Although Emperor Jingxi had awakened, the ordeal had clearly taken a toll on his strength.
He needed time to recuperate, requiring careful and quiet attention.
The attendants were doing a reasonably good job of caring for him, but it seemed the Emperor had grown somewhat dependent on A wu.
He insisted she never leave his side, wanting to see her at every moment.
When the imperial carriage went out on inspection tours, it was accompanied by many—Captain of the Guard, Dragon Guard Close Retinue, of course, palace ladies, imperial physicians, and the Royal Kitchen staff.
So if Emperor Jingxi wished for any particular dish, it was easy to provide.
Yet, because of the recent Eastern Sea conflict, the Emperor hadn’t had much appetite; instead, he had the Royal Kitchen focus on mastering pastries to please A wu.
Now that the war had reached a pause, he ordered the chefs to use local ingredients to create all sorts of delicious delicacies, inviting A wu to eat with him.
In truth, most of the time, he didn’t eat much himself—he simply enjoyed watching her savor the food.
A wu no longer held back before the Emperor.
She was increasingly at ease around him—after all, this was just who she was.
If something seemed improper or unseemly, she simply didn’t care.
Though still recovering, Emperor Jingxi was diligent with state affairs, reviewing memorials and local government reports from his bed.
Occasionally, he would discuss important matters from these documents with A wu—defenses along the Eastern Sea, overseas trade, and the movements of the Red-Haired Barbarians along the coast.
Some of those barbarians had even tried covert infiltrations.
A wu said, “From what my father says, those barbarians see Great Hui as a great Eastern power, wealthy and mysterious. They’re eager to trade with us.”
“Perhaps to them, Great Hui is like the Western Paradise in their folk tales, or the overseas Penglai Fairy Island?” she added thoughtfully.
Emperor Jingxi glanced at the memorial in his lap and said, “Yes. I’ve also read old documents from the local governor warning of the dangers of maritime prohibitions. Times have changed. If we continue to strictly guard against trade, it’s just stubborn isolation—an arrogance born of ignorance.”
Curious, A wu looked over his shoulder and saw a petition requesting the lifting of the sea ban, proposing the establishment of official sea routes to promote commerce and reduce Maritime Bandit activity.
Another petition urged the relaxation of restrictions on navigation and shipbuilding techniques to encourage ship construction.
Remembering her father’s words, she said, “It’s not too late now. We sank several Frangqi ships this time and captured many of their men. Clearly, they are no match for our armies and artillery.”
Emperor Jingxi smiled faintly and replied, “As the Emperor who presides over the Eastern Sea, if we couldn’t defeat a few bandits, it would be a disgrace.”
“But my eldest brother said those ships were equipped with the Frangqi’s finest cannons. Our victory shows we are on par with them,” A wu responded.
“Indeed,” Emperor Jingxi said thoughtfully, “I’ve ordered the salvage of those ships to dismantle their equipment. The Ministry of Works, Jinggong Workshop, and Shipyard’s master craftsmen have been instructed to study their secrets thoroughly.”
He paused before continuing, “This naval battle has been enlightening for me. The Frangqi’s main warship is a galley with two decks, armed with Red Barbarian Cannons of tremendous power. According to their records, the cannonballs can penetrate stone fortresses and their sound carries for dozens of miles.”
A wu asked, “And what about our ships?”
“Our ships are smaller with shallower drafts. Our cannons, both in number and power, are inferior to the Frangqi’s. This time we managed to hold our own by leveraging our strengths and exploiting their weaknesses—achieving victory through surprise,” the Emperor explained.
A wu nodded in understanding, “I heard from my third brother that those Red-Haired Barbarians are straightforward and lack cunning—they don’t understand our ancestors’ strategies.”
Emperor Jingxi replied, “That’s not entirely true. Their dominance in the South Seas shows they have their own merits. We must never underestimate them. We’ve captured prisoners this time and should interrogate them thoroughly to learn more about their navigation techniques.”
“Know thy enemy, know thyself, and you will never be defeated!” A wu said enthusiastically.
Emperor Jingxi chuckled softly, then spoke after a moment’s thought, “We also seized some navigation items—Frangqi armor, compasses, sea charts, and logbooks, as well as foreign blades. The charts and logs are the most valuable; if we can decipher them, they will greatly benefit us.”
A wu said, “My eldest brother knows some Frangqi language—he can help!”
The Emperor smiled at her, “Of course we’ll ask for their help. Your brothers have traveled abroad for years, mastering several languages and navigation techniques. They also understand Western machinery to some extent—quite valuable to me.”
Hearing this, A wu felt a sweet pride, “They earned merit in the battle too. How do you plan to reward them?”
Emperor Jingxi lifted his hand to smooth a lock of hair behind her ear, smiling gently, “They will be generously rewarded. But since they will be my future in-laws, how to employ and reward them properly still needs your father’s guidance.”
“Guidance?” A wu was surprised.
She gave a light hum, “You’ve gotten quite the silver tongue lately. Are all emperors so flexible and accommodating?”
Tsk tsk, quite adept at winning hearts.
The Emperor’s smile faded slightly as his dark eyes fixed on her.
“Oh? You’ve been by my side so long—have I ever treated anyone else like this?”
A wu thought about it, ‘No, not with the Crown Prince or Princess Dening—he was always a dignified father figure. Before the Empress Dowager, he was a son but still commanded respect as Emperor, never losing his imperial dignity.’
She mumbled vaguely, “Maybe not…”
Suddenly, she recalled how he had addressed himself just now—as “I,” not the formal “We” used in official matters.
When discussing personal feelings or private matters, he was used to speaking as “I” in front of her.
The Emperor let out a soft, amused snort and, in a low voice, said, “You know very well, but you deliberately tease me.”
His tone carried a trace of grievance and plaintiveness.
A wu could hardly bear it.
An Emperor—even a recovering one—was still an Emperor: a man in his thirties, steady and mature, handsome and always calm.
But like this?
Who could stand it?
She opened her eyes wide and scrutinized him carefully.
“Are you really the Emperor? Or an imposter?”
Emperor Jingxi raised an eyebrow and took her hand, “Do you want to verify my identity?”
She felt his deep tea-colored eyes held a special meaning; suddenly, her heart and hand felt aflame.
She quickly pulled away.
“No, I’m not dealing with you anymore—I’m leaving!”
She stood and turned to go.
But Emperor Jingxi gripped her wrist and would not let go, “I’m not well; I still need you by my side to care for me.”
A wu struggled and whined, “I don’t want to verify anything!”
“Fine, no verification.”
“Don’t look at me like that!”
He looked at her quizzically, “Like what?”
She was momentarily at a loss for words.
She felt his gaze was deep and tender, as if his eyes could speak, pouring all his feelings into her heart.
It was a kind of seduction she found hard to resist.
She thought he was doing it on purpose, but she had no proof and couldn’t put it into words.
Suddenly, the Emperor coughed sharply a few times.
The attendants outside heard and hurried in to ask if they should summon the Imperial Physician.
Emperor Jingxi waved weakly, “It’s nothing—just a bout of impatience causing a few coughs. You may leave.”
The attendants silently withdrew.
A wu stood silently, studying the man carefully, ‘Was he really acting? If so… it was remarkable.’
She hardly believed he could be that kind of person.
The Emperor took a slow breath, as if suppressing pain, then weakly looked at A wu.
“A wu, please bring me a white cloth.”
Without hesitation, she hurried to bring a tray with the cloth.
As she did, she felt a bit annoyed but resigned—it was the Emperor, after all.
Emperor Jingxi took the cloth and wiped his lips, then said calmly, “You think I’m pretending?”