Home/ I [Imperial] Am This Type of Man/ Chapter 10
The lights were as bright as day.
The table was full of delicacies.
Ji Jinrong was entertaining the Tujue envoy with food and strong liquor.
The leading Tujue envoy was about 27 or 28 years old. Sitting on the ground with a golden sword, he gave off the heroic spirit of a man from the grasslands.
Ji Jinrong let Han Shizhi introduce good wine to the envoy. Due to the shortage of grain, Daqi had already issued a ban on alcohol. Therefore, after the Tujue envoy arrived, they were unable to buy any alcohol. At this moment, upon smelling the aroma of wine, the greedy bug in the envoy’s stomach immediately woke up, and his throat suddenly tightened.
Ji Jinrong took out several kinds of fine wine, but didn’t let anyone pour it, and started chatting with the other party.
The Tujue envoy had no choice but to suppress his greed.
Ji Jinrong’s questions didn’t involve any important information, and the envoy answered them all. The pronunciation of the envoy’s name was quite difficult to remember, and it could be translated as “Fei Ying”. Fei Ying is twenty-eight years old this year, and he is already the father of five children, two boys and three girls. This man’s combat effectiveness is astonishing.
Ji Jinrong expressed his intention to give gifts to five children, including treasured knives and wine for the sons, and some jewelry and silk for the daughters, which were all excellent choices.
The envoy only thought that this is the etiquette of the people of the Central Plains, and didn’t pay much attention to it.
Speaking of children, Ji Jinrong asked if Tujue Khan had any children.
Listening to Ji Jinrong always talking about the younger generation, the envoy couldn’t help but look at Ji Jinrong.
At this moment, he realized that today’s heroic prince is still a half grown man. Perhaps it’s because he is still so young that he always wonders about his peers?
The envoy said: “Of course, Khan has two sons who are older than you, both in their twenties.”
After listening to Han Shizhi’s translation, Ji Jinrong looked a bit disappointed, as if they could play together if they were of the same age.
Ji Jinrong again asked about the fun things in Tujue.
The envoy couldn’t help it anymore and said, “Why don’t we talk while drinking?”
Ji Jinrong seemed to only realize it now that the guests still hadn’t tasted the wine yet, so he smiled brightly and said, “Let’s talk while drinking!”
Ji Jinrong’s alcohol tolerance was not very good, so he only drank the sweet wine with a hint of bitterness. He thought it tasted good, so he quickly drank three cups, and then asked the envoy about the fun things in Tujue.
After drinking three cups, the envoy was not satisfied, this cup was too small, at least it had to be filled with a small bowl. But looking at Ji Jinrong’s earnest eyes, the envoy became inexplicably patient again, and told him about the various traditions and customs of Tujue, and what was delicious and fun.
When hearing about the roasted lamb necessary for the bonfire party, the envoy clearly noticed that Ji Jinrong’s eyes seemed to lit up with burning flames!
Um…dare I ask what does Your Majesty likes to eat?
The envoy poured wine for himself, and talked about the various cuisines in Tujue. In terms of delicacy and eating methods, Tujue is naturally inferior to the Central Plains. However, their cuisine sounds very different from that of the Central Plains, each having its own unique characteristics!
Ji Jinrong’s eyes became increasingly brighter. He asked Han Shizhi to tell the envoy that if he came again next time, he must bring a few cooks, the ones who can cook any grassland food.
Envoy: “…”
He must have been foolish to think this might be a good opportunity.
This banquet was barely a celebration for both the guests and the host. At the end, Ji Jinrong was still reluctant to part, and generously took out a few wine brewing recipes and gave them to the envoy.
Han Shizhi conveyed to the envoy on behalf of Ji Jinrong: “Our Majesty said that Daqi is currently short of grain and can’t brew wine, so we are simply giving you the recipe. Tujue is strong, and you have no shortage of grain. You should be able to enjoy the strongest wine.”
The envoy’s heart skipped a beat. Wine! Which grassland people don’t like wine? This is a great business!
The envoy was thinking about whether to take it or not, but Han Shizhi had already spoken: “His Majesty also said that two of the recipes are gifts for your two sons, and you can choose what you like and keep it. We have a lot of spare utensils and wine here, and there are also some craftsmen who have been idle for a long time, so if you don’t mind, you can take them back together.”
The envoy’s heart was filled with joy. He said, “Thank you, Your Majesty, for your kindness.”
A few days later, the Tujue envoy left with a grand “gift”. Ji Jinrong personally sent him to the palace gate, and eagerly asked the envoy to come again next time.
He Tai brought the red horse for Ji Jinrong, and Ji Jinrong came back along the original road, and after a while, he saw the Zhennan King standing in front of the stairs.
The Zhennan King said: “Your Majesty, I’m leaving tomorrow.”
Ji Jinrong looked at King Zhennan.
The Zhennan King said, “How about I keep watch for His Majesty tonight?”
Ji Jinrong was taken aback.
The Zhennan King stared at Ji Jinrong: “Just like the imperial guards, I will guard outside His Majesty’s bedroom overnight.”
Ji Jinrong was stiff all over.
He realized that he had overlooked many things.
Ji Jinrong said: “You have to depart tomorrow…” How can you stay up all night?
The Zhennan King said: “It’s fine with me.” He stared deeply at Ji Jinrong, “Even if I don’t sleep for ten days and ten nights, I won’t feel tired.”
Ji Jinrong said: “Nonsense!”
The Zhennan King said: “Your Majesty, I will be gone for several months, and I only have this one request.”
Ji Jinrong quieted down.
The Zhennan King said: “Your Majesty has agreed.” He took off his thin cloak and draped it over Ji Jinrong, “The wind is a bit chilly in autumn, Your Majesty, don’t catch a cold.”
Ji Jinrong: “… It’s only a few steps away.”
The Zhennan King just looked at Ji Jinrong.
Ji Jinrong compromised: “Okay, I’ll keep it. However, in a few days, it will get colder—” Don’t expect him to wear it until winter.
The Zhennan King was very considerate: “I heard that the people of Western Liang are good at making sable fur. I will send someone to bring it back for His Majesty.”
Throughout the day, Ji Jinrong felt the gaze of the Zhennan King fixed on himself. In the evening, the other party had dinner with Ji Jinrong as usual.
The dishes he ate were from the south, which were lighter. During this period of time, Ji Jinrong ate too many grilled and braised dishes, so didn’t mind a change of taste, or dislike these bland dishes at all.
When Ji Jinrong was half full, he talked to the Zhennan King about the Tujue envoy.
Tujue is a nation of horses, migrating along with the water whenever they needed. Their Khan was very ambitious, occupying the most fertile land and building a capital called Heisha City. At that time, the Turks relied on the Rouran tribe to refine iron, calling it “technical work”.
Compared with other horse ethnic groups, Turks have a higher degree of mastery in ironmaking and other technologies, and they are also better at learning from the Central Plains.
Fortunately, the Turks are not a monolithic group.
First of all, Tujue is not a single ethnic group, but a mixture of multiple ethnic groups, collectively referred to as “Turks” because they share the same Tujue language, which is one available point;
Secondly, as Khan grew older, his two sons, who had grown into adulthood also became more ambitious. As a result, the relationship between the brothers became more delicate, which is another available point that can be exploited.
What Ji Jinrong has to do is to unite all forces that can be united and separate all enemies that can be separated. For example, the envoy was quite pleasing to the eye and seems to be quite suitable for this.
People, even if they have no ambition, will still develop ambition when faced with certain opportunities.
In front of the Zhennan King, Ji Jinrong didn’t care about his little stuttering, and confessed all his plans. Previously, he didn’t care about the survival of Daqi, but after seeing Duke Wei, Han Shizhi and others, he felt that he should do something.
No way, the Turks are bullying people too much!
After all the land was given away, the former emperor had to call their Khan “Father Emperor”! No wonder that the civil and military officials in the whole court have no face to let the first emperor go to court diligently. The first emperor has become a son of the Khan. So what are these courtiers who kneel down to worship the first emperor? They are not even as good as grandsons!
Even if you want to subjugate the country, you have to think about it first.
Ji Jinrong talked about the food mentioned by the envoy, and boasted to the Zhennan King: “It sounds so delicious, my heart yearns for it.”
The Zhennan King instantly understood: “When this minister frees up his hand, he must let His Majesty have a taste.”
Ji Jinrong smiled and said, “It’s exactly what I want.”
After eating his fill, Ji Jinrong practiced calligraphy for a while, feeling a bit sleepy. The Zhennan King ordered someone to bring hot water, and said to Ji Jinrong in the bedroom: “Your Majesty is tired, let’s take a bath first.”
Ji Jinrong: “…”
Seeing that the Zhennan King had no intention of going out, Ji Jinrong ignored him. He took off his clothes and walked into the water.
The Zhennan King walked over to help Ji Jinrong wash his hair and wipe his back. After Ji Jinrong finished washing up, the Zhennan King stretched out his arms to pick him up, and personally dried Ji Jinrong’s hair.
The attendants came in to carry away the hot water, and receded like a tide, leaving only the Zhennan King and Ji Jinrong in the bedroom.
The Zhennan King said: “Your Majesty, I will leave tomorrow.” He embraced Ji Jinrong from behind, “I am worried about His Majesty.”
Ji Jinrong slightly clenched his palms.
He said slowly: “Even though I was trapped in the same bed, I have never been harmed by anyone.”
As soon as the words fell, Ji Jinrong felt the whole body of the Zhennan King tremble behind him. Ji Jinrong didn’t struggle, and let the other party’s steel-like arms wrapped around himself tighten slowly.
The Zhennan King kissed Ji Jinrong’s slightly red ears: “Your Majesty…”
Ji Jinrong froze.
The Zhennan King didn’t say anything else, nor did he coerce him any further, but instead repeated the old words: “Your Majesty, I will help you clear your meridians.”
Although he will leave the most elite troops behind, and although the defense of the Forbidden Army is not poor, he still hopes that Ji Jinrong has better self-protection ability. When facing real danger, you can only rely on yourself.
Although the voice of the Zhennan King was earnest, it was not tinged with any lust.
Ji Jinrong struggled to turn around and raised his head to look at the Zhennan King.
The Zhennan King tidied up Ji Jinrong’s long hair, as if he wasn’t in a hurry to hear Ji Jinrong’s answer.
Even if they only have one night.
After a long time, Ji Jinrong let out an “um” and said, “Okay.”
If it’s “him”, there’s nothing to fret about. Every time he was seriously ill and was bedridden, “he” would rub his(jj) whole body back and forth, saying that he was afraid that he(jj) would not be able to use much strength in the future.(“he” & “him”– refers to Wei Tingjun)
The Zhennan King kept looking at Ji Jinrong. He knew that His Majesty was smart, as long as he showed a little trace, His Majesty would be able to discover all the truth.
Upon hearing that Ji Jinrong agreed, he understood that he and Ji Jinrong had returned to the original point, and in Ji Jinrong’s heart he had turned back into that loyal eagle dog.
But he didn’t want to be just a loyal eagle dog.
The Zhennan King couldn’t help but lean over and kiss Ji Jinrong’s eyes.
Ji Jinrong’s eyelids trembled and his face turned red with anger. He stammered and cursed: “You, you, you, you are presumptuous!”
The Zhennan King put his hands on Ji Jinrong’s waist and said: “Next, it may hurt very much. If Your Majesty can’t bear it, just call out. Don’t bite your lip, otherwise it will hurt when you eat.”
Upon hearing the words “hurt when you eat”, Ji Jinrong immediately dared not bite his lower lip.
The Zhennan King smiled.
He found the first acupuncture point and began to unblock the meridians for Ji Jinrong. This is a technique he learned in another world, where human activities were influenced by meridians. There are countless intersections points of the meridians throughout the body, both large and small. By following these acupoints up and down to unblock the meridians, the body can become more flexible and agile. Whether it is riding, archery, or martial arts, it has great advantages.
Because the meridians themselves may be pulled and blocked, it may be very painful during the dredging process, which is also unavoidable.
Ji Jinrong was in so much pain that he was sweating profusely, and his tears couldn’t help but flow down.
Seeing that Ji Jinrong was so uncomfortable, the Zhennan King couldn’t help but accelerate his movements to unblock all the acupoints.
Seeing the teardrops on Ji Jinrong’s face, the Zhennan King bowed his head and kissed them away, reaching out to cover Ji Jinrong with the quilt.
Feeling weak all over, Ji Jinrong closed his eyes and fell asleep.
The Zhennan King said: “Your Majesty, this is the happiest day for me in so many years.”
His voice contained endless longing, “The days when I couldn’t see His Majesty were so long, so long that sometimes I thought that I would never see you again. Your Majesty, I have never dared to tell you, I have never dared to tell you the thoughts hidden in my heart. Because I know that in His Majesty’s heart, I am not a special one. I am just like Changsun Meng and Han Shizhi. —— Just someone who appeared whenever His Majesty needed.”
Ji Jinrong’s eyelids moved, but he did not open them.
The Zhennan King said: “Your Majesty, I regret not telling you. For so many years, I have regretted every day and night. Just like Your Majesty taught me before, some things cannot be obtained if you don’t fight for them. I should speak up, and try to become the ‘special’ person in His Majesty’s heart.”
Ji Jinrong opened his eyes and looked at the Zhennan King.
The Zhennan King held Ji Jinrong’s palm: “Your Majesty, I don’t want to regret it anymore.”
Ji Jinrong paused for a moment, then slowly held the other party’s hand back.
The Zhennan king only felt a burst of ecstasy in his heart.
He said: “Your Majesty is tired, go to sleep quickly.”
Ji Jinrong closed his eyes again.
The Zhennan King didn’t let go of Ji Jinrong’s hand.
After Ji Jinrong’s breathing became gentle and even, the Zhennan King stood up, put on his armor and sword, and walked outside the door.
The moonlight outside the door was gentle, but the autumn wind was a bit cold. Changsun Meng was on watch duty outside the door tonight, standing upright with no expression on his face.
The Zhennan King said: “Go down.”
Changsun Meng’s heart skipped a beat.
Although the Zhennan King was intimidating, he still mustered up the courage to say: “This humble one is on watch tonight, and must not leave the post without authorization.”
The Zhennan King said: “I will keep the watch tonight.”
Changsun Meng still objected, but he felt chills down his spine when he looked at the other party. Even Ji Jinrong couldn’t drive the Zhennan King away, so what could he do?
Changsun Meng could only retreat in anger.
Although he left, he didn’t go to rest. Instead, he changed positions with other imperial guards, staring closely at Ji Jinrong’s bedroom, his ears raised high. If there was any movement there, he would definitely rush over immediately!
The Zhennan King didn’t go in again.
He stood at the door, holding his sword and looking around, as if he was really on watch duty for Ji Jinrong.
Ji Jinrong in the bedroom turned over and looked out through the heavy curtains. A tall and slender shadow was casted on the door, motionless, as if it had been standing like this for thousands of years.
Ji Jinrong closed his eyes, then opened them again, closed them and opened them again.
Looking at the heavy curtains, his thoughts gradually drifted away.
At that time, it was also like this. Every time he was seriously ill, Wei Tingjun didn’t trust anyone and personally guarded the door every night. At first, he did only consider Wei Tingjun a “useful person”, but Wei Tingjun was so foolish that Ji Jinrong couldn’t bear it.
When he heard the Zhennan King propose to keep the “night watch”, Ji Jinrong understood everything——
He understood who the “beloved” that Wei Tingjun was forced to say at the beginning was, he understood who the Zhennan King was looking at through this skin bag, he understood why Wei Tingjun’s spirit persisted after his death, and even more, he finally realized why he himself was here.
The calamity was born because of him, and it can only be solved by him.
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