Inside the Moonlight Pavilion, Regent Lu Bohuan had several memorials on his left hand, while on his right were two thin sheets of paper. On one sheet, there were only five words written, while the other was meticulously copied, showcasing the Emperor’s own handwriting that Regent Lu Bohuan had brought from the Ancestral Hall.
The memorials were spread open, and Regent Lu Bohuan’s gaze fell upon the red marks on them. The calligraphy was two completely different styles; the red marks on the memorials were round, moderate, and deep, while the words on the paper he held were more slender and exquisite. The Emperor’s writing, learned from Master Mao, bore its distinct characteristics, but the writing on this paper, though beautiful, bore no resemblance to any known style.
This handwriting clearly did not belong to the same person. Who could he be?
Regent Lu Bohuan massaged his temples, feeling tired and confused. Whether he was Zhao Tuo or Lu Bohuan, he remained himself, and his handwriting had never changed. After all, they were originally the same person. Was the person in the palace truly the Emperor? If not, then who was he? What had happened between him and Zhao Tuo after they left the palace together?
Regent Lu Bohuan was clueless about it all. Not only had he lost over half a month’s memories, but he also felt that things were moving in a direction he couldn’t control. Uncontrollable Zhao Tuo, coupled with an Emperor who was different from before, meant that each and every matter had to be handled personally by himself.
Lying in the Moonlight Pavilion, he gazed at the crescent moon outside the window and slowly closed his eyes.
“How many times have I copied this?” Qin Yuanxi yawned, leaning on the desk, rubbing his slightly sore eyes. He really felt like cursing.
Regent Lu Bohuan finished his sentence twenty times and then turned and left. But here was Qin Yuanxi, enduring the night alone in this gloomy hall, copying and copying. If he had to keep this up all night, he felt like he might just die right there. After the college entrance exam, he hadn’t worked this hard. He couldn’t believe he was working so diligently for Regent Lu Bohuan.
Now Qin Yuanxi was starting to doubt whether Regent Lu Bohuan even wanted to seize the throne. He already had supreme power; there was no real need to take the throne. Moreover, was there anything more satisfying than manipulating the Emperor, punishing the Emperor, and having the Emperor obey his every command?
“Ding Yi, bring me a cup of strong tea,” Qin Yuanxi rubbed his waist.
Sitting for too long made him uncomfortable all over. The desk was a bit low and didn’t conform to ergonomic principles1Ergonomics can be simply defined as the how workplace and equipment can be best used and designed for comfort, safety, efficiency and productivity.. Qin Yuanxi felt uncomfortable everywhere now. Being an Emperor was even more exhausting than laying bricks on a construction site. It was truly an inhuman job.
As Qin Yuanxi rubbed his shoulder and legs, he looked up and suddenly saw another person in the hall. The person appeared out of nowhere, and in this already eerie Ancestral Hall, this unexpected appearance nearly stopped Qin Yuanxi’s heart.
“What the… Can’t you walk more quietly? You scared me half to death in the middle of the night.”
Qin Yuanxi patted his chest, soothing himself: “I’m writing, not slacking off.”
Sitting up straight, he spread open the book and muttered softly: “Of course, this darn thing won’t easily let me off. Coming to check on me in the middle of the night, it’s obvious he’s trying to catch me. Hmph, no way!”
“What is Your Majesty writing? It’s getting late. Why aren’t you going to bed?”
Qin Yuanxi’s eyes widened as he listened to these words. His brush slipped from his hand and he stared at the person before him in disbelief. The face was the same, but those eyes revealed the truth – it wasn’t the cold and heartless gaze of Regent Lu, the prince.
And there was no way that evil dog Lu would utter such words!
What on earth was going on? Had the loyal and steadfast General returned? Qin Yuanxi’s face was a canvas of question marks. He glanced at the person before him, Lu Bohuan, no, it should be Zhao Tuo by now. Just as he was about to speak, Ding Yi entered with a cup of strong tea.
“Ding Yi has brought the strong tea His Majesty requested.”
“Put the tea here and step aside.” Qin Yuanxi intervened quickly, and then turned to Zhao Tuo.
With the eunuch dismissed promptly, the grand hall was now only occupied by the two of them.
Qin Yuanxi hadn’t quite figured out how to start the conversation when Zhao Tuo spoke up first. His face carried a hint of resentment as he said, “That wretched person has troubled Your Majesty again?”
If Qin Yuanxi didn’t know any better, just judging by his expression, he’d think the General was about to draw his sword and engage in a fierce battle with the Regent Prince. At least that’s how resolute his expression seemed.
For some reason, right now, there was an indescribable feeling stirring within him.
Waving his hand, he motioned for Zhao Tuo to approach, studying him for a moment before asking, “You truly don’t remember?”
He didn’t expect Zhao Tuo to provide much of an answer, but to his surprise, Zhao Tuo countered, “Remember what? His Majesty had just returned to the palace, and that land thief dares to make things difficult for him. Truly audacious! We must gather the six ministries and accuse him at the morning court session!”
Seems like he really didn’t remember.
Qin Yuanxi hurriedly said, “No need, it’s just… Regent Lu assigned me some tasks.”
Then he inquired further, “How did you find your way here?”
“After waking up and not finding Your Majesty, I…” Zhao Tuo’s voice trailed off as he glanced at Qin Yuanxi. It was just a glance, but it was enough to make Qin Yuanxi’s heart soften. That protective look in Zhao Tuo’s eyes was sincere and genuine, impossible to resist.
“Then you came here?”
“After not finding Your Majesty, I went to the imperial bedchamber, thinking of keeping vigil for you.” Zhao Tuo took a couple of steps forward, “It’s late now, Your Majesty should rest in the palace. Whatever tasks there are, we can address them tomorrow.”
Qin Yuanxi felt a strange flutter in his heart. He was about to stand up, then hesitated.
If he left now, how would he explain to Regent Lu tomorrow? Despite Zhao Tuo’s soothing words, it was still not up to him. That Prince Lu was the real formidable one, and if Qin Yuanxi didn’t finish copying those twenty times, would he expect Zhao Tuo to shield him from Regent Lu’s wrath?
“Well, Regent Lu wanted to impart some wisdom, and I couldn’t bear to let it go to waste. The tasks must be done, after all,” Qin Yuanxi said, rubbing his slightly sore waist. “However, I’ve been writing for most of the night and I’m quite tired now. How about you take over for me?”
Before Zhao Tuo could reply, Qin Yuanxi vacated his seat, saying, “Just these. Lu Bohuan mentioned copying twenty times, but I’ve done this much already. You can take care of the rest for me.”
As Qin Yuanxi stood up and stretched his waist, a much more relaxed expression graced his face.
Dog, make me copy twenty times? Why don’t you do it yourself? I’m off to sleep!
“What’s wrong, Your Majesty?” Zhao Tuo asked with concern, as he supported Qin Yuanxi and guided him to a soft couch. “Feeling unwell? Should I call the imperial physician to check on you?”
Qin Yuanxi lay on the couch, gazing at Zhao Tuo’s worried expression. He let out a sigh and said, “It’s nothing serious, just been sitting for too long. Can you help me massage my back, particularly the lower part?”
“Is that so?” Zhao Tuo still maintained his characteristic efficiency, following each command with precision, all to ensure the Emperor’s satisfaction. Seeing the loyal and considerate demeanor of the General, Qin Yuanxi felt a hint of warmth in his heart. Swallowing his emotions, he adjusted his tone and continued, “Did you manage to get some rest after returning to the palace?”
Zhao Tuo’s movements briefly hesitated, and Qin Yuanxi noticed a faint paleness on his lips. Something seemed off, something being suppressed. Quickly redirecting the conversation, Qin Yuanxi said, “Alright, enough of that. I’m feeling much better now. Zhao Tuo, go copy those documents for me. I’ll need them by tomorrow.”
“Understood.”
In the flickering candlelight, Qin Yuanxi continued to watch Zhao Tuo. He had many questions he wanted to ask—about Zhao Tuo’s memories, about how much he knew about Prince Lu, and about the matter of the military token. However, hesitation held him back.
Zhao Tuo’s current situation seemed to reflect a dual personality, a concept that might be unfamiliar to the ancients but not entirely unknown to Qin Yuanxi, who came from the modern world. At present, it appeared that Regent Lu was the dominant persona, while Zhao Tuo was the recessive one. Qin Yuanxi assumed Prince Lu might be aware of his own dual roles to some extent.
But what about Zhao Tuo?
Based on the current circumstances, Zhao Tuo seemed oblivious to his own alternate persona. Moreover, his attitude towards Prince Lu wasn’t particularly positive. Qin Yuanxi found himself wrestling with this complex situation. He pondered whether Zhao Tuo’s knowledge of his own dual role could lead to further complications.
Ah, if only he had taken a psychology class back then. He regretted not having that knowledge now, as it could have eased the current mental puzzle he faced.
Deep down, Qin Yuanxi held a protective stance towards Zhao Tuo. Emotionally, he feared that Zhao Tuo might get hurt. Zhao Tuo was, after all, his loyal and capable General. But what if Zhao Tuo couldn’t accept being just a secondary personality? How would Qin Yuanxi handle that?
Lying on the soft couch, Qin Yuanxi’s mind was a whirlwind of thoughts as he drifted into slumber. Sleep claimed him, enveloping him in its embrace. He felt an intense heat, like a blazing fire, and then a soothing coolness that brought him relief.
In his hazy state, he murmured, “Zhao Tuo, Zhao Tuo, I feel uncomfortable, really uncomfortable. Touch me.”
“Touch me here too.”
Regent Lu’s face twisted in frustration as he pulled away the hand Qin Yuanxi had placed on his waist. He distinctly remembered falling asleep in the Moonlight Pavilion last night. How did he wake up next to the Emperor?
But that wasn’t the worst part. The most perplexing part was—why was he sleeping next to the Emperor in the first place?!
The author has something to say:
His Majesty: Even I want to know…
Hello, everyone ヾ(＾∇＾). I hope you enjoyed the story! If you’re feeling generous, please buy me a coffee, share/comment on my translated works! Check out the link below for early chapters. (๑>ᴗ<๑)
