Chapter 81
On the following day, the Prince of Western Xia personally brought an apology gift to the door, but was turned away by Prince He for a meeting.
The gatekeeper politely said, "Your Excellency, your timing is unfortunate. Our Lord has matters to attend to today and has already informed us not to receive guests."
Li Angshun expressionlessly placed the generous gift in the hands of his subordinate behind him. Just as he was about to leave, his steps halted. Remembering something, he turned to the gatekeeper and inquired, "Has Prince He ever been on the battlefield before?"
Such information was not a secret. The gatekeeper replied, "The Prince has indeed been on the battlefield before."
Li Angshun smiled faintly, "Many who have been on the battlefield carry hidden scars."
The gatekeeper let out a sigh, "That's true. Fortunately, our Lord's constitution is quite strong. Even if he sustains some injuries, he recovers quickly."
Li Angshun felt something was amiss. He furrowed his brows, his eyes sunken, and asked, "Difficult to recover, isn't it?"
The gatekeeper responded, "Not really. A few doses of medicinal supplements are enough for our Lord."
Li Angshun's brow furrowed deeply.
Could it be that appearances can be deceiving? The person on the carriage appeared frail, but in reality, was robust and powerful?
The Prince of Western Xia couldn't shake the feeling that something was off. He departed with his entourage, and while on the way, he suddenly remembered Chu Wei.
This official possessed striking good looks, which had caught Li Angshun's attention. An idea flashed in his mind, and he suddenly thought that the person on the carriage must have some connection with Chu Wei. A cold smile tugged at the corners of his mouth, and he ordered his subordinates, "Investigate where the residence of the official Chu Wei from Da Heng is located."
The subordinates complied, "Yes."
With the back and forth visits of the Prince of Western Xia, the Chief Minister of the Capital City quickly reported the matter to Gu Yuanbai.
Gu Yuanbai mused, "Why does it involve Prince He again?"
Rubbing his temples, he had no patience for these trivial matters anymore. "Continue monitoring. Just make sure they don't act recklessly within my Da Heng Capital City."
As for Prince He, so be it. He still believed that his dear elder brother had a functioning brain. He wouldn't possibly collaborate with someone as insignificant as the Prince of Western Xia.
The Chief Minister of the Capital City, responding to Gu Yuanbai's orders, then withdrew.
A nimble eunuch stepped forward and gently massaged Gu Yuanbai's temples. As Kong Yilin entered the hall, he observed this scene with a hint of concern. A thought suddenly crossed his mind, "Your Majesty, do you still remember the woman from the bandit den in Lizhou?"
Gu Yuanbai reclined in his chair, his eyes closed, allowing his nerves to rest. "I remember."
He sighed, "That woman had a difficult life."
Yet in the eyes of countless men in the world, few would truly understand the hardships women faced. Kong Yilin couldn't help but feel a tinge of lament as he observed his tired-looking emperor. He spoke with genuine concern, "Your Majesty, the court is teeming with numerous talents. You need not personally attend to every matter."
"Of course," Gu Yuanbai replied, "but recently, every matter seems to require my attention. Anyway, let's not discuss this. I recall that the woman took her own life because her family had been massacred by the bandits, correct?"
"Yes," Kong Yilin nodded, "But later, I learned from Minister Sun that the woman was a physician."
Gu Yuanbai raised an eyebrow, "Oh?"
"She comes from a lineage of renowned doctors. She learned some medical skills from a young age. After questioning her, Minister Sun of the Supervisory Office found out that since she had some medical knowledge, she wondered why she should go down the mountain in search of medical help. She asked, 'If I understood medicine, would I even have the chance to leave the mountain in this lifetime?'" Kong Yilin lowered his voice, "Originally, she had intended to end her own life, but after Minister Sun told her about the court's plans to suppress bandits and fight corruption, she changed her mind. After the governor of Lizhou was apprehended, she followed us to the capital."
"Indeed," Gu Yuanbai nodded in agreement.
When he heard the terms "female physician" or "renowned doctor," he had no reaction. It was as if he had long accepted that no matter what kind of doctor it was, they wouldn't be able to cure his illness.
Kong Yilin couldn't help but glance at His Majesty.
Compared to the day of the imperial examination, His Majesty seemed even more frail. The fingers protruding from his sleeves seemed as if they could snap with a single touch due to the weight of his heavy robes.
Kong Yilin may not have understood the art of observation, but he could tell if a person was healthy or not with a single glance.
Even if His Majesty's appearance was still pleasant, it couldn't hide the signs of weakness.
Kong Yilin averted his gaze and pursed his lips several times, but could only offer a dry suggestion, "Your Majesty, if you don't mind a woman's medical skills, could you allow her to check your pulse?"
It was only then that Gu Yuanbai opened his eyes. His gaze swept over Kong Yilin before he motioned toward the corner where two wolves were lying. With a smile, he remarked, "If this woman of great courage isn't afraid of those two wolves, then she's welcome to check my pulse."
The woman had indeed arrived.
Xue Yuan once said that if anyone touched even a single finger of Gu Yuanbai, a single strand of his hair, the two wolves would bite off that person's finger. Whether others believed it or not, Tian Fusheng did, because every time he served tea and water to His Majesty, the two wolves would lower their bodies and fix their fierce gazes on Tian Fusheng's hands.
However, it was strange that despite this, every day when the imperial physicians from the Imperial Medical Office took the pulse and conducted medical examinations on His Majesty, the two wolves showed no signs of aggression.
This time was no different.
The woman brought back by Minister Sun from the bandit's den in Lizhou was named Jiang Bajiao. She had a beautiful appearance but a tall stature, and what was rare was a touch of heroism still present between her brows. Jiang, the female physician, respectfully saluted His Majesty and opened a pouch of medicines, "Please raise your hand, Your Majesty."
Gu Yuanbai lifted his hand. He admired such women and smiled faintly. With another finger, he pointed to the two wolves walking slowly over, "With these two present, can you remain calm?"
As if understanding Gu Yuanbai's words, one of the wolves approached and licked the finger he extended with its rough, crimson tongue. The damp saliva made the finger glisten. Gu Yuanbai was surprised, then helplessly looked at the wolf.
Jiang Bajiao also froze when she saw the two wolves, but she forced herself to remain composed and proceeded to check Gu Yuanbai's pulse.
Tian Fusheng wanted to step forward and wipe His Majesty's hand, but when he looked at the wolves, he dared not. Tian Fusheng frowned and said, "How come Miss Jiang can approach without any issue, but whenever I try, they keep staring at me?"
Gu Yuanbai pondered for a moment and then realized, "She carries the scent of medicine."
Tian Fusheng blinked, "Huh?"
Gu Yuanbai snorted, thinking to himself that Xue Yuan had thought of everything. He even thought of the royal physician who needed to take his pulse up close. Could it be that those words Xue Yuan said about anyone who dared to touch him having their fingers bitten off were actually true?
"Master," the deputy general pointed to the water flask tied to Xue Yuan's waist, "Is that flask filled with fine wine?"
Xue Yuan had a water flask on him, yet he was using another one to drink from. Hearing the question, Xue Yuan grinned and playfully patted the water flask at his waist, lowering his voice, "This is something even better than fine wine."
The deputy general grew curious, "Oh, what could that be?"
Xue Yuan replied, "Soup, a mesmerizing soup."
The deputy general burst into laughter, "Master, you're joking."
With an arched eyebrow, Xue Yuan didn't argue. After finishing his drink, he strode to a secluded spot, removed the mesmerizing soup flask from his waist, and sat down.
After days of scorching sun, the water in the flask seemed to have reduced. Xue Yuan opened the lid, took a sniff, and the fragrance subtly infiltrated his senses. The water had been thoroughly infused with the aroma of herbs and incense. Even after all this time, there was still a hint of spring water scent. (Translator's note: Damn, he's crazy. This is the bathwater!)
Xue Yuan actually felt like taking a sip, but every sip meant one less, and he was reluctant. He was currently covered in a foul smell, and the men in the military camp carried the same odor. The only fragrant thing was Gu Yuanbai's bathwater.
What if every sip cost him one sip less? What would he do then?
Calculating the time, the Wanshou Festival should have begun. He had been on the road for over ten days. He wondered if the person in the palace would remember him occasionally.
His fingers fiddled, and the brief respite was coming to an end. Xue Yuan tucked the flask back at his waist and stood up. "Move it, all of you."
The deputy general hurried forward, and they walked ahead together. The spirited horse was tethered to a tree, busily munching on grass. When it saw Xue Yuan approaching, it kicked its hooves in resistance.
The deputy general chuckled, "This fine horse is truly intelligent. It knows we're setting off, so it won't eat anymore."
However, Xue Yuan didn't respond to his comment.
The deputy general turned curiously, only to see Xue Yuan's expression turning serious. He was staring at a tree and suddenly reached forward, grabbing onto something. The deputy general stepped closer to take a look and found a yellow grasshopper in Xue Yuan's grasp.
The deputy general was taken aback.
Xue Yuan crushed the grasshopper and looked around. "It seems we're about to enter the northern plague-stricken area."
"Protect the provisions, prepare torches and large nets," Xue Yuan released the reins, leading the horse away at a brisk pace. "Find the officials who specialize in dealing with locusts and ensure they're well-prepared."
By the end of September, it was the eve of the Wanshou Festival.
Gifts from various countries and regions had all been deposited in the national treasury. Regarding the gifts from those influential figures, Gu Yuanbai had them returned and subtly hinted at the issue of the northern locust disaster.
These influential figures were indeed astute and resourceful. They immediately responded to the Emperor's suggestion and learned about the northern locust disaster. Gathering together, they decided to dispatch a hundred thousand ducks to the north to eradicate the locusts.
When locusts congregated in large numbers, they emitted toxins. The yellow ones were poisonous, while the green ones, when separated from the swarm, were not. It was the toxicity released by mass gatherings of locusts that prevented birds that fed on them from approaching.
Autumn locusts could only survive for three months. As they neared the end of their lives, they would find a place to lay eggs, known as the nymph stage. During this period, the toxicity in their bodies would dissipate. That was when ducks, approximately a hundred thousand in this case, could devour them. Each duck could consume around two hundred locusts a day, swiftly curbing the locust infestation.
Calculating the timing, the influential figures realized that if they sent the ducks to the northern border now, by the time they arrived, the locusts would be in their nymph stage. The ducks would be effective in devouring them. After consuming the locusts, these well-fed ducks could even become the soldiers' nourishment. Why wouldn't they seize this opportunity?
The Emperor burned the letters sent by the rebellious forces and refused their valuable gifts. Now he finally knew where to show his loyalty, and these influential figures were determined not to miss this chance.
They were busy demonstrating their loyalty to the Emperor. As for the Emperor in the capital city, a tiny glimmer of hope to survive had ignited within him.
A few days ago, after Jiang the female physician examined Gu Yuanbai's pulse, she confessed, "This humble woman's abilities are limited."
Following Gu Yuanbai's faint smile, she fell into deep thought for a moment before saying, "However, my grandmother once gave birth to a premature child at the age of forty. My uncle suffered from congenital deficiencies, incredibly weak, yet he lived until before I was captured by the bandits to the mountains. By that time, his health had improved significantly. I've also examined his pulse. With proper care, he should be able to live a long time."
At that moment, Gu Yuanbai closed his eyes, his face serene and unperturbed. No one could fathom the turmoil within him. "Oh? But your family members were all massacred by the bandits."
"That is indeed the case," Jiang, the female physician, fell silent for a while. "But if I recall correctly, my grandfather had another younger brother. Most of our family's medical texts were in his possession. These two brothers were separated during their youth due to famine, and it's been forty years since then."
"My grandfather mentioned to me that he possessed only fifty percent of the recipe to treat congenital deficiencies. However, his younger brother was even more gifted. If this great-uncle of mine managed to keep a substantial number of medical texts during the famine and survived, there must be a recipe among them capable of treating His Majesty's condition."
Whether the dispersed famine refugees from forty years ago were still alive was unknown. Nevertheless, after Jiang, the female physician shared this information, officials from the Supervisory office immediately pressed for more details. They were digging to the bottom of the issue, fully intending to find this lost great-uncle.
Even if the man had already died, even if his medical texts had been sold off, or even if he had lost his medical expertise, as long as there was a glimmer of hope, the officials from the Supervisory Department were as energetic as if they were injected with vitality.
Although Gu Yuanbai hadn't explicitly mentioned it, he tacitly approved of the Supervisory office's actions.
A glimmer of hope ignited within him, but this spark of hope was faint and fragile. Gu Yuanbai dared not let it grow too much. Instead, he patiently waited for the final outcome with rationality and composure. Until an answer was found, he shifted his focus to matters such as the locust plague, nomadic issues, and the Wanshou Festival.
Amidst this calm yet restless atmosphere, the day of the Wanshou Festival finally arrived.
On that day, Gu Yuanbai dressed according to the elaborate attire of the Da Heng Dynasty's Emperor. As all his accessories adorned his person, he held his breath, gazing at the reflection of himself in a bronze mirror.
An elite among the elite, incomparably noble.
Gu Yuanbai raised an eyebrow and smiled, his crown gently swaying. The air was scented with incense as the dragon patterns on his yellow robe danced. He turned around and walked slowly towards the exit. Tian Fusheng stepped forward to support him. "Your Majesty, today will surely exhaust you."
But when the entire world bows and celebrates for me, is it still impossible to overcome fatigue?
For an ambitious individual, such honors could be addictive, akin to the sweetest poison. Gu Yuanbai smiled without speaking, stepping steadily towards the Golden Luan Hall.
Once the Emperor was seated on the dragon throne, officials below, dressed in dragon robes, stood in orderly formation on both sides. Under the rising sun in the east, they collectively recited congratulatory messages and paid their respects to Gu Yuanbai.
Simultaneously, altars were prepared across the nation. Local officials, dressed in uniform attire, stood in their government offices, leading their subordinates in bowing three times towards the direction of the capital city. "May the Emperor enjoy good health, and may there be peace throughout the realm!"
Incense smoke filled the air as regions across the country celebrated the Emperor's birthday. During these three days of rest, artisans paraded through the streets, displaying the prosperity and abundance of Da Heng under the current rule.
Wealthy local figures or officials even funded the distribution of cakes imprinted with the characters "Longevity and Abundance" to the common people for free, seeking auspicious blessings.
There was no curfew for these three days, and wine shops and restaurants bustled with activity, vibrant and lively. Amidst the constant stream of people, phrases like "How's the harvest?" and "Good weather and abundant rain" were exchanged, leading to hearty laughter. Almost unanimously, people would exclaim, "This year promises a bountiful harvest."
Meanwhile, in the distant northern region.
Squinting at the midday sky, Xue Yuan pulled his reins and called out, "Dismount and form ranks!"
The soldiers, donned in armor, didn't hesitate for a moment. As soon as the command was given, they swung off their horses.
Cavalry formed their ranks, followed closely by infantry. In the blink of an eye, the large formation took shape, exuding a powerful and intimidating aura.
Facing the direction of the capital city, Xue Yuan and his men raised their robes, elegantly kneeling down. In a clear voice, Xue Yuan proclaimed, "Wishing for the prosperity of Da Heng, wishing for the Emperor's well-being and longevity."
This voice spread through the ranks of officers, echoed from one to another. Tens of thousands of soldiers, who were fed by the Emperor's provisions and clothed in the Emperor's attire, also knelt down in unison. It was a dense and overwhelming scene, and as their voices merged, the birds in the dense forest took flight, startled by the resonance.
"Wishing for the prosperity of Da Heng! Wishing for the Emperor's well-being and longevity!"
Xue Yuan and the soldiers shouted these words three times in unison. He gazed into the distance, thinking to himself that if shameless immortals truly existed in the heavens, they better listen carefully.
With so many people offering prayers for Gu Yuanbai, no matter what the young Emperor was like, he would have to live a long and healthy life.
Chapter 82
The people of the capital were celebrating joyously, and within the palace, the annual birthday banquet was about to commence.
Envoys from various countries naturally prepared more than just one gift. Valuable and numerous offerings had been delivered to the treasury in advance, and only one gift, of utmost importance, was kept in hand to be presented during the banquet.
Before the appointed hour, preparations for the palace banquet had already begun. The Ministry of Rites and the Honglu Temple were busy with the protocols of the banquet. As the time arrived, envoys from various countries and royal officials were escorted to their seats one by one.
Chu Wei held a relatively low official position and was not attending the banquet. He remained in his residence, listening to the festive sounds outside. His brows slightly furrowed, revealing a faint smile.
A modest and gentle scholar, as refined as jade. Lady Chu watched him from within the hall. After a while, she couldn't help but smile and turned to a maid beside her, saying, "Look, our Wei-ge has become even more handsome."
The maid agreed, "Indeed, there's no one in the entire capital as charming as our young master."
Just as Chu Wei walked in, he happened to hear these words. He couldn't help but interject, "There is."
However, when curious gazes turned his way, he pursed his lips and remained silent.
Lady Chu rolled her eyes at him and suddenly remembered something, "Yesterday, while you were on duty, someone came to the door and left a gift for you."
Chu Wei inquired, "Who?"
Lady Chu had the gift brought in and pondered for a moment before saying, "That person claimed to be from the Ming Shen Inn, dressed in unusual attire. It must have been a servant from the outer court. My son, how did you get involved with someone from the outer court?"
Chu Wei's brows slowly knitted together. He stepped forward to take the gift from the servant's hand and opened it. Inside was a set of gold flower accessories commonly seen in Western Xia. As expected, a trace of disgust flashed in Chu Wei's eyes. He returned the gift directly to the servant's hand, coldly saying, "Take it back."
The prince of Western Xia might have a decent appearance, but his thoughts were dirty. Chu Wei had always...
Suddenly, Chu Wei thought of himself.
His breath caught, ignoring his mother's calls. He turned and left the hall.
As he stepped over the threshold, a thought struck Chu Wei.
If the prince of Western Xia behaved this way upon seeing him, wouldn't he be even more disrespectful if he were to meet the emperor?
Li Angshun was led to his seat by officials from the Honglu Temple, with the other envoys from Western Xia sitting behind him. Next to Western Xia sat the envoy from Fusang Country.
The envoy from Fusang Country initially intended to exchange a few words with the Western Xia prince, but upon seeing Li Angshun's displeased expression, wisely averted his gaze. Instead, he continued to chat and laugh with the officials from the Honglu Temple.
Li Angshun's face turned sour for a moment, then improved. He brushed his hand through the black hair beneath his felt hat and said, "It doesn't matter. It's fine even if I don't catch a glimpse of Chu Wei. Today is the Da Heng Emperor's birthday banquet, and I refuse to believe that Prince He, who wouldn't give me face, won't show up today."
The Western Xia envoy inquired, "Seventh Prince, what will you do if Prince He appears?"
"It will be the perfect opportunity for him to lose face in front of the Emperor of Da Heng and envoys from various countries," Li Angshun sneered. "To repay the humiliation of us losing face."
"Being embarrassed is not something we alone will experience."
Later, royal officials and envoys from various countries had all taken their seats. The hall was splendidly adorned with gold and jade, and the lights shone brightly, illuminating the place like daylight.
Prince He sat in the front row, at the most prominent position.
Glancing at the birthday gift he had brought, a magnificent embroidered map of mountains and rivers woven by a hundred court maids in the royal palace, had already been delivered to the treasury. This item, however, remained a source of internal conflict for him. It was something he had personally sought out a couple of days ago.
Looking at the gift, Prince He couldn't help but question himself. Given Gu Yuanbai's skeptical look, why was he putting in so much effort for this?
The emperor didn't treat him as an elder brother, yet he was still eager to maintain a cold front.
Just as he was feeling restless, a eunuch's voice called out from outside, "The Emperor arrives."
The people in the hall all stood up in unison, lowering their eyes and bowing their hands. A bright yellow robe adorned with dragon patterns passed by, and the palace attendants followed closely behind, neither too fast nor too slow. After the Emperor took his seat, he said, "Please, be seated."
The voice sounded somewhat familiar. Li Angshun's eyebrows suddenly twitched, and he looked up abruptly towards the Emperor pf Da Heng.
Gu Yuanbai had changed out of his elaborate ceremonial attire and was now in casual clothing. He was talking to a senior eunuch beside him, and although the distance was far and his face was somewhat blurred, his slim chin and distinctive temperament were unmistakable. He was the exact same person who had given Li Angshun cold and commanding orders on the carriage that day.
That person was actually the Emperor of Da Heng!
Li Angshun's expression fluctuated.
Someone behind him tugged at Li Angshun's robe, and he snapped back to reality, following the force to sit down. The envoy from Fusang Country beside him chuckled and said, "Why does the Seventh Prince of Western Xia look so displeased?"
Li Angshun said stiffly, "It's nothing."
The eunuch from behind approached, filling his glass with wine. He held the wine glass firmly, his expression shaded with a touch of gloom.
To think it was the Emperor of Da Heng! He had become the subject of mockery for no reason.
How could he forget? The Emperor of Da Heng health wasn't that great. He was an authoritative figure in the capital. Who else but the Emperor?
Li Angshun looked up towards the elevated area. The deep features on the emperor's face seemed to be clouded with darkness. Even from this distance, his appearance wasn't quite clear, but his actions exuded a distinct air of nobility.
Performers from the imperial music and dance troupe entered the hall. Gu Yuanbai glanced downward and asked Prince He with a smile, "What's that placed by your table?"
Prince He covered a wooden box and adjusted his sleeves. This was his first time personally preparing a gift for Gu Yuanbai, and he felt ashamed and irritated. He mumbled, "A birthday gift for His Majesty."
Gu Yuanbai turned his gaze towards Tian Fusheng, and Tian Fusheng reminded him, "Your Majesty, the embroidered map of mountains and rivers was the gift that Prince He's residence sent to the palace earlier."
"Prince He is quite thoughtful," Gu Yuanbai nodded slightly and chuckled, "I'll have to guess what's in this gift he's holding."
He lifted the cup, filled with clear water instead of wine, took a sip, and pondered for a moment. Remembering Prince He's habit of gifting precious items to the late Emperor, he said, "Is it a unique jade piece or a precious stone?"
Prince He gave a somber acknowledgment. The eunuchs stepped forward to take his gift, but he waved them off, rising from his seat and walking to Gu Yuanbai's side. "I found something that looked somewhat decent a few days ago," he said.
Tian Fusheng opened the wooden box, revealing a jade stone shaped like ginseng, with a dark red color and a few threads of gold flowing within it. A beauty as rare and exquisite as this was easily connected to legends of immortals. Gu Yuanbai took a few glances and remarked, "We really like it."
Prince He wanted to smile, but he forced himself to maintain a serious expression. He said nonchalantly, "I'm glad Your Majesty likes it."
With Prince He setting the example, others began to present their gifts. These offerings were chosen for their sentiment and novelty. Among them, there were a few unique and fascinating items that caught Gu Yuanbai's interest.
The officials were in the front row, and the envoys from various countries were seated behind. After witnessing the Da Heng empire's military action in the north, some envoys had secretly added more weight to their gifts. Seeing the offerings brought forth by the representatives of other nations, they were both surprised and relieved. Even if they couldn't be the most generous gift-givers, they certainly couldn't be the least generous.
Watching this scene, the expressions of the Western Xia envoy weren't looking very pleasant.
The envoy from Western Xia had come to Da Heng for three reasons: to wish the Emperor of Da Heng a happy birthday, to gather information about the current state of Da Heng, and to discuss matters concerning the "marketplace" between the two countries. The term "marketplace" referred to the trade interactions between the two countries at their border. Due to Western Xia's limited resources, they heavily relied on this trade for many essential goods. However, two months before Li Angshun's visit to Da Heng, the Da Heng empire unexpectedly suspended the "marketplace" with Western Xia.
This caught Western Xia off guard.
Da Heng's cavalry had been reliant on Western Xia for its supply of horses. With Da Heng unilaterally shutting down the marketplace, one might wonder if they weren't afraid of straining their relations with Western Xia. After all, without a stable source of horses, what would Da Heng do?
This was precisely why Prince He had been sent to Da Heng by Western Xia. Yet, Li Angshun believed that the horses from Da Heng and the local salt merchants couldn't do without Western Xia's Qing Salt, so he felt confident and acted in a brazen and domineering manner.
His audacity even reached the Emperor.
They had initially believed their lavish gifts would be sufficient to mend the situation. But as they now looked at the generous gifts brought by the representatives of the Da Heng Dynasty, they found it both perplexing and absurd.
Could it be that all the envoys from other countries were seeking favors from Da Heng?
Western Xia's gifts, originally substantial, were now completely overshadowed. They no longer stood out.
When it was time for Western Xia to present their gift, the envoy from Western Xia held a valuable offering and intended to hand it to a nearby eunuch. Suddenly, Li Angshun stood up, snatched the gift, and strode forward. All eyes in the hall were fixed on him. As Li Angshun approached, he could finally see the Emperor of Da Heng's face clearly.
The Emperor of Da Heng sensed his presence and glanced at him briefly, narrowing his eyes slightly.
Li Angshun's footsteps paused for an instant, then he continued forward with determined steps. When he stood before Gu Yuanbai, he hadn't spoken yet. The eunuch who followed closely behind him respectfully announced, "Your Majesty, this is the envoy from Western Xia, Seventh Prince Li Angshun."
"I have some impression," Gu Yuanbai said with a half-smile. "Western Xia prince, quite bold."
Though the Emperor of Da Heng hadn't said much, it felt as if he had already mocked Li Angshun. Li Angshun was certain, and his tone was just like that person in the carriage that day.
Following Western Xia's etiquette, Li Angshun bowed to Gu Yuanbai and apologized with a rueful smile, "Those lacking experience often resort to a facade of false bravado to conceal their unease. The Da Heng Dynasty is vast and abundant, with remarkable individuals and thriving landscapes. When we first arrived in Da Heng, we were captivated by its splendor and felt timid, leading us to make mistakes. If our actions have led you to disdain Western Xia, then we are indeed not worth your attention."
Gu Yuanbai raised his hand slightly, indicating for Li Angshun to rise. "You have a way with words."
Li Angshun stood up straight and saw the attractive face of the Emperor of Da Heng once again. Li Angshun had a penchant for handsome individuals, and speaking solely about looks, the Emperor of Da Heng possessed a face that made it impossible for anyone to harbor resentment towards him.
"The gift from Western Xia, I have examined it, and it is quite substantial," Gu Yuanbai's tone was leisurely, "From spices to felt blankets, from camels to horses, they have put in great effort."
Li Angshun smiled, the gold decorations on his attire shimmering. He possessed a pleasing appearance, with deep features akin to an eagle's. However, the arrogance lurking in his eyes detracted from his favorable looks, tarnishing his handsome visage. "For your birthday, Western Xia must certainly put in significant effort."
He handed the gift in his hand to the eunuch, who then passed it to Tian Fusheng.
As the exquisite wooden box was opened, a faint glow emanated from within. Tian Fusheng placed the box before Gu Yuanbai's eyes, revealing a semi-translucent, beautifully colored, nearly spherical luminous pearl.
What was even more remarkable was that even under the bright candlelight in the well-lit hall, the luminous pearl emitted a beautiful fluorescence – a golden green tint with a touch of blue, akin to the treasures of the deep sea.
Li Angshun's face faintly showed a hint of pride. Although the Da Heng royal family possessed many luminous pearls, this particular one was undoubtedly exceptional.
"An excellent item," Gu Yuanbai exclaimed as expected, "I never expected Western Xia to possess such treasures."
Li Angshun didn't catch the underlying danger in the words of the ruler of Da Heng. He chuckled with self-satisfaction and declared, "Although Western Xia may not match up to Da Heng, we have treasures aplenty, just like an abundance of crucian carp swimming across a river!"
Gu Yuanbai took the luminous pearl from the box, feeling its smooth and plump texture. It was remarkable that he could hold it in just one hand. He toyed with the luminous pearl, and its faint glow cast a gentle blue hue in his eyes.
"Truly exquisite."
Western Xia was truly a wonderful place.
Salt, camels, horses, sheep, beeswax, musk pods, brown fur, and antelope horns... It was such a marvelous place, and now this splendid luminous pearl from Western Xia made Gu Yuanbai thoroughly delighted.
The Emperor sighed in admiration. He had Tian Fusheng pack the luminous pearl back into its box and looked at Li Angshun with a smile, his gaze akin to that of someone beholding a gold mine. Such a look made Li Angshun's handsome face flush with warmth.
A place this wonderful should belong in his hands and become a part of the Da Heng, shouldn't it?
Chapter 83
What Gu Yuanbai was pondering in his heart remained unknown to anyone. No matter how much Li Angshun speculated, he couldn't fathom that beneath the elegant and luxurious exterior of the Da Heng Emperor, thoughts were already brewing about how to bring the entire Western Xia under his control.
Li Angshun's initial resentment had now morphed into a sensation of heat flushing his face, and this awkward feeling didn't dissipate until the eunuch led him away.
Once everyone else had left, Gu Yuanbai wiped his hands and inquired, "Where is the envoy from Fusang seated?"
Tian Fusheng felt that the Emperor seemed particularly interested in the envoy from Fusang. He whispered, "Your Majesty, he is seated just beside the Western Xia envoy."
Gu Yuanbai looked in that direction, but unfortunately, the distance was too great to see clearly. He had specifically checked the number of gifts offered by Fusang when they presented their tribute. Among the surrounding countries, the tribute from Fusang was one of the most remarkable.
Since the Han Dynasty, Fusang had been a vassal state of China. During the Tang Dynasty, they sent emissaries to the Tang court to learn and develop their own strength. After the transition to the Da Heng Dynasty from the Tang Dynasty, despite various changes, Fusang remained respectful to Da Heng and still aimed to maintain good relations.
In Gu Yuanbai's eyes, this country was undeniably special.
Gu Yuanbai lowered his gaze, but he felt a gaze from his left. He turned his head and saw the Prince He raising his cup toward him. Gu Yuanbai smiled and raised his own cup in acknowledgment.
As the jade cups touched, Gu Yuanbai's brows furrowed. He suddenly remembered that the jade cup he used before seemed to have been taken away by Xue Yuan as he hadn't seen it.
Thinking of Xue Yuan, Gu Yuanbai recalled the two wolves. He turned to look to the side, where the two wolves had already been arranged by someone. They were currently feasting on fresh meat in a concealed corner.
They seem to enjoy it even more than me.
Gu Yuanbai suddenly felt like snorting. He turned his head away, temporarily putting aside his other thoughts, and began to focus on his meal.
After three rounds of wine, the sky had darkened. After the banquet concluded, the palace attendants escorted the officials and envoys out. Gu Yuanbai walked out of the palace and entered the Imperial Garden to breathe in the fresh air.
The bright moon hung high in the sky, the gentle breeze rustled, and the scent of flowers and grass floated in the air.
With his hands behind his back, Gu Yuanbai looked up at the moon among the branches. Suddenly, he heard footsteps approaching. He turned his head slightly and saw Prince He, reeking of alcohol, stumbling his way toward him with the support of a eunuch.
The eunuch struggling to hold up the Prince He said, "Your Majesty, Prince He is intoxicated and refuses to leave the palace."
Upon hearing the words "Your Majesty," Prince He burped from the alcohol. He waved off the eunuchs around him and managed to stand somewhat straight. His gaze swept around the area before finally fixing on Gu Yuanbai. He stared with wide eyes and slurred, "You're not allowed to send me back."
Gu Yuanbai replied, "How much have you been drinking? You reek of alcohol."
Prince He, however, remained silent. He only stared at Gu Yuanbai as if he had suddenly forgotten who Gu Yuanbai was.
Gu Yuanbai chuckled and playfully remarked, "Why do you have that expression, Prince He? Don't you recognize me?"
"You're the Emperor," Prince He said in a somber tone, each word emphasized, "Emperor, younger brother."
Gu Yuanbai responded with a nasal tone and instructed the eunuch, "Take him to the Hua Yi Palace for rest."
The eunuchs immediately complied.
Gu Yuanbai turned his gaze away and continued to gaze at the moonlight. Prince He, however, didn't want to leave. He stubbornly stood his ground and asked, "What are you looking at?"
Gu Yuanbai ignored him.
Prince He persisted, "I'm talking to you. Why aren't you responding?"
"I don't feel like talking to a drunkard," Gu Yuanbai casually replied.
Prince He stated, "I'm not drunk."
Gu Yuanbai couldn't help but laugh. He turned to the palace attendants and said, "Why haven't you taken Prince He back yet?"
The palace attendants surrounded the Prince He, whispered persuasions, and tried to lead him away with a combination of gentle and firm touches. Prince He remained unmoving, but couldn't withstand the pulling any longer. After a while, he seemed to regain his senses, wiped his face, and said, "I just want to enjoy the breeze. Your Majesty, let me stay and enjoy the breeze with you."
Only when Gu Yuanbai nodded did the palace attendants step aside. Gu Yuanbai strolled along the pathway, and the bright moon above accompanied his steps.
The gentle and pure moonlight gently spread, casting a layer of silver light everywhere, resembling fallen snow.
Prince He followed behind. As they walked, he began to feel dizzy and disoriented. Passing by a rockery, he suddenly grabbed Gu Yuanbai's hand, abruptly halting the Emperor's steps.
Gu Yuanbai frowned, "Gu Zhao."
Prince He's breath came in ragged gasps, and his fingers clenched. The scent of alcohol on him seemed to seep toward Gu Yuanbai's nose. Just as palace attendants from a distance were about to approach, Prince He spoke, "Gu Lian."
His voice was low, "Why haven't you taken a palace concubine?"
Gu Yuanbai calmly replied, "I've already told you once. Do you want me to die in a palace concubine's bed?"
"But you can't even get with a woman," Prince He's head was still lowered, but his grip on Gu Yuanbai's hand tightened, "how could you have children?"
Gu Yuanbai replied, "There are still royal relatives, and there's you."
Prince He's fingers twitched, and his heart skipped a beat. "Me?"
"You will also have children," Gu Yuanbai affirmed.
Prince He stiffened, and after a while, he released Gu Yuanbai's hand on his own. He murmured, "Truly worthy of being an Emperor."
Truly worthy of being the Emperor chosen by the late Emperor.
He walked past Gu Yuanbai in a daze. His steps were a bit unsteady. Gu Yuanbai was about to have someone support him when his expression suddenly changed. He swiftly reached out and pulled Prince He behind him.
In the darkness, two pairs of beastly pupils gleamed, and two agile wolves charged towards them. Their eyes glowed with a green light, and they fixed a fierce gaze on Prince He.
Their growls grew increasingly dangerous, bared fangs ready to strike. Gu Yuanbai sternly commanded, "Back off."
The wolves circled Gu Yuanbai a few times, attempting to find an opportunity to bite Prince He. Gu Yuanbai didn't hesitate to kick them a couple of times. He pointed into the distance and ordered, "Go away."
After a few repetitions, the two wolves whimpered, tails tucked between their legs, and slowly retreated into the darkness.
This encounter completely sobered up Prince He. He had a thin sheen of sweat on his back. "Your Majesty, did you raise wolves by your side?"
Gu Yuanbai gave a perfunctory response, his mind preoccupied with the fact that what Xue Yuan had said was true.
The Prince frowned, "How could you raise wolves by your side?"
He continued with a long string of words, but Gu Yuanbai wasn't interested in listening. He had the attendants take Prince He to the Hua Yi Palace and sent guards to protect him. He didn't want the Prince He's fingers to actually get bitten off by these two wolves.
Before leaving, the Prince seemed to think of something. His tone suddenly turned serious, "Your Majesty, did Xue Yuan give you these two wolves?"
Gu Yuanbai replied, "And if he did?"
Prince He looked deeply into his eyes, then turned and followed the palace attendants away.
Once Prince He was gone, Gu Yuanbai took another leisurely stroll. The two wolves followed behind him, pitifully keeping their distance. Gu Yuanbai wasn't afraid of them, but others felt a shiver down their spines due to these two wolves, their hairs standing on end.
"Y-Your Majesty," Tian Fusheng cautiously said, "It's getting late."
Gu Yuanbai glanced at the sky. "Then let's go back."
Before going to sleep, His Majesty took a bath. While he was bathing, the two fully grown wolves with lustrous black fur walked into the palace. They eagerly brought the scattered shoes on the ground to Gu Yuanbai's feet.
Gu Yuanbai opened his eyes and glanced at them, a smile tugging at his lips amidst the swirling steam. "The creature takes after its master."
As soon as he spoke, the two wolves put down the dragon-patterned boots and curiously lowered their bodies, extending their tongues to lap at the hot water in the bath.
Gu Yuanbai: "..."
Were these the wolves that Xue Yuan had worked so hard to domesticate?
Chapter 84
Xue Yuan, a cultured individual, had been sneezing a few times while on the road these past couple of days.
Although it was getting late, there was still some afterglow in the northern sky. After the marching troops had finished their dinner, they continued to push forward, illuminated by the lingering twilight.
Xue Yuan pinched the bridge of his nose, and his deputy, concerned, asked, "Sir, are you alright?"
Shaking his head, Xue Yuan continued to lead the troops forward with an expressionless face.
The deputy looked at his cold and ruthless demeanor and then glanced at the disaster-stricken people on both sides of the road. He couldn't help but sigh inwardly.
After the army reached the disaster area, they frequently encountered large groups of refugees.
These refugees were emaciated from hunger, their eyes showing timidity and panic when looking at the marching army. However, when they saw the provisions carried by the soldiers, their eyes turned into fervent greed.
The provisions seemed to be piled up like mountains, covering the ground as far as the eye could see. The soldiers transporting these supplies were strong and robust, while the disaster-stricken refugees on the roadside were pitiable. Among them were young children and elderly people on the brink of starvation.
Many of the well-fed and well-clothed soldiers of Da Heng were seeing such misery for the first time. Their hearts were filled with compassion, and upon encountering these refugees, they wanted to share their own rations. However, on the very day they encountered these refugees, Xue Yuan issued an order: no one was allowed to give any rations to the refugees.
"Who dares to give them a morsel of food?" On that day, Xue Yuan held a large blade, his expression chilling to the point of trembling. "Punishment according to military regulations, beheading."
These words immediately quelled the reluctance in the hearts of those who wanted to help.
Nevertheless, the unyielding cruelty of their commanding officer sparked resentment among many soldiers. Finally, two days ago, a few soldiers who could bear it no longer secretly shared some of their rations with a group of starving refugees. However, that same night, as the army was preparing to set up camp, they were surrounded by hundreds of desperate and irrational refugees. Ignoring the warnings of the soldiers, they crazily rushed towards the supply carts. Due to the soldiers' concessions, some of these refugees even wielded stones and sharp tools, resulting in the deaths of several Da Heng soldiers.
This chaos persisted until Xue Yuan and his men managed to quell all the surrounding refugees with force.
After the turmoil subsided, the soldiers guarding the provisions were panting heavily as they looked at the corpses of the refugees on the ground. The image of those desperate refugees charging towards them was still imprinted in their minds, and the madness in their eyes was something they couldn't forget. It left the soldiers somewhat dazed, as if they hadn't fully recovered from the experience.
After Xue Yuan had finished killing, his face was splattered with the blood of the refugees. His large blade was stained a dark crimson. He turned around, still expressionless, and raised the blade to point at the soldiers, asking, "Who provided them with rations?"
Several soldiers who had shared their rations clenched their teeth and stepped forward from the crowd.
In an instant, Xue Yuan's expressionless face twisted into a fierce grimace. Plunging the large blade into the ground, he marched over, his pace quickening, until he delivered a brutal punch that pinned the three or five soldiers beneath him. Grasping their collars, he roared, "It's because of you that they died. Do you understand?"
His fists rained down on them, the surrounding soldiers growing red-eyed with suppressed emotions. They remained silent, unsure of what to say.
The deputy's heart ached. The beaten soldiers endured their punishment in silence, their blood and tears mingling with the dirt, as vultures circled overhead, drawn by the scent of blood, circling the bodies of the fallen refugees.
"What did I say before?" Veins bulged on Xue Yuan's neck. Gripping the soldiers' collars tightly, he bellowed, "You were forbidden to give them food!"
"Did you think you were being heroes?" Xue Yuan's expression turned horrifying. "We were delivering food. What does that mean? This food is for the border troops. Do you think these provisions are plentiful? Well, how many refugees do you think there are in this entire disaster zone?"
"Offer them a single stalk of wheat, and they'll rush to seize it, oblivious to your numbers or your status as imperial soldiers. What do they care about your numbers or whether you serve the court? Can you kill hundreds? What about thousands, or tens of thousands? Throughout the journey to the northern border, because of the food you provided, they'll stick to you, seizing any opportunity to snatch and take. " Xue Yuan suddenly grabbed a soldier's collar, dragging him unsteadily toward a group of soldiers attacked by refugees, their heads bloody and battered. He pointed at the wounds on their heads. "See this? Open your eyes and understand. This is the consequence of your goodwill."
The injured soldiers raised their heads in silence, locking gazes with the group of three or five. Those soldiers who had offered their rations to aid the refugees clenched their jaws, their facial muscles trembling.
Xue Yuan led them to the bodies of several soldiers who, caught off guard, had been killed by the refugees they didn't intend to harm.
Tears welled up in their eyes. Kneeling down, they wept in anguish. Xue Yuan released them and pulled the blade from the mud, his expression returning to its emotionless state. "Disregarding military regulations leads to execution."
"Sir—"
"General!"
Many people restrained Xue Yuan. They advised him to spare the lives of these soldiers this time, believing that after this incident, no one would dare defy a military order again. If anyone did, they could be executed next time.
Xue Yuan granted these officers, who continued to plead on behalf of the soldiers, a reprieve, sparing their lives. However, from two days ago to today, Xue Yuan continued to maintain his extraordinarily ruthless demeanor.
No one knew if he was angry for the suffering soldiers or if he was angry at being forced to kill hundreds of refugees.
The deputy harbored a vague feeling; he suspected that Xue Yuan might not have intended to kill those soldiers at all. In the end, going along with the flow might have been a method to appease the soldiers.
Furthermore, not only was Xue Yuan's expression becoming increasingly reserved over these days, giving him an air of detachment, but it was also evident that the soldiers in the entire army were growing more convinced and reliant on him. When encountering the refugees once again, even if they felt sympathy, the soldiers could maintain stern faces, marching day and night without glancing aside.
The more rational the commander, the more he considered the bigger picture, the more the soldiers feared him, and the stricter the military discipline became.
The deputy mulled over these thoughts, filled with a sense of admiration.
Xue Yuan was only twenty-four years old, yet he managed to maintain such clear-headed cruelty when faced with suffering refugees, whom one couldn't help but feel compassion for. How did he manage to uphold this chilling demeanor?
Or perhaps the trials and tribulations Xue Yuan had experienced in the past were even more brutal than the scene unfolding before them?
Lost in his contemplations, Xue Yuan glanced at the sky and succinctly ordered, "Notify the troops that we will rest here tonight."
The command spread, followed by a rising murmur in the rear. Having finally found a clean river today, their water supplies had been dwindling over the past days. Xue Yuan had arranged for people to fetch water from the river in shifts to replenish their stores. The scattered sentries hastened their way over, reporting, "General, the number of refugees trailing behind us is increasing."
Xue Yuan responded, "Let them follow."
Whatever the commander said, the soldiers would follow. Not only did the deputy admire Xue Yuan, but the sentries also listened to him wholeheartedly. They efficiently acknowledged the order and mounted their horses before continuing to survey the surroundings.
Fortunately, these refugees were in awe of the imposing presence of the tens of thousands of soldiers, only daring to keep their distance from behind. They didn't dare provoke them up close.
As they approached the northern border, Xue Yuan spoke less and less. His expression grew heavy, occasionally revealing a softened look, but it vanished as soon as it appeared. Before any longing could emerge in his eyes, the desolate disaster zone obliterated it entirely.
The deputy suggested, "Sir, shall we wash up together?"
Xue Yuan clapped his hands and nodded. "Let's go."
The deputy cast a glance behind him. The refugees were resting at a distance. Due to the incident of aiding the refugees earlier, the soldiers had become wary of them. Even at such a distance, these soldiers remained fully alert. They had instinctively moved closer to the supply carts and were guarding them quietly.
Xue Yuan glanced in their direction and said nothing. The deputy smiled wryly and added, "I understand your intentions, sir. These rations are meant for the border troops. We have no authority to distribute them. Only General Xue has the right to use these rations to aid the refugees. If they manage to follow us to the northern border, it might be a glimmer of hope for them."
With that said, the deputy's expression turned somewhat worried. "Although our food supplies are sufficient, I still have concerns. What if we reduce the soldiers' rations a bit and make plans for after we reach the northern border?"
During their conversation, the two individuals had already arrived at the riverside. They washed their faces downstream, and Xue Yuan remarked, "No need for formalities, let's just eat like this."
After years of marching, Xue Yuan, who rarely had a satisfying meal, never anticipated the day he would utter such words. He couldn't help but chuckle as droplets of water from his face dripped along his sharp jawline. "The Emperor is behind us, and the provisions are undoubtedly sufficient."
This was no longer the situation of years past. Gu Yuanbai, Xue Yuan believed in Gu Yuanbai.
Unbeknownst to the frontline commanders, a hundred thousand ducks were on their way to the northern border.
Not only ducks, but also a portion of this year's harvest. In order to express their gratitude to the Emperor and their loyalty, these influential figures were incredibly self-aware. Among them, a few even went to extravagant lengths, astonishingly contributing substantial amounts.
When these reports reached Gu Yuanbai's ears, he couldn't help but sigh. He personally picked up a brush and wrote the characters "For the Nation, For the People," sending these inscriptions as rewards to these magnanimous individuals.
To receive the Emperor's calligraphy, what a tremendous honor. The recipients of these rewards felt a hidden joy in their hearts, walking with a certain swagger that attracted admiration. Moreover, those who contributed to combating the northern locust plague would receive copper, silver, and gold medals from the court, distributed according to their levels of contribution. Their names and hometowns would be recorded by the government. Once the locust plague subsided, their names would be engraved on stone tablets for the people to admire.
With such actions underway, merchants large and small couldn't sit still.
For several days, the Ministry of Revenue was bustling. When they finally regained their composure, the envoys who had come to celebrate the Emperor's birthday had all departed, leaving behind a lone envoy from Western Xia with a request concerning Da Heng.
After the Minister of Revenue and Gu Yuanbai had finished reporting on important matters, the topic of the Western Xia trading post was also brought up. "Your Majesty, the mutual trade with Western Xia has been suspended for three months now. The Western Xia envoy is growing anxious and has already sent gifts to officials of the Ministry of Revenue."
"Is that so?" Gu Yuanbai mused, "Looking at their prince's demeanor, they seem rather leisurely."
The Minister of Revenue could only laugh and cry, acknowledging the Emperor's astute observation.
"Let's keep them waiting a bit longer and see what else Western Xia can offer," Gu Yuanbai chuckled with a hint of significance, "I don't have the time to deal with them right now. If they wish to present gifts, you may accept them. It's a good opportunity to gauge the extent of Western Xia's offerings to Da Heng."
He shook his head as he continued, "They've sent me such lavish gifts, yet they still have surplus funds for extravagant living in Da Heng, not to mention sending things to your residence... Western Xia is certainly quite wealthy."
The Minister of Revenue hadn't considered this angle previously, but now, following the Emperor's words, he came around. He thought for a moment and couldn't help but exclaim, "Indeed, Western Xia is truly affluent."
After exchanging sighs, the two, Emperor and minister, continued their conversation. The Minister of Revenue eventually took his leave. Gu Yuanbai looked at the sky outside, then suddenly remarked, "General Xue has been away for over three months, and even Xue Yuan has been gone for more than a month."
Tian Fusheng calculated the time and respectfully agreed, "Indeed, Your Majesty."
Gu Yuanbai let out a sigh, "The doors, the gates. The women, wives, and mothers of the Xue family must be feeling incredibly lonely."
Tian Fusheng offered reassurance, "Your Majesty, you've taken care of the Xue family on various occasions, and you've issued edicts for Lady Xue and Madam Xue. The City Magistrate of the capital also frequently sends patrols past the Xue residence. Despite the fact that it's an all-female household, no one dares to approach and mistreat them."
Gu Yuanbai nodded slightly and cast a sidelong glance at the two wolves lying by the table. He rubbed his forehead and said, "Make the arrangements. Tomorrow, I will personally visit the Xue residence, accompanied by the Minister of War and the Chancellor of the Secretariat. Select two or three officials who have a good relationship with General Xue for this trip as well."
Tian Fusheng replied, "Understood."
On the second day, the Emperor arrived at the Xue residence in person, accompanied by his officials.
Both the Xue family and certain military officers breathed a sigh of relief due to this visit.
Gu Yuanbai had arranged for Xue Yuan to distribute provisions for a few reasons. First, he was suitable for the task. Second, it was a way for Gu Yuanbai to convey to General Xue that by sending his son to deliver supplies, he demonstrated trust and support. He was General Xue's firm backing.
However, there were always individuals who let their imaginations run wild. They speculated that this move indicated the Emperor's apprehension about the Xue family and saw it as an opportunity to eliminate both father and son.
These individuals greatly underestimated Gu Yuanbai's magnanimity and breadth of character, mistakenly portraying him as weak-willed. Now that the Emperor had personally arrived with high-ranking officials to console the Xue family, these people realized the Emperor had no such intentions.
Tears flowed freely from the eyes of Old Lady Xue as she was soothingly comforted by the Emperor, "To be able to serve the Emperor is a blessing, even if it means death. It's a stroke of luck for the father and son."
Gu Yuanbai chuckled and shook his head, remarking, "Madam Xue, your words are quite solemn. This battle is not a difficult one. General Xue and his son are sure to bring us a great victory."
His tone was gentle, yet the calmness in his voice conveyed an undeniable assurance, making it incredibly convincing.
After soothing the Xue family members, Gu Yuanbai was led on a tour of the Xue residence. After a while, he suddenly remembered, "Where is Xue Jiuyao's room?"
Chang Yuyan had once said that the books in Xue Yuan's room outnumbered the entire collection in his own study. Gu Yuanbai was genuinely curious about this claim.
The young servant of the Xue household quickly led the way and brought Gu Yuanbai to Xue Yuan's room. The others stayed outside while Gu Yuanbai entered the room alone. As he stepped inside, he indeed saw numerous neatly arranged books.
He raised an eyebrow slightly, approached, and casually pulled out a book to flip through. The pages were clean and orderly, devoid of any signs of being previously opened.
Gu Yuanbai placed the book back and pulled out several military texts one after another. The results were the same. Not only were there no annotations or markings that indicated they had been read, but the books also emitted the fresh ink aroma characteristic of new volumes, as if they had just been printed.
Was this the cultured individual from the legends?
Sitting behind the desk, Gu Yuanbai randomly flipped through a few pages of the book in his hand, wondering if Xue Yuan hadn't read a single book from this entire wall.
Upon reflection, Xue Yuan had actually personally told Gu Yuanbai that he was a coarse person and hadn't read many books.
But according to Chang Yuyan's claims, Xue Yuan seemed like an entirely different person, hiding his true self beneath a calm exterior.
Which portrayal was the truth?
As Gu Yuanbai flipped through the pages, preparing to return the book, he accidentally kicked something with the tip of his shoe. Bending down to look, he found a roughly made swallow-shaped kite under the desk.
It was the same one that Xue Yuan had shown him before.
Gu Yuanbai didn't hesitate to pick it up. Turning it over, he saw a line of bold characters written on the kite:
"If there's no thunder to strike the crown, then the emperor will come to my embrace."