“What does this mean?”
Qin Yuanxi’s face carried a slightly forced smile as he glanced at the pile of memorials in front of him. His mood wasn’t exactly wonderful.
While Qin Yuanxi lacked experience as an emperor, it didn’t mean he didn’t realize that Lu Bohuan was currently making things difficult for him. As for the exact reason behind it, Qin Yuanxi had a rough guess. Zhao Tuo’s military token was still in his possession, and it was highly likely that the Regent Prince was testing him.
This is tough. If only I hadn’t accepted that ridiculous token of affection. Love hasn’t been confirmed, and now I’ve gotten myself into a heap of trouble.
Due to his role as Regent Prince and Imperial Tutor, Lu Bohuan had his own designated spot in the study room. While Qin Yuanxi served as a puppet and a mascot, the true power wielder handled affairs in the study. The atmosphere between ruler and subject appeared calm but with a hint of peculiarity. Lu Bohuan would bring the memorials he had already reviewed to Qin Yuanxi’s desk, where the Emperor would add his seal or the red annotations, and then they would be distributed further.
However, this time was evidently different. Qin Yuanxi opened the memorials in his hands, untouched and pristine, lacking the blue annotations of the Regent Prince. It was clear that Lu Bohuan hadn’t even glanced at them yet. Why had these memorials, unseen by the Regent Prince, been brought to him now? Qin Yuanxi’s head started to ache.
“Considering the accumulated matters during Your Majesty’s days of illness, perhaps it would be best to handle them all on this fine day with good weather.”
“Good weather today?” Qin Yuanxi chuckled sarcastically. “Prince Lu, it’s cloudy outside, looks like it might rain.”
Maybe even thunder and lightning will strike. A fellow cultivator crossing a tribulation, or maybe the heavens want to send down a lightning bolt. Well, let’s skip the lightning. Qin Yuanxi cast a glance at Lu Bohuan and then quietly retracted the latter part of his sentence.
“Is that so?” Lu Bohuan spoke deceitfully with his eyes wide open. “Well, that’s just perfect; the coolness is suitable for Your Majesty to review these memorials.”
His attitude was downright domineering, showing no regard for Qin Yuanxi as the Emperor. Under the pressure of Lu Bohuan’s presence, Qin Yuanxi could only bow his head, open the memorials, and after a moment’s thought, feigned surprise as he asked Lu Bohuan, “There are no blue annotations from Prince Lu on these memorials. Did Prince Lu perhaps bring the wrong ones?”
“No, Your Majesty, it’s the same even if Your Majesty approves.”
Qin Yuanxi chuckled lightly, “How can it be the same? The prince should review it first, and then I can take a look. I lack experience at a young age and still need the prince’s guidance.”
Prince Lu really lives up to his name, what does he mean by ‘the same as Your Majesty’s approval’? Isn’t that statement contradictory?
“Your Majesty,” Lu Bohuan finally looked up, “Why do you keep hindering and hesitating? Or is it that Your Majesty hasn’t reviewed these memorials at all? Could it be that the days outside the palace have clouded Your Majesty’s mind, to the extent that you’ve forgotten your responsibilities as a ruler?”
That’s a rather serious statement. Qin Yuanxi’s courage, which had just been boosted, collapsed completely under Lu Bohuan’s sharp gaze.
He’s not foolish, and neither is Lu Bohuan. Why would he suddenly bring up the matter of leaving the palace for no reason? Apart from Zhao Tuo’s little secret, is he really hiding his identity well?
Prince Lu’s interactions with Emperor Qin Yuanxi have spanned more than just a couple of years. Even when Qin Yuanxi was still a crown prince, Lu Bohuan was his teacher. When Qin Yuanxi ascended to the throne, Lu Bohuan became the regent. Lu Bohuan must have a deep understanding of this Emperor he essentially raised from a young age. However, the situation is different for Qin Yuanxi. He’s only seen the plot unfold and doesn’t know the ins and outs of this background setting as well as the main protagonist.
Qin Yuanxi doesn’t know Emperor Qin Yuanxi’s usual likes, hobbies, quirks, and habits. He’s guessing and relying on speculation. The key point is that he recently made a fatal mistake. His handwriting differs from Emperor Qin Yuanxi’s. Most importantly, those papers can’t be found. Even if Qin Yuanxi denies it, what if those things fall into Lu Bohuan’s hands? How could they not arouse suspicion?
With these thoughts, Qin Yuanxi broke into a cold sweat. If Lu Bohuan suspects him, he’ll likely suspect that Qin Yuanxi is a counterfeit brought in by Emperor Qin Yuanxi. When dealing with the real puppet emperor, Lu Bohuan might show some restraint and consideration. But when dealing with a counterfeit like him, there won’t be any mercy!
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)
