Chapter 201: I've Confirmed That His Eyes Hide A Deep Sadistic Love.
Xiao YuAn was carried back to the bedchamber by Yan HeQing. The Imperial Bodyguards guarding the doors of the bedchamber had long been accustomed with this sight, and very quickly honed their strong hearts.
As a matter of fact, Xiao YuAn wasn't tired to the point where he couldn't walk, but Yan HeQing wanted to hold him, so Xiao YuAn said nothing, and obediently let Yan HeQing carry him back.
As Yan HeQing gently placed Xiao YuAn on the bed, he asked him if his body felt uncomfortable.
Xiao YuAn smiled and shook his head. When suddenly, he remembered the main issue, and hurriedly asked: "Yan-ge, how are you going to deal with Huang Yue after this?"
At that moment, Yan HeQing's eyes shone with killing intent.
Xiao YuAn sensed that something was wrong with Yan HeQing, so he reached out his arms to hug him and hurriedly said: "Yan-ge, you can't make a move on him now!"
Yan HeQing said with a cold voice: "If he can make a move on you, then why can't I do the same to him?"
"Without solid evidence of Huang Yue's conspiracy, everyone will accuse you of killing innocent people!"
"I don't care."
Xiao YuAn cupped his hands around Yan HeQing's cheeks and kissed him several times before saying: "You may not care but I do! No, if you won't let me use the bitter plan, then I won't do it. But you also have to listen to me. Don't make a move on Huang Yue yet, wait for the evidence. Alright?
Yan HeQing hesitated, so Xiao YuAn bit his lip and kissed him fiercely. After kissing, Xiao YuAn said: "Well, let me say it more cheerfully. Don't make a move on him yet and wait for the evidence!"
Yan HeQing didn't reply, but this could be considered a silent agreement.
Xiao YuAn sighed in relief and sat cross-legged on the bed, gently smiling at Yan HeQing. Yan HeQing turned his head, and when his eyes, as bright as the moonlight, converged with Xiao YuAn's smile, he calmed down. At that moment, Xiao YuAn clenched his hands slightly, as if he had made up his mind.
…
At this time, in Huang Yue's residence, Huang Yue frowned as he asked his subordinates: "Was Xiao Jun Wang really taken out of the prison by the Emperor?"
The subordinates nodded with absolute certainty.
Huang Yue sneered: "It seems that his 'bed abilities' were useful."
One of the subordinates proposed: "General Huang, why don't we leave Xiao Jun Wang alone for the time being? We'd better be careful."
Huang Yue nodded his head, ready to continue waiting for the right opportunity.
However, even if Huang Yue wouldn't go against Xiao YuAn, Xiao YuAn actually took the initiative to go against him instead.
Huang Yue was skeptical and somewhat surprised to meet with Xiao YuAn.
Xiao YuAn respectfully bowed to Huang Yue, and then said: "How is General Huang doing lately?"
When Huang Yue saw that he was playing dumb, Huang Yue wasn't worried. He greeted Xiao YuAn with a smile on his face: "I'm fine. I wonder how Xiao Jun Wang's health is doing?"
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Xiao YuAn laughed: "Not so good. I've been feeling confused and muddled these few days. No, not only these days. Ever since I came to the Southern Yan Kingdom my mind seems to be confused all the time, to the point where I'm not able to see the current situation clearly!"
Huang Yue stared at Xiao YuAn, as if he was pondering about his attitude.
So, Xiao YuAn added: "The first few steps I took were indeed a mistake, and now, it's like I'm walking on thin ice. I can't even sleep peacefully at night."
Huang Yue said meaningfully: "Oh? Not necessarily, after all, Xiao Jun Wang is now the most favored person around His Majesty. "
Xiao YuAn sneered mockingly and his eyes were filled with sarcasm. As he clenched his fists, he murmured: "But I'm just an excuse for him to vent his desire. In the end, I'm nothing more than a replacement. Perhaps, one day, he'll get tired of playing with me….. Needless to say, I don't want General Huang to hear more of this. This time, I came to General Huang to analyze his situation."
Huang Yue said: "Oh? Then I'm all ears."
Xiao YuAn picked up the tea cup sitting on the table, sipped lighty, and said: "Ever since ancient times, when the army fought for power, it was either in a turbulent situation, or in the midst of founding a country. Now, since Yan HeQing has been in power for several years, the Southern Yan Kingdom is becoming more and more prosperous; the morale of the army and the common people has stabilized as well. This is the first problem for General Huang. As for the second problem, although Chen Ge is young, he was single-handedly promoted by the old General Xue Yan. As for the Emperor, he also values him more and more every day. General Huang, your military power is very likely to be taken away by Chen Ge. I can understand the General's caution, but, General Huang, the more you delay it, the worse it will get for you."
Huang Yue nodded his head: "Xiao Jun Wang has a good point. But, I wonder, why has Xiao Jun Wang analyzed my situation?"
Xiao YuAn replied with a smile: "I thought about it carefully this morning. Originally, I came to the Southern Yan Kingdom to ensure the peace of the Western Shu Kingdom. However, even after a year, Yan HeQing has turned a blind eye as well as deaf ears to my submission, and even tried to send troops several times to my Western Shu Kingdom. Even if I was willing to bear the humiliation of being 'under' him every night, that only brought me a few days of peace in exchange. At this point, am I not allowed to find another way out?"
Huang Yue said: "I wonder what's the 'way out' Xiao Jun Wang has found?"
Xiao YuAn slowly sipped his tea. When he saw that Huang Yue's fingers began to tap on the table, he put his cup down, and said: "Yan HeQing is a good ruler for his country, and he has a stable military mind. But, I think that General Huang has been slow to act because of the lack of troops. I don't know the strength of the Western Shu Kingdom's troops, but I guess General Huang will appreciate them? Although the Western Shu Kingdom has been divided by foreign countries in recent years, it can still support General Huang."
Huang Yue's fingers suddenly stopped tapping on the table. As he looked at Xiao YuAn without saying a word, the gloominess in his eyes were like rusty hooks that were aimed directly at Xiao YuAn's face.
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Xiao YuAn felt a chill go down his back, but he kept his mind steady as he continued: "Moreover, in a month, it will be the Southern Yan Kingdom's memorial for the former Emperor. Since ancient times, there has been a rule that the Emperor has to worship by himself, so this is a great opportunity to assassinate Yan HeQing. Even though the place will be heavily guarded, I believe that with General Huang's strength, we'll be able to put our own people inside. Then, we'll be inside and outside-….."
"I don't understand what Xiao Jun Wang is talking about." Huang Yue suddenly interrupted Xiao YuAn, and his fingers no longer tapped on the table again. "Xiao Jun Wang, please go back."
Xiao YuAn murmured something. After a while, he stood up and said: "I'm sorry I bothered you, General Huang."
After saying that, Xiao YuAn left General Huang's residence without looking back.
…
The next morning, Tian Xiang waited for Xiao YuAn to take a bath. But when she saw that he had a shovel in his hand, she didn't know what he was going to do. As she hurriedly rushed to the door, she asked: "Xiao Jun Wang, where are you going?"
Xiao YuAn patted her head and said: "Don't worry."
Tian Xiang said puzzled: "Huh? What? Worry about what?"
Xiao YuAn simply smiled and said: "Don't worry about the next few days."
Tian Xiang was about to ask, but then she saw that Xiao YuAn wasn't willing to say anything else as he clutched the shovel and walked out of the bedchamber.
Xiao YuAn walked all the way to the North, to the hillside where the Temple of Heaven used to be, and where Yan HeQing would come to worship whenever he had a free time. The last few days, Yan HeQing hadn't come, and many weeds had grown in the small courtyard.
And, before that, Xiao YuAn was almost strangled to death by Yan HeQing because he broke into this place.
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Xiao YuAn looked around, and this place looked the same as that day. With the quiet view of the small pond beside the mulberry tree in the fenced courtyard. After laughing, Xiao YuAn took a deep breath, raised the shovel high, and smashed it against the fence.
When Yan HeQing arrived, several Imperial Guards were trying to restrain Xiao YuAn. Unexpectedly, Xiao YuAn jumped into the pond, regardless of the cold weather, and was crazily plucking the dead lotus in the pond. The small courtyard had been destroyed by him, turning it into a complete mess. The Imperial Bodyguards were pale with fear because of their incompetence.
When he saw Yan HeQing, Xiao YuAn wiped off the water on his face and mockingly laughed out loud: "Yan HeQing! Only when it comes to things related to him, will you be so attentive. You love him, am I right?! Compared to him, I'm merely a plaything to you, right? Say something! Tell me the truth! Am I right?"
Yan HeQing, who was standing by the pond, coldly looked at the hysterical Xiao YuAn, and replied. "Yes, you're just a plaything."
At that moment, the several Imperial Bodyguards, who were staring at the scene completely dumbfounded, had only one thought in their minds.
'Holy fuck! Sure enough, all Emperors really fucking love to have an affectionate and sadistic type of love!'
Chapter 202: I've Confirmed That His Eyes Belong To Someone Who'll Take Responsibility To The Very End.
Hearing Yan HeQing's answer, Xiao YuAn lowered his head and slowly covered his face with one hand. His shoulders trembled, but it was impossible to know whether he was crying or laughing. With a cold tone of voice, he murmured: "I knew it…. I knew it….."
When Yan HeQing saw that Xiao YuAn's clothes were soaked, he frowned, trying to suppress the impulse to reach out and pull Xiao YuAn towards himself. He had to pretend to be indifferent as he said: "Come here, that's enough."
"Yan HeQing!" Xiao YuAn bitterly slapped the water several times, splashing water everywhere, as he cried: "I'm the one who has been with you these days, not him! Where have I wronged you? And where am I worse than him?!"
Yan HeQing said: "Come here, the water is cold."
Xiao YuAn was slightly stunned.
'Yan-ge, did you remember the words wrong?! Shouldn't you say that I'm not as good as 10% of him?!'
'Despite the unexpected mistake!'
'As President Xiao! I've read countless sadistic novels with transmigrated souls! The right lines will come out as soon as I open my mouth!'
Xiao YuAn continued to madly pull the dead lotus plants in the pond as he said: "You planted these lotus plants for him, didn't you?! Alright then, I'll destroy them! Oh, there are lotus roots under these lotus leaves ah, they look delicious and crisp. They should be very tasty, right? Ah, nono, it should be; Yan HeQing, have you ever loved me?! Even the slightest bit? Do you really think that I'm willing to be your plaything? Am I wrong?"
Xiao YuAn tugged at the dead leaves, but since the water in the pond was icy cold, he couldn't help but shiver.
Seeing this, Yan HeQing's eyes darkened. He then leaned down to pull Xiao YuAn away from the pond.
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However, Xiao YuAn thought that he wasn't done with this bitter play, so he stepped back. Yan HeQing narrowed his eyes slightly, and then jumped into the pond as well.
When Xiao YuAn saw that Yan HeQing had suddenly jumped into the pond, he was stunned at first; but he immediately realized that Yan HeQing loved him and was worried about him. After Xiao YuAn thought about it for a bit, he jumped on Yan HeQing. At that moment, the weight of a grown man's body was suddenly put on Yan HeQing, making him fall back into the pond, where the two of them sank together into the water.
When the Imperial Guards saw Xiao YuAn pouncing on Yan HeQing, they turned pale with fear and quickly went forward as they shouted: "Your Majesty!"
However, at that moment, the water in the pond was moving as Xiao YuAn, who was pressing Yan HeQing into the water, held his breath, smiling at Yan HeQing with bulging cheeks. As he hugged Yan HeQing's neck, he bowed his head and kissed him recklessly, relying on the fact that no one could see them under the water.
After sinking and floating in the water for a short while, the two of them jumped out of the water again. Then, Xiao YuAn pushed Yan HeQing away, crying: "Alright! Yan HeQing, since you regard me as nothing more than a plaything, can you let me go? I beg you, let me go. I can't love you anymore, I'm tired of this."
Yan HeQing: "…"
The Imperial Guards were busy pulling them away from the pond, when Yan HeQing coldly threw out the sentence, 'He's crazy, confine him to his bedchamber.' After that, the play came to an end.
The next day, the news that Xiao Jun Wang not only went crazy, but he even dared to contradict the Emperor spread like wildfire; and soon, every corner of the Imperial Palace knew about what had happened. That day, Chen Ge went to the Western side of the Palace to find Xiao YuAn.
Xiao YuAn basked under the sunshine in the small courtyard at the gates of his bedchamber, with a pot of green tea and melon seeds, looking as leisurely as possible, as he laid on a recliner.
Originally, Chen Ge came with the intention to appease him and try to find a way out for him. But when he saw Xiao YuAn like that, he was dumbfounded: "Xiao Jun Wang, you, you, you…?"
Xiao YuAn said with a smile: "I, I, I'm crazy. Don't mess with me."
Chen Ge sighed and said: "Xiao Jun Wang, I know that you're imprisoned in the Southern Yan Kingdom, suffering all kinds of hardships, but wait for a few days until His Majesty's anger subsides. I will persuade him to let you go back to the Western Shu Kingdom."
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Xiao YuAn: "Don't persuade him, don't persuade him, you can't persuade him. I won't go back! I'm still waiting to get married to your Emperor!"
Chen Ge was speechless, sighed for a while, shook his head in defeat, and left.
Chen Ge's sigh confirmed that Xiao Jun Wang's madness was, in fact, true. Almost everyone felt sorry for Xiao Jun Wang, and only Xiao YuAn seemed to stay out of it, passing his time by teasing the birds, drinking tea, and eating melon seeds in boredom.
That night, Tian Xiang waited until Xiao YuAn got into the bed before quietly closing the door, and left.
Xiao YuAn tossed and turned for a long time, but he was still unable to fall asleep. He couldn't sleep without the sound of breathing at his side, and even after changing bodies for the second time, he still couldn't be cured.
After staying in bed for a long time, Xiao YuAn got up and started to rummage through the cabinets. After a while, he actually found a pair of night clothes that suited him. Xiao YuAn then put on the clothes, covered his face, and decided to go attack Yan HeQing.
However, after Xiao YuAn changed his clothes, he hesitated.
Even though his bedchamber wasn't guarded and no one will see him leaving through the window, the Emperor's bedchamber will be heavily guarded!
Even if he could leave his own bedchamber quietly, how would he be able to sneak into Yan HeQing's bedchamber?
Then, Xiao YuAn held his head and thought for a while, until finally, he smashed his fist and said to himself: "Whatever, I'll go anyway. Even if I get caught, I can simply act mad."
Determined, Xiao YuAn took a deep breath, stood by the window, and reached out his hand to open it violently.
At that instant, a man flipped in through the window from the outside.
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Xiao YuAn: "….What the fuck?"
The man landed and stabilized himself. When he stood up, he wrapped his arms around Xiao YuAn's waist and kissed him without saying a word. Xiao YuAn was kissed until he lost his breath, and then he heard Yan HeQing's voice whispering in his ear: "You didn't say that you would jump into the pond before."
Xiao YuAn laughed as he gasped for breath. Then, he said: "It was needed to increase the drama and tension of the performance. To increase the explosion of feelings!"
Yan HeQing: "But it was cold."
Xiao YuAn: "It's alright, I'm a grown man. Even if I freeze, nothing will happen. Besides, it was just a small pond, what could go wrong? If I had enough time, I would've dared to swim for seven or eight laps!"
Yan HeQing's eyes sank as he said slowly: "Are you not afraid of the cold?"
Xiao YuAn raised his head high as he replied without hesitation: "I'm not afraid! Mm-hmm…. Yan-ge?"
Yan HeQing reached out to untie Xiao YuAn's belt, while with his other hand, he reached out from the corner of his upper garment, rubbing Xiao YuAn's chest and nipples. On this cold day of Spring, the night was windy and cold, and since Yan HeQing had waited outside Xiao YuAn's bedchamber for a while, his hands were quite cold as well. When Xiao YuAn felt the cold hand touching his warm skin, he retreated instinctively. However, Yan HeQing put his arm around Xiao YuAn's waist, pulling him back to himself.
Yan HeQing lowered his eyes, and said: "Xiao YuAn, before you do something, consider whether that will make me feel distressed or not."
Xiao YuAn was stunned at first, but then his heart softened. As he cupped Yan HeQing's face, he said with a warm smile: "I know."
The two of them kissed each other without the intention of being apart, and as they kissed, they fell on the bed. When Xiao YuAn laid on the bed, his clothes and hair were already a complete mess, and as he laughed, he said: "This way, it's like we're having an affair! For example, breaking in through the window in the middle of the night, because we can't be seen by others, to have sex in secret. All the requirements for a secret encounter between lovers! Yan-ge, in case someone suddenly comes in, your reputation will be lost. But don't worry, I'll take responsibility."
Yan HeQing opened Xiao YuAn's legs with his knee and rubbed it against that 'place'. At the same time, he rubbed Xiao YuAn's sensitive waist and abdomen with his hands. When Yan HeQing saw Xiao YuAn suppressing a moan, he said: "Then you'll have to take responsibility now."
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Xiao YuAn gasped for breath as he licked Yan HeQing's collarbone: "With such a beautiful young man, taking a bit of responsibility is not that bad. I'll certainly take responsibility!"
Later, in the second half of the night, Xiao YuAn was receiving the fierce thrusting of Yan HeQing against his 'sensitive area'. As Yan HeQing kissed the corner of his eyes, he asked: "Will you take responsibility?"
Xiao YuAn's legs were trembling and his lower abdomen was twitching. As he shook his head tearfully, he said: "I'll take, take res-responsibility!"
…
After several days of Xiao YuAn acting mad, the people who should come to visit him came, and so did those who shouldn't.
However, he couldn't wait for news regarding Huang Yue.
In the first few days, Xiao YuAn waited patiently, but he was unable to sit still in the next few days. Seeing how the time for the former Emperor of the Southern Yan Kingdom's memorial ceremony was getting closer and closer, Xiao YuAn thought about it, then decided to send a letter to Huang Yue, with only a few words on it: 'There's no way back.'
Soon, Xiao YuAn received a reply from Huan Yue. The words written on the paper were even less, and the black ink traced on the white paper formed two words written with exquisite calligraphy.
'Not yet.'
Chapter 203: I've Confirmed That His Eyes Belong To Someone Who'll Bet Everything On A Single Throw.
"Did General Huang know that His Majesty was almost stabbed by Xiao Jun Wang?!"
At dusk, General Huang Yue's residence looked gloomy under the twilight white moon. After listening to the words of his subordinate, Huang Yue thoughtfully tapped his fingers on the table, and said: "When did this happen?"
The subordinate said: "It happened today. After His Majesty went to the morning Court, he was stopped by Xiao Jun Wang on his way back to the Imperial Bedchamber. According to what people said, Xiao Jun Wang first cursed at the Emperor. When he was coldly ignored by the Emperor, Xiao Jun Wang suddenly took out a dagger from his sleeve, and tried to stab the Emperor's chest!"
Huang Yue let out a meaningful sigh, and said: "What happened to him afterwards?"
The subordinate said: "He was temporarily put in house arrest. Because the Emperor can't see blood during the ancestor worship period, his death sentence was changed to house arrest."
Huang Yue nodded his head, and went back into pondering over the situation.
Before, when Huang Yue sent a letter to Xiao Jun Wang, he felt that Xiao Jun Wang wasn't in a desperate situation. However, it seemed that Xiao Jun Wang was indeed quite desperate, to the point of betting everything on a single throw.
As Huang Yue's fingertips slowly tapped on the table, the afterglow outside the window was gradually slanting to the West. Until finally, the yellow sun dissipated, and the dust landed on the ground. At that moment, Huang Yue's fingers tapped heavily on the table, and as he raised his head, he said: "Bring me a brush and ink, then send this letter to Xiao Jun Wang."
The subordinate was surprised: "General Huang?"
Huang Yue said: "From the moment I decided to scheme to obtain the throne, every step I took was with thought of how to take the next three steps. I didn't dare to move forward or step back, for fear that everything would come to an end if I made the tiniest mistake, and I would end up dying without a place to be buried. Rather than being cautious, I've been more like a turtle hiding its neck. I, Huang Yue, have never believed in fate, but this time, I want to believe for once. I want to take a gamble, even at the risk of my own life, and give it a go."
Throughout history, there were countless heroes and villains, but only one thing is certain: The winner is the Monarch, and the loser is the enemy1.
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"
The seemingly calm and peaceful days of the actual turbulent waters passed one day after another, like the treacherous wind and strange clouds2. Until finally, the day when the Emperor of the Southern Yan Kingdom will have to worship his ancestors alone, arrived.
At midnight, the moon has curved to shine upon the whole country. Some homes were happy, and some others were worried. As for Tian Xiang, she had been unhappy for the whole day. After having dinner, Xiao YuAn decided to tease her: "What's the matter? How can such a young girl frown so hard, to the point where she'll be able to put a piece of paper between her eyebrows?"
Tian Xiang simply shook her head and said nothing.
Xiao YuAn knew she was worried about him. In order to make Huang Yue believe in him, he had to pretend that he wanted to assassinate Yan HeQing. It could even be said that everyone in the Imperial Palace was now talking about how he would be given the death sentence after Yan HeQing finished worshipping his ancestors.
Xiao YuAn couldn't say much, but he wanted to appease her: "You don't have to worry, I mean it."
Tian Xiang simply sobbed but didn't speak. After nodding her head, she picked up the dishes, and tidied up the bedding for Xiao YuAn. Then she got up and walked out of the bedchamber.
The last few days, Xiao YuAn had been under house arrest and was unable to move freely. Since Xiao YuAn was really bored, he asked Tian Xiang to bring him some books; but he, who read them with great interest a few days ago, wasn't able to read a single word today.
Because tomorrow was the day Yan HeQing will worship his ancestors. If everything goes according to plan, Huang Yue will try to assassinate Yan HeQing tomorrow. Therefore, he'll end up exposing his scheme, and will be caught in one fell swoop!
Xiao YuAn turned the pages of the book until it produced a loud sound, then he placed it on the table and held his head with one hand as he stared at the candle in front of him in a daze.
As the night went on, Xiao YuAn saw that it was almost the right time, so he gently blew out the candle and stood up.
Instead of going to bed, he tiptoed to the window with small steps, as he held his breath and squatted.
After a while, the window casket of Xiao YuAn's bedchamber was gently pulled open.
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When Yan HeQing came in through the window, he saw that the bedchamber was dark and he was slightly stunned. Suddenly, he could hear the sound of breathing and a black shadow jumped on top of him, catching him off guard.
After the two of them struggled for a while, Xiao YuAn clasped Yan HeQing's hands and pressed him against the wall as he said with a smile: "I'll devour you!"
Yan HeQing looked indifferent as he said: "Come."
Xiao YuAn kissed him as he thought: 'How could such a charming and fierce Stallion Male Protagonist fall into my hands? Instead of being part of a bitter love drama as the Secondary Male Lead, I'm in a fascinating plot where he enters through my window every day?'
'I am, indeed, losing my mind!'
'I am, indeed, moved to tears!'
'Indeed, something to lament for again and again!'
'Indeed…. Oh my god, my Yan-ge is too cute!'
Xiao YuAn leaned against Yan HeQing's ear as he held his chin with one hand. He wasn't as tall as Yan HeQing, so he could only slightly press down his chin. The moonlight was as thin and cool as water, illuminating Xiao YuAn's unrestrained smile: "Young lady, you're quite charming. Who's this young lady's family?"
"How old are you? Do you have any matchmaker offerings?"
"If not, what do you think of me?"
"I'm inexperienced, but I'd like to make this young lady happy."
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"Young lady, you should consider me."
"What is it? Young lady, say something."
Yan HeQing: "…"
When the young pampered wife didn't reply, President Xiao bowed his head and smiled. Xiao YuAn was then suddenly picked up by Yan HeQing, who took him to bed, and Xiao YuAn couldn't stop himself from laughing out loud at the thought of Yan HeQing's expression. As he covered his abdomen and trembled with laughter, he swayed from side to side. Since Yan HeQing could keep steady, he fell to the bed with Xiao YuAn.
Xiao YuAn panted twice, trying to stop laughing. As he reached out to pull up the quilt to cover the two of them, he held Yan HeQing's hand and laid face to face with him.
At that moment, Xiao YuAn said: "Yan-ge, tomorrow we'll have to deal with Huang Yue."
Yan HeQing: "Mm-hmm."
"Are you worried?"
"No."
"Then, are you afraid?"
"Not afraid."
Xiao YuAn leaned his head towards Yan HeQing and asked: "Yan-ge, is there anything that you're afraid of?"
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Yan HeQing looked into Xiao YuAn's eyes, and after a long silence, he slowly nodded his head.
Xiao YuAn was surprised: "You actually have something you're afraid of? What is it?"
Yan HeQing said: "The black hair in the morning that turns white as snow in the evening3. The old trees that withered into wood, and a man dressed with luxurious clothes becoming old, lonely and powerless."
"Ah? Why are you afraid of those?"
"You're no longer by my side."
Xiao YuAn stopped breathing for a moment, but then he pressed his forehead against Yan HeQing's: "Yan-ge, you don't have to be afraid."
"Mm-hmm."
"Yan-ge, I've been so bored lately. Since I had to stay in my bedchamber all the time, I had a lot of chaotic thoughts. I'll tell you about them the day after tomorrow."
"Alright."
Yan HeQing gently kissed Xiao YuAn's forehead and eyes. Until finally, he kissed his lips, tenderly and lovingly. After the kiss, the two of them fell asleep with their foreheads touching each other.
The next day, the ceremony of worshiping the ancestors of the Southern Yan Kingdom arrived. Since this ritual was a national event in the Southern Yan Kingdom, even Tian Xiang, who was arranged to serve Xiao YuAn, had to help. In the end, she had to leave Xiao YuAn alone in his bedchamber, who was already anxiously waiting for any news.
When the time for Yan HeQing's worshipping alone came close, the door of Xiao YuAn's bedchamber was suddenly pushed open. Xiao YuAn thought that it was Tian Xiang who had returned. However, when he was about to ask about the situation outside, he became stunned.
Because the person who came in uninvited wasn't Tian Xiang, but a subordinate of Huang Yue.
Huang Yue's subordinate walked in and placed a set of Imperial Guard's clothes in front of Xiao YuAn. Then, he said: "I'm grateful that Xiao Jun Wang is willing to lend us his troops, so how could Xiao Jun Wang miss the fun today?"
Xiao YuAn's heart thumped, as his hands hanging by his sides clenched slightly. Then he laughed and said: "But I'm under house arrest, His Majesty's orders. I can't go out at will."
The subordinate laughed: "Xiao Jun Wang doesn't need to worry, I've made some arrangements outside. As for the Emperor, General Huang will determine the situation after today. What is Xiao Jun Wang worried about? You just have to change your clothes and follow me. Time doesn't wait."
Xiao YuAn clenched his hand, but on the surface he looked calm: "Right, then please wait a moment."
After saying that, Xiao YuAn took the set of Imperial Guard's clothes and went into the inner room. Only then did his eyebrows frown tightly.
It seems that Huang Yue hasn't completely let down his guard against him. If he goes to Huang Yue at this time, Xiao YuAn is afraid that he will be imprisoned in a dilemma.
But, if he doesn't go, everything will get revealed! If that were to happen, Xiao YuAn and Yan HeQing's hard-working efforts for a month would go to waste!
Xiao YuAn gritted his teeth as he picked up the Imperial Guard's clothes and hurriedly changed.
Chapter 204: It's Lonely Being At The Top.
The spring breeze couldn't scatter his anxiety, or remove his worries. On the hillside where the Temple of Heaven was located, Huang Yue's figure was hidden behind the thick branches and leaves, surrounded by Imperial Guards dressed in black clothes.
In an hour, Yan HeQing would go up the mountain alone to worship his ancestors. According to the rules of the Southern Yan Kingdom regarding the Emperor worshipping his ancestors, his Imperial Bodyguards could only wait at the foot of the mountain for him; so Huang Yue tried his best to replace all the people on the West side at the foot of the mountain with his own men. Then he sent several people to sneak up the mountain from the West side, to wait for Yan HeQing to pass by.
Chen Ge should soon find that the Imperial Guards on the West side had decreased. Whether the plan will be a success or a failure can only be known in a moment.
Huang Yue placed his hands behind his back, took a deep breath and exhaled slowly. Suddenly, he heard the sound of footsteps coming from behind him. When he looked back, he saw that it was his subordinates and Xiao YuAn.
Huang Yue greeted him faintly: "Xiao Jun Wang."
Xiao YuAn looked around and smiled: "What a Heavenly net1."
"If it hadn't been for Xiao Jun Wang helping with his military strength, none of this could've been possible." Huang Yue said. "I wonder, how is Xiao Jun Wang feeling now?"
Xiao YuAn: "I won't lie to General Huang, I'm feeling nervous and scared."
Huang Yue smiled sympathetically, and said: "Xiao Jun Wang, do you know why I want the throne?"
Xiao YuAn replied: "Aspiration."
Huang Yue shook his head as he said: "You chose to usurp the throne with me because you wanted to live. As for me, I also wish to keep on living."
AD
"General Huang, you once fought alongside Yan HeQing in the war against the Eastern Wu Kingdom and achieved great success. But now, even when you have power and influence in the Southern Yan Kingdom, you're not satisfied with this, and you insist on usurping the throne. Shouldn't it be lying to affirm that your only desire is to live?"
Xiao YuAn's words were filled with thorns, but when Huang Yue looked at him, he didn't seem annoyed. Instead, he replied calmly: "My father was once a subordinate of a Deputy General of the Southern Yan Kingdom. Even though his official power wasn't great, his salary was enough to allow our family to not worry about food. My mother and I had always been quite satisfied with our lives, until I turned 16. The Deputy General my father was loyal to, was framed and put into prison. As for my father, he was implicated, and was sent to prison as well."
Huang Yue paused, lowered his head and his gaze was lax, as if he was lost in his memories: "My mother ran towards all the relatives she could, scattered all the family assets and begged all the people she could beg for help. I still remember that time she took me to kowtow and beg for help on a rainy night. We knelt on the ground in a mess, drenched from head to toe by the rain, but even so, my father was still not released. Later, I joined the army, and risked my life on the battlefield, rushing to the front line to kill the enemy every single time. It took me six years and hundreds of scars to obtain the position of Deputy General, to use my power to clear my father's name. But, by then, my mother had already died two years ago, and my father died soon after he was released from prison."
Huang Yue continued with a cold smile: "At that time, I understood that when you're a nobody, even if you split your head open, no one would listen to you. However, as long as you have power, you can have whatever you want, even the entire world. Xiao Jun Wang, do you understand? It's better to hold power firmly in your own hands."
Xiao YuAn was silent for a while before he could say: "It's lonely being at the top2."
Huang Yue: "It's nonsense to say that those who are in high positions scare those who are at the bottom. But, of course, only when you stand on top of the mountains are you able to see the sky from all directions."
Xiao YuAn was speechless.
Suddenly, there was the sweet sound of the birds singing in the forest. At this, Huang Yue's eyes narrowed slightly as he said in a whisper: "The Emperor is coming."
Xiao YuAn followed his gaze as he pursed his lips nervously, and his hands clenched involuntarily.
Through the gap between the branches, Xiao YuAn was able to overlook the winding path up the mountain. After the singing of the birds, a white figure appeared in Xiao YuAn's eyes.
Yan HeQing's black hair wasn't tied up, gathering together on his back. He was dressed in white garments, and as he looked ahead, he held the sacrifices with both hands as he walked up the mountain, step by step.
Xiao YuAn bit his lips nervously, without even noticing the taste of blood in his mouth. Huang Yue was also nervous, holding his breath without saying a word.
AD
After an unknown period of time passed, in which the mountain breeze was silent and everything became quiet, almost all of the eyes were on Yan HeQing. Like when the swords are drawn and the bows are bent3.
Yan HeQing, as if he realized something, stopped abruptly. Then, he slowly turned his head to look over.
Huang Yue's eyes suddenly shrank, and he hurriedly made a gesture to his subordinates. Then, another sound of a bird singing resounded through the mountain. A while later, dozens of black-clothed people jumped out of the trees and grass, fiercely waving their swords at Yan HeQing.
Yan HeQing took a few steps back to avoid the swords, but when he looked back, he found that his way was blocked by the men dressed in black. He was surrounded by the assassins!
Yan HeQing frowned tightly, when suddenly, he heard Huang Yue calling 'Your Majesty!' behind him. Yan HeQing turned around and his gaze was instantly fixed on the person next to Huang Yue. He was so surprised that his eyes suddenly widened.
Huang Yue thought that Yan HeQing was surprised by his own betrayal, and joked: "Is His Majesty really so surprised?"
After saying that, Huang Yue no longer talked nonsense as he pulled out the long sword at his waist. As he was about to make a move, the thin sword clanked out of its sheath, flooded with a cold light.
Suddenly, someone reached out to stop him.
The one who stopped him was Xiao YuAn.
Xiao YuAn and Yan HeQing looked at each other. Then, Xiao YuAn took a deep breath, and said: "General Huang, can you let me do it? I really have too many accounts to settle with your Emperor."
Huang Yue thought for a moment, and handed a dagger to Xiao YuAn.
After all, it's still regicide. It's better to borrow someone else's hand in this matter.
Xiao YuAn held the dagger tightly as he slowly walked away from Huang Yue and got close to Yan HeQing. Their eyes never moved away from each other, as if there was no one else in the world.
Xiao YuAn said: "Yan HeQing, after all this time, have your feelings for me ever changed? Have you ever loved me, even for a little bit? Do you remember my sobbings and laughter, even if only once? Because, Yan HeQing, I love you."
Huang Yue secretly tsked, obviously unable to understand those deep feelings of love and hate, standing aside to watch the show with interest.
On the surface, Yan HeQing was quiet, but inside his heart, he was anxiously waiting for Xiao YuAn to escape.
Xiao YuAn wanted to walk up to Yan HeQing as soon as possible, but he was afraid to reveal anything by mistake, making Huang Yue notice. So, he had to rack his brain to remember the lines of those toxic dog blood novels he read before as he continued to act: "Tell me! Have you ever loved me?!"
Huang Yue felt a toothache, not wanting to see this drama anymore. Unexpectedly, he saw among the black-clothed Guards someone quietly retreating a few steps.
It was one of the soldiers from the Western Shu Kingdom that Xiao YuAn lent him to use.
For a moment, the winds and clouds surged, and everything became silent in an instant.
Huang Yue suddenly clenched his long sword and stood in front of Xiao YuAn, dragging him back violently. With a sinister smile, he said: "Xiao Jun Wang, even though the Emperor is unarmed, I'm afraid that you still won't be able to defeat him. It won't be good if you get hurt."
Yan HeQing's eyes had long rippled with shock. At that moment, he only needed to move his fingers to have Huang Yue and his subordinates immediately caught, but at this time, Yan HeQing's body was stiff, as if he was unable to move.
At the foot of the mountain, inside the forest, all of Huang Yue's black-clothed subordinates were ambushed by Yan HeQing's Imperial Guards. However, without the Emperor's orders, they didn't dare to act rashly. At this moment, their hearts were slightly anxious.
Meanwhile, Xiao YuAn was, surprisingly, the calmest one. As he returned the dagger to Huang Yue, he sneered. "I didn't expect that General Huang would be so worried about me. Anyway, I ask General Huang to do it himself."
Huang Yue took the dagger, looked at Xiao YuAn, thought for a moment, and winked at his subordinates. The subordinates immediately understood the order as they stepped towards Xiao YuAn's side, seemingly taking some distance away from him, but with a sense of oppression that couldn't be ignored.
Huang Yue no longer talked, and as he held the long sword, he walked towards Yan HeQing. Even though Yan HeQing saw that the sharp sword was getting close to his chest with the intention to stab him, he didn't make a move. Because his eyes were completely focused on Xiao YuAn, who was surrounded.
Chapter 205: His Weak Point.
Right at the most critical moment, Yan HeQing dodged Huang Yue's sword, and pulled out a short sword from the offerings. After a few crisp sounds of swords colliding against each other, and the silver light cutting through the sky, the two men had already made several moves, but Huang Yue was still unable to injure Yan HeQing on his own.
This, of course, was to be expected, but Huang Yue wasn't annoyed. Instead, he winked at the men surrounding them, and without hesitation, more than a dozen men dressed in black waved their swords at Yan HeQing.
Everyone was afraid about the current atmosphere where anything could happen, so they held their breath for a moment. The only thing left between Heaven and Earth was the rustling sound of the mountain wind, sweeping through the remnants of the early Spring leaves.
When suddenly, a terrible scream broke the silence!
Almost all of them turned their heads to look at the direction of the miserable cry.
Huang Yue's subordinates, who were guarding Xiao YuAn, were hunched over and covering their abdomens. The pain was so great that they couldn't recover for a long time. Meanwhile, Xiao YuAn wildly ran down the mountain, shouting at the same time: "Protect the Emperor!"
Huang Yue's face suddenly turned white, but he reacted quickly as he turned around to chase Xiao YuAn. Yan HeQing followed him, but he was suddenly surrounded by a dozen men dressed in black.
However, in an instant, the situation was suddenly reversed as Chen Ge, who had been lurking in the mountain's forest for a long time, showed up with hundreds of Imperial Guards. Huang Yue's men were trapped, like a turtle being caught in a jar1. Even the Western Shu Kingdom's soldiers turned their backs on them!
Huang Yue's men were all flustered and confused. Some of them tried to resist, while others had already dropped their weapons and surrendered.
Chen Ge rushed into the crowd to protect Yan HeQing, but then he saw Yan HeQing rushing towards Xiao YuAn's way.
Xiao YuAn knew that it was because of him that Yan HeQing didn't dare to act rashly, so as long as he escaped to a safe place, everything would go according to plan.
AD
Xiao YuAn ran for a while, and when he wanted to turn around to see what the situation was, his shoulder was unexpectedly held down, brutally pulling him back. Xiao YuAn couldn't stabilize himself, and he ended up falling backwards.
The two people rolled around for several steps before they could stabilize themselves, and when Xiao YuAn was about to look up, he was suddenly choked by that man!
Huang Yue's eyes were filled with malice as he shouted angrily: "You dared to set me up?!"
How could Xiao YuAn just sit and wait for death? As he desperately struggled to fight off Huang Yue, Yan HeQing's urgent footsteps were heard: "Xiao YuAn!"
When Huang Yue saw that Xiao YuAn was about to break free from his grasp, he suddenly pulled out a dagger from his waist and violently stabbed Xiao YuAn's leg!
It was hard for Xiao YuAn to suppress the loud and miserable cry due to the pain he felt. Soon, his scream disappeared into the noisy and chaotic crowd.
Huang Yue grabbed Xiao YuAn's hair rudely and pulled him up. After placing the dagger against Xiao YuAn's throat, Huang Yue turned around to face Yan HeQing.
At that, Yan HeQing stopped running at once, and his eyes were fixed on Xiao YuAn's injured leg. Yan HeQing's eyes slowly turned red, and he almost shattered his teeth before he could say: "Don't touch him!"
Huang Yue didn't expect that Yan HeQing would be so concerned about Xiao Jun Wang. At first, he was stunned, but then he laughed out loud: "It seems that His Majesty still has some feelings for this 'bed warmer'."
As soon as Huang Yue finished saying those words, he dragged Xiao YuAn down the hill. Because Xiao YuAn's leg was injured, he wasn't able to walk fast, so he was pulled all the way down the mountain by Huang Yue, leaving a trail of blood.
An Imperial Bodyguard was about to chase after them, but he was suddenly stopped by Yan HeQing.
Huang Yue didn't know where he was going or where he should go. The only thing he knew was that he was on the verge of collapsing, and he no longer had the power to return. But, he wasn't willing, he really wasn't willing!
AD
Huang Yue dragged Xiao YuAn to the middle of the mountain, until finally, he couldn't drag him anymore. When he saw that no one was following him behind, Huang Yue dropped Xiao YuAn on the ground, which was an open space at the edge of the cliff, where the former Northern Kingdom's Temple of Heaven used to be.
Xiao YuAn fell heavily on the ground. His palms were red, and the wound on his leg hurt immensely. As he tried to ease the pain, he laughed and said: "General Huang made a huge mistake. If you wanted to hold me hostage, you shouldn't have injured my leg."
At that moment, Huang Yue had calmed down, so he simply sneered at him and said: "I wanted to take Xiao Jun Wang's life at once, but I didn't expect that the Emperor would care so much about you. Xiao Jun Wang, aren't you happy? For over a year, the Emperor had never paid attention to you, but at this moment, he unexpectedly became so attentive of you. You probably never thought this would happen, am I right?"
Xiao YuAn hummed a few times, but he didn't reply.
For some reason, at this point, Huang Yue's heart actually calmed down a lot. As he looked around, he could feel the cold mountain breeze filling the mountain forests and rivers. It was early Spring, so with the humid wind, Huang Yue's body felt colder and colder; as if he was reliving that time when he and his mother went to ask for help under the cold and heavy rain.
All of a sudden, Huang Yue seemed to understand what it meant to be lonely at the top.
The higher you climb, the worse the fall.
Suddenly, the sound of footsteps came behind him. At this, Huang Yue fiercely dragged Xiao YuAn up, who was on the ground, using Xiao YuAn as a shield to protect himself. As Huang Yue placed the dagger against Xiao YuAn's throat, he turned around.
Surprisingly, it was Yan HeQing.
Yan HeQing was alone, armed with a single long sword. As the wind lifted his clothes, he stood more than ten meters away, staring at the dagger pressed against Xiao YuAn's throat. Without trying to move forward, Yan HeQing said: "Let him go. If you do, I'll let you go, along with your men."
Huang Yue sneered: "His Majesty must be joking. I don't believe that Xiao Jun Wang is that important to you. His Majesty must not forget that Xiao Jun Wang had been a Minister for more than a year now, and you've never been interested in him. I know that His Majesty wants to capture me alive, so that you can force me to confess who my party members are, so you're using this excuse to make a deal with me."
Xiao YuAn couldn't help but say: "In that case, Dage should place the dagger against your own neck instead of mine. Ah, Dage-…. hiss….."
AD
Huang Yue slightly added more pressure to the dagger, and Xiao YuAn's neck immediately oozed beads of blood.
Yan HeQing stepped forward abruptly, but he immediately restrained his impulse in time. His hand holding the long sword, trembled slightly.
When Huang Yue saw him that way, he sneered and said: "His Majesty's acting ability is quite good. How about this? Your Majesty, if you throw the sword on the ground, I'll let Xiao Jun Wang's neck go."
Huang Yue intended to ridicule Yan HeQing, but he didn't expect to see Yan HeQing throwing the sword aside without any hesitation.
Huang Yue was actually quite stunned, and a trace of incredulity flashed in his eyes. He slowly removed the dagger from Xiao YuAn's neck, but then he placed the tip of the dagger against Xiao YuAn's abdomen. At that moment, Huang Yue suddenly noticed something. When he pressed the dagger slightly harder, Yan HeQing's eyes would shrink. With this, Huang Yue's inner doubts became more and more firm. But, he still felt that it didn't make sense.
Yan HeQing said: "What do you want?"
Huang Yue looked at Yan HeQing, and after a long silence, he suddenly said: "I want you to kneel down and beg me."
Xiao YuAn's heart panicked as he shouted: "Yan-ge, don't do it!"
Before Xiao YuAn could even finish his words, Yan HeQing had already knelt down.
Huang Yue's eyes widened, and then, he burst out in a maniacal laughter. After laughing for a while, he shouted: "Yan HeQing! Why the hell did you become an Emperor? For what? Look at you right now, you look so pathetic and ridiculous!"
Yan HeQing calmly said: "If you let him go, then I'll let you go."
"You'll let me go? Heh, let me go." Huang Yue mumbled these words in a daze, when suddenly, he raised his head with a sinister smile: "Yan HeQing, even if you let me go, where else can I go? Do you think that I'm afraid of death? Let me tell you, the moment I decided to usurp the throne, I already prepared myself to lose my head. Yan HeQing, I don't need you to let me go. What is it? Are you really worried about him?"
After saying this, Huang Yue pressed the dagger more deeply. As Xiao YuAn trembled a bit, the clothes on his abdomen were suddenly dyed red.
Yan HeQing was breathless. Then, he heard Huang Yue laugh madly: "As long as you crawl over like a dog, I'll let him go, alright? Hahahahaha, the Monarch of the country, the Monarch of the country looks extremely ridiculous! Ridiculous!"
All of a sudden, Huang Yue's laughter stopped abruptly.
As soon as Huang Yue finished his words, Xiao YuAn suddenly turned around, regardless of the threat of the dagger. When he moved, the dagger in Huang Yue's hand immediately pierced into his abdomen!
Xiao YuAn trembled all over, and as he resisted the pain, he cursed: "Ridiculous your father!"
Huang Yue panicked. When he was about to pull back the dagger to regain control over Xiao YuAn, Xiao YuAn suddenly pushed him. However, the two of them stumbled back a few steps, until their feet touched the air, falling down the cliff!
Chapter 206: Keep The Clouds Open To See The Bright Moon Behind.
When the two of them fell off the cliff, they ended up falling heavily on a protruding stone platform. Xiao Yuan seemed to know that there was a stone platform under the cliff, so he didn't hesitate to get up at once. Huang Yue rolled on the ground twice, almost falling down the platform, so he retreated in a panic. Huang Yue's frightened expression hasn't recovered yet, when suddenly, another person fell on the stone platform as well.
Xiao YuAn shouted with surprise: "Yan-ge!"
Yan HeQing didn't expect that there was a stone platform under the cliff, so he was briefly stunned after landing. All of a sudden, Xiao YuAn's panicked shout rang in his ears: "Yan-ge, be careful!"
A sharp dagger charged towards Yan HeQing with a frightening silver shine. Huang Yue held the dagger tightly, looking at Yan HeQing with determination and killing intent. Yan HeQing wasn't able to dodge, and his arm was slashed as a shocking amount of blood splashed all over. Huang Yue kept his pace as he turned to fiercely stab Yan HeQing's chest.
However, Yan HeQing grabbed Huang Yue's wrist at the right time, and twisted it violently, reversing the dagger's sharp blade's direction, aiming it at Huang Yue's chest. The two men grabbed each other's elbows and arms, using their strength against each other as they struggled for a long time. When suddenly, Huang Yue smiled mockingly.
Right after that, Huang Yue was caught off guard as he lost all his strength when the dagger pierced his chest.
As he felt the cold sensation of his body being pierced, Huang Yue sneered mockingly, and as he covered his chest, he stumbled backwards. After raising his head to look at the sky, he fell off the cliff from the stone platform.
As the mountain wind whistled in his ears, Huang Yue struggled to open his eyes as he thought: 'This mountain is really tall, ah.'
Meanwhile, on the stone platform, Yan HeQing didn't even bother to take a look at Huang Yue as he hurriedly turned to look for Xiao YuAn. Once Yan HeQing's gaze settled on Xiao YuAn, his eyes suddenly shrank.
Xiao YuAn's clothes were dyed red, right where his abdomen was. Xiao YuAn was covering his abdomen tightly with his hands as he sat against the wall, trying to adjust his breathing.
Yan HeQing trembled as he knelt down and gathered Xiao YuAn into his arms, reaching at the same time to cover Xiao YuAn's wounds for him.
AD
Xiao YuAn tried to smile at Yan HeQing as he said: "Yan-ge, I'm fine. Yan-ge, your eyes are so red, I'm really fine so don't worry. Yan-ge, don't cry…."
Yan HeQing didn't say anything as he cut his coat into strips with a knife. Then he bandaged Xiao YuAn's leg and abdomen wounds.
Xiao YuAn nestled in his arms and rambled: "Yan-ge, let me tell you, I jumped simply because I knew that there was a stone platform below. I wasn't taking my life lightly. As for my abdominal wound, I now understand how the body works, so I twisted Huang Yue's hand in order to not hurt any internal organs. You don't have to worry, I'm really fine…."
"Yan-ge, do you want to take a break after this? I smashed the small courtyard at the Temple of Heaven. What a pity, sigh. Should we dig a pond near the bedchamber? Raise fish, grow mulberry trees and hemp. I don't know whether mulberry trees are good or not, do you want to know why? Isn't it said 'two people talking about planting mulberry trees and hemp as their drink wine'? But, it seems that the mulberry tree and hemp are used generally in poems to refer to crops1, ah…."
"Yan-ge, let's make another set of wedding clothes, alright? I wasn't able to see the original set, was it beautiful? Was the Golden Dragon embroidered on it as majestic as the owner of the shop said? Did it look good on you? I want to see it."
"Yan-ge, are you angry? Don't be angry, no, don't be angry now. You can settle accounts with me later-…. cough…cough…."
When he saw that Xiao YuAn's nonsense suddenly stopped as he covered his mouth and coughed repeatedly, Yan HeQing's pupils shrank as he said: "Don't talk anymore."
Xiao YuAn tugged at his sleeve and laughed: "But, I still have a lot of things to say to you. What will you do? Why don't you block my mouth then? What do you think is the best way to shut me up?"
Yan HeQing leaned down to kiss him. Xiao YuAn closed his eyes, carefully using the tip of his tongue to rub Yan HeQing's lips, which were slightly trembling out of fear, as gently and carefully as he could.
'Until we met for the first time, I didn't understand what happiness and sorrow were. I didn't understand life, and I couldn't differentiate between hardships and happiness. I simply watched how the Spring, Summer, Autumn and Winter went by. As I look back on this life, so far, I've been keeping the clouds open to see the bright moon behind2.'
…
Xiao Jun Wang was imprisoned!
AD
Xiao YuAn, the Monarch of the Western Shu Kingdom, was imprisoned!
Xiao YuAn, the Monarch of a country, was imprisoned by Yan HeQing, the Emperor of the Southern Yan Kingdom!
Xiao YuAn: "What am I imprisoned for?"
Tian Xiang was so anxious that she stamped her foot: "That's what everyone in the Imperial Palace is saying!"
Xiao YuAn: "They're just talking pure nonsense!"
Tian Xiang: "But His Majesty really won't let Xiao Jun Wang move around!"
Xiao YuAn pointed to the tight bandages wrapped around his abdomen and leg, then said: "Even if he wouldn't allow me to move, I can't move!"
Tian Xiang: "And, His Majesty only comes to this bedchamber at night to look for Xiao Jun Wang, but he will leave early in the morning-….."
Xiao YuAn: "That's nonsense! This is his bedchamber! Where else will he go to sleep?!"
Tian Xiang: "…..It seems that there's nothing wrong."
Suddenly, Chen Ge, who was covered in mud from head to toe, rushed in from outside: "Why did His Majesty order me to dig a pond in front of the bedchamber?!"
Xiao YuAn: "Remember to put red koi fish in it, red ones look better. Wait, why are you the one digging the pond? Aren't you a General?"
AD
Chen Ge collapsed: "How would I know?!"
"Oh, I know!" Xiao YuAn grabbed a handful of candied fruits beside the bed, stuffed some in Tian Xiang's hand, and put one inside his mouth. "After His Majesty and I were saved from the bottom of the cliff, I clearly told you to not carry me, but you had to carry me! You even reached out, trying to get me away from my Yan-ge's arms!"
Chen Ge replied: "I saw that His Majesty's arm was wounded! Besides, His Majesty hugged you tightly and left! I barely touched you! It wasn't a big deal! It's not a big deal at all!"
Xiao YuAn: "Some children can't be taught. Go back to dig the pond. Wait, do you want to eat candied fruit?
Chen Ge said with grief and indignation: "I want!"
"Come on, give me your hand." Xiao YuAn grabbed a handful of candied fruit and handed them to Chen Ge. However, when Chen Ge went to pick the candied fruits, Xiao YuAn closed his palm, and Chen Ge just so happened to hold Xiao YuAn's hand by accident. At that instant, the sudden sound of a stool falling to the ground was heard.
Everyone looked back in horror as they saw Yan HeQing expressionlessly standing behind them. Beside him was a pitiful stool that had fallen to the ground.
Chen Ge reacted quickly as he knelt on one knee and clasped his fist: "Weichen salutes His Majesty!"
Yan HeQing: "The pond."
Chen Ge shouted: "Weichen will go to resume digging right now!"
After saying that, Chen Ge rushed out energetically.
Yan HeQing took a few steps towards Xiao YuAn, and asked: "Do your wounds still hurt?"
AD
Xiao YuAn stretched out his hand with a smile on his face, quietly pulling Yan HeQing's sleeve until it touched the bedding: "It doesn't hurt. It doesn't hurt anymore when you're here. It even feels as if I were healing faster!"
"Mm-hmm." Yan HeQing pulled back his sleeve and said: "Have a good rest."
After saying that, he turned his head and walked away.
Tian Xiang took a long sigh of relief. Then, she got up to ask Xiao YuAn what he wanted to eat for lunch, but she stopped the moment she saw that Xiao YuAn had a sad expression on his face.
'Yan HeQing is angry! My Yan-ge is really really angry!'
Ten days have passed since Huang Yue's mutiny, and Yan HeQing has been busy dealing with the remaining members of Huang Yue's party every day. Because of this, he was only able to return to the bedchamber at night. Since Yan HeQing knew that Xiao YuAn wasn't able to sleep alone, no matter how busy he was, he would definitely come back to rest with him. Sometimes, he would wait for Xiao YuAn to fall asleep to leave and keep dealing with political affairs.
Yan HeQing would ask about Xiao YuAn's injuries, change his bandages, and even kiss Xiao YuAn carefully when he's feeling pain.
But, Xiao YuAn wasn't able to seduce him anymore!
He! Can't! Seduce! Or! Touch! Him!
Whether Xiao YuAn asked for a kiss or wanted to do some 'unspeakable activities', Yan HeQing would ignore him every single time!
He's! Ignoring! Him!
Xiao YuAn lived for so many years, and for the first time in his life, he met with a problem he didn't know how to solve.
AD
'How should I coax a former Stallion Novel Protagonist when he's angry?'
Chapter 207: This Foreign Country Is Seeking Death, Why Don't We….
"What's wrong, Xiao Jun Wang? Why are you frowning all the time?" After dinner, Tian Xiang saw that Xiao YuAn seemed distressed as he held his head in a daze, so she asked after cleaning up the dishes.
Xiao YuAn said: "I've angered His Majesty, and I'm trying to find a solution!"
Tian Xiang's eyes widened: "There's no way! His Majesty would come back every night to sleep with Xiao Jun Wang. His Majesty even changes your bandages himself, he doesn't seem to be angry at all!"
Xiao YuAn: "…..When you say it like that, I suddenly realize something. How can my Yan-ge be so good?!"
Tian Xiang said: "Xiao Jun Wang, if you asked me how to coax a woman, I may be able to give you advice. But it's hard to figure out what His Majesty is thinking. Why don't you ask General Chen, who's still digging the pond in front of the bedchamber?"
Xiao YuAn patted her head.
'That's right! How could I forget about Chen Ge!'
Chen Ge had been digging for a whole day, and he was finally able to take a rest. As soon as he sat down and drank a mouthful of cold water, a faint, ghostly voice suddenly came into his ears: "Where does a happy life come from? It depends on hard labor to exist!1"
Chen Ge spewed out the mouthful of water, almost choking to death.
Xiao YuAn kindly stretched out his hand and patted Chen Ge on the back to help him calm his breath: "Slow down, slow down, don't rush."
Chen Ge's heart was wailing as he thought: 'I'm not rushing! You scared the shit out of me!'
AD
When Chen Ge finally calmed his breath, he exhaled softly, and asked: "What is Xiao Jun Wang doing here? Is your injury alright?"
"I'm fine. I just wanted to ask you something." Xiao YuAn sat down next to Chen Ge, with a serious expression on his face: "How can I coax my sweetheart when he's angry?"
Chen Ge gulped and asked: "It depends on what your sweetheart is angry about."
Xiao YuAn said: "I promised him that I wouldn't do anything stupid, but in the end…. But! The situation was critical at the time, so I didn't have any other choice…. it's just…."
Chen Ge nodded thoughtfully: "Then, did he argue with you?"
Xiao YuAn: "No, if he was willing to scold me, then maybe after scolding me, we could resolve our differences. But he's so angry that he won't even scold me."
Chen Ge: "He must be extremely angry then."
Xiao YuAn held his head in distress.
Chen Ge then said: "Xiao Jun Wang, don't be upset. If you want to coax him, then why don't you do something unexpected to surprise him?" Before, Xiao YuAn reassured himself that in order to coax Yan HeQing, he must lose face. But when Xiao YuAn sat on top of Yan HeQing, almost naked, he failed to seduce Yan HeQing. Could this be regarded as 'something unexpected'?
Chen Ge seemed to see through Xiao YuAn's thoughts, and said: "If not, then it must be because Xiao Jun Wang didn't come up with the right idea. Think again, is there anything that he has been waiting for you to give him, but you didn't?"
Xiao YuAn held his head and thought for a while. When suddenly, happiness struck his heart: "I understand!"
Chen Ge nodded with a naive smile, and said: "As long as Xiao Jun Wang understands. Wait, no! Xiao Jun Wang, because you haven't been with His Majesty lately…. are you seeing someone else?! Xiao Jun Wang, I understand that you and His Majesty have a physical relationship with no feelings, but you can't get in trouble at this time, ah! If His Majesty were to find out-! Ugh!"
AD
Xiao YuAn picked up the water pouch, put it aside, and blocked Chen Ge's mouth with his hand: "Are you really stupid or are you just a fool that seems wise?!"
…
At the same time, Yan HeQing was dealing with Court Affairs, when suddenly, a Minister hurriedly advised: "Your Majesty, the foreign country of the Western Regions sent a letter to us, saying that they heard that the Monarch of the Western Shu Kingdom has submitted to our country as a Minister. If we don't send the Monarch of the Western Shu Kingdom back to the West, then they will send troops to harass our border cities."
Yan HeQing's hand, which was following the words on the memorials, suddenly stopped. As he slowly raised his head, there was a bottomless coldness in his eyes.
The Minister hadn't realized that Yan HeQing's expression was wrong, so he analyzed the situation in a methodical way: "Chen2 believes that the Monarch of the Western Shu Kingdom should be sent back to his country first. Your Majesty, this foreign country in the Western Regions is nomadic, reckless and belligerent in nature. If they harass our borders every day, the towns and people on the border will suffer bitterly. This foreign country has only coveted the land of the Western Shu Kingdom, they are worried about our country being on good terms with the Western Shu Kingdom, which is why they're requesting such a thing. Why don't we wait for these two countries to fight each other first? Like the oriole waiting in the back3, we'll conquer the Western Shu Kingdom, unifying the whole country in one fell swoop!"
The Minister made a good analysis, so Yan HeQing didn't criticize him too much. Still, he said coldly: "We'll fight anyone who dares to approach my borders."
The Minister was stunned: "Fight? With the foreign country of the Western Regions? But, Your Majesty, the Western Shu Kingdom is between us. If Your Majesty wants to fight, we can only take a detour. It's too exhausting, and the soldiers will be too tired to fight. Besides, it'll be hard to support the army's food this way!"
Yan HeQing shook his head: "We won't go around, we'll go through the Western Shu Kingdom's territory."
The Minister said: "Your Majesty, Chen knows that you have always wanted to send troops to the Western Shu Kingdom, but if we conquer the Western Shu Kingdom at this moment, then the foreign country will become the oriole!"
Unexpectedly, Yan HeQing shook his head again, and said: "We'll unite with the Western Shu Kingdom through marriage, and we'll fight that foreign country."
The Minister couldn't believe his ears.
'Union by marriage?!'
AD
In the past, when the Western Shu Kingdom wanted to befriend the Southern Yan Kingdom, they sent several portraits of Princesses for Yan HeQing to choose as concubines. However, Yan HeQing burned every portrait, and became determined to attack the Western Shu Kingdom.
But now, Yan HeQing suddenly said that he wanted to marry! Which Princess does he like?! Hey! The Emperor can marry whoever he wants, but he kept saying that he wouldn't get married over and over, right? Wait, it does seem like he can do whatever he wants, ah.
The Minister still wanted to ask which Princess caught his eye, but at that moment Yan HeQing suddenly got up: "I'll retire in advance, I'll announce it tomorrow."
The Minister didn't dare to say more, so he had to leave in a hurry as he secretly thought to himself: 'I heard rumors that no matter how busy His Majesty was, he would always return to his bedchamber at night. Just now I saw it myself, it turned out to be the truth!'
Chapter 208: President Xiao Has A Body Again, Why Don't We….
Yan HeQing tidied up the memorials and went back to his bedchamber. It was late, and since Xiao YuAn couldn't sleep without company, he had to hurry back.
When Yan HeQing returned to the bedchamber, he dismissed the Imperial Bodyguards who followed him back, and pushed open the doors. As soon as he stepped into the bedchamber, Yan HeQing noticed that something was different from usual.
Usually, no matter how late Yan HeQing came back, Xiao YuAn would always wait for him with a candle lit. A few days ago, when Xiao YuAn was still seriously injured, he had to lie on the bed and wait for him. Once Yan HeQing was back, Xiao YuAn would call him 'Yan-ge' with a smile.
But today, the bedchamber was dark. Even Tian Xiang, who served Xiao YuAn, wasn't present.
Yan HeQing hesitated for a while, but still walked into the bedchamber with the help of the bright moonlight. In the corner of the bedchamber, there was incense burning with an unknown meaning, and the white smoke curled up, dancing with the moonlight. When Yan HeQing finally approached the bed, he suddenly stopped.
On the bed, Xiao YuAn's hands were bound by red silk. His whole body was curled up in a corner, tied to the bed, and his black silk-like hair was scattered all over. The clothes on his upper body were wide open, exposing his skin white as snow, looking quite tempting.
Xiao YuAn had been waiting for a long time, so his hands and feet felt numb. Since Xiao YuAn had been waiting for so long, he was a little nervous to see Yan HeQing. After he swallowed dry, he stammered: "Yan, Yan-ge, are you back?"
Yan HeQing stared at him for a while, but then he walked to the wooden table and lit the candle. After that, he walked back to the bed and reached out to touch Xiao YuAn's body.
The slightly cold fingertips made Xiao YuAn shrink a bit. Xiao YuAn thought that Yan HeQing was finally no longer angry at him, so he tilted his head, asking for a kiss.
However, who would've known that Yan HeQing would turn his head instead. As he rubbed his fingertips against Xiao YuAn's abdominal wound, he asked: "Did you change the bandages today?"
Xiao YuAn hurriedly replied: "I've changed them."
AD
Yan HeQing hmm-ed lightly, untied the red silk on Xiao YuAn's hands and body, tidied up his clothes, then stuffed him into the quilt.
Xiao YuAn was so anxious that he grabbed Yan HeQing's wrist and pulled him towards himself: "Yan-ge, I really know that I did something wrong!"
Yan HeQing looked at Xiao YuAn with dark eyes as he said: "Xiao YuAn, I dreamt of you more than 200 times. Almost every time, you would cut your own throat and die in front of my eyes. For the past few days, I no longer dreamt of you killing yourself. Instead, I dreamt of you jumping off a cliff. I saw your body crushed in pieces, not a single bone left intact, and this time, you no longer came back to me."
Xiao YuAn had a lump in his throat and his eyes became teary as he said: "Yan-ge…. I…. I…."
Xiao YuAn couldn't explain himself and simply bowed his head, holding back the tears gathering in his eyes, thinking about what he should do.
Yan HeQing looked at him and suddenly remembered that when Xiao YuAn's soul came back, he threw him out of the bedchamber. That day the snow was falling heavily, and Xiao YuAn was dressed in thin underclothes. Probably because of the pain and cold, his eyes looked as red as today.
Yan HeQing suddenly felt distressed.
After sitting on the bed, Yan HeQing leaned Xiao YuAn against the bedpost and kissed him. He kissed the corners of Xiao YuAn's eyes, and then kissed his lips devoutly.
After the kiss, Xiao YuAn pointed to the sky and the ground as he said one word at a time: "I'll make sure that you'll dream of the 'me' who is alive, and can do backflips."
Yan HeQing hmm-ed in response. Just when he was about to let Xiao YuAn rest and recover from his injuries, Xiao YuAn suddenly grabbed his sleeve, smiled, and stammered: "Hus-husband, sin-since the mood seems right, wh-why don't we….."
Right before he could finish what he wanted to say, Xiao YuAn couldn't say it in the end. As he touched his red cheeks, looked at the ceiling and the ground, he said: "Cough, I can't say it, how shameful-….."
However, before Xiao YuAn could finish his words, Yan HeQing suddenly pushed him down on the bed. Yan HeQing's breathing was a little faster, his eyes fluttered, and his voice, although restrained, trembled slightly: "What did you call me?"
Chapter 209: This Romantic Event Is Quite Exciting, Why Don't We….
T/N: Be aware of the 🔥Spicy🔥 content 👀✨
After being suddenly pressed down on the bed, Xiao YuAn was stunned. Over the past ten days, in order to coax Yan HeQing, Xiao YuAn had racked his brain thinking of ways to flirt with him, but he was rejected every single time, which made Xiao YuAn doubt his own charm.
Today, after listening to Chen Ge's advice, Xiao YuAn thought of a bondage play, but he didn't expect that Yan HeQing would remain indifferent at the sight of this.
As for the sentence that made Yan HeQing react like this, it was something Xiao YuAn just suddenly thought of. But since it was too shameful, he ended up stammering every word, and he couldn't even finish what he wanted to say!
Xiao YuAn seemed to realize something. As he hurried to hold Yan HeQing's shoulders, he sat up slowly. After sitting face to face with Yan HeQing on the bed, Xiao YuAn smiled and stretched out one hand to untie Yan HeQing's clothes. With the other one, he held Yan HeQing's hand and wrapped it around his naked waist.
Yan HeQing frowned: "Your wound…"
Xiao YuAn said: "It's fine already."
Yan HeQing was adamant: "No."
Xiao YuAn smiled: "But Yan-ge, you're already 'up'."
Yan HeQing: "…"
Xiao YuAn's hand reached into Yan HeQing's clothes restlessly, teasing and rubbing his lower 'area'.
Yan HeQing took Xiao YuAn's hand and pushed him away from himself: "Your wound isn't healed yet, I'll solve it myself."
'At a fucking time like this, you want to solve it yourself?!'
Xiao YuAn gritted his teeth with hatred, and his attitude became stubborn. Yan HeQing's clothes had already been untied by him, so Xiao YuAn leaned down, close to Yan HeQing's belly, and kissed his skin. When Xiao YuAn was about to go further down, Yan HeQing held his shoulder.
Yan HeQing was already short of breath, but there was still some reason left behind in his clouded mind. As he looked at Xiao YuAn's injury, he said: "I'll do it myself."
Xiao YuAn replied: "I'll do it."
Yan HeQing pressed Xiao YuAn's shoulder slightly harder and said: "No."
Xiao YuAn's eyes were smiling and his tone of voice was pleading: "Husband, let me help you."
Yan HeQing's body stiffened all of a sudden, and his breath was slow. Xiao YuAn took advantage of Yan HeQing's dazed state and took 'him' into his mouth.
The tip of his tongue was wet and soft. As he swallowed hard, he carefully pulled his teeth back, rubbing his lips until they became red. Yan HeQing froze as he looked at Xiao YuAn like that, with his black silk-like hair scattered everywhere, and his bulging cheek as he swallowed his 'thing' into his mouth. As the candle flame flickered slightly, Xiao YuAn raised his head. His eyes were slightly curved, showing a boundless natural charm and greedy happiness in the depths of his eyes. While he looked this way, he laboriously uttered a word.
Even though the word was vague, Yan HeQing was still able to recognize it.
Xiao YuAn called: "Husband."
Yan HeQing couldn't bear it anymore and pinned Xiao YuAn on the bed. The first few deepthroats actually made Xiao YuAn feel a little uncomfortable, so he tilted his head to cover his mouth and cough a few times. When he found that Yan HeQing was about to restrain himself again, Xiao YuAn turned his head and smiled: "Husband, did I make you comfortable just now?"
AD
Xiao YuAn was determined to succeed in seducing him, so he did everything he could.
As he looked at Yan HeQing's endurance being swallowed up by his desire, Xiao YuAn wrapped his arms around Yan HeQing's neck, pressing him against himself. Then Xiao YuAn chuckled in his ear, whispering: "Do you like me calling you like that? Which one do you like the best, hubby, husband or my lord1? Do you want to hear me moaning 'husband'? Or when I can't stand it, do you want me to say 'husband slow down'?….. Ah-…."
Yan HeQing blocked Xiao YuAn's mouth right away, kissing him fiercely as he used his fingers to prepare and open Xiao YuAn's lower body. When Xiao YuAn felt that he was short of breath, he instinctively tried to escape the kiss, but suddenly, Yan HeQing got inside him.
Then, came the merciless ramming. Xiao YuAn raised his head and bit his lower lip fiercely. His gaze was lost, and his hands were trying to grab onto something, but he accidentally grabbed the red silk that had just been placed on the side of the bed. Yan HeQing took the red silk, covering Xiao YuAn's eyes and bare chest.
Because he was covered with a layer of red silk, he wasn't able to see anything clearly. Xiao YuAn felt flustered for a moment, when all of a sudden, he felt Yan HeQing rubbing his chest across the red silk. The red silk was much rougher than the palm of a hand, so Xiao YuAn couldn't help shivering all over. As he arched himself up, his breath was disorderly, immediately tightening around Yan HeQing: "Husband, do-don't…."
The man on top of him had his first meal, so he started to go in and out of Xiao YuAn's body more vigorously. Xiao YuAn whimpered, but then he burst into tears, feeling itchy and numb all over his body, until a pleasurable sensation burst into his spine. Xiao YuAn then begged for mercy: "Yan-ge! Alright, alright! I won't tease you anymore, I won't call- I won't call you like that anymore!"
However, instead of getting a chance to rest, they kept going until Xiao YuAn almost fainted.
When he came for a third time, Xiao YuAn's mind went blank. As his body bounced up and down, his eyes were blurred, and his breath was between urgent and weak. Once Xiao YuAn adjusted his breathing, he closed his eyes, trying to restore energy. However, he suddenly heard Yan HeQing say in his ear.
"Xiao YuAn, let's get married."
Chapter 210: The Final Chapter.
Xiao YuAn had spent the entire day giggling at the vase of daffodils sitting on the table.
At first, Tian Xiang wanted to ask him what had happened to make him this happy, but now she was hesitating to call for a doctor.
The buds of the daffodil had a light color and a fine fragrance. Xiao YuAn reached out and stroked the slender emerald green leaves with a smile: "It smells so good."
Then he stood up, walked to the window, and said: "When the sun rises at the sea of clouds, the sky looks so blue!"
After taking a deep breath, he continued: "The breeze is slightly cool and comfortable!"
As he raised his eyes, looking at the plum blossoms in the courtyard which had not yet withered, he said: "A touch of red among the frost looks so stunning!"
Tian Xiang: "….Xiao Jun Wang, what's the matter with you?!"
Xiao YuAn curved his eyes and replied: "I'm happy!"
Xiao YuAn praised all the things he could, even the flowers, plants, bottles and jars weren't spared. But still it didn't feel enough to express how happy he was, so happy that he even ran to the courtyard.
Today, General Chen was also persistently and tirelessly digging the pond. The pond had already taken shape, and Chen Ge was at the bottom, wiping sweat from his forehead with one hand resting on his hip, feeling a sense of accomplishment. Suddenly, a man came along. That man sat at the edge of the pond, which had just been formed, with one leg bent up and the other swaying freely. That man looked down at Chen Ge with a smiling face.
Chen Ge raised his head, smiled, and saluted: "Xiao Jun Wang."
AD
Xiao YuAn greeted him: "Hey, does General Chen know how to do the Yangge1 dance?"
Chen Ge was visibly confused: "Da-dance what?"
Xiao YuAn replied: "Yangge, you don't know? It's fine, I'll teach you. Lift your chest, stomach and hips. Raise your hands up and pinch your orchid fingers. Come on, don't be shy, what's wrong with a big man pinching his orchid fingers?! Then step your right foot on your left foot, twist your waist, twist it! Yes, that's right! You're a fast learner, General Chen!"
Chen Ge collapsed and touched his face: "Xiao Jun Wang, what's the matter with you today?"
Xiao YuAn laughed: "Nothing, I'm just happy. Ah, dance and I'll accompany you." Xiao YuAn cleared his throat and began to sing: "Today is a good day~ All the things you want can come true~2! Hey, why aren't you dancing?"
Chen Ge said: "Xiao Jun Wang! Weichen still has a pond to dig! Forgive me for not being able to accompany you!"
Xiao YuAn laughed out loud, and finally, let Chen Ge mercifully go.
Chen Ge breathed a sigh of relief. In order to avoid being punished again, Chen Ge hurried to finish today's work so that he could go home as soon as possible.
In the end, on his way back, he saw several Ministers, who had just left the Morning Court. All of them seemed shocked. Some of them were running wildly, wanting to go back to their residence immediately to share the news with their families, while others were gathering together in twos and threes, screaming about what was going on.
Puzzled, Chen Ge grabbed a familiar Minister and asked: "What's the matter? Did something big happen?"
As soon as the Minister saw that it was Chen Ge, he howled immediately: "General Chen! You've been taking care of an important business these days, and since you can't come to the Morning Court for the moment, you don't know! Do you know what His Majesty said this morning?!"
"What did he say?"
AD
"Our Emperor is going to marry Xiao YuAn, the Monarch of the Western Shu Kingdom! The news will be announced to the whole nation today!"
…
Half a month later, the Western Shu Kingdom and the Southern Yan Kingdom were united by marriage, and the two countries celebrated this unification.
At this point, the Four Kingdoms became one big nation.
Naturally, there were various rumors circulating among the people. Some said that the two Monarchs had to get married, in order to defend themselves against the foreign countries of the Western Regions. Some others said that the Emperor of the Western Shu Kingdom agreed to marry the Emperor of the Southern Yan Kingdom, because he was desperate to protect his country. It was even said that the Emperor of the Southern Yan Kingdom forcibly imprisoned the Emperor of the Western Shu Kingdom, forcing him to marry him.
As various rumors spread, one person would tell another, and the other would immediately spread a new version of the story.
However, none of this mattered, since time will wear away the edges and angles of doubt, as well as washing away the sharp thorns of slander.
At this time, one of the protagonists of the spread rumors, the Monarch of the Western Shu Kingdom, was standing in front of his bed, decorated with a red veil, staring at two sets of wedding clothes: "What's this?"
For the past few days, Tian Xiang had finally realized that Yan HeQing was sincere in his feelings for Xiao YuAn, so at the moment, she was smiling happily for the wedding: "A set of Phoenix-crown wedding clothes3, and a set of groom's wedding clothes. His Majesty said that Xiao Jun Wang should choose himself! Xiao Jun Wang, you should choose the Phoenix-crown one! Look how beautiful the gold thread embroidery looks! Look how delicate and exquisite the Phoenix crown is!"
Xiao YuAn stroked his chin and thought for a moment. Then he stretched his hand to pick up the Phoenix crown on the bed, surprised at its weight: "It's too heavy! If you fall, you'll break your neck!"
Tian Xiang stood aside and covered her mouth as she laughed. Xiao YuAn carefully put down the Phoenix crown and picked up the big red veil on the bed. As he turned it in his hands two times, his eyes suddenly saw that in the corner of the red veil, their names were embroidered with golden thread.
Xiao YuAn couldn't help but bend his eyes, fixing his gaze once again on the bed. Then he pointed to something as he took a deep breath: "Do I have to wear 'that' too?!"
"
"
Tian Xiang's eyes followed Xiao YuAn's finger and replied with a smile: "Of course! Naturally, it'll look beautiful with the set of wedding clothes!"
What Xiao YuAn saw was a pair of Phoenix-headed shoes, with silver edges, golden Phoenixes and emerald patterns, of about three inches tall. Xiao YuAn picked up the Phoenix-headed shoes and stared at the soles of the shoes: "How can I wear such high shoes?! These shoes are supposed to be worn together with the Phoenix crown. The top will be too heavy and the bottom is too unstable! I'll fall three times before I can walk a single step!"
Tian Xiang was slightly disappointed, as she asked in a small voice: "Then, Xiao Jun Wang, are you going to wear the groom's wedding set?"
Xiao YuAn paused and asked: "Did the Emperor choose the Phoenix-crown set himself?"
Tian Xiang replied: "Yes, after the tailor came to measure you, His Majesty chose the pattern and the style himself, in order to keep it a secret from you."
Xiao YuAn was silent for a long time. But then he suddenly clenched his fist, and with an expression as if he was about to die on his face, he shouted: "I'll wear it! Yan HeQing, that man, would never admit defeat!"
…
Outside the bedchamber, the pavilions, terraces and open halls, as well as the green tiles, vermilion ridges and corridors were decorated with lights and red lanterns with the double 'happy' word engraved on them.
All the Officials came to congratulate and celebrate with the people. The whole Imperial City was bustling and the Imperial Palace was illuminated with candles, with big red lanterns hanging everywhere.
If you stand on a high building, your eyes would be able to see the endless mountains, the sky full of stars and the bright moon. All this land was the Land Under Heaven4. No one knew at this time, but in ten years, due to the efforts of the two Monarchs, a prosperous period of time was welcomed.
While everyone was celebrating outside, inside the bedchamber was quiet and peaceful.
Yan HeQing, dressed in bright red wedding clothes, walked through the long corridor decorated with red gauze and lanterns on both sides, until finally, he stopped in front of the bedchamber's doors. The gilded red door was decorated with the double 'happy' characters5 in golden powder. Yan HeQing looked at it for a moment and then slowly pushed open the bedchamber's doors.
AD
Inside the bedchamber, there was a congratulatory screen6, and behind that screen, was the man he longed for.
Yan HeQing walked around the screen, but his steps suddenly stopped.
Although he was wearing a Phoenix crown and dressed with finer wedding clothes, Xiao YuAn wasn't sitting upright. His red veil was lifted, placed on the Phoenix crown, his left hand was supported against the side of the bed, and his legs were crossed as his whole body was slightly leaning back, while his right right hand was curiously playing with the pearls hanging from the Phoenix crown. When he heard the sound of footsteps, Xiao YuAn sat upright in a panic as he reached out to put down the red veil. However, after exerting too much force, the red veil fell directly on the ground.
Yan HeQing: "…"
Xiao YuAn: "…"
Yan HeQing gently raised the corners of his mouth, and took a few steps forward. At this, Xiao YuAn's cheeks and neck turned bright red. He wanted to bend over to pick up the red veil, but the Phoenix crown on his head was too heavy for him to move. He felt that if he were to lean down even for a little bit, he would fall.
Xiao YuAn was still pondering over how to bend down, when Yan HeQing had already walked to the bed to pick up the red veil for him.
Xiao YuAn was too embarrassed to look at Yan HeQing, so he simply lowered his head, stammering: "Yan, Yan-ge you, you're here."
Yan HeQing hmm-ed in response. As he leaned close to Xiao YuAn, he opened the red veil in his hand and slowly covered the two of them. The moment their lips touched, the red veil fell. As the candle flame flickered, the moonlight was bright and the love was everlasting.
As they were engulfed in the passion, they didn't even notice that the red veil had slowly slipped off again.
When the kiss came to an end, Xiao YuAn lowered his head and rubbed his neck as he gasped slightly. The Phoenix crown was too heavy, so his neck hurt after having his head raised for a long period of time.
When Yan HeQing saw this, he whispered: "If it's too uncomfortable, you can take it off."
AD
Xiao YuAn replied: "No, it's alright! You, you don't like it? If you like it, then I'll wear it. I'll wear it for you, so take a good look."
Yan HeQing's mouth raised in a faint smile: "It doesn't matter, there'll be many opportunities for you to show me in the future."
When Xiao YuAn heard this, he also smiled brightly: "Yes, that's also right!"
That unrestrained smile, warm and moist as water, was just like the blooming flowers in Spring, and the bright moon of Autumn shining on Earth. It was like the stars brightly reflecting into Yan HeQing's eyes, and engraved in his heart. 'When I think of you, even for a brief moment, I want to accompany you for the rest of my life. If I had to put it in one sentence, it would be because I love you.'
'As I always had, and always will.'
EXTRA 1.1: The Tyrannical President's Beloved Young Secretary.
That morning, when Xiao YuAn woke up while in a daze, he habitually rolled to the left.
Because Yan HeQing slept on his left side.
Usually, as long as Xiao YuAn moved even a little bit, he would be able to put his arm around Yan HeQing. But today, when Xiao YuAn turned over, he didn't touch anyone.
Instinctively, Xiao YuAn reached out and patted the left side of the bed, but he didn't touch anything other than the mattress. He thought that he might have woken up a little confused, and didn't distinguish between left and right, so he rolled in the opposite direction.
In the end, he still didn't meet anyone.
Xiao YuAn restlessly rolled around, until he lost the warm embrace of the quilt. As the morning chill seeped through his bones, no one tucked Xiao YuAn into the quilt. At this, Xiao YuAn woke up completely.
When Xiao YuAn opened his eyes, he subconsciously yelled 'Yan-ge'. But right at that moment, he became stunned.
'What the hell?'
'This, this this… where the fuck am I?'
Xiao YuAn then turned over and sat up. His eyes were filled with incredulity and shock as he pondered for about three seconds whether to worry about where he was, or be shocked about the bed he was in. Three seconds later, Xiao YuAn decided to ponder over the bed first.
Because he was sleeping in a bed that was about 10m2.
Yes, 10m2.
There's always a word mentioned in classic Tyrannical President novels: King Size.
As if a CEO who doesn't sleep in a King Size bed isn't a real CEO.
Besides, the domestic standard size of a King Size bed was about 2m long and 2m wide. But Xiao YuAn was now sleeping in a bed that was 10m2.
'10 square meters, my friends!'
'There's definitely something wrong with it!'
Xiao Yuan: "Even if you sleep in a bed that's 10m2, why do you have to sleep right in the middle of the bed?! Isn't it tiring to climb up and down every day?"
Once Xiao YuAn finished pondering over the bed, he began to think about where he was.
The furniture of the room looked modern, and when Xiao YuAn touched his hair, he found that it was short.
At this, Xiao YuAn suddenly panicked. After getting off the bed, he put on the slippers placed at the side of the bed, and shouted: "Yan-ge!"
Suddenly, there was a knock on the room's door: "Sir, it's time to get up and go to work."
Xiao YuAn hesitated for a long time, until finally, he reached out to open the door.
AD
Outside the door, stood a white-haired but energetic old man. That old man was wearing a black suit with a silver-gray vest inside, and the buttons on his collar all buttoned. When he saw Xiao YuAn open the door, he slightly bent over respectfully and said: "Sir, breakfast is ready."
Xiao YuAn's eyes widened momentarily and his voice trembled: "Zhao…. Zhao…."
Butler Zhao knitted his brows: "What wrong, sir? Do you feel uncomfortable somewhere?"
"Nothing, it's nothing." Xiao YuAn took a deep breath and pinched himself hard. When he felt pain, he calmed down.
Xiao YuAn suddenly remembered something, and rushed back to the room. As he mentally cursed at the bed for being so stupidly big, he took some time to reach the pillow. Then he searched under the pillow, until finally, he found a cellphone.
Xiao YuAn opened the front camera, and the face on the phone screen looked quite familiar. Because it was his own face. Xiao YuAn then looked left and right at his face, rubbing it from time to time, until he finally felt more at ease. After that, he hurriedly opened the calendar app, and what he saw made him freeze in place.
Naturally, it would be impossible for Xiao YuAn to forget the day he commited suicide, and the date shown on the phone for today, was the day after his suicide.
…
"Mr. Xiao is acting a bit strange today."
"Why, what happened?"
"I just met with him in the elevator and he asked me where his office was. Then he asked me if I knew a man named 'Yan HeQing'."
"Well, we can't really understand what rich people think."
"True."
"But, you were so lucky to meet Mr Xiao! I think he's so handsome. A young and promising Golden Bachelor1."
"He's indeed really handsome. He's not arrogant, and he's always smiling at everyone! He's so charming and perfect!"
"A straightforward person doesn't resort to talking in circles. Just say you want to marry him!"
"You all may want to marry him, but I'm different. I want to fuck him."
"?"
…
10 minutes after clocking in at work in the morning, every office worker was ready to adjust themselves to work. As they chased away the sleepiness from staying up late at night, they thought to themselves: 'Ahh, another fucking day of exploitation.'
At this time, two secretaries were gossiping about their President's current affairs beside the coffee machine, when suddenly, a cough came behind them.
The two young secretaries had a guilty conscience, so they were scared to death. After seeing the person behind them, they became even more frightened and stunned. After greeting that person, they hurried back to their working place and buried themselves in work.
Although that person frowned, they didn't reproach them. They simply picked up the white porcelain cup in the tray, skillfully making a cup of coffee with careful movements. After that, that person walked out of the office towards the elevator, going to the 26th floor.
There was only one office on the 26th floor. The person with papers and coffee in their hands, knocked on the door of that office.
AD
Then, a familiar voice came from inside: "Come in."
That person opened the door, walked a few steps, placed the coffee and papers on the desk, and then said with a smile: "Mr. Xiao, your coffee. This is the information for tomorrow's meeting, you…. Mr. Xiao, what's wrong? Why are your eyes red? Are you sick?"
Xiao YuAn, in order to cover up his emotional outburst, lowered his head and turned his face sideways. Then he replied with a choked voice : "No-nothing, it's… I'm just happy."
Xiao YuAn stopped the sadness in his eyes, reached out and flipped over that person's lanyard name tag hanging on their chest.
On the name tag, there were three words: Yu Hong Xiu.
Xiao YuAn then asked: "Can I call you Hong Xiu?"
Hong Xiu smiled and replied: "What's wrong today, Mr. Xiao? Haven't you always called me like that?"
Xiao YuAn's eyes reddened again.
10 minutes later, the Director of the Human Resources Department howled as he picked up the phone: "What? Give Mr. Xiao's Secretary a raise? How much? What? Triple it?! Do you know how high Secretary Hong Xiu's salary is? She is Mr. Xiao's exclusive Secretary, so her salary is already high! What? Mr. Xiao himself asked for a raise? Alright, alright, do it. Increase her salary. Anyways, this company doesn't lack money or power!"
Welcome to the Extras~ 🎉🎉
And before anyone gets confused, there are 26 extras divided by small plots, the first one is an AU, so that's why XYA gets a bit confused with his surroundings and people from the novel are now in the "modern world"
In this chapter we have: Eunuch Zhao as Butler Zhao, and Maidservant Hong Xiu as Secretary Hong Xiu~
EXTRA 1.2: The Tyrannical President's Hard Working Supervisor.
Xiao YuAn didn't feel like reading his paperwork, so he pulled Hong Xiu and asked: "Where are your brother and sister?"
Hong Xiu replied: "They're studying in college. My younger brother is a freshman, while my younger sister is about to graduate."
President Xiao then said: "Ask her if she would like to come to the company for an internship!"
Hong Xiu was slightly stunned, but then she smiled and replied: "Alright. I'll ask her."
Xiao YuAn suddenly remembered something and hurriedly said: "Hong Xiu, do you know a man named Yan HeQing?"
Hong Xiu felt some kind of familiarity with that name, but she couldn't recall where she had heard it, so she simply shook her head and said: "No, I don't know."
Xiao YuAn's face showed disappointment and frustration. Then he added: "If you hear of him one day, remember to inform me immediately."
"Alright." Hong Xiu agreed, and continued to dutifully report the work to Xiao YuAn: "Mr. Xiao, this is the Marketing Department's expense application for the year. It has just been reviewed by the Supervision Department, so please take a look at it."
Even though he had suddenly returned to the modern era, Xiao YuAn had been a CEO for a long time in his previous life, so of course he felt familiar with the nature of this work. Although he didn't know what this company was about, he still should understand a bit. As he picked up the file given by Hong Xiu, he flipped through the contents, when suddenly, his eyes fell on the name signed on a form: "Who's this? Where is this? What's his work?!"
Hong Xiu took a look, and replied: "Ah, Yang LiuAn. He seems to be a Supervisor in the Supervision Department. Mr. Xiao, you-…. Mr. Xiao, where are you going?"
…
AD
Early in the morning, the peaceful and comfortable Supervision Department was filled with the aroma of fried dough sticks, steamed buns, leek cakes and egg pancakes.
The balding Director of the Supervision Department was holding a cup of hot tea with a dazzling fragrance. As he blew on the cup, he felt satisfied with the fact that he was really at the prime of his life.
Suddenly, the screen of his phone lit up and the tune 'love is like a blue sky with no clouds, when suddenly, a storm appears and you have nowhere to hide1' started to sound.
The Director of the Supervision Department took his time to raise the cup, slipped his tea, and picked up the phone.
Then he spurted out the mouthful of tea he just took: "Oh my god! Why is Mr. Xiao coming all of a sudden?!"
As soon as the Director of the Supervision Department finished speaking, everyone in the Supervision Department froze for a second, then they hurried to tidy up their desktops. For a moment, documents were flying all over the place, showing quite a spectacular scene.
Once Xiao YuAn arrived at the Supervision Department, he saw that everyone was working hard with their heads bowed. The ground and the cubicles were clean on the surface, the air smelled of freshener. The bald Director stood straight, and with proper speech, he said: "I welcome Boss to inspect our work!"
Xiao YuAn politely refused the request of the Director of the Supervision Department, who enthusiastically offered to make a work report, and said: "It's alright, I'll just look around. You can keep working as usual."
Then, he really looked around casually.
Xiao YuAn walked through the desks, stopped all of a sudden, and smiled.
Just now, when everyone in the Supervision Department was frantically tidying up their workstations, Yang LiuAn wasn't affected. After all, he had never put anything that wasn't work related on his desk. Since today was a busy day, and since he had never taken a rest since he arrived early in the morning, he didn't notice when someone suddenly stood beside him.
The Director, who followed Xiao YuAn all the way, stared at him, and then coughed a few times.
AD
However, Yang LiuAn didn't move.
At this, the Director of the Supervision Department felt so anxious that he began to sweat, and then proceeded to cough as if he had tuberculosis.
Yang LiuAn kept devoutly working.
The Director decided to step forward and said: "Ah, Xiao-Yang, your desk is so clean."
Yang LiuAn, who had his head buried in work, took a long time to reply: "Yes, thank you Director for the compliment."
The Director of the Supervision Department was crying inside: 'I'm begging you to raise your head! Mr. Xiao came down to inspect us! And you dare to ignore him?! I'm even willing to go three days without eating meat in exchange for you to look up!'
Then, Yang LiuAn finally raised his head to hand over the document to the Director: "Director, I've finished reviewing this, remember to sign it. Ah! Mr. Xiao?!"
Xiao YuAn smiled and said: "Comrade Yang, you're hard working. Is the work usually this hard?!"
Yang LiuAn stood up all of a sudden and said: "The work isn't hard!"
Xiao YuAn patted him on the shoulder and walked away with a smile on his face.
The Director of the Supervision Department cried and said to Yang LiuAn: "Why didn't you raise your head earlier? Now I won't be able to eat meat for three whole days."
Although the Director was crying, completely heartbroken to the point of moving other people, Yang LiuAn didn't understand what was the relation between him raising his head earlier and the Director being unable to eat meat for a few days.
AD
As the Director of the Supervision Department touched his balding head, he sat back in his seat and chewed on his egg pancake as he touched his belly.
10 minutes later, the Director of the Human Resources received another call: "What?! Another salary rise? Who's getting a rise this time? Yang LiuAn from the Supervision Department?! Who is this? Oh, a Supervisor. How much is the rise this time? What?! Fucking triple rise again?! What? Mr. Xiao asked for it again? Tch tsk, why can't it be raised? If you have money, you can do whatever you want. Raise it, raise it, raise it!"
EXTRA 1.3: The Tyrannical President Is Full Of Dog Food.
President Xiao, who had been working dutifully for the whole day, still had something lingering on his mind. So he left work on time.
After leaving work, President Xiao walked on the road and met his subordinates, who greeted him from time to time.
President Xiao took advantage of it and asked every time he saw someone: "Do you know a man named Yan HeQing?"
After several people replied that they didn't know him, Xiao YuAn, who was still looking for his husband, sighed with frustration. When suddenly, his cell phone rang.
Xiao YuAn picked up the phone to see who was calling him. When he saw the word 'Sister' on the screen, Xiao YuAn was stunned for three seconds before he hurried to pick up the call: "Hello?"
On the other end, a calm and indifferent voice was heard: "Hey, you put the third car keys in the drawer, so I asked Butler Zhao to grab them. Yongning's class will be over soon, I'll go pick her up."
Xiao YuAn didn't say anything for a long time.
Xiao PingYang put the phone away from her ear to look at the screen. After confirming that the call was still connected, she put it back on her ear and said: "Hello? Can you hear me?"
Xiao YuAn, on the other end of the call, hurriedly said: "Yes, I can hear you."
Xiao PingYang took the car keys and went to the underground garage. As she played with the keys with her fingertips, she continued: "Alright, that's everything I wanted to say. I'll return the keys to you later."
At that time, in the Practice Room of a club in University A, Zhou Yongning caressed the guqin in front of her with a soft smile as she said to the person in front of her: "Teacher Xiao, thank you for your guidance today. Thank you for your hard work."
"
"
Xiao Fengyue looked at her with a gentle gaze and then shook his head: "You're a fast learner, Yongning, so it isn't hard work at all. By the way, you're a senior this year, right?"
Yongning nodded: "Yes Teacher. I'll graduate in June."
Xiao Fengyue asked: "So, do you have thoughts on work?"
Yongning smiled and said: "I took the exam for the Formation and Vocational Teacher's Certificate, so I'm ready to become a teacher, just like you."
Xiao Fengyue nodded his head and smiled gently: "It suits you very much. You will definitely become an excellent teacher."
"Thank you, Teacher."
Yongning then packed up the guqin, briefly organized the club's practice room, grabbed her bag, and said to Xiao Fengyue: "Teacher, I'll go first. Someone is waiting for me outside!"
Xiao Fengyue nodded: "Alright, go ahead."
Yongning smiled and waved her hand. Then she walked out of the building and went out of the school gates. After looking around for a while, her eyes finally fixed in one place.
It was a woman dressed in a red and white sweater leaning against a car. When that woman saw Yongning, she stood up straight.
Yongning flew over to her with a huge smile on her face. After wrapping her arms around Xiao PingYang's waist, she shouted: "PingYang!"
Xiao PingYang, who has always been cold on the outside, showed a little smile as she opened the door of the car.
Yongning asked: "Was the work hard at the company today? Let me beat the tiredness out of you."
As Yongning said this, she clenched her fist and knocked on Xiao PingYang's shoulder. Xiao PingYang then started the car and said: "It wasn't hard. My brother is in charge of the big projects, I just supervise the Branch Office. That's all."
As soon as Xiao PingYang said this, her phone suddenly rang. Xiao PingYang looked at the screen and reached out to pick it up: "Hey, Brother? What's wrong?"
"What? Yan HeQing? I don't know him. Who is he?"
"Ask Yongning if she knows him? Let me ask her…. She said that she doesn't know him either."
"Alright, I won't talk more nonsense with you. I'm going on a date with Yongning."
At that moment, in the Practice Room, Xiao Fengyue was meticulously finishing the maintenance on the guqin the students had left behind. Then he got up and walked out of the Practice Room, locked the door, and walked downstairs. From a distance, he was able to see a familiar figure standing inside the Security Office.
Xiao Fengyue couldn't help but smile tenderly.
In the Security Office, the Security Guard said to Yang LiuAn: "Young man, are you here waiting for Teacher Xiao again?"
Yang LiuAn nodded: "Yes, sir."
"Teacher Xiao is also a man, you don't need to come to pick him up every day, right? Isn't it hard for you after a hard day at work?"
"Yes, I have to come to pick him up."
"
"
"The relationship between you two brothers is quite good. Oh, look, isn't that Teacher Xiao?"
Yang LiuAn looked up and his gaze met the eyes of Xiao Fengyue, who was standing outside the Security Office. Xiao Fengyue smiled at him and raised his hand, gently knocking on the window.
Yang LiuAn bid his farewell to the Security Guard, got up, and walked out of the Security Office.
Xiao Fengyue looked at Yang LiuAn and asked: "Have you been waiting for long?"
Yang LiuAn shook his head and replied: "No, it wasn't that long."
Xiao Fengyue reached out to straighten Yang LiuAn's collar. As the sun began setting, the afterglow stretched their shadows longer and longer. Yang LiuAn smiled and said: "I've got a salary raise today. Let's have a nice dinner tonight."
Xiao Fengyue laughed: "Alright."
"What do you want to eat?"
"Uhm…. I'm not sure for now. Let's think as we walk, alright?"
"Alright."
…
After asking several people, no one knew who Yan HeQing was. Xiao YuAn was feeling depressed as he got ready to go back when suddenly, he received a call from Hong Xiu.
AD
"Mr. Xiao, don't forget that you have an appointment with Mr. Li for dinner tonight. Where are you now? Shall I ask the driver to pick you up? What? Which Mr. Li? Of course, your good friend, Mr. Li Wuding."
Li Wuding walked into the restaurant while fixing the cuff of his black trench coat. Although it was already spring, it was still cold on the early spring night. As the Captain of a Military unit, Li Wuding was not only unable to leave the Military Base at ordinary times, but he was also extremely busy all day. Since he already got a break today, he wanted to meet with his friends.
As Li Wuding approached the restaurant, the young man at the door bowed down and stretched out his hand to open the restaurant door for him, welcoming Li Wuding with a smile.
"Do you have a reservation, sir?"
"Yes, it's in the name of Xiao YuAn."
"Ah, you're Mr. Xiao's friend. Please follow me,"
Li Wuding followed the waiter to a private room at the end of the restaurant. As soon as he opened the door of the room, he saw Xiao YuAn looking at him with a burning gaze.
Li Wuding smiled: "Why are you looking at me like that? As if I died and came back to life? I haven't had any missions in days."
Xiao YuAn calmed down his emotions, placed his hands on the table, and said with a smile that looked like he was greeting an old friend he hadn't seen in a long time: "Long time no see. How have you been recently?"
Although he had tried to be psychologically prepared before the meeting, Xiao YuAn's hands were involuntarily clenched together from beginning to end. Because it actually had been such a long time since he had seen Li Wuding.
"Not bad." Li Wuding sat down opposite Xiao YuAn and said: "Without any missions, at least I can sleep six hours a day."
"By the way, is Chungui alright?" Xiao YuAn asked.
Li Wuding was stunned: "Who's Chungui?"
Xiao YuAn became stunned as well.
After the two of them stared at each other for a while, Li Wuding suddenly remembered something: "Are you talking about the young Xiongdi you asked me to pay attention to before? You did say that he was admitted to a Double-First Class University, but that he insisted on joining the army? Ah, what was his surname? Ah! I just remembered, it's Xie, right? The youngest son of Sergeant Major Xie."
Xiao YuAn said: "Yes, exactly. Surname Xie, name Chungui. Wait, he didn't go to the Double-First Class University? What's this about?"
Li Wuding replied: "Yes, Sergeant Major Xie and his wife are both supportive of their son becoming a soldier; but his grandmother wasn't happy, because she doesn't want her grandson to suffer in the army. She asked Old Sun to persuade him, so Old Sun came to me. I already read that kid's information, and he'll come to the army tomorrow. Besides, you have to go through a training phase before you can join the army, so I don't know if he'll be able to endure it."
Xiao YuAn said: "I'm sure he'll be able to hold on."
Li Wuding was surprised: "Are you familiar with him?"
Xiao YuAn laughed: "Yeah, I know him, and he's quite excellent. You will know it once you meet with him tomorrow."
Li Wuding nodded thoughtfully, with a hint of anticipation in his heart.
EXTRA 1.4: If Time Could Stop At The Moment We First Met [Li x Xie / Xie x Li].
Although it was early spring, the sun was already dazzling near noon. Today was the first day of training for the new recruits, and the dusty field of the Military area was full of military green colored targets. Under the scorching sun, the blood of the recruits was boiling, their hair was short, and their bodies were sweaty. Not only was this a bright slogan, but also showed the resoluteness and fearlessness in the eyes of the soldiers.
The Squad Leader was patrolling the field, when suddenly, he saw a person coming from afar. He quickly stood still and saluted: "Captain!"
Li Wuding also stood straight and said: "Squad Leader is working hard. How's the new recruit's training going?"
"They just finished 10km of training. After a short break, we'll start the next training program."
Li Wuding nodded: "Is there anyone who can't hold on?"
The Squad Leader replied: "Not yet!"
Li Wuding looked up at the recruits. On the field, all of the young men's faces were dripping with sweat, their teeth clenched. The Military posture of some of them wasn't standard, and when Li Wuding saw this, he felt somewhat uncomfortable. The Instructor lectured them loudly, warning them of the rules in the Army over and over again.
Li Wuding retracted his gaze and asked: "Squad Leader, do you know which one is Xie Chungui?"
The Squad Leader said: "Xie Chungui, ah! I know him!"
As the Squad Leader stretched out his hand, Li Wuding followed his finger, and saw a young man running alone on the field. From the expression on his face, Li Wuding could see that he was exhausted. He was gasping for breath with his mouth open and the sweat flowing into his eyes, making him close his right eye. But he quickly wiped it and kept running.
The Squad Leader said: "I don't know what kind of mistake this Xiongdi just made during the 10km training, but he didn't even have a rest after coming back from the training. He was punished by the Instructor and he had to run five extra laps on the field. In theory, the first day of training for new recruits shouldn't be too strict, but I don't know what the Instructor's reasons are. I guess that after such a punishment, this Xiongdi will choose to quit after the training ends for today."
"
"
Li Wuding didn't reply, he just nodded gently.
Xie Chungui had just finished running the five laps and returned to the team. A short while later, the rest time ended and the second round of physical training began: Push-ups.
When the order was said, the recruits quickly lied down and started doing push-ups under the Instructor's commands. When he saw that their posture wasn't right, the Instructor wouldn't show mercy.
Li Wuding stared at Xie Chungui in the crowd. Although he had just ran five laps more than the others, and didn't have much time to rest, not only did he insist on completing the 100 push-ups, but he also wasn't lazy. The sweat had already drenched the young man's back, but there wasn't the slightest intention to retreat in his eyes.
After 100 push-ups, the recruits hurriedly got up as they tapped off the sand on their palms. Xie Chungui got up after them, and just when he had set up his posture, the Instructor suddenly came to him and said: "You! Do 50 more!"
Xie Chungui froze for a moment, but in the end, he didn't complain. Instead, he simply lied back down and obeyed the Instructor's order.
The Squad Leader was also slightly surprised: "What did he do wrong?"
Li Wuding's eyebrows knitted slightly, as his gaze went back and forth between the Instructor and Xie Chungui.
For the next physical training, Xie Chungui would always get punished by the Instructor. When he was punished for the fourth time, the Squad Leader came over and shouted at the Instructor.
The Instructor couldn't help but feel his heart thumping. When he raised his head, he saw Li Wuding standing a distance away from him. He secretly shouted inside his heart as he bowed his head and followed the Squad Leader.
When the Instructor arrived where Li Wuding was, he saluted in a panic: "Captain!"
Li Wuding nodded his head and said to the Squad Leader: "Squad Leader, you can go ahead and serve as a temporary Instructor for the new recruits. I'll ask this comrade a few questions."
The Squad Leader got the order, made a standard right turn, and trotted towards the new recruits with a military posture.
Li Wuding looked at the Instructor and asked with a light tone of voice: "You punished that new recruit four times, but what mistakes did he make?"
The Instructor hesitated for a while, and only after a long while did he say: "He didn't listen to the commands during the training."
Li Wuding said: "This is a violation of discipline, and it should be recorded. Why are you issuing physical training as punishment? Hmm? Isn't he following your orders? How did he disobey them? Tell me the details."
The Instructor vaguely explained the process, and Li Wuding nodded all the time: "Then go and call another Instructor, I'll ask him about it."
The Instructor immediately panicked: "Capt-Captain, this… I…."
After seeing that Li Wuding's face was already showing anger, the Instructor hurried to say: "Captain, I told you the truth. These are the orders given by Sergeant Major Xie's family."
Li Wuding was stunned: "Sergeant Major Xie? Is Sergeant Major Xie this strict to his own son?"
The Instructor said: "No, Captain, Sergeant Major Xie doesn't know about this. These orders were given by Sergeant Major Xie's mother-in-law, she begged us to be stricter to her grandson, so that he would retreat in the face of difficulties. Her husband was also a Revolutionary Martyr of that era, so we would naturally help. We couldn't refuse, Captain."
Li Wuding said: "I see."
The Instructor breathed a sigh of relief. However, just when he was about to return to his unit after saluting, Lu Wuding suddenly said: "You don't have to go back."
"Huh? Captain?"
AD
Li Wuding then said solemnly: "If you can't distinguish between public and private matters, what kind of Instructor are you?"
The Instructor knew that he wouldn't be able to escape punishment, so he was immediately dejected.
…
The first day of training was finally over. Because the time for showering was limited, a group of big men hurried to the showers after taking a few bites in the cafeteria. When Xie Chungui returned to his dormitory after taking a quick shower, he heard his roommate, who was lying on his back, complaining: "It's so fucking hard! I'm so tired. Ah, I feel so desperate when I think that I'll have to do this all the time in the future. Should I quit training? Huh? Xiao-Xie, you finished washing already?"
Xie Chungui nodded: "Yes, I just finished. You should go quickly, otherwise, there will be no more hot water for you."
After his words woke up the dreamer, the roommate bounced up from his bed, grabbed the basin and bucket, then rushed to the bathhouse.
Xie Chungui took a dry towel and dried his hair. When he finally sat on the bed, he felt a vague soreness coming from his legs, which would probably hurt tomorrow.
Xie Chungui reached out and rubbed his calf when suddenly, he heard someone knocking on the door.
The door wasn't closed, and the man standing by the door, stretched out his hand to knock twice, just to get Xie Chungui's attention.
When Xie Chungui heard the sound, he turned his head to look.
The man's figure was blocking the cool moonlight coming from the other side of the door. As he held his head high, his posture was straight and proper. His eyebrows were steady, and the warm light inside the room illuminated his face, printing him into the depths of Xie Chungui's eyes.
They were the same, the loyal one and the brave one. One was buried in a sea of fire, while the other's bones were buried in the snow-capped mountains. Looking at this through the mysterious land of the Underworld, it could be said that they took different paths to return to the same destination, and they just returned to that destination through different paths. If time could stop at the moment they first met, why do they sigh that fans are abandoned in Autumn?1
After seeing the appearance of the newcomer, Xie Chungui suddenly stood up and hurried to clean up the table. Then he raised his head and shouted in panic: "Captain!"
Li Wuding was surprised: "You know me?"
Xie Chungui nodded his head over and over again: "Yes, I know the Captain."
Li Wuding, who was standing at the door, smiled and asked: "May I come in?"
Xie Chungui was so nervous that his palms were sweating. Then he quietly looked back to see whether the quilt on his bed had become messy or not, but when he saw that everything was neat and clean, he hurried to say: "Yes! Please come in, come in."
Li Wuding stepped in and said: "Hmm? Your roommates aren't here?"
"They all went to the bathhouse."
Li Wuding gave a short 'oh' and asked: "Did you find the training hard today?"
Xie Chungui shook his head violently: "No! It wasn't hard at all."
Li Wuding laughed: "If you aren't feeling good, just say so. Your training today was really intense, you must be exhausted."
Xie Chungui clenched his fists slightly, as his expression slowly changed from panic to calmness: "Captain, I don't think it's hard at all. Really."
Li Wuding looked at him, at the man's face that still looked so young. However, the firmness between his eyebrows and eyes made Li Wuding feel an inexplicable familiarity. When he heard Xie Chungui's words, Li Wuding was slightly moved. But, in the end, someone had entrusted Li Wuding to persuade Xie Chungui, so he said: "Your grandmother asked me to persuade you."
AD
Xie Chungui looked puzzled: "Persuade me?"
Li Wuding said: "You're so smart, you can choose to go to the Military Academy. After you become an Official, you'll have to obey the assignments and take up the duties related to paperwork after graduation. There's no need for you to join the army. After all, the work of professional soldiers is too hard. You'll have to serve right after the training, and you'll have to crawl in the mud. If there's a mission, you'll have to take the risk of getting injured or even death. Anyways, both paths are the same…."
"They're not the same." Xie Chungui suddenly interrupted him.
Li Wuding was slightly stunned when he saw Xie Chungui looking at him with heated eyes: "If it's the same, then why did you choose to give up entering the Military Academy and rise up from the lowest rank? Anyone could have persuaded me, but you can't, Captain. Because if there's only one person in the world who can understand why I'm choosing this path, that person should be you, Captain."
Li Wuding was stunned at first, but then he smiled. Although his face was dignified, his smile was a bit silly and naive: "It seems that I've tried to persuade the wrong person. You really are as good as he said."
After being praised all of a sudden, Xie Chungui was overjoyed. As an impulse surged from his heart, he abruptly stepped forward to grab Li Wuding's arm as he said with urgency: "Cap-Captain! I've admired you for a long time! I want to become your Lieutenant!"
Li Wuding was stunned once again. As Li Wuding rubbed his head with embarrassment, he half-jokingly and half-encouragingly said: "Alright, alright. But all my Lieutenants can beat me. You'll have to work hard."
It was a simple conversation that was unknowingly buried deep inside Xie Chungui's heart, making him toss and turn at night, making him persevere through the day just to reach his goal, step by step.
It was the firm conviction carried on the shoulders of a hot-blooded young man. In the end, they became friends the same way as they did before, and they still lived up to their original wishes.
They lived up to their original wish.
EXTRA 1.5: How Does A Tyrannical President Meet His True Love?
When Xiao YuAn woke up the next day on the same 10m2 bed, he patted the quilt underneath him. He had the illusion that he was going to meet his true love today.
But then, someone ran into him as soon as he arrived at the Company.
Xiao YuAn rubbed his chest, which hurt after the strong impact, thinking that he must ask Butler Zhao to change that damn bed when he returns home today.
The girl who bumped into him was a beautiful, good-natured person, who kept bending over to apologize.
Xiao YuAn reached out to stop her from bowing, but because she didn't want to stop, he had to bend over and say to her that it was alright.
Like this, the two of them were inexplicably apologizing to each other for a while, until finally, they went their separate ways. In an atmosphere in which 'something' must have happened, nothing did.
President Xiao couldn't take two steps before he bumped into someone else. However, this time, it was him who bumped into the other person.
The girl, who was suddenly hit, held her arms. With her head raised high, her eyebrows picked up, and her eyes tilted, she said: "Where are you going that you're bumping into people? Do you even have eyes?"
Xiao YuAn apologized with a good-natured smile, asking the girl if she was alright.
The girl simply waved her hand and walked away with ballet steps, tilting her beautiful swan neck.
At that moment, Xiao YuAn hurriedly called Butler Zhao to tell him to hurry up and get rid of that damn bed, which seemed to be filled with the Tyrannical President Aura.
AD
After hanging up, Xiao YuAn walked to the elevator, but he was, once again, run into by someone the moment he turned a corner.
This time it was a boy, who looked cute and lovely. After bumping into Xiao YuAn, his eyes were covered in tears. The boy didn't try to wipe the tears away as he hurriedly apologized in a panic.
Xiao YuAn felt a little suffocated with the situation, so he simply hurried away without saying anything.
This time, he was walking carefully, step by step, to the elevator. Xiao YuAn finally took a long breath, but as soon as the doors of the elevator opened, he bumped into someone again.
Xiao YuAn: "…..What's going on today?!"
The one who bumped into Xiao YuAn was a man with a strong aura. He had rolled up his sleeves to reveal his arms, and even though they were indoors, he was wearing sunglasses. That man threw Xiao YuAn against the closest wall and said with an evil smile: "Man, do you know who I am? Now that you dared to hit me, you know how to pay me back, don't you?"
Xiao YuAn's face was expressionless: "How can I pay you back?"
The man's hand grabbed Xiao YuAn's waist, slowly stretching his hand towards Xiao YuAn's back: "You can use this to compensate-…. AH!"
A few moments later, Xiao YuAn squatted down to pick up the man's sunglasses, which had broke upon impact. He glanced at the man lying on the ground, who had been beaten up by him. Then Xiao YuAn picked up his cellphone to call Hong Xiu.
Hong Xiu did things cleanly. 15 minutes later, she sent a lawyer there to negotiate the compensation.
That man claimed to be a Mafia Boss. He spoke frivolously to Xiao YuAn, like a stupid, dominant, and narcissistic man who also happened to be quite handsome. He was the type to say 'You attracted my attention. I must make you mine, make you suffer under me every day. In your imprisonment, we'll fall in love with each other', and so on.
President Xiao said: "Did you know that the 19th National Congress has deployed some important instructions? In order to ensure that people live, work in peace and contentment, that society is stable and in order, it was decided to carry out a special fight against the evils in the Country. Do you know what it means to eliminate all evil?"
AD
The Mafia Boss instantly shivered.
President Xiao didn't bother to keep talking to him, so he simply turned around and walked away, thinking that if he bumped into someone again today, he would die!
Before he could finish thinking about it, President Xiao bumped into someone for the 5th time.
This time the impact was quite strong, causing both of them to fall directly on the ground. Xiao YuAn's elbows and knees knocked hard against the marble floor. He was in so much pain that his mind was somewhat confused, and he couldn't regain consciousness for a long time.
After a while, President Xiao rubbed the places that hurt and slowly got up. Then he found that the other man was still lying on the ground, not knowing whether he had bruised himself after the fall.
President Xiao thought to himself; 'I haven't seen any monsters today, what kind of setup is this? Trying to attract the attention of the President? This President already belongs to someone, and in the midst of so many flowers, no leaves will touch this body!'
President Xiao half kneeled in front of that man, reached out, and patted his shoulder, only to shout next: "Xiongdi, isn't the ground cold? Are you-…. Yan-ge?!"
…
In the Central Hospital, on a sunny afternoon, Zhang Baizhu had just finished inspecting the ward. After he put away the medical records, he covered the pen with its cap and stuffed it into his pocket. Then he got up and went towards the Neurosurgery single ward.
Zhang Baizhu pushed open the door of the ward and saw Xiao YuAn sitting on a chair next to the hospital bed. He was looking at the man lying on the hospital bed, his eyes filled with worry.
Zhang Baizhu patted Xiao YuAn on the shoulder: "Don't worry, there's nothing wrong with his health. I swear it over our long friendship, he's certainly going to be fine."
Xiao YuAn: "Alright, but why isn't he waking up yet?"
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Zhang Baizhu: "Why don't you try giving him a kiss?"
Xiao YuAn: "You think I haven't tried?"
Zhang Baizhu: "….My God! Weren't you opposed to finding a lover? What's going on?"
Xiao YuAn waved his hand: "It's a long story."
Zhang Baizhu: "Then make the long story short."
Xiao YuAn pointed to Yan HeQing, lying on the hospital bed and said: "He's my husband."
Zhang Baizhu: "…..Xiao YuAn, wait. I'll go to the Western pharmacy to get you some fever-reducing medicine. Wait for me here."
Right after saying that, Zhang Baizhu really went away.
Xiao YuAn kept looking at the man lying on the hospital bed. Although that man's face was very familiar to Xiao YuAn, he didn't have that long, silk-like black hair. Yan HeQing was originally dressed in a black suit, but he was dressed now in a plain white shirt, while the suit jacket was placed on the side of the bed. This man looked both familiar and unfamiliar to Xiao YuAn.
Xiao YuAn twisted his hands together feeling uneasy when suddenly, he received a call from Hong Xiu: "Mr. Xiao, I found the information regarding the person you asked for. This man's name is Yan HeQing. His father's company has faced bankruptcy before, so he had to borrow money and finance through illegal means. As a result, he was unable to repay the loan sharks, and his whole family fled abroad. On the other hand, his family's company was recently acquired by our group. It seems that he came to the Company today, to apply for a job."
Xiao YuAn: "….He didn't follow his family to go abroad?"
Hong Xiu: "No, I heard that the loan sharks made quite a mess."
"
"
Xiao YuAn: "…..Is this the plot of 'selling yourself to pay your debts'?"
Hong Xiu: "Pay off the debt? It seems that he dealt with the mess on his own. Since our group is willing to buy his company, it also helped him a lot."
Xiao YuAn hissed and said that he understood. Then he managed to spend half the day working with Hong Xiu on the phone. By the time the sunset arrived, Yan HeQing hadn't woken up yet. At that moment, the door of the ward was gently pushed open, and Lin Shenling poked out half of her head: "Baizhu-, ah! Mr. Xiao."
Xiao YuAn smiled and shouted: "Shenling! Long time no see."
Lin Shenling laughed: "It hasn't been so long, hasn't it? We met recently."
Xiao YuAn smiled but said nothing else. At that moment, Zhang Baizhu pushed open the door. When he saw Lin Shenling inside the ward, he shouted: "Wife! What are you doing here?"
Lin Shenling said: "I'm not on duty today, so I came over to see you."
Zhang Baizhu said: "The Head Nurse's wife has worked hard. Ah, by the way, has my father been invited back to the hospital today for a consultation?"
After seeing Lin Shenling nodding her head, Zhang Baizhu went forward and patted Xiao YuAn's shoulder: "Let's have dinner together! It's so rare for all of us to be together!"
When he saw that Xiao YuAn was still worriedly looking at the bed, Zhang Baizhu lifted him from the chair: "Don't worry, he won't wake up any sooner if you keep worrying. There are nurses in the hospital, so he'll be fine. Nothing will happen, it's just a meal, and we have to eat dinner sooner or later anyway. Shenling, why don't you and Xiao YuAn go pick up my father, while I'll go home to pick up my mother?"
Xiao YuAn was stunned: "Your mother?"
Zhang Baizhu said: "Yes, my mother. What's up with your expression? Why are you so surprised? Haven't you seen her? Well, let's stop talking. We have people to pick up." Xiao YuAn couldn't refuse, so he told the nurse several times to call him when Yan HeQing woke up. Then, he went to pick up Zhang Changsong with Lin Shenling.
Xiao YuAn talked along the way with Lin Shenling and soon understood everything. Zhang Changsong's wife was seriously ill in her early years, but her life was saved thanks to advanced modern medicine. However, she was too weak to have children, so Zhang Changsong and his wife decided to adopt Zhang Baizhu. This family of three spent countless Summers, Springs, Autumns, and Winters without any hardships.
Xiao YuAn smiled: "That's great."
After having a pleasant meal, Zhang Baizhu and Xiao YuAn joked around from time to time, to amuse Zhang Baizhu's mother and Lin Shenling. Zhang Changsong still had a bad temper, who, at the same time, loved and hated the two youngsters. But he didn't blow his beard and he even stared less at them, because when he turned to face his wife, he had a gentle and patient expression.
After dinner, Xiao YuAn said goodbye to Zhang Baizhu's family and went back to the hospital. As soon as he walked through the hospital doors, his phone suddenly rang: "Hello? Is this Mr. Xiao? Your friend is awake!"
Xiao YuAn hung up the phone and hurriedly ran towards the ward. When he arrived, he was abruptly stopped by the nurse in front of the ward: "Mr. Xiao, listen carefully. There seems to be something wrong with your friend."
Xiao YuAn, who was out of breath after running, said: "Something is wrong with him? What's wrong? Is he alright?"
The nurse said anxiously: "We asked him if he remembered who he was, and he said…. He said…. He said that he was Yan HeQing, the Emperor of the Southern Yan Kingdom."
EXTRA 1.6: The Tyrannical President's Beloved Wife, Who Has To Pay Off A Debt.
When Xiao YuAn walked into the ward, Yan HeQing was sitting on the hospital bed holding the suit jacket and looking through it. His eyebrows were gently knitted. His gaze was full of confusion and incomprehension. When he heard a noise, Yan HeQing looked up and saw Xiao YuAn. In an instant, his gaze was filled with joy.
Xiao YuAn's heart skipped a beat when he saw Yan HeQing looking at him like that, but he had to pretend to be reserved. As Xiao YuAn coughed lightly, he pulled a chair to the side of the hospital bed, raised his head, and loosened his tie. Then he asked with a cold face: "Do you remember who you are?"
Yan HeQing stared at Xiao YuAn for a long time before he hesitantly said his name: "Yan HeQing."
Just now, the young nurse had made Yan HeQing understand that this wasn't the world he used to live in, and that the Xiao YuAn in front of him might not be his Xiao YuAn either.
Xiao YuAn looked at Yan HeQing's slightly inquisitive eyes, and suddenly became playful. As he crossed his slender legs, he asked slowly: "Do you still remember who I am?"
Yan HeQing used to hear Xiao YuAn talking about his former world from time to time. Now, although he had a general guess inside his heart, he wasn't completely sure. So his reply was somewhat hesitant: "…..Xiao YuAn."
Xiao YuAn had never seen Yan HeQing being this cautious before. Looking at Yan HeQing's bewildered and uneasy look, Xiao YuAn was already screaming inside his heart, 'I can't wait to hug him and kiss him!' But he felt that it would be less fun to 'meet each other' so soon. At this, Xiao YuAn restrained his inner emotions and said coldly: "Yes. Do you remember that your father's company went bankrupt and he used you as a mortgage to borrow money?"
Yan HeQing didn't understand what Xiao YuAn said, so he chose to remain silent.
President Xiao thought about it for a moment and explained: "Your father sold you to me, and now you belong to me. Exclusively mine. Private. Mine alone. Do you understand?"
Yan HeQing: "…"
Xiao YuAn: "A male concubine! Do you understand?!"
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Yan HeQing's face changed slightly. It took him a long time before he slowly nodded his head.
Xiao YuAn then rang the bedside bell to call the nurse, and asked about Yan HeQing's physical condition. The nurse said that apart from Yan HeQing calling himself an Emperor of something, there was nothing wrong with Yan HeQing's health.
So, President Xiao acted in a speedy and efficient way to get Yan HeQing out of the hospital. After that, he walked back to the ward to send his wife home.
Yan HeQing was standing by the window of the ward, looking into the distance. This ward was on a high floor, so the night breeze blew over Yan HeQing's hair. In the distance, there were strange lights and tall buildings that rose into the sky. This was a world Yan HeQing wasn't familiar with at all.
"What are you looking at?" Xiao YuAn shouted softly.
When Yan HeQing looked back, Xiao YuAn was once again able to see the uneasiness in his eyes. But that feeling passed quickly.
Yan HeQing shook his head and didn't reply.
Xiao YuAn, with the intention of teasing Yan HeQing, tried hard to act like a Tyrannical President and said: "Put on your jacket and let's go back."
Yan HeQing nodded and reached out to pick up the suit jacket on the hospital bed. But apart from taking the jacket, he didn't move.
Because he didn't know how to put on these kinds of clothes.
Suddenly, someone came forward and took the suit jacket from Yan HeQing's hands. Then, Xiao YuAn said: "Here, raise your left arm."
Yan HeQing did as he was told in silence. After Xiao YuAn helped Yan HeQing put on the jacket, Xiao YuAn bowed his head and buttoned him up. The suit was extremely close-fitting, expressing an air of sensuality. Xiao YuAn unhurriedly buttoned the metal buttons on Yan HeQing's suit jacket, seemingly calm on the surface, but in his mind, he was imagining a hundred ways to strip this suit off of Yan HeQing.
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"Let's go." After Xiao YuAn helped Yan HeQing put on his suit jacket, he raised his head. Yan HeQing took a step back quietly and nodded his head.
Then the two of them left the hospital and walked towards the underground parking lot. The driver had been waiting for a long time, so when he saw Xiao YuAn in the distance, he hurried to open the door of the car for him. Xiao YuAn sat inside the car, but found that Yan HeQing was standing outside, with no intention of moving.
Xiao YuAn wanted to ask Yan HeQing what was wrong, but he suddenly understood what was going on.
This black car looked too much like an iron cage, and if you don't understand what a car is, you will certainly feel uneasy.
Xiao YuAn pondered over it for a moment and then asked the driver to turn on the lights in the car. Then he grabbed the door with one hand and reached out to Yan HeQing with the other: "Don't worry, I won't hurt you."
Yan HeQing looked at him. After a while, he finally held Xiao YuAn's hand and got into the car.
The dark car drove smoothly out of the hospital, and Xiao YuAn asked the driver to open the window. At that, the cool breeze of the night blew into the car, blowing away the heat inside. Yan HeQing looked at the fast passing scenery outside the car, with a surprised expression that couldn't be hidden.
Xiao YuAn leaned his elbow against the window and held his head with one hand. As he looked at Yan HeQing from the corner of his eyes, he felt full of amazement at how cute Yan HeQing looked right now. President Xiao's mouth was smiling, as he silently said inside his mind: 'I want to keep him hidden in my home, so that he won't be abducted by other people.'
As soon as they returned home, Butler Zhao greeted them. Yan HeQing's eyes flashed, but he calmed down right away.
When Butler Zhao saw that Xiao YuAn had brought an unknown man back, the extremely professional Butler didn't change his face, nor did he ask who he was. Instead, he simply bowed and said: "Mr. Xiao, do you want me to prepare the guest room?"
Xiao YuAn replied: "No."
Butler Zhao understood immediately: "The big bed has been dealt with today, Mr. Xiao. Please tell me if this new bed is satisfactory enough. If not, I'll send people to change it as soon as possible."
"
"
Xiao YuAn nodded, said 'You've worked hard', and went to the room. After taking two steps, he found that Yan HeQing wasn't following him, he was still standing still. Xiao YuAn didn't try to be polite as he held Yan HeQing's wrist and took him to the room.
Inside the room, Xiao YuAn reached out to turn on the lights, and the first thing he saw was a dark grey bed in the center of the room. Xiao YuAn then took off his suit jacket, while sitting on the bed. After feeling the softness of the bed, he waved at Yan HeQing: "Come."
Yan HeQing hesitated for a long time, but in the end he walked towards the bed. Since he was still standing up, Xiao Yuan made him sit on the bed. As the corner of Xiao YuAn's mouth raised, he said: "What do you think? Do you feel comfortable? Is it too soft? You'll be sleeping here from now on, so if you have any complaints, you should just say them."
Yan HeQing inclined his head, avoiding to look at him, and replied: "It's quite good."
Xiao YuAn noticed that Yan HeQing had been somewhat resistant to having physical contact with his body ever since they came out of the hospital.
President Xiao thought for a moment, and then stretched out his hand to undo the buttons of Yan HeQing's suit. As he hooked his fingers into the collar of the white shirt, slightly pulling it apart, he curved the finger to touch Yan HeQing's Adam's apple slightly. This action made Yan HeQing turn his head, making Xiao YuAn smile: "Do you know how you'll pay off the debts of the money you owe? Hmm? Take this off."
At that, Yan HeQing grabbed Xiao YuAn's wrist and blocked his movements. As he lowered his head, he said indifferently: "Except for this, I'll try to pay off the debt as much as I can."
Xiao YuAn was stunned, and then he heard Yan HeQing continue: "I'm already married."
At that, Xiao YuAn withdrew his hand, raised his eyebrows meaningfully, and said: "Oh? Is he the only one for you?"
Yan HeQing's gaze was firm: "He's the only one for me."
Xiao YuAn's heart softened when he heard this, making him unable to tease him anymore. As he curved his eyes with a smile on his lips, he said: "But, Yan-ge, isn't it me the one you married?"
EXTRA 1.7: I, Once Again, Don't Know What Topic Should I Choose.
After hearing the familiar nickname, Yan HeQing suddenly raised his head. His eyes were overflowing with disbelief.
Xiao YuAn pressed on Yan HeQing's shoulder with one hand, as he stroked his chin with the other. Then he smiled and said: "Long love can be remembered forever1. My Yan-ge is so handsome, how could I…. Ah-"
Before Xiao YuAn could finish his words, his waist was suddenly grabbed as he was hugged by Yan HeQing. After Xiao YuAn's vision got turned upside down, he was pressed into the soft quilt by Yan HeQing. As soon as Xiao YuAn regained his senses, he heard Yan HeQing whispering in his ear: "My father sold me to you? Male concubine?"
The warm breath next to his ear made Xiao YuAn's back feel numb. President Xiao felt that he couldn't lose his temper, so he decided to struggle: "Really! You were really sold to me! Although human trafficking is illegal in this world, the 'essence' is similar in nature!"
Since Xiao YuAn struggled so hard, the two men's suits' fabric rubbed against each other, producing a strange rustling sound. Yan HeQing hurried to grab Xiao YuAn's wrist, pressing him down firmly without saying a word. Then he blocked Xiao YuAn's chattering mouth with his own, kissing him until he couldn't speak anymore.
Xiao YuAn was trying to adjust his breath, when he suddenly heard Yan HeQing whisper: "Is this your previous life?"
Seeing Xiao YuAn nodding his head, Yan HeQing hesitated for a long time before he could ask: "Did you feel uneasy after being reborn again?"
Xiao YuAn was stunned. As he looked at Yan HeQing, Xiao YuAn suddenly remembered something.
When he was transmigrated into the novel, he of course knew that world very well, but he still felt somewhat flustered. However, when Yan HeQing arrived in this modern world, he didn't know nor understand anything surrounding him. The uneasiness Yan HeQing felt could be seen at first glance. What's more, Xiao YuAn even pretended not to know him!
Xiao YuAn was suddenly filled with guilt. As he reached out his hands to hug Yan HeQing's shoulders, he soothingly patted Yan HeQing, and then laughed: "Don't worry, Yan-ge, I'm here."
Yan HeQing 'hmmed', but the expression on his face hadn't relaxed. Xiao YuAn then held Yan HeQing's face tenderly as he kissed him. At that moment, he suddenly remembered what he wanted to say: "Come, let's go take a bath. We just came back from the hospital, we have to wash up."
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The bathroom, which was adjacent to a room which used to have a 10m2 bed, would naturally not be inferior. With double-glazed doors, huge mirrors, a glass skylight that allowed them to see the stars at a single glance, and a bathtub filled with warm water. At this time, it was steaming already, and the skylight showed the blurring stars.
It was said that they would take a bath, but as soon as they entered the bathroom, the two of them kissed as they undressed themselves. By the time they got into the bathtub, they were almost naked.
Yan HeQing was still thinking about Xiao YuAn teasing him, so he kissed him fiercely in revenge, making Xiao YuAn's tongue feel numb. Xiao YuAn then felt that Yan HeQing's hand was going down that 'place'. As Xiao YuAn gasped, he said: "Go, go, the bath, the water, the water."
Before he could take off his white shirt, Xiao YuAn was soaked in the hot water, making his clothes wet and tightly attached to his body, outlining the contours of his body. Yan HeQing leaned Xiao YuAn against the edge of the bathtub, as he touched Xiao YuAn's body with one finger.
Xiao YuAn tried to ignore the strangeness of being 'expanded' and 'opened' as he reached out to stroke Yan HeQing's wet hair, which was glued to his forehead, and tucked it behind his ear. Then he laughed: "Yan-ge, your short hair looks so handsome."
Yan HeQing tilted his head and kissed Xiao YuAn's fingers, the ones which had gathered his hair. Then he heard Xiao YuAn say: "Yan-ge, you really don't need to worry or feel uneasy. I'll show you this world little by little. Didn't you say that I know so much about you, but you don't know much about me? Now I'll tell you everything you wish to know, ah… Yan-ge, slow down, slow down…"
Yan HeQing looked at Xiao YuAn for an instant, and the uneasiness in his eyes had long been dispelled. Then, he whispered: "Alright."
Xiao YuAn was dazed by Yan HeQing 'thing', so for a moment, he couldn't hear Yan HeQing's reply right. "Then you, you, you slow down a bit." Xiao YuAn said with a trembling voice.
Yan HeQing gently raised the corners of his mouth, licked Xiao YuAn's earlobe, and said faintly: "I was told that I owe you a debt, so I'm just paying it back."
Xiao YuAn was shocked as he said: "How can you pay a debt like this?! Yan-ge, wait, Yan-ge. Don't pay it back…. there's no need to pay it back…. you, you, slow down ah!"
The next day, President Xiao, who had never been too late or too early, took a half-day off.
Early in the morning, when the East turned white and the air was slightly cool, Xiao YuAn habitually rolled to the left. Unlike before, when Xiao YuAn turned this time, he was able to touch someone else's warmth. As he was still in a daze, that someone took him into his arms, pulling up the quilt for him.
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By the time Xiao YuAn finally woke up, it was already morning. Yan HeQing was half-leaning against the bed with a book in his hands, slowly flipping through it. The first thing Xiao YuAn asked for was a 'good morning kiss'. After that, he asked: "Can you read those words?"
Yan HeQing simply nodded his head.
"What about the content?"
At that, Yan HeQing shook his head. Seeing this, Xiao YuAn said: "It's alright, there's no rush. I'll teach you after."
"Alright."
Then Xiao YuAn lazily leaned into Yan HeQing's arms, picked up his cellphone, and dealt with some work matters. All of a sudden, he received a call from Hong Xiu: "Mr. Xiao, will you come to this afternoon's meeting?"
"I'll go. Um, I'll go to the company to see the information. Alright. Yes, I know."
When Xiao YuAn hung up the phone, he saw that Yan HeQing was looking at the phone in his hand incredulously.
Ever since arriving to a modern era, Xiao YuAn had often seen a different side of Yan HeQing. At this, President Xiao felt inexplicably overjoyed. As he sent a text to Butler Zhao, Xiao YuAn kissed Yan HeQing and said: "Wait, I'll teach you how to use this. But let's get up first."
After washing up, Xiao YuAn found some loose clothes for Yan HeQing: "Yan-ge, you can wear my clothes for now. We'll go buy clothes for you in the evening."
"Mm-hmm."
As soon as the two of them finished changing clothes, the door of the room was knocked on. When Xiao YuAn opened the door, Butler Zhao stood outside with a box containing a new phone: "Mr. Xiao, the phone card has already been placed. You can use it right away."
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Xiao YuAn thanked him and opened the box. After taking out the new phone, and adding his own number, he then grabbed Yan HeQing to teach him how to use it: "Yan-ge, look. With this we'll be able to hear each other's voice, even if we're not together."
Yan HeQing frowned: "You can only hear voices?"
Xiao YuAn was stunned at first, but then said: "No, you can also see me."
Then Xiao YuAn clicked on the video call option and placed the phone in Yan HeQing's hand. After quietly walking into the bathroom, wanting to give Yan HeQing a demonstration, he couldn't have imagined that Yan HeQing would keep touching the screen, asking him where he was in a panic.
Xiao YuAn quickly opened the bathroom door and said: "Yan-ge, I'm here."
Yan HeQing then took a few steps over. Only after touching Xiao YuAn's cheek and hair did he relax.
Xiao YuAn hugged him helplessly and dotingly: "Forget it. You don't have to use it if you don't want to."
EXTRA 1.8: Spoil, Spoil, Spoil, Spoil And Spoil Him Rotten.
Near noon, Butler Zhao, who worked quickly and efficiently, sent a suit that was suitable for Yan HeQing's size. Xiao YuAn helped Yan HeQing to put it on. As he carefully tied Yan HeQing's tie, Xiao YuAn smiled: "Look at you, you look so handsome that I don't think I'll be able to hold myself back."
Yan HeQing straightened his cuff and pulled on his tie, seemingly trying to adapt to the fit of the suit. Xiao YuAn pressed Yan HeQing's hand and said: "Yan-ge, don't pull it. If you pull it again, I won't be able to go to the meeting in the afternoon."
Yan HeQing: "?"
Xiao YuAn coughed lightly and turned away from him: "Let's go, go out to eat."
This time, Xiao YuAn didn't call for a driver, but drove himself, letting Yan HeQing sit in the passenger side. Compared with Yan HeQing's resistance on the first ride, this time, he was a lot more relaxed. Xiao YuAn leaned over and fastened Yan HeQing's seat belt. When Xiao YuAn saw Yan HeQing pulling the seat belt, he smiled: "It's for safety."
Yan HeQing nodded his head. Xiao YuAn then took out his phone to search for a three-star Michelin Restaurant. After taking Yan HeQing out to eat, he then drove to the company.
Xiao YuAn parked the car, and unlocked Yan HeQing's seat belt. Then he got out of the car, walked to the other side of the car, and opened the passenger door. As Xiao YuAn smiled, he said: "Here we are." However, ten minutes later, the news that Xiao YuAn drove by himself to the company spread through the departments, one after the other.
"What kind of news is this? Mr. Xiao is such an easy-going person. Of course it's normal for him to drive himself to the company, every once in a while."
"But someone was sitting in Mr. Xiao's passenger seat!"
"What?! Could it be possible that our Mr. Xiao has started to date?"
"No, I heard that it was a man."
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"It's not bad….. You know!"
"It's not like that. But, aren't 'they' supposed to look soft and cute? I heard that the man who got out of Mr. Xiao's car was handsome and elegant. He looked extremely cool!"
"Oh, stop guessing. Maybe he's just a business associate. How could he bring a lover to the company, with his high profile? Even if Mr. Xiao really has a lover, it's impossible for us to know."
"Yeah, that makes sense."
"Yes, yes, yes! Besides, weren't there some people in our company who were extremely confident that they could climb into Mr. Xiao's bed? I heard that Mr. Xiao didn't pay any attention to them."
"I can't believe such a thing happened. Tell me more about it."
At this moment, Xiao YuAn, who everyone was speaking about, was kissing his 'business associate', pressing him against the office's chair. They couldn't stop themselves from being lovey-dovey. While sitting on Yan HeQing's lap, Xiao YuAn called his Assistant: "Help me buy a few history books. Don't forget Sun Tsu 'The Art of War'. Yes, you heard right, 'The Art of War'."
It took the Young Assistant ten minutes to buy a bunch of books. Then the Assistant knocked on the door of Xiao YuAn's office. Xiao YuAn smiled and thanked the Assistant, took the books and then handed them to Yan HeQing: "Yan-ge, wait for me, I have a meeting to attend to. You can read these books if you get bored."
Yan HeQing took the books, raised his eyes and asked: "When will you come back?"
Xiao YuAn calculated the time in his mind, picked up the electronic clock on the desk, pointed it at Yan HeQing, and said: "Yan-ge, look at this clock. When these numbers show, I'll be back." Xiao YuAn then took a piece of paper, a black pen, and wrote the numbers 05:30.
Yan HeQing took the paper, looked at it for a while, and then nodded his head.
Xiao YuAn took a glass of water and a plate of fruit, placing them in front of Yan HeQing. Then he picked up the materials sorted out by Hong Xiu and went to the meeting room.
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The meeting went very smoothly, and ended half an hour early. The Directors of the Departments were anxiously waiting for Xiao YuAn's advice. Unexpectedly, as soon as the meeting was over, Xiao YuAn got up and slipped away. All the follow-up work was handed over by Hong Xiu.
The Young Assistant had work to report. As he reported, he followed Xiao YuAn back to the office. When he saw that President Xiao was walking back to his office, making a silent gesture the moment he approached the door, the Young Assistant quickly stood straight in place, not daring to move.
Xiao YuAn gently pressed the doorknob, opened the door a little, and secretly looked inside the office.
The afterglow of the setting sun shone through the long windows behind the desk. Yan HeQing was sitting in the office chair with a strong presence, carefully flipping through the book in his hand. The flickering lights and shadows fell on Yan HeQing's figure, moving Xiao YuAn's heart.
Suddenly, Yan HeQing looked up at the clock on the table, only to look at the white paper next. When disappointment flashed in the bottom of his eyes, he reached out to rub his brow. Then he continued to read the book.
Xiao YuAn pulled the Young Assistant over, showing him what he was looking at: "Is he handsome?"
The Young Assistant nodded his head, expressing with a heartfelt emotion: "Very handsome!"
Xiao YuAn then said: "Praise him then."
The Young Assistant thought that he was good at this, so he began to spit out praising words.
But Xiao YuAn then said: "Stop, stop, stop. Don't praise him anymore, I'm jealous."
Young Assistant: "….. Ah?"
Xiao YuAn: "Is there anything else? If you don't have anything else to report, then you may leave."
"
"
The Young Assistant freaked out: "Mr. Xiao, your second assistant candidates have all come to the company, when will you interview them?!"
Xiao YuAn was surprised: "Second assistant?"
The Young Assistant collapsed. Assuming that Xiao YuAn hadn't heard what he had said just now, he said: "Yes, Mr. Xiao, I'll take the annual leave after all. Besides, didn't Mr. Xiao say that you wanted more assistants?"
Xiao YuAn said: "Then help me choose one. However, even if you choose well, you won't get a reward. But if you choose bad, then your salary will be deducted."
The Young Assistant's shoulders were suddenly crushed by the evil exploitation of capitalism.
Xiao YuAn laughed: "I was just teasing you. I'll give you a bonus, now go."
Xiao YuAn then patted the Assistant's shoulder to express his appreciation. When the Assistant heard the word 'bonus', his eyes shone brightly, and majestically ran to the interview.
Xiao YuAn, who finally managed to send the Assistant away, looked at the office again. Yan HeQing had put down the book and was now holding the electronic clock, playing with it. Since the setting sun looked like melted gold, Yan HeQing, who was sitting on the office chair, half-turned around to look at the long window, and stare at the distant sunset among the tall buildings.
Xiao YuAn opened the door and gently walked behind Yan HeQing, only to turn the chair around. When Yan HeQing saw him, his eyes lit up.
Xiao YuAn smiled at him as he put one hand on the handle of the chair. With his other hand, he stroked Yan HeQing's chin, leaning down to approach him, but maintaining an appropriate distance between them: "I heard that Mr. Yan is young and talented. It's an honor to see him today. I wonder if Mr. Yan is in need of a bed partner?"
Yan HeQing hesitated for a long time before he could ask: "What is a bed partner?"
Xiao YuAn broke his act in a second as he burst into laughter. Then he leaned over Yan HeQing's ear to explain. Before he could finish explaining, Yan HeQing wrapped an arm around his waist, making Xiao YuAn sit on his lap to kiss him breathless.
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….
Yan HeQing, who spent two days at leisure, had finally finished reading the books Xiao YuAn bought for him. Xiao YuAn thought that he still had to find Yan HeQing something to do. Otherwise, the Emperor who used to wield a sword will now become a squatter at home. If this kept going, Xiao YuAn was afraid that Yan HeQing would get sick.
Xiao YuAn thought about it and called the Head of the company's Security Department.
Then, Nie Er arrived at Xiao YuAn's office wearing a Security uniform: "Mr. Xiao wanted to see me?"
Xiao YuAn: "….. You are the person in charge?"
Nie Er: "Yes, Mr Xiao. Didn't you ask for me?"
Xiao YuAn: "It's alright, you can go."
Like this, the Head of the Security Department, who was called in, walked away feeling puzzled.
Xiao YuAn felt distressed as he looked through the information of the group's small and large companies, trying to find a position that wouldn't be gossiped about. When suddenly, an entertainment place caught Xiao YuAn's attention.
Xiao YuAn pulled out the information, read it carefully, and called Hong Xiu with great enthusiasm: "Hong Xiu, is there a horse farm under our group?"
Hong Xiu said: "Yes. It's generally not open to the public, only for you and your friends for entertainment."
Xiao YuAn made up his mind. 'This is it!'
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The next day, Yan HeQing went for an interview.
The person in charge of the horse farm was a pretentious young man, who believed he was at the forefront of fashion. After seeing Yan HeQing, he was shocked by the other's face. As he pretended to be calm, he crossed his legs, cupped his hands, put on an act and said: "Mister, you know that our place isn't a normal entertainment club, right? The people who come here are all dignified big shots. If you were to offend any of them, you won't be able to live well for the rest of your life."
Yan HeQing nodded his head.
The person in charge patted the table and said: "If you know, then give me your resume."
Yan HeQing said: "I don't have one."
The person in charge was stunned. "You don't have a resume? Are you this arrogant? Then what kind of education do you have? A Master's Degree?"
Yan HeQing shook his head.
"What about work experience?"
"No."
The person in charge laughed with exasperation. He stood up, ready to leave, but before that, he didn't forget to mock Yan HeQing: "Who gave you the confidence to come to our interview?"
Yan HeQing: "Xiao YuAn."
The person in charge immediately grasped Yan HeQing's hand and said: "Welcome! We're in need of talents like you! The annual salary is 200,000. Is that okay with you?"
EXTRA 1.9: The Tyrannical President's Husband Is Being Looked At.
After reading a plan for a project with the Government in his office, President Xiao was worried about his wife, so he called to inquire about him.
The person in charge had never received a call from the CEO himself, and was so frightened that he couldn't speak clearly. With reluctance, he explained everything: "Ye-ye-yes, he's working already. Alright, alright, I und-understand."
After hanging up the phone, the person in charge hurriedly turned on the air conditioner in the office, and was ready to invite Yan HeQing over to drink tea. When he asked around, everyone said that Yan HeQing was training the several new horses that arrived yesterday. When he heard this, the person in charge's heart thumped. Among the newly purchased horses, there was an Akhal-Teke1 golden horse, whom he heard was in a state of semi-tame and was violent in nature. Yan HeQing didn't have any documents and information to prove his ability. If anything were to happen, it'll be over. The person in charge wouldn't be able to bear the responsibility if Yan HeQing gets in an accident with a horse!
"Damn it! Who told him to train the horses?!" The man in charge cursed and hurried to the training ground.
When he arrived at the training ground, he saw Yan HeQing, who wasn't wearing any protective gear, pulling the reins of the Akhal-Teke horse. The man in charge was so shocked that he almost passed away.
Yan HeQing didn't seem to be in a hurry, standing on the left side of the horse. He relaxed the reins, patted the horse's belly and back to pacify the horse, smoothing its beautiful mane. The horse was as docile as a kitty in front of Yan HeQing, lowering its head and rubbing him. When Yan HeQing saw that he was close to it, he decided to turn over and mount the horse. As he shouted out loud, the horse galloped.
The man in charge looked at Yan HeQing, stunned. When the several young women, who were in charge of the field, saw Yan HeQing's handsome and dashing posture, they couldn't help but stare at him in awe.
At that time, Xiao YuAn received a sudden call in the office. When the words 'Chen Ge' jumped on the screen, Xiao YuAn couldn't stop himself from raising the corners of his mouth.
Xiao YuAn saw Chen Ge's number in his phone a long time ago, so he asked about him. Unexpectedly, Chen Ge was a Second-Generation rich Gongzi.
Chen Ge majored in Psychology in University. After graduating, he didn't want to work in a hospital. His family was rich enough to let him do what he wanted, but they didn't expect that Chen Ge would do an amazing thing.
He opened a marriage counseling office!
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He would work for 3 days and take 4 days off. That was the marriage counseling office, where consultation was free of charge for friends!
Chen Ge's parents knew about this, and they had mixed feelings, while asking themselves how their son had developed to be like this. At the same time, they felt that Chen Ge wasn't like those greasy Second-Generation rich Gongzi, who were known for dating several models and spending a lot of money. Due to this, Chen Ge's family supported him all the way.
Unexpectedly, Chen Ge was actually very famous, and even opened a branch in this city. He could be described as: 'A willow tree that grew out unintentionally'2.
Xiao YuAn picked up the call, and Chen Ge's cheerful voice was instantly heard: "Hi! Mr. Xiao, have you been busy lately? It's been such a long time since we last saw each other, do you have time to meet this evening? I'll take you to meet some friends."
Xiao YuAn laughed: "What kind of friends?"
"Friends who want to bathe under your halo and hug your legs through me."
"….. So straightforward?"
"What era are you living in? It's not like they're being subtle or anything. Do you want to meet them? I won't push it. If you don't want to go, then it's alright. It's just that I can't behave myself."
"Alright, let's meet. It's just hanging out."
"Then can we go to the horse farm you own? It's been such a long time since I've been there, I kind of want to go there."
Xiao YuAn wanted to go see his wife anyway. Naturally, he didn't have a problem with it, and agreed to meet: "Yes, but I still have a meeting, so please take your friends there first."
"Sure enough, you're as busy as always. Alright, see you later."
"
"
Xiao YuAn hung up the phone and called his Assistant. In the end, that Young Assistant didn't come, but a new face did. He was a young boy with beautiful eyebrows. He looked like he had just graduated from college, but on his resume, it was written that he had 3 years of experience.
Xiao YuAn was really easy-going, so he smiled and asked the young man what his name was. The young man was a little shy as he replied: "Lu Renjia."
Xiao YuAn nodded: "Xiao-Lu, uhm, I have to go with Hong Xiu to talk with a Government Personnel about the project. Have you prepared the customer's information?"
"It's ready!" Lu Renjia hurriedly brought the information and handed it to Xiao YuAn.
Xiao YuAn reached for it, and Lu Renjia's thumb 'accidentally' rubbed the back of his hand. Xiao YuAn didn't react, and Lu Renjia was startled at first, but he hurried to bow and apologize.
Xiao YuAn waved his hand as he looked at the customer's information. Cooperation with the Government required a high degree of attention, and this time was no exception. However, Xiao YuAn was stunned as soon as he looked at the information.
The person in the file was actually Qin Yu! Xiao YuAn didn't expect him to work in the Government.
Xiao YuAn smiled, a face full of regrets. When he looked up, he found that the new assistant hadn't gone. He was standing aside with some restraint.
Xiao YuAn said: "I've nothing else for you. You can call Hong Xiu, and then go work by yourself."
Lu Renjia nodded and walked away.
Xiao YuAn took Hong Xiu to the place where the project was going to be discussed. Qin Yu wore gold-rimmed glasses, looking extremely civilized. Both sides were smart, the cooperation project was profitable and harmless, everything was soon settled.
Xiao YuAn asked the Driver to take Hong Xiu home first, before driving to the horse farm.
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At that time, something was happening on the horse farm.
Chen Ge's friend, a fine skinned and tender looking Gongzi, pointed at Yan HeQing and said: "You, yes you. Teach me how to ride a horse."
It wasn't a big group, but the young men were having a lot of fun. They whistled at each other, but Chen Ge was frowning.
This Gongzi's sexual orientation was public, and he was also a bottom. It was clear that he was interested in Yan HeQing.
Yan HeQing's appearance was right there, and Chen Ge's other friends were also moved, but they weren't as talkative as this Gongzi. Naturally, they wouldn't dare to rob him, they could only coax him.
This Gongzi was not only a Second-Generation rich, but he was also the son of an Official. He was good-looking, and from childhood, he was used to getting everything he wanted. As a result, he was full of confidence: "How much is your salary? I can pay you three times more than that."
Unexpectedly, Yan HeQing didn't even look at him. Yan HeQing simply turned around with the horse, ready to leave.
However, the Gongzi was so angry that he stopped Yan HeQing and said: "You have no shame? Where is the person in charge?"
Before the man in charge could come, Chen Ge spoke first: "This is Mr. Xiao's territory, don't make a scene. If something happens, no one's face will look good."
The young Gongzi said: "Mr. Xiao is good-tempered, we all know that. He won't say anything about a little discipline."
Chen Ge said: "I brought you here, for everyone's pleasure, and to meet Mr. Xiao. Not to make trouble."
The young Gongzi said: "I'm not making trouble, and he is just a staff member of the horse farm. Tell me, what's wrong? Isn't that his job? Don't you think that not only he isn't teaching like he should, but he's also not giving a face to the customers? Why?"
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Chen Ge also felt that Yan HeQing was a bit too indifferent, but he couldn't think of a rebuttal for a while. At that moment, the person in charge hurried over: "Hello gentlemen, is something wrong? What happened?"
The young Gongzi pointed at Yan HeQing and said: "Is this man your instructor?"
Yan HeQing didn't even raise his head, as if he wasn't the one in trouble. He was stroking the mane of the horse beside him, with indifference to his surroundings.
The man in charge felt his heart thumping hard, trying to figure out how Yan HeQing could cause trouble on his first day of work. Fortunately, the man in charge was in charge after all, so he was used to dealing with the rich Gongzi like this one. As he bowed his head, he said: "Sir, he's not an instructor. He's just a staff member of the horse farm. He's not qualified to teach you how to ride a horse. I'm sorry about that, I'll call our instructors right away, and you can choose one of them, whichever one you like! What do you think?"
The young Gongzi smiled: "He doesn't know how to ride a horse? That's okay, I can teach him."
There was another round of applause and whistling all around. The person in charge was stunned: "T-th-this."
The young Gongzi continued: "I don't ask for much, just let him keep me company. He doesn't need to teach me how to ride a horse, chatting is good enough, alright? Like talking to a friend."
The man in charge had to discuss it with Yan HeQing: "Just keep him company, this way the company won't lose face. Besides, this Gongzi is…."
Yan HeQing interrupted him and said coldly: "No."
The man in charge wanted to shoot himself.
Yan HeQing wasn't standing that far away, so his reply was easily heard by the young Gongzi. The young Gongzi was so angry that he couldn't stop himself from laughing: "Alright, you don't want to accompany me. But you must give me a reason."
"You want a reason? Shall I give it to you?"
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Suddenly, a laughing voice was heard from a distance, and the group of people froze in unison. When they turned their heads, they saw Xiao YuAn walking from afar.
Yan HeQing's gaze was fixed on Xiao YuAn, refusing to look elsewhere.
Xiao YuAn walked leisurely to Yan HeQing's side, smiled at the group of Gongzis, and said: "Do you want a reason?"
Right after saying that, Xiao YuAn hugged Yan HeQing's neck in front of everyone, and kissed him for a long time.
The group of people opened their mouths wide. As they stared at the couple kissing, they felt breathless. As for the young Gongzi, his face turned green.
When the kiss ended, Xiao YuAn let go of Yan HeQing and looked at the crowd with a smile: "Is this reason enough?"
No one dared to answer him. They were all silent and stupefied. About a minute later, Chen Ge cried out: "Mr. Xiao! You've never dated, nor have any lovers!"
Xiao YuAn glanced at him and sneered: "What lover? He's my husband!"
The man in charge coughed, and his eyes turned white, almost passing away.
The young Gongzi's face was no longer green, it was as white as paper now. Chen Ge wasn't able to produce a sound for a long while, opening and closing his mouth, like a fish out of the water.
EXTRA 1.10: Look, Someone Is In Trouble.
The young Gongzi opened his mouth, as if he wanted to say something, but Xiao YuAn didn't intend to listen. As he smiled, he said: "You guys can play first, I'll go talk with my wife now. I'll come back to accompany you later. Excuse us."
He purposely added the word "my wife".
After saying this, Xiao YuAn didn't wait for anyone's reply. He took Yan HeQing towards an unoccupied place, walking side by side. After walking for a while, and the crowd behind them couldn't be seen anymore, Xiao YuAn wrapped his arms around Yan HeQing's waist, pinning him against the horse: "Were you wronged?"
Yan HeQing shook his head.
Xiao YuAn pondered: "I think I should make some small tags that say 'Xiao YuAn's property' and stick them all over you. That way, those devils won't dare to approach you."
Yan HeQing gently raised the corners of his lips as he reached out to lift the hair on Xiao YuAn's forehead, kissing his eyes and forehead. At that moment, the horse behind him was growing impatient with the two lovers pressing against it, so it swung its head and tail as it pounded its hooves.
Xiao YuAn let out a 'hey' as he let go of Yan HeQing to pet the horse: "What's wrong with you? Have you eaten enough dog food? Alright, alright, we won't feed you anymore. Okay?"
This horse was an Oldenburg horse, famous for their docility, so when the horse felt Xiao YuAn comforting it, the horse obediently rubbed its head against Xiao YuAn. Xiao YuAn was surprised at this, as he wrapped his arms around the horse's neck and touched its ears.
Yan HeQing didn't say anything as he watched this scene for a while. When he saw that the horse rubbed on Xiao YuAn, Yan HeQing reached out and gently pushed the horse's head away.
Xiao YuAn was stunned for a brief moment, but then he wrapped his arms around Yan HeQing, burying himself into Yan HeQing's shoulders. Xiao YuAn laughed so hard that he wasn't able to calm himself for a while. Yan HeQing's face was indifferent at first, so Xiao YuAn couldn't stop himself from laughing like this. As Yan HeQing reached into Xiao YuAn's suit, he touched Xiao YuAn's sensitive waist through the shirt. At this, Xiao YuAn tried to dodge the touch as he begged for mercy: "I won't laugh, I won't laugh anymore! Yan-ge, stop rubbing me."
Yan HeQing withdrew his hand and straightened his clothes. Finally, Xiao YuAn stopped laughing. As Yan HeQing held Xiao YuAn's hand, he also held the horse's reins as they leisurely walked back.
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When they came back, they didn't see the young Gongzi in the group anymore. Chen Ge explained that the young Gongzi had to go back first. Xiao YuAn simply nodded his head, without asking anything.
The group still felt a bit uneasy, but who hasn't acted recklessly from time to time? The important thing was that Yan HeQing wasn't really wronged, so Xiao YuAn let it go, with his easy-going personality. Since the group of rich Gongzi were young and energetic, they soon indulged in the excitement and joy of riding horses. As the night gradually darkened, and the lights of the horse farm were lit, people came back to rest, one by one. Drinks were served in the horse farm, but after the group of young men discussed it, they decided to have milk tea instead.
As the host, Xiao YuAn would naturally invite everyone's drinks, so the group of men were also happy about it. As they one by one said what they wanted to drink to Chen Ge, he made a list to Xiao YuAn.
Xiao YuAn then saw that these people wanted milk tea, and after searching through several different stores, he finally chose one he liked. Then Xiao YuAn asked Yan HeQing what he wanted to drink, but Yan HeQing simply looked up at him without saying a word. Xiao YuAn realized that Yan HeQing hadn't understood him, so Xiao YuAn simply waved his hand with a smile and said that it was alright, that he'll choose Yan HeQing's drink for him.
Yan HeQing nodded his head.
Once Xiao YuAn finished the order, he received a call from the store: "What? You can't send it? Then I'll ask my driver to go get it. Yes, send me the address."
Chen Ge had sharp ears, so when he heard this, he asked what was wrong.
Xiao YuAn smiled and waved his hand: "Nothing, it's just that there are too many orders."
Chen Ge looked at the group of people and nodded in understanding. However, he soon realized that what Xiao YuAn regarded as 'too many orders' wasn't the same as Chen Ge's idea of 'too many'.
The Driver sent the milk tea in Xiao YuAn's Land Rover, and when he arrived, he called the staff of the horse farm to help him carry everything.
The group were stunned to see the driver put more than 40 cups of milk tea in front of Xiao YuAn: "Mr. Xiao, this side is sugar-free, on this side there is 3% sugar, this other side is 7% sugar, and on this side there are the full sugar ones. There are 48 cups of milk tea in total, like you ordered."
Xiao YuAn smiled and thanked the Driver, doubled his bonus for the month, and then picked up a cup of 7% sugar, milk and cream. After inserting the straw, he handed it to Yan HeQing: "Yan-ge, give it a try."
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Yan HeQing took a sip from the cup still being held by Xiao YuAn and frowned slightly. He didn't seem to adapt to the sweetness.
Xiao YuAn took the cup away, and Yan HeQing had naturally chewed on the straw he had drinked from. Then Xiao YuAn picked up the tea, inserted a new straw, and handed it to Yan HeQing. After Yan HeQing tasted it, he nodded his head to Xiao YuAn.
'Well, of course he would like tea.' Xiao YuAn took notes in his mind as he picked another cup for Yan HeQing to taste, but this time, it was a fruit tea. However, Yan HeQing still preferred the previous one.
Xiao YuAn understood and gave Yan HeQing the 3% sugar and sugar-free to taste. Yan HeQing chose a sugar-free cup and Xiao YuAn asked him if he wanted to try anything else, but when he saw Yan HeQing shaking his head, Xiao YuAn called the person in charge of the horse farm: "Take all the unopened ones to the staff. They've worked hard today."
Xiao YuAn's showing off made the group of young Gongzi numb. When Xiao YuAn saw that Chen Ge was looking at him completely dumbfounded, he laughed: "What? Do you want to drink one too?"
Chen Ge hurriedly waved his hand and retreated from the husbands, who were trying to kill everyone with their dog food.
After taking a long break while having fun in the meantime, the group of Gongzi bid their farewell to Xiao YuAn, and each went back to their own homes.
As soon as Xiao YuAn and Yan HeQing got home, Xiao YuAn suddenly received a text from his new assistant, Lu Renjia. The content said: Mr. Xiao, since it's early Autumn, it will cool down tomorrow. Please remember to wear an extra layer of clothes.
Xiao YuAn snorted, called the Young Assistant who was on annual leave, and asked him if the new recruit was a Work Assistant or a Life Assistant. The Young Assistant was confused as he replied that Lu Renjia was a Work Assistant. At that, Xiao YuAn snorted again and went to see Butler Zhao: "Tomorrow is the beginning of Autumn, so please prepare thick clothes for Yan HeQing."
At that time, Lu Renjia was talking to his friend on the phone. As he stood in the corridor with a cigarette in his mouth, the sweet and shy appearance he had shown to Xiao YuAn had long faded away. With a teasing tone, he said to his friend: "What? Your boss doesn't like you? Then find the opportunity to give him head and take a video of it. Then take some pictures of your boss naked and—what? You'll feel dirty? If you want money and a position, you can't be afraid of something like this. Otherwise, how do you think I got this far?"
A wisp of smoke slowly spewed out of his mouth, quickly dissipating into the night sky.
….
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Right after Xiao YuAn woke up the next day, he suddenly received a call from Hong Xiu with bad news.
"What? The Government stepped back from the project we talked about last time?" Xiao YuAn frowned.
Hong Xiu said: "Yes. Mr. Xiao, you know that they prefer these kinds of projects to be handled by 'age-appropriate' men. Since you're so young, they don't think very highly of you, so they're planning on giving the project to other companies."
"But Qin Yu last time–…"
"He isn't in charge of this project."
In the past, Xiao YuAn wasn't too interested in any project. After all, his company wasn't in need of resources. But this time, it was a project with the cooperation of the Government, so how could Xiao YuAn not be unwilling to give it up? At this, Xiao YuAn asked: "Who is the other party?"
"Huang Yue. Mr. Huang's Company."
Xiao YuAn 'pffff-ed'.
Indeed, enemies were bound to meet on a narrow road1!
Hong Xiu said: "Mr. Xiao, do you still remember Mr. Xue?"
Xiao YuAn was stunned: "Xue Yan?"
"Yes, Mr. Xue is on good terms with this Government Department. Right after knowing what happened, he said that he was willing to help us pull up some strings, but…. Mr. Xiao may understand that there's only one way to deal with them."
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Xiao YuAn sighed.
He knew that the key was to drink, drink, drink and drink some more. The only way to socialize with these people was through a drinking party.
Hong Xiu: "Mr. Xiao, let's just give them the project. We don't really need it."
Xiao YuAn said: "No."
Since they weren't short on resources, Xiao YuAn never socializes. But this time, Xiao YuAn was remembering the things that Huang Yue said about Yan HeQing before, and he didn't want to let Huang Yue have a good time.
Hong Xiu tried to persuade him, but when she saw that Xiao YuAn wasn't moved, she had to arrange everything.
Just like that, the dinner was quickly arranged for tonight. As for this morning, Xiao YuAn made sure to send Yan HeQing to the horse farm. As Xiao YuAn tugged Yan HeQing's tie with a smile on his face, Xiao YuAn said: "I have something to do tonight, so I won't be able to pick you up, and I won't be back early either. I'll get my driver to pick you up, okay?"
Yan HeQing 'hmm-ed', lowered his head and kissed Xiao YuAn on the corner of his mouth. Xiao YuAn just smiled as he released Yan HeQing's tie.
Then, Xiao YuAn drove to the company and prepared the negotiation materials for tonight. When the evening approached, he wanted to take Hong Xiu to the dinner party with him. But since Hong Xiu is a woman, Xiao YuAn refused to let her drink. He asked the company to find someone who could hold their liquor.
In the end, after seeing the chosen person, Xiao YuAn froze for a moment: "You know how to drink alcohol?"
Lu Renjia smiled shyly: "I do, Mr. Xiao."
Since Xiao YuAn has been busy all day long, he had forgotten about that text until he saw the man who sent it. Xiao YuAn frowned immediately. He didn't want to take this person with him, but since he was in a hurry, he didn't have any other choice. At this, Xiao YuAn no longer spoke, and hurriedly took him to the dinner party.
EXTRA 1.11: The Tyrannical President Is Someone Who Boasts About His Husband Like A Madman.
In the cool night, Yan HeQing was alone in the bedroom, flipping through the book he had read already 3 times. When the digital clock indicated that it was 11pm already, Xiao YuAn still hadn't come back.
Yan HeQing frowned at the darkness outside the window. Then he reached out to rub the center of his eyebrows, only to start reading the book from the beginning again.
At that time, Xiao YuAn was being helped by Hong Xiu and Lu Renjia into the car. Xiao YuAn was good at drinking, but now he was really drunk. Although he wasn't drunk enough to throw up or scream, he was drunk enough to tilt his head down.
A moment ago, at the dinner table, the leaders of the project, one after another, had poured wine for Xiao YuAn. It was unknown whether it was intentional or he really didn't understand, but Lu Renjia never helped Xiao YuAn to block the wine. Since Xiao YuAn is an easy-going person with a good temper, when he saw that Lu Renjia didn't seem to 'understand' what he was supposed to do, Xiao YuAn let him be. After all, Xiao YuAn didn't want Hong Xiu to drink, so he had to drink every single cup of wine, one after the other. As a result, after the dinner, Xiao YuAn was completely drunk.
Hong Xiu looked at Lu Renjia with displeasure, but because Xiao YuAn was too heavy for her to carry to the car on her own, and she didn't have the time to reprimand him, she had to ask Lu Renjia for help. After Lu Renjia wiped the sweat from his forehead, he bowed to Hong Xiu: "Hong Xiu-jie, just now I didn't know how to block the wine for Mr. Xiao, and now Mr. Xiao is so drunk. I'm sorry."
Hong Xiu thought that she might be too harsh on the newcomer, so she waved her hand and said that it was alright.
Lu Renjia added: "Hong Xiu-jie, let me take Mr. Xiao back. Take care on your way back."
Hong Xiu nodded and watched them get into the car. As she hugged herself, she sighed softly. Although Xiao YuAn was drunk, at least, they were able to negotiate the project.
Hong Xiu walked a few steps, when suddenly, she felt some uneasiness. At this, she sent a text to the Driver, asking him to safely send Xiao YuAn home, and to let her know when he arrived. Then she stopped a taxi and went back home.
Inside the car, Xiao YuAn leaned his head against the window, only to feel a sudden pain in his temples. When he opened his eyes, he found his vision was blurred, so he closed them again to recuperate.
Lu Renjia, sitting next to Xiao YuAn, had been observing him. It was unknown what Lu Renjia was thinking about, but he became nervous all of a sudden. He hesitated for a while, but finally reached over Xiao YuAn: "Mr. Xiao, do you want to drink some water? Or do you want to throw up?"
"
"
Xiao YuAn broke away from him and leaned against the window again. Lu Renjia swallowed nervously, and when he saw that the Driver wasn't paying attention to them, he turned sideways to block the Driver's line of sight with his body. Then he took a tiny bag from his pocket and melted the powder inside into the water. Only to half-force, half-coax Xiao YuAn into drinking it next.
"What? Mr. Xiao, what did you say?" After everything was done, Lu Renjia suddenly raised the volume of his voice. "You don't want to go back home? Mr. Xiao, do you want me to prepare a hotel suite for you? Alright, I understand."
"Driver, don't go to Mr. Xiao's house. Go to that five-star hotel next to the company." Lu Renjia said to the Driver.
The Driver was stunned at first, so he shouted: "Mr. Xiao? Do you want to go to the hotel?"
Xiao YuAn was delirious, and in a trace, he nodded. The Driver nodded his head and drove in the opposite direction of his house.
In the hotel suite, Lu Renjia helped Xiao YuAn get on the bed. After rubbing his arms, he took a long breath. Xiao YuAn was vaguely conscious and distracted, while his eyes were blurred. Xiao YuAn then placed his elbow on the bed, seemingly trying to hold himself up and see where he was. However, since Lu Renjia had fed him water mixed with unknown drugs, Xiao YuAn's mouth felt dry and his head was muddled, making him unable to understand his current situation.
When Lu Renjia saw Xiao YuAn slowly getting up, he took off his own jacket, throwing it on a chair. After stabilizing his mind, he came forward to press Xiao YuAn's shoulder: "Mr. Xiao, do you know who I am?"
Xiao YuAn struggled to raise his eyes to look up at Lu Renjia. After a long time, Xiao YuAn said 'yes'. Next, no matter what Lu Renjia asked, Xiao YuAn would always reply 'yes'.
This was exactly what Lu Renjia wanted. After he took his phone, he started to record a video, pointing the camera at Xiao YuAn on the bed. After confirming that Xiao YuAn's face was seen clearly, Lu Renjia slowly walked towards Xiao YuAn. This was his usual trick, and he had played it many times, but he wasn't too greedy. After he got the money and the position he wished for, he wouldn't threaten that person a second time. This was how he managed to get this far.
"Mr. Xiao." Lu Renjia said warmly, as he took off Xiao YuAn's suit coat. "Do you want me to 'help' you?"
Xiao YuAn stared at him in a daze. His eyes couldn't focus at all, as if they were covered with a watery mist.
Lu Renjia looked at Xiao YuAn's face and suddenly felt that with Xiao YuAn's appearance, it wouldn't hurt to play big this time. As he held Xiao YuAn's clothes, his voice was faintly trembling: "Mr. Xiao, do you…. still want to fuck me?"
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This time, Lu Renjia waited for a long time, but Xiao YuAn didn't say anything. He unwillingly repeated his words, but Xiao YuAn still didn't reply.
At this, Lu Renjia no longer asked. Instead, he reached out to release Xiao YuAn's belt. The metal sound made a clear noise in the silent night, and when Lu Renjia was about to pull out the belt, Xiao YuAn suddenly held his hand.
Xiao YuAn shouted vaguely: "Yan-ge!"
Lu Renjia froze, and at that moment, he heard Xiao YuAn say: "Can you sing?"
Lu Renjia smiled: "Mr. Xiao? Sing?"
Xiao YuAn said: "Sing me the song 'Heavenly Road1', I want to hear it."
Lu Renjia: "…. Ah?"
Due to the effects of the drug, Xiao YuAn couldn't sit still. As he held his head, he frowned and said: "I'm not feeling well….."
"Mr. Xiao, don't worry, you'll be feeling very comfortable in a moment." Lu Renjia helped Xiao YuAn lie down, but all of a sudden, he was dragged down by Xiao YuAn. Both of them fell onto the quilt together.
Lu Renjia was overjoyed as he stretched out his hand to untie his clothes. However, Xiao YuAn backed away from him, as he looked up to Lu Renjia, only to say: "Yan-ge, I have a headache…. Hmm? You're not Yan HeQing?"
If it weren't because of the video and the fact that he had to 'show' two people who were in love with each other, Lu Renjia would have blocked Xiao YuAn's mouth with a towel by now.
Lu Renjia thought for a moment and came forward to kiss Xiao YuAn. However, Xiao YuAn buried his head in the pillow and said with a loud voice: "My friend…. Let me tell you, I… When I first saw Yan HeQing, I thought he was so fucking handsome."
AD
Lu Renjia looked at the phone still recording at them, and said with some embarrassment: "Mr. Xiao…."
Xiao YuAn was still rambling. He was clearly unable to articulate correctly, but he kept saying: "My Yan-ge is unusually good…. Especially good…. Very, very, very good…."
"You want to see him, mmh? Where's my phone?…. I have to go back…. He must be waiting for me, I'm so late…. I can't keep making him wait for me all the time…."
"I have a headache. When I don't see him, I have a headache…."
Lu Renjia couldn't stand it. His eyes flashed with a trace of ferocity as he stuck his gaze to the lower half of Xiao YuAn's body. Then he viciously covered Xiao YuAn's mouth with his hand as he took off their clothes, one piece after the other.
Suddenly, the sound of the door's room being opened was heard. Lu Renjia was so shocked that his heart almost stopped beating. With a flustered appearance, he wasn't able to see who was coming their way, because his face was suddenly slapped hard.
Hong Xiu's slap was so heavy that Lu Renjia was stunned for a while. When Hong Xiu looked around, her gaze fell on the phone recording the bed. Without any hesitation, she picked it up and threw it out the window.
"You!" Lu Renjia couldn't finish his words because Hong Xiu slapped him again, on the right side of his face.
Hong Xiu then said, word by word: "Tomorrow, when Mr. Xiao wakes up, he'll be the one to consider whether to press charges against you or not. Now, get the hell out of here."
When the Driver ran all the way up from the parking lot, he saw that Hong Xiu had already helped Xiao YuAn out of the room. After the Driver sent a text to Hong Xiu telling her that Mr. Xiao had been sent to a hotel, he never thought that Hong Xiu would be so angry. For that reason, the Driver was now extremely afraid of Hong Xiu. As he nodded his head at her, he went forward to help her support Xiao YuAn.
At this, the Driver found that the situation wasn't quite right, and carefully asked Hong Xiu: "Mr. Xiao is…. Should we call the police?"
Hong Xiu said: "No. Mr. Xiao is a respectable figure, if the media hears about this, I can't guarantee how much they will exaggerate the report. Moreover, we came right in time and nothing happened to Mr. Xiao. We'd better wait until tomorrow when Mr. Xiao is awake and conscious to ask him what he wants to do. Now, send Mr. Xiao back home."
AD
"But, that man….."
"Don't worry about him for now. The most important thing right now is to send Mr. Xiao back."
The Driver agreed and helped Hong Xiu to get Xiao YuAn into the car. When Hong Xiu saw that Xiao YuAn wasn't injured, she said: "I'll go to the company to find information about that Assistant. Can you ensure that Mr. Xiao will get back home safely this time?"
The Driver pointed at his chest and nodded wildly.
Hong Xiu said a few more words and then watched the Driver drive away with the car, as she made a call to the original Assistant. The Driver drove all the way to Xiao YuAn's home, until in the distance he saw a man standing at the door.
In the beginning of Autumn, the weather at night became colder and colder. It was unknown for how long that man, wearing thin clothes, stood waiting at the door, but the Driver didn't care about him. When he stopped the car, he wanted to help Xiao YuAn get out. Unexpectedly, the man at the house's door stepped forward hurriedly to the car and opened the door first.
Yan HeQing looked at Xiao YuAn's delirious appearance and his eyes turned cold. Then he looked at the Driver.
As soon as those eyes fell on him, the Driver felt a chill on his back for some reason. Then he saw Yan HeQing lean into the car to take Xiao YuAn out.
Xiao YuAn was a bit more sober as he grabbed Yan HeQing's arm and asked vaguely: "Yan-ge, is that you?"
Yan HeQing said: "Yes, it's me."
"Good."
EXTRA 1.12: I'll Have To Do It Myself, And Make Him Say Who I Like.
Yan HeQing put Xiao YuAn gently on the bed. As he warmly stroked Xiao YuAn's face, Yan HeQing asked him if he felt uncomfortable anywhere, and if he needed anything.
Whether it was because of the alcohol or the effect of the drug, Xiao YuAn looked blankly at Yan HeQing for a while before he could drunkely ask. "Who…. are you?"
Yan HeQing was slightly stunned, and after Xiao YuAn asked again, he replied: "Yan HeQing."
Xiao YuAn very exaggeratedly shouted: "Yan HeQing! I, I know you!"
Yan HeQing hmm-ed, but then he heard Xiao YuAn say loudly: "You're the Male Lead Yan HeQing, who's in love with Princess Yongning!"
Yan HeQing: "…"
Yan HeQing: "What did you say?"
In fact, Xiao YuAn had slightly sobered up right after he said that. However, his words spilled like water. When Xiao YuAn saw that Yan HeQing's face wasn't right, under the double effect of alcohol and drugs, he took a deep breath then blurted out: "I said it wrong."
Yan HeQing softened a little, but then he heard Xiao YuAn continue without a pause: "Your first wife is actually Xiao PingYang!"
Yan HeQing: "…"
"You're also Lin Shenling's husband!"
AD
Xiao YuAn wobbly raised his hand, raising one finger after another as he said the names of Yan HeQing's wives from the original novel.
After saying that, Xiao YuAn found that Yan HeQing had been silent all this time. At this, Xiao YuAn couldn't stop himself from raising his head to look at him. At that moment, he suddenly woke up.
In this situation, Xiao YuAn thought it'll be better to feign being drunk. As Xiao YuAn coughed slightly, he stammered: "I-I was drunk…. my, my m-mind is confused. I don't, don't know wh-who y-you are….."
Yan HeQing remained silent.
Xiao YuAn felt guilty and had no other choice, but to show a bit of weakness: "My head hurts…. want to drink water…."
Yan HeQing got up and brought a cup of warm water to Xiao YuAn. Xiao YuAn took the cup of water and drank it slowly. Then, Yan HeQing took the empty cup and asked without weavering: "Do you remember who I am now?"
Xiao YuAn's eyes drifted around: "….. No, I don't remember."
Yan HeQing placed the empty cup on the bedside table, without showing any angry expression on his face. Then he pressed Xiao YuAn against the corner of the bed, placed his right hand around the back of Xiao YuAn's neck, clasped Xiao YuAn's left hand with his fingers and kissed him gently. Affectionately and meticulously.
When the kiss ended, Yan HeQing asked softly: "Do you remember now? Who am I?"
Xiao YuAn couldn't keep pretending anymore: "Yan, Yan-ge….."
Yan HeQing hummed and kissed the corner of Xiao YuAn's mouth as he untied his clothes. Xiao YuAn said: "Yan-ge, I… just now I was really, really dizzy. But now, I'm not too sober either…."
Yan HeQing didn't say a word, tenderly kissed Xiao YuAn's fingertips, forehead, and eyes. This soothing intimacy made Xiao YuAn gradually relax and take the initiative to respond to Yan HeQing's kiss. After a while, Xiao YuAn took off all of his clothes. As he put his arms around Yan HeQing's shoulders, he observed Yan HeQing's face and asked with a lingering fear: "Yan-ge, are you really not angry?"
AD
Yan HeQing suddenly raised the corners of his lips and smiled. Of course, that smile could make anyone's heart stop working. Xiao YuAn's heart wasn't the exception, as it thumped inexplicably.
In the second half of the night, Xiao YuAn had to hold the sheets with both hands as he tilted his head, bearing Yan HeQing's stormy movements. His eyes were overflowing with tears, while loud moans spilled from his mouth. However, the man inside of him didn't lose time to ask: "Who is the one I love?"
Xiao YuAn felt ashamed at first, and didn't have the courage to answer. But later, with a hoarse voice, he begged for mercy as he said: "You love me, me….. Yan-ge, slow down, slow down, ah…."
Yan HeQing lifted the hair from Xiao YuAn's forehead and slowed his pace. Xiao YuAn had just caught his breath, when suddenly, Yan HeQing brutally teased him in his sensitive area. Xiao YuAn couldn't stand the sore numbness in the depths of his body, as he shook his head back. Yan HeQing pulled Xiao YuAn back and pressed his wrist as he said: "I asked you just now, repeat it with your name and surname."
Xiao YuAn was teased so hard that his whole body flushed and his lower abdomen convulsed. At that, Xiao YuAn's trembling voice repeated the answer. Yan HeQing forced him to say it several times. After Xiao YuAn repeated his name in a trace, he felt that even if he forgot his own name and surname, he wouldn't forget this sentence. Then, Yan HeQing reached out to tease Xiao YuAn's 'thing', leading him to fall into the clouds. After being disoriented for a moment, Xiao YuAn collapsed on the bed. Unexpectedly, without taking a rest, Yan HeQing moved again.
Xiao YuAn said: "Yan-ge, we've done it twice already!"
Yan HeQing leaned over his ear and whispered: "Just now, how many times did you say your name? That's how many times I'll do you tonight."
The next morning, Xiao YuAn was the one to wake up first.
Last night, Yan HeQing couldn't bear it in the end, and mercifully let him go. However, Xiao YuAn was strong enough to bear a night of erotic intimacy.
But, when Xiao YuAn woke up this time, his body didn't feel sore and tired as he expected. When he opened his eyes, he saw the light veil in front of him. When he propped up on the bed, he saw himself wearing white undergarments, as well as a waterfall of silk-like hair falling down in front of his face.
As soon as Xiao YuAn moved, Yan HeQing woke up. Soon he realized that both of them had returned, and turned his head to look at Xiao YuAn.
Xiao YuAn laid back on the bed in a daze. For a moment, he couldn't tell whether the events and people in his memory were a part of a dream or not. After mumbling for a long time, he finally opened his mouth to shout: "Yan-ge….!"
AD
Yan HeQing turned sideways to look at him: "I'm here."
Xiao YuAn said softly: "Yan-ge, do you think that the Heavens felt that those people had such a bad life here, that they deserved to be taken to a better place? Just like when I….. I found you?"
Yan HeQing didn't say anything and just held Xiao YuAn's hand tightly.
Then, Xiao YuAn said: "They're good people. They will be very happy, right?"
Yan HeQing: "Yes."
Xiao YuAn's eyes slowly reddened: "Yes, I'm sure that's the case….. Even, even for those who are still alive here, I still think so…"
Sensing that his emotions were somewhat out of control, Xiao YuAn hurriedly turned his head, trying to collect his repressed emotions. Yan HeQing reached out to bring Xiao YuAn into his arms and slowly patted him on the back. Xiao YuAn couldn't hold back as he grabbed Yan HeQing's clothes and buried himself into Yan HeQing's arms, speechless and sobbing.
That same day, Yan HeQing, the Emperor of the Southern Yan Kingdom, didn't attend court. At the same time, it was decided that the government will be temporarily taken care of by three highly respected Ministers. The court was confused, and when they asked where the Emperor had gone…
The answer was: "Empress Xiao YuAn is in a bad mood. His Majesty the Emperor took him to travel around the country to relax!"
EXTRA 2.1: YanXiao Horseback Riding.
As we all know, President Xiao likes to gossip about people's livelihood, play mahjong at home, negotiate projects that are worth hundreds of millions, bargain at stalls, laugh and joke, wear fancy clothes, as well as practice his singing voice in front of other people.
President Xiao is such an omnipotent and excellent person, but he…
Can't ride a horse.
Although he's unable to control the most basic transportation in ancient times….
Can this really be regarded as an issue for Xiao YuAn?
Of course not!
After all, he has Yan HeQing
What about hunting, traveling and playing? He can ride with Yan HeQing, and sing 'let's live together in the world of mortals1', to startle the group of Ministers, Generals and nobles, old and young alike.
However, it didn't take long for Xiao YuAn to discover something…
In Autumn, the Southern Yan Kingdom would hold hunting activities. On one hand, it was to symbolize the peace and prosperity of the country, while on the other hand, it was also to celebrate the Autumn harvest.
Of course, while this activity took place, Xiao YuAn didn't feel like riding in a carriage. Besides, he wanted to run and ride together with Yan HeQing.
AD
They always liked to be at the front of the line, so that they could joke and flirt with no one around. Xiao YuAn didn't notice it at first, until a small hunt not that long ago. Xiao YuAn was preparing himself to ride with Yan HeQing, when Chen Ge suddenly pulled a bow and an arrow. The arrow pierced through the clouds, flying all the way into the distance.
The wind roared as the sharp arrow fell into the grass. Then, a rabbit jumped out in front and ran into the depths of the forest in a panic.
Yan HeQing suddenly hit the horse, raised the bow that looked like a half-moon, and calmly released the arrow.
The long arrow cut through the sky, emitting a magnificent buzzing sound, until it pierced the prey's body accurately.
The hunting team cheered and admired him, while an Imperial Bodyguard went to pick up the prey. Yan HeQing then came back with his clothes floating alongside the wind, with the corners of his mouth gently raised in a small smile, while his eyes were shining with happiness.
Xiao YuAn stared at the high-spirited Yan HeQing in a daze.
The thing he realized was that Yan HeQing never hunted when riding with him. Every Autumn hunting season till now, Yan HeQing had been chatting with Xiao YuAn, without participating. At first, Xiao YuAn thought that Yan HeQing wasn't interested in hunting, but now, he could see that that didn't seem to be the case.
In order to confirm his suspicions, Xiao YuAn went to ask Chen Ge.
After hearing Xiao YuAn's question, Chen Ge howled: "Oh my-, you finally found out!"
Xiao YuAn: "Hiss…."
Then Chen Ge began to ramble: "You may not know, but His Majesty likes hunting a lot. When His Majesty was young, the late Emperor would hold a hunting competition every Autumn, and every year, His Majesty would rank first. Those Princes and Generals couldn't even compare to a single finger of His Majesty! But now, His Majesty only wants to ride with you. If you two ride together, he can't draw a bow, nor can he chase after the prey. Ah, I don't know how His Majesty is able to endure it."
Xiao YuAn: "Hiss…."
AD
When Chen Ge finished talking, he felt that he had said something wrong, and hurriedly added: "But, maybe His Majesty is feeling even happier to be with you than hunting."
Xiao YuAn: "Hiss…."
Chen ge: "….Do you have a toothache?"
Xiao YuAn: "I have a heartache."
Chen Ge: "Hiss…."
Xiao YuAn: "Does your heart ache too?"
Chen Ge: "No, I have a toothache."
"A toothache caused by sourness."
When Xiao YuAn realized that the last day of the Autumn hunt was approaching, he made an important decision.
Xiao YuAn: "Yan-ge, I don't want to ride with you."
Yan HeQing's hand holding the memorial suddenly dropped.
Sometimes, the Court would be too busy, and since Yan HeQing knew that Xiao YuAn couldn't sleep without his company, he would take simple Court affairs to the Imperial bedchamber, in case he finished too late. Today, he had just finished reading the last memorial when he suddenly heard Xiao YuAn say this.
AD
Since it was the end of Autumn, the weather was getting colder and colder, so Xiao YuAn was wrapped up in a thick quilt. As soon as he finished speaking, Yan HeQing placed the memorial aside and walked to the bed.
Xiao YuAn dragged Yan HeQing into the warm bedding, pressing his own body against Yan HeQing's. Then he grabbed Yan HeQing's hand, which was cold after holding the memorials, and placed it on his chest: "Yan-ge, teach me how to ride a horse."
"Ride a horse? Why do you suddenly want to learn how to ride a horse?" Yan HeQing was worried that the cold on his hand would reach Xiao YuAn's warm body, so he wanted to take his hand back. Unexpectedly, Xiao YuAn held it tightly, with the intention of giving Yan HeQing his warmth.
Xiao YuAn smiled and raised Yan HeQing's hand to his lips: "You hunted a rabbit today."
Yan HeQing's eyes flashed. Guessing that Xiao YuAn was probably thinking something strange, he quickly explained: "The opportunity just appeared, so my muscles moved on their own. Nothing worth rejoicing about."
Xiao YuAn smiled even brighter: "Yan-ge, I haven't said anything yet."
Yan HeQing: "…."
Xiao YuAn wrapped his arms around Yan HeQing's waist and sighed with admiration: "Yan-ge, your hunting posture is so handsome! In order to see your heroic posture more frequently, I want to learn how to ride a horse! Yan-ge, please teach me!"
Yan HeQing nodded: "Alright."
Finally, he said: "It's not easy to learn how to ride a horse, but it is easy to get hurt."
"I know, I'll be careful." Xiao YuAn smiled, but then he suddenly noticed something. When he looked at Yan HeQing's sitting position, he leaned over to whisper something into Yan HeQing's ear.
Then, the corners of Yan HeQing's mouth were imperceptibly raised. As he stretched out a hand to press Xiao YuAn's waist, he said: "You can give it a try."
AD
Xiao YuAn put his hand on his chest and glared at Yan HeQing: "Can I really try? Alright, I'll try! Wait, your hands… aren't you the one being ridden? Just lie down and don't move."
The next morning, Xiao YuAn couldn't get up, and his plan to learn how to ride a horse had to be postponed.
After a few days, Yan HeQing, no matter how busy he was, would take time to teach Xiao YuAn horseback riding. There was a vast meadow at the foot of the Temple of Heaven, which was perfect for him to learn.
Xiao YuAn studied hard, until he could master the basic skills in less than a week, so he was able to control the tame horses on his own. Xiao YuAn felt that the progress was somewhat slow, so when Yan HeQing was busy with politics, he asked Chen Ge to teach him as well.
Chen Ge wasn't Yan HeQing, so he wasn't as protective as Yan HeQing was, who was way too careful with him, afraid that Xiao YuAn would injure himself.
Chen Ge let Xiao YuAn directly sit on the horse, then he would pat the horse and shout at him to ride. The horse then would run away wildly with Xiao YuAn on top of it, and Chen Ge would follow closely behind as he shouted instructions, such as: 'Pull the reins!', 'Don't panic!', 'Steady! Steady!', 'Clamp the belly of the horse!', 'Ouch, you fell again. Is the protective gear worn out?', 'Ah it's broken, let's change it.'
Xiao YuAn got up with his face covered in dust and said: "Again!"
Although it was way more reckless and direct, it had to be said that it was much more effective. After training for almost the whole day, Xiao YuAn was already able to skillfully ride a horse.
However, a small thing happened at night.
Since Yan HeQing had seen the injuries on Xiao YuAn's body.
It wasn't a small cut, but a large area of his body was bruised with deep scratches, produced from constantly falling onto the sand. It looked terrible.
Yan HeQing's face darkened.
AD
Xiao YuAn suddenly thought that Chen Ge's life would be in danger, so he quickly hugged Yan HeQing, telling him that he had learned a lot today and that he was a fast learner. Since the last day of the Autumn hunting season would arrive soon, he wanted to learn more. The sooner the better.
"Yan-ge, they're all minor injuries. It's alright. There won't be any trace of them in a few days anyways." Xiao YuAn finished saying with a playful smile, while at the same time, he hugged Yan HeQing tighter, begging him to make love tonight.
For the past few days, Yan HeQing hadn't 'touched' Xiao YuAn at night, because of how hard Xiao YuAn had been working in learning horseback riding. But Xiao YuAn was feeling a bit nostalgic, so he planned on having his way tonight.
However, the moment Xiao YuAn was pressed on the bed, he suddenly understood why Yan HeQing hadn't touched him these days.
'Legs! My legs!'
'No! It isn't my legs' fault!'
'Horseback riding has wasted my legs!'
The muscle soreness made Xiao YuAn want to die. At first, Xiao YuAn had the intention of enduring it, but when Yan HeQing grabbed his legs and folded them to his chest, Xiao YuAn began to shake with pain.
President Xiao immediately felt too fucking ashamed!
When Yan HeQing looked at Xiao YuAn with an 'as I expected' look, he calmly pressed Xiao YuAn's legs. The soreness coming from his legs made Xiao YuAn shink.
"Yan, Yan-ge…." Xiao YuAn said with a trembling voice: "Let's change, change the position. Alright?"
If they did it face-to-face, his legs and waist would be so wasted that he wouldn't be able to get up the next day.
AD
Yan HeQing asked instead: "Then tell me, what posture can you stand?"
Xiao YuAn thought about it for a moment. However, he found that since Yan HeQing had such a large amount of stamina, no matter the position they took, he wouldn't be able to stand it!
Whether he would be able to stand it or not, Xiao YuAn could sense Yan HeQing's anger. However, since Xiao YuAn knew that Yan HeQing was weak to him, he quickly said with a soft voice: "Yan-ge, I was wrong. I won't try to learn how to ride a horse in secret anymore."
Yan HeQing looked at him without saying a word, but also without the slightest intention of letting go of his anger.
Xiao YuAn thought for a moment again, and said: "I'll be more careful next time, and I won't hurt myself again– Hiss it hurts. Yan-ge, it really hurts."
Xiao YuAn said he was sincere to the extreme, but he had promised the same thing to Yan HeQing hundreds of times before, and it was unknown how many times these promises would be said in the future as well.
But, in the end, Yan HeQing couldn't bear to hear Xiao YuAn crying in pain.
Finally, Yan HeQing loosened Xiao YuAn's legs, placed their lower bodies together, and solved their hardness with his hands.
Xiao YuAn was breathlessly kissed by Yan HeQing, until their pleasure exploded together. Xiao YuAn couldn't stop himself from sobbing and biting Yan HeQing's shoulder. After a simple clean-up, Xiao YuAn lazily nestled in Yan HeQing's arms, talking to Yan HeQing about his experience of finally being able to ride a horse.
As Yan HeQing carefully listened to his story, he rubbed Xiao YuAn's sore legs. As he focused on rubbing the sore muscles, he soon found that the man in his arms had become silent. When he looked down at him, Yan HeQing found that Xiao YuAn had fallen asleep.
Then, Yan HeQing gently blew out the candle lamp, kissed Xiao YuAn on his forehead, and gradually fell asleep with his lover in his arms.
…
AD
The last day of the Autumn hunting season arrived in the twinkling of an eye.
For the first time, Xiao YuAn rode a horse without protective gear. He rode the horse sometimes slowly and other times more quickly. He was feeling both excited and happy, so he asked Chen Ge to give him a bow and an arrow to play with. Chen Ge stood close to him, afraid that Xiao YuAn would injure himself.
Xiao YuAn didn't say much when he followed the road, but when he arrived at the hunting place, Xiao YuAn didn't hesitate to pass the others.
Yan HeQing instructed the Imperial Bodyguards to follow close behind Xiao YuAn, while he himself carried a sword and a bow, ready to hunt. When the Generals realized that they would finally be able to hunt together with the Emperor, they became extremely excited.
At that moment, an unlucky doe just so happened to run into the group of people. Out of fear, the doe immediately ran into the depths of the forest, but the Generals had long begun the pursuit. When one General saw the perfect opportunity, he leaned over, drew his bow, and aimed at the doe.
At that moment, when the general released the arrow, Yan HeQing suddenly drew his bow as well and released the arrow. The sharp arrow then roared through the air.
EXTRA 2.2: YanXiao Horseback Riding.
Seeing that the sharp arrow released by the General was about to pierce the stomach of the doe, Yan HeQing quickly shot another arrow to deflect the previous one, allowing the doe to escape.
Yan HeQing then looked at the General with cold eyes. The General suddenly realized something and hurried to bow his head to Yan HeQing, admitting his own guilt.
Xiao YuAn, who had witnessed the whole thing, asked Chen Ge: "What happened?"
Chen Ge replied: "The doe is pregnant. Look at her belly, it's very big. His Majesty has long stipulated that we shouldn't hunt the small ones, the pregnant ones, or the ones with cubs. We are very particular while hunting."
Xiao YuAn nodded his head with sudden realization.
Yan HeQing didn't criticize the General too much. After retreating his gaze, he hit his horse and left. The group of Generals also hit their own horses to find their own prey.
Chen Ge looked eager to try, but when he was about to catch up, he saw Xiao YuAn holding the reins, slowly following from behind. Chen Ge couldn't help but wonder why the man, who usually loved to make trouble, was suddenly so quiet. Was it even possible for the sun to rise in the west? Due to this, he asked: "Aren't you going?"
Xiao YuAn stroked the mane of the horse under him and laughed: "No, I'm not going. I don't want Yan-ge to worry about me again. This is a rare opportunity, so I want to let Yan-ge be able to hunt without distractions."
Chen Ge: "Hiss…."
Xiao YuAn: "Another toothache? Yan-ge and I have been together for such a long time. Can't you hurry and get used to it already?"
The half-day hunt soon came to an end. One after the other, the Generals returned triumphantly with their prey. The hunting ground was filled with a celebratory atmosphere. Xiao YuAn thought that Yan HeQing should also return soon, so he rode his horse to the front of the crowd to wait for him.
AD
Suddenly, a man on horseback rushed back, shouting: "His Majesty has hunted a big white tiger!"
The crowd stirred and cheered, but before the praise could come, a man suddenly shouted in panic: "His Majesty is injured! Come and help!"
Yan HeQing hunted a tiger on his own, but when he had exhausted all his youthful spirit and fearlessness, how could he not be hurt? Although the tiger fell under his arrow and his sword, Yan HeQing's right arm and abdomen were deeply cut by the tiger's sharp claws.
The group of Generals were helpless, flustered and full of understanding as they discussed, one after the other, how they never thought their Emperor would be so reckless, while also agreeing that it must be because he hadn't hunted in a while.
At that moment, in the Taiyi Palace, after the Imperial Physicians had bandaged Yan HeQing's wounds with medicine, they finally could breath a long sigh: "Fortunately, the internal organs weren't hurt. Otherwise, we would have had to snatch His Majesty from the hands of Lord Yama."
Yan HeQing was topless and his long black hair was scattered all over him. His wounds were now wrapped with white cloth, but they were stained with blood. While his face and lips were very pale because of the blood loss, he said: "Don't let the Empress know about this. Tell him that I'm alright and not seriously hurt."
At that instant, Xiao YuAn emerged from behind an Imperial Physician and said coldly: "I already know…."
When the group of Imperial Physicians, Imperial Bodyguards and maids saw that the Empress, who had always been an easy-going person who's always smiling, looked extremely pale at the moment, they decided to leave the room. At that time, Xiao YuAn and Yan HeQing were left alone.
The two of them looked at each other, without knowing what to say for a while.
Yan HeQing has always been the one to blame Xiao YuAn for not taking care of his body and life, but now he was the one who got impulsive. Seeing their positions getting reversed like this made both of them speechless.
Yan HeQing knew it was his fault this time, so he was the first to say: "I'm fine."
Even though these words seemed extremely thin on the surface, they actually felt like the claws of a tiger sinking deep into the skin.
AD
Xiao YuAn clenched his fist but then he loosened it, clenched his fist again and let go again. Finally, he gritted his teeth, turned his head, and walked away.
Seeing this, Yan HeQing hurriedly got up to chase after him. But as soon as Yan HeQing left the inner room, he was pressed back by the Imperial Physicians, who were waiting outside for orders.
That night, for the first time, Xiao YuAn didn't go back to the bedchamber the two of them shared. Instead, he went to the bedchamber where the envoys of other countries would rest, and asked Tian Xiang to prepare a room for him.
This was really the first time where Yan HeQing, who was asked by the Imperial Physicians to stay in bed to recuperate, couldn't care less about any instructions. So he got up and went to find Xiao YuAn. Unexpectedly, before he could leave the bedchamber, Tian Xiang told him that Xiao YuAn didn't want Yan HeQing to come to him while he was injured. Since Yan HeQing couldn't see Xiao YuAn, he had to stay in bed and recover from his injuries.
When Tian Xian returned from sending Xiao YuAn's message, she was dragged into the bedroom by Xiao YuAn. Then Xiao YuAn asked: "How are Yan-ge's injuries? What did the Imperial Physician say? Does Yan-ge look like he's in pain?"
Tian Xiang felt very helpless as she asked bluntly: "If you're so worried about His Majesty, then why are you so angry with him?"
Xiao YuAn fell back onto the bed. With his face hidden into the quilt, he said with a muffled voice: "I'm not angry with Yan-ge! I'm angry with myself!"
EXTRA 2.3: YanXiao Horseback Riding.
Tian Xiang was puzzled: "Ah? Angry with yourself?"
Xiao YuAn sat up, supported his face with one hand, and sighed: "I'm angry with myself for being so reckless in the past. I didn't know how much heartache Yan-ge had to go through, when I wasn't willing to take care of my body and life. But now, I'm feeling the same. When I remembered how many times I ended up injuring myself in the past without the slightest amount of hesitation, I suddenly understood why my Yan-ge would get so moody. Now, I don't know how to face Yan-ge."
"Besides…." Xiao YuAn said gloomily: "Even if I know it now, I can't really guarantee that I won't repeat the same mistakes in the future. Mountains may be easy to modify, but my nature is hard to change…."
After saying that, Xiao YuAn rubbed his own messy hair in distress and wrapped himself into the quilt again, as if trying to suffocate himself to death.
Tian Xiang was worried that he wouldn't be able to realize this, but she didn't expect that Xiao YuAn's heart would be brighter than anyone else's. She couldn't help but cover her mouth and laugh: "Even though you're clearly angry with yourself, you still refuse to talk with His Majesty. Such a troublemaker indeed."
President Xiao made a fuss for three days. The fourth day, the Palace of the Southern Yan Kingdom welcomed the first snowfall of winter.
The night was freezing, and when President Xiao woke up in the middle of the night, with no one around, he couldn't fall asleep again. He suddenly felt extremely lonely. As he twisted and turned on the bed, he pulled up his clothes, turned over, and sat up.
But then went back into the quilt.
…
Xiao YuAn decided to perform a night attack, and the Imperial Bodyguards guarding the gates of the Imperial bedchamber, who were dozing off, were suddenly frightened to death.
"Shh." When the Imperial Bodyguard was about to salute Xiao YuAn, he saw Xiao YuAn make a silent gesture, so he quickly quieted down.
AD
Xiao YuAn then quietly walked into the darkness of the bedchamber, but soon found that there was still a candlelight in the inner bedroom.
'Even though it's so late, is Yan HeQing still awake?'
Xiao YuAn was wondering about it as he quietly approached the inner bedroom. Suddenly, he heard the soft voice of a woman coming from his and Yan HeQing's inner bedroom: "Your Majesty, don't worry too much. It's getting late, so it's better for His Majesty to rest."
Xiao YuAn: "…."
It's! The! Middle! Of! The! Night!
Xiao YuAn thought for a few seconds, then squatted at the door, cleared his throat, and began to sing faintly: "The snowflakes are floating in the rustling wind of the north, at the vast expanse of the w–1"
Before he could finish singing, the door of the inner bedroom was opened violently.
As Xiao YuAn raised his head, his eyes met with Yan HeQing's.
Then Xiao YuAn retracted his gaze, crossed over Yan HeQing, and looked inside the inner bedroom.
Sure enough, Tian Xiang was there.
Xiao YuAn then stood up and walked in, pinched Tian Xiang's face and rubbed her head. Tian Xiang was so confused that she couldn't speak clearly: "Jun Wang, His Majesty worries about you every day. So he asked me to keep you company in the night so that you could fall asleep, and then come to report how you felt in the day. Don't pinch me, wuwu."
"I knew you had rebelled. Go, go, go back to rest. Girls should rest early. Yan-ge and I are going to talk about family matters."
Tian Xiang quickly excused herself and closed the door behind her.
At that moment, the bedchamber suddenly became quiet. Xiao YuAn breathed a sigh and looked at Yan HeQing.
Yan HeQing stood there, motionless. When Xiao YuAn looked at him, he saw a trace of confusion and helplessness in the depth of Yan HeQing's eyes.
Xiao YuAn looked at the memorials placed on the low table beside the bed, at the wax twisted down the candlestick, and at the neatly folded bedding. At a single glance, he could see that Yan HeQing had been reading the memorials all this time without resting properly.
Xiao YuAn sighed again.
Yan HeQing clenched his hands at the sides of his body, but couldn't say anything to excuse himself. He simply carefully looked at Xiao YuAn.
Xiao YuAn sat down on the bed, looked at him, and smiled helplessly: "It's too cold for me to sleep alone. When I thought of your warmth, I planned a night attack. But it turned out this place is also as cold as ice."
Yan HeQing thought for a moment and took a few steps forward, only to start to undress him right away.
Xiao YuAn was so frightened by this, that he held Yan HeQing down: "Wh-wha-what? Don't seduce me like this! This is my night attack."
Yan HeQing looked at Xiao YuAn and then looked at the bed: "I'll warm you up."
Xiao YuAn pressured Yan HeQing to sit on the bed: "Forget it. I'll warm the bed first, you can finish reading the memorials. Wait, let me look at your wounds first." Yan HeQing took off his outer garment the moment he heard those words. Although the wound on his right arm was still covered with medicine, Yan HeQing's recovery power was different from normal people, so a thin scab had already formed.
Xiao YuAn didn't hide his heartache as he gently stroked the wound with his fingertips.
AD
Yan HeQing closed his eyes and said: "It's alright. I'm almost healed."
Then, he added: "It won't happen again."
Xiao YuAn looked up, and with a soft voice, he said: "Yan-ge, I'm not angry with you. I'm angry with myself."
Yan HeQing: "Hmm?"
Xiao YuAn: "I, I've been so reckless in the past, and often got myself hurt. When I jumped off the cliff that time, I didn't even think about it…."
After a brief pause, Xiao YuAn continued: "When I heard that you got injured while hunting a tiger, for a moment, I was really angry and scared. But then I thought of the many times I did the same thing, making you feel this way…. I just…. feel like I'm really…."
Xiao YuAn was unable to go on, and Yan HeQing kissed him tenderly. After a while, he loosened his grip and looked at the breathless Xiao YuAn: "Xiao YuAn, I love you."
Yan HeQing hadn't said these words since he expressed his feelings for him at that time, but now, he was suddenly very affectionate. He was tenderly teasing Xiao YuAn, kissing him deeply until he was breathless: "Yes, yes, I, I know. Right, does your wound still hurt?"
Yan HeQing shook his head: "It doesn't hurt anymore."
Xiao YuAn raised his eyebrows and laughed: "It really doesn't hurt? If it hurts, I'll relieve the pain for you."
Yan HeQing suddenly realized something as his head hurriedly raised to look at him. At some point, the hand around Xiao YuAn's waist tightened. Xiao YuAn held Yan HeQing's shoulders, lowered his head, and kissed the wound on his right arm.
Tenderly and devotedly.
"
"
Then he kissed Yan HeQing's neck, going all the way down to Yan HeQing's wounded abdomen. If the kisses on the shoulder were with the intention of soothing him, the meaning for the abdomen kisses were unknown. When Yan HeQing saw Xiao YuAn bent down with his head lowered, he felt short of breath.
It's been a while since the two of them made love. Firstly, because Xiao YuAn got himself bruised while learning horseback, secondly, because Yan HeQing was injured after hunting a tiger. After such a long time, Yan HeQing couldn't withstand such a seduction. As he pressed Xiao YuAn on the bed, his hands caressed his waist.
"It'll hurt, I don't want to hurt you." Originally, Xiao YuAn had the intention of extinguishing this fire by himself, but he was still concerned about Yan HeQing's injury, so he carefully protected Yan HeQing's right arm. Xiao YuAn soon found that it was inconvenient for Yan HeQing to support him on the bed, so he simply let Yan HeQing lie down as he placed himself on top of him.
Yan HeQing liberated his hands, pressing Xiao YuAn's head down to kiss him deeply. With the other hand, he explored into Xiao YuAn's body, slowly preparing him for what was about to come.
When he sensed that it was good to go, Yan HeQing was about to turn over to be on top. However, Xiao YuAn suddenly stretched out a hand to stop him: "I'll do it. Your abdomen is still injured."
Yan HeQing was still in a daze, when Xiao YuAn suddenly sat down, allowing Yan HeQing to enter his body.
With the help of gravity, the burning heat entered deep inside his body, and Xiao YuAn felt as if his whole body was burning. As he hugged Yan HeQing, he gasped in a low voice. It was rare to see Xiao YuAn like this, so Yan HeQing wasn't in a hurry. He simply gnawed at his smooth shoulders.
It was a beautiful night, and Xiao YuAn was able to take the initiative in the first half of the night, trying his best to make both of them feel comfortable. However, he couldn't continue in the second half of the night, and with a muddled consciousness, he allowed Yan HeQing to sink into pleasure.
Early the next morning…
The snow had fallen all night, finally stopping in the morning. It was still quite early outside, and the morning light was quietly falling through the windows.
When Yan HeQing opened his eyes, he found that Xiao YuAn was also awake. He was about to ask Xiao YuAn if he felt uncomfortable, but all of a sudden, he saw Xiao YuAn blinking at him. As Xiao YuAn got up, he casually grabbed a coat, and trotted to open the window with his shoes on. Then Xiao YuAn rushed back. His body was shivering due to the cold air, so he hurried to get inside the warmth of the quilt. Yan HeQing quickly stretched out his hands to hug Xiao YuAn close to his body.
Not long after, Xiao YuAn felt much warmer. As he smiled at Yan HeQing, he said: "Yan-ge, look at the window."
AD
Outside the window, the snow fog was fading, and the snow accumulated at night began to dissipate. While the cold and crispy red plums were weighing down the branches.
Xiao YuAn turned back to look at Yan HeQing with a bright smile on his face, as if the Imperial Palace's walls covered by the snow were shining with a bright light2.
In the cold weather, no matter how busy the days for his husband are, he can't resist the passage of time. As time goes by, he can't help but miss him until night.
EXTRA 3: Short Extras About Li Wuding's Original Ending.
1.
Li Wuding was a traitor, who abandoned his country in the end.
However, future generations will not remember this fact.
Not only will this fact be forgotten, but people will even sing his praises. Such as: 'There used to be a wise General, who defied the tyranny of his country. He abandoned the darkness and walked towards the light, building a prosperous land alongside the Great Monarch, Yan HeQing.'
That way, this fact was forgotten:
'In the dilapidated Northern Kingdom, there was once a group of Officials and soldiers that carried the faith of the country on their shoulders, serving the Emperor with iron bones and blood.'
This one is history.
While the other became the biography written by future generations.
2.
After Yan HeQing unified the Four Kingdoms and established the Capital in the North, Li Wuding also settled down in the North. After settling down, the first decision Li Wuding made was to buy a long abandoned Mansion in the Imperial City.
That Mansion originally belonged to the Xie Family. When the Northern Kingdom was conquered, the Xie Family had survived. But in the end, every member of the family hanged themselves in the mansion. Everyone felt that the Mansion was filled with too much resentment, so no one dared to purchase it, leaving it abandoned for many years.
AD
After Li Wuding bought it, he buried the whole Xie family on the Mansion's land. Then, he would invite people into the Mansion, requesting that they spend the rest of their lives repairing it in exchange for meals.
However, Li Wuding never stepped inside that Mansion for the rest of his life.
3.
Li Wuding was a well-known founding General, who held half of the Military power in his hands. This formidable General, who would hold great power and authority with a smile on his face, never married a wife.
Without a wife, naturally, there were no children. For the rest of his life, he lived alone.
So, when he caught a serious disease at the age of 45, and had to stay in bed all the time, there was not a single blood relative beside him.
However, this didn't mean that he was alone on his sickbed. After all, he was a great General. He had a lot of good Xiongdi and friends who would visit him every day, turning his residence into a lively place. There were countless people who cared about him.
But, in the end, the disease took away the legendary General's life.
When Li Wuding was on his deathbed, a Historian decided to write the General's biography.
The Historian wanted to let future generations know how the General brought the bright days and clear water to this dirty part of the world.
When Li Wuding heard of such a thing, he sent someone to invite the Historian to his residence. Li Wuding wanted to ask the Historian to add a person in his biography.
The Historian had said: "Of course, it's my pleasure. But, I just don't know who the General wants to mention?"
AD
Li Wuding stared at his own sickbed, mumbled for a long time, and finally said: "Xie Chungui."
The Historian was puzzled: "Who is this?"
"He was the last proud backbone of the defeated Northern Kingdom. The blood, tears and earnest efforts made by a group of soldiers."
Future generations wouldn't remember this.
History wouldn't remember it either.
But there was one person who did remember.
EXTRA 4: A Few Extras To Laugh And Cry.
1.
After Yan HeQing conquered the Northern Kingdom, and he smashed the hairpin Xiao YuAn returned to him as a final parting gift, Yan HeQing suddenly felt that it was meaningless to live.
The great revenge of his country was finally achieved, but in exchange, he had to pay for his own mistake. Like the water flowing East, never to return.
But, when a man wants to die, he should always die on the battlefield. Buried in a horse's hide.
After that day, every time Yan HeQing went to war, he would rush to the front line.
But the fucking thing was that he was unable to die!
When he rushed into a siege, he would always break through it in the blink of an eye.
When he rushed into a trap, the other party's plan would suddenly fail.
Even when he was put in prison while in a critical condition, there would always be an inexplicable way for him to get out of danger.
Even yesterday… The enemy never arrived on the battlefield!
These were the biggest doubts of Yan HeQing after returning triumphant. Every single time.
2.
In the original story, the day before Yang LiuAn died, he promised Xiao Fengyue that he'll get him out of the Imperial Palace. Then the two of them could find a paradise to live in and stay together for the rest of their lives.
However, after Xiao Fengyue heard that Yang LiuAn was killed protecting the Emperor, he spent a long time playing the guqin under the willow tree in the courtyard. As soon as he hooked and plucked the strings, these were embedded in his skin and flesh. The blood had dried up by now, staining the strings and dripping on the guqin's surface.
All of a sudden, the guqin shrieked, and then everything became mute. As the strings broke, one after the other.
The moment the last string was broken, the flesh on Xiao Fengyue's fingertips was plucked off, exposing his bones covered in blood.
The pain coming from his ten fingers was extremely hard to endure. But, at that moment, Xiao Fengyue's heart was already dead.
The next day, Xiao Fengyue hanged himself with determination and fearlessness. He died like that.
The original story didn't have a Tyrannical President who knew CPR, so Xiao Fengyue couldn't be saved.
3.
[Another extra from the Modern AU. After a name was repeated a few times, and the love making was done a few more times, Yan-ge and Xiao YuAn went back to Ancient Times. However, Modern Yan HeQing and Modern President Xiao woke up.]
Modern President Xiao woke up from his sleep one day.
Finding that the King Size bed, which was a symbol of his identity, was gone.
AD
He also found that there was a man lying next to him.
A naked man, who had his arms wrapped around his body.
The bed was a mess, and there were traces on his body, proof of last night's affair. At a single glance, President Xiao could understand what had happened.
President Xiao's first reaction was: 'Shit, did I get into trouble while I was drunk?!'
At that moment, Modern Yan HeQing also woke up. Needless to say, he was also quite stunned.
His father's company had faced bankruptcy not that long ago. Fortunately, the Xiao Group was willing to help with the acquisition and rectification of the debt. Due to this, Modern Yan HeQing didn't escape abroad with his family. On one hand, it was because he didn't want to pass the blame to others, on the other hand, it was also because he wanted to thank President Xiao.
But…. Now, four eyes were staring at each other with some awkwardness.
For a long time, neither of them could find the memories of the last 10 days in their minds.
After a while, President Xiao reached out and patted Modern Yan HeQing's shoulder as he calmly said: "Don't worry. I'll take responsibility."
Yan HeQing: "…."
When President Xiao got up from bed, he howled miserably.
'I don't understand….'
AD
'Why is my waist hurting like this?'
'What the hell did I do yesterday?'
Then, after many things happened, the luxurious Tyrannical President became a deeply affectionate, and pampering man.
One day, President Xiao suddenly understood why…
His waist hurt that day.
4.
A long time had passed before Xiao YuAn learned that Eunuch Zhao had jumped off the cliff where the Temple of Heaven was located, dying on his own accord.
From time to time, Xiao YuAn would dream of Hong Xiu and Li Wuding.
But he never dreamt of Eunuch Zhao. Not even once.
Later, when he thought about it, there should be a reason behind it.
After all….
Hong Xiu died for Xiao YuAn.
"
"
Li Wuding also died for Xiao YuAn.
Only Eunuch Zhao….
Died for Zhou Yu, the Emperor of the Northern Kingdom.
5.
If you ask Hong Xiu, 'What are you afraid of?'
Hong Xiu will tell you…
That she doesn't believe in God, she doesn't fear ghosts, nor life or death. That she has nothing to fear.
Hong Xiu missed the best years of getting married for the sake of her younger siblings, resolutely stepping into the cold vermilion walls of the Palace at the age of 18. The hardships polished her into being a fearless woman, one that had absolutely nothing to be afraid of.
When the late Spring arrived into the walls of the Palace again, and after several years of being in a constant hurry, Hong Xiu gradually developed something to fear.
She was afraid of getting sick.
In the cold and deep walls of the Palace, she endured minor illnesses while still working, and with a more serious sickness, she would only rest for two days. Almost the entirety of her salary was sent over to her brother and sister, so she didn't even have enough money to buy medicine for herself. Suffering was her only way of curing the disease.
By everyone else, Hong Xiu was seen as a ruthless cold woman with the heart of a snake.
But people aren't made of iron, and they will always get sick, one way or another.
In the cold winter, so cold it could kill anyone stepping outside, Hong Xiu accidentally caught a cold.
The headache she had made her dizzy, while her throat was sore and her mouth was dry.
But there were trivial matters happening in the Palace, one after the other, and Hong Xiu couldn't rest.
Hong Xiu swallowed some medicinal herbs, drank a few mouthfuls of hot water, and forced herself to take care of the Palace's tasks. At night, she hurried to the Imperial Bedchamber, waiting for the Emperor to wash and get ready for bed.
The pain and discomfort brought by the wind, along with the cold, made her clutch her hands tightly, so as to not lose consciousness.
'Bear with it.'
Hong Xiu said to herself with a confused mind.
'Bear with it a little bit longer. Once the Emperor falls asleep, you can go back and rest.'
Suddenly, Hong Xiu felt an itch in her throat. Unable to control it, she covered her mouth and coughed.
"Hong Xiu, are you sick?"
The Emperor was in front of her, asking her all of a sudden. Of course, his voice wasn't loud, but for Hong Xiu, it felt like a thunderstorm exploding inside her ears.
AD
Hong Xiu suddenly felt a chill run all over her body.
'How could I forget?! I caught a cold, it could be contagious!'
Hong Xiu instantly knelt down and kowtowed repeatedly. With a trembling voice, she said: "This Maidservant deserves to die! This Maidservant didn't mean to get sick and come close to His Majesty! But this Maidservant was careless. I beg His Majesty to punish me."
Xiao YuAn was frightened by Hong Xiu's sudden kowtowing, and it took him a while to understand what she was talking about. He then reacted and quickly helped her up: "What punishment are you talking about? Don't kneel! Why are you kneeling when you're sick?! Come on, get up quickly."
The moment Xiao YuAn held Hong Xiu's arm, he found that she was burning with a fever. He was so shocked by this, that he shouted: "God! You're burning! Quickly lie down, lie down right now! I'll call the Imperial Physician."
Hong Xiu was confused by Xiao YuAn's sudden actions and words. After reacting to what was going on, she found that Xiao YuAn let her lie on his bed. In a panic, she said: "No, Your Majesty, this, this is against the rules!"
Once Xiao YuAn let her lie down, he covered her with the quilt, and said: "Against the rules? What rules? I am the rules! Oh, wait, I'm quite good at this!"
Xiao YuAn smiled cheekily, as he wet a handkerchief in the water basin placed on the wooden stand, only to put it on Hong Xiu's forehead right after.
Hong Xiu was speechless, feeling as if this was a dream.
Then, Xiao YuAn called the Imperial Bodyguards guarding the entrance of his bedchamber and ordered them to call for the Imperial Physician. When Xiao YuAn returned to his bedside, he found that Hong Xiu was still staring at him, completely stiff. As if she was thinking too hard about why the Emperor was doing all this for her, she didn't dare to close her eyes or sleep at all.
Xiao YuAn simply thought that she was sick and uncomfortable, so he sat beside the bed, murmuring: "Why are you looking so depressed? Does your head hurt? Hey, I don't know if the Tyrannical President's way of teasing will have any use on you, so why don't I show you funny faces?"
As soon as he said that, he reached out and pinched his own face, making an exaggerated grimace.
AD
Hong Xiu: "Ptt."
Accompanying a Monarch was like accompanying a tiger. The people around the Monarch should never express their true emotions in front of the Monarch.
Unless you can't stop yourself.
This time, Hong Xiu wasn't able to hold back.
When Xiao YuAn saw Hong Xiu smile, he also smiled reassuringly to her. Then, he whispered: "Don't worry, go to sleep now. You'll feel better after resting for a while."
Usually, Hong Xiu would abide by the rules and etiquette, insisting on going back.
But she was so tired.
So tired that she didn't even have the strength to open her eyes.
The fever made her drowsy, and as soon as she closed her eyes, she fell into a dream.
In the dream, there was a warm wind blowing past, with the hot sun shining all over a boundless land.
While the words that no one has ever said to her, resonated all over the place.
'Don't worry.'
When the Imperial Physician arrived, he examined her pulse and prescribed some medicine for her. Then he swore that Hong Xiu would feel better after one bowl of medicine, and Xiao YuAn called another Palace Maid, asking her to look after Hong Xiu. After settling everything, Xiao YuAn walked away from his bedchamber. When the Imperial Bodyguards saw him coming out of his bedchamber, they were puzzled: "Your Majesty, where are you going?"
Xiao YuAn waved his hand and said: "I'll go find a bed. You don't have to follow me."
In the second room on the West side of the Imperial Bedchamber, Imperial Bodyguard Yan HeQing was getting ready to bed. All of a sudden, he heard a knock on the door of his room, making him frown slightly.
'It's so late. Who could it be?'
While Yan HeQing was anxiously thinking about the sudden knock on his door, the person at the other side cleared his throat and sang: "Little bunny boy, open the door~"
Yan HeQing: "…."
Right when Xiao YuAn was about to sing again, the door suddenly opened. Taking advantage of the cool moonlight, Xiao YuAn stared at the man in front of him. With a grin on his face, Xiao YuAn said: "Let me sleep here again."
"What happened this time?" Yan HeQing leaned sideways to let Xiao YuAn walk in.
Then Xiao YuAn briefly talked about Hong Xiu's illness.
Yan HeQing was silent for a long time before he could say: "You're way too soft on others."
Xiao YuAn said: "Hong Xiu is a good girl. She's considerate and she deserves to be treated with kindness."
After saying that, there was a moment of complete silence.
AD
As Xiao YuAn yawned and prepared to lie on the bed, he suddenly heard Yan HeQing ask: "Do you like her?"
Xiao YuAn: "…."
'Hey, hey, hey! I get that you're the Male Lead of a Stallion Novel!'
'But, can't I have a good relationship with just one girl in this book?!'
'Do you really think that every girl belongs to you?'
'Hong Xiu is not part of your harem!'
'It's not impossible for her to not like you!'
Xiao YuAn leaned on his waist, and even though he was rarely hard on Yan HeQing, he said: "Hey, hey, what are you talking about? Don't you know that not everything has to do with like or dislike? Love isn't the only thing in the world, there are too many feelings in our hearts. Love can't be summarized just like that."
Yes, it can't be summarized.
For example, in order to protect the Monarch, she pushed him aside without any regret.
The flowers fell on the water one after the other, turning it red. Even though so many flowers fell, they were sad about leaving the branches. So they silently complained to the East wind that blew them down1.
Ever since that day, the red hairpin forever poked into Xiao YuAn's chest.
EXTRA 5: Xiao Wangye And His Younger Brother.
Xiao Wangye felt that he had been living a miserable life until now. He was born in a country ruled by women, and from an early age, he had been oppressed by his talented sisters. As a result of this, he had to stay humble from a young age.
Later, when the regime in the Western Shu Kingdom was divided, they had to bear with the wolf-like Southern Yan Kingdom in the front, while also having the unreasonable barbarians in the back. In that circumstance, he was pushed onto the throne, because there was no one else willing to clean up such a mess.
Xiao Wangye didn't know how to command the troops, nor did he know how to control the political power in his hands.
Due to this, in order to preserve the Western Shu Kingdom, he reduced his power as a Wang, and presented himself as willing to pay tribute to the Southern Yan Kingdom year after year. He just asked for the Western Shu Kingdom not to be taken away from him.
Even though it was a cowardly thing to do, and completely in vain….
What else could he do?
Xiao Wangye was determined to go from the Western Shu Kingdom to the Southern Yan Kingdom, in order to curry favor with Emperor Yan HeQing.
When Yan HeQing heard his name, he was eager to meet with Xiao Wangye. But as soon as Yan HeQing met Xiao Wangye, Yan HeQing left with a cold expression on his face. After that, Yan HeQing never looked at Xiao Wangye again.
Submerged in desperation, Xiao Wangye decided to use poison.
After succeeding in his plan, Xiao Wangye hesitated at the last second.
Xiao Wangye thought to himself….
"
"
'I'm the Emperor of the Western Shu Kingdom.'
'So how can I live so cowardly?'
'What's the point of having such a miserable life?'
Then, Xiao Wangye drank the poison.
It's said that after death, you'll see Hei Bai and Wu Chang, floating lanterns, chains embedded into your bones. That you'll hear weeping on the road to the Yellow Springs.
However, Xiao Wangye didn't see those deities, nor did he see those lanterns. He didn't even see the cold road to the Yellow Springs.
But he did see a carousel lantern in the distance.
It was like a warm stream, flowing slowly in front of his eyes.
However, the person depicted on the carousel lantern was someone who was also called Xiao YuAn. He even looked exactly the same as Xiao Wangye.
Of course, that man wasn't Xiao Wangye.
The boy on the lantern was abandoned by his father from an early age. Even though he lived with mother and his physically disabled younger brother….
The hardships he had to endure didn't wear away his optimism and strength.
In order to lighten his mother's burden, the boy would take care of his younger brother.
But when he was six years old, his mother commited suicide by overdosing herself with pills.
The six-year-old boy huddled in a corner, hugging his younger brother as he cried. As if to vent all of his anxiety through tears.
When the boy grew up, and was finally able to become independent, the first thing he did was to look for his younger brother.
But, when he found him, his younger brother had already developed mental problems. The younger brother had manic episodes and was irritable. As soon as the younger brother saw the boy, he yelled at the boy, telling him to go die.
To make it worse, the boy then found out that he had a terminal illness.
…
When Xiao Wangye slowly opened his eyes, he felt a burst of unreal vertigo consuming him.
But he didn't understand why he was waking up.
Next to him, there was a girl dressed in white. As she looked at him, the girl exclaimed: "Mr. Xiao is awake!"
Xiao Wangye inclined his head to look around, as he searched through his memory. Thanks to the memories given by the lantern, he was able to understand that this girl was a nurse, whose job was to take care of patients.
Although he was awake, Mr. Xiao couldn't speak or move. He was injured after falling from a building, and if he wasn't careful, he might suffer from internal bleeding.
Xiao Wangye laid in the hospital bed for two months.
He would go to sleep with the strong smell of medicine and disinfectant, every single day.
One day, he found a diary next to his hospital bed.
Although he was barely able to adapt to this new world, thanks to the memories given by the lantern, he still didn't know much about this world. Hoping that the diary would help him a bit, Xiao Wangye opened it, finding that it was written by Xiao YuAn right after he found his younger brother.
The first page of the diary was written with so much excitement and thrill….
Xiao YuAn wrote: 'I'll be able to see my brother soon. I want to take good care of him for the rest of my life. I don't want him to suffer any more grievances.'
But, the second page of the diary only had a few words: 'He said he hated me, and that he wanted me to die.'
The third page of the diary said: 'I'm going to send him to the best nursing home in the country. This way, he will definitely forgive me one day.'
After that, the diary was filled purely with his younger brother's daily medication records. Not a single day was missing, and everything was written very meticulously.
Every once in a while, there would be two or three sentences after the medication records. Talking about Xiao YuAn's visits to his younger brother, how he was received with beatings and scoldings every single time. Even though he experienced such aggravating things, these sentences would alway end with….
'Today, my brother looked very energetic and happy.'
'The nurse said that my brother had a good meal today, and that he was very happy as well.'
AD
'Today, my brother's illness seems to be better. He also looks happier.'
Then, there was the last page….
The font was distorted, as if the pencil had trembled in Xiao YuAn's hand. Probably because Xiao YuAn was afraid of what he was about to write.
He wrote: 'I'm terminally ill, and I won't be able to stay with my brother anymore. What should I do? What should I do? How can I be this useless? I couldn't save my mother, and I won't be able to help cure my brother. Besides, my brother still hates me….'
After that, Xiao YuAn didn't write again.
But every word he wrote revealed the desperation and devastation he felt.
It was as if Xiao Wangye could see himself….
His self-loathing and worthlessness.
After reading the last words in the diary, the doctor suddenly pushed open the door. As he walked in, the doctor excitedly said: "Mr. Xiao, there's a drug for your illness from abroad that has just entered the fourth phase in clinical trials! Would you like to try it?"
Xiao Wangye looked at the diary in his hand, meditated for a long time, and finally said: "I'll try it."
Six months later, a man walked into the nursing home on the outskirts of the city.
That man walked into a clean and luxurious ward, where he saw a man sitting in a wheelchair.
AD
Before Xiao YuAn decided to die, he had handled everything for the future, so that his younger brother would never have to worry about food and clothing. Even giving him the chance of having a comfortable life. When the younger brother raised his head and saw the man in front of him, his eyes suddenly turned red. Then he sneered: "Weren't you supposed to be dead?"
Xiao Wangye looked at him and quietly said: "I'm not dead, and I would like to try…."
The younger brother asked: "Try what?"
Xiao Wangye didn't reply.
But he did say it inside his mind.
'I want to use this rare opportunity of rebirth to try and live a much less miserable life.'
SIDE STORY 1: Yan-ge Is Sick.
When the first snowflakes fell one after the other, the sudden cold dew startled the wild geese.
This year, the cold winter seemed to have arrived earlier than ever.
When the sun was about to rise in the East, Yan HeQing got up to go to the morning Court. Xiao YuAn, on the other hand, was still wrapped in the blankets, sound asleep.
Snowflakes fluttered onto the window, while the earth was covered with eye-catching white snow.
It was a sudden winter chill, and the quilt on the bed wasn't thick. When Yan HeQing left the bed, Xiao YuAn, who had no one to cuddle with, felt a chill on his body as he uneasily pulled the quilt and curled up.
Yan HeQing quickly ordered someone to bring a charcoal stove.
But because the cold came out of nowhere, the Palace wasn't prepared for such an event, and it took some time for the charcoal to heat up while in the fire. Even when Yan HeQing was already dressed in his Court attire, the stove hadn't been delivered yet.
Then, a servant brought over a thick cloak made with gold silk, decorated with a dragon pattern for Yan HeQing to wear. "Your Majesty, it suddenly snowed last night. Today is a very cold day, so His Majesty should quickly put this on."
Yan HeQing 'hm-mmed', took the cloak, and turned around to look at the inner bedroom. Since Xiao YuAn was restless in his sleep as he rolled around the bed, Yan HeQing wrapped him with the thick cloak.
Seeing this, the servant hurried to say: "This servant will go and get another cloak."
However, when Yan HeQing saw the time, he was worried about arriving late for the morning Court. He simply said that there was no need to bring anything, got up, and left the Imperial Bedchamber.
"
"
The green bamboo branches were covered with snow, as white as white jade, and as his feet squeaked in the snow, Yan HeQing was only wearing his Royal clothes. As the cold wind blew by, Yan HeQing felt chilled to the bones, but since he's a person who doesn't want to show his emotions in the open, the servants around him couldn't see that he felt cold.
After going to Court, Yan HeQing devoted himself to the government affairs without any distractions. So much that he even forgot whether he was cold or not. Only after Court, did he notice that his hands and feet were icy cold. Fortunately, the servant brought a new cloak for him. After putting on the cloak, Yan HeQing felt a bit more warm.
When Yan HeQing returned to his bedchamber, he found that Xiao YuAn was already up.
Since Xiao YuAn hadn't stepped outside the bedchamber, his beautiful hair was scattered and it wasn't tied up. Xiao YuAn was afraid of the cold, so he wrapped himself in a thick fur coat, sitting on a couch decorated with vermilion and gold carvings1 in the outer room. He was holding his head with one hand, as he read some letters.
Tian Xiang was stirring the charcoal in the stove to burn more vigorously. In her left hand, she was holding an octagonal furnace, decorated with magpies surrounding plums2.
The octagonal furnace was exquisitely crafted, and couldn't be used by the maids of the Palace. However, this particular one was given to Tian Xiang by Xiao YuAn.
Tian Xiang poked the charcoal twice, making the charcoal ash roll up in the air from the stove, which made her cough. When Xiao YuAn saw this, he brought her some tea and asked her to rest. Then, he took the fire poker and began to stir the charcoal stove by himself.
After a while, the charcoal in the stove burned brightly, and Xiao YuAn clapped his hands triumphantly, with a face that said 'I'm worthy of praise'. When Xiao YuAn turned around, he saw Yan HeQing, who had just returned from the Court.
At that moment, Xiao YuAn's eyes instantly lit up as he shouted: "Yan-ge! You're back!"
Yan HeQing nodded and walked towards him.
Xiao YuAn stepped forward to pull him close to the stove: "It's so cold today, I wonder why the temperature had dropped all of a sudden. Quick, come here and warm up."
Tian Xiang covered her lips and smiled. After bowing to Yan HeQing and Xiao YuAn, she leaned over, preparing to leave. When she tried to give the octagonal furnace back to Xiao YuAn, this one was pushed back by Xiao YuAn himself: "You can take it and use it."
AD
Tian Xiang quickly thanked and bowed her head to Xiao YuAn, then she withdrew from the bedchamber.
Only Yan HeQing and Xiao YuAn were left behind in the bedchamber.
When Yan HeQing set his eyes on the letter in Xiao YuAn's hand, Xiao YuAn noticed. As he waved the letter on his hand, he said with a smile: "This morning, Tian Xiang brought this letter to me. It was written by Baizhu, saying that my godson's first birthday test3 was already held. He said that the child caught medicinal herbs, so it could be said that he will become a physician in the future. Baizhu also mentioned that Shifu, LiuAn, Fengyue and Auntie are all well."
Yan HeQing listened to Xiao YuAn's ramblings as he hummed softly.
No one in Taoyuan Village knew that something had happened to Xiao YuAn, and even after his rebirth, Xiao YuAn would often exchange letters with them.
However, when they heard that the Southern Yan Kingdom would take over the Western Shu Kingdom through marriage, Yang LiuAn and Xiao Fengyue thought that Yan HeQing had lost interest in Xiao YuAn. Three letters were sent through fast horses, every word in the letters were filled with worry and anxiety. They even wanted to come to the Capital to look for Xiao YuAn.
Xiao YuAn wrote back a long letter to appease them, telling them that the alliance through marriage was false, and that he had changed his own appearance. Only then did Yang LiuAn and Xiao Fengyue give up on the idea of rescuing him.
Xiao YuAn carefully and lovingly put the letter into the wooden box. Then he sighed with emotion and said to Yan HeQing: "This letter was sent all the way from their hometown. I even think that it was written in early autumn, but it's snowing now."
Yan HeQing could see Xiao YuAn's frustration, so he tried to comfort him: "If you want, you can go see them."
Xiao YuAn rubbed his chin and said: "Well, yeah. But they will be very surprised when they see my current appearance. Besides, I don't know whether my Shifu will be deceived by the excuse of 'disguise'."
Yan HeQing said softly: "You are you, and they know you well. There's no such thing as deceiving them."
Xiao YuAn smiled: "Well, that too! Ah, Yan-ge, how could your body still be so cold when you've stayed close to the stove for so long? Come here, give me your hands, I'll warm them up for you!" Then Xiao YuAn grabbed Yan HeQing's hand, pulling them to his face: "When I woke up this morning, I found a cloak on the bed. Did you go out only wearing your Royal robes? Don't you feel cold?"
AD
In fact, Yan HeQing had actually felt some kind of cold feeling in his chest for a long time now. But in the end, he said: "I don't feel cold."
Xiao YuAn said: "I don't want you to 'feel' whether you're cold or not, I'll do it for you. Listen to me, just listen to me. If I say that you're cold, then you're cold. Your mouth is feeling especially cold right now, isn't it? Now that your hands are warm, it's time to warm your lips."
Yan HeQing: "….."
Yan HeQing couldn't even have the chance to reply, when he was suddenly kissed by Xiao YuAn, who had a smile on his face.
But soon, Yan HeQing responded to the kiss by pressing the back of Xiao YuAn's neck, turning from being on the receiving end to the one taking the initiative.
Yan HeQing's lips and tongue were slightly cool, which made Xiao YuAn feel as if he was kissing snow, but the careful licking of their tongues shared a trace of sweetness.
Xiao YuAn thought: 'Why is it so cold? Ah, forget it, Yan-ge's physical quality won't allow him to fall sick!'
However, the next day, Yan HeQing woke up with a cold.
SIDE STORY 2: Waking Up In The Middle Of The Night.
In the end, Yan HeQing was very sick, and the illness wasn't light. It made him unable to get up, and he had to lay in bed with a high fever, making his consciousness fall into chaos.
Yan HeQing had never been seriously ill, so this sudden event shocked everyone.
For a while, the Imperial Bedchamber was crowded with Imperial Physicians, who were chattering and noisily discussing for a long time. Finally, everyone came to a conclusion.
A reputable old Physician bowed to Xiao YuAn to say: "According to your subject's deduction, His Majesty the Emperor is suffering from evil wind1, and there's a disharmony between his ying and wei2."
Xiao YuAn: "Hiss, he caught a cold due to the cold weather."
The old Physician said: "He has a fever, but he's feeling cold. He's sweating without relief, and even though he feels thirsty, he doesn't want to drink water. There's also a thin white coating on his tongue."
Xiao YuAn: "Alright, I understand. The illness is acting on the Preoptic Anterior Hypothalamus3, making it unable to regulate the body's temperature."
The old Physician: "…."
'What do you know?!'
'I didn't understand a word, alright?!'
Even though the old Physician didn't understand what the Empress was talking about, he didn't dare to ask!
AD
So, he simply stopped talking altogether, and hurried to the Taiyi Hall with the rest of the Imperial Physicians to boil the medicine.
After several bowls of soup and medicine were poured down his throat, Yan HeQing sweated less, feeling much more comfortable. At least, he could sleep peacefully now. At least, he could sleep peacefully now. Xiao YuAn reviewed some of the memorials for Yan HeQing, and when he saw that it was getting late, Xiao YuAn asked someone to place a recliner beside the bed. Xiao YuAn had the intention of guarding Yan HeQing throughout the night.
Tian Xiang advised Xiao YuAn to leave that task to the physicians and the maidservants, so that he can rest. But Xiao YuAn refused.
How can a Tyrannical President let others take care of his one true love while he's sick?
In the end, Tian Xiang couldn't persuade him, and no one else could even think about it.
Even though the physicians were a bit worried.
What the hell can they do?
'The Emperor had been burning up with fever to the point of being in a constant daze, and yet, the Empress didn't pay attention to him, nor did he take good care of him. Will the Emperor become a fool after the fever?'
Xiao YuAn, who could sense the old physician's sorrow, said faintly into his ears: "You think I want to usurp the throne? You're overthinking."
The old physician: "….."
'I'll beg for my retirement tomorrow! Aaaahhhh!'
When the bright moon shone on the sky, and the milky way spread to the west, the night finally arrived.
AD
After serving Yan HeQing the last bowl of bitter medicinal soup before going to bed, the idle people in the Imperial bedchamber retired, one after the other.
Finally, Tian Xiang was the only maid left behind. After she made the bedding for Xiao YuAn's recliner, and stirred up the charcoal in the stove, she looked up. She saw that Xiao YuAn was sitting beside the bed, wiping away Yan HeQing's sweat. Even though it was such a small thing, Xiao YuAn pursed his lips, focused his eyes, and moved with extreme care.
"Jun Wang." Tian Xiang whispered.
Xiao YuAn took the towel and looked up at her. Then he heaved a sigh and said with a smile: "I just gave Yan-ge a bowl of hot medicinal soup, and Yan-ge is finally sweating a bit. If he sweats, then he'll get better."
Tian Xiang had been following Xiao YuAn for so long that she understood him better than anyone. Due to this, she tried to comfort him: "Jun Wang, don't worry. His Majesty will get better in no time."
Xiao YuAn nodded: "Go and take a rest. I'll watch over him."
Tian Xiang nodded her head, bent down, and retired.
Xiao YuAn then wet the towel to put it on Yan HeQing's forehead. When Xiao YuAn saw that Yan HeQing was pursing his lips as he frowned, how white his lips were, and how flushed his face looked, Xiao YuAn couldn't help but feel worried and distressed.
'How could you get sick? And with a serious illness at that!'
Xiao YuAn stood by the bed for a while. After changing the towel on Yan HeQing's forehead, Xiao YuAn felt a bit sleepy, so he went to sit on the recliner.
After lying down, Xiao YuAn closed his eyes, wanting to take a nap. However, he felt that something was wrong. When Xiao YuAn thought about it, he dragged the recliner to the bedside, extremely close to the edge of the bed. When Xiao YuAn laid down on his side, so that he could look at Yan HeQing, he suddenly felt much more at ease.
Xiao YuAn, who was quite worried about Yan HeQing's illness, slept more restlessly than Yan HeQig himself. At one point, Xiao YuAn woke in the middle of the night to change the towel on Yan HeQing's forehead. After wiping away Yan HeQing's sweat, Xiao YuAn changed Yan HeQing into a new set of dry clothes.
AD
With such careful care, Yan HeQing's condition didn't continue to worsen, and the fever slowly subsided.
Xiao YuAn was so relieved that he had to lie down on the recliner. It was the middle of the night, and because he was so exhausted, he soon closed his eyes, falling into a deep sleep.
However, not long after falling asleep, Xiao YuAn was suddenly awakened.
Yan HeQing, who was on the bed, seemed to have a nightmare. He was gnashing his teeth and his hands were clenched into fists. Xiao YuAn woke up because Yan HeQing was shouting his name. With a heartbreaking voice, almost to the point of crying, Yan HeQing shouted: 'Don't go!'
SIDE STORY 3: You're Ignoring Me.
Xiao YuAn had never seen Yan HeQing lose his composure before. Xiao YuAn was so frightened by this, that he almost fell off the recliner. As Xiao YuAn hurriedly got up, he half-kneeled in front of the bed to hold Yan HeQing's hand: "Yan-ge! Wake up, I'm here, I'm here!"
Right when the dawn was breaking in the East, and the sky was getting brighter and brighter, Yan HeQing slowly opened his eyes after hearing Xiao YuAn's voice.
It's said that when people get sick, even their feelings will become fragile.
Yan HeQing's eyes were bloodshot, but it was unknown whether it was because of the fever, or if he was scared of the nightmare he had just now.
Xiao YuAn breathed softly as he said: "You're finally awake. Are you alright?"
However, Yan HeQing didn't reply. He simply stared at Xiao YuAn, who was right in front of him, as if he didn't know who Xiao YuAn was. Staring at him with a blank stare.
Xiao YuAn lightly placed his forehead against Yan HeQing's forehead, only to find that it was no longer burning with fever. After Xiao YuAn reassuringly raised the corners of his mouth, he got up and stepped back.
At that instant, Yan HeQing instinctively reached out to wrap his arms around Xiao YuAn's waist, hugging him closely.
Xiao YuAn didn't say anything, and simply let Yan HeQing hug him. The warmth of a real touch dispelled the bitterness of the cold and the pain he felt on that day.
When Xiao YuAn felt that the arms around him loosened slightly, Xiao YuAn placed his hand beside Yan HeQing, half supporting his body, and leaned down to look at Yan HeQing: "Yan-ge, did you have a nightmare? A nightmare in which I didn't want you anymore?"
Yan HeQing nodded very gently, as the red in his eyes seemed to deepen a little.
AD
Xiao YuAn hurriedly coaxed him: "I'm here, don't worry."
Yan HeQing nodded again, stroking Xiao YuAn's back with his hand, only to press Xiao YuAn back into his arms.
After a night of tossing and turning, Xiao YuAn was way too sleepy to care if their current positions would make Yan HeQing uncomfortable. As he laid on Yan HeQing's chest, listening to the sound of his heartbeat, Xiao YuAn closed his eyes.
The next day, Yan HeQing's illness was mostly cured. Although Yan HeQing was still coughing, he no longer had a fever. Early in the morning, Xiao YuAn went to the Imperial Court on behalf of Yan HeQing, to meet with the Ministers.
The Imperial Kitchen sent a light porridge over, but due to the illness, Yan HeQing's appetite was very poor. After drinking two mouthfuls, he ordered everyone to withdraw. The Imperial Physician at the side wanted to say something, but stopped midway. In the end, the Imperial Physician finally dared to advise: "Your Majesty, you should eat a bit more. If you don't fill your stomach, it'll be difficult for you to get better…."
Yan HeQing frowned gently and said: "I know my own limits."
The Imperial Physician didn't dare to offend the Emperor by advising again, so he replied submissively.
However, it didn't take long for this matter to spread to Xiao YuAn's ears.
As soon as Xiao YuAn left the Imperial Court, Tian Xiang ran over to complain about how the Emperor wasn't taking care of his body and how he refused to eat. Then, she said: "Jun Wang, why don't you make some snacks for His Majesty? If you're the one making them, His Majesty will certainly eat it!"
Xiao YuAn's heart was moved, but he suddenly frowned.
Tian Xiang asked: "What's wrong, Your Highness?"
Xiao YuAn, who knew himself more than anyone, said bitterly: "My cooking is very bad. It's the kind that can poison people to death."
Tian Xiang: "Just because you can't cook, it doesn't mean that you can't make good snacks."
Xiao YuAn said: "I don't know how to make snacks either."
Tian Xiang said: "I do! I can teach you!"
Xiao YuAn waved his hand and walked to the Imperial Kitchen with Tian Xiang: "Let's go! Who says that such an ideal, moral, cultured and disciplined CEO from the 21st century like me, can't also be good at cooking?!"
Then, Xiao YuAn proved it with his strength, talent and hard work….!
That he's really not good at cooking.
After getting his face covered in white flour and egg whites, Xiao YuAn set the steamer in the Imperial Kitchen on fire.
A group of servants in the Imperial Kitchen panicked as they hurried to pour water on the steamer. Xiao YuAn was being protected in the back, and as he tried to pass through the crowd, he shouted with determination: "The sugar cakes I made are still in there! Don't throw water onto it!"
Tian Xiang stared dumbfounded at the steamer that was on fire, thinking: 'Sugar cake?! What sugar cake?! I just taught you how to make rabbit-shaped dough, but you put Wotou1 in the steamer! That's! That's impressive!'
When the fire was finally extinguished, the cakes in the streamer were naturally no longer edible. Xiao YuAn sighed and said: "Ha, there's no way I can surprise Yan-ge now."
Tian Xiang looked at the dark, floppy and wet Wotous in the steamer as she thought to herself: 'More than a pleasant surprise, it'll be a terrifying one.'
Although she was still very much shocked, Tian Xiang couldn't bear to see Xiao YuAn feeling so frustrated, so she tried to comfort him: "Don't feel discouraged, Jun Wang. We can come back tomorrow! Practice makes perfection, and you will definitely be able to make sugar cakes!"
AD
Xiao YuAn nodded his head and clenched his fist with confidence: "Yeah! You're right!"
The Chief Cook in charge of the Imperial Kitchen immediately turned pale.
'Miss Tian Xiang! If you want to kill me, just say it! You don't have to beat around the bush like that!'
After cleaning the egg whites and flour off his face, as well as changing into clean clothes, Xiao YuAn walked towards the Imperial Bedchamber. Since he spent most of his day in the Imperial Kitchen, by the time he returned to the bedchamber, the moon was already shining in the night starry sky.
Xiao YuAn wandered at the gates of the bedchamber for a long time.
Since Yan HeQing hadn't recovered from such a serious illness yet, and was still lying dizzy on the bed, Xiao YuAn was supposed to accompany him today. But Xiao YuAn ended up spending most of his day in the Imperial Kitchen, in order to make sugar cakes and snacks.
Xiao YuAn wanted to surprise Yan HeQing, so he didn't want to tell Yan HeQing about Tian Xiang teaching him how to make snacks. In case Yan HeQing asked him about it, what lie should Xiao YuAn say?
"Why don't I…." Xiao YuAn muttered to himself: "Tell him that Chen Ge wanted to discuss what's been going on in the army recently, and that it took us a long time?"
At that moment, Chen Ge, who was in the barracks, sneezed all of a sudden. When a young soldier next to him heard him, the young soldier turned his head and exclaimed: "General Chen! You've offended Tai Sui, now disaster is on its way2!"
Chen Ge rubbed his nose as he slapped the young soldier: "What divine auspicious bullshit are you talking about?"
Although Xiao YuAn pondered over that idea several times, in the end, he gave up trying to drag Chen Ge under the water. Yan HeQing knew more about the barracks than Xiao YuAn, and if he wasn't careful, Yan HeQing would find out about his lie. So he might as well not say it. Xiao YuAn could only pray that Yan HeQing wouldn't ask him about where he had been all day.
Xiao YuAn finally calmed down and walked into the bedchamber, pretending as if nothing had happened. The candles in the inner room were brightly lit and flickering slightly. Inside, Yan HeQing was sitting on the bed, reading a memorial.
AD
Yan HeQing was so focused on reading, that he didn't even notice that Xiao YuAn had walked in.
Xiao YuAn coughed lightly, and Yan HeQing quickly raised his head.
Xiao YuAn said sarcastically: "Yan-ge, you're supposed to rest when you're sick. Don't read the memorials."
Yan HeQing 'mm-hmmed' gently.
"You…. Do you want to drink hot water? Do you want me to bring you a cup?" Xiao YuAn had nothing else to say.
Yan HeQing nodded: "Yes, I'll drink."
While Xiao YuAn went to pour a cup of hot water, Yan HeQing covered up the memorials in his hands, finding that he had been 'reading' them upside down. As he calmly put them aside, Yan HeQing looked up to see Xiao YuAn coming over with the water.
After Yan HeQing took the water, and took two sips, he wanted to say something, but stopped midway.
Xiao YuAn took a step ahead and said: "Yan-ge, it's so late in the night, and you're still sick. Why don't we go to sleep right away?"
Yan HeQing 'hmmed', nodded his head, and didn't say anything else.
At that, Xiao YuAn relaxed.
'He didn't ask!'
AD
'Alright, wait for me to make the best pastries tomorrow! Then I'll explain it to him properly.'
However, the next day, not only did Xiao YuAn make a mess in the Imperial Kitchen, he was also unable to make the cakes.
On the third day, he couldn't make it.
On the fourth day, he still couldn't make it.
On the fifth day, the Chief Cook of the Imperial Kitchen took a straw rope, determined to hang himself from the ceiling beam in front of the Kitchen God3, but he was saved by a group of attendants, who kindly advised him that he should look at the bright side…. The Empress would only be here for a few days.
In those five days, despite the loss of appetite, Yan HeQing's illness was mostly cured, which meant that he would be able to attend Court the next day. As a self-respected Tyrannical President, Xiao YuAn naturally doesn't want to show his disgraceful side to the people he loves. Therefore, Xiao YuAn planned to hide his painful failure, and was determined to stay away from the Imperial Kitchen from now on, in order to cure his fragile heart.
These days, in order to not spread Yan HeQing's illness to Xiao YuAn, they had been sleeping on separate beds. Due to this, when it was time to sleep, Xiao YuAn walked to the other bed in the room out of habit.
Yan HeQing, who had been 'neglected' for five days, stared closely at Xiao YuAn, who was yawning as he walked away from him. Yan HeQing said: "Today, the Imperial Physician said that my illness has been cured…."
Unexpectedly, Xiao YuAn didn't react!
Since Xiao YuAn was feeling so frustrated with the fact that he couldn't make any edible sugar cake, he didn't pay attention to Yan HeQing's tone. As Xiao YuAn waved his hand, he said: "Oh, that's great!"
Yan HeQing: "…."
Right when Xiao YuAn put a hand on the edge of the bed ready to lie down, he suddenly heard Yan HeQing faintly say: "Are you tired of me….?"
AD
Xiao YuAn's elbows and knees shook as he fell directly to the ground.
SIDE STORY 4: Why Not Eating Me Instead?
When he saw that Xiao YuAn had fallen to the ground all of a sudden, Yan HeQing wanted to get out of bed to help him up, but Xiao YuAn instantly shouted: "Don't move! Be good and stay there."
Yan HeQing froze in place, lying back on the bed.
Then, Xiao YuAn propped himself up with his arms and legs. As Xiao YuAn rubbed his aching knees, he thought: 'It's been a long time since I've heard Yan-ge saying the wrong script! Ah, it's so nostalgic!'
Xiao Yuan then patted the dust off his body, picked up the bedding and silk pillow from the bed, and ran to the side of Yan HeQing's bed. After throwing himself onto the bed, Xiao YuAn reached out to push Yan HeQing a bit to the side, in order to make room for him. Only then did he lay completely on the bed.
Yan HeQing: "…."
As Xiao YuAn unfolded the bedding, wrapping it tightly around the two of them, he pulled Yan HeQing's arm to wrap around his own waist. Then Xiao YuAn leaned comfortably on his husband's chest.
All of these movements were done so smoothly that when Yan HeQing finally regained his senses, Xiao YuAn was already being hugged by him. Xiao YuAn was even tilting his head, as his eyes were half-squinted due to the smile on his face.
Xiao YuAn then said with a reassuring smile: "What are you talking about? Who's tired of whom? Wasn't it simply because you've been sick these past few days? Since I tend to move around when I sleep, I was afraid of squeezing you. I wanted you to sleep more comfortably."
As the warmth spread in his arm, Yan HeQing sighed softly. While he hugged Xiao YuAn close to him, Yan HeQing pressed his chin against the top of Xiao YuAn's head, whispering: "What have you been doing these days?"
The moment Yan HeQing asked this, Xiao YuAn's eyes fluttered around. He even hesitated for a long time before blurting: "…. The barracks…."
"Hmm?"
AD
"It's Chen Ge, he…."
"Hmm?!"
"Forget it." Xiao YuAn gave up on lying and told Yan HeQing about the five days it took him to make sugar cakes.
"That's why I haven't been paying attention to you for the past few days." Xiao YuAn concluded.
Yan HeQing tightened his arms around Xiao YuAn, and his eyes softened with a look that said 'I don't know what to do with you, Xiao YuAn'. After thinking about it, he asked: "You couldn't even bake a piece?"
Xiao YuAn waved his hand in the air as he said: "I'm not that stupid. I did make some, but they taste really bad."
Yan HeQing asked: "Where is it?"
Xiao YuAn looked unconcerned as he said: "In the Imperial Kitchen, but who knows, maybe they were already thrown away."
Then Yan HeQing gathered his clothes and got up.
Xiao YuAn sighed, only to say next: "Yan-ge, where are you trying to go? It's late."
Yan HeQing: "To taste the sugar cakes you baked."
Xiao YuAn's eyes widened: "You, you, you! I wasn't able to make them right. Besides, they might have been thrown away! It's a waste of effort to go."
Yan HeQing insisted: "It doesn't matter. I'll just go and take a look."
When Xiao saw Yan HeQing's face that screamed 'I'm not giving up', Xiao YuAn knew that he wouldn't be able to persuade Yan HeQing. In the end, Xiao YuAn could only say: "Alright, fine. But the night wind is cold, and you just recovered from a serious illness. Don't go out, stay here. I'll go to the Imperial Kitchen to see if I can find any."
After Xiao YuAn sent Yan HeQing back to bed, and regardless of what Yan HeQing wanted to say, Xiao YuAn trotted out of the bedchamber towards the Imperial Kitchen.
The Chief Cook of the Imperial Kitchen, who felt as if he had committed a crime against Heaven recently, had dark circles around under his eyes. It was because he had insomnia. When he finally managed to fall asleep, he was suddenly woken up by an attendant.
As the Chief Cook woke up, he was very confused with his surroundings as he heard: "Wake up, the Empress is here again."
At that instant, the Chief Cook opened his eyes wide and almost gasped for breath.
The other attendants quickly pinched the Chief Cook until he was completely woken up.
Even though he was shocked yet again, when the Empress arrived, he didn't dare to neglect him. After a short while, the Imperial Kitchen was brightly lit again, but Xiao YuAn was actually a bit embarrassed.
This night was so troublesome.
After the Chief Cook greeted Xiao YuAn, the Chief Cook cautiously asked Xiao YuAn what he needed, and what the sudden visit in the middle of the night was for.
Xiao YuAn stammered for a while until he could finally ask: "The sugar cakes I made before, were they thrown away?"
The Chief Cook thought to himself: 'How would I dare to throw it out?!' As Xiao YuAn hurried to wave his hand, the Chief Cook said: "Of course they weren't thrown away! They're here!"
AD
Xiao YuAn suddenly had some mixed feelings, but he didn't have any other excuses. 'Is it really necessary to make a fool of myself in front of Yan-ge?'
The Chief Cook was an expert in his area, so the moment Xiao YuAn asked for the pastries he made, the Chief Cook quickly asked someone to bring over the sugar cakes Xiao YuAn had baked these days.
As soon as Xiao YuAn received the food box, he picked a few sugar cakes that could barely pass from the pile of horrible-looking snacks. Then he twisted a piece from one of them and stuffed it into his mouth. As soon as he chewed it, his whole face immediately wrinkled: "Yuck, bah, ugh. It tastes horrible! It isn't sweet at all, did I forget to add sugar? My God."
'How can I have the nerve to serve this awful food to Yan-ge?!'
Xiao YuAn placed his thumb and index finger against his chin, pondered for a long time, then finally asked the Chief Cook: "Are the sugar cakes Tian Xiang made while she was teaching me to bake still here?"
"Yes, they're still here!" The Chief Cook hurried to say, as he asked someone to bring the snacks made by Tian Xiang.
When he tasted one, he nodded with satisfaction.
'Mmm! This is what a sugar cake should taste like!'
'I can use this. Like the raccoon dog who switches places with a Prince!1'
Since Xiao YuAn was afraid of revealing himself, he deliberately picked some not too good-looking ones and put them in the food box. When he came back to the bedchamber, he placed the cakes in front of Yan HeQing to get praise.
Yan HeQing carefully examined the sugar cakes in the food box, picked up one, and took a bite. After a short pause, Yan HeQing seemed to notice something. He stopped eating, raised his head, and asked Xiao YuAn: "Did you really make these?"
"Yes, yes, yes." Xiao YuAn's eyes fluttered as he stammered.
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Yan HeQing put the pastries back into the food box and asked: "Where are the ones you made?"
Xiao YuAn pushed the food box towards him: "I made these."
Yan HeQing didn't say anything. He just quietly looked at Xiao YuAn.
Xiao YuAn, who was stared at for a long while, finally gave up and said: "The sugar cakes I made taste truly horrible. Yan-ge, why do you want to torture yourself?"
Yan HeQing didn't say much and ordered someone to go to the Imperial Kitchen to bring the sugar cakes made by Xiao YuAn.
After some tossing and turning, those strange looking, bad tasting sugar cakes were still placed in front of Yan HeQing.
Then, Yan HeQing picked one, put it into his mouth, and chewed it very seriously.
Xiao YuAn broke the silence and chatted beside Yan HeQing: "It tastes really bad, right? Isn't it particularly hard to chew? It isn't even sweet!"
When Yan HeQing finally swallowed the pastry, he looked at Xiao YuAn's eyes, and said: "I don't like sweets."
Xiao YuAn froze. He didn't know whether he should laugh or cry: "This is a sugar cake! How can you eat it if it isn't sweet?!"
Yan HeQing picked up another cake and seriously repeated that he didn't like sweets. After that, he stuffed the sugar cake into his mouth.
Xiao YuAn felt really helpless when he saw Yan HeQing looking at the plate of pastries with soft eyes.
"
"
Yan HeQing whispered: "You made these with your own hands."
Even though those 7 words were said very lightly, in Xiao YuAn's ears, it sounded like the song 'The white snow in the sunny Spring2'.
'You can see how much he loves you.'
'In his eyes, your strong-will is very honest. In his eyes, your nonsense is very funny. In his eyes, your clumsiness is very lovely and cute.'
'There's no perfect person in this world, but in his eyes, you're the most perfect being. You're like a young scholar in the mountains, surrounded by the crystalline snow, a youthful man who is as beautiful as jade.'
'Even if you stand still, he will leave the beauty of the mountains, rivers, sun and moon behind, in order to chase after you without any fear in the world.'
'Completely fearless.'
All of a sudden, Xiao YuAn grabbed Yan HeQing's wrist and said: "Yan-ge, if you eat too much at night, you won't be able to sleep."
"Hmm?" Yan HeQing froze.
Xiao YuAn said: "Don't 'hmm' me. Instead of eating sugar cakes, you can eat me!"
SIDE STORY 5: What Do You Mean By Twice?
Even though Xiao YuAn said those words in a certain way, Yan HeQing really didn't understand the hidden meaning behind them.
Seeing that Yan HeQing was still in a daze, Xiao YuAn pointed to the last piece of sugar cake in the food box and asked: "Is it delicious?"
Yan HeQing nodded his head.
"Do you still want to eat it?"
Yan HeQing nodded again.
Then, Xiao YuAn picked up the sugar cake, held it in his mouth, and bent his eyes to look at Yan HeQing.
Xiao YuAn's eyes were bright, overflowing with unrestrained pride, while his face was practically screaming: 'Come and eat me'.
The moonlight entering through the window, as well as the little candle light illuminating the silent inner room, looked tantalizing all of a sudden.
At this point, even the most foolish person would understand what Xiao YuAn was trying to imply.
Yan HeQing greedily put Xiao YuAn's clever gaze and stored it into the bottom of his own eyes. Then, he leaned over to approach Xiao YuAn.
Xiao YuAn smiled cheekily as he tilted his head back to avoid Yan HeQing's approach, only to bite the sugar cake himself. After chewing twice and swallowing it into his stomach, Xiao YuAn opened his mouth and showed it to Yan HeQing. With a trace of provocation, he said: "There's no more."
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The corners of Xiao YuAn's mouth were still stained with crumbs of the pastry, while the tip of his tongue looked slightly red because he had to swallow in a hurry.
The moonlight that broke through the window into the inner room, also broke into Yan HeQing's eyes, shattering the calmness in his eyes into pieces.
Yan HeQing's left hand was behind Xiao YuAn's head, while his right hand was wrapped around Xiao YuAn's waist as he kissed Xiao YuAn fiercely.
"Mmm…." Xiao YuAn couldn't help, but hum lightly.
It was as if Yan HeQing was trying to snatch away the nonexistent sugar cake from his mouth, so Xiao YuAn's voice carried a sobbing tone that couldn't be restrained. Even though his words were intermittent, it was evident that he was questioning Yan HeQing. But the sweetness of his words were too much to be true: "Y-yo-you, weren't you sick not long ago?!"
'How can you be brimming with energy?!'
"Mm-hmm." Yan HeQing licked Xiao YuAn's earlobe as he whispered: "Because of that, I'll only do it twice tonight."
Xiao YuAn: "…."
Early next morning, although Yan HeQing gently got up from the bed, Xiao YuAn still woke up. Still in a daze, he shouted: "Yan-ge? Are you going to the Morning Court?"
"Mm-hmm." Yan HeQing hugged Xiao YuAn through the quilt and soothingly kissed him on the forehead.
Xiao YuAn replied with an 'oh' as he hugged the quilt and fell asleep again.
When Xiao YuAn woke up again, it was already mid morning.
AD
When Tian Xiang saw that Xiao YuAn was finally awake, she brought him a clear porridge for breakfast.
Just when Xiao YuAn was about to stretch his back, and lift the quilt off the bed, he suddenly found a memorial beside his pillow. Xiao YuAn thought that it must be the one Yan HeQing was reading last night, and that he must have forgotten to bring it to the Court in the early morning.
Xiao YuAn opened the memorial. After all, if it was an important matter, he must send it to Yan HeQing.
What he saw written in the memorial was: 'There's a disaster in Langcheng. Sand springs are bursting everywhere. Cracks and ditches are opening up, thousands of houses are collapsing. Ten thousand people are injured. There is an urgent need for the Capital to transfer food and medicine.'
"An… earthquake? Langcheng….?" Xiao YuAn touched his chin.
'This place sounds familiar.'
'It seems….'
'It seems to be the town next to Taoyuan Village!'
Xiao YuAn was just thinking about it, when he suddenly heard Tian Xiang whisper beside him: "The Emperor is back."
When Xiao YuAn looked up, he saw Yan HeQing approaching the bed while untying his cloak. There was still a bit of snow piled on his shoulders, as if he hadn't had the time to shake it off, because he was in a hurry.
Tian Xiang took the big cloak from Yan HeQing's hands, bowed, and withdrew from the Imperial Bedchamber.
Xiao YuAn smiled: "Yan-ge, you came back so early today."
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Yan HeQing asked: "Are you feeling uncomfortable anywhere?"
Xiao YuAn shook his head as he patted his chest, producing a slight 'thump' sound: "We're an old married couple! How would I get discomfort? I'm very strong! Cough…. Strong…."
Yan HeQing hurriedly stopped Xiao YuAn from patting his own chest any further.
"Right! Yan-ge, I just saw this…." Xiao YuAn picked up the memorial that was beside his pillow, and said: "Have you decided who will deliver the food and medicine?"
Yan HeQing nodded: "Chen Ge."
Xiao YuAn asked again: "When will he leave?"
Yan HeQing said: "Today at noon."
"Oh…." Xiao YuAn was slightly stunned: "So soon?"
"Disaster relief can't be delayed. Why?" Yan HeQing could see that Xiao YuAn had something on his mind.
"I…." Xiao YuAn hesitated for a long time, before he could say: "I want to go with you."
Yan HeQing paused. As his eyes fell on the memorial, he almost immediately understood what Xiao YuAn wanted to do.
Taoyuan Village was near Langcheng, and Xiao YuAn wanted to go back to Taoyuan Village to have a look.
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Yan HeQing took the memorial in Xiao YuAn's hand, and covered it with his sleeve. Then he looked up at Xiao YuAn to slowly say: "Do you remember the Imperial Examination System that was established not long ago?"
Xiao YuAn thought: 'Of course I remember, that's the reform I proposed myself.'
In the past, the Southern Yan Kingdom had a Nine-Rank System1, and most of the Official positions were hereditary. Due to this, there were a lot of lazy Officials who didn't work like they should, giving Yan HeQing too many headaches. Xiao YuAn proposed to reform the Imperial Examination System, so that children from poor families could also climb through the ranks of the Imperial Court.
After seeing Xiao YuAn nodding his head, Yan HeQing continued: "The Imperial Examination System has offended the interest of some High Officials' sons, and the reform is encountering some difficulties. Because of that, I can't leave the Capital for the moment, and I can't accompany you to Taoyuan Village."
Xiao YuAn: "Oh…."
Since Xiao YuAn transmigrated for the second time, the two of them had never been separated. Although Yan HeQing never spoke about that year he spent waiting for Xiao YuAn to return, Xiao YuAn had still heard about it from others.
For a while, everything was normal. Yan HeQing ate the same three meals a day, and discussed the same old politics of the Court. Even the passing of Spring, Summer, Autumn and Winter was the same.
Suddenly, one day, Yan HeQing knocked over the wooden box beside his pillow, and the white jade hairpin, as well as the red tassel flute, fell to the ground. Even though it was such a trivial matter, it drove Yan HeQing to madness. He cried in despair to the point of collapsing.
When looking at this world filled with bitterness and tragedy, it turns out that both of them couldn't escape the words 'to be parted in life and separated by death'.
After Xiao YuAn came back, in addition to going to Court, Yan HeQing was never apart from Xiao YuAn. Since he was afraid of Xiao YuAn being a product of his own imagination.
That if Yan HeQing were to wake up from the dream one day, he would find his side empty again.
Xiao YuAn understood what was on Yan HeQing's mind, which was why he was never annoyed with his closeness, and even tried his best to bring Yan HeQing comfort.
Over time, Yan HeQing stopped being overly possessive of Xiao YuAn.
Still, the two of them were never separated over an extended period of time. Now, if Xiao YuAn were to go to deliver the disaster relief, the trip would take several months, and Yan HeQing can't leave the Capital….
"Oh…. I understand, I understand…." Xiao YuAn suppressed the lamentation in the bottom of his eyes and smiled.
Yan HeQing, who stared closely at Xiao YuAn, suddenly reached out to grab Xiao YuAn's hand. As Yan HeQing held it gently, he said: "The trip will take a few months, and because I can't accompany you, you'll have to take good care of yourself."
After hearing this, Xiao YuAn was stunned for a long time before he could mutter: "Yan, Yan-ge? You…. are you willing to let me go?"
Yan HeQing said: "I'm not willing. But your heart has been longing for Taoyuan Village for a long time. How can I not let you go visit?"
Xiao YuAn suddenly exhaled a long breath.
'I really underestimated Yan-ge, didn't I?'
In Xiao YuAn's eyes, Yan HeQing always looked like someone who's deeply in love, which made Xiao YuAn think that Yan HeQing wouldn't be able to live without him.
'But, how could he not be able to?'
'The man who was buried under the remains of bloody corpses, and who was once humiliated by his enemies. He, who came out of a Country enveloped in the flames of war, and climbed step by step to the throne. That's Yan HeQing.'
'Moreover, Yan HeQing's love for me has never restricted me, nor has it felt like a prison.'
Then, Yan HeQing insisted on advising: "The trip is long and the road is bumpy. Make sure to not hurt yourself."
Knowing that he would be able to go to Taoyuan Village, Xiao YuAn was already rejoicing with happiness. So he promised Yan HeQing: "Don't worry! I will absolutely not get hurt!"
"Mm." Yan HeQing nodded: "I'll send an Imperial Edict to Chen Ge."
Half an hour later, Chen Ge received the Imperial Edict. When the young soldier next to him asked what was the matter, Chen Ge simply said that he would go to Langcheng to deliver disaster relief… together with the Empress.
The young soldier immediately howled: "Oh no, General Chen has such a bad fate! If the Empress were to get hurt, the Emperor will kill you as soon as you come back!
SIDE STORY 6: Shifu And Baizhu.
The disaster relief couldn't be neglected, and because time was running out, the team delivering it had to run for several days until they finally arrived at Langcheng.
The earthquake was much more serious than expected. Along the road, collapsed houses were seen, one after the other, while corpses laid on the ground. There were starving people among the ruins. It looked like Hell on Earth.
When Xiao YuAn, who was still full of joy of returning to Taoyuan Village, saw this scene, he put aside the idea of visiting his relatives after such a long time. After Xiao YuAn tied up his hair, then rolled up his sleeves, he set up shelters with the soldiers to treat people's wounds and take care of the sick.
Chen Ge, and some soldiers, didn't dare to let Xiao YuAn work. They stopped him every time they could. But Xiao YuAn would always patiently say: "What 'honorable status' are you talking about? I'm here! I can't just be a useless waste of food, right?!"
In the end, Chen Ge still complained and tried to stop him. But Xiao YuAn hit Chen Ge's head with a skillful kung-fu hand move.
The soldiers will never forget that day.
Their Empress rolled up his sleeves and raised a stick. With a smile on his face, that felt like a Spring breeze, he said: "Are you all going to try and stop me again?"
With the combined efforts of everyone, the shelter was built in half a day. Then, Xiao YuAn divided the soldiers into two teams. One team was in charge of sending the wounded people to the shelter, while the other team went to help people clean up the ruins.
Xiao YuAn stayed in the shelter to apply medicine to the wounded, who had been carried by the soldiers. An old man, dressed in rags, wiped his tears as he sobbed: "We're glad you came here, the other shelter is running out of medicine. If you hadn't come, we wouldn't be able to survive."
"Other shelter?" Xiao YuAn was puzzled.
The old man said: "Yes, a few days after the accident in Langcheng happened, two physicians surnamed Zhang came from the neighboring town, from Taoyuan Village. They're good people! They saved a lot of people and treated their injuries without asking for money."
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Xiao YuAn's eyes lit up as he asked: "Where are they now?"
"There's a half-collapsed Taoist temple on the outskirts of the town. They're right there!"
When Xiao YuAn finally managed to make some free time for himself, he ran to the outskirts of the town, right where that old man said. From a distance, he saw several bamboo poles outside the Taoist temple, with strips of gauze hanging on them. There were also three big dustpans next to the bamboo poles, as well as many herbs stained with soil.
The Taoist temple was converted into a temporary medical center. Every corner was filled with herbs, bottles and jars, while several wounded people laid on thick quilts. In the Taoist temple, there was an old man bending over, in order to examine a man whose leg was bleeding.
As the setting sun shone through the cracks of the broken walls, the old man's white hair looked amberish. His back was a little bent, and his hands were holding a medicine jar, which were trembling slightly due to his age. As he stroked his white beard, he shouted all of a sudden: "Zhang Baizhu! Bring me the gauze at the door. Come on, brat! Hurry up!"
Xiao YuAn looked around, only to find that Zhang Baizhu wasn't there. Without knowing where Zhang Baizhu had gone, Xiao YuAn didn't dare to neglect as he hurried to take the gauze and hand it over to Zhang Changsong.
Zhang Changsong took the gauze, and when he was about to ask 'Zhang Baizhu' to lend him a hand, he raised his eyes. The second he saw Xiao YuAn in front of him, he froze.
But Xiao YuAn understood that Zhang Changsong didn't know it was him, because Zhang Changsong didn't recognize his appearance. Since Xiao YuAn didn't know what to say, the two of them stared at each other in silence.
The wounded man on the table groaned all of a sudden, unconsciously moving his legs. As soon as he struggled, the pierced thigh began to bleed again. If the bleeding wasn't stopped right away, that man may be in a critical condition.
Zhang Changsong pushed aside his astonishment and hurriedly said to Xiao YuAn: "Would Gongzi please help me hold him down? This wound needs to be pressed hard!"
"Alright." Xiao YuAn nodded and hurried to do as he was told.
After a lot of effort, the wounded man finally quieted down. The wounded leg was also bandaged and no longer bled. At that moment, Xiao YuAn and Zhang Changsong, who were exhausted to death, each sighed a long breath.
A basin of clear water was placed next to the table, and Zhang Changsong washed his blood-soaked hands. Then, he called Xiao YuAn to wash his hands as well.
Xiao YuAn went forward and dipped his hands into the water. As Xiao YuAn washed his hands, he began to think about what to say.
'Sigh. Even though we meet again, you don't 'know' who I am. Where should I put my joy then?'
Xiao YuAn was still lamenting, when all of a sudden, Zhang Changsong said: "Excuse me, Gongzi, may I ask if you know a man named Xiao YuAn?"
His Shifu's voice was very soft, but it fell on Xiao YuAn's ears like thunder. Making Xiao YuAn raise his head in shock, staring straight at Zhang Changsong.
As if something had blocked Xiao YuAn's throat, he swallowed several times. At that, it felt as if something had fallen into his heart, stirring up a thousand waves. In the end, Xiao YuAn shouted: "Shifu!"
Zhang Changsong was stunned at first, but then he hesitantly asked: "Xiao YuAn?"
Xiao YuAn was so excited, that he wiped his hands carelessly and said incoherent words: "It is me, Shifu! You- how? How did you know it was me?!"
Zhang Changsong cursed out loud, but he had tears of joy accumulating in his eyes: "Humph! You brat! I was the one to teach you how to stop the bleeding by pressing on the wound! I taught you and Zhang Baizhu! How could I not recognize you?! But you…. changed your appearance? How…. what did you do to look so different?"
Xiao YuAn said: "…. Something happen-…. in the Palace….cough, Shifu, it's a long story."
Zhang Changsong didn't pursue the matter. As he stroked his white beard, he remained silent for a long time. Then, he reached out to pat Xiao YuAn soothingly: "You must have suffered a lot."
Xiao YuAn was stunned.
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No one had ever said those words to him.
All of a sudden, Xiao YuAn was graped by emotions that were hard to describe. But he didn't feel any pain. In fact, Xiao YuAn wanted to thank Zhang Changsong for comforting him.
After Xiao YuAn rubbed his eyes twice, he looked up and smiled: "Shifu, what are you talking about? Whether I had suffered or not, it was still something I've chosen myself."
Zhang Changsong sighed lightly, patted Xiao YuAn's shoulder again, and finally asked: "Are you alright?"
As he nodded with his head down, Xiao YuAn stretched out his hand to rub his eyes again.
"That's good." Zhang Changsong then let out a long breath.
At that moment, out of nowhere, a loud voice was heard from outside: "Father! Hear me out, I just found out that there is Tianqi1 in the mountain that's 10 li2 to the West. Let's go and dig some! This way we won't have to worry about running out of myrrh3!"
As Zhang Baizhu shouted, he walked into the Taoist temple. When he saw Xiao YuAn and Zhang Changsong looking at each other with teary eyes, Zhang Baizhu couldn't help but be stupefied: "Uh, who is this Gongzi?"
When Xiao YuAn saw Zhang Baizhu, Xiao YuAn was immediately delighted: "I'm the godfather of your son of course!"
Zhang Baizhu: "What? What did you say?"
Xiao YuAn said: "Can't you tell who I am?"
Then, Xiao YuAn mentioned Zhang Baizhu's son's infant name, as well as the complete date of his birthday. All of which Zhang Baizhu had personally written to him in a letter.
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Zhang Baizhu: "Shit! Who the hell are you?!"
Xiao YuAn: "Didn't I just say that I'm your son's godfather?"
Zhang Baizhu finally realized: "You fucker! Xiao YuAn, is that you?!"
Xiao YuAn: "Hell yeah it's me!"
Then, Zhang Changsong yelled at them: "This Taoist temple is full of patients that need to rest! If you two want to shout, shout outside."
As soon as he said that, Zhang Changsong kicked them out of the Taoist temple.
Once Zhang Baizhu and Xiao YuAn were kicked out of the Taoist temple, they stabilized themselves, then they stared at each other. Only to burst out laughing with youthful spirit right after. Just like the old days.
As Zhang Baizhu wrapped an arm around Xiao YuAn's neck, Zhang Baizhu rubbed Xiao YuAn's head with the other hand: "You really are Xiao YuAn! But, why do you look so different?!"
Since Xiao YuAn wasn't willing to show weakness, he wrestled with Zhang Baizhu: "Guess. If you can guess correctly, I'll tell you."
The two men quarreled for a while, when all of a sudden, they heard Zhang Changsong shouting from the Taoist temple: "What are you two doing? Get your asses back here and take care of the patients!"
Only then did the two friends release each other, and hurried into the Taoist temple to help Zhang Changsong in taking care of the injured people.
SIDE STORY 7: Happy Family.
The dedicated disaster relief lasted for several days. Although the town hasn't yet returned to its former tranquility, at least, people have started to regain hope.
Due to this, Zhang Changsong and Zhang Baizhu planned on going back to Taoyuan Village.
Xiao YuAn was also determined to go back with them, while Chen Ge and his soldiers stayed behind to continue the disaster relief. Xiao YuAn and Chen Ge then agreed to meet in Taoyuan Village in half a month.
The day Zhang Changsong and Zhang Baizhu left, the people of Langcheng, who had been treated by them, escorted them for 10 li1.
Even after the sunset arrived, they didn't know how else to pay for their kindness other than escorting them all the way back.
In the end, Zhang Changsong tried to dissuade them several times, before sending them back to their town.
Zhang Baizhu said emotionally: "I haven't been so happy in my life!"
Xiao YuAn laughed as he said: "More happy than the day you married Shenling?"
Zhang Baizhu: "…. You! Alright, alright! This day is second only to the day I married my wife, which was the happiest day of my life!"
Xioa YuAn asked again: "Then what about the day your son was born?"
Zhang Baizhu folded his sleeves and said: "…. Stop talking. You want to fight with me, Xiao YuAn?!"
AD
Zhang Changsong coughed fiercely, making both of them stay as quiet as a frightened chicken. Then, Zhang Changsong looked at these two boys and stroked his white beard: "Let's hurry home."
The two young men responded in unison: "Yes!"
Taoyuan Village, a place where the crane whispers to the pines above the moon, and the flowers blossom beautifully in Spring2.
While the neighboring town, Langcheng, had to suffer from big and small earthquakes, Taoyuan Village wasn't affected at all. Because Taoyuan Village was a magical place.
Zhang Changsong and Zhang Baizhu had been away for the past few days in order to help the neighboring town. Lin Shenling, on the other hand, was responsible for taking care of the medicinal shop.
Since Third Aunt was worried Lin Shenling would be too busy, she decided to take Lin Shenling's son back to the Residence.
The little kid was wearing a red undergarment that covered his chest and belly, while his hair was tied up. Despite his age, the little kid was smart, and he was able to sweetly say 'Mommy, Aunty, Yang-gege, Xiao-gege3' and so on.
At the age of three and a half, he was very curious about everything, so the first time he saw Xiao Fengyue calculating the accounts, he played with Xiao Fengyue's abacus. The kid didn't want to let go, even if people pulled at him. However, the next day, the little kid dragged Yang Liuan, hugged his leg, and insisted on climbing to his shoulders.
In the end, as long as the little kid was on the ground, he would run around everywhere, and Third Aunt was unable to keep an eye on him.
Today, because Lin Shenling had to go to the medicinal shop, the little kid was being taken care of by Third Aunt. But when Third Aunt went to take a nap, the little kid sneaked out through the door.
As soon as his short legs stepped out of the main door of the residence, the little kid was suddenly picked up by someone.
"Who are you?" The little kid said in a very loud voice, tugging at the person's ear as he spoke.
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The man smiled and said: "If I guessed right, you should be my godson. Come on, call me Godfather!"
The little kid said: "Daddy said that my godfather's name is Xiao YuAn. Are you Xiao YuAn?"
Xiao YuAn smiled and asked: "Your father talks about me that often?"
The little kid said: "Yes!"
Xiao YuAn pinched the little kid's fleshy face and said: "I came back too late. Come here, Godfather brought you a present."
Xiao YuAn then took out a jade-embedded gold lock4 from his bosom and put it on the little kid.
There's nothing wrong with the gold lock, but the thing was that it was as big as two fists. Since it was too big for a kid to wear, it made the little kid wobble when he walked and stumbled three times. He couldn't even lift up his head.
Not only did this unknown person didn't let the little kid go out to play, but that person also made him wear something heavy so he couldn't walk. 'He's a bad guy!' The little kid thought, as he cried out loud, almost deafening Xiao YuAn.
Yang LiuAn was cleaning the courtyard when he suddenly heard the little kid's cry. After he rushed out, he saw a stranger holding the little kid. Just when Yang LiuAn was about to question the stranger, he saw that man smiling at him: "Ah! LiuAn, it's me! Xiao YuAn!"
After being separated from each other by thousands of miles in the past, it's hard to forget about the melancholy of their lives5.
Now, surrounded by beautiful scenery, in the season when the flowers fall, they get to meet each other again6.
Yang LiuAn and Xiao Fengyue had sent letters to Xiao YuAn, so they already knew that Xiao YuAn had changed appearances. Due to this, Yang LiuAn quickly accepted this Xiao YuAn, who had a different face.
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But it was Third Aunt, who didn't realize it was Xiao YuAn until after he turned around and said with his usual smile: "Aunty, I want to eat braised pork, roast chicken and marinated duck."
Third Aunt then said with certainty: "Yes, yes, it's YuAn! The Capital is very strange, ah. You went to the Capital and came back with a new appearance!"
With the exception of Yang LiuAn and Xiao Fengyue, no one else knew about the affairs of the Imperial Power and the Court. They only knew that Xiao YuAn traveled to the Capital and nothing more.
Third Aunt sighed with emotion, rubbed her eyes with a handkerchief and complained: "Damn brat, you finally came back to see your Aunty! In the evening, Aunty is going to cook delicious food for you to celebrate this occasion!"
Sure enough, that evening Third Aunt did cook several dishes to fill the big table. She even invited Zhang Baizhu's family, so that everyone can have a happy meal together.
Xiao Yuan and Zhang Baizhu began to fight for the wine as soon as they had a disagreement. But no one was impressed.
Yang LiuAn couldn't escape. He was dragged over by Xiao YuAn and Zhang Baizhu to drink together.
Zhang Changsong, on the other hand, scolded them as he stroked his beard: "Damn brats, don't drink too much!"
Third Aunt added more dishes for them, with a smile on her face: "Come on, eat more."
As she held the little kid, Lin Shenling stared at Zhang Baizhu, who was in the process of emptying a bowl of food, with his head leaned back, and smiled faintly at Xiao YuAn: "Xiao-gongzi, I've never seen Baizhu this happy in a while. It's all because you came back."
Xiao YuAn sighed: "Well, don't say anything else and drink more!"
Soon, the three men were completely drunk.
"
"
Zhang Changsong went to make some sober-up soup for the young brats. At that moment, Yang LiuAn leaned on Xiao Fengyue's shoulder and fell asleep, while Lin Shenling supported a delirious Zhang Baizhu as she fed him fresh water. Third Aunt carried the little kid towards a wing room to coax him to sleep, and Xiao YuAn was laying down on the table, as he sang from the top of his lungs: "Unforgettable night, it's an unforgettable night. Regardless of the end of the world and the horizons of the sea7."
It's so hard to meet your closest friends in this world, just like how the stars in the sky can never be close to each other8.
'What a nice night to drink together under the moonlight.'
'When I look back, how many vicissitudes have we each experienced since we parted ways? But since we've exchanged letters for so long, it doesn't feel as if time has passed at all.'
'But now, we're finally reunited after such a long time! Let's drink ten cups of sweet wine in one go! Let's get drunk! Let's get drunk!'
…
The next day, they woke up with a hangover and a splitting headache.
Xiao YuAn collapsed on the bed, without the slightest intention to move.
All of a sudden, someone knocked on the door and opened it. It was Xiao Fengyue.
Xiao Fengyue brought a hot rice porridge to warm Xiao YuAn's stomach. Xiao YuAn sat up with a smile on his face and thanked him. As Xiao YuAn took the bowl and drank it with a spoon, Xiao Fengyue asked: "Young Master was very drunk last night, how do you feel now?"
Xiao YuAn, still with the spoon in his mouth, said vaguely: "Fine, I'm alright."
Xiao Fengyue took out a letter and handed it to Xiao YuAn.
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Xiao YuAn froze: "What's this?"
Xiao Fengyue said: "This was sent by Princess Yongning not that long ago. Princess Yongning must have thought that the Young Master was still in Taoyuan Village."
Xiao YuAn was speechless for a long time, before he could finally take the letter.
The letter was quite long, and a lot of things were written inside. Things about the flowers blooming in Spring, the fruits she ate in Summer, the lotus roots she picked in Autumn and how she played in the snow in Winter. There were also a few words of greetings.
Xiao YuAn read the letter several times, and as he tried to imitate Zhou Yu's words, he wanted to write a letter back to Princess Yongning. However, he couldn't write a single word.
"Forget it." Xiao YuAn threw the brush away and said: "I'll just go to the Western Shu Kingdom to see them."
Xiao YuAn stayed in Taoyuan Village for a few more days, left a letter telling Chen Ge about when and where they'll meet, then sent off on the road to the Western Shu Kingdom.
In the Western Shu Kingdom, the flowers were abundant in the City of Jinguan.
Although Xiao YuAn was the Monarch of the Western Shu Kingdom, he never went back there. On one hand, he wasn't familiar with it and he had nothing to miss from there. On the other hand, it was a long distance away and he didn't feel like traveling for so long.
Now that the Four Kingdoms were unified into one big nation, and the County System was set up, the original Capital of the Western Shu Kingdom was renamed as Jinguan City.
Xiao PingYang and Yongning were living in Jinguan City.
Although the Four Kingdoms were unified, the Western Shu Kingdom was still dominated by women, so most of the High-Ranking Officials here were also women.
Xiao PingYang was the Governor of Jinguan City, guarding the peace and security of this region.
Although it was Xiao YuAn the one who came to visit Xiao PingYang and Yongning, since he had the identity of Xiao Jun Wang now, he could only present himself as such.
Even though the winter in Jinguan City was rarely snowy, it was still cold. When breathing, a white mist will linger from one's mouth.
As the sound of horse hooves landed in front of the Governor's Residence, Xiao YuAn tightened the big cloak on his body. When he jumped off the carriage, he was welcomed into the residence by two maids, who had been waiting for a long time in front of the residence.
After walking through a corridor, he arrived at the main hall, where Xiao PingYang was waiting.
When Xiao PingYang saw Xiao YuAn, she called him 'Elder Brother' with proper manners.
"Where's Yongning?" Xiao YuAn looked around.
"She'll be here in a minute. Sit down." Xiao PingYang then asked a maid to bring tea.
As soon as Xiao YuAn picked up the white porcelain tea cup, he heard Xiao PingYang ask: "Elder Brother, did you come all the way from Taoyuan Village?"
Xiao YuAn nodded: "There was a disaster in Langcheng, and I went to provide disaster relief. When I passed by Taoyuan Village, I met a person who claimed to know Yongning. When he heard that I was going to travel to the Western Shu Kingdom to visit you, he asked me to bring a letter to Yongning for him."
Then, Xiao YuAn took out a letter.
In order to write this letter, Xiao YuAn had to think hard for several days, until he finally came up with a reply.
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Now, when Xiao YuAn had to face both Princesses, he could only use the identity of Xiao Jun Wang. So he had to lie.
When Xiao PingYang took the letter and read the words 'Zhou Yu' inscribed on the paper, the look in her eyes became complicated. As she looked up at Xiao YuAn, she said softly: "Elder Brother, I know everything."
Xiao YuAn, who was drinking the tea, choked to death. After coughing for what felt like forever, he asked with wide eyes: "What do you know?"
As Xiao PingYang put down the letter, she said: "I know that the previous Emperor of the Northern Kingdom was stabbed to death for being a rebel."
Xiao YuAn became silent and waited for Xiao PingYang's next words.
'Come to think of it, how could Xiao PingYang not know about this major political event? When she was such an extraordinary and sophisticated individual?'
Then, Xiao PingYang added: "Yongning doesn't know about it. She has always thought that her brother, the previous Emperor of the Northern Kingdom, is still living in Taoyuan Village. I hope Elder Brother won't let Yongning know when you see her."
Xiao YuAn faintly guessed something and asked: "You were the one who stopped the news from spreading?"
Xiao PingYang nodded: "I won't let Yongning be sad. If I can hide this information, I'll do it for the rest of my life.
Xiao YuAn then asked: "What will happen if you can't stop it from spreading one day?"
Xiao PingYang looked at Xiao YuAn with calm eyes: "If that day were to come, I believe Yongning will survive the sadness. She's stronger than you think. Besides…." Xiao PingYang slowly picked up her cup of tea, took a sip, and continued: "She has me by her side."
Xiao YuAn sighed: "You should publish a book! I'll buy a hundred copies!"
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Xiao PingYang: "…..?"
Later that evening, Xiao YuAn met Princess Yongning. She was wearing a plain white dress, while her fine black hair was tied up, making her look more mature and dignified. But when she smiled, Xiao YuAn could still see the lively spirit she had the first time he met her.
Xiao YuAn stayed with the two Princesses in Jinguan City for several days, until Chen Ge hurried all the way from Taoyuan Village to escort him back to the North.
Xiao PingYang and Yongning wanted to keep Xiao YuAn for a bit more, but Xiao YuAn simply smiled and said: "No more, it's time for me to go back."
Enjoying a leisurely life in a secluded village, where you can see the southern mountains among the clouds, as well as wild cranes flying around, it sure sounds like a more comfortable and unrestrained type of life.
But Xiao YuAn missed Yan HeQing.
SIDE STORY 8: Golden Wind And Jade Dew (The End).
Hurrying along the dusty road, Chen Ge and his party finally returned to the North.
That day, the Imperial Palace hosted a banquet. The soldiers who delivered the disaster relief were invited to the main hall to meet the Emperor, where their meritorious service will be rewarded.
After the banquet came to an end, Yan HeQing hurried to the Imperial Bedchamber. In the morning, he was discussing Court affairs with the Ministers, so he couldn't make it to meet Xiao YuAn when he arrived. Moreover, Xiao YuAn didn't attend the banquet, so the two of them hadn't met yet.
Unexpectedly, when Yan HeQing walked into the inner room, he couldn't find Xiao YuAn.
Yan HeQing asked several people, but no one really knew where he had gone. At this, Yan HeQing frowned slightly.
At that moment, Tian Xiang suddenly remembered something and informed Yan HeQing: "Your Majesty, today is February 281…."
February 28 was late Winter and early Spring, which meant that snow would sometimes fall and sometimes not.
On the hillside of the Temple of Heaven, beside the pale green pines and cypresses, there was a grave.
Xiao YuAn was half kneeling on the ground, weeding the grave as the sun set in the horizon, painting a beautiful scenery in the sky.
After pulling out the weeds, Xiao YuAn patted off the mud from his hands, sat down next to the grave, and propped up his hands. Then he smiled at the grave and said: "I'm here again."
"This year, it became cold earlier than usual, but it hasn't been snowing much lately. Tian Xiang said that this Spring is going to be a bit cold, so the cold will remain for a while."
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"Speaking of Tian Xiang, I know that you wouldn't have wanted her to enter the Palace, but when I asked her about it, she said that she didn't want to leave the Palace. I didn't try to persuade her anymore, but don't worry, I won't let anyone bully her."
"By the way, I went to Taoyuan Village, and everyone is doing quite well. I also went to the Western Shu Kingdom to see PingYang and Yongning."
"I don't know if you mind my nagging, but if you do think I'm being too noisy, just tell me in a dream. Next time, I'll speak less."
"Alright, it's time to go back. I'll see you next time."
Then, Xiao YuAn got up, patted off the mud on his body, and walked down the mountain. Since the sun was setting, it became hard to walk on the rugged mountain.
The sky was getting darker and darker, making Xiao YuAn unable to see the road clearly. He was walking extremely slowly, but when he saw that he was about to reach the foot of the mountain, he stumbled across a deep pit. In the next second, Xiao YuAn's feet met with air, and he stumbled forward, falling miserably on the ground.
"Hiss!"
Xiao YuAn was laying on his back on the ground, and it took him a long time to recover. After he patted off the sand from his reddened palms, he supported himself and tried to stand up. Unexpectedly, when he motioned to get up, he felt a strong pain coming from one of his knees.
When Xiao YuAn fixed his eyes on his knee, he found that his right leg had accidentally knocked against a big stone. Not to mention the pain coming from that area, there was even some blood coming out.
Sighing with annoyance, Xiao YuAn rubbed his head with exasperation. As he thought that he couldn't stay here, he dragged his injured leg and tried to find two fairly straight branches. Once he found the branches, he clamped them to the injured knee and tied them tightly with his belt. Then he propped up with the help of a tree and struggled to stand up. Little by little, he walked down the mountain.
After taking two steps, the feeling of the wound sticking to his clothes became more and more obvious. It was so painful that Xiao YuAn could hardly walk. As he was lamenting helplessly, he suddenly saw a light ahead of him.
Someone was coming this way with a lantern.
When Tian Xiang saw Xiao YuAn looking so miserable, she couldn't stop herself from shouting: "Aiya! Xiao Jun Wang! What happened, why are you injured again?"
"Again…. I don't understand why I keep bumping into things like this…. It's so hard for me." Xiao YuAn sighed a long, exasperated breath.
With the help of Tian Xiang, Xiao YuAn avoided the tragedy of dying in the wilderness of the mountain. Since Tian Xian's strength wasn't enough to support Xiao YuAn, and given that the two of them had to walk for a painstakingly long period of time, the injury on Xiao YuAn's knee became even more miserable, swelling to the point of it almost looking like a steamed bun.
Seeing that it was already late at night, with the breeze turning stronger, as well as the weather getting colder and colder, Tian Xiang realized that with their current speed, they would return to the Imperial Bedchamber by tomorrow morning. When the two of them passed by a Pavilion, Tian Xiang said to Xiao YuAn: "Xiao Jun Wang, sit in this Pavilion for a while, I'll go search for an Imperial Guard and ask them for help."
"Alright, don't worry." Xiao YuAn said.
Tian Xiang nodded her head as she helped Xiao YuAn sit down in the Pavilion. Then she trotted off to find someone.
It was February 28, so it was still a cold day. As Xiao YuAn leaned against a pillar in the Pavilion, he tried to warm his hands with his breath. All of a sudden, a cold wind blew by and a tiny glittering snowflake fell in his hands.
"Ah…." Xiao YuAn looked up.
The desert was misty again, and the snowflakes fell, one after the other.
At that moment, in Taoyuan Village, Zhang Baizhu had just sent away the last patient in the medicinal shop, who thanked him repeatedly. After closing the door, he stretched himself.
When Zhang Baizhu turned around, he saw his son babbling and shouting 'Grandpa!' from Lin Shenling's arms, only to pounce at Zhang Changsong right the next moment. Zhang Changsong, who was always showing a serious appearance, had an affectionate expression on his face.
At the same time, Xiao Fengyue was writing down the accounts, when someone suddenly took a coat and wrapped it around him. When Xiao Fengyue raised his head, his gaze met with Yang LiuAn's. With a gentle smile on his face, Xiao Fengyue said: "LiuAn."
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Yang LiuAn then approached the window and said: "It began to snow. It's so cold outside, you should rest early."
"Mm." Xiao Fengyue nodded his head, as he tightly wrapped the coat Yang LiuAn had put on him. Then he got up to close the window.
The moment the window was closed, a window was suddenly pushed open in the Western Shu Kingdom.
As she held the window frame, Yongning, who was overjoyed, turned her head to shout at Xiao PingYang: "PingYang, look! It's snowing!"
Right after saying that, Yongning pulled Xiao PingYang and trotted out of the wing room. As Yongning tilted her head to meet with the falling snow, she held Xiao PingYang's hands, twirling around twice in excitement.
Xiao PingYang's skirt, which was decorated with peonies embroidered by Yongning herself, flew in the air with this motion.
In another world, inside a sanatorium, Xiao Wangye was writing down his brother's medicine for today's treatment in his diary. When Xiao Wangye raised his head, he found that his brother, who was still in the wheelchair, fell asleep with his head tilted to the side.
Xiao Wangye quickly got up to stuff his brother into the warm quilt. After that was done, he turned his head to look at the diary, only to write down: 'My brother's mental state is gradually stabilizing. Perhaps…. I'm not as weak and useless as I thought.'
In another world, Hong Xiu had just arrived home from a tiring day at work. As soon as she opened the door, Tian Xiang and their brother, who were here to spend winter vacation together, shouted 'Welcome back!' in unison.
"Sister! You're back! Brother and I made dinner. Come on in, let's eat!"
"Alright, I'll go, I'll go." Hong Xiu looked at the noisy warm home, bent her eyes and smiled. All of the fatigue she felt just now dissipated.
At the same time, Xie Chungui, who had just finished training, was about to return to the dormitory, when his shoulder was suddenly grabbed by a Xiongdi: "Captain Li Wuding did a meritorious job today! Let's go and celebrate his victory!"
At that moment, the military exercise field was filled with young men in the prime of their life.
Those two were still carrying the faith on their shoulders, as well as their loyalty and righteousness.
The only difference was that, this time, they'll have a prosperous and peaceful life.
At the same time…
The glittery snowflake, blown by the wind into Xiao YuAn's palm, melted into water. At that moment, Xiao YuAn heard the sound of hurried steps coming from the snow. Sure enough, when Xiao YuAn looked up, he saw Yan HeQing coming his way, with a worried expression on his face.
In the end…. When the golden wind met the jade dew2, the wanderer young man finally found his way back home.
As Xiao YuAn curved his eyes, with a beautiful smile adorning his face, he suddenly felt incredibly at ease.
"Yan-ge, I accidentally fell down and my leg hurts."
"I'll help you."
"Don't help, carry me on your back."
"Alright."
