CH 59

The two tightly embraced each other as their silhouettes cast on the ground became one, inextricably linked. Once the immense joy settled down, a dull sadness rose to the surface. Meng Sangyu closed her eyes, wanting to restrain her overflowing tears. Father was alright, but A’Bao was gone forever. No one knew how important A’Bao was to her. He passed away, and yet she didn’t even dare to express her grief in order to prevent others from preying on her weakness. Since there was an opportunity to vent her feelings tonight, at that moment, she allowed herself to commemorate him in her heart.     

“Sangyu?” Sensing a warm dampness on his neck, Emperor Zhou’wu frowned. He captured her chin and tilted her head up. Tears had long since been streaming down her fair face, and the previously strong woman was currently sobbing. 

“What’s wrong? Hm? Tell Zhen if something’s the matter!” The man’s tone was unusually strained. Even though her tear-stained face was beautiful, he disliked it very much!

“It’s fine, I…this concubine was so happy that she was moved to tears!” Meng Sangyu hastily wiped her tears. Her weak appearance instantly vanished as if it were an illusion. Having regained her composure after experiencing great sorrow and elation, she became aware that both of her feet were stepping on the man’s dragon boots, that her hands encircled his neck, and that their intimate posture went beyond the bounds of propriety. 

Since she entered the palace three years ago, this was the first time that she lost her self-control. Moreover, it was in the presence of this man. She was slightly surprised, but she couldn’t deny that it felt quite nice to share her joys and sorrows with someone else. Sometimes, one truly needed to vent after suppressing their emotions for too long. 

“Really?” The man narrowed his eyes, declined to comment, and lowered his head to kiss the moist corners of her eyes. He delicately licked away the remaining tears on her face. 

“Your Majesty…” Meng Sangyu opened her mouth to speak with a slightly uneasy expression. Before she could finish what she was saying, her words were blocked by the man’s swirling tongue as he gave her a deep kiss. Her voice turned into an alluring moan. There was no other sound in the room save for the sound of their tongues intertwining. 

Nurse Feng and Nurse Jin, who were stationed outside the door, heard sounds from inside the room. Nurse Feng felt slightly uncomfortable, but Nurse Jin was as still as a mountain. After some time passed, roughly the time it took to serve tea, Nurse Jin saw that it was almost over and stepped forward to knock on the door. She softly called out a reminder, “Your Majesty, it’s getting late. Your honoured self ought to return. Her venerable self, the Empress Dowager, said that this is Ci’ning Palace. It’s not somewhere that your honoured self can stay overnight.”

Emperor Zhou’wu had just put his hand inside Sangyu’s clothes and was kneading her perfectly round breast. His head was buried in her neck, wantonly sucking on her skin. After all, the two of them were adults. After they calmed down, they both felt a hollowness; it was difficult to contain their desires after being abstinent for so long. Nurse Jin’s reminder was like a spell that instantly dissolved the smouldering tension. Meng Sangyu came back to her senses and quickly pushed him away. Her eyes were hazy with emotion. She had unexpectedly been enticed by this man!

Damn it! Emperor Zhou’wu’s face was red as he cursed under his breath. He pulled Sangyu into his embrace and stopped her from moving. He said in a gruff voice, “Let Zhen hold you a bit longer!”

Becoming aware of the man’s hardness pressing against her lower body, Meng Sangyu didn’t dare to move. She obediently let him hug her until the strong feelings of lust passed. A faint, comforting ambiance permeated the cold atmosphere. 

He breathed deeply with his head buried in her neck before lifting his head up. “Zhen is leaving, see Zhen off.” He overbearingly ordered.

Meng Sangyu curtsied and agreed. She was just about to place a cloak over his shoulders when the man got a step ahead of her by picking up her outer robe and helping her her dress. In the end, he crouched down, gripping her small and delicate feet, and helped her to put on her gauze stockings and embroidered shoes. His movements were extremely natural and practiced, as if he’d done this a thousand times. Meng Sangyu lowered her eyes to observe his movements. Her eyes showed a complicated expression. If this person wasn’t an Emperor, maybe she would fall in love with him. Even if it were in the modern era, which promoted monogamy, this kind of cherishing care was really hard to come by. 

Once they were properly dressed, the man smiled and fixed the hair that had fallen in front of her face. He then wrapped her tightly in a cloak before grasping her hand and opening the door. Nurse Feng and Nurse Jin were like two esteemed door gods, with one guarding the left and one guarding the right. Chang’xi, who had been squeezed into a corner, was in the midst of lowering his head, his face full of sympathy. To be able to finally be affectionate with one’s wife but limited by time, the Emperor was truly miserable!

“Have the imperial palanquin wait by the palace gates. Zhen and Sangyu will walk for a bit.” Emperor Zhou’wu gave an order to Chang’xi.

Chang’xi agreed. Seeing the two walk hand in hand into the snow, he hurriedly stepped forward with an umbrella. Do not support theft! Support the translator and read this free at Nyanovels.com! This cat bows in thanks.

The freshly fallen snow made [the scenery look] extremely serene and pure. Stepping on the snow felt as soft as cotton and it would even produce an interesting crunching noise. With her hand firmly in the man’s grasp and their fingers intertwined, they shared each other’s warmth. The two rows of footprints beneath their feet extended side by side in the pristine snow, with nothing to come between them. There were no schemes, empty love, or insincerity. This was Meng Sangyu’s first time feeling relaxed with this man. It was an extremely subtle feeling. 

Even though he tried to walk as slowly as possible, they were nevertheless almost at the palace gates. Emperor Zhou’wu attentively tightened her cloak around her and brushed off the snowflakes that had fallen on her shoulders. He spoke gently, “See Zhen off until here. You should go back.” 

“This concubine respectfully sends off your Majesty.” Meng Sangyu curtsied. Noticing that the man had yet to move, she raised her head and inquired with a questioning look in her eyes. According to custom, she would have to see him off until the imperial palanquin disappeared from sight. 

“You head back first, Zhen will watch you from here.” Emperor Zhou’wu squeezed her slightly red nose that had become cold. It was hard to conceal his pampering tone of voice. Seeing that her elegant brows were slightly knitting together, wanting to refuse, he stepped forward, seized her shoulders, and spun her around. “Go on, Zhen will leave once you depart.” His emphatic manner of speech brooked no refusal. 

Meng Sangyu nodded in a daze. She walked forward a bit and turned around. Sure enough, the man stood by the palace gates, watching her. Seeing her look back, he waved his hand, urging her to quickly return to Nurse Feng, who was waiting to welcome her with an umbrella. Meng Sangyu broke into a comfortable smile. This man was indeed trash, but there was one thing with which others could not compare. He would never renege on his promises. He said that he would help her find her father, that he would inform her immediately, and he did. She was truly grateful. 

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The next day, the Emperor resumed holding court in the morning as he had recovered from his shoulder injury. At 3:45 am, all of the Court Ministers stood in the brightly lit Hall of Supreme Harmony awaiting the Emperor’s arrival. Civil and military officials formed lines on both sides according to rank with a clear distinction between the groups. Under normal circumstances, everyone would exchange greetings and chat with each other, but right now an exceedingly heavy atmosphere hung in the air. Many people looked apprehensive, feeling anxious.

The Emperor didn’t neglect to tend to governmental affairs while he was ill, but his imperial decrees were all transmitted through a middleman who delegated tasks. The ministers didn’t think much of it. It was not until they attended court today that they realized just how much power the Emperor wielded.  

It could be said that the Imperial Court was changed beyond recognition. There were many unfamiliar faces. Moreover, despite hailing from humble backgrounds, these newcomers all held important posts and would only be moved by the Emperor’s orders. While the influence of the decorated, noble aristocratic families hadn’t been completely uprooted, it had taken a large hit and would be hard to recover. This worried many corrupt officials who depended on their noble ancestry to climb up the ranks. 

Still, the one who caught the most attention was Yan Jun’wei who stood with the third rank military officials. The fact that he held two posts simultaneously as the Commander of the Hidden Guards and Commander of the Embroidered Uniform Guards was enough to cause others to shoot him sidelong glances. Even his father, Imperial Duke Qi, also glanced at his solemn profile with fearful eyes now and then. This son who he had previously abandoned had already ruthlessly crushed him beneath his foot. Who knew how many people were laughing at Imperial Duke Qi’s failure to see the wood for the trees behind his back.

A moment later, it was announced that the Emperor had arrived. Everyone fixed their expression and promptly hid their thoughts. They knelt down to pay their respects in an orderly fashion.

“Rise.” The man’s deep voice rang out from the imperial throne. Only the stately and imposing manner of a monarch could increase the pressure in the room. 

“Present your memorials. Withdraw from Court if you have nothing to say!” yelled Chang’xi in a shrill voice. 

Yan Jun’wei came forward, bowed, and stated, “Reporting to Your Majesty, Imperial Duke Meng and Han Chang’ping were found in The Muddy Shores yesterday at 2 pm. They are both safe and sound. After Yeluhan Wang received the news, he submitted a request to this Court asking to negotiate peace. Please make the decision, Your Majesty.” 

“What do all of you think?” Emperor Zhou’wu’s keen gaze swept the crowd. Everyone lowered their heads in avoidance. The current monarch had gone through a period of self-indulgence, but when he returned, his might was akin to an unsheathed sword with a sharpness that intimidated others. If they didn’t guess his intentions correctly, there was no one who had the courage to reply. Negotiating peace was Great Zhou’s and the Barbarians' usual practice to deal with each other. Never before had this been changed. However, looking at the Emperor’s concealed killing intent, many people had new ideas and were considering how to put them into words.   

“If no one can come up with ideas, what use are you to Zhen?” Seeing the silence below him, the man’s voice turned cold.

“Reporting to Your Majesty, this subject thinks that our army ought to have a bloody battle till the end and completely wipe them out.” An unfamiliar face stepped out of their spot. His sprightly face showed a fearless expression, unique to the young.

“A bloody battle till the end.” The man pondered over these words. The familiar resounding voice surprised the young man and he raised his head. Conscious that he had committed the taboo of looking directly at the monarch, he hurriedly lowered his head with a stunned expression. Wasn’t this Han Hai’s voice? Connecting the personal relationship between his immediate superior and the Emperor, he slightly turned to the side to stare at Yan Jun’wei who was beside him. Yan Jun’wei returned his stare and blinked. Do not support theft! Support the translator and read this free at Nyanovels.com! This cat bows in thanks. 

“You’re Meng Yan’zhou?” The deep voice rang out again.

The young man, that is, Meng Yan’zhou, summoned up his courage to speak. “Replying to Your Majesty, this humble official is precisely the newly instated Deputy Commander of the Embroidered Uniform Guard, Meng Yan’zhou.”     

“Great! A bloody battle till the end, indeed! As expected, Meng Yan’zhou, you have your father’s character!” Emperor Zhou’wu gave a bright smile and the oppressive mood in the hall was swept clean.  

“Commander Yan, relay Zhen’s decree to the border. Order Our army to wipe out the last of them. Raze the Yelu Emperor’s palace to the ground!” He commanded with a wave of his hand. 

Meng Yan’zhou retreated behind Yan Jun’wei and stealthily took a deep breath. This was his first time attending court and he was truly afraid of angering the Emperor. Yan Jun’wei secretly snickered. This youngster was seriously too tense. As long as his sister was there and he didn’t plan to rebel, he wouldn't lack for glory and wealth in this lifetime. 

Everyone said that Imperial Duke Meng’s eldest son was an unlearned, unskilled good-for-nothing. Looking at Meng Yan’zhou’s performance today in court, the ministers saw him in a new light. It initially seemed like the Meng family was about to fall, but things took an unexpected turn. Not only did Imperial Duke Meng return safely, but his son also became part of the Emperor’s inner circle. What good fortune!

After finishing their discussions regarding the military situation, several Imperial Censors that were incited by the Emperor stepped forward to impeach Imperial Preceptor Shen’s party of officials. Listening to the Imperial Censors listing their crimes one by one, the ministers that were named started to sweat profusely. Those with a discerning eye could already see that the Emperor was about to make a big move. 

As expected, after the Emperor reviewed the memorials of impeachment, he was furious and ordered the Embroidered Uniform Guards to strictly investigate all relevant parties. If their charges were proven guilty, it was anyone’s guess how many families in the capital would be executed and have their properties confiscated, leaving behind rivers of blood. Imperial Duke Qi’s Manor was surprisingly included amongst them. 

Turning a blind eye to his father’s pleading gaze, Yan Jun’wei cupped his hands in obeisance and accepted the order. Seeing the murderous-looking Embroidered Uniform Guards and the Emperor’s satisfied expression, many people’s legs weakened as they thought that they were done for! 

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In the Imperial Preceptor’s Manor, Imperial Preceptor Shen stared fixedly at the secret letters on the small table beside him. His face was pale. These letters were all requests for help which he had ordered the Shen family’s secret guards to deliver, but they were all returned unopened. Casually arranged on the table, it was obvious that this was a warning.

He had long since become trapped like a bird in a cage or a turtle in a jar. He had no alternative but to wait for the monarch’s ruling. 

Recalling the things he and his daughter did, it was useless for Imperial Preceptor Shen to repent. No more than a short time passed before his cheeks were streaming with tears and he fainted. The manservant outside the door supported him to his room with practiced movements and invited over the best imperial physician who delivered the best medical treatment and herbal medicine. The Emperor had ordered that before the secret guards brought back evidence of Imperial Preceptor Shen’s collusion with the enemy and treason, he must live.