The Sickly Seedling Dresses Up As An Unfortunate And Muddled Monarch - Chapter 30

“Da-da-da—”

 

The sound of hurried footsteps accompanied by the continuous cries of “Welcome, Your Majesty” echoed, as the doors of the Pi Xiang Hall were slowly opened by the palace maids on either side.

 

At this moment, Qiu Junyao, who had hurried back from the Dali Temple prison, paid no heed to the eunuchs and palace maids kneeling on both sides. He took large strides, lifting his robes as he stepped over the threshold.

 

The instant he stepped into the hall, before he could call out Ying Yuan’s name, a small figure suddenly darted in front of him.

 

Next, the figure, like a little firecracker, crashed into Qiu Junyao’s chest, almost knocking him back a few steps.

 

Although he had no idea what had happened, Qiu Junyao instinctively reached out to catch the person who had rushed into his arms, stabilizing himself to prevent them both from falling.

 

Once he steadied himself, Qiu Junyao finally had a moment to look at the person in his arms. As his eyes met the person’s gaze, he was stunned, his voice rising in surprise:

 

“Jingxiu?”

 

“Daddy!” Qiu Jingxiu raised a rosy, adorable face, clinging to Qiu Junyao’s collar and wrinkling the moon tree flower pattern on it. Tilting his head, he excitedly called out again:

 

“Daddy, daddy!”

 

“…Jingxiu, you still recognize me?!”

 

Qiu Junyao had already mentally prepared himself for the possibility that Qiu Jingxiu might not recognize him. Seeing Jingxiu running, jumping, and calling him “daddy” repeatedly, he couldn’t help but feel a surge of emotion.

 

He picked up Qiu Jingxiu, as if holding a beautiful doll he used to play with in childhood, examining him up and down with incredulity:

 

“You…”

 

“Not foolish, all good.”

 

At this moment, Ying Yuan walked over from the side.

 

Today, he was dressed similarly to Qiu Junyao, also in black. However, the hem of his robe was embroidered with bamboo leaves in silver thread instead of moon tree flowers, giving him a more elegant appearance. He smiled and said:

 

“Come, Jingxiu, stop calling him daddy, call him Father Emperor.”

 

“Fa… Father Emperor!”

 

Qiu Jingxiu evidently learned to speak much faster than before. He called out as Ying Yuan instructed, even walking properly without crawling on the ground anymore.

 

“How could this be?”

 

Sitting on a chair, Qiu Junyao looked at Qiu Jingxiu, who was now seriously bowing to him, in shock.

 

Jingxiu’s actions were natural and unhesitating, nothing like his previous inability to walk normally or control his actions due to illness. He appeared completely normal, his demeanor radiant, not at all like someone who had just recovered from a serious illness.

 

Seeing Qiu Junyao’s excitement, Ying Yuan couldn’t help but satisfy his curiosity, explaining with a smile:

 

“The imperial physician just examined him and said he’s fine.”

 

“Really?” Qiu Junyao turned his head, cautiously trying to confirm:

 

“…Really not foolish?”

 

Seeing Qiu Junyao’s incredulous expression, Ying Yuan chuckled:

 

“Really not.”

 

He explained, “The person who poisoned him never expected that although elderberry flower poison stimulates inner breath, it acts as a superb antidote for those with synovitis. It helps open up blocked meridians, allowing energy to flow smoothly, making limbs agile again and restoring normalcy.”

 

“…Really?”

 

Love deepens worry. Despite Ying Yuan’s reassurances, Qiu Junyao still found it hard to believe.

 

He looked at Qiu Jingxiu again, then bent down to scoop him into his arms, testingly saying in a low voice:

 

“Jingxiu, call me Father Emperor.”

 

“Father Emperor.” This time, Qiu Jingxiu didn’t hesitate, speaking clearly and then looking up at Qiu Junyao for approval, hands clasped together.

 

“Good, very good.” Witnessing the scene he had dreamed of countless times now unfolding before him, Qiu Junyao was overwhelmed, barely able to say anything but “good.”

 

Ying Yuan joined him, playing with Jingxiu for a while until Qiu Junyao finally calmed down.

 

Once calm, he regained his rationality. Watching Jingxiu laughing in his arms, Qiu Junyao couldn’t help but smile and gently pinch Jingxiu’s cheek, speaking softly:

 

“Since you can speak and understand others, how about in a few days you go to the Suicheng Pavilion to study with the Grand Scholar?”

 

Originally believing Jingxiu would be foolish for life, Qiu Junyao hadn’t expected him to recognize words. But now that he was recovered and so clever, studying would be beneficial.

 

“Alright.” Jingxiu rubbed Qiu Junyao’s palm, obediently replying, “I will listen to Father Emperor.”

 

“…….”

 

Hearing Qiu Jingxiu’s response, Qiu Junyao frowned, keenly sensing something amiss in Jingxiu’s words. He pinched Jingxiu’s chin and examined him closely:

 

“How do you…”

 

“Your Majesty.”

 

At that moment, Ying Yuan, who had witnessed everything, took over the conversation, his smile fading: “The imperial physician said that although Jingxiu isn’t completely foolish, he was poisoned. The poison can’t be entirely eliminated, leaving his tongue numb. Although he can speak and his intellect is normal, he might stutter at times.”

 

“Stutter…?”

 

Qiu Junyao pinched Qiu Jingxiu’s cheeks, seeing his aggrieved expression. After a moment, as if thinking of something, his gaze dimmed.

 

He lowered his head, staring vacantly at a point in the air for a long time before softly sighing:

 

“…So be it.”

 

Qiu Junyao picked up Jingxiu, trying to cheer him up, causing Jingxiu to wriggle in his arms like a lively little bug.

 

“At least he can call me Father Emperor.”

 

He patted Jingxiu’s oblivious head, his voice low:

 

“…As long as he’s not foolish, that’s good enough.”

 

“…Your Majesty,” Ying Yuan noticed something in Qiu Junyao’s tone and looked at him curiously, seeing his flickering expression. Puzzled, he asked, “Jingxiu’s synovitis is cured. Aren’t you happy?”

 

“…I am happy.” Qiu Junyao hung his head, unusually avoiding eye contact with Ying Yuan. Instead, he played with Jingxiu, speaking slowly after a long pause,

 

“I… am very happy.”

 

Due to the accidental poisoning, Jingxiu’s synovitis was almost completely cured, and he soon began attending school.

 

He was very clever, grasping everything instantly and even having a photographic memory. Whatever he learned, he could recite perfectly, making it easy for Qiu Junyao to check his homework without much concern.

 

Meanwhile, Qiu Jingming remained imprisoned in the inner jail of Dali Temple.

 

Qiu Junyao hadn’t ordered an interrogation nor had he released him. He also suppressed the news of Qiu Jingming poisoning his brother, so the court officials didn’t know why the Crown Prince had fallen from favor, provoking the Emperor’s wrath.

 

Over time, memorials requesting an explanation for the Crown Prince’s misconduct piled up on Qiu Junyao’s desk, with many ministers trying to probe the truth.

 

Qiu Junyao, having seen enough, naturally grew annoyed.

 

He hadn’t shared with anyone that every time he saw those memorials, he was haunted by the words Qiu Jingming had said to him in the prison.

 

For Qiu Junyao, he had always viewed Qiu Jingming as a threatening figure. But for Jingming, Qiu Junyao was the revered father he relied on and admired. This imbalance of status and emotions made Qiu Junyao reflect on his own actions and words.

 

The greatest fear is when actions and words are inconsistent. Qiu Junyao’s reflection lasted half a month.

 

In the end, he couldn’t come up with a perfect solution to the dilemma before him. Perhaps from the beginning, upon realizing that Qiu Jingming shared his bloodline, he found it impossible to completely discard him as an insignificant figure.

 

After much deliberation, Qiu Junyao couldn’t make a decisive decision. So he decided to stop worrying about it. He ordered that the memorials demanding clarification of the Crown Prince’s crimes be held back at the Secretariat and ran off to Suicheng Pavilion to watch Jingxiu study.

 

Jingxiu, starting to learn to read at five, was already a bit late. Though intelligent, he still stood out awkwardly among the other princes and their companions.

 

When Qiu Junyao arrived, the pavilion was empty except for Jingxiu, who was engrossed in writing.

 

Since his synovitis was cured, he no longer struggled to control his movements. His back was straight, his penmanship proper, diligently copying a policy essay.

 

Qiu Junyao’s footsteps were light, not intending to disturb Jingxiu’s study. But as an emperor, he was inevitably accompanied by palace maids and eunuchs, whose presence soon caught Jingxiu’s attention.

 

He twitched his ears and instinctively turned towards the sound. When his gaze met Qiu Junyao’s face, his eyes lit up:

 

“Father Emperor!”

 

He straightened up and bowed properly to Qiu Junyao:

 

“Your son greets Father Emperor.”

 

“…Rise.” Qiu Junyao felt joy seeing his obedient son, and when he saw that Qiu Jingxiu’s actions were no different from an ordinary person, his previously furrowed brows relaxed even more. He walked over to Jingxiu with a smile:

 

“Seeing you like this, I’m still a bit unaccustomed.”

 

“I also want to be like before, without any worries, lying in Father Emperor’s arms and acting spoiled.”

 

Qiu Jingxiu glanced at Laifu, who then consciously stepped aside, making space for Jingxiu.

 

Jingxiu stepped forward and, replacing Laifu, supported Qiu Junyao’s arm, helping him to a chair before sitting in front of him:

 

“Why did Father Emperor come today?”

 

“You spend all your time in this Suicheng Pavilion, sometimes so diligently that you forget to return to Pi Xiang Hall for dinner. Your mother has mentioned it many times, asking me to persuade you not to neglect your health. I had no choice but to come and see you.”

 

As Qiu Junyao spoke, he smiled and picked up the policy essays on Jingxiu’s desk:

 

“Remember to return to Pi Xiang Hall early today and don’t let your mother worry anymore.”

 

“Yes.” Jingxiu nodded, “I will remember.”

 

Qiu Junyao responded with an “Mm” and casually flipped through the essays Jingxiu had copied. The more he read, the more serious his expression became. After a moment, he quietly put away his smile and looked at Jingxiu:

 

“Who wrote these essays?”

 

“Does Father Emperor also think these essays are well written?”

 

Upon hearing this, Jingxiu, as if finding a kindred spirit, moved closer, his arm touching Qiu Junyao’s, and eagerly pointed to several essays:

 

“These pages… and these pages, hmm… on governance and policy, most were written by Brother Du Jing and his companions.”

 

“And here, concerning military reforms, this part was… was written by Brother Jingming.”

 

Just before mentioning Qiu Jingming’s name, Jingxiu hesitated, but after some thought, he still said it.

 

In Jingxiu’s anxious gaze, Qiu Junyao kept a calm expression and, instead of reprimanding him, smoothly shifted the topic:

 

“After reading your brothers’ essays and poems, what are your thoughts?”

 

Seeing that Qiu Junyao wasn’t angry at hearing Jingming’s name, Jingxiu slowly breathed a sigh of relief.

 

He thought carefully for a moment, then said:

 

“In times of chaos, Brother Jingming would be an invaluable general, but when it comes to strategizing and winning battles from afar, Brother Du Jing is superior.”

 

“What about Jingyue?” Qiu Junyao was surprised by Jingxiu’s keen perception at just five years old and couldn’t resist testing him further:

 

“In times of chaos, what role could he play?”

 

Jingxiu pondered for a moment before replying:

 

“Brother Jingyue is not suited for chaotic times.”

 

He said, “In governance, he is not as good as Brother Du Jing; in martial prowess, he is far behind Brother Jingming.”

 

Qiu Junyao put away the policy essays, resting his arm on the table, and casually chatted with Jingxiu:

 

“So, does that mean Jingyue is useless?”

 

“Not completely useless,” Jingxiu tactfully replied:

 

“He… he’s very good at playing polo.”

 

“Pfft—”

 

Qiu Junyao was amused by Jingxiu’s answer.

 

He couldn’t help but pull Jingxiu onto his lap, gently ruffling his hair:

 

“You’re so good at leaving face for your brothers, but they don’t think of leaving any for you.”

 

Qiu Junyao’s eyes dimmed as he looked at Jingxiu’s innocent face:

 

“You regard them as brothers, but they only wish for your death.”

 

“Father Emperor, have you been troubled by this matter these past few days?”

 

Qiu Jingxiu rubbed Qiu Junyao’s palm like a little puppy, a comforting presence.

 

“I guess it’s not really troubling.”

 

Qiu Junyao sighed. “You’re all my sons. I don’t know how to be fair and impartial, to not let anyone feel hurt.”

 

Qiu Jingxiu pondered for a moment before surprising him with his response:

 

“Then Father Emperor, just show a little less favoritism towards Jingxiu.”

 

“Less favoritism towards you?” Qiu Junyao raised an eyebrow, teasingly. “So tonight before bed, should I skip testing you on your studies?”

 

“Um… I still need to be tested,” Qiu Jingxiu quickly corrected himself, “I misspoke.”

 

“You…” Qiu Junyao chuckled, his smile deepening.

 

As he spent time with Qiu Jingxiu, his internal turmoil gradually dissipated. He couldn’t help but bring up an old matter with Jingxiu, seeking an answer:

 

“Your brother pushed you into the water that day. It was definitely wrong of him, but I…”

 

“But if I punish him severely, I can’t bear it. Is that right?”

 

Qiu Jingxiu seemed to understand Qiu Junyao’s thoughts very well. As Qiu Junyao had said, Qiu Jingxiu had an extraordinary intuition and sensitivity:

 

“So these past few days, Father Emperor has been torn between me and Crown Prince, afraid of making me suffer with a light punishment and hurting brother Jingming with a heavy one.”

 

Qiu Jingxiu, who had only recently recovered from his illness and still had a slight stutter, paused to rest after speaking so much. After a long while, he said:

 

“Father Emperor, am I right in saying this?”

 

“You are very right.”

 

Qiu Junyao patted Qiu Jingxiu’s head.

 

“If you were in my position, how would you handle this?”

 

Qiu Jingxiu hesitated for a moment, then shook his head:

 

“Father Emperor, forgive me, I can’t put myself in your shoes.”

 

He added, “I’m not the Emperor, I don’t need to balance everyone’s feelings. I can’t answer the questions you ask.”

 

“Then, with your intelligence, can’t you share my worries?” Qiu Junyao playfully tapped Qiu Jingxiu’s head with his fan, unable to help but say:

 

“I just want to hear your opinion.”

 

“If you’re still troubled by this matter, and it was indeed wrong of Jingming, then I would naturally make the decision for you. But…”

 

Qiu Junyao paused for a moment. When he continued, his voice was lower, almost too soft for Qiu Jingxiu to hear clearly:

 

“But if you’re willing to forgive your brother, I…”

 

After saying this, Qiu Junyao felt he had gone too far and stopped himself:

 

“Let it be.”

 

Qiu Junyao looked up at the setting sun in the distance. The red glow tinted his black robes embroidered with silver threads in the shape of cranes, giving a faint sense of desolation:

 

“This matter… is still…”

 

“Father Emperor, I understand.” Qiu Jingxiu didn’t want to see Qiu Junyao so conflicted.

 

Summoning his courage, he interrupted Qiu Junyao:

 

“Although brother Jingming did poison me this time, my intermittent idiocy has been cured.”

 

These past few days, Qiu Junyao had been restless because of this matter, and Qiu Jingxiu could see it clearly. He didn’t really care about what would happen to Qiu Jingming in the end, but he didn’t want to see Qiu Junyao so troubled. Rather than let Qiu Junyao brood over this matter, he’d rather take a step back:

 

“Instead of Father Emperor having a big heart, forgiving brother Jingming, and releasing him from prison, it would be better to give him a little punishment.”

 

“……” Qiu Junyao hadn’t expected Qiu Jingxiu to have such a broad mind at such a young age. He was stunned for a long time and couldn’t say a word.

 

After a long time, until the sky darkened and candles were lit around them, Qiu Junyao finally softened his heart bit by bit as he looked at Qiu Jingxiu’s innocent eyes. He hugged him and whispered softly:

 

“Is that really what you want?”

 

“……” Qiu Jingxiu said, “Whether I really think that way or not isn’t important. What matters is… someone has to be the first to extend the olive branch between me and brother Jingming.”

 

“Siblings shouldn’t hold grudges overnight, right?”

 

Qiu Jingxiu smiled faintly.

 

The more Qiu Jingxiu spoke like this, the more Qiu Junyao felt moved by his maturity, his face filled with guilt. “…But I don’t want you to feel wronged.”

 

Gradually, Qiu Junyao was overwhelmed by a surge of emotions and tenderness, deeply touched by Qiu Jingxiu’s broad-mindedness, almost to the point of tears.

 

Compared to impulsive Qiu Jingming, Qiu Jingxiu’s maturity and rationality made Qiu Junyao want to pour his heart out to him.

 

The more Qiu Junyao looked at Qiu Jingxiu, the more satisfied he felt. Finally, he waved his hand decisively and entrusted Qiu Jingxiu with full authority over how to handle the matter:

 

“What I said just now about putting yourself in my shoes wasn’t just empty words. Whatever decision you make regarding Qiu Jingming, tell me, and I will make sure you’re satisfied.”

 

“……Really?” Qiu Jingxiu seemed somewhat incredulous, asking again.

 

“Really.” Qiu Junyao looked at Qiu Jingxiu with tenderness.

 

“You, child, are too kind-hearted and soft-hearted, which is why you’re easily bullied. This time, you must think carefully and speak your mind. Don’t let brother Jingming off lightly. He must face some hardship and setbacks to learn a lesson and grow up.”

 

“Well…” Qiu Jingxiu hesitated. “Does Father Emperor really want to hear my true thoughts?”

 

“Of course.” Qiu Junyao became serious, teaching earnestly, “You mustn’t be lenient. This time, brother Jingming must suffer a bit. I’m telling you, he…”

 

“……Ah, well…” Qiu Jingxiu hesitated for a moment, then looked at Qiu Junyao with wide-open innocent eyes, sincerely saying:

 

“Then… why not just kill brother Jingming?”

 

“……..”

 

Qiu Junyao, who moments ago was earnestly advising Qiu Jingxiu not to be soft-hearted, suddenly found his words stuck in his throat. He stared wide-eyed at Qiu Jingxiu, who looked innocent and pure. For a long time, he managed to squeeze out a trembling response:

 

“………Ah?”