Xiao Yun glanced at the matching sachets on their robes—his and Xie Caiqing’s. His expression changed slightly.
Just how much did Liu Yun care about him?
Xie Caiqing took a deep breath and said casually, “Maybe it’s because I’ve been around His Majesty too much and picked up some of his scent.”
“Could be,” Liu Yun said, taking a few steps out before turning back and scolding, “Hurry up and get dressed!”
Xie Caiqing nodded obediently. Once Liu Yun was completely gone, under Xiao Yun’s unrestrained gaze, he began dressing with trembling hands.
Xiao Yun came up behind him again. Xie Caiqing said, “Don’t—”
Xiao Yun wrapped his arms around him from behind and turned his face to kiss him.
Xie Caiqing’s heart raced with nervousness. He pushed him weakly. “Don’t… Liu Yun… there’s no time…”
Xiao Yun caught his lower lip between his teeth and murmured, “I have to go to court. Let me kiss you for a bit. Come on, come on, I’ll help you dress—won’t delay anything.”
As he spoke, he lifted Xie Caiqing onto his lap.
His broad, warm chest pressed against Xie Caiqing’s back. Their skin touched—his waist was slender, the sensation electric.
And then there was this “Little Xiao Yun,” so affectionate yet constantly crossing the line.
He didn’t understand why Little Xiao Yun’s face looked nothing like Xiao Yun’s—ugly, terrifying, devoid of any beauty.
For the first time, he truly understood the phrase a beast in human clothing.
Even though it wasn’t the first time, every time he saw that face, he felt a jolt of fear and an instinctive urge to flee.
That face was a symbol of pain, danger, and filth.
It tore apart who he once was—again and again—telling him he was no longer clean, no longer the obedient younger brother to the Emperor, no longer the composed and proper little Wangye. He was now someone who had said unspeakable things and done shameful things under Xiao Yun.
If he were a woman, he would already be considered someone’s wife. As a man, he had been possessed—again and again—by another man.
He might even be carrying Xiao Yun’s child. Without name or title, people would look at his belly and think: That little Wangye had a child with a man before even coming of age.
Certain beliefs were shifting in his mind without him realizing, irreversibly. And certain things were inevitably being lost.
When he finally calmed down a little, a vague sense of confusion settled in. It was hard to accept.
Not because he grieved what he had lost. He had always gone with the flow, never feared hardship. But he was slow to adapt, unlike Xiao Yun, who could bulldoze through resistance, transform without hesitation, completely unburdened by the past, always acting in the now, with no thoughts of the future.
Xie Caiqing needed time to accept this new identity—even if it was far from what he’d expected, even if he no longer seemed like the outstanding person he used to be.
“Mm…”
While lost in thought, Xiao Yun leaned in to grab his robe from in front, causing him to flinch with a yelp, overwhelmed with shame and anger.
This hateful man—he definitely did that on purpose.
Xiao Yun held him from behind, his voice lazy. “Am I not handsome enough? You’re distracted already? Fine, fine, don’t be mad. My little top scholar is the most beautiful.”
Who’s yours? Xie Caiqing thought, expressionless.
Xiao Yun thought he didn’t believe him. “Really, I mean it. I’ve seen countless beauties—none compare to you. You’re even more beautiful now than before. Back then, you were like a night pearl in a brocade box. Now you’re adorable, fun—you finally feel alive.”
Xie Caiqing froze.
He said… he’s better than before?
Really?
He was probably just sweet-talking again.
Xiao Yun’s words couldn’t be trusted.
“Why are you still upset?” Xiao Yun said with a grin. “I’m even helping you dress. When have I ever dressed anyone? I don’t even dress myself.”
Xie Caiqing: “…”
“If you’re upset, just scold me. I’m in a good mood—I’ll enjoy whatever you say. But don’t bottle it up. If you get sick from holding it in, I won’t get to eat anymore.” Xiao Yun said.
“…” Xie Caiqing couldn’t help but glare at him.
Does this man ever think about anything besides that one thing?
Then again… he realized his own mind was also stuck on that very thing.
Xie Caiqing: “…”
Xiao Yun also found it strange. He used to hate silent people—those who wouldn’t say a word even after he talked for ages. It bored and frustrated him. Yet with Xie Caiqing, he was the only one doing all the talking—and instead of being annoyed, he was getting more and more into it.
Am I just messed up? he thought. Still, he admitted it—he was really into doting on his precious little scholar.
Xie Caiqing’s legs were still weak, and he still felt sore down there. He couldn’t resist at all, glaring at Xiao Yun in a mix of shame and frustration as he fussed over him.
Xiao Yun: “Arms up.”
“….” Xie Caiqing lifted his arms with a cold face.
Xiao Yun: “Turn a bit—can’t see, can’t tie it.”
Xie Caiqing: “…”
So annoying. Talks so much.
He kept his face dark as Xiao Yun patiently tied the belt around his waist.
Xiao Yun was utterly unwilling to part, having unwrapped the exquisite gift himself, thoroughly enjoyed it, and then carefully wrapped it back up again. To outsiders, it appeared untouched—only he knew the secret joy of what had transpired, the kind that made the corners of his mouth curl uncontrollably.
Why did he have to go to court now? Xiao Yun was extremely impatient.
“Turn your head a little.”
“Lower your head.”
Xie Caiqing, like a rag doll, followed the commands expressionlessly, letting Xiao Yun fuss over him.
“Spread your legs.”
Xie Caiqing followed the command out of habit, spreading them halfway before hearing Xiao Yun laugh. He immediately closed them again, filled with humiliation and fury, wanting to hit him but holding back. With a cold expression, he tried to get off Xiao Yun, who pulled him back in one swift motion and kissed him on the cheek, murmuring, “I’m off to court. I’ll come back to have breakfast with you. I won’t be long. Don’t wander off.”
Xie Caiqing didn’t respond to him.
Still cheerful, Xiao Yun picked him up like a child and placed him gently on the floor.
Xie Caiqing looked down at himself—neat and tidy, exactly as he’d looked before Xiao Yun carried him in last night. He was a bit surprised at Xiao Yun’s handiwork, and his expression softened slightly, unaware of Xiao Yun’s hidden amusement.
He stepped out of the inner room and walked into the corridor. After asking around, he learned that Liu Yun had already had breakfast, and he found a way to send the palace attendants away.
The court officials changing shifts had not yet arrived—it was a perfect moment.
Once the room was empty, Xie Caiqing coldly walked over to open the door.
Xiao Yun emerged from within with a calm expression and headed in the direction of court, staying out of sight.
Xie Caiqing, watching him leave, took out a plain white handkerchief and discreetly wiped his face.
…
Xiao Yun had just walked halfway there when he was met by the commander hurrying over.
The commander finally found the emperor and let out a huge sigh of relief. “Your Majesty, where have you been? The court officials are all waiting.”
Luckily, the emperor was usually elusive. On days when there was no pressing business, he occasionally skipped court. Otherwise, disappearing at court time would’ve caused a stir.
“I overslept. Let’s go,” Xiao Yun said.
The commander nodded and followed behind as the emperor strode ahead. A warm spring-summer breeze blew past, and the commander suddenly paused, face subtly changing.
Xiao Yun noticed the lack of footsteps behind him and frowned. “What are you doing? Hurry up!”
Xie Zhe coughed as he caught up, hesitating for a moment before finally asking softly—seeing the emperor’s very impatient expression, “Last night… where was Your Majesty?”
This time, it was Xiao Yun who suddenly stopped in his tracks.
They locked eyes. After a few seconds of silence, Xiao Yun said, “…How did you know?”
Xie Zhe answered in a low voice, “Your Majesty is… covered in the top scholar’s scent.”
As soon as he said it, he saw the emperor’s expression freeze for several seconds, then shift to utter disbelief: “Are you all dogs or something?!”
“…All?”
“…Nothing.” Xiao Yun lowered his head and sniffed himself. Maybe he’d been around Xie Caiqing too long—he couldn’t smell anything himself.
Uncertain how sensitive the other officials might be, Xiao Yun’s face turned stormy. He made a split-second decision. “Go serve them tea. I’m going back to change.”
“As Your Majesty commands.”
Once the emperor rushed off, Xie Zhe burst into laughter.
Lately, Xie Caiqing had gained favor. There were rumors that he would soon fall out of favor, replaced by Xie Caiqing. But Xie Zhe only chuckled without saying much. He served the emperor’s upper body; Xie Caiqing served the lower. The roles didn’t conflict.
That Xie Caiqing was more favored now was clear.
Judging by the emperor’s attitude, he was completely smitten.
Let’s just hope he doesn’t skip court altogether.
If only Xie Caiqing were a woman.
With the emperor like this, he might’ve been rash enough to make her empress.
And truth be told, Xie Caiqing’s temperament really did suit being empress—flawless except for his birth. Most importantly, the emperor liked him. That alone was rarer than pigs climbing trees.
Too bad he was a man. Poor Xie Caiqing—he got none of the benefits.
…
When the officials changed shifts, Xie Caiqing greeted them politely and was about to return home with his books. Many officials cast suspicious glances at him.
Finally, one asked, “Did His Majesty visit last night?”
Xie Caiqing paused, turned, and feigned confusion. “No. Why would you say that, sir?”
“Then why do you smell like the emperor?”
Xie Caiqing: “…”
The others also turned to look at him.
His face darkened.
These ministers loved the emperor so much it was borderline obsession. And Xiao Yun wasn’t even cautious.
Xie Caiqing calmly offered an explanation, then turned and walked away quickly despite the discomfort. In the sedan chair, he suddenly remembered: if court officials noticed the emperor smelled like him, and connected the dots…
Surely it wouldn’t go that far…
He returned to his residence feeling uneasy and bathed immediately. While dressing, his eyes landed on the platinum sachet he had once treasured. His face blank, he shoved it into the deepest part of his cabinet, afraid it would taint his other accessories.
Of all things to gift—why a scented sachet?
Xie Caiqing looked dejected.
And then he remembered—in the dazed confusion of last night, he had bitten Xiao Yun’s left hand. Quite deeply, too. The mark wouldn’t fade for days.
Panic set in immediately.
He had completely forgotten how many eyes constantly watched Xiao Yun.
Taifei waited outside his room. When he came out, just about to speak, she paused.
Her precious little Wangye seemed different—more vibrant, emotional, no longer so fragile that one feared he might break.
Xie Caiqing looked at her with slight confusion.
Taifei, guessing from the bathing, softly asked, “He… again?”
Xie Caiqing: “…Yes.”
“…Weren’t you on duty last night?”
“…Mm.”
Taifei looked utterly shocked. “He’s being far too presumptuous! It’s only the second time and he’s already playing around with you in the duty room—what about later…”
“…” Xie Caiqing looked at her pleadingly, not understanding how the people around him were all so sharp-eyed.
Taifei said, “Alright, alright, I won’t ask about it anymore for the time being.”
Seeing her looking gloomy to the side, Xie Caiqing gently asked, “What’s wrong?”
Taifei sighed. “I just feel bad for you. He’s no good in that way but still tries all those tricks. Isn’t that just tormenting someone?”
Xie Caiqing: “…”
Xie Caiqing suddenly thought about it carefully.
Xiao Yun… might really be… not that kind of person?
Could it be that he never touched the palace maid?
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