I was so busy that I wasn’t able to update on time. 
Translated by Hua Li ^_^
“This official has seen the emperor. Long live the emperor!”. After the greeting, Gou Liang bowed again, “This humble official has failed in his duty. Your Majesty did not blame me and even granted me the services of the imperial physician. I am ashamed, but I will do my best to serve faithfully and relieve Your Majesty’s worries in the future.”
The Emperor had already spoken, so no matter how he contracted this illness, Gou Liang could only feign ignorance.
“Rise,” came the cold voice from above.
Gou Liang lifted his head and unexpectedly found himself caught in the Emperor’s somewhat probing gaze.
With a slight pause, Gou Liang, after learning the whole story from the system, stood up, his face maintaining an unchanged expression of boredom and indifference as best as he could.
Seeing his seemingly pretentious demeanor, the Emperor inwardly sneered and set down his brush, “You suffered an undeserved misfortune that day. I feel guilty about it. If you want any compensation, just say it.”
“This humble official is deeply grateful…”
Gou Liang’s expression was one of shock as he was about to kneel again, but the Emperor raised his hand to stop him, saying, “I’ll let you speak.”
Gou Liang, feeling both apprehensive and respectful, was about to decline, but a eunuch hurriedly entered the room and prostrated himself, “Reporting to Your Majesty, Eunuch Zhang from the Fengning Palace requests an audience. He says that the Empress Dowager has important matters to discuss and asks Your Majesty to visit when you have time.”
The rare warmth on the Emperor’s face disappeared in an instant, and his brows furrowed slightly.
He naturally knew what the Empress Dowager wanted to discuss, and he also knew that if he didn’t go this time, the other wouldn’t let it go easily. Thinking of the past, when the other would cry, throw tantrums, or even go on hunger strikes, the Emperor sighed inwardly and pressed his temples, feeling somewhat weary.
Standing up, he said to Gou Liang, “Wait for me to return, and I will grant you what you seek.”
The Emperor was a man of his word, and seeing this, Gou Liang dared not refuse any longer.
As expected, the Empress Dowager’s concern was about the issue of the imperial successor.
In the early years, when Emperor Chenwu ascended the throne as a young man and vigorously rectified the court, he showed no mercy to the nobles. After reckoning with several major crimes and eliminating a few prominent families to uphold justice, he almost shook the foundation of the aristocracy. In order to prevent them from rebelling too much and forming an alliance against him, the Empress Dowager immediately arranged for half of the eligible young gers from the aristocracy to enter the palace, to win over their hearts.
Although this method was cliché, it was effective.
The nobles took this as a signal of truce, and afterwards, the Emperor indeed ceased his actions against them. Despite their misgivings, they sighed in relief and turned their attention to the imperial successors.
In the reign of Emperor Chenwu, if they hoped to cause trouble again or restore the glory of the aristocracy, they had to focus on the imperial successors.
But what disappointed the nobles was that, in the past ten years, despite seeing the gers of eligible age gradually aging out, the Emperor’s knees remained empty.
If it weren’t for the fact that the imperial physician had never reported any problems with the Emperor’s health, they would have doubted whether the Emperor was capable.
In the early years, the nobles were worried that the emperor did not want his heirs to have too prominent relatives, and they were worried about this for a long time. But later, the emperor even canceled the triennial selection of concubines due to the emptiness of the treasury, floods in the south of the Yangtze River and other reasons, and no other people entered the palace. From the beginning to the end, there were only the first batch of noble gers in the palace. Except for the queen and the four concubines, everyone else has gained seniority and status.
However, no matter how noble the status is, if there are no heirs, it is just superficial beauty and of no avail.
To this day, not to mention the nobles with different ideas, even the emperor’s cronies have repeatedly pointed out in memorials the problem of the emperor’s empty heirs and unstable state reserves. However, the emperor is completely unmoved.
In fact, it was not the ministers who were most worried about this matter, but the Queen Mother.
He was the only one who knew that the emperor had never touched these gers at all – he had spent all these years trying very hard to cover up this matter.
In the beginning, like the nobles, he too thought that the Emperor was unwilling to let these gers, who were backed by aristocratic families, bear children. Later, the Emperor attributed his busy schedule to his lack of action, and then he couldn’t even be bothered to make excuses.
The Empress Dowager couldn’t understand how the Emperor could show no interest in the beautiful gers, and no curiosity about matters of the bedroom.
Back then, he sent a young and beautiful ger naked to the dragon bed. But the emperor could throw the person out of the palace without any mercy, regardless of the fact that the other person was his wife in name. Later, he even threw the person out of the palace. The dragon bed was burned and replaced with another one.
We’re sorry for MTLers or people who like using reading mode, but our translations keep getting stolen by aggregators so we’re going to bring back the copy protection. If you need to MTL please retype the gibberish parts.
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The Empress Dowager brought up the old topic again, asking the Emperor to choose a new consort.
As soon as the Emperor refused, the Empress Dowager burst into tears, “What sin has the concubine committed? Are you trying to force the concubine to death! You are the Son of Heaven, yet you have no heirs. How will the world view you? How will the concubine face the late Emperor and our ancestors after death? Or are you willing to hand over your kingdom to those ambitious people after your death?”
The Emperor said coldly, “Mother, there’s no need to bring up this matter again.”
The Empress Dowager repeatedly pressed for the reason, but the Emperor remained silent. Irritated by his persistence, he simply said, “I still have state affairs to attend to. I will come to pay my respects to you another day.”
Seeing him about to leave, the Empress Dowager panicked.
Grabbing his arm, he blurted out, “Son, what is your inner struggle that you cannot tell your mother? If the physicians of the Imperial Hospital are incompetent, there are talented doctors in the common folk who can surely help my child shine!”
“Pfft!!”
Gou Liang couldn’t help but spew out his tea.
…You can imagine how unsightly the big blind spot’s expression was.
Sure enough, as he walked back from the Fengning Palace, his anger had not yet dissipated, and he wore a stern expression. With his sharp eyebrows and clear eyes, the Emperor’s appearance was naturally sharp and cold, and when he was angry, he was even more imposing. Even though he didn’t say a word, the eunuchs on duty in the study worked carefully, afraid to make any noise that might disturb the Emperor.
“Have you thought it over?”
The Emperor never held grudges against unrelated people. After taking a sip of cold tea to quell his anger, he didn’t even let Gou Liang kneel.
“Your Majesty, this humble official has heard that there is a library in the Inner Palace with ten thousand volumes of ancient books. This humble official dares to…”
“Granted.”
Before Gou Liang could finish speaking, the Emperor consented.
The library was located in a side hall of the Zhenyang Palace, belonging to the Inner Palace. It was improper for Gou Liang to request access to it.
However, the Emperor’s word was law, and he himself did not attach much importance to such formalities. Moreover, Gou Liang was unable to cause trouble in the Inner Palace after being poisoned, granting him this small request was not a big deal.
Gou Liang was overjoyed, and even his normally stern expression showed a hint of happiness. He knelt and thanked the Emperor profusely, “I thank your Majesty for your grace!”
As he lifted his head, the joy had not yet faded from his face.
It was the first time the Emperor had seen his young and matured attendant so visibly happy, and it was also the first time he had seen the dimple hidden on Gou Liang’s left cheek. With a slight smile, it was fully revealed. When Gou Liang didn’t speak or smile, he appeared cold and dignified, but with that dimple exposed, he seemed to gain a bit of innocence, making him even more handsome.
No wonder he always wore a stern expression at such a young age.
Realizing this, the Emperor’s mood inexplicably improved, and he decided to abandon his plan to send him out of the palace.
Setting aside the memorials, the Emperor picked up a book he hadn’t finished reading the day before and asked, “Do you know of a place in the south of the Yangtze River called Suyang? What does it mean?”
The Emperor had a preference for military books, county records, and travelogs, and those who could stay by his side as attendants knew his preferences very well, having put in a lot of effort in this regard. The previous owner was the same, but sometimes the Emperor’s questions were very obscure, like this one, and even with the previous owner’s extensive knowledge, he couldn’t fully understand. However, with Gou Liang’s system-assisted cheating, it was no problem.
Kneeling near the table, Gou Liang sat upright with a serious expression on his face.
“Is Your Majesty referring to Suyang County under Caifeng Prefecture in Yangzhou?”
The Emperor, who used to think he was too serious because of being overly educated in poetry, rites, and music, was now nodding with interest, listening to his explanation: “Although I have not seen it with my own eyes, I have come across a slight mention in books. It is said that in Caifeng County, there is a phenomenon where the evening sky is dyed with red clouds throughout the year, and there is little rain during the day. Within Suyang, there is a spectacular sight called ‘One Line Sky’. When one is in it during the day, they can always see a line of sunlight when they look up at the sky, hence the name ‘Vertical Sunshine’. Later, someone wrote a county annal for this place, changing ‘Vertical Sunshine’ to ‘Su Yang’, hence its name…”
Gou Liang spoke confidently, his words substantial, and whenever the Emperor asked him something, he always had a unique insight.
The two of them were engrossed in their conversation, moving from Jiangnan county records to agricultural crops, local customs, famous battles in history, and even military strategies, talking endlessly.
When they were enjoying themselves, Gou Liang forgot about his status for a while. It was as if he was debating with his teachers and classmates in school, citing classics and freely expressing his thoughts.
Sometimes when the Emperor misspoke, Gou Liang would instinctively refute him, only to stop himself with a start, abruptly shutting his mouth. The Emperor was in a good mood and forgave him, and Gou Liang would then express his opinion tactfully, allowing for more open conversation.
Several rounds of tea had passed, and neither of them noticed the passage of time. It wasn’t until Eunuch Tong reminded them that it was time for dinner that they reluctantly stopped.
The discomfort from earlier in the Fengning Palace had completely dissipated. When Gou Liang was about to take his leave, the Emperor, in a rare display of kindness, said with a smile, “I have benefited greatly from my conversation with Aiqing today. Stay and dine with me to show my gratitude.”
[Ding, target favorability updated, current favorability: +30!]
“Your Majesty, you have overwhelmed this humble official.”
Gou Liang’s dimple on his left cheek flashed briefly with surprise, only to be hidden away by its owner’s stinginess.
Gou Liang expressed his gratitude profusely and sat reservedly beside the Emperor to dine.
Having been drinking medicinal soup for three days, his appetite was not great, and the food prepared by the imperial kitchen, although delicious, was not as good as Gou Liang’s own cooking. Thus, he didn’t eat much.
The Emperor thought he was being reserved, so after the meal, he didn’t keep him any longer. As Gou Liang was about to take his leave, the Emperor suddenly remembered and instructed Eunuch Tong to give him the authority to access the library.
Although Gou Liang was grateful for the Emperor’s favor, he hesitated slightly before bidding farewell.
Perhaps today’s conversation had made him a little more bold. After some hesitation, Gou Liang spoke up, “Your Majesty, I observe that you seem a little unwell. Dare I ask if you did not sleep well last night?”
Eunuch Tong was taken aback by his words, quickly regaining his composure.
The Emperor had been restless these past few days due to pressure from the Empress Dowager and the court officials to produce an heir. He indeed had slept very lightly at night, but he hadn’t disturbed anyone, and even Eunuch Tong, who attended him, hadn’t noticed. He hadn’t expected Gou Liang to notice.
With a slight movement of his eyebrows, the Emperor said, “I was unaware. It seems Aiqing is quite knowledgeable in medicine.”
His tone didn’t reveal any emotions, but Gou Liang trembled slightly and lowered himself even further. Despite his efforts to conceal it, there was still a trace of concern in his voice as he said, “Your Majesty, this humble official only has superficial knowledge and dare not claim expertise. Regarding Your Majesty’s health, this humble official dares to speak out, regardless of state affairs or personal matters, there are always solutions… I hope Your Majesty can rest assure and worry less, prioritizing Your Majesty’s health above all else.”
“Indeed, a true statesman.”
The Emperor lowered his gaze to Gou Liang, who knelt before him, and asked, “What is your opinion on the matters that trouble me?”
“I am filled with trepidation…”
Gou Liang hesitated, wanting to explain himself. Meeting the Emperor’s calm gaze, he nervously swallowed and eventually voiced his thoughts, “I believe, Your Majesty has already sacrificed much for the nation and the people. Some matters, if they do not concern the fundamental stability of the country, can be left to Your Majesty’s discretion… and there would be no harm.”
The Emperor looked down at Gou Liang kneeling below him for a moment, but he didn’t express his opinion, only allowing Gou Liang to retire.
It wasn’t until he stepped out of the hall that the Emperor smiled and said, “Eunuch Tong, did you hear what he just said? How much of it was sincere concern for me, and how much was self-interest?”
Eunuch Tong was startled, hastily lowering his head and saying, “Your Majesty… Your servant is dull and cannot discern.”
He was sweating profusely behind his back, both surprised and afraid of Gou Liang’s words. He didn’t realize that his own thoughts had been seen through by the Emperor. To dare to say that His Majesty need not force himself to be intimate with the consorts for the sake of producing an heir… if this were spread, it wouldn’t be enough to lose his head!
Due to Gou Liang’s inability to “perform” as a man, Eunuch Tong felt a sense of sympathy, and although he had many thoughts in his mind, he didn’t add fuel to the fire.
The Emperor glanced at him but remained silent.
Eunuch Tong cautiously suggested, “Your Majesty, should I summon the imperial physician to check your pulse for peace of mind?”
The Emperor did not refuse.
Meanwhile, Gou Liang, who had earned 10 points of favorability, was in high spirits when he returned home and made himself a bowl of late-night snacks.
*
After a good night’s sleep, the next day Gou Liang didn’t have duty in the court, so he worked in the Hanlin Academy, compiling the legal codes that needed to be sorted. Then, holding the authority token, he entered the Zhenyang Palace and went to the library.
Not long after the court, the Emperor, who had taken his medicine, returned to his bedchamber.
He was about to take a short nap when someone, who had no eyesight at all, brushed his chest with their fingers while helping him undress—a gesture of flattery.
The Emperor was furious and immediately ordered the person to be dragged out, both hands to be chopped off, and thrown out of the palace, regardless of whether they claimed to be acting on the Empress Dowager’s orders or not.
The Zhenyang Palace fell into silence, and the Emperor said coldly, “Eunuch Tong, send someone to deliver this filth to the Fengning Palace to thank the Empress Dowager for his grace, then carry out the punishment!”
Eunuch Tong’s scalp tightened, and he hurriedly complied.
When he returned, the Emperor had already dismissed everyone else, changed his clothes, and was sitting on the dragon bed, pressing his temples with no intention of sleeping.
Eunuch Tong whispered cautiously, “Your Majesty, please calm down. The Empress Dowager loves his son dearly, so he…please don’t take it to heart”
But the Emperor ignored him. After calming down for a while, he said, “In a few days, it will be my father’s memorial day. Spread the decree that the consorts and palace servants shall fast and pray, burning incense for my father’s blessing.”
There was still a month left until the anniversary of the late Emperor’s death, but Eunuch Tong didn’t dare to advise further. He knew that this was just the Emperor’s way of preventing the Empress Dowager or the palace consorts from causing trouble during this time. Although it was a temporary solution, it would at least make things cleaner for a while.
When he returned after finishing his errands, he still carried a basin of shaved ice in his hands.
The Emperor looked at the ice mountain covered in fruit jam with some confusion, glancing at Eunuch Tong.
Eunuch Tong smiled and said, “Your Majesty, today Lord Chu was reading in the library and mentioned this refreshing treat to the serving maids. This humble servant took the opportunity to curry favor with the kitchen staff. I thought it was a clever idea and brought it to Your Majesty as a gesture of appreciation.”
The Emperor smiled at him and tasted it. Although he didn’t particularly like sweet treats, the coolness of the ice brought some relief to his irritation.
After acknowledging its taste, the Emperor continued, “Fetch the landscape annotations I was reading last night. I still have some questions to ask Lord Chu from the Hanlin Academy.”
Seeing his improved mood, Eunuch Tong quickly agreed with a smile.
Without bothering to summon the carriage, the Emperor walked with Eunuch Tong, who carried several books, to the library. Avoiding disturbing Gou Liang, he waved off the guards he would normally have informed as they approached the study. However, as they passed by several bookshelves and neared the study, they heard a burst of melodious laughter.
The Emperor paused and took a few steps forward. Through the ornate doorway, he caught sight of Gou Liang holding books and laughing heartily.
Outside the window, the sunlight was bright, cicadas chirped, the room was bright and peaceful, a teapot emitted wisps of fragrant steam, and on the table were several delicate snacks and the ice dessert he had just tasted, now half-eaten.
Gou Liang, dressed in a green official robe, was completely different from his usual cautious self. He was leaning on the armrest of the chair, laughing uncontrollably as he read.
It was unclear what he was reading, but it seemed to bring him immense joy. His dimple, usually hidden, was now filled with laughter, and his eyes and brows curved with happiness. His joyful appearance infected everyone who saw him.
Although he tried to suppress his laughter, his body trembled, and his eyes seemed suspiciously wet.
While wiping away tears, Gou Liang chuckled and said, “Silly, he’s saying he likes you…”
In this laughter, the Emperor heard a faint sigh, but he quickly regained his focus. He saw Gou Liang scoop up a spoonful of fruit jam and happily turn to the next page, the fleeting sorrow in his eyes replaced by radiant joy. The carefree look on his face amused the Emperor.
Eunuch Tong whispered, “Your Majesty?”
The Emperor shook his head, indicating that there was no need to disturb him.
He thought that if he were to enter now, this usually reserved Lord Chu, who had always wanted to be ‘mature and prudent’, would hit the pillar and die of embarrassment.
After watching for a while, until Gou Liang finished the whole bowl of shaved ice, the Emperor turned and left.
*
【Ding, target favorability updated, current favorability: +41!】
I wonder what Gou Liang was reading to make him laugh so much?
Thank you for the chapter~
Dragon gong
Thank you for your translation 💙💙💙💙💙💙💙💙💙💙💙💙💙💙💙💙💙💙💙💙💙💙💙💙💙💙💙💙💙💙💙💙💙💙💙💙💙