GCCB Chapter 54

Emperor Long Xuan smashed a teacup on the floor with a darkened expression. The maids and eunuchs standing to the side all fell to their knees. He wasn’t satisfied with shattering a teacup, so he violently flipped over his entire desk of scrolls onto the floor.

Recently, things have not been going well for him, it was like everyone was conspiring against him. Long Xuan has never been a good-tempered person, he loathed it the most when others went against his will. 

He became emperor at a young age, his rule had a bright future, and Tianyun Kingdom was also a major country amongst the surrounding kingdoms. As the Emperor, he dominated both academics and martial arts, he was handsome and commanding, he never failed to get whatever he wanted ever since he was a child. It could be said that everything went his way.

This smooth sailing in his life made his arrogance swell to its highest point. He became full of extreme ego and hubris. Ever since he was a child, anyone who displeased him could die and vanish silently with a single wave of his hand.

There was only one exception: the Third Prince.

The Third Price was an idiot who only knew to play around, but because he was birthed by the empress of the harem, his bloodline was prestigious and noble and he was thus supported by many. To further hammer this, the emperor at the time also favored this blockhead of a son who only knew to play around.

Long Xuan’s birth mother was but an imperial maid. Originally there was no way he would’ve been able to sit on the imperial throne, but his ambition was great, he entered the army as a teenager and accomplished no small number of achievements, and gradually received the attention of the emperor. But at that time, he was only treated as and taught to become a reliable subordinate of the Third Prince. Naturally, Long Xuan wasn’t willing to submit to another and began to secretly convince people to his side and built his own forces.

Later with the uprising within the palace, Long Xuan successfully seized the throne. But when he wanted to kill the Third Prince to nip any future threats in the bud, the Grand Advisor who never cared about imperial affairs or politics took action to save the Third Prince. The Grand Advisors have always been sacred figures. Even Long Xuan wouldn’t dare rebel against their will during the very beginning of his rule over the kingdom, so he could only grit his teeth and tolerate the Third Prince’s existence. He granted him the title of a Young Lord and cast him to a faraway piece of territory.

Seeing that the Third Prince kept being simple-minded, Long Xuan’s killing intent gradually dwindled down. However, not long ago his covert guards sent a report about how the Third Prince was not being passive in his territory; he had raised groups of ambitious and aggressive retainers and trained soldiers in secret, seeming to plan to overthrow his rule.

Instantly, Long Xuan had flown into a rage. The Third Prince had come so, so close to deceiving him with his act of stupidity.

How could Long Xuan tolerate such a thing? Right away, he wanted to order the Third Prince to return to the capital and then find a way to get him murdered.

He was accustomed to doing as he pleased after becoming emperor, but his subjects naturally wouldn’t let him act in such a way and rushed to advise against it. Amongst them, Imperial Tutor Ye was the one most vocal about his advice. 

Although Long Xuan had temporarily been dissuaded from this notion, he was still upset and upon returning to his palace, his temper exploded.

The servants didn’t dare budge either. They quietly stepped up to clean the mess only after he finished venting.

Back to Long Xuan… After blowing out some steam, he suddenly remembered Situ Jingjing who he hadn’t paid attention to for the past few days. He had a special interest in Situ Jingjing, but because of his personality, even that amount of like meant nothing. Situ Jingjing’s rejection of him was intolerable in his eyes. Thus, just like taming a wild beast, he planned to subjugate this fallen kingdom’s princess.

Yet, things weren’t developing as smoothly as he initially thought. In the beginning it was alright, just as he expected and under his leniency, Situ Jingjing didn’t have a good life within the palace. But ever since that evening party, Situ Jingjing had become different. And it was also from that day onwards till now – three days since – that he hadn’t seen her again.

The eunuchs sent to threaten and terrify her came back reporting that Situ Jingjing had gotten sick and bedridden from the fright of seeing those bloody severed fingers, and it was then that he felt slightly satisfied. Then he abandoned her for a few days, and afterwards he could proceed onto the next stage of his taming plan.

Today, Long Xuan contemplated going to see if Situ Jingjing had learnt to be obedient. Incidentally, this could prove to be a way to improve his mood as well.

He was someone who acted once he thought of a whim, so he stood up and headed out. As he walked, he asked the eunuch accompanying him: “How is Consort Jing?”

The eunuch answered, “Consort Jing’s illness is getting worse, she’s in her room and says she cannot take a single breeze.”

Long Xuan frowned. “It’s but a small illness, how hasn’t she got better and instead gotten sicker and sicker? Could she be making a fuss again by pretending to be sick?”

“It was Imperial Physician Cai who personally reported it, there should be no mistake.” With his head lowered, the eunuch’s eyes moved slightly as he responded in a low voice.

Physician Cai was one of his trusted physicians. Hearing his words, Long Xuan hesitated; if she was really that ill, even if he went it wouldn’t be much fun. But thinking about it more, he was indecisive; since he wanted to tame her, going now for a look might prove more effective. So, he continued to walk and said, “Prepare to head towards Consort Jing’s pavilion.”

The eunuch beside him knew he didn’t like others interfering with his will and knew it was fruitless to persuade him further, but as he thought of that lord’s command, he glanced at a younger eunuch to the side. The young eunuch nodded and retreated without attracting attention.

After a while, just as Long Xuan stepped out of his palace, he heard a young eunuch hurriedly run over with a report, saying Imperial Tutor Ye had important military reports to present.

Long Xuan was still an emperor, the matters of the harem were only a pastime. Since there were urgent matters in the court, he naturally had to return to the courtroom. Any thoughts of visiting Situ Jingjing vanished with this.

And Shu Yu? She, who was said to be bedridden with illness, was currently practicing her sword in the yard, perfectly fine. There were servants serving tea and snacks and imperial maids waiting to wipe her sweat.

She actually hadn’t done anything at all and didn’t know the Emperor thought she was gravely ill. Ever since she returned from the Crescent Pavilion where the Grand Advisor lived, she hadn’t gone out again nor done anything else, she just seriously trained with her sword and worked out her body while waiting for an opportunity to escape. But in the past few days, her pavilion has been very peaceful, no one said anything about her anymore and no one came from outside to disturb her.

Unbeknownst to her, her pavilion was being meticulously isolated through artificial means. 

No one knew what was really going on within this pavilion, not even the emperor, they only knew enough of what a certain someone wanted them to know.

The emperor thought he had the court and the harem in the palm of his hand, so he naturally wouldn’t suspect there was a person who could override him and control his thoughts, actions and even his moods as they wished. He could only see an illusion. He could only hear things that he should hear and do things he was allowed to do.

Likewise, Shu Yu didn’t know of this. Most of her thoughts were occupied by Fu Wang, who was locked away a la small black room¹小黑屋 small black room. Slang for detaining or locking away someone in a dark, quiet, small place. Can sometimes refer to solitary confinement intended to isolate XXX person from everyone and everything. in who knows where, although a small part of her was also wracking her mind over how to leave without setting off alarms for the domineering and scummy Male Lead. 

Ever since learning of Fu Wang’s situation, she’s been plunged into a state of restlessness, worry, fear and cowardice. If she really met Fu Wang again, would he remember her?

Yes, Fu Wang had loved her very much, Shu Yu never doubted this, but after all, so many years had passed, time could wear away anything, not to mention he had probably experienced a lot of painful things.

Shu Yu couldn’t be sure if Fu Wang still remembered her.

It was hard to just think about it. It was like she had gone to sleep and the lover who liked kissing her and sticking to her before most likely didn’t even remember who she was now. Shu Yu couldn’t feel optimistic. This wasn’t a novel where love could easily transcend thousands of years after all. It was already extremely rare for a normal person to fall in love and remain  for a few decades within their lifetime, let alone something like a thousand years, it was simply an impossible fairytale.

But no matter if Fu Wang remembered her or not, if he still liked her or not, he was still the beloved she loved so preciously. She would do her utmost best to save him, and as for what came after… She’d face it when the time came.

Having made her decision, Shu Yu began training vigorously. Since she wanted to escape the palace she couldn’t let this frail body drag her down after all. So, even though her heart was so very anxious, she still tried her best to eat and sleep well so she could keep her mind and stamina in top shape.

Seven days passed in a blur. 

Long Xuan wanted to go see Situ Jingjing several times, but each time he was thwarted by various unexpected ‘incidents’. Because these incidents happened in such an extremely natural manner, Long Xuan had no suspicions, he only felt that everything seemed to be piling up all together at once, which was really frustrating.

As for Shu Yu… On her seventh night, she met someone in her resting room.

Yinlan. The loyal death servant who had escorted Situ Jingjing as they ran from Wuyue Kingdom and who was then – because of Situ Jingjing’s great dream of wanting to claim vengeance with her own hands – duped by her outside the palace. He was exactly as the original plot described: A silent and loyal dog that didn’t speak nor smile much, but who was willing to sacrifice his life for Situ Jingjing.

Shu Yu could recall how she had sighed mournfully back then when she just finished reading the novel, saying how the Female Lead was justified for not wanting to be with the psychopathic boss, but that she’d rather the Female Lead be with this servant who was loyal from start to end instead of that scummy bastard Male Lead.

Now, the loyal puppy she had considered the only good man worth trusting with one’s life in the original plot was standing in front of her.

Shu Yu was a bit conscience-stricken, though she didn’t know why.

She rubbed her nose and saw Yinlan lower his head and kneel in front of her. He said, “Yinlan came forward without waiting for the Princess’ orders. Please cast your punishment, Princess.”

Perhaps she was feeling guilty because she wasn’t the Princess Jingjing that this loyal puppy so loyally served? Shu Yu regulated her expression and asked him, “Did anyone notice you sneaking inside the imperial palace?”

“Answering the Princess, no one has noticed.” Yinlan’s head was lowered.

Shu Yu’s eyes lit up. She asked again, “If you take me out of the palace, will we be noticed?”

“Not at all.” Yin Lan replied without hesitation. He didn’t pose any questions of his own.

Shu Yu was so close to throwing back her head and laughing at the skies. What was this? This was the feeling of wanting to sleep and being handed a pillow! What was she waiting for? It was time for her journey to save the Boss!

Shu Yu put on appropriate clothing and grabbed the sword next to her pillow. She fished out a bag from her closet, which she had prepared in advance, and then told Yin Lan: “Let’s set out immediately.”

“Yes.” Yin Lan still didn’t ask any questions. He paused. “Princess, please get on this subordinate’s back, it will be easier to leave this way.”

“I’ll be troubling you.” As it was a necessity for escape, Shu Yu wasn’t too mentally burdened, but when she was carried on Yinlan’s back she couldn’t help but internally commiserate with herself. Because when she was hefted on Yinlan’s back, she once again felt the uncontrollable feeling of peace and safety from the bottom of her heart. She was now sure that something must be wrong with her senses, where she kept feeling secure when met with a random stranger. Something must be wrong with her, right?

Feeling the weight on his back, a malignant smile flickered on Yin Lan’s average features, and a dim red glow also appeared in his eyes.

It was as Yinlan said. Shu Yu noticed Yinlan’s martial arts were really good, he seemed more skilled than how Situ Jingjing’s memories recalled him to be as well. It seemed that a certain mister loyal puppy had worked very hard these days. Shu Yu marveled slightly, and noticed Yinlan avoided all the night patrols and obstacles without single fail, and an hour later, they successfully left the imperial palace.

As soon as they left, within the pavilion of Situ Jingjing, a woman that looked exactly like Situ Jingjing appeared. She replaced Shu Yu and laid down on the bed. This was not noticed by anyone.

In the high tower of the Crescent Pavilion, the highest floor was still candlelit, while the owner of its room was nowhere to be seen, having gone to an unknown place.

In the Ye Mansion, a previously sleeping Imperial Tutor Ye was woken up because his only son, Ye Linhuai, had fallen into a coma again due to unknown reasons. This kind of thing happened often over the years. After confirming his son was only unconscious and not in any life-threatening danger, Imperial Tutor Ye sighed and instructed the servants to take care of him and left his son’s compound.

Shu Yu looked back at the imperial palace fading in the distance. This felt ridiculously smooth-sailing. The problem that troubled her for days was just so easily solved? Paths really opened up once you rode to the entrance of a mountain! After leaving the palace where that scummy emperor resided, Shu Yu’s mood tremendously improved.

As she was carried by Yinlan rapidly out of the capital, she patted Yinlan’s back. She said, “If you’re tired, let’s take a rest first. I also need to talk to you about where I want to go next.”

“Understood.” Yin Lan halted in his steps. He placed her on top of a huge stone by the shade of a tree. “Please give me your orders, Princess.”

Shu Yu said very gravely, “From here on, I will head towards the most powerful sect in the cultivation sects, the Malice-Suppressing Sect. I want you to protect me and safely escort me there, and when we get there, you don’t need to be anyone’s death servant anymore, you can leave on your own.”

Yinlan didn’t hesitate. “This subordinate will forever follow the Princess.”

“You won’t ask why I want to go to the Malice-Suppressing Sect?”

“No matter what the Princess wishes to do, Yin Lan will help the Princess fulfill her desires.”

Look at this! What a loyal puppy! Shu Yu silently added another sentence in her heart, Though of course her Fu Wang was the best! Loyal puppies and whatnot had long since become wisps of clouds in her eyes after she fell into the huge pit that was the Boss.

“Then I’m counting on you on this journey.” Shu Yu expressed her deep gratitude. She was really thankful for the appearance of this heaven-sent teammate Yinlan, otherwise she would still be stuck turning circles within the palace.

Yinlan remained placid and emotionless. He simply said, “Please rest, Princess. This subordinate will keep watch.”

Shu Yu wasn’t spoiled rotten; it wasn’t her first time or second sleeping in the wild. So, hearing his words, a wave of sleepiness overcame her, she felt slightly more at ease after finally leaving the original plot’s fucked up storyline, and with the loyal puppy Yinlan from the original plot by her side, she could rest at ease. Tomorrow they would still have to travel hastily, she had to go to Malice-Suppressing Sect as soon as possible.

Shu Yu fell asleep curled up underneath the tree with a blanket covering her. 

Yinlan sat on a nearby stone. The moon hung high in the middle of the night. He was bathed under the silver moonlight, his skin even seemed to become luminous and translucent, as if something had vaguely changed.

Shu Yu suddenly let out some kind of mumble. Yinlan, who was sitting on a stone, slowly turned his head to stare at her, his eyes having become blood red at some point. A stardew blossom was held between his pale fingers, which was then swiftly swiped off by his red tongue into his mouth. 

Yinlan stared at the sleeping person, his eyes half-lidded as he chewed the slightly bitter flower in his mouth, as if he were savoring a delicacy with unforgettable flavor, with a gaze that was extremely alarming. 

If Shu Yu were to wake up right now, then she would notice that the “Yinlan” who looked wooden-headed and serious seemed to suddenly turn into a different person. 

His expression was hidden in the darkness, only a pair of blood-colored irises glowed with an indiscernible glare.

Those terrifying eyes possessed no warmth or emotion, they were merely unreadable.

Chapter Description: Big Fish takes Small Fish to search for Big Fish.

Translator Niom: Happy Chinese New Year! I tried dieting for a bit but I really chose a bad time for it, will have to put it aside for next month, there won’t be as many gatherings then.

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  小黑屋 small black room. Slang for detaining or locking away someone in a dark, quiet, small place. Can sometimes refer to solitary confinement intended to isolate XXX person from everyone and everything.