Chapter 34: Ancient Palace BL (VII)

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Chapter 34: Ancient Palace BL (VII)

“I certainly do not mind. It would be good for the Consort to stay for a few days and keep the Empress company.” Xuanyuan Ziying treated Nangong Qingyue entirely as if he were a married woman.

Miao Lichen felt Nangong Qingyue stiffen and he pulled him into a bow to Xuanyuan Ziying. It was worth noting that the beauty Xuanyuan Ziying was holding bore a striking resemblance to Nangong Qingyue. They both had delicate androgynous features, with slender frames that looked thinner than girls. The beauty in his arms looked even younger, with only the faintest hint of an Adam’s apple.

His waist looked even more boneless and supple leaning against Xuanyuan Ziying as his fingers subtly glided across Xuanyuan Ziying’s chest. He blinked repeatedly, less out of surprise at the scene and more to draw attention to his expressive eyes.

In the novel, Xuanyuan Ziying had consistently expressed utter contempt for homosexual relationships. This was why he had lowered his guard after Xuanyuan Zihao and Nangong Qingyue married, only to lose his throne from carelessness. The common people could accept a male Empress. They cared little about whom the Emperor favored; what mattered to them was their own livelihood.

“Since it’s sister-in-law that would like to keep Nangong for a few days, I naturally have no objections.” A smile bloomed on Xuanyuan Zihao’s lips as he glanced at the boy in Xuanyuan Ziying’s arms indifferently. Adhering to propriety without transgression, he was undoubtedly the most respectful younger brother in front of Xuanyuan Ziying despite his reputation outside. But it was because he was too perfect that he was even more dangerous. “I never expected Your Majesty to also fall for such a beauty. He is indeed a captivating charmer, I am rather envious.”

“Just a beauty. If you want him, I can give him to you.” Xuanyuan Ziying pushed the man in his arms toward Xuanyuan Zihao. The clearly unprepared man fell hastily into Xuanyuan Zihao’s embrace without a chance. His previous radiant face was now pale as he looked at Xuanyuan Zihao woefully.

People like him sought nothing more than wealth and status. A Prince could certainly provide both—but only if one lived long enough to enjoy them. He had just witnessed the exchange between the Prince, his Consort, and Miao Lichen. He looked down on even his Consort, so how would he fare any better? He was a boy with self-knowledge.

“Then I will thank you in advance, Imperial Brother.” Xuanyuan Zihao pulled the man into his arms without any hesitation, the force causing the beauty’s pale face to flush red with pain. The flattering smile he forced onto his face became slightly distorted, making him look rather unsettling.

“Why bother with such formalities between brothers? I don’t want these insignificant beauties to ruin our harmony.” Xuanyuan Ziying took a few more steps forward. He placed his hand on Miao Lichen’s hand that was holding Nangong Qingyue’s arm with a helpless smile. “Logically, if my younger brother has taken a liking to my musician, I should readily give him up. But… A’chen has already served me before, so there is no reason for him to leave the palace. If he hadn’t insisted on not having a title, I wouldn’t have allowed him to remain a musician.”

“…”

“…”

It was an obvious lie, yet no one dared to refute it because the one who lied was the current Emperor. This entire empire belonged to the Emperor, let alone a person who was just a musician. It was a mystery how this Mr. Miao had charmed the Prince and even seduced the Emperor. The Emperor even disregarded how rumors may spread to keep him in the palace.

Thinking of that, those who had previously looked at Miao Lichen with disdain couldn’t help but feel awe. In this palace, whether one could climb in rank depended entirely on the whims of their master, and the greatest master of them all was the Emperor. The Emperor’s preferences became everyone else’s.

“Is that so? I was rude, I did not know he was already yours.” Xuanyuan Zihao’s expression warped a bit, but he remained smiling. His peach blossom eyes were obscured by the shadows of his long lashes. His tone however sounded light and joyful. “In that case, congratulations for obtaining a beauty.”

“It’s good that you don’t mind. After all, Zihao, you had gone to great lengths to pursue A’chen before. If… well, that’s all in the past now. Since you are staying in the palace for a couple days, I would like to take this opportunity to host a family banquet.” Xuanyuan Ziying started addressing Xuanyuan Zihao more intimately. He intertwined his fingers with Miao Lichen’s, even pulling him into his arms. His lack of resistance compared to how he had just threatened Xuanyuan Zihao made Xuanyuan Ziying feel greatly accomplished.

This time, Xuanyuan Zihao would take nothing from him. Instead, Xuanyuan Ziying would make sure he left with nothing. What did Xuanyuan Zihao value most in his life? Was it his confidante, Nangong Qingyue, or the Xuanyuan Empire? Or perhaps his status as a War God and the people’s love and respect?

“A family banquet? It is rare for Imperial Brother to be in such high spirits…” Xuanyuan Zihao’s smile grew increasingly stiff, the killing intent in his eyes was almost impossible to conceal. What he wanted had never escaped his grasp with two exceptions. The first was the throne, and the second was Miao Lichen.

‘He’s only the Emperor. Is that all it takes to win your heart, Miao Lichen? No wonder you’re so skilled in martial arts yet only a musician; only that way can you stay by his side. Well then, let’s just destroy everything. What will you do when he’s no longer Emperor?’

“Zihao, you only married recently and many in the palace don’t recognize the most beautiful man of our country, now a Consort of the Prince Ming. We should let the younger generation get to know him. It is rare for the imperial family to hold a banquet, so let’s take this chance to liven things up.” Xuanyuan Ziying took Miao Lichen’s hand and gently played with his fingers. Miao Lichen leaned against him without any courtesy, the sudden weight deepening Xuanyuan Ziying’s smile. It looked even more striking against his bright yellow robes.

“Very well. I will take Nangong back at once to prepare. Will Mr. Miao perform at the banquet? It’s been a long time since I’ve heard Mr. Miao’s gentle melodies. Lately I’ve heard nothing but grand, stirring compositions. I wonder if I’ll have the chance to hear the former again.” Xuanyuan Zihao pulled Nangong Qingyue to his side, who was staring at Miao Lichen with a complicated look and bowed to Xuanyuan Ziying. He then took his leave with a bit of haste and unconcealable arrogance.

“Of course.” Xuanyuan Ziying watched Xuanyuan Zihao leave, his bright smile slowly fading into a cold expression. The hand that had been playing with Miao Lichen’s suddenly clenched, turning his fair fingers red in an instant. Miao Lichen remained completely silent throughout this, like a perfectly crafted puppet.

“What? Don’t you know how to reject it? Where was the arrogance you had when facing the Prince?” Xuanyuan Ziying held Miao Lichen by the waist. “If everyone was as behaved as you, I wouldn’t have to work so hard. It’s just so unfortunate, this brother of mine…”

“Is this not what Your Majesty wanted?” Miao Lichen smiled, meeting his gaze. “Your Majesty only wanted a tool and this is the price. Since I’ve learned this skill, I naturally understand Your Majesty’s intentions. However, I don’t understand why there is such a deep hatred for the Prince. After all, you were both raised by the Empress Dowager. Shouldn’t you have been closer?”

“Closer? I would be dead if I had a good relationship with him.” Xuanyuan Ziying hooked a strand of Miao Lichen’s white hair. “You know this best, don’t you? What have you gained besides this head of white hair from this romantic love? If it weren’t for me, you probably wouldn’t have survived.”

“Romantic love?!” Miao Lichen spoke mockingly, with clear disdain.

“Actually, this isn’t so bad.” Xuanyuan Ziying rested his head on Miao Lichen’s shoulder to hide the weariness in his eyes. The fragrance of flowers surrounded him at the moment, giving him a moment of relaxation. Although they both suffered trauma and survived near-death experiences, Miao Lichen’s aura was far cleaner than his. It had a cold, almost emotionless quality that only became a little lively when facing Xuanyuan Zihao.

Even his arrogance was shown only to Xuanyuan Zihao. Miao Lichen loved him utterly, and it was that very love Xuanyuan Ziying meant to exploit. Xuanyuan Zihao truly was a man worthy of envy.

∇ Capture Target Xuanyuan Ziying Favorability: 15.

After an unknown stretch of time, Miao Lichen placed his fingers against Xuanyuan Ziying’s shoulder and gently pushed him away. His legs were slightly numbed from supporting Xuanyuan Ziying for so long. Xuanyuan Ziying’s charming eyes were now tightly closed. Compared to his usual dignified or seductive expression, he looked very gentle now, and even a bit fragile.

He noticed everyone around him staring nervously at his hands, as though he were some dangerous individual. Miao Lichen scooped up Xuanyuan Ziying in a standard princess carry. He glanced at the Head Eunuch beside him and asked with an extremely alluring tone from trying to lower his volume, “Are you not going to lead the way?”

“Yes. Mr. Miao, you must be careful. Don’t even bother taking the carriage, just take a shortcut back to His Majesty’s place.”

“Mhm.” Miao Lichen smiled faintly and continued forward with light, steady steps.

Xuanyuan Ziying’s grip on his waist tightened. Both of them were highly skilled martial artists, how could they not tell if someone was truly asleep or feigning sleep?

He had been incredibly foolish to let this person see him in such a state. Miao Lichen was just a puppet after all. The aura surrounding him was mildly intoxicating, and his grip gradually relaxed. He drifted off to sleep without realizing it.

‘A puppet could never harm its master. So, at least, this embrace was safe.’

∇ Capture Target Xuanyuan Ziying Favorability: 25.

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