Raising Wolves CHAPTER 20&21

 

 Raising wolves  

 Chapter 20&21

Translated by : DANMEI HEAVEN

   Chapter 20

"What are you mumbling about?"

Lu Qingze leaned back comfortably against a large cushion, utterly oblivious as he took another sip of tea, admonishing lazily, "You mustn’t stammer like this in front of others."

Ning Juan’s pupils darkened as he stared at Lu Qingze’s slender fingers tracing the rim of the teacup. He wrestled with himself for a long moment, his face flushing, before swallowing his words and obediently agreeing, "Understood, Teacher."

In the warm candlelight, the boy sat upright, his sharp, handsome features softened, resembling a wolf pup being petted—a far cry from the prickly child he’d once been.

Lu Qingze felt a surge of pride at having tamed a tyrant who could have easily snapped and torn out throats into this well-behaved, courteous young man. He reached out to touch Ning Juan’s face. "Why are your cheeks so red? Did you catch a chill from the wind earlier?"

His cool, smooth fingers brushed against Ning Juan’s skin, sending a shiver straight to his chest. Ning Juan’s eyelashes fluttered, his throat dry. With the tea now commandeered by Lu Qingze, he busied himself pouring another cup to distract himself. "It’s nothing. The room is just a bit stuffy."

Lu Qingze was about to press further when Ning Juan deftly changed the subject. "Teacher, when I had Zheng Yao investigate Qin Yuan’an, we accidentally discovered..."

Lu Qingze caught the anomaly. "Wait, why were you investigating Qin Yuan’an?"

"..." Ning Juan certainly wouldn’t admit it was because of his irrational jealousy. Calmly, he said, "His appearance beside you today was too coincidental. It warranted scrutiny."

How could Qin Yuan’an have predicted he’d be the one to rescue that man?

Lu Qingze was even more confused.

Ning Juan hurriedly moved past that point and dropped the bombshell: "Turns out, Qin Yuan’an nearly became Wei Herong’s son-in-law."

Lu Qingze’s eyebrows shot up.

Qin Yuan’an’s father, Qin Hui, was the Left Censor-in-Chief and had been at odds with Wei Herong for years.

Especially after Ning Juan’s ascension, Qin Hui’s memorials were filled with scathing critiques of Wei Herong.

When Ning Juan had secured the right to attend court discussions five years ago, Qin Hui had contributed at least half the effort.

Their feud was genuine.

And the key point was...

Lu Qingze looked up. "Doesn’t Wei Herong only have a son?"

According to the Imperial Guard’s reports, Wei Herong’s only son, Wei Qiao, had been born with an incurable illness. After Lady Wei’s death, the ten-year-old Wei Qiao had been discarded by Wei Herong and sent back to Lady Wei’s hometown, never to be mentioned again.

A portrait of cold-hearted ruthlessness.

Ning Juan nodded. "Teacher might not know this, but Wei Herong and Qin Hui were once close friends in their youth."

The kind of friends who shared a bed while studying together in poverty, even staying in temples during their exam preparations.

Later, Wei Herong placed first in the palace examinations, and Qin Hui earned his jinshi degree three years after. When they married, they made a pact for their children to wed—but since Wei Qiao was born a boy, the arrangement fell through.

Before leaving the capital, however, Wei Qiao and Qin Yuan’an had been inseparable, childhood sweethearts.

With the ceremonial headdress removed, Ning Juan’s thick, dark hair was irresistibly tempting. Lu Qingze couldn’t resist running his fingers through the soft strands. "Wasn’t Wei Qiao sent back to his hometown? Why bring him up now? Don’t tell me Wei Herong has recalled him?"

Ning Juan smiled. "Teacher is truly prescient."

Lu Qingze was taken aback. "If he’s been recalled, there should be rumors circulating in the capital."

In this small city of Yanjing, was there any gossip that the socially fearless Chen Xiaodao couldn’t uncover?

As he spoke, he started to withdraw his hand.

Sensing this, Ning Juan subtly nuzzled into Lu Qingze’s palm, as if by accident.

Among all the servants in the Qianqing Palace, only Changshun was permitted close contact with Ning Juan. Even so, Ning Juan avoided being touched by others, unlike those nobles who couldn’t function without attendants.

But he loved it when Lu Qingze patted his head.

That not-particularly-broad, not-particularly-warm hand, stroking him unhurriedly, brought a tranquility as steady as the man himself, seeping slowly into his heart.

Having gotten his fill, Ning Juan straightened with a solemn expression. "Wei Herong secretly had Wei Qiao brought back to the capital. He arrived this morning but kept it extremely low-key."

If not for Ning Juan’s random decision to investigate Qin Yuan’an, uncovering the old betrothal and prompting Zheng Yao to stake out the Wei residence, they might never have noticed Wei Qiao.

"Wei Qiao returned because his illness has reached a critical stage. He doesn’t have much time left. Wei Herong’s disappearance earlier today was likely to visit him in secret."

Ning Juan’s lips curled slowly, though his eyes remained cold. "Who would have thought the mighty Chief Grand Secretary Wei, after all these years of pretense, would finally slip up?"

Everyone had assumed Wei Herong was indifferent to his wife and neglected his only son.

But in truth, Wei Herong hadn’t disregarded Wei Qiao—on the contrary, he’d gone to great lengths to protect him, sending him away from the capital’s political whirlpool to ensure his safety.

Yet with Wei Qiao’s deteriorating health, he’d had no choice but to bring him back to Yanjing.

If not for Ning Juan’s whim to investigate Qin Yuan’an, they might never have discovered Wei Qiao.

Lu Qingze suddenly found it darkly amusing.

After decades of meticulous acting, Wei Herong’s facade had crumbled because of Ning Juan’s random curiosity. He wondered what expression Wei Herong would wear when he found out.

Lu Qingze leaned back. "Wei Herong won’t stand by and watch his son die. With all the renowned physicians in the capital, he must have brought Wei Qiao back in search of a miracle."

Ning Juan nodded. "I’ve ordered men to keep watch outside the Wei residence around the clock."

Because of this matter, the Jin Yi Wei sent to Jiangnan to search for someone was temporarily assigned an urgent additional task.

Apart from looking for the young heir, they also had to help him find another person.

However, before ensuring the person could be found, he didn’t want to tell Lu Qingze.

Lu Qingze muttered, “Wei Rongrong isn’t the type to clutch at straws in desperation. Anyone who enters the Wei residence probably can’t even have a single cat hair on them.”

Secret account books, confidential correspondences—these deadly items were all meticulously hidden by Wei Rongrong. The Wei residence was practically guarded at every turn, with layers of inspections for anyone entering, stricter than even the imperial palace.

Over the past few years, whenever they tried to plant someone inside the Wei residence or the Ministry of Personnel, they could only place them in the outermost circles. Wei Rongrong was extremely vigilant.

But Wei Qiao might become a breakthrough.

Lu Qingze discussed with Ning Juan for a while longer. As the night deepened, he unconsciously yawned midway through their conversation.

Ning Juan observed his complexion and stopped the discussion: “Teacher, you should rest.”

This body was too frail and easily fatigued. In the past, Lu Qingze could stay up all night grading papers without feeling this exhausted. He nodded weakly and listlessly went to bathe and change.

Watching Lu Qingze stagger out, Ning Juan’s expression darkened.

From the first moment he met Lu Qingze, he had thought of him as a paper-carved beauty, fragile and delicate, needing careful protection.

Years had passed, and even though he knew his teacher wasn’t truly fragile, that instinctive urge to protect him hadn’t diminished in the slightest.

Instead, it grew stronger with each passing day.

After bathing and changing into sleepwear, Lu Qingze entered the warm chamber to find Ning Juan already half-lying in his bed, waiting.

The young emperor was dressed only in white sleepwear, his hair loosely draped, revealing a youthful air he usually suppressed. With one leg bent, he leaned casually against the headboard. Hearing footsteps, he perked up like a puppy catching the scent of food, turning his head abruptly, eyes sparkling, a small canine tooth showing as he grinned.

For a moment, Lu Qingze found the scene eerily familiar.

It was as if he were the emperor, and the one in his bed was a concubine summoned for the night.

The moment this thought crossed his mind, Lu Qingze inwardly hissed, cursing himself vehemently.

How inappropriate! What kind of beast thinks like that?

Is this even something to consider?!

Lu Qingze shook his head, dispelling the absurd notion, and walked over to sit by the bed. Just as he was about to say something to distract from his guilt, he saw Ning Juan clap his hands.

Changshun, who had been waiting outside, entered with a bowl of pitch-black medicine and respectfully handed it to Lu Qingze.

Lu Qingze: “...”

Ning Juan, still smiling, said, “According to Peng Liu, Teacher has been coughing occasionally these past few days but refuses to take medicine.”

Useless Chen Xiaodao couldn’t even supervise his teacher’s medicine intake.

Peng Liu was the leader of the guards Ning Juan had assigned to the Lu residence.

Lu Qingze had nearly vomited from drinking medicine over the years. The physicians seemed to outdo themselves each time, concocting increasingly bitter prescriptions as his tolerance for bitterness grew. Now, just the smell of medicine made him nauseous. He grimaced and waved his hand: “It’s just a few coughs. I’m perfectly fine, not even sick. Why take medicine? Take it away. I’m tired.”

With that, he tried to burrow under the covers like an ostrich.

Ning Juan couldn’t help but laugh at this rare display of childishness. He swiftly caught Lu Qingze’s hand, blocking his escape with his body, deliberately lowering his voice to sound stern: “What are you hiding from? Take your medicine.”

Lu Qingze struggled but was firmly restrained, unable to move.

He had watched Ning Juan grow up, which made him less sensitive to the boy’s changes. Only now did he truly realize that the scrawny child he could once easily lift had grown stronger than him.

By a significant margin.

Lu Qingze couldn’t help but feel a bit frustrated.

The body in his arms was so slender it felt like nothing but bones. Ning Juan didn’t even dare to hold him too tightly, his voice softening as if afraid of breaking Lu Qingze: “Teacher, are you afraid of the bitterness?”

The voice by his ear was clear and bright, carrying the unique freshness of youth.

Lu Qingze snapped out of his daze and said sternly, “Don’t talk nonsense. I’m your teacher. How could I be afraid of bitterness?”

Ning Juan, who had been struggling to maintain a stern expression, couldn’t hold back his laughter: “You being my teacher has nothing to do with whether you’re afraid of bitterness—Changshun, bring the medicine.”

Changshun had been standing to the side, shoulders hunched, pretending not to exist. Hearing this, he carefully presented the bowl of dark medicine.

Lu Qingze’s hands were still restrained as he watched Ning Juan take the bowl with one hand. His eyebrows shot up as he glared at the young man facing him.

Was this little brat planning to force-feed him medicine?

The thought had barely formed when he saw Ning Juan tilt his head back and down the bowl of medicine in one go.

The color alone suggested the medicine was unbearably bitter, yet Ning Juan’s expression didn’t flicker. His deep, dark eyes fixed unwaveringly on Lu Qingze, shimmering with a hint of starlight as he spoke softly, almost coaxingly: “It’s not bitter.”

“If Teacher is afraid of bitterness, I’ll drink it with you.”

In both his lifetimes, this was the first time Lu Qingze had been coaxed by a student to take medicine.

No matter how reluctant, he couldn’t refuse now.

Pinching his nose, he gulped down the medicine Changshun brought anew. After sucking on some candied fruit to recover, he rinsed his mouth. Once the servants had left, he flicked Ning Juan’s forehead: “This is just medicine to prevent colds. It’s fine if you drank it, but don’t drink random medicine next time. What if you take the wrong one and turn into a fool?”

Ning Juan pondered seriously: “If I became a fool, would Teacher still want me?”

Was that the point?

Lu Qingze, already drowsy, grew sleepier after the medicine. His eyelids fluttered shut as he mumbled, “Of course. I’d want you even if you were a little beggar.”

He fell asleep quickly, his breathing steadying soon after.

Ning Juan stood motionless by the bed for a while, his heart pounding uncontrollably from Lu Qingze’s offhand remark. Only after some time did it calm.

When he took the medicine bowl to the inner chamber, he didn’t even notice the smile tugging uncontrollably at his lips.

Changshun, who had served him closely for years, had never seen Ning Juan smile like this. Trembling, he took the bowl, wondering if he should summon the imperial physician.

His Majesty—His Majesty’s face seemed to be twitching!

Author’s Note:

Lu Qingze: Is this something to think about?

Ning Juan: Oh, yes, absolutely.

Chapter Twenty-One

Lu Qingze spent several days in the palace teaching Ning Juan.

Originally, he was only supposed to stay for a few nights, but under Ning Juan’s persistent coaxing, he stayed an extra day.

As dusk approached, Ning Juan reluctantly saw him out of the Qianqing Palace, trying to persuade him: “Teacher, why not return to your residence tomorrow?”

Lu Qingze sighed: “It’s not like I’m never coming back. Your birthday is in a few days. I’ll come to accompany you then.”

This child. Every parting felt like a life-or-death separation.

Ning Juan felt slightly comforted. He watched intently as Lu Qingze boarded the imperial carriage, standing there for a long time. Only when Changshun held an umbrella over his head and reminded him, “Your Majesty, it’s about to rain,” did he turn and go back inside.

Soon, the sky darkened ominously. Thunder rumbled, and with a loud crack, rain poured down in heavy sheets, pelting the windows and bringing a cool breeze.

Ning Juan sat in the Southern Study, reviewing secret reports brought by the Jin Yi Wei.

Changshun returned with a pot of hot tea. Seeing the five-colored bracelet Ning Juan always wore, he remembered Lu Qingze’s words and smiled: “Your Majesty, this is the first rain after the Dragon Boat Festival. The five-colored bracelet should be removed and washed away by the rainwater. Shall I take it outside for you?”

As soon as he finished speaking, he saw the young emperor’s face darken. Ning Juan looked up, his deep eyes icy.

Changshun was clever and efficient, having served Ning Juan for years without ever seeing such an expression.

Cold sweat broke out on his back as he vaguely sensed the issue and quickly invoked the lifesaver: “It—it was Imperial Tutor Lu who instructed me to remind you.”

The cold gaze lingered on him for a moment before shifting away upon hearing those words.

But Changshun still didn’t dare to exhale.

After a moment of silence, the young emperor spoke softly: “Bring a brocade box.”

When the box arrived, Ning Juan carefully untied the five-colored bracelet and placed it inside.

Changshun exhaled: “Your Majesty, shall I put it in the usual place?”

Ning Juan’s attention returned to the secret reports on the table. Without looking up, he replied, “Hmm.”

There had been no progress in infiltrating the Wei residence, so Wei Qiao’s situation remained unknown.

But before any news could be obtained from the Wei residence, light rain fell continuously for several days.

Chen Xiaodao grumbled: “This year’s weather is so strange. It keeps raining.”

Lu Qingze frowned at the light drizzle outside.

For some reason, he felt uneasy.

As if confirming his worries, in the afternoon, someone from the palace arrived unexpectedly, summoning Lu Qingze for a discussion.

Lu Qingze usually entered the palace every few days to teach. If Ning Juan missed him, he would either sneak out himself or send Changshun to invite him. It was rare for him to send someone to summon Lu Qingze for a discussion.

This only happened under one circumstance—when the cabinet was in an uproar again.

Though Lu Qingze held no official position, he was the emperor’s true teacher and the youngest top scholar in Da Qi’s history. During previous heated cabinet debates, he had been called to observe and offer advice.

Without delay, Lu Qingze changed into his court robes and boarded the carriage.

Upon arriving at the Wenyuan Pavilion, he found not only several grand secretaries but also the Ministers of Works and Revenue present. It seemed several rounds of arguments had already taken place, with everyone temporarily at a stalemate. Wei Rongrong’s expression was inscrutable, while Ning Juan reviewed a memorial.

The room was eerily quiet.

Amid this strange atmosphere, Lu Qingze entered and bowed: “Your subject pays respects to Your Majesty.”

Seeing Lu Qingze, Ning Juan’s slight impatience faded, replaced by a smile: “Rise, Grand Tutor. Come sit by my side.”

Wearing his mask, Lu Qingze calmly took his seat beside Ning Juan under everyone’s gaze and glanced at him.

Ning Juan spoke at the right moment: “Gentlemen, have you reached a decision?”

As soon as he spoke, the previously silent hall erupted into chaos again.

The first to speak was the hot-tempered father-in-law of Fan Xingyan, Grand Secretary Feng: “What are we waiting for? The southern floods demand immediate disaster relief funds and water conservancy repairs. Lives are at stake—this is urgent!”

Grand Secretary Xu, who had previously urged Ning Juan to marry, retorted sarcastically: “The truth of the Jiangyou floods is still unverified. Neither the governor nor the administrative commissioner of Jiangyou has submitted a memorial. Why is Grand Secretary Feng in such a hurry? Could it be you want Lord Fan to lead the relief efforts for merit?”

The Minister of Works bowed: “I agree with Grand Secretary Xu. The south spends vast sums on water conservancy annually, and this isn’t even flood season. But the imperial tombs haven’t been repaired in over a decade. With this heavy rain, the tomb walls have cracked—this is a warning from our ancestors!”

Another grand academician also spoke up, cupping his hands respectfully: "The ancestral fortune lies in the imperial mausoleum, Your Majesty. Compared to the uncertain flood situation, repairing the mausoleum is more important."

After listening for a while, Lu Qingze understood the situation.

News of floods had come from the south, but its authenticity was unclear. Coincidentally, the imperial mausoleum had also been affected by the rain, with one of its walls collapsing. The group was now arguing over whether to prioritize repairing the mausoleum or allocating funds to Jiangxi.

Lu Qingze discreetly glanced at Wei Herong.

Wei Herong remained composed, listening to the arguments below. Sensing Lu Qingze's gaze, he smiled faintly at him, though his eyes held no warmth. "Does Grand Tutor Lu have any insights?"

Lu Qingze frowned. "The Gan River region is indeed prone to floods."

He remembered that in the original text, the Great Qi Dynasty frequently suffered from floods.

Farmland would be submerged, plagues would spread, and the people would be displaced, starving and resorting to trading children as food—a common tragedy. This was also one of the reasons for the uprisings.

At that time, the original Ning Juan had not yet seized power but was scapegoated. By the time he gained full control and forcefully implemented water conservancy projects, it was already too late. The suffering people, conscripted to repair the riverways, complained bitterly and rebelled halfway.

During Emperor Chong'an's reign, he fanatically built many Taoist temples and palaces, depleting the national treasury. The Minister of Revenue, looking displeased, snorted coldly, "The south reports floods every year, demanding disaster relief funds for water conservancy. Over the years, millions of taels of silver have been allocated. Now, after just a few days of light rain, if there really is a flood, we should thoroughly investigate where all the money from previous years has gone!"

And so, another round of bickering ensued.

Lu Qingze rubbed his temples. "Is there any news from Jiangxi?"

"Of course there is," Wei Herong said calmly. "The governor of Jiangxi sent a memorial just yesterday, stating that everything is peaceful within the region. The rumors of floods are likely just that—rumors. Nothing unusual."

Lu Qingze paused slightly, realizing the current situation.

Unless the situation in Jiangxi was clarified, the only person who could make the final decision would still be Wei Herong.

But if Wei Herong found out that Ning Juan had people who could investigate the situation in Jiangxi, he wouldn't be so amiable toward them.

Among the ministers present for the discussion, most were part of Wei's faction. Only a few, like Grand Secretary Feng, couldn't outweigh the majority. The others, wondering Wei Herong's intentions, insisted, "Your Majesty, the imperial mausoleum is of utmost importance!"

Ning Juan, held back from making a decision, grew colder. After a moment, he said, "The imperial mausoleum is indeed important, which is why we must not act hastily. Minister Yang."

The Minister of Works responded uncertainly.

Ning Juan exchanged a glance with Lu Qingze, receiving a slight nod of approval, and continued, "Since it's about repairing the mausoleum, have your subordinates draft the plans and submit them to Grand Tutor Lu for approval."

Minister Yang was stunned and instinctively looked at Wei Herong.

Wei Herong smiled amiably at Ning Juan, who feigned a mix of wariness and unease. After a moment, Wei Herong cupped his hands. "Your Majesty's words are wise."

Only then did the others chime in with agreement.

After arguing all afternoon, they could finally rest.

As the crowd dispersed, Lu Qingze and Ning Juan returned to the Qianqing Palace.

It wasn't convenient to speak on the way, but once they were in their own territory, Lu Qingze asked, "Has the message been sent out?"

Ning Juan, who had been suppressing his anger all afternoon, softened his tone when facing Lu Qingze. "I’ve already instructed Zheng Yao to send the message. Coincidentally, the southern-bound Jin Yiwei can investigate along the way."

However, from Yanjing to Jiangxi, the journey was long. Even with fast horses, it would take over half a month for a round trip.

With the recent continuous rain, travel would be even more difficult, likely delaying the news further.

Seeing his furrowed brows, Lu Qingze couldn't help but reach out to smooth them.

Ning Juan loved Lu Qingze's always calm and composed demeanor and nuzzled into his hand like a docile puppy.

Lu Qingze's eyes warmed with a faint smile. "Don’t worry. Until we confirm the situation, I’ll stall the Ministry of Works."

The next day, Lu Qingze met the person in charge of the imperial mausoleum repair plans.

It was an old acquaintance.

I don’t know if the Minister of Works was doing it on purpose, but when Lu Qingze saw Cheng Wen’ang, he nearly laughed.

Cheng Wen’ang’s face was twisted in displeasure, utterly unable to comprehend why matters concerning the Ministry of Works had to be decided by Lu Qingze.

Hadn’t he worked so hard all this time precisely to surpass Lu Qingze and make him look up in admiration?!

But orders from above were not to be disobeyed.

With a dark expression, Cheng Wen’ang handed over the previous renovation plans for the imperial mausoleum to Lu Qingze: “Take a look, Lord Lu. If you have any opinions, feel free to share them.”

Lu Qingze smiled faintly, leisurely took a seat, and was in no hurry to examine the plans. Instead, he unhurriedly poured himself a cup of tea first: “Please have a seat, Lord Cheng.”

After saying this, he took a sip of tea and nodded appreciatively: “The Southern Peak Cloud Mist tea is indeed rich and fragrant. Please enjoy, Lord Cheng.”

His courteous demeanor left Cheng Wen’ang with little room to protest, so he sat down and glared at Lu Qingze.

Renovating the imperial mausoleum didn’t actually require any new plans. Naturally, the Ministry of Works had chosen to dig out the old plans and present them to Lu Qingze, confident that he wouldn’t be able to suggest anything groundbreaking.

After calmly finishing his tea, Lu Qingze finally opened the plans. His jade-like, pale fingers flipped through the pages carefully.

Then his expression darkened, and he slammed the plans onto the table with a thud: “The renovation of the imperial mausoleum is a matter of great importance. Is this how the Ministry of Works treats it—with such carelessness?!”

Cheng Wen’ang nearly spat out his tea: “???”

Lu Qingze’s voice was usually clear and melodious, his words unhurried. But now, with his stern tone and cold demeanor, even though his face was hidden behind a mask, the pressure he exuded was overwhelming: “His Majesty places great importance on this renovation. The imperial mausoleum is a symbol of the royal family’s dignity. How dare the Ministry of Works submit such plans? Is this how Minister Yang and Lord Cheng show their disrespect to our ancestors?!”

It was just a renovation—how could it be such a big deal, even to the point of disrespecting ancestors?!

Cheng Wen’ang was dumbfounded. With such a heavy accusation leveled at him, he couldn’t argue back at all. His face cycled through shades of green and purple before finally settling on black as he gritted out, “...Understood.”

Two days later, a light rain drizzled over the capital. Cheng Wen’ang arrived at the Lu residence once again, bearing a completely new set of plans.

Lu Qingze unfolded the plans and rubbed his chin: “I can see some sincerity now, but something still feels... off to me.”

Cheng Wen’ang: “...What’s off?”

Lu Qingze pointed here and there: “This part, and that part. I can’t quite put my finger on it, but it just feels strange. Revise it again.”

Cheng Wen’ang suppressed his anger: “Understood.”

Another two days later, Cheng Wen’ang returned with yet another new set of plans.

Lu Qingze frowned and sighed deeply: “Sigh, is this really the level of effort you’re putting in?”

Cheng Wen’ang, looking haggard, pinched the bridge of his nose: “...I’ll revise it.”

Two more days later, Cheng Wen’ang showed up with three completely new versions of the plans.

Lu Qingze examined them earnestly for a while before smiling and looking up: “How about... we just go back to the first version?”

......

Cheng Wen’ang finally snapped: “LU QINGZE, ARE YOU MOCKING ME ON PURPOSE?!!”

Author’s Note:

The Great Qi’s Client Lu Qingze: reveals the dagger at the end of the scroll (i.e., shows his true intentions at the last moment).

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