Clouds Drunk, Moon Slightly Sleeping

Chapter 3

Ah? Minister Yun? It seems like he's talking about me! But how did he know I was sick? Oh, I remember now, a few days ago was supposed to be Yun Feng's last few shifts as a proofreader at Chongwen Academy, but he took sick leave. This Emperor is quite caring.

I immediately stepped forward, stepped out of the ranks, and bowed. "Thanks to Your Majesty's blessing, this humble subject is unharmed. Thank you for your concern!" I said, bowing my head neither humbly nor arrogantly. Isn't that how it's always portrayed on TV? Hehe. Then, I bowed my head, turned around, and returned to the ranks. This time, I wouldn't dare raise my head even if you gave me ten times the courage. That one glance just now—those eyes were like two deep pools, their depths unfathomable, revealing neither joy nor sorrow, only an air of unfathomable mystery. Alas, I was so focused on those eyes that I forgot my original purpose—to observe his appearance. Truly, a loss for me.

Lost in my own thoughts, I paid no attention to anyone else speaking in court. In a state of confusion, overwhelmed by conflicting emotions, resentment, and regret, something suddenly flew down from the dragon throne above me, landing right at my feet and abruptly pulling me back from my reverie. I shifted my left foot slightly, feeling a slight ache, then my right—the same thing happened. Ah, attending court is physically demanding! Standing for so long is exhausting!

The thing was still lying at my feet, but no one spoke. Even the person who threw it remained silent. I looked around; everyone was head down, barely daring to breathe—they were all like turtles hiding in the water. I glanced at the General again; he was staring straight ahead, not giving me the slightest attention. Frustrating!

"Oh well, it seems it's my turn to make a grand entrance. This is only my first day at the morning court session. I was hoping to keep a low profile, but alas, things don't always go as planned!" I resignedly bent down to pick up the things on the ground, then looked up at the dragon throne with a questioning and doubtful gaze. As soon as I looked up, I met the gaze of the person on the dragon throne. It was as if his eyes had never left me since I had been stealing glances at him. When he saw me looking at him, his peach blossom eyes curved slightly, and his eyebrows twitched almost imperceptibly. But his voice was icy cold as he said to me, "Minister Yun, take a look at what's written in this memorial and tell us all!"

Huh? I'm a little confused. What kind of memorial has to be presented to someone so urgently, and why does it need to be announced? Could it be... could it be that someone is trying to impeach me? Poor me, I'm only on my first day as prime minister! I haven't embezzled, I haven't broken the law, I'm just a bit young! I feigned panic but inwardly felt resentful as I opened the memorial, my eyes immediately glancing at the signature in the lower left corner. I wanted to see which bastard was tattling on me. The three characters "Gu Wenxiu," along with the large, bright red official seal of the Left Vice Minister, almost made me vomit blood. I said, "Grandpa Gu, you're really too unfair! I know you're a veteran of three reigns, several times older than him, and it must be frustrating that someone has risen above you without any merit or virtue, but all of this is the Emperor's will! The key point is that the Emperor doesn't want you to be prime minister! Preparing a memorial to impeach me like this is far too much!" Moreover, if I lose my job, it's not necessarily your responsibility to take over. Even if you do take over, you'll probably retire in a couple of days. Do you think it's worth it for you to do this?

I reckon my face was contorted in anger, because I was genuinely furious. Fine, let me see what crimes you've accused me of; I don't believe you! Uh? What? This wasn't a flick on the chin. Li Yuhan, the son-in-law of Han Xuanqi, the Right Vice Minister, a third-rank official in charge of grain administration? The Li Yuhan who's been away on official business for almost a month and therefore didn't attend court today? 5555, Grandpa Gu, I misunderstood you just now, I'm so sorry!

"Minister Yun, tell all my ministers what's written on this memorial?" That lazy voice rang out again, and everyone in the hall held their breath.

"Old Han, it seems you're in deep trouble. The Emperor is clearly looking to get rid of you, starting with your son-in-law. I'm always very pragmatic, and besides, when Zhang De mentioned your Han family, he also mentioned your family's usual rampant behavior. How could I not kick you while you're down and add fuel to the fire? How could I face the Party, the people, and most importantly, myself, a man of integrity? Heh heh, thinking of this, I immediately frowned, my expression melancholy, my voice somber, and I shook my head in disbelief: "Your Majesty, this memorial lists some things that Minister Li Yuhan, the Minister of Agriculture, has done in the past five years that have failed to live up to Your Majesty's grace, violated the law, and gone against the principles of officialdom... uh... some things."

I was still being very considerate, using extremely tactful language, because some things can't be definitively concluded without thorough investigation.

"Then, in your opinion, Minister Yiyun, what should be done with this memorial?" I was sure I might have overdone it, because I lowered my head slightly and tried to raise my eyelids as much as possible, just enough to see the emperor's slightly twitching lips.

Wow, on my first day at court, I'm being asked to handle state affairs—no, to express my political views! How can I give myself a perfect and impressive first impression? I'm so conflicted, so excited, and so unprepared. "Ahem," I cleared my throat, then feigned composure and said, "Your Majesty, in my opinion, this matter is of great importance and cannot be concluded based on only one side of the story. As everyone knows, Lord Li is the son-in-law of Vice Minister Han, and was personally recommended by him. Although such matters should avoid favoritism, Minister Han is a veteran of three reigns, and his impartiality and strictness are widely acknowledged. Given Minister Han's familiarity with Lord Li and his many years of experience in managing criminal justice, he is truly the only suitable person to investigate this matter."

The memorial clearly and meticulously details the time, place, event, and nature of the crime. Han Xuanqi, let's see how you pervert the law for personal gain! And look at the rhetoric he just gave; it shows how diligently he studied and mastered court knowledge while recuperating at home.

"Minister Yun is absolutely right. I can only be at ease if this matter is entrusted to Minister Han. What does Minister Han think?" This devil, this cunning fox, you've said it like that, how could Old Comrade Han refuse?

"Your Majesty, I will certainly live up to your trust and handle this matter impartially without any favoritism." After saying this, Comrade Han walked towards me.

Han Xuanqi drew closer. What was he planning to do? Wait, was he trying to get my memorials? Gu Wenxiu—I suddenly felt Gu Wenxiu's gaze fixed on me from behind, but there was no hostility in it.

"Ahem, Your Majesty, I have another matter to discuss." Alright, old comrade Gu, I'll help you this once, considering I just wrongly accused you in my heart.

"Oh? Minister Yun, please speak freely." The Fox Emperor spoke in a rare, non-drowsy tone, seemingly regaining some energy.

"Your Majesty, I believe that with Lord Han's impartial enforcement of the law, whether he is exonerated or convicted, he will surely receive the fairest outcome for Lord Li. As for this memorial in my hand, let it remain here for now. Such strongly worded and one-sided statements should not influence Lord Han. Furthermore, during the investigation, it would be better to allow Lord Li to stay at home and fully cooperate with Lord Han's investigation and evidence collection. The position of the Minister of Agriculture is always very demanding, and I hope that Lord Han will conclude the case as soon as possible so that Lord Li can return to his post and continue to serve the country."

Since everyone knows Lord Li isn't coming back, we might as well let someone else take over sooner rather than later. Hehe, see how clever I am! However, by being so clever, I've ingratiated myself with the Fox Emperor and Old Comrade Gu, and Old Comrade Han will probably dislike me even more now. Oh well. But since the words are already out, there's no point in regretting them. Besides, the Fox Emperor holds the power of life and death; currying favor with him is definitely the right thing to do!

"What you say is quite right, Minister Yun. Then I'll trouble you for a while and let you temporarily take charge of the affairs of the Minister of Agriculture. We'll discuss it again after the case is closed." The person who spoke was lazy, but his peach blossom eyes were gleaming. For some reason, I suddenly had a feeling that I had been tricked!

Clouds Drunk, Moon Slightly Sleeping (Revised Edition) Volume One: When We Met, We Were All Joyful, Only I Was Instructed

Chapter word count: 4843 Last updated: 08-12-20 15:48

Individual training

"Dismiss the court!" That shrill voice sounded like heavenly music to me—finally, I was free! I was about to kneel down and say goodbye to the Emperor when suddenly...

"Minister Yun, I have something to discuss with you. Please stay here." As I heard that voice, I felt a sharp gaze pierce me, making my scalp tingle.

Huh? What's going on? Everyone else has left school, why am I staying behind? Did I get caught? That shouldn't be the case, I didn't act strangely just now. I watched helplessly as everyone walked away from me, turning back to cast glances of envy, surprise, disdain, or deep contempt, leaving me completely bewildered.

"Lord Yun, please follow me." A eunuch who looked to be in his early twenties bowed and called out softly. He had delicate features, but his back was slightly hunched, suggesting he had been in the palace for many years. I looked him over more closely and noticed a gray mole on his left eyebrow. Wasn't this Li Fu, the emperor's personal eunuch whom Zhang De had mentioned?

"I'll trouble Eunuch Li to lead the way." I smiled and gave a slight bow. In this palace, the emperor's favorites are more powerful than anyone else.

"You're too kind, Lord Yun." Li Fu quickly returned the greeting and led the way on the right.

Before I could even take in the surrounding scenery, I was led to a pavilion built by the water. The pavilion was surrounded by peach blossoms, in the height of spring, when they were in full bloom. Pink, pale pink, crimson, scarlet, single petals, double petals, semi-double petals… each flower a different color and shape, vying for attention, exuding an indescribable charm. A winding corridor extended south of the pavilion, leading directly to the center of the lake in front of it. A figure in bright yellow stood facing the lake, hands clasped behind his back, his tall frame conveying an air of refined elegance and gentle authority, even from behind.

Li Fu walked quietly to the Emperor's side and bowed.

I hurriedly knelt down and said loudly, "Your subject Yunfeng greets Your Majesty."

Once I left the Yun Mansion, I became Yun Feng.

The figure in bright yellow did not turn around, but simply said, "Rise."

"Thank you, Your Majesty." I stood up, then fell silent.

For a long time, the somewhat strange emperor remained silent. The spring day was warm, the spring breeze gentle, and I had another sleepless night. I stood there with my head down, my eyelids growing heavy. Oh God, I just wanted to close my eyes and lie down for a good night's sleep.

"Minister Yun?" A languid voice suddenly appeared beside my ear. I reflexively looked up, only to be met with a magnified face. I instinctively trembled and took a step back. After recognizing the person, I forced back a scream. The emperor was already standing in front of me.

Good heavens, if all men were this handsome, what would be the point of having women? A surge of resentment welled up inside me. While I'd expected someone with the best genes to be so exceptionally beautiful, I hadn't anticipated such... such breathtaking beauty. Uh, sorry, I really can't think of a better word. So perfect, even more beautiful than a woman, yet his face exuded an air of regal elegance, a cold, aloof smile that radiated an intimidating aura that made it impossible to look him directly in the eye. Um, I seriously suspect that the person before me ascended to that throne through his beauty, didn't he?

"Your Majesty... Your Majesty." Faced with such a handsome man, I swallowed hard and suddenly stammered.

"Minister Yun, you seem preoccupied today. You stared blankly at the floor during the morning court session, and just now you looked absent-minded. Is something on your mind?" Long Xiangyu—the reigning emperor of Longyao Kingdom—narrowed his long, narrow phoenix eyes, scrutinizing me intently, as if unwilling to miss a single expression on my face.

He spoke with such ease and composure, but I was startled. I quickly composed myself, no longer indulging in his beauty, and said respectfully, "Please forgive me, Your Majesty. Perhaps I am still recovering and lack the strength to do so."

"Oh? Is that so?" His peach blossom eyes narrowed again, as if it were a habitual action, making it impossible to see the emotions in his eyes.

Huh? I was stunned for a moment. What's going on? Calm down, calm down, take a deep breath, and give a slight smile: "How dare I deceive Your Majesty?"

A fleeting look of inquiry crossed his eyes, and his handsome eyebrows furrowed almost imperceptibly, as if he were momentarily lost in thought. Then, his eyes deepened, and he said lazily, "Minister Yun, come with me for a walk in the middle of the lake. Li Fu, don't let anyone disturb us."

Having said that, he walked straight towards the winding corridor south of the pavilion. I could only follow helplessly, secretly thinking: Being an emperor must be wonderful; you never have to consider other people's feelings when you speak or act, and you never have to worry about being rejected. Such a capricious and unpredictable emperor—it seems his future days are going to be tough. 555

The winding corridor stretches all the way to the center of the lake. Through the small gaps between the wooden planks at the bottom of the corridor, the clear lake water seems to be right beneath your feet. Leaning on the railing, the bamboo grove and rows of palaces across the lake evoke a sense of solemnity and a touch of melancholy. A gentle breeze blows across the lake, and the early spring sunshine pours down, reflecting golden light onto the water; the sunshine on your skin feels warm and comforting, bringing a sense of happiness and contentment.

So this is the legendary palace. I closed my eyes slightly, took a deep breath, and smiled faintly. I slowly raised my eyes and suddenly saw the Fox Emperor staring at me thoughtfully, his eyes unfathomable and tinged with doubt. I quickly gave an awkward laugh. Oh no, I almost forgot that the person next to me was carrying an axe and could chop off my head at any moment.

He just looked at me without saying a word. Of course, I couldn't be the first to ask him what he wanted; that would just annoy him. A moment of silence fell between us, and then we both stared blankly at the lake.