Chapter 7 – The Little Thing Causes Trouble Again
[Host, at this rate, when will you be able to kill the Regent Prince?]
The system gave Wei Wanlan a sudden electric shock, the current making him numb and pained, Wei Wanlan pouted and cried, his shoulders shuddering.
“Wuwu, I’ve been trying my best.”
But he received another shock.
Crackle.
Sparks blossomed in an unseen place, the system distressed. As they left the Regent Prince’s mansion, they reviewed why the Wind-Inviting-Collapse had failed in front of Su Jingzhi, and found a clear dent on the surface of the food box, not difficult to deduce that it was caused by Wei Wanlan’s fall.
[The wise have a hundred anxieties, the foolish have a thousand loopholes. Reflect on this!]
“Yes.” Wei Wanlan’s eyes brimmed with tears, it was indeed 404 trying to help him. This time the mission in the prince’s mansion had failed again, the fault lay with his own bungling, Wei Wanlan sincerely spoke in a small voice, sounding aggrieved enough to wring out water, “I’m really sorry, I’ve troubled you.”
[The wise emperor must not lower his status so easily!]
Wei Wanlan remained silent.
404 continued in rapid succession: [You even massaged the Regent’s shoulders! Poured tea for him! Sucked up to him! You’ve completely disgraced the emperor’s face!]
“I was trying to lull the Regent Prince’s vigilance, after all, if I couldn’t hide the truth that I was going to use the Wind-Inviting-Collapse to harm him, he would surely kill me…” Wei Wanlan explained.
The system’s scolding voice paused slightly.
Wei Wanlan thought of a phrase: “I guess this counts as enduring humiliation for a greater plan, right?”
Ding—
Suddenly the system emitted a pleasant notification sound.
Wei Wanlan’s eardrums were struck, then he heard the system’s voice become hurried and fast again, but with a different attitude, the wording completely changed:
[In ancient times, King Goujian of Yue endured humble living to regain his strength, now the emperor of Great Wei is plotting to eliminate the treacherous minister, this shall be recorded in the annals of history, excellent, excellent, excellent!]
The emperor nurturing system spoke at length again in its refined manner.
The system was still punishing the host, but now the tone was lively, giving Wei Wanlan a pleasant surprise: [Since the host has displayed imperial behavior, you shall receive this system’s reward, please continue your efforts.]
“This is the legendary about-face faster than flipping a book, huh.”
Wei Wanlan murmured softly.
The system said: [Please flip the card.]
No one would refuse a reward, three golden card images appeared before Wei Wanlan.
He tapped one of the golden glows, the card flipped over, the traditional characters clearly written were [Rest Day].
He knew what rest day meant, in ancient times it was a holiday.
Wei Wanlan was overjoyed: “Does that mean I can rest today? I don’t have to do any missions?”
[Yes.] The system said, [And the one-year time limit will be postponed by one day.]
“Great!” The excitement was evident in his tone, Wei Wanlan’s eyes shining brightly.
The one-year period was pushed back by another day, at least before he died, he could experience the joy of being an emperor in ancient times, not having to constantly live in anxiety and struggle against the Regent Prince.
So what should he do today?
Wei Wanlan tentatively asked: “System, since I transmigrated here, I haven’t really understood this world, I haven’t even left the palace, this is a rare opportunity, can you let me go out for a walk?”
However, 404 refused: [The imperial palanquin and ceremonial are long and extravagant, burdensome to the people and wasteful.]
“I’ll go on an incognito visit.”
[Too dangerous.]
“I’ll be careful.”
[Tsk, a young lord should not leave the palace. The wise emperor must prioritize the big picture, this system does not permit it.]
Hmph, in the end it all comes down to the two words “wise emperor”, Wei Wanlan had somewhat grasped this system’s temperament, so he also tried to pull that card: “But I’ve seen in TV dramas that many wise emperors went out incognito to understand the people’s situation.”
[!]
At these words, the system fell silent for a moment.
404 was not easily swayed by personal feelings, but would yield to logic. It briefly reflected, yesterday the host was tripped by the steps at the prince’s mansion. It was indeed because the host had always been confined in the palace without going out properly.
[You must return before curfew.]
“Mm-hmm!” Wei Wanlan’s little face couldn’t hide his smile, bobbing his head in rapid agreement.
Going out to play, going out to play~
Regent Prince, it’s best if I don’t see you today.
But just as he stepped lightly towards the palace entrance, excitedly pushing open the carved door, outside the palace door stood two towering Imperial Bodyguards, they immediately knelt: “Your Majesty, what are your commands?”
“No commands, I want to go out of the palace to play.”
The two on-duty Imperial Bodyguards looked at each other, respectfully saying: “Your Majesty’s travel should be reported to the Regent Prince for approval, please allow us to report to His Highness, then we will arrange your outing.”
Why is it the Regent Prince again?
Wei Wanlan pouted: “How long will it take you two to report?”
The Imperial Bodyguard: “At this time, the Regent Prince is in the morning court session, he cannot be interrupted midway, it will take at least two hours, at most half a day.”
But the holiday only lasts one day.
If it gets delayed by half a day for the Regent Prince, then there’s no time left to play.
Wei Wanlan’s little face immediately fell, how is it that it’s like reporting to his own strict parents about his travel plans?
The emperor felt aggrieved, but the emperor dared not say it, the holiday time was precious, he didn’t dare provoke the big bad Regent Prince, lest he be forcibly dragged back into the main storyline again.
So he silently closed the palace door.
“Then I won’t go out.”
404 quickly fanned the flames: [See, isn’t it necessary to kill the powerful Regent Prince?]
But to Wei Wanlan’s surprise, he opened the palace door again, poking his head out and asking the two Imperial Bodyguards on the left and right: “Then if I just walk around inside the palace, do I still need to report to the Regent Prince?”
“That’s not necessary.” The Imperial Bodyguard answered straightforwardly, “We’ll just follow you.”
“Yay.”
Wei Wanlan darted out like a bird freed from its cage.
***
The Imperial Garden.
The fat and round magpies flapped their wings and flew up to the branches. At this time of year, the little sparrows were all round and plump like meatballs.
When Wei Wanlan was young, watching costume dramas, he thought the most beautiful place in the palace must be the Imperial Garden.
Now that he had transmigrated to ancient times, the Imperial Garden was Wei Wanlan’s first choice to visit.
It was currently the depths of winter, before coming, he thought he might only see some evergreen plants, with a few cold-defying species mixed in.
However, when he truly stepped into the Imperial Garden, in that instant, Wei Wanlan overturned all his previous assumptions about the Imperial Garden.
The Imperial Garden was not just an ancient version of a park.
The imperial gardens of the Great Wei, with gurgling streams and lush flora, were not only blooming with winter plums, but had little trace of artificial ornaments, seeming like the most unspoiled natural environment.
Wei Wanlan, wrapped in a thick robe, stood amidst it all, breathing in the fresh air, his lungs filled with a sweet fragrance, a blend of snowy air and a subtle bitterness of greenery.
Between the ancient pines and cypresses, occasional snow drifted down to land on Wei Wanlan’s shoulders.
Some fine snow dusted Wei Wanlan’s cheek, cool to the touch.
But there was no wind, where was the snow coming from?
Wei Wanlan followed the snowflakes upward, only to see thin silver-white branches sheltering a small, soft brown shadow – a squirrel!
It was the little squirrel’s paws scraping the branches, brushing the accumulated snow down.
Wei Wanlan wiped the melted water traces from his face, waving at the squirrel: “Little squirrel, can you come down and play with me? I’ll give you pine nuts.”
The little squirrel tilted its head on the branch.
Then made a few squeaking sounds, as if responding, its front paws pretending to climb down the trunk, making Wei Wanlan even more excited.
“Look, it understands what I’m saying! It’s so smart! Such a cute little animal!”
Wei Wanlan started school early, though he was now a college freshman, the young emperor he had transmigrated into was not yet of age, so whether he displayed childish tendencies or naive sincerity, even if he jumped and frolicked in the snow, it felt completely natural.
In fact, the two Imperial Bodyguards following him even smiled at this young emperor, as if relieved that the troublesome child of the past had become such an adorable little one.
With the relaxed attitude of the guards, Wei Wanlan gradually regained a sense of security in this world of schemes and strategies, like a delicate sapling blooming under the sun.
So he turned his back on the guards, quietly picking up a pine nut, standing under the tree and holding it up towards the squirrel.
“Squeak, squeak squeak!”
The little black-bead-eyed squirrel seemed to understand, then swished its tail and climbed down from the branch, slowly and cautiously approaching Wei Wanlan.
Wei Wanlan held his breath, afraid of scaring the squirrel away, acting even more friendly, waiting for it to come closer.
“Come on.”
“Squeak, squeak squeak—”
The squirrel slowly approached, but unexpectedly, when it was about five or six feet above the ground, it suddenly halted.
Then it turned back, frantically hopping and dashing back up the branches.
Wei Wanlan’s expectant expression turned bewildered: “?”
Click.
Suddenly, Wei Wanlan heard some movement, and the two Imperial Bodyguards behind him, for some reason, quietly unsheathed their blades.
The blades emerged half an inch from their sheaths. Wei Wanlan was immediately greatly alarmed, just now he thought the guards were smiling at him, meaning they didn’t dislike him, but he had overlooked the other possibility – they were the Regent Prince’s trusted men, would they also drop their guard?
[This place is secluded, and you have no one around, it’s highly possible.]
“Didn’t you say the Regent Prince wasn’t ready to ascend the throne yet?”
[Su Jingzhi is a man of action, perhaps he has already made preparations.]
“What should I do?”
[Run!]
As the system’s words fell, the quiet forest suddenly heard a strange noise, the two Imperial Bodyguards drew their swords. The atmosphere tensed like a taut bowstring, it must be assassins! They were going to assassinate the emperor!
“Help, help!”
At this moment, Wei Wanlan didn’t dare look back.
He knew the combat prowess of the Regent Prince’s soldiers. That night at the victory banquet when they beheaded Cui Minghai, it was like chopping vegetables.
The scenery on the forest path was flashing past quickly, Wei Wanlan ran, gasping for breath, the fur robe becoming a hindrance, Wei Wanlan shrugged off the robe, only wearing a thin dragon robe, fleeing without a care.
But the footsteps behind him were getting closer and closer.
Rough and agile.
Wei Wanlan heard this inhuman footstep, he ran while looking back, but it wasn’t the Imperial Bodyguards chasing him, it was… two golden leopards.
Yes, just like the classic advertisement for some syrup, the powerful golden leopards, all muscle from top to bottom.
—How could there be ferocious beasts roaming the Imperial Garden!?
It’s not the Imperial Bodyguards, it’s them chasing me.
Wei Wanlan had no time to ponder further, the beasts’ heavy breathing, and the lingering pungent odor from them, only heightened Wei Wanlan’s terror.
The golden leopard pounced ferociously towards Wei Wanlan.
When hunting prey, leopards would first bite the prey’s throat. Wei Wanlan felt a chill on his neck, suddenly feeling his life was about to end.
At this moment, the two guards who had blocked the leopard caught up, the blades slicing through the air, intercepting one leopard on the left and right, the other agile one slipped through the blockade and continued charging madly towards Wei Wanlan!
The Imperial Bodyguard shouted: “Your Majesty, go outside the bushes…”
Wei Wanlan pushed through the bushes, jumping out of the path.
The thorns were stinging him all over!
On his clothes, shoes, hair… perhaps everywhere were thorns and broken leaves everywhere, he had no time to look.
Outside the bushes was a hidden world. In front of him was a flat open space, with an octagonal pavilion, inside were several officials in Great Wei robes, led by the Grand Academician, the officials of the Three Courts, and around the pavilion stood five or six armored attendants, the military officer being Tang.
Inside the pavilion was—the Regent Prince!
Wei Wanlan hurriedly rushed over.
If it was a choice between being immediately bitten to death by the wild beast or being imprisoned by the Regent Prince until death, of course he would still choose imprisonment.
Better to live a miserable life than a glorious death, Wei Wanlan crawled and stumbled into the pavilion, hugging the Regent Prince’s waist, burying his head into his back like an ostrich sticking its head in the sand:
“Wuwu, Regent Prince, please, please save me!!!”
…Wei Wanlan.
The little thing has caused trouble again.
Gotten himself in such a mess again.
Su Jingzhi’s brows furrowed, he had already decided to draw a clear line with this person, but he grabbed the hilt of his sword, drawing and flinging it.
***
Clang.
The blade flew like lightning, the force of the throw so great that the ferocious leopard was struck and staggered back two steps before collapsing. It then let out a frenzied roar, but now powerless, soon fell silent.
The dead leopard lay on the ground.
The blood soaked the ground, a large splotch like a blood peony.
The Great Wei emperor was so frightened his soul nearly flew out. He originally thought the leopard was very fierce, ready to take his life at any moment, so he temporarily relied on the Regent Prince, who was of the same kind.
But now, although he was hugging the Regent Prince, temporarily preserving his life, he felt that Su Jingzhi was far more savage than the wild beast, his lips pale with terror, his whole body trembling.
What should he do?
They had agreed not to follow the main storyline today.
He had just managed to extend his life by a day’s vacation, he didn’t want to end up playing an assassination game with the Regent Prince in this Imperial Garden!
Especially since he couldn’t even defeat him, wuwu.
Unexpectedly, Su Jingzhi turned around, the shadow of his towering figure almost enveloping the tiny Wei Wanlan.
Wei Wanlan blinked a few times, smiling obsequiously: “Regent Prince, why aren’t you in the Hanyuan Hall for the court session?”
Su Jingzhi did not respond to his words, only staring at him.
Wei Wanlan felt even more guilty, just realizing he was standing too close to the Regent Prince, quickly taking a half-step back and laughing awkwardly, a stubborn cowlick rising up.
Su Jingzhi reached out and touched his face.
Wei Wanlan didn’t dare move, his heart pounding frantically: Was he going to kill him?
That hand with a woody fragrance lingered by his temple.
Wei Wanlan’s hair brushed against it, he closed his eyes, it tickled a bit, felt a bit warm, he even thought he heard the Regent Prince mocking him, but the voice was so light, like just an illusion.
Su Jingzhi plucked the dried leaf tangled in his hair: “What improper conduct.”
The leaf fragments fell in the octagonal pavilion.
Wei Wanlan’s gaze flickered, his earlobes inexplicably reddening. He pouted slightly, feeling that he must look very unsightly in the Regent Prince’s eyes, utterly disgraceful.
Sure enough, the Regent Prince said: “The exotic beast that Your Majesty keeps in the palace, has it so frightened you to become this disheveled?”
“It’s mine, no… I raised it?”
Recommended Reads
