Becoming Puppet Emperor of a Paranoid Eunuch - Chapter 84

Wu Jing remained silent, maintaining his position from when he woke up, hugging Ning Qinghong’s waist like an octopus. After hesitating for a while, he said softly, “I don’t really want to go to the academy.”

 

His voice was very quiet; he actually did want to go. 

 

But if Ning Qinghong would make things difficult, then it was fine if he didn’t go. He looked pitiful, like he had seen something delicious or fun on the road but was too afraid to ask for it because of his situation at home.

 

Ning Qinghong smiled, “Whether you go or not is fine. It’s just to help Wu Wu secure a spot in the academy and meet more people.”

 

Wu Jing thought about this statement for a moment, understanding that Ning Qinghong’s intention in sending him to the academy wasn’t really about studying but about letting him experience and enjoy it.

 

The young man was stunned.

 

Ning Qinghong looked down at him, “But Wu Wu still needs to learn to read. Take it slow, no rush.”

 

Wu Jing nodded.

 

Today was a day off.

 

Wu Jing didn’t need to go to the academy. He only copied a few pages of text in the study, listened to Ning Qinghong teaching him new characters, and practiced calligraphy with him in the afternoon.

 

Since he had to attend court the next day, he went to bed early.

 

The day passed in a blur.

 

He was awakened at the hour of Mao, before dawn had even broken. His eyes were still heavy with sleep, and servants practically helped the young emperor wash and dress.

 

He was draped in a heavy court robe and covered with a fur cloak for warmth. As the servants put on the twelve-tassel crown, Ning Qinghong, who had been sipping tea, stood up and slowly walked over, ready to take him out of the residence.

 

He wore a white crane-feather cloak, and as he moved, glimpses of the red official robe underneath could be seen.

 

Wu Jing, still not fully awake, saw the red color and instinctively took a few steps forward, clutching Ning Qinghong’s sleeve, sleepily following him.

 

Ning Qinghong reminded him with a hint of helplessness, “You’re about to step over the threshold, Wu Wu. Lift your foot.”

 

Wu Jing obediently lifted his foot, following behind Ning Qinghong, walking straight and turning corners like a little tail, still with his eyes closed.

 

Ning Qinghong sighed softly, “You’re about to go down the stairs, Wu Wu.”

 

Wu Jing forced his eyes open, carefully descended the stairs, and once on the ground, closed his eyes again. Before he could react, he was suddenly picked up, and Ning Qinghong whispered in his ear, “Alright, go back to sleep.”

 

The carefully arranged corners of his robe wrinkled again. Ning Qinghong noticed Wu Jing burying his face into his shoulder, the cold jade beads of the twelve-tassel crown brushing against his neck, and instructed with a gentle smile, “Before we enter the Jinluan Hall, have someone prepare a gold basin to press and straighten His Majesty’s robe before we go in.”

 

Fuchen replied, “Yes.”

 

Wu Jing slept a lot in the carriage. He hadn’t gotten up at five in the morning for a long time. Even when they arrived at the Jinluan Hall, the sky outside was still dark, although the hall was brightly lit, with officials waiting.

 

After being led to the dragon throne by the palace servants, Wu Jing started to wake up when he heard the officials’ morning greetings. He rubbed his eyes, automatically ignoring the discussions about court affairs, and focused on the aroma of the breakfast.

 

Fuchen, who had replaced the original eunuch who should have been waiting at the jade steps, was now kneeling beside the dragon throne, bending and speaking softly, “Your Majesty, you’ll need to take a carriage to the academy later and won’t have time for breakfast. The old master specifically instructed the imperial kitchen to prepare some light dishes for you.”

 

“Eat slowly, the old master said you don’t need to rush.”

 

“Some officials, being truly hungry, might secretly hide some meat pies in their court robes and bring them to the Jinluan Hall.”

 

These officials, who were low-ranking and kneeling behind, were seeing the emperor having breakfast in front of all the officials for the first time.

 

Wu Jing was unaware of this, and after hearing Fuchen, felt somewhat relieved.

 

On the table were a bowl of warm sweet tofu pudding, some osmanthus pastries, a small pot of thick meat porridge, a dish of delicately prepared shark fin soup, and a plate of peeled shrimp and crab meat with sauce, all looking very appetizing.

 

Wu Jing picked up his chopsticks and carefully ate, not realizing that the high-ranking officials in front were already salivating from the smell.

 

But no one dared to raise any objections in front of the old master.

 

Wu Jing enjoyed his meal, his small stomach only able to hold a little of each item, and he even saved some, whispering to Fuchen, “This is delicious. Can I save some for him?”

 

Fuchen hurriedly replied, “Of course, the old master will definitely taste it when he sees it.”

 

Wu Jing lowered his eyes and, after eating his fill, felt warm and a bit sleepy.

 

After another half-hour, when court affairs were over, Wu Jing was taken to change into regular clothes and soon boarded a sedan chair.

 

Ning Qinghong, waiting leisurely, saw him settle in and even handed Wu Jing a hand-warmer.

 

After leaving the palace, they switched to a carriage and slowly drove to the academy. The young man, asleep on Ning Qinghong’s shoulder, was gently woken up by a soft voice, “Wu Wu? We’ve arrived.”

 

Wu Jing shifted directions, pretending not to hear.

 

He had eaten enough and felt comfortable in Ning Qinghong’s arms, wrapped in the crane cloak and covered by his warmth.

 

He even had a hand-warmer in front of his belly.

 

On a cold autumn morning,

 

It was incredibly cozy.

 

Wu Jing clung to Ning Qinghong, reluctant to leave, “I don’t want to go.”

 

He said quietly.

 

Ning Qinghong smiled, “How about I carry Wu Wu inside?”

 

Wu Jing immediately shook his head, “No, no. People will see.”

 

Ning Qinghong sighed lightly, “Wu Wu is shy; I understand.” He kissed the young man’s nose gently and said, “How about I watch Wu Wu go in?”

 

Wu Jing’s ears turned red, shaking his head, “I can go down by myself. It’s cold outside.”

 

Just as Ning Qinghong was about to say something else, the bell of the academy rang. Wu Jing, startled, hurriedly got down from the carriage, running towards the academy’s entrance with the hand-warmer, while a young servant followed behind him.

 

Wu Jing glanced back in a hurry, seeing the carriage’s curtain half-lifted and catching a glimpse of Ning Qinghong’s long fingers and faint smile.

 

He could almost hear Ning Qinghong’s amused laughter.

 

His ears were burning red as he ran into the study room.

 

Old Teacher Fu was already kneeling and sitting in the hall. When he saw the young man breathlessly running in through the back door, he closed one eye and said nothing.

 

Wu Jing quietly received the cloth bag from the servant, arranged the writing materials neatly, and took a long time to calm his breathing.

 

Qian Qingyang, taking advantage of the break between reading, leaned back and said, “I was also late just now and was punished with a hand slap by the old teacher before being let in.”

 

Wu Jing could hear the resentment in his words.

 

Feeling guilty, Wu Jing lowered his gaze, knowing it was because he had someone backing him that the old teacher hadn’t taken it out on him.

 

Meng Zhao also came over, “Why did you come so late today?”

 

Wu Jing didn’t know how to explain to them that he had just rushed over from the Jinluan Hall after sitting on the dragon throne for an hour and a half. He stammered, “I—I overslept.”

 

He felt strangely self-conscious, as if he were hiding some secret identity.

 

Liu Cheng leaned over and said, “By the way, a new restaurant has opened on East Street. The chef was specially brought in from outside the region, and they serve authentic foreign cuisine.” He asked, “Shall we check it out around noon?”

 

Meng Zhao commented, “Why go to such a lowly place? What’s there to see?”

 

Ma Qingyang nudged him with an elbow, saying, “Expand your horizons.” He then asked, “Ning Jing, are you going?”

 

The three of them turned their faces towards Wu Jing.

 

Wu Jing was momentarily stunned and stammered, “N—no, I think not.” Although he said this, he remembered what Ning Qinghong had said yesterday and felt somewhat tempted. He had never eaten at a restaurant before and was curious about the flavors.

 

He looked at the three of them, wondering if they would ask him again.

 

Ma Qingyang asked, “Really not going? Liu Cheng will definitely make arrangements in the hall. I’m afraid most people from our study will be invited.”

 

Meng Zhao added, “One more person doesn’t make a difference, one less doesn’t change much.”

 

Liu Cheng said, “If you stay behind alone, others might think we’re not friendly with you.”

 

Wu Jing hesitated, “Then I’ll go take a look?”

 

Liu Cheng said, “Alright, just remember to tell your servant.”

 

Wu Jing nodded awkwardly.

 

It wasn’t the first time he had left the academy by himself, but it was the first time he was playing outside the palace with others, except for Ning Qinghong.

 

Whether it was anticipation or fear, he was unsure.

 

After all, having never experienced it before and without someone he trusted by his side, he felt nervous.

 

After the noon bell rang, as expected, many people from the academy left together. Everyone chatted and laughed as they exited the residence, with many greeting Wu Jing.

 

Wu Jing had never been to the market during the day. His eyes were dazzled by the sights. As he walked past stalls, people would pull out a few coins to buy interesting things.

 

He looked down at his belt, which only had a red jade pendant and no coins.

 

While he was still in a daze, Liu Cheng quietly said, “You didn’t bring money? No worries, I’ll treat you today. Feel free to eat as much as you want.”

 

He had come to the capital to study and had to make extra effort to build connections. He was well-connected in the academy and, despite appearing simple, spoke softly to Wu Jing to save face.

 

Wu Jing felt a bit embarrassed and thanked him.

 

Ma Qingyang patted Liu Cheng on the shoulder, “Ning Jing doesn’t need to feel embarrassed. Although his ancestral home isn’t in the capital, his family is well-known in the region.”

 

Meng Zhao added, “After the old master established the law allowing merchants to enter the court, some ninth-rank officials are even wealthier than us.”

 

Wu Jing was surprised to hear Ning Qinghong’s name and was still processing it when someone said, “We’re here, let’s go in.”

 

He looked up at the three-story restaurant and, amidst the noise, curiously followed them inside.

 

When the dishes were served, Wu Jing realized that the food outside was indeed different from what was prepared at home. Ning Qinghong preferred lighter flavors, and both the Ning family’s chefs and the imperial kitchen rarely made spicy or pungent dishes.

 

However, Wu Jing couldn’t handle spicy food and wasn’t particularly craving it.

 

But the dishes on the table were all red, with even the fish soup being sour and spicy. In the center, there was a roast suckling pig, with large chunks of meat served.

 

The wine was also strong and pungent.

 

Wu Jing quietly pushed the wine away, knowing Ning Qinghong wouldn’t allow him to drink. He ate the food carefully, sipping some tea to alleviate the spiciness.

 

Everyone was laughing and playing drinking games, reciting poetry in turn, and carefully avoiding Wu Jing, who had mentioned he couldn’t drink, creating a lively atmosphere.

 

As the meal neared its end, a different type of wine was served.

 

Wu Jing said he didn’t want any, but others still poured him a few symbolic cups. He looked at the milky white drink and could smell a faint wine and sweet milk aroma.

 

He decided to try a sip to taste it.

 

After all, he would be returning to the academy soon.

 

Wu Jing held the cup, cautiously tasting it, and finding it acceptable, drank the whole cup.

 

Sitting next to him was Meng Zhao, who was scratching his head, struggling to think of how to continue with the next verse. He was almost ready to punish himself with three cups when he suddenly heard a “thud” beside him.

 

Turning around, he saw the young man, flushed and unconscious on the table.

 

One cup down.

 

Meng Zhao gasped and, after checking, realized Wu Jing was just drunk. He finally relaxed, worried that if something happened here, everyone at the table would face consequences from the old master.

 

He subtly elbowed Liu Cheng, indicating him to check on Wu Jing.

 

Liu Cheng, quick on his feet, said, “No problem. We’ll get a room in the restaurant for Ning Jing to rest. I’ll call someone to prepare a hangover remedy. When he wakes up, he can drink it.” He thought, “You should return to the academy and inform the teacher and the old master, and have Ning Jing’s servant come here to wait.”

 

“I’ll return with Ma Qingyang after the servant arrives.”

 

Meng Zhao muttered, “Yes, it’s not a big deal. The old master wouldn’t deny a drink to a young member of his family.”

 

Liu Cheng said, “Alright, you go quickly. I’ll have the servants assist Ning Jing.”

 

In his dazed state, Wu Jing heard the noises and settled down, truly feeling unable to stay awake. He covered his head, letting his consciousness sink deeper.

 

He was in darkness and lost track of time.

 

When he woke up groggily, he realized it was already dark outside. There was a lamp lit in the room, and Wu Jing, squinting for a while, noticed something wasn’t right.

 

It seemed he wasn’t at the restaurant but had somehow returned to the residence. The bed still held the cloth tiger he hugged to sleep every night.

 

Wu Jing, feeling disoriented, shook his head and attempted to get out of bed, but he hadn’t fully risen when a servant entered the room. It was Fu Chen. He said, “Your Majesty, you’re awake?”

 

Wu Jing sat back down and nodded. He remained quiet for a moment, then asked softly, “Where is he…?”

 

Anxious and uneasy.

 

Fu Chen handed him a bowl of hangover soup, saying, “Your Majesty, drink this sweet soup to help with your hangover.” He bowed and added, “Lord Ning is in the study looking over reports. I will go report to him now.”

 

Wu Jing grabbed him in a flurry, “Wait, wait a moment, I, I today—”

 

Did he really go to the school?

 

Was the drinking just a dream?

 

Wu Jing still felt a sense of unreality. The dim candlelight and the bowl in his hands brought him back to his senses.

 

Fu Chen explained, “Lord Ning said he needed to be informed as soon as you woke up.” With an apologetic look, he continued, “Your Majesty, you missed school today. Although you informed the head instructor, it was out of respect for Lord Ning, who usually would have been disregarded by the school.”

 

“He came to the school at evening to pick you up, and only then did we learn that you were still unconscious at the restaurant.”

 

“He personally brought you back, helped you bathe and change, and then left me to watch over you while he returned to the study.”

 

After Fu Chen finished speaking, he quickly bowed and left.

 

Wu Jing was left alone with the bowl, sitting in place for a long time before he finally drank the sweet soup with anxiety.

 

He noticed the scent of soap and a fragrant golden face powder on himself. He smelled clean, with no unusual odors, only the faint scent of toothpaste.

 

Wu Jing placed the bowl on the bedside table. The crisp sound of the porcelain on the table startled him in the otherwise quiet room.

 

Listening carefully, he could hear the faint chirping of insects from the darkness outside.

 

Wu Jing swallowed nervously, unsure of what to do next. He rearranged the bowl more neatly and then noticed a small wooden box on the table.

 

It wasn’t locked.

 

Out of curiosity, Wu Jing opened it and found several small copper balls of varying sizes with hollow patterns, inside which jingled tiny bells.

 

He shook it but found nothing particularly interesting.

 

Next, his gaze fell on another wrapped package. Unwrapping it carefully, he found jade cylinders of various lengths and thicknesses.

 

The largest one was almost as thick as half his wrist, the white jade so smooth he almost couldn’t hold it.

 

Next to it was a jade box.

 

Wu Jing opened it and discovered a soft, creamy substance inside. The faint medicinal aroma filled the air.

 

What were these?

 

He felt a sense of familiarity, recalling the ointment Yan He had given him earlier.

 

Wu Jing’s hand faltered, his face turning pale as he quickly dropped the jade box back into the wooden box. He hurriedly packed everything back up and looked around in panic.

 

At that moment, he heard movement outside.

 

The door was quietly pushed open. Ning Qinghong entered the room and, finding it empty except for the scattered wooden clogs under the bed, glanced around.

 

Ning Qinghong raised his hand to signal the servants to leave and then opened the dark cupboard.

 

Wu Jing, curled up in a corner among piles of clothes, his face streaked with tears, looked up in fear at Ning Qinghong.

 

As Ning Qinghong leaned down to pick him up, the boy recoiled, crying, “No, no punishment, no punishment.”

 

“I, I shouldn’t have drunk, shouldn’t have skipped school.”

 

“Sorry, sorry.”

 

“I won’t go out with them to play anymore.”

 

He sobbed, shaking his head repeatedly, “No punishment.”

 

He cried, “Don’t punish me.”

 

**Author’s Note:**

 

Wuwu: Finished imagining, starting to cry.

 

Qinghong: Sigh, comforting Wuwu.jpg