After Being Mistakenly Taken for a Fellow Traveler by Emperor Long Aotian - Chapter 29

Zhou Xun pointed the way, intending to leave, but unexpectedly, he was intercepted by the emperor here.

 

“Your… Majesty.”

 

“Ah!”

 

Before he could finish saying “Your Majesty,” the other party had already exclaimed, “Ah!” with great enthusiasm.

 

Zhou Xun, helpless, could only continue, “Wasn’t Your Majesty playing soccer in the Imperial Garden? How come you’re here again?”

 

Just as well he didn’t say that, but as soon as he did, the Emperor showed a look of lingering fear.

 

“I’m not playing anymore, those palace concubines aren’t playing soccer, they’re just running around with the ball and bumping into people. They don’t play properly, and they keep bumping into me.” The Emperor wiped the sweat from his forehead, puzzled, “Do I look like a goalpost?”

 

Zhou Xun: …

 

In fact, Zhou Xun had noticed this scene during the opening of the “World Cup”.

 

Perhaps because those “concubines” hadn’t seen the light of day for a long time, as soon as they saw it, they were all excited and brought the ball to bump into the Emperor and rub against him. The Emperor was harassed by them and could only try to survive philosophically as they approached with the ball.

 

As a result, after a stick of incense, the Emperor couldn’t take it anymore and issued a rule: “Yellow card for bumping into someone once with the ball, red card and sent off for bumping into someone twice.”

 

Thinking of the Emperor struggling to survive under the siege of a group of… no, concubines, Zhou Xun couldn’t help but smile. He curled his lips, “Didn’t Your Majesty establish the rule that bumping into someone twice would result in being sent off?”

 

The Emperor said irritably, “Yes, and then less than half an hour later, there was no one left on the field.”

 

Zhou Xun: …

 

“No!” The Emperor smiled happily at him, “So, I can only come to play with you! Let’s leave the palace tonight…”

 

“Your Majesty,” Xiao Li Zi coughed softly and whispered, “Minister Xie is standing right here…”

 

The Emperor: …

 

Zhou Xun watched as the Emperor’s expression changed in an instant when he turned his head.

 

“Are you the Minister Xie Zhengqing who can take a person’s head among ten thousand?” The Emperor smiled with dignity and admiration, “Truly a hero among men!”

 

He said this in an old-fashioned manner, as if imitating someone’s performance. But Xie Zhengqing’s heart warmed, and he bowed deeply to the Emperor, “Xie pays respects to Your Majesty!”

 

The Emperor laughed, “No need for formalities. I just overlooked Minister Xie earlier…”

 

Xie Zhengqing hurriedly said it was no problem. He had been very curious about why the Emperor treated Zhou Xun so intimately, so he asked, “Is this young man a son of a certain minister’s family in the court?”

 

Zhou Xun glanced at the Emperor when he asked about his identity.

 

“Oh, he is…” The Emperor said this sentence, then suddenly paused, hesitated, “He…”

 

The Emperor’s hesitation reminded Zhou Xun of something.

 

Now that he was in the palace, what was his status exactly?

 

He was neither a minister nor a concubine, nor a palace attendant…

 

In such an awkward position, why did he never feel uncomfortable in the past?

 

Looking at the Emperor’s profile, he suddenly realized the reason.

 

When others were in this position, they were uncertain and unstable. They didn’t hold power in their hands, so they had no guarantees. They feared that one day they would leave all this behind and be ruined…

 

However.

 

For him, the Emperor was different. He had a strange confidence in the Emperor. This confidence didn’t stem from the Emperor’s kindness towards him, but from the sincerity the Emperor revealed in their late-night conversations.

 

Being around an idealist might not always be a good thing, but one never had to worry about hidden arrows when standing by an idealist.

 

—Because he was straightforward in his loves and hates.

 

“He is… he is…” After some thought, the Emperor suddenly smiled, “He is my chief secretary!”

 

Zhou Xun: …?

 

Chief secretary?

 

“Chief secretary?” Xie Zhengqing raised the same question, “Is this a newly established official position in the court?”

 

“It’s a similar institution to the Cabinet, just still in the process of being organized.” The Emperor waved his hand, “I and Mr. [Zhou] hit it off right away, and these days, keeping Mr. [Zhou] in the palace is also to discuss the organization of the secretariat.”

 

“I understand.” Xie Zhengqing nodded, not suspecting anything.

 

The secretariat… Judging by the name, its scope of functions seemed to be similar to that of the Cabinet. Zhou Xun seemed to be from a humble background, and most of the ministers in the Cabinet nowadays were from prominent families, firmly entrenched. By restructuring the secretariat and sharing power with the Cabinet, the Emperor intended to…

 

Xie Zhengqing imagined for a moment, and when he looked at Zhou Xun again, there was a hint of awe in his eyes.

 

But perhaps this was a good thing. The ministers in the current Cabinet were mainly from the appeasement faction, advocating making alliances and sending gifts of cloth and silk to befriend neighboring small countries. As a member of the hawkish faction, Xie Zhengqing’s views were completely at odds with those of the Cabinet.

 

And Zhou Xun… Thinking back to the words he heard in the teahouse that day, Xie Zhengqing faintly felt that the opportunity to change his fate…

 

was coming!

 

This thought completely pushed the matter of questioning “Zhou Xun” to the back of his mind, and he was only focused on military matters.

 

“Regarding the military, there are some things I want to ask General,” the Emperor said, in a very good mood, pulling Xie Zhengqing to a pavilion.

 

Zhou Xun had originally intended to leave, but out of curiosity, he followed behind them.

 

The three of them stood in the pavilion, and the Emperor ordered someone to bring a cushion and placed it aside, happily saying, “You sit!”

 

Xie Zhengqing was taken aback by the favor and was about to sit down…

 

But he found that the Emperor was looking at Zhou Xun.

 

Xie Zhengqing: …

 

The three of them sat down. The Emperor, contrary to his usual self, was actually enthusiastic in inviting Xie Zhengqing to sit down and asking about military matters. He even asked him many questions about equipment, organization, tactics, and so on, and whenever the Emperor couldn’t find the right words, he would scratch his head. Then Zhou Xun sitting next to him would gently give him hints.

 

Xie Zhengqing looked at the two of them, somehow feeling that this scene was somewhat similar to when he was young and couldn’t think of questions in class, and his brother sitting behind him would secretly pass him cheat sheets.

 

Confident with a handful of cheat sheets, the Emperor grabbed a charcoal pencil and began sketching on paper, presenting his own ideas.

 

“War chariots?” Xie Zhengqing furrowed his brow, “Does Your Majesty want to create… faster, more stable war chariots that can traverse mountain roads as if on flat ground? And… establish a cavalry?”

 

“The cavalry will swiftly disperse the enemy formation like lightning, while the rear forces will encircle and harvest the soldiers who have already been thrown into disarray,” the Emperor drew on the table, indicating his diagram, “It’s roughly like this…”

 

“Once the cavalry breaks the enemy formation, the morale of the troops will be shattered. When the morale of the three armies collapses, the general can seize their hearts. After the formation is disrupted, many soldiers will be difficult to command. The cavalry’s speed is fast, only used for disrupting formations, never lingering in battle. After disrupting the formation, the cavalry will encircle from the rear, capturing fleeing soldiers…”

 

The two discussed for a long time until the sun set in the west. Xie Zhengqing had never felt so enlightened before.

 

The Emperor rewarded him and increased rations for the army. Xie Zhengqing, feeling overwhelmed by favor, said, “Actually, the soldiers can also farm and garden in peacetime…”

 

The Emperor was pleased, “That’s good too…”

 

“No.”

 

Zhou Xun, sitting beside the Emperor, suddenly spoke up. Seeing Xie Zhengqing’s puzzled expression, he continued, “The army is composed of patriots defending the country. They should specialize and not waste time on farming. The army’s rations should naturally be borne by the court and obtained from the court’s hands. Otherwise, if soldiers spend their days doing other things, how can they be trained to become a competent and disciplined army?”

 

Xie Zhengqing: !

 

Zhou Xun’s words struck him deeply.

 

This young Master Zhou… is truly a good person!

 

Xie Zhengqing became even more eager to associate with Zhou Xun. If the first meeting with a gentleman was fortunate, then the second meeting with a gentleman was fate!

 

He had a premonition that Zhou Xun was the person (kindred spirit) he had been looking for!

 

Zhou Xun was so decisive. The Emperor looked at him puzzledly, “Why…”

 

Zhou Xun shook his head at him.

 

The Emperor then fell silent. After discussing a few more matters, the sky was getting late, and Xie Zhengqing was about to take his leave. Before leaving, he said to Zhou Xun, “Today’s conversation has been very enlightening for me. May I ask for the name of this young man?”

 

Zhou Xun bowed, with impeccable etiquette, “My surname is Zhou, and my name is Xun.”

 

“Good name. Young Master Zhou will surely accomplish great things in the future!”

 

Xie Zhengqing expressed his loyalty and then left. It wasn’t until he reached the palace gate that he realized he had forgotten to mention Zhou Xun to the Emperor today, feeling slightly regretful.

 

Wait a minute… Zhou, Zhou Xun?

 

Xie Zhengqing: …

 

He grasped the handrail of the carriage, trembling slightly.

 

That person… that seemingly frail person…

 

Was he the one he was looking for?!

 

A huge sense of astonishment rose in his heart. Xie Zhengqing, in a daze, returned home.

 

As he got off the carriage, Xie Zhengqing was still in a daze and accidentally bumped into someone, knocking them to the ground.

 

“Brother, I’m sorry, truly sorry.” Xie Zhengqing quickly helped the person up but froze when he saw their face. “Acai? What are you doing here?”

 

Zhou Cai, having been knocked down by him and aggravating his injured knee, was in great pain but tried to appear indifferent on the surface.

 

Ever since Xie Zhengqing entered the palace, Zhou Cai had been waiting here for a long time, pretending to have just learned that Xie Zhengqing had spoken up for him in the palace. He had been pacing back and forth in front of the Xie residence for a long time, waiting for Xie Zhengqing to return—either to gather information or to comfort him and win his favor.

 

Sure enough, when Xie Zhengqing returned, he looked extremely dazed. Zhou Cai watched him from afar and speculated that he had been severely reprimanded by the Emperor.

 

The Emperor was absolutely crazy for that Zhou Xun!

 

He was about to approach to comfort and inquire, but unexpectedly, Xie Zhengqing seemed to be in a daze, didn’t even see him, and even knocked him over while he was about to perform.

 

… What exactly did the Emperor do to Xie Zhengqing to make him so mentally unwell?

 

“I’m fine.” Zhou Cai said, looking at Xie Zhengqing’s expression. He bit his lip and continued, “Brother Xie, I originally wanted to apologize for yesterday’s lack of courtesy. I didn’t expect to come to your residence and hear that you had already entered the palace to meet with the Emperor on my behalf…”

 

“Mm.” Xie Zhengqing didn’t seem to hear anything he was saying, still in an extreme state of stupor.

 

“Brother Xie, you’re like this now…” Zhou Cai bit his lip, continuing, “Did the Emperor reprimand you in the palace? He’s… sigh, all because of that Zhou Xun, he has the most cruel personality. Did he make things difficult for you?”

 

“Zhou Xun…” Xie Zhengqing said in a vague tone, “I saw him.”

 

Zhou Cai: ?!

 

Xie Zhengqing’s tone… made him very uneasy.

 

“He’s not as shallow as the rumors say, nor is he as cruel as the rumors say. He… is a substantial person.”

 

Zhou Cai: ??

 

Then, Xie Zhengqing added another sentence, leaving Zhou Cai dumbfounded.

 

“Of course, he’s also not as strong as the rumors say.”

 

Meanwhile, in the palace.

 

“Why don’t you let the army farm? After all, they’re idle most of the time anyway, so why not maximize their use of manpower resources?” the Emperor wondered, “Farming is so good, I’m in the palace and I also want those palace concubines to farm…”

 

“Rations are the foundation of the army. If the army is allowed to farm and become self-sufficient, with the Emperor distant and the border regions far away, it won’t be long before the army only listens to the generals’ orders and not the Emperor’s,” Zhou Xun patiently explained.

 

“But…” the Emperor hesitated, “If only the army in the north does this, what about the armies in the south?”

 

At this point, the Emperor’s eyes suddenly lit up. “Eunuch Xiao!”

 

“Here!” Eunuch Xiao hurried over. “What does Your Majesty need?”

 

“I want to search for a treasure. Who in the palace… no, in the capital city, is the best at treasure hunting?” the Emperor said mysteriously.

 

The Emperor had always enjoyed collecting precious stones and famous paintings from around the world, and the Imperial Household Department was already familiar with this task. After pondering for a moment, Eunuch Xiao’s eyes brightened. “Of course, it’s Grand Eunuch Zhang from the Imperial Household Department.”

 

“Go and fetch him.”

 

Zhou Xun sat in the pavilion, inexplicably watching the Emperor’s actions. Seeing him looking at himself, the Emperor raised his eyebrows proudly. “Do you know what I’m looking for?”

 

Zhou Xun shook his head.

 

“Of course, it’s the most precious treasure in the world!” the Emperor said mysteriously.

 

Before long, Grand Eunuch Zhang from the Imperial Household Department hurried to the pavilion. He was round and fat, with a flattering smile, and his eyes were sharp and cunning.

 

Zhou Xun recognized Grand Eunuch Zhang. He was quite resourceful and often brought precious calligraphy, paintings, and jewelry to win the Emperor’s favor. Even Zhou Cai had to give him some face when he saw him.

 

“Your Majesty, what are your orders this time?” Grand Eunuch Zhang asked with a smiling face. When he saw Zhou Xun, he bowed politely. “Young Master Zhou, are you satisfied with the painting ‘Autumn Scenery’? His Majesty said he wanted to give you the best, and I searched the treasury for a long time…”

 

“Enough with the small talk,” the Emperor waved his hand, interrupting him. “I called you here to ask you to search for something in the south.”

 

“Search for something?” Grand Eunuch Zhang’s eyes flickered, and he seemed to understand something when he looked at the two of them. “Is Your Majesty searching for this item to please Young Master Zhou?”

 

The Emperor glanced at Zhou Xun and smiled. “When Master Zhou sees this item, he will surely be very pleased.”

 

“Oh…” Grand Eunuch Zhang’s mind turned, and he probably understood. With a flattering smile, he said, “I wonder what Young Master Zhou likes? Jewelry? Calligraphy and painting? Rare stones? Famous flowers? I can find them all…”

 

“Rice,” the Emperor suddenly said.

 

Grand Eunuch Zhang: ??

 

“A special kind of rice,” the Emperor said, giving him a thumbs up.