Summary

Excessive face powder, striking bright color robes and such an annoying attitude?! Why the hell don't you just die?! Why must you robbed my soul into your body?!

Mo Xiu Ying was transmigrated into a body of an annoying concubine that was despised by everyone after he was hit by a van in the process of saving a girl.

Emperor Wifey… Don't run away

Li Xiuying Didn't you say I'm annoying and ugly?! Then stay away!

Emperor But you no longer wear that 10inches powder

Li Xiuying …..

Emperor Wifey.. Your hubby is turn on. Take responsibility.

Li Xiuying I just untie my hair! which part it makes you turn on?

Chapter 1 - Love At First Sight

Empire Wu is a beautiful country. The late emperor and his eldest prince fought in a war a few years back, with the neighboring countries and they finally achieved their peacefulness after almost 20 years living in restlessness.

That is why people really love and respect the eldest prince, who is now their emperor, Wu Zhang Wei.

Wu Zhang Wei ascended the throne after his imperial father died due to some illness. Under the rule of Wu Zhang Wei, no other countries dared to mess up or cause any riots.

Wu Zhang Wei is well-known for his extremely good-looking and unbeatable strength. Even though he is emotionless, many women and gers are dying to get his attention and desiring to be his bed warmer.

This includes the youngest son of the Prime Minister. Prime Minister Li, Li Shizen, has three children. The first son is an intelligent scholar. He was already married to his childhood love, who came from one of the noble families in the country.

The second child is a girl. She is also already married to the son of a minister. That guy came along with his father to the wedding of Li Shizen's son and there they met and fell in love with each other at the first sight.

The last one is Li Xiu Ying, a ger. The ger usually has a feminine figure, but without a big chest and a hole in the front side.

A ger can get pregnant just like a woman, however, the pregnancy rate is the same as a woman in his 40s, which is extremely low but not impossible.

Due to his gender, Li Xiu Ying is spoiled by his parents, to the point that he insists everything he wants must be fulfilled. Li Xiu Ying was born with a silver spoon. He got lots of servants to entertain his needs that even if he lost hands and legs he still can live leisurely.

Li Xiu Ying likes to attract attention. He likes to wear striking color robes and a face full of makeup. Whenever he walks around the market in the city, people will turn to look at him...in disgust.

Bright red lips, face too white like he's going to perform an opera, greenish-yellow robes, and a bit excessive hairpins. With such a look, Li Xiu Ying thinks he's the most beautiful ger, even more than a girl.

People didn't dare to say anything in front of him because they know his father is an important figure in the palace, but as soon as he walked past them, they started gossiping.

"I pity the Prime Minister Li and his wife for having such a retard son. They're a good person, how can they have a son like this?"

"True but they should be blamed too for spoiling and doting too much on that ger. That boy never thinks about his parents' reputation."

"Hmm... His brother and sister grew up well with a good manner and smart but when it comes to the last child... haih.."

Two guys sitting in a restaurant can't help but talk about it when they saw Li Xiu Ying but things are being viewed differently by women.

"Gosh! Why would he walk with a chin pointing to the sky like that?! Does he think he got the beauty to be proud of?! Pei!"

"I think my servants are prettier than him."

A group of girls laughed out loud. They tried to make Li Xiu Ying notice them and make him feel angry and ashamed but the latter is too focused on the accessories sold in the market.

"I didn't get why he'd go out wearing something like that? Didn't he have servants that could help him dress up?" One of the girls said.

"Maybe his servants also got the same taste as him." They laugh again.

Another girl speaks up, "Maybe the servants can't say no to him as we all know everything must be going according to his way."

"Yeah. We can't say they pick up useless servants because his sister is looking fine. Even Madam Feng is in her late 40s but she still looks like in her early 30s." All of them nods, agreeing. They then walk away when Li Xiu Ying is no longer in their sight.

Li Xiu Ying walked around the market with his two bodyguards and a servant named Jing Yi.

Jing Yi always follows Xiu Ying wherever he goes. He's the only one who never complains about whatever Xiu Ying did. That's because Xiu Ying is his savior.

A few years ago, during a lantern festival, Xiu Ying walked around the city at night with his bodyguards. Suddenly, when he walked past a brothel, a guy was thrown to the ground. That guy is Jing Yi.

Jing Yi was sold to a brothel by his stepfather because of a huge amount of debt. However, Jing Yi refused to serve any customer and even dared to throw the glass when one of the customers started to grope him.

Due to this, Xiu Ying bought Jing Yi from the brothel and made him his servant. Since then, Jing Yi stays loyal to Xiu Ying no matter what people say about his young master.

"Jing Yi! Look at this! It's a new kind of face powder. The seller said it can give some blush effect because they mixed with flower petals. Do you think His Majesty will like it if I wear it?" Xiu Ying asked excitedly.

"Yes, Young Master. No matter what you wear or use, His Majesty for sure will like it because Young Master is really beautiful." Jing Yi said with no pretense in his words.

"Of course he will! Don't you know no one can compete with me in terms of beauty?" Li Xiu Ying glances at Jing Yi and rolls his eyes.

Speaking of His Majesty, the emperor of the country. Just like his sister, Xiu Ying also fell in love at first sight during his brother's wedding but the other person is Wu Zhang Wei.

As it was an invitation from his most important minister, the emperor attended the wedding.

When Xiu Ying saw the emperor, he couldn't stop looking at him. He even tried to initiate a conversation with him through his father, but the emperor just gave him a slight glance.

Since that day, Xiu Ying has been dreaming of marrying the emperor. He kept asking his father to bring him to the palace so he could meet his beloved but was rejected.

Li Shizen and his wife, Madam Feng started to feel worried. They are afraid that Xiu Ying will force them to set a marriage between him and the emperor. And if his wish is not being fulfilled, he'll threaten them to run away from home, which he did once before.

Xiu Ying didn't mind if the emperor took him as a concubine at first. He is sure when they get to know each other, the emperor will truly fall in love with him and even make him the empress. When that happens, he'll ask his husband to dismiss the imperial harem. He doesn't want to share his husband with other ugly women. His husband needs to look at and love him only.

Every day Xiu Ying has been thinking about these things. And lately, he's kinda forcing his father to ask the emperor to ask him as a concubine. Prime Minister Li is having a hard time.

He's in a dilemma. He doesn't want to disappoint his son but at the same time, he didn't dare to bring up such a topic to the emperor, especially when his son is famous for his bad reputation.

[In the palace]

Li Shizen standing straight inside a room, confronting the emperor. His palm is wet and beads of sweat started to form on his forehead.

"Yes, Prime Minister Li, what is the important thing that you want to talk about? It sounds so confidential that you asked for a private meeting." Wu Zhang Wei didn't lift his head, reading a report.

"*cough* Hmm... Yo- your Majesty, have you thought about adding more concubine to your imperial harem?"

The emperor continues looking at the report without uttering any words. Wu Zhang Wei is not even mad but the tense still can make someone's hair stands.

Hearing no reply, Li Shizen quickly apologizes for his bluntness. "So- sorry for being blunt and disrespectful! This servant just cares about Your Majesty's well-being. This servant deserves a punishment." Prime Minister Li quickly kowtowed several times.

Wu Zhang Wei puts away the report and lifts his head. "Rise. Zhen said before that if we're alone, no need to be so formal. Just say straight to the point what do you want to say?"

"Your Majesty... Do you remember my youngest son?"

The emperor hums but the truth is he barely remembers the boy. He just knows that the prime minister got a weird-looking ger son. Name and face, he didn't remember at all.

"Truthfully speaking, my son is quite fond of Your Majesty. He wished...wished... to be your majesty's con- concubine." Li Shizen shuts his eyes tightly, waiting for a slam on the table or something to fly to his head.

But none of it happened.

The emperor stared at him intently without saying anything. After a few minutes, Wu Zhang Wei sighs.

"Prime Minister Li, you do know that even those that have been placed in the imperial harem, no one and not once, Zhen touched. Zhen merely made them a concubine just to shut those who insist on Zhen to have an heir. So, you still want Zhen to make your son my concubine?"

The old man stayed still, silently. As a father, he can't bear to see his son living an unhappy life. But if he doesn't agree, his son will run away from home!

"Truth, to be honest, Zhen will treat him the same as others. Meaning, Zhen won't come near him and won't touch him. Is that what you really want?" Wu Zhang Wei continues.

Li Shizen takes a deep breath and relieves a heavy sigh.

...

After a month of arrangement, Li Xiu Ying is now the concubine of the emperor, Wang Zhang Wei. Concubine means the lowest rank in the imperial harem, but still, Li Xiu Ying feels happy.

He knows, one day, for sure, the emperor will fall for his charms and beauty and he'll become the mother of this country.

[2019]

"Mom, Dad, I'm going to work first," Mo Xiu Ying kiss the pictures of his deceased parents.

Mo Xiu Ying, 24, is a resident in a hospital in the city. When he was 14, his mom died in a car accident. After that, his dad raised him single-handedly. Five years later, his dad followed his mom after he suffered from colon cancer, due to overwork.

Mo Xiu Ying felt devastated when he heard the news. There are several times he attempted to commit suicide but still, God won't take his life. Mo Xiu Ying's parents, his dad to be exact, left him quite a huge amount of money for him. After hearing about the money, his long-lost family on both sides suddenly shows up, acting like they care and worry about him.

Feeling disgusted with their behavior, Mo Xiu Ying slowly back on his foot. He decided to register in a martial art class after a kidnap attempted by his paternal aunts. He knows, sooner or later, his so-called family will try to do anything worse just to get his inheritance.

Besides, Mo Xiu Ying already planned ahead that if he died, all properties will be donated to an orphanage. It is much better than giving it to those greedy people.

Mo Xiu Ying rolled into university and took a medical course. It was his mom's wish to see him in the white long coat. Unfortunately, his mom didn't get a chance to witness it. Being surrounded by pests and fake people, Mo Xiu Ying is meticulous in choosing who he should be friends with.

During his college days, he only got one male friend and one female friend. And now they're working in the same hospital, except the girl that went abroad. Mo Xiu Ying is famous for his pretty face but no one dares to approach him. He is a calm and silent type, making it harder for people to talk to him.

Right now, Mo Xiu Ying is on the way to the hospital. He preferred to take the train than buy a car. 10 minutes walk to the train station and 15 minutes from the train station to the hospital. Save money, healthier body. Xiu Ying is waiting for the red light at the crossroads. He always lowers his head and stares at the ground.

Suddenly, he saw a ball rolling from his side to the middle of the road. The traffic light is still on red but there are no cars around. A little girl yanks her hand from her mother's grips and chases after her ball. Out of nowhere, a van sped up towards the little girl.

Trained to be sensitive and responsive towards his surroundings, Mo Xiu Ying runs after the girl, trying to save her.

But the van was too fast and Xiu Ying didn't have time to sweep the girl into his arms and carry her to the safe roadside.

Unable to think, Mo Xiu Ying pushes the girl hard, making her fall to the other side of the roadside.

Unfortunately, he replaced the girl and was hit by the van. All he can feel is crucial pain when his head hits the front side of the van.

'Before this, I've tried many ways to take my own life but God didn't allow it. But now, when I just started my journey, God won't let me enjoy it for a long time. Haih...farewell my glory youth.'

Then, everything went black.

...

"Ugh!"

Mo Xiu Ying regains his consciousness with a sharp pain in his head and a very weak body. He tried to pick himself up from the bed but he felt more pain as he started to move.

Mo Xiu Ying slowly tries to open his eyes. "Wh- what? Where the hell is this? Am I in heaven? Or maybe- hell?" He wakes up in a strange place. Lying on a wooden bed with a heavy silk quilt, a wooden ceramic table with a set of teacups in the middle of the room, and a dressing table with a lot of makeup on it.

The sounds of the door creaking make Mo Xiu Ying turn his head.

"Oh my! My lady! You're awake!" A young man with long loose hair run towards him, tears filling his eyes.

"My lady! I'm so worried. You've been sleeping for three days. I thought- oh well... It's good as long as you wake up. Master and madam really worried about you. They keep on asking me about you."

Mo Xiu Ying watched the young man babbling with his knitted brows.

'My lady?!'

'Sleeping for three days?!'

'Master and madam?!

'What the hell is going on here?!'

"My- my lady? Are you okay?"

"Who are you?" His question makes the young man gasp.

"My lady... You really don't know me?"

"If I know, I won't ask." Xiu Ying rolls his eyes.

Before the young man could introduce himself, another round of head-spinning hit him. Mo Xiu Ying pressed on his temple and winced. "My lady?! Wh- what's wrong?"

It was too painful and Mo Xiu Ying barely can hold it. Suddenly flashes of memories run inside his mind. But then, Mo Xiu Ying passed out again due to overwhelming agony. After a few hours, he regained his consciousness again but now, he already grasped what happened to him.

Mo Xiu Ying is transmigrated a few thousand years back after he had an accident in his previous world.

The body that his soul resides in belongs to a man in his nineteen, youngest son of the Prime Minister and the concubine of the emperor.

However, the worst part is, he is known as a GER!

'Why the hell a man can get pregnant? Is this world lack of women?!' Xiu Ying cursed in his mind.

Xiu Ying sighs. Even though the family name is different, his name is still the same, Xiu Ying. From the memories, Xiu Ying also realized that the original owner of the body is known as an annoying concubine. Due to his annoying behavior, he was poisoned by one of the consorts.

But, he feels a little bit relieved because the emperor never paid any attention to the original owner. This means he doesn't have to serve the emperor on the bed.

'It is even better if the emperor forgot me wholly and let me live peacefully in this palace. At least I got free food.'

The man from before entering the room again. But now, Xiu Ying recognized him. "Oh, Jing Yi. It's you."

The guy named Jing Yi gleams when Xiu Ying calls his name.

"My lady! You remember me?"

"Hmn. Just now, I'm kinda dizzy and lost so I didn't recognize you. Sorry for that."

Jing Yi tearing up again. 'My lady thanked me. Oh, God! What kind of premonition is this? He even looks calmer and he talked so gently to me. But, did he remember about the poisoning? If yes, shouldn't he be mad?'

The emperor's concubines actually should have their own maid or servants but for an annoying concubine that was hated by everyone, even by the lowest maid, no one wants to serve him.

Therefore, Prime Minister Li once again asked a favor towards the emperor to allow Jing Yi to work as Xiu Ying's servant in the palace. Informed of the situation faced by Xiu Ying, Wu Zhang Wei agreed in an instant.

Jing Yi clears his throat. "My lady, do you feel any pain? Should I call the physician?"

Xiu Ying waves his hand. "Nah. I'm fine. Just a little bit sore. Maybe I laid down too long."

"Jing Yi, can you get me some food. I feel hungry." Xiu Ying speaks in a low tone, making him sound like he is pleading.

"Yes, sure! I'll bring it in a moment. My lady, please rest some more." Jing Yi walked out of the room and ran to the kitchen.

Xiu Ying gets off of the bed and inspects the room. Even if it is quite different from the room in his time, Xiu Ying can tell it is quite small for a concubine. This means his assumption is correct. This Li Xiu Ying is being abandoned by the emperor. 'Well, that's good news for me.'

Xiu Ying went to the wardrobe and felt like his eyes could be blind due to the bright colors of the robe. From bright yellow, greenish-yellow, striking pink, bold red, and orange sun. The only decent color is pure white and light blue.

'Li Xiu Ying, not only do you lack in attitude, but you also lack in sense of fashion. Are you trying to be a traffic light wearing this kind of color?'

He closed the wardrobe and walked to the dressing table. The table is fully occupied with makeup. Mo Xiu Ying didn't know the modern makeup, what's more, the ancient one. But recognize the tools and the face powder from the drama on the tv.

Xiu Ying picks up the mirror to see his current face. But...

"Holy shit!" The mirror was dropped to the floor and broke into pieces.

Xiu Ying groping his face. "Is this me?! Did I reborn as a human or a ghost?! Why do I look like I have an opera performance after this?! Is this guy for real?!"

Jing Yi, who came with a tray of food, was shocked when he saw the broken mirror. "My lady! Are you okay? You're still weak. Don't move around so much. Come here. Be careful not to step on it." Jing Yi holds on to Xiu Ying's arm and carefully leads him to the table while babbling.

"My lady, go on and eat. Let me clean up this mess." Jing Yi goes out again and then comes in with a broom and dustpan.

The growling stomach makes Xiu Ying forget about his looks just now and quickly dives into the meal.

Xiu Ying glanced at Jing Yi while picking up the dishes and shoving them into his mouth. His eyes follow Jing Yi's movement.

Sensing his young master's gaze, Jing Yi slowly turns his head. "My- my lady? Wh- what's wrong? Did I do something wrong?"

Spoon still in his mouth, Xiu Ying shakes his head. "Nope. It's just...you talk too much. Like a mother-in-law...or maybe stepmother." Xiu Ying shrugs his shoulders.

"I'm sorry. We- well, if it's like that, I'll restrain my mouth. I won't say much unless you asked me." Jing Yi lowers his head dejectedly.

"Nuh-uh. Just talk as usual. I'm just amused how a young guy like you is so chatty. But it's fine. At least, it's not so lonely."

Jing Yi abruptly raises his head and tears fill his eyes. 'O-kay. Now what?! Why are you crying?! I wasn't even mad at you?!' Xiu Ying squints his eyes.

'My lady...My young master...He didn't get mad at me. He even likes when I talk to him. Oh my...I'm so happy! Thank you bit**y concubine for giving the poison to my lady. If not, he won't be like this right now.' Jing Yi quickly wipes off the tears using his sleeves.

"Oh. One more thing. Can you stop calling me 'my lady'? It sounds...weird." Xiu Ying's face twitched in disgust.

"But...before this, my lady said I have to call you like that since you've become the concubine."

Xiu Ying waves his hand. "Forget what I said before. From now on, just call me 'young master' just like when we're at home. Never use that name again."

"Alright, my- young master.." Xiu Ying nods, satisfyingly.

A day has passed since Mo Xiu Ying became Li Xiu Ying. Nothing happened in a day and no one realized that a soul has been changed because Xiu Ying spent his time all day in his room.

Xiu Ying sat by the window, then back to the bed, then to the table, back to the window. From morning until night.

He's been thinking about what he should do. Even with the memories of the owner of this body, this place is too unfamiliar to him. If it's possible, he wants to stay in the room his whole life. But that can only be achieved if they have a smartphone and internet connection in this timeline. Without those two, he'll die of boredom.

While eating his lunch, Xiu Ying suddenly remembered about his "fashionable" robes in the wardrobe. Staying inside the room, Xiu Ying only wears his white inner-wear. He'll never put those things in the wardrobe onto his body. Thus, he decided to change all of it.

"Jing Yi, can you get me new sets of robes?"

"Young master...wants new robes?"

"Hmn. I want plain-colored ones. It is better if all in light colors." 'It is better if they got black or grey ones but a concubine wearing something like this at this time will only attract unwanted attention.'

The young servant blinks his eyes repeatedly and lowers his head. Playing with his fingers, "You- young master, actually...since young master said the clothes made by royal tailors is ugly, they won't ma- make clothes for you anymore. That's why...young master took everything from home."

Xiu Ying slaps his temple and sighs heavily. 'How ungrateful you are! You missed the chance of getting free clothes, you idiot bumpkin!'

"Alright then. Prepare to go out. I'm going to the market. I need new clothes."

"Yes, young master."

The two young men are going to the market by a simple-looking carriage, accompanied by two guards. It was to be expected from a hated concubine, no maids or guards will work for him willingly, except some that are sincerely working, without discrimination.

Jing Yi once in a while, glances at the other guy inside the carriage.

Xiu Ying looks excited and keeps on lifting the curtain to take a look outside the carriage. No signs of discomfort and whining, like every time the male concubine riding this worn-out carriage.

When the carriage stopped, Jing Yi was the first one to get off of it. He later held out his hand to help Xiu Ying.

Usually, people won't expect too much or care who is inside an old carriage but when a beautiful guy with fair skin, wearing a white robe, giving off the pure and innocent demeanor, perfect sculptured face, small red lips, and long hair that was set loose, swaying left and right when the wind hit it portraying such an alluring look, they can't help but stop and stare.

The guys were drooling and the girls staring in envy.

The man that is being stared at doesn't care about his surroundings. His eyes were already hooked to the market.

It takes a while for people to notice who is this guy that looks like a goddess.

"Wait! Is that the Prime Minister's youngest son?!" The girl's remark makes people around her widen their eyes.

"It can't be- Oh my God! It is him! It's Li Xiu Ying!"

"No way...how can it be..."

It is to be expected people can't recognize him because he didn't wear any make-up, not even a thin layer of powder. He is going out with a bare face. He never discriminates against a guy wearing makeup.

Back then in his world, more guys were wearing makeup, even if they're not celebrities. But, Xiu Ying can never wear it.

As for his clothes, Xiu Ying chose the white robe, the most plain. But it only makes him look like a fairy. People keep murmuring when they walk past them.

Jing Yi couldn't help but show his smug face when he heard all of them are praising his young master. He scoffs, 'Ha! Now you know how pretty my young master is. All this while you guys keep on saying he is hideous, unsightly, but now, you guys are the one who is ugly here!'

"Hey! Jing Yi! I'm talking to you here. Why are you making that face?" Xiu Ying slaps Jing Yi's arm when the younger guy sneers while looking at the crowd.

"Sorry young master. I was lost in thought. What were you saying?" He rubs his nape.

"I asked you, do you know which shop sells robes with the cheapest price?"

"Oh. I know but are you sure you want to go there? The robes might not be so pretty."

"It's okay. As long as it is pleasing to the eyes. I don't need a fancy one."

Jing Yi stares at his young master in amusement. The old Xiu Ying always demands the most expensive and glamorous robes with various kinds of embroidery. But after three days of coma, his young master wants to wear a plain and cheap robe. What a humble person!

"Come, young master. I'll lead the way."

They walk around the market until they reach a shop at the end of the road. There is no other customer inside the shop and even the road is not as busy as before.

"Hello, young men. What are these two beautiful men doing in my shabby shop?" A lady in her 40s greeted them.

"Hello, ma'am. I'm looking for new robes. Can you show me something plain with soft-colored?" Xiu Ying said with a smile.

"Oh my. Never thought a beautiful guy like you wants to wear something from my old shop. It's okay. I'll take out the best ones for you. Wait a moment."

The lady takes out five to six robes and puts them on the counter for viewing. White inner robe with pale green on the outside, sky blue, cream color, light peach, light purple, and light yellow. Some of them have simple embroidery and some of them have none.

Xiu Ying feels satisfied with the color and design. "Okay, ma'am. I take all of these. And do you have three or four more like this? Please add them too."

The lady beams in happiness. It's been so long since people bought from her shop. She quickly takes out more robes according to Xiu Ying's requirements and packs them.

Xiu Ying feels happy looking at those robes. He even gives extra money to the lady and she keeps on thanking him. Other people might think it is too plain and only people from a common family would wear it but Xiu Ying prefers it to be that way.

'Well, no matter what young master wears, it's still gonna look pretty on him,' thought Jing Yi.

"Jing Yi, let's go and find a restaurant. I'm starving."

Jing Yi smiles faintly when he sees his young master is whining while rubbing his stomach. "Alright, young master. Let me take you to the best restaurant in town." Xiu Ying nods repeatedly.

When Xiu Ying steps into the restaurant, all heads turn to him and even some men are choked when they see him.

"Wow..."

"Beautiful..."

A waiter approaches them and Jing Yi quickly says, "We would like to have a private room please."

"Sure sure. Please come with me." The waiter leads them to the private room on the second floor. Jing Yi doesn't want those perverts staring at his young master so he asked for a private room.

While the waitresses serve the food on the table, Xiu Ying glances between the food and the bodyguards standing outside the room. "Guards." He called.

"Yes, my lady." The guard said without looking at him.

My lady is how usually people address a concubine but Xiu Ying is a male so he feels uncomfortable being called like that. However, he is not close with the guards so he can't ask them to call him young master, like Jing Yi did. "Guards, call your friend, the other one outside, and come eat with us." Both the guard and Jing Yi abruptly look at him in shock.

"Yo- young master. It is not proper for-" Jing Yi's words are cut off.

"It's okay. No one really cares. I bet even His Majesty won't care and he won't even know. Don't worry. Come and dine together. No one will come and attack this lowly concubine."

The guard hesitates but after being glared at by Xiu Ying, he quickly pulls the other guard into the room and they are forced to take a seat.

"Dig in. There are a lot of foods. Me and Jing Yi can't finish all of these with just two of us."

The bodyguards stay still so Jing Yi helps to put every dish inside the rice bowl and push it towards them. The bodyguards slowly reach out for the chopstick and start eating. They stay silent while listening to Xiu Ying and Jing Yi talking to each other. Once in a while, they steal a glance at Xiu Ying.

The concubine in front of them is different from the last time they saw him. He is no longer wearing makeup and fancy clothes, no more arrogance in his tone of voice and the most important is he is even prettier than before. They know it is wrong to look at the emperor's person but still, their eyes can't help but turn to the beautiful guy.

Their friends mock them whenever they have to accompany Xiu Ying but now they feel grateful for this opportunity. No other concubines will treat lowly bodyguards and servants like how Xiu Ying did. Thus, their perception of Xiu Ying has changed. They started to like the new Xiu Ying.

Once they've finished the food, the bodyguards quickly raise from the stool and bow to Xiu Ying. "Thank you for the food, my lady." They said in unison.

With a beautiful smile on his face, Xiu Ying said, "No worries. With me, there's no need for such formalities. Just act freely."

For the nth time, Xiu Ying surprised Jing Yi and the bodyguards. Xiu Ying, who is known for stressing his title and position in front of everyone, now asking them to forget the formalities and act freely? Is the sun going to rise from the west?

Feeling touched, the bodyguards kowtow again. "My lady. We're at your service anytime. Feel free to order us with anything."

"Thank you. By the way, can you guys tell me your name? It will be easier to call by your name."

"My lady. I'm Guo Wei." The taller guy with stubble and tan skin speaks up.

"My lady, my name is Chang Ming." The slightly shorter guy next to Guo Wei said.

"Alright. Guo Wei, Chang Ming, if I do have anything that needs your help, I'll call both of you. For now, let's go home."

"Yes my lady!"

[In a courtyard inside the palace]

The sound of cups thrown onto the ground can be heard even far from the courtyard and it makes the servants jolt and shrink the body.

"How can that slut still alive?! He was in a coma for three days and even you said the possibility of him regaining his consciousness is NONE! Then now you're telling me he's strolling happily at the market? Ha!"

"I- I'm sorry Young Lady. There is indeed no possibility of him waking up. Even the physicians confirmed it before." A female servant kneeling on the ground with her head going up and down, like a chicken pecking his food.

"Then who the hell that went out?!"

"I-I'm sorry. So- sorry young lady."

The woman who is wearing a revealing pink robe scoffs. "I don't need your sorry. I just need you to shut your mouth. Guards!"

"Take her away. And make sure she can't say or write anything afterward."

"No! Young lady please! Forgive me! NO! Young lady!" The guards drag away the pleading female servant.

The woman clenches her fist. " .YING.. I guess, I'll play with you a little longer."

The news of Xiu Ying woke up after three days in a comatose state and almost died, spread all over the palace in a flash.

Joy to Prime Minister Li and his wife but, it is a misery to the other consorts.

Wu Zhang Wei was also quite surprised with the news he heard from the Chief of eunuch. But still, he didn't try to visit Li Xiu Ying. First, he doesn't want to give any hope to him. Second, it would endanger him more if the other consorts knew about his visit.

Wu Zhang Wei knew that the poisoning was caused by one of the consorts. He already knew things like this would happen when he decided to take in those women into the imperial harem. He hated this never-ending drama.

"Prime Minister Li, I heard your son has regained his consciousness and now he is even strolling happily in the market."

Li Shizen stays calm on the outside even though he's cursing on the inside.

'He is your concubine! You should know better about him than me! You won't let me spend more time with him but, you also won't care for him! If not because you're the emperor, I've killed you a long time ago!'

"Yes, Your Majesty. Li Xiu Ying's servant already informed me that my son already woke up yesterday."

"Oh..." Wu Zhang Wei replied nonchalantly.

"You- your Majesty... Won't visit him?" Li Shizen braced himself to ask this question.

"Nope. If Zhen goes to him, the chances of him being poisoned will be doubled."

Li Shizen grits his teeth. 'Then, shouldn't you find who is the culprit?! Shouldn't you punish her?! You should protect him! If not because my son likes you, I already brought him far away from this place.'

Wu Zhang Wei dismissed the Prime Minister after saying his pieces. The Great General, Huang Fei Hong who was also in the room, watching the interaction between the father-in-law and son-in-law. He couldn't help but chuckle when Li Shizen was already out of the room.

"What?" asked the emperor.

When they're alone, they act casually as they grow up together and there's no need for formalities with your own best friend.

"You do notice that old man looks like he's going to stab you right on the spot?"

"Yeah. I know. But, what else can I do? He's the one who agreed with my conditions. I told him that I'll never care for his son but still, he insisted. So, it's not my problem if he's mad. He brought the problem upon himself." Wu Zhang Wei shrugs his shoulders.

"But still... Won't you go and see him just for a while? Other consorts, at least you've spent a few tea times with them, but him? I think you only met him when he first came to the palace. And then, every time he's approaching you, you quickly avoid him. Isn't that a little bit too cruel?" Fei Hong raises his brows.

"Can't help it. He is so annoying with the way he acts. For God's sake! He's a guy. He's trying so hard to act like a girl. I've seen a few other gers, but they're not like him. Plus, he looks so scary! I hope he won't walk around with that kind of face at night or else somebody is gonna die of a heart attack."

"Hahahahahha!" Fei Hong laughed out loud hearing the grumbles.

He wipes the tears at the corner of his eyes. "But, I heard some of my men said, he looks different after he woke up. He has become beautiful. Even more beautiful than other consorts."

Wu Zhang Wei squints his eyes and glares at his childhood friend.

"Curious aren't you?" Fei Hong wiggles his eyebrows.

Wu Zhang Wei scoffs. "That kind of face, they said, beautiful? I bet your men are sexually frustrated. Maybe you should treat them to the brothel."

"Well...it's up to you. I just want to remind you. Don't regret if one day you're hooked to him but he'll ask you to let him go."

"That day... Will never come. If he wants me to let him go, I'll grant it on the spot."

Huang Fei Hong shakes his head as he leaves the room. 'He's too confident. One day, he'll regret what he said just now.'

...

Xiu Ying's palace is placed a little bit further than other palaces for the consorts. And it is even further from the Main Palace where the emperor lives.

Xiu Ying's palace is called Zhongcui Palace (Palace of Accumulated Purity). This palace was given this name because it was surrounded by a green courtyard that is full of flowers, rockeries, and also a small pavilion in the courtyard. Accumulated Purity means the peace and undisturbed nature around it.

However, it also means the furthest and isolated palace.

Other servants looked down on Xiu Ying because he was the most unfavored concubine. They think that the emperor can't stand his presence, thus he was sent away from the main palace.

The old Li Xiu Ying always whines when every day he has to walk so far to go and meet... more like trying to meet the emperor. But this new Li Xiu Ying is totally satisfied with his place. Far from other people means he can act as he likes and not bound to the strict protocol.

Right now, Xiu Ying is taking a walk around the courtyard. The silence is what he always wished for. It has always been his dream to live in a quiet place, far from the city but due to his work, he has to stop dreaming about it. But now, given the chance of living in this isolated palace, Xiu Ying looks happier and fresher than ever. Jing Yi, who is behind his young master, can't help but smile widely when he sees the real happiness on his young master's face.

"Forgive me, my lady." A servant suddenly approached them. "Prime Minister Li requires an audience with my lady."

Hearing the name of his father, Xiu Ying beaming. "My father? Yes yes. Please let him in and lead my father here." The servant kowtows and turns to the courtyard entrance.

"Jing Yi please prepare tea and some snacks. Bring it to the pavilion."

"Alright, young master."

...

Xiu Ying waits for his father at the pavilion. He feels happy but nervous at the same time. Happy because he knows the owner of this body was doted by his father. Nervous because he is afraid if he acts out of his normal character and his father will notice it.

"Father" Greeted Xiu Ying when he saw his father coming towards him.

Li Shizen was shocked when he saw his youngest son but he quickly covered it with a smile. "Ying-er. How have you been doing?" Li Shizen approaches the young guy and gently caresses his head.

The soft touch makes Xiu Ying's eyes watery. He missed his father so bad. "I'm fine, father. How about father?" Xiu Ying holds onto Li Shizen's arm and leads him to take a seat.

"I'm fine. Just getting older." The prime minister strokes his short beard.

"Wh- what about mother?"

"She's been sick these few days but it's already getting better. She's just...worry and miss you so much."

Xiu Ying hangs his head low.

Li Shizen staring at his son. No makeup, no whines, calm and composed, gentle voice, full of manners, and the most important thing is... he prioritize his parents first then asking about the emperor.

NO.

He didn't ask or say anything about the emperor AT ALL. A few moments later, Jing Yi comes with tea and snacks. Xiu Ying didn't let Jing Yi serves the tea because he wanted to do it on his own.

Li Shizen takes a few sips before speaking up again. "Xiu Ying...did anything happ- do you like living in this place?"

Xiu Ying bobs his head. "Hmn. It's quiet and far from other people. And so far no one is disturbing me. So I'm quite happy like this."

Li Shizen stares at his son. He missed those innocent and pure smiles. 'Is this really my son? But how can he change so much in just a few days? Did the poisoning cause him to change like this?'

Notice that his father is looking at him without saying anything, Xiu Ying reaches out his hands to hold his father's. "Father, I want to apologize for everything I said and did before. I was immature and I was selfish and carried away by my own feelings. I didn't think about father, mother, and our family. I'm really sorry. But I promise, after this, I won't be reckless anymore and I won't make father and mother worry about me and I'll behave and won't taint our family's name."

Hearing this, tears slowly roll down on Li Shizen's cheeks. He pulls Xiu Ying into his arms, "You stupid child." With no words, father, and son embraced each other and caught up with the times together that they lost.

Meanwhile, in the main hall, Wu Zhang Wei is reading a report. He needed some opinion from the prime minister so he asked the servant to call Li Shizen.

"Your Majesty, Prime Minister Li is currently in Zhongcui Palace, visiting Concubine Li."

"Hmn. Call him here. Tell him it is urgent."

The servant is about to turn around but he was stopped by Huang Fei Hong. "It's not even that urgent. Can't you let that old man spend time with his son? He has the right, you know? Even more, his son just woke up. Don't disturb their family time." Fei Hong shakes his head.

"He can always go and visit at other times. I'm the emperor, why must I wait for him? He is the Prime Minister so the country's matter must be his priority!"

"Ha! You said he can visit at other times? But don't you realize you let him visit his son once a month only because you don't want that concubine to complain anything to Prime Minister Li? The more frequent he visits, the more complaints he'll make. Isn't that what you don't want?" Fei Hong rolls his eyes.

"If yes, so what? Didn't you see how that old man treated me lately? It looks like he no longer respects me. From the way he spoke and looked, I know he must be cursing me on the inside. If not because he's an honest and most capable minister, I've punished him!"

Fei Hong scoffs. "That's what you get after you treated his son like trash."

Wu Zhang Wei is about to say something, but Fei Hong quickly raises his palm, "Why don't you just go to Zhongcui Palace? Meet him there. At the same time, you can meet Concubine Li too. The more you avoid him, the more he'll pester you. If you act like usual but ignore his presence, maybe he'll slowly stop being a trouble. A direct rejection is more hurt than you playing hard to get. Show your power as an emperor."

'That's not...a bad idea...I guess he hasn't seen how scary I can be when I'm mad,' thought Wu Zhang Wei.

"Well then, let's go to Zhongcui Palace."

Xiu Ying and his father are walking around the courtyard with linked arms. Since the father and son rarely had time together, Jing Yi and other servants let both of them have their time alone.

Xiu Ying has been asking and talking non-stop but not once his mouth mentioned the emperor. Watching his son talk with his big eyes, showing his excitement, Li Shizen feels content. The father and son are too immersed in their conversation. They didn't notice that two important figures were approaching them.

Wu Zhang Wei asked the servant not to announce his arrival. He wants to surprise them with his presence and if he is lucky, he could eavesdrop on what they're talking about.

'Let me see...what else are you going to complain to your father...' thought Wu Zhang Wei.

Huang Fei Hong, who knew his friend's intention, can only shake his head. 'Is he really an emperor?'

When Wu Zhang Wei and Huang Fei Hong arrived, Xiu Ying and Li Shizen are standing in front of the fish pond. Xiu Ying is whining to his father, saying that it is such a waste for a big fish pond placed there but there is no fish in it. It is full of weed only.

With his back facing the courtyard entrance, Xiu Ying didn't notice the two figures coming towards them. Wu Zhang Wei halts his steps when he sees a slim figure in plain white robes talking to Li Shizen. He can only see one side of that person's face. 'Who...is that...'

Slowly he walks in order to have a full view of the other person's face.

Li Shizen's eyes bulged when he saw the emperor and the Great General come to this isolated palace. He strutted forward and hid Xiu Ying behind him.

"Your Majesty" Li Shizen greets.

Hearing the words 'your majesty' from his father's mouth, Xiu Ying quickly turned around and did the same as his father, bowing his head.

Li Shizen raises his head, "Your Majesty, wh- what is the reason for your majesty visit in this place?"

Feeling a little bit annoyed when the other person is totally hidden behind Li Shizen, Wu Zhang Wei snorted, "What? Zhen is not allowed to come here? Does this place belong to you?"

"No- not like that Your Majesty. Forgive this servant for being rude." Wu Zhang Wei huffs.

He is standing straight in front of Li Shizen, staying still, silent, and once in a while stealing a glance at the person behind the prime minister. Noticing the emperor's act, Li Shizen slowly moves aside and pulls Xiu Ying to stand beside him.

"Li Xiu Ying greets Your Majesty." Xiu Ying bows again.

Both Wu Zhang Wei and Huang Fei Hong fell speechless.

'WHAT ? Li Xiu Ying? No way...there's no way this beautiful guy is Li Xiu Ying...'

Both of them look at each other and they have the same thought.

Plain white robes, fair skin, small pink lips, sharp eyebrows, hair loosely tight at the end, no makeup. And the most important thing is... he is beautiful.

Too beautiful.

Wu Zhang Wei rarely meets old Li Xiu Ying. Only someone close to him, like Li Shizen or Jing Yi could recognize when Xiu Ying wears no makeup.

Silent filled the courtyard. Only sounds of water fountains and birds are heard. Since no one speaks up, Xiu Ying breaks the silence, "Pardon for Chen's rudeness, Your Majesty. May this lowly concubine know the reason for this visit? Did this concubine do anything wrong?"

[A/N]

Zhen : I (only for the Emperor) - how emperor address himself

Chen : I / your subject (officials addressing themselves in front of the emperor)

Chenqie : I, your royal concubine (even used by the empress)

Wu Zhang Wei's eyes widened. 'He is too calm. He is not acting like before. He's no longer clingy. He has changed...? Ha! Maybe this is his new tactic. Trying to play push and pull with me. Do you think if you pretend to no longer care about this emperor, this emperor will come and look for you? Not a chance! I won't fall for your tricks.'

"No. Concubine Li didn't do anything wrong. Zhen came here just to meet Prime Minister Li. Zhen has something to talk with him." Wu Zhang Wei replied coldly.

"Oh, if it's like that, Chen won't impose on Your Majesty and my father. Chen will take my leave."

Xiu Ying turns around, "Father, Xiu Ying go inside first. Please take care of yourself and your mother. Xiu Ying will come and visit later."

Li Shizen smiles and gently caresses Xiu Ying's back of the head. Xiu Ying turns back, bows to Wu Zhang Wei and Huang Fei Hong then walks out of the courtyard, without looking back, heading to his room. Feeling like a gush of cold wind hits his face when Xiu Ying walks past Wu Zhang Wei. Even Fei Hong noticed that his childhood friend was standing stiff.

'First time getting rejected, huh?' Fei Hong smirks.

...

Inside a room in the main palace, Huang Fei Hong tries so hard to control his laugh when he sees the majestic emperor's gloomy face after being ignored by a mere concubine.

"Ahem... Hmm... Your majesty, it seems like Concubine Li- I mean BEAUTIFUL Concubine Li is no longer interested in Your Majesty. I bet Your Majesty must feel delighted, am I right?" Fei Hong cupped his mouth, holding his laugh.

Wu Zhang Wei squints his eyes. "Wait... Are you sure that's Concubine Li?"

"Didn't you hear when he introduced himself before? He is Li Xiu Ying. And if he's not, for sure Prime Minister Li will know at a glance."

"But it doesn't make any sense! In just a few days, he's totally changed. It's like he became another person. And he even looks... different." Zhang Wei mumbles the last part.

"He's beautiful, right?" Fei Hong smirks.

"..."

"Just admit it that you think he is beautiful. Even more beautiful than other consorts. Seems like what my men said is true."

"..."

Looking at his dazing friend, Fei Hong sighs. "I guess maybe he changed due to the poisoning. Maybe he values his life more and he won't pester you anymore. In that way, other consorts will not harm him again."

Wu Zhang Wei abruptly turns his head towards Fei Hong. 'Yeah... Maybe that's right... But I thought he was so brave, after being threatened once, he already admitted defeat? Hmph!'

"Well, I think it is a piece of good news for you. You won't have to worry about him and he is also won't disturb your life. That's what you want, right?" Fei Hong stares at Wu Zhang Wei when he said this.

"Ye- yeah... I guess..so.. "

'Seems like someone is swayed after seeing the beautiful guy... ' Huang Fei Hong shakes his head and sighs.

...

Meanwhile, in a room at Zhongcui Palace, Li Xiu Ying is sitting by the window, staring outside. 'That's the emperor huh? Well... I do admit he is handsome. To be honest, extremely good-looking. No wonder this body owner is madly in love with him. It is such a waste to have a handsome face but, God forgot to include emotion and heart in him.'

"Young master? Are you alright?" Jing Yi's voice makes Xiu Ying flinches.

"Yes. Yes. I'm alright. Don't worry."

"Young master... Do you feel sad because... Your majesty didn't come and visit you? Even just now, he came with an excuse to meet the Master."

Xiu Ying's mouth opens to say something but the words are stuck inside. 'Why did he bring up that guy? And he thinks I'm sad just because he didn't visit me? I'd feel happier if he let me go.'

"No. I'm not sad because of him. I'm just thinking of going home. I want to visit my mom. It's been a while since I saw her."

Jing Yi's eyes gleamed. "Then let's go home! Tomorrow, let's ask permission from His Majesty to stay at Master's house for a few days. I'm sure His Majesty won't mind."

Xiu Ying nods. "Hmn. Tomorrow I'll meet His Majesty and ask permission from him."

...

A servant came inside the study room for the emperor, "Your Majesty, Concubine Li wished to meet you. He said he has something important to discuss."

Wu Zhang Wei's hand who is writing a manuscript turns stiff hearing the name mentioned. "Hmn. Let him in."

Li Xiu Ying quickly bows, greeting the emperor as soon as he stepped into the room. "Rise. What do you want to discuss with Zhen?" Wu Zhang Wei puts down the brush, leans back, and stares at the slender figure in front of him.

Without raising his head, Xiu Ying said, "Your Majesty, this concubine wants to ask permission from your majesty."

"What permission?"

"Your Majesty, a few days ago, Prime Minister Li informed that Chen's mother is sick. Please allow Chen to go back home and visit Chen's family. It's been a while since this concubine met them. Hope Your Majesty can allow Chen to stay there for a week or two."

From the first step inside the room until now, Xiu Ying keeps on staring at the floor, with no eye contact with the emperor. Meanwhile, Wu Zhang Wei never removes his eyes from staring at the young guy in front of him. In his view, Xiu Ying is too calm to be true. He looks like a renowned scholar that only lets out eloquent speech from his mouth.

Feeling the heated stare, Xiu Ying is getting anxious, playing with his fingers. 'He'll allow me right? He'll be happier if I'm away from this place... right?'

Minutes have passed, Wu Zhang Wei speaks up, "Fine. Zhen allows it." Xiu Ying releases a heave of sigh but the next words of the emperor shocked him. "Do you need Zhen to go with you? The last time Zhen met Madam Feng was months ago, during New Year's banquet. So..."

"No, it's okay Your Majesty!" Xiu Ying slightly raises his voice. Wu Zhang Wei fell speechless.

"It's- it's okay. Chen can go back alone. Chen will not disturb Your Majesty and take away Your Majesty's precious time. It's just a home visit. Not that important. Thank you for asking Your Majesty but Chen will be fine alone."

"..." Wu Zhang Wei's mouth is like a fish in the water, half-opened then half-closed. He didn't know what to say.

"That's all Chen would like to discuss. Chen won't take more of Your Majesty's times. Chen will take a leave." Xiu Ying bows then turn to leave the study room.

It takes a few minutes for Wu Zhang Wei to snap back to reality. A reality that a lowly concubine just rejected his offer to accompany him to his family's house.

"Ha. Ha...ha..." Wu Zhang Wei awkwardly laughs.

"He said...it's okay? Does he prefer to go back alone? Without me...? Ha!" Wu Zhang Wei mumbles to himself.

"Alright, Li Xiu Ying. Let's see... how long will you play this game and how long you can pretend to reject me like this. I bet less than a month you'll come and beg for my attention again."

Clueless that he just made a certain someone's mood turn dark, Xiu Ying walks back to his room happily.

"Jing Yi. His Majesty has granted his permission. Let's pack our stuff. We'll head out tomorrow, early in the morning."

"Alright, Young Master."

At a courtyard, inside Yonghe Palace (Palace of Eternal Harmony) Two ladies are sitting in a pavilion, having tea time together. From afar, people will see two beautiful ladies are enjoying their leisure time. But if they come closer, they can feel the tension in the air.

"Li Na jiejie...did you hear about THAT concubine? It seems like he has nine lives. How could he wake up after all that?" A girl in a mint-colored robe said.

[A/N]

Jiejie: older sister

Meimei: younger sister

"..."

"Li Na jiejie... don't you worry if he is going to keep pestering His Majesty? What if- one day, His Majesty softens his heart and slowly accepts him?"

Noble Consort Li Na scoffs. "How could His Majesty soften his heart for that slut? His Majesty clearly hated when he's interrupting His Majesty's daily lives. Plus, will His Majesty rejects beauties like us for that kind of monster?"

"But- I heard all the servants said he's changed after he woke up. He became...prettier. So beautiful that people hardly recognize him. Besides, a few days ago, His Majesty came to Zhongcui Palace. Well- meimei didn't know what's the real reason but then yesterday, he came to His Majesty's study room and His Majesty let him in! Don't you think His Majesty has accepted him?"

Li Na's eyes twitch and she clenches her fist under the table. But she quickly covers it with a fake smile. "Hui Yin meimei... don't tell jiejie that, you're seriously worried about that concubine? It seems like you think of yourself too low until a mere concubine could win over you."

Consort Lin Hui Yin blinks her eyes nervously. "Not- that's not true...but..."

"No but. His Majesty came to Zhongcui Palace during the day, right? Maybe he came for a tea or a simple visit to not let people say His Majesty is cruel for not visiting his concubine who almost died. It's not like he stayed there overnight. And the reason for His Majesty let him in into the study room, maybe they do have something important to discuss." Her tone hides her rage.

Suddenly a female servant runs, approaching the two consorts. "Greetings Noble Consort Yu, Greetings Consort Lin."

"Rise. What's with the rush? Don't you see we're having a quiet time here?" Yu Li Na slightly glares at the servant.

"Pardon for my rudeness, My Lady. It's just... I have something to say about - " The female servant glances at Hui Yin.

"Who?"

"Con- concubine Li."

"What is it? Speaks up." Li Na sips her tea.

"It seems like Concubine Li has left the palace just now. From what I heard, he's going back to Prime Minister Li's house and staying over there for a week or two. His mother, Madam Feng was sick so yesterday, he asked permission from His Majesty to go home, thus His Majesty allowed it."

Li Na's mouth curves upwards. She waves her hand, signaling the servant to take her leaves. "See? What does jiejie say? He came just to ask permission to go home. It's not a big deal." She chuckles.

Hui Yin knitted his brows. "Li Na jiejie... don't you think, Concubine Li also has changed? I saw him a few days ago. Even for just a few seconds, I could feel the air around him was different. The way he dressed was also different from the usual. Too bad, I could see his side face only. I'd like to see if he is as beautiful as the servants said."

"Okay, that's enough Hui Yin meimei. Rather than thinking about him, meimei should think about how to make His Majesty stay over at your room. I'm afraid that one day that concubine will beat you to that." Hui Yin grits her teeth.

"By the way, Jiejie thinks meimei should go now. Tonight, His Majesty has promised to have dinner with me. So, jiejie needs to prepare myself...in case...His Majesty wishes to stay until morning in my room." Li Na blushes when she imagines it.

Hui Yin scoffs. She bobs her head then quickly leaves the courtyard.

...

"Achoo!" 'Someone must be talking about me,' thought Xiu Ying.

"Young master, are you alright? Stop lifting the curtain. The cold air is hitting you. You'll catch a cold." Jing Yi quickly pulled down the curtain inside the carriage.

Xiu Ying pouts. 'Stop talking like I'm too weak. I'm a doctor. I know if I'm sick.'

"Stop worrying. It's steaming hot outside, what cold air?" Xiu Ying rolls his eyes.

It takes two hours from the palace to Li's mansion. Getting out of the prison-like place makes Xiu Ying breathe better.

Xiu Ying couldn't help but resent the owner of this body for taking his parents' kindness for granted. Now, he's going to meet them and treat them better on behalf of the real Li Xiu Ying.

The carriage stopped in front of a large mansion and the coachman said, "My lady, we're here."

When the main door of the mansion opens, it reveals Li Shizen with a wide smile on his face. "Father." Xiu Ying greets.

"Come. Let's go inside. Your mom anxiously waiting for you." Li Shizen holds on to Xiu Ying's hand and leads him inside the house.

No matter how old he gets, Xiu Ying always remains a baby boy to Li Shizen and Madam Feng. "Mo- mother.."

A woman in her 40s, who was busy serving the meals, slowly turns her head around. "Yi- Ying-er... My boy..." In tears, Madam Feng approaches her youngest son and sweeps him into a tight embrace.

"Ying-er...mother miss you so much. Are you feeling okay now? Did you feel hurt anywhere? Tell mother quickly if you feel uncomfortable. I'll call the physician immediately." She inspects Xiu Ying front and back, top to toe.

"Wife, calm down. Ying-er is fine. He's getting better than before." Li Shizen stops his wife from overreacting.

"Yes, mother. I'm already fine. I feel even healthier than ever." Xiu Ying reassures his mother.

"Hmn. That's good if you feel like that. Mother wants to apologize. When Ying-er was in a coma, mother wanted to go to the palace to visit Ying-er, but His Majesty..."

"Mother. It's fine. No matter what happened before, let's just forget it. The most important thing right now is, I'm back to health and I'm still here with you."

"Yes yes. Ying-er is right." She pulls Xiu Ying into her arms again.

Madam Feng breaks the hug. She caresses Xiu Ying's face. "My boy...is prettier. Mother... likes if Ying-er stays like this..." She mumbles the last part, afraid that she might offend Xiu Ying's heart.

"Don't worry mother. From now on, I won't use those face powder anymore. Even those weird robes, I won't wear it. I think I prefer to look simple as of right now."

"Hmn...up to Ying-er. Mother never forbids Ying-er to wear anything Ying-er wants. Mother just... doesn't want other people to keep talking about Ying-er."

"Well, we just have to ignore them. It's not like we're living off with their money."

Madam Feng's eyes filled with tears. She glances at her husband beside Xiu Ying and Li Shizen nods with his mouth curved upwards. Both of them feel that Xiu Ying has changed for the better, in terms of looks, health, and even attitude and they feel so happy about it.

Madam Feng wipes the tears at the corner of her eyes, "Alright, Ying-er must be hungry. Let's eat. Mother has prepared all of Ying-er's favorites." She leads Xiu Ying to the dining room.

...

A week had passed since Xiu Ying went home. Every day he'll spend time with his mother, shopping, tending the courtyard and garden, and cooking.

It's been a while since Madam Feng has a company at home so when Xiu Ying is there, she feels overjoyed.

Madam Feng is well-known as Prime Minister's wife. So, when she's out in the market, people will immediately recognize her. Thus, the news of Madam Feng having a beautiful ger son is spread all over the capital.

This is all because Xiu Ying always accompanies his mother to the market and those who are curious about his identity, bravely ask his mother.

"Oh..this is my youngest son, Li Xiu Ying." That's what Madam Feng keeps on saying whenever people ask her. Not enough with that, Madam Feng also bragged about how good Xiu Ying's cooking skills, how skillful Xiu Ying tending the garden and how wide Xiu Ying's knowledge on diseases and medication. The person who was being talked about, can't do anything to stop her mother.

Meanwhile, in the study room in the palace, one man stands straight nervously while facing the person who sits behind the table.

"So, how?" asked Wu Zhang Wei.

A person wearing black clothes from top to toe, revealing only his eyes said, "Nothing major happened Your Majesty...it's just..."

"What?" His low and deep voice makes the man in black flinches.

"It- it's just that Concubine Li has been the talk of the town. People keep on praising how beautiful he is, he is full of talent, smart, and so on. Then..." The man in black hesitates.

"Spit it out."

"There are also some men who wished to ask for a hand in marriage. B- but! That's because they didn't know Concubine Li has already become Your Majesty's concubine as before this Your Majesty didn't want to let the people know about it. And Madam Feng also immediately rejected them."

Wu Zhang Wei's eyes twitched. 'No wonder you still haven't returned to the palace after a week. Ha! Trying to seduce other guys... You must feel so happy to receive so much love and attention that you desperately want, aren't you?' He sneers.

"Is there anything else?"

"N- no. Nothing else Your Majesty." Even the trained and highly skilled guard couldn't help but shiver hearing his voice.

Wu Zhang Wei waves his hand, the guard bows then quickly makes himself out of the view.

Feeling the quietness, Wu Zhang Wei puts down the manuscript in his hand, closes his eyes, and massages his temple.

'What is wrong with me... I shouldn't care about that annoying ger. Sighs. Forget it. Forget it. Hey, brain.. please stop thinking about him!'

*knock*knock*

"Your Majesty, Her Majesty, Empress Dowager is here." A servant announces from outside of the study room.

"Alright. Let Her Majesty in." Wu Zhang Wei straightens his back.

"Zhang Wei." said Her Majesty, Empress Dowager Wu Jiaying.

"Mother." Wu Zhang Wei arose from his seat and approached his imperial mother. He holds his imperial mother's hand and leads her to take a seat.

"Mother, why would you want to come here and meet me today?" asked Wu Zhang Wei.

"Why? You don't welcome me for a casual chat?" The Empress Dowager side glances at his oldest prince.

Wu Zhang Wei chuckles. "It's not that Zhang Wei didn't welcome mother but Zhang Wei knows mother too well. If mother has something to say, mother will always come here instead of asking Zhang Wei to come to mother's courtyard."

Wu Jiaying scoffs. "Smart aren't you?"

"So, what is it, mother? Is there anything bothering your mind?"

Wu Jiaying sighs. "Yes. Your younger sister will come back in a few days. Seems like she is finally done traveling all the way to the south country."

"Hmn. That's good. Then, what's the problem?"

"Your sister has reached the suitable age for marriage. So, mother has been thinking of finding a husband for your sister. Do you have anyone in mind?"

Wu Zhang Wei sighs. "Mother, it is better to let younger sister find her own husband. You know how hard-headed she is. Zhang Wei thinks she'll never agree if we arrange a marriage for her. In the worst case, she'll run away to some other country again."

"Hmph! That girl only knows to travel and have some fun. She never cares about this country or anything related to this palace. When she is married she will be forced to tie down and stay. Only then, mother will feel at ease."

Wu Zhang Wei shakes his head. "Mother, let me think about this first, and please don't mention this to her when she comes back. Let me talk to her first. I don't want her to run away on the first day she arrives."

"Fine." Wu Jiaying stares at Wu Zhang Wei. "How about Zhang Wei? When will mother can hold my first grandchild?"

Wu Zhang Wei accidentally spits out the tea he just sipped. He quickly wipes off the tea stains on his mouth.

"Mother..."

Before he could say anything, Wu Jiaying raises her hand, asking him to stop talking. "Zhang Wei, you know that you need an heir for the throne? Does Zhang Wei think an heir can be produced in one day, grow in one week, and trained in just one month?"

"Th- that's not what I..."

"It doesn't matter if Zhang Wei doesn't have an empress but an heir is a must! Don't you have a few consorts and concubines in the imperial harem? Just choose any of them that is good enough and suitable to carry your child."

"The problem is no one is good enough.." Wu Zhang Wei mumbles.

"Maybe you should consider...Noble Consort Li Na?"

Hearing the name, Wu Zhang Wei immediately frowns. "Mother does realize who she is right?"

Wu Jiaying hesitantly nods.

"Then, mother thinks, she really suits to bear my child?"

"Mo- mother just..."

"It's okay, mother. Please don't fret over this matter.. Sooner or latter, I'll give you the grandchild that you want to hold," said Wu Zhang Wei flatly.

Time flies. It's been two weeks since Xiu Ying went home. He feels like he wants to stay with Prime Minister Li and Madam Feng forever and never return to the palace. Even though Li Shizen and Madam Feng are not his real parents, he can shift the missing and longingness for his real parents to the sweet middle-aged couple.

"Ying-er... " Madam Feng called his son who is crouching on the grass, tending the garden.

"Yes, mother."

"Mother feels so happy that Ying-er stayed here with mother but... is it alright to leave the palace for so long?"

Xiu Ying sighs. "Mother.. for an abandoned and unwanted concubine like me, I bet His Majesty won't even notice when I'm away." Xiu Ying shrugs his shoulders.

"But Ying-er... "

"Mother... Is it possible to ask His Majesty to let me go?"

Madam Feng's eyes bulge. "Wh- what do you mean? Don't you... "

"Mother, it's all in the past. Right now, I don't feel anything towards His Majesty. My feelings for him have died. So, I want to get out of that place. I want to stay here... with mother and father... Can I?"

Xiu Ying knows the body owner is madly in love with the emperor that's why he forced his father to ask the emperor to make him a concubine. But now, the old Li Xiu Ying is no longer here. So do the feelings for the emperor. Thus, there's no reason for this new Xiu Ying to keep staying in the palace and be involved in imperial harem evil schemes. He wants to live freely. Doing everything he wants, together with his parents.

"Ying-er... About that... Let me discuss this with your father okay? Mother sure he'll know what to do." Madam Feng smiles gently.

The truth is Madam Feng also doesn't like his son to live in the palace. She wants his son to marry into a normal family. They don't have to be rich but good enough to take care of their baby boy. However, when Xiu Ying threatened to run away from home if his father didn't convince His Majesty to make him a concubine, Madam Feng couldn't say anything.

Right after dinner, Madam Feng pulls her husband into their room. "Husband... During the day, Ying-er said that he wanted to leave the palace. He no longer wants to be the concubine as the feeling for His Majesty has died. Do you think it's possible to ask His Majesty to let him go?" Madam Feng grips her husband's hand tightly.

Li Shizen hangs his head down, fell speechless.

"Husband... Why won't you say anything? Don't you feel it is better for Ying-er to stay with us? Since the day he stepped into the palace, my heart never felt at ease. That incident before is the proof that he is not safe living there!"

"Dear... it's not that easy to take back the title concubine unless there's a solid reason for it. Don't you think His Majesty will think that we're playing with him? Asking him to take in our son, then suddenly want to back off. Even if he didn't like our son, he still got a face to be saved."

Both of them lost for words. They're torn between giving their son a better life or saving their whole family's lives. The emperor might not be so cruel as to kill or punish them heavily but for sure, the treatment towards Li's family will be not so kind afterward.

...

The next two days, after gaining some encouragement, Li Shizen decided to talk with Emperor Wu Zhang Wei. He is trying his luck and keeps on praying that the emperor won't throw a fit.

Inside the study room, Wu Zhang Wei couldn't help but smirk when he saw the middle-aged man asked to meet him personally.

"Yes, Prime Minister Li. What else do you want to say to Zhen this time? Ah! Let me guess... It's about Concubine Li, isn't it? So, what is his wish this time? A higher title? A better palace? Or maybe... he wants me to come and visit him often?" said Wu Zhang Wei sarcastically.

"Hmn...it- it's not like that Your Majesty..."

"Ohh... Not like that? Then, what did he want?" Wu Zhang Wei stares at Li Shizen with his palm supporting his chin.

"P- pardon Your Majesty... My son, Concubine Li wished to be dismissed from the imperial harem. He wants to give back the title concubine."

Feeling shocked, the elbows that supported his head slipped off the table, making Wu Zhang Wei slightly fall off to the right side. "Wh- what did you say?" Wu Zhang Wei quickly straightens his body back.

"Concubine Li Xiu Ying deeply apologized but he said he wants to give back the title concubine. He wished to be released from the palace."

Wu Zhang Wei laughs stiffly. "Ha...ha...ha..."

"May Zhen know, what makes him suddenly decide like this? Did he feel afraid of other consorts after the poisoning case? Or...he actually has found someone else he fell in love with?" When he said the latter part, the cold voice makes Li Shizen flinches.

"N- no! It's not Your Majesty. Li Xiu Ying doesn't have someone else or he fell in love with others. All he did at home was spend time with my wife. He didn't even make friends, what's more, a lover."

The emperor sneers. "Oh really? From what Zhen heard... he received a few marriage proposals, isn't it? Who knows, maybe one of the guys caught his eyes."

Li Shizen quickly kneels and kowtows. "This servant begs for your forgiveness Your Majesty! Th- those people didn't know Li Xiu Ying's position as Your Majesty's concubine. But worry not, my wife already rejected all of them and even Li Xiu Ying didn't meet any of them."

Wu Zhang Wei hums. "Prime Minister Li... do you think this topic is such a simple matter? Don't you know thousands of girls and gers out there desperately want to be my concubine even when they know Zhen never wished to have one? But Zhen, in consideration of you, as one of the people that I trusted the most, willingly took in your son into the imperial harem. And now, you suddenly said your son wants to be dismissed? Ha! Am I a joke to you? Don't you think that Zhen being so kind and lenient towards you, Zhen won't do anything towards you and your family?" Wu Zhang Wei clenches his fist.

"Your Majesty... I..."

"Enough. Rise. Zhen doesn't want to hear any more excuses from you. You go back and tell Concubine Li to come back here and meet me. Let me hear the real reasons from his mouth. That's all. You can dismiss." Wu Zhang Wei waves his hand, asking Li Shizen to leave his study room.

...

With a heavy heart, Li Xiu Ying unwillingly returns to the palace for the next two days. The only thing that gives him the courage is the sooner he settles this, the faster he can go away from this place.

Jing Yi watches his young master's pale face, couldn't help but feel worried. "Young master... are you alright? If you feel sick, I'll inform His Majesty and ask him to postpone your meeting."

Li Xiu Ying shakes his head. "No. It's okay. I'm fine. We can't let His Majesty wait for us. Let's go now."

"Yes, young master."

Li Xiu Ying slowly walked towards Wu Zhang Wei's study room with Jing Yi behind him. As he was about to reach the study room, General Huang Fei Hong just stepped out of the room.

The Great General saw him and he politely greets, "Greetings, Concubine Li."

With a gentle smile, Xiu Ying inclines his head, "Greetings General Huang."

The servant announces his presence and Wu Zhang Wei asks him to enter the room, alone. Jing Yi who heard this can't help but feel even more worried for his young master. Xiu Ying turns around, "Don't worry. You wait for me here. I'll be out in a while."

"Yes young master," said Jing Yi dejectedly.

Huang Fei Hong who is still in front of the room, can't help but stare at the guy who was left alone by his master. He tilts his head and keeps on looking at the frail figure.

Jing Yi feels uncomfortable with the gaze. He bobs his head, taking a few steps backward. Then, he stands in front of the room with his back facing the room wall. Fei Hong chuckles when Jing Yi clearly avoids him.

Fei Hong takes a few steps forwards then he stops right in front of Jing Yi. Jing Yi who is staring at the floor flinches when a pair of legs standing in front of him.

Jing Yi steals a few glances but still didn't meet the eyes of the other person, "Y- yes General? Is there anything I can help you with?"

Jing Yi fidgets under the heated stare and it makes Fei Hong can't contain his smile. But, he quickly covered it.

Fei Hong pretends to cough. "Ahem...hmn... I need to ask a few questions regarding your master. Can I?"

"Y- yes sure."

"Okay, before that... your name?" Fei Hong raises his brows in expectancy.

"I- it's Jing Yi, sir."

"Okay, Jing Yi. No need to be on the alert with me. It's not like I'm going to eat you." Jing Yi slowly calms down and relaxes, but that's only because he didn't see the smirk on the Great General's face.

"Alright. First, is how can Concubine Li recover after three days of coma? What kind of medication did he take?"

"This servant is also not sure, sir. I only give him the same decoction based on the prescription provided by the physician. Nothing else." Jing Yi answered unwaveringly.

Fei Hong slightly frowns, "Then, did you notice anything different on Concubine Li when he woke up?"

Jing Yi blinked his eyes nervously and it didn't miss from Fei Hong's eyes. "No. Nothing different. When my master woke up, he felt extremely dizzy then he fainted again. Later on, he woke up again but his condition was slightly better, only left with a sore body from lying too long."

Fei Hong didn't avert his eyes even one second from Jing Yi. He observes his tiny expression, finding the hint of lies. However, besides the short moment of indifference before, Jing Yi maintains his calm and composed manner.

"Then...care to share, why Concubine Li suddenly decided to change the way he dressed and why he won't use makeup anymore? Even though he's been extremely obsessed with it in the past." Fei Hong squints his eyes.

"Pardon General. This servant also didn't know about that. Right after my master woke up, he asked me to get new sets of robes and he even asked me to put away all of his makeup. This servant only followed his orders. Didn't dare to question further."

Since the beginning, never once has Jing Yi raised his head and looks at Fei Hong's face. And it makes the Great General slightly frustrated.

"Is there anything else General wants to know?" asked Jing Yi when Fei Hong stayed silent.

" *cough* Hm...no. Nothing else. Thank you for answering me." Fei Hong rubs his nose.

"No problem General." Jing Yi bobs his head. It's just a few seconds but the lips that curved upwards couldn't be missed from Fei Hong's view.

The sound of the door opens making both of their heads turn to the side. Jing Yi quickly runs towards his young master, leaving the general behind.

Seeing the frowns on Li Xiu Ying's face makes Jing Yi feels anxious. "Young master...what's wrong? Did His Majesty...mad at you? You were punished?"

Li Xiu Ying is about to say something but he notices the emperor's childhood friend, he quickly changes his words. "Let's go back to my room first."

Li Xiu Ying nods to Huang Fei Hong and walked past him. Jing Yi strutting behind him. Huang Fei Hong stares between the room and two figures that are slowly walking further away.. He decided to enter the study room again to dig up some juicy news.

Right after the servant announced Xiu Ying's arrival, Wu Zhang Wei asked the servant to let him in but...alone. As soon as Xiu Ying stepped into the room, his steps were halted for a second when he accidentally met a pair of eyes staring dagger towards him. Xiu Ying quickly lowers his head and continues, acting as if nothing happened.

"Greetings, Your Majesty." Xiu Ying bows.

"Stand up." Wu Zhang Wei stares at the person who is standing straight in front of him but with eyes on the floor.

"Concubine Li, you must know the reason Zhen called you here, right?"

"Yes, Your Majesty."

"Then, without dilly dally, mind telling Zhen, what is the real reason Concubine Li wanted to be dismissed from the imperial harem? Zhen thought Concubine Li was the one who threatened Prime Minister Li to run away if Zhen didn't take you in, right? Then, what makes you change your mind?" Wu Zhang Wei supported his chin using the back of his palms, waiting for the answer.

Taking a deep breath then releases a heavy sigh. Xiu Ying straightens his back. "First of all, pardon my mistakes, Your Majesty. I know it was rude of me to ask such a thing from Your Majesty. But...this lowly servant of Your Majesty doesn't want to disturb Your Majesty's quiet life. I know, it was a fool of me to do such things in the past. I was immature back then. I was blinded by my own feelings and didn't realize that my acts were all wrong. Thus, I'd like to ask permission from Your Majesty, please allow me to be dismissed from the imperial harem and let me return to my home. I promise Your Majesty, from now onwards, I won't disturb Your Majesty anymore."

Wu Zhang Wei is still staring at Xiu Ying with his poker face. Xiu Ying bites inside of his mouth.

"Your Majesty, I know, due to my inappropriate and indecent acts before, I've tainted Your Majesty's name and I make Your Majesty feels uncomfortable. But, to repay for that, I'd be willing to accept any punishment. Just please- don't do anything to my parents. They're the only ones I have and they only did as I forced them to do so. Please put all the blame upon me. I'm begging Your Majesty." Xiu Ying kneels down.

'No... There's no way he's the same Li Xiu Ying. He acts too different from before. It's like he became someone else... No... It's impossible...' All the time Xiu Ying spoke, this thought wandering around Wu Zhang Wei's mind.

Xiu Ying doesn't know what else he should say to convince the emperor. He continues kneeling down waiting for the other party to speak up.

"Li Xiu Ying.."

Xiu Ying flinched when he was called.

"Did you know... because of what you did, all of the ministers started to label Zhen as being biased towards your father and because of that, those ministers started to look at your father in a different way, negative way to be exact? They thought your father was trying to secure his position by giving you to Zhen as a concubine. Your father had to face their resentment every day. They never stopped trying to find faults in your father. The only thing that keeps your father safe until now is because they thought he had Zhen favor."

Xiu Ying tries to connect all the points with all the hints given by Wu Zhang Wei, but nothing comes up.

"Do you dare to think what will happen if those ministers heard that Zhen take back that title concubine from you?"

"..."

"They'll think that Zhen no longer being biased towards your father..meaning? It's not a big problem if they...put an end to your father's life, isn't it?" Wu Zhang Wei raises his brows.

Hearing that, Xiu Ying unconsciously raises his head and looks straight into Wu Zhang Wei's eyes. Sadness is clearly shown in his clear light brown eyes. 'Only now you know how to look at me...,' thought Wu Zhang Wei.

"You said, you're willing to carry all the blame right?" Xiu Ying nods his head vigorously.

"Alright then, Zhen won't do anything to your family but in return you..." Xiu Ying gulps down his saliva. "You're required to keep on staying as Zhen's concubine and show your true worth, your value. Make some contributions and show your skills. Your mother said you have lots of talents, right? Show it to all those ministers. Make them shut their mouth. Can you?"

Xiu Ying tilts his head, blinks his eyes repeatedly, and knits his eyebrows.

'So cute...wait- what?!' Wu Zhang Wei quickly averted his eyes.

"B- but Your Majesty... I..."

Wu Zhang Wei raises his palm, stopping Xiu Ying from uttering any more words. "You said you're willing to be punished? Then, this is Zhen's punishment for you. Or you wished what Zhen said just now to happen?"

"N- no. I- I don't want that. Xiu Ying thank you, your majesty, for your kindness. Even though Xiu Ying doesn't really have any remarkable talents, Xiu Ying promises to help Your Majesty in any way." The frown on his forehead contradicts his gratefulness.

Wu Zhang Wei hums. "If you have anything to say about other consorts just tell Zhen later on."

Those words make Xiu Ying more confused. 'And...why should I tell you about them? It's not like you're gonna help me if they harass me. Even when I was dying on the bed, you never cared. Hmph!'

"Yes thank you for your care Your Majesty but don't worry Xiu Ying will be fine on my own." 'The more I tell you, the faster I'll die in those bi**hes' hands.'

"Alright. You can go now." The frown on Xiu Ying's face makes Wu Zhang Wei smirks. 'Already hate me, huh? Now you know the feeling of being forced to stay with someone you don't like.'

Xiu Ying rises up from kneeling, bowing down then quickly turns to the door. Jing Yi approaches him as soon as he closes the door behind him.

"Young master...what's wrong? Did His Majesty...mad at you? You were punished?" Jing Yi asked in haste.

All the curses and swears that are about to be spoken, have to be swallowed back when he notices the Great General who was standing not far from them. "Let's go back to my room first."

Once the door room is shut, Xiu Ying...

"What the hell is wrong with this guy?! Is it so hard to take back this useless title?! I'm not that desperate for it! Didn't you say before I'm a pest? A pest should be chased away not to keep them! And what's wrong with your eyes?! You said I was ugly and never spared a glance before but now you're boring a hole in my face. Shit!" Xiu Ying walks back and forth.

Jing Yi is lost for words when he sees this new side of his young master. Yes, Xiu Ying always whines and gets mad, but not to this extent. Most of the time Xiu Ying will use his tears or threats, not bad words.

"Ha! Trying to use my dad against me. Fine! Let me see how long you can stand me. I'll annoy you to the death. You just wait for it!"

Xiu Ying flicks his sleeves, taking a seat and pouring himself a cup of water. Jing Yi, who was still shocked by what he witnessed, didn't have time to do it for his young master.

He slams down the teacup on the table. "Why the hell is the cup so small?! You're an emperor but can't afford to buy a glass!" Xiu Ying pours another 2-3 times full cup of water.

'Young master...how big do you want the cup is? That's the normal size. No matter where you go, people use the same size,' Jing Yi whines.

"Yo- young master...?"

"Ha? What?" Still engulfed in his rage, Xiu Ying forgot to tone down his voice, making the poor servant jolt.

"Sorry. Sorry. My bad. What is it?" said Xiu Ying with a gentler voice.

"Are you alright Young Master? Wh- what did His Majesty say to you?"

Xiu Ying calms himself first before telling everything that Wu Zhang Wei said to him in the room. Jing Yi's expression keeps on changing. From big bulging eyes to knitted brows and frowns then mouth gaping, loss for words.

Jing Yi never thought the emperor wouldn't let Xiu Ying to be dismissed and even let Xiu Ying show his true values and skills.

Xiu Ying might not notice but Jing Yi, who always stands at his side, always sees how the emperor looks at his young master in disgust. Never once has the emperor shown any interest towards Xiu Ying. Wu Zhang Wei even looked like he's about to throw Xiu Ying out of the window anytime.

"Jing Yi? What's wrong? What are you thinking?" Xiu Ying flicks his fingers in front of Jing Yi's face.

"Ah? Oh...nothing. It's just...sounds impossible for His Majesty to say something like that. I know the deep hatred His Majesty had towards Young Master so... something feels wrong." Jing Yi shrugs his shoulders.

"By the way, Young Master, when you were inside the room, General Fei Hong asked me a few questions regarding young master. It seems like he and His Majesty are curious on how Young Master recovered and why Young Master looks different as of now.."

Xiu Ying becomes stiff. 'Wait..there's no way they know right? Even my parents and Jing Yi who was the closest to me didn't suspect anything. Why would they ask like that?'

"Th- then... what did you say?"

"Oh. I just told him that I gave young master what the physician prescribed and about young master's appearance, I just say I didn't know and there's nothing else changed in young master." Xiu Ying heaves sighs of relief.

'They're getting weirder. Why would they care about me so suddenly? Are they planning something?' Knocks on the door make Xiu Ying snap back from his thoughts.

"Now what?!" said Xiu Ying, slightly annoyed.

Jing Yi went to the door and it revealed a female servant behind it. "Greetings my lady." Even the female tried to sound respectful but her face clearly expressed disdain when she mentioned 'my lady'.

"Yes. May I know who you are and why are you coming here?" Xiu Ying's eye twitched when he saw the female servant's expression.

"My lady, I'm Xiao Mao. I'm here on behalf of my master, Noble Consort Li Na to invite my lady to the tea party this evening. My master really hoped my lady could attend as it's been a while since all residents of imperial harem spent time together."

'Tea party? Or... Party to scheme on me?'

"Oh really? What a good person Noble Consort Li Na is. Inviting a lowly concubine like me. Don't worry. If your master has gone so much inviting me, I'll sure be there." Xiu Ying gives Xiao Mao the widest smile.

Feeling slightly intimidated by the way Xiu Ying spoke, Xiao Mao flustered. "Th- then... My master and other consorts will be waiting for my lady at the courtyard this evening." Xiao Mao quickly excused herself.

"Young master, is it really fine to go there? You know they're..." Jing Yi couldn't help but feel worried when he knows his young master is going to meet those consorts, who is one of them responsible for the poisoning.

"Don't worry. I know how to handle them. Well, if things get out of control, I'll just use my fist.." Xiu Ying mumbles the last part.

Xiu Ying chose a light blue robe with small embroidery at the end of the outer robe. Hair ties up in a ponytail and no makeup. If he comes to the party like this, he has the simplest looks but still, the prettiest. Xiu Ying looks at himself in the mirror and couldn't help but scoffs. 'I can fall in love with myself.'

Jing Yi smiles widely, feeling satisfied with his work on Xiu Ying's hair. 'Now, no one can belittle my young master's look!'

Xiu Ying walks to Yanxi Palace, where Noble Consort Li Na resides. Along the way, the servants and guards couldn't help but turn their heads around and their eyes kept on sticking to Xiu Ying until his figure was out of view.

Actually, it was wrong for other men to stare at the emperor's concubine but the urge to admire the beautiful figure makes them forget about the rule.

When Xiu Ying arrived at Yanxi palace, he's a little bit surprised because all three consorts were already there, enjoying their tea. Xiu Ying quickly approached them and couldn't help but smirk in his heart when he saw the snickers on two from three of them. When he is a meter from them, Xiu Ying greets them one by one.

"Greetings Noble Consort Li Na"

"Greetings Consort Hui Yin"

"Greetings Concubine Wen Qian"

Looking at Xiu Ying's stunning appearance, Li Na and Hui Yin couldn't help but frown. But not Concubine Wen Qian, who prefers to steal a glance once in a while then lowers her head.

"Oh my... Concubine Xiu Ying. It's not proper of you to come late to our party. As a concubine, time is gold. You need to be punctual," said Hui Yin while scanning him up and down.

"Well, since it's just us today, so we don't mind. But what if you're going to attend any banquet or meeting with His Majesty and you're late, you'll bring shame to His Majesty's face!" Li Na sighs and shakes her head, showing that she's disappointed with Xiu Ying.

'Wow! Never thought they're going to start as soon as I came here. Hasty, aren't they?' Xiu Ying remains unaffected by their words.

"Sorry, My Ladies. But Xiao Mao, Lady Li Na's servant informed me that the tea party will be held this evening, so I don't think I was late." With his face held straight, Xiu Ying retorts.

"Oh my... yes it's in the evening but shouldn't you come earlier than that? If Li Na jiejie said evening, then you should come before evening time!" Hui Yin slightly raises her voice.

Xiu Ying turns his poker face to Hui Yin, "If this concubine is not mistaken, the earliest time for tea to be served in the evening is in shen's hours, am I right? But now, there is still a quarter of an hour before shen's hours. That's mean, all of my ladies are just TOO EARLY and I'm not even late."

[Shen's hours : 3-5 pm, but I mean here around 4 pm. Sorry if it's wrong]

Hui Yin clenches her robes and is about to stand but Li Na glares at her. "It seems Concubine Xiu Ying is right. We're just too early as we are all a little bit too excited. Let's just forget about it. Concubine Xiu Ying, please have a seat and join us." Li Na fakes a smile.

Xiu Ying walked around the round table to find an empty seat, but before he managed to say, "Well next time, don't forget to mention the exact time. In that way, I could come an hour earlier. I'll even help to serve the tea for all of my ladies."

Both Li Na and Hui Yin's mouth twitched.

Walking towards his seat while keeping a straight face, Xiu Ying gracefully took a seat. He's sitting opposite Li Na, Hui Yin on his right side, and Wen Qian on his left side.

Xiu Ying didn't pay too much attention to Wen Qian because from the memories he had, Wen Qian is not a threat or not the type that will cause him any harm. Wen Qian was sent to the palace unwillingly.

Her stepmother forced her father, who is Minister of Rites, to ask the emperor to make her a concubine. Wen Qian's stepmother knew that the emperor never wished to have a concubine so she sent Wen Qian to the palace in hope that the emperor will make her life miserable. But too bad for Wen Qian's stepmother. Even though Wu Zhang Wei didn't favor her, he also didn't hurt her. Deep down in her heart, Wen Qian felt relieved she was sent to the palace. At least, no one will disturb her if she stays low.

"Ahem.." Li Na fakes a cough to get their attention.

"It's been a while since we got together like this right? So...how have you guys been doing lately?" She glances at every one of us.

Hui Yin starts with a sigh. "Lately, I've been trying to learn to make snacks and pastries on my own. I'd like to let His Majesty to have a taste but... each time I failed to make one. Maybe, I don't have a talent for it. Unlike Li Na jiejie. Be it cooking, sewing, you're excellent in it."

Li Na covers half of her face with her sleeves, hiding the faint blush, "Oh my... Hui Yin meimei, you flatter me. I'm not that good. It's just, I've been doing it since I was young so I kinda got used to it."

Xiu Ying lightly scoffs. 'What a dumb and dumber.'

Li Na turns to Wen Qian, "What about you, Wen Qian meimei? How's your life doing so far?"

Wen Qian plays with her fingers. "It- it's okay. Same as always. Nothing changed." She looks at Li Na timidly.

"Wen Qian meimei, how can you act like this? As a concubine, you should make an effort to get His Majesty's attention. Or maybe you can do something productive like what Hui Yin meimei did. Try to improve yourself by learning new things. There are so many things you can do in here but you just waste all the chances given." Li Na shakes her head and rolls her eyes.

Xiu Ying gives a look at the pale girl. 'It's not cold right now. Why is this girl trembling? Did it have something to do with any of them?'

"Xiu Ying meimei.." Li Na called.

'Meimei...? For God's sake! Girl...can't you see I'm a man? Well yeah a ger but still a man. Get that title right first before you're trying to teach someone else.'

"You just returned from your parents' house right? How's the trip? I heard that you've become famous lately. Everyone in the town has been talking about you." She grits her teeth. When she heard the news that everyone was praising Xiu Ying's beauty, she could barely stay calm because when she went to the capital market, no one ever talked like that about her.

"Really? I didn't know about that. I've been busy spending time with my mother. She's keeping me occupied with the work of tending the garden at our house. I've no time to care about gossip." Xiu Ying having eye contact with Li Na, a sign of no backing down.

Li Na's eyes twitched. "Haha... Th- that's good. Rumors are just rumors. The people are too nosy with the lives of us, the concubines. Ah! Before I forget, I'd like to ask...why does Xiu Ying no longer wear... makeup? It- feels different looking at you without makeup."

Xiu Ying leisurely sipped the tea before he answered. "It takes too much time to apply. I feel kinda foolish in the past for wasting so much time on makeup only, meanwhile, I can use that time for other things."

Hui Yin interrupts with a smirk on her face, "But we like to see Xiu Ying jiejie with makeup. It suits you well."

"Sorry for disappointing all of you but I guess from now onwards you guys have to get used to my bare face. I won't use any makeup anymore. It gives me a lot of trouble." Xiu Ying barely holds his laugh when he sees the veins that almost pop out on both of their foreheads.

While the dumb and dumber busy calming themselves down, Xiu Ying turns to Wen Qian who didn't spit out any words since Li Na asked her before. The petite and pale girl seems to be in her own world.

Noticing the gaze from Xiu Ying, Wen Qian slowly turns her head towards him. Wen Qian became stiff for a moment when she met Xiu Ying's clear and gentle eyes, added with the faint smile on his lips. Realizing that it was rude to stare at someone else's face, Wen Qian quickly averts her eyes and mutters sorry.

"Pardon for disturbing your times together, my ladies." A male servant suddenly came greeted.

"I'm here to announce that Her Majesty and His Majesty will come here in a moment. They have something to announce to all of my ladies here."

'Empress Dowager and Emperor are coming here?!'

All of them thought the same and looked surprised, except Xiu Ying. As soon as the male servant left, Li Na and Hui Yin called their servant and asked them to make themselves look presentable. Meanwhile, Xiu Ying takes this chance to swallow each and every pastry on the table.

When one woman in her late 40s and another young man in his 20s walk into the courtyard, all the concubines and servants bow.

"Greetings Your Majesty."

"Rise," said Wu Zhang Wei.

When all four concubines straighten their backs, he looks around and his eyes stop at the prettiest one, who is wearing the light blue robe. He sizes him up and down.

'When you met me, you're wearing like you're mourning. But now, meeting with these girls you're wearing something like this. Not enough with men, even the women you want to enchant?'

Empress Dowager Wu Jiaying noticed that his son was frowning, then she followed where Wu Zhang Wei's eyes landed. When she sees it, her eyes widen.

'Wait...who is this beautiful guy? I don't remember him as one of my son's concubines. Did Zhang Wei secretly take him in?' While thinking about this, Wu Jiaying slowly gets closer to Xiu Ying.

[Bengong: I (referring as the empress or concubine), when speaking to a person or audience of lower rank or status]

"Pardon Bengong...but...your name?" She asked directly to Xiu Ying, which surprised Wu Zhang Wei and other concubines.

"Your Majesty, this concubine named Li Xiu Ying." Xiu Ying folded his hand to the front and bows.

"Xiu Ying? Son of Prime Minister Li?" Knowing that the ger in front of her is the rumored weird concubine surprised her for the second time.

"Yes, Your Majesty."

Seeing all the Empress Dowager's attention being given to Xiu Ying, Li Na and Hui Yin grit their teeth.

After taking a seat, Wu Jianying speaks up. "Actually, Bengong just wanted to inform all of you, my princess who was supposed to return a few weeks ago will return in two days and this time is for sure. Bengong would like to hold a small banquet. So, Bengong would like to ask, is there anyone who would like to volunteer to help Bengong handle the banquet?"

Li Na and Hui Yin's eyes gleam. It is clearly seen that they want to do it but in order not to show they're too eager for it, they stay still.

"Bengong asked all of you because Bengong doesn't want you to think that Bengong is siding with anyone. So, to be fair, let's just find a volunteer."

From when he came until now, Wu Zhang Wei sticks his eyes on Xiu Ying. He's frowning when the latter didn't seem to care about the banquet and there's no sign of volunteering himself.

In the corner of his eyes, he noticed that Li Na was about to speak up, but he quickly interrupts. "Mother, it seems like they're too shy to say anything. How about mother gives this chance to... Concubine Li. We rarely see his involvement in this kind of thing."

Xiu Ying's eyes bulge. The urge to strangle someone is too strong.

"Pardon Your Majesty. But, for a lowly concubine like me, who has no worth shouldn't bear this responsibility. Maybe, it is more suitable for someone who is talented and responsible like Noble Consort Li Na." Wu Jiaying was quite surprised a concubine rejected the offer. Usually, a concubine will try hard to be more appealing.

"Mother, Zhang Wei thinks mother should just pass this matter to Concubine Li. Let him have the chance to SHOW HIS WORTH." Zhang Wei stressed on the last parts, reminding Xiu Ying what he told him before.

Wu Jiaying sighs. "Since the emperor has insisted, then Bengong will pass this task to Concubine Li. Hope you can handle this well. Even though it is just a simple banquet but still all the main ministers will be invited and we're gonna have a special guest too. So, our image depends on you."

Unwillingly, Xiu Ying said, "Yes Your Majesty. I'll try my best." He folded his hand to the front and bows.

When Wu Jiaying turned around to leave, Wu Zhang Wei smirked when he met the deathly glares from Xiu Ying. The interaction between those two cannot be escaped from Li Na and Hui Yin.. They can only lower their heads and clench on their robe tightly.

The banquet that will be held the next day is only an inner-palace banquet. Meaning, only the royal family and highest-ranking officials are invited.

Xiu Ying is totally clueless about what he should do because he came from the future and he can't recall anything about a banquet in his memories. But for someone with a smart brain, it's not that hard to get the clue in a short time.

Turning to his servant, Xiu Ying asked Jing Yi what he should do. Too many on his need-to-do list, Xiu Ying started the day at 5 am. Starting from sending an invitation to the guests, deciding on the dishes that will be served, the entertainment, and also the decoration of the venue. Empress Dowager Wu Jiaying already sent him around 40 servants to assist him.

Firstly, the guests that will be invited are the Six Ministries which are the Ministry of Personnel, Ministry of Revenue, Ministry of Rites, Ministry of Defence, Ministry of Justice, and Ministry of Works. The lords from three departments; the Department of The Palace, Department of Secret Books, and Department of Service are also invited. Li Shizen as the Prime Minister also will attend the banquet.

Next, for the menu, Xiu Ying asked the kitchen to prepare the "Eight Land Delicacies" which includes several precious fowls and mushrooms, the "Eight Sea Delicacies" includes dried sea cucumbers, shark's fin soup, bird's nest, and a few others and also few other side dishes. The dishes need to be sampled and tested by Xiu Ying before it passes and proceed to be served during the banquet.

Xiu Ying also sent an invitation from a famous troop in the capital to make a performance during the banquet. Other than that, an eye-opener for the perverted old ministers, which is a dancing performance by gisaengs also will be included because Xiu Ying knows well what those ministers desired. The last performance is a sword dance by the military members.

The decoration is not too grand like a wedding banquet but also not too simple. With the help of the eunuchs, Xiu Ying feels better. He doesn't want to mess up anything especially with seating arrangements. One tiny mistake could lead to a bigger problem, not only for him but for his father too.

Running here and there might be normal for Mo Xiu Ying as he used to pull a night shifter when he worked at the hospital but his current body is now a bit weaker than his old body, so he feels quite exhausted. The only thing that kept him going strong is to see the disappointment in the emperor's face when he managed to do an excellent job.

Looking from aside, Wu Zhang Wei's lips curve upwards. Chief of Eunuch, Qiu Li Jie, frowns when he sees the emperor leisurely walking around the palace but more like...follow around Xiu Ying.

Li Jie thought the emperor just wanted to supervise the progress of the preparation but Wu Zhang Wei only watched from afar then smiled to himself.

Xiu Ying got to eat at dinner after his first meal during 5 am breakfast. He didn't even have time for lunch. After a refreshing soak in a warm bath, Xiu Ying quickly finished his dinner then directly turned in for the night as he got an earlier start tomorrow.

...

The banquet that is held in the main hall goes on from afternoon until evening. It is divided into two parts. During the afternoon, it is more like a formal dining banquet, meanwhile for the evening until early night part, it is more relaxed and informal.

The ministers started to come one after another. They happily greet each other even though sarcasm never left in every word they spit out. Those ministers were led by the servants to their arranged seatings.

When all the ministers have arrived, it's time for the empress dowager and Princes Wu Xiao Qing to enter the main hall, followed by Noble Consort Yu Li Na, Consort Lin Hui Yin, Concubine Wen Qian, and lastly, Concubine Li Xiu Ying. All of the ministers rise and greet them.

When they're about to straighten their back, the last figure makes them stare in awe. Some of the perverted ministers even drool over Li Xiu Ying's mesmerizing look. They only snap back to reality when the announcement of the emperor's arrival was made.

Upon the entrance of Wu Zhang Wei, all fall on their knees and kowtow once to greet him. They rise when the emperor has taken his place on the throne.

On his left side, Wu Jiaying is seated but empty on his right side as there's no esteemed empress yet. Wu Xiao Qing sits beside her mother.

Wu Zhang Wei is about to raise his cup to start the ceremony but Wu Jiaying whispers, "There's another honored guest that still didn't come. That guest, I personally invited him."

Wu Zhang Wei raises his brows, "Who? Why didn't I know about this?"

"Well...it's- "

Before Wu Jiaying could say it, a servant made an announcement. "The arrival of Prince Yang Lijun from Yang Empire."

The door of the main hall opens and a handsome man walks in with a big smile plastered on his face. He walks leisurely, straight towards the throne. Once he reached, he kneels and kowtows, "Prince Yang Li Jun greets Your Majesty, Emperor Wu Zhang Wei, and Empress Dowager Wu Jiaying."

Seeing the kneeling figure, Wu Zhang Wei's eyes twitched.

Wu Jiaying touched her son's arm, signaling him to allow the prince to stand because the prince can't do so as long as Wu Zhang Wei didn't say it.

The emperor rolls his eyes. "Rise, Prince Yang." The prince was led to his seat.

Wu Zhang Wei raises his cup and is followed by all the ones present in the banquet, as a starter of the ceremony.

Since the afternoon banquet is more of a formal one, so everyone only greets the one near or beside them and enjoys the performance.

When the entrance of the gisaengs, all of them knew that's the sign of starting the informal banquet. One after another, ministers walked around the hall, chatting with their peers.

Wu Jiaying dragged Wu Zhang Wei and Wu Xiao Qing to get down from the throne and meet Prince Yang Lijun. The latter noticed three figures approaching him, he quickly raised from his seat and walked towards them.

Prince Lijun folds his friends to the front and bows, "Your Majesty."

"Lijun...thank you for coming here," said Wu Jiaying.

"It's my honor to be given a chance to join this banquet. Thank you Your Majesty for inviting me and I beg Your Majesty's pardon on behalf of my mother. She couldn't come as she was a little bit out of the weather."

"Oh my. Is she okay?" Wu Jiaying asked worriedly.

"Don't worry Your Majesty. My mother is fine. It's just a bit of a fever. She's already fine but the physician said it's better for her to stay and recover first before travel. My mother told me about the invitation and at the same time I was near this country, so I came on behalf of my mother."

Wu Jiaying releases a sigh of relief.

Three of them forgot the existence of another person there. Wu Zhang Wei watched his mother, Xiao Qing, and the prince of Yang Empire happily exchange words. Wu Zhang Wei doesn't have the intention of interrupting their conversation. First, because he doesn't think it is necessary to do so as the person in front of him is not to his liking. Second, his eyes try to look around the hall looking for a certain someone.

Wu Jiaying glances at her son who is busy looking here and there. She nudges on his arm. "Zhang Wei...what are you looking at? Come on. Talk to Lijun."

Wu Zhang Wei looks at Lijun with his poker face, with no intention of initiating a conversation. Lijun keeps on smiling even though he knows the emperor despised him.

"Your Majesty...how have you been doing?" Lijun asked.

"Hmn. Good."

"Seems like this country is blessed and becoming even better since Your Majesty's ruling."

"Zhen know."

Lijun and Wu Jiaying, "..."

Lijun's mouth twitched. 'How shameless can this guy be? I'm being kind enough to talk to you. How dare you ignore me.'

The reason for the cold treatment is because...

Yang Empire and Wu Empire always have a good relationship. Since their grandfather's time, their family is already close to each other.

Wu Jiaying and Lijun's mother are best friends and once a year they will visit each other's country. Even though the parents are good to each other but not the first child of each family. Wu Zhang Wei's first impression of Lijun is not good when he saw Lijun on top of his sister who was lying on the grass. 13 years old Wu Zhang Wei quickly pushes 12 years old Lijun and dragged Xiao Qing away from the perverted prince.

The second impression made the situation worse when they were fighting off, Lijun accidentally stumbled upon a big stone and they crashed into each other. When Lijun tried to lift his head, his lips brushed against Wu Zhang Wei's. Because of that, Lijun received a nice and hard punch right on his face.

Since then, Wu Zhang Wei hates Lijun and he'll try his best to make sure Xiao Qing and he, himself stay away from him. Just now, he didn't forbid Xiao Qing from talking with him because he knows Lijun won't dare to do anything in presence of Wu Jiaying.

Lijun is about to open his mouth again but suddenly feels short of breath and his stomach is burning. He bends to hold the pain and wrinkles form on his forehead.

"...jun?! Lijun?! Wh- what's wrong?!" Wu Jiaying's loud voice attracts the attention of all the people inside the hall.

Lijun collapsed onto the ground.

Suddenly, someone shouted, "He- he's poisoned!" People start to whisper.

"Call the physician here!" ordered Wu Zhang Wei. He is glad if the other guy died but not in his country, during the banquet in his palace especially.

The next second, a physician came and did his work fast. Squinted eyes, furrows brows, the physician's face clearly shows something not good.

"Wh- what's wrong? Did Prince Lijun get poisoned?!" Wu Jiaying asked impatiently.

The physician shakes his head. "Your Majesty, pardon this servant. When I checked his pulse it showed an erratic pulse but it is a bit different from being poisoned. This servant didn't know what caused this."

Wu Zhang Wei turns his head to the audience. "Who is the one who said he was poisoned?!" In a flash, he detected a female servant flinching when he asked and she's nervous.

Wu Zhang Wei walks towards her. "Why did you say he was poisoned? Did you have any proof? Or- you're the one who did it?" His tall height makes him look frightening, adding with his cold voice.

The girl trembles. "N- no! It- it's not me! I- I'm just... I saw the silver spoon used by the prince turn dark. Th- that's why I said he's poisoned." The female servant pointed to the table that Lijun seated just now.

Before Wu Zhang Wei could make his move, Yu Li Na reached out for the silver spoon first. She gasped when she looked at the spoon. "Yo- your Majesty! It's true!" She brings the spoon to Wu Zhang Wei.

He looks at the spoon in Li Na's hand. "Bring Zhen everyone in the kitchen here! Right now!"

Even Li Na feels intimidated by the angered Wu Zhang Wei, but she still speaks up, "Bu- but Your Majesty... all of the meals must undergo supervision of Concubine Li. He is responsible for this banquet's meals...so..." Her words were cut off.

"Yes. Looking for me?"