The Blood Crown - Side Story 2: Waning Moon (Part 5)

Side Story 2: Waning Moon (Part 5)

 

Since Yuan Nanyu arrived in the capital, there has rarely been a night where he could sleep peacefully. After all, he was constantly worried about what unpredictable actions Chen Mu might take, or even a simple imperial decree could make him nervous, causing him to lose weight.

 

Earlier, when Chen Mu summoned him to the palace, he came up with various reasons, but now he no longer needed excuses; a simple verbal order meant that Yuan Nanyu had to attend immediately. It was no wonder that everyone in the world aspired to be an emperor.

 

On the way to the palace, he kept wondering what Chen Mu wanted to say or do this time.

 

As their meetings became more frequent, Chen Mu’s actions grew more difficult to understand. Sometimes, Chen Mu invited him to drink, sometimes to fish. When something new arrived from the West, he would ask Yuan Nanyu to admire it with him. When a famous theater troupe from Xiangtan arrived in the capital, he had them perform just for the two of them in the palace. Sometimes, nothing was done but to invite him to dinner.

 

Although Yuan Nanyu felt uneasy and suspicious, being able to converse calmly with Chen Mu was better than being at odds. He had never been good at showing weakness, but after receiving a letter from Yan Sikong urging him to be prudent, Yuan Nanyu knew that following Chen Mu’s lead might make his life easier. After all, everything around him was reminding him—Chen Mu was the emperor.

 

So, he tried to “read the situation,” behaving like a minister as long as Chen Mu didn’t… do that to him.

 

When they arrived at Qianqing Palace, Chen Mu was practicing swordplay with Zhu Lanting. Yuan Nanyu stood aside, watching the two.

 

When Feng Ye entered the capital years ago, Yuan Nanyu had some interaction with Zhu Lanting, but it wasn’t much. Although Zhu Lanting was in the Forbidden City, his martial skills were outstanding, and he was well-known in the martial world. Yuan Nanyu had long been curious about his skills.

 

The two used wooden swords, yet their movements were fierce, swift as flying swallows, and their strikes were powerful. Zhu Lanting’s swordplay was steady; even when facing someone as powerful as the emperor, he was relaxed and unrestrained. Chen Mu, on the other hand, was aggressive, with sharp, bold moves and no flaws in his form. Although he appeared somewhat immature, he remained persistent and didn’t lose ground.

 

However, when Chen Mu saw Yuan Nanyu, his attacks grew faster and more forceful, showing his impatience to win. Zhu Lanting seized the opportunity and struck Chen Mu’s sword handle, making Chen Mu’s hands hurt, causing his sword to drop to the ground with a loud clatter.

 

Chen Mu stopped, sweat beading on his forehead, and his throat, beneath his pale skin, could be seen rolling in frustration, his eyes showing signs of anger.

 

Zhu Lanting calmly said, “The emperor was distracted.”

 

Chen Mu kicked the wooden sword aside and shot Yuan Nanyu a glance.

 

Zhu Lanting also looked at Yuan Nanyu.

 

Yuan Nanyu knelt on one knee, saying, “I greet His Majesty.”

 

“Rise,” Chen Mu said.

 

Yuan Nanyu cupped his hands and greeted Zhu Lanting, “General Zhu.”

 

Zhu Lanting casually returned the greeting, “Since the emperor is distracted today, I shall take my leave.”

 

Chen Mu waved his hand.

 

Sun Mo, smiling, walked over, holding a handkerchief. “Your Majesty has truly improved rapidly. Your martial skills progress every day.”

 

“Is that so?” Chen Mu asked, “Have I really improved every day?”

 

“Of course, Your Majesty is young and talented in both literature and martial arts. It’s truly a blessing for the country and the people.”

 

Yuan Nanyu secretly scoffed at Sun Mo.

 

Chen Mu turned to Yuan Nanyu, “What do you think?”

 

Yuan Nanyu cupped his hands and said, “Your Majesty has extraordinary talent and insight. With General Zhu as your martial instructor, your progress is indeed significant.” This was the truth. Back when they were in the Chu army, Yuan Nanyu had sparred with Chen Mu. At that time, Chen Mu was no match for him, but now Yuan Nanyu was confident he could still win, though it would be difficult. After all, he was a decade older than Chen Mu.

 

However, if it weren’t for the people around, he wouldn’t have been so flattering.

 

Chen Mu smiled slightly, “Do you really think so?”

 

“Yes.”

 

“Once the ceremony is over, I want to spar with you,” Chen Mu suddenly had an idea. “From now on, you can accompany me in martial practice. General Zhu is too busy with military affairs to always come to the palace.”

 

Yuan Nanyu frowned, instinctively wanting to refuse.

 

Chen Mu clapped his hands, “Why didn’t I think of this earlier? It’s settled then.”

 

Yuan Nanyu knew there was no point in refusing, so he asked, “What ceremony?”

 

“Tomorrow is the anniversary of my mother’s death,” Chen Mu’s expression darkened. “I must leave for Xiangchan Temple at the second watch. You will accompany me, and tonight, you’ll stay in the palace.”

 

Yuan Nanyu sighed, “Understood.”

 

—

 

Perhaps because he had to wake up early the next day or because it was the anniversary of Empress De Rui’s death, Yuan Nanyu only accompanied Chen Mu for dinner. The entire night in the palace, there was no further “disturbance.”

 

Before the second watch, Yuan Nanyu set out with the imperial procession. He wore light armor and rode ahead, maintaining a straight posture, his long legs gently pressing the horse’s belly. The cold winter wind lifted the red tassel on his helmet, and he looked like a god of war, carrying the honor of a renowned general.

 

The journey to Xiangchan Temple was long. They left in the middle of the night to arrive before sunrise.

 

Throughout the journey, Yuan Nanyu felt as though someone was watching him. When he turned around, he could only see Chen Mu sitting on the high imperial carriage, his face obscured by the jade ornaments, making it impossible to know where his gaze was directed.

 

Yuan Nanyu restrained himself from looking back but still couldn’t help glancing several times.

 

Upon arriving at Xiangchan Temple, the Ministry of Rites had already prepared the ceremony and was waiting with the monks to welcome the emperor.

 

The ceremony was long and tedious. Yuan Nanyu watched as Chen Mu, with a solemn expression, meticulously performed the rites for Empress De Rui. For a moment, Yuan Nanyu felt unfamiliar with this serious side of Chen Mu, but then he wondered how well he really knew him.

 

When they first met in Yunnan, Yuan Nanyu thought Chen Mu was a fallen, useless prince, relying on and admiring Yan Sikong, a puppet for Feng Ye. Later, when they met again, the now-powerful Chen Mu removed his mask, revealing his ambition, coldness, and ruthlessness. Eventually, Chen Mu became the emperor.

 

So, Chen Mu could be flirtatious, dignified, strict, kind, wise, or absurd, all because he was the emperor. He had countless faces and no need to hide them.

 

Especially in front of Yuan Nanyu, he was completely unrestrained.

 

Yuan Nanyu watched Chen Mu, his feelings complicated.

 

The ceremony lasted from dawn until sunset. That night, they stayed at Xiangchan Temple. Chen Mu would kneel before Empress De Rui’s memorial all night, praying for her.

 

Chen Mu knelt inside the hall all night, while Yuan Nanyu stood outside. For him, a great general to be reduced to serving as Chen Mu’s guard felt somewhat beneath him, but by now, he was too tired to be angry.

 

By dawn, Sun Mo supported the exhausted Chen Mu as he walked out.

 

Yuan Nanyu saw that Chen Mu’s face was pale, and his legs, hidden beneath his robes, were clearly trembling. He thought, so this person at least had filial piety.

 

Chen Mu looked at Yuan Nanyu and said, “The empress couldn’t come due to illness, maybe I should have you go inside and kneel as well.”

 

Yuan Nanyu cursed inwardly, thinking that this scoundrel had absolutely no virtues at all.

 

Sun Mo, afraid that Chen Mu might really do something rebellious, quickly intervened, “Your Majesty is tired, and General Yuan is also exhausted. How about we all take some rest?”

 

Chen Mu nodded. He really did look exhausted and said no more, beckoning for Yuan Nanyu to follow him.

 

Xiang Chan Temple was a place for quiet cultivation, so naturally, everything, from food to living arrangements, was simple. But Yuan Nanyu hadn’t expected the room prepared for Chen Mu to be so austere, with almost nothing in it except for a bed and essential furniture.

 

Sun Mo immediately saw through Yuan Nanyu’s thoughts and didn’t miss the chance to flatter, “His Majesty specifically instructed that no one should disturb the monks’ peaceful practice, and His Majesty’s deep understanding of the principles of Buddhism is truly…”

 

“Enough,” Chen Mu interrupted, showing some impatience today. “You may leave.”

 

“But I haven’t assisted Your Majesty with your washing and changing yet.”

 

“You do it,” Chen Mu pointed to Yuan Nanyu.

 

Yuan Nanyu’s eyes widened.

 

Chen Mu calmly stared at him.

 

Sun Mo bowed and said, “I shall take my leave,” before quickly exiting and closing the door behind him.

 

“This is a Buddhist temple,” Yuan Nanyu remarked.

 

“Do I need you to tell me that?” Chen Mu spread his arms. “Hurry up, I’m tired.”

 

Yuan Nanyu gritted his teeth and began undressing Chen Mu. He had never served anyone in such a manner before, let alone undress the emperor, whose ceremonial robes were complicated. He fumbled with the belt for a long time but couldn’t get it undone.

 

Chen Mu teased, “A great general like you doesn’t even know how to take off clothes?”

 

Yuan Nanyu retorted angrily, “What kind of ridiculous outfit is this, layers upon layers!”

 

“You dare call my ceremonial robes ridiculous? Yuan Nanyu, your disrespect to me these days is enough for you to lose your head a hundred times over.”

 

“Too bad you can only chop it off once,” Yuan Nanyu sneered. He finally undid the belt, loosened the robe, and hung the heavy ceremonial clothes aside.

 

Chen Mu pointed to his crown, and Yuan Nanyu removed it, placing it to the side. Chen Mu lifted his foot, looking at Yuan Nanyu with amusement.

 

Yuan Nanyu took a deep breath, knelt down, and took off Chen Mu’s boots.

 

Only then did Chen Mu sit on the bed, smiling faintly as he watched Yuan Nanyu.

 

Yuan Nanyu wetted a cloth and roughly wiped Chen Mu’s face before impatiently saying, “Your Majesty may now rest.”

 

“I want you to sleep with me.”

 

“You must be dreaming,” Yuan Nanyu blurted out, stepping back. He knew Chen Mu wouldn’t give up easily.

 

Chen Mu patted the bed. “Come here.”

 

“I told you, it’s impossible,” Yuan Nanyu said coldly. “The spirit tablet of the late Empress De Rui is right there. Do you want to commit such sordid acts in this sacred Buddhist temple?”

 

Chen Mu raised an eyebrow. “I just want to lie with you, have you keep me company, warm the bed. I won’t do anything disgraceful to Buddhism.”

 

Yuan Nanyu narrowed his eyes.

 

“You always suspect I want something from you, thinking of me as a lustful scoundrel. Does that mean you secretly hope for some ‘sordid act’?”

 

“You…” Yuan Nanyu really wanted to tear Chen Mu’s mouth off. He regretted not studying properly with Yan Sikun when he was younger. Even if he couldn’t be as eloquent as Yan Sikun, at least he wouldn’t always be left speechless and bullied like this.

 

Chen Mu softened his tone but still commanded, “Come over here. I promise I won’t do anything, as long as you keep me company.”

 

Yuan Nanyu furrowed his brows deeply.

 

Chen Mu’s voice grew cold. “No matter how much you struggle, it won’t help. I’m in no mood today, don’t make me say it twice.”

 

Yuan Nanyu walked over. “If you dare do anything, I don’t care where this is,” he glared at Chen Mu fiercely, “and I don’t care who you are.”

 

Chen Mu smiled smugly, lying sideways on the bed and motioning for Yuan Nanyu to join him.

 

Yuan Nanyu slowly took off his armor and shoes but left his outer clothes on. He stiffly sat on the bed, glaring at Chen Mu for a while before finally lying next to him, fully clothed.

 

Chen Mu stretched out his long arm, wrapping it around Yuan Nanyu’s waist. Yuan Nanyu, like a snake coiling around him, was about to spring up, but Chen Mu pressed him down, leaning close to his ear and whispering, “Don’t move.”

 

Yuan Nanyu stayed still, feeling as if a serpent’s tongue was licking his skin, and his instinctive fear took over.

 

Chen Mu softened his tone again, “How about I call you Yuer?”

 

“No,” Yuan Nanyu said coldly.

 

“I want to call you that,” Chen Mu buried his face in Yuan Nanyu’s neck, “Yuer, do you miss your mother?”

 

Yuan Nanyu blinked.

 

Chen Mu murmured softly, “I miss my mother so much.”

 

A sudden pang of bitterness hit Yuan Nanyu’s heart.