Sui Heng asked, “Do you really think so?”
God knows how nervous he was just now. It’s not even that tense when he’s marching to war.
He wasn’t afraid of losing his face in front of Jimo Qingyu, but he was afraid that his little lover didn’t have him in his heart and wanted to leave him. It wasn’t that he wasn’t willing to let him have a wider world to exert his actions, but at least not right now, especially following Jimo Qingyu.
With Jimo Qingyu’s style, he’ll surely brainwash his little lover day after day, defaming him in front of his little lover, slandering him, and trying to make his little lover leave him.
His little lover has a simple mind and a soft temper. How can he withstand the stubborn coercion and temptation?
“En.”
Jiang Yun nodded, “I don’t have much ambition.”
Sui Heng’s heart was filled with mixed emotions. He breathed a sigh of relief and was moved by his little lover’s obedience. He also held a deep grudge against Jimo Qingyu for his high and mighty words just now. He almost compares him to a wicked person with low moral character who only knows how to take.
With this in mind, he said with great jealousy, “You don’t have to deceive Gu. That Jimo Qingyu has condescended to personally come to the door to beg you to be his disciple. This is a ‘lucky fate’ that many people envy. If you really want to go, Gu won’t stop you. Gu is not that kind of small-minded person.”
Jiang Yun didn’t believe his bullsh*t.
But this guy was a bit insensitive, so Jiang Yun asked, “Can I really go?”
“Of course.”
Sui Heng spoke lightly, but his eyes had already darkened.
Jiang Yun pretended not to see, as if thinking for a moment, and said, “Then how about I go to the Left Prime Minister’s mansion tomorrow and say that I have changed my mind?”
Sui Heng finally couldn’t pretend anymore.
He dangerously narrowed his eyes. “Do you really want to go?”
Jiang Yun “Aren’t you said…”
Before he finished speaking, an unspeakable soreness came from the side of his waist, and his body went limp, uncontrollably laying on his shoulders.
Jiang Yun gritted his teeth and felt embarrassed. “You—”
Sui Heng proudly said, “You can go if you want. Tonight, Gu will definitely reward you well, so that you won’t be able to get out of bed for three days. Gu will see how you can go.”
Jiang Yun: “You’re so stingy.”
“Yeah, is this the first day you’ve learned that Gu is stingy?”
Sui Heng was straightforward. “If you dare to go, Gu will demolish the entire Left Prime Minister Mansion. Let’s see if that old thing still dares to come over and compel you with sweet words.”
He was inexplicably happier to have gotten the game back and asked, “Have you tasted the plum Gu gave you?”
Jiang Yun nodded and let out an “En.”
“How does it taste?”
“Very good.”
“Really?” Sui Heng said he didn’t believe it. “Let Gu taste it.”
Jiang Yun thought he wanted to taste the plum, but he shamelessly stole them from the corner of his mouth and then indulged himself by saying, “En, it’s quite delicious.”
Jiang Yun: “……”
He has never seen such a shameless person before.
Sui Heng immediately said, “Are you cursing Gu?”
“When did I?”
“You did.”
Sui Heng sighed, “Gu has only gone for two days, and Ah Yan has become so bold. How should Gu punish you later?”
Jiang Yun no longer wants to talk to him at all.
Sui Heng fell silent for a moment before suddenly saying, “Don’t listen to that old thing talk nonsense. Gu is not trying to trap you, it’s just that the political situation is unstable at the moment. Gu doesn’t want you to get involved in those boring fights. When Gu gets rid of those old things in the future, whether you want to be a scholar or an official, Gu will comply with you.”
Jiang Yun hadn’t expected that he would say something like that.
As he looked at the person with some curiosity, Sui Heng continued, “Also, you can be a scholar, but you must not be that Jimo Qingyu’s disciple. That old thing, hmph, is naturally incompatible with Gu. If you follow him, it will be a disguised attempt to harm your husband.”
“……”
Jiang Yun naturally understood his concerns. In fact, Jiang Yun’s identity also destined him not to be a scholar or an official in the Sui capital. Jiang Yun just began to think about the fact that this person now has such a deep emotional attachment to him again. When the truth is revealed in the future, he is afraid that he will hate him even more.
Remembering that, Jiang Yun also did not know what to say, he could only narrow his eyes and let out a gentle “En.”
Ji An came over and stood far outside the pavilion, bowing his head and respectfully saying, “Your Highness, the hot water is ready, you can take a shower.”
Sui Heng nodded.
He carried Jiang Yun into the room, placed him on the bed, and circled him. He raised his eyebrows and said, “Now it’s time to settle the accounts.”
Since the shameful experience of the previous afternoon, Jiang Yun was very resistant to being encircled by him like this. He was afraid that he might get carried away and force him to do something shameful again, so he looked at him innocently and asked, “Settle what account?”
“What do you think?”
“You’ve been seeing two men behind Gu’s back. Which house’s concubine dares to be so unruly?”
His eyes darted dangerously.
Jiang Yun knew that he had stayed in the military for two days and was more than likely suffocating, so he deliberately sought a reason to find fault with him.
He was too lazy to argue with him and leaned against the window, saying, “You take a shower first.”
Sui Heng suddenly came up with a good idea.
He said, “You wash with Gu.”
Jiang Yun gritted his teeth, his ears heating up.
“I won’t go.”
“That’s not up to you.” Sui Heng thought about the scene and couldn’t help but boldly reach out to pick the person up and stride towards the bathroom.
Ji An was waiting outside with the palace attendants holding bath items and was startled by the sight. He quickly lowered his head.
Sui Heng shouted, “Prepare another one.”
Ji An busily said yes.
Jiang Yun was so angry that he opened his mouth and bit hard on his shoulder.
Unfortunately, he was wearing his armor, and this bite did not cause any substantial damage. Jiang Yun then stared at his exposed neck and bit it with all his might.
Sui Heng let out a hiss and then smiled. “You can bite as much as you want. If you resist and don’t bite now, later you may not have the strength you have now.”
Jiang Yun didn’t expect him to be so shameless.
No bite, no gain. He lowered his head again and took another hard bite.
After more than an hour of washing, Ji An was called in to add hot water several times.
Sui Heng happily carried the person back to the bedchamber. He reached out his fingers and played with his little lover’s thick and slender eyelashes and pretty nose. Then, uncontrollably, he lowered his head and stole a kiss.
Jiang Yun was already drowsy and almost unconscious. He thought that he was making a fuss and wanted to raise his arm to block it, but lacked the strength. So he had to give up and let him be.
The next day, when Sui Heng got up for the morning court, Jiang Yun was still sleeping.
Sui Heng specifically instructed Ji An not to wake him up, and he rode his horse into the palace with high spirits.
At the palace’s entrance, many people found two very obvious, ambiguous bite marks on the Crown Prince’s neck. The courtiers were shocked and dared not ask questions.
Sui Heng, on the other hand, was in a very good mood and took the initiative to explain, “The little concubine at home is too pampered and immature. Since he insists on pestering Gu, Gu also can’t do anything about it.”
Jimo Qingyu happened to pass by. Upon hearing these words, he let out a heavy snort in frustration and immediately entered the palace with his sleeves down.
Sui Heng’s mood became even more joyful.
The Spring Banquet has ended smoothly, and both the northern countries and the newly surrendered five countries in Jiangnan are very honest. There is nothing important in the early morning court today, but Emperor Sui announced an important news. The Qi Kingdom will soon send envoys to the Sui capital to discuss border trade between the two countries.
This is an important signal.
The Qi Kingdom dominates the east, and although its national strength is not as strong as that of the Sui and Jiang Empires, it is also the third strongest country after the two countries. The Qi Kingdom also belongs to Jiangbei but has not participated in the struggles of the other kingdoms in Jiangbei. It has also deliberately kept a distance from the Sui Empire, neither clinging closely nor provoking without reason.
But as Sui Heng had conquered the northern kingdoms of the Yangtze River and crossed the Yellow River, taking the southern kingdoms into his pocket, it was obvious that the Qi Kingdom could not remain neutral like this forever.
It must choose an ally. Either join forces with the Jiang Empire to resist the Sui Empire’s ambition to annex the world, or join forces with the Sui Empire to destroy the Jiang Empire at a faster pace.
This time, the Qi Kingdom took the initiative to show goodwill, obviously choosing the latter option and uniting with the Sui Empire. This is reasonable because both Qi and Sui belong to the north of the Yangtze River, and in terms of geographical location, they are close to Sui and have natural advantages.
Although Sui Heng held the Qinglang Battalion in his hands, he did not want to engage in direct conflict with a strong country like the Qi Kingdom in the short term. One reason was that Qi had a strong military force, and Marquis Duan of Qi was not only a musical genius but also a skilled weapon maker. He invented a cloud piercing crossbow, weighing 400 pounds, which is said to have a maximum range of several miles and extremely high killing power. He also invented a chariot specifically designed to combat cavalry. This is obviously a precautionary measure taken in advance against the Qinglang Battalion. If they rashly become enemies with Qi, Sui Heng will not gain any advantage and may even force Qi and Jiang to form an alliance.
This time, the Qi Kingdom took the initiative to show goodwill, which is naturally the best.
Yan Bing recently claimed to have committed an old illness and absent from the court. Therefore, on the part of the officials, Jimo Qingyu was the leader. Jimo Qingyu then asked, “May I ask Your Majesty, who is the envoy sent by the Qi Kingdom this time?”
The Emperor Sui said, “Aiqing should have heard of Marquis Duan’s son, the Young Master of Qi, Qi Ziqi, as well as King Lie of Qi’s trusted subordinates and several important ministers.”
Jimo Qingyu nodded.
Marquis Duan had a high reputation in the Qi Kingdom, and his willingness to send his only beloved son over did demonstrate enough sincerity. Moreover, it is said that Qi Ziqi, the Young Master of Qi, is a very kind and enthusiastic person with a good reputation in Qi. He was willing to rescue even injured birds on weekdays, and communicating with such people is always worry-free.
The next steps will be much easier to handle.
Han Xiao was in charge of receiving foreign guests, and Emperor Sui instructed him on some matters before announcing his withdrawal from the court.
Jiang Yun slept until Chenshi1A period of the day from 7-9am.before waking up.
Although it’s not too late, compared to usual, it’s already considered lazy.
When he was having an early breakfast, Ji An suddenly came to report that the Guozhu of the Chen Kingdom, had requested to see him.
The Chen Kingdom’s Guozhu came to bid farewell to Jiang Yun. After the Spring Banquet ended, he stayed in the Sui capital to socialize around these days. After that, he has to officially set off to return to his home country.
Before going back, it was natural to pay a visit to Jiang Yun, the living Buddha in his heart.
The Chen Kingdom’s Guozhu brought abundant specialties and gifts, and Jiang Yun said he was being too polite.
“How can this be considered polite? The Young Master is Guaren’s lucky star, and Guaren still doesn’t think he has brought enough. When Guaren comes to the Sui capital again next time, Guaren will definitely bring better ones and offer them to the Young Master.”
As he was speaking, a servant from the Chen Kingdom suddenly came over.
“Guozhu”
The servant approached with a flickering gaze, clearly wanting to report something important.
The Chen Kingdom’s Guozhu rebuked, “If you have anything to say, just say, Young Master Chu is not an outsider.”
“Yes… didn’t Guozhu ask the servant to monitor and pay attention to the Second Prince’s situation? The servant heard that the Second Prince has been asking people to inquire about the news of Divine Physician Meng Hui’s family in Jiangnan.”
“Meng Hui?”
The Chen Kingdom’s Guozhu exclaimed, “Didn’t Meng Hui treat Rong… treat the Jiang Empire’s Crown Prince’s injuries? What did he inquire about Meng Hui’s family for?”
The servant shook his head.
The Chen Kingdom’s Guozhu said he knew and told him to retreat.
Jiang Yun’s hand gripping the tea cup gave a fierce thud.
The Chen Kingdom’s Guozhu was unaware of Chen Qi’s intentions, but he was immediately able to guess it.
Chen Qi wanted to use Meng Hui’s family to blackmail him in order to confirm whether he was really recovering at Muyun Pass or not.
Firstly, it is mostly the task entrusted to him by Sui Heng. Secondly, at the Spring Banquet, Chen Qi failed one after another. With Chen Qi’s city government, he must be eager to make another great contribution to prove his value.
Jiang Yun felt a little bit tricky.
Once Chen Qi finds out the truth, Sui Heng will definitely not hesitate to send troops to the south again. Even if he has to forcibly cross the Yellow River, he will seize the opportunity of internal and external troubles in the Jiang Kingdom and take the capital city of Jiang in one fell swoop.
He just doesn’t know which step Chen Qi has taken.
Three days later, Qi Ziqi, the Young Master of Qi2To be honest, I’m not too sure how to refer to QZQ. The author uses the term ‘公子’ to refer to both the Young Master as well as the Prince. And QZQ was also referred to Gongzi of Qi, so I decided to use the term Young Master because he’s not a royalty., officially arrived at the Sui capital.
The Qi capital is also the home of the rich and famous. When the Qi Kingdom’s envoys came, the carriages and horses were bright. After entering the city, it attracted many people to watch.
Han Xiao personally welcomed them to the inn, and as he watched the handsome and bright young master walk out of the carriage, dressed in goose yellow spring robe, his eyes lit up. He thought to himself, I heard that Marquis Duan was a rare beauty. This Qi Ziqi is indeed very graceful and definitely favored by heaven.
Qi Ziqi is also a master of music. He carried a zither with him. After getting off the carriage, he handed the zither to an elder beside him and said, “I want to take a stroll around with Han daren. Ah Weng can go and rest first.”
The elderly answer yes.
Han Xiao was naturally willing to accompany him, the two of them talked and walked for a while. Qi Ziqi suddenly said, “I heard that at the Spring Banquet not long ago, there was a young gentleman from the Wei Kingdom who played ‘Feng Qiu Huang,’ which shocked everyone. I wonder if Han daren could introduce him to me?”
Han Xiao was taken aback, not expecting him to make this request.
‘Feng Qiu Huang’ is a famous song created by Marquis Duan. There are countless learners, but few are skilled at it. It is said that the only one in the world who has obtained a true transmission is the Young Master of Qi, Qi Ziqi. Qi Ziqi’s request seems understandable.
It’s just… Qi Ziqi didn’t know the identity of that young gentleman, but Han Xiao knew.
That’s the Crown Prince’s person. What kind of temperament does the Crown Prince has? If he rushed out to ask for a favor, he may end up hitting a brick wall.
Moreover, Han Xiao was also worried that Qi Ziqi was being provoked and wanted to compete with Jiang Yun.
That’s more of a problem.
But Qi Ziqi is a distinguished guest, and it is not appropriate for him to refuse him directly. Han Xiao could only make up a lie with his eyes wide open. “Oh, that seems to be the case, but that young gentleman’s whereabouts have been uncertain since the Spring Banquet. This old man will definitely keep an eye out for the Young Master.”
Qi Ziqi showed disappointment in his face.
But he still didn’t give up and said, “Thank you, Han daren. Please inform me as soon as you know the news. This matter… is very important to me.”
“Yes, definitely.”
Han smiled in response and continued to guide him as he strolled forward.
