In the pitch-black night, a light rain began to fall. Inside the palace walls, the sound of rain hitting banana leaves echoed in the courtyard.
The Qingya Palace was brightly lit, and a faint fragrance hung in the air. On the eastern wall, there was a relief carving of nine dragons
chasing pearls.
A man sat behind a large dragon desk, illuminated by candlelight at the corner of the table, reviewing the memorials submitted during the day with a vermilion brush.
He wore a black-colored robe with hidden dragon patterns embroidered on the cuffs and collar. Despite his young age, appearing to be in his twenties, he was remarkably handsome with a straight nose and thin lips pressed into a straight line. However, his sharp brows and eyes added a touch of fierceness and ruthlessness, making his appearance somewhat cold and unapproachable that made people afraid to approach him easily.
Standing beside him was a eunuch-like man in his fifties, named Wang. Holding a dust brush, he slightly bowed, showing signs of wanting to speak but hesitating, as if struggling with inner conflicts.
After a full stick of incense’s worth of time, Eunuch Wang hesitantly spoke up, “Your Majesty, the young master has been locked in the dungeon for three days.”
Chu Ya’s expression remained cold, only lifting his eyes slightly. “Oh? Has he admitted his mistake?”
“Your Majesty, the young master refused to admit it. He also said…”
“Said what?”
Eunuch Wang’s expression became troubled. “Well… even if you gave me a hundred guts, I wouldn’t dare to say it.”
Chu Ya calmly said, “You may speak freely; you are not at fault.”
After much effort, Eunuch Wang bowed even lower, his voice dropping several degrees. “Your Majesty, the young master said that when he gets out, he will smash your head…”
Crack!
Chu Ya snapped the mahogany penholder in his hand.
Without thinking, it was clear that the respectful ‘you’ word was added by Eunuch Wang out of excessive fear. It was probably what Bai Lu originally said: When I get out, I’ll smash your little bastard’s head!
“He really dares to say that.” Chu Ya sighed, showing no sign of anger on his face, but rather a helpless indulgence. “I understand. Continue to keep an eye on him.”
“Yes, Your Majesty.”
Suddenly, Eunuch Wang added, “Your Majesty, there’s another matter I need to inform you about. Didn’t you instruct us before to take good care of the young master? He’s not like ordinary prisoners; he should be given whatever he wants. The other day, the young master found the dungeon boring, refused to read any scripts or play with toys, but instead asked for a small knife, a wooden skewer, and a deer tendon.”
“Then the young master made a slingshot, picking up stones from the ground and shooting them across the cell, targeting the prisoners opposite. He seemed to find it very amusing, regardless of whether it was day or night, whether the other party was eating or sleeping, as long as he felt like it, he would shoot, and he aimed very accurately.”
Chu Ya casually threw away the broken pen and pressed his temple with his thumb, seemingly unconcerned. “Let him shoot if he wants. They’re all unforgivable criminals anyway; if one dies, replace them with another.”
“Yes, I just wanted to inform you about this matter.”
Eunuch Wang comforted, “The one who was shot was originally a murderer who refused to confess. But this afternoon, he cried and begged for forgiveness, saying that he would be willing to be executed that day as long as he didn’t have to stay opposite the young master. The young master is indeed extraordinary.”
Chu Ya: “…”
The young emperor was rendered speechless. After a few seconds of silence, he whispered, “Actually, I can somewhat understand his feelings.”
Eunuch Wang asked respectfully , “Are you referring to the young master’s feelings?”
“No, I’m referring to that prisoner’s.”
“…” the smooth and slick Eunuch Wang had nothing to say.
The rain outside grew louder, accompanied by gusts of wind. Chu Ya seemed somewhat restless, as if worried about something.
Eunuch Wang, loyal servant as he was, was most adept at understanding the emperor’s thoughts. After all, he was the emperor, and he had just ordered someone to be locked in the dungeon. If he didn’t have a reason, how could he easily let him out?
So Eunuch Wang advised, “Your Majesty, the spring rain is chilly, and the dungeon is damp and cold. The young master may fall ill. Won’t Your Majesty go and see?”
Chu Ya remained silent, his gaze fixed on the pitch-black night outside the palace.
Coincidentally, a bolt of lightning flashed from the sky, illuminating the horizon as bright as daylight, which was very frightening. Eunuch Wang took advantage of the situation, “Your Majesty, I’m afraid this rain will continue for the whole night. The young master may not be able to bear it. Forgive me for speaking out of turn, but just in case…”
The rain outside continued incessantly. After a moment of silence, Chu Ya finally spoke, “Prepare the carriage. We’re going to the dungeon.”
Within a stick of incense’s time, His Majesty and a team of guards arrived at the dungeon. Chu Ya had just stepped into the dungeon gate when he heard banging on the door inside, mixed with with gnashed teeth and angry curses: “I’ll say it one last time, open the door for me! If you don’t, I’ll beat you up!”
The nearby prison guard, with a smile, skillfully evaded, “Young master, it’s not that I won’t let you out, but I dare not let you out. If His Majesty finds out………ah! Your Majesty?!”
As the Guard turned his head, he realized that Chu Ya was already standing behind him. He hurriedly stepped back, knelt down with a thud, and apologized, “May Your Majesty forgive me! I didn’t notice your arrival. I really deserve death!”
Chu Ya didn’t pay attention to him and directly turned his gaze to the door.
As soon as his eyes fell on the person inside, he suddenly lifted his eyes, gritted his teeth, and stared fiercely at Chu Ya.
That gaze inexplicably evoked the image of a ferocious wolf lurking in the jungle, fierce and sharp. In the dim candlelight, it exuded a deep blood-red color, as if it would leap out of the cell at any moment and tear the enemy’s throat.
It’s a pity that that body really doesn’t match the fierce gaze. With his slender figure and limbs, delicate appearance, and skin as white and
tender as a woman’s, it’s hard to associate him with words like a beast.
Bai Lu stood by the cell door, his left leg slightly withdrawn, his shoulders lowered, vigilantly staring at him.
For those knowledgeable in combat, they would recognize this as a preparatory attack posture. People who spent years on the arena, even if they didn’t intend to strike, would unconsciously assume such a stance when tense or on guard.
Bai Lu coldly questioned, “What are you doing here?”
“To see if you’ve reflected on your actions.”
Chu Ya looked at him with the same indifference, calmly saying, “After being imprisoned for three days, Have you tasted the bitterness yet? Do you realize your mistake?”
“I know you arrogant bastard! Just because you’re the emperor now, you think you can imprison me like this!” Bai Lu kicked the door pillar with his foot, threatening, “I’m telling you, if you want me to bow down and admit my mistake, you’ll have to wait until the next lifetime!”
He cursed very loudly, while the prison guards, guards, and eunuchs around him were all terrified, sweating profusely, fearing the wrath of the emperor would fall upon them if he got angry, and they would all lose their heads.
Who would have thought that Chu Ya just nodded indifferently and calmly said, “Knowing your mistake is enough. I’ll let you out.”
Everyone: “???”
Eunuch Wang remained silent: Although their purpose here was to bring the young master back, Your Majesty, you can’t just say such nonsense with your eyes wide open. This is beyond belief…
Bai Lu was also puzzled, unable to fathom Chu Ya’s thoughts. He didn’t say anything further, just frowned, staring at him cautiously and inquisitively.
Only one person showed an expression of joy upon hearing Chu Ya say “I’ll let you out.”
That person was the prisoner opposite Bai Lu. At this moment, his bruised and swollen face was filled with a joyful smile, dancing with excitement. Upon closer inspection, tears of relief and joy seemed to well up in his eyes, as if he had been delivered from a plague, liberated from suffering, and welcomed into a new life.
However, in less than three seconds, Bai Lu’s expression changed. Holding his arms, he furrowed his brows tightly. “I won’t go out! Why should I? You think you can imprison me just because you want to? If you want me to come out, I have to come out. Am I a dog you raised?” !”
His words felt like a poisonous thorn, piercing into Chu Ya’s heart. His expression darkened, and he coldly retorted, “A dog? You think I treat you like a dog? How have I treated you usually? Don’t you know it yourself? You’re truly ungrateful!”
He turned and walked away, leaving behind a harsh remark, “Since you want to stay in this place, then stay. Whether it’s for a month or half a year, it’s up to you.”
Bai Lu insisted on confronting him, defiantly declaring, “Then I’ll stay in the dungeon for a whole year!”
Chu Ya halted in his tracks, about to speak, but then he heard a loud bang beside him. The prisoner opposite Bai Lu, with a look of despair, threw himself headfirst into the solid door pillar, thudding to the ground with blood flowing all over, dead.
With no hope left in this life, he chose to end it by smashing into the pillar.
Bai Lu exclaimed in shock, “Damn! What a strong man!”
Chu Ya looked at him helplessly and said, “Just how annoying have you been these past three days?”
Thanks!
This is too funny 🤣🤣