Raising Wolves CHAPTER 13&14

 

 Raising wolves  

 Chapter 13&14

Translated by : DANMEI HEAVEN

   Chapter 13

The next day, salacious royal rumors began circulating in every street and alley.

For example, one that had been ruthlessly suppressed years ago: When the Prince of Shu, Ning Cong, was still a prince, he forced himself on a consort in the rear palace and was caught red-handed—his pants still down. According to a eunuch who witnessed the scene and later retired from the palace, the prince’s… ahem… was significantly smaller than the average man’s. Rumor had it he’d worn down an iron rod to a needle…

The common folk loved gossip like this. The scandal spread like wildfire through the capital and beyond. Within three days, exaggerated versions had sprouted everywhere.

By the time Ning Cong was released from the Ministry of Justice, he had become a laughingstock.

Every street and alley vividly recounted tales of the Prince of Shu. In some remote areas, it was said that plays had already been written, becoming teahouse sensations overnight.

There was no way to silence public opinion. Ning Cong was so furious he nearly spat blood. His first act upon release was to send men to investigate, but the rumor’s origin had been thoroughly erased, leaving no trace.

And he had no time to dig deeper.

He had to return to his fiefdom immediately.

After much deliberation, Ning Cong concluded that the culprit was either the little emperor or Ning Jing.

Using his last shred of rationality, he arrived at an answer: What power does that useless child emperor have to meddle outside the palace?

It must be Ning Jing! Resentful about having to leave the capital early, he spread these rumors!

The court officials watching the drama also reasoned similarly, quietly observing the two feudal princes tear into each other.

Whenever they passed by, they couldn’t help but sneak glances at Ning Cong’s lower half, subtly pondering:

Just how small is it?

For a time, Ning Cong’s hatred for Ning Jing reached murderous levels. Before leaving, he made sure to cause trouble for Ning Jing.

Ning Jing, unjustly framed, was equally frustrated. But he was far more ruthless and cunning than Ning Cong. After a brief, fierce clash, Ning Cong suffered another setback and left the capital at dusk, seething with hatred.

Listening to Zheng Yao’s report, Ning Juan’s brows lifted in cold amusement. "Well done. Let them tear each other apart."

Zheng Yao also couldn’t help but smile. He’d long disliked Ning Cong.

The move was underhanded, but it was undeniably satisfying.

Just then, an Imperial Guard knocked outside. "Your Majesty, we’ve apprehended a suspicious eunuch lurking near the Qianqing Palace."

Ning Juan’s expression darkened at the unpleasant memory. "Bring him in."

The eunuch being dragged in had drooping eyebrows, his face deathly pale with despair. He knelt down, trembling uncontrollably, unable to even utter a coherent plea for mercy.

Ning Jue already had a vague premonition: "Who sent you?"

The eunuch trembled even more violently.

Zheng Yao, losing patience, kicked him: "Was your mouth also cut off during your castration? Answer!"

Zheng Yao had a fierce and vicious appearance, exuding an intimidating and savage aura. The eunuch was so terrified he nearly wet himself on the spot, stammering as he spoke: "Th-this slave... was ordered by His Highness the Prince of Shu... to deliver a message to Grand Tutor Lu."

"Repeat it word for word," Ning Jue said coolly. "Miss a single word, and you’ll endure an additional torture method. I assume you wouldn’t want to experience every interrogation technique in the Imperial Prison."

The last trace of color drained from the eunuch’s face. Overwhelmed by fear, a puddle formed beneath him.

Zheng Yao was thoroughly disgusted: "Disgusting! Your Majesty, perhaps it’s better for this subordinate to take him back and extract the message. I guarantee not a single word will be missed."

Hearing this, the eunuch was driven to utter terror. He kowtowed frantically, stammering: "His Highness the Prince of Shu... wanted to tell Grand Tutor Lu... 'Don’t think that just because your face is ruined, this prince will let you go. Next time we meet, you’ll be kneeling on the bed like a... like a bitch, begging this prince—'"

He couldn’t bring himself to utter the final two words.

The room fell into dead silence. Zheng Yao’s mouth twitched, his scalp tingling with dread. He didn’t dare even glance at the young emperor’s expression, holding his breath and pretending he didn’t exist.

After a long pause, he finally heard Ning Jue’s voice, thick with suppressed rage: "Take him away. Cut out his tongue and beat him to death."

Zheng Yao felt as if granted a reprieve, quickly hauling the man away.

Ning Jue’s face was expressionless as he drew a dagger. With a thunk, he stabbed it through a stack of glutinous rice cakes, shattering the porcelain plate beneath into several pieces.

His hand gripping the dagger trembled violently as he struggled to suppress the urge to intercept and kill Ning Cong.

If not for the circumstances... next time, he would personally slaughter Ning Cong.

He would never allow anyone to insult Lu Qingze or harbor such filthy thoughts about him.

Knowing that Ning Cong was leaving the capital that day, Lu Qingze drank his medicine and lay on the bed, waiting.

As the sky darkened, no one came to harass him.

It seemed his prediction was wrong—perhaps the bastard had actually acted human for once and refrained from sending someone to torment him before leaving.

But of course, it was best not to be disturbed.

Lu Qingze closed his eyes peacefully, gradually drifting toward sleep, though he didn’t allow himself to fully succumb.

Before long, faint sounds came from outside. Someone tiptoed into the room and approached cautiously.

Lu Qingze opened his eyes to see a small figure in the darkness stepping up to the bed, carefully reaching out a hand toward him.

Before that hand could reach his nose, Lu Qingze spoke first: "No need to check. Your grand tutor is alive and well."

The small figure by the bedside stiffened all over: "Teacher, you're not asleep yet?"

Lu Qingze replied lazily, "Waiting for you."

"You knew I was coming?"

Lu Qingze smiled faintly: "Can't help it. Every morning for the past few days, I've woken up to find a trail of little cat paw prints on the carpet."

Since the morning before yesterday, he had noticed a few small black footprints on the soft white wool carpet, like tiny cat prints in the snow—obviously left by a certain child.

...It seemed this kid was genuinely worried he might pass away in his sleep, coming every night to check if he was still alive.

"Why aren't you wearing shoes?" Lu Qingze reached out and touched the little one's head. At least today he had draped an outer robe over himself.

Ning Juan whispered, "I didn’t want to wake you."

Lu Qingze couldn’t help but laugh. He pulled aside a corner of the quilt: "If you’re so worried, sleep with me."

After all, Ning Juan was just a boy—sharing a bed wasn’t a big deal.

But the little emperor didn’t immediately climb in. Instead, he shrank back: "Teacher, wait for me—I’ll go wash my feet!"

As if afraid Lu Qingze might change his mind, he turned and scampered out.

A short while later, he came padding back, clutching a small pillow. He placed it beside Lu Qingze and slipped under the covers in one swift motion.

Lu Qingze found it amusing: "So eager to sleep with me?"

Ning Juan nodded earnestly: "Teacher smells nice."

It was a gentle, quiet plum blossom fragrance, as if steeped into his very bones—cool when faint, warm when stronger. Just catching a whiff of it made him feel at peace.

Lu Qingze flicked his forehead lightly and chuckled: "Little rascal."

Ning Juan didn’t mind the scolding. In fact, being called that by Lu Qingze made him inexplicably happy.

Lu Qingze definitely wouldn’t talk to Chen Xiaodao like this, right?

He was still the one closest to Lu Qingze!

At night, the palace was as silent as a graveyard.

After a moment of quiet, Lu Qingze spoke up: "Guoguo, now that Ning Cong has left the capital, I should return home."

Ning Juan, who had been secretly snuggling closer, froze. His voice turned pitiful: "Teacher, why are you in such a hurry to leave? Don’t you like being with me?"

Pale moonlight streamed in through the window, faintly illuminating the room. The child’s coquettish expression was just visible—long lashes damp, dark eyes glistening with tears, lips pursed like a pitiful little puppy peering up from the water.

The little emperor was a quick learner, even when it came to acting spoiled.

Cute things made people want to tease them. Lu Qingze couldn’t resist pinching his cheek again, though his tone remained firm: "That won’t work on me."

Ning Juan implored, "The palace is so big. Can’t you just stay here from now on?"

"No," Lu Qingze was principled. "An outsider like me living in the palace—how would that look?"

Before Emperor Chong’an died, he had executed a large number of palace concubines, but a few neglected ones still remained in the cold, secluded courtyards.

If not for his status as the emperor’s teacher and his injuries, along with his decent reputation in court, the censors would have long since torn him apart for staying in the palace this long.

"But..." Ning Juan was unwilling to accept it.

With Lu Qingze injured, if he left the palace to recuperate, Ning Juan couldn’t bear to make him come back daily to teach.

And given his position, he couldn’t leave the palace every day to visit Lu Qingze either.

Lu Qingze ruffled the little head nuzzling into his arms—it was soft and fluffy: "Be good and listen to me."

The hand resting on his head wasn’t particularly broad or strong, but it was gentle and meticulous, carrying a compassionate warmth.

Ning Juan couldn’t refuse.

He let out a low, drawn-out "Mmm," his voice dripping with dejection.

Lu Qingze couldn’t bear to make the child sad. His tone softened further: "Guoguo, the reason I’m going back is to prepare a birthday gift for you."

A gift?

Ning Juan blinked. His birthday was still far away.

But the thought of Lu Qingze preparing a gift for him comforted him a little. He clung to Lu Qingze’s arm and chattered away for a while.

Eventually, Lu Qingze succumbed to drowsiness first, his breathing gradually evening out.

The next day, despite the little emperor’s reluctance, Lu Qingze delayed until evening before finally leaving the palace.

The little one was so worried that he sent Changshun to escort Lu Qingze home, along with a carriage full of medicinal herbs and tonics.

Chen Xiaodao had been waiting outside the palace gates for a long time and gleefully whisked Lu Qingze away.

Back at the Lu residence, after seeing Changshun off and instructing the servants to store the items brought from the palace, he helped Lu Qingze into the inner courtyard they hadn’t seen in so long.

Once inside, Chen Xiaodao got straight to business: "Young Master, I did as you said and found a better physician for Minister Fan’s mother. Her condition has improved. I suspect he’ll pay a visit tonight."

"Good work," Lu Qingze patted Chen Xiaodao’s shoulder approvingly. "You’ve done well. This matter owes much to you."

Chen Xiaodao was so pleased he nearly floated. Full of energy, he declared, "I’ll go tell the kitchen to prepare your medicine! Young Master, rest well for now."

Chen Xiaodao wasn’t wrong. After dinner, as Lu Qingze sat in the study, grimacing through a bowl of bitter medicine and reluctantly putting on his silver mask, Fan Xingyan arrived at the Lu residence for a visit.

Unhurried, Lu Qingze adjusted the silver-white mask he’d brought from the palace: "Invite him in."

Fan Xingyan had never met Lu Qingze before.

Last year’s brilliant young top graduate had been thrown into the imperial prison, and everyone assumed he wouldn’t live past early spring.

Yet against all odds, Lu Qingze survived and chose to stand by the legitimate imperial family. To protect the young emperor, he had nearly died under a traitor’s blade.

Many court officials held deep respect for Lu Qingze, but under the shadow of tyranny, none dared speak of it.

Fan Xingyan had long wanted to befriend Lu Qingze, but his ailing mother had left him no time for anything else.

Following the young steward of the Lu residence into the study, his gaze immediately fell on Lu Qingze.

The legendary imperial teacher stood by the window, his silver mask glinting as he clasped his hands behind his back. His posture was as straight as bamboo, but when the wind brushed past, his frail figure seemed to sway slightly. He lifted a hand to cover his mouth, coughing softly, his fingers pale as snow, his lips tinged with a sickly pallor.

His demeanor was like the moon—aloof and untouched by worldly concerns.

Fan Xingyan’s heart clenched. For a moment, he feared the man might collapse and instinctively stepped forward to steady him.

Chen Xiaodao was faster, rushing to close the window with a complaint: "Young Master, you’re not well—you can’t be exposed to the wind! I only looked away for a second..."

Lu Qingze waved him off, unconcerned, though his voice was slightly hoarse: "It was stuffy. I just wanted some fresh air."

Then he turned and smiled: "Minister Fan, I’ve long admired your reputation."

Fan Xingyan’s eyes suddenly welled up. Without thinking, he dropped to his knees.

Lu Qingze was taken aback: "Minister Fan, what are you doing? Please rise!"

Fan Xingyan’s voice trembled with emotion. He kowtowed solemnly before allowing Lu Qingze to help him up. "Whether in public or private, the Imperial Teacher deserves this from Fan."

Lu Qingze sighed and motioned for Chen Xiaodao to keep watch outside. He guided Fan Xingyan to sit, his tone gentle: "Minister Fan’s filial devotion is admirable. I merely offered a small gesture. I’m glad it could help."

Fan Xingyan’s eyes brimmed with tears. He shook his head: "The Imperial Teacher is noble and virtuous, a beacon of integrity in this corrupt court, untainted by its filth. Fan has long admired you. Now you’ve saved my life—I could die ten thousand times and still not repay you."

Lu Qingze: "..."

Even with his thick skin, he was blushing from the praise. Fortunately, the mask concealed it. He coughed awkwardly: "Minister Fan, just call me by my name. How is your mother’s condition now?"

Fan Xingyan, having calmed down a little, wiped his eyes sheepishly: "Her condition has improved. The physician says she’ll be able to walk within half a month—all thanks to you."

Lu Qingze smiled faintly: "That’s good to hear."

Fan Xingyan gazed at the cold mask on his face, his voice choked: "How is your health? The injuries on your face..."

"It’s nothing serious, thank you for your concern." Lu Qingze touched the mask lightly. "But the scars are too ghastly. To avoid startling others, I’ll have to wear this from now on."

His tone was breezy, as if he had long accepted it with equanimity. Fan Xingyan’s already surging gratitude and admiration soared even higher, and he launched into another passionate round of effusive praise.

Lu Qingze: "..."

Your ability to flatter without repeating yourself would make you very popular in modern fan circles.

Of course, Fan Xingyan hadn’t come just to shower him with compliments and empty thanks.

Once his emotions had fully settled, his expression turned solemn: "We outsiders have barely had the chance to see His Majesty. I don’t know the situation in the palace—is there anything Fan can do?"

Lu Qingze had endured the flattery with a smile, relieved to finally get to the point. He replied slowly: "Right now, I’m the only one teaching His Majesty, and he isn’t allowed to attend court. I think the recent incident with the imperial uncle’s assassination attempt could be an opportunity. If you’re willing to rally all the censors to jointly petition, even Chief Grand Secretary Wei won’t be able to silence public opinion. However..."

It would risk offending Wei Helong.

But the power of censors was something even emperors couldn’t withstand, let alone Wei Helong, whose own standing was far from righteous.

He paused slightly, and Fan Xingyan immediately understood, his expression resolute: "Don’t worry, Fan will not disappoint you!"

Lu Qingze rose solemnly and bowed deeply to him.

Fan Xingyan hastily sidestepped, not daring to accept the gesture: "This is our duty—there’s no need for such courtesy, Imperial Teacher! You’re still recovering—you must take care of yourself."

With that, his blood already boiling with fervor, he clenched his fists: "Fan will go draft the memorial now!"

The impassioned Minister Fan didn’t wait for Lu Qingze to respond. After a quick bow, he turned and dashed off.

Chen Xiaodao, guarding the door, couldn’t even keep up with his speed.

Stunned, Chen Xiaodao scratched his head in bewilderment: "Young Master, this Minister Fan seems so impulsive—can he really be relied on?"

Lu Qingze’s eyes crinkled with amusement as he chuckled leisurely: "Don’t worry. No one could be more reliable than him."

In the original story, Fan Xingyan’s filial devotion had moved the daughter of Grand Secretary Feng. By now, Miss Feng had likely already met Fan Xingyan in disguise... except that originally, it was she who secretly aided him, whereas now Lu Qingze had intercepted that role.

Right now, Fan Xingyan was just a minor censor, but soon his character and talent would earn Grand Secretary Feng’s admiration. He would marry Feng’s daughter, embark on a smooth political career, gain increasing influence, and eventually win the tyrant emperor’s重用 (heavy重用). At a young age, he would even have a chance to join the Grand Secretariat.

Most importantly, Grand Secretary Feng had long clashed with Wei Helong and despised him. However, with the court in disarray and Wei’s faction dominant, Feng had been forced to feign illness and take leave for a long time. Given the opportunity, he would undoubtedly act.

Meanwhile, Chief Censor Qin Hui had been on the front lines of denouncing Wei Helong and wouldn’t hesitate to lend his support.

Directly approaching Grand Secretary Feng or Qin Hui was unrealistic—discovery by Wei Helong would mean certain death. Using Fan Xingyan as the突破口 (breakthrough point) was the simplest solution.

When Lu Qingze had previously struggled with how to approach Fan Xingyan, it was Chen Xiaodao who inadvertently provided the inspiration.

This tiny butterfly would set off a storm in the court.

With their leadership, it wouldn’t be difficult for Ning Juan to attend court and gain additional tutors.

This was the gift Lu Qingze intended to give the young emperor.

Fan Xingyan kept his word. After a few days of recuperation at home, Chen Xiaodao returned with news.

Led by Qin Hui, all the censors had jointly petitioned, demanding that the young emperor attend court and be taught by esteemed scholars. The uproar grew tumultuous, and Grand Secretary Feng, who had previously taken leave due to illness, quietly returned to court, aligning himself with the young emperor’s faction.

The Prince of Jing, who had left the capital later than the Prince of Shu, saw the chaos and couldn’t resist插手 (meddling), subtly siding with the young emperor—though of course, he held no respect for the child. But the ownership of the empire belonged to the Ning imperial clan. An outsider like Wei Helong monopolizing power naturally irked him—he refused to let Wei dominate unchecked.

Who sat on the throne temporarily didn’t matter, as long as the surname remained Ning.

After a month of noisy court infighting, Wei Helong was forced to compromise.

Lu Qingze watched the drama unfold while recuperating, occasionally visiting the palace to哄 (soothe) the child.

Under the imperial physicians’ meticulous care, his wounds healed quickly. Ning Juan even had Zheng Yao procure scar-preventing ointment.

The conflict didn’t drag on much longer before reaching a resolution.

As the weather grew hotter and the summer lotuses began to bloom, Ning Juan’s birthday approached.

Lu Qingze brought this long-prepared gift to the palace.

Surprisingly, Ning Juan wasn’t particularly pleased.

Unlike before, when he would immediately throw himself into Lu Qingze’s arms, the young emperor remained silent for a long moment before murmuring: "I only want you to teach me. I don’t want anyone else."

There was a stubborn edge to his voice.

Lu Qingze was both amused and exasperated. He flicked the boy’s forehead: "What kind of nonsense is that? I went to great lengths to secure this opportunity for you. Treasure it—no任性 (willfulness) allowed. The new tutors are all highly learned."

Ning Juan, scolded, responded with a sullen "Oh."

From now on, he would have to attend court, which would mean less time with Lu Qingze.

And if additional tutors were arranged, that time would shrink even further.

Lu Qingze guessed his thoughts and tapped his forehead: "Isn’t it enough that I visit the palace so often? Later, you can come to my residence too. Why the long face? It’s not like I’m dying."

At the word "dying," Ning Juan’s heart clenched, recalling that chaotic night—Lu Qingze covered in blood, the scent of plum blossoms mixed with iron, unforgettable. His eyes widened, and he gripped Lu Qingze’s hand tightly, spitting three times in succession: "Don’t talk about dying! Teacher, don’t say such things!"

Lu Qingze smoothly changed the subject: "Guoguo, have you grown taller again?"

Ning Juan had been secretly practicing archery and martial arts with Zheng Yao. The palace grounds were vast, offering plenty of space to train.

With better nutrition and regular exercise, every time they met, Lu Qingze felt Ning Juan had shot up like bamboo, no longer the scrawny kitten from months ago.

Ning Juan lifted his chin proudly: "An inch taller!"

Secretly, he measured himself against Lu Qingze.

Though his teacher was slender, he wasn’t short. If he could grow just half a head taller, he’d be able to envelop Lu Qingze snugly in his arms, resting his chin on his teacher’s head.

The thought alone fueled his motivation to grow taller!

Now, the first thing the young emperor did every morning was measure his height.

Children were so easily excited and satisfied.

Lu Qingze’s eyes curved as he ruffled the boy’s hair: "You’ll attend court tomorrow, so consider today a break—no lessons. Let’s stroll in the imperial garden. Changshun mentioned the lotuses are blooming."

Ning Juan had no interest in admiring flowers, but accompanying Lu Qingze was always a pleasure.

The imperial garden had been meticulously restored, no longer as desolate as before.

The lotus pond was a sea of green leaves, with pink blooms shyly standing tall. A warm breeze carried their faint fragrance. Soon, a light rain began to fall.

Amid the drizzle, the two sat in a pavilion playing chess. While the young emperor frowned over his next move, Lu Qingze propped his chin on his hand and lazily gazed at the scenery beyond.

A light rain passed; the small lotus leaves flipped.

Summer was approaching—the little emperor was about to grow up.

________________________________________

Author’s Note:

This transitional chapter wraps up. Next, Ning Guoguo will mature (crossed out) grow up—here comes the adolescent Ning Guoguo, striding forward with his head held high!

Note: "A light rain passed; the small lotus leaves flipped." — Ruan Lang Gui • Early Summer by Su Shi

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