The cool moonlight fell upon them. Qin Yuanxi held Zhao Tuo’s hand, sensing a growing chill. He had never experienced such a feeling before, unable to empathize fully. All he knew was that at that moment, Zhao Tuo must have felt immense hardship.
“Alright, I’m here for you. I’ll stand by your side from now on, support whatever you want to do, whoever you want to be,” Qin Yuanxi assured, holding Zhao Tuo’s hand, gently kissing it. He smiled, “All those are things of the past. Now, you’re mine—my beloved. Titles and identities don’t matter. If you dislike them, we can change, as long as you are you, it’s enough for me.”
Looking into Qin Yuanxi’s bright, clear eyes, Zhao Tuo’s throat moved as if he wanted to speak but couldn’t find the words.
He embraced Qin Yuanxi tightly, hesitating before finally speaking, “Will you blame me?”
“Blame you? For what?” Qin Yuanxi’s hand rested on Zhao Tuo’s shoulder, gently patting. “How could I blame you? No, we’ll make things right from now on.”
“Do you mind?”
“Zhao Tuo, remember, in my heart, you are you. I only want you to find and understand yourself. I don’t mind anything else.”
“Do you prefer me as Zhao Tuo or as Lu Bohuan?”
As expected, it circled back to this question. Qin Yuanxi patted Zhao Tuo’s shoulder, stepping out of his embrace, observing Zhao Tuo’s avoiding gaze. A mischievous smile appeared, “Are you jealous? What does it feel like, being jealous of yourself? Is it more sour than being jealous of others?”
Turning away, Zhao Tuo awkwardly replied, “Not jealous. I’m just asking casually. If you don’t want to answer, it’s fine.”
“Oh, really? If I don’t want to answer, you’d just let it go?” Qin Yuanxi suppressed a laugh, “Haha, you’re something. Don’t I know you? If I didn’t want to answer, you’d be jealous for who knows how long.”
“Do you remember when Lu Bohuan told me that whether it’s Zhao Tuo or Lu Bohuan, they’re the same person? There’s no real difference,” Qin Yuanxi leaned on Zhao Tuo’s shoulder, gazing at the moonlight. “Back then, I couldn’t tell, even though Lu Bohuan made it clear. In my heart, you both were separate. I liked you, so subconsciously, I kept a distance from Lu Bohuan, deliberately maintaining distance.”
As he spoke, Qin Yuanxi raised his hand and gently touched Zhao Tuo’s face, sighing softly, “Same face, I was truly afraid I wouldn’t be able to control myself.”
At this point, Qin Yuanxi was actually a bit worried. He feared Zhao Tuo might not accept this answer. After all, in this aspect, Zhao Tuo wasn’t as open-minded as Prince Lu. He spoke cautiously.
Surprisingly, Zhao Tuo didn’t react strongly. He simply held Qin Yuanxi’s hand and echoed his words, “Indeed, it’s the same person, originally just one.”
“Huh?” This surprised Qin Yuanxi a bit, looking at the person beside him with widened eyes. “You, you think so too?”
Zhao Tuo smiled at him, a bit shyly, “I remembered a lot of things. Like when you were probably annoyed and forced to take medicine.”
“More than annoyed! My goodness, I almost hated you!” Qin Yuanxi pouted, “How can you be so heartless?”
“No, when you’re sick, you need to take medicine. Otherwise, how would you recover? Some temperaments can’t be indulged, can’t be spoiled. Otherwise, you wouldn’t obediently take the medicine. Not taking it would only worsen the illness,” Zhao Tuo explained instinctively.
Qin Yuanxi tilted his head, smiling as he looked at him, “You’re quite clear about that.”
Though not explicitly stated, both understood the underlying meaning.
Lu Bohuan had forced Qin Yuanxi to take medicine, but Zhao Tuo understood Lu Bohuan’s intentions perfectly.
He was slowly unraveling the fog between the two, dispersing the haze, now seeing that person clearly, as if face to face, standing in front of a mirror.
“Okay,” Zhao Tuo agreed, “Help me with hypnosis.”
“What?!” Qin Yuanxi was taken aback, even stuttering a bit. “I-I can’t. That’s very professional. I-I, oh, I can’t do it.”
Zhao Tuo reassured him, “You can. It’s simple. I’ve seen Meng Xuan do it a few times. I can teach you. It doesn’t have to be too complicated, just, chat with me like you are now.”
“Can I really?”
Meng Xuan had previously instructed Qin Yuanxi similarly, the general idea being to encourage Qin Yuanxi to communicate more with Zhao Tuo. But when it came to the professionalism of hypnosis, Qin Yuanxi truly felt hesitant.
“Of course,” Zhao Tuo pondered, “Maybe we don’t need actual hypnosis. The incense can help relax, and with soothing palace music, having you by my side would dispel any unease. It might work better than what Meng Xuan did.”
With a relaxed tone, Zhao Tuo continued, “And my condition has improved significantly. Even if it’s not effective, being with you allows me to talk about some of the things that are pressing on my heart. Maybe it’ll help?”
“O-Okay then.”
Qin Yuanxi was genuinely nervous and focused. Ever since Zhao Tuo brought this up, he had been preparing. He first obtained the Meng family’s unique incense through Meng Yu and talked extensively with her about her sister’s hypnosis. Despite Meng Yu’s young age, she was somewhat familiar with it as she had always been by Meng Xuan’s side. She shared everything she knew with him.
Seeing Qin Yuanxi so anxious, Meng Yu, trying to appear mature, said, “You don’t have to worry. Big Ice just wants a chance to get closer to you. Though I don’t understand much, he surely has many things on his mind, which caused his illness. If it’s you, he’d be willing to chat.”
“Rest assured, isn’t he much better now? At least much better than when he first arrived in the valley, or else my sister wouldn’t—” Meng Yu’s expression turned slightly sad when she mentioned her sister. She mentioned it briefly and then quickly changed the subject, “Before I came, I didn’t know you were the Emperor. Now that I know, staying in the palace feels very awkward. Can I not stay here?”
Qin Yuanxi promised to take care of Meng Yu, and he did. He brought her to the palace, publicly acknowledging her as his adopted sister, planning to proclaim her as a princess during the wedding ceremony, and also granting her a princess’s residence. For now, Meng Yu was temporarily staying in the palace.
“I know the palace feels restrictive for you. Endure a bit longer; they’re preparing your princess residence. Once it’s ready, you can move out,” Qin Yuanxi genuinely regarded the girl as his sister, “It’s alright to move out, but visit often. You know I’m the Emperor; I can’t be too free. Come and see Xiao Bao when you’re free. Don’t you like him very much?”
“If you really want to acknowledge me as your sister and make me a princess,” Meng Yu furrowed her brows, obviously uncomfortable, “Can someone like me be a princess? And I’ve heard being a princess is troublesome. Even though it comes with wealth and honor, there’s no such thing as a free lunch. You won’t arrange a political marriage for me, will you?”
Originally intending to ask about hypnosis, Qin Yuanxi’s conversation with her drifted far. It left Qin Yuanxi dumbfounded, “Do I seem like that to you? Do you think I’ve kidnapped you to sell you? Don’t worry, I won’t. I owe your sister a favor. At that time, Zhao Tuo had lost his senses, didn’t even recognize himself. He’s better now, thanks to your sister. You’re her only relative, and I’ll take care of you.”
“Can I make a request?” Meng Yu asked cautiously, seemingly afraid of causing trouble or being denied by Qin Yuanxi.
“Speak up. As long as it’s within my capacity and doesn’t harm the realm,” Qin Yuanxi joked lightly, “Even though I’m the Emperor, not everything is within my grasp. You need to request something I can do.”
“It’s doable, absolutely,” Meng Yu pursed her lips, whispering, “I want to learn medicine. People say the Imperial Hospital in the palace gathers renowned physicians from around the realm. Can I study medicine here?”
“Of course, I can arrange for you to join the Imperial Hospital,” Qin Yuanxi nodded, agreeing. “But, what you said isn’t entirely accurate. The gathering of renowned physicians isn’t in the palace. How many patients can there be in the palace? Though the Imperial Hospital’s physicians are skilled, due to their status, their abilities might not fully shine. In reality, they’re just above average. They’re fine for common ailments like colds, fevers, or pregnancies. For more complex cases, even if they possess the skills, they might not readily use them.”
“Why?” Meng Yu’s eyes widened, filled with curiosity.
“Because this is the palace,” Qin Yuanxi didn’t elaborate much, “But I can introduce you to a phenomenal physician. He’s from the martial world; you might get along.”
“Take care. You’ll be happy together.”
As Qin Yuanxi was about to leave, the girl leaned against the window and called out to him, her voice noticeably choked up. Qin Yuanxi turned and waved at her in response to her well-wishes.
As he turned, he spotted a figure in black outside the palace halls. His pace quickened, reaching out to hold hands with that person, a smile gracing his lips, “How did you know I was here? Coming to pick me up?”
Holding his hand, Zhao Tuo slowly led the person back, “Your recent activities were too conspicuous. How could I not know? Ah Xi, don’t be nervous. I’m not nervous, why are you?”
“How can it be the same?”
The setting sun cast elongated shadows of the two. Qin Yuanxi, gazing at the pair leaning against each other in the shadows, held Zhao Tuo’s arm a little tighter, “I’m a bit worried, afraid I won’t do well.
“I’ve checked. Everything in the pavilion has been arranged. Are you ready now?”
“Huh?” Qin Yuanxi understood the implication of Zhao Tuo’s words, opting for seizing the moment instead of choosing a date. He was a bit perplexed, “Now?”
“Why not?”
“I don’t want to wait any longer.”
Taking his hand, Zhao Tuo led Qin Yuanxi towards the pavilion, which had been prepared since early morning.
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)
