Accidentally Having a Baby with the Future Emperor - Chapter 39 Part 1

Wu Zhiyin, accompanied by his steward and a retinue of servants, swaggered into the manor.

At last, Yan Hemei’s long, narrow face darkened.

“Master.”

A trusted aide hurried up and reported, “A few officials and noble family heads close to Wu Zhiyin have also arrived. They came after hearing news of Prince Xiao’s birthday and are here to choose a suitable tribute.

“But it’s strange. Ever since that year when Wu Zhiyin got thrown out of the Jade Dragon Terrace by Prince Xiao’s heir for composing an overly flattering birthday ode, he’s been cautious and never dared to send anything to Prince Xiao again. Why the sudden change this year? Could he have finally wormed his way into the Xiao clan?”

Yan Hemei scoffed. “That Prince Xiao is no fool. Why would he value someone like Wu? I’m more concerned that there might be other unexpected developments…”

The aide said, “My lord must still remain vigilant. Wu Zhiyin may be mediocre and incompetent, but he’s still the Prefect of Songzhou Prefecture. This place is wealthy and a key tax region for Da’an. It’s not impossible Prince Xiao would be interested in establishing influence here.”

Yan Hemei’s long brows furrowed even tighter.

He asked, “What’s the situation with the Thirteen Protectors?”

The trusted aide replied, “Please rest assured, my lord. According to your instructions, the man has been arranged to stay at Songfeng Pavilion. However, I heard that the Thirteenth Protector is extremely picky. He nitpicked endlessly about the pavilion’s furnishings and even complained that the tea was too coarse. But the tea offered there is clearly the finest grade of white tea.”

“If he weren’t picky, he wouldn’t be Jing Xi,” came the calm response.

Yan Hemei’s gaze grew more cautious. “Whatever he wants, see that he gets it. Do not risk displeasing him. As for Wu Zhiyin, have someone keep a close eye on him as well. Tonight’s Golden Lantern Pavilion Gathering is of utmost importance. Nothing must go wrong.”

The aide acknowledged the order.

In Songfeng Pavilion.

Jiang Cheng stood outside the pavilion, watching the attendants go in and out three times, replacing all the utensils with uniform golden goblets and jade cups. The tea had also been rebrewed three times. They were just short of replacing the carpets with literal gold bricks. He couldn’t help but marvel inwardly that the young gentleman sure knew how to put on a performance and cause a fuss.

Even His Highness back in the Eastern Palace hadn’t been so fastidious.

As for the newly delivered tea, Gu Rong only gave a half-hearted comment, “It’s passable. The brewing is at least done properly this time. But the charcoal used in the stove isn’t great.”

The attendants looked at each other in confusion.

The head servant quickly asked respectfully, “Shall we prepare another pot for the Protector?”

“No need. Asking you to source charcoal on short notice is a bit much. It’s just a pot of tea, I’ll make do,” Gu Rong, seated behind the round table with a folding fan in hand, lightly tapped his palm with it in a leisurely manner as he spoke generously.

The attendants instantly looked as if they had been granted amnesty. After all, they had already been tormented for nearly half an hour!

Once the attendants had left, Gu Rong slowly poured himself a bowl of tea. Just as he was about to drink it, he seemed to think better of it and turned to the man sitting on the bed with his eyes closed as if meditating. “Brother, would you like some?”

It was the first thing either of them had said since entering the room.

With his eyes still closed, Xi Rong replied blandly, “No need.”

“Oh. Then I’ll drink it myself.”

As soon as he said this, a sharp crash suddenly rang out in the room, followed by a startled cry.

Xi Rong’s eyes snapped open. He followed the sound and saw that a teacup full of steaming tea had fallen to the floor. The fine white jade cup had shattered into several pieces and tea was still steaming as it spread across the floor.

Xi Rong immediately got up and strode over. “Are you alright?” He looked at Gu Rong, who was examining his fingers.

“I think I got burned a little,” Gu Rong replied.

“Let me see.”

Without waiting for permission, Xi Rong took Gu Rong’s hand and began to examine it carefully. Two fingers were indeed slightly red, although not badly injured.

“Does it hurt?” he asked.

When no answer came after a long pause, he looked down only to find Gu Rong, at some point, had raised his lovely black eyes and was watching him with a sly grin, his chin propped up by the tip of his folding fan.

The bright silk robe outlined the youth’s graceful figure perfectly and that flawless, pale neck stood out even as he sat casually behind the table. It was an effortlessly beautiful sight.

Xi Rong suddenly understood something and his gaze darkened. “You did that on purpose?”

Gu Rong’s eyes remained crescent-shaped with his smile, like a cunning little fox. “I just wanted to see if you really intended to keep ignoring me, brother. We’ve worked so well together today. If you keep refusing to speak to me, how are we supposed to collaborate? I can’t just keep talking to myself, can I?”

Xi Rong stared at him for a moment and then said, “When I need to speak, I will.”

Gu Rong shook his head with a sigh. “Brother, don’t you think it’s really dull and awkward for us to sit in the same room without speaking?”

“Dull?” Xi Rong’s expression didn’t change. “You seem pretty good at amusing yourself. Shall I call those servants back in so they can brew you another pot of tea?”

Gu Rong hadn’t expected even that to be seen through. So he followed along and said, “It’s only because you were ignoring me that I found this way to pass the time.”

Xi Rong seemed surprised. “Oh? I didn’t realize I held such an important place in the young master’s heart.”

Gu Rong smiled and nodded. “Naturally. I’ve always admired you, brother.”

Xi Rong’s expression grew even more astonished. “Do you admire me for my wealth, my power, or the fact that all my guards are skilled in martial arts?”

Gu Rong: “…………”

There was really no way to keep the conversation going.

Fortunately, just then, a servant arrived to report that the appraisal event was about to begin and invited the Thirteenth Protector into the Golden Lantern Pavilion to evaluate the treasures.

Gu Rong acknowledged the message, tidied himself up briefly, and then headed toward the Golden Lantern Pavilion with Xi Rong, Jiang Cheng, and the others.

With the servant leading the way, Jiang Cheng took the opportunity to speak to Xi Rong quietly, “I did a brief sweep earlier. Just around Songfeng Pavilion alone, there are nearly three hundred men lying in ambush. There are likely even more inside the Golden Lantern Pavilion. Also, the pavilion has one rule: no guest may enter carrying any weapons.”

Xi Rong nodded.

As the appraisal event drew near, the entire Golden Lantern Pavilion shone resplendently, bright as daylight. On the lake, all manner of nobles and officials in ornate robes shuttled back and forth, while maidservants clad in fine garments and wearing flying fairy buns carried golden trays in a flowing procession into the pavilion.

The pathway across the lake leading to the pavilion was also covered in luxurious, soft silk. As Gu Rong’s group walked forward and neared the main entrance of the Golden Lantern Pavilion, another grand party approached from the opposite direction. At the front was a man in a purple robe and jade crown, with bold, flamboyant features. It was none other than Yan Hemei’s son, Yan Maocai.

It was no surprise that Yan Maocai would attend the event. What truly caught Gu Rong off guard were the two plainly dressed scholars trailing behind him, Ji Ziqing and Zhang Jiuyi, whom they had just met on the mountain not long ago.

On the opposite side, Yan Maocai also lit up at the sight and halted.

“This humble one greets the Thirteenth Protector,” he said, stepping forward with a courteous bow to Gu Rong. His eyes couldn’t help but linger on Gu Rong as he said, “If the Protector fancies anything during the event, just say the word, and I will personally present it to you.”

Gu Rong tapped his folding fan. “I appreciate your kind intentions, Young Master Yan, but I’ve done nothing to earn such generosity. I couldn’t possibly accept your gift for no reason.”

“Protector, you are too modest. Since you’ve honored us with your presence here in Songzhou Prefecture, how could I not offer proper hospitality? Please, don’t be so formal with me,” Yan Maocai said with growing eagerness.

Gu Rong smiled and nodded. “Very well, we shall see.” He then gestured toward Ji Ziqing and Zhang Jiuyi. “And these two?”

Pride flickered in Yan Maocai’s eyes. “Two new advisors I’ve recently taken in. Quite talented, although admittedly a bit shabby in appearance. I brought them along today to broaden their horizons. You two, come greet the Protector.”

Zhang Jiuyi was so shocked to see Gu Rong that he stood there with his mouth agape, clearly unable to comprehend how the same man had suddenly become the Thirteenth Protector of Prince Yan.

Thankfully, Ji Ziqing reacted quickly and pulled him forward to pay respects.

Yan Maocai said, “They’re unfamiliar with proper etiquette. Forgive them for the lapse, Protector.” He then turned and sternly scolded the two, lecturing them on the importance of propriety and not bringing shame to him in public.

Zhang Jiuyi clenched his fists, face full of silent indignation, while Ji Ziqing remained calm and responded obediently.

Gu Rong was surprised.

Back at Huanghe Tower, Ji Ziqing had endured a brutal beating from Yan Maocai without submitting to his tyranny, so how had he suddenly become one of his advisors in just a few days?

But Gu Rong only smiled and told them not to stand on ceremony, asking nothing more.

Inside the Golden Lantern Pavilion, the guests had already filled the seats. Seven massive lotus-shaped golden lanterns hung from the center. The middle of the pavilion was hollowed out and connected by a series of spiral wooden staircases. From the first to the seventh floor, all levels were lined with various treasures on display.

All guests were seated uniformly in the main hall on the first floor. Once the auction officially began, each treasure would be placed in a transparent crystal box, suspended in the center of the seven lotus lanterns by a special mechanism for all to bid on.

As expected, everyone was asked to surrender their weapons before entering.

Jiang Cheng and the guards removed their swords, but Xi Rong did not move.

A servant was about to ask Xi Rong to hand over his sword when Gu Rong cut in directly, “Tell your Lord Yan this: General Feiyu never parts with his sword. If that’s a problem, we’ll leave. Simple as that.”

The servant hurried off to report and soon returned, bowing deeply to Gu Rong. “Forgive our earlier rudeness, Protector and General. The General may keep his sword.”

Word of the Thirteenth Protector of Prince Yan appearing in Songzhou Prefecture had already spread among the noble clans, so the moment Gu Rong stepped into the pavilion, countless eyes turned to him.

Although it had long been rumored that the Thirteenth Protector Jing Xi was extraordinarily handsome, when the youth truly entered, draped in flowing robes and jade adornments, a feather pendant at his waist, moving with elegant ease, everyone was still involuntarily struck by awe, feeling as if even the dazzling light of the seven golden lotus lanterns had dimmed in his presence.

It was no wonder Prince Yan favored the Thirteenth Protector above all his adopted sons.