ITOTIABSAM | The Tyrant in the Deep Palace | 78
The long-neglected summer palace suddenly became lively again after years of dormancy, yet the residents inside were mostly restless, unable to sleep soundly due to various concerns.
However, Xie Ye, the tyrant at the center of the whirlpool, seemed unnaturally relaxed.
In the morning, when he pushed open the window, although he could see the walls, they were much lower than those in the palace, devoid of any sense of oppression or intimidation. Looking outside, he saw lush trees and faint floral fragrances drifting gently, seemingly endless.
The food was different too. Mushrooms picked that day, freshly sprouted bamboo shoots, and live fish caught from mountain streams—all seasoned lightly, without the sophistication of the imperial kitchen. Instead, the freshness of the ingredients prevailed, which suited Xie Ye's current state of health, gradually improving his appetite.
The coolness of the mountains, coupled with the passing of the hottest season, meant that there was no need to open the windows at night. Xie Ye could nestle in Gu Cong's arms and fall asleep easily. The palace was scented with incense, and not a single mosquito was present. Previously troubled by headaches, he used to sleep lightly, waking up before dawn, but these past few nights, he slept deeply, as if having taken several medicinal baths.
With his improved health, Gu Cong was pleased, and the people below also breathed a sigh of relief. However, 1101, who was constantly monitoring the protagonist, couldn't hide its concern: "Xi Jinyu has already reached the foot of the mountain."
The two private elite "militia" units and a team of dark guards with the same background as Pei Yi did not solely rely on Xue Hai.
However, it had been three full days since the host arrived at the palace, and there had been no movement from Xi Jinyu's side. It was unclear what they were waiting for.
Xie Ye remained calm: "Hmm."
[He is waiting for the rain.]
It was almost an unspoken secret within the palace that the young emperor loses control during thunderstorms. With the early autumn around Kyoto being rainy, if Xi Jinyu were him, he would also patiently wait for the most favorable "auspicious day" for himself.
Moreover, with Pei Yi present in the palace, if he were willing to risk his life to assassinate himself, things could become even simpler, allowing Xi Jinyu to win the victory without expending any soldiers.
"Concerned about the protagonist? Forget it," muttered 1101, rolling its eyes. "Right now, all he cares about is demanding an explanation from Xi Jinyu. He doesn't have time to deal with you."
Without the help of Eunuch Li, given Pei Yi's current status and position, unless Xi Jinyu initiates contact, he would just wander aimlessly like a headless fly, abandoned.
"Your Majesty?"
Having been together day and night, Gu Cong could naturally detect the occasional distraction of the young emperor. He leaned over and kissed his cheek, skillfully bringing his attention back.
The young emperor was naturally frail, and he had only recently begun to recover. Until he fully recuperated, Gu Cong always had to help him restrain himself. So far, they hadn't reached the most intimate step yet, but Gu Cong would seize every opportunity to satisfy, or rather appease, his own desires with these small sweet moments.
The palace attendants standing by the door quickly lowered their eyes, secretly noting that although Chief Attendant Gu appeared handsome, tall, and serious on the surface, he was surprisingly clingy in private, even more so than many women.
However, the emperor was quite receptive to this behavior, softening his tone even more than usual. "Hmm?"
"I went to check yesterday, and the deer we used to raise are still there," Gu Cong said, having spent two days confirming that there were no suspicious newcomers in the palace. Taking advantage of this rare outing, he tried to come up with ways to get the young emperor to move around more. "Would Your Majesty like to accompany me to take them to drink water and maybe catch some fish along the way?"
Taming animals.
Recalling the words Eunuch Li had said when introducing Gu Cong, Xie Ye raised an eyebrow. "Only deer?"
"We also have tigers, but they're all kept in cages," Gu Cong replied. "If Your Majesty wants to see them, I can take you to have a look."
Xie Ye shook his head. "Let's just catch fish."
He wasn't particularly interested in ancient zoos. He preferred to go out and take a walk.
So, in no time at all, Xie Ye's courtyard was adorned with a small deer. It had brownish-yellow fur and antlers that resembled branches, but its temperament was very gentle. It didn't move around randomly or make any noise, and there was no need for it to be led by a rope.
Animals are often sensitive to emotions. Before the late emperor passed away, there were many concubines in the palace who kept cats and dogs. However, among them, aside from the unfortunate barbarian dog that died, none dared to approach the young emperor. When they saw him, they either barked fiercely or fled without looking back.
Xie Ye had anticipated the same reaction from the deer as before today, and he had even prepared himself to comfort Gu Cong. However, he didn't expect this little creature to be so bold.
Seeing the tender twig in his hand offered by Gu Cong, it approached willingly. Rolling its tongue, it ate the leaves cautiously, making sure its sharp antlers didn't poke him.
"This is the smallest deer in the palace, only three years old, with only two antlers on its head," Gu Cong remarked, noticing the slight relaxation in the young emperor's posture. "Your Majesty, what are you nervous about? You are so kind, and the creatures of the mountains and wilds appreciate purity the most. Of course, they will like you."
When he said the latter sentence, he lowered his voice very softly, so only he and the young emperor could hear. Ever since he learned the true cause of the death of that barbarian dog, he had been thinking about how to help the young emperor untie his knot of heart, no longer plagued by nightmares. Whether this method would work remained uncertain.
—Cheesy.
Although he wanted to say this, Gu Cong's tone was too natural and sincere, devoid of any flattery or oily slickness. The silly deer seemed to understand as well, its soft ears flapping a few times as it brazenly rubbed against the hand of this tyrant.
1101 marveled at the scene: Truly worthy of being raised by Gu Cong.
This seemingly simple-minded temperament was simply extraordinary.
The two men and a deer leisurely left the courtyard, walking along the relatively flat path into the mountains. The other eunuchs, palace maids, and guards lagged far behind, not daring to disturb them.
The shade of the trees was dense, and there was no need for an umbrella. Gu Cong had lived in this palace for nearly twenty years, and he was familiar with everything about it. Moreover, since medical books often required various animals and plants as medicine, he could name any bird or wildflower with ease.
Perhaps it was because they were accustomed to human presence, or maybe it was because there was a deer leading the way, but the animals in the mountains showed no fear at all. Two squirrels were squatting in the middle of the mountain path, hugging pine cones. Their round, black eyes curiously watched Xie Ye and Gu Cong as they approached. When the two men drew closer, the squirrels flicked their furry tails and leaped away with a sudden burst of energy.
The worldly troubles seemed to have been left behind, and Xie Ye felt a sense of relief from the inside out. Ahead, there was the faint sound of flowing water. The deer's ears twitched, and it glanced back at Gu Cong for confirmation. Once assured, its short tail wagged a few times, and with three quick jumps, it disappeared into the woods, happily running towards the stream.
The hand hanging by his side was gently held, and Xie Ye turned his head to see Gu Cong's natural expression. "The remaining path is not easy to traverse, let me support Your Majesty," he said. With that, he took out a small sachet from his pocket and hung it around the young emperor's waist. "It contains herbs to repel insects."
"And there's also powdered medicine to ward off wild beasts, sealed with wax," he pinched the sachet to reveal a slightly protruding circular shape, as if containing a pill. Taking advantage of the lack of people around, Gu Cong whispered, "If Your Majesty encounters any danger and I'm not by your side, head to the Rare Beast Garden."
"Crush it, then open the cages."
Worried that the palace walls might have ears, he waited until now to express all his concerns. "As for the location of the Rare Beast Garden, I've also drawn it on paper. You'll see it when you open the sachet."
Xie Ye was momentarily stunned.
"Perhaps I'm not so sensitive to the changes in the court, but I'm good at guessing Your Majesty's thoughts," Gu Cong continued as he stood up straight. "Today, Your Majesty seemed distracted, so I presume Prince An is already at the foot of the mountain."
That's why he handed these things to Xie Ye.
"I have no army or power, and I come from a humble background. Even the current influence I have is granted by Your Majesty," Gu Cong admitted his shortcomings openly, gazing deeply into Xie Ye’s eyes. "But I still want to protect Your Majesty, and there are still things only I can do."
Xie Ye murmured softly, "I know."
It was not "we" or "us," but "I" and "me."
In every life, no matter what identity Gu Cong held, he always went to great lengths and spared no effort to pull Xie Ye out of the quagmire.
And now was no different.
Even though in the eyes of most people, Gu Cong was just a lowly eunuch, Xie Ye felt that there was no one in the world purer and nobler than him.
He gently touched the purse that Gu Cong had hung for him, and Xie Ye smiled reassuringly as he squeezed Gu Cong's hand. "Don't worry, I'll keep it with me all the time."
"Oh—"
After a moment with no one following, the little deer, which had hurried off to drink water, returned from the creek. It stood at the edge of the nearby woods, urging them on with a gentle call.
Unable to resist the urge to join in and not wanting to spoil the atmosphere, 1101 finally found an opportunity to speak up, excitement evident in its voice, "Xi Jinyu and Pei Yi have agreed to meet on the back mountain this evening. Are we going to catch them in the act?"
Allowing Gu Cong to lead him deeper into the woods, Xie Ye replied calmly, "No rush."
A grand drama required everyone to be present before it could begin.
It was already afternoon when Xie Jinyu stepped out, and by the time he and Gu Cong lingered in the forest, the sky began to darken. Seeing that there was still no intention of turning back, and with General Xue Hai and his small team of guards stationed nearby, neither too close nor too far, Xie Ye reluctantly approached the creek.
The young emperor was probably fishing.
With his pants rolled up and his shoes and socks set aside, the little deer, which had led the way earlier, was now lying down with its eyes closed, cradling a half-full wooden bucket in its arms.
Occasionally, when a fish tail flapped vigorously, splashing a spray of water onto his face, it would grunt irritably, showing no signs of waking up.
After serving in the Imperial Guards for so many years, this was the first time Xue Hai had seen the young emperor, or the Sixth Prince, in such a relaxed and harmless manner, enjoying himself like a true youth.
It was Gu Cong, the eunuch who had been in the limelight recently, who first noticed him: "General Xue."
Xue Hai immediately snapped out of his thoughts, bowed his head, saluted, and knelt down on one knee. "It's getting late, and I'm worried about potential dangers in the mountains."
His words were already laden with a sense of urgency, but surprisingly, the young emperor, who seemed to have lost interest, didn't punish him. Instead, he sat down on a nearby stone, put on his shoes and socks, called for a palace attendant, and had both the little deer and the wooden bucket taken away.
Then, he casually dismissed Xue Hai's proposal, saying, "Since you're worried about danger, would General Xue be willing to accompany me?"
Author's Note:
1101: Yes! Let's catch them in the act with the potential future father-in-law of the main protagonist!
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