Winter has settled in, and the weather has taken a turn for the worse. It’s been snowing heavily for days, covering the ground in a thick layer. The world is now a pristine, silver wonderland. Qin Yuanxi loves snowy days; being a southerner, he’s never seen snow this massive. The soft snowflakes always evoke romantic thoughts.
His silly idea of playing in the snow barely popped up, when Zhao Tuo, with pinpoint accuracy, sensed it. Qin Yuanxi’s feet hadn’t even stepped out, and under Zhao Tuo’s dark, bright eyes, he obediently withdrew.
His expression was somewhat sulky.
“Just take a look. What harm could it do?”
“It’s cold outside, and the ground is slippery. Your Majesty, if you want to see, you can see it from the room.” Zhao Tuo said, opening the window. It seemed like an attempt to compensate for Qin Yuanxi’s inability to go outside, with a bottle of plum blossoms placed outside, accentuating the pristine snow, making it even more enticing.
Qin Yuanxi, hanging his head, shuffled over, sounding reluctant, “How can watching from inside be the same as being outside? There’s no atmosphere in here.”
It’s like playing a game; you might not need the fastest internet or the most professional equipment, but being in a gaming environment gives you a certain feeling. That’s how Qin Yuanxi felt now; watching the snow outside was more romantic than inside.
Despite the desire, he understood. Leaning on a cushion, he pulled on Zhao Tuo’s sleeve, coquettishly saying, “Promise me that when it snows like this again, you’ll take me out to play. Not just play, but play freely. You can’t restrict me for any reason, okay?”
“When that time comes, Your Majesty can be as happy as you want.” Zhao Tuo leaned against the side, caressing Qin Yuanxi’s belly with a gentle gaze. “As long as the little prince is safe.”
“That’s acceptable.” With the psychological gap slightly filled, Qin Yuanxi turned his head to look outside again, tugging at Zhao Tuo’s clothes. “Hey, Ah Tuo, make a snowman for me. A small one. Bring it here for me to see. It can be considered me making a snowman, you know.”
“Okay.”
Zhao Tuo agreed promptly, and his efficiency was impressive. In no time, he handed over a small snowman through the window. It was exquisitely made, but unfortunately, Zhao Tuo’s snowman didn’t make it into Qin Yuanxi’s hands. Instead, it was placed on a tray presented by a eunuch. The jade-green tray held a charming snowman, adding a touch of humor to the snowy scene.
“Just look at it, Your Majesty. It’s cold, and playing with it will make your hands dirty.”
Qin Yuanxi actually wanted to say it’s okay, not to be so delicate; it’s just playing in the snow, not a big deal. However, Zhao Tuo’s gentle consideration made him unable to refuse. He could only nod in agreement, not attempting to touch the small snowman. He obediently watched with eyes wide open, resembling a curious baby.
As he focused on the small snowman, Zhao Tuo, with a turn, rolled out two large snowballs. By the time Qin Yuanxi turned to find him, the large snowballs had already been stacked, forming the rudimentary shape of a big snowman.
Qin Yuanxi immediately forgot about the small snowman in his hands. Leaning against the window, he watched Zhao Tuo with excitement. With the body properly shaped, the rest was easier. Adding a nose and eyes made it come to life.
“Arms! Find two branches and stick them in as arms!”
Although he couldn’t participate personally, the joy of remote guidance was undeniable. Watching Zhao Tuo about to finish, Qin Yuanxi hurriedly reminded, “It won’t look good without arms. It won’t be exquisite. Hurry, hurry, give it some arms.”
Listening to his commands, Zhao Tuo looked around and couldn’t find any suitable branches for arms. This was the Emperor’s residence; even the dry branches had been cleaned up long ago. The snow in front of the door was only left because Qin Yuanxi wanted to see it. Now, finding a branch for arms was a bit challenging.
For ordinary people, it would be challenging. But in Zhao Tuo’s hands, it couldn’t be a problem. General Zhao tied his robes around his waist, drew his sword, and with a swift turn, he leaped onto a tree. Qin Yuanxi, looking up from inside, saw a glint of cold light, and when Zhao Tuo landed again, he had two branches in his hands, neatly trimmed. Closing his precious sword, he attached the branches as arms to the snowman.
“Your Majesty, what do you think now?”
“Mmm, something’s missing.” Qin Yuanxi turned around, grabbed his own cloak, and handed it to Zhao Tuo through the window, “Put this on, and it’ll look majestic.”
The dark red cloak draped over the snowman’s shoulders indeed added a lot of grandeur, satisfying Qin Yuanxi.
“You’ve got snow on you.” When Zhao Tuo came in, there were some snowflakes on his shoulders. Qin Yuanxi was about to help brush them off when Zhao Tuo stepped aside first, saying, “I’m cold; I don’t wish to pass on the chill to His Majesty. If you catch a cold, it’ll be troublesome.”
“I’ve said I’m not that delicate. You’re just too caring.” Qin Yuanxi had to stop, sounding a bit reproachful, “I thought leaving the palace would be much easier, but you’re even more cautious. It feels more restricting than inside the palace. Recently, it’s been excessive; you won’t even let me out, and it’s not a big deal that there’s a little one in my belly. You’re just too cautious. It’s totally unnecessary.”
“That’s different.” Zhao Tuo warmed up by the stove, came over after shaking off the cold, and placed the small snowman from the plate in front of Qin Yuanxi. He extended his hand, revealing two small twigs similar to those on the big snowman outside. Qin Yuanxi happily took the twigs and inserted them on both sides of the small snowman. He was about to say that it would be perfect if there was a small cloak when Zhao Tuo, from somewhere, brought a handful of leaves. Just the right size, they could be used as a cloak. The leaves were secured on the snowman, making it come to life.
“Satisfied now?”
“Satisfied? More than satisfied; it’s exceptionally, very satisfying.” Qin Yuanxi, still beaming, hadn’t had a good look at the small snowman when Zhao Tuo picked it up and placed it by the window.
“What are you doing?” Qin Yuanxi tried to stop him, but it was too late. Not only did he send the snowman out the window, but he also firmly shut the window. He looked like a strict tutor, keeping a close eye on his child to prevent them from playing games.
“Alright, just a little fun. His Majesty is not a child. Why are you so playful?”
Qin Yuanxi really wanted to roll his eyes. Who said playing in the snow is exclusive to children? Can’t a grown-up enjoy it too? But looking at Zhao Tuo’s expression, he reluctantly withdrew his protest.
“Okay, okay, can we stop now?” Afterward, he muttered under his breath, “It’s always you. If someone else dared to control me like this, even my mother couldn’t, hm, a typical case of an assailant relying on his beauty.”
“What did His Majesty say?”
“Nothing, what about dinner tonight?” Qin Yuanxi put on a falsely cheerful smile, insincerely saying, “Let’s have something light for dinner, okay?”
“Let the kitchen prepare some nourishing medicinal cuisine. His Majesty must eat well.” Zhao Tuo embraced Qin Yuanxi, advising, “There are some matters in the military camp; I might have to go, and I might not be back tonight. His Majesty must eat properly, no picky eating, understand?”
“You’re going out again?”
Qin Yuanxi wasn’t very pleased, “Why are there so many things lately? It’s been going on for days. You’re always running outside every day?”
“Will you come back tonight then?”
“With the recent heavy snow causing severe distress to the common people, the military camp bears the heavy responsibility of distributing provisions. Things are a bit busier, but once everything settles down, it won’t be so troublesome. At most, half a month, and everything will be sorted out.”
“Alright, alright.” Qin Yuanxi touched his belly, “Just be mindful of your time. I won’t wait for you tonight. Take care not to overwork yourself. Look at those dark circles; it hurts my heart.”
“Okay, His Majesty, rest early.” Zhao Tuo leaned over for a light kiss, comforting him with many reassuring words. Only then did Qin Yuanxi reluctantly see him off at the doorway.
Due to his physical condition, Qin Yuanxi found it inconvenient to do many things. Zhao Tuo handled a lot on his behalf. With him around, Qin Yuanxi could focus on nurturing the child in his belly. Otherwise, dealing with family matters, state affairs, and worldly affairs, he wouldn’t be able to handle it all.
Perhaps due to their close partnership, Zhao Tuo’s abilities in this regard were not lacking. With just a little guidance from Qin Yuanxi, he could quickly respond. It was because of Zhao Tuo’s competence that Qin Yuanxi could lead a carefree life without any worries.
Little did he anticipate that this carefree life was nothing like he imagined.
Outside the palace, chaos had erupted long ago.
The cold wind, mixed with snowflakes, stung his face like a knife. Wincing, Yan Shaoning shook his armor, crouching in the dry grass, silently awaiting the right moment.
This was his fifth time appearing outside the courtyard perimeter, but unlike previous attempts, this time he was thoroughly prepared.
Touching the disguise on his face, Yan Shaoning rallied himself. Tonight, Zhao Tuo wouldn’t return to the villa. This was his last chance. Zhao Tuo has discovered his traces, and if he couldn’t find Emperor Qin Yuanxi tonight, he would once again fall into Zhao Tuo’s hands. By then, he might not be as fortunate as before to find an opportunity to escape.
If caught again, Yan Shaoning feared he would have only one path – a path to his demise!
“Hey, which post are you from? Why are you loitering here?”
“It’s me,” Yan Shaoning lowered his voice, a hint of impatience in his tone. “We’re on patrol. If I don’t stroll around, what else am I supposed to do?”
Confidently asserting himself with a hint of a soldier’s arrogance seemed to work; the other person changed their tone immediately. “Boss Zhao, why are you patrolling in person today?”
“Nonsense.” Yan Shaoning walked ahead without looking back. “Look at the situation now, be careful. If anything goes wrong, you might not get out of it easily.”
“Yes, yes.” The soldier nodded and bowed, seeing him off.
After walking quite a distance, Yan Shaoning breathed a sigh of relief.
To smoothly make a trip to the villa, he had put in a lot of effort. The most troublesome part was the mask on his face. He had seen the real leader of the guards during his last visit. To ensure this operation went smoothly, Yan Shaoning had drugged and securely bound the real leader, leaving him in a dark room. He took on the identity and appearance of that guard to carry out his mission.
The courtyard was vast, and Yan Shaoning proceeded with caution. Finally reaching Emperor Qin Yuanxi’s sleeping quarters, he encountered another problem. Guards were stationed outside, but unlike the outer perimeter, security here was visibly tighter. It seemed impossible for him to sneak in. Yan Shaoning pondered for a while, watching time slip away. Anxiety crept in.
Hidden in the night, at the height of his restlessness, he suddenly noticed that a tree branch on the west side of the sleeping quarters extended into the courtyard. If he could evade the guards and use the tree, he might have a chance to climb over the wall. Yan Shaoning, being just a doctor with no martial skills, considered this an intimidating task. Nevertheless, when faced with the impending need to see Emperor Qin Yuanxi, he had no choice but to attempt it. If he couldn’t meet Qin Yuanxi tonight, there would be no turning back!
While Qin Yuanxi was still in the midst of dreams, he heard what seemed like a noise outside his window. It sounded like someone tapping on the window, or perhaps a rodent gnawing on something. Still half-asleep, he didn’t grasp what was happening and thought it was a dream. Little did he know that the noise was growing louder, and eventually, Qin Yuanxi woke up, distinctly sensing that the sound was indeed coming from outside his window.
Someone was trying to break into his room!
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)
