing onto his official robe. Xue Yuan kicked them away, his gaze fixed on Gu Yuanbai. “Your Majesty?”
Gu Yuanbai suddenly realized, “Today is indeed the Lantern Festival.”
He became enthusiastic. “We must go. The lanterns I made some time ago were meant for today, weren’t they?”
The Lantern Festival lasted for three days, during which the curfew was lifted in the capital. As night fell, with the sound of drums, every household lit up their lanterns, turning the entire capital into a shining beacon in the dark.
Smiles adorned the faces of families, and people of all ages laughed cheerfully.
A scholar stood at the bridge and proclaimed loudly, “In the Splendid Lane, fragrant banquets are set, with orchid reds from the early years. Elaborate colors are scattered afar, and dazzling lights adorn the distant sky.” [1]
Others burst into laughter. Besides these poets exchanging verses, many people held copies of the “Da Heng State Gazette” and gathered in small groups, happily discussing something.
The lanterns dazzled, painting the sky in a multitude of colors. The streets were filled with people, and laughter and chatter resounded everywhere. Young men and women walked hand in hand, sharing their secrets with rosy cheeks.
Da Heng prospered and flourished. Clean seas and clear rivers.
As Gu Yuanbai found himself in this sleepless city, his heart softened at the sight before him. He walked along the streets with his lantern, brushing past crowds of people. Occasionally, he would see soldiers in full armor with large swords patrolling. Every year during such festive occasions, the city magistrate would dispatch guards to ensure the prevention of theft and mischief.
Gu Yuanbai held onto his simple lantern, its glow accentuated by the darkness, while Xue Yuan closely followed by his side. Xue Yuan resembled the tallest wolf beside Gu Yuanbai. Several times, due to the crowded crowd in front, Gu Yuanbai almost fell into Xue Yuan’s arms but was promptly supported by him. Compared to the incident when Xue Yuan impulsively pulled down his pants, today’s Xue Yuan could be considered well-behaved.
Gu Yuanbai chuckled and teased, “Guard Xue, how do you feel about working together with Chu Wei these past few days?”
Xue Yuan’s expression remained unchanged. “Your Majesty, Chu Wei is not suitable for this position.”
Gu Yuanbai raised an eyebrow. “Oh?”
If he were to go to the border, he wouldn’t be able to return to Gu Yuanbai’s side for several months. Leaving behind Chu Wei, who harbored ill intentions towards Gu Yuanbai, seemed dangerous no matter how one looked at it. Xue Yuan solemnly said, “He has a hidden agenda.”
Gu Yuanbai was momentarily stunned, then his expression turned strange.
Xue Yuan pretended to be serious as he spoke, as if he were saying something genuine. “He appears decent on the surface but is actually despicable. Your Majesty, this man is cunning, you must not be deceived by him.”
Gu Yuanbai felt a hint of complexity.
In theory, it would be normal for Chu Wei to have a preference for men, but Xue Yuan’s current attitude and tone made it seem as if Chu Wei’s inclination towards men was utterly repulsive.
Moreover, it was the first time Xue Yuan had so blatantly disparaged someone in front of the Emperor.
Curiosity arose in Gu Yuanbai’s heart, and he directly asked, “Do you like men?”
How could that be?
Xue Yuan wanted to say he didn’t like them.
Men? What men should he like?
Throughout history, the combination of yin and yang has always been the correct path. Both being men, what’s there to like about rigid, hard men?
He wanted to say it, to straightforwardly say, “How could I like men?” But as the words reached his throat, they suddenly got stuck.
Why couldn’t he say it?
Xue Yuan opened his mouth, but the words remained stuck in his throat, suffocated by his heavy, throbbing heart. Try as he might, he couldn’t utter those words.
The young men and women around him exchanged smiles, while the colorful lanterns on the street flashed with various lights.
Although the trend of same-sex relationships had become prevalent in the capital in recent years, today, upon a closer look, it was still only young men and women of similar age. The city was bustling and prosperous, yet Xue Yuan couldn’t bring himself to say a word.
It was stuck in his throat, leaving him only to gaze at Gu Yuanbai, at the night and the shimmering water. Then he asked himself, Xue Yuan, do you like men?
Ha.
Just the thought of all those men in the barracks made Xue Yuan feel nauseated. He didn’t like men.
But…
What if it were Gu Yuanbai?
A loud boom.
His slowly beating heart suddenly started to race.
Xue Yuan struggled to part his lips. “I—”
Gu Yuanbai had already forgotten about that casual question. He eagerly looked around at the scenery, tilting his head slightly and curving his lips. “What is it?”
Xue Yuan fell silent.
He looked at Gu Yuanbai, his eyes filled with ambiguity.
The light reflected on Gu Yuanbai’s face, and although the young emperor had a good appearance, no matter how good one’s appearance was, they were still just a man.
Gu Yuanbai had simply taken a leisurely stroll that night, but his eyes had feasted on the view, and he returned to the palace feeling satisfied.
Xue Yuan also returned to his residence. As the night grew quiet, he lay in bed, and once again, Gu Yuanbai’s question echoed in his mind.
“Do you like men?”
Even in his dreams, that question pervaded every moment of his sleep.
In the dead of night, he was abruptly awakened.
The bed creaked, and Xue Yuan calmly sat up, quickly walking into the bathroom and hastily pouring half a bucket of cold water over his head.
As the cold water washed over him, his mind cleared.
Xue Yuan looked at the cold water, lowered his head, and let the water droplets from his hair flow down his body.
Gu Yuanbai doesn’t like men.
Even the young emperor doesn’t like men, so why should Xue Yuan, a resolute and upright man, like men?
His breathing became heavy, and the cold water flowing from his mouth turned bitter. Xue Yuan, expressionless, stood up and walked back to his room. The moon in the courtyard was bright and round, and the starlight seemed within reach. Xue Yuan’s gaze shifted, his footsteps paused in place.
Unconsciously, he thought, how nice it would be if Gu Yuanbai could see this beautiful moon too.
When he snapped out of his thoughts, Xue Yuan’s face suddenly darkened, and he strode towards his bedroom.
A few wolf howls erupted.
Xue Yuan sat at the edge of the bed but felt no trace of sleepiness.
The moonlight outside gradually faded, and the sky began to brighten. The light illuminated the room, revealing the dark circles under Xue Yuan’s eyes.
He wiped his face and thought to himself, “It’s over, Xue Yuan. You’ve fallen for the young emperor.”
It’s not just loyalty to the emperor.
It’s you wanting him.
***
The next day.
While Gu Yuanbai was reviewing the memorials, he sensed a faint gaze upon him.
He looked up in the direction of the feeling and saw Xue Yuan looking at him with a dark gleam in his eyes. Xue Yuan forced a smile and said, “Your Majesty, you should take a rest.”
Tian Fusheng was absent, so he entrusted Xue Yuan with the task of ensuring that the emperor rested in a timely manner. Xue Yuan was bold and dared to speak and act. He pushed the boundaries of Gu Yuanbai’s tolerance, and Tian Fusheng held high expectations for him.
Coincidentally, Gu Yuanbai’s eyes were a little sore, so he put down his brush and said, “Alright.”
It was the first time Xue Yuan had feelings for someone, and he was not accustomed to it.
He hadn’t slept all night, his thoughts consumed by Gu Yuanbai.
He pondered over the fact that the young emperor didn’t like men.
Xue Yuan still remembered Gu Yuanbai’s expression when he stepped on his dignity, the gaze and the unsettling premonition that arose from the depths of his heart. It seemed that as long as Xue Yuan had impure intentions, Gu Yuanbai would immediately dispose of him.
With that in mind, he seemed to be grateful for his unreliable upbringing.
Xue Yuan’s expression changed constantly, adding an extra touch of intrigue.
The people around watched him as if it were a show, and the guards stifled their laughter.
Look, is this foolish-looking man their Captain Xue? Why does he look so amusing?
As soon as the emperor closed his eyes, a nimble eunuch approached and gently massaged Gu Yuanbai’s head. The incense in the hall was fragrant and delicate, and it was unclear whether the emperor was asleep or not.
After resting for a while, Tian Fusheng walked over from outside. He approached the emperor and took out a secret letter from his sleeve.
The young eunuch stepped aside, and Gu Yuanbai unfolded the letter. He raised an eyebrow and smiled after reading its contents.
The letter came from South Jinghu and contained information reported by an official named Liu Yan from the Surveillance Department. It detailed the gifts Gu Yuanbai had sent to the remnants of the Lu Feng faction in Jinghu South and Jiangnan—an impressive lineup of prisoners that scared them upon arrival at their bases.
With Gu Yuanbai’s anticipation and Liu Yan’s instigation, it was fortunate that they finally began to feel a sense of crisis and planned to assassinate Gu Yuanbai.
Gu Yuanbai chuckled and said, “How wonderful.”
Just a few days ago, he felt that his days were numbered and that he might not live long enough to witness the rebels rising up. But unexpectedly, his opponents were so enthusiastic that they directly planned to send someone to assassinate him.
When Gu Yuanbai dispatched the rebels to South Jinghu and Jiangnan, he had planted a few pawns, and now the opportunity to put them into action had finally arrived.
The assassination wouldn’t be delayed. It would take more than half a month of riding day and night to travel from South Jinghu to the capital. Gu Yuanbai eagerly awaited this assassination. He put away the secret letter and softly said, “Fight fire with fire.”
Once the Emperor of Da Heng was successfully wounded by this group of rebels, giving them the feeling that the emperor’s life was hanging by a thread, they would undoubtedly be overwhelmed with joy and thoughts of rebellion.
They would rebel.
They were finally going to rebel.
Except for a very small number of people who knew about the planned assassination of Gu Yuanbai by the Jiashen Society, this information was completely hidden.
Even the guards who closely protected Gu Yuanbai only knew about it if they were among the few people he trusted, let alone Xue Yuan, who was a courtier.
After fifteen or sixteen days passed, Gu Yuanbai speculated that the assassins sent by the Jiashen Society should have arrived. So, he gave them an opportunity himself. He personally went to the fields with a group of talented scholars from the Imperial Academy to see the crops cultivated by the farmers.
Xue Yuan woke up early in the morning, trained his body, and then went to take a bath with a steaming head right after training. After changing into his clothes, he armed himself with a sword and waited at his own doorstep.
General Xue passed by him while riding a horse, and when he saw Xue Yuan, he sneered, “Why aren’t you wearing your official robes today?”
Xue Yuan stood straight, lazily glanced at him, and replied, “I’m going to the fields with His Majesty.”
Xue Yuanjun earnestly said, “His Majesty treats you so well. You must protect him with all your heart. As loyal subjects, our hearts and minds should be filled with nothing but His Majesty.”
Xue Yuan replied, “My heart and mind are already completely filled with him.”
He hadn’t had a peaceful night’s sleep for several nights. Every time he woke up, he had to take a cold bath in the middle of the night. Xue Yuan chuckled; he was so captivated by the love potion that he couldn’t distinguish between north, south, east, and west.
Xue Yuanjun was in the middle of delivering a profound lecture and didn’t hear clearly. He asked, “What?”
However, Xue Yuan ignored him and looked past Xue Yuanjun to the emperor’s carriage. He grinned and walked briskly toward the carriage, saying to Xue Yuanjun, “I’m leaving.”
Before Xue Yuanjun could get angry, he saw Xue Yuan suddenly freeze in his tracks. Xue Yuan turned to the side and warned, “General Xue, this loyalty to the emperor, I’m the only one who has it and can speak of it. Do you understand?”
After saying that, Xue Yuan took confident strides and headed toward the carriage.
The chief guard held a spirited horse with a striking reddish-brown coat. It was the horse named Hongyun, which was designated as Xue Yuan’s mount.
Xue Yuan mounted the horse and rode up to the carriage window, looking handsome and charming. He asked, “Your Majesty, how are you today?”
Gu Yuanbai’s voice still carried traces of sleepiness and laziness as he replied, “I’m fine.”
Xue Yuan smiled faintly and said meaningfully, “Did Your Majesty dream last night?”
Gu Yuanbai paused for a moment and asked curiously, “What do you mean by that, Guard Xue?”
Xue Yuan’s eyebrows furrowed. Could it be that the young emperor didn’t dream of him last night?
Fuck.
Xue Yuan’s expression instantly turned dark, but his tone remained unchanged. “It’s nothing. I was just asking casually.”
Someone actually dared to deceive him?
Were they seeking death?
Yesterday, Xue Yuan encountered a Taoist priest during his shift, who sold a talisman that could make others dream of oneself. Xue Yuan, driven by curiosity, spent a large sum of silver to buy it. Following the instructions of the Taoist, he silently recited the young emperor’s name a hundred times before going to sleep. He placed the talisman next to his pillow as instructed, believing that it would make the person he was thinking of dream of him.
With the intention of not letting outsiders know, Xue Yuan even cleaned himself up and didn’t wear a single piece of clothing. He slept the whole night in that state.
As a result, he was fucking deceived.
Gu Yuanbai, inside the carriage, held his face in exasperation for a moment. When he lifted the curtain to look outside, he saw Xue Yuan with a dark expression, as if he was about to kill someone. It was chilling to behold.
With such an expression, if someone really came to assassinate him, they would probably be frightened at first glance.
Gu Yuanbai rested his arm on the carriage window, squinted his eyes, and smiled like those spoiled young masters in the capital who flirted with virtuous young ladies. He said, “Guard Xue, you look so displeased. Could it be that you don’t want to accompany me to the countryside?”
Xue Yuan replied, “I’m willing, no matter what.”
Gu Yuanbai found his response a bit strange and asked, “If I were to make you serve me, like a servant, would you still be willing?”
Xue Yuan glanced at Gu Yuanbai and thought, Even if you want to touch me… it’s not impossible.
His lips curved into a lazy smile and asked, “What does Your Majesty want me to serve you?”
He seemed not only unangered but rather eager. Gu Yuanbai pondered for a moment and said, “Just maintain a pleasant expression.”
Xue Yuan’s heart, which had been longing for the dragon bed, began to thump wildly. He wanted to see him in a good mood?
To see him smile?
Little Emperor.
This is getting interesting.
