Jing Ye rode Obsidian, followed by a group of accompanying cavalry, and rode leisurely all the way to the forest.

Obsidian shook its mane, expressing dissatisfaction at the slow pace.

Jing Ye reached out and stroked the top of its head, listened for a while, and then asked the attendant, “Zhen seems to hear the sound of water?”

You c an fi nd t he la te st cha pte rs at ( th e bl mu se . c o m )

The attendant lowered his head and said: “Reporting to Your Majesty, there is a deep pool in the northwest of this forest, not far from here. The sound of the water should be the sound of spring water pouring into the pool from the stone wall.”

Jing Ye nodded and said with a smile, “Go and have a look.”

The attendant said: “Yes.” Then he turned back and made a gesture, and the cavalry reined in their horses one after another and headed towards the source of the sound of water.

Jing Ye let go of the reins and let Obsidian trot for a while, and the group exited the woods.

Jing Ye raised his head and saw a boulder that was as tall as a hundred people. Thousands of holes of different sizes were drilled into the stone surface. Spring water gushed out from the holes and then poured into the deep pool, creating a circle of waves and ripples.

Under the bright sun, the clear spring water was bright, the water beads were transparent, and the depth of the pool was a deep green. It was truly beautiful indeed.

“This is truly a good place.” Jing Ye raised his head and said with a smile, “If anyone wants to live in seclusion and escape from the world, this is the best dwelling.”

The cavalry leader smiled and said: “This is Your Majesty’s hunting ground. If someone were to live in seclusion here, who knows whether or not they want to pretend to be a hermit and win Your Majesty’s favor.”

Jing Ye laughed and urged his horse forward to look around the pool. He would occasionally stop and chat with the cavalry behind him.

The breeze blew.

The mounted guard following the group sniffed and asked his colleagues: “Did you smell anything?”

The colleague smiled and said: “What do you smell…” Suddenly he frowned, and put his right hand on the hilt of the sword at his waist alertly, “I smell it, this scent is…”

The two looked at each other, and one of them urged his horse to cross the group, stopped in front of Jing Ye and raised his cupped hands: “Your Majesty, something is wrong! Your Majesty, please let this subject and the others escort Your Majesty back!”

Jing Ye stopped his horse.

The commander next to him sniffed carefully, and his expression also changed slightly. He held the hilt of his sword and said in a deep voice: “It’s too late, spread out to surround His Majesty.”

The cavalry did as they were told.

As the group slowly dispersed, the low roars of animals could be heard faintly in the woods.

The next second. Dozens of wolves half the height of a grown man jumped out of the woods like swords and rushed toward the humans in front of them.

Jing Ye’s eyes flashed. The wolves came with great force. Before the cavalry could react, they pounced and bit the thighs of their mounts. In an instant, many horses knelt down in pain, and the cavalrymen on them also fell off.

In an instant, paradise became hell. The wolves opened their blood-red eyes and pounced on the horses and cavalry, causing blood and bits of flesh to fly.

A wild wolf sneaked through the crowd to bite Obsidian, but was kicked over by the black horse. Jing Ye, who was sitting on the horse, lost his balance and fell down.

Obsidian shrieked and lowered his head to rub Jing Ye’s forehead.

Jing Ye stretched out his hand to caress it, and with the other hand he picked up the sword in the hand of the cavalryman who fell on the side, and slashed hard at the wild wolf that rushed towards him. The wild wolf was pierced in the left eye, and roared in pain, glowering as it pounced again. 

Jing Ye took a step back, his hands shaking.

Fear.

The wild wolf opened its mouth, and the smell was unpleasant.

Jing Ye’s pupils dilated sharply, and suddenly there was the sound of horse hoofbeats in his ears, and someone rushed over on his horse with his sword drawn.

The sword light flashed by, and the wild wolf fell to the ground with its throat cut, its blood moistening the ground.

The newcomer killed several wild wolves around him, dismounted, knelt down on one knee and said to Jing Ye, “Please forgive this subject for being late and allowing Your Majesty to be disturbed.”

“…”

“Your Majesty?” Li Tingqiu waited for a long time without a response before raising his head.

Jing Ye stood there in a daze, the blood on the sword in his hand condensed into blood beads and slowly slid down, dripping on the ground.

Li Tingqiu stood up and said, “Is Your Majesty injured?”

Jing Ye remained silent, with a dazed look on his face.

Li Tingqiu looked at him quietly for a while, stepped forward, gently held Jing Ye’s right hand holding the sword, and said: “Your Majesty…?”

The soldiers and guards who came to imperial rescue were all surrounding and killing the wolves not far away. No one saw the hands of the general and the emperor folded together.

The warm fingers stayed for a long time, and Jing Ye slowly came back to his senses. He pulled back his hand and said, “It is thanks to qing… for coming in time.”

Li Tingqiu pursed his lips.

After the soldiers and guards killed the wild wolves, they each helped up their injured colleagues and waited for the order.

Jing Ye said: “Have a group of people take the injured to the medical camp, and the rest will follow zhen out of the forest.”

“Yes!”

Jing Ye mounted his horse, followed by Li Tingqiu, and the mounted guards were divided into two groups.

The whole journey was silent.

When they were about to exit the forest, Jing Ye stopped his horse and said, “Li Qing.” He turned his head, “Are there any irregularities in zhen‘s appearance?”

Li Tingqiu looked at him and said, “No.”

“Is there a look of embarrassment on zhen‘s face?”

“No.”

Jing Ye looked back at him, smiled for a moment, turned around and urged his horse: “Let’s go back to camp.”

When Jing Ye returned to the imperial tent, Ye Mao came up to him and said, “Your Majesty, are you back so early?”

“Zhen came across something that ruined the fun.” Jing Ye lowered his head and entered the tent.

Lu Baizang was leaning on the bedside, flipping through a novel at random, while stroking Lu Huihui’s fur with one hand. He looked up at him when he heard the sound.

Jing Ye smiled at him.

Lu Baizang frowned, threw Piggy Lu away and came over to touch Jing Ye’s cheek, feeling a thin layer of cold sweat.

Lu Baizang said: “What did you meet? Are you scared?”

“Is zhen someone who can easily be scared?” Jing Ye laughed. “It’s a rare sunny day, so zhen is a little sweaty.”

Lu Baizang frowned and looked at him.

Jing Ye said: “Zhen is hungry.”

Lu Baizang held his shoulders and leaned forward to touch his forehead: “Your forehead is also cold.”

Jing Ye thought for a while and said, “Zhen wants to eat yam herbal juice with ham and fresh bamboo shoot soup.”

Lu Baizang said: “There are no fresh bamboo shoots at this time. I’ll make you some mutton soup to warm you up.”

Jing Ye nodded and said, “Okay.”

Lu Baizang said: “I won’t go to Zhengzhou tonight. I will stay with you for the night.”

Now it was Jing Ye’s turn to frown: “This is what you promised me.”

The two looked at each other for a while, and Lu Baizang said with a sigh, “Fine, Liu’er and Ke’er are looking forward to my coming, how can I not go?”

Jing Ye kicked him, and while laughing, he retracted his slightly trembling left hand into his sleeve.

As night fell, the palace servants spread out long carpets on the grass, set up bamboo mats for wine tables, and brought all kinds of fruits, wine, and food to prepare everything for the upcoming feast.

The sunset gradually sank into the night. When the hour came, the aristocrats and nobles walked into the prepared area with their well-dressed women and their sons and nephews who had participated in hunting on the hunting grounds in the morning, and sat down while greeting each other.

Jing Ye was wearing a black imperial robe, with dragons and clouds embroidered on the front, sun and moon embroidered on the shoulders, cuffs with azure piping, and dragon patterns surging above.

The eunuch on the side flicked his whisk and said loudly: “His Majesty has arrived—”

Everyone stood up, the officials’ sons bent over and saluted, and the female family members bent their knees in curtsy and said in unison: “Paying respects to Your Majesty.”

Jing Ye quickly walked up to the head seat, raised one hand in gesture, and said: “Rise.”

Everyone returned to their seats as instructed.

According to etiquette, the first goblet of wine at the banquet must be drunk by the emperor. Jing Ye picked up the wine on the table, and Lin Xiaosheng, who was standing beside him, tilted his head slightly and said, “This wine is very strong, you don’t need to drink too much, simply taste it lightly.”

Jing Ye nodded and took a sip. The wine burned down his throat, making his brain feel dizzy.

He didn’t dare to drink anymore. Just as he was about to put the wine down, someone at the table stood up and said, “Your Majesty, please drink all of this cup.”

Lin Xiaosheng frowned, Jing Ye narrowed his eyes and said, “Why?”

The other said loudly: “The state wine is an extraordinary wine, and a monarch must drink it all!”

Jing Ye almost dropped the cup. Are you kidding me? When my cheap dad was alive, he didn’t even bother to come to the autumn hunting. So he wasn’t an emperor anymore?

He glanced at Zhao Mingde and his family sitting on the left, and then glanced at the officials at their tables.

Everyone knew in their hearts that Lord Zhao wanted to make the emperor look bad, so no one dared to stand up and refute. The only one who could object was Prime Minister Qin, who never came to watch the hunt because of his old age.

There was only one choice now, which was to drink the whole cup of wine obediently.

He could only endure it.

Jing Ye held up the wine cup expressionlessly, the rim of the cup touched his lips, and the spicy smell of wine hit his nostrils.

“Lord Sun, what you said is wrong.” A familiar voice sounded. The man standing in the corner was dressed in dark official uniform. His posture was straight and his features were like jade. His expression was as cold as Jing Ye had ever seen before. “The peace of the country lies in the wise ruler and minister, how can a cup of wine replace that? Moreover, His Majesty is not a military commander, if strong alcohol damages the imperial body…”

“This subject would never dare to have such an intention!” Sun Qi interrupted Feng Ling loudly and said, “His Majesty has the body of a true dragon. How can a mere cup of wine hurt it? Please consider the state and the country, and drink all of it!”

Feng Ling clenched his fists and just as he was about to refute, he heard Jing Ye chuckle and say: “That’s fine. Feng Qing is devoted to zhen, and zhen knows in my heart. Lord Sun’s words are also not unreasonable.” He raised his wine cup, “Zhen will drink this cup in front of all the ministers and wish the country peace and freedom from disaster.”

There was silence during the banquet. Everyone watched the little emperor standing in front of the wine table with a calm expression, raising his head and drinking all the wine in the wine cup without leaving a drop.

The cup fell to the ground with a muffled sound.

Jing Ye felt his vision become blurry and his internal organs were on fire. He staggered and was about to fall down. Fortunately, a pair of hands supported his waist.

Lin Xiaosheng whispered in his ear: “Your Majesty.”

Jing Ye opened his eyes and tried his best to clear his vision, then straightened up and said, “Qing… begin the banquet.”

All the ministers said in unison: “Thanking Your Majesty.” But no one moved their chopsticks.

Zhao Mingde smiled and took the lead in picking up dishes for Madam Xu next to him, and said, “Wife, try some. How do the palace chefs compare to those in our manor?”

Madam Xu laughed and said, “Husband, is kidding. How can our cooks compare to His Majesty’s palace chefs?”

Everyone watched Zhao Mingde’s family taste the food, and then they followed after. Gradually the banquet hall became noisy.

Jing Ye sat motionless, Lin Xiaosheng called the palace maid to bring tea, leaned forward and held his hand: “Your Majesty?”

You c an fi nd t he la te st cha pte rs at ( th e bl mu se . c o m )

Jing Ye came back to his senses and looked at him.

Lin Xiaosheng said: “Your Majesty is tired, let’s go back to the camp and rest.”

Jing Ye shook his head with a smile, tried his best to suppress his discomfort, and said softly: “To be inferior in numbers but not in formation. Besides, zhen hasn’t lost yet.”

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On the first day of autumn hunting, Jing Ye took a wheeled carriage to the paddock on the outskirts of the capital, got off the vehicle and moved in at the imperial camp. The autumn hunting officially started at dawn the next day.

In the imperial camp, Jing Ye ordered the maids to retreat outside the tent.

Ye Mao came over to undress him. Seeing his pale face, he worriedly said: “It is no trouble to call the imperial doctors over…”

You c an fi nd t he la te st cha pte rs at ( th e bl mu se . c o m )

“It’s nothing.” Jing Ye waited for him to untie the jade belt around his waist, then sighed and sat down at the table. Just those few wheels, even if they are inlaid with gold and jade, it couldn’t hide the fact that when they roll, they could make people vomit from motion sickness.

Speaking of vomiting, Jing Ye’s throat rolled and he felt like vomiting again.

Ye Mao hurriedly supported his back and said: “Your Majesty, please rest for now. This servant will go find the imperial doctor right away.”

As he was about to leave the tent, he saw the tent curtain lifted and Lin Xiaosheng walked in with a wooden tray and said, “No need.”

Ye Mao said anxiously: “But His Majesty…”

Lin Xiaosheng put the wooden tray on the table and said: “The imperial doctor will only come to prescribe some medicine to soothe the nerves and nourish the stomach. It is unpleasant to drink and painful, so it’s fine not to take it.”

When Jing Ye heard this, he raised his head and said, “What Lin Qing said is correct.”

What’s correct, you just don’t want to take medicine, right?!

Ye Mao had no choice but to stand aside.

Lin Xiaosheng said: “Your Majesty, please drink some water.” As he said this, he brought a cup of water on the tray to Jing Ye.

Jing Ye took it and took a sip, saying, “It’s warm.”

“Cold water is harmful to the body.” Lin Xiaosheng took a sterling silver carved peony spoon and swirled it in a small bowl. “This is fu ling cream, which is good for the spleen and stomach.” (TN: a wood-decay fungus)

Jing Ye took it and took a sip.

Lin Xiaosheng said: “Lu Baizang has urgent matters and won’t be able to come over until tomorrow.”

Jing Ye nodded: “…”

Lin Xiaosheng: “…” 

The room fell silent.

Eating, washing, and sleeping were all spent in silence. Jing Ye felt embarrassed at first, but seeing Lin Xiaosheng’s every move calm and composed, he gradually became at ease.

The maids packed up their changes of clothes and left. Ye Mao bent down with his whisk and said, “Tonight Lin Gongzi will accompany Your Majesty. This servant and the rest shall withdraw.”

Jing Ye said: “Go ahead.”

Ye Mao and the palace maids extinguished all the big lights in the tent, leaving only a few floor lamps, and then exited the tent.

Jing Ye was leaning on the bed in his inner robe, pondering on tomorrow’s hunt. Lin Xiaosheng came out after washing up from behind the screen, looked at several lamps placed on the ground, and said, “Your Majesty can’t sleep?”

Jing Ye came back to his senses, paused and said, “A little bit, even though zhen is clearly very tired. Perhaps the tent is too bright, so turn off all the lights except for one.”

Lin Xiaosheng complied, and then the room darkened, only the light in his hand reflecting on his face, appearing dim and gentle, diluting his usual aloof indifference.

Jing Ye said, “Leave that one and move it to the bedside so it will be easier to get up at night when needed.”

Lin Xiaosheng came to the bed with the lamp, placed the lamp on the small table beside the bed, took off his shoes and sat on the bed.

Jing Ye moved over, and the two slept side by side, saying nothing for the night.

Before dawn the next day, Ye Mao called to wake him up outside the tent. Jing Ye opened his eyes in confusion and found that he was hugging someone’s waist.

At first he thought it was Gu Hong, so he shamelessly moved his head over and rubbed against the other, mumbling a bunch of words that he didn’t even understand.

But as he rubbed against the other, he suddenly realized, damn, this feeling was wrong!

Jing Ye propped himself up and looked over. Lin Xiaosheng was sitting on the bedside, holding a thick volume in his hand and flipping through it. There was also a pair of glasses on the bridge of his nose.

If it weren’t for his long hair that hung down to his waist, Jing Ye would have thought he was back in his previous life.

Jing Ye: 〒▽〒.

Lin Xiaosheng lowered his head and the two looked at each other. Jing Ye swallowed, let go of his hands, sat up and said, “Zhen didn’t do anything, right?”

Lin Xiaosheng: “It’s nothing, Your Majesty was simply hugging this subject and not letting go.”

Jing Ye breathed a sigh of relief.

Lin Xiaosheng: “And touching this subject’s waist.”

Jing Ye: “…”

Lin Xiaosheng: “And rubbing against this subject’s chest.”

Jing Ye: “…”

“And in the middle of the night…” Lin Xiaosheng stretched out his hand to caress the corners of his mouth, and that pair of phoenix eyes flashed behind the clear crystal glasses, “Something hard pressed against this subject.”

Jing Ye: “…!”

Thunder and lightning struck.

The sky was still dark.

Jing Ye had the palace servants finish serving him in washing up, and Ye Mao put on his padded armor for him, tied his hair and put on a crown. He then walked out of the tent.

Thousands of soldiers on horseback were waiting outside the imperial camp.

Jing Ye walked through the rows of soldiers in armor and walked up to the tall and handsome young man. He stretched out his right hand and spread his palm upward.

Li Tingqiu knelt down on one knee and handed the riding whip in his hand to Jing Ye.

When Jing Ye took the whip rope the two of them touched palms. Li Tingqiu stood up, held Jing Ye’s hand, and helped him mount his horse.

After Jing Ye sat firmly on the horse, Li Tingqiu turned over and mounted the other horse, saying loudly: “Begin!”

The sound of armor clashing sounded in the distance. More than a thousand iron-armored soldiers surrounded the emperor on horseback and headed towards the hunting grounds in the distance.

When Jing Ye came to the hunting grounds, he could see the soldiers in armor in the distance, surrounding the open space that could accommodate tens of thousands of people.

Waiting in front of the soldiers on horseback were the children of various aristocratic and official families as well as the martial arts students who had performed well in the martial arts examination. After the emperor shot the first arrow, this was their hunting ground.

Jing Ye squeezed the bow in his hand. The weight was not bad, but… may the heavens bless him, that it could fly farther.

The wind blew and everything was silent.

The east sky became slightly bright.

The etiquette official on the side bowed and said: “Your Majesty, the time has come.”

“Hmm.” Jing Ye raised his hand, took the arrow, and pulled the bow.

He then let go.

The arrow tied with a fiery red feather “swooshed” through the air and stuck on the ground not far away.

The eunuch in charge of ceremonies in the audience struck the gong and said in a high voice: “The ceremony is completed—”

The soldiers tightened their reins and began to move.

The army made openings from the southeast and northwest, and countless animals waiting to be hunted were driven into the hunting ground. Smoke and dust billowed, and the animals clamored and the horse neighed.

Above the hunting ground, Jing Ye watched, when suddenly he seemed to sense something. When he turned around, he saw Li Tingqiu looking at him quietly.

Their eyes met.

The latter turned his face away in embarrassment, a thin layer of red appearing on his jade-like face, but it quickly subsided.

After the hunting ceremony was over, Jing Ye went down and mounted his horse. He ordered dozens of people to follow him and left the hunting ground.

The mount was a docile white horse. Jing Ye reached out to comb its hair. The white horse gently lowered its head and rubbed his sleeve.

The horsekeeper smiled on the side and said, “Your Majesty, the name of this horse is Bright Night. It was born from the famous horse Moon Walk given to the late Emperor by the Lord of Pingyue City when the late Emperor was alive.”

Jing Ye thought of Obsidian, which was also a good horse with extraordinary intelligence. It was a pity that back in Zhengzhou he was too busy fleeing for his life and forgot it at Luyi Tower.

Back at the imperial camp, the guarding soldiers all retreated. Ye Mao came up to him outside the tent and said, “Your Majesty, Lu Gongzi is here.”

Jing Ye was surprised.

Ye Mao stepped forward and lifted the curtain. Jing Ye lowered his head and walked in. He saw a round white fat bun on the small table lying on a red coral plate.

Lu Baizang leaned lazily on the couch, poking and poking with his slender jade finger, making the bun roll.

Jing Ye said: “Come back so soon?”

Lu Baizang sat up, smiled so hard that his eyes squinted and said, “Why, Your Majesty, don’t you want to see this subject?”

Jing Ye stood by the table, and Ye Mao came up to remove his armor. Lu Baizang touched his chin and admired: “How handsome.”

Jing Ye said to Ye Mao: “Help me look at my ribs. I feel a little pain.”

Lu Baizang said: “What’s wrong?” After saying that, he got off the couch to take a look.

Ye Mao helped Jing Ye take off his armor. Lu Baizang motioned for him to step back, then he came over and hugged Jing Ye, saying, “Where does it hurt?”

“A little below.” Jing Ye moved his arms, “Ai… it’s right here.”

Lu Baizang held his hand up to one of his ribs and pressed hard, and Jing Ye hissed.

Lu Baizang let go, picked him up in his arms the next moment, and carried him to the bed, “Let me take a closer look.”

Jing Ye kicked him and said, “It’s not my legs that hurt!”

Lu Baizang held his wrist, kissed his cheek, and said, “Alright, husband, let this concubine take a look. This concubine is so distressed at your pain.”

Jing Ye didn’t know whether to laugh or cry.

Lu Baizang reached out to untie his belt and peeled off the layers of clothes. As he was peeling off, he thought of some obscene things. He grinned and leaned into Jing Ye’s ear and said: “My dear Majesty, let’s do something so that it won’t hurt.”

Jing Ye wanted to punch him, but his hands were held by him and he could only bite him on the lip. Lu Baizang cried out in pain and covered his mouth.

Jing Ye said: “What are you covering it for? A touch of red on your lips looks best.”

Lu Baizang let go and said, “Really?”

His bite was not in the right place. He had bitten the corner of his mouth and red blood flowed from it, which looked quite tragic.

Jing Ye couldn’t help laughing and said, “Yeah, it’s very charming.”

Lu Baizang looked at him and said, “I know you’re laughing at me. my good Majesty, please let me kiss you.”

The final sound of the word “you” was drawn out high and long, successfully awakening all the goosebumps on Jing Ye’s body.

Jing Ye said: “Get out.”

Lu Baizang said pitifully: “Your Majesty…”

His hand reached into Jing Ye’s clothes and gently stroked the bruises on Jing Ye’s ribs.

Jing Ye looked at him, the two looked at each other, and then their lips touched each other for a long kiss.

Lips parted, Lu Baizang rubbed Jing Ye’s cheek and said with a smile, “I’m going to get some medicine to treat the bruises.”

Jing Ye had a large bruise on his ribs, which was all caused by the iron armor. This body was really too pampered.

After rubbing the medicinal oil, Jing Ye lay on the bed and said to Lu Baizang: “Sleep for a while, wake me up when lunch comes.”

Lu Baizang said: “En, okay.”

Jing Ye closed his eyes and fell asleep quickly. Lu Baizang sat on the edge of the bed and looked at his long eyelashes and full yet thin lips.

A slight breeze blew by, blowing the tassels hanging from the top of the bed.

“Your Majesty, this subject has only one lifetime, and I will be entrusting it to you for the rest of it.”

The man said softly.

Lu Baizang had gone to Zhengzhou, and when he came back, he brought Obsidian with him.

Jing Ye went to the stable to look at Obsidian. It was standing in front of the trough chewing hay with the white horse Bright Night. After Bright Night chewed and finished eating, it pushed its own share over and rubbed the other horse’s ears as if to please.

Bright Night also nuzzled it, and Obsidian’s tail twitched, swaying more and more happily.

Jing Ye walked over, and Obsidian looked up at him.

Jing Ye said: “Obsidian, Bright Night is a stallion.”

Mr. Obsidian’s horse face flicked and snorted with disdain.

Jing Ye laughed, stretched out his hand to touch its mane, and said, “Come on, let’s take you out for a ride.”

You c an fi nd t he la te st cha pte rs at ( th e bl mu se . c o m )

Ye Mao on the side said hurriedly: “Your Majesty, do you want to go hunting in the forest?”

“En, let’s go and have a look.”

Ye Mao bent down and said, “Your Majesty, please wait for a moment. This servant will go and call General Li to accompany you.”

Jing Ye smiled and said: “Zhen will take the attendants with me first, just ask him to follow after.”

“Yes.”

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Feng Ling had not entered the palace for a long time. More than a month had passed, and he seemed to have lost a lot of weight, whether it was Jing Ye’s imagination or not.

His posture was still as tall and straight as a pine or a cypress, but the bitterness between his brows seemed to have deepened further.

Jing Ye stepped into the front hall, the crisp ringing of the tiny bell tied at his waist waking up the person standing silently in the hall. The young man spread his sleeves and said in salute: “Paying respects to Your Majesty.”

You c an fi nd t he la te st cha pte rs at ( th e bl mu se . c o m )

Jing Ye said: “Rise.” He was about to step forward to lift him up, but Feng Ling took a step back and barely avoided it.

When this happened, even Feng Ling himself was startled.

Jing Ye’s hands paused in the air for a moment, then he took them back and said, “Qing looks a little tired.”

Feng Ling smiled: “What this subject does every day is just some idle duties such as compiling literature and history. How can this subject be tired?”

Jing Ye fell silent, Feng Ling lowered his head and said nothing, and the two just stood facing each other. A gust of cold wind blew in from outside the window, causing Jing Ye to sneeze loudly. Feng Ling hurriedly looked up at him, only to see Jing Ye frowning and staring at him, then Jing Ye stepped forward and grabbed his hand.

Jing Ye was originally physically weak and had been away from the heat for too long, so his hands were quite cold. Feng Ling was startled by the coldness emitting from his body and subconsciously clenched their hands.

Feng Ling said: “Your Majesty…”

Jing Ye smiled and said, “Qing, this is the second time you take the initiative to hold zhen‘s hand.”

Feng Ling wanted to let go, but Jing Ye held on tighter.

The cold wind outside the window blew in again, Jing Ye sniffed, and Ye Mao poked his head out of the door and said: “Your Majesty, please come in and close the window…”

“Didn’t zhen tell you to wait outside?” Jing Ye glared at him. Only then did Ye Mao see their overlapping sleeves. He hurriedly retracted his head and slammed the door shut. “It’s too cold. This servant had better go find a heavier cloak for Your Majesty!”

Ye Mao closed the door tightly, exhaled, took two steps to calm down, then slipped back and put his ear against the crack of the door.

Jing Ye in the hall said: “You have been avoiding zhen.”

Feng Ling said: “There is a difference between monarch and minister.”

Jing Ye said: “You have never said that before.”

Feng Ling said: “This subject was too foolish before.”

“Feng Qing,” Jing Ye said, “You took the initiative to come over and hold zhen‘s hand that day.”

“This subject was rude…”

“When you held zhen,” Jing Ye stared at him, “Zhen was very happy.”

Feng Ling raised his head and looked at him, his fingers trembling slightly.

Jing Ye said: “Zhen knows that although you are gentle mannered, you are never incapable of being decisive.”

Feng Ling looked at Jing Ye, and there seemed to be ripples of water in his eyes. For a moment, Jing Ye thought he would say what he wanted to hear.

However, Feng Ling just used his hands to break free from Jing Ye’s restraints, took a step back, spread his sleeves and knelt down, “This subject asks Your Majesty to punish me for all the rudeness this subject has committed against Your Majesty in the past.”

Jing Ye looked down at his long hair falling down his back: “You came to see zhen just to apologize?”

“Yes.”

Jing Ye said softly: “Tell zhen clearly, are you angry with zhen… for being close to Gu Hong and the others?”

“This subject doesn’t dare.”

Jing Ye looked at Feng Ling. Even though this man was kneeling on the ground, his back was as straight as a pine tree.

He knew that he had made a decision, and it had nothing to do with Gu Hong, Lu Baizang, and Jing Ye himself. The reason was clear.

There was a difference between monarch and minister.

Jing Ye lowered his hand and said, “Qing may leave.” After saying that, he walked out the door without waiting for him to get up.

The door was pushed open with a creak, and Ye Mao stood on the steps, carefully looking at Jing Ye who was silent.

It was completely dark when Feng Ling left the palace. He was walking alone in a trance in the night market where the sounds of hawking of wares continued. People came and went around him and the laughter and cheer seemed to be covered with a layer of fog in his eyes, isolating himself from the crowd.

He didn’t know how long he had been walking, but someone tapped him on the back of his shoulder: “Qing Sheng?”

Feng Ling turned around, and it was his friend who grew up with him since they were children, looking at him with surprise.

The two of them found a restaurant and sat down.

Yang Ziran asked the waiter to bring a bottle of rice wine. Feng Ling sat at the table and placed the navy blue porcelain bottle in his sleeve on the table.

Yang Ziran saw the vial and said, “Isn’t this the heart-repairing pill made by the old madam? What are you doing with this?”

Feng Ling lowered his eyes and said, “It was originally meant to be given away.”

Yang Ziran smiled and said: “How many people in the capital want to ask for even a single pill, yet you are generous and give such a big bottle.”

Feng Ling remained silent.

Yang Ziran said with a smile: “Why, they don’t appreciate your kindness? Whose daughter is so capable that our little Feng Lang is so hurt that he can’t even walk properly.” (TN: similar to gongzi, lang is also used to refer to a young man)

Feng Ling frowned and said, “No.”

“It’s not a lady?” Yang Ziran was shocked, “Could it be a courtesan in the Ruyi Pavilion?”

Feng Ling raised his head, and Yang Ziran shut up tactfully.

Jing Ye sat in front of the heater, holding the memorial in his hand, and remained in the same position for a long time without moving.

Lu Baizang came over with the heated shredded bamboo shoot soup and said, “Come and drink some to warm yourself up.”

Jing Ye: “…Oh.”

Lu Baizang took a spoonful and held it to his mouth. Jing Ye lowered his eyes, hiding what he was thinking.

Lu Baizang put the bowl on the table heavily and said, “What’s so good about him!”

Jing Ye said: “He is good to me.”

Lu Baizang said: “Am I not good to you? I can also cook!”

Jing Ye turned his head, saw Lu Baizang’s furious face, smiled and said, “Yes, yes, yes.”

He picked up the bowl and drank a few sips, smacked his lips, scooped up a spoonful and fed it to Lu Baizang: “Thank you for your hard work. This is to reward you.”

Lu Baizang looked very angry, but he still drank the soup fed to him.

After Jing Ye finished drinking a bowl of hot soup, his body gradually warmed up and his eyes became misty. Lu Baizang’s heart moved when he saw it. He scooted over to hug him and said, “Here it is not as warm as the bed. It’s getting late. Let’s go to bed.”

Jing Ye flipped through a pile of folded memorials beside him and said, “There are quite a few that zhen hasn’t read yet. Wait a little later.”

Lu Baizang stroked his waist and complained: “But I want to sleep.”

Jing Ye said: “If you want to sleep, you go to bed first.”

Lu Baizang said: “I want to be with you.”

Jing Ye pushed his cuddling face away and said, “Don’t be annoying, Gu Hong is still in Qingyu Pavilion, we’ll talk about it when he comes back.”

Lu Baizang angrily rubbed his waist vigorously, opened his mouth and bit his ear and said, “Do you just want to be with him?”

Jing Ye had been rubbed and touched by these two fellows on the bed in the past few days, making some places very sensitive. His ears turned red when the other rubbed him like this, so he simply turned his head and kissed them.

Lu Baizang couldn’t help being happy and hurriedly pressed closer to him. Their lips and tongues intertwined and lingered for a long time. Lu Baizang licked his shiny moistened lips. Both their eyes revealed a passionate heat, becoming more and more aroused.

Jing Ye pinched his chin and said, “Zhen wants to be on top.”

Lu Baizang said with a wicked smile: “This subject is afraid you won’t be able to bear it.”

Jing Ye said: “Then you’d better get out of my sight.”

Lu Baizang felt aggrieved: “Your Majesty…”

Jing Ye said: “If you touch me again, you can forget about that third leg of yours working. Believe it or not.”

Lu Baizang’s hand shook, and his fingers reluctantly ran across Jing Ye’s buttocks before he pulled away and rolled aside to read his novel.

Jing Ye picked up the memorial written by Feng Ling, sighed, and put it aside gently.

It was already very late when Gu Hong returned to the palace. Jing Ye vaguely felt something pressing close to him. He subconsciously reached to hug the other with both hands but the man held his wrist gently and said, “Don’t. This subject is very cold.”

Jing Ye slowly opened his eyes. Gu Hong, dressed in a snow-white inner robe, was sitting on the side of the bed. He stroked his temples and said, “Your Majesty, please go to sleep first. This subject will come in after warming up.”

Jing Ye turned over and lay face up. Lu Baizang’s hand around his waist tightened, his breathing even.

“Have all the arrangements been made for the autumn hunting?”

“Still a bit left.” Gu Hong said, “By then there will be many things that this subject will have to take care of personally, and this subject won’t be able to stay with Your Majesty all the time.”

“Hmm.”

“Your Majesty, you are tired. Please go to sleep.”

He leaned over and kissed Jing Ye on the forehead. His dark hair fell down like curtains and touched Jing Ye’s face, the texture cool and soft.

Jing Ye turned his head, facing him with the back of his head, and said, “Go to bed early.” The hand under the brocade quilt groped and stretched out to hold Gu Hong’s gradually warming palm.

The imperial was undoubtedly a grand event among the royalty and nobles. The children of aristocratic families show off their riding skills during the day and attend banquets at night. They not only had the opportunity to gain favor from the emperor, but also please their elders and gain the admiration of the ladies in the stands. Killing three birds with one stone.

In the Ping’an Palace.

Jing Ye hissed, and Ye Mao said hurriedly: “Your Majesty, are you injured…? Get out of the way.” The little palace maid let go and stepped back. Ye Mao put the whisk in his arm and buckled Jing Ye’s belt himself.

Jing Ye frowned and said, “It’s looser on the ribs.”

Ye Mao said: “Your Majesty has lost a lot of weight.”

Jing Ye smiled and said, “Really?”

“That’s right.” Ye Mao tidied his clothes, “otherwise the belt wouldn’t have hurt you. Your Majesty, you should read less memorials at night and go to bed early. Lu Gongzi makes soup and cooks every day for you, but Your Majesty doesn’t seem to be gaining any weight. “

Jing Ye laughed and said, “Don’t forget there is a little glutton.”

“That’s true.” Ye Mao smiled, “The young prince loves to eat, and he is also growing quickly.”

Ye Mao neatly arranged the padded armor. Jing Ye moved his arms and legs, and said with a smile: “Zhen will work hard for a few more years, finish what needs to be done, select a group of honest and hard-working ministers, and let Yun’er be a worry-free little crown prince.”

He turned around and saw himself in military uniform in the bronze mirror. Unfortunately, his skin was too pale and he lacked the heroic and vigorous appearance that a warrior should have.

“It’s good, take it off now.”

“Ai.”

Gu Hong sat next to the small table and read the scrolls. He held Jing Ye’s hand in one hand and looked up when he heard a sound from the other.

Jing Ye sat up from his noon nap on the couch drowsily, rubbed his eyes and said, “What time is it? Ye Mao didn’t call zhen, and must be punished.”

“This subject asked him not to wake Your Majesty.” Gu Hong said, “Your Majesty must be diligent in your duties as well as take good care of your health.”

Jing Ye said: “…Fine.”

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Gu Hong continued: “During the autumn hunting days, this subject will be unable to accompany Your Majesty. How about letting Xiao Sheng accompany Your Majesty instead?”

Jing Ye thought for a while and said, “Perhaps he won’t want to.”

Gu Hong smiled and said, “It is our blessing to serve the son of heaven.”

“…” Jing Ye twitched his lips and said, “It’s up to you.”

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Jing Ye nodded, looked at the sky outside the window, and said, “It’s getting late, qing may go back to your palace and rest.”

Gu Hong said: “Your Majesty, are you driving this subject away?”

Jing Ye’s forehead twitched: “The words driving away are not very accurate.”

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Jing Xiao Yun, who was playing with a little doll on the side, suddenly threw himself on Gu Hong and shouted, “Sufu, hug.”

Jing Ye was furious when he heard this: “Why does my nephew call you uncle?” (TN: susu/sufu=lisping pronunciation of shushu/shufu which means uncle)

Gu Hong smiled and picked up the little guy and said, “This subject is Your Majesty’s husband. It is not inaccurate for the prince to call me uncle.”

Jing Ye said angrily: “Who is your husband? Yun’er, come here.”

Jing Xiao Yun turned to look at him, hesitated for a moment, then decisively turned around and hugged Gu Hong and said, “Sufu, don’t leave!”

Jing Ye: “…” He finally understood Lin Hangyu’s state of mind back then.

Jing Xiao Yun’s chubby paws were grabbing at Gu Hong’s robes, and his tender voice was babbling: “Sufu can’t leave, Sufu sleeps with Susu.” The pronunciation of the word “sleep” was surprisingly accurate.

Jing Ye: “…”

He glared at Gu Hong: “Did you teach him that?”

Gu Hong innocently said: “When a child speaks, of course he speaks from his heart.”

“You obviously taught him that!” Lu Baizang walked in carrying the steamed sugar cakes he made for Jing Xiao Yun, placed the food box in front of the little guy, and leaned over to coax him: “Yun’er, be good, let your Uncle Gu go, have some tasty cakes.”

Jing Xiao Yun’s eyes widened when he saw the box of cakes. After struggling a few times, he still wanted his Sufu.

Lu Baizang said: “Be good, if your Uncle Gu comes to sleep, we won’t be able to have a place to sleep.”

Jing Xiao Yun pointed to the bed and said, “Big bed, sleep.” Meaning the bed was big enough to sleep on.

Lu Baizang was so vexed he could faint. Jing Xiao Yun retracted his chubby paws to pick up the food box and said with tears in his eyes: “Lu Susu, cake.”

Lu Baizang looked at him for three seconds, then resignedly opened the food box and took out the cakes.

Jing Xiao Yun cheered, Gu Hong picked up the porcelain spoon and scooped a little to feed him, and he immediately leaned over to eat it.

Jing Ye leaned on the side with his face expressionless, clearly still unable to wake up from the cruel reality that his precious nephew actually recognized the thief as his father. Jing Xiao Yun nuzzled over and said, “Susu also eat.”

Jing Ye looked at his big doe-like eyes, his heart softened, and he sat up and took a bite from the spoon Gu Hong held, then rubbed the little guy’s head.

The next morning, three figures could be seen together on the dragon bed, and upon closer look, Jing Ye’s dark under eye circles had also become more and more serious.

Gu Hong sat up with his arms around him, kissed him until he couldn’t keep his eyes open, and said with a low chuckle: “Your Majesty, it’s time to get up.”

Jing Ye closed his eyes and said in a hoarse voice, “Take your hand away from zhen…”

Gu Hong smiled: “That hand belongs to Lu Baizang.”

Jing Ye didn’t even look as he kicked backwards, and the next second there was a “thump” behind him. Villa Master Lu got up angrily from the floor, muttered a few words under his breath, climbed onto the bed again and continued clinging onto Jing Ye’s waist.

Jing Ye turned over and said, “What time is it?”

Gu Hong said: “Your Majesty has forgotten, today is a rest day.”

“En…” Jing Ye closed his eyes for a while, then opened them and said, “Let’s go see those Wuhuan people.”

The person who led the Wuhuan people into the receiving hall was a portly man with a kind smile. It was said that he was the uncle of King Wuhuan and could speak Chinese. After meeting Jing Ye, he kept praising him in a weird accent for how wise and powerful he was, and finally ordered someone to carry over a statue covered with red cloth and said: “My king specially ordered us to present the crystal statue carved overnight by dozens of craftsmen from the clan to show the king’s respect for Your Majesty.”

As he spoke, he peeled off the red cloth, revealing a crystal stone statue as tall as a person, brilliant and exquisite.

Jing Ye took a few glances and said, “It’s indeed rare. But if zhen is to exchange tens of thousands of weapons and horses, wouldn’t it be too much of a loss?”

The portly man said: “In addition to it, Your Majesty can also have the peace of the border and the loyalty of the entire Wuhuan tribe.”

“Oh…” Jing Ye nodded and smiled, “Zhen is very pleased that King Wuhuan is so sincere.”

The portly man laughed happily.

Jing Ye blinked: “But zhen still feels that this matter is related to diplomatic relations and cannot be done carelessly. The ambassador may sit down first. Let us put down pen and paper and discuss it slowly.”

Portly man: “…”

And so began the most cruel and inhumane fleecing in the portly man’s life.

The whole negotiation process could be described by the chubby flesh on his face, which became stiff at first, then wrinkled, trembling, and finally twisted.

Jing Ye sipped his tea, picked a piece of cake and put it into his mouth. He found that it was far lacking than Lu Baizang’s, so he swallowed it with disgust and said, “What do you think, Ambassador?”

“…”

Jing Ye smiled gently: “It’s fine if you can’t make up your mind at this time. The ambassador may think about it slowly.”

The portly man stood up tremblingly with his subordinates. When he went out the hall, he stumbled. Fortunately, the attendants around him supported him in time.

When Jing Ye returned to Ping’an Palace, Gu Hong was holding Jing Xiao Yun and looking at the flowers and birds carved on the carved printing block. Lu Baizang was lying on the couch with a copy of Lingxuan’s “The Story of Zhao Feiyan” covered over his face.

Gu Hong turned around and said, “It has finished?”

“That’s it for today.” Jing Ye couldn’t help but laugh, “You should have seen the ambassador’s face. It’s so funny.”

The two of them had just exchanged a few words when the little eunuch from outside came in and said, “Your Majesty, there is someone outside the palace carrying a jade tablet asking to see Your Majesty.”

Jing Ye understood: “Let him in.” After saying that, he sat next to Gu Hong and looked at the printing block.

Gu Hong asked: “Who is it?”

“A Wuhuan man.” Jing Ye reached out to Jing Xiao Yun and took him into his arms, “The Wuhuan clan is good at carving and polishing crystals?”

“Most people in the northern pass are good at this skill.” Gu Hong lifted the teacup to Jing Ye’s lips and let him take a sip. “There should be a crystal sculpture of Floating Clouds and Stepping on the Moon in the palace treasury now. It was presented to the Emperor Mingtian by the Dayue Clan back then as a birthday gift.”

Jing Ye nodded and smiled at him: “This thing might be a solution to Lin Xiaosheng’s eyes.”

Gu Hong was startled, then thought for a while and said, “The medical books say that crystal is cold and non-toxic, and can help improve eyesight, treat red eyes, and remove heat and swelling. Does Your Majesty want to see this effect?”

Jing Ye blinked playfully at him: “You’ll know after trying it.”

Jing Ye felt tired after negotiating with the Wuhuan people all morning, so he walked over and kicked Lu Baizang away, before laying down on the couch to take a nap. The latter rubbed his eyes, threw the book on his face aside, then scooted over to hug him, and the two fell asleep with their limbs entangled.

The incense floated under the window, and the soft gauze was like a dream. Gu Hong’s gentle whispers, the young child’s tender baby talk, and the warm body temperature of the person beside him made the current scene seem like a dream.

In mid-September, autumn began and the weather turned cooler.

The Wuhuan people struggled for more than half a month, and finally agreed to all requests after Jing Ye made a small step back, and returned to the north vomiting blood. Before leaving, they left behind a pair of master and apprentice, both of whom were good crystal carvers in the clan.

Jing Ye asked these two people to take the polished lenses to Lin Xiaosheng’s Yiyuan Palace and make the first pair of glasses in this dynasty.

A few days later, Jing Ye was returning back to the palace after morning assembly. The palace was quiet and looking behind the screen, he saw Jing Xiao Yun sitting on the couch obediently, holding the little tiger that Gu Hong had made for him, and looking up from time to time.

Lin Xiaosheng was sitting opposite the little guy. His face was expressionless, his eyebrows were like distant mountains, with phoenix eyes and long eyelashes, appearing handsome and pale.

If Gu Hong was like the slowly flowing spring water, then he was like the deep and bottomless cold pool.

The big one and the little one were staring at each other silently.

Jing Ye: “…”

The two of them looked over at his entrance. Lin Xiaosheng stood up and saluted, “Paying respects to Your Majesty.” Jing Xiao Yun put aside the tiger puppet and asked for a hug.

“Have a seat.” Jing Ye picked up the little guy, “Yun’er, call him Uncle Lin.”

Jing Xiao Yun twisted his chubby paws: “Lin, Lin Sufu…” The pronunciation was magically accurate.

Lin Xiaosheng did not respond.

Jing Ye said, “Qing doesn’t like children?”

“Please excuse this subject for being rude.”

Jing Ye rubbed the tender face of the little guy in his arms and found that he was looking at Lin Xiaosheng eagerly. Clearly wanting to get close to the other because he was good-looking.

“…” Jing Ye wanted to punch the wall. Was it really okay to be so lusty at less than two years old?

Lin Xiaosheng said: “This subject came to thank Your Majesty for the gift the day before yesterday. The craftsman said that the crystal mirror was conceived by Your Majesty.” After saying this, he paused and slowly spoke again, “Ghis subject thanks Your Majesty… for thinking of me.”

Jing Ye smiled and said, “It’s nothing, barely a lift of the finger.” He lifted Jing Xiao Yun and put him in his arms, “Zhen’s arms are sore. If qing really wants to repay zhen, qing might as well give him a hug.”

Lin Xiaosheng: “…”

Jing Xiao Yun bit his thumb as he sat in Lin Xiaosheng’s lap. Jing Ye smiled and said, “Yun’er, come, give your Uncle Lin a kiss.”

Lin Xiaosheng: “!!!”

Jing Xiaoyun: “Smooch.”

Lin Xiaosheng: “…”

As soon as the autumn harvest was over, it was time for the autumn hunting, and the palace maids began to be busy preparing luggage and hunting equipment. Jing Ye was physically weak and afraid of the cold. He sat around in front of the burning vessels all day long and read the memorials. At night, he had to pit his wits with two certain fellows. He was exhausted both mentally and physically.

Lu Baizang came over with fresh ginseng and bamboo shreds that had just been boiled and said, “Your Majesty, it’s time to drink the soup.”

Jing Ye said: “Get out.”

Lu Baizang said: “Okay, okay, I’ll get out and you’ll drink the soup.”

Jing Ye coughed twice and said, “Zhen sleeping alone is better than any soup!”

Lu Baizang pulled his collar tighter  for him in distress: “How can you sleep alone? That big bed is so cold, but with me there I can still hold you to keep warm.”

Jing Ye glared at him: “Then just lie down and let zhen hold you!”

“That’s not good…” Lu Baizang looked at him aggrievedly, “This subject is already holding back with much difficulty.”

Jing Xiao Yun sat on the side, biting his thumb and watching his Susu and Lu Susu flirting.

En, Lu Susu said this was called flirting, although sometimes he was beaten so badly by Susu.

The little eunuch came in and said, “Your Majesty, Lord Feng requests an audience.”

Feng Ling?

Jing Ye was startled, put down the spoon and stood up, saying, “Tell him to wait in the front hall, and zhen will come.”

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Lu Baizang watched him walking quickly outside the hall with an aggrieved face, and Ye Mao quickly followed.

Lu Baizang turned around, picked up Jing Xiao Yun and said, “Look, honey, Susu has left us to find his little lover again. Our life is really miserable…” 

Jing Xiao Yun bit his thumb and nodded: “…Oh.”

What was a little lover?

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Gu Hong had dinner in Ping’an Palace before leaving. Jing Ye also felt tired, so he took Jing Xiao Yun to the side hall to put him to sleep, and then changed his clothes and got ready for bed.

As soon as he took off his belt, a little eunuch ran in and said, “Your Majesty, Lu Gongzi requests an audience.”

Jing Ye paused and said, “Didn’t he return to his palace?”

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The little eunuch bent down and said, “Lu Gongzi also brought a large roll of bedding…”

“What?!” Jing Ye had an ominous premonition and had the palace maid to fasten his belt again before quickly walking to the front hall.

There he saw Villa Master Lu leaning on a chair in the hall, holding a cup of hot tea in his hand and sipping from it leisurely, with a big bundle at his feet.

Jing Ye glared: “Lu Baizang, what do you want to do?”

The latter slowly sat up straight, pretending to be sad as he said: “Your Majesty! This subjrct has nowhere to go, please let me stay for the night!”

Jing Ye: “…”

He took a deep breath: “It’s so late. Instead of staying in your own palace, why are you here?”

Lu Baizang blinked: “This subject’s bed is broken and there is no place to sleep.”

Jing Ye: “Broken?”

Lu Baizang nodded: “Yes.”

“How is it broken?”

“En…it was smashed.”

“Smashed?” Jing Ye’s eyes twitched, “Who smashed it?”

“I don’t know, maybe a meteor.”

“…”

Jing Ye wanted to have this guy thrown out, but no one could win against him. After a stalemate for a while, Jing Ye was too sleepy so he had Ye Mao take him to live in any side room. Lu Baizang got his way and so did not quibble further on the details. He came over, hugged Jing Ye and kissed him a few times, then left with a smile on his face.

As a result, in the middle of the night.

When Jing Ye was half awake, half asleep. He felt something warm next to him, so he rolled over and rubbed against it.

That warm object moved, it breathed out hot breath and then bit Jing Ye’s lips. Its soft tongue penetrated and rubbed around, making Jing Ye’s breathing become uneven during the kiss.

“Your Majesty…”

“You…”

“Ow!” Villa Master Lu covered his lower half and fell on the bed, tears streaming down his face.

Jing Ye sat up, closed his shirt and sneered: “Zhen knew you didn’t have good intentions.”

Lu Baizang threw himself over and hugged his narrow waist: “Your Majesty! Chen qie is sincere!” (TN: term used by the emperor’s wives and concubines)

So sincere about a f**k?

Jing Ye narrowed his eyes and lifted his chin: “Lie down and let me do it, and I will let you.”

“This…” Lu Baizang’s eyes looked around and said, “Your Majesty, this subject is afraid you can’t…”

To hell with you! Jing Ye was furious and kicked him, but Lu Baizang dodged it, so he stretched out his hand and pinched the soft flesh of his waist: “What did you say?”

“Nothing, nothing…”

Lu Baizang hissed in pain as Jing Ye pinched him, but he didn’t dare to use his internal strength to resist. It was so painful.

The two of them were arguing for a long time, and finally Jing Ye said coldly: “Get out.”

Lu Baizang touched the bruises on his waist and said pitifully: “This subject is injured and can’t walk.”

Jing Ye glared at him, and Lu Baizang scooted over to hug him and said, “Your Majesty, please sleep. This subject won’t bother you anymore.”

Jing Ye felt a little weird at his sudden change of mode, but he was really sleepy, so his struggles lessened and he fell asleep.

A while later.

“Where are you putting your hands?”

“This subject is just touching a bit.”

“Get out.”

“Just a touch…”

“Out!!!”

The next morning, Jing Ye got up with dark circles under his eyes. Lu Baizang was sleeping next to him, with his arms clinging around his waist. Jing Ye was so vexed that he stood up and stepped on him hard before getting out of bed and calling Ye Mao into the palace to serve him.

Jing Ye held out his arms and let the palace maids dress him. Lu Baizang sat on the edge of the bed and said with a smile: “Your Majesty is so handsome.”

Jing Ye turned slightly and let the palace maid adjust his collar for him.

The one who came to hold the crown was a newly sent little palace maid from the Ministry of Internal Affairs. She was only as tall as Jing Ye’s ear, so she had to stand on tiptoes when putting the crown on him. Jing Ye saw that it was difficult for her to stretch her hands, so he tilted his head to let her put it on easier.

The palace maid looked up and saw Jing Ye’s long eyebrows and phoenix eyes. She couldn’t help but blush and said softly: “Thank you, Your Majesty.”

Jing Ye: “En.”

Just as the palace maid was distracted, someone took away the crown in her hand. Lu Baizang put it on carefully for Jing Ye, looked him over, smiled and tilted his head, kissing his thin lips.

“Has this subject served you well?”

Jing Ye patted his cheek, and then pinched him hard: “My beloved consort, be obedient, wait until zhen has finished my official duties before loving you again.”

Lu Baizang grimaced at the painful pinch. He reached out his hands to touch his waist and hips and said, “This subject will be waiting for Your Majesty.”

The palace maids all blushed and lowered their heads. 

Truly, the more shameless the more invincible. Jing Ye poked his red cheek and turned around to go out for breakfast.

*

Li Tingqiu’s talks of marriage ended with the parties concerned all being vague and evasive and the matchmaker confused. According to rumors, the young lady Dou fell ill immediately after hearing the bad news that the marriage was rejected.

After this incident, the ministers became more convinced that “those who come out of the harem were the emperor’s people.” No longer did anyone introduce young ladies to Li Tingqiu.

Capital City, Ruyi Pavilion.

The mama smiled and welcomed the scholar up to the second floor. He opened the door to the private room and went in. There a handsome man with a slender body was lying on the couch. Next to him sat two gentle and charming beauties, holding wine cups and serving him wine. (TN: middle-aged woman who runs a brothel, bar etc)

The scholar leaned over and cupped his hands, “Mr. Wen.”

Wen Xueyi waved his hand and said, “You flatter me.”

The two girls looked at each other, and one of them came down from the couch, curtsied to the scholar, and said softly: “Gongzi, please have a seat.”

The scholar smiled and nodded, and went to sit across from the man.

He was wearing a washed-out blue tunic. Although it was clean, it still had an aura of poverty. The girl poured wine for him, and looked at her sister serving the richly dressed man, with a bit of envy in her eyes.

The scholar was such a perceptive person. He raised his hand and refused the wine served by the girl and said with a smile: “I prefer to drink and pour myself.”

Seeing this scene, Wen Xueyi casually took a small ingot of broken silver and threw it in front of the courtesan, saying: “Since you like other people’s luxurious clothes, buy two for yourself then. There is no need to wait on us.”

The girl was stunned for a moment, then looked embarrassed and retreated awkwardly.

The other girl was secretly feeling lucky, but heard Wen Xueyi lazily say: “Still not leaving?”

After all the courtesans had left, Wen Xueyi stood up and poured wine for the scholar: “I did not call these people to humiliate you, please take this drink as an apology.”

The scholar smiled and said: “It’s nothing. You came here at the invitation of Qingyu Pavilion. From now on, you can also be regarded as my colleague.”

“Hmm.” Wen Xueyi turned his head and thought for a moment, “I heard rumors that the little emperor is so terrifying, but seeing him with my own eyes in Pingyue City, he really didn’t match up to the rumors.”

The scholar said: “Seeing is believing.”

Wen Xueyi smiled and said, “Han Fang, looks more like a white rabbit.”

“Ah-choo!” Jing Ye sneezed hard.

Gu Hong looked at him: “What’s wrong, Your Majesty?”

“It’s nothing.”

Jing Ye touched his nose. He only found out after returning to the palace that the scholar who ran the noodle stall in Pingyue City and that Mr. Wen were also under Gu Hong. He truly didn’t know how he got these people working for him.

Gu Hong said: “The court’s redress seems to have nothing to do with jianghu. But there are still many people involved secretly. In order to avoid the enemy being in the dark while we are out in the open, it is best to let those jianghu people fight against jianghu people. Besides, Wen Xueyi this time came and brought a group of Wuhuan people with him.”

Jing Ye said: “From the north?”

Gu Hong said: “Yes. Dayue is the most powerful in the northern pass, but there are also rising powers. Wuhuan is the largest tribe besides Dayue. The newly ascended King of Wuhuan is an ambitious man. Zhao Mingde has won over Dayue and this new king of Wuhuan, after coming to the throne, wrote a letter to surrender to Your Majesty.”

Jing Ye took the document he handed over and opened it to look at it carefully.

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Gu Hong said: “In this way, Prime Minister Gu and the Gu family are leading troops to suppress Xirong, while Wuhuan and Dayue are engaged in conflict in the north, and Xu Ming in the northwest has secretly sent a letter to profess his loyalty. Your Majesty can concentrate on dealing with the Zhao family.”

Jing Ye asked: “Wen Xueyi and the Wuhuan people…”

Gu Hong replied: “His mother is the Princess of Wuhuan, and he and the current King of Wuhuan are cousins.”

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Northwest, Tianyu. General Zhenbei Manor.

The servant bowed and smiled ingratiatingly: “Gu Gongzi, please come this way.”

Gu Yun followed him to a small courtyard, where the sycamore trees were blooming, which reminded him of the man playing the qin under the flowers that night.

Qi Lan.

You c an fi nd t he la te st cha pte rs at ( th e bl mu se . c o m )

The servant stepped forward, knocked on the door and said, “Master, Gu Gongzi is here.”

“Please come in.”

Gu Yun entered the room, and the servant motioned him to go to the right. Xu Ming sat at the desk behind the partition and said with a smile, “Nephew has stayed in the manor for more than a month, are you used to it?” (TN: no blood relation, term used by elders to refer to a younger generation, just like ‘brother’ and ‘uncle’ can be used to call a total stranger)

Gu Yun cupped his hands in greeting and said, “Thanks to the attentiveness of the manor, everything is fine.”

The servant had already left and closed the door.

Xu Ming picked up the envelope on the table and waved it: “Nephew, we generals don’t bother with those fancy words. This letter is enough to express my position.”

Gu Yun looked up and Xu Ming pressed the letter on the table and pushed it towards him. He picked it up and opened it. It was a letter written by Xu Ming’s sister, Madam Xu, the wife of Zhao Mingde.

Most of the letter contained greetings to Xu Ming and his wife and children at home. As well as hoping that Xu Ming would leave from Tianyu in two months and bring his wife and children to the capital to reunite with family after such a long separation.

Two months. Gu Yun flicked the paper, as expected, they had become anxious.

He folded the letter, put it back into the envelope, and said with a smile: “The general is sincere, and what Chi Qing has seen in the manor over the past several days proves it.” (TN: courtesy name)

Xu Ming laughed loudly: “Good, good, I’m not good at those fancy words used by the literati. It’s good if the one above can trust me. Nephew, you might as well stay a few more days and discuss with the guests under my employee…”

Gu Yun smiled: “Chi Qing must ask you to forgive me. Due to important matters to attend to I cannot stay any longer. I shall visit you again next time when I have the opportunity.”

“En, good, good.”

“Before leaving, Chi Qing has one more thing to ask of the general.”

“Please speak freely, nephew.”

“There is a son of the Qi family staying in your manor’s Hongqin House.” Gu Yun looked at Xu Ming, who nodded to express his understanding. “The Gu family and the Qi family used to have a good relationship. Chi Qing hopes to take Qi Gongzi to the southwest to be taken care of by the Gu family.”

Xu Ming touched his chin and thought for a while, then said: “Fine. The way the child’s state is now is because I have failed to teach my son well. I taught Xu Huang that little bastard a lesson already.”

Gu Yun: “…” Little bastard?

Gu Yun suppressed his laughter and saluted again: “Thank you, general.”

…

Jing Ye went to court as usual today, but something new happened.

“What did qing say?” Jing Ye sat up straight, “Don’t be nervous, simply speak slowly.”

The Minister of the Ministry of Revenue, who was nearly fifty years old, wiped the sweat from his forehead and said: “This subject sincerely requests Your Majesty to grant a marriage to my daughter…”

Jing Ye raised his eyebrows: “Oh… among all the young talents from this dynasty, I wonder which young man qing has set your sights on?” 

“This subject would like to propose a marriage to General Li, Lieutenant Commander of the Yulin Guards, for my daughter Jin Xiu.”

General Li? Li Tingqiu?

Jing Ye was completely energized. He leaned forward and asked him, “General Li also has this intention?”

The Minister of the Ministry of Revenue paused. From Jing Ye’s perspective, only his gauze official hat could be seen: “It would be a supreme honor to be granted a marriage blessing from Your Majesty.”

Jing Ye narrowed his eyes, this meant… Li Tingqiu had agreed?

Jing Ye thought of how he had returned to the capital inexplicably, could it be to marry the daughter of the Minister of the Ministry of Revenue. Little rascal, he hid it well.

Jing Ye thought for a while. The Minister of the Ministry of Revenue kept wiping his sweat below the throne, and his hands began to shake.

“Although it is a trivial matter,” Jing Ye said, “but as the common saying goes: ‘It would be better to demolish ten temples than to destroy one marriage.’ If zhen confers this marriage blessing, zhen must ask the two families involved. As long as General Li agrees, zhen will immediately issue a decree to grant the marriage, what do you think, ai qing?”

The Minister of the Ministry of Revenue hurriedly knelt down and thanked him: “Thanking Your Majesty!”

Jing Ye smiled: “No need.”

Jing Ye went to the training grounds where the Yulin Guards trained martial arts again. Looking down from the palace wall, dozens of young men in black and red attire could be seen standing on both sides in pairs, sparring.

Li Tingqiu stood at the head of the team, sparring with his deputy, teaching his subordinates the key to wielding a spear.

Jing Ye looked at him carefully. He didn’t even notice it when he wore ordinary robes in the palace. But now that he was dressed in tight uniform, his thin but powerful muscles were very obvious. The hard leather armor on his body also emphasized his long legs and broad shoulders. He was a handsome general who was unsmiling and decisive in his actions.

Jing Ye couldn’t help but pinch his own soft belly and cursed, why was it that he still didn’t gain any muscles after a period of suffering outside the palace?!

This time no one noticed that the emperor was standing on the wall.

After the training, Li Tingqiu put the weapon back on the shelf, nodded in response to the greetings of the Yulin guards, and walked out alone.

He obviously had something on his mind, and he didn’t even see Jing Ye standing under the shade of a tree with a large group of palace attendants.

Jing Ye looked at him for a while, then smiled and said, “General Li.”

Li Tingqiu suddenly came back to his senses, turned around and saw Jing Ye. He immediately knelt down on one knee and said, “Paying respects to Your Majesty.”

“Rise.” Jing Ye stepped forward and raised his hand. Li Tingqiu looked up at him and slowly stood up.

Jing Ye invited him to walk beside him.

The two were silent for a while, before Jing Ye spoke first: “Zhen is here to be a matchmaker today.”

Li Tingqiu was startled.

“Lord Dou, the Minister of the Ministry of Revenue, has an honest and upright character. Although he is a bit pedantic, the daughter he raises must be virtuous, gentle, and good in talent and beauty.” Jing Ye said slowly, “You can be considered… an old acquaintance of zhen. If you really want to start a family, zhen will be happy to bless you.”

Li Tingqiu’s expression changed at the phrase “old acquaintance”, and then he lowered his head, his throat bobbing.

“Your Majesty, would you like this subject to take a wife?”

Jing Ye was embarrassed: “This…”

Li Tingqiu suddenly stopped and turned to look at Jing Ye: “If Your Majesty is willing, then I will marry.”

Jing Ye: “…”

Li Tingqiu looked at him for a while, then bowed and clasped his fists: “It’s getting late, please forgive this subject for leaving first.” After saying that, he took two respectful steps back and turned around.

“Ting Qiu.” Jing Ye called him from behind. Li Tingqiu turned around and glanced at him.

Jing Ye thought about it for a moment and said: “General Li, zhen has done some things in the past that have damaged your reputation and your future, but ever since zhen asked Gu Hong to send you out of the capital, zhen has regarded you as my official. The past is over, you don’t have to worry anymore.”

He looked at Li Tingqiu, but could not decipher his expression: “If you are still not at ease, zhen promises you that zhen will never let the daughter of the Dou family follow in the footsteps of Lord Zhao’s eldest daughter again.”

Li Tingqiu raised his head and looked at him. Jing Ye took a step forward, but he stepped back, cupped his fists and said, “please forgive this subject for leaving first.”

“You…”

Jing Ye watched him walk away. Ye Mao said carefully: “Your Majesty…”

Jing Ye was silent, pinched his round face, turned around and strode to Ping’an Palace: “Zhen is hungry. Let us go back to the palace for dinner. Are there still any remaining snacks that Lu Baizang brought over at noon?”

“Your Majesty hadn’t mentioned it earlier, but by now it should have all entered the prince’s belly.”

“That little glutton.”

After returning to Ping’an Palace, the maid in charge came over to curtsy and said, “Your Majesty is back. Gu Gongzi is waiting for Your Majesty in the bedroom.”

Jing Ye entered the hall and saw Gu Hong holding Jing Xiao Yun in one hand and writing something on a scroll with the other. The little fellow huddled in Gu Hong’s arms obediently, holding a colorful and beautiful toy tiger in his hand.

Jing Ye felt a little jealous for no reason, so he reached out and said, “Yun’er.”

“Susu!” Jing Xiao Yun turned around and saw Jing Ye, and immediately raised his chubby paws, struggling to get into Jing Ye’s arms. Gu Hong raised his head, let go and let Jing Ye pick him up.

“Your Majesty came back early today.”

“En.” Jing Ye leaned his cheek close to the little guy and let Jing Xiao Yun rub half of his face with wet kisses, “You are here alone, where is Lu Baizang?”

“Went back to his palace.”

“Oh.” Jing Ye picked up the toy tiger that Jing Xiao Yun threw aside, looked at it, and said with a smile, “Where did this come from? It’s very unique.”

“This subject made it.”

Jing Ye: “!!!”

Jing Ye was shocked: “You also know how to sew?”

Gu Hong said with a smile: “When this subject was young, my mother often ordered my younger sister to do needlework. She would cry anxiously when she couldn’t finish the work, so us brothers would each do a little bit to help her get by.”

Jing Ye couldn’t help but smile and said, “Spoiling her that much.”

“The youngest child and only girl in the family.” Gu Hong said, “We can’t help but spoil her.”

Jing Ye nodded: “How could an older brother not spoil his younger siblings?” He said, rubbing Jing Xiao Yun’s head, “This little guy could also be said to have been raised by his older brother.”

Gu Hong said: “Your Majesty wants to take this child under your name and pass the throne over in the future?”

Jing Ye paused: “Yes.”

“Your Majesty doesn’t plan to have children?”

Jing Ye didn’t answer, but in his heart he answered, don’t joke, I’m very much gay. Could it be you can give birth to one for me instead?

Jing Ye was silent for a while before asking him: “Do you know that the Minister of the Ministry of Revenue wants to propose a marriage to the Li family?”

“This subject knows.” Gu Hong replied with a smile, “This subject also knows that Your Majesty promised to grant the marriage.”

Jing Ye said: “If General Li is interested, it would be a good deed. But when zhen asked him today, what he said was quite vague.”

Gu Hong looked at him and said, “Your Majesty truly wants Ting Qiu to marry?”

“Ah.”

“Does Your Majesty know that Ting Qiu was born into a declining noble family. With his talent, it was unfair to be ranked only third on the imperial exam. He came to the capital to take the imperial exam and utilize his talents to serve the country, but he was kept in the palace for three years by Your Majesty.”

Jing Ye lowered his head: “Zhen has failed him.”

Gu Hong smiled and said, “This subject is not saying that Your Majesty has failed anyone. This subject just wants to say that after serving Your Majesty in the palace for three years, he will never forget Your Majesty again in this life.”

Jing Ye froze: “What?”

Gu Hong smiled and said nothing, only holding Jing Ye’s hand.

You c an fi nd t he la te st cha pte rs at ( th e bl mu se . c o m )

Jing Ye twitched his fingers and pulled his hand back: “Gu Qing, only one person on the pillow next to mine is enough for zhen.”

“Your Majesty reigns over this empire. If Your Majesty only entrusts your back to one person, don’t you think it would be that person’s burden?”

Jing Ye raised his head and looked up. Gu Hong looked back at him with a smile.

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