Chapter 101 He's Dead
"Can't you be reasonable?" Yunxi retorted without any politeness. "Have you forgotten how many dangerous assassination attempts Fan Zishi faced after cutting down the mulberry trees to restore the rice paddies?"
Her tone of voice was unpleasant.
But Xiao Shenjing wasn't angry.
Because Yunxi did not admit it, nor did she hesitate at all.
This instantly improved the emperor's mood, and even the corners of his mouth turned up slightly.
Yunxi noticed this expression and frowned, asking, "Are you smiling?"
"When did I laugh?" Xiao Shenjing immediately lowered his brows, regaining his usual imperial demeanor.
Seeing that he didn't answer her, Yunxi guessed that this might be another dangerous situation. Seeing Xiao Shenjing only made her more annoyed. She strode forward, wanting to get rid of him as soon as possible.
However, Xiao Shenjing was simply too tall. Even if Yunxi, who only reached his chest, walked as fast as he did, she couldn't take a single long stride.
He quickly walked up to her.
"This time, I will not give them anything dangerous, so don't bother with them anymore."
On the bustling street, Yunxi glanced at him, then remained silent for a few moments before saying, "Xiao Shenjing, I'll trust you this once."
That's what she said, but what could she do if she didn't believe it?
There's an old saying that goes, "If the ruler commands the subject to die, the subject has no choice but to die."
Xiao Shenjing was the emperor, and there was very little she, as an ordinary person without power or influence, could do.
"If anything happens to them because of this, I will never forgive myself."
Xiao Shenjing knew the weight of those words. But to be promoted, without merit, he would only attract various impeachments. Besides, the country had its laws, and even the emperor might reward him for no reason.
Even a tyrannical ruler wouldn't do such a thing, let alone someone like him.
Therefore, after careful consideration, Lu Xiuran, who was familiar with the situation on the frontier, arranged to coordinate the opening of the horse market and tea market on the border during the winter.
As soon as Xiao Shenjing finished speaking, Yun Xi immediately said, "How dangerous is the border? The Turks could invade at any time!"
"Don't worry, it's being conducted within the city walls under the protection of the garrison, not on the front lines."
"What about the eldest brother?" Yunxi thought for a moment and then asked.
"Beizhili has been reporting disasters year after year, and I intend to send him there for disaster relief."
Seeing that Yunxi was pondering without speaking, Xiao Shenjing poured a cup of tea and pushed it in front of her, saying, "Although these two tasks are risky, they are not risky. I will have the relevant officials fully cooperate."
This time, Yunxi finally felt relieved and casually picked up the teacup on the table to drink.
Taking the opportunity, Xiao Shenjing suggested, "I have ordered people to prepare an autumn hunt. I will come to pick you and Yuanxiao up in a few days."
"I'm not going," Yunxi said without hesitation.
Xiao Shenjing nodded, not refuting, "If you're comfortable with it, I'll bring Yuanxiao with me."
“Arrows and swords have no eyes, Yuanxiao is too young,” Yunxi said immediately.
The emperor smiled, a clear hint of mockery in his phoenix eyes. "Yuanxiao also loves archery; perhaps she inherited that from you when you were young?"
Yunxi choked up.
"Besides, with the Imperial Guards accompanying him on his journey, there will be no accidents whatsoever." He finished speaking decisively, then suddenly changed his tone, "But I believe that Yuanxiao also wants to see his mother's beauty."
Yunxi raised an eyebrow.
He slammed down his teacup and asked, "Xiao Shenjing, are you setting a trap for me?"
Even after being exposed, Xiao Shenjing remained calm and said, "You've been busy with the tavern lately and haven't spent much time with Yuanxiao in a while. Besides, there aren't many autumn hunters this time, so why don't you go and take a look before making a decision?"
Now that his relationship with Yunxi has finally taken a turn for the better, Xiao Shenjing naturally has to go to great lengths to increase his opportunities to spend time with her.
Furthermore, he had practiced riding and archery since childhood and was highly skilled, so this was a good opportunity to show off his abilities to her.
Therefore, since the autumn hunt was originally arranged for her, they naturally hoped that she would go.
To be on the safe side, Xiao Shenjing went to great lengths to start with the Lantern Festival.
Several sets of clothes were arranged for him, including military attire, a sleeveless armor with a square collar and front opening, and even a toy bow and arrow set suitable for the Lantern Festival.
She also specifically instructed, "For the Lantern Festival, remember to make sure your mother comes."
Yuanxiao, who was not yet three years old, could not resist such temptation and clung to Yunxi after returning home.
"You heartless brat, how much did you take from Xiao Shenjing?" Yunxi picked up Yuanxiao and kissed his forehead.
Yuanxiao laughed and said, "Mother, go away!"
"good!"
She had already decided to go on this autumn hunt, not because of Xiao Shenjing's invitation, but because she was worried about it.
Xiao Shenjing chose a good date.
Under a clear blue sky, autumn paints the forests of the royal hunting grounds in vibrant colors.
Xiao Shenjing left the palace early in the morning and appeared in the small courtyard where Yunxi lived.
He sat upright on the tall imperial horse "Jiugai", his neat black riding clothes making his figure appear even more upright and tall.
When Yunxi brought Yuanxiao out, he reached out and lifted Yuanxiao onto the horse.
It was Yuanxiao's first time riding a horse, and she was extremely excited, giggling and touching it all over.
After Yunxi mounted his horse, the group headed straight for the Royal Hunting Grounds.
As soon as they left the city gate, Yunxi rode ahead on horseback.
Her long black hair flew in the wind, and her agile figure was eye-catching.
"Mother!" Yuanxiao called out, clapping her hands in Xiao Shenjing's arms.
"Father, take this to chase after Mother." Xiao Shenjing chuckled and kicked the horse's belly.
Upon hearing Yuanxiao's voice, Yunxi reined in his horse and turned around.
His eyes and brows held a long-lost exuberance, a joy that came from a genuine love of riding horses through the mountains and forests and being close to nature.
They rode their horses all the way to the hunting grounds.
Xiao Shenjing proposed, "Yunxi, do you dare to compete with me today?"
"What are we comparing?" Yunxi raised an eyebrow.
"Naturally, it's hunting."
"I'm not good at archery," she readily admitted.
She was good at light footwork and swordsmanship, but she had never been trained in horseback archery.
Xiao Shenjing smiled slightly, dismounted, and moved swiftly and cleanly. "Today's hunt is for enjoyment. Try the bow first; with your intelligence, you'll surely master the technique quickly."
Xiao Shenjing was on guard, and Fu Shun immediately ordered someone to bring two bows: one was a soft bow specially prepared for Yunxi, and the other was his usual strong bow.
Now that we've come all this way to the hunting grounds, practicing archery will make the trip worthwhile.
However, she had never practiced, and both of her shots were wildly off-target.
Yuanxiao, who didn't understand anything, was still clapping and saying, "Mom is amazing."
Yunxi glanced at the little guy who was booing, and then she suddenly laughed.
That smile was like the autumn sun suddenly breaking through the clouds, bright, unrestrained, and without any gloom.
Looking at her, Xiao Shenjing was stunned for a moment.
For a long time, whenever Yunxi saw him, she would greet him with a cold face and harsh words.
He hadn't seen Yunxi smile like that for a very, very long time.
In that instant, he felt as if he had returned to their first meeting.
At that time, Yunxi did not fall off the cliff, and none of the subsequent events occurred.
It wasn't until Yunxi fired the third arrow that Xiao Shenjing was awakened.
Seeing Yunxi draw her bow again.
Xiao Shenjing stepped forward a few steps, keeping a distance of not too close to Yun Xi, and said, "Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart, lower your center of gravity, and be as stable as a rock."
Yunxi glanced at him.
She humbly did as she was told, after all, she didn't want to hear any more boos during the Lantern Festival.
“Sink your shoulders a little more,” Xiao Shenjing’s gaze caught her subtle imperfection. He didn’t touch her directly, but guided her with words, “Your strength should originate from the soles of your feet, flow through your waist and back, and reach your shoulders and arms, just like that.” He watched her adjust her posture, a hint of satisfaction flashing in his eyes.
"When drawing the bow, your gaze should be like that of a hawk, locking onto the target." He nocked the arrow himself, his movements fluid and graceful, the bowstring humming deeply and powerfully in his hands. "Don't rush the draw, keep your breath steady, and your mind calm as still water." He released his fingers, and the arrow soared through the air, landing precisely on the edge of a simple straw target in the distance, with tremendous force.
Yunxi had to admit that Xiao Shenjing's archery skills were indeed remarkable.
Xiao Shenjing lowered his bow, his gaze focused intently on her movements. "Raise your arm another half an inch, hold steady, and release!"
The arrow left the bowstring, whistling through the air, and actually struck the edge of the straw target.
"Wow!" Yunxi was somewhat surprised.
Yuanxiao clapped her little hands excitedly, her big eyes filled with admiration.
"Very impressive." Xiao Shenjing smiled and said sincerely, "I knew you would learn it quickly."
"Of course," Yunxi said without any modesty, and then drew the bowstring with great interest.
Fu Shun and Dao Yi exchanged a glance, both seeing relief in each other's eyes.
His Majesty has finally overcome his hardships and achieved happiness.
When the hunt ended, Yunxi naturally didn't catch much prey.
Xiao Shenjing hunted the most, including deer, wild boar, and rabbits.
He drew his bow and shot arrows with unerring accuracy, displaying remarkable heroic spirit.
The autumn sun made his features even more picturesque.
It was a look that Yunxi had never seen before.
However, she quickly looked away.
When the palace servants were teaching how to roast the prey, Yuanxiao, who had just taken a nap, excitedly waved her little hands and hugged Yunxi's neck tightly, wanting to ride a horse too.
“Alright,” Xiao Shenjing stood up and ordered someone to bring his magnificent imperial horse, “Jiugai.” “Shall we take Yuanxiao for a ride together? Let him see the birds and deer in the forest.”
Jiu Gai took a steady stroll through the woods.
The tall trees receded slowly, and the autumn sun shone through the branches and leaves, casting warm spots of light.
Yuanxiao sat in Yunxi's lap, excitedly looking around, his little finger pointing at the occasional squirrel darting by or a bird taking flight, babbling in words only he understood. Yunxi smiled and poked his cheek, his eyes filled with pure tenderness.
Xiao Shenjing's deep voice rang out with a hint of laughter: "When Yuanxiao is a little older, I will teach him to shoot eagles."
"Good, good, good!" Yuanxiao clapped her hands happily.
Yunxi casually tucked a wildflower into his braid, and couldn't help but laugh.
The daylight is bright and clear; it's perfect right now.
Xiao Shenjing looked down at the two figures in front of him, one large and one small, and a warm feeling of near-perfection quietly filled his heart.
At this moment, the wind rustled through the trees, and the horses' hooves moved slowly, as if only the three of them remained in the world.
The midday sun generously bathed the open space in front of the hunting camp, dispelling the chill of the forest.
The bonfire was burning brightly, crackling softly, and leaping flames licked at the iron racks that the palace servants had already set up. On the racks, the venison, pheasant, and rabbit that Xiao Shenjing had hunted that morning were cut into appropriately sized pieces, sizzling under the heat of the charcoal fire, with golden fat constantly seeping out and dripping onto the embers, sending up wisps of smoke carrying a fragrant aroma.
The rich aroma of meat, mixed with the unique scent of burning fruitwood, permeates the air, stimulating the most primal appetite.
The palace servants worked swiftly, placing chunks of roasted meat, crispy on the outside and tender and juicy on the inside, into large, coarse earthenware platters with silver rims, sprinkling them with fine salt and ground spice powder, and serving them steaming hot.
The aroma of the meat is irresistible, making one's mouth water.
"It smells so good!" Yunxi's eyes lit up, and she took a deep breath.
Having exhausted herself riding horses and shooting arrows in the hunting grounds, the primitive yet alluring aroma was more tempting to her than any royal delicacy.
Without waiting for the palace servants to serve the food, she directly used a silver skewer to pick up a piece of perfectly roasted venison leg, blew on it to cool it down, and then put it in her mouth.
"Mmm!" The hot, delicious meat juices burst in her mouth, carrying the rich flavor of wild game and the aroma of charcoal. She squinted her eyes in satisfaction, chewing with her cheeks bulging, completely disregarding any decorum.
It's the joy of letting go of all burdens and simply enjoying the food.
Sitting in the main seat, Xiao Shenjing watched her eat with such abandon and gusto, and couldn't help but smile.
During his daily meals, he was particular about not speaking while eating or sleeping, displaying an elegant and composed imperial demeanor.
But every time I see Yunxi eating, the lack of any complicated etiquette is enough to whet my appetite and please my eyes.
"How can you eat meat without wine?" Yunxi swallowed the delicious food in her mouth, feeling the meaty aroma still lingering in her throat. While she enjoyed it, she felt that something was missing.
"Go and bring the wine," Xiao Shenjing said immediately.
Soon, an unopened jar of wine was brought out. The jar was old and rustic, covered with a little dirt, clearly indicating its age. Yunxi broke the clay seal, and a clear, mellow aroma with a hint of plum fruit instantly wafted out, even suppressing some of the overpowering smell of roasted meat.
She didn't use a jade cup; instead, she had someone bring a large bowl. Lifting the heavy wine jar, she tilted her wrist, and the clear wine, accompanied by fine foam, poured into the bowl with a gurgling sound. Her movements were clean and efficient, exuding the boldness of a chivalrous woman.
She tilted her head back and gulped down a large mouthful. The cool liquor slid down her throat, carrying the sweet and sour taste of plums and the rich flavor of grains, instantly washing away the greasiness of the roasted meat and bringing a refreshing coolness that soothed her entire body.
She exhaled a puff of alcohol with a hearty sigh, her cheeks instantly flushing red, but her eyes shone with an astonishing brightness: "That was great!"
Xiao Shenjing picked up the wine jar, poured himself a cup, and, imitating her, tilted his head back and took a big gulp.
The clear, sweet and sour liquor, carrying the chill of snow water, flowed down my throat, then transformed into a warm current that quickly spread to every part of my body. Unlike the mellow and smooth imperial wine, this "Burning Spring Snow" carried a wild, impetuous energy and a straightforward, refreshing sweetness.
"Good wine!" Xiao Shenjing put down his bowl, his throat bobbing as he sincerely praised it.
Seeing this, Yuanxiao, who was sitting to the side, also wanted to drink, but Yunxi stopped her in time.
"Mother, drink!" Yuanxiao said with a wronged expression.
“No.” Yunxi refused in a serious tone.
Lantern Festival: "I want to drink more Lantern Festival dumplings."
"No." Yunxi pinched his face.
Yuanxiao pouted, on the verge of tears.
"Don't try that on me, Yuanxiao Gou Dan," Yunxi thought, not about to fall for it.
Seeing this scene, Xiao Shenjing couldn't suppress the urge to smile.
This was the first time Emperor Xiao Shenjing had experienced the satisfaction and joy of being a husband and father.
I feel that nothing in this world can replace it.
In this vast hunting ground under a clear sky, surrounded by the aroma of campfire and roasted meat, the two men ate in harmony. One had his hands glistening with oil and his cheeks bulging, while the other abandoned his imperial demeanor and drank heartily from his bowl.
After a few bowls of strong liquor, Xiao Shenjing's usually pale face flushed slightly, and he felt an unprecedented sense of ease and warmth.
"The simple pleasures of life are the truest joys."
He watched her down the wine in her bowl with another hearty gulp, her flushed cheeks and her lips, still bright despite a little oil stain, and his heart was already filled with this rough but genuine joy.
"Yunxi, there is something I must apologize to you for." Xiao Shenjing raised his cup to Yunxi.
"You've apologized for a lot of things." Yunxi wasn't drunk.
"Then I apologize to everyone!" Xiao Shenjing waved his hand, his phoenix eyes tinged with the smoky glow of wine, yet also burning with intense love. "Yunxi, you taught our Yuanxiao very well, very well. I shouldn't have said you couldn't educate my offspring."
He pounded his head. "How could I have said such a thing?"
Yunxi paused for a moment, then quickly sneered and cursed without any restraint, "Xiao Shenjing, so why do you call yourself the dog emperor?"
"In this world, only you dare to call me by my name to my face!" Xiao Shenjing looked at Yun Xi and said, "Well said, I like to hear it. Shall I say a few more?"
“Yunxi”
"Tell me, wouldn't it be wonderful if we could get along like this from now on?" Xiao Shenjing smiled. "Yunxi, Yunxi, have you forgiven me?"
"Yunxi"
As Xiao Shenjing was helped away by Fu Shun, he murmured Yunxi's name, "Yunxi, Yunxi, forgive me."
"Would you like to be my empress?"
Since the autumn hunt, Xiao Shenjing has been frequently heading to the tavern.
Even if he doesn't come, he will instruct the imperial kitchen chefs to prepare all sorts of delicious dishes to send to Yunxi and Yuanxiao.
The autumn chill is growing stronger.
Chrysanthemums are in full bloom. Yuanxiao ate the seven-petal chrysanthemum cakes that Xiao Shenjing sent yesterday, and today she is clamoring to eat them again.
Given Yunxi's temperament, she naturally wouldn't ask Xiao Shenjing for it, so she didn't go to the tavern in the afternoon. Instead, she inquired about the recipe from her neighbors and planned to figure it out herself.
She rolled up her sleeves and busied herself at the workbench, the freshly ground inulin mixed with glutinous rice flour, emitting a unique aroma that was both bitter and sweet.
Just as she was focused on kneading the dough, her fingertips covered in fine powder, the light from the doorway was blocked by a tall, slender figure.
Xiao Shenjing arrived. He was dressed in a dark blue casual robe, with a jade belt around his waist, exuding an air of nobility.
He stood at the door holding Yuanxiao, looking around this lively place with great interest. His gaze finally landed on Yunxi's flour-covered nose, and the corners of his lips curved almost imperceptibly.
"I heard you were making seven-petal chrysanthemum cakes, so I came to see." He strode in, his imposing manner completely out of place in this smoky, oily place, yet he insisted on venturing in.
"So please don't send me anything from your palace next time, okay?" Yunxi glared at him. "I'm not your palace's imperial chef."
"Then I'll have someone come and help you," Xiao Shen said, and was about to have Fu Shun come in.
"No, no, no. I like Yuanxiao, I'll try it." Yunxi quickly interrupted him, casually saying, "After all, we need to maintain a loving mother-son relationship from time to time."
Xiao Shenjing smiled at her straightforward and unreserved words, turned around and handed Yuanxiao to Fushun behind him, saying, "I'll help you."
"No need," Yunxi refused without even thinking.
Xiao Shenjing seemed not to hear him, walked closer, and his gaze fell on the soft, yellow and white object on the table. "Is this the chrysanthemum cake?"
His tone held a hint of curiosity as he casually rolled up his sleeves, revealing his muscular forearms.
After washing his hands, he walked to the cutting board and said, "I'll try it too."
Before he could finish speaking, Xiao Shenjing stretched out his well-defined knuckles and, mimicking Yun Xi's earlier gesture, pressed the chrysanthemum-shaped glutinous rice dough onto it. He imitated the movement, but the force he used was completely wrong.
The man's hand was heavy and forceful. With a soft "plop," the dough that had been kneaded so smoothly was pressed into a large dent, and several cracks appeared at the edges. Sticky paste instantly covered his hands.
Yunxi looked at the dough she had carefully kneaded, which had instantly turned into a complete mess, her temples twitched, and she blurted out, "Xiao Shenjing!"
Xiao Shenjing seemed to be stunned for a moment, looking at his sticky palms and then at the collapsed dough on the table, showing a rare hint of clumsy helplessness.
He tried to reassemble the dough, but his usually powerful hands seemed particularly uncooperative. The harder he tried to pinch the cracks shut, the stickier the dough became. Not only did he fail to salvage the situation, but he also made a mess of his hands and sleeves, and scattered crumbs on the work surface.
“Ahem,” he cleared his throat, trying to maintain his composure, “this thing is quite resilient.”
Yunxi looked at his fingers and cuffs covered in powder, then at the messy cutting board, and said with obvious disgust, "Get out of here, get out of here! Look what you've done to my dough!"
Despite being so "disliked," Xiao Shenjing showed no displeasure whatsoever. He watched as Yunxi muttered under her breath about "a perfectly good dough" while deftly kneading and mending it to salvage the situation.
He looked down at his hands, which were covered in flour and glutinous rice flour, then looked up at the slender figure busy at the stove, the fragrance of chrysanthemum powder and the warm smoke from the stove fire lingering around his nose.
A strange and comforting warmth slowly flowed through my heart, and sitting atop the mountain again, I no longer felt lonely and cold.
He liked seeing her so lively and vibrant, with a hint of complaining, yet full of energy.
He suddenly grew fond of this small, crowded kitchen, full of the warmth of everyday life, and of the genuine, undisguised emotions she showed him over the smallest things.
Even if it's just disdain.
He didn't even wipe the flour off his hands; he just stood there, quietly watching her busy profile and listening to the soft sounds of the dough being kneaded and patted on the work surface.
A voice inside me whispered: If we could always be like this, watching her, listening to her, in this warm and lively world, even if I'm criticized for being clumsy, life would be wonderful.
Just as everything was developing in a better direction, Yunxi's attitude towards him also changed, even if it was only a very small change.
Xiao Shenjing was confident that he had plenty of time to wait for Yunxi to look at him again.
However, he did not expect that the change would come so quickly.
It happened so fast that he was caught off guard and was pushed off a cliff in an instant.
Fu Shun, who was usually as calm and composed as a rock, was as pale as a sheet, his forehead was covered with fine cold sweat, and he staggered as he almost fell to his knees as he rushed into the hall.
The urgent memorial he held in his hands trembled so much that he could barely hold it, as if he were holding a red-hot iron.
"Your Majesty! Urgent dispatch from 800 li away!" Fu Shun's voice was hoarse and strained, as if it had been scraped by sand and grit, as if it were being squeezed out of his throat with great difficulty.
Xiao Shenjing's heart sank suddenly, and an ominous premonition instantly surged into his mind.
Fu Shun dared not say another word, and almost crawled to hold the memorial high above his head and present it to the emperor.
When Xiao Shenjing saw the dark characters on the memorial, an overwhelming sense of despair and chilling fear instantly gripped his very being.
At this moment, the emperor, sitting on the dragon throne symbolizing supreme power, remained upright, but his clenched fingers, with knuckles white, betrayed his inner fear.
At this moment, the mighty emperor had become a coward. He didn't even dare to imagine what Yunxi would do when she learned of this news.
How could their fragile, budding relationship be torn into irreparable pieces by this sudden and devastating news?
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