Day: August 13, 2024

Chapter 10 – I don't think I'm fat, but the Prime Minister asked me to eat less.

Chapter 10 – I don’t think I’m fat, but the Prime Minister asked me to eat less.

 

The next day, Zhao Qi and Empress Dowager Wen set off for Muyang Mountain, with Xiao Shiqing leading a delegation of civil and military officials to see them off. This was Zhao Qi’s first time leaving the palace since entering the book, and he remarked: “I’m so happy—what a joke.”

 

He didn’t want to leave the palace at all. All he wanted was to stay in his quarters, eat and sleep to his heart’s content, and enjoy some peace and quiet. The palace was tightly guarded, with bodyguards everywhere, making it very safe. Outside the palace, the dangers were numerous, with too many people wishing for his demise. There might even be a bunch of assassins waiting to strike from some unseen bush.

 

Zhao Qi repeatedly instructed He Changzhou, “Once we leave the palace, you must not leave my side for even a step. You need to stick close to me at all times. Do you understand?”

 

He Changzhou asked, “What about when we sleep?”

 

Zhao Qi replied, “We can sleep in the same room.”

 

He Changzhou touched his nose, “That…”

 

“He Xiaojiangjun needn’t hesitate,” Xiao Shiqing approached them and said coldly, “The emperor’s dragon bed isn’t something just anyone can access—have we prepared everything?”

 

He Changzhou replied, “Yes, we can set off at any time.”

 

“Then what are we waiting for?” Xiao Shiqing said, “Let’s invite the Empress Dowager.”

 

Zhao Qi helped Empress Dowager Wen to the carriage and then went to his own carriage. Jiang Dehai was squatting on the ground, as per custom, Zhao Qi was supposed to step on his back to get into the carriage.

 

Zhao Qi waved his hand and said, “No need for that. I can get in myself.”

 

Xiao Shiqing looked at the small emperor, who only reached his shoulder, “Are you sure?”

 

He Changzhou said, “I’ll carry the emperor into the carriage.”

 

Xiao Shiqing, somewhat puzzled, remarked, “General, are you addicted to carrying people?”

 

He Changzhou: “…”

 

Zhao Qi, who was struggling to climb into the carriage, thought, “???”

 

Xiao Shiqing said淡淡ly, “Since he wants to climb, let him climb.”

 

With the authority of the prime minister speaking, He Changzhou had no choice but to comply.

 

The carriage was slightly lower than the horse but still not easy to get into. Zhao Qi, being a homebody who was even pinned down by a sick Rong Tang, had poor physical strength. He grabbed the railing of the carriage and, using all his strength, managed to get one foot inside and clambered up with difficulty. He sighed in relief, thinking that this wouldn’t do for the long run; he’d have to exercise more like the concubines in the palace.

 

Zhao Qi looked down at Xiao Shiqing and said, “Prime Minister, I’m heading off first. I’ll trouble you to stay in the palace and hold down the fort for the next few days.”

 

Xiao Shiqing played along with Zhao Qi’s show, smiling faintly, “Your Majesty, rest assured.”

 

Zhao Qi turned to enter the carriage but accidentally stepped into thin air. He struggled to keep his balance on the edge but everything happened too fast. He could only close his eyes in resignation.

 

With the surrounding attendants’ screams, Zhao Qi landed heavily against someone. The person grunted, took a step back, and held Zhao Qi’s waist, managing to steady himself.

 

Zhao Qi smelled a familiar faint scent of ink, and then Xiao Shiqing’s voice came to his ear, “Has His Majesty gained weight?”

 

Zhao Qi: “…”

 

“Eat less on the mountain,” Xiao Shiqing held Zhao Qi a moment longer before letting him go.

 

He Changzhou had a complex expression and asked, “Is His Majesty alright?”

 

“I’m fine.” Zhao Qi rubbed his waist. After being a couch potato for so long, he did gain some weight, but his waist was still quite slim.

 

Jiang Dehai, still shaken, said, “Your Majesty, you scared me half to death! Please step on my back to get in!”

 

Zhao Qi, not wanting to cause more trouble, agreed, “Alright then.”

 

“No need,” He Changzhou said, lifting Zhao Qi with one hand and effortlessly placing him in the carriage. He smiled, “Your Majesty, please steady yourself.”

 

Zhao Qi enthusiastically exclaimed, “General He, you really are as strong as a mountain and impressive—well done, my general.”

 

Xiao Shiqing narrowed his eyes slightly and turned away, “It’s getting late. Your Majesty, please proceed.”

 

Other ministers echoed, “Farewell to His Majesty and the Empress Dowager.”

 

Muyang Mountain was located on the outskirts of the capital and it would take about a day to get there from the palace. Zhao Qi’s carriage was very spacious, equipped with a bed, a table, and a bookshelf filled with books to keep him entertained.

 

However, reading was impossible. Although Zhao Qi could recognize every word, reading them together was beyond his comprehension. It took him half a day to turn one page, and he thought it was better to take a nap instead. Moreover, the ride was quite uncomfortable, with the uneven road making him nauseous shortly after he got on.

 

During a rest stop, He Changzhou brought a bunch of food into the carriage and was startled by Zhao Qi’s pale face, “Your Majesty, what’s wrong?”

 

Zhao Qi was wrapped in a blanket, revealing only his pale face, and weakly said, “I’m feeling a bit carsick.”

 

“Why didn’t you say earlier that you get carriage-sick, Your Majesty?” He Changzhou placed the food on the table and took out a piece of hawthorn cake, offering it to Zhao Qi. “Eating something sour should help. Open your mouth.”

 

Zhao Qi shook his head. “I don’t want to eat.” He couldn’t stomach anything right now; he was sure he would just throw up if he tried.

 

He Changzhou looked at him and teased, “Is it because you listened to the Chancellor’s advice that you’re refusing to eat?”

 

… What does that even mean? Zhao Qi didn’t bother to explain. “Yes, he said I’m getting fat.”

 

He Changzhou paused for a moment and then said, “Don’t listen to the Chancellor. Not only are you not fat, but you should actually eat more. I can wrap my hands around your waist.”

 

Zhao Qi forced a smile. “I really don’t want to eat.”

 

He Changzhou suggested, “Or how about riding a horse with me?”

 

“Oh?!” Zhao Qi became interested. “But I’m not very good at riding horses.”

 

He Changzhou was surprised. “You don’t know how? Isn’t horsemanship a mandatory skill for the princes of Dajin?”

 

Zhao Qi huffed and puffed, “I didn’t learn it well.”

 

He Changzhou said, “Then I’ll just ride the same horse with you.”

 

Zhao Qi got out of the carriage and followed He Changzhou. He Changzhou’s horse was resting beside the carriage. Jiang Dehai, upon learning that Zhao Qi was going to ride, became worried like a mother. “Is this really alright? What if something happens and the Emperor gets hurt…”

 

He Changzhou interrupted, “Don’t worry, Father Jiang. With me here, His Majesty will be safe.”

 

Zhao Qi looked at the horse, which was about the same height as him, and asked, “Can I trust you, General He?”

 

A flicker of surprise crossed He Changzhou’s eyes. “You can.” He embraced Zhao Qi’s waist and helped him mount the horse.

 

Zhao Qi sat in front, with He Changzhou’s solid chest behind him. He Changzhou’s arms wrapped around him as he took the reins. “How do you feel, Your Majesty?”

 

Zhao Qi took a deep breath. “I feel that the air outside is so refreshing.”

 

He Changzhou smiled brightly. “Hold on tight, Your Majesty.”

 

Although riding a horse was a bit bumpy, the air was much better than sitting in the carriage. The horse moved slowly, and Jiang Dehai followed on foot, his eyes fixed on Zhao Qi, worried that he might fall off. The spring breeze brought the scent of fresh grass, similar to the fragrance on He Changzhou.

 

Speaking of which, He Changzhou, Xiao Shiqing, and Rong Tang all had distinct scents. Zhao Qi wondered if he had a scent as well.

 

He Changzhou’s voice came from behind. “What are you thinking about, Your Majesty?”

 

“The scent.”

 

“Mm?”

 

“Do I have a scent?”

 

He Changzhou said, “Yes.”

 

“What kind of scent?”

 

He Changzhou leaned down and sniffed Zhao Qi’s hair. “Sweet.”

 

Zhao Qi: ???

 

Jiang Dehai laughed. “The Yonghua Palace has been burning dragon’s saliva incense for years, so His Majesty probably smells of dragon’s saliva incense.”

 

“Is that so?” He Changzhou said, “No wonder I don’t smell it elsewhere.”

 

“Do you like it?” Zhao Qi glanced back slightly in the spring light, his hair tousled by the breeze. “I’ll reward you with some later.”

 

Jiang Dehai’s expression changed. “That’s not appropriate, Your Majesty. Since ancient times, dragon’s saliva incense has been used exclusively by the imperial family. Not even ordinary officials or the Empress can use it.”

 

“It’s alright,” He Changzhou looked at Zhao Qi’s profile. “When I want to smell it, I can just come to see you.”


T/N: There is plenty more where that came from, so stay tuned! And stay healthy! Straighten your posture, so some stretches and drink some water before continuing hehe~

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Also, check out the other series we have on HoH!

If you like cats, check out Revenge of the Garfield

If you like dragons, check out I’m Pregnant with the Hope of the Entire Planet and The Dragon and the ‘Princess’

How about some mystery or showbiz? Check out Morbid Addiction & Perfection

What about the perfect, most non-toxic male lead ever? Laws of Love

How about MC nursing ML back to health? Forced into the Deep

 

 

Chapter 1

       On a summer night, after a few muffled thunders, it began to rain heavily. The city was drenched with rain in a matter of seconds, even washing out the neon sign that read ‘The Beauty Welcomes the Noble Guests, Indulging Them in a Dreamlike Gentleness’.

       This was a signboard from Lihao. As the largest nightclub in K City, the sudden heavy rain did not have much impact on its business. It was like a demon squatting in the city, exuding a seductive aura that attracted people who were greedy for pleasure, fabricating ambiguous and erotic nights and greedily sucking up the money in their pockets.

       A window in the third-floor corridor was open, and the bright yellow light outlined a dark shadow beside the window. It was of a young man, about twenty-seven or seventy-eight years old, with particularly conspicuous burgundy hair. The bangs were very long and hung low, almost covering his eyes. He was resting his elbows on the window frame, quietly looking at the rain outside.

       He took out a cigarette from his pocket, lit it, and took a drag. The overly strong nicotine breath rushed into the lungs and irritated his throat, making him cough uncontrollably.

       They said that alcohol relieved worries and smoke dissipated sorrow. As for this cigarette, he still couldn’t get used to it.

       The cigarette burned inch by inch between his fingers. His fingers were long and slender, with distinct joints, and clean without any traces of labour. His tall and upright figure, dressed in the standard white shirt and black vest of a waiter, looked somewhat handsome, but unfortunately, the bright red, punk-style hair on his head completely ruined the effect. On his chest, he crookedly wore a gold nameplate with a golden eagle emblem on the front and the words ‘Lihao 3rd Floor Waiter—Ah Zhou’ on the back.

       The cigarette was left behind by a guest, quite strong and not from a high-quality brand. The third floor where he worked catered to ordinary customers with modest spending and even more modest tips, unlike the higher floors. The structure of Lihao was very clear: the higher the floor, the more upscale the service, and the more extravagant the customers, leading to higher tips. However, serving those high rollers required more careful attention, and since he had only been there for three months, he hadn’t had a chance for a promotion yet.

       “Tsk, Ah Zhou.” A similarly dressed waiter came out of the private room, leaned over, and grabbed the cigarette in his hand. The waiter took two puffs, then stuffed it back into his hand, grinning, “You’re quite good at slacking off.”

       He frowned slightly, almost unnoticeably, and turned sideways to avoid the man’s approach. He threw the cigarette butt on the ground and said, “Are you saying I should just stand there and be a spectator while they’re doing that kind of thing inside?”

       The waiter with the name tag ‘Xiao Ding’ on his chest knew what he meant. He smiled, tilted his head and said, “Have you heard that there is a new nightclub in the south of the city, and it is quite big? Ah Qing’s brother works there, and I heard the pay is not bad.”

       “You want to change jobs?”

       “No.” Xiao Ding pointed to the eagle on the name tag on his chest and said with some pride, “K City is Golden Eagle’s territory, and Lihao is Golden Eagle’s industry. We are all Golden Eagle people and anyone daring to compete with us for business is just seeking their own demise.”

       Ah Zhou looked at him noncommittally, “You certainly have a strong sense of belonging.”

       “Of course, the first rule of the employee code is to be loyal to the group.” As he was talking, the buzzer in his hand buzzed. He frowned and said, “This guy keeps asking for drinks, then calls for a girl but complains about the prices, always picking the cheapest options. What a cheapskate… Anyway, stop talking and get in there quickly. It would be a disaster if Ning ge caught you slacking off.” He hurried back to the private room to serve the guests.

       The rain was still falling, washing over the entire city, and the cool and moist wind came with it, blowing away his burgundy hair, which was hanging on his forehead, exposing his entire face.

       It was a very fair face, without any impetuous air. The eyes exposed from under the exaggerated bangs had a distant and lonely look, indifferent to a bit of cold, which was incompatible with this luxurious occasion.

       The buzzer in his pocket vibrated, making a monotonous electronic sound. A trace of exhaustion and boredom flashed across his eyes. He wiped his burgundy hair carelessly, turned around and walked towards the private room he was responsible for. His eyes accidentally caught a glimpse of the person looking at him not far away, and his steps stopped. After a moment of astonishment, he quickly lowered his gaze and even deliberately lowered his head to let the bangs on his forehead fall down to cover his eyes and said in a formulaic and plain voice, “Good evening, General Tang, and welcome to Lihao.”

       The man who stopped in the corridor curved his lips and smiled. He walked to him and stood in front of him. He said, “It’s almost the end of your shift. Let’s go out for a snack together?”

       “Thank you. I’m not hungry.” Ah Zhou lowered his gaze and said, “I have to go to work. I wish you a good time at Lihao tonight.” After saying that, he was about to go around the other party but was caught. he was taken aback and instinctively shook his hand to break away, but unexpectedly the other side squeezed it very tightly and didn’t shake it off. He raised his eyebrows at the other party with anger.

       Tang Shaocheng, who had been rejected, initially intended to lose his temper, but the sight of the other party’s cold, stern expression stirred something in his heart. His anger immediately dissipated, and he slowly let go.

       After all, there were so many beautiful young men. He had lowered his pride and persisted for so long just for this rare, distinctive cold demeanour, hadn’t he?

       Tang Shaocheng, who prided himself on his refined taste, always looked down on the women with a whiff of the underworld in the soul-selling cave. One night three months ago, as he was going downstairs, he happened to see a waiter entering the VIP elevator. When their eyes met, the waiter immediately realised and stepped back.

       Just this look was enough to make him stunned. He thought he had it within his grasp, but three months had passed, and he had used every trick in the book without getting him into bed. The fact that he was occasionally willing to have a meal with him alone was a great honour. However, he did not intend to give up.

       This Ah Zhou really made him curious.

       Despite being someone struggling on the lower rungs of society, he never showed any eagerness to please. Even when he was being humble and compliant, there was an indescribable aloofness about him. Though he had an exceptionally handsome face, with eyes as clear as a tranquil pool that could captivate anyone, he stubbornly refused to cut his bright red punk hair. Despite the opportunity to use his connections to advance by associating with influential people, he refused to attend any gatherings or accept any gifts from him. Even though financially strained, he maintained impeccable dining etiquette in upscale venues, exuding a remarkable composure. On one occasion, he inadvertently saw Ah Zhou showing a mocking expression when a waiter said the wrong name of a wine.

       The more he came into contact with him, the more he felt that there was an elegant and calm demeanour in Ah Zhou’s movements. This magnanimity seemed to be innate, and deeply ingrained, and even someone who had been raised in luxury like him might not measure up. For this reason, he had even gone so far as to have someone investigate Ah Zhou’s background, but so far, he had found nothing.

       Beautiful, cold, defensive, and rebellious.

       Like a leopard dormant in the mountains and forests—it was difficult to approach and could not be caught. He was also like a flower on a high mountain, standing proudly on a cliff, tempting people to flock to it.

       Difficult puzzles always sparked a deeper curiosity, making him, as a puzzle-solver, eager to delve into them endlessly.

       “Are you free tomorrow afternoon? I asked someone to bring some beef over from Japan. Let’s try it together.” Tang Shaocheng sometimes felt that Ah Zhou was the true nobleman who would disregard a fortune, while he himself had become the one fawning over a wealthy patron. From the initial novelty to later exerting all his effort to discover who had the upper hand, he found that he only grew more determined in this dynamic, and he even admired his own patience.

       “I have a night shift tomorrow, and I have to sleep in the afternoon.”

       Tang Shaocheng was not surprised at all by his rejection and continued, “Then I will come to your private room tomorrow night.”

       “If General Tang is not afraid of losing reputation by coming to this floor, I don’t mind.”

       “Reputation is nothing compared to you.” Tang Shaocheng smiled, “See you tomorrow night.”

       Ah Zhou looked at him, said, “I’m leaving,” and turned back to room 364. The guests inside were already very drunk. Their bloated bodies were leaning against the almost naked escort Lan Xin, and they kept shouting, “One more round.” Lan Xin threw the dice on the table and said with a sweet smile, “Boss Zhang, you haven’t drunk this plate of fine wine yet. You are a grown man; you can’t play tricks with a little girl like me.” After saying this, he drank heavily from the wine glass in his hand. The fat man drank it all down, muttered noisily for a short while, and was completely drunk.

       Seeing that he didn’t respond, Lan Xin stopped smiling, pushed him aside hard, and said in a cold voice, “Touching and kissing and still not giving a tip. Does he think five hundred yuan is enough to get me to perform? Bah!” After saying that, she neatly picked up a cigarette and put it in her mouth, but the lighter could not be lit. She cursed irritably and turned around to see Ah Zhou standing by the door. She curled her red lips, crossed her legs and hooked her fingers, “Here, light a cigarette for me.”

       Ah Zhou didn’t say anything. He bent down to pick up the red coat that had been thrown on the ground. He walked over and put it on her body. He then took out a lighter from his vest pocket with the words ‘Lihao welcomes you’ printed on it, lit it for her, and then sat down next to her.

       Lan Xin looked at him for a while and then said, “Why? Isn’t this sister good-looking?”

       “Tired of seeing it.”

       Hearing his answer, she couldn’t help but burst into laughter, “You’re something else… There are plenty of people who want a taste of me, and you’re not interested. Could it be that you’re actually into guys? That Boss Tang seems quite taken with you.”

       “That’s his business.” Ah Zhou said very coldly.

       Lan Xin smiled, hooked his shoulder, and brought the half-smoked cigarette to his mouth, “Take a puff.” Seeing him frown, she stopped her hand and said, “Okay, I won’t play with you anymore. What about this fat guy? I don’t want to stay here with him; it’s greasy and disgusting.”

       A Zhou fiddled with the glowing order device in his hand and said, “Send him to the panoramic suite upstairs.”

       “He is so stingy how can he order that…” Lan Xin paused at this point as if she suddenly came to her senses, her red lips curled up, “You are a bad boy. But, if he gets into trouble…”

       “He is not Lihao’s VIP, no one will care.”

       “That’s right.” She pinched the fat man’s face with her bright red nails and said with a smile, “I’ve let you take advantage of me; this time, I’ll make sure to drain you properly.”

       The top three floors of Lihau featured various high-end rooms, offering the most ‘comprehensive’ services to satisfy those wealthy patrons who were reluctant to wake from their indulgent dreams, with prices often exceeding tens of thousands. Zhang Pangzi, being just a small-time individual boss, usually only sneaked out some private money to indulge himself in secret, liked to get hands-on but was very stingy, even reluctant to leave a tip. He would never have dared to book such an expensive room. When he was drunk, Ah Zhou took the liberty of booking it for him. When Zhang Pangzi woke up and caused a scene, Ah Zhou and Lan Xin both insisted that it was Zhang Pangzi’s own choice. The fat man had no choice but to swallow this silent loss. As a result, he probably wouldn’t have had the money to come back for a long time.

       “The person who is waiting for the guest room will come to pick him up. You can get off work.” Ah Zhou said.

       “Mm. Yuanyuan is still waiting for me at home.” Lan Xin put on her clothes, took out a small mirror from her handbag, and quickly used a wet wipe to remove her lipstick and eyeshadow. Her face, now bare, showed a clean and gentle appearance, lacking the sharp allure of smoky makeup and revealing a softer, more subdued warmth. Compared to other hostesses, at thirty-eight, she was no longer young. There were fine lines at the corners of her eyes, and her skin looked somewhat dull from the frequent use of poor-quality cosmetics. Before leaving, she waved her hand and said, “Thank you.”

       Ah Zhou replied, ‘En’. He was indifferent to everyone except Lan Xin because Lan Xin helped him. He was a person who remembered favours.


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