Chapter 72 – Rebirth: The Poisonous Concubine (13)
“Your humble subject, Bai Mo, greets Your Majesty. May the Emperor enjoy boundless fortune and good health.”
Upon entering the pavilion, Bai Mo saw a middle-aged man seated at the center, surrounded by an air of imperial majesty. There was no need to guess—this was undoubtedly the Emperor.
Thankfully, he had learned the proper etiquette for addressing the sovereign from Madam Bai; otherwise, he would have embarrassed himself terribly.
“Oh? How did you know that I am the Emperor?”
After his initial surprise at Bai Mo’s appearance, the Emperor became even more intrigued. This was the young man whom so many officials had praised. If he truly possessed talent, then he could not be allowed to slip away.
Xiao Bobao: “…This Emperor doesn’t seem very bright. He literally referred to himself as ‘Zhen’—what else was Mo Mo supposed to think?”
Since the Emperor had not given permission for him to rise, Bai Mo remained in a formal bowing posture, his soft voice filled with respectful reverence.
“To be able to summon this humble subject to the Imperial Garden without causing the slightest stir—besides Your Majesty, who else in the world could accomplish such a feat? Furthermore, the moment I laid eyes on Your Majesty, I felt that you perfectly embodied the people’s vision of a sovereign ruler.”
His flattery was seamless, and the Emperor basked in his words, thoroughly pleased. Control over the inner and outer court, the reverence of all under heaven—who else but him could achieve such supremacy?
To be remembered as a ruler for the ages—was this not the highest aspiration of every emperor?
“Oh? And how do the people praise me?”
He had heard enough flattery from his ministers, but the voices of the common people rarely reached his ears.
Personally helping Bai Mo up, the Emperor even poured him a cup of tea—an act that startled the attending eunuchs.
Had it been anyone else, they would have immediately dropped to their knees, exclaiming, “I dare not accept this!” But Bai Mo had no such ingrained reverence. After all, this was just a minor world’s emperor—he himself had once been…
Had been what?
A sudden, dull ache throbbed deep within his mind, causing him to furrow his brows. Fortunately, Xiao Bobao was quick-witted, administering a dose of mental relaxation spray. Thanks to that, Bai Mo managed to avoid any improper behavior in front of the Emperor.
“They have said many things—how Your Majesty cares for the people, governs with wisdom, and serves both the nation and its citizens…”
Xiao Bobao gave Bai Mo a subtle nudge, preventing him from lingering on his lost memories for too long. Without missing a beat, he smoothly continued with his flattery.
This was the advantage of being well-read.
Not all praise should be taken at face value. Half of the words this young man spoke had already been heard from his ministers, yet somehow, hearing them from him felt far more pleasant—and convincing. The Emperor was more than happy to believe that the people truly revered him as Bai Mo described.
“Good! Like father, like son. Minister Bai has always been loyal to me. His eldest son guards the borders, and though people say the younger one is unruly, I see that Bai Mo is no less impressive than his father…”
The Emperor’s way of giving praise was to commend an entire family. The Bai family, from Bai Mo’s ancestors to his own generation, was collectively labeled as loyal subjects devoted to their country. Of course, a wise ruler breeds loyal ministers—so in praising the Bai family, the Emperor was also subtly praising himself.
Xiao Bobao: “Look at him, all smug. Are all emperors this self-absorbed?” Driven by curiosity, Xiao Bobao dove straight into the history archives.
Bai Mo simply smiled without responding, sipping his tea and nibbling on pastries while listening to the Emperor’s self-congratulatory monologue.
“Your Majesty, Yu Chenyi has arrived,” a eunuch announced to the Emperor’s personal attendant, who then relayed the message.
“Oh? Yu Chenyi is here? Summon him.”
The Emperor finally paused his lengthy recounting of his own hardships. When he glanced at the stone table, he noticed that the pastry plates were completely empty.
Bai Mo still had a few crumbs clinging to the corners of his lips, his cheeks puffed slightly as he continued chewing—he looked just like a little hamster that had sneakily stuffed its cheeks with food. Adorably guilty.
“It was just too delicious! I accidentally ate everything~” Bai Mo’s soft voice carried a hint of embarrassment as his round, luminous eyes shimmered like rippling water.
As Yu Chenyi was led to the pavilion, Bai Mo shyly lowered his head and wiped his mouth.
Maintaining one’s image is important in front of a lover.
The Emperor had many princes and princesses, but to them, he was first and foremost their ruler, and only secondarily their father. While they were respectful, they were not particularly affectionate toward him.
In contrast, Bai Mo’s carefree and unrestrained demeanor unexpectedly gave the Emperor a sense of what a true father-son relationship among common folk might feel like.
After offering the proper formalities, Yu Chenyi took a seat beside Bai Mo. Suddenly, he felt a tug at his sleeve under the table. Turning his head slightly, he saw the young man glancing around furtively before slipping a small, soft, square object into his palm.
Yu Chenyi: “?”
Bai Mo stole a glance at the Emperor, seeing that he was busy speaking with the envoy sent by the Empress Dowager. Taking the opportunity, Bai Mo leaned closer to Yu Chenyi and whispered, “I tried them all—this pastry is the best~”
He had deliberately saved this one for his dear husband. Even the Emperor hadn’t managed to get a single bite.
To think that even while eating, this young man was still thinking of him—how could Yu Chenyi not be touched? How could he not feel his heart stir?
Yu Chenyi smiled gently and tucked the small pastry into his sleeve.
“Tell me again about the night of the anti-trafficking operation,” the Emperor said, clearly in an excellent mood. After all, such achievements reflected his virtue as a ruler.
Yu Chenyi gave Bai Mo’s palm a light squeeze before slowly recounting the events of that night…
…
The Flower Viewing Banquet
Exquisite and rare flowers bloomed in full splendor. The wives of high-ranking officials sat properly beside the Empress Dowager, chatting with poise, their daughters seated neatly by their side—each a textbook example of etiquette. Among them were several noble ladies who had recently been kidnapped.
Although nothing had ultimately happened to them, the fact remained that they had gone missing for half a night.
No matter how well the incident was concealed, people would still talk. That was why the Empress Dowager’s flower-viewing banquet was such a timely occasion.
If a match could be arranged, all the better. If not, even a simple word of praise or reward from the Empress Dowager or the palace’s noblewomen could help silence any lingering rumors.
Wei Yuyan was also present. As the Prime Minister’s daughter, she sat closest to the Empress Dowager and was clearly a favorite—two out of every ten sentences the Empress Dowager spoke were directed at her.
The Prime Minister’s wife was visibly pleased, and Wei Yuyan basked in the attention.
“It’s stuffy in here, and the flowers outside are in full bloom. Let the young ladies move about freely—it’s better than sitting here keeping an old woman like me company while I doze off,” the Empress Dowager said with a smile.
Her intention was clear: she wanted the noble daughters to use flower appreciation as an excuse to interact with the young men of noble families outside. Who knew? Perhaps a match would be made before the night was over.
Having reached the Empress Dowager’s esteemed position, as long as she didn’t interfere with court affairs, nearly all her wishes would be granted. Even if someone had complaints, they wouldn’t dare—or wouldn’t be able—to voice them.
While arranged marriages based on family status were common, the Empress Dowager preferred genuine love and gratitude. Matters of the heart were best decided by the young people themselves.
Outside, figures could be seen moving about—the noble sons of prestigious families. The young ladies understood the Empress Dowager’s intentions. Lowering their heads shyly, they hesitated and lingered, displaying their demure modesty.
A little bit of coyness was charming, but if it lasted too long, it could become tiresome…
Wei Yuyan, eager to earn the Empress Dowager’s favor, took the initiative to lead the young noble ladies outside to admire the flowers.
A flicker of displeasure flashed through the Empress Dowager’s eyes, but the smile on her lips remained unchanged as she waved them off.
Once the younger generation had all left, the Empress Dowager finally let her weariness show. Mustering her energy, she turned to the Prime Minister’s wife and said, “A young lady should be steady and composed. The royal family upholds the strictest rules under heaven—we are the example for all to follow.”
Her words carried significant weight, and the gathered noblewomen immediately fell to their knees, pleading for forgiveness.
The Empress Dowager waved a hand dismissively, sighing, “What crime is there to speak of? I was merely making a passing remark. Get up.”
The Prime Minister’s wife understood—this was the Empress Dowager’s way of delivering a warning. She was displeased with Yuyan. But everything had seemed fine just moments ago—they had been chatting and laughing. What had changed?
Frowning slightly, the Prime Minister’s wife twisted the silk handkerchief in her hands, replaying Yuyan’s actions before the Empress Dowager’s mood had shifted.
The greetings… volunteering to lead the others outside for flower viewing… That was it—flower viewing.
She had found the key detail. The Empress Dowager had spoken less after Yuyan’s suggestion.
Since it was called the Flower Viewing Banquet, appreciating the flowers was inevitable. However, the Empress Dowager had deliberately sent the young noble ladies outside to create opportunities for them to meet and interact with the noble sons—an unspoken matchmaking opportunity. Yuyan, though still unmarried, was already engaged to the Third Prince. A woman with a fiancé actively seeking out the company of unmarried noblemen—naturally, the Empress Dowager would find it distasteful.
Now that she understood the reason, the Prime Minister’s wife felt relieved. The worst thing was not knowing what had caused the Empress Dowager’s displeasure. But since she now had an answer, she could still find a way to make amends.
The noblewomen were soon dismissed by the Empress Dowager to admire the flowers. They were tactful enough not to disobey her wishes, but they also didn’t gather too closely around the young men. Instead, they stood at a reasonable distance, conversing among themselves while keeping an eye on the younger generation—both supervising and enjoying the evening scenery.
Unlike the others, the Prime Minister’s wife remained behind. She claimed it was because she was older and disliked walking around too much, but in truth, she stayed to chat with the Empress Dowager and subtly repair Wei Yuyan’s standing.
…
Imperial Garden Pavilion
The small snow-white ferret recounted the events of that fateful night as if it were an exhilarating adventure, weaving a tale so captivating that it held both the Emperor and the attending eunuchs completely enthralled.
“At that moment, the kidnapper was just a step away from the door,” Bai Mo said, pinching his fingers together to demonstrate the tiny distance. “I could barely hold myself back from rushing in to beat them up, but Brother Chenyi stopped me. And then—one by one—the kidnappers walked straight into their doom…”
The young boy animatedly recounted the events, gesturing enthusiastically with his hands and feet, showing little regard for courtly decorum. Yu Chenyi initially wanted to restrain him, but the Emperor thoroughly enjoyed Bai Mo’s lively demeanor.
There were no young children in the palace. The Emperor’s own children had been raised under strict rules, behaving with an air of maturity far beyond their years even as children. But Mo Mo—Mo Mo was different, and the Emperor found it refreshing.
“Your Majesty, an urgent secret report has arrived.”
The head eunuch had stepped out briefly but returned with a grim expression. He leaned in and whispered something to the Emperor.
“I understand.” The Emperor’s face grew serious for a moment before he turned back to Bai Mo, smiling once more. “I intercepted you midway, and you haven’t yet gone to greet the Empress Dowager. She loves lively company, and since Mo Mo tells stories so well, why not go entertain her with one?”
Xiao Bobao, who had been dozing off while reading history books, immediately perked up at this. “My Mo Mo is not some street storyteller performing under a bridge! Is he really just treating Mo Mo as an amusing plaything?”
Bai Mo, however, didn’t mind at all. He had long since grown hungry—those pastries from earlier had already been digested while he was talking. Madam Bai always said, Eat more, talk less. And the Empress Dowager’s table was sure to be filled with delicious treats.
“Sure, sure!”
Grinning, the young boy readily agreed. He watched as the Emperor departed, then immediately dove into Yu Chenyi’s embrace.
“Brother Chenyi, I’m hungry~”
His soft, sweet voice sent a tremor straight to Yu Chenyi’s heart.
“Be good. Let’s head to the Flower Viewing Banquet—there will be plenty to eat there. I’ll bring food for Mo Mo, okay?” Yu Chenyi gently stroked the boy’s hair, his gaze filled with tenderness.
“Okay~”
At some point, Bai Mo’s hand had slipped into Yu Chenyi’s sleeve, searching until he found the pastry that had been hidden away.
Holding it up, he turned to the young eunuch who had stayed behind to guide them. “Little Eunuch, does the banquet have these pastries?”
The eunuch smiled and nodded. “Yes, young master.”
Delighted, Bai Mo promptly stuffed the pastry into his mouth, eating so quickly that Yu Chenyi barely had time to react.
“Mo Mo, slow down,” Yu Chenyi urged, quickly pouring a cup of tea for him.
Bai Mo smacked his lips, savoring the taste. The pastry was a bit stale from the cold, but it was still decent.
Taking a few sips of warm tea from Yu Chenyi’s hand, he wiped his mouth and declared, “The warm ones taste even better. Brother Chenyi, let’s go get some fresh ones.”
With that, he gestured for the eunuch to lead the way.