After Being Mistakenly Taken for a Fellow Traveler by Emperor Long Aotian - Chapter 5

“You didn’t say? I must have remembered it wrongly…” The Emperor muttered, “So it’s not in the book?”

 

His voice was extremely low, as if he were speaking to himself. Then, he spoke a series of words that Zhou Xun couldn’t understand. Finally, he patted Zhou Xun’s shoulder and said, “It’s okay, if you don’t want to see him, just stay inside.”

 

Zhou Xun was still looking at him. The Emperor thought for a moment and comforted Zhou Xun, thinking he was being kind, “Don’t worry, even for your sake, I won’t be rude to your brother, hehe.”

 

Zhou Xun stared at him. The Emperor happily said, “Don’t be so formal, what kind of relationship do we have? Why be formal?”

 

After saying this, he waved his hand and left the room.

 

Zhou Xun: …

 

What kind of relationship did he have with the Emperor?

 

He sat in the inner room, separated by a folding screen. He heard someone entering the Imperial Hall ith a melodious voice.

 

He knew that the source of this sound was the jade pendant at Zhou Cai’s waist.

 

The jade pendant was originally part of a set given by their grandmother. Each member of the Zhou family had one. Zhou Xun had one as well, but it was shattered on the day he was expelled from the Zhou family.

 

Zhou Xun’s grandmother was the only elder in the Zhou family who had shown him any affection apart from his mother. However, she had been in poor health, bedridden for a long time, and had passed away early. It was she who had arranged the engagement between his mother and father.

 

Zhou Xun’s parents were originally betrothed as cousins from a young age. His grandmother and his maternal grandmother were close sisters. His grandmother had married into the local prominent Zhou family, while his maternal grandmother had married into the well-known Lin family in Zhilin.

 

The two matriarchs had a close relationship, and their families were well-matched, so their marriage was celebrated. However, things changed when Zhou Xun’s maternal grandfather, after getting drunk, had composed a poem privately, which was later misunderstood and distorted. He was wrongfully accused of a political crime, and their entire family was stripped of their status. The engagement between the Lin family and the Zhou family was unilaterally terminated by the Zhou family.

 

Preferring the wealthy over the poor is a common human trait, especially in the case of a political scandal. The Zhou family’s quick abandonment of their relationship with the Lin family could be easily understood. However, what added a layer of mystery to the dissolution of this engagement was that the Zhou family, less than half a year later, entered into a marriage alliance with the Ye family.

 

There were rumors in the streets that the false accusation against the Lin family was related to the Ye family, as Zhou Xun’s maternal uncle was in competition with the Ye family’s patriarch for a position. Afterward, the Ye family rose in prominence and formed an alliance with the Zhou family. The Lin family’s daughter, originally expected to marry her cousin, had been in deep despair and had even contemplated suicide by drowning. However, she was persuaded to return by her cousin’s sweet words.

 

“If love endures, it’s not about day-to-day affairs, especially when it comes to being a concubine. Ayan, you are in my heart, but circumstances have forced my hand! If you enter the mansion, then I’ll have a reason to take care of your family. Otherwise…”

 

In a moment of confusion, Miss Lin, influenced by her cousin’s coaxing, entered the Zhou family as a concubine. As for whether her cousin’s sweet words came from genuine love or from his reluctance to part with the beauty of his cousin, she gradually realized the truth during the agonizing years that followed.

 

Within the Zhou residence, she also came to realize her own naivety. The Ye family’s Miss, whom she had considered a close friend and with whom she had shared everything, had actually harbored jealousy and hatred toward her from the very beginning. The girl from the Lin family slowly realized that her life at the Zhou residence was filled with hardship and suffering, with only Zhou Xun’s grandmother offering any limited kindness.

 

My apologies for the earlier mistake. Thank you for the correction. Here’s the corrected text:

 

Zhou Xun still remembers when he hung the jade pendant around his waist, his grandmother’s eyes filled with tears, teaching him to grow up and be filial to his parents, to worry for the country. She always said that the children of the Zhou family must have integrity…

 

Now his grandmother has passed away, and his mother has left with resentment. There is no longer anyone in the Zhou family that he can cherish. If not for this, Zhou Xun would not have been so radical, willing to risk everything.

 

As Zhou Cai waits in the outer chamber and he remains in the inner chamber, Zhou Xun leans back, closing his eyes.

 

He stays calm to ensure that he doesn’t lose his composure.

 

Zhou Cai subtly observes the surroundings when entering the Hall of Mental Cultivation.

 

Indeed, there are traces of someone else having been here in the Hall of Mental Cultivation. He looks toward the bedroom from a distance, trying to find any clues or traces.

 

However, the curtains in that direction obscure his view, making it hard to discern anything clearly.

 

The Emperor emerges from behind the screen, seemingly in a good mood. Zhou Cai had relaxed for a brief moment, but his attention is suddenly fixated on the figure in the room.

 

It’s a figure he will never forget.

 

It’s… Zhou Xun’s figure!

 

Zhou Xun… the Emperor… Zhou Cai’s face turns pale, and for a moment, he feels like he might faint.

 

No, he can’t afford to lose his composure now. Zhou Cai clenches his teeth, knowing that in times like these, he must find a way… He must find a solution…

 

Yes, first, he would stir up the Emperor’s feelings of guilt, then persuade him… Zhou Cai secretly laid out his plan.

 

Inside the screen, Zhou Xun listened to the movements of the two outside.

 

Outside the screen, Zhou Cai first gave a bow to the Emperor, saying, “Zhou Cai thanks Your Majesty.”

 

“No need to thank me,” the Emperor’s cheerful voice came through, “It’s the least I can do. Don’t just stand there; have a seat and talk.”

 

Outside the screen, Zhou Cai seemed to smile faintly. He pretended to be hesitant, saying, “Your Majesty, this… it doesn’t quite conform to proper etiquette.”

 

The Emperor replied, “It’s alright; I’m the one asking you to sit.”

 

“Your Majesty, your kindness is overwhelming…” There was a hint of choking in Zhou Cai’s voice. He appeared deeply moved and bit his lip. “My younger brother committed such a grave offense, and yet Your Majesty… I…”

 

The Emperor interrupted, “Why do you cry every time you speak?”

 

Zhou Xun: …

 

For some reason, he didn’t hear any tenderness or indulgence in this sentence, only surprise and puzzlement.

 

He leaned back and continued to listen to Zhou Cai’s performance.

 

“I originally thought Your Majesty would never forgive me again, but then yesterday, Your Majesty… I have nothing to repay Your Majesty with except to serve with unwavering dedication until death. Ah…”

 

Suddenly, Zhou Cai seemed to experience a sharp pain, letting out a small cry of pain as he clutched his knee.

 

The Emperor, however, had grown impatient.

 

“Oh, stop with the theatrics. Your last name is Zhou, but if you keep this up, I might as well call you Zhou Zuoren,” the Emperor said, tapping the table. “If I ask you to sit, you sit. Do I have to crane my neck to look at you?”

 

Zhou Cai: …

 

Wasn’t he being obvious enough? Zhou Cai was perplexed. Why wasn’t the Emperor concerned about his injured knee?

 

He thought the Emperor would fall for this act, especially when he saw how pale he was. Shouldn’t the Emperor have shown more compassion? He bit his lip and looked at the shadow on the screen, thanking him, “Thank you for your great kindness, Your Majesty.”

 

With things having come to this point, he had no choice but to go along with it.

 

The Emperor replied, “You’re welcome.”

 

Only then did Zhou Cai sit down. He had been standing for quite a while, and his knee was already in considerable pain.

 

“Your Majesty,” Zhou Cai spoke softly, “Zhou Cai truly appreciates everything Your Majesty has done for my family. When I say I can’t repay you, it comes from the bottom of my heart.”

 

His attitude was neither servile nor overly formal, making their conversation seem like that between both ruler and subject and longtime friends.

 

—It seemed like he had no idea that Zhou Xun was behind the screen.

 

The Emperor took a sip of tea, and his tone remained relaxed. “It’s okay. I never really expected you to be of much help. You don’t owe me anything that can be repaid.”

 

Zhou Cai: ?

 

Inside the screen, Zhou Xun was also momentarily stunned.

 

One person stood outside the screen, and one person remained inside, both of them now harboring significant question marks in their minds.

 

Zhou Cai had initially wanted to express his loyalty by using the phrase “unable to repay your kindness” to move the Emperor. After all, the Emperor had always been quite susceptible to this approach. Whenever he heard Zhou Cai’s expressions like this, he felt that Zhou Cai was humble, cautious, and possessed a pure heart, which was commendable.

 

However, the Emperor’s tone today… did he take that phrase seriously?

 

Could it be that the Emperor… Zhou Cai discreetly pinched his finger and wondered if the Emperor was actually mad at him?

 

Or perhaps the Emperor… was trying to provoke him by favoring Zhou Xun?

 

Nevertheless, since the conversation had reached this point, Zhou Cai smoothly continued, “In the literary world, there have been many exaggerated praises about me, claiming that I could write at the age of three, compose poems at five, and became the top scholar at the age of seventeen, leading to various scholarly achievements. However, I’ve always felt unworthy. It’s not because of any limitations in my talents but because I wish to devote myself limitlessly to the affairs of the court and to serve Your Majesty without bounds. Your Majesty is the ruler of this nation, burdened with the responsibility of the state and the people. I only wish to dedicate my life to serving Your Majesty, doing all I can to alleviate your worries. The sea of learning is boundless, and one cannot fully explore it in a single lifetime. If, in this lifetime, I can relieve even a tiny fraction of Your Majesty’s concerns, be it ever so small, then my life will not have been in vain…”

 

He expressed himself eloquently and passionately. Behind the screen, Zhou Xun thought he was truly a master of flattery.

 

—But to others, he appeared to be a patriot and a loyal subject, speaking with eloquence.

 

Zhou Xun knew that in the past, the Emperor had greatly appreciated Zhou Cai’s flattery and regarded him as a confidant.

 

Like a valuable vermilion mark on the heart.

 

Outside the screen, the Emperor, seemingly moved by Zhou Cai’s words, slightly parted his lips and said, “That’s enough.”

 

Zhou Cai stopped.

 

The Emperor responded, “In terms of literary talent, you can never compare to him in this lifetime, but you have the virtue of being open-minded. You can recognize your own limitations and remain optimistic. That’s considered one of your strengths.”

 

Indeed, who could compete with a literary prodigy and a master of language like him?

 

Zhou Cai:?

 

Zhou Xun:?

 

Two big question marks once again emerged in the minds of these two men.

 

The Emperor continued, “However, you shouldn’t always compare yourself to those who are better than you. He, well, he has accumulated much more than you. You’re quite eloquent, a good hand at writing reports.”

 

Zhou Cai forced a smile, while Zhou Xun behind the screen remained in a daze. After some casual conversation, the Emperor finally got to the point, “Actually, there is another matter I wish to request from Your Majesty.”

 

The Emperor paused and asked, “What is it?”

 

Before Zhou Cai could speak, the Emperor added, “Let Me make it clear first. Matters related to salary and promotion must adhere to the established rules and cannot be influenced by personal relationships. Everything must be done according to procedures and regulations for the sake of long-term stability.”

 

Zhou Cai:…

 

“What I want to discuss has nothing to do with salary.”

 

“In that case, go ahead.”

 

Zhou Cai lifted his robe slightly and knelt down, saying, “I humbly implore Your Majesty to release my younger brother and allow him to return home. I heard that last night Your Majesty brought my younger brother to the Inner Palace for the night, is that true?”

 

Upon seeing the Emperor’s expression, Zhou Cai’s heart sank slightly.

 

Without waiting for the Emperor’s response, Zhou Cai continued, “Zhou Xun’s actions may be reckless, but he is still my younger brother. For many years, I’ve tried to fulfill my responsibilities as an elder brother and guide him. However, since childhood, he has been stubborn, and my efforts have often been in vain. I understand that Your Majesty is generous, but you are the ruler of a nation…”

 

“This…” The Emperor hesitated and said, “I only had a late-night conversation with him. Yesterday, Young Master Zhou said a few profound words that reminded Me of someone… No, many people… And he…”

 

Zhou Cai pressed on firmly, “However, in the eyes of others, wouldn’t this be no different from actions taken by figures like Deng Tong and Dong Xian…”

 

“How can they be compared to him?” The Emperor seemed genuinely shocked. “They were just ordinary mortals! How can they compare to his wisdom and grandeur!”

 

The Emperor was unexpectedly protective of Zhou Xun!

 

Zhou Cai clenched his teeth. He realized that perhaps the Emperor was currently infatuated with Zhou Xun, and this wasn’t the right moment to make such comparisons. After some thought, he resorted to emphasizing the principle of propriety, “Take me as an example, although I’m a prominent literary official and have discussed state affairs with Your Majesty for many years, building a lasting friendship, I have never spent a night in the Inner Palace due to a few words of wisdom. Such actions clearly overstep the bounds…”

 

“How can you compare yourself to him?!” The Emperor interjected with a hint of frustration. “My friendship with him is much deeper than with you! I constantly think of him, and there’s nothing strange about it! I understand him! I know his core beliefs…”

 

Zhou Xun:???

 

Zhou Cai was completely dumbfounded. His face displayed a strange mixture of colors, and he even began to doubt whether it was his ears or his mind that had malfunctioned. What did the Emperor mean by “How can you compare yourself to Zhou Xun?!”

 

He was the top scholar, the literary talent of Jiangzhou, and had always overshadowed Zhou Xun from childhood. When the Fifth Prince admired him, he even sent Zhou Xun as a substitute for himself.

 

What if Zhou Xun had more talent? What if Zhou Xun was more handsome? In the end, the one who became the top scholar and enjoyed the beauty of Chang’an was still him. As the Emperor’s favored courtier, the one admired by the masses, it was still him.

 

He had never imagined that he would receive such praise from the Emperor!

 

What had happened in these few short days? The Emperor, who had always been compliant with him, had actually questioned, “How can you compare yourself to Zhou Xun?” right in front of him?!

 

What had transpired between the Emperor and Zhou Xun last night?

 

Despite the shock, Zhou Cai managed to hold himself together and continued, “Your Majesty, please allow me to explain the situation thoroughly…”

 

Behind the screen, Zhou Xun was utterly stunned. He clutched his sleeves tightly and bit his lip.

 

T/L Note – sorry guys for not uploading any chapter but my laptop broke and I can’t get acess to my docs so rn I’m uploading this chapter with my phone I haven’t edited this chapter sorry for any mistake~