Chapter 91 My Son
The book in Cui Xun's hand gently fell onto the quilt.
"It's rare to see her lose her composure like this."
"Could it be that Wang Du gave you a hard time?" Cui An speculated.
Cui Xun's face darkened instantly: "Wang Du wouldn't stoop to such a despicable act. He watched Shenxiu grow up; he shouldn't do that."
His sending Shenxiu to deliver the calming incense pills today was indeed a test of his intimacy. Cui Xun remembered that the child had suffered from frequent headaches in his childhood, the pain so severe he almost wanted to bang his head against the wall. At that time, he could only get these specially made incense pills into the palace through the Imperial Household Department. The news of the headache attack at the gathering made him even more worried, which is why he had all the incense pills treasured in the treasury gathered up.
Now, with worries running high, I can't afford to be so cautious anymore.
Cui An sighed, “Wang Du’s ambitions are obvious. Once his iron cavalry is fully trained, will there be any place left for the Cui family in Jiangzuo? The Central Plains are in chaos, the new emperor in the north is ruthless, and Xiao Yuanjing in the northwest has joined forces with the Jie Hu and his power is growing day by day. His second-married sister is said to be very much loved by the Jie Hu... The patriarch still wants to go all the way down Wang Du’s path, and we are powerless to stop him.”
Cui Xun turned his head away, unwilling to listen to these chaotic war matters: "My father and I have long been of different minds, so what is there to say? I only hope that he will be healthy and return to the capital soon."
Before he could finish speaking, he was struck by a violent cough. Cui An was about to step forward when he was startled to see Cui Shenxiu behind the beaded curtain. Her expression was indifferent; it was unclear how long she had been standing there.
"My lady?! This is the inner chamber, how can you be so disrespectful!"
Cui Shenxiu, however, pushed aside the beaded curtain and went straight to Cui Xun's bedside: "Uncle, Uncle An, Shenxiu has something to tell you."
“What my uncle wants me to do, I am incapable of.” She knelt directly on the cold stone bricks.
The coldness and determination in his demeanor were something Cui Xun and Cui An had never seen before. Cui Xun was slightly startled and propped himself up a few inches: "Shenxiu, what happened to you? Tell your uncle."
Cui Shenxiu kept his head down.
Seeing this, Cui An had already considered several options, and said in a deep voice:
"My lady, please speak freely about any grievances you may have. Your husband will certainly stand up for you. Is it Wang Du who is making things difficult for you, or... is it the woman by His Majesty's side who has upset you?"
Cui An realized that the only things that could make Cui Shenxiu lose his composure like this were power or the inner quarters of the household.
However, Cui Shenxiu bit his lip heavily, "Your Majesty has insulted me."
"What?"
Both Cui Xun and Cui An were stunned. Cui Xun asked urgently, "What...did he do to you?"
Cui Shenxiu's shoulders trembled slightly, as if the extremely hurtful phrase "Dong Shi imitating Xi Shi" still resonated in his ears.
"I dare not deceive my uncle." Ashamed to recall the humiliation he had never suffered in his life, Choi Shin-soo's tone was icy.
"His Majesty is deeply in love with Empress Yang, and Shenxiu is unworthy to be his match. I request that this matter be terminated."
Her attitude was resolute and left no room for argument. Both mistress and servant were speechless.
After a long while, Cui Xun seemed to have all his strength drained away. He leaned back against the pillow and let out a long, dejected sigh: "Uncle was just being presumptuous... I thought that with your talent and looks you would definitely win his favor, but I didn't expect his personality to be even more stubborn than... Well, this matter was not well thought out by Uncle, and I've wronged you."
News of the Mid-Autumn Festival banquet reached Qin Garden that very night. The matter of establishing an empress had been witnessed by Wang Du, and thus proceeded smoothly; for now, no one could challenge the empress's position. Cui Xun pondered this carefully; the young man was impulsive, and the child was habitually reckless; forcing him further would likely backfire.
It's better to wait until his feelings fade, then find some beautiful women to send to him, that's more prudent.
Thinking of this, Cui Xun frowned. He wondered what kind of charm that Yang maid possessed that had the child so completely under her spell. He would definitely have to meet her in person someday; if she was sensible, he could tolerate her. But if she was a menace, she must be eliminated.
He paused, then looked at Cui Shenxiu, whose face was grave: "Shenxiu, your marriage to Wang Miao has always been on my mind. Don't worry, at the latest by next spring, I will do everything in my power to make this happen for you. I will ensure you have a grand and glorious wedding."
Wang Miao, the fifth son of Wang Duo, the elder brother of Wang Du, was renowned for his talent but also arrogant. Previously, during the marriage negotiations in Jianye, he hesitated because he disliked Cui Shenxiu for not being a direct descendant of the Cui family, ultimately abandoning the proposal after a long delay. This made Cui Shenxiu a laughingstock in Jiangzuo, drawing much sighing and lamentation. Now, with Cui Xun personally intervening, it means he will have to use a great deal of influence and concede substantial benefits—a price that cannot be underestimated.
Cui Shenxiu was shocked. She had made a scene partly out of hatred for the young emperor's wickedness, and partly to demand payment from her uncle under the guise of resentment.
But she never expected that a mission that had just begun and was about to fail would be rewarded with such a costless return from her uncle!
How could a puppet emperor who is barely able to protect himself possibly make his uncle, who has been living in seclusion for many years and rarely even cares about family affairs, break his rules again and again, and even lose his composure like this?
Cui Shenxiu recalled the calming incense pills she had sent out in the past few days. Each tiny pill contained a hundred different medicinal herbs; the ingredients were so rare, and the process so complex, that it was practically a life-saving medicine. Her uncle himself was reluctant to use them often, yet he had sent them all away without hesitation, forbidding her from revealing their value…
The Cui family has no relation to that young emperor, so why is this happening?!
In a flash, fragments of memories from childhood palace banquets surged back. My uncle used to frequently glance at the Crown Prince beside the throne, and now, thinking back... it was definitely not just simple curiosity.
And feelings like... love, fear, worry, pain...
A ridiculous and astonishing thought struck him like a thunderbolt. Choi Shin-soo abruptly raised his face, his body tense:
"Why did Uncle wait for the young emperor to arrive here?"
Cui Xun was waiting for her to express her gratitude and agree, but upon hearing this, his breath suddenly stopped.
"You lent a helping hand when Shenxiu had nowhere to go, and raised him with great care. It is Shenxiu's duty to go through fire and water for you. Wang Miaoqi is an unsuitable match. If you hadn't personally humbly pleaded with Governor Wang, this marriage would never have been possible. Shenxiu is foolish and only wants to know the truth—"
Her eyes sparkled:
"That young emperor is notorious. What is it about him that is worth your lavish spending, even at the cost of undermining the Cui family's position in Jiangzuo?"
Cui An's expression changed drastically, and he shouted sternly, "Wife! Watch your words!"
Cui Xun's pale cheeks flushed an unnatural red instantly. His hands clenched tightly on the quilt, and he coughed violently.
Choi Shin-soo knelt on the spot, his eyes wavering, yet he stubbornly insisted on an answer.
In this situation, a reply was necessary. Cui Xun waved his hand, signaling Cui An to leave. His cough gradually subsided. Cui Xun gazed at the swaying bamboo shadows outside the window, his brows furrowing with unconcealed sorrow.
“Shenxiu,” his voice was hoarse, “come here.”
Choi Shin-soo hesitated for a moment, then crawled to the bedside as instructed.
Cui Xun slowly reached out his hand, his palm covered with sickly blue veins. He didn't touch her, but only vaguely pointed to his heart.
"You ask me why I treated him this way..." He spoke each word extremely slowly, as if he were enduring immense pain, "That's because... I'm paying off a debt."
"debt?"
“A debt that can never be repaid.” Cui Xun closed his eyes, a faint glimmer of tears seeming to flash in the corners of his eyes. “I have wronged someone… someone who died because of me. That child was the only bloodline she left in this world.”
His tone sharp, almost hoarse: "My only wish in surviving this long is to see him alive and well. What do imperial ambitions, the rise and fall of noble families, matter to me? I just want him to live!"
This obsessive uncle was something Cui Shenxiu had never seen before. She was stunned. "Uncle, who is that old friend...?"
"Don't ask!" Cui Xun interrupted her, then his voice trembled with exhaustion. "She was pampered and innocent. I am no longer worthy to mention her name. You only need to know that this matter concerns my lifelong regret. The more you know, the greater the disaster will befall you and the Cui family."
Cui Shenxiu remained silent for a long time before gently bowing his head.
“Shenxiu understands, please rest, Uncle.”
Cui Xun had been experiencing intense emotional turmoil, but now his eyes were closed, as if he were asleep.
Choi Shin-soo quietly took his leave.
"Given Shenxiu's personality, she must secretly investigate thoroughly. I'm afraid I can't keep my relationship with that child a secret from her forever."
After everyone left, the quiet courtyard was filled with voices again.
Cui An obeyed and brought paper and pen, helped Cui Xun sit up straight, and felt a pang of sorrow upon hearing his words.
"My lord, you have suffered for decades, what is the point?"
Cui Xun laughed, “She and I are in love, and he is my son. Yet I cannot acknowledge him. It is not my own suffering that is tormenting me, but the ways of the world.”
“I have wronged them, mother and son. If I had not yielded to the Wang family and had not become the governor of Jingzhou, he would not have had to suffer like this.”
Cui An felt distressed upon hearing this and brought Cui Xun a hand warmer to warm him up, saying, "My lord, you should cherish the present moment."
"Seize the moment. Yes... If I hesitate to step out of this door, won't I be trapped in this small space forever, filled with regret?"
Cui Xun's eyes suddenly widened. "He's sixteen, the age to start a family. He should have children, and more... boys and girls, preferably like him, as handsome and intelligent as him..."
As he spoke, he suddenly became excited, "Fate has sent him to Jiangzuo. I must live well, enjoy my grandchildren, and go to see him in style. I must make him like me, and let him know me, the former foremost gentleman of the capital!"
Pushing aside the hand warmer, Cui Xun chuckled, picked up his brush, finished writing, and suddenly let out a hateful cry:
"That old scoundrel Wang Du, relying on his power to force me to stay silent, even demanded that my son acknowledge him as his father! He deserves to die!"
Upon learning that Yan Dibai had sworn allegiance to Wang Du as his adoptive father, Cui Xun was stunned. He was so enraged that he repeatedly pounded the wall in anger. He had planned everything meticulously, but he hadn't anticipated that Yan Dibai would dare to be so subservient. And Wang Du actually dared to agree! His true biological father still hadn't dared to even meet him!
He was angry all night and couldn't sleep until early morning. This thought brought out his pent-up resentment again, forcing him to make a decision.
If they don't show up again, won't they be forever cut off from each other?
He handed over the visiting card, and after a moment he said, “I have long wanted to go out and fight for my son. Since that is the case, I will grant his wish. Send this visiting card and tell him that I will personally attend the gathering on the Lantern Festival to reminisce about old times.”
"Find out the jade pendant that I used to always wear. I need to take good care of myself these days, and I must not fall behind Wang Du."
Cui An accepted the still-wet visiting card with both hands, feeling its weight as if it were a thousand pounds. He had followed Cui Xun for thirty years, witnessing firsthand how this once-renowned prince of the Cui family had gradually become heartbroken and confined to this small world. He had tried to persuade him for many years, but to no avail. Now, with the arrival of this young man, he had decided in the blink of an eye to return to this bustling world.
“My lord…” Cui An’s throat tightened, “It is all the better that you have come to your senses. However, Wang Du is very powerful, and I am afraid your journey will be fraught with difficulties.”
“Hardship?” Cui Xun chuckled softly, a glimmer of light appearing in his eyes that hadn’t been seen in many years.
“In my life, the word ‘cowardice’ has been the most difficult. Now, for the sake of my child and hers, I will brave even mountains of knives and seas of fire.”
Upon returning to his courtyard, Cui Shenxiu immediately wrote a letter to Xichun Hall.
The common people were largely unaware of this, but some members of the aristocratic families knew. The young emperor's birth was not honorable; he was born from an adulterous relationship between a father and daughter. If his biological father was Emperor Chengde, then his biological mother would be that princess "Pa".
My uncle was famous in the capital when he was young and was summoned by Emperor Chengde many times. If he had a past relationship with Princess Pa and therefore felt sorry for her son... that makes sense.
She simply blew the ink away gently.
We should investigate as thoroughly as possible and gain a deeper understanding.
Upon receiving the carrier pigeon, Yuheng immediately stood up in surprise and doubt. He said to Yuchuan:
"The young lady has ordered me to travel north. You stay here and take good care of things."
Yu Chuan was taken aback: "So suddenly? What happened?"
"This is a matter of national importance," Yu Heng hurriedly went out, "It's not something you can ask about."
"Even if the sky collapses, Goddess Nuwa can mend it," Yu Chuan complained, reluctantly sitting back down.
As someone outside called out, "Selling bamboo baskets! Selling bamboo baskets!" she spat at the old man passing by and closed the door halfway.
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