Chapter 41 – I am on the battlefield every day.
Jiang Dehai guarded the door, suddenly seeing Xiao Jinzi thrown out with both person and pen, he was shocked and turned pale. “What’s going on?! Where’s the Emperor?!”
Xiao Jinzi struggled to get up, panting slightly, “General He came in uninvited late at night, saw the Emperor drunk, and without saying a word, threw me out! Grand Tutor, could General He be attempting to assassinate the Emperor?”
Hearing this, Jiang Dehai felt slightly relieved, “General He is loyal to the Emperor and would never harm him. The worst consequence would be the Emperor being… forcibly attended to once again.”
Xiao Jinzi panicked, “Then what should we do? We can’t just leave the Emperor alone in the sleeping palace.”
Jiang Dehai thought for a moment, pressed his ear against the door, his expression grave.
Xiao Jinzi asked anxiously, “Grand Tutor?”
“Shh—”
After a moment of silence, Xiao Jinzi asked, “Did you hear anything, Grand Tutor?”
Jiang Dehai furrowed his brow, “No sound.” He tried pushing the door and found it locked from the inside. “Oh no! Could it be that they’re already on the dragon bed?”
Xiao Jinzi stared in disbelief, “Would the Emperor really consent to being attended by General He?”
“…”
“…”
Determined to save his master, Jiang Dehai made up his mind, “Go fetch the Prime Minister.”
Xiao Shiqing had returned to the Prime Minister’s residence today, and Madam Xiao had someone stew a bowl of white fungus and lotus seed soup, personally delivering it to him.
Xiao Shiqing finished his soup and noticed his mother looking at him hesitantly. “Mother, just say what you want to say.”
Xiao’s mother hesitated before speaking, “That girl you brought back from Chunfeng Pavilion last time…”
Xiao Shiqing smiled faintly, as if recalling something. “What about her?”
“How has she been lately?”
“She’s doing well,” Xiao Shiqing replied. “I didn’t expect mother to still remember her.”
Xiao’s mother glanced at him sideways. “How could I forget? You’re not young anymore. Besides that girl, I haven’t seen any other women around you. If you really like her, bring her to the mansion. It’s better to have someone you like by your side even if you don’t have an official wife or concubine.”
“It’s alright, she lives in her own home, and I can see her often,” Xiao Shiqing replied calmly.
Xiao’s mother urged earnestly, “If you see her often, is there any news of her being pregnant?”
“No,” Xiao Shiqing replied curtly.
A hint of disappointment crossed Xiao’s mother’s face, but she quickly composed herself. “I’ll have the palace midwife send you some prescriptions for promoting fertility. You…”
Xiao Shiqing cut her off decisively, “She won’t conceive.”
“Why not?” Xiao’s mother didn’t quite understand. “Even though her birth isn’t prestigious, if she can bear a child for the Xiao family, she could be made a concubine in the future!”
Xiao’s mother, focused on matters of the household, was fixated on securing imperial heirs. Xiao Shiqing knew arguing further was futile and said, “Mother, don’t bother. She will never become a concubine.”
Xiao’s mother was displeased. A courtesan becoming a concubine of a prime minister was already a great honor. What more did she want?
Just as Xiao’s mother was about to inquire further, the steward of the mansion entered to report, “Prime Minister, Prince Huai’s carriage has just arrived at the mansion.”
Xiao Shiqing nodded lightly. “Mother.”
His mother sighed, “I knew you wouldn’t come back without other matters—go then.”
Apart from a night they spent alone in the palace when they were young, Xiao Shiqing and Zhao Tong rarely interacted privately. Tonight marked their first private meeting since Zhao Tong arrived in the capital.
The steward escorted Zhao Tong into the courtyard. “Your Highness, please.”
Zhao Tong, always modest and courteous, even thanked the servants before entering the courtyard.
Under the sparse moonlight and gentle breeze, Xiao Shiqing stood by the table, tall and slender, with deep, sharp eyes and a handsome, noble face. His every move carried a hint of regal bearing.
Zhao Tong collected himself and performed a respectful bow. “Prime Minister Xiao.”
Xiao Shiqing smiled faintly and returned the gesture. “Your Highness, I’ve already had food and wine prepared. Please, join me for a drink under the moon.”
The two sat facing each other. As Xiao Shiqing poured the wine, Zhao Tong looked at the bright moon in the sky and spoke thoughtfully, “Tonight’s moonlight reminds me of that snowy night many years ago. Prime Minister and I were trapped in the palace, sitting together all night…”
“Your Highness has sent several invitations. Was it merely to reminisce with me?” Xiao Shiqing pushed the wine towards Zhao Tong. “Please.”
Zhao Tong looked into his cup with a smile. “I confess. That night might mean little to Prime Minister, but to me, it’s akin to the moment Zhong Yao met Liu Xuande.”
Xiao Shiqing raised an eyebrow. “Your Highness compares yourself to Liu Xuande?”
“Not daring to. I just use it as an example.” Zhao Tong continued, “Prime Minister achieved much at a young age, guiding the country with unparalleled wisdom. Your words then carried more weight than ten years of books.”
Xiao Shiqing shrugged dismissively. “Who isn’t brash in their youth?”
Flattering, Zhao Tong said, “Even in your arrogance, Prime Minister, you’re the only one who can afford it.”
Xiao Shiqing gazed at Zhao Tong. Though Zhao Tong and Zhao Qi were half-brothers, they shared no resemblance. Zhao Tong appeared gentle and polite, whereas Zhao Qi…
“Why does Prime Minister laugh?” Zhao Tong asked curiously.
Xiao Shiqing sipped his wine and said casually, “Sometimes the Emperor behaves like a fool.”
Zhao Tong’s eyes lit up. “Prime Minister, that’s just like before.”
“Oh?” Xiao Shiqing smirked casually. “What did I say back then?”
Cautiously, Zhao Tong replied, “Prime Minister said that the current Emperor is incompetent and unfit to rule.”
“Did I really say such treasonous words?”
Zhao Tong’s smile froze. Trying to mask it, he picked up his wine glass, “Perhaps I misremembered.”
Xiao Shiqing said slowly, “That does sound like something I’d say. But who else but the Emperor is fit to rule?”
Zhao Tong, unsure of Xiao Shiqing’s tone, dared not speak rashly. Feigning anxiety, he said, “Prime Minister, your words are unnerving.”
Xiao Shiqing half-seriously said, “The Northern Territory is harsh with extreme cold and snow year-round, historically barren. To grant it to you, Your Majesty and Empress Dowager must greatly favor you.”
Zhao Tong remained silent.
Xiao Shiqing toyed with his wine glass, “Yet, because of this, the people of the Northern Territory are exceptionally strong against wolves and bandits. It’s said any commoner can fight off ten men. Add to that the fifty thousand troops stationed there, Your Highness’s power rivals even the Prince of Zhaonan.”
“That’s just rumor,” Zhao Tong said, “Besides, those fifty thousand troops only recognize Prime Minister’s authority.”
This was true. Empress Dowager granted Zhao Tong the Northern Territory because these troops were directly under the capital’s control, ensuring Zhao Tong’s loyalty.
Xiao Shiqing chuckled, “Let’s hope it stays that way. There’s one more thing I’d like to ask Your Highness.”
“Prime Minister, please ask.”
Xiao Shiqing looked into Zhao Tong’s eyes. “The sobering tea from the palace, is it to your liking?”
Zhao Tong remained composed and replied naturally, “Anything from the palace is naturally excellent.”
A maid approached to refill their wine, whispering something to Xiao Shiqing. His expression darkened suddenly. “Prepare the horses. We’re returning to the palace.”
Zhao Tong asked, “But what’s happening in the palace?”
Xiao Shiqing ignored him and ordered, “Someone, escort His Highness out of the mansion.”
In Yonghua Palace, the fragrance of wine filled the air, and the lights flickered.
He Changhai casually lifted a jar of wine and weighed it, surprised, “Is all this what the Emperor drinks?”
Zhao Qi had passed the stage of crying and causing a scene, sitting quietly now. His eyes, hazy, looked at the youth in front of him. Slow to react, he murmured, “Xiao Jinzi, why does your voice sound so coarse?”
He Changhai squatted down, meeting Zhao Qi’s gaze. “Your Majesty, I am not Xiao Jinzi.”
Zhao Qi hiccupped, the smell of alcohol mingling with his unique scent of dragon’s blood incense, hitting He Changhai as he leaned forward. “You’re not Xiao Jinzi, then who are you?”
“I am…” He Changhai smirked mischievously. “I am, Your Majesty’s husband.”
Furrowing his brow in confusion, Zhao Qi seemed puzzled. He wasn’t so drunk that he forgot his own gender; how could a man like him have a husband?
He Changhai lifted Zhao Qi’s chin with one hand. “Your Majesty, say ‘husband’ and see how it sounds.”
Zhao Qi pushed He Changhai’s hand away with a snap. “I don’t have a husband.”
“Not before, but now you do.” He Changhai persisted, teasing Zhao Qi. “Your Majesty, just say it once, hmm?”
This guy was so annoying, so noisy. Maybe if he called him ‘husband,’ he would quiet down a bit.
Zhao Qi glanced at him, seeing him eagerly listening, and moved his lips hesitantly. “Hus…band.”
He Changhai paused, then chuckled. “Not ‘madam,’ it’s ‘husband.'”
Serious now, Zhao Qi said, “Boys don’t have husbands.”
He Changhai looked disappointed. “Husband” and “madam” meant almost the same thing. Seeing Zhao Qi drooping his eyelids, clearly exhausted, he asked, “Your Majesty, do you want to sleep?”
Zhao Qi nodded. “Dizzy… sleepy.”
Muttering to himself, He Changhai said, “This time, he’s completely different from last time when he was drunk. He’s not being all over me now.”
Zhao Qi yawned, his head swaying, finally leaning against He Changhai’s shoulder.
He Changhai whispered softly, “Your Majesty?”
“…”
“Has Your Majesty fallen asleep?”
“…”
Suddenly feeling like he’d missed out on a billion gold, He Changhai hesitated no more. Lowering his head, holding his breath, he leaned towards those slightly parted lips.
Just as their lips were about to touch, the door unexpectedly creaked open. He Changhai jerked his head up, seeing a man in black walking briskly towards them.
Xiao Shiqing stopped at the door, his brows sharp and cold, carrying the chill of the late night. Jiang Dehai and Xiao Jinzi followed behind him, subdued and silent.
He Changhai still held Zhao Qi, meeting the gaze filled with a hint of killing intent. “What a coincidence, Prime Minister also came to visit His Majesty?”
Xiao Shiqing saw Zhao Qi dressed neatly in imperial robes, his expression slightly softened, but still chilling. “Put down His Majesty, and you can leave.”
“If I leave, will you stay?” He Changhai smirked briefly. “On what grounds?”
Xiao Shiqing’s tone was icy. “On the grounds that he belongs to me.”
Jiang Dehai and Xiao Jinzi exchanged a terrified glance. He Changhai’s pupils suddenly constricted, mocking Xiao Shiqing. “Prime Minister Xiao Shiqing, despite your overwhelming power, you are still a subject of Da Jing. The Emperor belongs to all the people. By saying such things, are you implying you want to replace His Majesty?”
Xiao Shiqing repeated, “Put down His Majesty.”
He Changhai’s voice deepened. “And if I say ‘no’?”
Xiao Shiqing uttered a single word. “Snatch.”
He Changhai laughed. “Prime Minister thinks you can snatch him from me?”
Xiao Shiqing remained silent. In an instant, dozens of dark guards from the Tianji Camp rushed in, surrounding He Changhai. They only awaited his command to seize him.
Jiang Dehai inwardly lamented. This situation was like forcing an abdication.
Xiao Jinzi was frightened too, whispering, “Your Excellency, what should we do now?”
Jiang Dehai looked at His Majesty sleeping soundly in He Changhai’s arms, and cautiously said, “Prime Minister, why not let this servant attend to His Majesty’s rest? Fists have no eyes; what if His Majesty gets hurt…”
The leader of the guards, Fu Zi, assured, “Your Excellency, we will take great care not to harm His Majesty.”
Jiang Dehai turned to He Changhai, helpless. “General He, what do you think…”
He Changhai was burning with anger. In a one-on-one fight, the men of the Tianji Camp might not be his match. But now, outnumbered and with His Majesty asleep in his arms, if he and Xiao Shiqing really clashed in Yonghua Palace, it would likely lead to a heap of troubles afterward.
After weighing his options, He Changhai suppressed his anger and said, “I’ll take His Majesty to bed.”
Xiao Shiqing’s voice was cold. “Don’t touch him.”
“You…” He Changhai began.
Xiao Shiqing approached them, looking down coldly. “Hand him over to me.”
He Changhai refused to let go. With both men locking eyes, the situation again reached a deadlock.
Zhao Qi, caught in the middle, stirred awake. Opening his eyes, he saw Xiao Shiqing and murmured hazily, “Brother?”
He Changhai froze suddenly. In that moment of shock, Xiao Shiqing swiftly grasped Zhao Qi’s slender waist and successfully snatched him into his embrace.
Unable to stand steadily, Zhao Qi leaned against Xiao Shiqing’s chest like a small cat. “The smell of wine… Brother, did you drink too?”
Xiao Shiqing suddenly smiled. “What did General He want to do to His Majesty just now?”
He Changhai clenched his fists tightly. “That’s between His Majesty and me, what does Prime Minister have to do with it?”
“I’m afraid General He doesn’t know what he wants to do.” Xiao Shiqing said each word clearly, “Xiao… Shi… Qing.”
“No matter, I’ll teach you.” Xiao Shiqing lowered his head to the person in his arms, “Your Majesty.”
“Hmm?”
“Good, open your mouth.”
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
