WK Chapter 4

After listening to Ye Xiaoyuan’s tactful and veiled narration, Qu Dubian was furious.

 

This dog emperor must be an incompetent ruler!

 

Because of what the Astrology Bureau said, he threw the child his beloved person desperately gave birth to into this godforsaken place for over two years, without even asking about him once.

 

Damn reincarnated sinner, killing his birth mother, needing to be kept away from the emperor to observe mourning for three years so that his birth mother could reincarnate properly.

 

No wonder Ye Xiaoyuan had never actively told him about this. With so many crimes pinned on a child’s head, if it were a sensitive child, they would surely feel guilty for a lifetime after knowing this.

 

Even now, when he did speak of it, it was very vague. If he were really a two-year-old child, he certainly wouldn’t understand.

 

Qu Dubian smelled conspiracy in this.

 

Last time his intuition told him something was wrong, it was his “friend” trying to poison his honey water to ruin his voice. The time before that, someone had placed surveillance in the bathroom where he bathed. The time before that, several people had joined forces to act as green tea bitches and white lotuses to deal with him during a live broadcast…

 

He pondered this matter.

 

Initially, when the original owner’s mother was pregnant and the Astrology Bureau said she would die giving birth, the dog emperor probably didn’t believe it much. But the problem was that Consort Yun really did die.

 

Based on the first prophecy coming true, the Astrology Bureau then started labeling the original owner. No wonder the dog emperor listened to the Astrology Bureau and threw his newborn son here.

 

Qu Dubian asked the simulator in his mind: “Besides you, this strange thing, are there any supernatural powers in this world?”

 

[None.]

 

Qu Dubian raised an eyebrow. He was still figuring out the pattern of the simulator’s answers. It seemed he could chat with this thing when he had nothing else to do.

 

Without supernatural powers, it meant the Astrology Bureau was lying. Consort Yun’s death was probably not as simple as dying in childbirth.

 

Who could be behind this?

 

A favored consort who had gained the emperor’s love and given birth to a prince who could consolidate her position would likely be a threat to any prince with hopes for the throne.

 

As far as he knew, he was currently his nominal father’s youngest child, with six older brothers and one older sister above him.

 

The range of suspects was really wide.

 

He thought again of the medicine sent through the Imperial Hospital that day, and had some ideas in mind.

 

After all, when he turned three, according to the Astrology Bureau’s previous prophecy, his mother would have successfully reincarnated, and he wouldn’t need to continue observing mourning.

 

Someone was afraid that his nominal father would remember him, seeing that he hadn’t died after staying here for almost three years, and became anxious to take action against him.

 

So, whoever was trying to harm him was likely the person who had harmed Consort Yun. Well… there was at least a 60-70% chance, he couldn’t be too definitive.

 

The original owner was born at the transition of spring and summer, when flowers were in full bloom. There was less than half a year until his third birthday. During this period, the person behind the scenes might act again.

 

He had avoided it this time, but next time, or the time after, he might not be so lucky.

 

The only person in the entire imperial palace who could protect him was his nominal father.

 

Ye Xiaoyuan didn’t know that what he had vaguely said, thinking the young prince wouldn’t understand, had already been thoroughly analyzed and dissected by Qu Dubian, who had even perceived their current crisis and was considering how to resolve it.

 

His current body was too small, and his contemplative appearance only made him look cute.

 

Qu Dubian’s mind had turned over several mischievous ideas, and he looked up innocently, “Ye Banban, I don’t think I understand very well.”

 

Ye Xiaoyuan naturally glossed over this topic, “It’s alright if you don’t understand. In the future, when you start learning and recognizing characters, Your Highness will become smarter and smarter.”

 

“Ye Banban, I want to know more about my mother. What did she look like? What color clothes did she like to wear? What kind of hair ornaments did she like? How did she get along with father…”

 

As the child asked a flurry of questions, Ye Xiaoyuan couldn’t help but think back to the past.

 

“Your Highness’s mother was very different from the noble ladies of the capital. She was the only daughter of the Sword-Holding Marquis, and childhood friends with the current emperor.”

 

Sword-Holding Marquis Xu Jin had established great military merits since the previous emperor’s reign, guarding the northern frontier for over thirty years. He only married one wife, and they were very loving. They only had one daughter in their lifetime, cherishing her like a precious pearl.

 

The Sword-Holding Marquis had no son, so his title would end with him. Even though he held military power, he posed no threat to the throne. Thus, the previous emperor was also willing to show more favor to the Sword-Holding Marquis’s only daughter, often summoning her to the palace as a sign of imperial grace.

 

This young lady was the original owner’s mother, named Xu Yueqing.

 

Xu Yueqing grew up in the capital until she was seven, and had already formed a playmate bond with the then Third Prince, now Emperor Chongzhao.

 

Later, when the northern frontier became turbulent, the Sword-Holding Marquis, who usually doted on his young daughter, insisted on taking her to the northern frontier, contrary to his usual behavior. This departure lasted ten years.

 

When she returned to the capital, she was seventeen.

 

Xu Yueqing was very beautiful, with a slender figure and a spirited air that the noble ladies of the capital lacked. After a polo match, she quickly attracted the attention of all the unmarried men in the capital. Invitations to banquets poured into the Sword-Holding Marquis’s mansion like snowflakes.

 

But soon after, Xu Yueqing met again with Emperor Chongzhao, who had left the palace in disguise. Their childhood friendship turned into romantic feelings. Later, with an imperial edict, Xu Yueqing became Consort Yun of the Great Zhou.

 

She was greatly favored for three years, until she died in childbirth giving birth to the original owner.

 

Ye Xiaoyuan was still sighing: “…At that time, who knows how many men in the capital had their hearts broken, how many people envied the Consort’s favor.”

 

After listening, Qu Dubian couldn’t help but have a question in his heart.

 

Did Consort Yun truly love the emperor?

 

Could someone who had experienced freedom willingly stay in a cage and share a husband with other women?

 

But Consort Yun was dead, and no one could answer this question.

 

As master and servant were talking, one speaking and one listening, creating a good atmosphere, Wen Xiaochun suddenly knocked and came in from outside, “Your Highness, Ye Gongong, there’s a palace servant outside saying they’re delivering coal.”

 

“Delivering coal?”

 

Qu Dubian and Ye Xiaoyuan exchanged a glance, both puzzled.

 

Someone actually remembered to send coal to their Ju’an Hall?

 

Qu Dubian: “Let’s go see.”

 

He held onto Ye Banban’s sleeve, his short legs struggling to cross the threshold. He saw two menial eunuchs in the courtyard outside, one old and one young, each carrying two small buckets of coal.

 

Among the four buckets of coal, there was one bucket of silver frost coal, one bucket of red silk coal, and two buckets of black coal.

 

The amount wasn’t much, but it was enough to delight Ye Xiaoyuan. After all, silver frost coal and red silk coal produced little smoke and could be used indoors.

 

“Greetings, young prince. The Empress is benevolent. As this winter is cold, she added rations to all palaces,” the old eunuch said with a smile. “It gets colder as we approach the New Year, so all palaces received coal to add some festivity.”

 

Qu Dubian was only slightly taller than the bucket. He touched each one, and when the simulator didn’t react, he thought for a moment and asked in his mind: “Does this coal contain any recordable toxins?”

 

Simulator: [Recordable disease: carbon monoxide poisoning.]

 

Oh.

 

So there’s no problem.

 

Carbon monoxide poisoning can indeed occur if coal is burned without proper ventilation. This is normal.

 

Qu Dubian had effectively turned the disease simulator into a toxin detector.

 

Getting more coal was a good thing. Qu Dubian told Ye Xiaoyuan to accept it, saying: “Thank you for the Empress Mother’s benevolence.”

 

“The young prince is too kind.” The old eunuch picked up the pole for carrying the buckets and waved to the young eunuch, preparing to leave.

 

Qu Dubian: “I wonder if the eunuch could help by bringing some writing brushes, ink, paper, and inkstones next time you deliver coal. I want to practice writing.”

 

The child’s voice was young but his words were clear, causing the old eunuch to glance at him. However, the young eunuch impatiently said: “Where would we get writing materials? The manager is waiting at the Fuel Conservation Department, we need to go back and report. We should leave.”

 

“The prince is young, please be more polite,” Wen Xiaochun stepped in front of Qu Dubian, his dark eyes fixed on the younger coal-delivering eunuch.

 

The latter inexplicably shuddered and pouted.

 

Ye Xiaoyuan still had a smile on his face, reassuringly squeezing Qu Dubian’s hand, and even personally saw the two eunuchs out.

 

He stopped at the palace gate, lowering his voice to say: “Thank you for your trouble, gonggong. You may return now, but the young prince is almost at the age to start learning. If there are any spare writing materials, please let me know, and I’ll come to get them.”

 

He held the hand of the older coal-delivering eunuch, slipping in a few of his few copper coins.

 

The old eunuch’s expression didn’t change as he returned the copper coins, smiling: “We can’t accept this. This isn’t our department’s responsibility, but I’ll mention it to the eunuchs and palace maids in charge. It’s no trouble.”

 

He said he’d mention it, but whether anything would come of it was unknown. Ye Xiaoyuan naturally understood this subtext, but he always maintained a good face, thanking them profusely as he saw them out.

 

After walking far from Ju’an Hall, the young eunuch was still disgruntled, “Why were you so polite just now?”

 

“I’ve lived peacefully in the palace for decades because I’ve learned one principle.”

 

“What principle?”

 

“When working in the palace, never look down on anyone. A person’s fortune is unpredictable. The one you bully today might soar to great heights tomorrow,” the old eunuch said. “I saw that young prince, though young in age, has clear and intelligent eyes. He’s not someone who will always be confined to Ju’an Hall.”

 

“Then about the writing materials you promised…?”

 

“Just mentioning it forms a good connection. What happens after that is no longer our concern.”

 

When they returned to their post at the Fuel Conservation Department, Head Eunuch Yu was still there. As he passed by them, he casually asked, “Have all the returning people delivered the coal to their designated places?”

 

They, along with others, quickly affirmed.

 

Head Eunuch Yu nodded with satisfaction.

 

“This is not only the Empress’s wish but also His Majesty’s. Usually, if you skim a little off the top, that’s fine, but if you dare to privately withhold such benevolence meant to spread blessings and add joy… don’t say I didn’t warn you, be careful of your hides.”

 

“Yes, thank you for the reminder, Gongong!”

 

Head Eunuch Yu, seeing that the matter was mostly taken care of, quickly returned to Zichen Palace to serve.

 

Being able to maintain his position as head eunuch, he was very clear about the intricacies involved in simple tasks like delivering coal.

 

He specifically waited here and sent an honest person to Ju’an Hall, with the purpose of ensuring that the coal would be delivered to the young prince’s hands, fulfilling His Majesty’s sudden concern.

 

–

 

Ju’an Hall.

 

After the coal-delivering eunuchs left, Qu Dubian went inside. It was too cold outside to stay long.

 

The request for writing materials was just a casual remark; he didn’t expect to actually receive any. But relying on Tai Chi every day to extend his life was too risky, so he still needed to find a way to get writing materials to learn the Great Zhou’s characters in order to write disease reflections.

 

He crawled into bed.

 

“Use [Prank Dream], target Emperor Chongzhao.”

 

[Target locked], the simulator immediately displayed a blank page: [Please weave the dream content.]

 

Editing the dream was simple, just needing to sketch out the scenes in his mind.

 

After learning from Ye Xiaoyuan why he was thrown into Ju’an Hall, he felt that this Prank Dream had even greater potential.

 

The Astrology Bureau had used mysticism to label him as a reincarnated sinner, so he might as well use mysticism to get a little revenge, also labeling his nominal father in the dream.

 

Whether his nominal father believed it or not, he’d label him first and see what happened.

 

As for how to portray his nominal father and mother in the dream… the child nestled in the blankets smiled mischievously.

 

Countless 21st-century dog-blood tragic novel plots swirled in his mind, and Qu Dubian’s thoughts flowed like a spring.

 

He hadn’t taken the impatient refusal of the coal-delivering eunuch to heart, becoming more and more excited as he composed in his blanket fort. But someone had not only heard it but taken it to heart.

 

Ye Xiaoyuan and Wen Xiaochun were arranging the coal in the side hall, the atmosphere a bit gloomy.

 

“His Highness wants to read and write.”

 

Ye Xiaoyuan said softly: “Although it’s the first time His Highness has asked for writing materials, he must have been thinking about it for some time.”

 

“I know a place with plenty of writing materials,” Wen Xiaochun, whose features were somewhat feminine, looking soft when not speaking, with a small scar at the corner of his eye, said calmly, his hands not stopping their work, “When no one’s paying attention, I can sneak in and secretly bring some back.”

 

Ye Xiaoyuan frowned: “That’s too risky.”

 

“His Highness wants it.”

 

Ye Xiaoyuan smiled, casually saying, “Even if His Highness wanted the military tally and imperial seal, could you steal those too?”

 

Wen Xiaochun didn’t answer directly, only saying, “My life belongs to His Highness.”

 

Ye Xiaoyuan didn’t know what to say. This person was certainly grateful. The more loyal people around the young prince, the better, but it wasn’t worth risking everything for such a small matter. He thought for a moment, then took out all the copper coins he had and gave them to Wen Xiaochun.

 

“His Majesty doesn’t have many consorts, and Jinghe Palace became a place to store books a few years ago. There must be writing materials there. I have some acquaintance with the gate keeper there. Tomorrow, take this money and go find him to buy some.”

 

The few copper coins certainly weren’t enough, but in the palace, sometimes relationships were more valuable than money.

 

Ye Xiaoyuan could have gone himself, but this was the first errand he was sending Wen Xiaochun on. If Wen Xiaochun ran away, it would only be a small financial loss, but if he returned, he could be considered one of their own from then on.

 

Wen Xiaochun solemnly said: “Don’t worry, Ye Gongong, I’ll definitely do it well.”

 

Soon, it was time to sleep.

 

The hall was spacious, using coal consumed a lot and didn’t warm it much, so Ye Xiaoyuan prepared a rolling ball heater. He put a piece of silver frost coal inside, insulated it well, specifically for Qu Dubian to keep warm.

 

This type of heater was small and convenient, similar to a rolling lamp. No matter how it rolled, the coal inside wouldn’t fall out, safer and longer-lasting than a hot water bottle.

 

If used sparingly, these silver frost and red silk coals would be enough for His Highness to get through the coldest times.

 

Qu Dubian hugged the rolling ball heater, carefully checked the simulated dream one last time, confirmed it was correct, clicked complete, then happily went to sleep.

 

Oh, nominal father, prepare to receive the onslaught of 21st-century tragic romance!

 

–

 

Meanwhile, after Head Eunuch Yu returned to Zichen Palace, he kept waiting for Emperor Chongzhao to ask about the coal matter. However, the latter seemed to have forgotten about it, continuing to review one stack of memorials after another.

 

Seeing that it was getting dark, Head Eunuch Yu came in to change the lamp.

 

“Is it done?” Emperor Chongzhao suddenly asked, putting down his brush.

 

Head Eunuch Yu was startled for a moment, then quickly reacted, “Your Majesty can rest assured, the coal has been added to all places.”

 

Emperor Chongzhao: “Mm, you may withdraw.” His tone was so flat that one couldn’t discern his mood.

 

Head Eunuch Yu reminded, “Your Majesty, it’s time to sleep. There’s a grand court session early tomorrow morning.”

 

“I’ll sleep after finishing these.”

 

After reviewing the last volume, Emperor Chongzhao finally retired to bed.

 

The calming incense wafted gently, and palace servants with light footsteps carried out the used washbasin.

 

Emperor Chongzhao slowly entered the dream realm.

 

 

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