The Sickly Seedling Dresses Up As An Unfortunate And Muddled Monarch - Chapter 57

The night was deep, and the moonlight filtered through the sparse leaves, dissolving the boundless solitude.

 

Qiu Junyao walked out of Haitang Courtyard, with Xiao Qi, the imperial physician, following behind him, carrying a medical box.

 

Qiu Junyao glanced at the time and then turned to Xiao Qi, nodding and saying:

 

“You’ve worked hard, coming all the way here so late.”

 

“Your Majesty is too kind.” Xiao Qi bowed, his expression filled with fear. “It is my duty to relieve Your Majesty’s worries.”

 

Qiu Junyao looked at Xiao Qi’s obedient face and smiled. “Your father had you late in life, and now that he is getting old, you must frequently come to the palace in his stead.”

 

Xiao Qi stiffened at these words, his expression serious. He lifted his robe and knelt heavily:

 

“I am not tired, Your Majesty. I am willing to serve you to the best of my ability!”

 

“…….” Qiu Junyao smiled and was silent for a few seconds. Then, he slowly lifted his head, looking at the full moon in the sky and softly said:

 

“Then, what about Jing He… Will he ever speak again in this life?”

 

Xiao Qi hesitated for a moment before replying, “Your Majesty, I don’t know if you’ve heard this saying.”

 

“What is it?”

 

“Psychological ailments require psychological cures,” Xiao Qi’s words were firm, causing Qiu Junyao to fall into deep thought.

 

“Second Prince’s vocal cords and tongue are not damaged, so, objectively speaking, there should be no reason for him not to be able to speak. I can prescribe some calming remedies for him, but…”

 

“I understand.” Hearing Xiao Qi’s hesitant words, Qiu Junyao understood right away. He interrupted him and softly said:

 

“Give Jing He a few prescriptions to help him recover.”

 

He added, “As for the rest… I will handle it.”

 

Xiao Qi bowed slightly and replied, “Understood.”

 

Because he had been delayed by matters concerning Qiu Jing He, when Qiu Junyao returned to the Fragrant Pavilion, Qiu Jingxiu and Qiu Jingming had already gone to their rooms to sleep.

 

After bathing, Qiu Junyao dried his hair and walked toward the bed. As he lifted the thin curtain, he saw Ying Yuan lying inside, reading a book. Upon seeing him, Ying Yuan casually put the book down:

 

“Your Majesty, you’re back.”

 

“Mm.” Qiu Junyao leaned in and kissed Ying Yuan, then shook his half-dried hair back, making himself comfortable as he rested his head on Ying Yuan’s lap, silently playing with his hand:

 

“………”

 

Noticing that Qiu Junyao was silent, Ying Yuan, who always understood his moods, took the initiative to intertwine their fingers and asked:

 

“Your Majesty, is something troubling you?”

 

“……Mm.” Qiu Junyao took Ying Yuan’s hand, kissed it gently, and slowly said:

 

“Jing He has been greatly impacted and has lost the ability to speak.”

 

“…….What?!”

 

Ying Yuan was stunned, “How could this happen?”

 

“It seems to be psychological,” Qiu Junyao explained. “Although Jing He smiles at everyone, because I was neglectful of him in the past, he has become emotionally fragile.”

 

“This should have been a joyous time, but it has turned into a mess. Anyone would find it hard to accept, and it’s only natural for the person involved to react in a way that reflects their distress.”

 

Qiu Junyao looked at Ying Yuan and said: “Wasn’t it because you didn’t want to marry me, couldn’t accept it, that you went to extreme measures and poisoned me?”

 

Ying Yuan’s face turned red. “That was so long ago, why do you bring it up now?”

 

“I dream about things that happened many years ago. Don’t you think you’re the one bringing up old matters?”

 

Qiu Junyao smiled. “You’re so hypocritical.”

 

Unable to refute Qiu Junyao, and not wanting to admit to his jealousy, Ying Yuan bent down and kissed Qiu Junyao’s lips.

 

Qiu Junyao allowed him to kiss him, closing his eyes and smiling for a while, then rolled over and pressed Ying Yuan beneath him.

 

It must be said that Ying Yuan, as the most beautiful person in the original text, was truly deserving of the title. Even at this moment, with his hands gripping the sheets, his face slick with sweat, his flushed face furrowed as he mumbled indistinct words, he was still stunning enough to take one’s breath away.

 

The gleaming sweat ran from his temples, seemingly carrying a unique fragrance, and his entire face resembled a freshly bloomed peach, soft and tender. Even with a furrowed brow, his expression was more seductive than when he smiled, even more enticing.

 

At this moment, such a beautiful person lay obediently beneath him, allowing him to do as he pleased. Qiu Junyao, naturally, did not hold back, savoring every bit of the tender, juicy peach before finally releasing his hold.

 

Ying Yuan’s body was drenched in sweat, and even his skin took on a clean, white glaze, but he unhesitatingly snuggled into Qiu Junyao’s arms, tilting his head to ask:

 

“Your Majesty, did I serve you well?”

 

He asked, “Are you in a better mood now?”

 

“It’s alright.” Qiu Junyao felt that if he could have a cigarette right now, it would be the most satisfying thing, but he still maintained his cool demeanor:

 

“Better than last time.”

 

Upon hearing Qiu Junyao’s praise, Ying Yuan narrowed his eyes and smiled, happily kicking the blanket and then tightly hugging Qiu Junyao, still in a good mood.

 

“……..Fool.”

 

Watching Ying Yuan become so happy because of his few words, Qiu Junyao felt a bit helpless.

 

He turned around and pulled Ying Yuan into his arms, gently patting his back:

 

“You smell so good.”

 

He said, “You always make it hard for me to resist.”

 

The fragrance on Ying Yuan grew stronger with the heat, like magnolia flowers slowly blooming, fragrant yet sweet, captivating anyone who tried to possess his body.

 

“Does it smell good?” Ying Yuan asked. “I can’t smell it myself.”

 

“Living in a room filled with orchids, one doesn’t notice the fragrance.”

 

Qiu Junyao flicked his hair with his fingertips, then couldn’t resist kissing his ear:

 

“You are the treasure your mother sent me.”

 

He said, “I am very grateful to her.”

 

“Mother…”

 

When it came to family, Yin Yuan’s expression froze for a moment before he lowered his eyes:

 

“It’s been a long time since I’ve seen my mother.”

 

He said, “Although I am a man… once married, I should live with my husband and not easily leave the palace.”

 

“….Do you miss home?”

 

Hearing Yin Yuan’s slightly sad words, Qiu Junyao paused in his actions, lowering his head and looking at the half-profile of Yin Yuan’s face hidden by his long hair.

 

“Do you want to see your family?”

 

“It would be a lie to say I don’t,” Yin Yuan shook his head, then reached up to hug Qiu Junyao’s neck, kissed him on the lips, and said with satisfaction, “But I have His Majesty now. With His Majesty always by my side, the long, lonely nights in the palace don’t seem as hard to endure.”

 

“Love and family are different after all. You’ve lived in the palace for so long, you must miss the life you once had.”

 

Qiu Junyao knew that Yin Yuan was understanding, but he hadn’t expected him to be so perceptive. After a brief pause, he pondered for a moment, and suddenly, a thought began to form slowly in his mind:

 

“How about… Ah Yuan, I take you home for a visit?”

 

“…Home?!” Yin Yuan froze for a moment upon hearing this, then suddenly sat up, staring at Qiu Junyao in surprise.

 

“Is Your Majesty serious?”

 

“A gentleman’s word is as good as a promise.”

 

Seeing how excited Yin Yuan was, Qiu Junyao knew that his decision was the right one.

 

“It’s the height of summer, unbearably hot. How about I take you, Ming’er, He’er, and Xiu Xiu to the Jinghua Summer Villa to escape the heat? We can also visit your parents, and let my He’er relax a bit. Don’t keep him cooped up, or he’ll get sick.”

 

“….” Listening to Qiu Junyao’s words with a smile, Yin Yuan felt like he was hearing heavenly music. He opened his mouth, seeming almost in disbelief, his face a mixture of tears and smiles.

 

“Your Majesty, you’re not lying to me, are you?”

 

“Tonight, you’re so proactive. Shouldn’t I reward you?”

 

Qiu Junyao said half-jokingly, half-seriously:

 

“Besides, it’s not all for you. He’er also…”

 

“Thank you, Your Majesty!”

 

Even though Qiu Junyao said this, Yin Yuan couldn’t contain his excitement.

 

He suddenly dove under the covers and hugged Qiu Junyao tightly.

 

“I will serve His Majesty with all my heart from now on, never wavering!”

 

Hearing the emphasis in his voice, Qiu Junyao slowly curved his lips and said:

 

“Then, shall we do it again?”

 

Yin Yuan: “….”

 

He thought to himself, His Majesty is truly a foolish emperor.

 

…But he still liked him very much, so much so that it was almost irresistible.

 

At the moment when Yin Yuan was pushed to the peak of passion, an odd thought unexpectedly popped into his mind:

 

If Qiu Junyao were to leave, he would follow him to death.

 

Being able to share life and death with this man might be the happiest thing Yin Yuan could ever experience in this life.

 

—

 

After the events of last night, when morning arrived and it was time to attend the court, Qiu Junyao did not forget the main matter. He finalized the trip to the Summer Villa with the ministers.

 

Every year during the unbearable heat, the emperor would go to the Summer Villa, and there was no dispute over this. The only lengthy discussion was about the dates, return journey, and the number of people, but it was smoothly resolved.

 

Qiu Junyao was only taking Yin Yuan, along with Qiu Jingming, Qiu Jinghe, and Qiu Jingxiu. When Qiu Jingyue learned that he wasn’t included, he immediately began performing an exaggerated street dance, rolling on the ground and spinning wildly.

 

“Father, why aren’t you taking me? Why aren’t you taking me!”

 

Qiu Jingyue twisted on the ground like a wriggling insect:

 

“I want to go too, I want to go too!”

 

“You’re still under house arrest, where do you think you’re going?” Qiu Junyao remained unmoved.

 

“Behave and stay in the capital. If you dare disobey, I’ll have the paddle ready for you.”

 

“……”

 

Qiu Jingyue’s rolling motion immediately stopped, and he pitifully lifted his head, crawling to Qiu Junyao’s feet. He carefully tugged at his robes.

 

“Father, are you really not letting me go?”

 

“No, you’re not allowed.”

 

Qiu Junyao gently kicked his shoulder, “If you really want to go, find Chu Yu for me. If you bring him back, I’ll let you go. How about that?”

 

“…….” Hearing this, Qiu Jingyue obediently got up from the ground, patting the dust off as he muttered:

 

“Then I’ll pass.”

 

“…….” Qiu Junyao chuckled lightly, leisurely holding his fan against his temple and tapping it gently, “In August, the Ministry of Rites will be preparing for the civil service exams to recruit talented students from all over. There’s work to be done. Go help the Minister of Rites, and if we can recruit useful talents for the imperial examinations, I’ll lift your house arrest. Next time, I’ll definitely take you to the Summer Villa.”

 

Qiu Jingyue, naive as he was, fell for it.

 

“Really?!”

 

“Really.”

 

Qiu Junyao straightened up, “You’re not as scholarly as Jinghe, and not as good in martial arts as Jingming. You should find ways to improve yourself. You can’t just stay at home and wait to die while eating and sleeping.”

 

“…….” Qiu Jingyue didn’t expect to be scolded for this. He pouted and ran off in frustration.

 

Thus, the list of people going to the Summer Villa was finally confirmed.

 

Qiu Jingming, already in good health and full of energy, rode alongside Qiu Junyao’s carriage. Qiu Jinghe and Qiu Jingxiu sat in the same carriage as Qiu Junyao and Yin Yuan. The group set off in a grand procession toward the Summer Villa.

 

The Summer Villa was located in the center of the capital, between the city and the spring hunting grounds. The journey was lively, with many foreign traders walking about, the sound of camel bells filling the air, nearly drowning out the merchants’ calls.

 

Qiu Jingxiu, unable to sit still, placed his ever-present rabbit on his head and lifted the curtain to look outside, marveling at the passing scenery.

 

“Wow, Father, there are so many people!”

 

“Jingxiu, you’re not afraid of the carriage anymore?” Qiu Junyao smiled, “Don’t you want to throw up this time?”

 

“I’m not afraid. Brother Jinghe is holding me, and he holds me so steady. Plus, I have my little rabbit with me.”

 

Qiu Jingxiu turned excitedly to face his father, the rabbit’s ears bobbing with his movements. “Father, when we get to the villa, can we play in the streets?”

 

“Of course.” Qiu Junyao said, “Jingxiu, you must be getting bored in the palace too, right? Are you happy playing with Brother Jinghe?”

 

“Super happy!”

 

Qiu Jingxiu danced with excitement, almost standing up to clap his hands. “I love playing with Brother Jinghe and Brother Jingming!”

 

Seeing Qiu Jingxiu’s innocent smile, Qiu Jinghe’s furrowed brows softened slightly. Though he tried to smile, the expression failed to fully form. Still, it was much lighter than his usual somber demeanor in the palace.

 

He wasn’t in a good mood, so Qiu Junyao didn’t force him to smile. When they were near the Summer Villa and it was still early, he decided to let the children stretch their legs and have some fun before arriving.

 

The bustling market was alive with activity during the day, with tourists everywhere. The smells of vegetables and perfumes mixed, creating the lively atmosphere of the world. People were holding clay pots, debating whether to buy them, while others lingered around shops selling musical instruments and cosmetics, picking out their favorites. Everyone’s face was filled with the joy of a peaceful life. The patrol guards occasionally passed by, ensuring everything was in order.

 

The rabbit that Qiu Jingxiu was holding was very well-behaved, sitting quietly on his head, allowing him to run and play freely among the crowd. He would stop to buy sugar cakes one moment and then clay trinkets the next, moving around like a chicken that had just been let out of the coop.

 

Though Qiu Junyao had brought thirteen shadow guards for protection, he was still worried and asked Qiu Jinghe and Qiu Jingming to keep an eye on Qiu Jingxiu, making sure he didn’t get kidnapped.

 

He and Yin Yuan were strolling behind, holding hands. On the surface, they were observing the people, but in reality, they were exchanging private words.

 

Qiu Jingxiu had almost been bitten by a wolf during the spring hunt, and after lying in bed for several days, he finally had a chance to leave the palace. Now he was running around like a wild horse, and Qiu Jinghe and Qiu Jingming could barely catch him. They watched helplessly as he darted through the crowd, and in the end, he crashed into someone.

 

Though Qiu Jingxiu collided with the person, his small size caused him to bounce off the impact and land on the ground, sitting with a thud. He almost cried from the pain.

 

Qiu Jingming and his brothers quickly arrived, and without thinking, they scooped up the tearful Qiu Jingxiu. They were about to apologize to the person they had bumped into, but when they saw the person’s hair color, they froze.

 

The person who had been bumped into clearly didn’t expect to be hit while walking down the street. Turning around, he looked at the group behind him, bewildered, and instinctively asked:

 

“Why are you looking at me like that… do you know me?”

 

Hearing this, Qiu Jinghe’s moment of shock lasted longer than Qiu Jingming’s.

 

He stared at the person’s silver-white long hair and the confused, unfamiliar gaze directed at them. After a moment, he was the first to look away and gently shook his head.

 

That gesture seemed to quietly tell the person across from him:

 

“We… don’t know you.”