Chapter 83

Dragon pearl was kissed until she could hardly breathe, but in her dizziness she still could not push away the man who held her tightly.

The familiar yet slightly unfamiliar warmth coming from his chest proved that this was not a dream.

Wei Lenghou had truly returned from the battlefield.

After a long, deep kiss, the man lit the lamp by the bed, greedily staring at the beloved woman he had not seen for so long.

The flickering light painted a soft glow over her jade-like skin, her delicate brows and eyes blossoming with even more brilliance.

As the saying goes, a girl changes greatly as she grows.

His little Guo’er had truly become more and more breathtaking.

Her jet-black hair made her small face all the more endearing.

Even her round little earlobes hidden within her tresses looked like pearls freshly pried from their shells, making one want to hold them between the lips and never let go.

That was exactly what the Grand Tutor thought, and exactly what he did.

With a few tugs, the armor on his body was cast to the ground.

“I rushed day and night without rest, only to see the Princess sooner. I beg the Princess to remove her robes, to ease the pain of my longing.”

Nie Qinglin felt uneasy under the burning intensity of his gaze.

What he said next made her so shy that even her ears grew hot.

She opened her rosy lips and said timidly,“Why does the Grand Tutor still behave without propriety? Sneaking into the palace like this, are you trying to make me reward the troops in vain?”

The Grand Tutor returned to the bed and reached for the Princess’s robes.

“This is not rewarding the troops. This is me making amends. My campaign brought poor results, and I was delayed far too long, leaving the Princess’s bed cold and empty. Tonight, I shall warm it again.”

As the saying goes, a short parting surpasses a new marriage.

Having endured for so long, the Grand Tutor was as if returned to the fervor of his youth.

Victories on the battlefield were exhilarating, but compared to the warmth of the beauty before him beneath the silk canopy, they were nothing.

His little Guo’er, however, had gained no experience at all.

Separated for months, she had reverted to the same youthful innocence as their first time.

She blushed, kept her eyes tightly shut, fumbled with her slender white fingers, and could only allow him to act recklessly.

Yet this very innocence was more intoxicating than any fierce, seductive aphrodisiac.

Lord Grand Tutor found himself utterly unable to resist.

Little Guo’er too had long been untouched, her body far too sensitive.

After one fiery bout of passion, the bed was no longer fit to sleep on.

By the time Nanny Shan was summoned to tidy it, the Princess had already been carried by the Grand Tutor to the soft couch in the study.

The large bed looked like a battlefield that had just seen bloody combat.

The bedding was in disarray, even the bed curtains were torn like broken fishing nets.

As for the sheets, they were soaked through.

Nanny Shan, however, was not surprised.

Unlike the two young palace maids behind her, who blushed and fluttered, she merely frowned and thought to herself: Tomorrow I must order the imperial kitchen to prepare more nourishing tonics for the Princess. With the way the Grand Tutor torments her, how can such a delicate body endure it?

Meanwhile in the study, the Grand Tutor knew nothing of the inner complaints of the old female general.

He was admiring the little hands that had just clawed up his handsome face.

Those lustrous nails were indeed well-kept.

Though not painted with red lacquer, they were exquisitely adorned with tourmaline gems.

The little Princess’s love for beauty had never changed.

Just earlier, when he looked into the mirror, the scratches on his face were already swollen red.

He did not know if they would fade before the troop-rewarding ceremony.

Had it been anyone else daring such insolence, their hand would have been chopped off on the spot.

Yet when he looked at these slender, jade-like fingers, all he wanted was to hold them to his lips and kiss them tenderly.

“Grown so long, has the Princess not attended court recently?” the Grand Tutor suddenly asked after looking long enough.

By now, Nie Qinglin was already weak and sore all over.

Yet the Grand Tutor insisted on having hot towels prepared to wipe her body before she could sleep.

Hearing his question, she answered vaguely, half-asleep,“The prime minister is capable… I need not trouble myself.”

Turning over, she quickly drifted off to sleep.

Wei Lenghou frowned slightly.

When the fresh bedding was ready, he did not have the heart to wake her.

He gently wiped her clean, carried her back to the warm quilt on the bed, placed a soft kiss on her sleeping face, then called Nanny Shan to the study.

Nanny Shan presented a slip of paper she had received just yesterday.

“This servant has committed a sin. I assumed that the homing pigeon carried a letter in the Grand Tutor’s own hand and presented it directly to the Princess without checking. After reading it, the Princess seemed unsettled, as if frightened.”

The Grand Tutor’s face, relaxed from passion, immediately tensed.

No wonder Guo’er’s reaction in the dark had been so intense, her cries trembling.

She had been frightened by that traitor Ge Qingyuan.

Of course he knew how extraordinary his Guo’er was, but that Ge Qingyuan, how dare he.

If he was not quickly captured and cut into pieces, it would be impossible to ease the hatred in his heart.

Grinding the slip of paper into dust, the Grand Tutor then asked Nanny Shan about the affairs in the palace during his absence before waving her off.

Slowly, he returned to the inner chamber.

Knowing she had been frightened, his movements grew even gentler, afraid to disturb her dreams.

But as soon as he lay down, the little one unconsciously snuggled closer, rubbing her face against his chest before drifting back into deep sleep.

At once, Wei Lenghou’s heart softened again.

Even if his little Guo’er did not yet understand the love between man and woman, at least he had gradually become someone who gave her peace of mind.

Even if she saw him as an older brother, it was fine.

For now, in Guo’er’s heart, there was no one who could surpass the older brother who shielded her from the wind and rain.

He did not know what scars the bloody upheaval in the palace had left in her heart, but in the days to come, he would never allow the cherished girl in his arms to suffer the slightest harm.

After several days of hurried travel, the Grand Tutor was weary and woke later than usual the next morning.

Before his eyes even opened, he felt something amiss.

He cracked them open slightly and saw that Princess Yong’an was already up.

Her thin robe sat loosely on her shoulders, revealing half of her fragrant skin.

She was half kneeling between his legs, her long dark hair falling slightly to one side.

Her small face was lowered between his thighs, and a stray lock of hair brushed against his leg, the ticklish touch stirring his morning blood into a sudden boil.

Nie Qinglin had risen early and suddenly remembered that the Grand Tutor’s leg had been bitten by a snake.

Out of curiosity, she wanted to see how vicious the bite was.

Taking advantage of his slumber, she stole a glance.

The Grand Tutor was shameless, sleeping without trousers, but in this way the wound could be clearly seen.

The snake’s fangs had pierced deeply and even now the marks had not closed.

Was not the saliva of the southern princess supposed to be a healing elixir? Why had it worked on his face but failed on the root of his thigh? And the Grand Tutor, even in sleep, had a reaction.

When Princess Qike of the southern lands tended to him, had he also grown so slowly proud and imposing?

“Guo’er, are you making up for what you could not see clearly last night by greeting it properly this morning?” the Grand Tutor suddenly drawled lazily.

Nie Qinglin was caught off guard.

She hurried to rise, flustered, her face reddening at the memory of how indecent the scene had just been.

“I heard that the Grand Tutor was injured, and I only wished to take a look. If I have disturbed your rest, then please go back to sleep.”

“The Princess’s breath is as fragrant as orchids, stirring my heart into restless desire. Last night was not enough. I beg the Princess to indulge me once more.”

A wicked smile curved across the Grand Tutor’s handsome face.

With one long arm, he pulled the Princess straight into his embrace.

The curtains shook, and the woman’s breathless cries broke apart into scattered fragments.

After spending two days in tender seclusion within Fengchu Palace, the Grand Tutor finally left the city in secret before the army’s arrival, so that he might rejoin them and attend the grand ceremony of reward.

Qiu Mingyan stood beside the Emperor beneath the archway, waiting for the army to enter.

He stole glances at the Emperor, whom he had not seen for some time, and realized he truly seemed unwell.

There was a faint shadow beneath his eyes as if from poor rest, and earlier, as he climbed the steps, he stumbled and nearly fell.

Qiu Mingyan, standing nearby, caught him just before Eunuch Ruan could.

Supporting the Emperor’s waist, he caught a whiff of subtle fragrance, and the soft, yielding sensation stirred his heart.

How could the Emperor’s waist be so supple, even if he was not skilled in martial arts? If he could draw that body into his arms… Before he could think further, the Emperor subtly tried to pull away.

“Minister Qiu, you are too attentive. Release Me.”

Feeling the tightening grip around her waist, Nie Qinglin frowned slightly as she spoke.

Qiu Mingyan’s expression stiffened.

Realizing he had overstepped, he quickly withdrew his hand, though a dull frustration welled in his chest.

With a cold tone he said, “Today is the troop-rewarding ceremony. I instructed Eunuch Ruan to notify Your Majesty days ago. Why does Your Majesty still indulge in sleep and come late? The army has been waiting outside the gates for an entire hour. To delay the Grand Tutor in this way is most improper.”

Nie Qinglin’s waist and legs ached, and she had struggled just to climb to the top of the city tower.

She immediately sank into the chair brought forward by Eunuch Ruan.

Catching her breath after hearing the prime minister’s reproach, she replied softly, “We have been ill and weak these past days. Surely the Grand Tutor will understand. Prime minister, let us begin. My back pains Me, and We cannot hold out long.”

Qiu Mingyan did not know that every word was the truth wrung from her very blood and tears.

To him, the young Emperor’s aloof arrogance seemed only to have grown, his tone filled with disdain for the Grand Tutor’s merits.

Anger flared in him, and the red mole between his brows seemed to glow more vividly.

At that moment, the triumphant army marched through the city gates, and the citizens crowding the streets erupted into cheers, shouting the names of Lord Dingguo and the Black Banner Army.

When the Grand Tutor appeared, clad in armor and riding a tall steed, the cheers swelled to their peak.

The pacification of the southern frontier carried immense significance, and since he had long been away from the capital, it was fitting to strike awe into restless hearts.

On this day the Grand Tutor wore a rare suit of golden armor.

It had once been a gift prepared by the late emperor, back when he was still crown prince, for his father’s fortieth birthday.

The finest artisans and painters of the Great Wei dynasty had labored for three years to create it, but before it was finished the second emperor had passed away.

Now that the Grand Tutor wore it, none dared voice complaint, for only yesterday the Emperor had issued an edict granting the Golden Dragon Armor from the treasury to Lord Dingguo. Such favor was beyond reproach, and even veteran ministers could not object.

When the Grand Tutor ascended the tower, Qiu Mingyan quickly knelt.

“I welcome the Grand Tutor’s triumphant return. I, Qiu Mingyan, am honored to live to see this day.”

But when he lifted his gaze, he froze.

Which reckless barbarian had wounded the Grand Tutor’s face with such vicious weapons? Those marks looked suspiciously like the scratches of a cat.

The Grand Tutor smiled and nodded at his trusted general.

Though he had been absent from court recently, news of political affairs still reached his ears.

Qiu Mingyan was indeed talented.

In recent days, whether it was the flooding along the canal or the allocation of military provisions, he had handled matters well.

The Grand Tutor had once worried that Qiu Mingyan’s long years in the army would leave him too harsh in temper, but aside from briefly imprisoning the meddlesome Elder Wu before releasing him, he had managed to get along with the officials of the court.

This had been a good trial for him, and in time he would surely prove even more useful.

As these thoughts passed, the Grand Tutor turned and caught sight of the one seated in the round-backed chair.

The young Emperor, though dressed in ceremonial robes, was nodding off, her head bobbing like a pecking chicken, completely unaware that Wei Lenghou, the most powerful minister of Great Wei, had already ascended the viewing platform.

Following the Grand Tutor’s gaze, Qiu Mingyan turned as well.

To see the little Emperor asleep on such a day of national celebration filled him with disdain.

What arrogance was this.

He could just barely tolerate the boy himself, but the Grand Tutor’s temper was far different from his own.

To show such disrespect in front of him was sheer ignorance of heaven’s weight.

Sure enough, the Grand Tutor frowned deeply at the sight and strode before the Emperor.

His voice sank as he scolded, “Eunuch Ruan, your work grows sloppier by the day. Do you not see how strong the wind is up here. How could you allow His Majesty to sit exposed. Fetch a cloak at once to shield him.”

Eunuch Ruan’s wrinkled face twisted in distress.

“Grand Tutor, this servant brought a cloak early this morning, but His Majesty refused. He insisted that today’s dragon robe was stitched with double-threaded Su embroidery inlaid with gold, and in sunlight the dragon pattern changes color. He feared that a cloak would cover it and spoil the display. This servant had no choice.”

Hearing this, the Grand Tutor recognized the vain tone of his sovereign and did not continue berating the eunuch.

He only frowned and muttered, “Nonsense.”

Nie Qinglin’s sleep had been shallow.

Hearing the Grand Tutor’s voice, she spoke drowsily, her eyes half closed.

“When did the Grand Tutor arrive. Should We go down and toast the soldiers now.”

The Grand Tutor’s stern gaze softened.

He knew that in the past two days his own affection had left the ‘Son of Heaven’ exhausted.

That very morning Guo’er had risen with great difficulty, heavy with the sulks of a child forced from bed.

For days she had been kept pressed against the bedding, rarely rising, and when he had cut the nails she had painstakingly grown, she had even pouted and whimpered like a three year old in his arms.

To see her lose her temper for once had been eye opening.

He had coaxed her gently, kissing and soothing, and the sight had been unbearably endearing.

If not for today’s ceremony he would never have allowed those pretty nails to be clipped.

In the end he had held the half-asleep little kitten in his arms and carefully trimmed her delicate flower-tipped nails with his own silver scissors.

But all this delay had pushed the hour late.

Looking up at the sun already high, he saw the young Emperor’s weariness plainly.

He said, “The soldiers have been long away from their homes. Most of their wives and children are now in the capital awaiting reunion. The ceremony need not be long. Let them go home quickly to join their families. As for Your Majesty, your health is poor, so there is no need for you to go down. I will escort you back to the palace, and tomorrow at the banquet you may offer wine to the generals who earned merit.”

As he spoke, he supported the Emperor to his feet and instructed Eunuch Ruan to prepare the imperial carriage for return.

The elder ministers watching from the platform were secretly relieved.

Since the Grand Tutor still pretended to show care for the Emperor, it seemed he had no immediate intent to depose him.

Yet to Qiu Mingyan it was like a bolt from the blue.

Was this truly the same Grand Tutor he revered, speaking in such gentle tones.

What sorcery had the little Emperor used, that the proud Lord Dingguo treated him with such warmth.

That night, all the officials of the court slept soundly, each with wife or concubine in their arms, their hearts at peace.

Only Minister Qiu lay restless on his bed.

At times he recalled the soft sensation he had held in his hand that day.

At times he remembered the tenderness in the Grand Tutor’s voice toward the young Emperor.

His mind was pulled in conflicting directions, and he found himself unable to sleep the entire night.

By the following morning, the shadows beneath his eyes mirrored those of the young Emperor himself.

The palace banquet to reward the army was held on the second day after the troops returned to the capital.

The chrysanthemums of autumn were in full bloom.

Lord Shen’s sixth son, encouraged by the Emperor’s fondness for his peony called Green Bean, had seized the chance to send in several pots of rare chrysanthemums at their peak.

The flowers were large and splendid, with colors interwoven, leaves lush and green, stems full of life.

Their flourishing beauty made one forget that the season of withering was at hand.

Thus the banquet was arranged in the imperial garden, among clusters of blooming chrysanthemums.

It was an elegant setting.

Half open tents modeled on those of the army were made of silk interwoven with silver thread.

In the sunlight they shone with a soft luster, reflecting the splendor of the flowers all around.

This had been Nie Qinglin’s idea.

Formerly, palace banquets were held in great halls, where rulers and ministers alike sat stiffly, the spirit of shared joy lost.

Now each tent stood apart, separated by seas of blossoms, allowing everyone to drink freely with their familiar companions.

Having just returned from battlefields strewn with corpses, the soldiers now found themselves surrounded by a sea of flowers.

Their hearts were lightened, and laughter and merriment filled the imperial garden.

Qiu Mingyan was drinking merrily with Lu Yuda and the other comrades who had once shared a military tent with him when he suddenly asked, “I have been suppressing bandits in the provinces these past months and do not know much about what has been happening in the capital. How is it that Shan Tiehua entered the palace as a Nanny. Was she punished by the Grand Tutor for violating military law.”

Lu Yuda was already drunk, his tongue heavy.

He slurred, “Punished. That woman went into the palace to enjoy herself. That old hag, that shrew of a woman, lately has even taken to wearing rouge and sticking flowers in her hair. I praised her kindly, said she smelled rather sweet, and she gave me two resounding slaps. Bah. Only a blind dog would fancy that plague ridden widow.”

Qiu Mingyan listened patiently to the drunken rambling yet gained nothing useful.

Lu Yuda was ten years younger than Shan Tiehua, but his tastes were peculiar.

Once after surviving a battle together, he had developed feelings for the nearly forty year old widow.

Shan Tiehua, however, was determined to remain faithful to her late husband and would never remarry, much less take a younger man.

She showed Lu Yuda no favor at all.

After repeated rejections that became the talk of the entire camp, his pride as a man was wounded, and in anger he grew increasingly hostile toward her.

Now every meeting between them ended in a quarrel.

Qiu Mingyan felt a touch of disappointment and did not bother responding to the bitterness in General Lu’s words.

He lifted his cup, rose to his feet, and went to admire the rare flowers of the imperial garden.

He remembered the days before his family’s ruin.

Every year during the Mid Autumn Festival, their residence had been filled with famous chrysanthemums, and the entire household, old and young alike, would gather together in joy.

How harmonious it had been.

But that foolish emperor, greedy for beauty, had been bewitched by the enchantress Consort Ning and empowered the treacherous Minister Rong, bringing about the destruction of his family.

This proved that for one who ruled, the harm of women’s charms was fiercer than tigers and wolves.

With this thought, Qiu Mingyan lifted his gaze toward the imperial tent where the Emperor had been seated, only to find the dragon throne empty.

He quickly realized the young Emperor had drunk a single cup of wine before claiming discomfort and departing.

Drawing back his gaze, Qiu Mingyan strolled a few steps further, gradually leaving behind the noise of the banquet.

As he climbed atop a rockery to take in the sea of blossoms in the garden, his eyes suddenly fell upon two figures standing by a pavilion screened off by a wall of flowers.

The man was dressed in a white python robe embroidered with waves and jagged teeth, a golden coronet gleaming brightly under the sun.

His tall figure and handsome jade like features were impossible to ignore.

It was clearly the Grand Tutor himself.

The woman beside him, slender and delicate, wore a flowing gown of creamy white silk.

The simple color stood out strikingly among the surrounding chrysanthemums.

She was none other than Princess Yong’an.

Because they were in a secluded corner of the imperial garden, with the flower wall shielding them from view and eunuchs and matrons guarding the only entrance, the two appeared completely at ease.

Qiu Mingyan saw the Grand Tutor gently tilt the princess’s delicate chin upward before slowly leaning down to kiss her.

He held the lovely girl, so like the Emperor in appearance, in a long lingering embrace.

For a fleeting instant, Qiu Mingyan felt his eardrums throb and roar with rushing blood.

He was overcome by the illusion that the one in the Grand Tutor’s arms was not the princess at all, but the aloof young Son of Heaven whose smile never left his face.