Why Harem Intrigue When You Can Just Raise a Dog Instead

Smoke curled and the knocking sound of the wooden fish echoed in the dimly lit prayer hall.[1]The repetitive, dull and monotonous sound caused others to feel even more depressed. The man still hadnt figured out why he was in this large, empty hall when he was attracted by the view of a slender figure from behind, encircled by smoke.

He couldnt bear simply watching the figure striking the wooden fish from behind and walked over. His heart began to throb quickly.

Your Majesty, your honoured self came. Noticing that someone was approaching, the figures hands stopped moving and they slowly turned their head. She wore a blue monk robe and cap, and her expression was indifferent as if she had already distanced herself from worldly affairs. All of this caused the man to feel flustered.

Sangyu? What kind of strange outfit are you wearing? Looking at the womans face clearly, the mans eyes widened in surprise. He quickly stepped forward, wanting to hold her tightly in his arms, but ended up grasping thin air. Before him, there was no figure to be seen. Only the repeated drawn-out chants of Amituofo could be heard in the emptiness, almost as if it were a curse, causing him heartrending sorrow.

Sangyu! Emperor Zhouwu woke up with a start. He passed a hand over his face and head that were covered in cold sweat. The suffocating anguish in his chest had yet to subside, and deep misery weighed heavily on his mind. It felt as though he would fall apart.

Your Majesty, is something the matter? Hearing sounds from the room, Changxi immediately ran into the bedchamber, knelt before the mans bed, and anxiously scanned his pale face. Changxi thought he heard the Emperor call out Her Ladyship Virtuous Consorts name. What kind of dream could make such a majestic monarch so frightened like this?

Pour Zhen a cup of water. Composing himself, Emperor Zhouwu spoke in a hoarse voice. He clearly knew that it was impossible for the circumstances in the dream to occur, but right now he was full of regret.

He shouldnt have compromised with Empress Mother and allowed Sangyu to accompany her in chanting sutras. On the off chance that Sangyu becomes influenced by her and really wanted to renounce the world for an ascetic life, seek to become indifferent to worldly temptations,[2]and purify the Six Root Afflictions,[3]what would he do? No! He would absolutely not allow it!!

Drink some water, Your Majesty. Changxi poured a cup of hot water and presented it. He gripped it tightly until his knuckles were white.

Emperor Zhouwu took the cup and drank it down in one shot. Only then did he feel a bit better.

Changxi put the teacup aside and supported the Emperor to lie down once more. Just as he thought about withdrawing to the main hall, a guard outside suddenly ran in and quietly reported, Reporting to Your Majesty, Commander Yan is outside and seeks an audience. Yan Junwei wore a coiled dragon token at his waist. It was Imperial Palaces[4]highest level travel token. No matter where he went, so long as he sought an audience, the imperial guards could not obstruct him.

Let him in. Emperor Zhouwu promptly got up, hurriedly donned an outer robe, and went out to greet him. He had previously instructed that Yan Junwei must immediately notify him so long as there was news of Imperial Duke Meng and Han Changping. It was already after midnight[5]and the palace had long since locked its doors. If he was seeking an audience now, there was a 90% chance it was because of this matter.

Yan Junwei was waiting in a side hall holding an intelligence report. He had a grave expression on his face as if he were a sharp-eyed eagle, but it was visibly more relaxed compared to the past.

Emperor Zhouwu scrutinized Yan Junweis expression immediately after entering the hall and a half the weight was lifted from his high-strung heart. He briskly waved his hand to exempt Yan Junwei from paying respects and took the intelligence report, rapidly reading it through.

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How is Imperial Duke Mengs physical condition? He leaned against the back of his chair and his hoarse voice betrayed his inner anxiety and exhaustion.

Imperial Duke Meng already received medical treatment. He had frostbite on his limbs but will recover within the next few days. On the contrary, Han Changpings body is not as good as the Imperial Dukes, who is approaching 50 years of age. Its unlikely that hell be able to get out of bed for the next little while. It was unexpected that the Meng familys army also had internal spies. They used a trick on the Imperial Dukes warhorse, causing it to go wild and run directly into the Muddy Shores. If not for this, how could Imperial Duke Meng have fallen for such an amateur trick? As Yan Junwei spoke, his irate tone of voice turned into one of regret. Its a shame that two or three days had passed since the two horse carcasses were found much of the evidence can no longer be investigated.

Protect Imperial Duke Meng well, and send some more people to investigate this matter. Zhen will not feel at ease until the spy is found. Emperor Zhouwu slammed the table and his handsome face clearly displayed a murderous expression.

Yes. Yan Junwei cupped his hands in obeisance. Thinking about the situation at the border, he spoke with deep reverence. After the Imperial Duke returned to the camp, the soldiers cheers and howls resounded to the heavens. It travelled all the way to the barbarians imperial seat and caused them to lose all reason from fear. It was hard for them to sleep the whole night. After An Zhada verified the news, he withdrew his troops and fled from the vanguard. One mans power rivalled ten thousand troops. Its not wrong to say Imperial Duke Meng is the most famous general of our time!

Emperor Zhouwu chuckled and slowly said, Imperial Duke Meng has returned and my troops morale has skyrocketed. Presumably, this skirmish will conclude very soon. The soldiers will also be able to return to the court and celebrate a good New Year. Having spoken, his cold and stern murderous expression vanished. He raised a hand and loudly commanded Changxi, Prepare the imperial palanquin to head towards Cining Palace! Quickly!

Your Majesty, your honoured self should wear more layers. Changxi moved forward to obstruct him. He was only wearing a thin outer robe, but the Emperor didnt even feel cold!

What are you waiting for? Help Zhen dress! Noticing that he wasnt properly dressed, Emperor Zhouwu felt somewhat annoyed. He ordered the servants on night duty, saying, Zhen cant go see Sangyu like this!

What is His Majesty going to Cining Palace for at this time of night? Yan Junwei quietly asked Changxi while he waited for the Emperor to return to his bedchamber to change clothes.

Presently, Her Ladyship Virtual Consort is staying at Cining Palace. Changxis reply was simple and concise. Yan Junwei nodded with an expression of sudden realization. Apart from Virtuous Consort, who else could cause the Emperor to act so absurdly? He should have realized sooner.

Commander, when will your honoured self let Changxi die? asked Changxi in a lowered voice. His face was full of hope.[6]

What? Isnt it good to be a eunuch? Moreover, youre also the Head Manager Eunuch of the Imperial Palace which is equivalent to a principal fourth-ranked official.[7]Others covet the position but could never hope to attain it. Yan Junwei chuckled. He seemed amused, in stark contrast to his prior grave and stern expression. Only after seeing his subordinates brow wrinkle to the point it looked like a chrysanthemum and his mask made out of skin was almost peeling off did he answer seriously. Presumably another fortnight. Your replacement hasnt been trained yet.

Changxi was ecstatic and was just about to bow to the commander when Emperor Zhouwu quickly walked out of the bedchamber. He wore a bright yellow dragon robe and a genuine black mink cloak. Coupled with his peerlessly handsome face and extraordinarily dignified bearing, this caused others to not dare to stare at him intently.

Everyone said that a woman took care of her appearance, but it was unexpected that this phrase could be applied to a man. For him to be so well-groomed in the middle of the night, wasnt it a bother?! Yan Junwei had a solemn expression, but inwardly he was poking fun at him.

You can leave now, instructed Emperor Zhouwu with a wave of his hand. Then, he hurriedly alighted his Imperial Palanquin and proceeded towards Cining Palace.

As you command. Yan Junwei stood in the corridor to see him off. When he turned to leave, he resolved himself once more to properly curry favour with Meng Yanzhou. This person was the Emperors undisputed brother-in-law. There was no doubt about it.

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The gates of Cining Palace had long since closed, the eunuch standing guard inside recognized Head Manager Changxis voice and didnt dare to dilly-dally. He rushed to open the gate to welcome them. Nurse Jin heard movement and hurried outside. Upon seeing the figure clad in bright yellow, she strode over and immediately prostrated herself on the ground.

Where is Virtuous Consort sleeping? The mans imperial steps didnt stop; he asked as he walked.

This servant will guide Your Majesty there. Noticing the Emperor had an anxious expression and walked with hurried steps, Nurse Jin knew something was the matter and promptly stood up to lead the way.

Snow swirled in the ice-cold air, and breathing in felt like knives cutting into ones lungs, yet the man didnt even have an umbrella. He let the snow fall freely onto his handsome face, where it melted into droplets.

Changxi rushed forward with an umbrella several times, but the man seriously walked too quickly! Even the secret guards at his side werent able to keep up with him and had no choice but to angrily give up. Nurse Jin had just brought a small hand warmer over when she discovered that the Emperor had already taken off, heading directly towards the side hall where Virtuous Consort was staying. It was almost as if he already knew where to go.

Since Emperor Zhouwus soul returned to his body, his five senses were much more sensitive compared to before. Relying on his intuition and the intermittent scents flowing in the air, he quickly found Sangyus residence. It was almost like there was a string connecting them that was drawing him in. This feeling was wonderful and caused him to feel lighter than air.

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Without needing to ask, he listened to the gentle sound of breathing and he knew that he had found the right place. Pushing open the doors and crossing the threshold, he passed Nurse Feng who woke with a start, and walked to the front of the bed. He silently gazed at the womans sleeping face and wanted to smooth her slightly knit brows. He extended a hand, but stopped again. His fingertips were too cold.

Just as he was hesitating, Meng Sangyu slowly opened her eyes. Seeing that there was a tall man standing by her bed for a long time, she jumped and nearly fell off the bed. Luckily, Changxi had lit a lantern, and she was able to clearly see the mans face. Only then was she able to quickly regain her composure.

Your Majesty?! What are you doing here? She supported her upper body and quietly called out in astonishment. She even forgot to pay her respects.

Emperor Zhouwu removed his cloak and smiled while leaning over. He enunciated every word slowly, Sangyu, Imperial Duke Meng has been found. Hes fine and will be able to return in a few days time.

Ah? Meng Sangyu maintained her stupefied expression. It took quite a while for her to process the news. She quickly threw off the covers and jumped out of the bed.

Is what youre saying really true? Is he really fine? She grasped the mans lapel and asked over and over, a tremble concealed in her voice.

Its true. The mans smile deepened as he looked down at her treacherous hands. This kind of frankness was the Sangyu he knew.

Thats great, thats really great! Meng Sangyu let go of the man and brushed aside a lock of hair instead, obviously wanting to laugh heartily. Her frowning face wrinkled and she almost cried. Her chest was overflowing with ecstasy, almost like it was about to explode! She bounced hard barefoot on the ground, venting out all the joy in her heart and days of accumulated stress.

With his arms crossed on his chest, the smile on Emperor Zhouwus face grew stronger and stronger, and the deep love and doting in his eyes had reached a point where he couldnt hide it. As long as this woman was brimming with joy, shell flick her hair to the side, then jump up and down, and then then shell pick up Abao and rain kisses on him. It was obviously a wild look, but he thought it was so cute and candid that he would never tire of seeing it.

Emperor Zhouwu was immersed in the fond memories of the past when unexpectedly, the woman threw herself at him, wrapping her arms around his neck and kissing him over and over. She smiled and repeated, Thank you, Your Majesty! Thank you, Your Majesty! Im so grateful! She was over the moon with happiness!

Haha~ The mans overjoyed laughter echoed in the hall. He picked the woman up and let her bare feet step on his own dragon boots. Although the palace used an inner heating system and he wouldnt chill the other party, he really enjoyed being so close to each other and the feeling of intimacy from it. His eyes were half-closed as he indulged in the womans passionate kiss. He shared in her ecstasy.

When you really love someone, even happiness and sadness will be shared. This feeling is very subtle, to the point that his already soft heart immediately melted into the waters of spring.

The Empress Dowager stood by the door with a cloak, quietly looking at the pair of young lovers in the hall. Her usual indifferent expression was replaced by a smile.

It seems that Imperial Duke Meng has been found, lets go. She waved her hand, dismissing the crowd of servants. Seeming to remember something, she looked at Nurse Jin and cautiously instructed, It is quite late. When its just about over, you will enter and remind the Emperor to head back to his palace soon. Aijias Palace isnt a place where he can stay overnight.

Nurse Jin softly agreed. She saw a hint of the Empress Dowagers mischievousness and expressed her deepest sympathy for the Emperor. He had someone who was warm and soft in his arms yet he could not recklessly get close to her. The Empress Dowager must have moved Sangyu to Cining Palace on purpose!