HMAM CH 50 Feng Ling's Request
As expected, the army set off at the end of winter, and the day they returned to the capital was exactly the beginning of spring. The officials exited the city to welcome them, shouting "Long live my Emperor!" in unison.
They then made their way to the palace, where they took a cleansing bath, removed their armor, and put on their formal attire, finally feeling some relief from the fatigue of the long journey.
Upon returning to the palace, the first thing Jing Ye wanted to see was his beloved nephew.
One of the palace maids informed him, "Gu Gongzi has been in the Qingyu Pavilion for the past few days, not coming out for meals or sleep. We have already sent someone to inform him. Villa Master Lu has business at the estate and left half a month ago, instructing us to tell Your Majesty that he will definitely return soon."
After such a long journey, he found he could not see anyone.
Jing Ye felt an inexplicable sense of disappointment. In his arms, Jing Xiao Yun held onto a sticky snack and brought it to his lips, saying, "Susu!"
Jing Ye smiled slightly, leaning down to nuzzle his nephew's nose. At least he still had a nephew waiting for him. When he caught sight of Zhao Yue sitting quietly nearby, he pulled him over as well, placing one on each side.
Jing Xiao Yun, not wanting to share his uncle's affection, turned around and hugged Jing Ye's waist, declaring his claim.
Zhao Yue looked up at him, wide-eyed and confused.
Jing Ye patted his head and fed him a piece of plum cake, which Zhao Yue licked and swallowed.
Jing Xiao Yun, wide-eyed, immediately swallowed the whole piece of cake that Jing Ye had given him, his cheeks bulging and almost choking.
Jing Ye laughed heartily, playing with the two little ones for a while, but eventually feeling weary, he instructed them to play by themselves on the couch while he went to sleep soundly in the warm chamber.
Gu Hong hurried into the sleeping quarters. Ye Mao, positioned behind the screen, waved him over and pointed toward the warm chamber behind the screen.
Gu Hong nodded and entered. The room was filled with a soothing fragrance, and the drapes hung low, faintly revealing a silhouette.
He approached slowly and stepped on the thick, soft red carpet on the ground. His footsteps were so light that there was hardly any noise.
When he reached the edge of the bed, he lifted the curtain and sat down beside Jing Ye, gently caressing his brows.
Usually a man of many thoughts, Mr. Gu remained still for four or six hours, quietly staring off into space.
Jing Ye slept without awareness of day or night. At first, he felt the blanket and pillow were cold, and his fingertips were icy. Gradually, he warmed up, the soft, warm fabric against his face providing great comfort.
When he awoke, there was still light in the room. One hand was held by someone, with the other resting on the slim and strong waist of the person beside him. Their chests were pressed against each other, allowing him to feel the steady, calming heartbeat.
As Jing Ye gradually woke up and realized who it was, he lifted his hand to touch the person’s cheek and murmured, "You've lost weight."
"As expected, we can't let you go out again."
Gu Hong sighed softly, his lips brushing against Jing Ye's ear, living up to the phrase "ears brushing together intimately."
From behind the screen, Ye Mao heard the commotion and called out, "Your Majesty has awakened? Do you feel more comfortable? After sleeping for so long, you should get up and eat something, or you might upset your spleen and stomach."
"Come in."
Jing Ye slowly sat up, not letting the palace maids tie up his hair. He gathered his long hair to his back, and Ye Mao hurried in with the maids, bringing a face towel, a basin of water, and a teacup for rinsing.
Gu Hong rose from the bed and, while putting on his clothes, draped a white fox fur coat over Jing Ye's shoulders, saying, "It’s just the beginning of spring; if you're not careful, you might catch a cold."
Seeing him dressed and preparing to leave, Jing Ye asked, "Where are you going?"
"There are still a few matters outside that haven't been resolved; I’ll report back once I’m done," Gu Hong replied with a bow and took Jing Ye's hand for a moment. "This subject will be right back."
Jing Ye nodded, "Coincidentally, zhen has matters to discuss with you as well."
As Gu Hong exited, Ye Mao was bringing up dinner. After Jing Ye finished his meal, he sat beside the bed to ponder for a moment. When Gu Hong returned and saluted, he came over to sit on the bed and mentioned some important matters from the court.
Jing Ye said, "In pacifying the western region this time, many young generals have achieved great military merit. The court should promote more from this younger generation. In any case, zhen will leave it to you to reward them as customary. Just one matter: Li Tingqiu has performed outstanding service this time. He is a vital asset, and it would be too much of a waste for him to remain in the palace to serve zhen."
Gu Hong raised his eyebrows, asking, "What are Your Majesty’s thoughts?"
"Zhen thinks of sending him to an important border command to take on the role of prefect, to maintain order in that region; that should not disappoint such a talent."
Gu Hong smiled lightly, saying, "With Your Majesty's favor and heavenly grace, General Li would certainly be happy to accept the order."
Jing Ye paused with the teacup in his hand, replying, "From the sound of it, it seems zhen is wronging him instead."
"Unfulfilled wishes lead to grievances; isn’t that a form of injustice?" Gu Hong held Jing Ye's long fingers tightly, "Compared to Ting Qiu, this subject truly is a fortunate man."
Hearing this, Jing Ye suddenly thought, could it be that Gu Hong knows? That would be too strange—he and Li Tingqiu were far apart, and no one would carry news; how could he possibly know?
Gu Hong looked at him, suddenly tightening his hold and pulling Jing Ye’s lean frame close to him: "Your Majesty also seems tired. Let’s sleep."
Facing each other, their breaths intertwined and hair mingled, it was naive to think that "sleep" was a static word.
In the presence of such beauty, who could not be tempted? Jing Ye licked his lips, reversed his hand to grip Gu Hong's fingers, and chuckled softly, "How about I take the position on top...?"
Before he could finish speaking, Gu Hong pulled him down, pushing the fabric aside while smiling, "Thank you for your concern, Your Majesty, but although this subject is not as skilled in martial arts as Villa Master Lu, this subject can certainly serve you well enough."
Jing Ye was momentarily speechless.
Gu Hong, usually calm and graceful, now pressed down with some force. He kissed Jing Ye until the latter's lips and tongue tingled. Unable to help himself, he breathed out softly, "Lighter..."
Gu Hong kissed around his ear, moving to his Adam's apple and collarbone, while chuckling, "The night is still long. Has Your Majesty not heard the ancients say ‘good preparation is the key to success'?"
The following day, Jing Ye woke up early. The morning court would not resume for several days, so he was leisurely enjoying the flowers and playing with birds, though his waist ached painfully.
Gu Hong had gone out of the palace early. Old Prime Minister Gu was aging. Although he had returned to court, he mainly sat as a stabilizing force, intimidating the other officials; most matters were controlled by Gu Hong. In a few years, the prime minister's position would likely be handed down to his son.
Jing Ye thought for a moment. The old Prime Minister Gu and the late emperor resembled each other quite a bit, they were too lazy to clean up after themselves, leaving a pile for future generations to handle, using the same lazy tactics one after another.
Ye Mao slipped through the gallery and approached Jing Ye, saying, "Your Majesty, Lord Feng requests to see you."
Jing Ye was currently feeding a parrot and, upon hearing this, paused, saying, "Have him come in; let him meet me here."
Not long after, Feng Ling entered with the help of a maid. Jing Ye observed him closely and noticed that he looked significantly thinner than two months ago. Wearing a scarlet official robe, he still maintained an upright posture like a sturdy pine tree, but his garments swayed as if he might float away.
Yet, there was a lively spirit in his eyes and brows, which made his handsome features even more striking, radiating brilliance.
Jing Ye was momentarily taken aback, recalling the shy youth he had first met, who had possessed such a righteous demeanor. This seemed so much like the person before him now.
Feng Ling bowed and said, "This subject, Feng Ling…"
The parrot on its stand flapped its wings and screeched, "Paying respects to Your Majesty—"
Feng Ling: "…"
Jing Ye couldn’t help but burst into laughter, raising his hand to signal for him to forgo the formalities, "Alright, alright."
Feng Ling had prepared many words to say, but after this interruption, he found himself at a loss, his face reddening.
Jing Ye pinched a piece of pastry to reward the parrot while asking, "What brings qing here?"
"This..." Feng Ling bit his lip. Observing his expression, Jing Ye guessed, "Are you here on behalf of your friend to speak out against an injustice?"
Feng Ling: "?"
Jing Ye continued, "Xu Ming is a serious criminal of the court and is under escort for questioning; however, he is secretly being tortured." Moreover, the officials had found out about it. "It would be a case of overstepping authority. Lest he is lambasted as being arrogant due to his accomplishments, some punishment wouldn't be an injustice."
Feng Ling hurriedly explained, "This subject means no such thing. The matter this subject wishes to discuss is unrelated to… matters of state between sovereign and subjects."
"Then what is it?" Jing Ye's face turned cold. "Is it that you have come to fetch tea and water for zhen, or to make zhen's bed?"
Feng Ling stood stunned for a moment and stammered, "This... this subject doesn’t know how."
Jing Ye was equally astonished. He had expected Feng Ling to take a step back and talk about moral principles and rituals between ruler and minister, but he never expected him to say this.
The two stood silently beneath the eaves, facing each other in quietude.
"This subject, Feng Ling." Suddenly, Feng Ling swept his robe aside and, to Jing Ye's astonishment, knelt.
The parrot flapped its wings but intelligently chose to preserve the atmosphere.
"Has failed to uphold the rules of loyalty and respect between sovereign and minister. This subject has also not shown sufficient filial piety as a descendant. My nature is rough and clumsy, the most trivial of men. If this subject can serve the nation with loyalty, or... remain by Your Majesty's side."
"This subject only asks for this; then my life shall have no regrets."