This kind of question was obviously not something Qin Yuanxi could figure out. He didn’t know much about Lu Bohuan and was just attempting to speculate on Prince Lu’s thoughts. With his mediocre understanding, it was an impossible task.
Who was Lu Bohuan? He was the main character in the political intrigue drama, the prominent male lead. Could Qin Yuanxi really fathom the thoughts of Prince Lu? Moreover, even if Qin Yuanxi didn’t admit it openly, it didn’t mean he had no ulterior motives. Deep down, he still has an attachment for the warmth Zhao Tuo brings him. Although his attitude towards Lu Bohuan had improved, and they got along well, speaking seriously, Lu Bohuan was still Lu Bohuan, and Zhao Tuo was still Zhao Tuo. Up to now, their significance wasn’t the same.
Carrying a food box, Qin Yuanxi headed towards the training ground to find Zhao Tuo. He rarely visited this place, always wanting to take a look but never had the chance. Today, luck was on his side. He had already attended the morning court, and Zhao Tuo’s side hadn’t finished yet. It allowed Qin Yuanxi to catch him in the middle of training, giving him a good feast for the eyes.
On the chestnut-red tall horse, Zhao Tuo wore a clean and sharp black short coat. His hair was neatly tied up, and he wielded a silver spear, creating a fierce wind with every movement. From a distance, Qin Yuanxi could feel the chilling atmosphere. The sound of hooves echoed, creating a unique and captivating combat scene.
He had seen similar scenes before, whether on TV with various special effects or live performances, but none compared to the current awe-inspiring sight.
Looking at the person on the horse, mixed with the surrounding martial shouts, Qin Yuanxi only then understood the true meaning of being on the scene. The feeling this term brought was more than just shocking; it was indescribable. The overwhelming momentum made one feel like they were truly on an ancient battlefield, facing real bloodshed and struggle, a slight carelessness leading to blood splattering three feet.
And these sensations cannot be conveyed through television performances. One had to personally experience it in such an environment, in such a situation, to have a genuine understanding.
From afar, he saw Zhao Tuo’s hair ribbon, tied up and fluttering in the wind. Qin Yuanxi stood still, not moving further.
It was still that familiar face. He had seen the imposing and dignified figure in court attire, the elegant and gentle demeanor in casual clothes, and the awe-inspiring appearance in armor under the moonlight. But he had never seen him like this, with a bit of fierceness, a cold and fierce appearance. In a trance, Qin Yuanxi felt like he could smell a hint of blood.
He stood there, staring at the person on the horse, watching him spiritedly, observing every move infused with the decisiveness of a soldier. The feeling was somewhat strange, with a hint of excitement in the unfamiliarity, as if the blood in the depths of his heart was awakened by the distant figure. How could I not be moved by this passionate man?
“Ah Xi, why are you here?”
Zhao Tuo leaped off the horse, sweat covering his forehead. Qin Yuanxi smiled at him, wiping the sweat off his face with his sleeve, and said, “I couldn’t find you after the morning court, so I came here to see you. Are you tired? I brought some delicious food. Want to fill your stomach first?”
“Have you eaten?”
Zhao Tuo took the food box and, embracing Qin Yuanxi, headed towards the resting place beside the training ground. The weather had turned cold, and the training ground was furnished with stone tables and benches. Zhao Tuo hesitated for a moment, cast a glance at Qin Yuanxi, opened his mouth as if to say something, hesitated once more, and finally whispered, “Your Majesty, forgive me.” With that, he carried Qin Yuanxi onto his lap.
The movement was gentle, yet there was a hint of awkwardness.
Qin Yuanxi looked at his slightly blushing earlobes, couldn’t help but reach out and pinch them, teasing, “You’ve done it, why are you still so shy? How can the mighty General be like a little bride? It’s as if I’ve bullied you by just hugging, and you’ve done much bolder things. What’s the harm in this?”
Sure enough, Zhao Tuo’s cheeks also tinted with a hint of red. Qin Yuanxi was happy now, chuckled for a while, and took the initiative to hug Zhao Tuo’s neck. He buried his face in the crook of Zhao Tuo’s neck, lowered his head, and playfully bit him. As the biting continued, it turned into an affectionate gesture. Initially, Zhao Tuo restrained himself, even quietly reminding Qin Yuanxi not to be too unrestrained. After all, this was the martial arts field, and despite the windproof curtains hanging around, it wasn’t a completely secluded place. Doing such things here was not entirely appropriate.
“Tsk~” Qin Yuanxi didn’t care at all, biting Zhao Tuo’s neck even harder. “Is it too late to mention this now? When you held me in your arms, you didn’t say so much. Weren’t you afraid of being seen?!”
“That’s because the stool was cold, and Your Majesty’s current situation…” Zhao Tuo hurriedly explained, but Qin Yuanxi cut him off before he could finish.
From a while ago, Qin Yuanxi had wanted to do this.
Looking at the imposing General on horseback, Qin Yuanxi really wanted to pull him into his arms, just like now, fiercely kissing him and being kissed in return. If the conditions allowed, he would want to do even more outrageous things. For now, he could only satisfy his appetite a bit and relieve his cravings.
This kiss, Qin Yuanxi kissed especially hard. When they separated, both were panting. Qin Yuanxi’s forehead pressed against Zhao Tuo’s shoulder. After a while, he suddenly laughed. Half-hanging on Zhao Tuo’s body, he looked up at Zhao Tuo’s bright black eyes, leaned in again, pecked lightly, and spoke with sincerity.
“I like you, Zhao Tuo. I really like you.”
A sincere and serious confession, the emotion was like a blazing flame, almost devouring Qin Yuanxi. At this moment, he was willing to risk it all.
In response, Zhao Tuo’s eyes noticeably brightened. His waist tightened, and Zhao Tuo’s kiss descended, urgent, like a violent storm. Qin Yuanxi could feel the almost uncontrollable, naked desire emanating from the depths, coming from the abyss, about to plunge into endless darkness.
On that day in the martial arts field, soldiers training had witnessed their General directly carrying the Emperor away. Many began to speculate and gossip privately. Rumors quietly spread.
Why does Prince Lu have a separate residence in the palace? Why did the Emperor grant a special status to the General? Why did the General tirelessly guard the palace at night for many years? Why did the Emperor and the Prince’s relationship thaw? Why were the General and the Emperor so intimate?
Initially, these rumors were confined to a small circle. However, soon, from the inner palace to the Imperial Guards, and even among the courtiers, almost everyone knew about this ‘secret affair.’ When Lu Bohuan knew about it, it was already too late.
His recent state was not very good. He had been in a kind of daze, sometimes feeling awake but with a hazy consciousness. Occasionally, he could see the happy interaction between Zhao Tuo and Qin Yuanxi, but most of the time, he could only hear vague voices, unable to discern what they were saying.
Based on past experience, Lu Bohuan shouldn’t have any intuition. When Zhao Tuo appeared, he shouldn’t have any other awareness, just like waking up from a nap. However, during this period, it was clearly different. It was as if he had had a very realistic dream. In the ‘dream,’ he knew he was dreaming but couldn’t wake up, a feeling of being consciously powerless that trapped Lu Bohuan. When he finally woke up from the ‘dream,’ more than half a month had passed.
In terms of time, it was even longer than when Zhao Tuo fled the palace with Qin Yuanxi. At that time, Lu Bohuan had no sensation at all; half a month was merely the duration of a nap for him. However, this time was evidently different. Lu Bohuan could feel the passage of time. Though not precise, the feeling of being trapped by time was crystal clear.
After hearing Lu Bohuan’s description, Yan Shaoning’s expression wasn’t favorable. He checked Lu Bohuan’s pulse, examined his eyes meticulously, and, in the end, could only shake his head helplessly. “My Prince, forgive my limited knowledge. I truly can’t discern the cause.”
“However, could you elaborate on the sensations at that time? Could you perceive General Zhao’s words and actions? Or could you exert control over General Zhao’s words and actions with your own will? Or…”
“No,” Lu Bohuan interrupted Yan Shaoning before he could finish. “It felt like I was a spectator, an ethereal spectator, unable to do anything.”
“Well then,” Yan Shaoning seemed troubled. “I’ll have to go back and study the heart sutra left by my master. For now, I can only prescribe the Prince some calming and qi-concentrating medicine based on the old prescription. Additionally…”
When Yan Shaoning reached this point, he hesitated greatly but decided to honestly share his speculation. “I’m afraid it might be related to General Zhao, my Prince. If I may speak frankly, even though you and he are the same person, your consciousness is not the same. It’s like two little people living in one body, both fighting for control. I’m afraid you, my Prince, it seems you haven’t gained control over General Zhao.”
Yan Shaoning chose his words carefully, glancing at Lu Bohuan’s expression after speaking. Indeed, Lu Bohuan furrowed his brows, indicating displeasure.
“I understand the Prince’s perspective, but the truth must be said. While you may see General Zhao as yourself without any distinction, it’s uncertain if he shares the same sentiment. I’d like to remind the Prince that when you investigated the incident outside the palace, General Zhao provided little useful information. He was a full participant. If the Prince could extract information from him, much effort could be saved.”
“And one more crucial point.” Since he had started, Yan Shaoning decided to be straightforward. “The matter between General Zhao and His Majesty is now widely known in the court. However, when did the Prince become aware of it? When His Majesty became pregnant, Prince didn’t even know you’re the father. My Prince, think about it. General Zhao might not hold the same feelings for you as you do for him. He might harbor resentment.”
“That’s all I have to say. Even between siblings, clear accounts should be kept, that’s all. My Prince, think about it carefully.”
As an outsider, Yan Shaoning had a clear view. Regardless of how Lu Bohuan regarded Zhao Tuo, whether as another self or as a brother to care for, he needed to consider his own well-being. In the current situation, Zhao Tuo was merely a shadow born from Lu Bohuan’s attachment; without Lu Bohuan, there would be no Zhao Tuo. However, it was evident that Zhao Tuo had the potential to dominate, even control Lu Bohuan’s freedom. This was a frightening prospect. Yan Shaoning didn’t understand how Zhao Tuo achieved this, but if Lu Bohuan didn’t take precautions, remained unprepared, and blindly trusted Zhao Tuo, the consequence might be succumbing to Zhao Tuo’s devouring.
Sighing softly, Yan Shaoning genuinely hoped such a situation wouldn’t unfold. Based on his understanding of these two individuals, Zhao Tuo wasn’t the simple, honest character he appeared to be. Otherwise, the reputation of the ‘Cold-Faced Rakshasa’ wouldn’t have spread. Moreover, from his medical instincts, Zhao Tuo always gave him a faint, ominous feeling, carrying a hint of a bloody aura. It seemed as though beneath the mask of kindness, there lurked a menacing visage ready to reveal its fierce face at any moment.
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)
