Qin Yuanxi smelled a medicinal scent, he lifted his gaze to find Ding Yi carrying a tray with a familiar, pitch-black bowl of concoction. His expression changed instantly. He angrily questioned, “What’s going on? I’m perfectly fine. Where did this medicine come from?”
“Quick, take it away. Just looking at this thing is irritating.”
Now, Qin Yuanxi had developed a reflexive aversion to this inky medicine. The moment he smelled it, he felt uncomfortable all over. It even made him slightly queasy. He couldn’t bear to think about it; the mere thought made him feel even more nauseous. His stomach churned, and he covered his mouth, attempting to drink some water to alleviate the discomfort. However, there was no response. He urgently gestured for someone to prepare, then retreated behind a folding screen and vomited.
“Your Majesty, are you alright?” Lu Bohuan hadn’t expected such a strong reaction. Qin Yuanxi couldn’t even tolerate a hint of the medicine’s scent. He quickly instructed Ding Yi, “Move the medicine to the adjacent side hall. I’ll go there later.”
From behind the folding screen, faint silhouettes of the people inside could be seen, appearing somewhat disheveled and fatigued. Lu Bohuan, having received no response from Qin Yuanxi, remained outside the screen. After a while, Qin Yuanxi finally came out, his complexion still pale. Lu Bohuan furrowed his brow slightly and handed him a cup of tea to rinse his mouth.
Once Qin Yuanxi had recovered somewhat, he explained, “That medicine wasn’t meant for you; it was sent by Yan Shaoning out of concern for my health. I’ve had it removed, and I’ve had incense burned in the room. How are you feeling now?”
“Not great, it’s really uncomfortable.” Qin Yuanxi waved his hand, his steps feeling somewhat unsteady. He sat down by a desk and picked up a plate of preserved fruits, still trembling slightly. “This medicine is too strong. Even normal people can’t stand it, let alone me in my current state. In the future, if Physician Yan needs to brew medicine again, tell him not to make it so unbearable. He’s a divine physician; can’t he brew something that’s not only effective but also pleasant to the taste?”
“A good medicine is bitter to the taste,” Lu Bohuan began to say, but he saw Qin Yuanxi’s expression change again. He hurriedly added, “I will inform him to improve his medical skills and not brew such a bitter and unpleasant medicine next time.”
Yan Shaoning, who had unexpectedly promised to improve his skills, sneezed while flipping through a medical book. Then he got up to close the window. The start of autumn had passed, and he couldn’t afford to catch a chill. Health was of paramount importance.
“It’s okay, I’m feeling better.” Qin Yuanxi took a moment before remembering Lu Bohuan’s medicine. “You haven’t taken your medicine yet. You should drink it quickly; when it cools down, it’s even harder to swallow.”
When Lu Bohuan left for quite some time, he returned wearing different clothes.
Before, he had been in formal court attire, but now, upon his return, he was dressed in a blue robe. He looked incredibly refined and handsome, causing Qin Yuanxi to unconsciously steal a couple of glances before awkwardly shifting his gaze away.
What to do? It felt like my heart rate had accelerated just now.
Qin Yuanxi had always thought he had feelings for Zhao Tuo, and for a long time, he had only harbored resentment toward Lu Bohuan. Especially during the period when he felt constantly oppressed by Lu Bohuan. Therefore, he had an ingrained hatred for him. However, things have started to change recently.
The two of them got along quite well, putting aside their earlier unpleasantness. Lately, what Lu Bohuan had been doing left no room for complaints. He would meticulously recount all the court’s big and small matters to Qin Yuanxi, sparing no details and keeping nothing to himself. In light of Qin Yuanxi’s current circumstances, Lu Bohuan was always there, not just attentive but genuinely considerate in taking care of him. Even when Qin Yuanxi occasionally threw a minor tantrum, Lu Bohuan remained patient and accommodating, which left Qin Yuanxi with a hint of guilt.
Back then, he shouldn’t have cursed Luh Bohuan as a ‘dog.’ Luh Bohuan, when not acting like a ‘dog,’ was actually quite respectable.
“Um, why did you change your clothes again?”
“I got some medicinal scent on them, Your Majesty finds it unpleasant.”
This reply left Qin Yuanxi somewhat flustered. He quickly lowered his head, pretending to be engrossed in his work, although his concentration seemed to waver. He held a pen but had no idea what he was writing, often sneaking glances at Lu Bohuan, either because his seating position was awkward or because Lu Bohuan’s new attire was just too captivating.
As he continued observing, Qin Yuanxi made an astonishing discovery: Prince Lu, with his chin propped up, appeared to have dozed off! How could that even happen?
Qin Yuanxi decided to toss his own pen aside; after all, if Lu Bohuan could fall asleep, then he could openly gaze as he pleased.
With his chin resting, Qin Yuanxi pondered a question. In Lu Bohuan’s eyes, he and Zhao Tuo were the same person. So, if that were true, how did Lu Bohuan view him? He and Zhao Tuo shared a connection, even a romantic bond. Didn’t that make them a couple? Considering how well Lu Bohuan had treated him recently, could there be a deeper reason for his kindness?
Did Lu Bohuan have feelings for him too?
At this point, Qin Yuanxi’s thoughts were in disarray. He had used the word ‘too,’ but was it directed at Zhao Tuo and Lu Bohuan, or was it about himself? Qin Yuanxi found it increasingly difficult to distinguish.
He was undeniably fond of Zhao Tuo, but what about Lu Bohuan? In his mind, were they the same person, or were they distinct individuals? If they were one and the same, did his affection for Zhao Tuo imply that he also cared for Lu Bohuan? If they were not the same, why did his heart race when he saw Lu Bohuan?
It was all so tangled, and Qin Yuanxi had never encountered such a complex issue before. He had clearly fallen for someone, yet he felt an inexplicable sense of taboo. He touched his chest, feeling no guilt. When his heart raced in front of Lu Bohuan, he didn’t feel like he was betraying Zhao Tuo. Did this mean that, in his heart, they were one and the same person? And because they were one and the same, did his attraction to Lu Bohuan not constitute a betrayal of Zhao Tuo?
“Ah, it’s so complicated!”
Qin Yuanxi tugged at his hair, burying his head in his arms and sighing heavily. “I’m just a rookie in matters of love. Why does it have to be so complicated right from the start? Couldn’t it consider the differences in individual capabilities?”
As he muttered to himself in a hushed tone, Qin Yuanxi suddenly heard a noise. Over on Lu Bohuan’s side, perhaps from waking too abruptly or due to some other reason, the pile of memorials on his desk had fallen to the ground. The sudden disturbance had startled Lu Bohuan, and his face now bore a somewhat bewildered expression, making him appear a bit dazed.
Qin Yuanxi pressed his lips together, feeling a hint of amusement. This simple-minded Prince Lu seemed somewhat cute.
“Are you awake? I had Ding Yi prepare strong tea to help you snap out of it. You’ve been working so hard lately, and you’re still unwell. You should rest properly, and you don’t have to stay here with me to handle these documents.”
Lu Bohuan, now fully awake, glanced down at the scattered documents on the floor and then furrowed his brow slightly. He clenched his fists, his tone formal and respectful as he replied, “Worrying for Your Majesty is my duty; Your Majesty need not be concerned.”
Qin Yuanxi couldn’t help but raise an eyebrow at this response. It wasn’t like Lu Bohuan to speak to him in such a manner. Prince Lu typically regarded himself as high above, showing no particular respect to him as the puppet emperor. Even if he explicitly addressed him as ‘Your Majesty,’ there was usually no overt sign of respect.
So, if this wasn’t Lu Bohuan, then it must be Zhao Tuo. But why would Zhao Tuo use Lu Bohuan’s demeanor and even attempt to conceal his identity?
TL: I’ve started a new novel ‘MLRAMB.’ It’s an adorable and wholesome story. Make sure to check it out!
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)
