WK Chapter 29

Having resolved this matter weighing on his mind, Emperor Chongzhao felt elated.

 

He had long considered honoring Consort Yun as Empress. According to Great Zhou’s ancestral rules, only an Empress could share an imperial tomb with an emperor after death. Initially planning to leave behind an edict instructing his successor to honor her posthumously so they could rest together in the imperial mausoleum after his passing—he now resolved everything in one decisive move.

 

When he arrived at Zichen Palace later that day, he heard an unexpected shout:

 

“I want that big black moth!!”

 

Pausing briefly at the doorway, he stepped inside.

 

There on a soft carpet sat a small child barefooted on the floor clutching tightly onto a piece of black fabric—which upon closer inspection looked oddly familiar.

 

Glancing upward toward his dragon throne canopy where light-reflecting curtains once hung intact—half now lay collapsed while its other half dangled pitifully like broken teeth on a drafty jawline—it became painfully clear what had happened…

 

“……”

 

“What’s going on?”

 

Eunuch Bao bowed with a troubled expression. “After the young prince woke up this morning, it was as if he had been haunted by a nightmare. He’s been clutching onto something black and hasn’t let go, even pulling down the curtain in the process.”

 

Emperor Chongzhao: “If he wants it, just give it to him. Does Zichen Palace lack a piece of fabric?”

 

“It’s not that this servant wouldn’t give it to him. Look.” Eunuch Bao loosened his grip.

 

As soon as he let go, the black fabric fell to the ground, and the little prince immediately crawled underneath it, hiding himself beneath the cloth. Writhing and squirming like a little bug, he moved across the floor.

 

Emperor Chongzhao took a deep breath and crouched down, unable to tell which end was his head and which was his bottom.

 

“Xiao Qi, come out. Aren’t you suffocating in there?”

 

A muffled voice came from inside: “I want the big black moth.”

 

“What big black moth?”

 

“The big black moth that carried me flying.”

 

This description was both abstract and oddly specific. Head Eunuch Yu suddenly had a flash of insight and whispered into Emperor Chongzhao’s ear: “It must be the person who found His Highness that day and brought him back…”

 

The one wearing a mask and dressed entirely in black.

 

Emperor Chongzhao’s brow twitched slightly.

 

The lump of black fabric squirmed again, and Qu Dubian poked his head out, looking eagerly at Emperor Chongzhao. “Can you help me find the big black moth?”

 

Emperor Chongzhao: “There is no big black moth. I’ll find someone else to take you flying. But only after you recover.”

 

Qu Dubian looked disappointed. “Eunuch Bao said that His Majesty is amazing and can do anything. Turns out that was a lie.”

 

Emperor Chongzhao cast a sidelong glance at Eunuch Bao.

 

Eunuch Bao: “……”

 

When did I ever say that?!

 

Emperor Chongzhao: “I’ll find it for you this afternoon.”

 

By afternoon, a line of eunuchs dressed in black stood in the hall, along with a few guards skilled in martial arts—all clad in black from head to toe.

 

What could a child recognize? The shadow guard wore masks, so their faces couldn’t be seen. It should’ve been easy enough to fool him.

 

But the little boy, not even as tall as their legs, inspected each person carefully, occasionally sniffing with his nose.

 

In the end, he pouted.

 

“There’s no big black moth here at all.” He pointed at them and raised his head to look at Emperor Chongzhao. “And none of them have green flowers on their sleeves.”

 

“You’re lying.”

 

Emperor Chongzhao felt a faint headache.

 

Wasn’t this child feverish at the time? How could he remember so clearly? He wasn’t part dog—could he really sniff out scents?

 

Unable to deal with it any longer, Emperor Chongzhao handed the child over to Ye Xiaoyuan and others to care for while he retreated to the side hall to review memorials.

 

Qu Dubian draped himself in the black fabric and sat cross-legged on the ground like a little monk in meditation. Despite their helpless looks and repeated coaxing attempts, he remained completely unmoved.

 

He wasn’t joking—this was about an entire year’s worth of lifespan points for him. If he didn’t fight for it now, when would he?

 

—

 

In the side hall.

 

Emperor Chongzhao had reviewed half of his memorials when he suddenly sighed.

 

“I must find him a gentle consort to raise him as soon as possible.”

 

Head Eunuch Yu spoke softly: “That gentleman saved His Highness; it’s normal for children to develop attachment in such cases. Perhaps Your Majesty could try coaxing him again? Word from the main hall is that Little Highness has been sitting on the floor all afternoon—not causing trouble but refusing to budge no matter who tries.”

 

“Let him sit there. How can everything in this world go his way?”

 

After some time passed, Emperor Chongzhao asked: “Still sitting?”

 

Head Eunuch Yu sent someone to check. The palace servant returned with news: “Still sitting.”

 

Emperor Chongzhao rubbed his temples and sighed heavily. “This child is far too stubborn—just like a mule. I wonder who he takes after.”

 

Head Eunuch Yu chuckled. “How can we call it stubbornness? It’s determination—a trait inherited from Your Majesty. Without your years of tireless governance, how could we enjoy today’s peace and prosperity?”

 

Emperor Chongzhao gave him an amused yet skeptical look.

 

“You sly fellow—who are you teasing now?”

 

“This servant speaks only the truth.”

 

—

 

When dinner time arrived, food from the imperial kitchen was delivered to the side hall. Just as Emperor Chongzhao was about to start eating, he casually asked: “Has Xiao Qi eaten yet?”

 

Head Eunuch Yu replied: “He is eating now.”

 

“I thought he’d hold out and refuse to eat.”

 

At that moment, a small shadow darted through the side hall doors. Qu Dubian ran in holding his own bowl at full speed before coming to an abrupt halt right in front of his father.

 

“……”

 

“What are you doing?”

 

Qu Dubian looked down at his bowl of papaya porridge and then up at Emperor Chongzhao’s table full of delicious dishes. The aroma had reached him all the way in the main hall!

 

The food from the imperial kitchen smelled far better than anything from the main kitchen—it wasn’t even comparable.

 

He asked: “Can I eat with you?”

 

Then he raised his little bowl high.

 

Cat begging for food.jpg

 

Emperor Chongzhao raised an eyebrow. After recovering from his fever, this child seemed much livelier than when he was sick—and this behavior suggested he might actually want to get closer?

 

Although he still hadn’t called him “Father Emperor,” things seemed less distant now.

 

All his other sons chased after him calling “Father Emperor,” vying for even a sliver of attention from him. But this youngest one? Even after Emperor Chongzhao personally cared for him over two days and nights, he still held onto grudges about not being hugged that first night.

 

Truly petty—his heart matched his age perfectly.

 

Did this emperor care? Of course not! He had so many children—what difference did one less “Father Emperor” make?

 

Emperor Chongzhao: “Bring him over to sit opposite me.”

 

Qu Dubian finally got to taste the tantalizing dishes from the imperial kitchen that had been making him drool with hunger. Using his special spoon, he ate quickly while bossily instructing Head Eunuch Yu to add more food to his plate without hesitation—handling chopsticks better than Emperor Chongzhao himself.

 

Observing closely, Emperor Chongzhao noticed that while Qu Dubian appeared to eat heartily, his appetite wasn’t large; every bite was chewed thoroughly before being swallowed.

 

This habit of eating slowly came from Qu Dubian’s past life efforts to control his weight—but Emperor Chongzhao simply assumed it meant poor dental health.

 

Once dinner was finished, Qu Dubian didn’t leave but instead followed Emperor Chongzhao step by step back to his desk in the study area. Resting his elbows on the table and propping up his chin with both hands, he stared intently at him.

 

Emperor Chongzhao: “This isn’t where you should be lingering around. What do you want by following me?”

 

Qu Dubian: “I want the real big black moth.”

 

Emperor Chongzhao: “I truly don’t have one.”

 

“Then why did you lie to me?”

 

“……”

 

“If you don’t believe me, just sit here then.”

 

He resumed reviewing memorials and even had someone wrap Qu Dubian in a small blanket to keep him from catching a cold. He wanted to see how long this child could hold out.

 

The next two hours passed like this:

 

Emperor Chongzhao reviewed memorials, while Qu Dubian played with his simulator.

 

Emperor Chongzhao drank cold tea, while Qu Dubian sipped on milk.

 

Emperor Chongzhao stood up to stretch his legs, and Qu Dubian followed close behind, nearly stepping on the hem of his robe.

 

When Emperor Chongzhao went to relieve himself, Qu Dubian stood boldly right in front of him.

 

“……” Emperor Chongzhao finally cracked. “Aren’t you tired or sleepy?!”

 

In the end, he couldn’t bring himself to use the restroom in front of his son.

 

Qu Dubian blinked and patted the edge of the screen divider. A faint whistling sound came from his lips: “Shhh~”

 

As Emperor Chongzhao’s expression darkened further, the child whistled a few more times. Then he muttered softly: “Really, Ye Banban said only little kids whistle when they pee. I don’t do that anymore. I’m helping you—you must find me the big black moth—”

 

Head Eunuch Yu quickly scooped up the little prince and covered his mouth.

 

Good heavens, Little Highness, please stop talking!

 

Emperor Chongzhao’s face was as dark as the bottom of a pot.

 

Qu Dubian: “Mmm mmm mmm!”

 

He pried Head Eunuch Yu’s hand away. Now that his fever was gone, his cleverness sparkled in his eyes. Seeing his father’s thoroughly blackened face, he suddenly lit up with an idea: “I know! You don’t want others to talk about this.”

 

His eyes darted mischievously as he struck a deal with his father.

 

“I want the big black moth! If not, I’ll tell everyone that His Majesty needs someone to whistle when he pees.” He covered his mouth and giggled. “Hehehe.”

 

Emperor Chongzhao’s blood pressure spiked instantly: “Qu Xiao Qi!”

 

Why was this child more troublesome now that he was healthy than when he was sick?!

 

“If you keep acting out, I’ll send you to the detached palace.”

 

The moment those words left his mouth, he regretted them.

 

This child had just been trying to get closer to him. Although his approach was mischievous and cheeky, perhaps he shouldn’t have been so harsh.

 

Sure enough, the little boy who had been all smiles moments ago froze. His lips drooped as he struggled silently out of Head Eunuch Yu’s arms. Without letting anyone follow him, he grabbed a corner of his small blanket and dragged it along the ground.

 

Emperor Chongzhao abandoned his trip to the restroom and followed behind him.

 

When they reached the threshold of the side hall, the child stopped.

 

“Adults really are liars,” Qu Dubian said. “You say one thing but do another. I won’t share my jujubes with you anymore.”

 

After saying this, he tried to toss his blanket over the threshold first before climbing over it himself. But in an awkward twist of fate, both he and the blanket ended up stuck on the high threshold together.

 

Emperor Chongzhao: “……”

 

Qu Dubian: “……”

 

Damn.

 

What kind of threshold was this? Was it built so high to keep corpses from jumping out?

 

Emperor Chongzhao grabbed him by the collar and helped him over.

 

Without looking back, Qu Dubian dragged his small blanket and ran straight back to the main hall, diving headfirst into Ye Xiaoyuan’s arms.

 

This was too embarrassing!

 

Standing at the door of Xinuan Pavilion, Emperor Chongzhao felt a tinge of sourness in his heart that was quickly replaced by a mix of exasperation and amusement.

 

Head Eunuch Yu said gently: “Your Majesty, please don’t be upset. The little prince is trying to get close to you. Children only act spoiled and willful with elders they trust.”

 

Emperor Chongzhao sighed: “I know. I also understand that after living in Ju’an Hall for so long without proper guidance on etiquette or rules, he feels free to act however he pleases around me.”

 

—

 

After finishing his memorials, Emperor Chongzhao returned to his sleeping quarters.

 

Qu Dubian glanced at him briefly before turning away and lying with his back toward him.

 

“Still awake?”

 

Ye Xiaoyuan replied awkwardly: “Uh… His Highness might be waiting for you.”

 

“Has he been causing trouble?”

 

The little prince immediately turned around indignantly and said: “Only little kids cause trouble!”

 

Emperor Chongzhao: “……”

 

Ye Xiaoyuan smoothed things over skillfully: “His Highness has been very well-behaved.”

 

With a wave of his hand, Emperor Chongzhao dismissed Ye Xiaoyuan from the room.

 

He lifted his robes slightly and sat on the edge of the bed. Extending a finger, he gently nudged Qu Dubian’s shoulder. “Let’s talk. This afternoon, I was just angry—I didn’t mean for you to leave.”

 

“It doesn’t matter if you want me gone,” Qu Dubian replied stubbornly without turning around. His small figure radiated a hint of loneliness. “You don’t like me anyway.”

 

“Who says I don’t like you? I’ll punish anyone who says that!”

 

Still facing away from him, Qu Dubian’s voice remained defiant but carried a trace of sadness: “You see my brothers but never see me. I missed you so much—so much that I came looking for you myself—and yet you wouldn’t even hug me. Ye Banban always says how great you are… but you’re not great at all… Letting me stay here is only a little good.”

 

His childish tone was filled with straightforward affection and equally straightforward complaints.

 

For the first time, Emperor Chongzhao truly understood what Grand Tutor Fang meant when he said that this youngest son was clever but difficult to handle. Smart children were always harder to appease when they took things seriously.

 

“I… I can hug you now?” Emperor Chongzhao offered hesitantly.

 

“No need.” Still facing away from him, Qu Dubian spoke in a low voice tinged with disappointment as if reciting lines he had long prepared in advance: “Many people say there’s something bad about me. If you dislike me too… it’s fine. My brothers have their mothers and you—I’m not lacking either. I have Ye Banban, Xiaochun, and Head Eunuch Yu who are good to me.”

 

His tone even carried a hint of pride.

 

But Emperor Chongzhao fell silent because it was true—among all the princes and princesses in the harem, only Xiao Qi had no mother left to care for him. He relied solely on Emperor Chongzhao.

 

Even old Head Eunuch Yu seemed more reliable in this child’s heart than he did as a father.

 

Clenching his hands slightly into fists, Emperor Chongzhao finally said softly: “From now on, while you’re by my side… feel free to be a little willful.”

 

Qu Dubian peeked over his shoulder sneakily: “Can I be very willful? Can I ask for the big black moth?”

 

“……” Emperor Chongzhao wrapped him tightly in a blanket and sternly said: “No being too naughty! It’s late—go to sleep!”

 

“Oh.”

 

Qu Dubian closed his eyes.

 

Now that the child had recovered from his illness, he seemed much calmer and easier to manage compared to when he was sick.

 

Emperor Chongzhao shifted Qu Dubian further inside the bed. Finally, he could get a good night’s sleep—these past two days had been utterly exhausting.

 

Qu Dubian turned over in his sleep and murmured, “Mother…”

 

Emperor Chongzhao paused and looked up.

 

“Mother…”

 

He didn’t seem to be sleeping peacefully.

 

Emperor Chongzhao propped himself up slightly, the flickering candlelight casting shadows across half his face. He awkwardly raised his hand and gently patted the boy in a soothing manner.

 

“Big black moth.”

 

“Big black… big black moth.”

 

Emperor Chongzhao: “……”

 

He silently pinched the child’s cheek.

 

Why was he still thinking about that in his dreams?

 

“Big black moth.”

 

For the next half-hour, just as Emperor Chongzhao was about to drift off to sleep, the nightmare-like murmur of “big black moth” would resurface.

 

Emperor Chongzhao took a deep breath.

 

Maybe he should just leave and sleep elsewhere? The side hall wasn’t a bad option, or if worse came to worst, he could find a consort in the harem and rest there for the night.

 

Just as he was about to put this thought into action, the small child—young in age, short in stature, but with a big temper that could drive anyone mad—murmured with a hint of longing:

 

“Father.”

 

For a moment, Emperor Chongzhao thought he had misheard. It took him a while to process that the child had indeed called him “Father” in his dream.

 

Not the cold and formal “Your Majesty,” but “Papa.” Although it wasn’t proper etiquette, it sounded far more endearing than “Father Emperor.”

 

Emperor Chongzhao reached out a finger to tease his son, poking his cheek gently. In a low voice, he said: “Say it again.”

 

Qu Dubian rolled over and fell back into deep sleep.

 

As if! Just one time.

 

If he didn’t see Yi Shi’er tomorrow, he was going to throw an enormous tantrum—a super big one.

 

Emperor Chongzhao sat cross-legged on the bed for a while. Thinking back to how stubbornly the child had followed him around all day demanding the “big black moth,” he started feeling another headache coming on.

 

If he didn’t give in, who knew how long this child would keep being stubborn?

 

At least now that he was healthy again, he was acting like any other mischievous child.

 

Forget it.

 

—

 

Late at night.

 

In the early hours of morning.

 

The prison.

 

Inside the square-shaped cell was only a palm-sized ventilation hole. A man hung from chains suspended from above.

 

Hooks pierced through his shoulders, blood dripping from his toes into a basin below. This was a control method used on shadow guards to completely incapacitate them and prevent escape.

 

The leader of the Yi Shadow Guards stood inside the cell and said flatly: “I heard from the commander that you chose death.”

 

Yi Shi’er coughed a few times and spoke slowly: “…To have my martial arts abolished and be imprisoned for life is worse than death.”

 

The leader replied: “Even if you hadn’t saved him that day, nothing might have happened to the little prince. Without direct orders from His Majesty, according to shadow law, you shouldn’t have acted.”

 

“I remember when you first joined training, you carried a book with you. What was it again? I don’t recall now. But because of that book, I once evaluated you—saying that someone whose emotions could be so easily influenced by a book wasn’t suited to be a shadow guard.”

 

“He indeed isn’t suited for this role anymore—and doesn’t need to be one either,” said the shadow guard commander as he entered.

 

The leader of Yi Shadow Guards was startled. “Commander?”

 

The commander raised his head and looked at Yi Shi’er hanging midair. “You should consider yourself lucky. You haven’t been in this role long enough to know many secrets. Otherwise, there’d be no way out for you.”

 

The leader was confused. “Out?”

 

Yi Shi’er had chosen death; by schedule, he was supposed to take poison tomorrow morning. How could there be an “out”? Were they referring to his corpse?

 

“Yes,” confirmed the commander.

 

“You’ll be looking after the child from now on. Congratulations—big black moth.”

 

This marked the first-ever career shift for a shadow guard in history.

 

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