Chapter 30: Into a Political Intrigue Novel, Day 8

Chapter 30: Day Eight of Being Thrust Into a Political Intrigue Novel

Upon hearing the emperor’s question, someone immediately stepped forward to report: "Your Majesty, the Director of the Bureau of State Revenue, Wang Xian... requested leave today and did not attend court."

"Requested leave?" the old emperor let out a cold sneer, his withered fingers tapping heavily on the dragon armrest, producing a dull thud. The harshness in his cloudy eyes deepened: "Immediately! Bring him before me! Even if you have to drag him to the hall!"

The clashing of armor echoed urgently outside the hall, and soon soldiers left the palace. Before long, a commotion and stifled cries could be heard from beyond the hall.

Wang Xian, disheveled and with his official robe askew, had his arms twisted behind his back by two burly soldiers and was practically dragged into the Taihe Hall.

Wang Xian was a coward who feared death. If not for An Yi’s earlier "guidance" at the Department of State Affairs—a mix of kindness and intimidation—he would have already confessed to the charges and implicated Duan Mingde and An Yi.

On the imperial throne, seeing Wang Xian slumped on the ground like mud, yet stiffening his neck and repeating only "Your servant is innocent," refusing to yield or confess, the old emperor could no longer contain his rage.

He abruptly grabbed the impeachment memorial from the imperial table, his arm trembling violently with anger, and hurled it fiercely at Wang Xian’s head!

The sharp corner of the memorial cut Wang Xian’s forehead, causing him to tremble uncontrollably. He couldn’t help but glance sideways at An Yi.

There stood An Yi, steady and unwavering, his posture as upright as a green bamboo.

He even gave Wang Xian a slight nod in response to his gaze, the corners of his lips curling into a faint yet unmistakably clear arc. That smile remained gentle, his eyes calm and unruffled, as if the scene of bloodshed and thunderous rage before him was no more than a breeze rustling through a bamboo grove, stirring not a single ripple.

Wang Xian’s heart, which had nearly leapt out of his throat, miraculously settled back down.

He lowered his head abruptly, gritting his teeth with all his strength, letting the blood from his forehead drip onto the cold golden tiles. He repeated hoarsely: "Your servant is innocent! Your servant... is innocent!"

The old emperor understood the reason behind today’s events and simply handed the matter over to Ge Lian for investigation, directly calling him out: "Ge Lian!"

"Your servant, Your Majesty!" Ge Lian immediately stepped forward, kneeling on one knee, his voice booming.

"This matter is to be fully investigated by you! Make sure to get to the bottom of it!" The old emperor’s voice was barely perceptibly wheezy.

"Your servant obeys the decree!" Ge Lian responded loudly.

He turned to look at An Yi, who was still standing motionless, and noticed that his expression remained unchanged. Ge Lian gritted his teeth inwardly: *That black-hearted bastard sure knows how to keep his cool!*

Having sat for a while, the old emperor was already tired. He waved his hand weakly, too weary to even speak. The chief eunuch standing nearby understood his intention and called out in a shrill voice: "Court is dismissed!"

After court, the officials filed out in a steady line.

An Yi carefully supported his mentor, Duan Mingde, as they slowly descended the imperial steps. Though the old man’s pace was slow, his steps remained steady. He stroked his white beard and spoke in a voice that was low but full of vigor, clearly reaching An Yi’s ears:

"I heard that yesterday at the Department of State Affairs, you already 'pacified' Wang Xian?" He paused, turning to glance at An Yi with eyes as sharp as an eagle's: "Well done."

Then he paused again: "Useless trash like that is unfit for any important task... and should never have the chance to let his mouth utter anything he shouldn’t."

The gentle smile on An Yi’s lips deepened slightly as he nodded: "Don't worry, mentor. I understand."

He gazed straight ahead, his eyes calm and unruffled: "He won't get another chance to speak."

After seeing Duan Mingde onto his carriage, An Yi turned around and heard the familiar, provocative voice from behind:

"Lord An truly possesses 'calm in the face of great events,' with a demeanor unchanged even as Mount Tai collapses before him. This composure, I, Ge Lian, am ashamed to admit I cannot compare!"

An Yi: ...

An Yi sighed to himself. Provocations all day—shouldn't this be what a villain or extra does?

What's wrong with this male lead? In the original novel, he never sought out the original owner at every opportunity like this!

Little bro, what are you up to?

An Yi turned around: "Junior Marquis, you flatter me. It’s nothing significant."

Ge Lian stood close enough to clearly see An Yi's features.

Ge Lian's gaze boldly lingered on An Yi's face, and he had to admit in his heart that, setting aside his black-heartedness, An Yi’s appearance was truly impeccable.

His face was like jade, his features clear and handsome, and the corners of his lips always held a gentle smile. His long eyelashes cast a small, fan-shaped shadow beneath his eyes, making his deep, unfathomable pupils even more striking—a thoroughly refined jade-like gentleman.

*His lashes are really long.*

It was truly hard to see how ruthless this man’s heart could be.

What stirred Ge Lian even more was, as the distance closed, an elusive, crisp and chilly fragrance drifted in wisps into his nose.

That scent was peculiar—like the cold of pine needles after the first snow, yet carrying an elusive, faint sweetness. It had an alluring charm within its clarity.

It was strangely pleasant; he wondered what it was.

As if possessed, Ge Lian leaned in even closer, his nose nearly brushing against the elegant curve of An Yi's neck. He took a deep breath, and the fragrance became clearer, carrying the faint warmth of An Yi's body, rushing straight to his head.

His Adam's apple bobbed involuntarily, and words slipped out, his voice husky and tinged with an unaware confusion: "Lord An... what incense are you wearing?"

As if bewitched by the scent, he leaned in another half a step, almost whispering against An Yi's ear, his hot breath brushing against the sensitive skin: "It smells so good..."

An Yi: ...

His body instantly stiffened, and he gave Ge Lian an inscrutable look, seeing Ge Lian's broad, powerful chest—so close he could feel its heat through the thin robe—almost pressing against his shoulder. Hearing those nearly flirtatious words in his ear, he finally couldn’t hold back a cold laugh:

"Junior Marquis, have some self-restraint!"

The corners of his eyes flushed red with anger, and he began to mock: "You keep cornering me after court, talking frivolously, acting indecently—all these lecherous moves. Could it be you're secretly in love with me?"

Ge Lian's gaze was fixed on the flush at the corners of An Yi's eyes, born of anger. That blush was like a red plum blossom blooming in the snow, startlingly vivid.

Suddenly hearing An Yi's shocking retort, his heart thumped, and a strange, scorching heat instantly rushed to his cheeks and ears, leaving him dazed. He immediately retorted loudly:

"What nonsense are you talking about! Shameless!"

Seeing Ge Lian's flustered and enraged state, his face red and ears burning, An Yi's anger not only didn't subside but grew more intense.

He snorted coldly, his eyes flickering with undisguised contempt and mockery: "The Junior Marquis is indeed quite 'shameful.' This shy, blushing look of yours could rival even a new bride!"

With that, he didn't spare Ge Lian another glance, with a dismissive flick of his sleeves walked away, refusing to give him even a look.

Ge Lian: ...

Ge Lian stood frozen, watching An Yi disappear around the corner of the palace corridor, his face alternating between red and pale.

He raised his hand and touched his still-burning ear, feeling inexplicably both angry and frustrated: Why does he have such a temper?

And still, so good-looking.