I Rely on Beauty to Stabilize the Country - Chap 77
After the carriage came to a stop, the West Xia spies who had been secretly following them noted the characters “Prince He’s Residence” on the plaque above the mansion gate and quickly turned around, hastening their departure.
Prince He had been waiting for Xue Yuan in the mansion for quite some time. Upon investigating Xue Yuan, he discovered that Xue Yuan had delivered gifts to the palace several times. Learning of this, a gloomy expression formed on the Prince’s face.
With such thoughts in mind, no one seemed innocent when viewed from his perspective.
Prince He secretly focused his attention on Xue Yuan and the more he looked, the more he felt the need to warn him face to face.
As the supreme ruler, the Emperor, who would dare to entertain impure intentions towards Gu Yuanbai?
However, Prince He did not expect that the Emperor would also come along with Xue Yuan. After being informed by the gatekeeper, Prince He hurriedly made his way to the mansion gate, feeling increasingly apprehensive. He even began to wonder if Gu Yuanbai intentionally came to support Xue Yuan by his side.
Was it to prevent him from punishing Xue Yuan?
As Prince He arrived at the mansion gate, his dark thoughts sank even deeper. If Xue Yuan had truly seduced Gu Yuanbai onto the wrong path, regardless of the cost, Prince He would kill him.
Gu Yuanbai couldn’t possibly be interested in men.
However, as Prince He raised his head in front of the mansion, he saw Gu Yuanbai stepping down from the carriage and greeting him with a slight smile, saying, “Prince He.”
Prince He’s breath hitched for a moment, and after a while, he lowered his head and replied, “Greetings, Your Majesty.”
“There’s no need for such formality between family members,” Gu Yuanbai approached and personally helped Prince He up, smiling. “The last time I came to Prince He’s residence was on the day brother fell ill. Time has passed by in a hurry, and now we’re almost into autumn.”
“…Yes.”
“I remember there were quite a few summer chrysanthemums planted in Prince He’s residence,” Gu Yuanbai naturally remarked, “In September, the summer chrysanthemums bloom for the last time. I wonder if they’ve bloomed by now?”
Following Gu Yuanbai’s lead, Prince He rose with his assistance, grasping Gu Yuanbai’s wrist and then releasing it as if it had been scalded by fire when he met Gu Yuanbai’s puzzled gaze. He averted his eyes and looked at Gu Yuanbai’s clothes, where he could make out a flower. “The flowers and plants in the mansion are taken care of by the Consort. The Consort mentioned that they should have bloomed within the past two days.”
Gu Yuanbai praised, “The Consort is gentle and virtuous. Elder brother is fortunate to have such a wise wife. Treat her well.”
Prince He nodded slowly. “No need for Your Majesty to say more. I naturally know how to act.”
Gu Yuanbai refrained from saying more, allowing Prince He to lead the way. The officials followed behind the Emperor and Prince He. Prince He lagged half a step behind the Emperor, and as they walked, he lowered his head, looking at the hem of Gu Yuanbai’s robe. Gu Yuanbai casually asked, “You know Xue Qing?”
Prince He clenched his hand, calmly and unhurriedly responding, “I heard that Mr. Xue had served at the border for several years. I’ve never seen the scenery of the border during my time stationed there, so I thought of inviting Mr. Xue for a conversation at my residence.”
“You’ve found the right person then,” Gu Yuanbai smiled. “Both of you have experienced battles on the battlefield, so you should have plenty to talk about.”
Prince He felt an increasing sense of annoyance, but he gave a deep nod in acknowledgment. “Very well, Your Majesty.”
In Prince He’s residence, there was a designated area where many summer chrysanthemums were planted. After passing through the round gate, a vibrant and colorful scene of numerous summer chrysanthemums greeted their eyes. These flowers with slender petals gracefully displayed their branches and leaves, emanating a faint fragrance that wafted through the air.
Gu Yuanbai’s eyes brightened as he took in the scenery. He couldn’t help but tease Prince He, “You usually appear so rigid, but who would have thought that the distinguished Prince He hides such delicate flowers in his residence.”
Prince He replied, “They are just wildflowers that bloom on their own.”
Gu Yuanbai chuckled a few times, found a place to sit, and gestured to the stone bench across from him, saying to Prince He, “Please, have a seat.”
Prince He sat down, and someone brought tea from behind. Gu Yuanbai held the teacup in his hand but did not drink. Instead, he leisurely said, “Prince He, let me ask you, do you want to return to the military?”
Prince He abruptly looked up, speechless.
Gu Yuanbai gazed into Prince He’s calm eyes, and with the tea lid, he brushed over the tea leaves, speaking gently, “Since that day of heavy rain when We said those things to you, you have seemed a little off.”
Prince He’s figure slightly stiffened, almost imperceptibly.
Gu Yuanbai smiled and said, “At first, this seat thought you were angry. But upon further observation, it seemed like you were still the same as before, as if We were just overthinking.”
“In the past few days, you urged We to marry a palace concubine, yet you know well that We are physically weak,” Gu Yuanbai continued calmly, “Are you hoping for We to die in the bed of a palace concubine or to wait for an unknowing child to replace me as the heir to the throne?”
Prince He moved his mouth, a bitter expression on his face. “I never had such thoughts.”
Gu Yuanbai placed the teacup down and fell silent.
For a moment, the air seemed to still.
Warm sunlight filtered through the leaves, gently dancing with a rustling sound.
From the corner of his eye, Gu Yuanbai caught sight of a figure passing by the round door. He turned to look, and behind the guards, he saw an ordinary-looking scholar.
“Who is that person?” Gu Yuanbai casually asked.
Prince He, who had been lost in thought, followed his gaze. “That is a retainer of my residence, surnamed Wang.”
Gu Yuanbai nodded nonchalantly and stood up, saying, “Let’s go. If we say we’re here to see the chrysanthemums, we should appreciate them properly.”
After spending a while in the prince’s residence and exchanging a few words with Prince He, Gu Yuanbai left the prince’s door. Just before boarding the carriage, Prince He stood in front of the gate and suddenly said, “Your Majesty, you once mentioned my countryside estate. It is currently vacant, and there are several springs that are beneficial for one’s health. If Your Majesty likes it, you can call upon me anytime to accompany you there.”
Xue Yuan, who was bending down to lift the carriage curtain for Gu Yuanbai, froze for a moment and quickly raised his head, his sharp gaze directed towards Prince He.
Prince He’s gaze was dim, focused intently on Gu Yuanbai’s figure. After a few moments, as if suddenly awakening, a trace of struggle flashed across his expression, and he abruptly turned his head.
Xue Yuan narrowed his eyes.
He had heard of Prince He’s reputation before.
A member of the royal bloodline, a figure who once led troops in the military. Due to Xue Yuan’s similar age to Prince He, he had been discreetly compared to him by many people.
However, Xue Yuan’s military achievements were suppressed and concealed. Except for a few individuals, Prince He was considered the epitome of excellence in everyone’s eyes.
Epitome of excellence, yet this was the current state he was in.
Xue Yuan scrutinized him, feeling instinctively uncomfortable with Prince He’s gaze fixed on Gu Yuanbai.
As the carriage set off, Gu Yuanbai also invited Chu Wei to join them inside. He inquired about the matter between him and the Western Xia prince.
Chu Wei had nothing to hide and explained the whole story after the carriage entered the palace. After a moment of hesitation, he asked, “Your Majesty, is this person the prince of Western Xia?”
“Indeed,” Gu Yuanbai nodded slightly, lost in thought. “Western Xia has sent a prince to congratulate me.”
Chu Wei also fell into contemplation. Suddenly, Gu Yuanbai remembered, “Your classmate was also there that day. According to what you said, your classmate knows some Western Xia language?”
“While he is not particularly proficient in the Four Books and Five Classics, he possesses knowledge that ordinary people do not. Besides Western Xia, my classmate also has a basic understanding of the languages of Dayue and the Liao people,” Chu Wei candidly replied. “He once traveled the overland Silk Road during the Tang Dynasty. As he told me, he wishes to further explore the maritime route to Guangzhou, known as the ‘Maritime Silk Road.'”
The Maritime Silk Road, commonly referred to as the Guangzhou Maritime Silk Road, was a maritime route along the southeastern coast of Huaxia leading to countries in the northern Indian Ocean, Southeast Asia, and the coasts of the Red Sea, among other destinations.
Upon hearing this, Gu Yuanbai felt a sense of admiration. “To read ten thousand books and travel ten thousand miles, indeed.”
After finishing his words, the carriage came to a stop. Gu Yuanbai got off the carriage and, upon seeing Xue Yuan following behind, suddenly remembered that Xue Yuan still held the position of Chief Commandant in the Palace Guards.
Gu Yuanbai silently made a note to transfer him and continued speaking to Chu Wei, “Have you traveled the overland Silk Road?”
“No, I haven’t,” Chu Wei’s expression revealed a hint of regret. “After the An Lushan Rebellion in the Tang Dynasty, the rise of Tubo, Huigu, and Dashi led to the disruption of the overland Silk Road. It’s a pity that we can no longer witness the past prosperity.”
Only after speaking did Chu Wei remember that the person in front of him was the emperor of Da Heng. He pressed his lips together and said, “Your Majesty, I have no disrespectful intentions.”
“I know,” Gu Yuanbai smiled. “I feel the same as you, it’s a great pity.”
Chu Wei couldn’t help but curl his lips and let out a soft chuckle.
He knew that he had an outstanding appearance, so this smile carried a deliberate meaning. Chu Wei blushed slightly, as he didn’t like drawing attention with his appearance, yet here he was, using it in this manner. He didn’t know why he acted this way in front of the emperor, but it seemed involuntary.
His smiling expression was incredibly pleasant, his countenance seemed to radiate light. Gu Yuanbai glanced at him and turned his head to look at the mad dog, but to his surprise, Xue Yuan’s figure was nowhere to be seen.
“Where is he?” Gu Yuanbai wondered.
Why was Xue Yuan not reacting at all when Chu Wei was smiling so beautifully?
Tian Fusheng smiled and said, “Your Majesty, Mr. Xue said he has prepared something to present to you.”
Gu Yuanbai shook his head disinterestedly and turned back around. Unnoticed by him, the smile on Chu Wei’s face froze for a moment. After a while, he slowly retracted his smile.
Today was a day of rest, and it was only after Gu Yuanbai brought Chu Wei into the palace that he remembered this matter. However, when he wanted to send Chu Wei back, Chu Wei shook his head. “Your Majesty, I have read a book about the Silk Road. If you are interested, may I share it with you?”
The emperor indeed became interested and put down his pen. “Then go ahead and tell me.”
Chu Wei began to speak slowly and softly.
His voice was gentle and melodious, and when he slowed down his pace, it became almost hypnotic. As he recited phrases such as “zhī hū zhě yě,” even the attentive Tian Fusheng and the other guards struggled to keep their eyes open, not to mention Gu Yuanbai.
When Xue Yuan confidently walked into the palace, carrying a bowl of longevity noodles he had cooked, he saw the group of guards struggling to keep their eyes open. He asked, “Where is the Emperor?”
The chief guard forced himself to perk up. “Resting in the inner chamber.”
Xue Yuan strode towards the inner chamber and quietly entered. He saw the Emperor lying on a recliner near the window, fast asleep. Standing beside the recliner, Chu Wei was completely absorbed, even entranced, as he gazed at the Emperor’s sleeping face.
The two men radiated an extraordinary aura, and when they were together, their appearances seemed to complement each other perfectly. Whether in motion or stillness, they resembled a meticulously crafted traditional painting, so delicate that one would hesitate to breathe too loudly, afraid of disturbing the harmony.
Outside the window, green leaves fluttered and butterflies danced, serving as a backdrop that enhanced their presence.
Xue Yuan glanced at the bowl of plain soup noodles in his hands and suddenly chuckled. He stepped back and tossed the bowl to Tian Fusheng.
Tian Fusheng asked, “What’s this?”
Xue Yuan replied, “I spilled it.”
Tian Fusheng was taken aback, but Xue Yuan calmly rolled down his sleeves, which he had previously rolled up while cooking the noodles, and calmly entered the inner chamber once again.
