{"id":8139,"date":"2026-09-17T09:06:49","date_gmt":"2026-09-17T07:06:49","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/ontimestory.eu\/?p=8139"},"modified":"2026-09-17T09:06:49","modified_gmt":"2026-09-17T07:06:49","slug":"your-majesty-you-mustnt-chapter-144-the-gloves","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/ontimestory.eu\/index.php\/2026\/09\/17\/your-majesty-you-mustnt-chapter-144-the-gloves\/","title":{"rendered":"Your Majesty, you mustn’t! – Chapter 144: The Gloves"},"content":{"rendered":"\r\n

After a brief hesitation, Sun Shanlu still shook her head: “No. If Sun Renluan died, Yang Zangyi and the others would become even more unrestrained.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\r\n

Sun Renluan was Taner\u2019s number one enemy. The suffering he had endured in the past had all been because this Grand Commander had instructed his subordinates to \u201ctake good care\u201d of him.<\/span><\/p>\r\n

This was not the first time he had suggested killing Sun Renluan to Sun Shanlu. However, without a deep blood feud, she really could not bring herself to do it.<\/span><\/p>\r\n

The two of them looked at each other, and neither noticed that the young emperor moved slightly. His small hands clenched into fists, then slipped back under the blanket.<\/span><\/p>\r\n

Since they could not take his life, Taner rolled his eyes and suggested to Sun Shanlu again: “Then, why not give him more medicine so he never wakes up again?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\r\n

Being unconscious for a lifetime was no different from being dead.<\/span><\/p>\r\n

Only then did Sun Shanlu notice Taner\u2019s hostility toward her brother. Instead of blaming or guarding against him for urging her to kill her own brother, she actually gently stroked his face and said with heartache: “My dear Taner, you have suffered. But he is still my brother. The imperial physician said that medicine can only be administered once per day. If too much is given, it will cost his life. I also do not want him to wake up, but I cannot kill him outright. We should wait a little longer.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\r\n

Perhaps dissatisfied that Sun Shanlu kept refusing him, Taner suddenly grew anxious: “Wait until when? The Northern Army is about to break in!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\r\n

Sun Shanlu: \u201c\u2026\u2026\u201d<\/span><\/p>\r\n

How would she know? She had only just started dealing with state affairs in the past two days.<\/span><\/p>\r\n

In this regard, neither of them was better than the other. In political ability, they were evenly matched\u2014both were failing.<\/span><\/p>\r\n

Two people who were both failures sat together discussing their future retreat plans, and surprisingly, they discussed it quite seriously. Sun Shanlu said they could simply retreat to Jiaozhou. It was far from the Central Plains, and it was rich in pearls\u2014she especially liked the pearls and corals paid as tribute from Jiaozhou.<\/span><\/p>\r\n


<\/span>

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

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


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

Taner, however, did not like Jiaozhou\u2019s climate. He had heard that it was hot and humid, full of miasma, and that many non-Han peoples operated there. It was essentially a desolate place where nothing good grew. If they were going to retreat, they should go somewhere more prosperous instead.<\/span><\/p>\r\n


<\/span>

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

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


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

The two of them were like parasitic vines. Taner had previously relied on Yang Zangyi and Sun Shanlu, while Sun Shanlu had relied on her brother. Now that they were in charge themselves, neither of them realized how naive their thinking was. The Northern Army was about to break into the city, and Jinling was on the verge of disaster, yet neither of them felt nervous.<\/span><\/p>\r\n

Sun Shanlu believed that as the Empress Dowager, she would always be protected and served and would never be treated poorly. Taner believed that since she now held power, she would certainly be able to handle everything.<\/span><\/p>\r\n

As they talked, they began to grow affectionate with each other. Taner clung to Sun Shanlu and asked her to reward him with more fine things. Before she could agree, a palace attendant hurried in. He glanced at the young emperor sleeping on the dragon bed, then quickly moved to Sun Shanlu\u2019s side and whispered something to her.<\/span><\/p>\r\n

Sun Shanlu immediately became delighted: “Is it true?!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\r\n

The attendant nodded repeatedly.<\/span><\/p>\r\n

Sun Shanlu stood up at once: “Take me to see him!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\r\n

It was clear this attendant was cautious. He not only guarded against the sleeping young emperor but also against Taner, who had sharp ears. Taner watched blankly as Sun Shanlu left. His expression darkened instantly.<\/span><\/p>\r\n

Suddenly rising from nothing, gaining sudden power\u2014everything had changed too quickly. He still felt no sense of security. Whenever Sun Shanlu left him behind, he became extremely angry.<\/span><\/p>\r\n

He did not immediately follow her. Instead, he suddenly turned his head and stared at the still-sleeping He Fu.<\/span><\/p>\r\n

After the Empress Dowager left, a eunuch appeared at the door. Taner did not know who he was and only glanced at him before continuing to look at He Fu with cold eyes.<\/span><\/p>\r\n

No one knew what he was thinking, but his gaze was too frightening. The eunuch Heng Shun immediately became alert and stepped forward. At that moment, Taner turned to look at him, examining him as if he were something filthy, then left. On his way out, he deliberately bumped Heng Shun\u2019s shoulder, knocking him slightly off balance.<\/span><\/p>\r\n

Heng Shun did not dare to make a sound and instead lowered himself even further. After they left, he quickly raised his head, carefully closed the palace gate, and hurried back to kneel beside the dragon bed. He whispered: “Your Majesty, Your Majesty?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\r\n

The curled figure on the dragon bed moved, then suddenly burst into tears and threw himself into Heng Shun\u2019s arms.<\/span><\/p>\r\n

He Fu sobbed, not even daring to make a sound: “Heng Shun\u2026 my uncle is not unable to wake up. He has been drugged by Mother!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\r\n

Heng Shun was shocked. He held the young emperor tightly, his face also filled with panic: “How could this be? The Empress Dowager she\u2014\u201d<\/span><\/p>\r\n

He nearly said \u201ccommitted treason.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\r\n

But before the words came out, he swallowed them back. Normally, no matter what, the imperial uncle should not outrank the Empress Dowager. Yet he had instinctively thought of this as treason, which meant that in his heart he had already placed Sun Renluan above the imperial family.<\/span><\/p>\r\n

That was not good. Not good.<\/span><\/p>\r\n

The young emperor continued crying, leaning against Heng Shun and sobbing uncontrollably. Heng Shun had been by his side since childhood. In a sense, he had watched him grow up. Seeing him like this, he felt both heartache and guilt.<\/span><\/p>\r\n

At this moment, the young emperor said through his sobs: “Heng Shun, I do not want to\u2026\u201d<\/span><\/p>\r\n

Heng Shun asked: “What does Your Majesty not want?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\r\n

The young emperor wiped his tears and said in a heartbreaking voice: “I do not want to listen to Mother anymore. She has changed. Her heart is now only with that male favorite!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\r\n

Heng Shun: \u201c\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u201d<\/span><\/p>\r\n

She had always been like this before.<\/span><\/p>\r\n

Of course, he could not say that directly. So he only asked softly: “What does Your Majesty want this servant to do? For Your Majesty, this servant would go through fire and water without hesitation.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\r\n

However, after he said this, the young emperor did not answer immediately. He only continued sobbing while gripping his sleeve tightly.<\/span><\/p>\r\n


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

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


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The news of the grain supply problem in Jinling reached Chenliu on the twenty-second day of the twelfth month.<\/span><\/p>\r\n

This New Year was again bleak and tasteless. The news of Sun Renluan\u2019s collapse made the people of Chenliu nervous. Even discounts on Baibao Street could not attract them anymore. Shopkeepers waited eagerly for customers, but only foreigners and a few scattered cats and dogs appeared.<\/span><\/p>\r\n


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

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


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Fortunately, there was someone in Chenliu who was generous. Grand Steward Xiao allocated three thousand taels of silver to purchase red paper and candles for the military camp, the King residence, and the government offices. He also gave all soldiers and craftsmen a small bonus\u2014not much, twenty cash per person, just for good luck.<\/span><\/p>\r\n

Unfortunately, Chenliu could not escape the turmoil of the Southern Yan region either. Prices, which had been stable, skyrocketed before the New Year to a terrifying level. What once could buy a packet of broken pastries for twenty cash could now only buy a handful of rice.<\/span><\/p>\r\n

Xiao Rong had no choice. He could not afford to distribute supplies now, so he posted notices urging people to save money and not rush to spend everything immediately. Prices would not remain this absurd forever.<\/span><\/p>\r\n

If they endured these two months, things would improve. They would not need to wait for the war to end, as long as the war began, prices would gradually fall again\u2014though not back to normal levels, at least they would decrease somewhat.<\/span><\/p>\r\n

The Central Plains were unstable, and merchant caravans had already set off to return home. By the time they arrived, the western snow would have melted. Xiao Rong had previously made a deal with them to bring back cotton seeds in the spring, but now it was uncertain whether they would honor the agreement.<\/span><\/p>\r\n

That year, the Central Plains had frequent snow, but each snowfall was light. That day, another continuous light snow fell. Xiao Rong returned from outside, and the moment he opened the door, snowflakes drifted in with him.<\/span><\/p>\r\n

The council hall had three braziers burning, including a floor brazier with a table above it for a tea pot. Yu Shaoxie sat there drinking tea and warming himself. Xiao Rong removed his cloak and quickly joined him.<\/span><\/p>\r\n

Yu Shaoxie watched him crawl under the table to warm himself and shook his head: “I told you not to go out, but you insisted. Tell me, what does it have to do with you to personally attend the consolation of wounded soldiers?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\r\n

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

He frowned: “How is it none of my business? I was the one who gave the money. If I did not go, what would Qu Yunmie use to reward them?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\r\n

Yu Shaoxie found this argument unbearable. He had never heard of any Grand Minister who had to personally attend after allocating funds. Clearly, he just could not trust the Duke and feared he might say something inappropriate.<\/span><\/p>\r\n

Forget it.<\/span><\/p>\r\n

Yu Shaoxie did not want to argue further. He only glanced at the closed door and asked, somewhat strangely: “Did the King not return with you?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\r\n

Xiao Rong poured himself tea and said casually: “He stayed behind. He will probably return tonight.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\r\n

Yu Shaoxie\u2019s expression became even stranger.<\/span><\/p>\r\n

Xiao Rong was about to drink when he noticed the look and paused: “Why are you looking at me like that?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\r\n

Yu Shaoxie slowly leaned back: “Rong have you noticed that recently you almost never call the King \u2018the King\u2019 anymore?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\r\n

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

He lowered his head, took a sip, then said calmly: “Is that so? Maybe you just did not hear it.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\r\n

Yu Shaoxie leaned forward sharply: “And this! I might not have heard it, but that\u2019s because you two are almost never apart from dawn to dusk! I can\u2019t even get a moment alone with you! I don\u2019t remember the King being like this before\u2014unless it\u2019s because of what happened when you were captured by enemies?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\r\n

Xiao Rong calmly looked at him for a while and then said one word: \u201cYes.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\r\n

Yu Shaoxie: \u201c\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u201d<\/span><\/p>\r\n

Something was wrong. Very wrong.<\/span><\/p>\r\n

Just as he was about to continue, the door suddenly slammed open.<\/span><\/p>\r\n

A soldier rushed in: \u201cGrand Steward Xiao! Urgent report from Yiyang! The governor of Jianning, Huang Yanjiu, has allied with the King of Nankang! They are advancing toward Xiangdong and Luling!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\r\n

The moment the words fell, the three people who had just been awkwardly sitting together immediately stood up and reached for their coats.<\/span><\/p>\r\n


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


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Before Qu Yunmie returned, the advisers had already been arguing for some time. Xiao Rong led one group with Song Shuo, Yu Shaoxie, and the monk, while Gao Xunzhi led another group of newly recruited advisers. Each side had its own arguments.<\/span><\/p>\r\n

However, this was ultimately a military matter. The advisers could only speculate about the situation, they could not decide the response\u2014that belonged to Qu Yunmie.<\/span><\/p>\r\n

Qu Yunmie rode back from the military camp on fast horse. He wore light armor, a black cloak embroidered with gold thread, and snow still rested on his shoulders. He entered with a wave of cold air. Behind him stood Jian Qiao, Gongsun Yuan, Dongfang Jin, and other generals. All of them were decisive men of war. As soon as they appeared, the advisers who had been arguing immediately fell silent.<\/span><\/p>\r\n

Qu Yunmie\u2019s expression was not good. He had likely received even more intelligence. His cold gaze swept over the unfamiliar faces, and only when it reached Xiao Rong sitting inside did his expression soften slightly.<\/span><\/p>\r\n

Because there were too many people, he restrained himself and quickly lowered his eyes, removing the wool gloves from his hands.<\/span><\/p>\r\n

Gloves already existed, but for some reason they were not popular, likely because they were bulky and inconvenient for work. These were made after Xiao Rong ruined three sheets of sheepskin. Fortunately, sheep were plentiful, so there was enough material for him to waste.<\/span><\/p>\r\n

The stitching technique was learned secretly from Madam Chen\u2019s embroidery, and the size was measured against his own hand. Two sizes larger would fit Qu Yunmie. After cutting, sewing, and dyeing, Xiao Rong spent nearly all his spare time before sleep working on them. After receiving them, Qu Yunmie unusually remained silent for a long time.<\/span><\/p>\r\n

The gloves could cover the scars, but that was not Xiao Rong\u2019s intention. He only wanted those hands to stop being injured. When Qu Yunmie slowly removed the gloves, those nearby saw the burn scars on his palms and could not help but widen their eyes.<\/span><\/p>\r\n

No one shouted, but even that subtle reaction was enough to make people uncomfortable.<\/span><\/p>\r\n

Not uncomfortable for Qu Yunmie\u2014he did not even notice them. It was Xiao Rong who noticed the expressions of others. He lifted his arm and turned his face away slightly, pretending to rest his head.<\/span><\/p>\r\n

Qu Yunmie kept watching him from the corner of his eye. Seeing this, he stiffened slightly and scanned the room for whoever had upset him.<\/span><\/p>\r\n

For a moment, he even felt guilty, because usually that person was himself. But after seeing the real culprits, he relaxed slightly.<\/span><\/p>\r\n

His mood softened, but his expression grew colder: “Do you gentlemen wish to see more injuries on this king?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\r\n

The advisers: \u201c\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u201d<\/span><\/p>\r\n

They quickly shook their heads.<\/span><\/p>\r\n

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

You are also an idiot!<\/span><\/i><\/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

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

After a brief hesitation, Sun Shanlu still shook her head: “No. If Sun Renluan died, Yang Zangyi and the others would become even more unrestrained.\u201d Sun Renluan was Taner\u2019s number one enemy. The suffering he had endured in the past had all been because this Grand Commander had instructed his subordinates to \u201ctake good care\u201d […]<\/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_seo_schema_type":"","_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_feature_clip_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":"","jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false},"categories":[107],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-8139","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-your-majesty","entry","has-media"],"acf":[],"jetpack_likes_enabled":true,"jetpack_sharing_enabled":false,"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","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/ontimestory.eu\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/8139","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=8139"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/ontimestory.eu\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/8139\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":8140,"href":"https:\/\/ontimestory.eu\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/8139\/revisions\/8140"}],"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=8139"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ontimestory.eu\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=8139"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ontimestory.eu\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=8139"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}