Ye Ci leaned over, squeezing his fingers and twisting them.

There was a soft, powdery feeling between the fingertips.

He was still confused, but had a gut feeling that something was going wrong. His face was suddenly burning hot, and he clutched the back of his neck as he stood straight on the ground, the revolving lantern of life projecting in his mind……

Fortunately, Huo Tinglan was still asleep.

After another half a minute, he swallowed his saliva, leaned over to lift a corner of the sheet and slowly pulled it.

If his technique was light and careful enough, then maybe it could be pulled out without alerting Huo-shushu.

The idea was sound, but unfortunately, before it could be implemented, Huo Tinglan suddenly turned over. He opened his eyes without warning and stared straight at Ye Ci. His tone was wide awake when he opened his mouth, as if he hadn’t slept: “What’s the matter, baby?”

Primal instincts of vigilance enabled advanced Alphas to recover energy quickly through short, light sleep. The higher the gland level, the more prone they were to sleep light and wake up easily.

Besides, the fishy-sweet vanilla scent was so strong that it could clog the nose, and it was not hard to wake up.

“N-nothing!” Ye Ci almost jumped at his unexpected and sudden stare. “You go to sleep, I’m going……to the bathroom.”

What was with Huo-shushu’s sleep patterns……no, why was he so alert?!

Huo Tinglan turned around and turned on the light. Propping up his upper body with his elbows leaning on the pillow, his heavy eyes swept over him. He smiled and said teasingly: “Why is there a sweet scent? Did juice spill?”

“Ah, en.” Ye Ci was stunned for a moment. Heart pounding, he babbled nonsense, “I wasn’t, wasn’t careful.”

“Why are you eating in the dark in the middle of the night?” Huo Tinglan looked at Ye Ci tenderly, and slowly said with concern, “Did you not get enough to eat at dinner? Are you hungry?”

“I was very full at dinner,” Ye Ci rambled. “That isn’t why……it’s easy to get hungry when, when the body is growing.”

“Oh.” Huo Tinglan was silent for a moment, thinking, then smiled as he reproached affectionately, “You also spilled a pair of pants……be careful next time.”

Ye Ci’s eyes went blank, and he tried his best to suppress the impulse to jump out the window and end it once and for all.

Huo Tinglan remained calm and composed: “Next time you get a midnight snack……bring me one?”

“I, I’ll bring you one next time.” Ye Ci nodded indiscriminately.

“What juice did you drink?”

“S-strawberry.”

“Where did you get it?”

“The, the kitchen refrigerator.”

“You know where the kitchen is?”

His tone was surprised.

“……….”

Seeing that the little gentleman was so ashamed that he would answer indiscriminately when asked, Huo Tinglan teased him for a long time and said a lot of nonsense.

His needs as an Alpha were chronically unmet. In addition to losing his spouse and finding him again, his lover was too young and his glands weren’t fully developed, so he could always see but never eat……psychologically, it was inevitable that there would be some serious illnesses.

With symptoms such as bullying children. The more obedient they were, the happier he was to bully them.

Ye Ci: “……….”

He had thought Huo-shushu was going to rescue him and give him a way out.

In the end, it was going more and more wrong……

Only when he saw that Ye Ci was about to be harassed into a coma did Huo Tinglan mercifully withdraw his supernatural powers. After digging out the replacement clothes, sheets, and other items from the cabinet, Ye Ci retreated to the bathroom.

After tidying up in a hurry, Huo Tinglan couldn’t help it and cornered Ye Ci, puncturing the paper window to give him a few words of “popular science.” 

In short, it was……

Very thorough.

“Can you stop, stop talking about this, Huo-shushu……” Ye Ci drooped his head. His face was so red that he could boil an egg on it, and he was so embarrassed that he could cry.

It wasn’t just the glands on the back of his neck. He had thoroughly turned into an Omega.

However, Huo Tinglan managed to speak in a sincere tone, and with half a smile, he kept talking to him.

In order to make Huo Tinglan shut up temporarily, Ye Ci wanted to cry but had no tears as he agreed to the next thing – – 

Regarding his lack of education in some respects.

In fact, there was no time to delay. Before their relationship had settled, there were some things that even Huo Tinglan felt would burn his lips, and he couldn’t teach them if he wanted to. Now he could finally teach generously.

“……So it’s settled? We won’t talk about it today, and I’ll talk to you slowly when we go back.” Huo Tinglan gave an innocent smile and put the blame on others again. “You didn’t even read the popular science textbook I gave you earlier. I would have rather taught you personally, but I was afraid you would be too thin-skinned and misunderstand that I was taking advantage of you……It’s just in time for summer vacation, and when we go back in two days, there will be one forty minute class per day until the book is finished. Do you think this arrangement will work?”

“Fine, it’s all……fine.”

“Then, when will you have time……to go to the hospital to check?” Huo Tinglan pointed at Ye Ci’s stomach.

How could Ye Ci dare say no? Only hoping that Huo-shushu would stop quickly, he said whatever he had to say.

Huo Tinglan was satisfied and let him go to sleep.

. . . . . . 

The next day.

Ye Ci didn’t want to let summer vacation wear down his fighting spirit too much, so he still woke up as early as when he was in school and took advantage of the morning, when he was most clear-headed, to memorize ancient Chinese and English words for a while, and then went to have breakfast.

After breakfast, he went back to his room to quiz himself. Too much pressure could be counterproductive, and he would be at loose ends. According to Huo Tinglan’s guidance, he formulated a study schedule and rested every day when his goals were completed, which could be regarded as recharging for the coming year.

Huo Tinglan said that after today’s task was completed, he would take him to have fun. There was a horse farm near the old house, where horses could be ridden, and a shooting gallery nearby, where you could play with guns. In the end, he had a playful heart and was full of motivation to learn, so he completed the task nearly an hour earlier than the expected time and looked for someone after putting down his pen. Huo Tinglan wasn’t in the room where they slept last night, and he didn’t message back right away, so he just asked the random auntie who was cleaning the room. She said that the other party was drinking tea in the tea room on the second floor. He didn’t think much about it and went directly to find him, but before he could knock on the door, he heard Lin Yao’s soft voice coming from the tea room.

“……After all, he is your husband and you’re the head of the Huo family. He will more or less attend some occasions with you in the future, and it’s not good to open one’s mouth and speak poorly……”

It turned out to be about his stuttering.

What Lin Yao said was not unreasonable, and her words were also tactful, but Huo Tinglan still defended him. There was a smile in his voice, almost mischievous: “It’s not easy for him to speak, but he still has me. I will be my husband’s spokesperson, all the same……”

“Aiya,” Lin Yao teased him with a smile, “I know that Xiao Ci is the flesh and blood of your heart and you won’t listen to half a sentence that doesn’t please your ears.” She was not in a hurry, and persuaded slowly, “I know you are afraid that he will think you dislike him for not being good enough, and that his self-esteem will be hurt. I understand, and that’s why I’m talking with you and not him. This is not an urgent matter, I just wanted to remind you.”

“I know you meant well.” Huo Tinglan smiled and lightly changed the subject, no longer speaking with Lin Yao about it.

He knew the cause of Ye Ci’s language barrier.

In the previous life, it was only in the second year after their marriage that Ye Ci completely let his guard down and confided those things to him.

How it was because of Ye Hongjun’s ex-husband, Ye Ci’s stepfather, a low-level Alpha.

This person was in love with Ye Hongjun for more than half a year before they got married, and had always been taciturn and honest, gentle and sincere, treating mother and son with utmost obedience and meticulousness. Ye Hongjun mistakenly thought that she and her child had found support for the rest of their lives.

However, after a few months of marriage, that scumbag gradually tore off his disguise in front of the mother and son.

He had quite serious violent tendencies.

And that personality flaw was compounded when he became addicted to drugs.

Maybe he used it to justify the outpouring of violence, or just to spice up the monotonous brutality – but outside of the regular punching and kicking, from time to time, he would also torture the seven-year-old Ye Ci in the name of “reciting texts.”

Of course, the items to be recited were not limited to textbooks for the lower grades of elementary school. In order to deliberately make things difficult for him, the stepfather sometimes even found some difficult and obscure classical Chinese.

In the process of reciting, if little Ye Ci misidentified a character, omitted something, or stumbled……

This would lead to beatings.

If Ye Hongjun went to stop him, they would be beaten together.

For little Ye Ci, “reciting texts” was synonymous with fear during those days of purgatory.

And the act of “talking” was often accompanied by sudden and severe beatings.

During that time, little Ye Ci often went to school with injuries all over his body, his thin little arms and legs covered with blue and purple bruises. During the dog days of summer, the tiny little kid was all wrapped up in long shirts and trousers, otherwise there would be no way to see other people.

Ye Honjun had been desperately trying to protect her child, but there was a huge gap in physical strength between her and an Alpha. The marriage process was difficult and long, with obstacles everywhere, and even after the divorce was successfully adjudicated, she was constantly harassed. Until that poisonous worm was imprisoned for drug trafficking, and died suddenly of a drug overdose several years after being released. The days of mother and son completely returned to peace.

Unfortunately, this tranquility came too late.

After being abused for a period of time, little Ye Ci gradually realized that when he was speaking normally, he would often suffer from nervousness, anxiety, and other emotions that lead to obstacles such as cold sweats and his mind going blank, as if he was being forced to “recite texts.” The tension and anxiety caused by this deepened in turn, exacerbating the problem……and just like that, a vicious cycle was created.

After growing up, Ye Ci, who had differentiated into an A-level Alpha, had the ability to protect himself. He gradually no longer flinched or felt fear when thinking of his stepfather, but a speech impediment could be deeply entrenched and difficult to remove.

To effectively correct Ye Ci’s stuttering, psychological treatment was an unavoidable hurdle.

Some victims with sensitive self-esteem tended to conceal this type of violence and abuse, and Huo Tinglan wasn’t sure if the current Ye Ci was willing to reveal this old scar in front of a therapist.

Therefore, until Ye Ci took the initiative to ask him for help, he would never put any pressure on him.

……

The tea room fell silent.

Ye Ci didn’t dare to stay any longer, and was about to retreat on tiptoe, when the cell phone in his pocket suddenly rang.

– – Huo Tinglan had sent him a message back.

The corridor was quiet in the afternoon. Even Lin Yao could hear the sound clearly, and it couldn’t escape the ears of a top Alpha.

Huo Tinglan hurried out of the tea room. After Ye Ci slipped a few steps away, he knew he couldn’t escape and stopped in embarrassment in a corner.

“Still learning how to eavesdrop?” Huo Tinglan first teased in a spry tone to show that he didn’t mind. Then he pressed the wall beside Ye Ci and caged him in with his arms, watching his expression.

Seeing that Ye Ci’s face was turning red and he didn’t look like his dignity had been hurt, he was relieved and tentatively asked: “What did you hear? Tell me.”

Ye Ci hesitated briefly, and raised his eyes. Those eyes were calm, and there wasn’t the slightest trace of the painful struggle when baring a scar, only candidness and a soft, kitten-like dependence.

“Huo-shushu, in fact, I want to, to fix it myself,” Ye Ci said with slight shyness.

“Baby, why are you so good……’ Huo Tinglan smiled softly. Fearing that he might be putting on a brave face, he thought about it and said lightly, “You don’t have to think about things like attending events with me. You are my husband, and no one can force you to do things you don’t like, to go where you don’t want to go, or say what you don’t want to say……understand?”

“It’s, it’s alright.” Ye Ci shook his head, and his expression did not seem to be fake. “I also never, never mentioned correcting it because I can’t remember speaking more than, than a few words to people before. But……” He took a step forward, wrapped his arms around Huo Tinglan’s slim waist, and tilted his head to rest his face on his shoulder.

From this angle, Huo Tinglan couldn’t see his expression, but he could hear it.

“I just hope that, that in the future……I can talk to you without barriers.”

There was a smile in his tone.

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Chapter Thirty-Six<< Table of Contents >> Chapter Thirty-Eight

The storeroom of the General’s Mansion was useless. The General’s Mansion, which sounded impressive, actually had pitifully little wealth. All of the reward money and salary was used to purchase weapons and reward the soldiers.

This room had been cleaned up, and then Yan Mingting stuffed it full of weapons brought back from the frontier.

The servants were afraid of the dangers these weapons might pose to the new master, and while guarding him carefully, they could only obey his orders and open all of the gift money and gift boxes received today for him to check.

As soon as Yan Mingting walked to the door, he heard that cold and indifferent voice drifting out: “The left official of the Ministry of Revenue has a hundred taels of silver, ten bolts of silk, and a sword, which is barely passable…… the silk?”

Yan Mingting pushed open the door and saw a servant opening a new box, which contained the received silk. Zhao Yelan leaned over to pick one up, rubbing the material with his fingertips.

“General,” the servant called out.

Yan Mingting nodded. His eyes remained on the back of that red figure, but the other party didn’t turn around for a long time, and even took the trouble to peruse the box.

“Cough.” Yan Mingting deliberately coughed to signal his existence. 

Only then did Zhao Yelan turn his head and reluctantly glance at him. He paused abruptly and tilted his head to look again at the person standing at the door, his pupils slightly dilated: “Who are you?”

“He’s the General,” Housekeeper Qin replied, wiping away his cold sweat. He quickly gave the maids meaningful looks and coaxed them away from the bridal chamber. In the middle of the night, the newlyweds gathered in the storeroom to count the gifts.

Zhao Yelan went to the door and glanced at Yan Mingting suspiciously. Yan Mingting wore the same wedding clothes, but with a sense of wantonness. His body was like a longbow, strong and powerful, poised for action. His hair was all coiled on top of his head, revealing a broad and handsome face, valiant and heroic. The bridge of his nose was high and straight, and despite being exposed to the wind and sun all year round, his skin was still fair.

Yan Mingting was satisfied to see the surprised expression on his face. Quite proud of himself, he lifted his chin slightly and was about to speak, when Zhao Yelan regained his calm appearance in an instant and turned around to order: “Take those two pieces of silk to the tailor shop tomorrow.”

“Yes,” Xiao Gao replied immediately, and took away the two pieces of silk in full view.

Housekeeper Qin and the servants all looked at the General. Yan Mingting nodded: “Give it to him, it’s useless to just leave it here.”

Zhao Yelan gave him a sideways glance, then walked to the bridal chamber, closing it with a bang. Yan Mingting and the people behind him were blocked outside.

“General, you still need to drink the wedding wine,” the servant girl whispered.

“It’s okay, you all go back first, there’s no need to wait.” Yan Mingting waved his hand and waited for everyone to leave before entering the bridal chamber as if nothing had happened.

The two cups on the table were empty. Yan Mingting glanced at the person sitting by the bed and walked to the table on his own, lifting the jug and tilting his head to take a few sips. He said cheerfully: “This is good wine.”

Zhao Yelan looked at him gloomily without moving a muscle.

“It’s getting late, let’s rest, ba.” Yan Mingting put down the jug, came to the bed, and moved to untie his belt.

“What are you doing!” Zhao Yelan shouted.

Yan Mingting was taken aback: “Undressing, ah, do you want to go to bed wearing such cumbersome clothes?”

Zhao Yelan was going to give him a few choice words, but when he opened his mouth, he coughed involuntarily. He subconsciously grabbed his collar and tilted his head to cough into it non-stop. His face became even paler, and he closed his eyes tightly, not wanting Yan Mingting to see his shameful appearance. 

After a little improvement, he slowly opened his eyes. They were full of defensiveness and anger, but he didn’t know if that anger was towards others or himself.

After a pause, he looked at the cup that had appeared before him and glanced at the person in front of him suspiciously.

“Drink some water first, ba,” Yan Mingting said.

Zhao Yelan was silent for a while, then took it without speaking. The hot water soaked his throat, soothing it.

Seeing that he had stopped coughing, Yan Mingting had just taken back the cup when he couldn’t help but sneeze two more times. Zhao Yelan frowned.

“I say……what on earth is that smell on you, ah? So pungent.” Yan Mingting asked. “With a fragrance like this, I’m going to sneeze every time I see you.”

Zhao Yelan looked askance at him: “This is the best perfume for tribute, it’s only pungent if you’re a fool.”

“How is it best for tribute, it only harms people.” Yan Mingting didn’t believe it, and wanted to cover his nose again.

What a puzzling custom!

Zhao Yelan found it bothersome to look at him any more. He wanted to go to bed, but had to be wary of this boor in front of him.

While he thought about it, Yan Mingting had already taken off his outer clothing. He sat on the bed and asked: “Why don’t you take it off?”

Zhao Yelan’s eyes were like knives cutting into him.

Yan Mingting didn’t realize this, however, and even started observing his new wife.

He had grown up amongst men since he was a child, and had seen millions of soldiers, but he had never seen a man like Zhao Yelan. He was said to be a formidable figure, yet he coughed after walking a few steps, was as weak as a weed, and could be blown away by a gust of wind. He was weak, and killing him would be effortless.

Of all people, such a person was extremely good-looking, surpassing all the men and women he had ever seen. His skin was as white as snow and his clothing as red as blood, which surprisingly suited him.

“Don’t worry about it,” Zhao Yelan said coldly.

“Is it too cumbersome for you to take it off? These clothes are really troublesome, I can help you.” As soon as Yan Mingting stretched out a hand, he was hit by a pillow. He pressed the pillow back to the bedside and leaned forward, almost touching Zhao Yelan.

There was a sudden bright flash followed by a chill at his neck. He froze, looked down at the knife against his throat, then raised his eyes to the pale Zhao Yelan.

“What do you want?” Zhao Yelan coldly looked at the person before him.

Yan Mingting looked puzzled. This was not a good attitude, ah. He asked doubtfully: “What are you doing?”

Zhao Yelan’s eyes were sharp as he held the knife firmly in his hand: “Stay, behave yourself, don’t move around.”

The corner of Yan Mingting’s mouth twitched. “You are the first to get close enough to me to threaten me with a knife.”

Seeing that he wasn’t concerned, Zhao Yelan’s pupils shrank slightly, and just as he was going to use force, his wrists were suddenly grabbed. Immediately afterwards, both hands were pressed against the bannister.

Zhao Yelan struggled, but his opponent’s strength was greater than his and he had no ability to fight back. He gasped violently, his chest heaving.

“Let me see what other good things you have hidden.” Yan Mingting touched his waist.

Zhao Yelan said furiously: “Yan Mingting!”

“That’s me.” Yan Mingting reached out and took a waist protector from him, difficult to penetrate with ordinary weapons. “En, that’s a good thing.”

Zhao Yelan was infuriated as he watched him throw the waist guard toward the door.

“Oh, and wristbands too?” Yan Mingting laughed and took the wristbands from his hands. “This is a treasure from the Minister of Ministry Affairs and should be a wedding gift for me. It seems that you took a lot from the storeroom just now.”

Zhao Yelan looked at him, bold and self-righteous: “What is the problem?”

“Nothing. Just to warn you, these are of no use to you.” Yan Mingting weighed the wristband. “Too heavy. You have thin arms and legs, and they will be difficult to wear.”

“You!”

Zhao Yelan had both hands free. While the other was lowering his head to study the wristband, he picked up the knife with a spurt of energy. As soon as he raised his hand, the other party easily grabbed his wrist without looking up and twisted it. He felt an immediate burst of pain.

It wasn’t over yet.

He didn’t know what kind of martial arts Yan Mingting did, but he was spun around for a moment and then sat in front of Yan Mingting with his back against his chest, making Zhao Yelan’s face turn red and white.

As he was about to fly into a fit of humiliated rage and start cursing, Yan Mingting held his hand and carved a word on the bed’s bannister – Early.

“You’re weak and in poor health. From now on, get up early every day and do horse stance with me!” Yan Mingting said.

Zhao Yelan: “ ? ”

After a lot of tossing, Zhao Yelan had given up on threatening his life and just looked at Yan Mingting as if beholding a fool: “What did you just say?”

“Horse stance.” Yan Mingting let go of his hand. “Your foundation is too poor. Since you want to practice martial arts, you have to learn from the fundamentals. For the sake of our marriage, I will personally supervise you. Ordinary people cannot enjoy this treatment.”

Zhao Yelan endured and endured, but still couldn’t hold it back. He gritted his teeth and asked, “Who said I’m going to practice martial arts?”

“That flowery and useless move you made just now, weren’t you testing your martial arts on me?” Yan Mingting wondered.

Zhao Yelan: “……….”

“Could it be……you want to threaten me with this lousy knife? So that I will have a wedding night with you?” Yan Mingting turned pale with shock, covering his chest with both hands.

Zhao Yelan was so angry that he threw the knife away: “Who wants a wedding night with you!”

“It seems that he wants to practice martial arts.”

“……….”

Zhao Yelan was exhausted. He numbly took off his outer garments, wrapped himself in the blanket and turned over, showing his angry back.

Seeing this, Yan Mingting smiled silently and lay down beside him.

“Get up!” Zhao Yelan sat up abruptly and said sharply: “Who told you to lie here!”

“This is my bed, why can’t I lie down?”

Zhao Yelan only hated that the knife had no effect on him, coughing twice: “In short, you can’t sleep here!”

“If I don’t sleep here, where else can I sleep?” As Yan Mingting spoke, he replaced the blanket for him. “Why do you keep coughing, why don’t you drink more water?”

Zhao Yelan’s body stiffened slightly, and he said, “Get out, don’t sleep in this room.”

Unexpectedly, the other person not only didn’t move, but instead leaned closer and closer to him and whispered in his ear: “There is someone on the roof.”

Zhao Yelan opened his eyes wide. To dare to secretly observe the wedding night at the General’s Mansion, there was perhaps only one person who had such courage.

He didn’t say anything more, just got up and went to get some books from the room and put them in the middle of the bed, separating the two of them clearly.

The room suddenly fell silent. Yan Mingting waved his hand to put out the candle flame, and it became pitch black.

After a long time, Zhao Yelan noticed that he was lying down, well-behaved, and had no intention of overstepping the rules. Maybe this boor didn’t know how to have a wedding night between two men, so he secretly relieved himself. He lay on his side for quite a while and couldn’t help but defend: “That was not a lousy knife, but a tribute from the King of Yunnan.”

“Tsk, paying tribute with garish and useless things. This thing can kill people on the battlefield in the hands of a talented person, but the jade inlaid on it can be sold for some money.” Yan Mingting said leisurely, “Looking good doesn’t necessarily mean it’s useful. I’ll pick some suitable ones for you another day.”

Zhao Yelan did not refuse. It was a fool’s behavior to not take advantage of something, and he was not a fool.

“By the way……aren’t you wondering how I suddenly became so handsome?” Yan Mingting turned sideways, and he could still see that silhouette in the darkness.

Since he returned to Beijing, anyone who saw him sighed that he was so different from what he was back then, and he didn’t bother to explain why.

But Zhao Yelan was only surprised for a moment, and immediately accepted the fact without giving him a chance to show off.

“It must be because of the poisoning, ba,” Zhao Yelan said. “The people who knew the inside story back then only knew that you were poisoned, but after some thought, it should be a poison that could even affect your appearance.”

“En.” Yan Mingting smiled. “This poison was so powerful that the military doctors were helpless, and I almost died. Fortunately, you sent someone to the frontier in time and saved my life.”

“It was the third……a person who was sent by the Emperor,” Zhao Yelan said.

“The Emperor didn’t even know about my poisoning at the time. Only you had seen me. Regardless of whether your original intention was to use us or not, you saved my life anyway.”

Zhao Yelan said nothing, and when he was about to fall asleep, Yan Mingting poked his back and asked: “What did you mean by the flowers you sent me?”

“Don’t touch me!” Zhao Yelan said angrily. “When did I send you flowers?!”

“Just a few days ago, you specially sent someone to the mansion with those willow branches……were you, to me……” While Yan Mingting was talking, he felt a little embarrassed to continue.

He usually lived with a group of big men and rarely encountered women. Such a bold act of love really made people troubled and embarrassed.

He sighed. Resting his arms on the pillow, he looked at the roof and said with a slight smile: “You don’t need to rush this matter. Wait for me to make mental preparations first. Although you are good-looking, I also haven’t seen anyone……”

“It was just some useless trash.” Zhao Yelan said.

Yan Mingting’s smile froze: “Huh?”

“There was no place to dispose of it, so I could only throw it in your house.”

The ruthless answer caught Yan Mingting by surprise, and he said in a daze: “What do you mean by that?”

“What do I mean?” Zhao Yelan asked indifferently. “You thought it meant something?”

“……….” Yan Mingting was speechless. Naturally, he wouldn’t reveal the fact that he had been self-indulgent, so he turned over and hummed. “It’s nothing, I just thought those flowers were too ugly, especially ugly.”

“Not as ugly as you.”

“You speak without conscience, where is this general ugly?”

“Everywhere is ugly.”

The two quarreled with their backs facing each other, falling asleep before they knew it.

But Zhao Yelan didn’t sleep well in a new place and a different bed, with a strange man beside him, and would wake up from time to time.

However, he didn’t expect that Yan Mingting would pick him up after he had finally fallen asleep to go practice horse stance!

T/N: No……no footnotes?! The universe can be so kind??

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Chapter Five<<Table of Contents >> Chapter Seven

The Mount Tai landslide situation improved. After the aftershocks subsided, public opinion changed somewhat. From the beginning, it was a secret insinuation that it was a punishment from God, but now everyone was talking about the marriage between the General and the Deputy Prime Minister.

Cut-sleeves were not prevalent in the Xuan Dynasty, but there was no harm in a rich and powerful businessman with special hobbies raising one or two men in the house as new playthings.

According to the ancestors of the Xuan Dynasty, a man could not be a main wife, especially in the royal family.

But now, Zhao Yelan would be given to Yan Mingting as his main wife. There were various speculations about it, and opinions differed, but what was certain was that no one was optimistic about this marriage.

However, no matter how far the rumors spread, the Zhao Mansion and the General’s Mansion were not affected in any way, and everything went on as usual.

What Xiao Gao brought back from the General’s Mansion was not only a chicken, but also a dowry booklet.

“Housekeeper Qin said that the General’s Mansion has not been lived in by the master for a long time, and many things are too old to be used, so he hopes that the Zhao Mansion can bring some useful dowry over there.”

“This was clearly Yan Mingting’s idea.” As soon as Housekeeper Qin saw him, he became an old quail and didn’t dare ask him directly. Zhao Yelan took the booklet and looked at the sky outside. The rain had stopped at some point, and the dark clouds dispersed. He hadn’t heard any news he wanted so far, so he could only go to the palace again by himself.

After finishing the morning court, the emperor went all the way to the main hall to review the memorials. When he saw him coming, he asked: “You didn’t come earlier, but now you’re here. What’s the matter?”

Zhao Yelan said bluntly: “I want to protest the decree.”

Zhao Xuan smiled instead of getting angry: “When the Imperial decree was first issued, I thought you would resist it. Why wait until now?”

“This minister has dedicated himself to the Emperor, but General Yan is an intolerable bully.”

“How did he bully you?”

Zhao Yelan handed over the booklet: “This was delivered to the mansion by General Yan. How dare he make such a request? It is clear that he doesn’t attach importance to Zhao Mansion and Your Majesty.”

Zhao Xuan opened it and looked at it for quite a while, then laughed and picked up another booklet from the table: “Does this look familiar to you?”

Zhao Yelan replied: “It was delivered to the General’s Mansion by this minister.”

“General Yan handed this thing over to me after the morning court, and said the same thing as you. He also wants to protest,” Zhao Xuan said. “Were you waiting for the news that I agreed with General Yan to call off the marriage? You couldn’t wait any longer, so you came to me in person to withdraw your agreement?”

Having been together for many years, they had long become familiar with one another’s temperaments.

Zhao Xuan walked up to him with a smile. The smile gradually faded, and he said in a low voice: “You know it is impossible for me to rescind an order I have already issued.”

As soon as the Imperial decree was issued, everyone knew that if you openly disobeyed the Emperor’s order, it would only lead to death. The only option was to come at it from another angle, such as taking the initiative to make Yan Mingting think of retreating. It was best to come to the Imperial court to file a complaint and blame the other. Maybe there was still a chance.

But Zhao Yelan also knew that this trick could be easily seen through by Zhao Xuan. Yan Mingting might also see through it, but if he still wanted to make a fuss, it depended on whether the Emperor was willing to turn a blind eye and take advantage of the stability of Mount Tai to cancel the decree.

But obviously, Zhao Xuan was not just Zhao Xuan anymore. He was also the Emperor who kept his promises.

“That will be all for now, go back and rest. People from the Ministry of Rites will take care of the details of the marriage, and I will definitely let you get married in a glorious manner.”

What a ridiculous marriage.

Zhao Yelan sneered in contempt, but when he raised his head, his pitiful expression had returned to his face: “This minister will obey the order.”

Seeing his appearance, Zhao Xuan’s voice softened unconsciously: “Will you blame me?”

Zhao Yelan: “This minister wouldn’t dare.”

“Then will you get along well with the General?”

Zhao Yelan’s mind moved slightly. The Emperor seemed to be asking casually, but he had to choose his answer carefully. The throne’s biggest taboo was officials shielding one another, not to mention that he was going to marry Yan Mingting, who held an army in his hands.

“If Your Majesty wishes so, this minister will live in harmony with him,” Zhao Yelan replied very meticulously.

Zhao Xuan smiled and patted him on the shoulder: “It doesn’t matter, you just need to be yourself after you get married.”

“Yes.”

“By the way, General Yan is very heroic, and he is a perfect match for you. It seems that you haven’t seen him yet, right? He looks exactly the same as what I’ve seen before……”

“This minister has seen him.”

Zhao Xuan was startled, and asked with a smile: “Then what do you think of him?”

“He’s not like that.”

Zhao Xuan laughed loudly: “In the past few days, everyone in the court is praising him, and you just look down on him.”

Zhao Yelan didn’t stay for too long. When there was no hope of withdrawing the decree, he took his leave.

Zhao Xuan watched him leave, his frail figure drifting away from the resplendent palace. He twirled the jade ring on his thumb and murmured: “Eunuch Gao,^[2] tell me……he really won’t blame me?”

Eunuch Gao poured tea for him and said: “Zhao-daren’s life belongs to you, the Emperor. He has devoted himself all these years, and once blocked an arrow for you. There is no second person in the world who is so loyal. Now that you have found a good marriage for him, how could he blame the Emperor?”

“Yes, ah, his health has not been good since he was hit by the arrow.” Zhao Xuan subconsciously pressed that place on his chest. If Zhao Yelan hadn’t blocked it for him back then, he might have been the sick man. He might have even died on that snowy night. He turned his head and said, “Go to the Tai Hospital and find a new doctor with good medical skills, and take them to Zhao Mansion for him to have a good look.”

Not long after Zhao Yelan returned to the mansion, people from the Tai Hospital came to check his pulse and prepare medicines. He listened sleepily to the sounds of people coming and going outside.

After a good while, Xiao Gao came in with a bowl of medicine. Zhao Yelan frowned, put the medicine aside, and went to the study.

Xiao Gao chased after him to the study room with the medicine bowl in his hands, coaxing and persuading him: “My lord, please take a sip, good medicine tastes bitter. This time there is a new doctor, maybe it will make your illness better.”

“Leave it, ba.” Zhao Yelan unfolded a piece of paper, picked up a writing brush, and began to draw.

“My lord, take a sip first.” Xiao Gao didn’t seem to be afraid of him getting angry. Just like an old hen, he kept making noises.

After the medicine had cooled down, Zhao Yelan put down his writing brush and picked up the bowl. He closed his eyes and drank it calmly, then handed over the painting he had made on the table to Xiao Gao.

Xiao Gao was overjoyed. When he took a closer look, the painting was clearly of an old hen.

The wedding date was getting closer and closer, and the Zhao Mansion and General’s Mansion were visibly busy. Although there were people from the Ministry of Rites to take charge of this matter, the two main participants still had to cooperate.

They must be familiar with the procedures of wedding clothes, wedding banquets, and big gifts.

Unexpectedly, even an old maid in the palace was sent to the Zhao residence, bringing with her many boudoir items.

As soon as Zhao Yelan heard her mention consummation, he invited the person to leave his house.

There were many things he needed to do, but he didn’t want to hear such nonsense. He wanted to look at his account books. He had saved a lot over the years, and knew very well that he would never be cheaper than others.

Xiao Gao came in with brand-new big red wedding clothes in his arms and saw him sitting at the table with a gloomy face. He stepped forward and asked: “My lord, why are you unhappy?”

Zhao Yelan glanced at him: “You are very happy.”

“Of course, I think my lord will look very good in these clothes.” Xiao Gao trembled with joy, and Zhao Yelan’s face turned darker.

Xiao Gao hung his clothes aside and asked, “My lord, what are you worrying about?”

Zhao Yelan didn’t make a sound. Even if he told him, he wouldn’t understand. After getting married, it would be very difficult to hold the position of Deputy Prime Minister again, and it was not certain whether he could go to early court. The emperor didn’t give his promise, so if he couldn’t keep it, he would have to stay in the back house^[3] like an ordinary woman.

But he intuitively felt that the Emperor would definitely deal with it in this way, which not only restrained him, but also restrained Yan Mingting, killing two birds with one stone.

He didn’t mind staying at home for the rest of his life, being a wealthy idler. The idea was to live safely, but would those enemies allow him to do so?

“By the way, where is the basket?” Zhao Yelan asked.

“Wait a minute.” Xiao Gao turned his head to get the basket. He couldn’t figure it out, but thinking about the strange things in the basket, he handed it to Zhao Yelan directly. “It’s strange, there seems to be nothing unusual about these ones today.”

There were only some snacks in the basket today, red dates, peanuts, longan, melon seeds. Ziao Gao scratch his head, completely confused: “What do these things mean? My lord, you don’t seem to like the food either, ba?”

Zhao Yelan threw the basket out and said angrily, “Clean all of these up.”

In the blink of an eye, it was the day of the big wedding. There were officers and soldiers on both sides of the street, and some common people who watched with excitement lined up from the Zhao Mansion to the General’s Mansion. The grand scene of the ten-mile red marriage procession could only be seen when the Emperor welcomes the Empress.

The welcoming line was very long, and the sending line was even more so. There were many boxes hanging behind the sedan chair, and the heavy dowry was enviable.

Zhao Yelan was sitting in the sedan chair. He was covered in red, holding a bridal veil in his hands that was embroidered with the golden word “Happiness,” which did not match his complexion.

The chattering voices outside carried into the sedan chair. Some guessed how much the dowry was worth, and some scolded him for stealing people’s wealth……He lazily closed his eyes to sleep, until the sedan chair was kicked three times and he heard the matron of honor say: “Please receive the new bride from the sedan chair.”

He woke up slowly, and saw a hand stretched out from outside the door curtain. It was a big palm with calluses all over the fingertips, the hand of a person who practiced martial arts all year round.

Today’s grand ceremony was presided over by the Emperor himself. All the officials had come to congratulate him, and Zhao Yelan didn’t want to lose face in front of everyone, so he simply put on the veil. What the eye didn’t see, the heart didn’t grieve over. He reached out and took that hand.

That hand froze for a moment, and then helped him down from the sedan chair. They stepped across the threshold of the General’s Mansion together, and went to the main hall.

Wearing bright yellow informal clothes, Zhao Xuan sat on the main seat and said a few words of congratulations. Standing on both sides were civil and military officials, each with their own thoughts, watching the couple together.

“The auspicious time has come, let us pray to heaven and earth.”

“Second, pay respects to the parents.”

“Bow to husband and wife.”

After that, Zhao Yelan was led to the new house, but the person next to him who had been quiet all of a sudden sneezed: “Achoo! Achooachoo!”

Zhao Yelan: “……….”

“General, bear with it,” the matron of honor whispered.

“I’ve endured it for a long time, and I almost did it just now during worship.” Yan Mingting flexed his fingers and rubbed his nose.

Zhao Yelan thought in his heart: Boor!

After the bridal procession, Yan Mingting was urged to drink with the guests. Regardless of whether you had met this group of people or not, whether you were familiar with them or not, you had to save face in this kind of life. He dealt with the Emperor first, waited for him to leave, and then turned around to drink with those well-mannered colleagues 

The military leaders were each better at drinking than the one that came before, and it didn’t take long to drink this group of civil servants to the ground. All that was left was a group of military officials fighting for wine.

Zhong Yuehong was the only female military leader here – although she could drink well, she was no match for so many people. She was about to change tables, and saw Yan Mingting sitting on the threshold, holding a bottle of wine in his hand as he drank from it from time to time.

“General, the moon is out.” Zhong Yuehong reminded him, “Leave this to us, ba, you should go back to your room.”

Yan Mingting sighed, propped himself up, and stood. Then Zhong Yuehong  whispered: “If the General is not willing, why did he accept the decree? We have so many brothers, so just……”

Before she finished speaking, He Cuizhang appeared from behind and covered her mouth: “Yuehong, this is the capital, be careful what you say!”

Zhong Yuehong elbowed him backhand. “I’m just offended on behalf of the General, he went through life and death for the Emperor and finally won the battle, but in the end he gave him a man? And a person like Zhao Yelan, isn’t this ruining the General’s reputation for nothing? How will future generations judge the General?”

The others were also silent, because she spoke out loud what was in everyone’s hearts, and the soldiers were also complaining on the General’s behalf in private.

Yan Mingting raised his head and took a sip of wine, then said abruptly: “I don’t live and die for the Emperor.”

Everyone was taken aback.

“I live and die for the people.”

“General……” Hearing these words, several people became even sadder, and their eyes turned red one after another.

“This is what Zhao Yelan told me.”

The people’s tears froze in an instant, then retreated back in.

“When did he tell you that?” Zhong Yuehong asked curiously.

“When we met for the first time,” Yan Mingting recalled.

Back in Beijing that year, the princes rushed to visit his father, trying to win over the Yan family’s army.

His father was at a loss. Because he didn’t know when the poison in Yan Mingting would be cured, he wasn’t sure how long his son would have to stay in Beijing. It might be for his entire life.

The princes would definitely use Yan Mingting to blackmail him. The crown prince was licentious, the second prince was cruel by nature, the third prince was powerless, the fourth prince had no great wisdom, and the fifth prince was weak and naive. It was hard to choose one of them, and if he chose wrong, the entire Yan army might be buried with him.

Yan Mingting bumped into Zhao Yelan, who was waiting for someone in the mansion, and asked him: “Since you belong to the third prince, you also came to find my father?”

“I’m here to see you, Major General.” Zhao Yelan’s voice was not loud, but calm and unhurried.

“Me?” Yan Mingting felt this was very novel, as if he was also a big shot. There were countless guests in the mansion and all of them were looking for his father. Because of his poisoning, it was difficult for him to see outsiders, let alone gain publicity. It was only mentioned that he was going back to Beijing to visit relatives. What’s more, he didn’t expect to be rumored to be a famous ugly man in Beijing.

“Major general has been fighting alongside the general since he was a child and will be a first-class figure in the future. It’s just that if a wrong decision is made now, it will not only be a loss for the Yan family army, but a loss for the entire Xuan Dynasty.”

Yan Mingting said: “So you want to persuade us to join the third prince?”

“No, I hope you don’t join any camp.” Zhao Yelan shook his head.

“Why?”

“Because you are fighting for the people, not for the Zhao family. Don’t get involved in this conspiracy, you can continue to protect the people on your own.”

Yan Mingting was stunned: “But, if we don’t make a choice, the Zhao family can kill our Yan family army at any time.”

“That’s because you have to stay in the capital right now. What if you didn’t have to?” Zhao Yelan said, “Major General, the person who tied the bell on the tiger’s neck should be the one to untie it,^[1] but it depends on whether you have the courage.”

Yan Mingting understood the meaning behind his words. The current dilemma was that his father would not disregard his life, so he was at an impasse. 

He talked with his father all night, and finally his father agreed that he would not treat him in Beijing and instead go back to the military camp, exchanging his health for the stability of the Yan family army and avoid stepping foot into this Imperial city that killed without spilling blood.

Unexpectedly, a few days later, the third prince secretly sent the Imperial doctor in charge of his illness to the frontier. The old general accepted his favor, and only said that if the third prince came to the throne in the future, Yan Mingting must be obedient.

The memory came to an abrupt end, and the details didn’t need to be shared with this group of subordinates, so Yan Mingting just smiled helplessly: “I’m not happy about this marriage, and Zhao Yelan might also not be happy, so you should all stop talking like this.”

Zhong Yuehong: “Then why did you keep sighing?”

“I was thinking……” Yan Mingting rubbed his chin. “Zhao Yelan has always thought I’m ugly, so when he suddenly sees my handsome appearance, will he faint in surprise? He was secretly in love, so wouldn’t he be infatuated now? This is tricky, how should I deal with this relationship problem……”

Subordinates: “……….” Excuse us, we’re very worried about you.

After handing over the courtyard to his subordinates, Yan Mingting passed through a corridor with red lanterns on both sides that made people blush and beam with joy.

When he came to the door, he felt a rare nervousness. He straightened his clothes, smelled the scent of alcohol on his body and fanned it with his hands, and then pushed open the door –

It was empty.

Yan Mingting blinked and looked around. Could he be hiding?

He went in and carefully checked the beams, the wardrobe, the underside of the bed, but there was no trace of anyone.

“Servants.”

Soon, a little maid ran over with a flustered expression.

“Husband……Zhao……where did he go?” Yan Mingting pointed at the room and didn’t know what to call him for a moment.

The maid hurriedly replied: “Answering the General, your husband……Zhao……aiya, it’s not good, he went to your storeroom!”

“Why did he go to the storeroom on the wedding night instead of staying in the room?” Yan Mingting strode toward the storeroom.

The servant girl said: “He took the gift list and went to the storeroom to count the gifts from the guests!”

Yan Mingting: “……….”

– – – – – – – – –

The author has something to say: 

The couple on their wedding night –

Yan Mingting: If he is stunned by me and falls in love with all his heart, what shall I do……

Zhao Yelan: Let me see, who gave too little gift money, who looked down on me? Assassination tonight.jpg

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[1] “The one to tie the bell on the tiger’s neck should be the one to untie it” means that the one who started the trouble should be the one to end it. ⮐

[2] This is a different Gao than the one we know and love. Xiao Gao is definitely not two-timing with the Emperor! ⮐

[3] Consider the ‘back house’ to be an official’s family, a wife, siblings, etc. These people cannot be involved in court matters since there would be a conflict of interest if mutual family members banded together to accomplish a goal. ⮐

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Chapter Four<<Table of Contents >> Chapter Six

The general’s mansion was not called the General’s Mansion, but Dingguo^[1] Mansion, the house bestowed by Yan Mingting’s father when he was alive. But because the family had produced two famous generals, the common people were more accustomed to calling it the General’s Mansion.

Its master had fought on the battlefield all year round, and there were almost no people living there. Usually there were only some sweeping servants and the old housekeeper.

Housekeeper Qin had been working in the general’s mansion since he was a child. Perhaps he was getting old. He watched the little master follow the old general to kill the enemy since he was young, but before enjoying a day of blessing, he was given a legacy as an evil star by the people. Now he was twenty-seven. Other men at this age were already surrounded by children, and his family’s general was still alone.

As soon as the imperial decree of marriage was delivered to the mansion in these two days, he was overjoyed. But upon hearing that he was going to marry Zhao Yelan, he fainted from fright.

There was no telling what the general thought, but after receiving the news, he sent a letter to him instructing him to take charge of household affairs and wait for his return.

No matter what the masters were thinking, he always had to do his job well. He hastily ordered people to renovate the mansion, and it was really troublesome to tidy up this place that had not been inhabited for a long time.

When people told him that Zhao Yelan was coming, he was almost unresponsive and then fell down from the ladder. He patted his trouser legs, trotted to the main hall, and saw the powerful official who was rumored to do all kinds of evil. Black hair and snow-white skin, willowy posture. He didn’t look like a villain. He was clearly a fairy who went to the wrong place, right?

“Zhao, Zhao-daren?” Housekeeper Qin looked at him in astonishment. “You came to visit late at night, what is it?”

Zhao Yelan frowned and took a look at his body. Housekeeper Qin lowered his head and followed his gaze, and finding that his clothes were stained with dust, he patted them hurriedly.

“Stop patting.” Zhao Yelan raised his hand and waved it, then took a few steps back to get some distance from him and looked around. “Where is Yan Mingting?”

“Zhao-daren is here to find the general?” Housekeeper Qin was bewildered, and said aloud, “My lord, this is not in compliance with custom.”

“What custom?” 

“Before the wedding, newlyweds cannot meet.”

“Are you telling me the rules?” Zhao Yelan narrowed his eyes slightly, and when he saw him trembling, he turned his eyes away indifferently. “You take care of the affairs of the General’s Mansion?”

“Yes.” Housekeeper Qin nodded obediently. “But don’t worry, my lord, when you pass through the door, the ledger will be handed over to you.”

“I’m not interested.” Zhao Yelan gave Xiao Gao a meaningful glance.

Xiao Gao immediately took out a thick booklet and handed it to housekeeper Qin. “These are the daily food and clothing expenses for our family, please prepare them. In case there are some things that my lord doesn’t need in the betrothal gift, in order to avoid waste, we will send the required betrothal gift list tomorrow. At that time, you can prepare accordingly and save yourself some effort.”

Housekeeper Qin held the thick booklet, opened it tremblingly and glanced twice. Just like Grandma Liu^[2] entering the Grand View Garden, he said in amazement: “These……these are just daily necessities?”

“Naturally,” Xiao Gao said with a smile. “The bride price should not be neglected.”

“It’s a big matter, and this one is not the master, ah.” Housekeeper Qin cried with a thick face. “This is not a small sum. The General means for everything to be kept simple, just following formalities. After all, the General’s Mansion is not that rich……”

“Where’s Yan Mingting?” Zhao Yelan interrupted him to ask again. He turned his head to cough a few times, and the expression on his face was colder than when he first entered the door.

Xiao Gao immediately urged: “Our lord is not well due to the wind and the cold, and came all the way here. Why hasn’t the General come out to receive his guests?”

Housekeeper Qin quickly explained: “The General went to drink with his subordinates. Rest assured, my lord, as soon as the general returns, I will tell him about this right away……”

Zhao Yelan turned and left before he finished speaking. He sighed deeply, thinking that this was not a good thing, and that the General’s Mansion would be very lively in the future.

As soon as Zhao Yelan departed, Yan Mingting returned. Housekeeper Qin quickly informed the other party about this matter, and Yan Minging took the booklet, saying in surprise: “He was just here?”

“Yes, he also said that he would send someone to send the betrothal gift list tomorrow.”

“Betrothal gifts?” Yan Mingting recalled the scene just now and suddenly smiled. “Then I bumped into them.”

“Really? You saw him?”

“No, it was too dark for me to see him.”

Just now when Yan Mingting walked out of an alley, he saw a sedan chair coming from the direction of the General’s Mansion.

Just when he was wondering, the sedan chair passed in front of him. As it swayed up and down, the corner of the curtain swung and a white neck could be seen by candlelight inside the sedan chair. Then a slightly annoyed voice could be heard: “Add a few more agates and emeralds to the betrothal gift! Does he not have a lot of fine horses? Ask for a few more horses……cough.”

“Oh, how can this be good, ah.” Housekeeper Qin was very worried. When he thought about the General marrying such a money-grubbing person, he wanted to kowtow in front of the old general’s tablet and cry.

It was said that good people were given good rewards, so how come the Yan mansion had always been sparsely populated, and now it was still in an unprecedented situation?

“Uncle Qin, don’t worry. You’ve worked hard these few days, so go take a good rest.” Yan Mingting patted him on the shoulder.

“The matter of the dowry……”

“Leave it to me.”

It rained that night, and before the sedan chair arrived at the house, the rain fell on the ground like beans. Xiao Gao rushed to protect Zhao Yelan and return him home, but he was still drenched by the rain. Even after soaking in hot water, he was still a little dizzy when he woke up the next day, so he had to send someone and continue to ask for leave.

He had punished the Minister of the Ministry of Officials in prison, and didn’t go to court for two consecutive days. In the entire court, only Zhao Yelan dared to be so confident.

There was a smell of medicine in the room. No matter how hard he tried to get rid of it, there would always be new medicine poured into his stomach.

No one knew how long this body could last. He had taken medicine and didn’t want to continue lying down, so he leaned against the window and watched the rain outside smashing a flower in the courtyard to pieces.

A servant girl ran over holding an umbrella and tried to straighten the stem, but upon seeing it, Zhao Yelan stopped her and said, “Don’t touch it.”

The servant girl was puzzled: “My lord, this is the flower you planted yourself last time.”

“Leave it alone.” Zhao Yelan looked at the few petals that were about to fall from the stem. “Perhaps it deserves this fate, and it was lucky that it could survive until now.”

The servant girl had no choice but to clean elsewhere, and she had to tidy up the mansion as soon as possible. There was going to be a wedding in a few days, and she had to decorate everywhere.

Zhao Yelan sometimes looked at the rain, and sometimes glanced at the servants squatting under the eaves cutting paper, feeling a little irritable.

He was in a bad mood whenever it rained.

After a while, Xiao Gao ran back with a basket in one hand and an umbrella in the other, put the fresh fruit he brought today in front of him, and then went to the General’s Mansion without stopping to hand in the betrothal gift list.

Zhao Yelan looked at the things in the basket. It was another basket of fresh pears, big in size, juicy and thirst-quenching. But he had no appetite, so he just reached out to pick and choose and finally selected a pear with rotten spots. He broke it in half and took out a bamboo tube from within. Pouring out the note inside, he unfolded it, and a line of beautiful characters was revealed before his eyes –

The news of Yan Mansion was reported a few days ago. There’s really nothing new, but I was lucky enough to meet General Yan yesterday. His appearance is quite different from the rumors. I only needed to pay a hundred taels of silver to get a portrait of the general made for myself.

After reading it, he threw the note into the charcoal basin.

Yan Mingting hadn’t lived in the capital for a long time, and there was indeed very little relevant information that could be inquired about, but as for his appearance……it had nothing to do with him. Not to mention that he had seen the other person’s appearance with his own eyes, and he was really difficult to look at.

The rain was getting louder just then, and his mood was even worse. He thought a little self-defeatingly – he might as well be dead.

But it was just a fleeting thought. He’d had this idea many times, but ultimately, he always propped himself up with stronger thoughts of survival.

“Someone come, ah!” Half an hour later, Xiao Gao ran in from outside, yelling, and the others rushed over immediately, chattering nonstop.

“What’s all the noise about?” It was raining less now, so Zhao Yelan walked to the door to take a look and saw Xiao Gao holding a chicken in his hands. “Where did you get it?”

“The General asked me to bring it back.” Xiao Gao lifted the chicken a bit farther away with a sad face, a little afraid of this thing, and handed it to the maid next to him. The servant girl lost her grip for a moment and the chicken flopped to the ground, cooed a few times, and ran away shaking its chubby buttocks.

“What are you still doing!” Zhao Yelan said sternly.

As if waking up from a dream, everyone rushed to catch the chicken, and in an instant, the courtyard was in chaos.

Zhao Yelan’s face was darker than the dark clouds outside. He stepped out the door, looked around, and heard a sound getting closer to him. He turned around, and before he could see it clearly, he felt a fleshy object hit him.

He looked down.

“Coo, coo, coo!”

An old servant stepped forward to grab the chicken quickly, but the chicken was quiet for a moment, and then its buttocks bulged.

“Is this chicken’s butt about to explode?” Xiao Gao looked terrified.

The maids stepped back in worry and stared at the chicken curiously.

“No, it should be laying an egg,” said the old servant.

Zhao Yelan stretched out his hand in the direction of the door: “Throw it out for me.”

As soon as the words fell, there was something warm on his slipper-clad foot. An egg had rolled onto it. It was warm.

Zhao Yelan looked at the egg, then at the unclean chicken butt, and his expression changed abruptly.

The others wanted to laugh, but they held back and quickly grabbed the chicken and egg to escape.

“A bath and a change of clothes!”

Zhao Yelan soaked in the bathtub for half an hour, and the hot water was constantly refreshed, but his anger was not reduced.

“Did Yan Mingting say something when he gave you the chicken?” After changing his clothes again, he came to Xiao Gao to question him. He thought of the meeting many years ago, where the other party also stuffed a chicken into his hands and then hid to watch the joke, and only got angrier.

“The General said that your health is too poor, so he would send you a chicken for nourishment.”

“Poor health?” Zhao Yelan sneered angrily. “Good, good, Yan Mingting. He’s insinuating that I don’t have the strength to restrain a chicken, right? Go and clean up the fallen flowers and willows in the yard and send them to that ugly, stingy old widower! Let him see what happens to things that die!”

In the lobby of the General’s Mansion, there was silence.

All the military leaders who were still discussing amongst themselves stared at the pile of dying flowers and willows on the table. Drops of water soaked the tabletop.

Yan Mingting: “What do these mean?”

He Cuizhang scratched his head: “Let me make a bold guess, could the fallen flowers and running water show his intention to be merciless?”

Yan Mingting: “Then what about these willow branches?”

“Broken willows……lovemaking?”

Everyone looked sideways at General Yan with complicated expressions.

General Yan stared at this pile of things for a long time, sighed, and worried: “This isn’t too good, ah. Could it be that a chicken made him secretly fall in love?”

– – – – – – 

The author has something to say:

Yan Mingting in Zhao Yelan’s eyes: Fat old pig spirit, ugly and picky old widower!

Zhao Yelan in Yan Mingting’s eyes: A strange man whose love was bought with a chicken.

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[1] Dingguo (定国) means “to stabilize the country.” ⮐

[2] This is a reference to the famous novel, ‘A Dream of Red Mansions.’ Grandma Liu was a woman from a peasant family, and was ignorant to the ways of the elite, which is what the author is portraying here. ⮐

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Chapter Three<<Table of Contents >> Chapter Five

The flow of people on the street gradually thinned, with the occasional officers and soldiers patrolling. When they saw a group of people squatting on the ground laughing uncontrollably, they came forward to ask what happened.

Zhong Yuehong pointed to the only one standing, but the man with the sad face said: “It’s nothing, it’s just that a short while ago……our elder brother was mocked.”

Yan Mingting rubbed his face, shook them off, and strode forward. Those people hurried to catch up again.

“I’m sorry, I promise I won’t laugh.” Zhong Yuehong wiped the tears from the corners of her eyes, and then patted the other brothers. “You stop laughing too.”

The group of people laughed and laughed for a long time without calming down. Zhong Yuehong said with emotion: “This Zhao Yelan can’t tell good from bad, how can he tell blatant lies? As for the General’s heroic face and appearance, the King of Lanling might feel ashamed when he sees it. How dare he say that you are the reincarnation of a pig spirit, pff –”

Yan Mingting turned around and glared at her. She immediately covered her mouth and laughed nonstop.

The others laughed again, and He Cuizhang said: “General, why didn’t you just go in and let him have a good look? Has he really seen you? Was he talking nonsense?”

“He’s seen me,” Yan Mingting replied.

Everyone went quiet, and then immediately scrambled to ask when did they meet, why did they meet, why didn’t he say anything?

Yan Mingting also did not expect that the person whom he met once when he was young would marry him in the end.

Ever since he could remember, he had been taken to the frontier with his father and almost never stayed in the capital.

There was only one time when his body was badly poisoned, his face was abnormally swollen, his eyes black and blue, and he had difficulty walking and needed support. The military doctor was at a loss, so his father took him back to Beijing to find an imperial doctor. While he was being treated at the mansion, he heard that the third prince had come to talk to his father.

In those few days, the princes all came to look for his father and win him over, but the situation was still unclear and there were constant wars at the border, so his father was very worried.

He was curious. Among the few princes, the third prince was not favored by the emperor, and his mother, an imperial concubine, passed away early. There was no support from any forces at all, so why come to grab that seat?

So he asked his servants to help him have a look, but just as he walked into the courtyard, he met a frail young man, his face as white as snow, who coughed three times for every two steps. He couldn’t stand watching it, and called for the person to stop. “Who are you? Why did you come to the general’s mansion alone?”

The young man saw his appearance and was taken aback for a moment, then replied: “This one is Zhao Yelan, he came with the prince.”

“Zhao Yelan.” Yan Mingting said this name once, spoke a few more words, and was urged by his servants to go back to the room and take medicine. He glanced at the man again, and ordered someone to catch a chicken from the courtyard and stuff it into Zhao Yelan’s hands. “Look how skinny you are, you would be blown away by the wind before you reached the battlefield.”

“I don’t go to war.”

Yan Mingting ignored him and walked to the end of the corridor. When he looked back, the young man was stiffly holding the flapping chicken wings, not sure what to do, brows almost knit together. He happily went back to his room.

“I don’t know if the chicken was fried or stewed in the end,” Yan Mingting muttered.

“What chicken? You ate so much just now, aren’t you full, General?” He Cuizhang asked.

“It’s nothing,” Yan Mingting said seriously, remembering that there was still proper business to address. “Go back early to rest and recharge your spirits. Remember to be careful when you go to court tomorrow, don’t bring those vulgar words to the court and make people laugh.”

These people had fought many battles with him, and the Emperor wanted to reward them for their merits, so they had returned to Beijing with him. There were still some of his subordinates who would continue to be stationed at the frontier, and he would also accept their rewards and make arrangements for their families.

“Then can we see Zhao Yelan’s true face tomorrow?” He Cuizhang eagerly said. “I want to see what the person who dared to make fun of our General looks like!”

Zhong Yuehong was not very happy: “I don’t like him, didn’t you hear what those common people said just now? How many bad things has he done? How can he be worthy of the General? Furthermore, the Emperor’s arrangement was aimed at the General just to trap him.”

Yan Mingting cast a stern glance at her: “This is the capital city, so be careful when you speak.”

Zhong Yuehong pouted: “I hate the capital city. I still have to finish visiting relatives before I go back to the barracks. I’ll be home soon, farewell, everyone.”

The next day, Yan Mingting got up before dawn, changed his clothes, shaved his beard, and took in his image in front of the bronze mirror. He didn’t look like a pig spirit at all. Only then did he go to court triumphantly. He not only wanted to see if Zhao Yelan’s appearance had changed, but also wanted to show him that he surpassed the King of Lanling’s attractiveness!

That was what the soldiers said!

Who knew that there were hundreds of civil and military people in the dynasty, and Zhao Yelan alone was the one he didn’t see. It was said that he was on leave due to illness.

Tsk, as expected, he was still the guy who coughed three times every two steps. He hadn’t improved at all.

The emperor lavishly praised the officers and soldiers, and also gave out promotions and rewards. It lifted people’s hearts, and the subordinates all looked excited.

When it was Yan Mingting’s turn, the Emperor was stumped for words for a moment, his eyebrows squeezed together. Then he smiled and said: “General Yan seems to be different from the rumors.”

At noon, the sun finally did something to dispel some of the chill. Zhao Yelan was bored lying in bed, so he went to sit in the courtyard and bask in the sun.

Xiao Gao had just come back with a basket on his shoulders, which contained freshly picked melons and fruits. He washed them and put them aside, picked up a pear and peeled it, and told him about the outside world: “Several people at the restaurant had their tongues pulled out last night, and the government is investigating this matter.”

Zhao Yelan took the pear calmly and asked, “What did you find out?”

“Somebody traced us here.”

“The person?”

“Gone.”

Zhao Yelan sneered: “Knowing perfectly well that the mastermind was here, they didn’t dare to come in and investigate?”

Xiao Gao laughed: “How could they have the courage? By the way, the emperor rewarded some more medicines, which have already been put into the treasury.”

“En.”

“The treasury is a bit bright today.”

“The night pearl.”

“Is it also a reward from the emperor?”

“En.”

“His Majesty treats you very well.”

Zhao Yelan smiled meaningfully. A worthless handkerchief was exchanged for a night pearl, was there a more cost-effective business than this?

Xiao Gao chose a few trivial things to say, and hearing that Zhao Yelan was drowsy, he was very worried: “I know you want to hear something about the court, but my ability is small and I can’t find out.”

“It’s fine, someone will come to talk.”

“Who?” Xiao Gao asked curiously.

“I don’t know, I also want to see who comes first.” Looking at the deserted courtyard, Zhao Yelan leisurely asked Xiao Gao to prepare some snacks and hot tea.

Xiao Gao naturally prepared them according to his preferences, and when he came out with a plate of snacks, he saw that officials had already come to visit in the parlor. He put the things down carefully and left. His lord was very clever!

“Zhao-daren, did you catch a cold today?” The visitor asked in concern.

“It’s just an old problem, Chen-daren. Please take a seat.” Zhao Yelan sat on the main seat and exchanged perfunctory greetings with him, a little impatient.

Over the years, he had been laying down plans for the emperor’s great cause, and he naturally also got to know a lot of people. After the emperor ascended the throne, he was deeply favored and trusted, and they more or less followed his example.

The gift of marriage in the past few days had made this group of people a little scared, suspecting that he would completely fall out of favor, so they were all watching the situation and waiting.

But this morning, the emperor said that Yu Junliang had died in prison, and the officials were surprised. He should have been executed in public according to law, but he had died quietly in prison like this. It was also rumored that Zhao Yelan had met him in the imperial prison, and once the two were connected together, it was known that this was Zhao Yelan’s good deed. But not only did the emperor not punish him, he also cared about Zhao Yelan’s health.

In this way, how could they not know that Zhao Yelan had not fallen out of favor, and that the emperor was constantly concerned for him?

It was reckoned that even if he was married to the great general in the future, he would still have influence inside the court.

So as soon as he came to court, Chen-daren from the Ministry of Officials came to visit him with a small gift.

“Why did Chen-daren seek me out?” Zhao Yelan was too lazy to pretend at politeness with him, and got straight to the point.

“Well……since Minister Yu died, the position of Minister of the Ministry of Officials is vacant……” Chen-daren hinted.

“Chen-daren is already an official. According to regulations, is it your turn to take office?” Zhao Yelan said flatly.

“There are quite a few people who are greedy for this seat, ah. Although I am the left official^[1], there is also the right official. What’s more, the right official has been contradicting you at court meetings. If you let him take the position, it would be a great disadvantage to you……Zhao-daren, you must speak a few words for this old minister in front of the emperor, ah.” Chen-daren cupped his hands. “If there is anything I need to do in the future, just ask me to do it.”

The corner of Zhao Yelan’s mouth twitched: “I’m well aware of the situation and will naturally intercede for you, but this is still the emperor’s decision and I don’t know what will happen in the end.”

“Of course.” Chen-daren wiped the sweat from his forehead. “As long as you give me a few good words, this matter will probably be settled. At that time, I will definitely prepare a big gift and visit in person.”

Xiao Gao sent the left official away, and welcomed the person from the Ministry of Revenue. He refreshed the teacups again, and before leaving, he heard his lord say: “I’m well aware of the situation and will naturally intercede for you, but this is still the emperor’s decision and I don’t know what will happen in the end.”

Several distinguished guests came to the house that afternoon one after the other. Xiao Gao was accustomed to it and kept busy, not stopping until it was time for dinner. He couldn’t help squatting beside Zhao Yelan and giggling: “My lord, you are really good at talking. If you keep running circles around these people, I will be able to recite that sentence.”

Zhao Yelan glanced at him, then knocked him on the head. “If you can’t speak, you mustn’t speak.”

Xiao Gao covered his mouth with a smile.

After eating, Xiao Gao carried over a basin of hot water for him to wipe his hands. Zhao Yelan was taking a stroll in the courtyard, devising plans while digesting food, when he suddenly thought of another thing: “Why hasn’t the person from the general’s mansion come yet?”

“Ah?”

“Didn’t they come to discuss the marriage proposal yesterday? Where are they?”

“Oh, the old housekeeper sent someone to deliver a message, saying that the general is busy with household affairs, so he would not come over, and it’s better to keep things simple when the time comes.”

Xiao Gao wrung out the handkerchief and was about to hand it over, when Zhao Yelan stepped forward angrily and kicked the basin over.

“Simple? Why should it be simple?”

Half the water poured out and the basin was still spinning on the ground. Xiao Gao hurriedly supported it, and said weakly: “Maybe he doesn’t want the publicity?”

The basin was kicked over by Zhao Yelan again. He took the handkerchief and wiped his hands vigorously, his cold eyes narrowed: “How dare he disdain me as if I’m an ugly person? I, Zhao Yelan, have a big household and great influence. It is my first marriage, how can it be casual? Prepare the sedan chair, let’s go to the general’s mansion to see this old pig spirit!”

– – – – – – 

The author has something to say:

Yan Mingting: I am heroic and valiant, surpassing the King of Lanling!

Zhao Yelan: You old pig spirit.

Yan Mingting: Retreat! Retreat! Retreat! Retreat! Retreat!

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[1] “Right” and “left” here denote rank, and right is higher than left. For example, the prime minister would be a right official and the deputy prime minister would be a left official. ⮐

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Chapter Two<<Table of Contents >> Chapter Four

The fact that Ye Ci was lagging behind in Tiancheng Private School had been widely circulated within the Huo family. This sort of famous and noble family that had existed for hundreds of years looked down on ignorant and uneducated playboys. Mediocre offspring implied a drop in social class and opened the door to family decline. Therefore, “the family head’s little gentleman is naturally dull” had become a topic of conversation for those side relatives who coveted the family estate.

Knowing that Ye Ci’s ranking at the end of the term had improved by more than 150 in one go, Lin Yao couldn’t hold back. She was anxious to show off to others and let loose her belly full of anger at this small matter. It just so happened that Huo Changyu had his birthday in July, so she happily held another family banquet, using Lao Huo as her tool. Half the focus of the banquet was on birthday celebrations, and the other half was to celebrate Ye Ci’s academic progress.

“……Xiao Ci, you are too modest, what mid-to-low rank? Besides, can the middle and lower ranks for Tiancheng and those of ordinary schools really be considered the same concept?” Beside the dining table, Lin Yao affectionately held Ye Ci’s arm and eloquently refuted his ‘mid-to-low rank’ theory. “Furthermore, you took a break from school for more than a year to take care of your mother, and in the past six months, you’ve managed to make up over a year of progress.  Your subsequent improvement will only be faster, and you’ll work even harder. It goes without saying that you’ll get into the top 30 or 50 in your grade with no problem at all. Don’t you think so, Tinglan?”

Huo Tinglan was using serving chopsticks to fill Ye Ci’s plate. Hearing this, he first affirmed Ye Ci’s learning ability: “En, there would be no problem, in theory.” After saying so, he glanced at Ye Ci and gently comforted him, “But Xiao Ci doesn’t need to stress too much over rankings……”

There was no need to set rigid requirements for himself.

He had originally wanted to reduce the pressure on Ye Ci, but Ye Ci had been exaggeratedly praised by his elders and entrusted with high hopes, thoroughly flattered. Before Huo Tinglan finished speaking, that little head had already nodded toward Lin Yao several times, and issued a military order: “I will try, try harder. In the second semester of, of the third year of high school……I will definitely be able to enter the top 30 in my grade!”

His path couldn’t be blocked.

Huo Tinglan smiled.

“Is that right?” Lin Yao’s maternal love overflowed, and she smiled gently. It was rare for her to lower herself to serve someone, but she raised her hand to lift the lid of the small cup of Buddha Jumps Over the Wall^[1] and called, “Xiao Ci, taste the stew first, it won’t be fresh once it cools down……”

This child was so obedient, and had a rare innocence that made people everywhere fond of him. It was no wonder that her son’s temperament had changed drastically in the past few months, and he protected this person like the flesh of his heart.

There was only one point where he was lacking.

When this child talked……it wasn’t very eloquent.

It shouldn’t be difficult to correct stuttering these days, right?

Lin Yao took a sip of the soup, slightly worried, and wanted to wait until the banquet was over to find a chance to bring it up. But after thinking about it, she was afraid that hearing such a thing would hurt the child, so she had to suppress her thoughts for the time being.

The family dinner lasted nearly three hours.

During the banquet, Huo Changyu was urged by Lin Yao as the birthday star to invite the guests present to toast Ye Ci’s academic progress. Ye Ci was afraid that not drinking would be disrespectful, so he urgently asked the nearest waiter to pour him a small half glass of some kind of wine, and then got up and drank it all in one gulp.

The wine tasted fine and bitingly cold, and the alcohol content seemed to be quite high. Ye Ci had a hunch that it would get worse.

After drinking and sitting down to see Huo Tinglan looking at his wine glass with narrowed eyes, Ye Ci was sure that something was going to go wrong.

Sure enough, the wine was served extremely fast.

When Lin Yao took out the jadeite bracelet passed down to her by Huo Changyu’s mother in front of the Huo family members, and handed it over to the husband of the current family head according to family custom, Ye Ci was already drunk.

Fortunately, he was a well-behaved drunk, not prone to wild drunken behavior. If it weren’t for the dull eyes, one wouldn’t be able to tell that he was inebriated. When Lin Yao spoke to him, he let out a soft sound from his throat.

Lin Yao also hadn’t imagined that he would be that far gone. The corners of her mouth lifted up and she couldn’t press them back down. With men on the left and women on the right, she took Ye Ci’s left hand and put the jade bracelet on him.

Taking advantage of the rare vacation time, Ye Ci had promised Lin Yao before the family banquet that he would stay for a few days and talk with her.

After the banquet, Huo Tinglan took him out of the banquet hall with the intention of letting him take in the night breeze and walk for a bit to sober up, and walked back to the main house through the garden.

The gardeners had retired for the night, and the garden was quiet. Ye Ci was simulated by the alcohol, and his gait became more lively as he walked in front of him in a provocative and tempting manner. Lin Yao liked flower art, and there were many exotic flowers and plants in the garden. Ye Ci patted this and touched that, like a curious kitten. Huo Tinglan wore his formal coat on his forearm, following unhurriedly with a smile on his face.

When the two passed by a flower wall, Huo Tinglan casually glanced at the top of the wall and raised his hand, calling to Ye Ci: “Xiao Ci, look – –”

It was late and the garden lights were all on, shining brightly to illuminate the good things on the flower wall – – 

A rare variety of rose.

The petals transitioned from bright golden red to cream, and didn’t look like a real flower. If it was photographed and posted on the internet, there was a high probability that it would be called a photoshopped image.

The current temperature was no longer suitable for the cultivation of this delicate and expensive flower variety. For some reason, this one bloomed exceptionally tenaciously.

Ye Ci raised his head, opened his watery apricot core eyes, and looked over.

“Is it pretty?” Huo Tinglan asked, looking at him with great interest.

He pointed at the flower to show him, just to tease out his innocent and surprised expression.

“Pretty.” Ye Ci blinked. “Huo-shushu, do you like it?”

“I like it.” Huo Tinglan answered casually, solely admiring the face against the wall of flowers.

As a result, with such a distraction, Ye Ci tugged his sleeves smartly and suddenly rushed a few steps toward the flower wall. Stepping on the red and white bricks exposed between the vines, he jumped up in a parkour style. His right hand firmly grasped the top of the 3.5-meter-high wall, and taking advantage of the brief pause, he grabbed the rose with his left hand and flew down.

He still wore the jade bracelet on his left wrist.

This bracelet could fetch tens of millions at the auction house, but due to his ignorance and drunkenness, he just jumped up and down like this while wearing it.

Anyone who hadn’t met him would think he was some family’s young master who had been spoiled by lack of discipline.

Huo Tinglan couldn’t tell what state of mind he was in, but he suddenly smiled.

Ye Ci stood firm on the ground. He was so drunk that his mind was muddled, but he also vaguely understood that he had acted cool just now. However, he didn’t know what effect being cool would have, and whether it would move the heart of the person he liked. Seeing Huo Tinglan looking at him and smiling, he revealed a hint of pride amidst his shyness and handed the rose to Huo Tinglan, saying in a small voice: “If you like it, I’ll give, give it to you.”

He was a boy ingratiating himself to his sweetheart.

And his sweetheart was his favorite person.

All of this was hazy like a dream.

Huo Tinglan’s heart was a mess, and he reached out, intending to pick up the rose, but touched Ye Ci’s hand by chance.

He couldn’t help caressing the back of his hand, rubbing it almost lustfully and then moving up to caress the strong, thin wrist – – as white as the moon, surrounded by the thin, delicate green color of something that only the orthodox “daughter-in-law” of the Huo family could have.

A wife.

Ye Ci was afraid of hearing such gender-reversed titles.

He had differentiated into an Omega, which was the “female” sex at gland level, so the “male” nature of his body structure had become his bottom line. He was so sensitive to these things that he couldn’t even crack a joke about them.

If it really happened, he wouldn’t be angry with Huo Tinglan, but he would be listless for a long time and lose his energy, with the downtrodden look of a man whose masculinity had been damaged. So Huo Tinglan only made this kind of joke once, and after he said it, he regretted it so much that he hugged the little gentleman for a long time and couldn’t bear to do it again even on pain of death.

But this kind of address was indeed thought provoking, and when he mouthed it silently, it made him burn.

“Huo-shushu……” That sort of touch was too strange. It wasn’t normal. Ye Ci was so embarrassed that he wanted to withdraw his hand, but he was looking forward to Huo Tinglan picking up his rose, so he had no choice but to let it hover there in a dilemma and allow the other to be frivolous.

“Let’s go back to the room.” Huo Tinglan finally took the rose, wrapped Ye Ci’s hand completely in his palm, and dragged him toward the main house quickly.

The room they were staying in had already been prepared, and Ye Ci was tossed down by him. Their red faces and hot ears rubbed together, and Huo Tinglan repeated what he did to Ye Ci’s left hand a few moments ago from his head to his toes.

Ye Ci was rubbed by him until he couldn’t see straight. With some drunkenness and reddened eyes, he couldn’t even struggle to resist, and gave a weak groan.

At present, this was as far as they could go.

“Here……” Huo Tinglan stood up and covered Ye Ci’s abdomen. The cool linen was warmed by the palm of his hand, looking soft and smooth. His Adam’s apple rolled and he asked in a low voice, “Has it grown?”

Ye Ci asked in confusion: “What, what’s grown?”

Inside that flat belly……

He didn’t know how far that secret cavity had grown, or if it was mature enough to bear a permanent mark.

This was different from the glands. He had no way to judge with his sense of touch and naked eyes, so he could only rely on Ye Ci’s own perception or go directly to the hospital for a test.

And before confirming this, he couldn’t do anything.

Besides, taking advantage of the moment when Ye Ci was drunk and hazy to take this step was just……inexcusable.

He believed that every major breakthrough in a relationship happened when both partners were at least sober and lucid.

Fearing that Ye Ci would have a hangover and a headache, Huo Tinglan asked someone to bring over sobering soup and a small vase.

He put the rose in a vase and fed Ye Ci the sobering soup all at once, then coaxed the little drunken cat to change clothes and wash, falling asleep with his arms around him. He hadn’t given deliberate instructions, so when a servant cleaned the guest room, they only spread out one blanket, and he was happy to cover up under the same blanket as Ye Ci.

Soothing tequila pheromones and the sweet scent of roses permeated the quiet night.

Perhaps because of so much physical contact that day, and because they slept with their arms around each other intimately in the same bed……

At three o’clock in the morning, Ye Ci woke up from a beautiful dream.

He dreamed of Huo Tinglan again like last time.

The back of his neck felt hot, the sweet and sticky scent of vanilla filled the room, and his heart was beating wildly.

He had already sobered up from the wine.

If there was even a remnant of drunkenness, it was scared off when he realized that something was wrong……

And when Ye Ci became more conscious and realized that they were not even at home, but at Huo Tinglan’s parents’ house, this bad turn of events became doubly unfortunate.

Ye Ci bit his lips until they turned white, then sneakily lifted the quilt.

He was drenched in sweat, and……there were traces of dampness on the sheets.

“……”

He was finished.

He would rather die.

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[1] Buddha Jumps Over the Wall, 佛跳墙, is a high-protein delicacy named for its rumored ability to entice vegetarian Buddhist monks away from their temples to sample the meat-based dish. ⮐

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Chapter Thirty-Five<< Table of Contents >> Chapter Thirty-Seven

Zhao Yelan paused, and his brow furrowed slightly: “Yan Mingting has returned to Beijing so soon?”

The border war had been chaotic for several years, and neighboring countries had continued to invade. Yan Mingting’s family had two generations of generals, stationed at the border all year round. They had made great military achievements and had long become the stabilizing force of the Xuan Dynasty. Beijing received the good news last month that Mongolia, the most disobedient country in the north, had finally surrendered, willing to cede land and pay tribute for peace.

At this point, the border was finally at peace. The Emperor’s noble face was exultant, and he immediately ordered the army to return to court.

Counting the days, there should still be a few days before they returned to Beijing.

“It wasn’t the general who came, but the old housekeeper of the general’s mansion, who is quite an amiable fellow. He came to discuss the details of your marriage. If you are not in the mansion, I will let him go back first,” Xiao Gao replied.

“He……” Zhao Yelan was at a loss for words, and asked in confusion after a long moment, “The people in the general’s mansion just gave up like this? How can Yan Mingting be obedient?”

Xiao Gao sighed: “Can he be disobedient? This is an imperial decree, my lord. Let alone General Yan, you also have to act honestly and sincerely……”

Zhao Yelan glanced at him, and Xiao Gao immediately covered his mouth.

It was dusk when he arrived at the palace, and the setting sun fell on the red walls of the palace as it slowly sank.

Zhao Yelan came to the side hall unimpeded. The man in the dragon robe was still reviewing the official memorial.^[1] He had a well-proportioned appearance, sharp eyes, and majesty in his gestures. Zhao Yelan cupped his hands respectfully: “Minister Zhao Yelan has seen Your Majesty.”

“Without outsiders, there is no need to be polite,” Zhao Xuan^[2] said without raising his head. “Come here, the ink is out.”

Zhao Yelan approached slowly, picked up the ink stone, and skillfully grinded the ink.

For a while, no one spoke, and there was only the faint fragrance of ink lingering around. After a long time, Zhao Xuan took the initiative to speak: “Are you angry about the marriage?”

“This humble minister dares not.”

Zhao Xuan glanced at him sideways, and the other party lowered his head and concentrated on studying the ink, showing no emotion.

They had known each other for many years, after all, so how could Zhao Xuan not know that he had resentment in his heart? His tone softened: “I didn’t know that the guoshi would calculate such a divinatory trigram.”

It was said in the divinatory trigram that the abnormal movement of celestial phenomena were changes in the eight trigrams. Yin and yang were out of balance, and lest society become disturbed, a person born in a yin year, on a yin day, at a yin time must be combined with someone who was born in a yang year, with a yang moon, at a yang time. Only then could the eight trigrams^[3] be corrected.

As soon as this trigram came out, all the officials in the court thought of Yan Mingting. Even though he seldom showed up in front of everyone, he was notoriously masculine, outliving his parents and younger brother. There were two marriages before, and the brides passed away one after another before the wedding. Even the dog at home died strangely. It was honestly terrifying.

Although General Yan was a victorious general and was loved by the people, that didn’t mean that they were willing to marry their daughters to him. Who knew if they would receive their daughter’s body before she could enjoy the blessings of being the general’s wife?

What’s more, General Yan was ugly, rude, and domineering, and no woman in Beijing was willing to climb that high.

In the end, Zhao Xuan realized that Zhao Yelan was a person with a yin year and a yin day.

“General Yan has agreed to this marriage,” Zhao Xuan said.

Zhao Yelan scoffed: “The emperor’s decree is difficult to violate. Even if Yan Mingting disagrees, does he dare to seize the loyalty of his ancestors to disobey the imperial decree?”

Zhao Xuan stopped writing and closed the memorial: “It seems that you disagree?”

“This minister dares not.”

“Why don’t you dare? You went to the prison in a grandiose manner and let Yu Junliang commit suicide. I wanted to interrogate him more, but good for you, you directly let him die and hand over the criminal charges he personally signed.” Zhao Xuan gazed at him. “How dare you.”

Zhao Yelan bowed his head and replied: “This minister has no choice but to apologize with death. Please, Your Majesty.”

“What a joke, are you really asking for death? Others don’t know, but how could I not know? Zhao Yelan, you want to live more than anyone else. No one cherishes life more than you.” Zhao Xuan sneered and took two steps closer, and said word by word: “You rely on the fact that I have already granted you a marriage, and the whole world knows about it. It is impossible to grant you death, so you dare to act recklessly!”

Having been exposed, Zhao Yelan was even calmer, and smiled lightly: “Then, thanking the Emperor for his grace.”

Zhao Xuan’s expression was complicated, and after a long time, he sighed as if exhausted: “Ah, sometimes being too smart is not a good thing.”

Of course Zhao Yelan knew, otherwise he wouldn’t have been given in marriage to a man haunted by a curse. No matter how much the emperor trusted him, he would also be afraid. On the one hand, he used him to eradicate dissidents, but on the other, he must also guard against his power.

Now that the throne had been stabilized, he was no longer needed, but he still required him to bear some infamy.

How could Zhao Yelan not know that compared to death, being given a marriage was considered a blessing in misfortune?

Zhao Xuan said: “In the end, Yu Junliang was going to be executed anyway, so why did you need to do this?”

“I wanted to see him die in front of my eyes, and I couldn’t wait a day, lest a long delay cause complications,” Zhao Yelan said.

Zhao Xuan knew the secret, but still shook his sleeves angrily: “You are getting more and more undisciplined and out of control.”

Zhao Yelan took out a brocade handkerchief from his bosom, handed it to him, and said softly: “This is woven by the embroiderers of Su. Giving this piece to His Majesty, ba, don’t be angry with this one anymore. If you hurt your body, this minister will be very sorry.”

Zhao Xuan looked down at the handkerchief.

“In the future, Your Majesty, please take good care of the body of the dragon, so that the descendents are endless and good fortune stretches for thousands of miles.” Zhao Yelan lifted the hem of his clothes, knelt down, and said loudly, “Long live the emperor, long live, long live.”

Zhao Xuan was taken aback. His brows furrowed even tighter as he watched Zhao Yelan raise his head. His face was like a crown of jade, and at that moment, that shallow black mole seemed to be able to speak, telling of its owner’s unreconciled feelings and the wishes he couldn’t voice.

Zhao Xuan stretched out his hand, and when he was about to touch his cheek, he withdrew it abruptly and gave a faint sigh: “Why did you have to be a man?”

Zhao Yelan remained silent, lowering his eyes to suppress all emotions.

It was time for dinner, and people from the Empress’s palace came to invite the Emperor to have a meal.

Zhao Xuan subconsciously looked at Zhao Yelan. Bowing his head, Zhao Yelan retreated.

Before he left, Zhao Xuan heard his coughing and ordered the imperial physician to deliver some precious medicinal materials, and also gave him a newly acquired night pearl from the treasury.

Back at Zhao Mansion, Xiao Gao immediately ran over, waiting upon Zhao Yelan to wash and eat. There was more food on the table than usual. Xiao Gao was afraid that he would be in a bad mood, so he asked the kitchen to prepare more. After eating, he suggested: “My lord, do you want to go out while you digest? It is said that the new storyteller in Huichun Building is very good at telling stories.”

Zhao Yelan said: “I think you’re the one who wants to hear it.”

Xiao Gao rubbed his hands in embarrassment. “It’s true that I haven’t been there in a while. Sir, aren’t you feeling bored?”

Zhao Yelan looked up at the moon. Thinking that he didn’t know how many happy days were left, he agreed.

Xiao Gao changed him into thicker clothes, just in case. He brought another hot-water bottle, laid a cushion in the sedan chair, called a few maids and servants, and rushed to the largest restaurant in the city together.

It was the busiest time in the night market. Zhao Yelan opened a corner of the curtain, looking at the people coming and going, calling out loudly to friends and companions, and the men and women meeting each other shyly in private.

He turned his head sideways, glanced out of the corner of his eye, and a group of people in front of him caught his attention. There were five or six people in total. One of the women was beating the man next to her as he was helpless to fight back. The other people didn’t intend to step forward and help, but instead watched while laughing and joking.

The tallest man among them, with his back to him, was holding tanghulu in his hands and pointing out the woman’s moves as she beat people.

The sedan chair passed by the pedestrians. Zhao Yelan lazily lowered the curtain, not noticing that the person who was eating tanghulu suddenly turned his head.

“General Yan, what are you looking at?” The lieutenant general followed his line of sight and saw only an exquisite sedan chair, saying jokingly, “Are you looking at some girl?”

“Did you smell a fragrance?” Yan Mingting’s nose twitched. 

“Chicken drumsticks! I smelled it earlier.” The woman stopped, and the beaten man finally stood up, covering his face as he said, “Auntie, please save me some face in public, so many people are watching.”

“It’s not the smell of chicken drumsticks.” Yan Mingting opened his mouth, and then opened it again.

Several subordinates were waiting for him to speak, and it took a long time before he opened his mouth to say, “Achoo!”

Several people: “……….”

“Very pungent.” After speaking, Yan Minging bit off the last hawthorn berry. “Let’s go, ba, where is that most delicious restaurant you mentioned?”

The lobby of the restaurant was full of guests, and the storyteller was telling stories about the supernatural. When the xingmu^[4] was slapped, all kinds of strange stories floated out from his mouth, causing people to clap their hands in applause.

The cheers downstairs were intertwined with the festive sound of wine bowls colliding, but the second floor room was in sharp contrast to it, quiet, secluded, and peaceful. There was a guqin in the room, and Xiao Gao was about to order a qin girl to come in, but Zhao Yelan stopped him.

“Let’s listen to the story today.”

“Okay.” Xiao Gao opened the door, threw a silver ingot at the storyteller downstairs, and shouted, “Speak louder!”

The storyteller’s voice was indeed louder. He happily turned around, almost bumped into someone, and quickly apologized as he just went into the room.

The moment the door opened, a scent wafted out.

“Achoo!” Yan Mingting, who had a keen sense of smell, subconsciously looked sideways and only caught a quick glimpse of a man in purple clothes, well-dressed, leaning lazily on a chair with his eyes closed to rest his mind. He wanted to take another look, but the door was already closed.

“General, are you suffering from a cold?” The lieutenant asked in a low voice.

“No.” Yan Mingting rubbed his nose, and walked into the next room.

An hour later, the people downstairs gradually dispersed. The storyteller’s throat was about to start smoking, and someone booed after getting drunk: “Storyteller, you only talk about mountain spirits, but no one has ever seen them. Can you tell us about people we know?”

“What does the guest wish to hear?”

“I just want to hear about the marriage granted by the Emperor.” The man became emboldened by drink, and he dared to say any sort of nonsense while drunk. A dubious smile grew on his face: “What kind of thing is this, a man marrying a man? What kind of hole method is used in the bridal chamber?”

As soon as this remark was made, everyone roared with laughter, and no one noticed that the two private rooms on the second floor were opened at the same time.

The storyteller said: “Since ancient times, yin and yang have been in harmony, and everything is at peace. But there is no saying that there is anything wrong with yin and yin, or yang and yang. Since the great guoshi said it is possible, then it naturally doesn’t matter.”

“Then tell me, can General Yan put Zhao Yelan in order? Zhao Yelan ordinarily does all sorts of evil. He was only granted a marriage this morning, and he went to the imperial prison in the afternoon to kill Yu Junliang, the Minister of the Ministry of Officials.”

Everyone else started whispering to each other, and someone picked up on it: “I have personally seen him kill people in the street. The blood splashed all over his body, and he was still smiling!”

Zhao Yelan curled his lips and opened his eyes. “The tea is gone.”

Xiao Gao hurriedly poured tea for him. Hearing the people outside begin to criticize Zhao Yelan’s crimes in turn, he was about to close the door angrily when he heard the topic change to another person.

“If you want me to say it, don’t be afraid. According to General Yan’s fate, Zhao Yelan might be suppressed before he passes through the door.”

Everyone laughed and bluntly said that General Yan was evil-natured enough, and killing Zhao Yelan as soon as possible could be regarded as benefitting the common people.

Xiao Gao heard someone walking next door and they seemed to be coming out, so he quickly closed the door and asked with a sad face: “My lord, is General Yan really an evil star?^[5] Will something happen if you get married?”

A few people outside the door paused in their footsteps, and they couldn’t be blamed for eavesdropping. They had really good ears and immediately guessed who the person in this room was.

Yan Mingting naturally heard it too. He turned his head to look at the closed door, but couldn’t see the figure inside, only hearing a cold and emotionless voice: “Let’s see who kills who first, ba.”

The expressions of several subordinates were very delicate as they secretly looked at Yan Mingting. Yan Mingting raised his eyebrows, and was about to knock on the door when he heard the young man ask: “Haven’t you met him once, my lord? Is he really the same as in the rumors, with a hideous Rakshasa^[6] face?”

Zhao Yelan fell into silence, recalling the scene when he met Yan Mingting many years ago. The surrounding spring flowers were brilliant, but the person in front of him……

“Indeed, unbearably ugly. I have never seen such an ugly person. It could be that he is the reincarnation of a pig spirit^[7],” Zhao Yelan said flatly.

Pig, pig spirit? !

Several people outside the door opened their mouths wide at the same time, and then closed them tightly together for fear that they would laugh out loud, and looked at their general with trembling shoulders.

The majestic general slowly clenched his fists, waved viciously into the air twice, then turned around and strode away.

– Damnit, he had never suffered such a serious injury on the battlefield!

– – – – – – 

The author has something to say:

Get them married in five chapters!

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[1] This memorial is official correspondence from the officials to the Emperor. ⮐

[2] The Emperor has the same surname as Zhao Yelan, and it even uses the same character. This shouldn’t be because they are related in any way, but there could be another reason for it. I haven’t read far enough ahead to find out though! ⮐

[3] I recommend reading up on the eight trigrams here if you want more details on this cosmology. ⮐

[4] The xingmu (醒木) is a small hardwood block used by storytellers to smack the table in order to attract the audience’s attention. ⮐

[5] Lone star, or evil star (天煞孤星)  refers to the lonely star of Tiansha, a star that brings disaster. ⮐

[6] Rakshasa (罗刹) is a Buddhist demonic poltergeist. ⮐

[7] The term used here is actually closer to ‘pig essence,’ which is an insult that basically means someone is fat like a pig and full of themselves, but “essence” here can also mean “semen,” so interpret this insult as you will. ⮐

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Chapter One<<Table of Contents >> Chapter Three

It was February, and there was a chill in the early spring air. The cold, moist air penetrated into the ground, making it even more frigid. Several jailors heated up some wine and sipped it to warm their bodies, but they didn’t dare to drink too much. The guards in this prison were all criminals, and didn’t dare to be sloppy in important matters.

With wine warming their throats, there must be something to go with the wine for flavor, so the chatterbox was opened. From food and clothing at home to prisoners in the prison, they chatted one by one, and there was no telling who brought up the rumors outside recently.

“Have you heard? Two days ago, there was an abnormal natural disaster. Mount Tai shook and roared like thunder, and some people said it was a punishment from God.”

This matter caused a stir in Beijing. The shaking of Mount Tai was a sign of the country’s fate, and the new emperor was not a direct descendent. His mother was originally a palace maid without any influence, but he was the one who ascended to the imperial throne. Less than a year after being crowned, his reign had not yet been firmly established, and for such a celestial phenomenon to appear, it was feared that the heavens were dissatisfied.

“It’s not good to talk nonsense about this business. Be careful, if it spreads, it will be a matter of losing your head,” one person whispered cautiously.

“Did the emperor go to pray for blessings?”

This was the custom. Whenever there was a change in celestial phenomenon, the emperor would go to the altar and pray to heaven to show his sincerity.

“Why not, he just returned to court yesterday. It’s just that when the big event was done, there were still some aftershocks, which made people panic outside.”

“Then why did the emperor return to court?”

“Because the guoshi^[1] had made a calculation that to solve this problem, they needed –” The man lowered his voice as he spoke, and the others quickly moved their heads closer to hear him say in secret: “This issue is too absurd, they actually needed the Deputy Prime Minister and General Yan to……”

Before he could finish speaking, the gatekeeper outside suddenly ran in and announced: “Deputy Prime Minister is here.”

Several people’s faces tensed up, and they quickly hid the jug and looked at the dark entrance with trepidation.

The guard opened the door, a little light fell on the ground, and a pair of white boots stepped through the light to enter the darkness.

The footsteps were neither light nor heavy, but they made everyone present nervous for no reason, fearing that if they breathed too loudly, they would startle this powerful person from the palace.

No one knew the origin of Deputy Prime Minister Zhao Yelan. By the time the world discovered his existence, the competition for the throne had reached an intense stage. Several princes showed remarkable ability, but Zhao Yelan was hiding behind the third prince, helping him defeat the crown prince and other princes. The details of the bloodbath during this time were no longer studied, but the throne that did not conform to destiny had always been stained with blood. It could be assumed that this person had also done many dirty things behind the scenes.

After the new emperor ascended the throne, he made no secret of his favor. He had been promoted to a noble position and been awarded with countless gold, silver, and jewels and was already the most well-known figure in the dynasty.

It should be said that most of the common people just heard about Zhao Yelan’s notoriety and cursed him in private, not having a chance to see the real person, but to these jailors in the prison, he was already an old acquaintance.

The interrogation methods in the imperial prison were varied and cruel, and it could be said that there was torture everywhere. When ordinary people came in, just stepping through the door would make their legs tremble. As it happened, this frail and weak-looking Zhao Yelan knew more about torture than even the prison guards. During interrogations, it was as if the king of hell had come into the world, and even if someone could save their own life, they wouldn’t be able to save their skin.^[2]

Before the person approached, a strong fragrance wafted through the cold, humid air. The jailors couldn’t help but want to lift their noses and sniff a few more times, but for fear that doing so would offend their superior, they had to wait in place in a well-behaved manner.

Presently, Zhao Yelan, dressed in brocade, stood in front of them and looked around arrogantly.

A newly arrived jailor was a little afraid. He usually heard a lot of people mention the bad things Zhao Yelan did, counting them by the bucketload. Terrified and curious at the same time, he raised his head to take a fearful glance and his whole person froze in place.

He saw that the visitor had a beautiful face and a pair of eyes like the bright moon, attracting people’s interest for no reason at all, but hiding an inexplicable shadow that made it difficult to approach. Cold and aloof, with an indifferent manner, he was not like ordinary people and was incompatible with this stinking prison cell dimly lit by candles.

He was actually even more beautiful than the first son of the capital, the jailer inwardly slandered.

“Zhao-daren,^[3] who do you want to interrogate today?” The prison boss had seen him many times, and approached him respectfully to inquire. The forced smile on his face trembled, and his expression was stiff.

Zhao Yelan frowned slightly, took out a handkerchief from his sleeve, and covered his mouth and nose.

The prison boss immediately understood that this man once again disliked the wet, smelly environment. Every time he came here in the past, he always carried a different fragrance on his body. Those who were ignorant assumed he had just come out of a low-grade brothel.

Putting on a show of fanning the surrounding air with his hand, he faced Zhao Yelan as he walked inside: “I wonder if Zhao-daren has brought the token?”

At these words, Zhao Yelan took out the emperor’s token from his bosom: “I’m going to see Yu Junliang. You all wait here.”

Everyone received the order, led him there familiarly, and then retreated in silence.

The person in the cell was lying on the floor, disheveled. When he saw the person outside, he quickly got up, grabbed the bars with both hands, and said through gritted teeth: “Zhao Yelan, you wronged me!”

“Speak prudently, Yu-daren. You and I work together, why would I harm you?”

Zhao Yelan smiled slightly. There was no trace of it on his face, but Yu Junliang was annoyed by his appearance.

Back then, it was Zhao Yelan who came to win him over to the party of the third prince. He promised prosperity and wealth, but now he couldn’t even keep his official position and was charged with treason by Zhao Yelan.

“Where is the emperor, I want to see the emperor! I was wronged!” Yu Junliang shouted loudly, hitting the bars with both hands.

“Yu-daren, why bother? With a bright future ahead of you, how could you be so foolish as to conspire with the former crown prince?” Zhao Yelan said.

“I’m not conspiring! You clearly asked me to visit the former crown prince in Bieyuan!” The veins on Yu Junliang’s forehead were throbbing, and he wished he could rush out and split his mouth. “You villain, how dare you slander me! Wait until I get out, I will definitely not let you have a good death!”

“Let’s see if there is such a day.” Zhao Yelan smiled and tossed a scroll inside. “Take a look, ba. Read the whole thing.”

Yu Junliang squatted down and unrolled the scroll. The crimes he had committed were counted in detail above, but he was not guilty of the ones that were punishable by ransacking his home and exterminating his family.

“What does this mean?”

“Did you think the emperor was ignorant to what you were doing?” Zhao Yelan said.

Yu Junliang’s hands trembled as he looked at the densely packed list of crimes, such as soliciting prostitutes and offering bribes. Even the nonsense he said after drinking was recorded in the scroll. His face was horrified: “You, you……but I never conspired!”

“But you did go to see the former crown prince, and you came back that night and read aloud, ‘Xuanhe Palace, cold smoke and decaying grass.’ Xuanhe Palace is now the emperor’s library, don’t you know?”

“I just drank wine for a while and recited two poems casually! You actually sent someone to follow me to this extent, if you want to condemn me, you’ll just frame me at will! I want to see the emperor!”

“The emperor is busy with other affairs, so he doesn’t have time to come here to see you. If you sign the document now, you will save yourself the pain of interrogation and I will give your family a way out. After all, you have committed a serious crime of the Nine Clans,^[4] ah……” Zhao Yelan looked at him condescendingly, carefully appreciating his expression of pain and struggle. A smile slowly bloomed at the corner of his mouth.

After a long time, Yu Junliang said in a hoarse voice: “Where’s the writing brush?”

“I came out in a hurry and didn’t have time to bring my writing brush.” Zhao Yelan walked to the side, casually took a dagger from the torture rack on the wall, and threw it in. “How about this?”

With shaking hands, Yu Junliang drew blood from his fingertip, dripping it on the list of crimes.

“Zhao Yelan, there is still one thing I don’t understand. Can you clear up my confusion?”

“Speak.”

“I chose to live in harmony with you, so why do you want to kill me?”

Zhao Yelan didn’t answer until Yu Junliang became impatient. He looked at him with a pair of bloodshot eyes, like a desperate mad dog, but he was trapped in a cage, struggling in vain.

Seeing his appearance, Zhao Yelan was slightly satisfied and opened his mouth: “When the late emperor was still alive, he once put forth a charge of treason and punished the entire family of the Marquis of Anqing, involving more than 20,000 people. You were one of the executioners.”

Yu Junliang was shocked: “Are you a descendant of the Marquis of Anqing?”

“No.” Zhao Yelan shook his head and approached to say, “I am your father.”

Yu Junliang was silent for a moment, and then flew into a rage, hurling insults at him one after another. Zhao Yelan listened idly, as if appreciating music. The corners of his mouth curled, and after that voice became hoarse, he reminded: “Time is running out. I didn’t expect Yu-daren to be thinking of me in his last moments, it’s really a great honor.”

“Zhao Yelan, you must die a miserable death!”

“Then I will definitely take the respected wife and young children to visit you in the underworld together.”

Yu Junliang lost his temper.

The jailers waiting outside heard the yelling within and wanted to go in and see the situation, but they also feared that they would be convicted of making a mistake, which was not something they could afford.

While they panicked, the voice inside finally stopped and they heard Zhao Yelan say, “Come here!” They entered in an orderly manner and saw that Yu Junliang had committed suicide in his cell, with blood streaming from his neck.

The prison boss was thinking that Zhao-daren’s kung fu was getting better and better. He didn’t even need to call the person in charge of interrogation, and he killed a person directly through the cell door, which was really high.

After the jailer opened the door, Zhao Yelan walked in and picked up the blood-stained list of crimes. Covering his nose with a handkerchief, he walked outside without looking back: “Clean this up.”

The new jailer glanced at his back in terror. It was a pity that such beautiful hands really killed people invisibly, ah.

It was not much warmer outside than below. As soon as Zhao Yelan walked out, a eunuch came forward to clothe him: “Zhao-daren’s body is weak, don’t catch a cold.”

“I have no further business.” Zhao Yelan coughed twice, and handed over the list of crimes to him. “Take it to the emperor.”

“The emperor is in the side hall, and he called you to meet him.”

“I’ll go back to the mansion and change my clothes. It wouldn’t be good if I offended the dragon.^[5]”

The eunuch saw a few drops of red on his shoe, and some wet blood on his hand from the list of crimes. He was wiping it casually with his head down, and with a strange sense of beauty. The eunuch gave a sharp smile: “When you are finished, I will trouble Zhao-daren to make another trip.”

Zhao Yelan smiled calmly. After sitting in the sedan chair, that smile immediately disappeared and he closed his eyes for a while before returning to the mansion.

Although it was the end of the year, the weather didn’t get warmer, and he feared the cold. After returning to his room and washing his hands, he sat by the charcoal stove to dry them.

The servants came in to bring new charcoal and took the clothes he had changed out of to be washed. The sound of footsteps continued, but Zhao Yelan seemed to be in a trance, sitting still as he watched the faint flames struggling to emerge. Yu Junliang’s last words still lingered in his ears – 

“Zhao Yelan, aren’t you afraid? The hound is cooked after it catches the rabbit.^[6] I only did a few things for His Majesty, and I ended up like this. How much did you do for him? How much blood is on your hands? Do you think you can live with peace of mind?”

Live with peace of mind?

Zhao Yelan smiled lightly as if mocking himself, and got up and walked to the table. He raised his hand to caress the golden silk item placed on top of it. The brilliant golden light was unique and unmatched. This was an imperial decree.

An absurd decree.

After a stick of incense, the sky was getting dark. He had just changed his clothes and was about to go out when he happened to meet Xiao Gao, a servant who had just returned with a basket in his hand that was packed with freshly picked pears. He hurriedly said: “My lord, you are back. When you went out just now, people from the General’s mansion came and said they wanted to talk to you about getting married.”

– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –

The author has something to say:

Opening the text, la. Long time no see. 66 red envelopes will be given to everyone in the comment area~

【Knocks on the blackboard】

The cuties who pay attention to the correct three views can avoid it first. The characters are like this, don’t abuse the characters and the author. A courtier must act like a courtier, he kills without batting an eye, greedy for power and money. Cruel, merciless, and black-hearted, abstaining from emotion has been his hobby for many years.

Zhao Yelan: Are you polite? ?

(Xuanhe Palace, cold smoke and decaying grass – – From Liu Kezhuang’s “Recalling Qin’e Mei Xie.)

Translator’s Note: Hello, all! This is my first time translating this sort of novel, and the plethora of footnotes are already killing me. But! It’s a lot of fun, and I hope you enjoy the story as much as I am.

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[1] The guoshi is the teacher of the state. ⮐

[2] 不死也叫人扒了几层皮: This is an idiom that basically means receiving major harm or a significant loss. ⮐

[3] The suffix -daren (大人) is a title of respect for male members of nobility. ⮐

[4] A crime of the Nine Clans refers to killing nine generations, including the four above and the four below. In ancient times, entire families were wiped out if one member committed a serious crime. ⮐

[5] The ‘dragon’ here refers to the Emperor. ⮐

[6] To cook the hound after it catches the rabbit is to get rid of someone after he has served his purpose. ⮐

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Table of Contents >> Chapter Two

Summary:

Chapter 1	Chapter 33	Chapter 65
Chapter 2	Chapter 34	Chapter 66
Chapter 3	Chapter 35	Chapter 67
Chapter 4	Chapter 36	Chapter 68
Chapter 5	Chapter 37	Chapter 69
Chapter 6	Chapter 38	Chapter 70
Chapter 7	Chapter 39	Chapter 71
Chapter 8	Chapter 40	Chapter 72
Chapter 9	Chapter 41	Chapter 73
Chapter 10	Chapter 42	Chapter 74
Chapter 11	Chapter 43	Chapter 75
Chapter 12	Chapter 44	Chapter 76
Chapter 13	Chapter 45	Chapter 77
Chapter 14	Chapter 46	Chapter 78
Chapter 15	Chapter 47	Chapter 79
Chapter 16	Chapter 48	Chapter 80
Chapter 17	Chapter 49	Chapter 81
Chapter 18	Chapter 50	Chapter 82
Chapter 19	Chapter 51	Chapter 83
Chapter 20	Chapter 52	Chapter 84
Chapter 21	Chapter 53	Chapter 85
Chapter 22	Chapter 54	Chapter 86
Chapter 23	Chapter 55	Chapter 87
Chapter 24	Chapter 56	Chapter 88
Chapter 25	Chapter 57	Chapter 89
Chapter 26	Chapter 58	Chapter 90
Chapter 27	Chapter 59	Chapter 91: Epilogue
Chapter 28	Chapter 60	Chapter 92: Postscript
Chapter 29	Chapter 61	Extra 1: Birthday
Chapter 30	Chapter 62	Extra 2: Family
Chapter 31	Chapter 63	Extra 3: Afterwards
Chapter 32	Chapter 64	Extra 4: Old Friends

Even More Extras

Extra 5: Memories	Extra 8: Faking Death (1)	Extra 11: Faking Death (4)
Extra 6: Age	Extra 9: Faking Death (2)	Extra 12: Faking Death (5)
Extra 7: In Good Health	Extra 10: Faking Death (3)	Extra 13: Faking Death (6)

Ye Ci’sexpression showed embarrassment. “If, if I sleep together with you, I……” He was shy, but contradictorily straightforward. “I’ll be too, too excited to sleep.”

“Too excited to sleep with me?” Huo Tinglan repeated with a smile.

Phrased in such a way, if Huo Tinglan didn’t know how pure Ye Ci’s words were……

Ye Ci nodded carelessly, and wanted to slip away again.

“Huo-shushu will coax you to sleep.” Huo Tinglan hugged him. The scoundrel pressed his upper body against him, enfolding him as he moved toward the master bedroom, continuing to coax and tease, “Shall I sing you a lullaby?……”

Ye Ci wasn’t strong enough to resist as he was pulled once again against the swell of ample pectoral muscles. After all, he had the mindset of a young adolescent boy. Consciously eating other people’s tofu, he didn’t dare to move. His face swifty turned red, his vision became unfocused as he yielded after making a show of resistance, and he retreated again and again until his knees knocked against the edge of the bed and bent. He fell on his back with a thud.

This scene was a bit comical. Ye Ci was stunned for a moment, then laughed. Huo Tinglan also laughed, taking the opportunity to lower his head and peck his lips.

Ye Ci was about to struggle again, but a big hand was already pressed against his ribs through his pajamas. As if knowing where his weak point was, it directly attacked his most ticklish fifth rib.

“Huo-shushu!” Ye Ci exclaimed, curling up like a cooked shrimp. 

At first, he silently endured and twisted his body to avoid the tickling, his jaw and the corners of his lips drawn tight. However, the nerve reflex triggered by tickling could not be resisted by willpower. His efforts were in vain, and he laughed: “Stop, stop it, ha ha, Huo-shushu……”

He usually smiled a lot less. First because there was an element of deliberately pretending to be strong and cold, and second because if a pretense was kept up for a long time, it would unknowingly become the new norm. That face was habitually flat toward outsiders, and although he was obedient and soft toward Huo Tinglan, he didn’t smile much.

Therefore, such laughter was rare. A pair of dimples and a row of neat white teeth could be seen, like a ray of light breaking through the clouds in the blue sky.

Huo Tinglan looked slightly stunned, and suddenly leaned forward and kissed him.

He liked it so much. The tip of his tongue entered, as if to draw out a bit of honey.

This kiss could still count as pure, but it was so affectionate and loving that Ye Ci was more embarrassed than ever.

It seemed that in Huo Tinglan’s eyes, he had become something soft and loveable, which was inconsistent with his view of himself.

He hurriedly suppressed his smile, hiding the dimples. In order to dispel the enchantment that made him blush and caused his heart to beat fast, he lightly rubbed Huo Tinglan’s ribs in turn to show that they were just joking around.

Huo Tinglan grabbed his hand and helped him poke his body, saying with half a smile, “I’m not ticklish.”

“You, you really aren’t?” Ye Ci didn’t believe it. How could anyone not be ticklish?

He tried again, and Huo Tinglan leaned on a few pillows with a half-reclined posture, holding in a smile as he indulged him.

Maybe it was because of his physique as a top Alpha. Ye Ci experimented and tested. The neck that would make ordinary people giggle when touched, then the armpit. Huo Tinglan didn’t even respond, but on the contrary, Ye Ci’s little paws drew apart the dark blue nightgown.

Perhaps due to the excitement, there was sweat on his body and the warm light illuminated his light honey-colored muscles with a delicate glow. It was an extremely attractive male body.

The playful energy suddenly dissipated. Ye Ci rushed to withdraw his hand as if he had invited misfortune, and his face turned even redder.

The atmosphere was just right. Huo Tinglan leaned closer and kissed him lightly, like sipping strong wine.

From cautious to lingering.

Huo Tinglan decided to impart some new knowledge to his young lover.

“……Open your mouth, baby?” he asked, testing the waters.

The tip of the tongue brushed between the lips.

Wet and slightly cool.

Ye Ci trembled and shrank back vigilantly: “……Open my mouth?”

With this reaction from him, Huo Tinglan had the illusion that he had become a kidnapper.

He colored on Ye Ci’s white paper with a tone that was as upright as a popular science article, but the content was shameless: “Open your mouth to let our tongues touch each other, this is a real kiss……” He looked as if he had suffered a loss. “The previous ones don’t actually count.”

With their foreheads touching, he held up that confused and flustered face and first made contact that would not make Ye Ci feel uneasy. Shallow kisses, words of love, rubbing their ears and temples together, brushing the corner of the jaw and earlobes with his fingertips. He saw that Ye Ci’s mood gradually changed from apprehensive to hazy, and then to unfocused……like a kitten that had inhaled too much catnip, dazed by the drug, he obediently poked out the tip of his tongue from between his teeth.

There was a star of water on it, soft and bright.

Huo Tinglan lowered his head and seized it all at once.

“Wu……”

In just a few minutes, like a spoonful of condensed honey, fine and flexible, stretched to infinity……

His tongue was sucked numb.

Ye Ci covered his mouth. As if he had no face to see anyone, he drilled into the pile of pillows with a glowing red blush: “I can’t, can’t kiss any more, Huo-shushu.” He felt around and pulled something out of the pocket of his pajama pants. “I didn’t sleep well yesterday because of your, your wild kissing, and I was so sleepy in class. Today I ate……half of this.”

He opened his hand, and in his palm was the leftover half of a peppermint. Printed on the package were the exaggerated words, “Strong and cool, instantly freezes the brain.” 

Ye Ci’s small face wrinkled, and he complained in a bright and youthful manner to his needy lover: “It’s, it’s spicy, hotter than wasabi……” He twisted out a piece and muttered, “If you kiss, kiss me with all your strength again, I’ll……”

Huo Tinglan almost laughed out loud.

What was this……

A suicide attack?

So cute.

In front of him, Ye Ci’s cold, hard shell had been removed more and more cleanly.

He didn’t just act soft toward him, but was obedient to him.

But he was still able to complain a little bit like he was doing now, using mint candies to joke with him……with the vivacity and liveliness that a boy of his age should have.

If it wasn’t for Ye Ci’s academic considerations, he would definitely escalate.

However……

“Understood.” Gentleman Huo Tinglan smiled and captured the mint candy, covered Ye Ci with a blanket, and tucked in the corners. He reached out and turned off the light, saying softly, “Sleep well, good night.”

This time he really didn’t do anything else, and lay down a few centimeters away from Ye Ci.

The two people’s breaths mingled, and the scent of tequila enveloped them heavily in the quiet night.

Being a natural “leader and commander,” the pheromone secretion of an Alpha’s glands would undergo various subtle changes due to fluctuations in the Alpha’s mood, enabling the pheromones to have different effects on the immediate environment according to the Alpha’s needs.

Such as in this moment. Huo Tinglan took the initiative to suppress some of his needs, and the tequila scent was obviously softer than usual. The compositions that could awaken an Omega’s desire were rare, and most had soothing and calming effects.

Ye Ci’s heartbeat, which had been soaring at 180 beats per minute a short while ago, became more relaxed.

Between the soothing pheromones, the 100% genetic matching, plus the fact that he hadn’t slept well last night and was seriously sleep-deprived……even sleeping pills wouldn’t have such a strong effect.

Ye Ci’s eyelids were sore and heavy.

“I promised to put you to sleep.” Huo Tinglan stroked his hair. “Sleep, ba.”

. . . . . .

The final exam for the second semester of school was scheduled for the 7th and 8th of July, and there would be three days off after the exam. After the results were released, the approved high school seniors would usher in the most precious lengthy vacation of the coming year – a full 20-day summer vacation.

This kind of vacation schedule was a bit harsh, but considering that he was about to enter the sprint stage of the third year of high school, Ye Ci had no complaints.

He had officially moved into Huo Tinglan’s room. Aside from the night they confirmed their relationship, which had gone a little out of control, Huo Tinglan was appropriately behaved and didn’t let falling in love delay important matters. In this final exam, Ye Ci had advanced by more than 100 places in his year group. Although he was still at the middle to lower level, considering Tiancheng’s environment of fierce competition and staggeringly high costs, Ye Ci’s ranking in the province would definitely not be bad. At least his undergraduate courses had reached a point of stability. In the next year, if he maintained this momentum and speed of progress, as long as he reached the middle of his year group, the entrance examination would not be a problem at all.

Besides……his potential should be higher than that.

After the results were released, at the last class meeting before the summer vacation, the head teacher called him out and praised him, and also presented him with a “Star of Progress” certificate on behalf of the school. 

That afternoon, Ye Ci returned home with his transcript and certificate of merit. The first thing he did was to stammer and recount to Huo Tinglan what the teacher had praised him for, so that he could hear it word for word.

“……Xu-laoshi said it like that.” After Ye Ci’s retelling, the corners of his lips were half-raised. He tried to appear calm so as not to seem too childish in front of his lover, or excessively excited over such a small score. But he didn’t know that when he glanced at Huo Tinglan, his eyes were as bright as a little wolf’s, and his ears were almost pricked up.

Like a child waiting to be praised.

“That’s really great, you’ve made significant progress.” Huo Tinglan smiled, first giving overall affirmation before spreading out the six test papers one by one, and discussing in detail the areas where Ye Ci was particularly excellent. “Your math test is the best this time, and that is not only reflected in the score.” A blue and gold lacquered fountain pen tapped the math answer sheet, pointing to the penultimate question. “Your problem-solving methods are clear and concise. I only taught you a simple solution to this type of question once last month, I didn’t expect you to remember it……it shows that you not only have a high degree of comprehension, but also listen carefully.”

“You also performed well in physics……”

“Chemistry……”

He single-handedly held an award ceremony for Ye Ci.

After being praised for the second half of the sequence, Ye Ci almost couldn’t even sit in his chair.

He had never received such a high level of praise in his life. He felt like he had asked for a little red flower and was buried by a shipping container of little red flowers. But Huo Tinglan’s demeanor and tone were serious, the praise was well-founded, and there was no edge of teasing or ridicule.

“Huo-shushu.” He couldn’t hold back anymore. Wiping his red face, he quietly refuted, “You’re exaggerating too, too much. If I’m really as good as you say……like this, I can be, be admitted to a prestigious school next year.”

Huo Tinglan looked straight at him, raised his eyebrows slightly, and said what should be said: “With your qualifications, you can of course set a prestigious school as your goal. Your foundation is a bit poor, but it has recovered a lot in the past few months. You are so smart and eager to learn, plus it’s a whole year in the future, I think the odds are good……” As he spoke, he smiled softly and joked, “Why, does our Xiao Ci dislike prestigious schools?”

Ye Ci quickly shook his head. He was amused, and when he finished laughing, his eyes were hot and sore.

“In twenty days, you’ll be a senior in high school.” Huo Tinglan carefully smoothed the corners of the papers and the answer sheet and chatted with him. “Any thoughts on majors or schools?”

He would not restrict Ye Ci, and would at most give him some guidance.

As long as he didn’t go into formula racing……he could do anything he wanted.

Ten mathematicians couldn’t calculate the area of his psychological shadow regarding formula racing.

“I have some, some basic……ideas.” Ye Ci hesitated, and whispered, “I’m interested in, in manufacturing pharmaceuticals……”

The clinical trial in San Francisco that Ye Hongjun was participating in had been going on for four weeks. According to the latest test results, she did indeed show signs of improvement. Follow-up tests would take a long time, and whether she could recover was still inconclusive, but this was already a pleasant surprise.

“I’ve been, been thinking about this for a while.” Ye Ci clenched his fingertips, his eyes bright as he spoke of his dreams. “My mom was able to get, get treatment this time mainly because……you provided her with, with such good……conditions and access. But many people don’t, don’t have this ability. The imported medicines we used before were all……terribly expensive. I think I will study, study medicine in the future, so maybe I can help those kinds of people, and let them all use cheap and, and effective medicine.”

The bitterness of being seriously ill, he understood too well and empathized with too much. He earned his way out of the quagmire through untold hardships, and wanted to turn around and help someone else – – with his own strength.

Scratching his cheek in embarrassment, he said: “It’s a pretty, pretty childish idea, I know it’s not that simple.” When he raised his eyes, there was a glistening light in them and a sort of simple kindness. It was the look of those who had witnessed suffering without losing their heart. “It’s just……a general direction to work towards, don’t laugh at me.”

Huo Tinglan looked at him, and his heart was so soft that he didn’t know how much more he could love and adore him.

“It’s not childish at all,” he said firmly, and stood up.

They were in the study room, talking about life goals……this was a serious occasion and an upright topic, but his impulses were inexplicably ignited.

“I just don’t, don’t know if……the salary in this line of work is high or, or not.” Ye Ci was still making these small calculations in his head. When a man had a family and a house, he couldn’t just think about himself. “I also want to make, make a lot of money in the future and spend it on you and my, my mom……”

Huo Tinglan hugged him then with a reckless and unbridled energy that didn’t match his usual demeanor. With his chest and abdomen full of hot steam, he pressed against him, sweeping away the pile of papers and awards, and pushing him onto the desk in the study. Still on the right side of their unspoken rules, he warmly promised in his ear: “Just study what you want, don’t worry about anything. I’ll invest in you and help you with your projects, okay, baby? Alright?”

“Ah……um, alright……” Ye Ci obediently let himself be kissed while blushing, and felt like an actor who had gone to the wrong set in a daze.

He and Huo-shushu just now……weren’t they just talking about a serious topic?!

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Chapter Thirty-Four<< Table of Contents >> Chapter Thirty-Six