Chapter 47
Xu Heming was taken aback by the emperor's words. He wasn’t actually ill, but the emperor had unexpectedly granted him leave. Thinking of Li Zhiwei and the fright she had endured, Xu Heming had been worrying about not having enough time to accompany her.
"Your servant thanks Your Majesty for your concern. I will recover swiftly and return to serve you without delay," Xu Hengming replied calmly, betraying no emotion.
Treasure Pavilion
Lin Ziyi could no longer bear to listen, her face burning with embarrassment. She strode forward and clamped a hand over the mouth of her unfilial son, Wei Herui, who was still enthusiastically gesturing "three laps."
"Mmph… mmph…" Wei Herui struggled before turning to see his mother. His eyes widened in belated fear, his bravado instantly deflating.
Lin Ziyi offered Madam Qu and the surrounding ladies an awkward smile. "Children say the darndest things… Sister Qu, ladies, we must take our leave now."
With that, she practically dragged Wei Herui away from the Treasure Pavilion, fleeing as if chased by demons.
She inwardly cursed her luck—she must have forgotten to check the almanac before leaving home today. How else could she have suffered such humiliation? And she couldn’t help but resent Wei Herui for speaking without thinking.
Xu Qingshi watched as Wei Herui was hauled away, lifting his little chin triumphantly like a victorious rooster.
Hmph! Trying to compete with him over fathers? Not a chance!
But his triumph was short-lived. Soon, he caught the muffled laughter and hushed whispers of the ladies around him:
"Prince An… running shirtless through the city? Can it be true?"
"If it is, we simply must witness it…"
"Minister Wei from the Court of Imperial Sacrifices is no slouch either—three whole laps!"
"Tsk tsk, you truly can’t judge a book by its cover…"
It dawned on Xu Qingshi that he might have said something he shouldn’t have. His cheeks warmed, but he forced himself to stay composed. Father will never find out about this!
At any rate… he’d beaten Wei Herui, and that was all that mattered!
Losing interest in further shopping, he tucked away the hairpin he’d just bought and hurried back to the An Estate with his servant in tow.
He couldn’t wait to tell his stepmother how brilliantly he’d performed today!
Imperial Palace, Study Hall
Zhu Jingchen observed Xu Heming standing respectfully below, his fingers lightly tapping the imperial desk.
"Minister Xu, I’ve reviewed your petition requesting a marriage decree," Zhu Jingchen said leisurely. "But tell me—does Minister Li know of this?"
Xu Heming’s heart tightened, though his expression remained neutral. "Your Majesty is most discerning. This humble servant and Lady Li share mutual affection. I beg Your Majesty’s blessing."
Inwardly, however, he felt uneasy. After all, Li Tianyou seemed opposed to the match.
"A blessing, of course, shall be granted," Zhu Jingchen said, a glint of mischief in his eyes. "But recently, I heard an amusing tale about Prince An. Who would have thought that during your brief respite, you’d accomplish such a… remarkable feat? Next time, do invite me—I’d love to witness it firsthand!"
An image flashed in Zhu Jingchen’s mind: Xu Heming sprinting shirtless while he watched with relish.
Xu Heming frowned. "What matter does Your Majesty refer to?"
The emperor’s gaze was unsettling, making Xu Heming distinctly uncomfortable.
Zhu Jingchen’s expression twisted oddly, as though suppressing laughter. Finally, he gave in and burst into hearty guffaws.
"Minister Xu, ah, Minister Xu! Who knew you harbored such… bold aspirations?"
Xu Heming grew even more bewildered. "Your Majesty?"
After composing himself, Zhu Jingchen teased, "I’ve just heard that your son boasted at the Treasure Pavilion that his father—that is, you—would run shirtless around the capital to win a beauty’s smile! And that you’re so strong, you could carry both the princess consort and your heir while dashing through the courtyard! Hahaha…"
Xu Heming froze as if struck by lightning.
That wretched child! What nonsense had he been spreading?!
His face darkened with a flush of humiliation. He itched to return home immediately and give the little troublemaker a sound spanking.
Zhu Jingchen savored his rare discomfiture, his fatigue from days of reviewing memorials melting away.
"Excellent! In light of your heir’s filial devotion, it would be ungracious of me to refuse." Zhu Jingchen picked up his brush, still chuckling. "I shall grant your request and issue the decree for your marriage to Li Zhiwei."
Overjoyed, Xu Heming knelt at once, setting aside his embarrassment. "Your servant thanks Your Majesty for this magnanimous grace!"
"Not so fast." Zhu Jingchen paused mid-stroke, his eyes glinting with mischief. "I’ll issue the decree, but… on one condition."
"Your Majesty’s wish is my command."
"Like the rest of the capital, I’m deeply curious," Zhu Jingchen drawled, "to see this legendary strength of yours. Running shirtless through the city would be undignified, so we’ll forgo that."
Xu Heming exhaled slightly—only for the emperor to continue.
"However, my imperial garden requires some heavy labor. Since you claim that ‘Lady Li’s cooking makes you stronger,’ why not prove it? Spend three days here hauling timber. Let me witness this prowess firsthand—what say you?"
Xu Heming: "…………"
Was it too late to back out?
If he disowned his son now, could he salvage his dignity?
But then he thought of Li Zhiwei—and the impending marriage decree…
Gritting his teeth, Xu Heming forced out the words, "Your servant… humbly accepts!"
Zhu Jingchen smiled in satisfaction and began drafting the decree.
What a splendid bargain—facilitating a happy union, gaining free labor, and enjoying a spectacle. Today’s affairs were most profitable indeed.
Meanwhile, Xu Heming was already plotting how to properly educate his beloved son upon returning home.
An Estate
Xu Qingshi, happily munching on pastries, was regaling Li Zhiwei with tales of his "glorious victory" over Wei Herui.
Mid-celebration, he suddenly sneezed violently.
Li Zhiwei handed him a handkerchief, concerned. "Did you catch a chill?"
Rubbing his nose, Xu Qingshi inexplicably felt a chill down his neck.
"It’s nothing, Stepmother! Probably Wei Herui cursing me behind my back!"
"You really must learn to hold your tongue," Li Zhiwei sighed, imagining Xu Heming’s reaction if he knew the capital was abuzz with tales of his shirtless escapades.
The usually dignified Xu Heming—bare-chested and sprinting through the streets? The image was simply inconceivable.
Lost in thought, she stared absently into space.
"Stepmother? Stepmother?" Xu Qingshi pouted when she didn’t respond. How rude! Was she doubting him?
