The chest seemed to bear a huge stone, making it uncomfortable and difficult to breathe. Liang Feng woke up from his sleep, struggling to open his eyes. He saw a strong and powerful arm lying across his chest as if trying to lock him in tightly.
After a two-second delay, Liang Feng raised his hand to his forehead. Various things that happened last night had indeed shattered his meager bottom line, causing him to fall completely. The brain, it seemed, was beyond control. As long as it felt good, everything else was trivial.
Last night was indeed quite enjoyable…
Unable to resist, his gaze moved down and fell on the sleeping face beside him. Even with the most critical eyes, it was still a quite handsome face, not like the cool European style, but with some Middle Eastern features, handsomely aggressive. In the contemporary era, he would definitely be considered a hormone-exploding type. Now, in his sleep, a youthful and childish aura was revealed, even the lingering hostility had faded away.
Most of the thin blanket covered his body, leaving only a small part on the back of the other person. Covered by the sheet, there were intriguing curves that sparked one’s imagination. Broad shoulders, narrow waist, and well-defined legs. Every inch of muscle was perfectly sculpted, and the various scars, deep and shallow, did not diminish its charm. Instead, they added a wild and fierce flavor, like a sleeping tiger or leopard, exuding a sense of untamed nature.
Alright, compared to his childhood friend, he had definitely struck gold.
Some self-deprecating thoughts emerged for no reason. Liang Feng gently pushed away Yiyan’s arm and sat up. The movement was not small at all, but it didn’t wake the other person. There were faint marks of blue and red scattered across his body, giving him a tingling sensation of being devoured. Liang Feng quickly shook his head, picked up the fallen outer garment, and put it on as he got up.
Last night might have been too tiring, coupled with a bit of drunkenness, Liang Feng fell asleep directly. Now, feeling sticky all over, it was indeed a bit uncomfortable. Liang Feng took a few steps outside, intending to find some water to freshen up. Yiyan didn’t like others waiting on him, and the maids should have prepared some clean water for washing up… However, as this thought crossed his mind, Liang Feng’s expression turned cold. Without even putting on his shoes, he straightened his clothes, walked quickly to the door, and opened it.
By the door, there was a small figure kneeling, as if frightened by Liang Feng’s movement, quickly bowing to the ground. The slender and frail back was trembling slightly, having waited outside for who knows how long. It was Qing Mei, his personal maid.
When Liang Feng entered last night, he left Qing Mei outside. But after a whole night without leaving, how could Qing Mei not be worried? After several struggles, she gathered the courage to wait here. Ultimately, she was afraid that there would be a lack of people to serve by his side. This sentiment was not difficult to understand, but how much did she overhear?
With some changes in his facial expression, Liang Feng finally sighed and said, “Go and fetch some warm water and clothes.”
Hearing this, Qing Mei seemed to have received a pardon, bowing again before getting up. Her steps unexpectedly wavered a bit; it seemed she had been waiting all night, and her legs were numb. However, she quickly regained composure and hurriedly walked outside.
Watching the girl’s figure, Liang Feng sighed inwardly. This was the inconvenience of ancient times. Anyone with a certain status could never have true privacy. Clearing all the servants would raise suspicions, and leaving them might lead to speculation as well. Well, if Qing Mei knew, she knew. These personal attendants could still be trusted. But how long could he keep the affair between him and Yiyan a secret?
Perhaps it’s time to change things, let Yiyan come over to his side. Sharing a bed as close guests was still considered a proper and cultured practice in this era, with less chance of misconceptions. If he were to stay overnight in the subordinate’s courtyard every day, that would truly be a case of “he who excuses himself, accuses himself.”
While contemplating this, a low exclamation suddenly came from the room, “Lord?”
In that voice, there was a hint of confusion and fear. Liang Feng quickly turned around and walked back into the room, only to see Yiyan already sitting up, trying to get out of bed.
“The splint has just been removed; you should take a few steps less.” Liang Feng immediately advised.
Seeing Liang Feng in disheveled clothes, Yiyan seemed stunned for a moment before slowly relaxing his shoulders. His expression was as if he had just recovered some precious treasure.
“The water will be here shortly.” Liang Feng walked to the bedside, but before he could steady himself, he was embraced by Yiyan.
Due to the angle, the embrace felt a bit awkward. Yiyan’s forehead was against Liang Feng’s leg, not lifting his head as he softly murmured, “When I couldn’t find Lord, I thought last night was just a dream.”
He had slept very little last night, fearing that upon waking up, he would lose the person in his embrace. Who would have thought that this morning, he still woke up with empty arms. Could it be that this was just an overly nostalgic imagination? After such a sweet and satisfying night, abruptly waking up to such a sense of loss was truly heartbreaking.
This eager posture reminded Liang Feng of the sincere and touching kisses and touches from last night. His Adam’s apple rolled, and he reached out to pat the back of Yiyan’s head soothingly. The gathered long hair curled slightly, not particularly soft, but thick and vigorous, much like the vitality exuding from the man’s body.
He actually didn’t want Yiyan to pale because of him.
“Eventually, others will notice,” Liang Feng couldn’t suppress it any longer and spoke, “Our affair should be handled more discreetly. Don’t give others a reason to talk…”
Yiyan suddenly lifted his head, “A reason to talk? Lord doesn’t want others to know?”
“This matter is of no benefit to you.” Liang Feng furrowed his brow, answering solemnly, “No matter how illustrious your achievements are, they won’t withstand the weight of public opinion. A hundred years later, others won’t remember your merits; they will only remember the gossip. You deserve a better reputation…”
But Yiyan frowned, “A hundred years later, I’ll have turned into dry bones underground. What use is a virtual name? It’s better if it’s recorded. In the future, when others read history, they will know the Lord’s intentions toward me!”
His voice had no hesitation as he spoke these words. Looking at those sharp and honest gray-blue eyes, Liang Feng was silenced. This kind of passionate sincerity was something he could never achieve. Like flames, it scorched the skin and caused pain, yet one couldn’t bear to retreat. In a few years, or decades, would he regret it? Would he, like everyone who loved Mi Zhi, regret not seizing the opportunity, and becoming disenchanted? Or would he truly understand the taste of power, disrupting the foundation he had built with his own hands?
He couldn’t see the future. He didn’t even want to care about issues so distant. Because the person in front of him was eagerly looking at him, showing no trace of retreat.
Liang Feng bent down, planting a gentle kiss on those lips, “In other palaces, there are only wicked concubines and enchanting empresses, yet in my courtyard, there’s only this tough nut to crack.”
There was a hint of helplessness in his voice, but more of it was a gentle teasing.
Yiyan’s breathing became rapid, “Lord…” His hand slipped into the open garment in front of him, fingers lightly brushing over the red marks and bruises, “Did I hurt you last night?”
Liang Feng raised an eyebrow, “Did I injure you last night?”
He lightly traced the unhealed scar on the other’s shoulder as if alluding to something. A patient with injuries dared to ask such a question?
Yiyan’s hand immediately tightened, firmly embracing the slender waist in front of him, “Whether or not I’ve hurt you, Lord, you might need to check for me…”
This guy was getting better at seizing opportunities. However, faced with the invitation, Liang Feng couldn’t refuse. Lips met again, and the curtains around the bed gently swayed, like a breeze passing by.
※
Duan Qin put down the pen, rubbing his sore wrist. In recent days, his main task was contemplating the “Six Ministries” concept proposed by Lord.
With the expansion of territory to Ji County and Si County, the original ministries could no longer manage the three regions efficiently. Lord then suggested the idea of establishing six ministries within the Provincial Governor’s Mansion. It was somewhat like the Nine Ministers in the imperial court but with a clearer division of labor and no issues of unclear responsibilities. More importantly, once the framework of the six ministries was established, regardless of how extensive the territory expanded in the future, it could all be smoothly incorporated. It was truly a brilliant idea!
Upon hearing the Lord’s mention, countless thoughts surged in Duan Qin’s mind. These past few days, he had been immersed in refining this concept. However, as it was an unprecedented matter, there were too many details to consider, making progress quite slow. It took a whole ten days to draft the outline.
After carefully reviewing the document once again, Duan Qin nodded in satisfaction, rolled up the papers, and headed toward the study.
However, upon reaching the study, he realized he was in the wrong place. There was no need to attend the court today, and Lord was supposed to be handling official business in the study.
Puzzled, a servant nearby informed him, “Master Duan may have to wait for a while. Lord is still in the backyard.”
“In the backyard? Is he unwell?” Duan Qin was surprised.
“He just woke up late. Please wait a bit, Master Duan.” The servant respectfully replied.
The weight on Duan Qin’s heart lifted, but upon closer thought, he furrowed his brow. Wait a minute, Lord woke up late?
Having followed the Lord for so many years, Duan Qin naturally knew that the Lord’s daily routine was extremely regular, with no room for delays. Such discipline and avoidance of indulgence were qualities admired by everyone in the mansion. However, in the past month or so, Lord seemed to spend slightly less time in the front courtyard, and sometimes official matters were brought to the backyard for handling. This was somewhat strange.
If it were just recently married, it could be understood. However, there was no one in the backyard. Why the sudden change in habits?
A strange thought suddenly emerged. Duan Qin pursed his lips, unsure if he should delve deeper into it. But some things always felt inappropriate…
As he was contemplating, the people around him suddenly bowed, showing respect to someone ahead. Duan Qin quickly dispelled stray thoughts, cupped his hands, and said, “Lord!”
“Apologies for keeping you waiting.” Liang Feng smiled as he approached, supporting Duan Qin, “Do you have something to discuss with me?”
Duan Qin’s gaze swept across the man’s face, not seeing any signs of weakness or illness. On the contrary, a faint blush adorned the snowy skin, giving a radiant and lively appearance. His mood seemed excellent.
Pausing for a moment, Duan Qin said, “I have drafted the plan for the Six Ministries, and I would like the Lord to review it.”
Liang Feng suddenly became spirited. Resetting the government structure was a major event, and he hadn’t expected it to be completed so quickly. Without further ado, he took the documents and walked briskly toward the study, saying, “You’ve worked hard. Let me examine it carefully.”
Watching the figure enter the study, Duan Qin sighed inwardly and followed him in.
