Chapter 30
The next day, Shen Nian entered the palace with faint dark circles under his eyes. The first thing he did upon arrival was to seek an audience with the Emperor. Though no one pointed fingers at him along the way, everyone was trying to read something from his expression.
Shen Nian completely ignored all those stares.
After entering Quanhua Hall and paying his respects to the Emperor, Shen Nian was left standing there, while Qi Junmu sat quietly reading memorials in detail.
After standing straight for nearly half a shichen (1 hour), Shen Nian could not help but shift his legs.
The Emperor looked up. At that moment, sunlight poured into the hall, and his sharp, handsome features seemed to glow in the light, making him appear exceptionally handsome.
Shen Nian had seen many people in his time—and near the border of the Northern Frontier, there were plenty of beauties too.
The beauties of Da Qi were gentle and soft-hearted; those of the Northern Rong were glamorous and wild; and some possessed both Da Qi's gentleness and the Northern Rong's allure.
But in this instant, Shen Nian felt that none of those men or women could compare to Qi Junmu.
If the Emperor truly favoured men, then even setting aside his power and status, with a face like that, there would certainly be no shortage of people rushing to his side.
Suddenly realising his thoughts had wandered too far, and fearing that the Emperor might recall that awkward moment from the other day, Shen Nian lowered his gaze slightly. The gesture appeared respectful while also keeping his thoughts hidden.
But his seemingly obedient demeanour did not escape the Emperor's notice. Qi Junmu knew very well that for men like Shen Nian, what they showed on the surface and what they held in their hearts were often worlds apart.
So Qi Junmu gave a cold snort and said, "What was it that Marquis Zhenbei wanted to say just now?"
Through these days of contact, Shen Nian had already learned how to gauge the Emperor's mood from his choice of address.
If he called him "Marquis Shen," it meant he was being polite while laying a trap. If he called him "Marquis Zhenbei," it meant he was displeased with the man himself.
And now, with the Emperor's tone so harsh, it was clear that the previous incident had not yet blown over.
What a grudge-holder, Shen Nian could not help but remark inwardly.
Still, he could not ignore the Emperor's question, so he replied earnestly, "Your Majesty, this humble subject was not about to say anything. It is only that I have been standing for some time, and my legs have gone a little numb. I feared I might lose my composure before Your Majesty and stumble, so I shifted about a bit."
Qi Junmu let out another cold laugh. "Is that so? I thought Marquis Zhenbei was trying to remind me that I ought to grant you a seat."
Shen Nian's expression turned solemn, and he said gravely, "If Your Majesty offers a seat, then sitting is this humble subject's honour. If Your Majesty does not, then standing is this humble subject's duty. I would never forsake my duty for the sake of honour."
Hearing such high-minded and utterly sincere words, Qi Junmu was left somewhat speechless.
After a moment of silence, the Emperor called for Ruan Jiqing and ordered that a seat be granted to the Marquis Zhenbei.
Shen Nian had always had a thick skin—if Qi Junmu dared to let him sit, he dared to sit.
Once he was settled, Qi Junmu lowered his head again to read the memorials. Shen Nian gazed at him expectantly, wondering what the Emperor's plan was in keeping him here without saying a word.
Qi Junmu was reading a memorial from the Imperial Astronomical Bureau, which listed various reign titles and auspicious times.
In his previous life, Qi Junmu had chosen the reign title Renqing—derived from the meaning of "benevolence, righteousness, and good fortune."
In this life, Qi Junmu did not wish to use that same title. He was no longer the same man he had been before, so naturally the reign title should change—otherwise, it would feel inauspicious.
When he had told Shen Nian earlier to come and look over the reign titles too, it had not been merely an excuse.
Watching the Emperor purse his lips as though facing some difficulty, the restless Shen Nian could not help but speak up: "Has Your Majesty encountered some trouble?"
Qi Junmu glanced at him with a displeased expression, then said, "It concerns the reign title." He pointed to the memorial at his side, signalling Shen Nian to come and take a look.
Shen Nian did not stand on ceremony and rose to walk over.
The titles submitted by the Astronomical Bureau were all auspicious—he could have pointed to any one of them at random and it would not have been wrong.
Still, Shen Nian studied the memorial carefully, then smiled and said, "Your Majesty, this humble subject has read little and lacks learning, but I think Renqing sounds rather pleasant."
Qi Junmu had not expected him to pick that very title. He could not help asking, "Why did you choose this one?"
Shen Nian had a belly full of auspicious words ready, but after a moment's hesitation, he spoke his most straightforward thought: "Renqing—that Your Majesty is benevolent and righteous is a cause for rejoicing among your subjects. Surely the meaning is a good one."
Qi Junmu gave a dry laugh.
He had no idea where the good meaning lay—the last emperor who used this title had only sat on the throne for three years.
Shen Nian had no idea which of his words had struck a nerve, but after he finished speaking, the Emperor's face was full of mockery and disdain.
Somewhat baffled, Shen Nian hurried to remedy the situation: "Your Majesty, this humble subject does not understand such matters—I was merely speaking offhandedly."
"I think you spoke quite well," Qi Junmu retorted flatly. "A reign title is just a reign title—they are all the same." He then picked up his brush and drew a red circle around the characters Renqing.
The brush was carelessly tossed onto the table, and Qi Junmu sat there in silence.
Shen Nian stole a few glances at the Emperor, wanting to say something but not knowing what.
The Emperor's thoughts were deep and heavy, and there was no way for him to glimpse even a fraction of them.
Just as Qi Junmu was about to dismiss Shen Nian, Ruan Jiqing rushed into the hall, holding a letter in his hand.
The envelope was the same as the one that had made the Emperor change colour last time.
Shen Nian had a suspicion—this letter had most likely come from Qingzhou.
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