Chapter 15: The Edge of Brilliance

Qin Xuanxiao sat alone on the high platform, his body relaxed and leaning back comfortably. His aggressive gaze was unabashedly fixed on Qin Duo Ye. The two locked eyes like clashing metals, silently engaged in a fierce contest.

Qin Xuanxiao had originally thought that the minister who dared to speak recklessly and disrespectfully was merely seeking attention. Yet, in just a few days apart, he found himself surprisingly yearning for him. Whenever he closed his eyes, those ink-black eyes would involuntarily appear in his mind.

Today, upon seeing him again, an inexplicable joy surged within. His fingers tapped lightly on the dragon-patterned desk, a faint smile curling at the corners of his mouth.

The Fifth Minister of Rites, seated in the front row, glanced up and caught the emperor’s expression, his pupils widening slightly. The officials beside him quickly lowered their heads, concealing their shock. The current emperor had never once smiled during court sessions; his face was always sullen, cold, sarcastic, angry, or expressionless when facing his ministers.

What was going on today?

As the procession formed orderly lines, robes arranged, and obeisance paid, the officials shouted “Long live the emperor!” The court proceedings mirrored those from Qin Duo Ye’s past life, evoking an uncanny familiarity and a sense of ease.

Still recovering from a cold, his head foggy and eyes heavy and dry, Qin Duo Ye closed his eyes at the back of the line, treating it as a moment of rest while quietly listening to the court debates. Paradoxically, his mind felt clearer with his eyes shut.

First, the discussion turned to preparations for the autumn hunt, to be jointly overseen by the Ministry of War and the Ministry of Rites. Occasionally, ministers exchanged sharp words, apparently vying for control over the hunt’s organization and ceremonial duties. Various factions in court eagerly pushed their people into key positions.

Though Qin Duo Ye was still unfamiliar with the intricacies of court politics, the blatant ambition was unmistakable. He doubted that Qin Xuanxiao, who had sat on the throne for so long, would fail to perceive it.

Thinking this, Qin Duo Ye looked up to glimpse his son.

Their gazes met again—Qin Xuanxiao’s narrow, phoenix-like eyes half-lidded, fixed on the very end of the ministers’ line where Qin Duo Ye stood. Upon seeing him raise his eyes, Qin Xuanxiao even winked at him.

The “dead child” had been staring for so long without paying attention to the court affairs!

Qin Duo Ye pursed his lips and returned his gaze with a subtle warning.

For a long while, the emperor’s son showed no sign of restraint; if anything, after receiving his look, he smiled even more brazenly, grinding his teeth and nodding slightly.

A soft laugh echoed from the dragon throne.

The ministers, who had been arguing fiercely moments before, instantly fell silent.

An emperor’s smile was a sign of grave misfortune; life and death were uncertain.

The ministers ceased their disputes and quietly awaited Qin Xuanxiao’s next command. No one dared to provoke the emperor over a mere ceremonial post for the autumn hunt—it was not worth it.

Four years ago, when the emperor first ascended the throne, he had smiled similarly, sinisterly. Without blinking, he had executed nearly a third of the ministers right in the court, blood flooding the hall and the stench of death lingering for three days and nights.

Only in recent years had his temper softened, allowing ministers to tentatively test their claws.

But this smile immediately dragged everyone back to that palace coup four years past.

In the near-deathly silence of the Wuji Hall, even the ministers’ breaths were barely audible.

After a long pause, Qin Xuanxiao suddenly spoke with a teasing tone: “Minister Wen Ai, it seems you have something to say?”

All eyes discreetly turned toward the very end of the line.

Some looked with pity, others with schadenfreude, some as if relieved to have escaped a disaster.

Everyone waited for Qin Duo Ye’s response.

He closed his eyes deeply.

That damned child—was this deliberate?

He stepped forward alone to the hall’s center, recalling the scene when he had petitioned to be granted princess consort, but unlike that time, he stood upright, not kneeling in disgrace.

Straightening his back, he raised his tablet symbolically and submitted his memorial with a calm voice: “Your Majesty, I believe this year’s autumn hunt should be conducted with frugality: reduce the ceremonies, streamline the accompanying personnel, travel light and fast, and focus on the symbolic significance.”

His voice was hoarse from illness but carried an imposing authority.

“No,” the Minister of Rites shook his head, regarding him like an immature youth, “You do not understand the rites that sustain the empire; how can you casually cut them down?”

“Yes,” the Deputy Minister of Rites, a burly man, eyed Qin Duo Ye with disdain, “The autumn hunt also showcases our officials’ martial prowess and spirit. Since the reign of Emperor Chenglie of Wei, our dynasty has valued military strength. After the peaceful Anping era, which official here is not skilled in martial arts and physical training? You look so fragile… Who knows Emperor Chenglie better, you or us?”

Qin Duo Ye raised a brow.

Who? You mean Emperor Chenglie Qin Duo Ye?

Hmph.

If not for this, he might have stayed sleepy, but now he was wide awake.

Emperor Chenglie had turned the entire previous court order upside down during his reign.

The fatigue born of illness vanished, and a bright light flickered through his dark eyes. He stepped forward and threw down his tablet.

“Gentlemen, do you know how many autumn hunts were held during Emperor Chenglie’s reign?”

His deep black eyes swept the opposing ministers one by one. Before they could respond, he raised three fingers: “Three times. Only three formal autumn hunts were ever held.”

Qin Xuanxiao leaned back in his throne, watching like a spectator, clearly pleased with Qin Duo Ye’s performance.

“Minister, do you know why?” Qin Duo Ye looked toward the Minister of Rites.

The Minister was momentarily at a loss.

Qin Duo Ye didn’t press further but answered for him: “Because in the early Anping years, during the harvest season, Emperor Chenglie personally left the palace each year to tend the fields on the outskirts or in the southern paddies, encouraging farming. With affairs so pressing and a heart burdened for the people, when would he have time for an autumn hunt?”

The Deputy Minister of Rites interjected: “Emperor Chenglie himself said the autumn hunt was to demonstrate Wei’s might to the northern barbarians. Do you admit that or not?”

“Yes, he said that,” Qin Duo Ye nodded decisively, then sneered, “But don’t confuse cause and effect. Back then, the barbarians were undefeated and provoked Wei’s borders. After Emperor Chenglie drove them back to the steppes, even without autumn hunts, would there still be disturbances?”

“No… no more,” the Deputy Minister stammered.

“Good. So you hold Emperor Chenglie’s words as sacred, do you?” Qin Duo Ye smiled wryly, facing them alone. “Then tell me, at the second autumn hunt in the sixth year of Anping during Emperor Chenglie’s reign, what did he say before the civil and military officials? Does anyone remember?”

The court fell utterly silent.

Ha, as expected—a bunch of people taking things out of context.

Qin Duo Ye was about to continue when a sudden voice echoed through the hall.

“The essence of the autumn hunt lies in the emperor setting an example for all under heaven—hunting animals that harm crops and poultry to bless the harvest. Its symbolic meaning far outweighs the hunt itself.”

Qin Xuanxiao, still lounging on the throne, casually repeated Qin Duo Ye’s words from a century ago, word for word.

The entire court was silent.

Even Qin Duo Ye was momentarily stunned.

Then his expression softened, a faint smile touching his lips.

This boy—he even remembered what I once said so clearly.

“Very well.” Qin Duo Ye nodded in satisfaction, smiling at the Ministry of Rites officials. “Therefore, gentlemen, the autumn hunt is merely a proclamation to begin hunting beasts that damage crops and poultry, preparing for harvest. Currently, the treasury is not abundant; regulations should be as simple as possible. Any objections?”

The opposing ministers’ rapid, fierce arguments increased like drumbeats—too fast to think or refute.

After several rounds of sharp debate, those opposing Qin Duo Ye seemed to develop an illusion: this civil official appeared more knowledgeable about Emperor Chenglie’s policies than anyone else. No one could best him.

“Then just cancel it, right? Emperor Chenglie hardly held autumn hunts anyway,” Qin Xuanxiao drawled lazily.

“Your Majesty, that is not appropriate,” Qin Duo Ye turned to the front of the hall. “During Emperor Chenglie’s reign, the people understood. Since then, the annual autumn hunt has become customary. To cancel it abruptly would be improper.”

Qin Xuanxiao’s expression stiffened.

Enjoying his rampage in court was one thing; having the blade suddenly turned on himself was another.

In the end, both sides surprisingly yielded quickly and agreed without dissent that the two ministries would jointly assign personnel, supervised by the Xuan Yi Guards.

What would have taken an entire morning to quarrel was settled in less than half an hour.

“Minister Wen, your reasoning is sound. Let’s proceed accordingly. Such talent deserves a promotion,” Qin Xuanxiao said, somewhat irritated, tossing down an imperial edict for Gou Hongyang to read.

He promoted the former Censor Wen Qinghe to the position of Ministry of Personnel censor, and the former Ministry of Personnel censor to Deputy Minister of Public Works.

The edict caused an uproar throughout the court.

Ministers who had calmed quickly focused all their accumulated fury on Qin Duo Ye, united in opposition.

“Your Majesty, there has never been such a rule. He is but a minor censor with no great merit—how can he suddenly be promoted to censor?” The Minister of Public Works was the first to object.

The Deputy Minister of Public Works post had long been vacant; he had been scheming to place a young family member there. Being cut off so suddenly, he was furious.

Though the Ministry of Personnel censor was a promotion, Public Works was far more prestigious, and the censor position, while not high in rank, wielded considerable power.

The former Ministry of Personnel censor narrowed his eyes at Qin Duo Ye, sneering, “Could it be that he rose so quickly by being the emperor’s favorite?”

Qin Duo Ye was tiring of standing and talking. His throat was swollen and sore. When he spoke, his voice was hoarse: “Are you not going to kneel and accept the edict?”

The Minister of Public Works and former Personnel censor were rendered speechless.

Talking to this man was inexplicably frustrating.

Qin Duo Ye’s face was pale; he swayed slightly, preparing to receive the edict.

Qin Xuanxiao lowered his eyes and said, “Enough. That’s all for today. If anyone has objections to my decree, give up your official hats. There are plenty waiting to be promoted.”

“Dismissed! Minister Wen Ai, remain.”

As the Fifth Minister left, he glanced subtly at Qin Duo Ye, eyes asking if help was needed.

Qin Duo Ye waved him off, signaling he was fine, then looked up toward the dragon throne. The phoenix eyes behind the imperial crown’s tassels were unreadable. He was surely angry.

—

Qin Duo Ye was dragged by the wrist in a fury through the Hall of Harmonious Order.

With a sharp motion, he was thrown onto a couch. Qin Xuanxiao grabbed his neck, pressing his thumb against his chin, forcing him to look up.

Qin Duo Ye choked and coughed.

Upon hearing the coughing, the pressure on his neck eased. Qin Xuanxiao’s voice was cold: “I fear I might accidentally strangle you to death.”

“Since you’re afraid, Your Majesty,” Qin Duo Ye rubbed his aching neck weakly and reclined onto the couch, “please don’t be so rough. My body is very fragile now.”

His voice was hoarse.

Qin Xuanxiao said nothing, leaned over him on the couch, pinning him beneath. His dangerous phoenix eyes narrowed.

“I do not tolerate disobedience.”

Qin Duo Ye looked up at him, “And?”

“You promised to be my sharp blade, not to bite the hand that feeds you. Today in court, I am most displeased with your behavior afterward…”

As he spoke, Qin Xuanxiao reached into Qin Duo Ye’s hair crown, his fingers gliding down from the top of his head, across his cheek, tracing his jawline, following the curve of his neck, finally hooking the collar. With a gentle tug, the smooth skin beneath was revealed, the collarbone hidden beneath the unpulled garment.

Qin Duo Ye grasped the mischievous hand.

“Your Majesty, what are you doing?”

Suddenly, Qin Xuanxiao reversed grip, holding Qin Duo Ye’s wrist, raising it above his head, lowering his head to bite into the collarbone.

Qin Duo Ye stiffened sharply, lifting his other arm, bending it inward, and elbowing fiercely into Qin Xuanxiao’s chest.

The last time he was bitten, he hadn’t reacted in time. Now this again?!

Qin Xuanxiao, caught unprepared, coughed and took two steps back.

Gritting his teeth, he gasped, “You really hit hard…”

“Your Majesty, please show some respect,” Qin Duo Ye adjusted his clothes coldly.

Does he have a thing for biting? Reincarnated as a dog?

“Gou Hongyang, bring the midday meal,” Qin Xuanxiao said. Despite everything, after biting him, his mood clearly improved. He no longer cared whether Qin Duo Ye regarded him as emperor or not.

Qin Duo Ye faced the bronze mirror, trying to tidy the disheveled hair crown.

Suddenly Qin Xuanxiao approached from behind, snatching the crown from his hand.

Qin Duo Ye frowned and looked back. Qin Xuanxiao seemed to be examining it, trying to figure out how to wear it properly. Catching Qin Duo Ye’s gaze, he pressed him gently toward the mirror.

“I’ll fix your hair. Sit.”

Qin Duo Ye sat down, accepting the service as if Qin Xuanxiao were truly the master of the palace.

Large hands smoothed his hair, suddenly changing direction, then tying a knot, roughly inserting the hairpin, and reaching downward.

Qin Duo Ye’s scalp hurt from the tugging. He swatted away the meddling hand, reclaiming the crown.

“If you don’t know how, don’t mess around!”

Gou Hongyang entered with the midday meal, eyes wide but immediately lowered his head, quickly setting the table and ushering everyone else out.

The two sat at the meal table. Qin Xuanxiao picked up a piece of lotus root soaked in syrup and fed it to him.

“Your belongings have all been moved to Qinglu Palace by the Xuan Yi Guards.”

“Hmm.” Qin Duo Ye ate without speaking.

After the meal, Qin Duo Ye did not hesitate to drink a bowl of pitch-black medicine.

He set the bowl down and prepared to leave the Hall of Harmonious Order.

This child was not quite right—best to keep some distance.

Suddenly, a warm touch met his lips—Qin Xuanxiao reached out and slipped something into his mouth.

A faint sweetness spread across his palate.

What was this?

Qin Duo Ye’s eyes widened slightly.

“A candied jujube,” Qin Xuanxiao said, resting his head on his hand, fingers brushing gently over Qin Duo Ye’s lips. “Now, isn’t the medicine less bitter?”