Qin Yuanxi stared at Zhao Tuo, holding the token with some hesitation. The thing was priceless, far from being trifling. How could it be in Zhao Tuo’s hands? According to the book, Prince Lu held great power in court affairs and was even a military veteran, repeatedly safeguarding the borders and ensuring stability. By all means, this token should belong to Prince Lu, right?
This was no ordinary token; Qin Yuanxi, even if considered inexperienced, understood its importance. Yet, how could such a formidable item end up with Zhao Tuo?
If Zhao Tuo were truly that important, wouldn’t there be traces of him in the book? And now, Zhao Tuo had given him the token, which meant handing over the military authority to the emperor’s control. With the emperor holding military power, he would possess real authority, and he couldn’t be called a puppet emperor anymore.
Qin Yuanxi couldn’t make sense of it all. What on earth was going on? Was the book bugged?
“Why… why did you give me this thing? And why is such an important item in your hands?” Qin Yuanxi couldn’t figure it out, so he straightforwardly asked Zhao Tuo, hoping he might shed some light on the situation.
“Isn’t it given to me by Your Majesty?” Zhao Tuo seemed puzzled too. “The token was personally bestowed by Your Majesty to command the armies of the realm. Your Majesty doesn’t remember?”
“Wait a moment,” Qin Yuanxi felt even more uneasy. He couldn’t recall any instance of personally bestowing such a token, and the book would never include such a plot. If the puppet emperor had such capabilities, how could he end up being a puppet in the first place? He should have eliminated Prince Lu long ago and become the real protagonist.
So, what was the deal with Zhao Tuo’s token?
As he looked at Zhao Tuo, a sense of confusion filled his eyes. Not only the token but even Zhao Tuo himself appeared inexplicably. Qin Yuanxi sighed softly and patted Zhao Tuo’s shoulder. “Forget it, since this token is so important, you should keep it.”
He attempted to return it, but Zhao Tuo was resolute in his attitude. They pushed and shoved a bit, but Qin Yuanxi ultimately couldn’t overpower Zhao Tuo, and the token remained in his hand.
Seeing Zhao Tuo’s anxious expression, Qin Yuanxi could only accept it. In truth, the token didn’t mean much to him. Military authority was essential, but it required the right person to wield it. At the moment, considering Qin Yuanxi’s current state, even if he had military power, he lacked suitable candidates.
Well, maybe there was one, but Qin Yuanxi was reluctant.
Taking a step closer, he approached Zhao Tuo and whispered softly in his ear, “If I have to keep it, then let’s consider it our token of affection, alright?”
As his words fell, Zhao Tuo noticeably tensed up. His earlobes turned slightly red. Qin Yuanxi was pleased with the reaction, feeling a bit playful. He tugged at Zhao Tuo’s sleeve, his voice becoming more ambiguous and low, “Come to my room tonight.”
The operation to suppress the bandits at Changze Town went smoothly. The gang of thieves was caught and held for trial, and the rest would be escorted back to the capital.
When Zhao Tuo came later that night, it was to discuss this matter with Qin Yuanxi.
The main issue was not escorting the prisoners back to the capital; the crucial matter was that Qin Yuanxi had been away for quite some time, experienced the public sentiment, and even eliminated a group of mountain bandits. Now, it was about time to return to the palace.
“At that time, the Deputy general of the garrison1A garrison is any body of troops stationed in a particular location, originally to guard it. will send a team to escort Your Majesty back to the capital, while also escorting the prisoners for trial. What does Your Majesty think about this arrangement?” Zhao Tuo asked.
Qin Yuanxi was not too keen on the idea. “You’ve arranged everything, and you still ask me what I think? What can I do? Can I run away?”
It’s probably just the frustration of feeling powerless against fate. Zhao Tuo hesitated for a moment, but in the end, he took the initiative to approach Qin Yuanxi and firmly grasped his hand, earnestly assuring him, “Your Majesty, don’t worry. With me by your side, I will help you eradicate the traitors and protect you from harm.”
Qin Yuanxi felt a little pleased, not concerning whether Zhao Tuo could fulfill the promise, but the fact that he cared was enough.
“I can return to the palace, but you have to promise me one thing.” Qin Yuanxi leaned against Zhao Tuo, a mischievous smile playing on his lips. “You are the Grand General, and coming in and out of the palace must be so easy for you. After I go back, you have to accompany me. I don’t mind anything else, but I want to see you every day, and you have to ensure my safety. Promise me, and I’ll return to the palace.”
Qin Yuanxi didn’t bother struggling with indecision; going back to the palace was a given. But he needed to secure some benefits for himself. As for his feelings for Zhao Tuo, they needed time to grow. If life could be comfortable, even if he became a puppet, as long as his life wasn’t threatened, he could reluctantly accept it.
“You promise to accompany me, and I’ll return to the palace.” Qin Yuanxi finished, tilting his chin to look at Zhao Tuo. “Deal?”
Zhao Tuo glanced at Qin Yuanxi and suddenly looked away, his throat bobbing. “Your Majesty’s orders shall be obeyed.”
“Why are you so nervous?” Qin Yuanxi noticed Zhao Tuo’s abnormality, reaching out and touching his Adam’s apple before pressing him down onto the bed and biting down gently. “It’s not ‘Your Majesty’s orders,’ it’s my request. Will you agree to it?”
“Agree.” Zhao Tuo’s voice was already slightly hoarse, but these two words, when heard by Qin Yuanxi, were undeniably seductive. Qin Yuanxi chuckled softly, breathing hotly near Zhao Tuo’s ear and continued, “Are you satisfied now?”
He couldn’t forget how Zhao Tuo insisted on saying ‘impossible’ even when he couldn’t bear it before. So now, he genuinely wanted to tease Zhao Tuo a bit, provoking him to be more proactive. “Do you know why I asked you to come over tonight?”
Zhao Tuo remained silent, but Qin Yuanxi would never let him off that easily.
“Speak up,” Qin Yuanxi urged, his actions matching his words.
Zhao Tuo’s breathing was already unsteady. He hesitated to support Qin Yuanxi’s waist, but in the end, Qin Yuanxi took his hand and placed it on his own waist. “Silly, do whatever you want. I told you to indulge.”
The first time, at least there were medications to assist them. Back then, Zhao Tuo’s mind was clear, but under the influence of the drugs, his actions were much bolder. This time, he was completely sober, and his movements unavoidably felt awkward. Qin Yuanxi didn’t mind though. He pulled Zhao Tuo up and had his way with him, thoroughly enjoying himself but feeling quite exhausted afterwards.
“Comfortable?” Qin Yuanxi leaned against Zhao Tuo’s shoulder, giving it a gentle rub. By now, he didn’t feel like moving much.
Zhao Tuo caressed Qin Yuanxi’s slightly damp forehead and asked, “Your Majesty, are you comfortable?”
“Great.” Qin Yuanxi was different from Zhao Tuo. He was of a more open mindset, a product of the new era, unbound by rigid conventions. He had liked Zhao Tuo from the very beginning, and after this pleasure, he had nothing more to say. After all, finding such a handsome and enjoyable partner was a rare delight, and since Zhao Tuo fit his preferences so well, he shouldn’t shortchange2To treat unfairly or dishonestly, esp by giving less than is deserved or expected. himself.
Meanwhile, on the other side, the Deputy general who was ready to escort the prisoners finally realized that something was amiss.
When the Regent Prince pacified the Hu rebel, he was indeed awarded the position of First-Rank Grand General, personally appointed by His Majesty as the Grand General for Distant Expeditions. However, the title of General was only used on the battlefield, and upon returning to the court, he was addressed as the Regent Prince, and the ministers also referred to him as ‘Prince.’ But this time, when he met him, the Regent Prince had consistently used the title ‘General.’ What was going on?
The Deputy general couldn’t figure it out, scratching his head all night without finding an answer. He didn’t dare to ask either. Whether it was General or Regent Prince, it wasn’t his place to inquire. He would just call him whatever he was told to call. It was just a title after all; what difference could it make?
After Zhao Tuo’s earnest service and persuasion throughout the night, Qin Yuanxi reluctantly agreed to return to the capital. Of course, Zhao Tuo had given him decent assurances, treating this trip back as a sightseeing journey with a loyal canine boyfriend in tow. Even if he returned to the palace, life shouldn’t be too difficult. At least, that’s what Qin Yuanxi thought at the time.
If he knew what he would face upon returning to the palace, he might regret it to death. But unfortunately, there are no ‘ifs’ in life.
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)
