Chapter 71: Dispersing the Harem (End)

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Chapter 71: Dispersing the Harem [End]

Really a little worried about Concubine Li, Ling Xiao mulled it over and decided to wait for the Emperor to return so he could talk to him and ask him to let him visit her.

As soon as the thought arose, Ling Xiao saw the Emperor stride into the palace. He hurriedly smiled and stood up to greet him.

“Your Majesty, I was just thinking about you, and you returned.”

Those words were like dawn breaking through the dense fog and spilling into the Emperor’s heart. The gloomy haze within him cleared, and his expression softened slightly. He looked gently at Ling Xiao and asked, “Do you miss Us that much?”

Ling Xiao nodded with a smile. “Of course I miss you.”

That splendid smile made the Emperor’s heart jump, and the softest part of his heart felt as though it had been gently touched, leaving him faintly itchy. The anger in his chest was swept away.

Forget it.

The Emperor sighed faintly, his eyes full of helplessness as he held Ling Xiao and led him to the table. “You’re probably hungry. Let’s eat.”

Ling Xiao gently pushed him away and shook his head. The Emperor looked down at him in puzzlement, and Ling Xiao continued, “Your Majesty, I’m not hungry yet.”

Ling Xiao then started making idle conversation. “Your Majesty, do you know who came this afternoon?”

There was only one person who had visited this palace, so the Emperor naturally knew. He silently waited for Ling Xiao to continue.

Seeing that he had no intention of answering, Ling Xiao answered his own question. “It was Concubine Li. Ling Xiao mentioned someone interesting to you before.”

As though he had remembered something amusing, Ling Xiao laughed faintly.

The Emperor’s expression turned cold at the sight, but Ling Xiao, immersed in his memories, did not notice the change.

He continued, “Concubine Li stood under the sun for several hours waiting for Ling Xiao to wake up. If it were anyone else in her position, they would probably hate Ling Xiao to death.”

While he spoke, he helplessly shook his head. “But Concubine Li is so muddle-headed. She actually wasn’t angry at all. Your Majesty, to think you have such a foolish concubine in your palace. She’s really stupid to the point of being cute.”

The Emperor tightly clenched his fists, rage filling his heart as he waited for Ling Xiao to continue.

He coldly snorted and said accusingly, “It looks like you quite like this Concubine Li.”

Ling Xiao nodded. “In this palace, there are far too few people who can remain so innocent and pure. Although Concubine Li is foolish, her nature is very pure. Ling Xiao quite likes that.”

As he spoke, Concubine Li’s pale face flashed through his mind, and his smile disappeared, replaced by worry. “But she was suffering from heatstroke. I don’t know how she is now or whether the physician has checked on her yet.”

Since he had already mentioned her, Ling Xiao took the opportunity to ask, “Although it’s a little late now, Ling Xiao is truly worried about Concubine Li. Your Majesty, I would like permission to visit her.”

“Impudent!”

Those words were like flames that completely ignited the rage in the Emperor’s heart.

With a furious roar, he struck the table with his palm, causing it to shake violently before shattering.

His gaze was ice-cold, the whites of his eyes tinged with red as he glared fiercely at Ling Xiao like a wolf, as though he wanted to lunge forward and tear him to pieces.

Ling Xiao was startled by the sudden outburst. With how much the Emperor had doted on him lately, he had almost forgotten what the Emperor looked like when he was angry.

At this moment, the Emperor’s sudden rage not only frightened Ling Xiao into silence, but also left him filled with confusion and disbelief.

He could not understand the Emperor, but his body instinctively knelt before him.

“Your Majesty, please calm down. Ling Xiao knows his mistake.”

“Your Majesty, please calm down!”

Hearing the commotion, everyone rushed in. An Xiang and An Yong led the way, kneeling before the intimidating imperial presence and trembling as they echoed Ling Xiao’s plea.

“All of you, get out! Out! Scram!”

The Emperor’s oppressive aura swept toward everyone. An Xiang glanced at Ling Xiao worriedly, but still pulled An Yong along and respectfully left.

Ling Xiao swallowed. He had never seen the Emperor so angry before, completely disregarding his usual composure.

But he did not even know what had made the Emperor so angry.

Unease rose in his heart over this unknown matter, but he remained cautious.

“Ling Xiao, tell Us. Where are you wrong?” The Emperor held his chin, forcing him to look at him.

Ling Xiao made countless guesses in his mind, but seeing the unrestrained anger on the Emperor’s face, he felt that none of them were enough to make him this furious.

He nervously pursed his lips, thought for a moment, then answered in a trembling voice, “Ling Xiao… doesn’t know.”

“Heh… you don’t know?” The Emperor sneered and tightened his grip on Ling Xiao’s chin, causing him to wrinkle his brows in pain.

“You don’t know? Then let Us make it clear to you!”

Ling Xiao was startled, wondering what the Emperor meant.

Then he felt something warm against his lips. The Emperor kissed him without warning.

“…Mh…” Ling Xiao let out a startled sound.

The Emperor’s kiss was nothing like the tender ones before. This time, it carried his icy anger, completely overwhelming Ling Xiao.

Ling Xiao was forced to part his lips, their tongues tangling together.

His mind resisted, but his body was already accustomed to the Emperor’s touch. He felt weak from the overwhelming sensation, yet still tried to resist, softly protesting.

“Your Majesty… Your… don’t… ahh…”

His protests gradually faded beneath the Emperor’s relentless kiss, and his tense hands eventually relaxed, clinging to the Emperor as he struggled to regain his composure.

The Emperor pulled back and gave him a cold smile as he looked into Ling Xiao’s dazed eyes. “With this kind of body, how could you possibly satisfy Concubine Li?”

The Emperor’s words were truly strange. Clinging to the last bit of his consciousness, Ling Xiao raised his head to look at him.

Through his misty eyes, the Emperor appeared as a hazy figure, like an illusion he could not clearly see, as though he would disappear if Ling Xiao reached out to touch him.

The adoration in Ling Xiao’s eyes was clearly reflected in the Emperor’s own. His heart shook, and a trace of warmth seeped into it. But when he thought of Ling Xiao speaking about Concubine Li, his expression cooled, and his heart sank.

His rapidly fluctuating emotions made the Emperor frown in displeasure. He looked down at the man who was the cause of it all. His dazed eyes, flushed cheeks, and slightly furrowed brows revealed his state of disarray.

His body subconsciously rubbed against his skin, causing his clothes to scatter on around him, only a bit was left that made him all the more enticing.

His gaze darkened. The hardness beneath him pained him, but he endured it with a slight groan as sweat began to form on his forehead.

“Your… Your… Your Majesty…” His rubbing failed to bring him the release he desired, so he began to call out unhappily, pouting as he moved closer to the Emperor’s mouth, asking for release.

Those sweet lips were right in front of him. With just a slight movement, those lips would be his to taste.

He would also be able to obtain this man’s unique and unmatched fawning, a side of him that only he was allowed to see.

As though bewitched, the Emperor parted his lips slightly, giving Ling Xiao’s tongue a chance to slip inside. His kiss was without any skill or intent, but it only deepened the Emperor’s desire.

Like he was venting his frustration, the Emperor bit down.

“Ah.”

The bite was fierce and sudden. Ling Xiao cried out in pain, and his consciousness returned in a flash.

“You certainly enjoyed the pleasure yourself first.” The Emperor held his chin and stubbornly asked, “Answer Us. Can Concubine Li satisfy you so much?”

The Emperor’s handsome face was flushed, and sweat dotted his forehead before slowly sliding down, giving him an alluring appearance. It slipped out of Ling Xiao’s line of sight and fell onto his chest.

Ling Xiao’s heart stirred restlessly. His body trembled, and an indescribable itch spread through him. Unable to endure it, he began to move slightly, his gaze pleading with the Emperor.

The Emperor remained unmoved while Ling Xiao continued to squirm, unhappily rubbing himself. Then, he accidentally rubbed against the Emperor’s hard object.

The Emperor’s body went rigid, but Ling Xiao acted as though he had found something that could relieve him and rubbed against it with his lower body.

“Ling Xiao!” The Emperor clenched his teeth. He tightened his grip with one hand while the other held Ling Xiao by the waist, preventing him from moving about.

Ling Xiao returned to his senses from the pain once again. The discomfort in his body made him want to cry, but no tears came. The Emperor clearly had no intention of relieving him.

Ling Xiao looked at him sadly and protested, “Your Majesty… you are tormenting Ling Xiao.”

His soft voice carried a slight whine, making him feel numb from another wave of pleasure.

The Emperor trembled. His lower body stiffened, and he wished he could simply press the restless Ling Xiao down and do as he pleased.

And he did just that. Without any preparation, he entered Ling Xiao.

Ling Xiao screamed from the pain, his face turning deathly pale as his lower body tensed.

The Emperor let out a low groan at the tightness, his face paling slightly.

“Your Majesty, you…” Ling Xiao was just about to speak.

The Emperor interrupted him, stubbornly asking, “Answer Us. Can Concubine Li satisfy you this much?”

Ling Xiao was stunned. He blinked as he stared at him. His face had paled from the pain, and although his lower body had already relaxed, he still stubbornly demanded an answer.

An answer slowly surfaced in the depths of Ling Xiao’s heart, one that would surely make the other angry. Looking at him, Ling Xiao asked with a hint of teasing in his eyes, “Your Majesty, you… aren’t being jealous, are you?”

The Emperor paused, gave Ling Xiao a stern, punishing look, and moved his body. Ling Xiao cried out and trembled. “It hurts… Your Majesty…”

The Emperor pursed his lips, held Ling Xiao’s chin, and asked coldly, “Your reply.”

The Emperor’s imposing manner in this kind of situation had long since lost its threatening power. With how stubbornly he demanded an answer, he was like a child who, after being asked a question, would keep pestering an adult until he received an answer. There was an almost childlike purity to him.

Ling Xiao suddenly felt that this side of the Emperor was a little cute, and he involuntarily burst out laughing.

“You have some nerve!” The Emperor narrowed his eyes in displeasure.

Ling Xiao held back his laughter and cleared his throat. “Please forgive me, Your Majesty. It was just that Your Majesty’s jealous appearance was too cute.”

“Cute?” The Emperor leaned dangerously closer to him.

Alarmed, Ling Xiao quickly pushed him away and hurriedly added, “Your Majesty, I have nothing to do with Concubine Li, really.”

“Drinking from the same bowl of iced pickled plum soup is nothing?” The Emperor’s face darkened, his expression unreadable.

Ling Xiao was astounded. “Your Majesty knows?”

“It was An Yong or An Xiang.” Ling Xiao thought for a moment before understanding.

An Xiang and An Yong had been following him at the Emperor’s command. Their purpose was not only to protect him but also to keep an eye on him and prevent him from doing anything he shouldn’t.

For a man like the Emperor, it was impossible for him to completely trust anyone.

Ling Xiao pursed his lips tightly and sighed. “There is no need to be like this, Your Majesty. Ling Xiao has long been yours.”

“So you still remember that you are Ours.” The Emperor mocked him. “Since you know that, then you should also clearly understand that there should be boundaries between men and women.”

Ling Xiao frowned. “Concubine Li is also your concubine.”

The Emperor immediately followed up, “Then you should stay away from her even more.”

“…I just made a normal friend.” Ling Xiao retorted, “Your Majesty has thousands of concubines, while Ling Xiao doesn’t even have one. Now that Ling Xiao has finally made a friend!”

He knew perfectly well that this was a world where imperial power ruled and that he had no right to ask for fairness. But since the Emperor had brought up the subject first, Ling Xiao could not hold back his complaint.

The Emperor silently stood up and draped his outer robe over himself.

“You are challenging Our patience,” the Emperor said coldly, looking at him with a complicated expression.

Amidst that gaze, Ling Xiao could see disappointment. That look pierced painfully into his heart.

Ling Xiao was provoked and endured the pain as he sat up. Summoning courage from somewhere he did not know existed, he said angrily, “Don’t you think you are being selfish, Your Majesty?!”

The Emperor dangerously narrowed his eyes at Ling Xiao.

Ling Xiao clenched his teeth. “You ask Ling Xiao to stay away from other women and remain pure for you, but what about you? There are countless concubines in the harem. Can you agree to remain faithful to Ling Xiao?”

“Ling Xiao only made a friend, and you get angry. If one day Ling Xiao sees you going to another concubine’s palace, then can Ling Xiao get angry too?!”

“Have you not already done so?” The Emperor scoffed coldly.

Ling Xiao trembled. He thought of Concubine Ran and Hong Ye and knew he was in the wrong, but he refused to admit defeat. “Your Majesty has countless concubines. Ling Xiao is angry because you have so many women to choose from as you please, while Ling Xiao only has one friend!”

Ling Xiao hardened his heart and continued, “Your Majesty wants Ling Xiao to distance himself from this friend, fine. But you also have to dismiss all the women in your harem!”

The Emperor’s face was full of surprise, as if he could not believe Ling Xiao would make such a request in front of him. Seeing this, Ling Xiao sneered. “Your Majesty cannot even do that, so why ask Ling Xiao to distance himself from Concubine Li? You even said before that you would treat Ling Xiao as though he were you, but from the looks of it, it was all just a joke!”

The Emperor began to laugh out of anger. His laughter was so dark that it made Ling Xiao tremble. Ling Xiao struggled to control his body and stubbornly met his gaze.

Ling Xiao knew that his words were a challenge to the Emperor’s authority in this world. They were rebellious words, things he should never have said. If it had been the old Ling Xiao, he would never have dared to say them. But…

After spending so much time with the Emperor and falling in love with him, he was no longer as afraid of him as before. Or perhaps it was because he wanted to become partners with someone he could spend the rest of his life with.

So he still gathered his courage and said it.

How would the Emperor react? Ling Xiao looked at him with a trace of hope.

The Emperor sneered coldly and suddenly clutched Ling Xiao by the neck. Alarmed, Ling Xiao instinctively thought of the death-exemption golden plate and blurted out, “Your Majesty, did your death-exemption plate lose its effectiveness?!”

The Emperor laughed heartily out of anger. With nowhere to vent his fury, it finally spilled out, causing the entire surroundings to tremble.

“So, not only will you not listen to Us, you refuse to distance yourself from Concubine Li. And you will even use the death-exemption plate to restrain Us! You have even become delusional enough to expect Us to disperse the harem for you! Heh.”

Such great nerve. He really had spoiled him too much!

With a cold smile, the Emperor’s viciousness burst forth, and his hand tightened. Ling Xiao suddenly felt himself suffocating, his face turning red from the chokehold.

Ling Xiao struggled with all his might but was unable to break free. The Emperor narrowed his eyes, a murderous aura suddenly emanating from him. Ling Xiao opened his blurred eyes and could only see the Emperor’s terrifyingly dark expression.

The neck in his hand was so slender. With just a little more strength, he could easily take the life of the person who had angered him for the first time. He had never tolerated anyone behaving like this before. Ling Xiao was the first, and he would be the last.

The Emperor tightened his grip. In that moment, he truly wanted Ling Xiao to disappear like this.

Soon, he watched as the color slowly faded from Ling Xiao’s face, his breathing becoming weaker and weaker. Then, the Emperor suddenly remembered a little eunuch who had once bumped into him.

The little eunuch from back then, with his panicked expression, had been like a sheep dropped into a pack of wolves, helplessly fleeing in all directions. Yet whenever he faced the Emperor, he would look at him with bright eyes and softly call out, “Your Majesty.”

“Your… Your Majesty…” Ling Xiao called out with difficulty, stubbornly opening his eyes to look at the monarch.

The Emperor came back to his senses at the sound of his voice. When he looked into Ling Xiao’s eyes, he trembled. Ling Xiao’s face overlapped with that of the little eunuch from his memories, causing his heart to jolt, and he loosened his grip.

“Cough, cough… You…” Ling Xiao shuddered violently, coughing as tears filled his eyes. Looking at him miserably, he said, “You… really want to kill Ling Xiao.”

Ling Xiao’s words were more like an accusation, as though he were condemning the Emperor for his heartlessness. The Emperor slowly placed his hands behind his back, trembling as he clenched them tightly. Then, he flicked his sleeve and walked out.

“Watch the King Consort. Do not allow him to take even a single step outside!”

“Yes.”

The Emperor’s order lingered in his ears for a long time. Ling Xiao sat paralyzed on the bed, one hand clutching his neck.

“They all say monarchs are heartless. I originally didn’t believe it and thought His Majesty was an exception. Now it seems…”

Ling Xiao rubbed his neck as he muttered to himself, his eyes reddening with disappointment.

The next day, news that the King Consort had fallen out of favor spread throughout the imperial palace.

Everyone said that the reason the Emperor had left the King Consort’s palace that night with his clothes in disarray was because Ling Xiao had failed to serve him well and had angered him. He had then been placed under house arrest.

Those who had originally been jealous of Ling Xiao now all sighed with sympathy. Ling Xiao had gained favor quickly, but the speed at which he lost it was something an ordinary person could never match.

However, someone else also spread the word that for the King Consort to anger the Emperor and still not be executed was a miracle in itself.

As such, the King Consort was still special in the Emperor’s heart. It was not impossible for him to make a comeback in the future.

None of these rumors could reach Ling Xiao’s ears. He had been confined to his room and could not go anywhere.

The area below had been injured, and the injury on his neck was also a ghastly sight.

An Xiang had summoned a physician to treat him, so all Ling Xiao had to do was take his medicine. This house arrest was practically a period of recuperation.

Ling Xiao’s three meals a day remained the same as before. Although the Emperor had placed him under house arrest, he had not reduced his food or clothing.

But Ling Xiao’s mood was already completely different from before.

“Young Master, you should at least eat a little.” An Xiang held a bowl of congee, looking worriedly at Ling Xiao as he sat on the bed.

Ling Xiao shook his head slightly. “I don’t have an appetite. Take it away.”

“But…” An Xiang frowned and wanted to say something else, but Ling Xiao had already lain back down, turning his back to her and making it clear there was no room for discussion.

An Xiang sighed softly, held the congee, and walked out.

“Young Master… still won’t eat?” An Yong stared at the bowl of congee and asked restlessly.

An Xiang shook her head, and An Yong frowned, blaming herself. “It’s all my fault. I shouldn’t have reported it to Master.”

An Xiang sighed. “This is our duty. Even if we hadn’t told him, Master would have found out sooner or later.”

An Yong bit her lip. “Master loves Young Master so much, so why did he have to…”

“Young Master, too. He’s usually very clever. As long as he admitted his mistake and stopped interacting with Concubine Li, then this matter would be over. I don’t know what Young Master is so angry about. He just refuses to sever ties with her,” An Xiang said anxiously.

An Yong suddenly thought of something from An Xiang’s words and said in shock, “Young… Young Master… wouldn’t really have done something with Concubine Li…”

An Xiang promptly covered An Yong’s mouth and said disapprovingly, “Is that something you can just say carelessly?”

“Master has always been devoted to Young Master, so it is impossible for Young Master to…” An Xiang said firmly. She did not know whether she was saying it for herself or for An Yong.

After she finished speaking, she hurriedly looked around to make sure there were no guards within earshot. Only then did they finally breathe a sigh of relief. Still feeling somewhat uneasy, An Xiang dragged An Yong farther away from Ling Xiao’s residence.

Lan Wei watched An Xiang and An Yong leave, silently pursed his lips, dodged the imperial guards, and slipped into Ling Xiao’s room.

“Who?!”

Ling Xiao sat up defensively. Lan Wei quickly approached and covered his mouth.

“It’s me, Lan Wei.”

Ling Xiao stared blankly at Lan Wei, who was nervously watching the entrance, and laughed. “Why do you still love breaking into the palace?”

Seeing that Ling Xiao was still in the mood to tease him, Lan Wei relaxed a little and replied unhappily, “And look at who I’m doing it for.”

He then looked toward Ling Xiao and was shocked by the dark mark on his neck. His hand unconsciously reached out to gently touch it.

“This…”

Ling Xiao flinched slightly and avoided his touch, answering somewhat awkwardly, “As you can see, I’ve fallen out of favor.”

He spoke so lightly, even wearing a faint smile, as though it were nothing important and had nothing to do with him. But Lan Wei could see the loneliness and sadness in his eyes.

His heart tightened as tenderness surged from the depths of his heart.

“Aren’t you usually really smart? How did you manage to make such a mess of things this time?” Lan Wei scolded him angrily, his distress evident.

“Isn’t it just admitting your mistake and making an agreement? Aren’t you good at these things?! So why did you have to go head-to-head with the Emperor this time?”

Lan Wei clenched his teeth as he spoke, his nose stinging and the rims of his eyes actually beginning to redden.

Ling Xiao did not know how to react. Lan Wei had obviously matured a great deal. He had led countless troops on the battlefield and was a general revered by all, but right now, he was just like the sharp-tongued young master from before, cursing at everything around him.

With his eyes red and tears welling up as though they might fall at any moment, he made the already-sad Ling Xiao find the sight somewhat amusing.

“I’m the one who lost favor, and I’m the one who was strangled. Why are you crying?”

Ling Xiao laughed carelessly. Lan Wei shot him a sharp look and wiped his eyes, snapping, “I did not cry! Who would shed tears for a wolf like you? Serves you right! You could have avoided it! If you die, it’s all your own fault!”

Although Lan Wei spoke harshly, his actions were completely different. He took out some medicine for injuries from his bosom and carefully applied it to Ling Xiao, his gentle movements as though he were tending to a priceless treasure.

Ling Xiao originally wanted to tell him that the physician had just applied medicine to him, but seeing how focused Lan Wei was, he stiffly swallowed the words back.

“So tell me, what are you trying to do this time?” After finishing applying the medicine, Lan Wei had clearly calmed down considerably. He looked at Ling Xiao with a puzzled expression.

“Heh…” Ling Xiao laughed and tried to change the subject. “What do you mean, what am I trying to do? As you can see, I’ve fallen out of favor.”

“Bullshit!” Lan Wei burst out with a curse despite his usual image, then immediately realized what he had said, and his face turned completely red.

Ling Xiao smiled faintly and teased him, “You’re showing your true personality, Lan Wei.”

Lan Wei glared at him and retorted angrily, “Don’t try to change the subject. From my understanding of you, you’re not someone who would simply sit back and accept your fate. And the Emperor’s feelings toward you are not something that Concubine Li could make him want to kill you.”

“Just what did you do?” Lan Wei asked curiously.

Ling Xiao pouted, unwilling to talk about it. But under Lan Wei’s intense questioning gaze, he still explained unhappily, “I told him that if he wanted me to distance myself from Concubine Li, then he needed to disperse the harem.”

“…Cough, cough…” Lan Wei choked on his own saliva, coughing twice as he looked at him incredulously.

Seeing the seriousness on Ling Xiao’s face, with not a trace of joking in his expression, Lan Wei held back from retorting.

After a long silence, he finally managed to say, “Ling Xiao, the Emperor is the monarch.”

Ling Xiao fell silent before sneering. “So you also think I deserve it? That I should keep myself pure for him while he can have countless wives and concubines in the harem?”

Lan Wei sighed. “Monarchs have always been like this since ancient times. You…”

“Enough!” Ling Xiao resentfully interrupted him. “I don’t feel like talking to you about this. If there’s nothing else, you should go back.”

Ling Xiao knew that everyone in this world thought this way. But since he had brought it up, he had wanted to take a gamble.

Nowadays, he would wait and see who would compromise first between them.

Lan Wei sighed softly and shook his head. He stood up. “This time, you really were too brazen. The Emperor’s harem is not just made up of his wives and concubines; it is also an important part of the balance of power at court. You asked him to completely disperse the harem. Not only is that rebellious, but it is also a direct challenge to imperial authority. No wonder the Emperor wanted to kill you. It’s a miracle you’re still alive.”

“You weren’t such a brazen and rebellious person before. Is it because you now have feelings for someone that you want to monopolize…”

It took Lan Wei a great deal of effort to get those words out, and he could not help but feel bitter.

Ling Xiao neither admitted nor denied it. He simply said unhappily, “Why are you still not leaving?”

Lan Wei gave him a complicated look, his heart in complete turmoil.

Since you want to spend the rest of your life with one person as a pair, then why did you choose the monarch? If it were Fu Yujun, or… me, either of us could give you the future you wanted. Yet you just had to choose the Emperor of Mu Country.

Lan Wei wanted to say those words from the bottom of his heart, but in the end, he silently kept them to himself. He only muttered, “Then… do your best.”

After saying that, he leaped up and disappeared from the room.

Ling Xiao lay back down on the bed. Could it be that even Lan Wei thought he had gone too far?

“Servants!”

Ling Xiao raised his voice and called out. An Xiang heard him from outside and promptly entered the room, kneeling before him.

“Please give your orders, Young Master.”

“Go tell His Majesty that I want to go out for a while. It’s too boring in here.”

An Xiang fell silent, her expression uncertain. “Young Master, you are still under house arrest…”

“It’s fine. Just go.” Ling Xiao dismissed her with a wave of his hand.

Since the Emperor had not killed him, then he probably would not be so stingy as to deny him this little bit of freedom.

Besides, after a day of their cold war, the Emperor should have calmed down by now.

Ling Xiao increasingly felt that he was courting death. He was obviously terrified of the Emperor, yet now he could actually act so calmly and casually around him.

He rubbed the healing injury on his neck, still feeling a little afraid when he thought about what had happened before. But that fear was only lingering, negligible compared to his desire to have the Emperor all to himself.

“……”

An Xiang eventually went anyway. In the end, the Emperor allowed Ling Xiao to walk around the imperial garden, but he was not permitted to go anywhere else.

Ling Xiao sighed softly and accepted the arrangement. He let An Xiang and An Yong follow him as he headed to the imperial garden.

When An Xiang returned, her expression was somewhat strange. It seemed that something had happened on the Emperor’s side that puzzled her, but Ling Xiao did not ask.

Yet the more unknown something was, the more curious people became. It felt as though something were scratching at his heart, making him impatient to know what the Emperor was doing right now.

Finally, he could not endure it any longer and pulled An Xiang toward him. “An Xiang, when you went over, did His Majesty… say anything else?”

An Xiang clearly froze before shaking her head and saluting. “Young Master, Master did not say anything.”

“He really didn’t?” Ling Xiao frowned.

An Xiang nodded. “The Emperor is reading through his memorials. He didn’t have any other expression, but he’s not angry like he was yesterday. When he heard the message you wanted this servant to pass on, he also did not look unhappy.”

Ling Xiao raised an eyebrow, flabbergasted. Then he heard her say, “Young Master, why don’t you back down? Master will forgive you.”

Ling Xiao did not reply, making An Xiang frown. An Yong also urged him from the side, “Young Master, what are you waiting for? If you don’t give in, what will you do if Master’s heart runs away?”

Ling Xiao scoffed at the last part. The Emperor’s heart had never belonged to anyone else all these years, so he was not worried that the Emperor would suddenly fall for someone else.

“Young Master, don’t take it lightly.” An Yong knitted her brows tightly. “Master stayed at Concubine Xian’s palace last night.”

“!” Ling Xiao trembled and looked at her. An Xiang immediately pulled An Yong back, and she closed her mouth.

However, Ling Xiao had already heard her.

“His Majesty spent the night at Concubine Xian’s palace?” As he said it, his heart felt as though someone had poured cold water over it, leaving him completely chilled.

“Heh…” He gave a faint laugh, but his expression twisted at the thought of Concubine Xian and the Emperor together. An Yong quickly knelt in alarm. “Young Master, please calm down. This servant was just speaking nonsense.”

“Calm down?” Ling Xiao smiled mockingly. “No, I’m not angry at all!”

“I’m very happy!” Ling Xiao gritted his teeth and turned around to walk out.

An Xiang’s heart filled with fear as she quickly stopped him. “Young Master, you cannot leave the imperial garden.”

“Get out of my way!” Ling Xiao’s anger flared.

An Xiang shook her head, and An Yong hurriedly rushed forward and knelt in front of him, biting her lip as she said, “Young Master, please calm down.”

“I said, you two, get out of my way!” Ling Xiao shouted angrily.

An Xiang trembled and knelt down with An Yong in front of him, but they still refused to let him pass.

“Oh, what’s happening here?” Suddenly, a cheerful voice filled with teasing interrupted them.

Ling Xiao looked back and saw the casually dressed Mu Xiuning, the Emperor’s only Imperial Uncle.

Ling Xiao took a deep breath, forcing down the rage in his heart. Using what remained of his rationality, he saluted Mu Xiuning. “Imperial Uncle.”

“Every time I see you, you’re always making things difficult for the servants. Must you always do this?” Mu Xiuning said gently as he waved a hand at the two servants, indicating that they could leave.

The two hesitated for a moment. Mu Xiuning told them, “Leave. This King will explain it to His Majesty later.”

“Yes.”

Hearing Mu Xiuning say this, the two had no choice but to leave. They saluted and retreated.

Ling Xiao coldly snorted and raised his foot to walk away, but Mu Xiuning grabbed hold of him.

Ling Xiao stared at Mu Xiuning’s hand and asked coldly, “…Is Imperial Uncle trying to stop Ling Xiao?”

Mu Xiuning lowered his hand and smiled. “It’s not that either. But where do you want to go? You have been placed under house arrest. Leaving the imperial garden means disobeying the imperial decree. Even if the Emperor protects you again, have you thought about what might happen if you continue to openly defy the imperial decree?”

“Many thanks for Imperial Uncle’s reminder, but Ling Xiao insists on defying the imperial decree today!”

All his former rationality was gone. Ling Xiao could only think about rushing to the Emperor and asking if he had really stayed at Concubine Xian’s palace the previous night. Had he really gone into another woman’s embrace right after leaving him?

These questions weighed heavily on his chest, making him feel as though a huge stone were pressing down on his heart, heavy and painful.

Mu Xiuning sighed softly at the sight. “You want to go to the imperial study to see His Majesty?”

Ling Xiao remained silent. The direction he was heading in only led to the imperial study, so his destination was not difficult to guess.

“But His Majesty isn’t in the imperial study. He’s at Concubine Xian’s palace.” Mu Xiuning seemed to have mentioned it casually as he smiled faintly.

Ling Xiao’s body went rigid. An overwhelming rage engulfed him, and his body trembled despite himself. The last thread of rationality in his mind snapped completely.

His eyes burning, he silently turned in another direction and headed toward Concubine Xian’s palace.

Mu Xiuning blocked his path. “Where are you going? Mu Country’s King Consort is notorious for being jealous. Everyone already knows this. The Emperor has blocked many officials’ advances on your behalf. Do you know that? And now you are even trying to openly defy an imperial decree. Have you thought about how the court officials might seize upon this weakness?”

“Alas, how should I put it?” Ling Xiao said regretfully. “If I cannot monopolize His Majesty for myself, then Ling Xiao would rather die by his hands.”

Mu Xiuning recoiled slightly. Although he had never personally seen just how afraid of death Ling Xiao was, he had heard about it before. Yet from the determination on his face now, how did he look like someone who feared death and clung to life?

He wanted to monopolize him…

Mu Xiuning smiled faintly, turned around, and grabbed Ling Xiao when he tried to walk past him. With a little strength, he easily subdued him.

“Don’t cause trouble for the Emperor.” Mu Xiuning’s eyes were filled with warning as he spoke. Ling Xiao instinctively sensed danger and paused. That moment of hesitation allowed Mu Xiuning to pull him back to where he had been standing.

“Chong’er would be vexed.” Mu Xiuning changed the way he addressed the Emperor and leaned closer, speaking darkly.

The sudden oppressive feeling made Ling Xiao’s back turn cold. Although the man before him wore a gentle expression, he somehow made Ling Xiao feel a sense of danger. Ling Xiao retreated, putting some distance between them.

Mu Xiuning laughed at his reaction. “Your reaction is pretty fast.”

He then walked toward him again, but suddenly stepped on something hard. He paused and looked down. It was a piece of bright jade.

Mu Xiuning stared blankly for a moment before bending down to pick it up. The first thing he noticed was the jade’s smooth, delicate texture, which startled him slightly. Then, a nostalgic expression appeared on his face.

Ling Xiao blinked. He felt as though he had seen wrong.

Mu Xiuning gently stroked the jade pendant and quietly asked, “Why is it on you?”

He seemed to be speaking to himself, but Ling Xiao replied through pursed lips, “The Emperor gave it to me. If it’s not on me, then should it be on you?”

Ling Xiao mocked him coldly and tried to snatch the jade back, but Mu Xiuning easily dodged him.

Ling Xiao was very displeased. “Give it back to me!”

The look on Ling Xiao’s face, as though something precious had been taken from him, shook Mu Xiuning. He asked, “This is very important to you?”

“And what does this have to do with Imperial Uncle?” Ling Xiao mocked heatedly. When Mu Xiuning’s attention wandered for a moment, Ling Xiao quickly snatched the jade back into his hands.

Mu Xiuning looked at Ling Xiao carefully clasping the jade and was slightly startled. Then, he smiled in relief.

“Forget it.”

He walked over to a fake rock and sat down. “Come here. Let’s talk.”

“Ling Xiao has nothing to do with Imperial Uncle…”

Before Ling Xiao could finish speaking, Mu Xiuning interrupted him. “His Majesty went to Concubine Xian’s palace to consult her about how to disperse the harem.”

“……”

Ling Xiao froze, then turned around to look at him.

Mu Xiuning’s expression was calm and did not look as though he were lying. But for the Emperor to compromise so quickly left Ling Xiao somewhat flabbergasted. He approached him, still half-doubtful of his words.

“On what basis are you saying that?”

“Ha.” As though he had heard something amusing, Mu Xiuning began to laugh heartily. “Whether you believe it or not is up to you. Why should this King say otherwise?”

Mu Xiuning knew he had no reason to lie to Ling Xiao. He had only told him this out of a sudden kindness, allowing him to understand the situation beforehand.

Once Ling Xiao realized this, his entire face turned red with embarrassment.

He really had been too anxious and foolish to ask such a stupid question.

With his flushed cheeks and angry expression, as though he wished he could dig a hole and bury himself in it, he looked like a hamster, making people want to smile.

Mu Xiuning smiled leisurely. This Ling Xiao really was Chong’er’s type.

He sighed.

“This jade was originally mine.”

Mu Xiuning suddenly revealed this astonishing fact, causing Ling Xiao to raise his head sharply.

He saw Mu Xiuning once again take on a nostalgic expression. Ling Xiao blinked and silently stared at him.

Mu Xiuning slowly explained, “When Chong’er was young, I gave it to him as a birthday present.”

“Chong’er lost his mother when he was young and was raised by me, so he depended on me greatly. But…”

Mu Xiuning’s eyes turned sorrowful as he spoke. “Which royal child did not have to worry as they grew up? He might not go looking for trouble, but trouble would always find him. Besides, Chong’er was always an ambitious child.”

Ling Xiao did not know why this Imperial Uncle had suddenly decided to tell him all of this, but he was very interested in the Emperor’s past.

He unconsciously walked over and sat beside him, listening intently as Mu Xiuning spoke about the Emperor.

So the Emperor had once been innocent and naive in his childhood. But since the throne was something they had to fight for, and the struggle had dragged him into it, he had no choice but to become the demon in other people’s eyes, the one who had killed his own older brother.

He had great ambitions. He wanted Mu Country to become the strongest country, not only during his generation but for generations to come.

He was willing to use every means at his disposal to achieve his ambitions. The harem was merely another tool he used to consolidate his power. Affection meant nothing in the face of his ambitions.

That was, until he met Ling Xiao.

Mu Xiuning sighed sorrowfully and looked toward him. “I always felt that you were not suited for Chong’er, but now…”

“But?” Ling Xiao looked at him, the threat obvious in his eyes.

Mu Xiuning paid no attention to the threat, which was about as intimidating as a small animal, and smiled gently. “Now I feel that you are.”

Ling Xiao frowned and stared at him. He hated that he could not simply go up and give him a piece of his mind. This threatening appearance of his seemed quite amusing to Mu Xiuning, and he took a few more looks at him.

Ling Xiao bared his teeth. “Stop talking nonsense! Whether I suit him or not has nothing to do with you.”

Mu Xiuning helplessly shook his head. “Chong’er himself knows in his heart that you are not suited for him.”

Ling Xiao clenched his teeth. Were the words he had just said really going in one ear and out the other for this Imperial Uncle?!

Ling Xiao frowned and was just about to retort when Mu Xiuning said, “Chong’er’s ambition is to make our country the strongest. At that time, Shao Country could have been easily conquered. But because you let the tiger out and allowed them to gather their forces, it caused such trouble. The harem is an important tool of his power, yet he is dispersing it because of you.”

“You said you are suitable for him, so tell me, besides making Chong’er compromise bit by bit, how can you help him?”

“……”

Ling Xiao fell silent and carefully thought about it. He really was just as Imperial Uncle had said. He had not done anything to help the Emperor. He refused to accept it and searched through his mind for something, but he could not think of anything.

Mu Xiuning simply sneered. “Don’t think about it. Things you don’t have, no matter how hard you think about them, you won’t suddenly have.”

Ling Xiao clenched his teeth. “I may not have had anything before, but that doesn’t mean I don’t have anything now!”

Mu Xiuning raised an eyebrow, his face full of disbelief. “Then I’ll wait and see.”

Ling Xiao coldly snorted. “You’ve said so much just to avoid talking about this jade?”

Ling Xiao held the jade in his hand and looked toward Mu Xiuning, who deliberately looked away, avoiding Ling Xiao’s probing gaze.

“I don’t understand.”

“This jade has a very interesting rumor surrounding it in the palace. The Emperor once personally ordered that no one was allowed to touch it. You said you were the one who gave it to him, so how did you end up provoking him?”

Mu Xiuning frowned slightly. He did not want to talk about it, but after Ling Xiao stared at him for a while, he finally sighed.

“I originally wanted Chong’er to be a free and carefree prince and live a good life. I didn’t want him to get involved in the struggle for the throne.”

As Mu Xiuning spoke, he gave a self-mocking laugh. “I originally thought I was doing it for his own good, so I stood against him and tried to persuade him to give up the throne. I naively believed that as long as he gave up on it and stopped fighting for it, he would be able to remain uninvolved.”

Ling Xiao’s heart went cold with shock. “When His Majesty fought for the throne, the person you supported wasn’t him?”

“Then doesn’t that mean His Majesty struggled without any support?” Ling Xiao found it difficult to imagine. Just how had the Emperor managed to make it this far on his own? What kind of helplessness must he have felt back then?

Ling Xiao’s heart tightened, and he clenched his teeth, hating that he could not go back to the past and accompany the Emperor.

“In that aspect, I am like you. I was not a good role model.” Pain surfaced on Mu Xiuning’s face.

“This is the thing I regret the most.” Mu Xiuning continued to wear a sorrowful expression as he said this.

Ling Xiao fell silent.

The fact that Mu Xiuning was still alive meant that the Emperor had shown him mercy. But even that mercy was filled with resentment toward the close relative who had raised him.

That was why the Emperor had sealed this jade away in the imperial warehouse and forbidden anyone from touching it.

Ling Xiao sighed faintly. So, despite appearing so grand and powerful on the surface, even an Emperor as powerful as him had a past he could not bear to face.

Ling Xiao’s heart felt as though it had been pricked by millions of needles, causing him pain as he ached for the Emperor.

The Emperor never talked about his own affairs. He never let others know about his past. All the pain and bitterness, he buried deep within his heart.

Yet he, who wanted to become the Emperor’s one and only, had never heard the Emperor speak from his heart.

Ling Xiao’s expression darkened.

“As such, you understand now, right? Although Chong’er cherishes you, he never tells you about these things. You want to be his one and only. Do you really believe you have the qualifications?” Mu Xiuning’s faint smile carried a trace of mockery.

Ling Xiao clenched his teeth and turned his head away with difficulty.

Seeing this, Mu Xiuning lazily stood up. “I’ve said everything that needed to be said. Think about it.”

After saying his piece, he clasped his hands behind his back and prepared to leave, but Ling Xiao raised his head and called out to stop him.

“Imperial Uncle.”

Mu Xiuning turned to look at him.

Ling Xiao looked straight at him. His eyes held a clarity that Mu Xiuning had never seen before, as though they could see straight into the depths of a person’s heart. Those eyes made it impossible to hide the secrets within one’s heart.

“Imperial Uncle, you said all of that to make Ling Xiao understand his own position. You want to tell Ling Xiao that His Majesty may not have completely opened his heart to him, and you want to remind Ling Xiao to think more about His Majesty instead of always thinking about himself.”

Mu Xiuning began to smile and calmly said, “Since your eyes can see through everything, then you should know what to do.”

Mu Xiuning’s words became even more blunt. Ling Xiao sneered and stood up. “Ling Xiao understands. If I had known earlier, I would have gotten the Emperor to disperse the harem sooner.”

Mu Xiuning’s expression changed, becoming displeased at Ling Xiao’s words.

Ling Xiao laughed. “Dealing with court officials every day is tiring enough, yet he still has to deal with his concubines when he returns to the harem. His body can’t take it.”

“He can focus all his energy on me, and I will take the place of all his concubines and be even more valuable than them.”

Such arrogance!

Mu Xiuning sucked in a breath, his face filled with disbelief. “You can balance the power in the court?”

“No.” Ling Xiao shook his head. “My personal strength doesn’t lie in that.”

Mu Xiuning shook his head and did not continue asking Ling Xiao how he intended to make up for the value of the entire harem. He merely sneered, “I’ll say it again. I’ll wait and see.”

Ling Xiao knew of the contempt in Mu Xiuning’s heart. He also had no desire to argue with him, so he calmly gestured for him to leave.

“Please go home and wait for it, Imperial Uncle.”

“……”

When Mu Xiuning saw how calm and confident Ling Xiao looked, he was reminded of a peacock spreading its tail feathers, truly fascinating.

He could not help but feel a little anticipation. Raising an eyebrow, he turned and left.

Before he left, he turned his head back and told Ling Xiao one more tidbit.

“I’ll tell you one more thing. Concubine Li was the first to be sent out of the palace by the Emperor.”

“……”

The Emperor really did things quickly. Ling Xiao curled his lips.

Since she had been sent out of the palace, Concubine Li should not be in any danger. Ling Xiao was able to put one of his worries to rest.

He racked his brain, trying to think of a way to help the Emperor. Though he wanted to help, Ling Xiao knew his own limits.

He did not understand court politics, and his plans and ideas might not necessarily be better than those of the other officials.

The only thing he could rely on was the blueprints in his mind.

Deep in thought, Ling Xiao pursed his lips, turned around, and returned to his room.

After that day, Ling Xiao was confined to his room for five or six days.

During those five or six days, the Emperor neither came to see him nor lifted his house arrest.

But Lan Wei came over once and left again after seeing that Ling Xiao was still lively and well.

Until this day, when Lan Wei brought him a piece of news.

The Emperor had really dispersed the harem.

When Ling Xiao heard the news, he did not feel all that happy.

The Emperor did not come to see him, did not come to discuss it with him, did not even lift his house arrest, and simply dispersed the harem.

Ling Xiao really did not know what the Emperor was thinking, but he wondered if the Emperor was trying to protect him in this way.

He wanted the dispersal of the harem to have nothing to do with him, so that even if there were people in court who opposed it, Ling Xiao would not be dragged into it…

“Are you not happy? Isn’t this what you wanted?” Lan Wei saw his gloomy expression and moved closer to ask.

Ling Xiao frowned slightly and sighed. “His Majesty… what excuse did he use to disperse the harem?”

“He dreamed of the late Emperor, who told him that he could no longer be near women.”

“……”

As expected of such a reason. All the concubines in the harem had been dispersed, yet he, a male concubine, had been left behind.

“Ling Xiao, I never thought he would really disperse the harem for you.” Lan Wei looked at him with a complicated expression.

“The Emperor’s ambition is to strengthen our country, but for you…”

Lan Wei forced a smile. “His feelings for you really run deep.”

“I know.” Ling Xiao replied without hesitation, his face full of pride at being loved. He was like a kitten that had received shelter from its master, so proud that it made other people’s teeth itch.

Lan Wei even thought he looked so adorable that he wished he could hug him and rub his head.

He quickly looked away from Ling Xiao.

He did not care which side ultimately lost everything. The Emperor was Ling Xiao’s best choice.

Lan Wei pursed his lips before giving him a relieved smile.

“I think I won’t come again in the future.”

Ling Xiao raised his eyes to look at him. “I didn’t ask you to become a gentleman on the roof.”

Lan Wei knew that Ling Xiao did not understand what he meant and smiled helplessly. “Treat the Emperor well. Take care of each other.”

“King Consort.” Lan Wei suddenly addressed Ling Xiao by his title in a serious tone.

Ling Xiao scratched his head, a little unused to it. He wanted to see if he could get Lan Wei to call him Ling Xiao again, but before he could say anything, he saw Lan Wei leave through the window.

Ling Xiao curled his lips but did not care too much.

His blueprints were almost finished. They were all blueprints for manual machines he had seen back in the modern era, which he had drawn from memory.

Although he could not guarantee they were one hundred percent accurate, eighty to ninety percent should be enough. His memory had always been quite good.

Once he finished drawing them, he could give them to the people in the Ministry of Works. As long as they researched them a little, Ling Xiao believed it would not be too difficult for them to recreate the machines.

He immersed himself in drawing for another two days. By then, Ling Xiao had finished all the blueprints, but the Emperor was still nowhere to be seen.

Ling Xiao knew it was possible that dispersing the harem required some backroom negotiations, which was why the Emperor had not come to see him.

But he was even more willing to believe that the Emperor was still angry with him.

Ling Xiao knew he was in the wrong, so he patiently waited another two days. However, the Emperor was still nowhere to be seen.

It was as though he had forgotten about Ling Xiao.

Ling Xiao was so angry that he ground his teeth. He wished he could run over to the Emperor and bite him a few times, but for now, he still obediently stayed in his room.

“An Xiang, go call the Emperor. If he doesn’t come, tell him I’m about to die.”

“……”

An Xiang looked at Ling Xiao gritting his teeth and forced a smile. “Young Master, please wait patiently. When the time comes, Master will naturally come. If you lie to him like that, he will get angry.”

“Who said I was going to lie to him?” Ling Xiao smiled at An Xiang and pulled a dagger from his sleeve, pressing it against his neck as he threatened her. “I’m not playing around.”

“Young Master!” An Xiang was greatly alarmed and stepped forward, wanting to take the dagger away. But when Ling Xiao glared at her, she could only retreat to her original spot.

“Young Master, you…”

“Go!” Ling Xiao interrupted her.

An Xiang bit her lip, stamped her feet, and then ran out.

Not long after, Ling Xiao saw the Emperor hurry over with a group of eunuchs.

Ling Xiao smiled beautifully as he faced the Emperor.

The Emperor looked at Ling Xiao, who appeared to have been waiting for him for quite some time, then shifted his gaze to An Xiang, who had already knelt down. He dangerously narrowed his eyes. “You dare to lie to Us!”

Ling Xiao smiled faintly and walked forward, paying no attention to the oppressive atmosphere the Emperor was emitting. He sighed. “Ling Xiao does not dare to lie to Your Majesty. If you didn’t come, Ling Xiao really would die.”

“I would die from longing. I would die from heartbreak.” Ling Xiao whispered those words directly into the Emperor’s ear.

His soft voice carried a hint of lingering sweetness, and his warm breath stirred something within the Emperor.

Ling Xiao smiled softly, a beautiful curve appearing on his seductive face and capturing the Emperor’s gaze.

“Are you seducing Us?” The Emperor held Ling Xiao’s chin and asked coldly.

The Emperor had never held back his words when speaking to Ling Xiao. Whether it was during that dance or afterward, when Ling Xiao had lost himself from being teased, Ling Xiao had always worn a shy and embarrassed expression.

But right now, he calmly faced the Emperor. Even though his face was crimson, there was no sign that he intended to retreat out of fear.

“Then Your Majesty won’t accept Ling Xiao’s seduction?”

As Ling Xiao spoke, his gaze wandered over the Emperor’s body, an obvious invitation in his eyes.

Such brazen behavior fascinated and bewitched him. The Emperor’s hand tightened around Ling Xiao’s waist, pulling him closer as his gaze gradually darkened.

He waved his hand, signaling for everyone else to leave, then led Ling Xiao to the bed. His frantic kisses carried the longing he had been suppressing, engulfing Ling Xiao completely. Ling Xiao softly cried out, his hand sliding up to the Emperor’s neck.

“Mhnn… Ahh… Your… Your Majesty…”

Ling Xiao moaned softly, rubbing against the Emperor’s skin as he kissed his chest. Enchanted, he lightly touched his skin as though he were handling a precious treasure.

The Emperor paused, and Ling Xiao reversed their positions, making himself the one pressing the Emperor down.

The Emperor stared blankly for a moment, then frowned and began to struggle, clearly disliking this position.

Ling Xiao sat on the Emperor’s waist, preventing him from moving, and smiled sweetly. “No, Your Majesty. Don’t move.”

He leaned over, extending his tongue and licking the sweat from the Emperor’s chest. The slightly salty taste mingled with the man’s masculine scent, filling Ling Xiao’s senses.

Ling Xiao moaned softly. It was only then that he noticed for the first time that they were both men, yet the Emperor’s chest was surprisingly appealing.

It was as though he could never get enough. He kissed him again and again, slowly moving upward until he reached the Emperor’s mouth and their lips tangled together.

The kiss left him enchanted. Ling Xiao’s body weakened, and the Emperor caught him before pressing him down. Ling Xiao tried to keep a clear head despite his dazed state and pushed against the Emperor.

“Your Majesty… this time, let Ling Xiao serve you…”

He supported his weakened body, straddling the Emperor as the place that had only just healed lightly brushed against the Emperor’s hard length.

When the Emperor finally let out a sound of release, Ling Xiao reached his own release as well. He indulged in the sensation and sighed in pleasure.

Sweat from his forehead dampened Ling Xiao’s hair. As though he had just accomplished something of great importance, he went limp against the Emperor’s body and softly called out, “Your Majesty, since you are now Ling Xiao’s man, you helped Ling Xiao disperse the harem. In return, Ling Xiao will use this as an exchange.”

He did not notice when it had appeared, but there was now an extra iron box in Ling Xiao’s hand. The box seemed to have been prepared long ago, with even a piece of red silk cloth wrapped around it.

The Emperor reached out and took it, curiously opening it. Inside were layers upon layers of blueprints.

With just one glance, the Emperor understood the value of the blueprints. He raised an eyebrow at Ling Xiao and said casually, “This is considered great merit.”

“Compared to Your Majesty’s harem?”

“Far more than that,” the Emperor replied.

Ling Xiao smiled. “That’s good. Ling Xiao has helped you, so don’t worry. Once you lift the house arrest tomorrow, Ling Xiao will go to the Ministry of Works and turn the things on these papers into reality.”

“How did you… become so intimate all of a sudden?” The Emperor helped Ling Xiao sit up, his legs still wrapped around the Emperor’s waist, bringing the two even closer.

“Ah…” Ling Xiao faintly gasped for breath and murmured absentmindedly, “Hasn’t Ling Xiao always been quite intimate? Haven’t I always obediently served Your Majesty?”

The Emperor thought about it before replying, “That’s true.”

Ling Xiao was displeased and bit down on the Emperor’s shoulder.

Feeling the pain, the Emperor frowned and flipped Ling Xiao over, pressing him down. Then he suddenly noticed a faint scar on Ling Xiao’s neck.

He paused and gently rubbed Ling Xiao’s neck, causing Ling Xiao to shrink back slightly.

The Emperor’s expression darkened, and he withdrew his hand, asking uncertainly, “Are you… blaming Us?”

“Does Ling Xiao look like he’s blaming Your Majesty right now?” Ling Xiao asked in return.

The Emperor laughed softly at his words as he looked at Ling Xiao’s current appearance.

Like an octopus, Ling Xiao clung tightly to him, his face flushed crimson and his eyes hazy. His waist was still moving faintly, clearly immersed in the lingering sensations between them. It made the Emperor feel as though he had not done enough.

Once he realized this, the Emperor stopped thinking about it and carried Ling Xiao as they rolled together onto the bed.

The End

Extra Perspective: Mu Xiuning’s worry

Five years later, Mu Country had become even stronger.

The Ministry of Works and Ling Xiao worked together to create boulder-throwing machines, cannons, and other things this world had never seen before. These weapons were distributed throughout the army and put to great use.

With these weapons, Mu Country could remain unrivaled for a hundred years.

Ling Xiao had fulfilled his promise, and his value was now comparable to that of the entire harem.

Mu Xiuning watched Ling Xiao’s accomplishments, his surprise gradually turning into admiration.

Mu Xiuning truly felt that the Emperor had great insight to be able to find such a treasure among the boundless sea of people.

Watching the loving couple, Mu Xiuning was pleased to see Mu Country on the right track, but he had another concern.

Ling Xiao was a man and could never give birth to a child.

And Mu Country could not do without a Crown Prince.

“Empress, Empress, King Xiao is here again.” The maid Xiao Mei loudly announced his arrival.

Ling Xiao lazily lay on the couch, enjoying the sunshine. When he heard her, his comfortable expression immediately turned bitter.

The Emperor and Ling Xiao had been together for five years. Three years ago, after Ling Xiao completed the manufacture of the cannon, the Emperor had raised his rank to Empress. From then on, the Emperor and Ling Xiao officially stood on equal footing. Even during court assemblies, the two would sit together on the imperial throne.

During these five years, Mu Country had enjoyed favorable weather and abundant harvests, while the things Ling Xiao researched were gradually being turned into practical agricultural and food-related inventions. Mu Country was now far ahead of the other dynasties.

But once peaceful days lasted for a while, there would always be someone who liked to be a pain in the neck.

And the most persistent one, whom no one could surpass, was this King Xiao, Mu Xiuning.

Five years ago, the Emperor had acted quickly and used the excuse that he could no longer be near women for the rest of his life to disband the harem. Yet even now, this man was still running to the Emperor to tell him that he absolutely had to have a child.

He was a man, and the Emperor was a man. How were they supposed to have a child?!

Wasn’t this indirectly telling the Emperor to accept concubines again?!

Leaving aside the fact that the excuse the Emperor had used five years ago was still effective, Ling Xiao would never allow the Emperor to take any concubines!

But Mu Xiuning did not dare mention this directly to the Emperor, so he always ran over to wherever Ling Xiao was to bother him, making Ling Xiao extremely vexed.

With a bitter expression, Ling Xiao clenched his teeth and refused. “I’m not seeing him. Make him leave!”

“Empress… it’s too late…” Xiao Mei said miserably. Not long after, a cheerful voice came from outside.

“Does the Empress think this King is annoying?”

Ling Xiao looked at Mu Xiuning, who was dressed in simple civilian clothes, and was so angry that his teeth itched. He glared at Mu Xiuning and said hypocritically, “How could that be? Imperial Uncle, you are the Emperor’s only relative. Although you and the Emperor have opposed each other in the past, the Emperor is a magnanimous person who does not hold past offenses against others. He returned your freedom to freely enter and leave the palace and granted you many other privileges. With that, Ling Xiao naturally wouldn’t dare ignore you.”

Ling Xiao deliberately jabbed at Mu Xiuning’s sore spot. Mu Xiuning’s face stiffened, his eyebrows twitching as he forced a smile that looked anything but genuine.

“What this King said before, have you thought about it, Empress? The Emperor would also want a child. But if you are unwilling to let the Emperor take a concubine, then you could simply find a woman and have her give birth to a child…”

“No way!” Ling Xiao interrupted without even thinking. “If you want to find a woman, you might as well think of a way to make my belly grow bigger.”

Ling Xiao shamelessly pointed at his belly, and Mu Xiuning’s mouth twitched. “You are a man. How could your belly get bigger?”

“Then I have no other way.” Ling Xiao shrugged.

Mu Xiuning’s face went rigid, and Ling Xiao took advantage of the moment, before he could recover, to call out, “Xiao Mei, Imperial Uncle is tired. Take him back to rest.”

“Yes.”

Xiao Mei appeared before Mu Xiuning. He opened his mouth, wanting to say something, but his lower lip only moved slightly before he finally sighed, flicked his sleeve, and left.

Ling Xiao heaved a long sigh.

They all say that “fathers-in-law” and “mothers-in-law” are difficult to deal with. Now that he had met Mu Xiuning, Ling Xiao felt that saying was absolutely true!

The Emperor himself was not in a hurry, yet Mu Xiuning was so anxious that he was practically like a monkey.

That night, the Emperor returned from outside. When he saw Ling Xiao’s unhappy expression, he paused, then walked over to him and asked, “What’s wrong? Who made you unhappy?”

“……”

Ling Xiao fell silent. Although the Emperor had granted Mu Xiuning many privileges, he did not like having his Imperial Uncle brought up. So, despite being constantly pestered by Mu Xiuning, Ling Xiao had never tattled on him to the Emperor.

Ling Xiao guessed that the Emperor already knew about it. He simply did not want to deal with his Imperial Uncle.

But Ling Xiao was truly at the end of his patience. Whenever Mu Xiuning had free time, he would catch Ling Xiao and make him study. He had studied so much that even his ears were practically growing calluses.

Ling Xiao pursed his lips as he considered it. “Your Majesty, I know you don’t like Imperial Uncle being brought up, but he… always…”

The Emperor stopped. He understood Ling Xiao’s complaint and interrupted him with a faint smile. “We will arrange something tomorrow, so be at ease.”

“Mhm…” Ling Xiao softly answered and leaned over to kiss the Emperor on the cheek.

The Emperor shuddered slightly and asked in a hoarse voice, “Only there? What about here?”

The Emperor pointed to his lips, causing Ling Xiao’s face to redden slightly. Looking away, he quickly gave the Emperor a peck on the lips.

The Emperor gave Ling Xiao a dissatisfied look, then leaned forward and pulled him into a lingering kiss.

………………

After that night, Imperial Uncle really did not come to bother Ling Xiao anymore.

Not long after, Ling Xiao heard that the Emperor had arranged a marriage for Mu Xiuning. The marriage came with one condition: Mu Xiuning had to have a son within one year.

One year later, Mu Country had an additional Crown Prince.

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