Accidentally Having a Baby with the Future Emperor - Chapter 48

“I’ve received your heartfelt intention but let’s set this aside. Living up in the mountains, I have no use for money.”

Gu Rong played with the key for a while and then finally placed it back beside Xi Rong’s pillow.

First, he truly wasn’t that fond of squandering money. Second, how long their relationship would last was still uncertain. Accepting something so valuable would be like placing an invisible moral shackle on top of their physical intimacy. If one day he grew tired of Xi Rong, or Xi Rong tired of him, such a large financial entanglement would only complicate things.

Love, after all, was best when it flowed naturally, sweet and entangled while they fancied each other, and cleanly parted with no hard feelings when they no longer did. That was the ideal, most straightforward way. He intended to live in the mountains for life, but as Uncle Cen had said, the bitterness and loneliness of seclusion weren’t something most people could bear. Although they shared mutual affection now, Gu Rong never expected Xi Rong to follow his way of life.

It simply wasn’t realistic.

And perhaps this once again revealed the stone-hearted part of him that, even at the height of passion, he was already contemplating their possible breakup.

Xi Rong was a little taken aback. After all, he had genuinely deliberated over this all night. He’d thought it was the most honest, earnest way to express his commitment, more meaningful than any other token.

He hadn’t expected Gu Rong to reject it.

Although he was the Crown Prince and ruled his subordinates with both kindness and force, decisive and efficient in official matters, he was completely inexperienced in love. Xi Rong couldn’t help but feel uneasy. “Was I too presumptuous? Did I offend you?” he asked, a rare note of nervousness in his voice.

Gu Rong shook his head. “Not at all. To be honest, I was surprised you’d give me something so important. But precisely because it’s so weighty that if I accepted it, I’d feel pressured.”

So it was too much. Xi Rong regretted not preparing better. It had indeed been too abrupt. He immediately said, “You don’t have to feel pressured. I gave it to you of my own will. I only regret not being able to give you even more.”

Gu Rong nodded again. “I understand your kindness. But I don’t want you to think I’m with you for your money.”

Xi Rong froze.

That hadn’t even occurred to him but in that instant, all the nervousness and doubt in his heart melted away, replaced by a wave of sudden, overwhelming joy and emotion. Honestly, even if part of the reason had been his money, he’d still have accepted it.

As long as it was his money and not someone else’s.

Loving wealth wasn’t something unforgivable. In fact, he understood it well. Gu Rong had lived in the mountains for years, in rough conditions, eating poorly, so he likely went hungry often. His clothes and shoes, no doubt, were worn until they were patched beyond recognition. In such circumstances, it was perfectly normal to care about money. Otherwise, why would such a delicate scholar, who didn’t even know how to wield a blade, risk raising those troublesome Gu worms to sell on the black market?

And yet, now he said that being with him had nothing to do with wealth.

That could only mean…

It was he, as a person, that Gu Rong had chosen.

How could Xi Rong not be delighted by that?

Xi Rong took a deep breath, joy surging in his eyes, and said solemnly, “I’m sorry, Rongrong. I didn’t think things through. I was too focused on being good to you and forgot to consider your feelings. It’s inconvenient up here in the mountains and I have nothing else of value on me. In the future, I’ll give you something else, all right?”

Xi Rong did have a jade pendant on him, but it was too distinctive and might bring danger to Gu Rong. Until he had fully resolved the trouble he was in, he dared not give it away lightly.

Gu Rong, naturally, had no objections. He said, “Let me change your dressing.”

Xi Rong smiled and nodded.

Once the wound was tended, Song Yang brought breakfast.

As Xi Rong was still gravely injured and couldn’t move around, he had to eat in bed. Song Yang, ever considerate, brought in two portions and asked, “Why not let the young master eat here with our master?” He then added a flimsy excuse, “We don’t know any medicine, after all. We’ll need to trouble the young master to keep an eye on him.”

The two were caught up in the sweet flush of new love, naturally wishing to stay close at all times, so Gu Rong nodded. But out of courtesy, he still said to Xi Rong, “You eat first. I’ll go inform my two old friends.”

“All right.” Xi Rong smiled as he watched him leave and then let Song Yang help him sit up.

Song Yang whispered, “Congratulations, Your Highness, on getting your wish.”

Xi Rong wasn’t aware Song Yang had overheard anything and asked, “How do you know?”

Song Yang chuckled. “That young master looks at you like his eyes are soaked in honey. If he could, he’d glue his gaze to you. It’s completely different from before. I may not be bright, but I’m not blind, so of course I noticed.”

Xi Rong was clearly pleased by his words. His smile deepened. “To be honest, even I’m surprised. Even now, it feels a little too good to be true.”

Song Yang said, “Your Highness risked your life for him, without a second thought. If I were in his place, I would’ve been deeply moved as well. This was earned with Your Highness’s genuine heart and sincerity. I truly feel happy for you.”

Xi Rong replied, “He saved me many times as well. Now that he’s willing to be with me, I’ll treat him well and never fail him.”

Song Yang had never seen such gentle, tender affection on his master’s face before. He couldn’t help but say, “That young master really is Your Highness’s lucky star. And if those two recluses here really are the legendary Sages of Qizhou, then this is a great stroke of fortune for Your Highness.

“It’s said those two sages never concern themselves with court matters, but are truly learned masters, well versed in everything from astronomy to geography, knowing all things under heaven. In the late emperor’s reign, the Cui clan was all-powerful and their influence overwhelming. The entire court followed their lead. These two sages were disgusted by the corruption and withdrew in anger. The late emperor greatly regretted this and sent emissaries many times to invite them back to serve the nation. But upon hearing this, the two sages immediately packed and left overnight, unwilling to ever accept an official post again. Truly admirable and worthy of respect.”

Xi Rong suddenly looked at him. “You seem especially cheerful today, sir.”

Song Yang instinctively touched his own face and then surprisingly blushed and offered a sheepish smile. “To be honest, Your Highness, I’ve long admired the two sages since my days in the countryside. I never thought I’d actually meet them in this lifetime, so I’m a little excited.”

Song Yang had risen early that morning and worked diligently to prepare breakfast, first to make up for their abrupt arrival the day before, and second in hopes that if the two sages were pleased with the meal, they might give him a chance to ask for guidance.

***

“You’re not eating with us?”

In the courtyard, Shang Buyu and Cen Yun sat behind a stone table and looked at Gu Rong with suspicion. “Then where are you going to eat?”

Gu Rong remained calm. “The east room. My friend’s condition is still unstable and I need to keep an eye on him. I’ll eat with you two tomorrow.” Without giving them a chance to question further, he offered a polite bow, casually picked up two steamed cornbreads from the table, and turned to head back toward the east room.

The two elders exchanged a look.

Cen Yun had a look like he’d seen a ghost. “He’s been in that room since this morning and hasn’t come out. And now he’s going back to eat with him? Even if he’s worried about a friend, isn’t he a bit too worried? We had friends too when we were young. Were we ever like this?”

Shang Buyu slowly shook his head. “Enough. How does the saying go? ‘If you’re not deaf and not blind, don’t meddle as an elder.’ We’re old now, it’s best not to interfere in how young people make friends.”

“You say that now, but yesterday you were still saying—”

“I was just talking. That Rongrong boy has always had his own mind. Even if you want to interfere, can you? Say too much and you’ll just annoy him. Besides, young people value kindred spirits. If they’ve found someone who truly matches them, of course they’d want to stay together all the time. Since we claim to be men beyond worldly affairs, we shouldn’t judge others with a narrow view.”

Cen Yun nodded. “You’re right. We really shouldn’t meddle in such things. Leave the headache to someone else in the future.”

***

Xi Rong remained bedridden for three days and by the fourth day, he could already walk around as usual. The first thing he did was head to the main house to thank Shang Buyu and Cen Yun in person.

The two were magnanimous and said, “Since you’re Rongrong’s friend, just rest and recover here in peace.”

Xi Rong sincerely thanked them again.

Shang Buyu suddenly said, “We’re planning to go fishing by the river later. Are you interested in joining us?”

Xi Rong smiled. “With seniors extending the invitation, it would be my honor.”

So after breakfast, the group set off toward the river with fishing gear in hand.

At this time of year, the streams and rivers deep in the mountains were in a half-frozen state; thawed, yet not fully. Shang Buyu and Cen Yun sat down at their usual fishing spot. Shang Buyu pointed to another area and said to Xi Rong, “It’s too noisy with everyone huddled together; the fish won’t dare take the bait. Go fish over there.”

Song Yang and the other two were momentarily stunned.

Because the area Shang Buyu pointed to was still partially frozen. Ice chunks floated visibly across the surface.

Xi Rong, however, remained composed and replied, “This junior shall obey.” Then, without hesitation, he picked up the fishing gear that Shang Buyu had tossed over and walked away.

Gu Rong wanted to follow him but was stopped by Shang Buyu. “Where do you think you’re going? Sit still and help your Uncle Cen bait the hooks.”

Gu Rong had no choice but to obediently sit down, spread out his robe, and start skewering bait onto the hooks. He muttered, “Uncle, why are you deliberately making things difficult? There’s no way to catch any fish over there.”

“Why not?” Cen Yun huffed, “You’ve studied under your master for so many years and you’ve never heard the saying ‘where there’s a will, there’s a way’? Your Uncle Shang is giving him a chance to prove himself. And you, brat, aren’t even worried about us two old men not catching anything. You’ve only known that fellow for a few days and you’re already taking his side.”

Gu Rong immediately smiled sweetly. “How could I? I’m just afraid he’s not skilled enough and would waste Uncle’s well-meant test. You two are masters of fishing, so you don’t need me to worry.”

Although he said this, of course Gu Rong couldn’t truly remain indifferent to what was happening across the river. Because, judging from what he knew of his two uncles, they definitely had more tricks up their sleeves.

Over on the other side, at the new fishing spot, Song Yang and the others stared dumbfounded when they saw the fishing gear Xi Rong brought out.

The hook was completely straight.

“How do we fish with this? Did that senior give master the wrong one?” Jiang Cheng frowned.

“Let’s just make do,” Xi Rong said calmly. He sat down, baited the hook, secured it simply with a blade of grass, and cast it into the water.

The method worked only briefly because the current in the downstream area quickly carried the bait away. Half an hour later, Shang Buyu and Cen Yun had already caught several large, fat fish. Xi Rong’s bucket remained empty.

Cen Yun deliberately raised his voice. “Old Shang, what did I tell you? These youngsters nowadays have high expectations but low ability. Just because they’ve read a few books and learned a bit of martial arts, they think they’re something. But they can’t even handle a simple task like fishing.” He then glanced sidelong at the young man beside him. “Rongrong, am I right?”

The author has something to say:

Xi the Dog: (expressionless) Marrying a wife is so hard.
Author: We’re just getting started, you’ll need to get used to the pace.
Thank you all, happy reading!