Chapter 33 – Do You Have Someone You Like?

The trio of Ying Si and the others left meekly under the prince’s murderous eyes and, without exception, they all did so by jumping out the window. Their movements were identical and uniform. Anyone could see with just a glance that they were used to doing this.

Xiao Weixin watched them leave coldly, and said sarcastically: “What, is jumping out windows also a tradition of your Shadow Guard Camp?”

“N-no.” You Shu didn’t dare to provoke him in any way, and stood straight, like a child waiting for punishment.

It’s just that he couldn’t understand why this person came all the way here so late at night instead of sleeping? Was it specially done just to lecture him?

Knowing that these two people had something to talk about, Hua Chun wisely made her exit and closed the door with very meaningful eyes.

The atmosphere in the room was extremely tense. Xiao Weixin’s intimidating aura nearly suffocated You Shu. Lost in thinking of ways to calm him down, he missed the emotions in Xiao Weixin’s eyes as he stared at him.

What happened just now really made Xiao Weixin furious. Hua Chun had warned [You Shu] many times to refrain from alcohol while recuperating, and he had also assigned a lot of people to look after him carefully. Who would have thought that this disobedient guy would find a way to drink secretly at night. He really didn’t take his health seriously at all!

But his anger slowly transformed into something else.

The ancients liked to look at beauties in lamplight. You Shu is already handsome. His features seemed softer and gentler in this hazy and dim light compared to the sharpness in the bright sunlight. His whole figure seemed to be hidden behind a layer of golden gauze. 

From Xiao Weixin’s perspective, that was simply a devastating appearance. What could possibly be more beautiful? Nothing could catch his eyes anymore.

As if entranced, he slowly stretched out his hand to touch You Shu’s face but before he could do so, his rationality returned and he immediately put his hand down, coughing slightly to cover up [his slip-up]: “You are injured. Sit down.”

“Yes.” You Shu obediently sat down on the chair, fidgeting under Xiao Weixin’s burning gaze.

If Ying Si or Ying Jiu had been here instead, they would have taken only a glance to recognize the desire and affection swirling in Xiao Weixin’s eyes. After all, in terms of love and relationships, they are both experienced veterans. But You Shu has never had a single relationship in his life. The only thing he has is second-hand knowledge and no personal experience¹没吃过猪肉，也见过猪跑 literally means “Never eaten pork but seen pigs run”. He can analyze the feelings of others clearly and logically. But when it comes to himself, he might as well be blind. He didn’t understand the depth and complexity of the emotions in Xiao Weixin’s eyes and just thought it was fierce rage.

Didn’t he just drink secretly once? How come he was so angry?

If Xiao Weixin wants to capture his heart, he must have a strategy. Although he is inexperienced [in love], he has at least enlightened himself²meaning that he has already figured out that he loves You Shu. The best way to deal with this silly and unenlightened little shadow guard is by using roundabout tactics. Telling him about his feelings now would only make him think that he had gone crazy. 

The two of them sat opposite each other at the table. Xiao Weixin finally pulled his eyes away from his face and looked at the half-melted candle on the table. He thought for a while and then asked: “Do you not want to live here?”

You Shu hesitated, not knowing if he should nod or not. He really didn’t like living here, but he was afraid of making Xiao Weixin angry.

“Be honest.” Xiao Weixin said softly, “Don’t lie.”

Hearing what he said, You Shu simply put aside his hesitation³心一横 : made up his mind to do something difficult or tough. It means a determination or a preparedness for the worst, a mentality of risking death to survive, or burning the boat, stood up and knelt down again: “Answering my lord, it’s not that this subordinate doesn’t want to… It’s just that this subordinate is used to his previous [way of] life. An unrefined person [like me] is unable to enjoy such a blessing.”

Although it was nice living here, he was constantly restless and anxious. In the Shadow Guard Camp, he has a set routine; training, going out for missions, guard duty. But here, he can’t do anything but recuperate and be looked after. Attendants follow him wherever he goes and they all treat him like a porcelain doll, overprotective and guarding him tightly for fear that he would get hurt. But he didn’t feel that his state was weak enough to warrant such care and attentiveness. Many times, he had the illusion that he had become a “caged bird”.

In comparison, life in the Shadow Guard Camp was actually better. Could it be that he was a natural workaholic?

Xiao Weixin was not at all surprised by his answer. He had also noticed his low mood in the past few days. He had meant to be nice to him, but now he discovered that it was just his wishful thinking. Even until now, the little shadow guard had not understood his intentions at all.

[He’s] really hard-headed.⁴榆木疙瘩 means an elm knot. It’s used to describe people with stubborn, unchanging mindsets or those who are stupid and difficult to get through to.

Xiao Weixin waved her hand with a headache: “[I] already told you that there’s no need to kneel. Get up.”

“From now on, unless this king specifically orders it, there is no need for you to kneel.”

Huh?

You Shu’s ears twitched slightly and he obediently sat back on the chair, feeling his brain turn to mush.

This life is really exciting, as exciting as a rollercoaster ride. The protagonist’s thoughts really change by the minute. Wasn’t he still angry just now? Why did he become so gentle to him all of a sudden?

You Shu can’t be blamed for thinking too much. After all, this guy Xiao Weixin really is quite temperamental and most people are unable to guess his thoughts and mood.

Xiao Weixin sighed helplessly: “Forget it. Originally, I just wanted you to take good care of yourself. Since you don’t like living here, you can do as you wish tomorrow. Whether you want to stay here or go back, just do whatever you want.”

“Yes.” You Shu nodded and, after hesitating for a moment, asked, “Why did my lord not go to sleep this late at night?”

Xiao Weixin’s eyes were a little complicated. He didn’t want to answer this question but, for some reason, he accidentally said it: “Naturally, it’s because [I] can’t sleep.”

“Let me ask you, do you have someone you like?”

You Shu never thought that, one day, he would have the chance to talk about his love life with Xiao Weixin. After being confused for a while, he immediately replied: “No. This subordinate’s only goal is to serve the prince wholeheartedly and has never considered his own personal affairs.”

This answer shouldn’t be wrong, right? You Shu thought it over again. Actually, he had always thought this way. A good man should establish his career first, before starting a family. Only by doing this can he give his future partner a sense of security. Until he is free, he cannot think about having any relationships.

These words made Xiao Weixin feel slightly moved. Although this is the standard, set-in-stone, rule of the Shadow Guard Camp, he has gradually become accustomed to having double standards: “Really?… That’s good.”

“Keep [it that way].”

You Shu: “…”

????

What is that supposed to mean???

Xiao Weixin, who had received a satisfactory answer, felt refreshed and no longer troubled him. He stood up and walked to the door: “No need to see [me] off. Rest early.”

Although he said this, You Shu was quite discerning and insisted on sending him to the gate. In the end, he still didn’t understand why he came to see him so late at night.

Early the next morning, You Shu made the bed himself after getting up. In the days he had been here, he had not let the maids do anything. He was not used to being served by others. Except for washing clothes, which was inconvenient [due to his injury], he did almost all the other chores himself.

After briefly cleaning up the room, You Shu didn’t move anything inside, and returned to the Shadow Guard Camp, carrying only the fat rabbit Xiao Weixin had given him.

He [arrived] just in time for breakfast and happily went straight to the cafeteria, feeling relieved like a fish back in water.

Because he hasn’t fully recovered from his injury yet, Xie Feiyuan did not assign any tasks to him for the time being and also excused him from daily training. The only thing he still had to do was guard duty, so that he wouldn’t delay the others. “The prince said that your actions this time were truly commendable so he especially gave you a raise.”

“This means that His Highness has acknowledged your efforts. You must continue to perform well in the future.”

Xie Feiyuan was delighted and found him pleasing, no matter how he looked at him: “Then, this adoptive father⁵义父 (yì fù) means adoptive father will rely on you to take care of him after retirement.”

You Shu was also delighted. The prince was still good after all. Could there be an event happier than getting a raise?

He got the feeling that his future was bright again so all was well with the world once again.

Xie Feiyuan shook his head. When he looked up, he saw a fat rabbit scampering all over the training ground. He asked doubtfully: “Where did the rabbit come from?”

“The prince gave it as a reward.” You Shu said helplessly, “This subordinate didn’t know what to do with it, so [I] just brought it back [with me].”

Xie Feiyuan stared at the fat rabbit’s round butt for a long time before nodding: “It looks pretty good so the taste will probably be good as well. If made into soup…”

“Absolutely not.” You Shu said seriously, “The prince has ordered that if this rabbit ever enters the pot, he will chop me into pieces.”

Xie Feiyuan: “???”

What does this mean???

Giving a rabbit but not letting [him] eat it, is it supposed to be a token of love instead?

Xiao Weixin, who was in the study room, unfortunately sneezed and looked around alertly.

This year’s spring hunt did not go well. Not only were they not able to hunt any rare animals, they also encountered an assassination attempt. All the civil and military officials in the court were worried. Such a thing has never occurred in the past and all of them felt that it was a bad omen, putting the year off to a bad start.

Xiao Weishen was also upset. He executed everyone in charge of the spring hunt, turned Quzhou upside down, and arrested all possible rebels throughout the country, but he still couldn’t feel at ease in his heart.

“In Aijia’s opinion, this may be because the Tai Sui has been offended this year⁶“太岁” (Tài Suì) refers to the Grand Duke Jupiter or Tai Sui, a concept in Chinese astrology associated with a person’s astrological sign and potential bad luck in a particular year..” Empress Dowager Xia said solemnly, “Why don’t you invite some experts from outside [the palace] to provide some insights?”

Because of Yu Sheng, Empress Dowager Xia seemed to be becoming more radiant and glowing despite her age. With her flushed complexion and affectionate eyes, she seemed like a 20-year-old girl experiencing her first love. Completely intoxicated with the sweetness of love, she had even become kinder to the palace servants and barely cared about her own son.

“What experts can there be among the people? It’s not like there are no astrologers in the palace.” Xiao Weishen didn’t take it seriously and responded, in a show of bravery: “It was just an accidental mishap.”

How could Empress Dowager Xia not understand the anxiety in his heart? Right now, she has been coaxed to her heart’s content by Yu Sheng and her heart is entirely tied to him, completely devoted to him. The assassination attempt had vexed her a lot and it had taken a long time of coaxing from Yu Sheng before she calmed down. 

She had heard from Yu Sheng that their troupe had traveled all over the country and had met many people so they knew a commoner expert who was a master fortune-teller and alchemist. If he was allowed to enter the palace to check the feng shui, perhaps the situation would change for the better [with his help].

When Empress Dowager Xia thought about how the past years had indeed passed uneventfully, she couldn’t help but consider [his suggestion].

“[The expert] will just take a look. Nothing will happen.” Empress Dowager Xia persuaded, “If he  really is a fame-hungry swindler, just drag him out and execute him. You won’t suffer any loss at all.”

Xiao Weishen was still hesitant: “If those civil and military officials find out that zhen believes in these superstitions, wouldn’t they criticize [me]?”

“They dare?!” Empress Dowager Xia said disdainfully, “Since ancient times, have any ministers dared to interfere with the emperor’s decisions? Who dares to say anything? Just drag them out⁷I am beginning to think that’s her catchphrase. You know, like “Off with his head!”.. In this court, you are naturally the one who makes the final decision.”

“Forget the court, this whole country is yours. Do you still need to get other people’s permission to do something?”

This sentence touched Xiao Weishen’s heart⁸of course it did…. egoistic bastard. He’s way too easy to manipulate wth. Throw a capable fmc (or Chi Xiaochi) in there and the whole kingdom would be set to rights within a few months.. The more he thought about it, the more he felt it was right. Anyway, he just wanted to find someone to take a look. What did other people’s words matter?

He was still thinking about this when he heard Empress Dowager Xia say: “Speaking of which, the most important thing right now is the issue of heirs. The Empress has been married to you for so many years but there is still no outcome. Don’t always favor that bitch surnamed Luo. If the imperial heir is really born from her, your uncle will be extremely upset.”

“I know.” Hearing her mention this matter, Xiao Weishen became even more annoyed, “The Empress’s womb is not up to par. What do you expect zhen to do?”

Empress Dowager Xia sighed deeply, “It’s a pity that your uncle’s second di daughter is only twelve years old this year. If she were older, Aijia would let her enter the palace [harem].If Lingwei can’t have a baby, another one will do.”

“But zhen thinks that Xia Yinxiu is also pretty good.” Xiao Weishen suddenly thought of that cute and charming girl. In his annoyance [with the assassination] these past few days, he had forgotten about her.

Empress Dowager Xia’s face darkened immediately: “Don’t mention her! Is a bitch born from a lowly maidservant worthy of entering the harem? Aijia won’t allow you to bring her into the palace. How inappropriate.”

“The crown prince must come out of the womb of a di daughter of the Xia family!”

Xiao Weishen frowned but, in the end, he swallowed the words that came to his lips. Actually, he didn’t want the women of the Xia family to give birth to his children. His uncle was already very influential and if he⁹Prime Minister Xia had the [future] crown prince as an additional chess piece, it would be nigh impossible for him¹⁰Xiao Weishen to exercise his powers as the emperor properly.

But he didn’t say these words after all. He knew exactly how he got to this seat. Without his uncle’s help, he would have been thrown out long ago.

A few days later, Xiao Weiming hurriedly ran to see his seventh brother. This time, he didn’t try to cheat [money from] him again.

“What did you say?” Xiao Weixin turned back and stared at him, frowning.

Xiao Weiming hurriedly repeated: “It’s true! I came straight from the Sixth Imperial Uncle’s mansion. The Empress Dowager said it herself. She wants to marry that Xia Yinxiu to you and, for fear that you will long for her day and night, the marriage will take place as soon as possible to save [you] from worrying.”

As soon as he finished speaking, Xiao Weixin crushed the inkstone in his hand with an expressionless face, staining his hand with black ink.

The author has something to say: 

You Shu: First marriage then love!

Sudden excitement.jpg

T/N: I procrastinated so much on this chapter for some reason. I dragged for the first half and then suddenly got the motivation in the second half. My sister says it’s because those two annoying asshats raised my bp back to normal levels. I can’t even argue lmao. There won’t be a chapter tomorrow though because I am going on a road trip (FINALLY!). The next 2 chapters are fun so I will try to get them translated quickly <3<3

• 1
  没吃过猪肉，也见过猪跑 literally means “Never eaten pork but seen pigs run” ↩︎
• 2
  meaning that he has already figured out that he loves You Shu ↩︎
• 3
  心一横 : made up his mind to do something difficult or tough. It means a determination or a preparedness for the worst, a mentality of risking death to survive, or burning the boat ↩︎
• 4
  榆木疙瘩 means an elm knot. It’s used to describe people with stubborn, unchanging mindsets or those who are stupid and difficult to get through to. ↩︎
• 5
  义父 (yì fù) means adoptive father ↩︎
• 6
  “太岁” (Tài Suì) refers to the Grand Duke Jupiter or Tai Sui, a concept in Chinese astrology associated with a person’s astrological sign and potential bad luck in a particular year. ↩︎
• 7
  I am beginning to think that’s her catchphrase. You know, like “Off with his head!”. ↩︎
• 8
  of course it did…. egoistic bastard. He’s way too easy to manipulate wth. Throw a capable fmc (or Chi Xiaochi) in there and the whole kingdom would be set to rights within a few months. ↩︎
• 9
  Prime Minister Xia ↩︎
• 10
  Xiao Weishen ↩︎