Becoming Puppet Emperor of a Paranoid Eunuch - Chapter 36

His two plates, the pretty little stones he picked up, Yan He’s wooden box, and that string of nine interlocking rings!

Where did they all go?!

Wu Jing wondered if it was too dark and he hadn’t seen clearly, so he lowered his head further and looked under the bed.

Still empty.

He maintained his posture of reaching for the cloth tiger on the floor, blinking in confusion and swallowing nervously.

Wu Jing thought of the nine copper rings he couldn’t find in that wooden box last time and stood frozen for a moment. He then comforted himself, thinking that maybe the palace staff had picked up and thrown away the things he left under the bed, thinking they were trash.

But he had folded them neatly…

And he put them there precisely because the palace staff wouldn’t notice the corners when they cleaned the bedchamber, right?

Could it be—

Wu Jing dared not think further because Ning Qinghong was sleeping right next to him.

“What are you looking at?”

A calm, unhurried voice of four words suddenly sounded by his ear.

Wu Jing hurriedly tried to prop himself up and reach for the cloth tiger on the ground, fumbling around so much that he didn’t know where to put his hands or feet.

As Ning Qinghong half-raised himself, Wu Jing fell into his arms with a “thud.”

Wu Jing’s mind went blank. After a moment, he tried to retreat, but the next instant, he was held back by a hand pressing on his spine. He hesitated and tentatively called out, “Brother?”

Ning Qinghong remained silent, the room still.

Wu Jing could feel the gaze from above his head. He didn’t know if it was scrutinizing or something else, but it made his scalp tingle.

He stammered anxiously, “C-cloth tiger!”

Almost stuttering.

“The cloth tiger fell on the floor, Wu Wu is picking it up.”

“Brother, look.”

Hearing no response, Wu Jing peeked up secretly and saw Ning Qinghong leaning on the couch, seemingly not yet fully awake, lazily half-closing his eyes, watching him impassively.

The young emperor, somewhat resigned, mimicked yesterday’s posture, kneeling on the other person, not sure if he was trying to smooth things over or for some other reason.

He proactively wrapped his arms around Ning Qinghong’s neck, avoiding his gaze.

If Ning Qinghong had discovered it, he wouldn’t pretend nothing happened, would he? Maybe it really was the palace staff who took it away?

Wu Jing felt a bit sad. The other items weren’t particularly valuable and could be replaced if lost, but the little wooden box Yan He gave him was missing too.

Unlike the nine interlocking rings Ning Qinghong gave him, which could be replaced with many others, that ointment must have taken Yan He a lot of effort and was surely very precious to her.

Wu Jing felt guilty for losing someone else’s gift.

Perhaps he should ask the palace staff who usually clean the room today?

Lying on Ning Qinghong, Wu Jing thought for a while, slowly sorting out his emotions, then cheered up and curiously glanced at Ning Qinghong, who still had his eyes closed. He called softly, “Brother?”

Autumn mornings were still a bit chilly, but the bedding retained the warmth of the night’s sleep, making it warm even upon waking, especially since he was so close to Ning Qinghong.

It was a very comfortable position and temperature.

Wu Jing called again, “Brother?”

Ning Qinghong placed his hand on Wu Jing’s back, his fingers idly playing with his hair. After a while, he slowly opened his eyes.

Outside, the sky was already bright, and sunlight streamed through the windows and curtains, illuminating the items on the bed clearly.

Wu Jing blinked curiously, wondering why Ning Qinghong was ignoring him, so he called again, “Good morning, brother?” Soft and gentle, just like himself, without a hint of temper.

The sunlight even highlighted the clarity in his eyes.

Ning Qinghong lowered his eyes, gazing at Wu Jing. After a long time, his eyebrows seemed to move slightly. He closed his eyes briefly, and when he opened them again, a slight smile appeared on his lips.

“Morning,” he said.

Ning Qinghong hugged Wu Jing, his fingers naturally lifting Wu Jing’s chin, pinching his cheeks, and after a long look, he sighed with a smile, “Wu Wu is so obedient.”

His voice was slow, almost a murmur between the bedclothes.

Wu Jing looked at Ning Qinghong, who seemed to change before his eyes, bewildered. He had gotten used to Ning Qinghong’s faint smile, thinking he was just not fully awake before, but something felt off.

Ning Qinghong chuckled, “Why are you sitting on brother’s lap?” He seemed to notice something, released his hold, picked up the cloth tiger from Wu Jing’s hand, narrowed his eyes slightly, and asked with a smile, “Did you really go to pick up the cloth tiger?”

Wu Jing nodded dumbly and repeated, “It fell, Wu Wu picked it up.”

Ning Qinghong spoke softly, seemingly hinting at something, “Good.” He smiled, “No matter what Wu Wu says, brother will believe you.”

He raised his hand again, his fingertips caressing the corner of Wu Jing’s eye, “These past two days have been hard on Wu Wu. Later, you can eat whatever you want, okay?”

As soon as he finished speaking, the young emperor sitting in his arms immediately lit up.

Ning Qinghong smiled, “Alright, Wu Wu, get off brother now.” Outside, there were already palace servants waiting by the bed curtains, having heard their master waking up.

Wu Jing, through the bed curtains, vaguely saw the silhouettes outside and felt a bit embarrassed. He slowly crawled off Ning Qinghong and got off the bed.

The palace servants were very tactful. As Wu Jing got off the bed, they lifted the curtains, all keeping their eyes lowered and not daring to look at the two masters, for fear of offending the emperor and the young lord.

Ning Qinghong lifted the bedding and got up smoothly. The palace servants streamed in from behind the screen.

One of the servants, Fu Chen, holding a set of clothes, asked, “My lord, last night I had someone bring your clothes and official robes from the residence. The morning court session just ended, and the ministers are having a small meeting in the Yueji Hall. Do you want to…”

He wasn’t a mind reader, so he had to ask tactfully to understand the young lord’s current situation.

Ning Qinghong said, “I’ll go listen.”

Fu Chen immediately changed him into the official robe, dressing the young lord who spread his arms.

“Prepare the meal first, then call the scouts to report what’s happened in the capital these past two days. Also, have the cabinet ministers wait. Send someone to inform them that the appointment of the chief examiner for the spring examination is not urgent.”

“There’s plenty of time. We don’t want to spread the news too early and cause unnecessary worry.”

Ning Qinghong gave his instructions unhurriedly. After putting on his nine-beam crown and changing into his red robe with crane embroidery, he washed up and handled everything methodically.

Wu Jing was trying to empty his mind, thinking about how much delicious food he was going to eat later. He hadn’t finished thinking when he heard Ning Qinghong call out to him, “Come here.”

Wu Jing happily ran over, took Ning Qinghong’s hand, and eagerly anticipated breakfast.

When they arrived at the dining hall, Wu Jing saw that the table was once again set with that detested medicinal meal. He hesitated for a moment before Ning Qinghong pulled him in.

The palace servants behind them kept their distance, even Fu Chen withdrew far away. Only a spy dressed as a eunuch from the Inner Guard stayed close, reporting something in a low voice.

Since he needed to listen to the report, Ning Qinghong walked slowly, almost like he was strolling, occasionally speaking a word or two.

Wu Jing followed quietly behind him, not making any noise.

It wasn’t until they entered the dining hall that the spy sensibly stopped talking and did not follow them in.

After Fu Chen and the palace servants finished preparing the meal, Wu Jing was about to pick up his chopsticks when Ning Qinghong tapped the back of his hand with the jade chopsticks, “Hold on.”

He had the palace servants divide the medicinal meal into two portions and placed one in front of Wu Jing, making it clear that he had to eat it.

Why did he have to drink this awful stuff again today? Wu Jing racked his brains to refuse, “Wu Wu doesn’t want to eat this.” He turned his head away, looking somewhat unhappy, “Brother said Wu Wu could eat whatever he wanted.”

If it were yesterday, he wouldn’t have dared speak to Ning Qinghong this way, but today it was clear that Ning Qinghong was in a much better mood.

Ning Qinghong smiled, “Then shall brother feed Wu Wu?”

Wu Jing stiffened and silently turned his head back.

He would rather drink it himself.

Wu Jing closed his eyes, took the bowl, and slowly swallowed the medicinal meal. After a while, he picked up his chopsticks and started eating eagerly, tasting a bit of this meat and that meat.

Fu Chen glanced at the young lord, who was eating the medicinal meal spoonful by spoonful and then only having some light vegetables, and then at the emperor, who was going straight for the meat. He hesitated before asking softly, “My lord, do you want to…” He gestured towards the emperor.

Ning Qinghong said, “No need, let His Majesty eat whatever he wants. Since I’ve said it, I can’t go back on my word.” He shook his head and smiled, “Staying in the palace all day without moving around, it’s good to nourish the body.”

He ate little and had to drink a bowl of medicine. With just some broth, he felt full and soon put down his chopsticks.

Fu Chen presented a copper basin for his master to wash.

Ning Qinghong wiped his hands with a cloth, got up, and glanced at Wu Jing, who hadn’t finished eating. He used his fingertips to stop the boy from putting down his chopsticks and wanting to follow him, “Wu Wu, keep eating. Brother will be back soon.”

Ning Qinghong then turned to Fu Chen, “The Yueji Hall is far, so let His Majesty wait.” He turned and walked out slowly.

As soon as the young lord left, the palace servants who originally served in the Hall of Mental Cultivation returned. Wu Jing, now full and happy, prepared to go to the Imperial Garden to play with the puppies.

Seeing Yan He return, he felt as if he hadn’t seen her in a long time and remembered something he almost forgot.

Wu Jing hesitated, tugged on Yan He’s sleeve, “Sister Yan He?”

Yan He, who was following behind with her head bowed, looked at the emperor in surprise. Before she could ask, Wu Jing, trusting her, said, “The small stones Wu Wu put under the bed are missing. Do you know where they went?”

Wu Jing’s voice wasn’t loud. Unlike Yan He, the other palace servants were not as close, so only she heard clearly.

“Small stones?” Yan He’s expression turned complex as she realized what he meant. After a moment, she said, “Perhaps they were cleaned away. I’ll ask around.”

Afraid Wu Jing wouldn’t understand, Yan He didn’t use too many titles in private.

Wu Jing felt relieved, “Thank you, sister.”

He then happily went off to play.

However, within a quarter of an hour, the news had reached Ning Qinghong, who had previously given instructions to be informed.

In the cabinet.

After Fu Chen, who had been whispering in his ear, withdrew, Ning Qinghong’s expression remained unchanged. He continued discussing the upcoming spring examination with the ministers, emphasizing its importance and the need for attention in all areas. He had even specifically invited the Minister of Rites and the Astronomical Bureau.

This small council lasted for a full two hours before it ended.

After the ministers had all left, Ning Qinghong sat at the head of the hall on the dragon throne, having Fu Chen repeat the earlier report.

It took only a few words, and soon, Fu Chen finished, and the Yueji Hall fell silent again.

The person at the top had a faint smile, “As I said before, anyone can be a doctor.” Ning Qinghong said softly, “I’ve only read a few medical books, but I can still pretend to know a thing or two.”

Fu Chen picked up on the implication in the young lord’s words and immediately knelt on the ground.

“Doctor Li’s medical skills are not up to par; he should retire to the countryside.” Ning Qinghong sighed, “Fu Chen, send someone back to the residence to handle it and invite another discreet doctor to the residence for recuperation.”

“As for the items previously taken from His Majesty.” Ning Qinghong paused, enunciating each word, “Have them returned to the palace exactly as they were.”

Fu Chen bowed, vaguely sensing something but unable to fathom his master’s true intentions. He hurried off to give the orders.

During the small council, the palace servants in the Yueji Hall had been dismissed. After Fu Chen left, the hall was empty except for Ning Qinghong.

It was utterly silent.

Ning Qinghong squinted slightly, as if deep in thought. After a moment, he muttered to himself, “Picking up a cloth tiger?” He shook his head with a light laugh, “Lying again.”

Author’s Note:

Wu Wu looking under the bed again: Huh?