Why Harem Intrigue When You Can Just Raise a Dog Instead

English proofreader:JimmyfromIT

By the time Emperor Zhouwu led Yan Junwei downstairs, both sides of the street had already filled with people who were watching the show.

They could just barely hear the distinct voice of a man standing in the centre of the crowd. I bumped into you? Whos to say you didnt purposely walk over and bump into me? Shen Xiyan, are you looking for another beating?

You, beat me? Meng Yanzhou, today you can finally give it your best shot! Do you know the penalty for bumping into an Imperial Court official? A light sentence is being caned 80 times; A heavy sentence is to be restrained in a cangue[1]and tortured. Somebody come! Bind him up and take him to the capitals government office[2]! As Shen Xiyan shouted, the scar on his face twisted further. He looked utterly terrifying.

Meng Yanzhou coldly smiled, An Imperial Court official? You? As far as I know, the imperial government has a law decreeing that those with physical deformities cannot become officials. Just based your rank and honour, who on earth would take you?

You! Shen Xiyan was so enraged, his face turned blue. He refuted, In times gone by, our Great Ancestor[3]was missing an ear but still proclaimed himself Emperor. Why cant I become an official? Tie him up and drag him to the government office!

A group of household servants loudly agreed and rushed forward to surround Meng Yanzhou.

Not good. This group of family servants isnt ordinary. Look at their drawn-out breathing and steady stances. All of them are martial artists. Shen Xiyan is purposely laying a trap to harm Meng Yanzhou! said Yan Junwei in a grave voice.

Although Emperor Zhouwus kung fu was not as good as Yan Junwei, he had still practiced martial arts since childhood. Hed already taken notice earlier. His expression turned frosty and he pushed through the crowd.

Bumping into an Imperial Court official? Thats indeed no small crime. It needs to be handled seriously. May I venture to ask if your distinguished self[4]has a certificate of appointment or an official seal? Take out these two items and this brother[5]will naturally follow you to the government office without a word of complaint! He strolled over to Meng Yanzhous side and clasped his shoulders. To his knowledge, there was still half a month before Shen Xiyan would be formally take up his post. Needless to say, he didnt have these items.

Meng Yanzhous martial arts wasnt at an ordinary level. How could he not notice these family servants backgrounds? He promptly cooperated and yelled back, Shen Xiyan, if you show me your certificate of appointment and official seal, today the great me[6]will allow you to beat me as you wish! Even if you kill me, Ill voice no complaint! But if you cant show proof

If you cant show proof, according to Great Zhous laws, those who falsely claim to be Imperial Court officials will, for light infractions, have their properties confiscated and be exiled, or in more serious cases, face capital punishment by being cleaved at the waist. Emperor Zhouwu waved the white-jade framed fan in his hand. His tone suddenly became frigid. Moreover, the Great Ancestor lost his ear as a result of injury in battle. Yet your distinguished selfs [injury] was brought about by supporting a woman. How could your distinguished self dare to compare yourself to the Great Ancestor in the same breath? Everyone says that Gracious Consort is the most favoured in the Imperial Harem. Imperial Preceptor Shens authority holds sway over all levels of society. The Shen family desires to stand shoulder to shoulderwith the royal family. Could it be that they wish to cover the sky with one hand[7]or do they wish to transform heaven and earth?[8]

Each of the newcomers accusations was one more serious than the next, but they all hit the heart of the matter. He obviously had a mild-mannered disposition but facing the other partys pitch-black eyes, Shen Xiyan felt his blood run cold. Seeing the skeptical expressions of the crowd, he recalled his fathers earnest instructions to keep a low profile. He clenched his teeth, hesitating. Meng Yanzhou almost destroyed his future prospects. It wasnt easy for him to catch this opportunity. Was he just going to let him go like this?

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Right at this moment, Yan Junwei brought over a youth clad in the ceremonial dress of a military officer. They forced their way through the crowd. The youth had made a name for himself at age twenty. His features were extremely handsome and the space between his eyebrows revealed a hint of ruthlessness. He looked in the direction of Shen Xiyan and coldly said, Shen Xiyan, bumping into an Imperial Court official theres still half a month before you have the right to say this phrase. Today, if you keep this up, this official will personally bring you to the capitals government office for a taste of misfortune. The imperial guards can too.

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Hmph! Lets go! At present, the imperial guard was not completely under the Shen familys control. Furthermore, the newcomer was stubborn and someone not to be easily provoked. Shen Xiyan gave a sharp glare at the people gathered before leading his family servants in a line through the crowd. He retreated in embarrassment.

This brother, thank you very much! Meng Yanzhou faced Emperor Zhouwu and gave him a cupped-hand salute[9]with a bright smile. Afterwards, he walked over to the young military officer and clapped his shoulder, saying, Huashan, what brings you here?

Qi Donglei sent people to give me a letter. The newcomer pointed at Yan Junwei who was beside Emperor Zhouwu.

Donglei, how come you arent dallying in some peaceful village? What brings you out here today? Thanks a lot! Meng Yanzhou walked over and gave Yan Junweis shoulder a hearty clap. His manner of speaking was quite friendly. As they were both famous, rich good-for-nothings[10]in the capital, it was natural that they were familiar with each other.

I cant spend every day glued to a womans side. How useless! Yan Junwei opened his folding fan arrogantly thinking that he was refined and chic, but his uncouth appearance was honestly an eyesore. The crowd of onlookers immediately dispersed. They were sick of watching Qi Dongleis drama.

Is this your friend? Meng Yanzhou glanced at Emperor Zhouwu beside him. Emperor Zhouwu gave him a warm smile.

Yeah, he came from Zhili province to do some business in the capital. Yan Junwei gave a nod. Emperor Zhouwu gave a cupped-hand salute and said, This humble one is called Han Hai.

This humble one is called Meng Yanzhou. Thanks a lot for earlier! Meng Yanzhou hurriedly returned the greeting. Without a shred of the arrogance of a noble familys son, he was clearly a man with a bold personality.

Since Meng Yanzhou was a civilian who normally did not attend to his proper duties and only knew how to blindly indulge in amusement, this was Emperor Zhouwus first time seeing him in person. After seeing him, he realized that this brother-in-law of his was not as undesirable as the rumours in the capital painted him to be.

This humble one is called Wang Huashan. The young military officer followed suit and gave a cupped-hand salute. His stern expression had already softened.

Wang Huashan? Emperor Zhouwus smile froze slightly. Even though he had only heard this name once before, he had thoroughly made note of it. This was someone who Sangyu could wholeheartedly entrust her family to in the face of danger. The other partys and Sangyus mutual affection for each other was undoubtedly out of the ordinary. How could he not take notice?

Brother Han knows of this humble one?

Emperor Zhouwus deep dark eyes bore into him causing Wang Huashan to feel uneasy. This persons gaze possessed extreme dignity and sharpness. He was definitely not your average young lord from a rich family.

I dont know you, but Ive vaguely heard someone mention your name. Emperor Zhouwu waved off his question. The smile on his face thinned a bit.

Yan Junweis eyes flashed and he enthusiastically invited the two of them upstairs to have a meal. It was already midday. Qi Donglei and Han Hai had really helped them out so Meng Yanzhou and Wang Huashan didnt refuse and followed them up the steps.

Arriving at the doorway, Emperor Zhouwu lagged behind and pulled Yan Junwei aside to inquire in a low voice, Whats Wang Huashans background?

He actually asked! He must have heard Her Ladyship Virtuous Consort mention the name and now hes jealous! Yan Junwei secretly smiled and gave a rough summary, His father was originally Imperial Duke Mengs Deputy General. He was a concubine-born son who was bullied by his legal mother. When Her Ladyship Virtuous Consort was young, she saved him by chance and appointed him as Meng Yanzhous personal attendant. After he showed outstanding talent, she persuaded Imperial Duke Meng to send him to the army to gain experience. Hes extraordinarily talented. Now hes already climbed up the ranks to become an officer within the Imperial Dragon Guards. Since he was able to gain a foothold within the household, naturally he felt deeply grateful towards Her Ladyship Virtuous Consort.

Sangyu has good eyes. Without a clans backing, this person is capable to be able to have become a military officer at age twenty. Emperor Zhouwu clamped down on his jealousy to make an objective assessment.

Exactly. He refused to offer his services to Imperial Preceptor Shen and is now being pushed aside. Noticing that the two people inside the room were looking over at them, the two of them halted their conversation and called over the waiter to order dishes.

With a stomach full of pent-up frustration, Meng Yanzhou emptied three bowls of wine in succession after sitting down. His face was bright red and he appeared to be laden with anxiety.

You dont need to be like this. Even though Miss Fus features are average, she has a good disposition. Shell definitely be a good wife. Wang Huashan took away the bowl of alcohol in front of him and tried to assuage his worries.

Thats right, Sang Your younger sister wouldnt harm you. That Miss Fu has her own strengthsas well, said Emperor Zhouwu warmly.

How do you know that my sister cares about this marriage? Meng Yanzhou suddenly raised his eyes to peer closely at him.

I heard Donglei mention it before. Emperor Zhouwu naturally gave an excuse. He thought to himself: His natural vigilance is not bad.

Last time I heard you bring it up. What, did you forget? Smiling, Yan Junwei took a sip of wine and covered for his boss lie.

Of course I know my sister wont harm me. Ill marry whoever she wants me to. In this world, there are too few women like my sister who are beautiful, with a good personality and are intelligent to boot. If I was any pickier, Im afraid that Ill remain a bachelor forever. Meng Yanzhou snatched back the wine bowl, filled it to the brim and resolutely downed a large mouthful. The melancholy in his face didnt decrease.

When Emperor Zhouwu heard what was said, he broke into a smile. The best woman in the world was naturally his Sangyu.

Since you know, you should stay quietly in the manor and not stir up trouble outside. The Lady will worry, said Wang Huashan, frowning.

Youre right, but the present times arent like the past. Imperial Preceptor Shen holds power, and your father Yan Junwei also wanted to offer a few comforting words. This here was someone His Majesty considered his most esteemed Lord National Uncle[11]. It wouldnt do to not curry favour with him.

Come, lets drink! Wang Huashan suddenly sprang up and stuffed a bowl of wine in Yan Junweis hands, interrupting his words, while Emperor Zhouwu, who was sitting at his side, went ahead and made a taboo word hand signal. Sangyu had repeatedly instructed and instilled that one must not let Meng Yanzhou know of Imperial Duke Mengs matter, fearing he would run off to the frontier on impulse to court death. This was Sangyus legitimate blood-related elder brother. He couldnt let something happen to him.

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What happened to my father? Why didnt you let Donglei go on? Meng Yanzhou pushed away Wang Huashan. With a solemn expression, he said, I know that my father has disappeared. Such an important matter the news has already spread throughout the capital. Even if you keep me under house arrest, I still have ways of finding out. Although I act rashly, Im not a fool. If I left, what would my mother and sister do? At home theres Aunt Wen[12]to cause problems for my mother and my younger sister has currently fallen out of favour. If something happened to me, they wouldnt be able to live on. Especially my younger sister. In the palace, people trample the weak and favour the strong; it is a cutthroat place. If I dont support the Meng family, my sister wont have a way to survive. I dont know what my parents were thinking back then, insisting on sending my sister to that shameful godforsaken place. If she had married Huashan, how happy they would be now! That emperor has three thousand beauties. How is he fit to be my sisters husband?

Yanzhou, youre drunk! Wang Huashan hastily stretched out a hand to clap his shoulder. With guarded eyes, he looked in the direction of Yan Junwei and Emperor Zhouwu.

One cant take drunken words seriously. I didnt hear a thing! Yan Junwei hurriedly waved a hand in denial and stole a glance at Emperor Zhouwus expression. Oh, his face turned green. Even a thick layer of makeup couldnt hide it!

Dont drink anymore. Emperor Zhouwu eyes were darkly frosty as he shot a glance at Wang Huashan. He brushed aside the wine bowl in front of Meng Yanzhou and said cautiously, Theres no harm in saying these kinds of things in front of us. If you said this to others, wouldnt that harm your sister? Your esteemed younger sister is blessed with immense good fortune. Shell surely obtain the noblest things that the world has to offer.

This is a hidden promise? How exactly did Her Ladyship Virtuous Consort treat the Emperor these last few months to cause him to fall so deeply in love with her? Yan Junwei lowered his eyes but he felt awfully curious.

The last sentence was particularly emphasized. Each and every word sounded as if it was imbued with some kind of power that caused one to not help but be convinced. Wang Huashan looked over at Hanhai in surprise. His eyes gleamed as a thought flashed through his mind. Somehow he felt a little bit of hostility coming from this person just now. Had he offended this person before? Moreover, this person had a powerful and dignified bearing. His identity was definitely not ordinary.

Meng Yanzhou had already sobered up from the wine. With an awkward expression, he gave Emperor Zhouwu a cupped-hand salute. I often say things without thinking. Many thanks, Brother Han for the reminder and also thank you both for your discretion[13].

No problem. Since you know that your younger sister doesnt have it easy in the palace, you shouldnt be so unrestrained and cause her more trouble for nothing. If you want to support the Meng family, what are your plans? Emperor Zhouwu solemnly asked.

They havent been properly acquainted with each other yet but an elder brother-in-laws[14]attitude has alreadyrevealed itself. Yan Junwei pondered as he observed Emperor Zhouwus majesty.

I wanted to enlist in the army to gain experience but something happened to my father. As things are now, I cant afford to leave my family so I can only wait and see what happens in the future. Meng Yanzhou was determined and his attitude unconsciously became very respectful.

To train in the army? muttered Emperor Zhouwu to himself. When he opened his mouth again to speak, his voice was gentle. Right now these are troubled times. Put the matter aside until the Imperial Court stabilizes. When the time comes, maybe a better destination will await you. Besides, your father is only missing. He may not necessarily have met with an accident.

Thank you for your blessings, replied Meng Yanzhou respectfully without even the slightest inkling that he had already been taken in by Han Hais majestic presence. However, the few words they exchanged made him feel that[Han Hai was]extremely reliable and he felt absolutely at ease with him. The worry in his heart had also lightened quite a bit. Both host and guest enjoyed the meal to the fullest.

Once they finished eating, Wang Huashan returned to the Imperial Dragon Guards to take up his post. Intentionally or otherwise, Meng Yanzhou ended up guiding Emperor Zhouwu down the stairs and invited the two of them to visit his manor.