Chapter 13 – Mutually Intoxicated

Ganlin Palace.

Zhu Yunxuan had been ill for several days, and seeing as he was in a stressful state of mind with his brows tightly furrowed together, Zeng Huai persuaded him in a whisper: “Your majesty’s health is the number one priority, there’s really no need to be overly concern about this matter. You are already aware that they all had ulterior motives, so why bother yourself with losing your temper at them? Patience is the long term solution.”

Zhu Yunxuan sighed: “I just didn’t expect that he managed to bribe all six of the high ranking officials in the ministries.”

“All of them are sailing based on the current, so it may not be true that they have all yielded to Lord Zhao. Your majesty, there’s no need to be overly concerned about the situation at hand, in my opinion, it’s no good to continue carrying such a burden, it’d be for the best if you can give-in to him for now.”

“Give in to him?”

Zeng Huai said: “That’s right, if Lord Zhao wishes to be in charge of the troops in the solitary pass, then allow him to do as he pleases, it’s not as if his success is guaranteed after all. The two deputy commanders of the solitary pass will always be loyal to your majesty, they’ve been operating in that place for many years, as long as they have the same intentions, it wouldn’t be difficult for them to dispose of the newly appointed chief. Your majesty needn’t concern yourself with this matter, and should direct your focus towards the capital city instead. Once Deputy Commander Xu is sent off, his position in the south encampment of the capital will be left vacant.”

Zhu Yunxuan’s pupils shrunk slightly before letting out a laugh: “Lao shi, you are right, I am the one who’s got the wrong idea. The capital city is indeed our priority, he isn’t in charge of everyone from the two encampments, so there’s no way that I’ll refuse this opportunity that he has presented to me personally.”

Zhu Yunxuan was still talking to Zeng Huai when Liang Zhen entered with a rare display of relaxation on his face.

“I overheard your majesty’s laughter before entering, what’s the occasion?”

Although Zhu Yunxuan was unhappy to see him, he nevertheless put on a respectful facade and nonchalantly said: “We were just chatting about the birth of my teacher’s grandson yesterday, so I am currently preparing a congratulatory gift to be sent out.”

“This is indeed a joyful occasion,” Liang Zhen smiled as he congratulated Zeng Huai, “I will also have someone send gifts to Elder Zeng on my behalf as a token of blessing for the birth of your grandson.”

Zeng Huai quietly expressed his gratitude without much warmth in his words and it’s obvious that the previous incident has caused him to be quite dissatisfied with Liang Zhen, yet Liang Zhen doesn’t take it personally since he has always been indifferent towards the opinions of others.

Once Zeng Huai left after he was done reporting the necessary matters, the smile on Zhu Yunxuan faded away as he gave Liang Zhen the cold shoulder while reviewing memorials. 

Liang Zhen walked over to the side of the table, and flipped through the booklets before suddenly asking: “Your majesty, has the new commander of the solitary pass been chosen yet?”

Zhu Yunxuan spoke with disregard: “Xu Sen it is. The Ministries of Affairs will naturally approve since he is Lord Zhao’s recommended candidate. Make sure to give him a reminder if you have the chance so that he can make early preparations before the Ministries of Affairs place down the official transfer order.”

Liang Zhen raised his eyebrows in a slightly unexpected way. He originally planned to back off so as to not make things difficult for Zhu Yunxuan, but he did not expect that Zhu Yunxuan would be the one to compromise him first: “What’s the reason for your majesty’s sudden change of mind?”

Zhu Yunxuan sneered: “What else can I do other than to change my mind? Waiting to make a joke out of myself in front of the entire court?”

Liang Zhen leaned against the edge of the table and acutely narrowed his eyes and at him for a while before raising the corners of his lip: “Your majesty doesn’t have to.”

Zhu Yunxuan did not intend to dwell on this matter any longer: “Then it is settled. I will request the Ministry of Affairs to select a candidate to fill the position as a deputy general of the southern camp in the capital, and Lord Zhao can also make a few recommendations if you have anyone that’s suitable.”

Seeing that he has made up his mind, Liang Zhen simply did not kept pursuing and shifted the topic: “I noticed that your majesty is unable to contain your joy after hearing the news of Elder Zeng’s new born grandson, could it be that you are also hoping for an heir?”

Zhu Yunxuan causally answered: “Children bring greater prosperity. It’s natural for me to have such aspirations.”

“Is that so?”

Zhu Yunxuan lifted his gaze towards Liang Zhen, and only averted his line of sight away after noticing a trace of malicious intention flash before his eyes and unperturbed spoke up: “A year haven’t even passed since the demise of the late emperor, base on our current situation, it’s not the optimal time to take such matters into consideration.”

Liang Zhen’s gaze darken slightly, and did not continue the conversation. He casually received the simmered medicine from a little eunuch and glanced at the bitter murky liquor before handing it over to Zhu Yunxuan: “How many more days do you still have to consume this for?”

Zhu Yunxuan furrowed his brows and accepted the bowl of medicine before finishing it in one swift motion.

As soon as the bowl of medicine was placed back on the tray held by the eunuch, Liang Zhen reached over and wiped the corner of the other party’s lip with his thumb. Zhu Yunxuan was slightly stunned before subconsciously turning away which caused Liang Zhen to let out a soft laugh: “There are still residues on your lip.”

Zhu Yunxuan accepted a handkerchief from the eunuch before gesturing towards Liang Zhen after he finished wiping it clean: “Lord Zhao should take your leave if you don’t have any urgent matters for me, I must focus on reviewing all the memorials.”

Liang Zhen stayed motionless before delivering a piece of candy covered with wrapping paper which magically appeared in his hand towards Zhu Yunxuan:  “Wash away the sourness in your mouth.”

Zhu Yunxuan’s gaze slightly flickers as he pauses after wandering past the hand which Liang Zhen had held the candy and ultimately did not accept it. 

Liang Zhen raised his chin and smiled: “Can’t your majesty detect the bitterness of medicine after drinking it?”

Zhu Yunxuan unconsciously pursed his lips and did not answer. The smile in Liang Zhen intensified before he threw the piece of candy into his mouth and swallowed it after chewing: “It’s not poisonous.”

A trace of astonishment flashed before Zhu Yunxuan’s gaze because he naturally believed that Liang Zhen wouldn’t poison him in such a grand fashion. But if Liang Zhen genuinely had such intentions, he would not waste his efforts in raising his rank as he might’ve enjoyed having the pleasure of all the authority under the heaven alone.”

After a moment of silence, Zhu Yunxuan pinched a piece of candy and placed it into his mouth. 

Zhu Yunxuan became somewhat drowsy not long after consuming the medicine and the speed in which he flipped through the memorials has slowed down significantly. Liang Zhen still hasn’t left as he leaned over to remind Zhu Yunxuan in a whisper after noticing that his droopy eyelids: “Your majesty should take a nap on the couch, leave the rest of it for me to handle okay?”

Zhu Yunxuan looked towards him as his gaze flickered: “You can handle it for me?”

Liang Zhen blinked: “Other than imitating the handwriting of others, I can barely do anything else, so why don’t you give me this opportunity your majesty?”

That’s right, he couldn’t conceal the truth from the world if it wasn’t for that fabricated imperial decree of succession. Zhu Yunxuan contemplated for a while and did not decline the offer since this pile of memorials are mostly about trivial issues, and the urgent ones have long been singled out by the council. The most critical matters are usually discussed during court meetings, so even if Liang Zhen were to review them on his behalf, he wouldn’t be able to play any tricks. 

Since Liang Zhen wanted to become “the prince regent”, there’s nothing wrong with allowing him to put in extra effort. 

After leaving a single “I’ll have to trouble you then”, Zhu Yunxuan delightfully stood up and fell asleep soon after laying down on the couch.

There’s a bit of astonishment mixed within Liang Zhen’s helplessness since he was merely making an off-handed statement and didn’t expect that Zhu Yunxuan would actually agree. It is rare to see Zhu Yunxuan sleeping so peacefully in front of even though he may only be treating him as a hired laborer. 

Liang Zhen sat down on the couch as his fingers traced over Zhu Yunxuan’s cheeks which finally had a trace of crimsoness, and he let out a soft sigh after staring at him in silence. 

Without any disturbances, Zhu Yunxuan had an extremely satisfying sleep tonight. By the time he opened his eyes, it was already dawn and all the candles in the palace were lit up. 

After arousing from his sleep, Zhu Yunxuan was in trance for a moment before shrinking himself into the overcoat which was draped over his body. Smelling the familiar scent of tea leaves, only then did he realize that this was the exact cloak which Liang Zhen had taken off prior to entering his bedchamber. 

Zhu Yunxuan noticed that Liang Zhen often fumigated his mansion with the scent of misty tea leaves when he paid a visit as a guest, therefore he can easily recognize this aroma since his clothes were always scented with a faint fragrance of tea leaves. 

Hearing the commotion, Liang Zhen stopped writing and looked towards him with a smile in his eyes after turning around: “Are you awake your majesty?”

Zhu Yunxuan was momentarily irritated at the fact that he had slept unconsciously beside Liang Zhen for almost two hours. After sitting up, he returned the overcoat to Liang Zhen before accepting the cup of tea which was offered by the other party in order to moisten his throat. Taking a glance at the memorials that had been piled up beside the couch, Zhu Yunxuan had rather mixed emotions because he never thought that Liang Zhen would actually finish approving all of them on his behalf.

“…… Thanks for your hard work, Lord Zhao.”

The corner of Liang Zhen’s lip softly hooks up: “Your majesty, if you have the intention of expressing your gratitude, a single sentence won’t be enough. You should at least allow me to stay for supper right?”

Zhu Yunxuan gave him a reminder: “The palace gates will be closing in a moment.”

“There’s no need to fret, didn’t the former emperor provide me a temporary residence in the palace? I’ll just make do for the night.”

Zhu Yunxuan no longer continued the conversation and instructed Gao’an to add a few extra dishes for supper in the imperial dining room.

After taking a seat at the table, Liang Zhen expressed his desire for a drink, so Zhu Yunxuan requested someone to bring out the bottle of wine which was sent here from the border by Zhu Yunjing a few days ago. Liang Zhen smiled as he dangled the cup in his hands: “Isn’t your majesty afraid of getting tipsy after consuming such a strong liquor?”

Zhu Yunxuan dismissively said: “I rarely drink. Please help yourself, Lord Zhao.”

Liang Zhen poured him a cup: “Your majesty, do me a favor by accompanying me for a drink would you?”

Zhu Yunxuan did not decline the offer, and directed a glance at him: “Why does it seem to me that Lord Zhao is in a rather foul mood today?”

“Looks like your majesty has noticed, I am genuinely flattered to receive your concern.” Liang Zhen shook his head while speaking: “It’s nothing much really. Today is the anniversary of my father’s death, I am merely a bit sentimental at the moment.”

Zhu Yunxuan was speechless for a while and ultimately held back the urge to curse him out as he picked up the wine glass in silence. 

His appetite has improved during the last few days, and as of now, the imperial kitchen prepared a serving of fish which had no foul smell and was extraordinarily sweet. Zhu Yunxuan moved his chopsticks diligently, and upon witnessing this scene, Liang Zhen asked him with a smile: “Are my two chefs any of a service to your majesty?”

“They are fair enough.”

Liang Zhen has attempted to please him by using various means, yet Zhu Yunxuan has never appreciated it in the first place, so he did not make use of the two people who were sent forth to the imperial kitchen at all. He has been unable to consume any food due to his fever for the past few days, but one of the cooks prepared a bowl of bitter soup which was quite effective in stimulating his appetite. It has to be said that there’s no way of declining anyone that was sent over by Liang Zhen, yet Zhu Yunxuan has no objections against it. 

Zhu Yunxuan had a pretty decent appetite today so he was greedy for a drink. He took the initiative to pour himself a cup in front of Liang Zhen, whilst totally failing to remember what he said earlier about “drinking less”.

With a smile, Liang Zhen gave him a reminder: “Be careful of falling under the influence of alcohol your majesty.”

“Go ahead, I know what I am doing.”

They are unable to restrain themselves once they start drinking, and both of them become tipsy only after three rounds. Zhu Yunxuan, who has been on edge for awhile finally had a rare chance to relax. He lazily leaned on the table with his head propped up, while listening to Liang Zhen chat about various novelties outside the palace. It seems like he is aware of all of everyone’s preferences and nature, including mutual acquaintances, and marriages of the royal family, noblemen as well as all the civil officials in court. Zhu Yunxuan narrowed his eyes, thinking that it’s actually not a surprise for him to gain the favor of everyone since he can see through them easily, and people who have such abilities are by no means a mediocre individual. 

Instead of having a good laugh at the end of their conversation, Zhu Yunxuan’s mood became increasingly disorientated. While he is experiencing an emotional turmoil, Liang Zhen suddenly leaned in closer after he stopped chatting and stared into his eyes: “You’ve drank too much, your majesty.”

Zhu Yunxuan nodded: “Then you should take your leave, I need to rest, Lord Zhao.”

Seemingly oblivious to his words, Liang Zhen lets out a soft chuckle: “I’ll escort your majesty back to the bedchamber.”