Le charme d'une femme puissante se répand à travers le monde

Chapitre 20

Watching them leave the Hall of Supreme Harmony one by one, followed by the other ministers, only Long Huli, Mu Qinglin, myself, and Gu Wenxiu (whom I insisted on staying) remained in the hall. The four of us decided the rankings of the top ten. Although it was called a discussion among the four, ultimately it was my decision. Long Huli just smiled at me without offering any opinion, as was Erlinzi, who seemed lost in thought all day. As for Gu Wenxiu, he nodded in agreement with everything I said. I publicly praised his youngest son's outstanding performance today. He humbly admitted that he was young and ignorant, which was why he had spoken so recklessly in court, offending the Emperor's ears, but his eyes were full of pride and self-satisfaction. I recalled my first meeting with Gu Wenxiu in the Music Garden. It was quite surprising that this kid, when sober, could distinguish right from wrong and loyalty from treachery. However, the look on his face when he saw me today, as if he had swallowed a mouthful of Erlinzi, heh heh, really put me in a good mood.

The next day, an imperial edict was posted in the capital, announcing the final results of the imperial examination to the world. The top three were: Gu Mozhi (状元), Liu Yu (慕醉) (榜眼), and Bai Xuyang (沈安) (探花). Lu Chengli came in fourth. The top ten were granted the title of Jinshi (进士), and the bottom ten were granted the title of Tong Jinshi (同进士). All candidates who participated in the palace examination were collectively referred to as the Emperor's disciples.

Furthermore, since the Han family fell from power, the administrative affairs previously held by the Han faction have fallen into the hands of me and Gu Wenxiu. With the end of the imperial examinations, a new official system was implemented in due course. The top four candidates were appointed as officials: Gu Mozhi as Minister of Justice, Liu Yu as Minister of Personnel, Bai Xuyang as Minister of Rites, Lu Chengli as Minister of Works, Mu Qinglin concurrently as Minister of War, and Gu Wenxiu as Minister of Revenue. As these four ministers were newly appointed and lacked work experience, I suggested that Long Huli give them a one-year probationary period. During this probationary period, their official rank would be reduced to the second rank (Ministers should normally be the second rank). They needed to adapt to their work as quickly as possible and put in more effort than usual. If they had any questions, they could consult Gu Wenxiu first. Gu Wenxiu was promoted to the first rank (previously the Left Vice Minister was the second rank, and Longyao Kingdom had never had a second rank). Although Gu Wenxiu's power was reduced considerably, his son was the top scholar in the imperial examination and was appointed Minister of Justice, which gave him a lot of face. He himself was promoted one rank, and apart from me and Mu Qinglin who were both first rank officials, he had the highest rank in the entire court. Therefore, Old Master Gu was very satisfied with this arrangement.

The Dragon Radiance Kingdom is gradually gaining strength. Not only in the imperial court, but the entire country is thriving. The economy is developing rapidly, the national treasury is gradually becoming full, and the people have unprecedented support and love for the current emperor. The patriotic sentiment among the people is also at an all-time high. Occasionally, when I went on "incognito visits" with Fox and the others, all I saw was a scene of prosperity. The satisfied expressions on the people's faces and their heartfelt praises made Fox's gaze towards me grow even gentler.

At the same time, my personal prestige and reputation reached unprecedented heights. The court was in dire need of talent, so almost every one of the emperor's protégés who participated in the palace examination entered officialdom, albeit at varying ranks. Of those twenty, apart from a few scions of aristocratic families, the rest were all commoners. They had initially participated in the imperial examinations with skepticism, but now their experiences showed the world that as long as one participated in the examinations and possessed genuine talent, success, officialdom, and a change of life were all achievable. Suddenly, children's education received unprecedented attention. Those who could afford it provided their children with the best education, and those who couldn't created opportunities for their children to learn to read and write. Furthermore, my brilliance at the Lancai Pavilion, and my casual recitations of "On the Love of Lotus," "Ode to the Lotus," and "Prelude to Water Melody" in the Taihe Hall, became well-known anecdotes throughout the capital, thanks to the promotion by the newly rich. For a time, any child on the street could recite "Prelude to Water Melody" fluently.

In the court, I had truly become a powerful minister, second only to the emperor. The fox trusted me unconditionally; the military officers, because of Erlinzi's friendship with me, were also extremely respectful; and the civil officials had all become my confidants. Old Gu was increasingly respectful to me, a respect that came from the bottom of his heart, while those new recruits looked at me with naked admiration and worship every day. People say distance makes the heart grow fonder, but now we see each other every day. I say, Gu Xiaosan, Lu Chengli, Shen An, and that Mu Zui brother, please stop looking at me like that. If this continues, I'm going to be driven crazy by your blatant stares.

Clouds Drunk and Moon Slightly Sleeping (Revised Edition) Volume One: When We Met, We Were All Joyful, But Our Faces Changed

Chapter word count: 3571 Update time: 08-12-20 15:53

Color change

Early winter has arrived in the blink of an eye, and I have been here for more than half a year.

Since the end of the imperial examination system and the implementation of the Six Ministries, I've returned to my leisurely life as prime minister. The difference is that last time, being a leisurely prime minister meant having no power and nothing to do; this time, I wield immense power but no longer need to personally handle state affairs. My daily duties consist of listening to reports from the ministers, offering suggestions on solutions to problems, and finally affixing my seal. With nothing to do after court, I wander aimlessly around the capital, followed by my two sycophants, Fox and Erlinzi, covering almost every corner of the city.

Every weekend, it's the same three of them again, without fail. I really doubt Fox and Erlinzi. How come they're so free? How come they don't need any personal space? Fox, even though you're single, without a wife or mistress, didn't you break up with your boyfriend? Shouldn't a heartbroken person hide in a corner drinking and drowning their sorrows, or looking for a new emotional outlet? How come you're acting like nothing's wrong? Are you still hung up on Erlinzi? And Erlinzi, don't you have a mistress and a new love at home? Why don't you spend some time with her? Why are you always bothering me?

Faced with the fox and Erlinzi's unwavering loyalty, I finally resigned myself to my fate. If I couldn't avoid them, I wouldn't. After all, neither of them was someone I could afford to offend. The fox was a given; one smirk from him and my life would be over. As for Erlinzi, well, he was a respectable martial artist—no, wait, a respectable martial artist—well, that doesn't quite fit either. Anyway, he was just a rough soldier; one slap from him and I'd probably be sent flying. So, forget it, that's it. I'd better not create any more trouble for myself!

Recently, I had a day off. After court the day before, I went straight to Qianzui Residence, stayed there for a day, slept for two nights, and then set off for court again at dawn on the third day. It sounds a bit like a bi-weekly vacation. Anyway, since Old Man Yun and Zhang De didn't say anything, I brought Cui'er and Hong'er along as well. I've gotten used to those two girls serving me now, and I can't live without them for a day. Qianzui Residence is only lacking one close and attentive companion, but there are plenty of other aunties and uncles.

You asked about Fox and Erlinzi? Let me tell you, those two are amazing too. They actually copied me, moving into Qianzui Residence every two weeks. It's understandable that one of them stayed at Qinglin Villa instead of the Mu Mansion, but the other one actually slept at Weimian Villa for two nights instead of the Palace, only taking Li Fu with him. On the third day, he was ahead of us, rushing off to the Palace for the morning court in a carriage. Tell me, how can an orphan be so willful and free?

The first two nights I slept at Qianzui Residence were quite nerve-wracking. I was afraid I'd suddenly find someone in their pajamas standing in front of my bed in the middle of the night, only to find it was Fox or Erlinzi, who would then wail and tell me how lonely, helpless, and lost they were after their breakup, and maybe even confess their feelings to me. Later, I found out that none of that happened, so I was somewhat relieved. Lying in bed, tossing and turning, bored out of my mind, I started wondering if the three of us living in the same garden counted as cohabitation. If so, Fox and Erlinzi would definitely wail and demand I take responsibility. Should I play along, pretend to be torn, and then, just when their hearts are pounding and they think I'm about to make a final decision, tell them I'm actually a girl? What would their expressions be then? Hahaha, just thinking about it makes me laugh! Uh, no, no, I can't tell this secret! If the fox finds out I'm a woman, wouldn't that be a crime of deceiving the emperor, and I'd be caught red-handed? I'd be asking for death!

Furthermore, when I saw that my tiny spot in Qianzui Residence had been given a sign that read "Qianzui Rest," I was utterly speechless. It seems this house really is a vacation home for three people. As the nominal owner, I can only take a short rest, just like their villas and other private residences.

That day, after lunch, the three of us sat in the pavilion by the Drunken Lake at Qianzui Residence, killing time in the afternoon. I held a plate of pastries, munching on them while watching Fox and Linzi, a wild beast and an insect, engage in a game of Go that defied comprehension. Just as I was beginning to understand what was going on, a black pigeon flew in from afar, flapped its wings a few times, and landed on my pastry plate. I was immediately dumbfounded. A pigeon with completely black feathers! I'd never seen one before, and it had actually flown right in front of me out of the three of us. Based on this, I was certain that the pigeon was male; if it were female, it would have flown to the pretty fox.

After staring at the black pigeon for several seconds, it quickly looked away, calmly pecked at a few snacks, then flapped its wings and flew off to the fox. I was furious! That little rascal! It was hungry, so it only chose me because it was interested in me, not because of any aesthetic instinct! Just as I was about to get up and grab that damned pigeon so the kitchen could make pigeon soup for Erlinzi that night, I saw the fox fiddling with the little pigeon's claws and pulling out a piece of paper—so the little black pigeon was a carrier pigeon, raised by the dragon fox. Hmm, it seems the fox has quite a few secrets. Last time it was the invisible guard, this time it's the little black carrier pigeon; I wonder what will appear next. Amen, as long as Ultraman doesn't appear!

The fox elegantly unfolded the note with his long, slender, white hand. His expression changed instantly at a glance; the heaviness and anxiety, though fleeting, were so evident. This was the first time I'd seen such an expression on the fox's face. Normally, he always wore a sly, inscrutable smile with others, but towards me and Erlinzi, he was all smiles. The fox handed the note to Erlinzi, whose expression also changed instantly. I was incredibly curious about what was written on the note that made these two important figures, the fox and Erlinzi, show such grave expressions. However, it was clear these two had no intention of showing me the note. After Erlinzi finished reading it, he clutched the note in his hand, and after a moment, opened his hand—only grayish paper scraps remained. I was furious. Erlinzi, you actually used your inner strength to destroy the evidence! Fine, you don't want me to see it? I don't want to see it either.

I angrily stood up, slammed the plate of snacks onto the chessboard, and went back to my quiet retreat for a nap. In the courtyard of my retreat, there was a hammock I had specially commissioned, hanging between two large trees. The warm afternoon sun of early winter filtered through the leaves, dappling the hammock like dancing, sparkling sprites. I told Cui'er to bring a blanket to place on it, then climbed into the hammock with a book, sulking inside, contemplating whether to tear the painting Fox had given me on the weekend before last, and the octagonal lantern Er Linzi had given me, to shreds and smash them to pieces…

The winter sun smells especially nice, and I tend to get sleepy when I'm in the sun. So, as I was thinking about things, the book somehow ended up on my face, and I fell asleep.

I slept incredibly soundly because in my dream, I possessed unparalleled martial arts skills, utterly defeating Erlinzi. Erlinzi, bruised and battered, swore before me he would never dare to show off his internal energy or act cool in front of me again. His pathetic state made me incredibly happy. As I was feeling smug, I vaguely felt someone touching my hair, gently and softly, making me feel intimate and comfortable. I unconsciously leaned forward and felt a hand lightly caress my face.

The touch was warm and real, and I woke up with a start. When I opened my eyes, I saw a magnified face, so close to me. His beautiful eyes were filled with worry, hesitation, and deep longing. It was Fox! I panicked and tried to struggle to get up, but I forgot that Fox's face was right in front of me. As soon as I moved, my mouth touched his face. Before I could pull away or blush, Fox's hand went through my hair and gently but firmly stroked the back of my head. Then his lips pressed against mine.

I stared blankly at the fox, his eyes slightly closed, his long, curved eyelashes seemingly trembling very gently. My mind went blank, and I forgot how to react.

"Close your eyes, be good." A few words escaped from the fox's lips, seemingly tempting and magical, and I obediently closed my eyes.

I think I must have gone mad, because I didn't push the fox away, I forgot to think, and I was completely lost in the fox's kiss. Even after the fox's lips left my mouth, I was still dizzy and hadn't come to my senses.

"Qianqian, my Qianqian!" The fox's voice was gentle yet somewhat helpless. One of his hands was still stroking my hair, as if there was something there that bewitched him.

I didn't understand what he was saying at all. I just stared blankly at his hand and saw my long, black, smooth hair in his grasp, casually cascading down in front of me. Then, belatedly, I realized that my hair had become disheveled without me noticing.

I panicked, noticing my white scholar's robe, the few red leaves scattered on it, and the book obscuring my face. I looked up at the fox; he stood on one side of the hammock, slightly bent over. I saw my disheveled yet beautiful face reflected in his clear eyes. My heart tightened, and I scrambled off the other side of the hammock, taking two steps back to my feet. Before I could speak, I saw Mu Qinglin standing a few meters behind the fox, his face filled with sorrow and heartache. Looking into his eyes, even from a distance, I could clearly feel the deep sadness, loneliness, and despair within them.

When did he arrive? Did he see what just happened? Why, at this moment, am I suddenly unable to tell whether the pain in Mu Qinglin's eyes is because of the fox or because of me? Why do I have this doubt now? The naked pain in his eyes sears me; he looks at me with such sorrow and despair. Shouldn't he love the fox? Or have I misunderstood him from the beginning, and that what he truly loves isn't the fox, but...

And then there's the fox. I know clearly what I look like with my long hair down. Every day, when I sit before the bronze mirror waiting for Cui'er to comb my hair, the person in the mirror, even without makeup, even dressed as a man, is undeniably a woman; I can't deceive anyone. Only when my long black hair is tied up, and because of the clouds and wind, can I deceive some people's eyes. So, what exactly did the fox mean by her actions and words just now? Did I overlook something from the very beginning? Can my efforts, my clumsy acting, really fool someone like the fox?

I felt completely confused, unwilling and afraid to think about it, and even less willing to face the two people in front of me. All I wanted now was to be alone and have some peace and quiet. So I ran outside as fast as I could, ignoring the fox and Erlinzi behind me, running all the way out of Qianzui Xiaoxi, calling out Cui'er's name, then scrambling onto the carriage and ordering them to return to Yun Mansion immediately.

Clouds Drunk, Moon Slightly Sleeping (Revised Edition) Volume One: When We Met, We Were All Joyful and We Speak with Persuasion

Chapter word count: 4185 Last updated: 08-12-20 15:53

Lobbying

The next day at court, I kept my head down the whole time, not saying a word, and not even glancing at the fox or Erlinzi. I was quieter than ever before. I thought about it all night, almost racking my brains, but I still couldn't figure it out. I ended up losing a few more hairs and getting dark circles under my eyes.

After the morning court session ended, as was customary, we went to the Hall of State Affairs to handle government affairs. Unexpectedly, in addition to the six ministers, Fox was also present today. He sat in the prime minister's seat at the head of the table, which was usually my seat. Erlinzi stood beside him, and both of us had somewhat somber expressions.

As everyone was about to bow and pay their respects, the fox waved his hand and said, "No need!"

I was surprised and vaguely uneasy. Considering the expressions and behaviors of Fox and Erlinzi yesterday and today, had something happened? If it were just a matter of romantic or male-male relationships, they wouldn't be acting this way. I looked up, my gaze quickly sweeping over Fox before finally landing on Erlinzi with a questioning look. Erlinzi's expression was somewhat grave, his two thick, sword-like eyebrows slightly furrowed. When our eyes met, there was deep worry in his eyes, and then Fox's voice rang out.

"My beloved ministers are all pillars of my Longyao Kingdom and the people I trust most. Now my Longyao Kingdom is facing an unprecedented crisis, and I would like to hear your opinions today."

An unprecedented crisis? Has something really serious happened? Apart from Fox and Erlinzi, everyone else looked puzzled. I quickly bowed and asked, "What is Your Majesty worried about?"

"I recently received a secret report that the Wangyue Kingdom intends to join forces with the Tianqing and Hanxing Kingdoms to attack my Longyao Kingdom. The Tianqing and Hanxing Kingdoms have not yet received the alliance letter from the Wangyue Kingdom, but it is inevitable that the Wangyue Kingdom will destroy my Longyao Kingdom. In as little as two months, their troops will be at the gates of the city."

The fox's voice wasn't loud, but everyone gasped upon hearing it. I felt a heavy weight pressing on my chest, and for a moment, I couldn't catch my breath. In this timeline, six kingdoms coexisted, ranked by strength: Ye Cang, Xiuruo, Wangyue, Tianqing, Hanxing, and Longyao. Longyao was considered the weakest of the six, regardless of size, wealth, or military strength. If Wangyue were to unite with Tianqing and Hanxing, it would undoubtedly be an attempt to wipe Longyao from the world. I think I might have truly considered myself a citizen of Longyao, because the thought of Longyao being destroyed, the kind and content common people I knew becoming slaves of a conquered nation, or even dying in war, and the potential fate of the fox, its ruler, filled me with sorrow.

"The only solution now is to quickly mobilize troops and defend the three prefectures of Qi, He, and Yu." Gu Wenxiu spoke first, his expression solemn but his voice steady. His analysis was accurate from the start, befitting a veteran of three dynasties.

To the east of Qizhou lies the Azure Sky Kingdom; to the north of Hezhou lies the Moon Gazing Kingdom, rich in rivers; and to the west of Yuzhou lies the Cold Star Kingdom, mountainous and rugged. Due to their advantageous geographical locations, Hezhou and Yuzhou are clearly easier to defend than Qizhou.

There was another moment of silence. Indeed, at this point, there was no better option than to take strict precautions.

"Don't you, my esteemed ministers, have any better plans? Is my Dragon Yao Kingdom destined to sit and wait for its demise?" The fox's voice was unusually loud, and he could no longer conceal his anger.