CH 48

Gu Yan’s arms around Ye Zi suddenly tightened and when he spoke again, his voice was a bit hoarse: “What did you call me?”

Ye Zi was in a trance as he lowered his head in a daze: “I……”

He just had a dream, and in the dream, he called Gu Yan His Majesty[1] and Gu Yan called him……Huaiyuan.

When he woke up just now, he actually felt that he was still Huaiyuan in his trance.

Was this that saying, “What one thinks about during the day, is what one dreams about at night?”

He was not unfamiliar with the scene in the dream. Gu Yan returned from the Northern Expedition and Emperor Jinghe celebrated the triumphant return of the Northern Expedition Army by throwing a banquet in the Imperial City and celebrating with the whole city. For three whole days and three nights, the entire city of Chang’an was full of singing and dancing, but on the last night, something happened.

Emperor Jinghe’s extravagance and several cuts finally forced Gu Yan’s Sixth Imperial Uncle, Prince Jing, Gu Yi, to defect. 

This was what Ye Zi remembered, but there was no Huaiyuan in it.

Then exactly why?……

“A Zi?” Seeing how Ye Zi hadn’t respond to him for quite some time, Gu Yan softly called out to him.

Ye Zi came back to his senses and shook his head: “I’m fine, it’s just……a nightmare.”

Gu Yan stroked his back with his palm and asked patiently: “What did you dream about?”

Ye Zi lowered his head and didn’t answer.

Gu Yan sighed silently: “Forget it, since it’s a nightmare, don’t think about it anymore, just lie down with me for a while.”

Ye Zi nodded and obediently lay back on the bed with Gu Yan.

As soon as Ye Zi lay down, he lost his sleepiness. The emotions shrouded by the nightmare gradually dissipated and he turned his head to look at Gu Yan, who was resting with his eyes closed. And it was only at this moment that he felt a little bit ashamed belatedly.

Just now, Gu Yan helped him……

Ye Zi buried his face in Gu Yan’s arms as the tips of his ears quietly turned red.

For the past half month, although Ye Zi took care of him, in all fairness, Gu Yan treated him with complete gentleness and patience. He really did what he said and tried his best to treat Ye Zi well, even when he was doing that kind of thing, he was so gentle that it was irresistible.

He could never have imagined that someone who looked so cold and arrogant on the outside would have such a gentle side.

Ye Zi looked momentarily lost in thought and Gu Yan finally couldn’t help but open his eyes, asking in annoyance: “Why do you keep looking at me?”

He had been provoked by Ye Zi’s stare before, but now that it had finally calmed down, this person was still staring at him so blatantly.

Enough was enough.

Ye Zi sheepishly averted his gaze: “I-I wasn’t looking at you……”

Gu Yan moved his palm to Ye Zi’s waist and rubbed it dangerously: “A Zi, is it because I have been treating you too well lately that you have learned to lie?”

Ye Zi squirmed uncomfortably, but he couldn’t dodge it. After being cornered by him, he couldn’t help but glare at him: “Your Majesty!”

Gu Yan smiled and was about to tease him again when a knock came from outside the door.

Siwei’s voice echoed: “Master.”

Gu Yan didn’t allow Ye Zi to get out of bed. After lowering the bedside curtain, he answered: “Come in.”

These days, it was inconvenient for Gu Yan to move so he could only ask Siwei to keep an eye on the court’s movement for him and report back on a daily basis. Ye Zi had wanted to leave the first time, but Gu Yan didn’t hide anything from him at all. Even when some spies placed in the ministers’ residences sent secret reports, they never avoided Ye Zi.

Sometimes, he would discuss the situation with Ye Zi, but it was limited to this.

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Gu Yan knew all the movements of Chang’an City like the back of his hand, but he had never seen him take any action. It was as if he was standing above the Imperial City, silently watching everyone but not interfering in the slightest.

Siwei pushed the door open and was just about to step into the inner room as usual when he heard Gu Yan say: “Just stand there.”

The latter’s footsteps paused and he subconsciously glanced over the cloud screen toward the inner room. The bed was covered by a silk curtain, making it impossible to really see.

Gu Yan never avoided his subordinates in the past, much less had the habit of putting down the bed curtain in broad daylight. Siwei’s eyes moved down and saw that there was an extra pair of brocade boots beside the bed and on the ground beside the brocade boots, there was also an outer robe scattered randomly.

Siwei’s cheeks reddened, no longer daring to look around, and answered in a hasty manner: “Yes.”

Gu Yan asked: “Is there anything going on in the court today?”

Siwei gathered his mind and replied: “In the courtroom today, His Holiness was furious with the Crown Prince and punished the Crown Prince to return to the palace to ponder about his misdeeds for three days.”

Gu Yan thought about it and then he understood: “Is it about the flooding in Jiangnan again?”

“Yes.” Siwei nodded, “I heard that the flooding in Jiangnan has been unattended for a long time, causing famine to erupt in several cities. Furthermore, there have been a lot of impeachment cases against the Crown Prince in the past few days, suspecting that he has been enriching his own pockets and taking bribes.”

Gu Yan let out a light laugh: “He’s taking advantage of the problem.”

“……The flooding is widespread; a large number of fertile fields, mulberry acres, and livestock in Jiangnan are affected by the disaster and it isn’t something that could be dealt with in a day or two. When the Crown Prince took over disaster relief in the beginning, perhaps he wanted to use it to make some achievements. Unfortunately, this matter is not within the power of man, it’s just a mess that’s bad luck for anyone who touches it.”

Gu Yan said: “It won’t be long before those old bastards submit the papers in favor of abolishing the Crown Prince. Let’s just wait and see how it plays out.”

Siwei nodded and reported some of the important news in the court and the movements of various forces. Gu Yan listened to it with a sense of disinterest as he dishonestly teased his little Princess Consort under the quilt. Ye Zi blushed but did not dare to fight back and could only bite his lip and bear it.

After Siwei finished reporting on the affairs of the court, he wanted to say something else but hesitated.

Gu Yan heard his hesitation and asked: “Is there anything else?”

Siwei was silent for a moment: “Recently some strange rumors have risen in Chang’an City and this subordinate doesn’t know……if they are intentional.”

Gu Yan became more interested: “What rumors?”

Siwei whispered: “It is said that there are demons in Chang’an City.”

Ye Zi was stunned and Gu Yan touched his back comfortingly: “The theory of ghosts and gods has existed since ancient times, but it’s just a rumor anyway.”

“But this time……it doesn’t seem to be that simple.” Siwei said, “Recently, Emperor Jinghe has been seriously ill several times in a row and some people say that it is precisely because of the scourge of demons. Moreover, quite a few people in the city have witnessed demons appearing recently, which is what has caused the people to be on edge.”

Gu Yan narrowed his eyes in thought for a moment: “I understand. You may leave for now.”

“Yes.”

Siwei answered and left the room.

Ye Zi sat up, confused: “Could there really be demons?”

Gu Yan pinched his fingers and laughed lightly: “So what if there is, aren’t you a little demon?”

“I’m being serious.” Ye Zi said, “What if things get out of hand and Emperor Jinghe finds out? If a priest is really invited to deal with the demons, I might still be able to escape, but the little sparrow is still living in the palace…….”

Gu Yan interrupted him: “The Third Imperial Prince isn’t even worried yet, what are you worrying about?”

“Your Majesty……”

“Alright, alright, I won’t joke with you anymore.” Gu Yan said, “This matter is indeed strange, I’ll ask Siwei to investigate what’s going on. A Zi, do you think there are really demons in the city?”

Ye Zi shook his head: “I don’t know.”

Gu Yan said: “I remember you said that you can communicate with plants, trees, birds, and animals. If there really are demons in this city, would you be able to detect them?”

Ye Zi thought for a moment and truthfully answered: “I can’t say for sure. After I came here, other than me and little sparrow, I haven’t seen any other demons. So I’m not sure if I can feel their presence if the other party’s ability is above mine.”

Gu Yan pointed out: “Yet there are many people who say that they have seen the demons with their own eyes. Do you think this is possible?”

Ye Zi immediately understood what Gu Yan meant: “Are you saying……that someone is pretending to be a demon?”

Gu Yan leaned against the bed and leisurely said: “I don’t know if there is a demon or not, but at this juncture, I don’t believe that this matter could spread all over the city without anyone fueling it.”  

At the same time, in the Imperial City, a petite body dressed as a eunuch sneaked out of the palace. Before he could make it out much farther, a voice suddenly sounded behind him: “Where are you going?”

The little gray sparrow’s footsteps froze and he turned his head sheepishly: “A Xuan……”

Gu Xuan came around from behind the wall and looked at him calmly: “Where do you plan on escaping to this time?”  

The little gray sparrow took half a step back and stared at his shoes: “I wasn’t, I……just wanted to go see little leaf, I haven’t seen him for more than half a month.”

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“Father passed down an order. Since Prince Rui is seriously injured and needs to recuperate, no one is allowed to disturb him and there is no need to visit him.” Gu Xuan said, “You can’t go to the Prince Rui Manor right now.”

The little gray sparrow frowned and retorted: “That’s your Father’s order, why should I listen to it?”

Gu Xuan pulled his wrist and said without question: “Because you are now a member of my palace.”

The little gray sparrow angrily muttered something but was pulled back by Gu Xuan. Just then, a palanquin stopped in front of the palace garden.

Gu Xuan’s footsteps stopped as he let go of the little gray sparrow. He walked up to the palanquin and bowed to it through the screen: “Mother consort.”

A hand lifted the veil of the palanquin, revealing an exquisite and gorgeous face. Noble Consort Yu’s gaze paused for a moment on the little gray sparrow and extended her hand toward Gu Xuan. Gu Xuan hurriedly stepped forward and helped Noble Consort Yu out of the palanquin.

“Let’s talk inside.” Noble Consort Yu ordered and walked towards the main hall surrounded by her courtiers.

Gu Xuan fell behind and turned back to the little gray sparrow: “Go back first, I’ll take you out of the palace some other time.”

The little gray sparrow immediately smiled, went up to Gu Xuan, and kissed him on the side of his face: “A Xuan is the best.”

Afterward, he skipped away.

Gu Xuan froze in place for a moment. He touched the side of his face, lowered his head, and suppressed the smile in his eyes before turning around to head toward the hall.

Inside the hall, Noble Consort Yu sat on the main seat and raised her eyes to look at Gu Xuan: “When did you have another little eunuch beside you? How come I’ve never seen him before?”

Gu Xuan paused: “I met him outside the palace. He doesn’t have a father or mother and seeing how pitiful he was, I brought him back.”

Noble Consort Yu sipped her tea: “Don’t bring everyone to your side, who knows what they might be hiding. Forget it, how well have done your homework recently, you didn’t forget it, right?”

Gu Xuan answered: “I dare not forget. The homework Mother Consort has ordered has all been completed.” 

“That’s good.” Noble Consort Yu said: “Xuan’er, it is for your own good that I am strict with you. You should know that with your status, if you want to survive in this Imperial City, you’re bound to pay more than normal people.”

Gu Xuan lowered his eyes: “I understand.”

Noble Consort Yu laughed lightly: “Since you understand, I am relieved. Come here, I’ve brought you some snacks, it’s been a long time since we mother and son had a proper conversation.”

“Yes, Mother Consort.” Gu Xuan answered and walked over to sit beside Noble Consort Yu.

The two had some refreshments and Noble Consort Yu said in what appeared to be despair: “His Holiness suffered a shock some time ago and in the past few days, he ended up catching a cold which severely worsened his condition. His body is getting worse day by day.”

Gu Xuan said: “In the early years, Father had invited an astrologist to observe the night sky. They said that Father was blessed with a long and healthy life and that nothing would happen, Mother Consort need not worry too much.”

Noble Consort Yu added: “Speaking of which, recently there have been quite a few rumors of demons and evil spirits haunting the city. I don’t know where they came from.”

She paused for a moment and then instructed: “Anyway, there’s no smoke without fire. If you have nothing to do these few days, don’t constantly wander out of the palace, lest you really bump into something unclean……Xuan’er, I am talking to you.”

Gu Xuan was stunned for a moment before he returned to his senses: “Yes, I understand.”

A trace of dissatisfaction flashed in Noble Consort Yu’s eyes, which she quickly hid again.

“A few days ago, I organized a few women with good looks and family backgrounds for you.” Noble Consort Yu said as she took out a booklet from her arms and handed it to Gu Xuan, “The list has all been prepared, look through them and choose wisely. You should find an Imperial Consort as soon as possible, so as to add a grandson for the Emperor. If you want to be the Crown Prince, you can’t do it without a son.”

Gu Xuan’s eyes moved slightly and his brows furrowed indistinctly.

Noble Consort Yu asked: “What’s wrong?”

“Nothing.” Gu Xuan shook his head, took the list, and said in a warm voice: “I’ve troubled Mother Consort.”

Noble Consort Yu continued to chat with Gu Xuan and only left after the evening meal. Gu Xuan walked Noble Consort Yu to the palanquin, stood in front of the palace, and watched Noble Consort Yu leave.

The sky had already darkened and palace lanterns were lit on both sides of the road, illuminating the entire Imperial City brightly.

Gu Xuan reached into his bosom and fished out the thin booklet.

He didn’t even look at it as he walked straight to the palace lights, threw the booklet in, and watched it burn to ash.

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[1] Didn’t notice until this chapter, but the way Ye Zi called Gu Yan in the last chapter was how Huaiyuan called him: [Dianxia], and Ye Zi would typically refer to him as [Wangye]. They both equate to “Your Majesty” so I didn’t catch it until this chapte