{"id":7015,"date":"2025-05-20T10:05:52","date_gmt":"2025-05-20T08:05:52","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/ontimestory.eu\/?p=7015"},"modified":"2025-05-20T10:05:52","modified_gmt":"2025-05-20T08:05:52","slug":"your-majesty-you-mustnt-chapter-66-its-all-yours","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/ontimestory.eu\/index.php\/2025\/05\/20\/your-majesty-you-mustnt-chapter-66-its-all-yours\/","title":{"rendered":"Your Majesty, you mustn’t! – Chapter 66: It’s all yours"},"content":{"rendered":"\r\n

Qu Yunmie\u2019s expression didn\u2019t look too pleased.<\/span><\/p>\r\n

Xiao Rong more or less knew why. Qu Yunmie was a stubborn person who disliked change. If it weren\u2019t for the many hidden dangers in the world, he wouldn\u2019t have even wanted to become warden and King of the North\u2014he would\u2019ve happily spent his whole life as a general leading troops into battle.<\/span><\/p>\r\n

During Xiao Rong\u2019s time by his side, the only time Qu Yunmie smiled in satisfaction was when Yu Shaocheng came to join them. No matter who arrived at the Northern Army, Qu Yunmie always greeted them with a sour face the first time they met\u2014even Xiao Rong wasn\u2019t an exception.<\/span><\/p>\r\n

The monk and Xiao Rong were alike\u2014both had clear goals and strong minds\u2014so neither of them cared about Qu Yunmie\u2019s attitude. Song Shuo was different. He had been dragged onto this ship by Xiao Rong. He was a mix of cunning and naivety and backed by a powerful family. If he felt offended, even Xiao Rong wouldn\u2019t be able to pacify him.<\/span><\/p>\r\n

The moment Qu Yunmie went silent, Xiao Rong knew something was wrong. He quickly turned and smiled at Song Shuo. “Alright, things were a bit rushed last night, and we didn\u2019t get a chance to let Young Master Song pay his respects to His Majesty. Now that you\u2019ve met him and the King needs rest, how about you return first? Once we arrive in Chenliu, there will be plenty of time to talk.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\r\n

Song Shuo glanced at him, eyes full of meaning. Then, all of a sudden, he smiled, cupped his hands in a polite gesture, and obediently turned to leave.<\/span><\/p>\r\n

Xiao Rong smiled as he watched him go. Once the curtain had fallen back down, his polite expression vanished in a second. He turned his attention back to Qu Yunmie.<\/span><\/p>\r\n

They spoke at the same time:<\/span><\/p>\r\n

\u201cYou were too rude, Your Majesty!\u201d\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\r\n

\u201cThis is the gift you spoke of?!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\r\n

Xiao Rong: \u201c\u2026\u201d<\/span><\/p>\r\n

Qu Yunmie: \u201c\u2026\u201d<\/span><\/p>\r\n

Both were stunned for a moment. Xiao Rong was the first to speak. “What\u2019s wrong with the gift? Your Majesty may not know, but Song Shuo\u2019s talents are no less than mine. He has the abilities of a Grand Chancellor! A single Song Shuo is worth a thousand troops!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\r\n

Qu Yunmie snorted. “A Grand Chancellor\u2019s talents? Or the ability to eat candy?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\r\n

Xiao Rong: \u201c\u2026\u201d<\/span><\/p>\r\n

He continued defending Song Shuo. “He may be a bit arrogant, but hasn\u2019t he earned that right?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\r\n

Qu Yunmie remained unconvinced. “It\u2019s not up to him to decide whether he has the right\u2014it\u2019s up to me. As a scholar, he behaves with no manners. You wonder why I didn\u2019t say anything to him earlier\u2014he walked in here with a piece of candy in his mouth! How disgraceful!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\r\n

Xiao Rong: \u201c\u2026\u201d<\/span><\/p>\r\n

Since when did you care about such things? You just don\u2019t like him and are picking a fight.<\/span><\/p>\r\n

He took a deep breath and said, “That\u2019s not the same. Young Master Song holds no official post. He\u2019s still considered my guest. Is Your Majesty also my guest?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\r\n

Qu Yunmie\u2019s expression softened a little, but he wasn\u2019t ready to let Xiao Rong off the hook just yet. “Alright, suppose your argument makes sense. But do you really think I\u2019ll accept this as your so-called grand gift?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\r\n

Xiao Rong stared at him silently. “Then what does Your Majesty want?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\r\n

Qu Yunmie glanced at him. “A gift should cater to the recipient\u2019s interests.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\r\n

Xiao Rong: \u201c\u2026\u201d<\/span><\/p>\r\n

He\u2019s making things difficult on purpose.<\/span><\/p>\r\n

What interests did Qu Yunmie even have? War and fighting, that\u2019s it. Xiao Rong couldn\u2019t fulfill either. With his frail body, he\u2019d probably die on the spot like that performer Xizhu even before the first punch landed.<\/span><\/p>\r\n

He wasn\u2019t fond of luxury or enjoyment. His lifestyle was as simple and boring as his personality.<\/span><\/p>\r\n

The only time Xiao Rong had seen him visibly pleased was when he got his hands on the principal\u2019s treasured sword, but Xiao Rong had no intention of gifting that sword.<\/span><\/p>\r\n

Pressing his lips together, Xiao Rong said, “Then I\u2019ll think about it again. I ask Your Majesty to wait patiently for the surprise.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\r\n

He hadn\u2019t expected Qu Yunmie to agree\u2014he thought this nonsense wouldn\u2019t work.<\/span><\/p>\r\n

Glancing down at the white bandages wrapped around his waist, Qu Yunmie thought to himself, \u2018If I had known getting injured was this effective, I\u2019d have used this trick long ago.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\r\n

 <\/p>\r\n

\u2026<\/span><\/p>\r\n

 <\/p>\r\n

Feeling that Qu Yunmie had been pacified, Xiao Rong sat at his bedside again and brought up Song Shuo\u2019s value once more. He was afraid Qu Yunmie would treat Song Shuo like he did the monk\u2014rude and dismissive. Though Qu Yunmie had promised not to act that way again, Song Shuo was far more provoking, and if he irritated Qu Yunmie, who knew what might happen?<\/span><\/p>\r\n

Xiao Rong used emotion and logic, talking about the discrimination Song Shuo had suffered in Jinling, and the awkward standing of the Song family in the South. To help build some goodwill, he even brought up Song Shuo\u2019s grandmother, knowing that Qu Yunmie at least respected elders\u2014he had always treated Madam Chen well.<\/span><\/p>\r\n

As Xiao Rong spoke earnestly, he didn\u2019t notice the subtle shift in Qu Yunmie\u2019s gaze. Nor did he realize his words were having an effect\u2014just not the kind he expected.<\/span><\/p>\r\n

Qu Yunmie thought: Unruly, arrogant, born into nobility, isolated and struggling alone\u2026 and he has a weak constitution, with a doting grandmother.<\/span><\/p>\r\n

Huh\u2014he was a lot like Xiao Rong. Well\u2026 not exactly. In every way, he was a bit inferior. Looks and temperament\u2014Qu Yunmie could see that plainly. As for talent\u2026 Well, if he was lacking in other areas, then talent probably wasn\u2019t his strength either.<\/span><\/p>\r\n

His dislike for the monk had reached a peak, and it would be hard for anyone else to receive the same treatment. With Song Shuo, at worst he found him annoying\u2014not hateful. Now, after hearing Xiao Rong\u2019s words, he softened a bit.<\/span><\/p>\r\n

Xiao Rong never spoke about his past, and when he did, it always sounded tragic\u2014like when he and Ah Shu traveled alone and were attacked by bandits or nearly kidnapped. Xiao Rong always made Ah Shu hide while he faced danger. He always came through unscathed, but Ah Shu still trembled when recalling it.<\/span><\/p>\r\n

They were poor too\u2014living frugally every day. At first, they hired carriages, then ox-carts, and finally donkey carts. If not for Xiao Rong\u2019s weak health, he\u2019d have walked the entire way to save money.<\/span><\/p>\r\n

Before Qu Yunmie found him, Xiao Rong lived a life of hardship.<\/span><\/p>\r\n

What was past couldn\u2019t be undone. Xiao Rong didn\u2019t like bringing it up, and Qu Yunmie wouldn\u2019t ask. Yet sometimes, after training, when he stared into the distant sky catching his breath, he would remember those things\u2014and feel regret.<\/span><\/p>\r\n

If only we\u2019d met earlier, he thought.<\/span><\/p>\r\n

Even so, that was impossible. He couldn\u2019t erase Xiao Rong\u2019s painful past. It was a permanent regret\u2014a secret Xiao Rong might never share.<\/span><\/p>\r\n

Now, hearing how difficult Song Shuo\u2019s life had been, Qu Yunmie couldn\u2019t help but compare\u2014and in doing so, grew more sympathetic.<\/span><\/p>\r\n

After a long silence, Qu Yunmie said, “If that\u2019s the case, let him stay.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\r\n

Xiao Rong\u2019s voice caught in his throat. He looked at Qu Yunmie in shock. “You\u2019ve changed your mind?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\r\n

Qu Yunmie replied, “I never intended to drive him away. Mister Gao has always hoped for more scholars to join us. Since you believe Song Shuo is capable, why would I object?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\r\n

Xiao Rong: \u201c\u2026\u201d<\/span><\/p>\r\n

That\u2019s not what you said earlier.<\/span><\/p>\r\n

No matter how much he tried to subtly probe, Qu Yunmie\u2019s stance remained the same\u2014and it seemed genuine, not an act to please him.<\/span><\/p>\r\n

Was this what they meant by \u2018red rain from the heavens\u2019?<\/span><\/p>\r\n

This was the outcome Xiao Rong had worked for, but now that he had it, his feelings were\u2026 complicated.<\/span><\/p>\r\n

Song Shuo was more attractive than him\u2014could that be why Qu Yunmie suddenly saw him in a different light?<\/span><\/p>\r\n

After all, when he himself had first arrived, Qu Yunmie had treated him like a conman and a spy, and had nearly had him killed!<\/span><\/p>\r\n

Watching Xiao Rong\u2019s shifting expressions, Qu Yunmie grew confused. He\u2019d already been so generous\u2014why did Xiao Rong still look unsatisfied?<\/span><\/p>\r\n

Xiao Rong didn\u2019t say anything. He told Qu Yunmie to stay in bed and not sneak out, then claimed he had something to do and left.<\/span><\/p>\r\n

 <\/p>\r\n

\u2014<\/span><\/p>\r\n

 <\/p>\r\n

Outside, Xiao Rong looked up at the blue sky and white clouds. In the end, he couldn\u2019t help himself. With a turn of his heel, he headed toward the tent where Song Shuo was staying.<\/span><\/p>\r\n

It hadn\u2019t even been a cup of tea\u2019s time since they parted. Song Shuo had already put away his malt candy and was sitting by the stove, brewing tea with his servant.<\/span><\/p>\r\n

When he saw Xiao Rong enter, he lifted his head and smiled at him.<\/span><\/p>\r\n

Before he could say anything, Xiao Rong spoke first. “You did that on purpose, didn\u2019t you?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\r\n

When he dragged Song Shuo out earlier, the man hadn\u2019t been holding any candy. Xiao Rong had intentionally told him nothing to prevent him from preparing\u2014but Song Shuo had apparently anticipated this, and readied a little prop to counter him anyway.<\/span><\/p>\r\n

Upon hearing this, Song Shuo just smiled faintly. He pulled a small packet of malt candy from his sleeve and offered it to Xiao Rong. \u201cWant to try one?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\r\n

Xiao Rong: \u201c\u2026\u201d<\/span><\/p>\r\n

He wasn\u2019t a child. He had no interest in sticky sweets.<\/span><\/p>\r\n

He sat down across from Song Shuo, adopting a serious tone, “I know you\u2019re angry. I didn\u2019t discuss it with you in advance before bringing you north of the Huai River\u2014that was my fault.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\r\n

Song Shuo wagged his finger. “Now that\u2019s where you\u2019re wrong.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\r\n

Xiao Rong looked at him, puzzled.<\/span><\/p>\r\n

Song Shuo said, “I, Song Shuo, am a man of great talent. It\u2019s only natural that others would want me.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\r\n

Xiao Rong: \u201c\u2026\u201d<\/span><\/p>\r\n

He kept his mouth shut, waiting for what came next.<\/span><\/p>\r\n

\u201cBut you, Lord Xiao,\u201d Song Shuo continued, “first made me doubt my own abilities, then acted inconsistently, abducting me from my home. It\u2019s a shame\u2014I once thought we could be close friends. Yet in your eyes, I\u2019m someone to deceive, to use, and to disregard.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\r\n

As he spoke, he swayed dramatically, holding his teacup and putting on a look of deep sorrow.<\/span><\/p>\r\n

Xiao Rong stared at him. A moment later, he slammed his palm onto the table. The sudden bang startled Song Shuo, who nearly dropped his teacup, spilling tea all over himself.<\/span><\/p>\r\n

Song Shuo: \u201c…\u201d<\/span><\/p>\r\n

Xiao Rong sneered. “Serves you right.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\r\n

Song Shuo looked at him, incredulous. He couldn\u2019t believe Xiao Rong could be so cold.<\/span><\/p>\r\n

Xiao Rong continued, “So it\u2019s okay for you to embarrass me in public, but not the other way around? You made me sweat bullets just to come meet you\u2014what was that all about? You know I avoid mingling with aristocrats. I only want to speak with those from humble families. Isn\u2019t that deception? Isn\u2019t that disrespect?<\/span><\/p>\r\n

\u201cIn Jinling, even the smallest rumors reach the court. You think no one noticed our meeting? Ever since someone tried to kill me with an assassin, they\u2019ve been out for my life. I won\u2019t just sit back\u2014I\u2019ll save myself, and when I do, what do you think will happen to you?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\r\n

Song Shuo said calmly, “Nothing. I did nothing wrong.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\r\n

Xiao Rong laughed coldly. “Talking to me was your mistake. Inviting me, and having me actually come\u2014that was an even bigger one.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\r\n

Song Shuo thought he was exaggerating, but after thinking it through, he realized Xiao Rong made a fair point. With the court in chaos, they\u2019d use any method to deal with such problems. As the only person known to have private contact with Xiao Rong, he could easily become a scapegoat.<\/span><\/p>\r\n

Especially given his low rank. If someone thought it convenient, they could throw him under the bus.<\/span><\/p>\r\n

His family\u2014the Song clan, despite its decline, still had many enemies. If he caused trouble, the whole family could suffer.<\/span><\/p>\r\n

Still\u2026 it was all just a possibility.<\/span><\/p>\r\n

Not a certainty. Xiao Rong could twist things his way, but Song Shuo didn\u2019t necessarily believe him. Yet he also knew he couldn\u2019t win this argument, so he went silent.<\/span><\/p>\r\n

Seeing this, Xiao Rong\u2019s tone softened. “Right now, the political winds are shifting. You could settle down in Chenliu for now. When the danger passes, if you want to return home, I won\u2019t stop you. While you\u2019re in Chenliu, if you want to make use of your talents, I\u2019ll introduce you to Chancellor Gao. If you\u2019d prefer light work, I\u2019ll take you to the local government office\u2014there are many scholars there, and I\u2019m sure you\u2019ll find your place.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\r\n

Song Shuo asked. “What if I don\u2019t want to do anything?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\r\n

Xiao Rong smiled. “That\u2019s fine too, but like I said, Chenliu doesn\u2019t support idle folk. If you\u2019re okay with nothing but books and the sun and moon for company, I won\u2019t object.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\r\n

Song Shuo: \u201c\u2026\u201d<\/span><\/p>\r\n

He suddenly remembered that when Xiao Rong had his belongings packed, he only brought his clothes and books\u2014not a single coin.<\/span><\/p>\r\n

He was impressed. This man had thought of everything in advance.<\/span><\/p>\r\n

Hmph. He still had the nerve to say it was \u201cfor his own good.\u201d If that assassin hadn\u2019t shown up, Xiao Rong would\u2019ve found another excuse to trick him into coming here anyway.<\/span><\/p>\r\n

He was a little annoyed\u2014but more than anything, he felt proud. It meant Xiao Rong was determined to have him. Indeed, true heroes always recognized one another.<\/span><\/p>\r\n

Song Shuo felt a little giddy, but before he floated too high, he forced himself to stay calm and asked, “You said I can return home when the danger is over.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\r\n

Xiao Rong nodded.<\/span><\/p>\r\n

Song Shuo asked, “In your view, when will that be?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\r\n

Xiao Rong answered serenely, “When the world is at peace.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\r\n

Song Shuo: \u201c…\u201d<\/span><\/p>\r\n

His expression turned strange.<\/span><\/p>\r\n

Xiao Rong worked for the King of the North. So \u201cpeace\u201d didn\u2019t mean a united empire\u2014it meant the King of the North had reclaimed all of the Central Plains. By then, why would he even want to go back? There\u2019d be no one else left to serve.<\/span><\/p>\r\n

In other words\u2026 Xiao Rong never planned to let him go.<\/span><\/p>\r\n

What to do?<\/span><\/p>\r\n

Well, he kind of liked that.<\/span><\/p>\r\n

He lowered his head and finished his tea. Xiao Rong had no idea what he was thinking\u2014he just figured Song Shuo had calmed down.<\/span><\/p>\r\n

With this side settled, and that side too\u2026 well, it was all handled.<\/span><\/p>\r\n

Thinking of Qu Yunmie still gave Xiao Rong a slight sour feeling in his chest. However, harmony between the king and the new advisor was a good thing, so he pushed those feelings down and warned Song Shuo, “You can play your little games with me, and I won\u2019t take it seriously. But you can\u2019t act like that around His Majesty. What you did today\u2014being deliberately rude\u2014you think he didn\u2019t notice? He may tolerate you once or twice, but keep doing it and he\u2019ll lose his patience. Then what will you do?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\r\n

Song Shuo replied nonchalantly, “Isn\u2019t that what you\u2019re here for?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\r\n

Xiao Rong said, \u201cWhat use am I? When His Majesty loses his temper, even eight horses can\u2019t hold him back.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\r\n

Song Shuo looked at him speechlessly.<\/span><\/p>\r\n

Last night might\u2019ve been dark, but he hadn\u2019t missed the sight. Qu Yunmie, looking like a God of War, had been ready to kill\u2014but it was Xiao Rong who called out his name, and he actually stopped.<\/span><\/p>\r\n

If someone like the King of the North could be brought back to his senses in an instant, there was nothing Xiao Rong could do from then on that would shock Song Shuo more.<\/span><\/p>\r\n

So he just listened to Xiao Rong\u2019s warning as if it were a joke.<\/span><\/p>\r\n

Eight horses? Please. Xiao Rong was worth more than eight thousand.<\/span><\/p>\r\n

Still, he didn\u2019t plan to act so obnoxious anymore. He didn\u2019t yet know what kind of place Chenliu was, but just looking at how the King of the North governed, he already found it more interesting than Jinling.<\/span><\/p>\r\n

The King himself didn\u2019t seem like the ruthless tyrant people described\u2014someone who couldn\u2019t stand being contradicted and solved everything with his sword.<\/span><\/p>\r\n

Anyone who would personally rescue his men from the enemy camp\u2014how bad could he really be?<\/span><\/p>\r\n

So Song Shuo really wanted to stay and see for himself. If something upset him, he could always act up again. If nothing did\u2014well, staying wouldn\u2019t be so bad.<\/span><\/p>\r\n

At least now, he had nothing holding him back. Once he officially joined the Northern army, he believed Jinling wouldn\u2019t dare touch his family anymore.<\/span><\/p>\r\n

At that time, they couldn’t afford even the slightest risk of the Northern Army deploying troops.<\/span><\/p>\r\n

 <\/p>\r\n

\uff0a<\/span><\/p>\r\n

 <\/p>\r\n

Xiao Rong and the others had been resting at the military station in Northern Yangzhou, but there hadn\u2019t been a single move from the South\u2019s side\u2014no news, not even a word related to them\u2014and everyone accepted that quite well.<\/span><\/p>\r\n

Xiao Rong was patient. He could wait. He knew the South couldn’t possibly pretend as if nothing had happened, and he wouldn\u2019t allow such a thing to happen anyway, so he wasn\u2019t in a hurry. As for Qu Yunmie, he was even simpler. He had clearly told Xiao Rong that once they finished off the Xianbei, he would lead his troops south and burn the entire Southern Imperial Palace to the ground.<\/span><\/p>\r\n

Xiao Rong: \u201c\u2026\u201d<\/span><\/p>\r\n

He felt like he was going crazy. “The person who sent someone to kill me was Yang Zangyi. The one whose private soldiers injured you was also Yang Zangyi\u2019s man. What does this have to do with the Imperial Palace? He doesn\u2019t even live there!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\r\n

Qu Yunmie said: “Yang Zangyi serves the South. Everything he did was for the South. So what\u2019s wrong if I conquer the South in return?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\r\n

Xiao Rong was speechless. He truly hadn\u2019t expected that\u2014even without the death of Gao Xunzhi\u2014Qu Yunmie would still insist on courting disaster like this.<\/span><\/p>\r\n

Do you really love being labeled a traitor this much?! If you really go through with that, then what was the point of me going through all that effort to enter Jinling against everyone\u2019s advice? What\u2019s the point of everything I did?<\/span><\/p>\r\n

He had gone through so much trouble to make contact with the Young Emperor, all so that he could eventually assist the monarch, and transfer Imperial Power peacefully to Qu Yunmie.<\/span><\/p>\r\n

Xiao Rong was so angry his heart hurt\u2014literally. Whether it was from rage or an actual problem, he suddenly clutched his chest and sat down. His lips were tightly pressed together, and his breathing grew more rapid than usual. Qu Yunmie froze for a moment, then quickly moved, kneeling beside Xiao Rong. He raised his hand and pressed his thumb to the area above Xiao Rong\u2019s neck artery\u2014his carotid\u2014where the heartbeat could clearly be felt.<\/span><\/p>\r\n

Xiao Rong was trying to steady himself from the sudden discomfort when Qu Yunmie\u2019s warm hand touched him, making him pause in surprise.<\/span><\/p>\r\n

He looked at Qu Yunmie. “What are you doing?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\r\n

Qu Yunmie was feeling his pulse. At Xiao Rong\u2019s question, he seemed briefly taken aback. “When I was little, I saw Old Wu diagnose people with heart conditions like this.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\r\n

Xiao Rong fell silent. Then he brushed Qu Yunmie\u2019s hand away. “No need to worry, my Lord. As long as you don\u2019t anger me, I won\u2019t have any heart problems.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\r\n

Qu Yunmie: \u201c…\u201d<\/span><\/p>\r\n

He didn\u2019t understand. “Can\u2019t you see I\u2019m trying to avenge you? Why are you still angry?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\r\n

Xiao Rong got even more annoyed at his self-righteous tone. “It\u2019s exactly because I can see that, I\u2019m angry. The mighty Northern Army, with tens of thousands of troops\u2014why should it move for one man\u2019s personal grudge? If someone offends me, you\u2019ll mobilize the whole army? Then what if someone offends an ordinary soldier? Will you do the same for him?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\r\n

Qu Yunmie said, “Why do you always compare yourself to others when we talk about this? Others will always be others. You will always be you!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\r\n

Xiao Rong felt Qu Yunmie was being completely unreasonable. He looked up at him, only to find Qu Yunmie staring back, his expression stubborn and unmoving.<\/span><\/p>\r\n

There were things he was willing to listen to Xiao Rong about, but others\u2014he simply wouldn’t budge.<\/span><\/p>\r\n

Seeing this side of Qu Yunmie, Xiao Rong was momentarily stunned. He realized he\u2019d begun taking it for granted that Qu Yunmie would always listen to him. In fact, it was only natural that Qu Yunmie didn\u2019t always listen.<\/span><\/p>\r\n

He was Qu Yunmie. He was a great hero. He could never\u2014and should never\u2014become someone else’s puppet.<\/span><\/p>\r\n

This time, his silence lasted longer. After a long while, he finally spoke again, choosing every word with care. \u201cWe will fight the South.<\/span><\/p>\r\n

\u201cBut the Imperial Palace is innocent. It\u2019s just a structure. Burning it down serves no purpose other than venting anger. Those who live inside may be useless royals, but those who built it were countless laborers forced into service. Dying while building palaces for nobles was already a tragedy\u2014if even the palace ends up destroyed, then wouldn\u2019t that mean they left behind no trace or meaning for their suffering? The palace is innocent. The people are innocent. And those poor souls who never did anything wrong but get dragged into this\u2014they are the most innocent of all. I\u2019ve never stopped you from seeking revenge. I just hope you can repay eye for eye, tooth for tooth. Don\u2019t drag others into it. Don\u2019t create more hatred. Don\u2019t cause more death.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\r\n

Qu Yunmie looked uncomfortable after hearing that. He had acted out of good intentions, but Xiao Rong\u2019s explanation made him feel like a scoundrel.<\/span><\/p>\r\n

He pressed his lips together and said, “You didn\u2019t used to talk like this. You used to stop me from killing altogether.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\r\n

At that, Xiao Rong chuckled softly. “People grow. I\u2019ve grown too. Every place has its own rules. I shouldn\u2019t always try to deny or change them.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\r\n

Qu Yunmie didn\u2019t fully understand that, but he interpreted it the best he could. \u201cSo you mean\u2026 from now on, I can do whatever I want more freely?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\r\n

Xiao Rong said, “I didn\u2019t say that.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\r\n

Qu Yunmie let out a low laugh. He shook his head and retreated, lying back in his original spot before Xiao Rong even reminded him to. Xiao Rong stood up to pour tea. Meanwhile, Qu Yunmie stared at the ceiling, one name flashing through his mind\u2014<\/span><\/p>\r\n

Yang. Zangyi.<\/span><\/p>\r\n

He hoped that man would enjoy the taste of being utterly abandoned.<\/span><\/p>\r\n

 <\/p>\r\n

\uff0a\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\r\n

 <\/p>\r\n

This so-called “bed rest for three days” was something Qu Yunmie only managed for one day.<\/span><\/p>\r\n

By the second day, he refused to stay in bed no matter what, and he kept urging Xiao Rong to return to Chenliu.<\/span><\/p>\r\n

Wasting three whole days here truly wasn\u2019t ideal. Seeing how restless he was, Xiao Rong reluctantly agreed\u2014but he had one condition: to build a carriage so Qu Yunmie could lie down in it on the way back.<\/span><\/p>\r\n

Qu Yunmie: “\u2026”<\/span><\/p>\r\n

What a joke! He was the mighty King of the North, and he was supposed to lie in a carriage like some withered flower on the way back to Chenliu?!<\/span><\/p>\r\n

No way. Absolutely not.<\/span><\/p>\r\n

To make someone like him appear weak was like peeling off a layer of his skin. No matter what, he insisted on riding a horse. Xiao Rong had better not try to force him.<\/span><\/p>\r\n

Yu Shaocheng and the others looked at Xiao Rong in embarrassment. Xiao Rong remained silent for a moment and then nodded at Qu Yunmie. “Alright.”<\/span><\/p>\r\n

Qu Yunmie immediately looked at Xiao Rong, and right after that, he saw Xiao Rong give out orders to those around him.<\/span><\/p>\r\n

“Commander Yu, go bring His Highness\u2019s horse.”<\/span><\/p>\r\n

“Ah Shu, unpack the bundle. I want to eat braised beef for lunch today.”<\/span><\/p>\r\n

Qu Yunmie paused. “Wait, you’re not going back with me?”<\/span><\/p>\r\n

Only then did Xiao Rong spare him a glance. “Your Highness, if you insist on riding, then I won\u2019t go back. North Yangzhou is lush and beautiful\u2014quite a livable place. You\u2019d better get going; if you leave too late, you\u2019ll be stuck sleeping on the road.”<\/span><\/p>\r\n

Qu Yunmie: “\u2026”<\/span><\/p>\r\n

He stared stiffly at Xiao Rong, then turned to look at the surrounding crowd. As soon as he looked over, everyone instinctively lowered their heads and pretended not to have heard anything. Only Zhang Biezhi grinned and even winked at him.<\/span><\/p>\r\n

Qu Yunmie: “\u2026”<\/span><\/p>\r\n

Song Shuo on the side: “\u2026”<\/span><\/p>\r\n

Idiot.<\/span><\/p>\r\n

In the end, Qu Yunmie grudgingly got into the carriage. Fortunately, Xiao Rong wasn\u2019t too overbearing\u2014he let Qu Yunmie sit inside the carriage as long as he didn\u2019t move around too much.<\/span><\/p>\r\n

Even so, their return to Chenliu caused quite a stir. The news of the Northern King being injured spread through the city like wildfire\u2014everyone was talking about it. Since the King returned in a carriage and no one saw him, all kinds of rumors floated around. The most outrageous one claimed he had already died and was brought back as a corpse.<\/span><\/p>\r\n

Upon hearing this, Qu Yunmie\u2019s expression was quite something.<\/span><\/p>\r\n

Xiao Rong pursed his lips, trying not to laugh. After he\u2019d had his fill, he explained to Qu Yunmie, “Don\u2019t worry, Your Highness. I\u2019ve already arranged for people to clarify everything\u2014telling the people that although you were wounded, you\u2019re no longer in danger and will return to the public eye soon enough.”<\/span><\/p>\r\n

Qu Yunmie: “\u2026”<\/span><\/p>\r\n

Why would he return to the public eye?<\/span><\/p>\r\n

Even when he wasn\u2019t injured, he never appeared in public!<\/span><\/p>\r\n

The more Qu Yunmie thought about it, the more something felt off. “Isn\u2019t this situation something you orchestrated on purpose? That\u2019s why you insisted I return in a carriage\u2014you wanted to use me!”<\/span><\/p>\r\n

Xiao Rong immediately gave him a cold look. “Is that really how Your Highness sees me?”<\/span><\/p>\r\n

Qu Yunmie felt guilty under his gaze and instantly went quiet. Xiao Rong gave a slight smirk and added silently in his heart\u2014well, you\u2019re not wrong.<\/span><\/p>\r\n

 <\/p>\r\n

\u2026\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\r\n

 <\/p>\r\n

This time, Xiao Rong returned triumphant. He got everything he wanted, especially the twenty thousand taels of gold\u2014all piled up, gleaming enough to blind someone. Even so, Gao Xunzhi just circled around him, sighing again and again. Though he said nothing, every strand of hair on his head seemed to be shouting the same sentence:<\/span><\/p>\r\n

\u2014You should\u2019ve listened to the Elder\u2019s advice. Look where it got you now!<\/span><\/p>\r\n

Xiao Rong: “\u2026”<\/span><\/p>\r\n

That was just the first wave of guilt-tripping. After Gao Xunzhi left, Xiao Rong returned to his courtyard and was greeted by the second wave\u2014his tearful younger brother, Xiao Yi.<\/span><\/p>\r\n

Xiao Rong comforted him tirelessly, saying who knows how many nice things, until finally Xiao Yi stopped crying. Xiao Rong rubbed his aching temples, only then recalling something important. “Grandmother doesn\u2019t know about this, right?”<\/span><\/p>\r\n

Xiao Yi sniffled, looking downcast. “No, I didn\u2019t dare tell her. Don\u2019t worry, Big Brother, Grandmother never leaves the palace, and everyone here knows not to say a word. She won\u2019t find out.”<\/span><\/p>\r\n

Hearing that, Xiao Rong was indeed relieved.<\/span><\/p>\r\n

Yet his relief came too soon.<\/span><\/p>\r\n

Sure, everyone in the palace knew to keep quiet. The problem was, a newcomer had just moved in.<\/span><\/p>\r\n

Song Shuo was strolling through the central garden of the palace with his servants when a lone elderly lady excitedly ran up to him. She immediately called him “Third Uncle,” startling him so much his whole body jolted.<\/span><\/p>\r\n

He quickly explained that he wasn\u2019t her third uncle\u2014his name was Song Shuo.<\/span><\/p>\r\n

Madam Chen looked at him in confusion. “Song Shuo?”<\/span><\/p>\r\n

Song Shuo nodded. “Lord Xiao invited me to stay here temporarily. Do you know Lord Xiao?”<\/span><\/p>\r\n

Madam Chen thought for a moment. “Yes, I know Lord Xiao. He\u2019s a distant relative of my husband.”<\/span><\/p>\r\n

They had two sons\u2014the elder, Xiao Lingyin, and the younger, Xiao Lingsheng.<\/span><\/p>\r\n

Song Shuo had no idea what she meant by \u201cknow\u201d\u2014he assumed she really was Xiao Rong\u2019s relative. Although he was casual around Xiao Rong, he was very respectful to elders. So he praised Xiao Rong in front of her, especially emphasizing how clever and brave he was, and how he\u2019d saved his life. Oh, and since this old lady was living in the palace, she probably had some connection to Qu Yunmie too\u2014so he praised him as well.<\/span><\/p>\r\n

After all, Qu Yunmie had indirectly saved his life too.<\/span><\/p>\r\n

Madam Chen listened in a daze, then suddenly turned and dashed off. Don\u2019t let her age fool you\u2014most people couldn\u2019t keep up with her.<\/span><\/p>\r\n

Song Shuo and his servant looked at each other, confused. Just then, Xiao Rong, Xiao Yi, and two maidservants walked toward them.<\/span><\/p>\r\n

The maidservants looked regretful. Xiao Yi, knowing what his grandmother was like, couldn\u2019t bring himself to scold them. After all, they were newly bought in by Gao Xunzhi, and hadn\u2019t even been here a few days yet.<\/span><\/p>\r\n

Xiao Rong, seeing Song Shuo, asked immediately, “Have you seen an elderly woman, about this tall, slightly confused in the head?”<\/span><\/p>\r\n

Song Shuo didn\u2019t answer right away\u2014he had a bad feeling. “This old woman is\u2014?”<\/span><\/p>\r\n

Xiao Rong replied, “My grandmother. Have you seen her?”<\/span><\/p>\r\n

Song Shuo: “\u2026”<\/span><\/p>\r\n

Seen her? I said all the wrong things to her!<\/span><\/p>\r\n

 <\/p>\r\n

\u2026<\/span><\/p>\r\n

 <\/p>\r\n

Xiao Rong and the others searched anxiously, thinking Madam Chen would go back to the courtyard to find him after hearing he\u2019d nearly been hurt, but she wasn\u2019t there.<\/span><\/p>\r\n

Meanwhile, after guilt-tripping Xiao Rong, Gao Xunzhi turned his attention to Qu Yunmie.<\/span><\/p>\r\n

However, Qu Yunmie was already used to it. No matter how much Gao Xunzhi sighed, Qu Yunmie showed no reaction. In the end, Gao Xunzhi had to give up and mutter, “Well, at least His Highness brought Little Rong back safely. He truly has foresight.<\/span><\/p>\r\n

\u201cHow did His Highness get injured like that? I heard from Dongfang Jin it was just two thousand private soldiers from a noble family.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\r\n

Dongfang Jin was the commander of the guards\u2014now back in the army as a Northern General after returning to Chenliu.<\/span><\/p>\r\n

Qu Yunmie didn\u2019t want to talk about it. Xiao Rong didn\u2019t understand, so he hadn\u2019t noticed anything, but Qu Yunmie couldn\u2019t pretend not to know. Sure, accidents happen on the battlefield, but this one shouldn\u2019t have. Getting distracted in battle was a deadly mistake. No matter how much he cared about Xiao Rong, he shouldn\u2019t have allowed such a thing to happen.<\/span><\/p>\r\n

He even started wondering if he\u2019d been off the battlefield too long, and his skills had dulled.<\/span><\/p>\r\n

Either that, or his mind wasn\u2019t in the right place\u2014neither of which should happen to a commander.<\/span><\/p>\r\n

Seeing his expression, Gao Xunzhi understood what he was thinking. Some things were better left unsaid, so he let Qu Yunmie figure it out on his own.<\/span><\/p>\r\n

The two of them were sitting in silence when they suddenly heard footsteps approaching rapidly. Nowadays, everyone had learned to knock\u2014but this person didn\u2019t care and pushed the door open.<\/span><\/p>\r\n

Both Qu Yunmie and Gao Xunzhi instantly went on alert\u2014only to see it was Madam Chen.<\/span><\/p>\r\n

“\u2026”<\/span><\/p>\r\n

She looked around, then ran straight to Qu Yunmie.<\/span><\/p>\r\n

Qu Yunmie was numb at this point. He wondered, who did she think he was this time? Xiao Rong\u2019s uncle? Great-uncle?<\/span><\/p>\r\n

This time, Madam Chen was more lucid than ever. She ran to Qu Yunmie, saw the white bandages peeking from under his robe, and immediately grabbed his hand with tears in her eyes. \u201cGood child, good child, I don\u2019t even know how to thank you\u2014you saved our Little Rong life!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\r\n

Qu Yunmie\u2019s eyes widened\u2014he looked like he\u2019d just seen the sun rise in the west. He couldn\u2019t believe Madam Chen was actually clear-headed for once. Overwhelmed, he said, “Madam, this was my duty. Please rise.”<\/span><\/p>\r\n

Madam Chen shook her head. “How can that be called duty? A life-saving debt must be repaid a thousandfold! It\u2019s just a pity our Xiao family doesn\u2019t have anything valuable left. Even if I want to thank you, I have nothing suitable to give.”<\/span><\/p>\r\n

Gao Xunzhi laughed beside them. No wonder this woman had raised Little Rong\u2014 she was honorable and full of gratitude. What a fine family.<\/span><\/p>\r\n

Qu Yunmie didn\u2019t know how to respond, so Gao Xunzhi kindly stepped in. “Madam, you\u2019re too polite. Really, there\u2019s no need to\u2014”<\/span><\/p>\r\n

He was cut off.<\/span><\/p>\r\n

Madam Chen completely ignored him and suddenly said firmly to Qu Yunmie, “How about this\u2014I\u2019ll make the decision. Our Little Rong will be yours from now on!”<\/span><\/p>\r\n

Gao Xunzhi: “…”<\/span><\/p>\r\n

Are you kidding me? You\u2019re still confused!<\/span><\/p>\r\n

You can\u2019t just give someone away! Your Little Rong is a man, a scholar\u2014not some maiden waiting to be married!<\/span><\/p>\r\n

Gao Xunzhi\u2019s expression froze. He was just glad there were no outsiders around to hear it\u2014otherwise, Xiao Rong would be the laughingstock of the city.<\/span><\/p>\r\n

He was about to politely talk Madam Chen down when he heard Qu Yunmie behind him ask, “You can really make that decision?”<\/span><\/p>\r\n

Gao Xunzhi: “…”<\/span><\/p>\r\n

You little punk\u2014YOU TOOK HER SERIOUSLY?!?!<\/span><\/p>\r\n

 <\/p>\r\n

 <\/p>\r\n

Edited by: Antiope<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

 <\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

Support translation:<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

\"\"<\/a><\/figure>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
\"This<\/a><\/figure>\r\n\r\n

<\/p>\r\n

<\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Qu Yunmie\u2019s expression didn\u2019t look too pleased. Xiao Rong more or less knew why. Qu Yunmie was a stubborn person who disliked change. If it weren\u2019t for the many hidden dangers in the world, he wouldn\u2019t have even wanted to become warden and King of the North\u2014he would\u2019ve happily spent his whole life as a […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":6644,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"advanced_seo_description":"","jetpack_seo_html_title":"","jetpack_seo_noindex":false,"jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[107],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-7015","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-your-majesty","entry","has-media"],"acf":[],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/ontimestory.eu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/20240106180053_200_280-1.jpg?fit=199%2C280&ssl=1","jetpack_likes_enabled":true,"jetpack_sharing_enabled":false,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/ontimestory.eu\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/7015","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/ontimestory.eu\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/ontimestory.eu\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ontimestory.eu\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ontimestory.eu\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=7015"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/ontimestory.eu\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/7015\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":7016,"href":"https:\/\/ontimestory.eu\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/7015\/revisions\/7016"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ontimestory.eu\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/6644"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/ontimestory.eu\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=7015"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ontimestory.eu\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=7015"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ontimestory.eu\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=7015"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}