After Being Mistakenly Taken for a Fellow Traveler by Emperor Long Aotian - Chapter 6

Inside the screen, Zhou Xun pursed his lips, while outside the screen, Zhou Cai narrated everything in detail.

 

He said a lot, but the main points could be summarized as follows:

 

1. The Emperor bringing Zhou Xun back to the palace was detrimental to his image since Zhou Xun was originally from the King’s side. The Emperor must not compromise his image for momentary desires. The Emperor is known for his wisdom and martial prowess, and outsiders might misinterpret the situation.

 

2. Zhou Xun’s deep affection for the King led to his sudden outburst and attack on the Emperor. Perhaps it was due to a lovers’ quarrel, confusion, or a moment of madness that led to his assassination attempt.

 

3. Zhou Xun loves the King deeply, and the Emperor should not separate them. Zhou Xun is willing to go against his family to be with the King, and the Emperor should not deprive him of what he desires.

 

As Zhou Xun spoke, he trembled all over, biting his lip, and his fingertips emitted a crisp “crack” sound.

 

…It had been so long, yet he could still be easily provoked by Zhou Cai.

 

He calmly and ruthlessly examined himself.

 

The Emperor remained silent for a long time, seemingly processing the excessive information. Finally, he showed the expression of “an Emperor who had given up thinking” and said, “I… haven’t… had anything to do with the Minister of Education.”

 

After saying this, he muttered something under his breath.

 

‘Is this going through a love crisis? Yes, even fairies have to go through love crises… but if the Minister of Education has become a spirit… does he also have to go through a love crisis?’

 

Hearing his words, Zhou Cai narrowed his eyes and smiled. “I understand.”

 

“If you want to take him back home, then do so. You are Zhou Xun’s brother and also my good friend. I trust you…”

 

Before the Emperor could finish his sentence, Zhou Xun had already walked out from behind the screen.

 

Zhou Xun changed into a new outfit. He was originally handsome, and the clothing adorned with lush ink bamboo made him even more elegant and poised. Seeing his clothes, Zhou Cai couldn’t help but move his shoulders.

 

He remembered this outfit. The fabric was the finest Liu Guang Brocade, soft and elegant. Under the sunlight, it had a color like flowing clouds, while in the shadows, it reflected a subtle moonlight-like shimmer. This level of embroidery and quality could only come from the most elite embroiderers in the palace.

 

However, what truly darkened Zhou Cai’s gaze was another matter.

 

—

 

This outfit was clearly the Emperor’s personal attire!

 

Zhou Xun… wearing the Emperor’s clothes?

 

Zhou Xun realized that Zhou Cai was staring at him, and he felt slightly surprised.

 

Zhou Cai was someone who valued reputation and influence more than gold and jewels. People like him were typically “well-mannered” and shouldn’t have nearly lost control of their expression just because of this outfit.

 

Could it be…

 

“Brother, this clothing on your body looks somewhat familiar,” Zhou Cai said with a sly smile as he looked at the Emperor. “I seem to remember that Your Majesty also has a similar set. I recall that when Your Majesty and I went incognito or attended temple fairs, you appeared to be wearing this attire on one occasion. However, it was only that one time. Could it be that a young eunuch didn’t know any better and mistakenly brought it to you?”

 

Zhou Xun finally understood.

 

He had actually recognized the original owner of this outfit—the top scholar who was favored by the Emperor, allowed to freely enter and leave the palace, and how could he not recognize him?

 

But the Emperor… allowed him to wear his own clothes?

 

The implications in Zhou Cai’s words seemed to blame the young eunuch for bringing the wrong clothing, while also expressing how familiar he was with the Emperor, how they went incognito together, and attended temple fairs…

 

His deep concern for the Emperor, even the clothing that the Emperor had worn only once, was engraved in his heart.

 

Zhou Xun looked at the Emperor, and indeed, the Emperor’s face revealed a hint of embarrassment.

 

“You… you actually remember me wearing this?” the Emperor asked.

 

Zhou Cai smiled faintly. “I always keep Your Majesty’s matters close to my heart.”

 

Zhou Xun let out a cold smile in his heart but remained silent. The Emperor, however, seemed to want to explain something to him. Yet…

 

Why did he need to explain to him? Everyone knows that the Emperor and Zhou Cai have always had a close relationship…

 

“I gave you second-hand clothes, I apologize,” the Emperor said. “Hehe, it was rushed, and there wasn’t time to make new clothes for you. I’ve never even given you clothes before, so I’m making up for it…. I told Little Dengzi to choose something expensive from my clothes and make slight adjustments to the size for you. Don’t worry; although it’s second-hand clothes, they’re definitely clean. Don’t be too picky.”

 

Zhou Xun: …?

 

Zhou Cai: ??

 

Wait a minute, is this about second-hand clothes? Zhou Xun suddenly felt speechless.

 

He couldn’t help but feel that the situation had once again veered off in another direction. Was it possible that the Emperor was nervous because he was afraid Zhou Xun would dislike his second-hand clothes?

 

However, Zhou Cai quickly regained his composure and said, “Please, Your Majesty…”

 

The Emperor took a sip of tea and then remembered the previous topic. He turned to Zhou Xun and said, “We were just talking about you. Since your older brother is here to pick you up…”

 

“I spent the night with Your Majesty just last night, and now you want me to leave so soon?” Zhou Xun replied calmly.

 

Zhou Cai had excellent manners, and he only paled slightly upon hearing this. The Emperor continued, “Mr. Zhou, why are you up so early? Didn’t you mention that you were tired? Why don’t you rest for a while longer? Have you had breakfast?”

 

The Emperor’s expression was sincere, and his words were straightforward. He wasn’t being overly careful in his speech. When he mentioned tiredness, he was referring to Zhou Xun’s fatigue from being imprisoned.

 

However, what others heard might not be interpreted in the same way.

 

Zhou Cai could no longer bear it and lowered his head, saying, “Since Your Majesty had everything planned in advance, I won’t say much more.”

 

The Emperor responded, “Indeed, it’s been quite a long discussion this morning. If there’s nothing else, you may leave. I’m feeling tired and would like to rest for a while. As for Zhou Xun’s situation, I will handle it accordingly.”

 

Zhou Cai: …

 

…Was he being told that he talked too much?

 

“Very well,” Zhou Cai maintained his smiling facade. “I shall take my leave then.”

 

Only Zhou Xun could see that his brother’s knuckles were turning white. He watched the rarely revealed smile of the smiling tiger, and strangely, he felt a sense of satisfaction.

 

Just as he was about to leave, Zhou Cai turned back to him with a worried expression. “Xun, I know you’ve been holding a grudge against the Emperor all this time. But the past is in the past. The person who is now constantly by the Emperor ‘s side is you. Some things… you shouldn’t dwell on them anymore. Excessive thinking won’t do any good. It’s better to live in the present.”

 

His words were earnest, his expression concerned and sincere, making him seem like an older brother advising a confused younger brother.

 

Zhou Xun couldn’t be bothered to entertain his feigned concern. He moved his lips and made a “go away” gesture with his mouth.

 

Zhou Cai pretended not to have seen that and smiled with his concerns for Zhou Xun. He bowed to the Emperor, and following the eunuch’s lead, he deliberately limped away.

 

Just as he was about to leave, he heard the Emperor’s voice from behind, “Wait a moment.”

 

Zhou Cai adjusted his expression, turned around, and heard the Emperor say, “Bring a crutch next time you enter the palace.”

 

Zhou Cai: ?

 

“No crutch at home?” The Emperor noticed Zhou Cai’s bewildered expression and continued, “If you don’t have one, then stay home more often to avoid getting tired.”

 

After saying that, he waved his hand, signaling Zhou Cai to leave.

 

Zhou Cai forced a smile and looked at the two of them. He said, “I… shall take my leave.”

 

After a bow, he exited through the door.

 

Now, only Zhou Xun and the Emperor remained in the Yangxin Palace. The Emperor seemed genuinely tired. After Zhou Cai left, he rested his chin on his hand, his head nodding as if he were about to doze off.

 

Had he not slept well last night?

 

As he nodded off, he saw Zhou Xun standing on the other side, looking at him. He abruptly sat up.

 

Zhou Xun lowered his gaze and asked, “Your Majesty, did you not sleep well last night?”

 

The Emperor scratched the back of his head and said, “I woke up a bit early, that’s all.”

 

Zhou Xun: …

 

The Emperor: “I was just in a rather agitated mood.”

 

He yawned again and then said, “That… about the language scholar…”

 

Scholar?

 

Why was the Emperor calling him… Yuwen Shu?

 

Weren’t they peers?

 

“Something just feels odd. Let’s stick with calling you Mr. Yuwen, shall we?” The Emperor muttered to himself, “Mr. Yuwen…”

 

Zhou Xun: …

 

For some reason, he felt like the Emperor was speaking with a bit of an accent.

 

The Emperor: “Mr. Yuwen, I’ll arrange for a carriage this afternoon to take you back to your home.”

 

Zhou Xun shook his head. The Emperor continued, “Oh, I forgot, did you have an argument with your family? I understand that. When I argue with my roommate, I’d rather stay in the study room all night than go back to the dorm… So, should I arrange a carriage to take you to your Zhou family?”

 

When Zhou Xun heard the words “Zhou family,” he paused but still shook his head.

 

The Emperor asked in confusion, “You don’t want to go back?”

 

“It’s not my home anymore,” Zhou Xun replied.

 

“Alright,” the Emperor didn’t inquire further, “If Mr. Yuwen doesn’t want to go out, you can stay in the palace.”

 

This time, Zhou Xun didn’t shake his head.

 

The Emperor yawned again and asked, “By the way, have you eaten?”

 

Before Zhou Xun could answer, the Emperor continued, “If you haven’t eaten, let’s have breakfast first. Xiao Dengzi, go get some breakfast.”

 

“Yes,” Xiao Dengzi acknowledged the order, but he lowered his head and said, “Your Majesty, Xiao Li has been hanging in the tree for an hour and still hasn’t been let down by Ar… Aruba. Should we release him?”

 

“Has he realized his mistake?” the Emperor asked.

 

“He was crying and begging for mercy half an hour ago,” Xiao Dengzi replied.

 

“Alright,” the Emperor lazily placed his teacup on the desk, “Bring him in for a talk.”

 

Xiao Dengzi left to execute the command, and the Emperor turned his gaze back to Zhou Xun, with a sudden change from a sunny January day in Liaoning to a hot August day in Chongqing.

 

“Sit beside me,” the Emperor pointed to the chair next to him, “and watch the show. Quickly.”

 

Zhou Xun: …

 

He sat in the chair next to the Emperor and watched as the tearful Xiao Li was brought in by several eunuchs. As soon as he entered the Hall of Mental Cultivation, he prostrated himself on the ground, his entire body nearly kissing the floor, “Your Majesty, this servant knows he was wrong!”

 

Without waiting for the Emperor to speak, he immediately grabbed the main contradiction at hand and kneeled in Zhou Xun’s direction, “Lord Zhou, this lowly one was ignorant and didn’t recognize Mount Tai. This lowly one knows he was wrong! I Know he was wrong!”

 

Xiao Li knocked his head against the floor with a resounding thud, “I had impure thoughts, I didn’t recognize Lord Zhou’s greatness, and Lord Zhou was merciful enough to plead with Your Majesty to change the punishment to Aruba. Lord Zhou saved my life, and I am forever grateful…”

 

Seeing his attitude, this gratitude appeared to come from the bottom of his heart.

 

Zhou Xun: ???

 

… He listened to Xiao Li’s genuine gratitude for his kind act of changing the “fifty lashes” punishment to Aruba, and for a moment, he didn’t know whether to be puzzled or feel like his reputation was being harmed.

 

“Alright, alright, you’re making a fuss in front of me,” the Emperor impatiently said. After scolding Xiao Li and deducting his salary, he continued, “What’s the big deal? Do you want this good fortune or not?”

 

Xiao Li, with tear streaks still on his face, instinctively replied, “I want it! Of course I want it!”

 

Zhou Xun: …

 

Emperor: …

 

“You want it, but I don’t want to give it to you!” The Emperor slammed the table, “Have you taken a look at yourself, your… your graceful appearance? Can I afford that?! If I took you, you’d have to pay me!”

 

Xiao Li whimpered, and the Emperor waved his hand impatiently, “You’ll have your salary deducted for the next six months. If I see any disrespect toward Lord Zhou again, be careful of your head!”

 

Xiao Li left in tears. The chief palace maid led the other palace maids to serve their meal.

 

Zhou Xun had a small appetite and was slowly sipping his porridge. Seeing his demeanor, the Emperor quickly placed some other dishes on his plate and said, “Eat more, you’re so thin, you look like someone tore you in half and used the other half to make paper airplanes.”

 

Although Zhou Xun didn’t quite understand his words, he still thanked him, “Thank you, Your Majesty.”

 

The Emperor added, “I could knock over two of you with one punch.”

 

Zhou Xun: …

 

Emperor: “Don’t worry, eat more protein, and you can be as strong as me!”

 

The voices of the two men were heard through the gauze window. Meanwhile, Zhou Cai stood outside the back courtyard’s window, his expression changing constantly.

 

After leaving the Hall of Mental Cultivation, Zhou Cai did not immediately leave. As someone close to the Emperor, he was extremely familiar with the layout of the palace. Therefore, he found an excuse to sneak into the back courtyard.

 

Through the gauze window, he could hear the sounds of the two men dining and conversing.

 

“It’s just been one night…” Zhou Cai muttered to himself, “Just one night, why does the Emperor favor him so much?”

 

The illegitimate son who always kept a low profile… What kind of trick did he play this time?

 

“…This side dish is delicious; you should try it.”

 

The Emperor’s voice came from inside.

 

“Crash!”

 

Zhou Cai turned around, and behind him stood a palace maid.

 

The palace maid held a tray and seemed to be delivering something. She hadn’t expected to encounter Zhou Cai here. She had stepped on a broken twig, the source of the earlier noise.

 

“Lord Zhou,” the palace maid hastily bowed as she saw Zhou Cai.

 

“Are you… Hongling?” Zhou Cai said gently, calling her by name.

 

Zhou Cai, with his charming demeanor and gentle personality, was often considered a dream lover by many palace maids in the palace, and Hongling was no exception. She was surprised that Zhou Cai remembered her name and blushed instantly, replying softly, “Yes.”

 

“What is it that you’re holding in your hand?” Zhou Cai inquired, looking at the tray she carried.

 

“It’s milk,” Hongling answered promptly.

 

“Milk?” Zhou Cai smiled, “Is it for that Lord Zhou inside? Milk is good for health, and the Emperor is treating him well.”

 

With girlish infatuation in her heart, Hongling wanted to chat with her beloved, so she didn’t hesitate to reveal, “No, this is for the Emperor himself.”

 

“The Emperor wants to drink it?”

 

“Yes,” Hongling said, “The Emperor has been drinking a glass every morning these past few days.”

 

Zhou Cai smiled thoughtfully and nodded. He looked at Hongling gently and said, “You can go about your business now.”

 

Hongling blushed even more after being looked at by him and left reluctantly. It wasn’t until she delivered the milk to the hall that she remembered something—

 

What exactly was Lord Zhou, Zhou Cai, planning to do in the back courtyard?

 

But this thought quickly passed. The people in the palace were used to the close relationship between Zhou Cai and the Emperor, and Zhou Cai’s gentle and straightforward personality. Whatever he did, he had his reasons, and as a palace maid, she had no need to inquire further.

 

Meanwhile, Zhou Cai left the palace gates in a sedan chair.

 

“Milk…” He sat in the sedan chair, rubbing his knee as he thought.

 

He remembered that a year ago, during a hunting trip with the Emperor, local officials had also offered a glass of milk, but the Emperor had said…

 

The taste was not good, and he didn’t like to drink it.

 

The sedan chair arrived at the gates of the Zhou residence, and Zhou Cai returned to his study, his expression still tense.

 

Seated in the study was an elderly advisor, Zhou Cai’s most trusted confidant, who also happened to be from his mother’s family. Seeing Zhou Cai’s changing demeanor, the advisor asked, “My Lord, did you express your gratitude to the Emperor during your visit to the palace today?”

 

Seeing Zhou Cai’s silence, the advisor guessed what might have transpired. Having watched Zhou Cai grow up, he sighed and said, “My Lord, you need not worry excessively. This incident has indeed caused quite a stir. The Emperor’s decision to spare the Zhou family and only execute Zhou Xun can be attributed to the Emperor’s favoritism towards you. If you push it further…”

 

“Zhou Xun didn’t die,” Zhou Cai interrupted.

 

“Didn’t die?” The advisor was astonished.

 

“That Zhou Xun somehow gained the Emperor’s favor,” Zhou Cai angrily said, “Not only was he spared, but he was also allowed to stay in the palace for breakfast!”

 

He tossed a paperweight onto the ground, his eyes reddening, far from the demeanor of a humble gentleman. The advisor was also taken aback, saying, “How could such an absurd thing happen?”

 

Zhou Cai looked at the sky, taking some time to calm his anger. “This morning, when I met the Emperor, he was rather distant. I don’t know if it’s because of Wang Ye’s affair or because of Zhou Xun… I need to come up with a plan, figure out what to do…”

 

He contemplated, and so did the advisor. After a long while, the advisor suddenly stroked his beard and said, “There’s currently a severe epidemic in West Prefecture. I think we can make some moves in that area.”

 

“An epidemic in West Prefecture?” Zhou Cai looked at him.

 

The advisor nodded. “I remember that last year at this time, there was also an epidemic outbreak in West Prefecture. At that time, my Lord’s proposed plan earned praise from the Emperor.”

 

Zhou Cai thought for a moment, his eyes slightly brightening.

 

“Managing an epidemic is a significant achievement. If my Lord proposes a plan now to address the Emperor’s concerns, how could the Emperor be displeased? By then, the Emperor will praise my Lord, and why would he be angry over such a minor matter?”

 

“Zhou Xun, no matter how favored he is, is just a male concubine. The Emperor might be enjoying his novelty for a day or two, but he’s still a lower-class person! He’s not someone suitable for the grand stage!” The advisor continued, “And my Lord, you are a loyal minister who can alleviate the Emperor’s concerns.”

 

The advisor’s words struck a chord with Zhou Cai. He heard the wisdom in them and smiled appreciatively.

 

“You are right,” he smiled, “I lost my composure.”

 

With that said, he turned to the servant outside the door and instructed, “Prepare the sedan.”

 

The servant asked, “Where is my Lord going?”

 

“To the Fifth Prince’s residence,” Zhou Cai grinned, “It’s time to ‘tell’ him about Zhou Xun’s current situation. We wouldn’t want the Prince to ‘worry’ all the time.”

 

After all, he was a good elder brother who cared about his younger sibling.