Chapter 70: My Hand Hurts So Much
It was so humiliating, especially in front of so many people.
Han Min blinked hard, forcing back his tears.
Still, he kept his head down, carefully wiping the blood from Fu Xun’s hand, his voice slightly choked: “Does it hurt a lot?”
The horses on the polo field were all trained mounts, no less formidable than warhorses.
Fu Xun’s mallet, though reinforced with metal inside, still required tremendous strength to bring down a frenzied horse in just two strikes, resulting in a torn webbing between his thumb and forefinger, and blood flowing down his hand.
Han Min flusteredly wiped it with his sleeve, which was soon stained red.
Someone handed him a clean handkerchief to prevent him from further staining his clothes.
He lowered his head to continue wiping, unaware, until the person prompted: “Young Master Han?”
Han Min snapped back to attention and instinctively released Fu Xun’s hand.
Fu Xun held his right hand, frowning displeased, looking at the person.
The person, braving Fu Xun’s icy gaze, straightened his neck and handed the handkerchief to Han Min.
Han Min thanked him.
When he turned back, Fu Xun was supporting his hand, eyes downcast, and looked up at him with an utterly pitiful expression: “It hurts.”
The people around exchanged complicated glances—
When the horse went berserk, everyone had shouted for His Majesty to retreat, yet he had turned back and, in two strikes, felled the frenzied horse. That horse was still lying nearby, bleeding from mouth and nose, and now he was telling ‘Young Master Han’ his hand hurt, using that pitiful look.
You’re being coquettish. Your face is shameless. You’re not normal.
Fu Xun turned and glanced coldly at them: “Have you seen enough?”
Everyone lowered their heads. “We dare not.”
Fu Xun said, “If you’ve seen enough, get to work. Seal all exits. No one leaves, only entry is allowed. Record the names of everyone present, question them carefully, and reward any who provide suspicious information.”
Han Min pressed his lips together, speaking quietly: “I may be overstepping, but these matters have already been entrusted to Lord Wen and Lord Chu. The Duke of Yue is already keeping order here. But I think it would be safer to assign a few more lords to help.”
Fu Xun said, “You decide.”
Han Min didn’t dare act on his own, glancing around.
“This polo field is too large, divided into four areas. Lord Wen has already gone—please assign three more lords to oversee each section. As for the exits, I see four. Lord Chu has already gone—assign three more lords to manage them. Any suspicious points should first be reported to Lords Wen and Chu.”
Fu Xun was very satisfied. He pointed out a few people and finally, using his uninjured left hand, took Han Min’s hand: “Young Master Han, you have truly won my heart.”
It didn’t need to be said—anyone with eyes could see that.
Everyone quietly stepped back a half pace.
Han Min felt a little embarrassed and pointed toward the nearby pavilion. “It’s too sunny outside. Your Majesty, why don’t you rest inside the pavilion for a while?”
Fu Xun said again, “Young Master Han, you are very considerate.”
Alright, alright, no need to keep emphasizing it.
Everyone stepped back another half pace.
Though Fu Xun’s hand was injured, he walked as if he had broken a leg, requiring Han Min to support him.
Han Min helped him along, glancing over and asking, “How is the princess? Can she move?”
Princess Rongning was surrounded by the Song envoys and Qi ministers’ attendants. Because she was a woman, it was inconvenient for them to handle her, so only Liu Yu helped wipe her sweat.
Han Min said, “Everyone, give some space. Don’t crowd the princess. Did she bring her maids? Does she have any particular pain? If she can’t move, have them bring the pavilion closer to shield her from the sun. The imperial physicians will arrive soon; the princess must bear with it a little longer.”
Zhao Cun, standing vigilantly beside his sister, suddenly got up and took two steps forward, ready to speak harshly: “Is this how Qi treats envoys—”
Han Min turned sideways to face Zhao Cun, shielding Fu Xun behind him, and frowned to interrupt him.
“Our Emperor just saved Princess Rongning and was injured himself. For Your Highness to immediately raise accusations is far too hasty, and unjust. The incident with the silver-bead grass clearly shows this was man-made. Everyone present—including the Song envoys—may be suspects. It’s better to wait until the investigation is complete before assigning blame.”
Hearing that the Song envoys might also be suspects, cold sweat immediately appeared on Zhao Cun’s forehead.
Focusing only on that, he objected: “How could the Song envoys possibly put their own princess in such danger?”
This time, before Han Min could respond, other ministers blocked the words:
“Your Highness, what are you saying? Qi ministers would never allow His Majesty to be put in danger. Furthermore, the current situation is urgent; the princess’s safety is paramount. It would be best if Your Highness went to attend to her.”
“Lord Han, everything has been arranged over there. You should help His Majesty sit down.”
Han Min supported Fu Xun as they moved away.
Several ministers also turned Zhao Cun away.
“This concerns His Majesty and was an attempted assassination. Once the investigation is complete, we will give Your Highness and the princess a full explanation. At present, arguing is pointless; focus on taking care of the princess.”
Princess Rongning also spoke coldly: “Brother, come here instead.” She instructed Liu Yu: “I saw some young ladies at the polo field earlier. Please bring them over to help me. I’ll thank them another day.”
Liu Yu complied, bringing several trusted young ladies. Carefully, they helped Princess Rongning onto a soft, cushioned chair and then had attendants carry her into the pavilion.
Two spots had been cleared nearby, but Princess Rongning pointed toward Fu Xun and Han Min. She wanted to sit closer to them.
The attendants could not refuse and carried her over.
—
The imperial physicians were in the palace, and the polo field was outside the city, so it would take some time for them to arrive.
Inside the temporary pavilion, Han Min helped Fu Xun quickly bandage the hand injury. When he turned, he saw Princess Rongning lying stiffly on the soft chair.
Seeing him, she suddenly burst into tears.
Han Min was startled: “P-Princess, what’s wrong?”
Princess Rongning cried loudly, unable to speak clearly: “It… it hurts… so much…”
Han Min signaled Liu Yu to wipe her face while comforting her: “It’s alright. The imperial physicians will arrive soon. Try to endure it a little longer; letting your emotions run high will only make it hurt more.”
At that moment, Fu Xun tugged at Han Min’s sleeve. Han Min turned and asked, “Does Your Majesty also hurt?”
Fu Xun lowered his eyes, nodded, and raised his right hand to show him—the handkerchief was soaked through with blood.
Han Min rubbed the back of his hand, helped blow on it, and instructed others: “Ask the young lords present if anyone brought any medicine for cuts.”
Princess Rongning’s crying worsened.
Her crying drew Han Min’s attention. He was holding Fu Xun’s hand while simultaneously trying to comfort Princess Rongning.
Fu Xun, displeased, scowled.
He was seated, Han Min standing. Fu Xun extended his hand, pulled Han Min close, and buried his face in Han Min’s waist.
Han Min was completely shocked.
Good grief—it seems crying is contagious. Now His Majesty was crying too.
And all in front of several young ladies.
Even Princess Rongning was stunned.
Han Min carefully reached out and gently patted Fu Xun’s shoulder: “Your Majesty, it’s alright.”
After a while, Physician Liang and several other imperial physicians arrived.
Fu Xun was still holding Han Min, so Han Min tried to get him to sit up: “Your Majesty? Your Majesty?”
Fu Xun did not move. Still crying, he didn’t want to be disturbed.
Han Min said, “The imperial physicians are here.”
Only then did Fu Xun lift his head, his expression returning to normal.
It was just crying. If Princess Rongning could cry, so could he—he could pretend to cry.
Physician Liang attended to Fu Xun’s wound, while the other physicians gathered around Princess Rongning.
Physician Liang examined the wound with herbal medicine and gauze: “How could such a large tear occur? In all my years of practice, I’ve never seen this. Rest well, Your Majesty. Do not use your right hand for the next few days.”
“Very well.”
Fu Xun looked at Han Min: “Once the crown-tying matters are finished in a few days, come to Funing Hall to assist with brushwork.”
Han Min nodded.
As for Princess Rongning, the physicians diagnosed her:
“Fortunately, no vital areas were injured. Only surface contusions. Prescribe medicine and rest for a few months, and she will recover. The fall was severe, so it’s normal to feel weak temporarily. For caution, Chief Physician Liang will also examine her.”
Princess Rongning nodded: “Thank you.”
After finishing bandaging Fu Xun’s wound, Chief Physician Liang took Princess Rongning’s pulse and gave the same assessment.
She regained her composure slightly and looked at Fu Xun: “Please forgive me for not being able to perform a formal greeting, but this matter is serious and somewhat suspicious. I would like to investigate alongside you, Your Majesty. What do you think?”
Zhao Cun, who had been standing silently at the side, suddenly lifted his head: “Sister, you’re already hurt like this. Let me handle these matters.”
Princess Rongning glanced at him and said: “Brother, you worry too much. I may be bruised, but my mind is still clear. The person who did this to me—I can’t bear the thought of him escaping punishment. Don’t you agree?”
Zhao Cun could only nod weakly: “I agree too.”
“Since I’m injured, my original return to the capital will be delayed. I’ll write to Father, and we will not depart until this villain is caught.”
“That’s fine.”
She looked at Fu Xun: “Your Majesty, what do you think?”
Fu Xun nodded: “If the princess is up to it, why not start the investigation immediately?”
“That’s fine.”
He instructed a few imperial physicians: “Go with the coroner and examine that mad horse, especially the one I rode.”
The physicians obeyed, and Zhao Cun found an excuse to follow them.
Princess Rongning watched him leave, only lowering her gaze once he was gone.
She looked at Fu Xun again, wanting to ask something, but could not bring herself to. After all these years, she had to uncover the truth herself to be at peace.
—
There was no need for so many attendants; everyone in the pavilion stepped outside.
Princess Rongning slumped in the chair and said casually, “I didn’t expect Your Majesty to be so unwilling to marry me—willing to duel a mad horse, but not to lift me onto it. Am I scarier than the horse?”
Fu Xun replied coldly: “Earlier, many young ladies helped you up. I couldn’t move you.”
Princess Rongning’s face flushed with anger. She breathed heavily several times before calming down.
“Anyway, they want to keep me in Qi anyway. If Your Majesty won’t, then just arrange a marriage for me—for example—”
She looked at Han Min: “Young Master Han, right?”
Han Min, suddenly addressed, froze. “What?”
Fu Xun said: “The princess is thirsty. Go get her some water from outside.”
Sending Han Min out, Fu Xun turned to Princess Rongning: “No.”
“Why not?”
Fu Xun glanced at Han Min giving instructions outside, then smiled faintly: “He belongs to me. I promised him to myself since he was little.”
—
With nothing more to say, they quietly sat in the pavilion until Han Min returned with food.
By then, it was already past noon.
After a simple meal, the imperial physicians and the coroner reported back.
Physician Liang stepped forward: “Your Majesty, the horse equipment you used does indeed bear traces of being soaked in silver-bead grass extract. When we dissected the princess’s horse, we found undigested roots of pheasant-tail flower in its stomach.”
“The two herbs have conflicting properties. After half a game, Your Majesty’s horse sweated, releasing the scent of silver-bead grass, which drove the princess’s horse into a frenzy, causing her fall.”
Fu Xun asked, “Are these two herbs sold in pharmacies in Yong’an City?”
“Of course. The leather of horse equipment is tough. To infuse the scent fully, a considerable amount of silver-bead grass would be needed.”
“Order someone to investigate.”
“Yes, Your Majesty.”
After they left, Wen Yan and Chu Yu arrived.
They bowed: Wen Yan said, “Your Majesty, during the investigation, we found someone acting suspiciously and have detained him.”
Chu Yu added, “Your Majesty, while sealing the exits, I noticed someone acting unusual and have also detained him.”
“Bring them here.”
The guards brought up two men: one was Ji Heng, nephew of Duke of Xin, and the other was a page from Zhao Cun, the Duke of Guangning.
Seeing him, Princess Rongning’s heart sank halfway.
Both men cried out their innocence.
Knowing the situation and unwilling to hear their protests, Fu Xun said: “If they are suspicious, take them for questioning. Chu Yu, you’ve long wanted to serve as Minister of Justice. You will handle their interrogation.”
Chu Yu bowed with a smile: “I obey, Your Majesty.”
Fu Xun added, “The princess is resting and cannot leave. Record their testimony and send a copy to the relay station.”
“Yes, Your Majesty.”
Princess Rongning was meticulous, but it seemed she still held a sliver of hope in Zhao Cun.
“To avoid troubling Lord Chu too much, I’ll assign someone to assist him in the interrogation.”
Fu Xun agreed promptly: “Very well.”
—
They recorded the names of everyone present. The exits of the polo field were reopened.
The Emperor went first; Fu Xun and Han Min sat in the carriage on the way back to the city.
Han Min frowned, his mood far from what it had been earlier.
Fu Xun smoothed his hair: “What are you thinking?”
Han Min looked at him seriously: “Did you know about this from the start?”
Fu Xun withdrew his hand: “I did not know.”
Han Min leaned closer, his dark almond eyes fixed on him: “I’ll give you one more chance. You knew this all along, and it was part of your plan, wasn’t it?”
When meeting Han Min’s gaze, Fu Xun felt cornered. He closed his eyes: “Fine. I received the news earlier. How did you figure it out?”
“You were acting odd from the very beginning. When I helped you tie your arm, you told me, ‘No matter what happens, don’t come out.’ You would never say that unless you already knew a commotion was coming.”
Fu Xun smiled: “I would never say that? Then what would I say?”
Han Min cleared his throat and imitated him: “You would say, ‘Tch, Han Min, pay attention and watch me look heroic.’”
“When did I ever say something like that?”
“Every time. Every time you played with Fu Rang and Wei Gui, you told me the same thing.”
“Really?” Fu Xun coughed twice, collecting himself, “I don’t remember.”
“This polo field was organized by your uncle. He doesn’t like these games. If it weren’t for your idea, why would he have arranged it? Moreover, since he organized it, when something happened to you, he didn’t apologize but stood with you. Clearly, you two conspired in advance.”
Fu Xun nodded repeatedly: “Yes.”
“And after the incident, the first person to reach you was obviously someone else, yet you waited for your uncle to arrive before throwing him the painted staff. A wooden staff can’t bring down a horse—you had to fill it with metal. You were afraid others would notice your staff was heavier, so you could only hand it to your uncle. Is that right?”
“Yes.” He admitted it readily and even pinched Han Min’s cheek. “Your uncle and I can’t compare to you, little clever one.”
“Stop it.”
Han Min impatiently pushed his hand away, moved over a bit, rested his head against the carriage window, eyes lowered, and went back to thinking without looking at him.
Fu Xun gradually scooted closer, sitting beside him, shoulder leaning slightly under Han Min’s tilted head, making it look like Han Min was resting on his shoulder.
He asked, “What are you thinking about now?”
Han Min sat upright, clenched his fists, and waved them in front of Fu Xun: “I want to fight you.”
Fu Xun sat properly: “Why?”
“Even though you knew this from the start, the doses of silver-bead grass and pheasant-tail flower were still sufficient. How dare you…”
He couldn’t continue, clenching his fist in frustration. Fu Xun used his injured right hand to hold Han Min’s hand: “The wound seems to have reopened. It hurts badly. Look.”
Han Min withdrew his hand, gritting his teeth: “I won’t look. You know it will hurt, right?”
Fu Xun leaned back against the carriage wall, exhaling sharply: “I’m in pain, and you speak so harshly.”
Han Min looked at him but eventually reached out: “Fine, I’ll see.”
As he bent over to look at the wound, Fu Xun glanced at the top of his head: “Did you notice how heroic I was?”
Han Min snorted: “No.”
“Were you worried about me?”
Han Min froze: “…No.”
Fu Xun still liked to tease him: “I saw you cry.”
Han Min immediately let go of his hand: “I didn’t.”
Unlike teasing him into anger in the past, Fu Xun didn’t intend to make him mad this time. The problem was, he seemed angry anyway.
—
Han Min moved farther from Fu Xun, still leaning against the window, lost in thought.
The carriage seemed to take forever, still not bringing him home.
He lifted the curtain and realized they had gone around in a detour, circling the northern part of the city.
“Fu… Your Majesty, why are we taking a detour?”
Fu Xun looked calm: “Perhaps the driver wasn’t paying attention. Don’t worry, we’ll be there soon.”
Seeing his expression was genuine, Han Min relaxed slightly and returned to thinking about the polo field incident: “Who did this? Zhao Cun and Ji Heng?”
“Mm.”
“How did those two end up involved together?”
“Birds of a feather flock together.”
“But this is an act of regicide. Ji Heng wouldn’t dare. It must have been Zhao Cun who used him to set it up.”
“Correct.”
“Then we’ll see if we can get anything from him and that page. But Zhao Cun would probably throw a servant out to take the blame.”
Fu Xun’s hand quietly traced Han Min’s shoulder, fingertips playing with his hair: “Even if Zhao Cun is sentenced, and even if it means death, for the Song kingdom, it’s just a useless prince gone. It doesn’t matter.”
“So what do you intend, Your Majesty?”
“Rongning is usable. Now that the siblings are divided, it’s the best outcome.”
“And Zhao Cun? What will we do with him?”
Fu Xun thought for a moment but answered vaguely: “When I led troops in the northwest, Song had fifteen fortified towns there, rich in water and grass, perfect for raising horses.”
Han Min was puzzled: “Mm? And then?”
“Zhao Cun will inevitably commit a grave crime in Great Qi. To appease the emperor’s anger, the Song emperor will hand over the maps of the fifteen towns to me.”
Seeing Han Min still dazed, as if he didn’t understand, Fu Xun, in a good mood, ruffled his hair.
“Conquering territory without spilling a drop of blood—that’s gradual expansion.”
Little scholar, these matters are filthy. You don’t need to touch them. I’ll arrange the world first, then hand it over to you properly. Rest, educate, and nurture—it will all be your choice.
—
After a long while, the carriage finally reached the Han residence.
Han Min straightened his clothes, jumped down, and bowed to respectfully see off the Emperor.
Fu Xun didn’t hurry. He lifted the curtain to speak to him, extending his right hand: “Han Min, my hand hurts again.”
“When we return, Your Majesty should have Chief Physician Liang re-bandage it. It seems to have loosened.”
“Mm.”
After a couple more words with Han Min, Fu Xun looked up and saw Han Shi sitting in a wheelchair at the open door, fiddling with an Emei dagger.
The Wei brothers had given him many new weapons suitable for use in a wheelchair—this was one of them.
Han Shi pushed his wheelchair forward.
Stopping at the doorway, he took off the cane resting on the wheelchair. Surprisingly, he used it to support himself and slowly stood up.
Fu Xun saw this and smiled at Han Min: “Brother’s leg is healed?”
Han Min looked back. Han Shi walked slowly but steadily, gripping the cane tightly.
Who’s your big brother? Don’t randomly claim relatives.
His face unreadable, Han Shi smiled: “Your Majesty.”
Then he looked at Han Min: “You went out to deliver a tailor’s order but ran off to play. These days, it’s too dangerous to go out alone. Wei Gui gave me this Emei dagger and a diagram book. I’ll teach you later so you can defend yourself when you go out.”
Han Min muttered under his breath, “I don’t want to learn.”
Han Shi raised his weapon: “Hmm?”
Han Min dodged to the side: “I’ll learn, I’ll learn.”
—
Upon returning to the palace, Fu Xun’s first act was to summon Wei Gui.
Wei Gui thought he had been summoned because of something important at the polo field, but Fu Xun said instead, “Don’t send weapons to Han Shi again.”
Wei Gui, always outspoken, said, “Brother Han’s leg injury has not healed for a long time, and he must be feeling bored being alone. I’m sending him some weapons to help him pass the time. Besides, those weapons didn’t even hit Your Majesty, so why is Your Majesty worrying about them?”
Fu Xun stared at him coldly, his face expressionless.
Those things will eventually pierce my body; I just don’t know if Han Min will feel sorry for me.
If it makes Han Min feel sorry for him, then it’s worth it.
Fu Xun was thinking about all sorts of random things when he suddenly felt a strong urge to see Han Min cry.
His plan to seize fifteen important towns in the Song naturally made Han Min envious.
Author’s Note:
Who wouldn’t call this a pervert after reading it?
