EMHTC -Chapter 22 Shocked! Such a shameful thing happened in the holy land of Buddhism!

After court was dismissed, the old emperor summoned Ji Sui to the Wuying Hall.

“This time during disaster relief, you executed quite a few landlords who refused to release their slaves, didn’t you?”

Hearing this, Ji Sui silently nodded.

“Did you find her?”

Ji Sui shook his head.

“…You’ve already spent too much of your energy on that child. Nearly 70% of your efforts have been dedicated to searching for her. You haven’t even asked Qinghe for another child. Why put yourself through this? It’s been so many years…” The old emperor spoke softly. “Zainian, your Ji family must continue its bloodline.”

“Zainian” was Ji Sui’s courtesy name.

Ji Sui replied firmly, “Your Majesty, she is my first child. Lost during the chaos of war, I must find her!”

The old emperor sighed. “I understand. Over the years, I don’t know how many nobles and local gentry you’ve offended for the sake of this child.”

Recalling Ji Sui’s actions over the years, even the old emperor had to admit they were extreme.

Simply because “in times of chaos, a girl’s best chance of survival is often selling herself as a servant or being sold into a brothel,” Ji Sui went to great lengths to achieve merit, waiting for the right moment to push through a new law:

If any servant petitions, claiming they were born free, regardless of the truth, they must be granted freedom.

Considering that some women might be imprisoned or threatened and unable to petition, Ji Sui would occasionally pay visits to the homes of influential nobles.

Due to Ji Sui’s high status, these nobles didn’t dare to offend him. Reluctantly, they redefined their servants as free workers, at least on the surface, only keeping government slaves that weren’t subject to liberation.

However, some powerful families, like dukes or marquises, openly continued to use indentured contracts.

As a result, Ji Sui’s relationship with the gentry was tense, and he faced much criticism from the aristocracy.

Over the years, he had also shut down many brothels, ensuring each woman there found an alternative livelihood, fearing that any misstep might leave his own daughter in one of those places, leading to lifelong regret.

The old emperor couldn’t hold it in anymore. “You’re aware of Xu Yanmiao’s peculiar abilities. Now that you’ve returned from disaster relief, you could probe him a bit. Perhaps…”

Ji Sui paused, then slowly said, “Thank you for your grace, Your Majesty.”

“But…” Ji Sui closed his eyes, suppressing the restlessness and gloom that arose whenever Xu Yanmiao’s abilities were mentioned in connection with his daughter. “But I dare not.”

Thirty years had passed. He feared that his daughter had long since perished in the chaos of war. He dreaded hearing such news from Xu Yanmiao.

And…

Ji Sui’s lashes trembled as he reiterated his request to the emperor: “Your Majesty, I beg you to show mercy. Please do not mention my daughter to Xu Yanmiao.”

He would ask himself—but not now.

Ji Sui still intended to help his nephew, not just out of familial affection developed over the years, but also because his nephew and his daughter shared the same birthday, albeit in different years. Thinking of his poor daughter, he couldn’t help but feel more lenient and compassionate toward his nephew.

Thus, half a month after his failed “essay,” Ji Sui entered the palace again.

Key point: He chose a time when Xu Yanmiao wasn’t around.

This time, things went smoothly. He invited the old emperor to Yulong Temple in Luoyang County. It was at this temple that, after praying to Buddha, the empress had experienced morning sickness that same night, and six months later, gave birth to the current crown prince.

Additionally, Ji Sui had prepared someone at the temple…

“Xu Yanmiao?” The old emperor set down his incense stick lightly, surprised. “You’re not married—what are you doing here seeking blessings for a child?”

Ji Sui swayed slightly.

No! That’s not it!!!

Xu Yanmiao turned around in surprise. “Your Maj—”

The old emperor quickly covered Xu Yanmiao’s mouth, whispering, “Traveling incognito.”

—He had given up on hoping that a mere look from him would make Xu Yanmiao obediently shut up. Taking matters into his own hands seemed safer.

Xu Yanmiao blinked hard.

The old emperor let go and disdainfully wiped his hand on his sleeve.

Xu Yanmiao, unfazed, continued, “It’s because I have a friend. Lian Hang came to pray for a chubby baby boy from Buddha, so I tagged along! Lian Hang said the vegetarian dishes at this temple are amazing!”

Xu Yanmiao pointed, and the old emperor and Ji Sui instinctively turned to look. They saw the temple abbot helping a lady up after she finished her prayers. The abbot chanted a few words, then took a willow branch from a nearby sacred vase, sprinkling holy water gently over her head. Behind the abbot, a Ministry of War officer followed respectfully.

The old emperor’s eyes widened. “This one?!”

Although the lady was middle-aged, she was still graceful and charming. However, she and the officer clearly weren’t of the same generation—she seemed close to forty!

Xu Yanmiao froze for a moment, then quickly said, “No, no, not this one!”

The old emperor’s gaze softened.

Thank goodness. He’d almost thought his official had a strange romantic inclination. A twenty-year-old with a forty-year-old? He really couldn’t accept that!

—This coming from a 63-year-old emperor who had taken a 16-year-old girl as his concubine.

Then, as the lady turned after receiving the sprinkling, she cast a flirtatious glance at the officer, her lips curling seductively.

The old emperor turned to Xu Yanmiao: “Really not this one?”

For the sake of his friend’s image in the emperor’s eyes, Xu Yanmiao declared firmly, “Absolutely not!”

Hearing the commotion, the lady glanced over, her eyes lighting up when she saw the robustly-built emperor. She wafted over in a cloud of perfume, her gaze fixed squarely on the emperor.

The old emperor: “…”

After finally dismissing her, the emperor turned around, only to find himself on the verge of laughter.

Xu Yanmiao was staring at the ground as if counting tiles, while Ji Sui had turned away, seemingly engrossed in studying the wall murals—neither offering to save the situation.

When the emperor’s gaze landed on Xu Yanmiao, the young man dumbfoundedly thought to himself: 【That’s it? Over so soon?】

Over what?! The emperor fumed internally. Did you expect me to strike up something with that woman?!

Later, when the emperor learned that Yulong Temple’s vegetarian cuisine was famous, he decided to dine with Xu Yanmiao there.

Dining with the emperor was an honor for most people.

The emperor smiled warmly.

Xu Yanmiao, granted this privilege, surely felt…

【Ugh? No way. Eating with the emperor means minding my manners, watching my words, and the risk of accidentally taking the emperor’s food… Who would want to eat with their boss?!】

【I wouldn’t even dare eat or drink properly. Just thinking about it gives me a stomachache.】

【But refusing would be defying an imperial decree… Maybe I could say I have a stomachache?】

The emperor’s smile stiffened.

The officer nearly coughed to remind Xu Yanmiao.

At least pretend… Wait, he did pretend.

Watching Xu Yanmiao’s convincingly joyful expression as he prepared to accept, the emperor clenched his teeth, feeling like a tyrant forcing a reluctant soul into submission.

“Xu Yanmiao,” the emperor said through gritted teeth, “I’m traveling incognito today, so let’s keep it simple. Eat what you like, however you like!”

He wasn’t that petty! Hmph!

Xu Yanmiao was genuinely delighted this time.

“Thank you, sir!”

The officer turned away, covering his face in agony.

This guy genuinely didn’t realize it was just a polite gesture.

Ji Sui, standing nearby, was too preoccupied to care about these details. His mind was elsewhere entirely…

The person I was looking for earlier—he’s still on the mountain behind the temple, right? He didn’t just leave, did he?

Xu Yanmiao’s cheerful voice echoed, “Huh? Lord Ji, aren’t you eating?”

Ji Sui forced a smile that didn’t reach his eyes, tugging the corners of his mouth. “I am.”

Eat, eat, eat—always eating! Eat until you drop dead!

Trying to get me to leave the emperor’s side? Dream on!

＊

The vegetarian meal at this temple was truly exquisite.

Xu Yanmiao was wolfing it down with gusto.

“Mmm! This vegetarian noodle soup is amazing!”

“This one! You’ve got to try the lute-shaped tofu! No meat added at all, and it tastes just like the original dish! Absolutely incredible!”

“And this stir-fried three-delicacies dish—it’s so good!”

The monks around them looked at Xu Yanmiao with pure affection.

Seeing someone enjoy their vegetarian dishes so much filled them with joy and satisfaction. This young man ate with such relish that even they were tempted to go for a second helping!

Xu Yanmiao looked up at Ji Sui. “Eh? Lord Ji, why aren’t you eating? Why are you just holding that teacup and not letting it go?”

The emperor almost choked on his laughter, taking a sip of the temple’s tea to cover his amusement.

The Ministry of War official covered his face, pretending he hadn’t noticed anything.

There’s a phrase—“serving tea to bid farewell”—but Xu Yanmiao was clearly oblivious.

Ji Sui took a deep breath. “I’m letting the tea cool down before I drink it.”

“Oh! Is this some new method of tea-drinking? I’ve never heard of that before!”

Ji Sui tugged at the corner of his mouth. “Yes.”

【As expected of a bigshot! Even drinking tea is so refined!】

Ji Sui closed his eyes, suppressing his irritation, and downed the lukewarm tea in one gulp.

No. I’m signaling for you to leave!

Now all he could hope for was that the person on the back mountain hadn’t left yet.

＊

At the back mountain of Yulong Temple, a refined gentleman was leisurely sipping tea.

He sat at a delicately crafted table with a small silver box beside him. The box contained fresh green tea leaves that sparkled under the sunlight.

Using tweezers, he picked up a small pinch of tea leaves and placed them into a teapot. As the wind blew, the fragrance of tea leaves wafted through the air.

When the water reached the perfect temperature, he tilted the pot gently, letting the tea flow gracefully into a Yixing clay teacup adorned with floral patterns. His movements were fluid and elegant, like the harmonious rhythm of a guqin performance.

The tea was clear and bright, exuding a subtle aroma. The gentleman took a delicate sip, his lips curving into a slight smile as he savored the flavor.

With his slightly lowered gaze, he radiated tranquility and elegance, resembling a living painting. From afar, he seemed like a figure in a utopian paradise, soothing one’s spirit with serene grace.

And yet, as he sat there, he thought to himself:

“Didn’t Lord Ji say the emperor was arriving soon? I’ve already had three pots of tea. I’m about to burst—I really need to use the restroom!”

Just as he was about to succumb to nature’s call, the emperor finally arrived.

Dressed in coarse, rustic clothing like a common farmer, the gentleman pretended not to recognize the ruler of the land and invited him to join for tea.

Ji Sui frantically signaled with his eyes.

No, no, no! Nobody would just invite a random farmer to tea right off the bat! You’re supposed to chat a little first, show you’re getting along, and then extend the invitation…

Behind the table, the gentleman clenched his legs in desperation, pretending not to notice Ji Sui’s signals as he warmly insisted, “Sir, meeting you here is fate! Please, have a cup of tea!”

The emperor gave him a meaningful look. “Alright.”

Before long, the two of them genuinely hit it off.

It turned out that this gentleman was the author of Admonitions for Women, an expert in advocating for women to adhere to the virtues of obedience and propriety. The emperor, being a staunch traditionalist, found his views perfectly aligned with his own.

【Birds of a feather!】 Xu Yanmiao nodded seriously.

The emperor, Ji Sui, and the Ministry of War official all pretended they hadn’t heard that.

＊

While the conversation on the other side grew lively, Xu Yanmiao, bored out of his mind, began to dig into gossip.

【Oh wow, apparently one of the monks at Yulong Temple accidentally mixed a spiked pot of tea with the vegetarian feast. Now they’re frantically trying to figure out who drank it.】

Xu Yanmiao was delighted. 【Spiked? With what? Laxatives? Who’s the unlucky one? Good thing I don’t like tea—I didn’t touch a drop!】

Huh?!

Someone accidentally ingested laxatives?!

Those seven simple words instantly captured the emperor’s full attention. As for the gentleman’s lecture, he was no longer listening at all.

Who was so unlucky to drink laxative-laced tea?!

If this had gone unnoticed, and someone ended up with an embarrassing accident in front of all these dignified visitors…tsk tsk tsk, it would’ve been humiliating enough to force a family to move five hundred miles out of Luoyang County!

For a brief moment, the emperor struggled to hide the schadenfreude threatening to break out on his face.

The gentleman didn’t notice anything amiss, continuing with a dignified smile, “Women are inherently incomplete.”

The emperor didn’t react.

The gentleman: “…”

He raised his voice slightly, “Therefore, women should regard their husbands as their heavens!”

The emperor: “…Ah, yes.”

When you’re not the target of gossip, the joy of eating popcorn always intensifies. The emperor was growing increasingly restless.

Xu Yanmiao, why aren’t you saying anything? Who’s the unlucky one? Tell me already!

The gentleman gritted his teeth, raising his voice another notch: “After their husband’s death, women should regard their sons as their heavens.”

The emperor: “…”

Forcing himself to focus for a moment, the emperor muttered, “Ah, yes, yes.”

The next moment, his body leaned slightly toward Xu Yanmiao’s direction.

His left eye screamed, “Xu Yanmiao, are you done yet? Why so slow?”

His right eye pleaded, “Hurry up and tell us who it is. I can’t wait to see the scene unfold!”

The gentleman finally noticed something was wrong. He glanced at Ji Sui for help, furiously signaling with his eyes.

Lord Ji! What’s wrong with the emperor? He was listening so attentively earlier—why is he so distracted now?

Lord Ji?

Lord Ji?! Why are you turning green!

The gentleman was nearly frantic from overexerting his facial muscles trying to convey his distress, but Ji Sui, obsessed with cleanliness and preoccupied with the possibility of witnessing something unsavory, was oblivious. No matter how hard the gentleman tried, his desperate signals were ignored.

—Lord Ji!!!

The gentleman was on the verge of collapse.

What’s happening?!

Why are all of you so distracted? What are you thinking about? Can someone at least explain it to me?! Hanging here in suspense is killing me…I really can’t hold it in any longer!

Meanwhile, Xu Yanmiao was still lost in a sea of gossip.

【Damn it, who the heck drank the spiked tea? Why can’t I find it?!】

Xu Yanmiao was almost tearing his hair out, while the other three, who could hear his thoughts, were equally impatient. They were practically itching to take over and search themselves.

This half-baked suspense was sheer torture.

【Wait, hold on?】

Xu Yanmiao froze.

【No wonder I couldn’t find it—it wasn’t laxatives…】

Xu Yanmiao’s excitement surged to new heights.

【It was aphrodisiacs!】