Chapter 15 – I can’t live without my brother, and my kingdom can’t live without my brother!
Zhao Qi: ???
Does this question even make sense? Why would he need to answer such a question?
Zhao Qi’s gaze shifted back and forth between Rong Tang and Xiao Shiqing. These two looked no different from usual—one was casually noble, while the other remained coldly aloof.
To be honest, he leaned more towards Rong Tang. It was rare for the cold beauty to take the initiative to speak to him, and he was quite curious about the reason. On the other hand, Xiao Shiqing’s imposing presence made him feel overwhelmed every time they were alone together.
Zhao Qi hesitated, and Xiao Shiqing urged him, “Your Majesty?”
“Lord Xiao must have urgent matters to discuss,” Rong Tang said, “Your Majesty should go with Lord Xiao first.”
“Did I ask you?” Xiao Shiqing said slowly, “Questions directed at the emperor naturally need to be answered by the emperor.”
… Please, just spare me!
Conflicted as he was, Zhao Qi knew the standard answer to this question. Xiao Shiqing was the prime minister, and Rong Tang was his nominal lover. Did he even have a choice?
Zhao Qi said quietly, “I choose the prime minister.”
Xiao Shiqing was satisfied, “Your Majesty is wise.”
Zhao Qi looked apologetically at Rong Tang, “Then I’ll be going.”
Rong Tang seemed indifferent to his answer, “Take care, Your Majesty.”
Zhao Qi smiled at him, “I’ll come talk to you later at the Drunken Scholar’s Study.”
Xiao Shiqing’s expression hardened, and he said mockingly, “The Emperor seems quite busy. Don’t worry, Young Master Rong, I will make sure the Emperor is free soon, so as not to disrupt your evening.”
Rong Tang’s brows furrowed slightly, “Thank you, Lord.”
Xiao Shiqing chuckled, flicked his sleeves, and walked away. After taking a few steps, he stopped and turned, “Why are you still standing there?”
Zhao Qi responded with an “Oh” and followed.
Xiao Shiqing was tall and had long legs, so Zhao Qi had to take two steps to match his one. Xiao Shiqing walked at a steady pace, and Zhao Qi didn’t make an effort to catch up, maintaining a distance of a few steps.
When they reached the Hall of Governance, Xiao Shiqing stopped at the threshold and turned to extend his hand to Zhao Qi.
Zhao Qi was puzzled. What was Xiao Shiqing trying to do? Was he going to hold his hand?
No… why is everyone suddenly breaking character? First Rong Tang, now Xiao Shiqing. It’s suffocating.
Xiao Shiqing looked at him, “Hmm?”
Zhao Qi hesitated and was about to place his hand in Xiao Shiqing’s palm when Jiang Dehai approached, “No need for the prime minister to do this, this servant will help.”
Zhao Qi then realized that Xiao Shiqing was offering to help him over the threshold. “I don’t need your help. The threshold is just this high; I could jump over it myself.”
“Then Your Majesty should jump.”
Zhao Qi was momentarily speechless, “… Prime Minister, there are so many people watching.”
Xiao Shiqing raised an eyebrow, “Have everyone else leave. Should the Emperor jump just for me to see?”
The guards at the door had stern faces, but Zhao Qi could see they were struggling not to laugh. He felt offended and whispered, “Prime Minister, can you at least give me some face?”
Xiao Shiqing looked down at him, “What should I call you, Your Majesty?”
“Prime Minister…” Zhao Qi suddenly had a flash of inspiration. He cupped his hand around his mouth, stood on tiptoe, and whispered into Xiao Shiqing’s ear, “Prime Minister Brother?”
Xiao Shiqing showed no reaction, merely responding lazily with an “Hmm,” but Zhao Qi ultimately walked into the Hall of Governance.
“What does Prime Minister Brother want from me?” Zhao Qi asked, naturally taking a seat on the lower seat.
There was no one else in the hall, so Xiao Shiqing didn’t need to observe the emperor’s dignity and pulled him up, “This isn’t your seat. Go sit on the Dragon Throne.”
“I can sit anywhere.”
“Not allowed. There must be a distinction between ruler and minister.”
Oh, now you care about the distinction between ruler and minister? Why didn’t you mention it when you wanted me to jump over the threshold? Zhao Qi silently grumbled and took his seat on the Dragon Throne. “Speak.”
Xiao Shiqing said, “After the Longevity Festival next month, you will be nineteen…”
“Stop!” Zhao Qi interjected with frustration, “So it’s about the matter of appointing a consort again?”
“Consort? No,” Xiao Shiqing pondered, “But you’ve reminded me.”
Zhao Qi wished he could slap himself for being so talkative. “No, don’t let me remind you!”
Xiao Shiqing paused, “Are you very opposed to the matter of appointing a consort?”
Zhao Qi nodded.
“Why?”
“Because I want someone I like to be the Empress.”
Xiao Shiqing slightly straightened his body. “Who do you like?”
“Rong Tang. The whole capital knows that I like him. Surely, you know that too, right?”
Xiao Shiqing replied, “I know.”
“I am aware that making him the empress is impossible,” Zhao Qi said, putting on a pained expression. “So, I don’t want to appoint an empress. Please don’t bring it up. It makes me uncomfortable.”
Xiao Shiqing’s expression was neutral. “Since Your Majesty says so, I won’t mention it.”
Zhao Qi noticed that Xiao Shiqing had resumed using the formal address, thinking that he was about to discuss serious matters. He said, “It’s good that the Prime Minister understands me.”
Xiao Shiqing gave a small smile. “I don’t understand enough. I will try to understand better in the future.”
Zhao Qi found Xiao Shiqing’s smile chilling. “Thank you, Prime Minister.”
Xiao Shiqing raised an eyebrow.
“…Brother.”
After some idle talk, Xiao Shiqing finally revealed the purpose of Zhao Qi’s summons. Zhao Qi was shocked and stood up abruptly. “What did you say?”
Xiao Shiqing held a teacup and took a sip. “The late emperor started his reign at sixteen. You’re almost nineteen now. Do you intend to spend your life doing nothing and drifting aimlessly?”
Zhao Qi’s face turned pale. “You… you need to give me some time to think.”
What’s going on? This was not in the original story where Xiao Shiqing advised the lazy emperor to take on governance! Why is Xiao Shiqing suddenly bringing this up?
Zhao Qi’s mind raced. Could this be a test?
It must be! If he agreed to govern, Xiao Shiqing would definitely think he was dissatisfied with the current situation under the Xiao family’s control and was eager to seize power for himself. Once that’s confirmed, ambitious Xiao Shiqing would not let it go easily. He might even kick the emperor off the dragon throne and replace him with a more obedient puppet.
With this thought, Zhao Qi’s face grew even paler.
Xiao Shiqing frowned. “What’s wrong? Are you feeling unwell?”
Zhao Qi grabbed Xiao Shiqing’s hand. “Brother Prime Minister, why are you saying this!”
“Mm?”
“I really don’t want to govern, truly! Whenever I see state affairs, I get a headache. I just want to be a quiet little emperor for my brother…”
Xiao Shiqing’s gaze was complicated. “What do you mean?”
Zhao Qi, with overly sweet words, said, “I mean, I can’t live without you. My country can’t be without you!”
Xiao Shiqing looked at him for a long while and then smiled. “Does Your Majesty think I’m easily fooled?”
“Huh? I’m speaking the plain truth.” Zhao Qi held Xiao Shiqing’s hand and placed it on his chest. “Don’t believe me? Feel for yourself.”
Xiao Shiqing felt Zhao Qi’s racing heartbeat and was momentarily taken aback.
Zhao Qi hesitated and said, “I’m really not lying to you. So, please don’t suspect me and push me off the throne!”
Xiao Shiqing remained silent for a long time and then said, “You can let go now.”
“Oh.” Zhao Qi released his hand and asked, “Do you still want me to govern?”
Xiao Shiqing regained his composure and said firmly, “Yes.”
“???” So, was everything I said just now in vain?
“This is what your mother wants,” Xiao Shiqing explained. “Besides, she’s right. The country belongs to the Zhao family, and the person on the throne is you. As the Son of Heaven, it’s your responsibility to govern.”
“Even so, with you and Mother, isn’t Da Jing doing well?”
Xiao Shiqing asked, “Do you really not want to govern?”
Zhao Qi answered without hesitation, “I don’t!”
Xiao Shiqing thought for a moment. “In that case, the matter of governing can be postponed. However, you still need to learn. Starting tomorrow, you will attend court with me.”
“Ah? But I don’t know how.”
Xiao Shiqing raised an eyebrow slightly. “I’ll teach you.”
Zhao Qi stopped resisting. “Alright.” He had just finished high school before coming here and was just a high school student. He didn’t think he had the ability to manage a country. However, gaining exposure to court affairs and getting to know more officials could be beneficial. If Xiao Shiqing were to turn against him in the future, he wouldn’t be left isolated and helpless.
“Does Big Brother have other matters to attend to?” Zhao Qi asked.
“No, I’ll head back first,” he replied.
“Where will you be going?” Xiao Shiqing asked. “Yonghua Palace or Drunken Scholar’s Study?”
Xiao Shiqing’s mention of Drunken Scholar’s Study made Zhao Qi momentarily forget about the meeting with Rong Tang. “I’ll go to Drunken Scholar’s—” Noticing the narrowing of Xiao Shiqing’s eyes, Zhao Qi’s instinct for self-preservation kicked in, and he corrected himself. “I’ll go to the most suitable place for rest—my sleeping quarters, Yonghua Palace.”
Xiao Shiqing’s expression was almost a smile. “That’s what His Majesty said. Someone, escort the Emperor back to the palace.”
After Zhao Qi left, Xiao Shiqing stared at his own palm in a daze for a moment, then picked up the already cold tea and drank it all in one go.
As Zhao Qi was escorted out of the Hall of Governance by two guards and was about to head towards the rear palace, one guard said, “Your Majesty, Yonghua Palace is that way.”
Zhao Qi was bewildered. “Are you monitoring me?”
“This subordinate does not dare. But Your Majesty said you were going to Yonghua Palace, and a gentleman’s word is his bond.”
“……”
Jiang Dehai advised, “Your Majesty, it’s better to return to Yonghua Palace first. Visiting Drunken Scholar’s Study can wait until later.”
The guard added, “Your Majesty, Lord Xiao said you have an early court session tomorrow. It’s better to rest in Yonghua Palace today.”
“……”
Zhao Qi, fuming, finally reached his sleeping quarters after the two guards had left. He vented his frustration. “That Xiao Shiqing, he controls everything—from the heavens to the earth, and now he even controls whom I can meet!”
Jiang Dehai brought tea, saying, “Your Majesty, calm down. It’s really not a big deal.”
“I don’t want any,” Zhao Qi retorted angrily. “I didn’t particularly want to see Rong Tang, but since Xiao Shiqing is stopping me, now I definitely want to see him.”
Jiang Dehai, looking distressed, said, “Your Majesty, why make things difficult? The Empress Dowager has repeatedly advised you not to oppose the Prime Minister right now. Have you forgotten?”
“I haven’t forgotten,” Zhao Qi said. “I’ve been following Xiao Shiqing’s orders on major matters, but if I also have to obey him on minor issues, then I’d be too submissive!”
Jiang Dehai said, “But now those two guards are stationed right at the Yonghua Palace gate. How will Your Majesty get out?”
That night, Rong Tang, as usual, finished his medicine and was about to go to bed when he suddenly heard the soft sound of a cat meowing outside the window.
Since when did Drunken Scholar’s Study have a cat? And such a soft meow—it must be a kitten.
Holding a palace lantern, Rong Tang approached the window and saw a young man in eunuch robes appear in his view. “Rong Tang, I’m here!”
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
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