Chapter 5
Edward Quan ·
17
Bùi Lãng died out in the wilderness, and a weight lifted from both Bùi Dữ's heart and mine.
On the way back, he carried me on his back, his steps utterly steady.
Our shadows lay entwined on the ground, overlapping each other.
“My empress.”
“Hmm?”
“I want to spend year after year with you.”
“So do I.”
...
Extra 1: The Ministers' Troubles
Being a minister came with its own hardships.
For instance, one's emperor might suddenly heave a great sigh during morning court.
The ministers exchanged glances before asking anxiously, “What troubles Your Majesty?”
“I was merely reminded of something the State Preceptor said last night, concerning the fortune of our nation... Ah!”
Left hanging by Bùi Dữ's unfinished remark, they asked, “And then?”
“Do you truly wish to hear it?”
“Allow us to share Your Majesty's burdens!”
Satisfied, he nodded and continued.
“Last night, the State Preceptor observed the heavens and calculated that if I take any more consorts, it may harm the nation's fortune. I'm afraid... I must disappoint your good intentions!”
The ministers fell silent.
In truth, after two years of their emperor refusing to expand his harem, they had largely come to terms with it.
The realm was stable, the people lived and worked in peace, and the emperor was no foolish tyrant. What did it matter whether he took consorts?
But wasn't this excuse a little childish? Did he take them for three-year-olds?
Though they cursed furiously to themselves, as his most loyal servants, they decided to play along.
“In that case, we shall certainly cease urging Your Majesty to take consorts, lest we affect the nation's fortune.”
Bùi Dữ regarded them suspiciously.
“Really?”
His distrust broke their hearts. They could only assure him over and over.
“It isn't that I don't wish to take consorts. My chief concern is the nation's fortune. Besides...”
A little sadness entered his eyes.
“I'm... not very capable in that respect. I only respond to the empress.”
The ministers had no words.
All right, all right. We know you're in love with her!
Extra 2: When Bùi Dữ Gained the Ability to Read Minds
After Bùi Lãng's death, Dung Cẩm discovered that she could no longer hear Bùi Dữ's thoughts.
Bùi Dữ, however, heard his empress's thoughts one perfectly ordinary afternoon.
He had just opened a memorial asking whether he wanted lychees when a cheerful, relaxed voice sounded in his ears.
【What lovely sunshine. I rather fancy some osmanthus cakes. A pot of tea would make it perfect.】
He froze and looked toward the empress, who was basking in the sun on a couch. Then he instructed the young eunuch, “Bring a plate of osmanthus cakes and a pot of tea.”
【Huh? How did he know I wanted osmanthus cakes?】
【Could my mind-reading ability have transferred to him?】
【Does that mean he'll hear everything I think from now on? That won't do!】
Mind-reading?
Had the empress been able to hear his thoughts all this time?
Bùi Dữ pretended to review his memorials calmly, but the tips of his ears had turned red.
【Perhaps I should test him!】
【...Hmm, the new top scholar has such rosy lips and white teeth. He's not as handsome as Bùi Dữ, but he does have youth on his side!】
【And that Cavalry General who's been making a name for himself lately. Such a powerful build. I hear he even has defined abdominal muscles...】
Bùi Dữ had no words.
So did he!
And what was so handsome about that pale-faced scholar anyway?
He struggled again and again to keep himself from overturning the desk and leaping to his feet. After watching him for a long while, Dung Cẩm finally sighed in relief.
【He really can't hear me, then. Looks as though I was worrying over nothing.】
【It's been a long time since I visited Father at the general's residence. I wonder how my sister's recovery is going. I'd rather like to go and see them, but how should I tell Bùi Dữ?】
【He's bound to ask me a thousand questions and insist on coming along. He's so clingy!】
【Ah, a man is more attractive when he has something of his own to do.】
What?
She thought he was clingy!
“What's the matter?”
Dung Cẩm looked at the suddenly reproachful gaze he was giving her.
“It just occurred to me that you haven't been home for some time,” he said. “Why not visit today? Only... I have affairs of state to attend to, so I can't accompany you.”
She froze.
【What a coincidence! I was just thinking about going home, and he brought it up!】
Two seconds later, she said calmly, “In that case, I'll go on my own.”
The eunuch beside them watched the empress flit away like a little butterfly. His emperor snorted and flung down his brush, then suddenly turned to him.
【Who do you think is more handsome, me or the new top scholar?】
The young eunuch was bewildered.
Before he could offer any flattery, Bùi Dữ asked another question.
“Who do you think is stronger, me or the Cavalry General?”
This time the eunuch answered at once.
“Your Majesty, of course! You are the true dragon, the Son of Heaven. No one can compare!”
Bùi Dữ fell silent.
Then why was his empress looking at other men?
Damn nuisance!
The flattery did nothing to improve his expression.
“If I remember correctly, neither the top scholar nor the Cavalry General is married? As emperor, I ought to take an interest in my ministers' marriages. Go and summon them both. Tell them I have business with them.”
“Yes, Your Majesty.”
...