After Being Mistakenly Taken for a Fellow Traveler by Emperor Long Aotian - Chapter 3

Zhou Xun had soaked in a bath filled with the scent of flowers. The most skilled hairdressing palace maid arranged his hair, and they brought him some refreshments in luxurious glassware to temporarily satisfy his appetite.

 

While the Zhou family was filled with worry and anxiety, Zhou Xun inexplicably enjoyed fine dining and exquisite care. They even trimmed his fingernails meticulously. Zhou Xun had spent several days in the dungeon, exhausted and emotionally drained, merely watching them attend to him in a daze.

 

Li Zishi examined him from head to toe after his makeover and nodded in approval, saying, “You do indeed have the looks that might capture the Emperor’s heart.”

 

Zhou Xun: ???

 

Finally, he raised his head. Li Zishi noticed his confusion and continued, “Young Master Zhou, you’ve truly hit the jackpot this time. Since the Emperor has taken an interest in you, make sure to perform well.”

 

Hit the… jackpot?

 

Several eunuchs at his side exchanged knowing glances. Li Zishi left to prepare clothing. One of the young eunuchs, while trimming Zhou Xun’s nails, spoke obsequiously, “Don’t tell me you didn’t notice? The Emperor spared you, and the late-night… rendezvous…”

 

He dragged out his words suggestively, “…of course, it’s because the Emperor fell ‘head over heels’ for you.”

 

“Head over… heels?”

 

How could such a ridiculous thing happen in this world?

 

The Emperor… falling head over heels for the assassin who tried to kill him?

 

“I’ve never seen the Emperor treat anyone this way before, Young Master Zhou,” the young eunuch’s eyes narrowed, “You’ve hit the jackpot! When you become prosperous, don’t forget about us!”

 

…

 

After Zhou Xun left, the commander of the Vermilion Guards remained in the Imperial Study.

 

He watched as the Emperor paced restlessly in the study, his face tense. Although the Emperor had a history of capricious behavior, today was just too unpredictable.

 

The Emperor’s voice was low, as if lost in thought.

 

“Your Majesty…”

 

He watched the Emperor, who seemed both excited and troubled, almost panicked. After a long while, he finally asked, “Your Majesty, why…?”

 

“Do you know who said those words?” The Emperor turned to look at him.

 

“…Who?” The commander of the Vermilion Guards was taken aback.

 

“A true hero, someone who dares to confront life’s hardships, someone who dares to face the flowing blood.”

 

The Emperor uttered these words in a low voice.

 

The commander of the Vermilion Guards paused for a moment, then sincerely responded, “Your Majesty’s words carry profound wisdom.”

 

“I didn’t come up with that saying.”

 

Turning his head, the Emperor stared directly at the commander.

 

“That gentleman,” the Emperor paused for a moment, then suddenly extended his thumb, “is a true hero!”

 

The commander of the Vermilion Guards: …

 

“That gentleman…” The commander mumbled this phrase to himself, “Could it be the same one… Master Zhou from before?”

 

“Perhaps more than one.”

 

“His transformation might be connected to that gentleman, born from the legacy of that gentleman, or perhaps even more than one…” The Emperor spoke softly, his eyebrows twitching slightly. “That gentleman is a true hero, and those literati and writers are also true heroes.”

 

The commander of the Vermilion Guards: ???

 

The Emperor continued, “He is the crystallization of a true hero!”

 

The commander of the Vermilion Guards: …

 

…

 

The individual suspected of being the crystallization of true heroes received thorough grooming and care from the eunuchs and palace maids.

 

By evening, he was brought to the Imperial Study. Little Li, with a proud expression, looked at the transformed Zhou Xun as if he were inspecting his own successful product.

 

Perhaps because he saw Zhou Xun on the verge of soaring to new heights, Little Li’s expression was extremely obsequious. Along the way, he “enlightened” Zhou Xun about various matters related to the Emperor.

 

For instance, the current Emperor has a strained relationship with the Empress Dowager and is a staunch celibate. He is equally distant from women as he is from men and cannot tolerate prolonged intimacy with either gender. The consorts in the palace receive financial benefits but no affection. However, the Emperor is still young, and the courtiers believe he might change his mind in a few years, so they don’t pay much attention to the inner workings of the palace.

 

For instance, the current Emperor is obsessed with arts and often has mood swings. His temperament is volatile, and he enjoys hearing prisoners scream and watching cruel punishments when he’s in a bad mood. When governing the country, he often issues commands based on personal whims. If someone angers him, they either get killed or severely punished without mercy. This instills fear among the officials in the court, and they dare not inquire about the Emperor’s private affairs.

 

For instance, in the court, only Zhou Cai, Minister Zhou, is the Emperor’s confidant. His gentle personality allows him to soothe the Emperor’s emotions. Therefore, the senior officials in the court treat Zhou Cai extremely well, solely because he can calm the Emperor, preventing him from issuing harsh decrees.

 

For instance…

 

“Lord Zhou, the Emperor is inside,” Little Li offered guidance. “Make the most of this opportunity. The Emperor has taken a liking to you at first sight. However, you must recognize your status and avoid making him unhappy.”

 

Listening to all this, Zhou Xun didn’t display the gratitude or relief that Little Li had anticipated. Having gone through the trials of life and death, his expression remained indifferent.

 

It was as if, for him, the Emperor and the King were no different—just a shift from one person’s cage to another’s.

 

“Ts,” Small Li couldn’t help but mutter to himself when he saw Zhou Xun’s expression. “Fake aloofness!”

 

As Zhou Xun entered the Imperial Study, he found the Emperor sprawled across the desk, holding a memorial and reading it with a solemn, stern expression. The Emperor was muttering something under his breath, appearing quite nervous.

 

“A new storm has arisen, how can we remain stagnant…”

 

It was only when Zhou Xun approached closely that he could hear the Emperor muttering incomprehensible words in a strange tone. The Emperor’s legs beneath the desk were also trembling at a steady pace, as if he were very anxious and fearful.

 

Zhou Xun:…

 

Could the Emperor really be this… impatient?

 

The Emperor stared at him with a sense of conflict for a while. Eventually, as if he had made a decision, he threw down the memorial with a “snap” and rushed toward Zhou Xun. However, when he got close, he took a step back, giving an embarrassed smile, as if he were deliberately maintaining a respectful distance.

 

Zhou Xun also took a small step back in response to the Emperor’s approach.

 

The Emperor said, “Uh, Mr. Zhou, all these years… you’ve suffered!”

 

His gaze was so sincere that it left Zhou Xun momentarily stunned.

 

“I shouldn’t have let others treat you like that before! I… I will regret it!” The Emperor said firmly. “You shouldn’t have been treated this way. You should have been treasured…”

 

Shouldn’t have been treated this way?

 

The Emperor’s words were heartfelt, but Zhou Xun remained somewhat puzzled. However, in the sincerity of the Emperor’s gaze, he calmly replied, “I’ve grown accustomed to it. There’s no need to discuss such matters with others.”

 

He looked at the Emperor’s stunned face for a moment and couldn’t help but find himself amused by his own statement.

 

He knew that the Emperor favored Zhou Cai, the top scholar who freely entered and left the Imperial Study. This was an undeniable fact. The Emperor spared his life, perhaps because of his talent, or maybe to suppress this matter and protect Zhou Cai. The least honorable reason might be an attraction to his beauty… So why was he saying he had grown accustomed to it?

 

“Great!” The Emperor suddenly clapped his hands, his eyes filled with an overwhelming joy. His sudden outburst startled Zhou Xun.

 

“Incredible, truly broad-minded!” The Emperor raised his thumb. “Follow your own path and let others say what they will!”

 

Zhou Xun:…

 

He looked at the Emperor, his eyes filled with a sense of astonishment. The Emperor noticed his expression and quickly raised his hand, speaking seriously, “I didn’t come up with that quote; I’m just a carrier of famous sayings.”

 

Zhou Xun:…

 

The Emperor said, “This quote is from Dante. Mr. Dante, haven’t you heard of him?”

 

“Mr. Dante?”

 

Zhou Xun’s mood was getting stranger. This was a name he had never heard of before.

 

“You haven’t heard of him?” The Emperor muttered softly, “Oh, right, you were in the first semester of high school, and that quote wasn’t in your textbook… In fact, I don’t think it’s in any other Chinese textbooks either…”

 

Zhou Xun guessed that this quote might come from a rare ancient book in the royal library. Even though he might never see it in his lifetime, he still silently remembered the peculiar pronunciation of “Dante.”

 

“But how can one get used to such things? Such things shouldn’t be accepted as normal.” The Emperor frowned, as if he remembered something, and his gaze towards Zhou Xun carried a hint of guilt. “But I don’t have the right to say this because I also… sigh…”

 

Zhou Xun:?

 

What was the Emperor thinking?

 

However, the Emperor’s words did make some sense. At least… Zhou Xun had never been a likable person in this world. The Emperor looked at Zhou Xun with a slightly worried expression, as if he had misunderstood something, then suddenly patted his head and said, “Uh… mister.”

 

Zhou Xun:…

 

For some reason, every time the Emperor called him “mister,” Zhou Xun’s mood felt particularly strange.

 

“Mister, don’t worry, I’ve already ordered your family to be well taken care of, and they’ve all been sent back,” he said, patting Zhou Xun’s shoulder in a carefree manner. “Let bygones be bygones, life has its ups and downs. We don’t need to dwell on the past… From now on, I won’t do such things again, absolutely not! You can supervise me, and I promise to handle any books with care, and treat them gently. As for you, since you tried to assassinate me, it means I must have done something wrong! Exploiting the people! As an emperor, starting today, I’ll ensure that my actions align with the core values taught to me. I won’t forget my original intentions; that’s how I can stay true to myself!”

 

The Emperor smiled cheerfully at Zhou Xun.

 

Zhou Xun:…

 

He really had no idea what the Emperor had misunderstood, and the Emperor’s enthusiastic expression left him unable to say a word.

 

But the fact that his family had been well taken care of…

 

With this thought, Zhou Xun’s chest tightened.

 

“Originally, it wasn’t the Emperor’s fault,” he finally said, “It was the Emperor’s brother…”

 

“Yes, yes, it’s also my fault for not teaching him properly, letting him throw you away when I wasn’t around…”

 

The Emperor glanced at his expression, feeling much relieved. He extended a hand and smiled at Zhou Xun. “So, can we call it even on this grudge?”

 

Zhou Xun:…

 

After saying that, the Emperor looked out the window and said, “It’s getting late, and it’s time to rest…”

 

Upon hearing this, Zhou Xun’s shoulders trembled.

 

The Emperor’s recent behavior had almost made him forget the Emperor’s true intentions. Thinking about what would happen next, Zhou Xun fiercely pinched himself under his sleeve.

 

As the Emperor’s words faded away, a fawning eunuch approached and asked, “Your Majesty, should Lord Zhou stay here tonight, or in the Hall of Mental Cultivation? We don’t have enough time to prepare another palace now, but if Your Majesty wishes to wait…”

 

“Stay in the Hall of Mental Cultivation?” The Emperor paused, as if not fully comprehending the situation. “Isn’t the Hall of Mental Cultivation where I stay?”

 

However, he quickly self-corrected and dismissed this thought. “Oh, other palaces have consorts, right? Then it’s fine to stay in the Hall of Mental Cultivation.”

 

Following the eunuch’s lead, Zhou Xun was pushed out of the study. Just as he was about to leave, he heard the Emperor’s voice, “I’ll review some memorials for a while. Make sure to get a good night’s rest tonight…”

 

Zhou Xun paused at the door but didn’t turn back.

 

Outside the study, the palace was shrouded in the night. Guided by the eunuch, Zhou Xun walked through the palace’s corridors.

 

The Emperor’s romantic escapades were quite common, and for someone like Xiao Li Zi, these tasks were routine. He quickly dispatched the instructions to others. Just before leaving, he gave Zhou Xun a final piece of advice.

 

“Lord Zhou, His Majesty’s favor upon you is an incredible stroke of luck. It’s a blessing of immense proportions.” He continued, “You must seize this opportunity.”

 

Zhou Xun remained expressionless.

 

Xiao Li Zi went on, “His Majesty’s affection lies with Scholar Zhou, and you should be well aware of that. However, Scholar Zhou holds the top position and is considered a pillar of the state. The Emperor cares deeply about his future and is reluctant to make a move against him. But it’s different for you. This opportunity has fallen into your hands. If you can grasp it, you’ll rise to the highest heights.”

 

He said so much, and by now, Zhou Xun had been dressed in a white robe. Despite Xiao Li Zi’s words, he remained as cold as ice, his eyelids lowered.

 

“Why dress him like this? Wrapped up so tightly, is he going to serve His Majesty or be buried?” Xiao Li Zi sneered. “Get him into that bridal gown.”

 

As he was changed into the bridal gown, Zhou Xun finally raised his eyes. It was a dark red gown with golden butterfly embroidery. Through the sheer fabric, the contours of his body and pale skin were clearly visible. Rather than concealing, it seemed designed for a teasing, semi-revealing allure.

 

“At this point, there’s no need to pretend to be noble,” Xiao Li Zi, displeased with his reaction, taunted, “Attending to His Majesty is the proper thing to do—wrap him up and escort him over there.”

 

Zhou Xun was brought into the Inner Palace in a bumpy ride, entering the Palace Chang Le. He stared ahead, appearing lost in thought yet also devoid of any thoughts.

 

In the span of a single day, he had unlocked access to the prison, the Imperial Study, and now, the Palace Chang Le. This was an extraordinarily rare sequence of events in history, a series of remarkably strange and unpredictable circumstances.

 

To most people, it might seem like transitioning from hell to heaven. But for him, perhaps hell and heaven were not all that different.

 

However…

 

He suddenly remembered the words spoken by the Emperor.

 

After a long while, he chuckled self-deprecatingly and closed his eyes.

 

The Palace Chang Le was warm, suffused with the lingering scent of agarwood. Zhou Xun waited for a long time, and eventually, the footsteps of someone outside the bed curtains reached his ears.

 

The Emperor had insisted on an early bedtime, but Zhou Xun guessed that it was now well past midnight.

 

…But perhaps, for the Emperor, this was considered early to sleep?

 

Zhou Xun couldn’t believe he was actually concerned about the Emperor’s trivial comments. Pondering over the Emperor’s words at this moment felt incredibly abnormal to him.

 

<script> <script>

 

In the outer chamber, the Emperor seemed to be mumbling something to the palace maids and eunuchs. In essence, he was telling them that he could sleep alone and there was no need for so many people to watch him, as if he couldn’t sleep like this, just like living in a dormitory with eight people. The final sentence was muttered as he walked towards the bed, his voice barely audible.

 

Zhou Xun lay on the bed, listening as the Emperor walked halfway and then suddenly stopped in the Palace Chang Le.

 

“Sigh,” he heard the Emperor sigh as if filled with emotion. “I have this huge house all to myself now. If I were to buy something like this within the inner city of the capital, it would cost a fortune.”

 

Zhou Xun: …?

 

His intuition told him that the Emperor was once again speaking nonsense quietly when no one else could hear.

 

“The greater the ability, the greater the responsibility. You can do it! Be a wise ruler, don’t let down the people’s love and hopes for you! Contribute to the construction of the nation!”

 

Zhou Xun: …?

 

…For some reason, he couldn’t help but twitch the corner of his mouth.

 

Zhou Xun hadn’t noticed his own slight twitch, a curve of a smile he hadn’t seen on his own face in a long time.

 

Then, the Emperor, humming a tune, approached the bed step by step. He pulled back the bed curtains, lifted the covers…

 

And when he saw Zhou Xun inside the covers, he let out a loud and piercing scream:

 

“Ah—!!!”

 

His scream was so intense, as if he was the one about to be subjected to something dreadful.

 

Zhou Xun was also startled by his scream.

 

TL note- lol

 

Anyone  – says anything to Zhou Xun 

 

                    Zhou Xun – …… or ……?