Chapter Thirty-Nine: So That Is How It Is

After receiving permission from the palace attendant, Yang Xi followed Yang Guozhong into Yang Yuhuan’s private quarters.

As he walked into the sleeping chamber behind a beautiful attendant, Yang Xi was immediately enveloped by waves of fragrant air. He could not tell if it was the natural scent of a woman or the perfume of cosmetics. Having spent his days at Tong Pass surrounded by the pungent, heavy stench of men’s sweat, he could not help but shiver in delight.

Ah, the scent of a woman was truly refreshing and intoxicating; he felt as though every pore in his body had opened up in relief.

Yang Yuhuan lay resting on a couch, appearing as if she had just awakened from a light nap, her expression still somewhat hazy. Yet, this languid, sleepy-eyed look only added to her allure. Upon entering the inner chamber and seeing her, Yang Xi felt his eyes widen involuntarily.

Was there not a saying about a "sleeping beauty"? A beautiful woman is lovely while asleep, but even more moving when she has just awakened. At the very least, Yang Yuhuan now presented a picture of breathtaking beauty. After "greedily" stealing a few glances, Yang Xi looked away and followed Yang Guozhong forward to pay his respects.

"Guozhong, Silang, there is no need for such formality," Yang Yuhuan said. She did not rise from the couch but instead signaled for her attendants to prop her up with cushions. She remained in a semi-reclined position, clutching a throw pillow to her chest.

"Thank you, Your Highness," Yang Xi and Yang Guozhong replied in unison before taking their seats to one side.

The weather was not particularly cold, and since the room faced south, sunlight poured through the windows all day, keeping it quite warm. Yang Yuhuan wore very little clothing. Like most women of the Great Tang, she favored low-cut garments with generous necklines—a style even more pronounced among the ladies of the palace. Her court dress was no exception. With the neckline dipping low, a significant portion of her snowy-white chest was exposed. The pillow she clutched did nothing to conceal her charms; if anything, the way it pressed against her only served to accentuate her bosom in an exaggerated fashion.

Both Yang Guozhong and Yang Xi found their eyes drawn to that spot against their will—a primal male instinct, perhaps.

However, since Yang Xi was standing behind, he could see where his father’s gaze was fixed, while Yang Guozhong could not see where he was looking, which spared Yang Xi the feeling of being a "thief with a guilty conscience." Not only did he see his father’s eyes lingering on Yang Yuhuan’s fair, soft skin, but he also clearly saw his father’s Adam’s apple bob—a sight that left him momentarily speechless.

It seemed that Yang Yuhuan’s power to attract men was truly extraordinary. It had managed to make Yang Guozhong, a man who had seen countless women and was well-versed in the ways of the world, reveal such a lustful look, and it had even shaken the instincts of a "battle-hardened" special forces soldier like himself.

"A disaster for the nation and the people," was the thought that suddenly crossed Yang Xi’s mind.

Describing Yang Yuhuan as a national disaster was, in fact, quite fitting. Although historical records suggest she did nothing overtly destructive herself, it was her very presence that caused Li Longji to lose interest in governance. Her existence led to her distant relative, Yang Guozhong, gaining immense power, and by a twist of fate, it paved the way for An Lushan’s rise, eventually culminating in the An Lushan Rebellion.

"A beautiful woman is a curse." While women are often forced into such roles by the actions of men, and history shows these events were indeed instigated by men, it was undeniable that without these women, many historical tragedies might never have unfolded.

Yet, Yang Xi also believed that Yang Yuhuan was "fundamentally" innocent; the disasters of history should not be laid solely at her feet.

However, he could not deny that she possessed immense charm. Her words could heavily influence the decisions of the most powerful man in the Tang Empire, and her influence stemmed entirely from her beauty. Yang Xi was certain that in her youth, she must have been even more stunning; otherwise, Li Longji would never have snatched her away from his own son.

During Yang Xi’s brief contemplation, Yang Guozhong had already composed himself. Assuming a posture of solemnity, he began to explain to Yang Yuhuan the reason for their visit.

"Your Highness, Silang has made great contributions at Tong Pass. Not only did he hold back the rebels' siege, but after they retreated, he reinforced our defenses, initiated intensive training to improve the combat effectiveness of the garrison, and developed several weapons of astonishing power. Yet, when the Crown Prince visited Tong Pass for inspection, he ignored all of Silang’s contributions, repeatedly rebuked him, and even threatened to report his 'misconduct' to His Majesty. Both the Minister and Silang are terrified that the Emperor might fly into a rage, so we have come to seek your audience before the Emperor hears these accusations. We hope you might put in a good word for us," Yang Guozhong said, putting on a pitiful, trembling act. "The Emperor has always listened to your advice. I hope you can speak on our behalf so that he does not blame us."

"Is that so?" Yang Yuhuan asked, slightly surprised. Because she had been unwell, Yang Guozhong had not visited her, and the Emperor had mentioned nothing to her. She was unaware of the Crown Prince’s inspection or the minor "conflict" between him and Yang Xi. Naturally, she was shocked.

Though she did not wish to meddle in court affairs, she was committed to protecting the interests of the Yang family. She would not allow anyone to target them, and whenever someone did, she would always speak to the Emperor. She rarely refused such requests from Yang Guozhong.

Hearing her response, Yang Guozhong was elated. Relieved, he added, "Yes, Your Highness. The Crown Prince is currently speaking with His Majesty about this very matter. I am deeply anxious."

Upon hearing this, Yang Yuhuan’s elegant brows furrowed. After a moment of thought, she turned to Yang Xi and asked softly, "Silang, tell your aunt exactly what happened after the Crown Prince arrived at Tong Pass. Give me the details."

Knowing that their meeting involved sensitive matters, Yang Yuhuan had already dismissed her attendants, leaving only her most trusted maid. Even so, she remained cautious about potential eavesdroppers and ordered her confidante, Xiaoyu, to wait outside and prevent anyone from approaching.

"Yes, Your Highness!" Yang Xi replied, preparing to begin his account.

But just as he started to speak, Xiaoyu rushed back in, bowed, and reported, "Your Highness, the Emperor has sent a messenger with an imperial decree summoning Minister Yang to discuss affairs immediately!"

The news that Li Longji had sent for Yang Guozhong caught them all off guard. Yang Guozhong quickly rose, bowed to Yang Yuhuan, and said, "Your Highness, the Emperor has summoned me; I dare not delay. Let Silang stay here to keep you company."

Once Yang Yuhuan gave her consent, Yang Guozhong instructed Yang Xi, "Xi’er, tell your aunt everything about Tong Pass in detail. I am off to see the Emperor."

Yang Xi rose and replied respectfully, "Do not worry, Father. I will explain everything to Her Highness and ask for her guidance. Please, go ahead."

Without another word, Yang Guozhong bowed once more to Yang Yuhuan and strode out of the room.