Three Steps: From Assassin to Empress - Chapter 71
Chapter 71: An Emperor’s Demands
The chapter begins with the Emperor’s chilling demand for the Qiang envoy’s eyes. This request shocks everyone, as it’s a blatant violation of diplomatic rules and an insult to the Northern Dynasty. The Qiang envoys are horrified, and the Southern officials are unsure how to react, expecting Ying Xiu to protest the demand. Instead, Ying Xiu, with a clear and innocent demeanor, agrees, stating that the envoy promised to give him anything he wanted if he won. He believes that since the Emperor wants the eyes, he will get them for him.
The envoy tries to argue that the Emperor’s intervention—shooting an arrow during the fight—voids the agreement. Ying Xiu counters by holding up the concealed claws he found on the Qiang soldier and pointing out that the soldier cheated first. The envoy denies that the claws belong to the Northern Dynasty and accuses Ying Xiu of bringing them himself.
A Moment of Tenderness
As the argument escalates, the Emperor steps in. He calmly wipes Ying Xiu’s wet hair and face with a soft cloth, calling him “amazing.” This simple praise instantly defuses Ying Xiu’s anger and makes him happy. He tries to get closer to the Emperor but is careful not to touch him, fearing his bl00d-stained clothes will ruin the Emperor’s fine robe. The Emperor, however, ignores this and continues to tend to him, noticing small cuts on Ying Xiu’s fingers that Ying Xiu had tried to hide.
The Emperor orders the imperial physician to attend to Ying Xiu, who is embarrassed by the fuss. The physicians, having seen the dead soldiers, are surprised to find Ying Xiu mostly unharmed and are impressed by his fighting skill, noting he is a good match for the Emperor.
A Power Shift
The Emperor has Ying Xiu sit on the fubo seat, the throne that only the Emperor is allowed to sit on. This act shocks everyone present, both Southern and Northern officials, as it is a complete violation of imperial custom. Ying Xiu, oblivious to the significance, innocently invites the Emperor to sit with him, which the Emperor declines. Instead, the Emperor personally applies medicine to Ying Xiu’s injured fingers.
As he does so, the Emperor reminds Ying Xiu of his earlier command to stay at the palace. Ying Xiu, feeling guilty, apologizes and explains that he came because an official told him his identity was exposed. He admits that he also wanted to come and help the Emperor “get angry” on his behalf.
Ying Xiu, expecting a punishment, bravely tells the Emperor to “punish me.” He then quickly adds a condition: he won’t let the Emperor blindfold him this time, but he will accept a “Luli” lamp instead, a reference to an earlier promise. The Emperor, instead of punishing him, leans in and whispers, “You helped me get angry, and I am very happy.” Ying Xiu is stunned and overjoyed.
In a rare public display of affection, Ying Xiu reaches up and gives the Emperor a quick kiss on his chin. He then returns to tending his own wounds, pretending to be busy. The Emperor, meanwhile, touches his chin, his expression unreadable as he seems to savor the fleeting moment of contact.