Chapter 3.11 – This Minister Is Willing

At the banquet, Xiang Han asked Luo Bai about the past few years with a smile. In reality, he only wanted to know if the other person had managed to find those ingredients.

After all these years, Luo Bai’s courage had also grown. In front of so many ministers, he could still remain calm. Speaking of his experience during this period, he was even more chatty and he shared about various interesting and perilous experiences he had, shocking the group of ministers.

Xiang Han had been out to sea and wasn’t as easily shaken like that group of ministers but he still maintained a smile, listening with the utmost attention.

Zhao Ze drank alone, feeling extremely moody. He sat far away from the boisterous crowd as if he had been excluded and pushed aside. Occasionally, he would raise his head to see the Little Emperor smile at Luo Bai and his heart would inexplicably ache. When he had returned triumphant, the Emperor hadn’t been as earnest in asking him about his experience.

After the banquet ended, Xiang Han called for Luo Bai to stay behind with the excuse of wanting to speak through the night.

When Zhao Ze heard this, his heart tightened. He returned to his manor but the despondency in his heart had yet to fade. In a fit of the moment, he downed more wine and went to morning court with a splitting headache the next day.

Unexpectedly, while he waited along with the rest of the ministers, an announcement came to notify them of the Emperor’s discomfort and thus, morning court was excused.

Xiang Han wasn’t an exceptionally diligent Emperor, at times he would skive off and other times, he would skip morning court. His retinues were already accustomed to his habits and were unsurprised. Very quickly, they all dispersed.

However, Zhao Ze’s heart was in turmoil. Last night, Luo Bai hadn’t returned and he had stayed in the palace. With the Emperor’s feelings for him, could they have…

He was unable to continue thinking. Hurriedly leaving the main palace, he did not know how he suddenly arrived at His Majesty’s chambers.

A eunuch hurriedly came forward to stop him with an embarrassed and put-upon expression, “Minister Zhao, the Emperor has only just gone to rest.”

Xiang Han had just finished discussing the various recipes and agriculture methods with Luo Bai and was planning to take a rest. Hearing the commotion outside, he asked, “What’s going on?”

The eunuch quickly replied, “Answering His Majesty, Minister Zhao is requesting an audience.”

Zhao Ze? Coming to find him now when it should be morning court, was it because there was an urgent matter?

Xiang Han yawned and sat up from the bed. With great difficulty, he fought against his fatigue, “Let him come in.”

Zhao Ze entered his bed chambers but did not even greet him, only directing his burning gaze towards Xiang Han.

Most of Xiang Han’s sleepiness vanished under his fervent gaze and he could not help but ask, “Minister Zhao, you requested to see Zhen so urgently, is there something wrong?”

Zhao Ze did not reply and continued to only look at him.

“Minister Zhao?” Xiang Han repeated.

Zhao Ze’s expression faltered and he finally replied with much difficulty, “Your Majesty…Last night, you and Minister Luo…”

His voice was hoarse, and his brows creased as he faltered and faded out. Ultimately, he could not complete what he wanted to say.

Xiang Han did not understand, and asked in confusion, “What about Zhen and Minister Luo?”

Zhao Ze abruptly closed his eyes and gritted his teeth, “Does Your Majesty like Minister Luo?”

“What?” Xiang Han was dumbfounded and nearly choked on his own saliva.

“M-Minister Zhao, ah. Why do you ask such a question? Why would Zhen like Minister Luo? And even if there is something between Zhen and him, you aren’t in any position to ask.” His face was filled his black lines.

When Zhao Ze heard his denial, he was stunned and in the next instance, his sorrow turned to joy. His first reaction was to take the opportunity of this moment, he could not give the Little Emperor to anyone else.

He couldn’t stop himself from taking a step forward as he asked warmly, “Your Majesty, you really don’t intend on taking an Empress?”

“Minister Zhao, are you here to persuade Zhen?” Turns out it was only for this matter. Xiang Han frowned before sighing, “I won’t hide it from Minister Zhao then. Frankly speaking, Zhen has already decided to select an heir from the imperial clan. In the future, you have no need to speak of this anymore.”

Zhao Ze’s heart was instantly filled with boundless joy as if he had suddenly seen the last rays of hope. He asked again, “Your Majesty, do you still remember that you once complained to this minister and said that you may have to grow old alone?”

“Ah, there seem to be…” Xiang Han shrunk backwards with a bad feeling.

Zhao Ze took another step forward and forced him back another step as he leaned forward to look at him. His gaze was filled with tenderness and affection, “Your Majesty, you don’t have to because this Minister is willing to use his life to accompany Your Majesty.”

“???”

Xiang Han froze and only regained his calm after half a moment before he said in confusion, “Zhen understands. Zhen is tired. We will discuss this matter in the future, Zhen wants to rest…”

“Your Majesty, did you not hear what this minister just said? This minister said…”

“…” Xiang Han immediately lifted his quilt and burrowed underneath. Afterwards, he wiggled about until he became a cocoon.

[Little Nine, the situation isn’t looking too good. The capable ruler and virtuous subject route are about to collapse.]

After rolling a few rounds, he finally calmed down.

[No need to worry. There’s still the lovers’ route.]

[The point is, this virtuous subject wants to become a concubine. How can I complete this mission? Moreover, Zhen actually did not realise it. When did Zhao Ze become bent?]

System, [Actually…That night when Zhao Ze returned from the Northwest, I was forced to be censored for a while.]

Big A, [Between the task and resonance…I choose resonance.]

Xiang Han, “…”

When Zhao Ze saw that Xiang Han had rolled himself up and was wiggling around, he was afraid that he would suffocate. Afterwards, he was afraid of making it worse such that he could not break free. In the end, he only continued kneeling on one knee beside the Dragon bed and reached out to restrain the ‘quilt’ as he asked, “Your Majesty, are you alright? Is it stuffy?”

“I’m fine. Zhen is tired, you may leave.” Xiang Han’s gloomy voice quickly came from under.

The expressionless and old-fashioned stick who was always telling him not to be gay had suddenly turned around and confessed to him. Wait, it should be, offer his own body. Xiang Han felt he could not accept everything all at once. Although he was not disgusted and even had some good feelings for Zhao Ze, he needed to calm down.

Zhao Ze heard his muffled voice and grew even more concerned, unknowingly using more strength. Xiang Han detected the change and took advantage of the situation to roll with more gusto. In the end, he came barreling down the bed with Zhao Ze, who fell on top of his body.

Xiang Han was crushed under his body until he even cried out. He only felt that his waist was about the break and tears sprang to his eyes.

“Your Majesty, are you alright?” Zhao Ze grew frantic and hurriedly stood up to help the Little Emperor out.

Xiang Han used all his strength to stick his head out. His forehead was covered in sweat as he struggled to reply, “Zhen was almost crushed to death by you.”

Zhao Ze kneeled on the Dragon bed and awaited his punishment, “It was this minister’s fault. Pleading His Majesty to grant punishment.”

“You… ugh.” Xiang Han waved his dragon claws. For the sake of his mission, Xiang Han planned to use a last-ditch effort to save the critical-conditioned monarch and minister’s feelings between them.

“Minister Zhao, that year you taught Zhen the Records of Eloquent Flattery, you said that servants who rely on their face and flattery to gain favour will not have good endings. For a monarch to favour concubines, it is merely the beginning of the country’s destruction. Why did you suddenly forget what you said yourself? You are Zhen’s beloved minister and Zhen does not wish to see you falter here.” Schooling his expressionless face, he lamented bitterly. 

Zhao Ze’s lips moved as he spoke softly, “This minister has thought carefully regarding the matters that Your Majesty has just mentioned and even held back for a long time. But compared to having to watch as Your Majesty get together with someone else, this minister would rather endure the infamy that comes with it.”

He had actually been planning this for a while? Xiang Han was flabbergasted. 

“At the very least, this minister is completely loyal to Your Majesty and will not speak out of line. Moreover, Your Majesty has not directly rejected this minister and even express concern, could it be that…Your Majesty also holds this minister in your heart?” Speaking to this point, he stooped down and gazed hopefully at Xiang Han.

“…” Xiang Han was still tongue-tied.

Seeing this, Zhao Ze’s gaze was overfilled with warmth. “Perhaps it is difficult for Your Majesty to accept it immediately since this minister had once faked oblivion towards Your Majesty’s feelings and hurt Your Majesty. But this time…”

“Wait, wait wait!” Xiang Han hurriedly interrupted him in astonishment, “When did Zhen ever had feelings for you?”

Zhao Ze froze. Realising that the Little Emperor’s expression was genuine and did not look like he was lying at all, he couldn’t help but start to wonder. Could it be…it was his own misunderstanding again?

Xiang Han quickly grasped this opportunity and bitterly persuaded him, “It looks like you have misunderstood something. It’s better to return early and ponder over it. Do not allow a single mistake to cause you everlasting regrets.”

Zhao Ze’s lips pursed. He finally got off the dragon bed sluggishly, “This minister has been insolent. Beg Your Majesty to grant punishment.”

Xiang Han directly ordered him to leave and rolled around the dragon bed after he left. Although he had rejected Zhao Ze so unhesitatingly earlier, in reality, his heart felt a little bitter. It must be the lingering effects of the last two words.

Little B suddenly appeared. “Mr. Xiang, a consort can also become a famous official. A famous consort.”

Xiang Han, “Are you bullying me for my low culture? Isn’t it supposed to become a famous minister?”

Little B, “…” This job full of trickery is getting harder.

With Zhao Ze stirring him up, Xiang Han was unable to fall asleep and simply got up to write more memorials. After writing for a bit, he was indeed feeling sleepy.

The next morning, Xiang Han called for Luo Bai to come over to discuss some matters regarding the plantation of crops.

Luo Bai’s intention was to first test on a small plot of land and if it was successful, they could then commercialise it. After all, the environmental climate and fertility of the soil were different and it was difficult to tell if the saplings could thrive in their land.

But Xiang Han could not wait. The impending natural disasters were upon them and he had to speed things up. Thus, he directly told Luo Bai, “Zhen entrusts you with the state’s land. Just plant how much you have.”

Luo Bai was taken aback and hesitated, “But the Imperial clan…”

“No need to bother about them.” Xiang Han swiftly waved a hand.

If it were back when he had just joined the court, Xiang Han might have hesitated. But now he wielded power both in the military and government, there was no need for him to care about what others thought. Although half of the military power was still in Zhao Ze’s hands, ugh.

Speaking of Zhao Ze, he could not help but feel a headache. Due to yesterday’s events, he had even begun to avoid the other person on purpose. This morning, he hadn’t dared to call for him to come and help write those memorials.

Luo Bai noticed his lack-lustre expression and asked, “Your Majesty, is something the matter?”

“Isn’t it all because of Zhao Ze…ack.”

“Minister Zhao?”

“Sigh…he fell for someone whom he should not have and confided in Zhen yesterday.” Xian Han had accidentally made a slip of the tongue and hurriedly tried to cover it up.

“Ah, no wonder Minister Zhao has yet to take a wife. I heard that the Zhao manor is hosting a Flower banquet today and Minister Zhao had already requested to leave early this morning. It’s inevitable for his heart to be bitter when one’s family does not approve of the person in their heart.” Luo Bai seemed to have been enlightened and he quickly grew puzzled. But what did this have to do with the Emperor?

Flower banquet? Requesting to return? Isn’t this gathering just a pretext for a matchmaking session?

Xiang Han inexplicably grew angry and gritted his teeth.

Well done, Zhao Ze. Yesterday he’d just confessed and today, he was going for a matchmaking session. Did Zhen look like a f*cking monkey for him to fool around with? Xiang Han couldn’t believe he had been struggling over this matter.

***

T/n: Flower banquet also can be called appreciating flowers event, where flower = women.

Chapter 3.11 – This Minister Is Willing

At the banquet, Xiang Han asked Luo Bai about the past few years with a smile. In reality, he only wanted to know if the other person had managed to find those ingredients.

After all these years, Luo Bai’s courage had also grown. In front of so many ministers, he could still remain calm. Speaking of his experience during this period, he was even more chatty and he shared about various interesting and perilous experiences he had, shocking the group of ministers.

Xiang Han had been out to sea and wasn’t as easily shaken like that group of ministers but he still maintained a smile, listening with the utmost attention.

Zhao Ze drank alone, feeling extremely moody. He sat far away from the boisterous crowd as if he had been excluded and pushed aside. Occasionally, he would raise his head to see the Little Emperor smile at Luo Bai and his heart would inexplicably ache. When he had returned triumphant, the Emperor hadn’t been as earnest in asking him about his experience.

After the banquet ended, Xiang Han called for Luo Bai to stay behind with the excuse of wanting to speak through the night.

When Zhao Ze heard this, his heart tightened. He returned to his manor but the despondency in his heart had yet to fade. In a fit of the moment, he downed more wine and went to morning court with a splitting headache the next day.

Unexpectedly, while he waited along with the rest of the ministers, an announcement came to notify them of the Emperor’s discomfort and thus, morning court was excused.

Xiang Han wasn’t an exceptionally diligent Emperor, at times he would skive off and other times, he would skip morning court. His retinues were already accustomed to his habits and were unsurprised. Very quickly, they all dispersed.

However, Zhao Ze’s heart was in turmoil. Last night, Luo Bai hadn’t returned and he had stayed in the palace. With the Emperor’s feelings for him, could they have…

He was unable to continue thinking. Hurriedly leaving the main palace, he did not know how he suddenly arrived at His Majesty’s chambers.

A eunuch hurriedly came forward to stop him with an embarrassed and put-upon expression, “Minister Zhao, the Emperor has only just gone to rest.”

Xiang Han had just finished discussing the various recipes and agriculture methods with Luo Bai and was planning to take a rest. Hearing the commotion outside, he asked, “What’s going on?”

The eunuch quickly replied, “Answering His Majesty, Minister Zhao is requesting an audience.”

Zhao Ze? Coming to find him now when it should be morning court, was it because there was an urgent matter?

Xiang Han yawned and sat up from the bed. With great difficulty, he fought against his fatigue, “Let him come in.”

Zhao Ze entered his bed chambers but did not even greet him, only directing his burning gaze towards Xiang Han.

Most of Xiang Han’s sleepiness vanished under his fervent gaze and he could not help but ask, “Minister Zhao, you requested to see Zhen so urgently, is there something wrong?”

Zhao Ze did not reply and continued to only look at him.

“Minister Zhao?” Xiang Han repeated.

Zhao Ze’s expression faltered and he finally replied with much difficulty, “Your Majesty…Last night, you and Minister Luo…”

His voice was hoarse, and his brows creased as he faltered and faded out. Ultimately, he could not complete what he wanted to say.

Xiang Han did not understand, and asked in confusion, “What about Zhen and Minister Luo?”

Zhao Ze abruptly closed his eyes and gritted his teeth, “Does Your Majesty like Minister Luo?”

“What?” Xiang Han was dumbfounded and nearly choked on his own saliva.

“M-Minister Zhao, ah. Why do you ask such a question? Why would Zhen like Minister Luo? And even if there is something between Zhen and him, you aren’t in any position to ask.” His face was filled his black lines.

When Zhao Ze heard his denial, he was stunned and in the next instance, his sorrow turned to joy. His first reaction was to take the opportunity of this moment, he could not give the Little Emperor to anyone else.

He couldn’t stop himself from taking a step forward as he asked warmly, “Your Majesty, you really don’t intend on taking an Empress?”

“Minister Zhao, are you here to persuade Zhen?” Turns out it was only for this matter. Xiang Han frowned before sighing, “I won’t hide it from Minister Zhao then. Frankly speaking, Zhen has already decided to select an heir from the imperial clan. In the future, you have no need to speak of this anymore.”

Zhao Ze’s heart was instantly filled with boundless joy as if he had suddenly seen the last rays of hope. He asked again, “Your Majesty, do you still remember that you once complained to this minister and said that you may have to grow old alone?”

“Ah, there seem to be…” Xiang Han shrunk backwards with a bad feeling.

Zhao Ze took another step forward and forced him back another step as he leaned forward to look at him. His gaze was filled with tenderness and affection, “Your Majesty, you don’t have to because this Minister is willing to use his life to accompany Your Majesty.”

“???”

Xiang Han froze and only regained his calm after half a moment before he said in confusion, “Zhen understands. Zhen is tired. We will discuss this matter in the future, Zhen wants to rest…”

“Your Majesty, did you not hear what this minister just said? This minister said…”

“…” Xiang Han immediately lifted his quilt and burrowed underneath. Afterwards, he wiggled about until he became a cocoon.

[Little Nine, the situation isn’t looking too good. The capable ruler and virtuous subject route are about to collapse.]

After rolling a few rounds, he finally calmed down.

[No need to worry. There’s still the lovers’ route.]

[The point is, this virtuous subject wants to become a concubine. How can I complete this mission? Moreover, Zhen actually did not realise it. When did Zhao Ze become bent?]

System, [Actually…That night when Zhao Ze returned from the Northwest, I was forced to be censored for a while.]

Big A, [Between the task and resonance…I choose resonance.]

Xiang Han, “…”

When Zhao Ze saw that Xiang Han had rolled himself up and was wiggling around, he was afraid that he would suffocate. Afterwards, he was afraid of making it worse such that he could not break free. In the end, he only continued kneeling on one knee beside the Dragon bed and reached out to restrain the ‘quilt’ as he asked, “Your Majesty, are you alright? Is it stuffy?”

“I’m fine. Zhen is tired, you may leave.” Xiang Han’s gloomy voice quickly came from under.

The expressionless and old-fashioned stick who was always telling him not to be gay had suddenly turned around and confessed to him. Wait, it should be, offer his own body. Xiang Han felt he could not accept everything all at once. Although he was not disgusted and even had some good feelings for Zhao Ze, he needed to calm down.

Zhao Ze heard his muffled voice and grew even more concerned, unknowingly using more strength. Xiang Han detected the change and took advantage of the situation to roll with more gusto. In the end, he came barreling down the bed with Zhao Ze, who fell on top of his body.

Xiang Han was crushed under his body until he even cried out. He only felt that his waist was about the break and tears sprang to his eyes.

“Your Majesty, are you alright?” Zhao Ze grew frantic and hurriedly stood up to help the Little Emperor out.

Xiang Han used all his strength to stick his head out. His forehead was covered in sweat as he struggled to reply, “Zhen was almost crushed to death by you.”

Zhao Ze kneeled on the Dragon bed and awaited his punishment, “It was this minister’s fault. Pleading His Majesty to grant punishment.”

“You… ugh.” Xiang Han waved his dragon claws. For the sake of his mission, Xiang Han planned to use a last-ditch effort to save the critical-conditioned monarch and minister’s feelings between them.

“Minister Zhao, that year you taught Zhen the Records of Eloquent Flattery, you said that servants who rely on their face and flattery to gain favour will not have good endings. For a monarch to favour concubines, it is merely the beginning of the country’s destruction. Why did you suddenly forget what you said yourself? You are Zhen’s beloved minister and Zhen does not wish to see you falter here.” Schooling his expressionless face, he lamented bitterly. 

Zhao Ze’s lips moved as he spoke softly, “This minister has thought carefully regarding the matters that Your Majesty has just mentioned and even held back for a long time. But compared to having to watch as Your Majesty get together with someone else, this minister would rather endure the infamy that comes with it.”

He had actually been planning this for a while? Xiang Han was flabbergasted. 

“At the very least, this minister is completely loyal to Your Majesty and will not speak out of line. Moreover, Your Majesty has not directly rejected this minister and even express concern, could it be that…Your Majesty also holds this minister in your heart?” Speaking to this point, he stooped down and gazed hopefully at Xiang Han.

“…” Xiang Han was still tongue-tied.

Seeing this, Zhao Ze’s gaze was overfilled with warmth. “Perhaps it is difficult for Your Majesty to accept it immediately since this minister had once faked oblivion towards Your Majesty’s feelings and hurt Your Majesty. But this time…”

“Wait, wait wait!” Xiang Han hurriedly interrupted him in astonishment, “When did Zhen ever had feelings for you?”

Zhao Ze froze. Realising that the Little Emperor’s expression was genuine and did not look like he was lying at all, he couldn’t help but start to wonder. Could it be…it was his own misunderstanding again?

Xiang Han quickly grasped this opportunity and bitterly persuaded him, “It looks like you have misunderstood something. It’s better to return early and ponder over it. Do not allow a single mistake to cause you everlasting regrets.”

Zhao Ze’s lips pursed. He finally got off the dragon bed sluggishly, “This minister has been insolent. Beg Your Majesty to grant punishment.”

Xiang Han directly ordered him to leave and rolled around the dragon bed after he left. Although he had rejected Zhao Ze so unhesitatingly earlier, in reality, his heart felt a little bitter. It must be the lingering effects of the last two words.

Little B suddenly appeared. “Mr. Xiang, a consort can also become a famous official. A famous consort.”

Xiang Han, “Are you bullying me for my low culture? Isn’t it supposed to become a famous minister?”

Little B, “…” This job full of trickery is getting harder.

With Zhao Ze stirring him up, Xiang Han was unable to fall asleep and simply got up to write more memorials. After writing for a bit, he was indeed feeling sleepy.

The next morning, Xiang Han called for Luo Bai to come over to discuss some matters regarding the plantation of crops.

Luo Bai’s intention was to first test on a small plot of land and if it was successful, they could then commercialise it. After all, the environmental climate and fertility of the soil were different and it was difficult to tell if the saplings could thrive in their land.

But Xiang Han could not wait. The impending natural disasters were upon them and he had to speed things up. Thus, he directly told Luo Bai, “Zhen entrusts you with the state’s land. Just plant how much you have.”

Luo Bai was taken aback and hesitated, “But the Imperial clan…”

“No need to bother about them.” Xiang Han swiftly waved a hand.

If it were back when he had just joined the court, Xiang Han might have hesitated. But now he wielded power both in the military and government, there was no need for him to care about what others thought. Although half of the military power was still in Zhao Ze’s hands, ugh.

Speaking of Zhao Ze, he could not help but feel a headache. Due to yesterday’s events, he had even begun to avoid the other person on purpose. This morning, he hadn’t dared to call for him to come and help write those memorials.

Luo Bai noticed his lack-lustre expression and asked, “Your Majesty, is something the matter?”

“Isn’t it all because of Zhao Ze…ack.”

“Minister Zhao?”

“Sigh…he fell for someone whom he should not have and confided in Zhen yesterday.” Xian Han had accidentally made a slip of the tongue and hurriedly tried to cover it up.

“Ah, no wonder Minister Zhao has yet to take a wife. I heard that the Zhao manor is hosting a Flower banquet today and Minister Zhao had already requested to leave early this morning. It’s inevitable for his heart to be bitter when one’s family does not approve of the person in their heart.” Luo Bai seemed to have been enlightened and he quickly grew puzzled. But what did this have to do with the Emperor?

Flower banquet? Requesting to return? Isn’t this gathering just a pretext for a matchmaking session?

Xiang Han inexplicably grew angry and gritted his teeth.

Well done, Zhao Ze. Yesterday he’d just confessed and today, he was going for a matchmaking session. Did Zhen look like a f*cking monkey for him to fool around with? Xiang Han couldn’t believe he had been struggling over this matter.

***

T/n: Flower banquet also can be called appreciating flowers event, where flower = women.