Accidentally Having a Baby with the Future Emperor - Chapter 39 Part 2

The Thirteenth Protector was an honored guest invited by Assistant Prefect Yan Hemei and, as the adopted son of Prince Yan, his seating naturally outranked that of all the local nobles and officials, so he was placed in the main seat.

General Feiyu, the fiercest commander under Prince Yan and a court-appointed third-rank general, was seated second by default. However, he requested to sit alongside the Protector.

Originally, the third seat was meant for Assistant Prefect Yan Hemei, but Prefect Wu Zhiyin unexpectedly appeared and forcibly took the position. No matter how much authority the Assistant Prefect had, he could not overstep the prefect of the prefecture in public settings, so the third seat rightly became Wu Zhiyin’s. Yan Hemei’s seat was thus moved down to the fourth.

Even so, Yan Hemei was the first to lead several noble family heads over to greet Gu Rong and Xi Rong, who was disguised as General Feiyu.

Gu Rong raised his fan and said directly, “We’re all old acquaintances by now, there’s no need for formalities.”

At his words, the expressions of several nobles, especially Liu Xin and Feng Zhong, turned unpleasant. Feng Zhong in particular could barely contain his simmering resentment. Even knowing that Gu Rong was an adopted son of Prince Yan, he still remembered the public humiliation he had suffered from him at the mountain last time and the memory burned bitterly in his chest.

Xi Rong, for his part, sat in silence, emanating a chilling presence, treating the others as if they were invisible.

None of them dared to show the slightest hint of dissatisfaction.

After all, General Feiyu, Gongsun Yu, was infamous for his cold and eccentric nature. Other than Prince Yan, he acknowledged no one’s authority. That he was now willingly accompanying the green Thirteenth Protector surely meant it was on Prince Yan’s orders.

Yan Hemei remained humble.

“Protector’s arrival in Songzhou Prefecture caught me unprepared and I failed to offer a proper welcome; that was already a grave discourtesy. I cannot allow another misstep. Today, with you honoring me by overseeing the selection process, I am truly grateful. If I’ve served you poorly in any way, I beg your pardon.”

Wu Zhiyin, seated at the adjacent table, snorted coldly. “Lord Yan’s sentiment is so touching that even I feel moved. How could the Protector not be?”

Yan Hemei remained unbothered, as if he hadn’t heard, and took out a gift list from his sleeve, presenting it to Gu Rong.

“These are the rare items listed for tonight’s auction. I’m unsure which might suit His Highness’s tastes. I hope the Protector can help select a few.”

Gu Rong gave it a cursory glance and said, “No problem, I’ll take a look. But my adoptive father can’t stand gaudy gold and silver trinkets, so those can be removed straightaway. He might appreciate more tasteful things, like calligraphy or paintings by renowned masters. And what’s this ‘East Sea Ice Soul’? Sounds impressive. He’ll probably like that… Hmm, this white jade bed also sounds nice. Could look great in his central military tent…”

Behind them, the noble family heads all exchanged incredulous looks, their eyes filled with doubt as they stared at Gu Rong.

Prince Yan was a fearsome non-imperial prince who ruled the north and was famed as a god of war. It was one thing for him to indulge in luxury such as the white jade bed, but what calligraphy and paintings would he enjoy? Were they being mocked?

Even Jiang Cheng, Song Yang, and Zhou Wenhe, who stood quietly behind as attendants, felt their hearts lurch, cold sweat breaking out down their backs.

Only Yan Hemei’s gaze remained calm and thoughtful. He smiled mildly and said, “I have troubled you, Protector.”

Once Yan Hemei and his party had stepped away, Song Yang used the excuse of pouring tea to quietly warn, “Young master, please be cautious with your words. Yan Hemei is a known old fox, very deep and cunning. You’d best hold back a little…”

Gu Rong replied just as softly, “Don’t worry, sir. As the saying goes, ‘when falsehood is made real, even the real becomes false.’ Personal preferences are the most inscrutable of things. Who’s to say what one might like today and toss aside tomorrow? Just like your master, he seems to find even one more glance at me irritating right now. If we weren’t working together tonight, would he ever tolerate sitting at the same table as me?

“The more outrageous I sound, the less certain Yan Hemei becomes. That’s called strategic deception.”

Song Yang: “……”

Jiang Cheng and Zhou Wenhe, quietly listening: “……”

Only Xi Rong, still expressionless, seemed to fully approve.

Gu Rong adjusted his robes and sat upright, scanning the room before his gaze landed on Wu Zhiyin at the next table, who was also consulting with his advisor over a gift list. Gu Rong leaned in a little with a playful smile.

“Lord Wu, what birthday tribute are you planning for Prince Xiao? Would you like this humble Protector to help you choose?”

Wu Zhiyin reacted like he’d seen a ghost and immediately slapped his hand over the gift list. Forcing a smile, he said, “I appreciate the Protector’s kindness, but I’ve already made arrangements. I wouldn’t dare trouble you further.”

Inwardly, he thought, ‘I’d have to be kicked in the head by a donkey to let one of Prince Yan’s people pick out a gift for Prince Xiao! Everyone knew the two princes had long-standing grudges and were completely at odds. The Cui clan was even trying to recruit Prince Yan now to oppose the Xiao clan.’

And he didn’t know if it was just his imagination, but looking at the striking, radiant Protector, with that voice and that figure, something felt vaguely familiar, as if he’d seen the person somewhere before…

No, it must be his imagination.

He had only visited the northern territories once and he’d been unfortunate enough to witness Prince Yan carrying out military justice, leaving severed heads hanging outside the camp gates. He’d had nightmares for weeks after returning. He swore he’d never go back there again in this lifetime.

Gu Rong snapped open his fan and gave it two slow waves. “If you ask me, when giving a gift, if you’re going to give something, give the best.

“This year’s centerpiece of the Golden Lantern Pavilion auction is that so-called East Sea Ice Soul, isn’t it? Lord Wu, you’d best go easy and let Lord Yan have it. If that treasure ends up in Prince Xiao’s hands, my father will be furious. Right, General Feiyu?”

“Correct.”

Apparently, the moment had finally arrived for him to speak and Xi Rong deigned to open his mouth.

“With His Highness’s temper, he’ll likely even hold Lord Yan accountable.”

“Exactly.” Gu Rong wore a look of sympathy. “But I’ve always heard Lord Wu is one who deeply values camaraderie. I’m sure he’ll yield to Lord Yan. Lord Yan has treated me well, I ought to do my best for his sake.”

“Protector, you’ve spoken quite a bit today. Have some tea to soothe your throat.”

‘General Feiyu’ seemed to think the Protector talked too much and pushed the cup of freshly poured tea toward him.

Gu Rong accepted it with a cheerful smile. “Much obliged, General.”

Xi Rong said nothing, but then also took the plate of delicately crafted lotus-shaped pastries dusted with golden osmanthus that had been placed in front of him and slid it over to Gu Rong.

Wu Zhiyin gave his advisor a look; the advisor understood and quietly withdrew.

There were many treasures gathered for display at the Golden Lantern Pavilion event. To help guests make their selections, some of the items were previewed on each floor before the formal auction began.

Gu Rong immediately voiced his interest in seeing the legendary Gu King from the Western Regions.

“If you’re not interested, brother, feel free to see other things. I’ll go take a look myself,” Gu Rong said considerately.

“Let’s go together.” Xi Rong rose without expression.

The Gu King was being exhibited on the second floor. After asking for the location, the group made their way up the wooden stairs. Jiang Cheng deliberately lagged behind, using the opportunity to scout for any ambushes within the pavilion.

Unlike other treasures displayed in elegant boxes, the Gu King could not be exposed to light and was kept in a pitch-dark enclosure, shrouded with thick black curtains. The air of mystery drew many curious guests, crowding the tiny space until it was impossible to squeeze in.

Standing at the edge of the crowd, Gu Rong sighed in frustration. “It’s over. There’ll be so many people fighting me for it later.”

Xi Rong stood with his hands behind his back. “You want to see it?”

Gu Rong nodded. Then he sighed, “Forget it, by the time I get in line, it’ll be next year. I’ll just bid on it directly later—”

Before he could finish speaking, someone took his hand.

Xi Rong, leveraging his height, dragged him forward into the crowd. Several onlookers were about to curse, but upon seeing Xi Rong’s mask and realizing who he must be, they immediately went silent, fear stiffening their tongues. Xi Rong shielded most of the impact, so Gu Rong barely felt a thing. In a blink, they were at the very front.

Inside the pitch-black enclosure lay a translucent jade piece, clear as amber.

The rumored Gu King from the Western Regions was sealed within the heart of the jade.

Although the creature was minuscule, nearly invisible to the eye, Gu Rong could clearly see, up close, a glimmering speck of light at the jade’s core, twinkling like a star. He was entranced.

“How much to buy it?” he asked the attendant nearby.

The servant bowed politely. “Honored guest, the Gu King of the Western Regions is a once-in-a-century rarity. Starting bid is one thousand taels of gold.”

“One thousand…” Gu Rong winced. All the banknotes he carried combined would barely cover half that. He turned and looked at Xi Rong.

Xi Rong looked back mercilessly. “Why are you looking at me? I didn’t bring much money.”

Gu Rong: “……”

Suddenly, someone unaware of the situation pushed forward from behind and Gu Rong, caught off guard, stumbled and fell forward, only to be caught by an arm that hooked firmly around his waist, pulling him into a firm chest.

The one who’d shoved him instead fell flat on their face.

Pressed against that familiar chest, Gu Rong looked up with a bright smile. “Changed your mind, brother?”

Xi Rong lowered his gaze. His wide palm tightened around that slender waist, eyes still cold as he said, “If the young master is willing to trade something else, I wouldn’t mind spending a little more.”

“…………”

That hand on his waist was so firm, Gu Rong instantly understood the hidden meaning. He straightened with a dry cough, his face full of sudden moral clarity. “You’re right, brother. I shouldn’t squander money like this or let myself be distracted by trivial things. I must seriously reflect on my behavior! Let’s head back.”

He adjusted his rumpled robe and strode out ahead.,
Xi Rong followed at a calm, unhurried pace.

In an unnoticed corner on the second floor, a figure stood quietly behind a curtain of golden beaded threads, silently watching the two figures departing across the way, especially Xi Rong, who walked behind with his hands clasped behind his back, only the sweeping hem of his cloud-white robe marked with golden lotuses visible.

At that moment, Cui Jiu, the chief steward of the Cui clan, revered throughout Songzhou Prefecture as an honored guest, was standing respectfully outside the curtain, slightly bowed. Clearly, the person within was of extraordinary status.

“To think he’s pouring tea, fetching water, passing pastries; who would’ve imagined that one day, His Highness the Crown Prince, renowned for his unyielding backbone, would be doing things like this?”

The person inside had clearly been standing there for some time, watching the scene below for a long while. Now, they spoke with unclear meaning.

Cui Jiu, reading his tone, bowed lower with a smile. “Young master mustn’t forget, the identity he’s playing now is General Feiyu. It’s said that although the Thirteenth Protector is far inferior in military merit and skill compared to the other twelve Protectors, for reasons unknown, he enjoys great favor from Prince Yan. Naturally, ‘General Feiyu’ must serve him with full devotion to keep up appearances.”

The person inside said nothing more.

Cui Jiu added, “Yan Hemei says everything has been arranged. If he dares to come here, he must have some heaven-reaching abilities but he won’t be leaving the Golden Lantern Pavilion unscathed tonight. When he’s run out of options, he’ll have no choice but to kneel before you, tail between his legs and pleading for mercy. And that so-called ‘unyielding spirit,’ how much will that be worth then?”

The author has something to say:

Baby Rongrong: He really doesn’t love me anymore; he’s not even willing to spend money on me!
Thank you all, enjoy reading.