You're the best at faking illness, Wei Shuang.
Xiao Yu, who had been struggling with drowsiness throughout the morning court session, could only barely remember the appearances of the other two assistant ministers.
The Left Chancellor, Wang Ruofu, was a bit older, with a long, gray beard. Although he was only in his forties, he looked like he was nearing sixty. Fortunately, his refined and easygoing demeanor was very pleasing to the eye. The Right Chancellor, Shen Que, on the other hand, was a stunning beauty. His young and handsome appearance was androgynous. He was very eye-catching when he stood in the hall. He was indeed worthy of being the third-ranked scholar in his time.
I heard that this Right Chancellor is three years older than Wei Shuang.
Xiao Yu couldn't help but glance at Wei Shuang, and was immediately overwhelmed by her steady aura.
As expected of a regent who wields great power at a young age, he is also strikingly handsome.
Having just assumed the throne, and with everyone still somewhat unfamiliar with each other, Xiao Yu sat awkwardly on the dragon throne. The court officials were also extremely reserved in front of the new emperor. Since there hadn't been any major events in the court recently, the court session ended early.
Xiao Yu couldn't wait to get off the dragon throne and, after entering the inner hall, he almost ran towards the sedan chair to return to the Hall of Mental Cultivation.
He was very sleepy, but he should be able to keep his eyes open and eat a bite of coin pastry before falling asleep.
"Your Majesty." Unexpectedly, Jinqian Su arrived before him, carrying with him a strong, intoxicating aroma of alcohol.
"Carry the sedan chair, carry the sedan chair! I didn't hear you, and neither did you," Xiao Yu urged the eunuchs carrying the sedan chair in a low voice.
Once Wei Shuang got close to him, he could only faint from hunger until dinner time.
All three imperial physicians diagnosed him with a weak spleen and stomach, and patients with stomach ailments absolutely cannot skip breakfast.
The sedan chair had just been lifted up, swaying precariously, when Wei Shuang's figure had already moved in front of Xiao Yu.
"Your Majesty, stay."
Xiao Yu: "..."
Military generals are great; they're so agile. I couldn't even dodge them if I wanted to.
Xiao Yu could only turn around, cover his nose, and stare at Wei Shuang with a mournful expression: "What is it, Imperial Uncle?"
"The Left Prime Minister said that the Grand Tutor will enter the palace to pay his respects in half an hour, and His Majesty will begin studying with the Grand Tutor tomorrow." Wei Shuang was startled by Xiao Yu's listless appearance. He took a step back, bowed, and secretly pushed Xiao Yu's lessons back by one day in his heart.
Xiao Yu's face fell again.
Not only does he have to deal with the incense that Wei Shuang hypnotizes, but he also has to learn the art of imperial politics from a tutor he has never met before.
“Your Majesty is the ruler of a country and must be diligent. As the regent, I am not in a position to do everything on your behalf.” Wei Shuang noticed Xiao Yu’s displeasure and softened her tone to persuade him, “If you please make the Grand Tutor happy, I will take you to the hunting grounds in the back mountains next month.”
"I'm not a child anymore. If you don't try to fool me with the words you use to coax children, I'll learn to do it too." Xiao Yu raised his eyes with great displeasure, a glimmer of excitement flashing deep in his golden eyes. He looked at Wei Shuang, swallowed, and said politely, "I'm going to have breakfast. Would Wei Shuang like to come with me?"
"Then I will respectfully comply." Wei Shuang waved to signal the eunuchs carrying the sedan chair to start moving, and followed Feng Shun, who was greeting people beside the sedan chair.
Xiao Yu: "..."
See? The General's Mansion really can't afford to eat anymore.
Xiao Yu, smelling the intoxicating scent of wine emanating from Wei Shuang, nestled in the sedan chair and began to ponder on his fingers: given the Regent's appetite, how much more silver would it cost to keep another Wei Shuang in the palace?
After much deliberation, Xiao Yu realized that, considering the emperor's dining standards, keeping another Wei Shuang wouldn't only not cost more money, but would also be quite beneficial—keeping Wei Shuang in the palace for three meals a day would allow him to monitor the regent's every move while also preventing extravagance and waste...
Xiao Yu seemed to be deep in thought, putting aside his doubts about Wei Shuangxinxiang.
It's time to continue making peace with the God of Slaughter.
Xiao Yu changed his initial disdain and warmly grasped Wei Shuang's hand, taking the initiative to welcome Wei Shuang, who had temporarily taken on the heavy responsibility of Liang's political affairs, into the Hall of Mental Cultivation.
As Xiao Yu's warm breath wafted over, Wei Shuang's body stiffened, and her back went limp.
"Wei Shuang." After finally finishing his breakfast, Xiao Yu held the coin-shaped pastry in his hand with satisfaction and looked at Wei Shuang with a smile, saying, "From now on, come and dine with me. I enjoy my meal when I see you."
Wei Shuang put down her bowl of porridge with an upright expression: "Even if Your Majesty bribes me, I cannot be exempted from my studies."
"I didn't do this to exempt you from your studies." Xiao Yu put down the pastry in her hand, feigning sadness as she lowered her eyes, her long eyelashes fluttering slightly. "Wei Shuang, you've gone too far! I just wanted to be good to you!"
Wei Shuang: "..."
Xiao Yu quickly wiped the corner of her eye with her sleeve, then looked up, revealing a pair of red-rimmed eyes ready to pounce.
Perhaps because he hadn't slept well the night before and his eyes were too dry, Xiao Yu couldn't muster any emotion even after trying for a long time. He gritted his teeth and pinched his thigh hard, finally squeezing out a few crocodile tears. He deliberately let Wei Shuang see the tear stains at the corners of his eyes, pretended to sniffle, and said in a hoarse, sobbing voice, "I regretted the secret medicine all night last night and couldn't sleep at all. I was just thinking of being nice to you today, but you said I was bribing you."
"That's not what I meant..." Wei Shuang's forehead was already sweating.
"So it is." Xiao Yu grabbed two pieces of coin-shaped pastry, hid them in his sleeve to compose himself, stood up, turned his back, and added coldly, "The Imperial Tutor is in charge of my studies. What benefit would I get from bribing you? Can you threaten the Imperial Tutor like you forced me to take the secret medicine?"
With such a genuine and heartfelt performance, barring any unforeseen circumstances, Wei Shuang should be taking over the reins of Grand Tutor Daye.
Xiao Yu smugly grabbed her sleeve, her shoulders swaying with her emotions as she turned away from Wei Shuang.
"Your Majesty, a ruler must not reveal his joy or anger."
Unexpectedly, I received such a nonsensical remark.
Xiao Yu was so angry that she ran into the inner hall.
He'd already made it so obvious, but Wei Shuang was completely oblivious and couldn't understand it.
——
Xiao Yu's clever scheme failed, and the meal ended unhappily. Xiao Yu forced himself to stay alert and finally waited for the late Grand Tutor to arrive.
Instead of seeing any strangers, Xiao Yu was taken aback to see the Left Chancellor, Wang Ruofu, standing in the distance above the court. "Left Chancellor? Where is my Grand Tutor?"
Wang Ruofu bowed and said, "As entrusted by the Regent, I will personally tutor Your Majesty in your studies. If Your Majesty does not mind, you may call me Grand Tutor."
You, Wei Shuang, tried to play dirty tricks on me after I said a few words to you!
As a mere puppet with no real power, Xiao Yu could only respond with a forced smile: "Greetings, Grand Tutor Wang."
Please take a seat and serve tea.
Xiao Yu had already figured out how to handle Wei Shuang, but he couldn't help but feel intimidated whenever he made eye contact with the Left Prime Minister, who looked like a teacher.
Forget about manipulating them, it's difficult to even glare back with a straight face.
Xiao Yu sat very uncomfortable. The white-bearded prime minister, with his refined demeanor, was quite imposing. Xiao Yu couldn't find a way to provoke him and tried to speak several times, but swallowed his words back.
"Your Majesty, I heard that the Regent Prince did not leave the palace today. Is he in the Hall of Mental Cultivation?" Fortunately, Wang Ruofu took the initiative to bring up the topic.
Mentioning Wei Shuang made Xiao Yu angry. He said expressionlessly, "She was so angry with me that she went to the Imperial Study to review memorials."
Wang Ruofu's shoulders, which had been tense since entering the Hall of Mental Cultivation, suddenly relaxed. He stood up shakily, walked to Xiao Yu's side, and raised his hand—
Xiao Yu instinctively stepped back in alarm.
Wiping away tears.
"Your Majesty, that villain Wei Shuang even dares to interfere with your studies. He must be plotting to seize power. If you are being coerced by the Regent, just blink! This old minister will risk his life to protect Your Majesty!" The venerable old prime minister grabbed Xiao Yu's sleeve and burst into tears, leaving Xiao Yu at a loss for what to do.
Why are you crying?!
Wei Shuang, look what you've done! Openly bullying an elderly person who is nearly fifty!
Xiao Yu had no choice but to soften his voice and help Wei Shuang clean up the mess: "I am fine. I was not coerced by Wei Shuang. Grand Chancellor... Grand Tutor, please get up."
"Your Majesty—" As they drew closer, Wang Ruofu saw the clearly visible dark circles under Xiao Yu's eyes, and tears streamed down his face. "You have suffered so much. Your Majesty, rest assured. The late Emperor was kind to me, and I have been entrusted with this task by him. I will remain loyal and steadfast in my loyalty, resolutely protect the Xiao family bloodline, and fight that Wei brat to the end, so that Your Majesty can assume personal rule as soon as possible!"
Xiao Yu: "???"
Another loyal old minister has tried to ruin my hair!
“This matter requires careful consideration. Please have a seat, Grand Tutor.” Xiao Yu gritted his teeth and helped Wang Ruofu sit down. “I have not yet come of age and have not yet established my own rule. There is no need to rush this matter.”
"Your Majesty understands. I will certainly live up to Your Majesty's trust and assist you wholeheartedly!"
Seeing the determination on Wang Ruofu's aged face that he would not give up until he was taught to be a wise ruler, Xiao Yu hurriedly had Feng Shun bring out several plates of tea and snacks to shut Wang Ruofu up.
This is so difficult. The Grand Tutor is not as easy to talk to as Wei Shuang.
As Xiao Yu expected, the seemingly easy-going and tearful Left Prime Minister became almost harsh as Grand Tutor. He strictly controlled Xiao Yu's every need, from clothing and food to housing and transportation, and even scolded him for indulging in frivolous pursuits when he wore multiple tiger jade pendants.
Before dawn, he had to attend court. After breakfast, he would study the theory of governance with the Left Prime Minister until lunchtime. In the afternoon, he would go to the Imperial Study to accompany Wei Shuang in reviewing tedious memorials. In the evening, he would do the homework left by the Grand Tutor. Only when he was by Wei Shuang's side in the afternoon could Xiao Yu get a few moments to catch his breath.
The fact that the Grand Tutor was difficult to talk to only deepened Xiao Yu's obsession with having Wei Shuang as his Grand Tutor.
In addition, Xiao Yu finally received the new secret medicine from the Imperial Hospital a few days ago. He poured out the pill, put it in his mouth and tasted it. It was exactly the same as the one Wei Shuang had forced on him half a month ago. Xiao Yu completely suppressed his doubts and regarded Wei Shuang as a trustworthy person.
"Wei Shuang, I'm going to die." Xiao Yu picked up a piece of fish with his chopsticks, his eyes vacant, and almost choked on a small bone.
“The Left Prime Minister’s strictness is a good thing.” Wei Shuang coldly picked out a piece of fish meat without fine bones for Xiao Yu.
"Is that harsh? It's torture! He won't even let me wear the pendant you gave me." To avoid getting calluses on his ears, Xiao Yu wore plain clothes all day long. Recently, he had managed to get a few words of praise. Xiao Yu rested his chin on his hand in distress, full of resentment, "I'm almost tortured into a dried-up corpse."
"...That seems too harsh." Wei Shuang frowned as well.
"Right, right? You're still the best, Wei Shuang. How about you become my tutor?" After half a month of complaining, Xiao Yu became even closer to Wei Shuang. After a good lunch, he put his arm around Wei Shuang's left arm and begged her to be gentle, but all he got in return was a cold, stern smell of wine in the room.
Xiao Yu knew that the negotiations had fallen apart again.
Sure enough, the next moment, Wei Shuang put down her chopsticks and said, "Your Majesty, I am not fit to be a teacher."
Xiao Yu probed for another half month, but Wei Shuang remained adamant and refused to budge. Not only did Xiao Yu fail to win back the rigid and pedantic old man, but the Left Prime Minister also rejected Wei Shuang's promise of a hunting trip in the back mountains on the grounds that the Regent was bewitching the emperor.
Xiao Yu, in despair, pretended to be a good student for another month. The heavy workload made it hard for Xiao Yu to breathe. The young emperor finally started to suffer from headaches and stomach problems. In short, he felt uncomfortable all over whenever he picked up a book.
Xiao Yu's outburst caused Feng Shunxin great distress. Unable to resist Xiao Yu's persistent pleading, he sneaked into the Imperial Hospital that night to steal Xiao Yu's medical records from Physician Li.
Wang Ruofu rose to the position of Prime Minister and had countless students. His feigned illness should not have fooled his strict teacher. Coincidentally, Xiao Yu was a sickly person. When Xiao Yu took out the medical records he had stolen from the Imperial Hospital, the densely packed diagnostic records next to them made Wang Ruofu burst into tears on the spot.
"The imperial physician said that I was overworked and suffered from palpitations and mental distress, which triggered my old illness." Xiao Yu's voice was weak and his face was pale from staying up all night, which made his credibility go from eight points to twelve points.
Wang Ruofu was so frightened that he immediately gave Xiao Yu a half-month leave to recuperate.
Xiao Yu's feigned illness was so elaborate that it alarmed Wei Shuang, who was on leave.
No sooner had Wang Ruofu left than Wei Shuang hurriedly entered the palace.
On the dragon bed lay a healthy Xiao Yu, who had recovered from his "weak and feeble" state.
Xiao Yu leaned comfortably against the dragon bed, his expression as usual, with a plate of rabbit-patterned pastries on the bedside table.
Wei Shuang: "..."
Great, I've been fooled again.
A note from the author:
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[Transformed] I wanted to use the power of time to directly stretch His Majesty to the point of differentiation...
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