I Rely On The Collapse Of The Character Setting To Survive In The Hands Of The Male Lead Chapter 277

Chapter 277

Qi Ci was a eunuch in the palace. At the age of five, he should have been sent to be castrated, officially becoming a young eunuch in the palace. At that time, he was timid and easily frightened, often bullied and unable to grab food, so he was thin and weak like a three or four-year-old child. He always stayed in the corner wherever he went, spoke very little, and everyone thought it was because of the great changes in his family, where everyone had died, leaving him traumatized and mentally sluggish. Such a person, even if he became a young eunuch, was destined to be cannon fodder, so nobody paid much attention to him.

The children sent to serve in the palace together with him had varying levels of understanding. Some of them kept crying, lamenting their fate, not wanting to become eunuchs, not wanting to be unable to marry or have children in the future. Even the naive children were scared into tears by the atmosphere.

When the old eunuch heard the crying, he lifted the curtain of the carriage and scolded them, “Why are you crying? Wipe away your tears. Later, the managing Gongong will choose some of you as apprentices. Tidy yourselves up and look presentable. If you happen to meet a good master, it could save your life. But if you’re unlucky…!” The old eunuch’s tone gradually became more ominous: “If you’re unlucky… within three days, your life could be gone!”

With such a frightening threat from the old enuch, everyone widened their eyes and dared not cry out again, but their tears flowed even more.

The old eunuch chuckled and then looked at Qi Ci, who was huddled in the corner without crying, finding it somewhat unusual. But upon closer inspection, he couldn’t help but shake his head.

The old eunuch had the ability to judge people. At a glance, he could see that Qi Ci’s eyes were lifeless, and he seemed resigned to his fate. It wasn’t that he would commit suicide—Qi Ci was probably too young to understand what that meant. It was just that he seemed devoid of life, as if it didn’t matter to him whether he lived or died.

If such a person encountered a good master, it would be fine. But if he encountered a bad one, it would be disastrous.

Qi Ci didn’t react to anything. It’s not that he didn’t understand; it’s just that after witnessing the deaths of all his loved ones, he no longer felt anything.

After the old eunuch left, the children began discussing which Gonggong was better. Naturally, the older the Gonggong, the better. After all, surviving for so long in this ruthless palace proved their capability.

When they arrived at their destination, they were lined up in the courtyard. Some of the bolder ones looked around curiously, but Qi Ci kept his head bowed low, only raising it slightly when he heard footsteps approaching, casting a fleeting glance.

It was a group of eunuchs dressed in Gonggong’s attire, and they were expected to be of a certain age. However, there was a conspicuously young man among them, probably around sixteen or seventeen years old. Because he was walking towards them with the sun behind him, his appearance was momentarily dazzling, making it difficult to discern his features clearly, but he seemed to stand out from the crowd.

When the clouds obscured the sunlight, Qi Ci finally got a clear look. His emotions fluctuated slightly as he observed the young man—his bright eyes, white teeth, delicate features—exquisitely handsome, almost resembling a girl.

Since entering the palace, Qi Ci had rarely seen outsiders. They were usually overseen by the eunuchs in the courtyard. It was the first time he had seen such a good-looking eunuch, as if he had finally glimpsed something beautiful within the palace walls, lifting his spirits somewhat.

However, Qi Ci only stole a glance before lowering his head, overhearing the murmurs of others around him.

“Why is there such a young eunuch here? I don’t want to be his apprentice. He’s too young to protect those under him.”

But Qi Ci didn’t see it that way. Wasn’t it good to work under someone so good-looking? After all, everyone dies eventually. Having something beautiful around could be a kind of comfort in itself.

Next was the selection process by the eunuchs.

Several elderly eunuchs were politely deferring to each other, exchanging courteous words. In such situations, anyone lacking in discernment would inevitably face trouble.

However, just as the oldest eunuch was about to step forward to make the first selection, the youngest one took the initiative.

“I suggest I go first.”

His words created an awkward atmosphere. It seemed like everyone was silently reproaching him with their eyes.

But the young eunuch disdainfully chuckled and said, “I’m really busy. The Empress Dowager is waiting for me to return to handle some errands. I won’t delay any further. I’ll make my selection and leave immediately.”

Bringing up the Empress Dowager immediately changed the mood. The others reluctantly let him go first.

It was at this moment that the children realized that the youngest eunuch was perhaps the most influential. They immediately changed their minds, hoping to be chosen by him.

But the young eunuch didn’t hesitate for a moment. He simply pointed his finger directly at Qi Ci. “Him.”

Qi Ci was the smallest and most malnourished-looking among all the children. His dark, rough skin seemed to indicate poor nutrition. Typically, he would be left until last and handed over to whoever was unlucky enough to receive him. So, no one expected him to be the first one chosen. Even Qi Ci himself couldn’t believe it. Why would someone willingly choose him? He lifted his head to gaze dumbfoundedly at the handsome face of the young eunuch, as if it wasn’t quite real.

“Are you sure it’s him, Ning Gonggong? Maybe take another look,” even the old eunuch stepped forward to inquire.

Some of the supervisory eunuchs couldn’t help but sneer, “Ning Gonggong’s eyesight is off. This one looks dim-witted. He might not even survive.”

Ning Ziheng pretended to smile, “I’ll raise him, and he’ll definitely make it. I want him.” Then, he looked at Qi Ci and asked, “Do you want to come with me?”

Ning Ziheng’s eyes met Qi Ci’s, his beautiful face drawing closer. Qi Ci stared blankly for a moment, then suddenly nodded, as if afraid that if he hesitated any longer, this person might change his mind and not want him anymore.

Ning Ziheng smiled slightly and asked, “What’s your name?”

“Qi Ci.”

“Good. After you drink this tea and kowtow, from now on, I’ll be your master. One day as a master, lifelong as a father. You must not disobey my orders and you must listen to me, understand?”

Qi Ci hurriedly nodded, feeling as if he were being urged on. He respectfully drank the tea, kowtowed, and called him master. It wasn’t until he stood up and followed the man that he realized, in a daze, that he had no connection to this world anymore. Yet suddenly, he had a master, one who promised to take care of him. It was as if an invisible thread had connected him back to this world.

Qi Ci looked up at the not-so-tall figure in front of him. Unconsciously, it seemed like he saw a reason to keep living.

Ning Ziheng didn’t think much of it. As soon as he entered the courtyard, while others were looking around, this kid just stole a glance and quietly stood there. In the palace, people with less curiosity tend to live longer. Also, he tended to keep things secretive. He didn’t need someone nosy or talkative around him. Someone like Qi Ci, unremarkable and quietly unobtrusive, was the best choice. Ning Ziheng noticed that Qi Ci didn’t seem to have much vitality, but he didn’t care much about whether the kid lived or died. If he could be of use for a while, then so be it.

Ning Ziheng settled Qi Ci into his place. Originally, Qi Ci was supposed to be sent for body purification the next day, but Ning Ziheng noticed how severely malnourished he was. So, he used his connections to delay the purification process, allowing Qi Ci to first regain his strength. He didn’t want Qi Ci to die shortly after purification due to his weak condition.

As Ning Ziheng was the new favorite of the Empress Dowager, food was naturally abundant. Qi Ci, who had never tasted such delicious food and had rarely eaten his fill before, felt like he had entered a heavenly paradise under Ning Ziheng’s care.

Seeing Qi Ci’s naive look, Ning Ziheng smirked condescendingly and said, “Don’t worry, as long as you stick with me, you can eat as much as you want in the future.”

Grateful for Ning Ziheng’s kindness, the young Qi Ci became even more obedient. Ning Ziheng was pleased to see how well-behaved and obedient Qi Ci was.

One day, after Qi Ci finished tidying up Ning Ziheng’s residence, he took a short nap. Suddenly, he heard strange noises in his sleep and woke up, curious to investigate.

The sound came from inside Ning Ziheng’s room. Qi Ci thought Ning Ziheng had returned and was about to greet him. However, as he approached the door, he saw a person dressed as a guard holding a knife and grabbing Ning Ziheng, seemingly about to attack him.

In the palace, the status of guards was higher than that of court officials. Qi Ci was initially stunned when he saw this scene, but then he heard Ning Ziheng cursing. It was only then that he realized the entire courtyard was empty, as if no one would hear Ning Ziheng’s voice.

Before the guard could make a move, Qi Ci noticed someone standing behind him. Suddenly, there was a loud bang, accompanied by flying shards of a vase.

The guard froze, blood instantly gushing from his head. Ning Ziheng’s eyes widened in shock as he watched the guard collapse, losing his strength.

As the guard fell, Ning Ziheng saw Qi Ci climbing onto a nearby table, gripping the vase’s neck. His hands were covered in blood as he panted heavily, staring at Ning Ziheng with wide eyes, still shaken from the encounter.

Ning Ziheng’s hands were still tied behind his back, making it difficult for him to push away the guard. He could only move awkwardly. Qi Ci quickly reacted and jumped onto the bed, displaying unexpectedly agile movements. Moreover, how did he manage to sneak up without anyone noticing?

After forcefully pushing away the guard, Qi Ci hurriedly untied Ning Ziheng’s wrists, his voice hoarse with nervousness. “Master…”

Ning Ziheng glanced at Qi Ci and then pushed past him to check on the guard.

“Is he dead?” Qi Ci asked, nervous and scared. After all, he was only five years old and didn’t understand much.

“Not yet, but he will be soon,” Ning Ziheng said grimly, then turned to Qi Ci. “Go back and tend to your hand.”

Though frightened and unsure, Qi Ci obediently prepared to leave, his body still trembling as he walked away.

Suddenly, Ning Ziheng called out to Qi Ci, who turned back, his eyes blank with confusion.

Ning Ziheng fell silent for a moment, then spoke with determination, “From now on, I am your master… I will protect you, so don’t be afraid.”

Qi Ci didn’t understand why Ning Ziheng emphasized it again, but when his master said not to be afraid, he felt reassured.

For Ning Ziheng, anyone who harmed him would be killed, and anyone who protected him would be kept safe.

Seeing such a young child understanding the importance of protection filled Ning Ziheng with warmth. As he looked at Qi Ci’s small face, he thought of his brother who died in infancy. So, he wanted to… nurture a family member.

Perhaps, even in the depths of the palace, one could feel lonely, scared, and lost. As he gradually grew more ruthless and numb, Ning Ziheng wanted someone like Qi Ci to exist, someone who could help him preserve the last shred of kindness and warmth in his heart, as if safeguarding his final line of conscience.

Later, the guard was found drowned in the pond and was treated as an accident.

When the time came for Qi Ci to undergo the cleansing ritual, Ning Ziheng pulled some strings and managed to get his status changed. Since Qi Ci had a natural aptitude for martial arts, he was successfully transferred to become a junior palace guard. Originally, he might have been selected to join the elite group known as the Shadow Wolves, who were trained from a young age—but that path was meant for assassins. It was far too dangerous. Ning Ziheng couldn’t bear the thought. After finally having someone close to his side, he gave up that opportunity and only arranged for Qi Ci to serve as a guard inside the palace.

For this, Qi Ci felt an overwhelming sense of gratitude, wanting to devote all his loyalty and respect to his master.

As Qi Ci grew older, their master-disciple bond remained strong. In the dangerous palace where life was uncertain, they relied on each other, comforting one another, tending each other’s wounds.

Until one day, Ning Ziheng brought him to a private residence outside the palace. In the courtyard, Qi Ci saw several people who had been tortured beyond recognition. Though he already knew his master was ruthless, Qi Ci couldn’t follow that same path. He had grown up in a household known for its integrity and righteousness, and that innate sense of justice made it impossible for him to do evil. Naturally, Ning Ziheng never wanted to taint him either. Qi Ci was like a lotus blooming unstained from a filthy pond. Ning Ziheng rarely allowed his disciple to see the darker parts of him. But this time was different.

Pointing at the people, Ning Ziheng asked, “Do you recognize them?”

Qi Ci shook his head.

Ning Ziheng gave a cold chuckle. “I investigated your family’s case. The evidence is conclusive—it can’t be overturned. But the truth is, your family was framed, wasn’t it?”

Qi Ci was stunned. He hadn’t known. He had been too young then. But he did remember his family crying out for justice before their deaths.

Facing him, Ning Ziheng said, “These are the people who exterminated your family. Back then, they were protected by high-ranking officials, so they could destroy your entire household—thirteen people—for their own selfish reasons. That official is gone now, and these men are left without protection, ready to be slaughtered. But your family’s case can’t be retried. The charges you bear will never be cleared. I’m powerless to change that. So I brought your enemies to you. What you want to do with them is up to you.”

With that, Ning Ziheng handed him a knife.

Qi Ci froze for a moment, then his eyes turned red as he stared at the three men. The faces of his dead family—full of injustice and unwillingness—flashed before his eyes, and hatred overwhelmed all reason.

He lunged at them like a beast gone mad, beating and kicking them as he demanded answers. The three men wept and begged for forgiveness for what they had done, but how much of that was sincere?

Revenge had to be taken. That day, Qi Ci killed for the first time.

After the blade was soaked with blood, the once timid and soft-spoken Qi Ci—hardened by Ning Ziheng’s guidance—couldn’t stop trembling all over.

In the end, his cold body fell into a warm, gentle embrace.

“Don’t be afraid. I’m here.”

Qi Ci looked up. It was a fully matured face—features like a painting, delicate but not effeminate, with the graceful bearing of an orchid. This was his master, his only support, the person who had always treated him best.

As long as he had Ning Ziheng, Qi Ci feared nothing.

Later, by a stroke of great fortune, Qi Ci was noticed by Yuan Ran during martial arts training. Yuan Ran took him as his personal guard—essentially a study companion—and Qi Ci studied both civil and martial arts alongside the crown prince.

Ning Ziheng, as a master, became more symbolic than functional. But to those around them, Qi Ci was a model of gratitude. He treated Ning Ziheng as both father and teacher, living with him, staying by his side, and dutifully caring for him. Their bond grew to resemble that of true family.

To outsiders, Ning Ziheng became increasingly ruthless. He had done many terrible things, and Qi Ci saw it all but was powerless to stop him. To survive in the palace, Ning Ziheng had to either devour others or be devoured. If Qi Ci forced him to become a good person, it would mean handing his life over to someone else’s mercy. Besides, with Ning Ziheng’s unpredictable, paranoid, and obsessive personality, there was no guarantee he’d even listen. And even if he did—Qi Ci didn’t yet have the strength to protect him. So Qi Ci kept his worries to himself, pushing himself to grow stronger, hoping one day he’d be capable enough to both protect and restrain Ning Ziheng—keep him from doing wrong. Otherwise, sooner or later, Ning Ziheng would suffer the consequences of his own actions. And Qi Ci couldn’t bear the thought of losing his master.

With that conviction, Qi Ci trained harder than ever. But as a result, he had less time to spend with Ning Ziheng.

One day, by chance, he noticed his master getting close to a young palace guard. They both served the Empress Dowager, so their relationship seemed friendly. But for the first time, Qi Ci felt a flicker of irritation. In his mind, someone as dark and ruthless as his master shouldn’t be close to anyone. Ning Ziheng should only be close to him.

They were supposed to be each other’s only person.

He was upset for several days. No matter how he tried to hint at it, Ning Ziheng didn’t understand. A few days before Qi Ci’s birthday, he had a dream—one that was surprisingly vivid and suggestive. When he woke up, his pants were wet. It wasn’t that he didn’t know what had happened—he knew he was growing up—but what shocked him was what he had seen in the dream.

From that point on, he could no longer look at his master the same way when helping him bathe, dress, or massage.

His master’s waist was so slender it seemed it could be held with one hand. His legs were long and straight, with perfectly proportioned muscle. His back was smooth and fair like jade, soft to the touch. His chest was… unexpectedly cute. And his face was more beautiful than any of the palace beauties.

Such a breathtaking master—was his master. His and only his.

The more he noticed, the deeper his dreams became.

He knew something wasn’t right, but he couldn’t bear to stay away from Ning Ziheng. His thoughts grew more twisted by the day.

Then one day, he saw his master being close again to the guard, and Qi Ci couldn’t hide his displeasure. He kept a cold face and stayed silent. But the next moment, Ning Ziheng pulled him aside to celebrate his birthday. He even gave Qi Ci a gift—a special leather strap. Only then did Qi Ci learn that Ning Ziheng had gotten close to the guards just to find out what they usually wore and needed, so he could prepare a thoughtful gift.

Qi Ci’s mood instantly brightened. He happily fastened the leather strap around his neck, only for the onlookers to burst into laughter.

Someone joked, “That’s for your wrist, not your neck! You look like my dog Da Huang with that thing around your neck.” Da Huang was a dog—dogs wore collars.

And Qi Ci really did look like he was wearing a dog collar.

Ning Ziheng was embarrassed and quickly told him to take it off. But when Qi Ci didn’t move, Ning Ziheng reached out to help—only for his wrist to be suddenly grabbed by Qi Ci.

“This is perfect. Thank you, Ziheng.”

Qi Ci’s voice was low—no one else heard it, but Ning Ziheng was stunned. His little disciple didn’t call him Master—he called him Ziheng. What was that supposed to mean?

No one had ever called him that before, and it made him feel strangely unsettled.

But the next second, Qi Ci bowed respectfully and said, “Thank you, Master. I really like it.”

Ning Ziheng was confused. He thought he might have imagined the earlier moment. After all, Qi Ci had always been obedient, so he didn’t pursue it further.

Qi Ci kept wearing the leather strap. Everyone thought it was funny—except for Yuan Ran. When he saw it, he asked, “You like it that much?”

Qi Ci touched his neck and nodded. “Mm, I really do.”

Yuan Ran was taken aback by the look in Qi Ci’s eyes, then smiled and said, “Then keep wearing it. It looks good.”

Yuan Ran saw the joy in Qi Ci’s eyes and didn’t press further. At the time, even someone as clever as Yuan Ran simply thought Qi Ci was deeply attached to Ning Ziheng. Everyone thought so.

Only Qi Ci secretly hid feelings far from pure, staying loyally by his master’s side. He was waiting for himself to grow up.

But sometimes, accidents happened.

And to Ning Ziheng, that accident was something he had to bury deep in his heart.

One summer afternoon a year later, he and Qi Ci were napping on a bamboo mat. Cicadas buzzed outside while the room remained peaceful and quiet. As he drifted in a light sleep, he suddenly felt a tickle on his lips. Without thinking, he parted them slightly, intending to groan and brush away the irritation—but instead, a small tongue disrupted his slumber.

Drowsy and unaware, he was already being pinned down. In the past, Qi Ci often rolled onto him in his sleep, so Ning Ziheng had gotten used to it and wasn’t on guard at all.

As someone with no experience, it took a while for Ning Ziheng to realize something was off. He was being kissed.

In an instant, Ning Ziheng’s mind became completely clear, but he was too shocked to do anything. He didn’t dare interrupt what was happening, because when he secretly opened his eyes, he realized that Qi Ci had also fallen into a sleepy daze. If he startled him awake, it would only throw both of them into the worst possible situation.

Ning Ziheng had been a eunuch since childhood, so he didn’t know if this was something that happened often to young men—but in that moment, he chose to endure it in silence, pretending the awkwardness didn’t exist, even as his whole body stiffened in resistance.

It wasn’t until the person lying on top of him let out a pained whimper, like some restless animal, that it finally ended. Ning Ziheng felt like every inch of his body was burning with shame.

He truly wished he could crawl into a hole in the ground and hide.

Qi Ci, at last, fully woke up. The moment he realized what had just happened, he was so frightened he fled in a panic. Only then did Ning Ziheng slowly open his eyes, his face so flushed with embarrassment that it felt like it was on fire.

From that day forward, Qi Ci no longer shared a bed with Ning Ziheng. He was afraid that if he lost control again in his sleep, it would disgust Ning Ziheng. He didn’t yet have the ability to make Ning Ziheng stay if the man came to despise him—so he had to be patient. He couldn’t let his feelings slip out so recklessly.

As for Ning Ziheng, he simply assumed that the boy had grown up and that it was no longer appropriate for them to be so physically close. He wanted to avoid another accidental encounter like that one. What he failed to notice was that his obedient, thoughtful, and filial disciple had begun to look at him differently—with the gaze of a hunter locking onto its prey. It was the gaze of someone growing into manhood, someone yearning for the one he desired to be his partner.

Time passed quickly, and before long, Qi Ci had already grown into a man. He had built a name for himself following the Crown Prince, achieved military merit, and earned the title of a general. His status was no longer what it once was—he was now renowned and distinguished.

Ning Ziheng’s name, too, had become famous, but in a completely different way. He was fully aware that people around him had been trying to persuade Qi Ci to distance himself from him, yet he remained as stubborn and unyielding as ever. His temperament had long been shaped by the darkness and struggles of the past, and it was no longer something that could change.

Moreover, Qi Ci had long stopped calling him “Master.” If it weren’t for the fact that Qi Ci still stayed close to him, lived with him, and treated him with a kindness beyond words, Ning Ziheng might have suspected that Qi Ci had long wanted to leave him.

Still, the fact that he no longer called him “Master” did hurt Ning Ziheng a little. The reason was simple—a military general having a eunuch for a master… was, after all, something to be ashamed of.

That day was the Crown Prince’s grand birthday banquet. After Ning Ziheng finished his tasks, he heard there would be a fireworks show and decided to look for Qi Ci to watch it together.

But instead, he happened to come across the Crown Prince speaking with Qi Ci.

The Crown Prince asked, “What exactly is your relationship with Chief Steward Ning now?”

Although Ning Ziheng had no idea why the Crown Prince would suddenly bring up such a question, he listened with great anticipation.

He only heard Qi Ci slowly reply, “Anyway, I haven’t considered him my master for a long time. He can’t be my master.”

Hearing this clear and definitive answer, Ning Ziheng—whom others viewed as cold-blooded and heartless—still felt a stab of pain in his chest at that moment. Qi Ci, who usually worried over even the slightest scratch on him, had now caused a wound with just a single sentence—one that hurt more than any potentially fatal injury ever had.

It was a sense of defeat, the kind that came from being rejected by the person closest to you.

Ning Ziheng quietly left. In a corner where palace attendants were gathered, he drank alone with a bitter smile. Eventually, he passed out and was taken away by his subordinates.

But in his daze, he seemed to catch a strange fragrance. His body began to heat up, burning with torment. As a eunuch, this kind of torment felt completely different.

It felt like someone approached him, but he was overwhelmed with disgust. He tried to push them away, but his limbs were weak and powerless—he was soon pinned down.

Sensing danger on instinct, just as he was about to struggle with all his might, the pressure disappeared, and a familiar presence enveloped him.

“Xiao Ci.”

“I’m here,” came a voice filled with gritted teeth. Only then did Ning Ziheng finally lose consciousness.

Though Ning Ziheng’s mind had blacked out, his body remained awake. Under the drug’s influence, he began entangling with Qi Ci.

Qi Ci had already killed the subordinate who had dared to drug Ning Ziheng, but he had no idea how to handle Ning Ziheng’s condition. He wanted to go find the antidote, but Ning Ziheng—already fully controlled by the effects of the drug—kept clinging to him, making it impossible.

Since he had long harbored feelings for Ning Ziheng, Qi Ci eventually succumbed to the desires of a grown man.

Seeing Ning Ziheng trembling in his arms, eyes tightly shut, with the corners of his eyes flushed red—he looked heartbreakingly beautiful. Qi Ci nearly lost control and almost went all the way. But in the end, he restrained himself, his remaining rationality barely holding on. Instead, he tried every possible way to ease Ning Ziheng’s symptoms, and in doing so, poured all of his affection into that night.

It wasn’t until dawn that Qi Ci finally stopped. He bathed and dressed Ning Ziheng carefully.

When Ning Ziheng woke up, he felt that something was off with his entire body. He vaguely recalled being drugged and immediately asked the ever-watchful Qi Ci by his side. Qi Ci briefly explained what had happened. Upon hearing that the culprit had already been killed, Ning Ziheng still felt no satisfaction.

“That bastard, using my trust to hide such filthy intentions. You shouldn’t have dealt with him so easily—you should’ve handed him over to me. I’d have made him wish he were dead!” Ning Ziheng said angrily.

Qi Ci felt a bit guilty. He couldn’t shake the feeling that Ning Ziheng’s scolding was actually directed at him. But what was done was done. In his view, it was bound to happen eventually. That night had felt more wonderful than any delusional dream he’d clung to over the years—he didn’t regret it one bit.

“Xiao Ci, Xiao Ci!” Ning Ziheng shouted. Only then did Qi Ci snap out of it.

“What?”

“I asked how you saved me,” Ning Ziheng questioned bluntly. He clearly hadn’t imagined his own disciple would rescue him in such a direct and bold manner—so much so that he didn’t even consider what that might have meant. He just asked outright.

Qi Ci froze for a second, the tips of his ears turning red. Awkwardly, he said, “I asked His Highness for the antidote.”

Ning Ziheng figured that made sense and didn’t pursue it. Still, his entire body felt uncomfortable—every inch of skin as if it had been licked over by a cat. Especially that incomplete part of himself—it felt particularly strange.

Just as Ning Ziheng was lost in those odd sensations, Qi Ci suddenly scolded him.

“We promised to always watch the fireworks together. Why didn’t you come find me? Why did you let someone else take you away? Do you know what would’ve happened if I hadn’t arrived in time?” Qi Ci finally exploded.

Ning Ziheng was stunned by Qi Ci’s tone and immediately felt even more displeased. Since when could a disciple scold his master? Oh, right—Qi Ci no longer acknowledged him as his master.

Whether out of spite or something else, Ning Ziheng responded coldly, “I’m not your master anymore anyway. Do I still need your permission to do what I want?”

Qi Ci quickly caught on. “You came looking for me. You overheard my conversation with the Crown Prince.”

Ning Ziheng suddenly felt a little embarrassed. It did seem like he was being childish and throwing a tantrum. He turned his head, trying to get out of bed, but Qi Ci grabbed his chin and forced him to look back.

Qi Ci leaned in until he was almost nose-to-nose with him. At such a close distance, Ning Ziheng felt a strange panic rise in his chest. Still, he tried to maintain the dignity of a master, forcing himself to sound calm as he asked, “What are you doing?”

“What you heard was true, Ziheng. I haven’t wanted to be your disciple for a long time,” Qi Ci said seriously.

Ning Ziheng let out a sarcastic laugh. “Is that so? Being my disciple really must’ve wronged you—future General Qi.”

Qi Ci suddenly smiled indulgently. “I don’t want to be your disciple, but we’ll always be the closest people in this world. You have only me. I have only you. We only have each other. That will never change. I want to take care of you for the rest of my life. I just don’t want us to stay bound by that master-disciple relationship anymore.”

Ning Ziheng was stunned. Qi Ci’s eyes were dark and heavy, making it hard for him to breathe. Qi Ci’s breath brushed against his lips, making them feel even more sensitive than before.

Having no experience in such things, Ning Ziheng didn’t understand what some of the signs from his body meant. He only noticed Qi Ci’s gaze had dropped to his swollen lips, and that look—it was as if he wanted to bite into food. It scared him. For a brief moment, he wanted to escape.

The strange atmosphere continued to build, and Ning Ziheng’s mind began to blur.

Just then, someone outside came looking for Qi Ci, breaking the tension. Qi Ci let go of him, stood up, and tidied his clothes. “Ziheng, get some proper rest today. I’ll come check on you later.”

Ning Ziheng didn’t respond for a long while. Qi Ci wasn’t in a rush either. But just as he reached the doorway, he paused and turned back.

“Ziheng, you’re the only family I have left. So no matter what we become in the future, I’ll never leave you.”

Ning Ziheng was a little moved by those words. But before he could react, Qi Ci added—

“So in this life, don’t even think about leaving me. And don’t ever think about having a relationship with anyone that surpasses the one between us.”

A chill inexplicably ran down Ning Ziheng’s spine. When he turned to look, all he saw was Qi Ci’s tall figure nearly blocking the entire doorway, preventing him from seeing anything else outside.

From that day on, the relationship between Ning Ziheng and Qi Ci became rather delicate.

One day, a minister approached Ning Ziheng, trying to get close to him. During their conversation, Ning Ziheng quickly figured out the man’s true intent—he had taken a liking to Qi Ci and wanted to make him his son-in-law. As soon as he understood, Ning Ziheng felt a twinge of discomfort in his heart. But he quickly composed himself. Given the man’s background and his daughter’s situation, Ning Ziheng’s sharp mind immediately weighed the pros and cons—this was a marriage with nothing but benefits.

Ning Ziheng was delighted that he could arrange such a good marriage for his disciple, and he immediately agreed to discuss it with Qi Ci.

However, when he brought it up to Qi Ci, Qi Ci’s face darkened on the spot, and the look he gave Ning Ziheng was practically burning with anger.

“You want me to marry and have children?” Qi Ci asked, enunciating each word with a tone that sounded like he was accusing Ning Ziheng of betraying him.

Ning Ziheng didn’t understand. “Isn’t it a good thing to settle down and establish a career? You’re of age now. Even His Highness has already chosen the future crown princess.”

Qi Ci let out a cold laugh. “Settle down? Sure—I’ll get married and move out, away from you. I’ll be running back and forth between home and court, not even able to see you once a month. With time, you’ll be just my master. Meanwhile, I’ll have a wife and children, in-laws, my loyalty will belong to His Highness, and there’s also General Huo who trained me. How much space do you think you’ll still have in my world? How much time will I give you then? You’re really so willing to just push me away, to give me to someone else?”

Though Qi Ci wasn’t yelling, the pressure in his voice was so heavy it made Ning Ziheng feel even more overwhelmed by his anger.

“What are you even saying? Which child doesn’t want to settle down and live independently? Don’t tell me you don’t want to get married—” Ning Ziheng hadn’t even finished speaking when Qi Ci grabbed his arm with force.

“Let me ask you,” Qi Ci pressed, “do you really want to see me holding another woman, treating her with respect and intimacy, sharing a bed with her? Do you really want to see that?” It was as if Qi Ci was forcing Ning Ziheng into something.

But after a moment of stunned silence, Ning Ziheng nodded.

In that instant, it was as if Qi Ci had been wounded. He glared at Ning Ziheng like his soul had been pierced, then flung his hand away and ran off.

Ning Ziheng stood there in a daze for a long while, unable to comprehend Qi Ci’s behavior. Or maybe he had some idea—something was beginning to surface—but he didn’t dare to face it.

Afterward, that high-ranking official ended up avoiding Ning Ziheng altogether. Qi Ci only looked back and said, “I already have someone in my heart. I won’t marry anyone else. Don’t interfere again.”

Ning Ziheng opened his mouth several times, but he never dared to ask, “Who is the one you love?”

Not that Qi Ci intended to tell him anyway.

And so, the two of them continued to sidestep the core issue. Eventually, it was as if nothing had ever happened, and they grew close again—until the enemy state, Tianheng, launched an attack, and the crown prince led Qi Ci into battle.

Ning Ziheng went to see them off at the city gates, only to hear some vague, unsettling words that left him uneasy.

At the time, he thought that Qi Ci had been with him for so long, and since he himself was not quite a complete man, perhaps he had given Qi Ci the wrong impression. Once they were apart, Qi Ci would surely come to his senses. Then he would return to being a filial, obedient disciple, and the beloved young man whom Ning Ziheng had raised so carefully would finally have the beautiful life he deserved.

As for himself—he had already become nothing more than mud. But if the lotus he had nurtured could bloom endlessly, it would be as if his life had found another way to reach the light.

But Ning Ziheng never imagined that their parting would be one of life and death.

What followed were days and nights of madness, regret, and anguish—not only resentment toward everyone, but also a longing for Qi Ci. For the first time, Ning Ziheng clearly realized that at some point, Qi Ci had become the entire meaning of his life. He was too important. If Qi Ci died, it would be like the last shred of hope in his life had been extinguished. Ning Ziheng saw no reason to live on. But he couldn’t accept that fate—he wanted revenge.

Then Qi Ci reappeared, but he no longer remembered who Ning Ziheng was.

The first time Qi Ci came to find him, he teased him. The second time, in that same secluded rock garden, they crossed the line between master and disciple and committed an act that defied all rules. That time, Ning Ziheng’s body ached, but his heart shattered even more.

And yet, to him, Qi Ci was still the most important person. Protecting him had become his very reason for existing. He knew it would be hard for him to ever escape the palace. He knew the emperor would surely want to silence Qi Ci. So, he entrusted Qi Ci to Yuan Ran once more, willing to pay with his life for everything he had done—just to give Qi Ci a safe, bright, and clean future.

When the flames devoured everything, Ning Ziheng felt no pain.

He only felt a sudden, desperate longing to see Qi Ci one last time. He wanted to tell him that, in his heart, Xiao Ci truly was the only light in his life. So, that day in the rock garden—he didn’t blame him. He just hoped Xiao Ci could forget it.

But he didn’t die. Qi Ci saved him. As he drifted between consciousness and unconsciousness during his recovery, all he could hear were Qi Ci’s fragmented words.

From the capital to the border, Ning Ziheng finally woke up and could communicate normally.

But Qi Ci soon noticed that Ning Ziheng acted like he wanted to pretend none of the past had happened. He still spoke with the tone of a master or elder. Qi Ci understood—what had happened in the rock garden had hurt Ning Ziheng. But that didn’t mean he would stop.

Without hesitation, he stripped him bare, applied medicine, and washed every part of his body—allowing no resistance. If Ning Ziheng got mad, Qi Ci would just feed him medicine mouth to mouth, forcing him to behave.

Whenever Ning Ziheng’s eyes went red with embarrassment and panic, Qi Ci would kiss them gently and joke half-threateningly with a loving tone, “Still so stubborn? Want me to feed you again?”

Ning Ziheng began to realize that, paralyzed as he was, he could never resist. So to avoid even more awkward situations, he had no choice but to behave.

But Qi Ci only grew bolder. They spent a quiet period recovering together. Then trouble struck the capital—His Highness was sent over.

After a difficult journey, they encountered His Highness’s master by chance. They followed him into a mountain valley to take refuge. The master had excellent medical skills and plenty of rare medicines. Since Ning Ziheng was with them, he too benefited and recovered quickly. But the deep scars all over his body were too severe—no medicine could heal them.

One day, Qi Ci caught Ning Ziheng staring blankly at his own scars and asked, “What’s wrong?”

Ning Ziheng forced a laugh. “They’re ugly.”

“Perfect,” Qi Ci replied.

Ning Ziheng paused, startled, and looked at him. Qi Ci pointed at the scar on his own face and said, “Now we’re a natural pair.”

Ning Ziheng was almost immune to such talk by now. He frowned and said, “Your scar can be removed.”

“No need. Let others dislike it if they want—I don’t care. As long as I know you won’t mind, that’s enough,” Qi Ci said casually.

Ning Ziheng knew he was trying to ease his mind, but he still firmly insisted on getting Qi Ci treated. He wanted Qi Ci to be the best version of himself.

Seeing Ning Ziheng so persistent, Qi Ci suddenly relented. “Alright, I’ll remove the scar—if you kiss me first.”

Ning Ziheng froze, his expression twisting. “Nonsense.”

“Then I won’t remove it,” Qi Ci said.

Ning Ziheng sneered, “What makes you think you can use your body to threaten me?”

“Because I know you care more about my body,” Qi Ci replied bluntly.

Ning Ziheng’s face turned green. He turned his head and said, “I don’t care. Keep it if you like.”

But just as he turned away, Qi Ci suddenly lunged at him, pinned him down, and kissed him deeply. With Qi Ci’s strength, Ning Ziheng couldn’t fight back at all. He was bullied for quite a while before Qi Ci let him go—his lips and eyes were all watery by then, and he was so furious he could barely catch his breath.

“I want to recover too. So let’s change the deal—three kisses, and I’ll get rid of the scar.”

Ning Ziheng was shocked. He had thought it was over just now. After all, sometimes when they were together, Qi Ci would suddenly steal a kiss, and Ning Ziheng would scold him, and that’d be the end of it. But before he could escape again, Qi Ci kissed him a second time.

After the third kiss, Ning Ziheng felt like his entire body had turned to water. Qi Ci’s gaze toward him became more intense, and when his weight pressed down heavier, Ning Ziheng sensed danger creeping closer.“Xiao Ci, Xiao Ci—shouldn’t it be your turn to keep watch over His Highness?”

Ning Ziheng panicked. He couldn’t handle Qi Ci in this state and had to use official duties to distract him. He never imagined that by not turning Qi Ci into a eunuch all those years ago, he would end up suffering the consequences himself.

Qi Ci frowned and glanced at Ning Ziheng. “There’s still half an hour left.”

Ning Ziheng said nothing—he just looked at him.

Naturally, Qi Ci no longer had the heart to continue. After all, given their current situation, there really wasn’t room for anything else. The important matters took precedence.

As His Highness gradually recovered, the Regent of Tianheng suddenly reappeared. Deep down, Qi Ci still instinctively feared him. But to protect His Highness, he was willing to risk everything—even his life.

Yet, the Regent’s behavior was utterly perplexing.

What was even more surprising was that His Highness actually played along with it.

Qi Ci knew His Highness had gone mad—a clear-headed sort of madness—perhaps because of another man.

Qi Ci had heard their story and, to his own surprise, felt envy. If only Ning Ziheng could be honest with him, that would be enough.

Now that His Highness was leaving and Ning Ziheng hadn’t fully healed, Qi Ci was torn. As much as he couldn’t bear to part from him, matters concerning His Highness were also crucial. Loyalty and duty still pulsed in Qi Ci’s heart, so he had to follow His Highness and leave Ning Ziheng behind to recover in the valley.

But before he left, he hugged Ning Ziheng tightly and warned him, “Ziheng, wait for me to come back for you. Don’t even think about abandoning me. We only have each other now. If I return and you’re gone, this valley will become my burial ground.”

Ning Ziheng, awkwardly held in Qi Ci’s arms, was stunned by such a threat. He blurted out in alarm, “W-what nonsense are you spouting? You’re threatening me!”

Qi Ci’s eyes grew dark. He grabbed Ning Ziheng’s chin and leaned closer. “Without you, I can’t go on living either. If you want to walk away and come back to sweep my grave, then go ahead. Try it.”

And he hadn’t been wrong. Ning Ziheng had planned to take this chance to escape—because he knew that if he stayed any longer, the consequences would be unbearable.

But Qi Ci’s threats were like iron chains that locked around him.

Every time he tried to leave the valley, fear would grip him and force him to give up. To numb himself, he resorted to drinking, drowning himself in alcohol daily until he was too drunk to think about the things he couldn’t face—until one day, Qi Ci showed up again, smiling brightly.

At that moment, Ning Ziheng, once again drunk, couldn’t stop the tears from falling. His mind had been tortured for months, stretched to the point of collapse.

Qi Ci rushed forward and embraced him, kissing him softly. He saw the pain and struggle written across Ning Ziheng’s face. He knew all of Ning Ziheng’s compromises were forced—but he also knew that he couldn’t back down now. If he did, there would be no future between them.

Ning Ziheng shoved him away and, finally losing control, shouted with despair. For compromising this far, he felt utterly hopeless. “I’m your teacher! I raised you! What are you trying to do? You should walk the path of a normal man! You deserve a bright future! You’re supposed to be the purest beam of light! Why would you want to be with someone like me, someone filthy who can only live in the dark? What will it take for you to let me go? Haven’t I done enough for you? What more do you want from me?”

Qi Ci knew the breaking point had finally come. He was crumbling too. He both respected and loved Ning Ziheng. He had already crossed the line in his heart and faced his feelings. There was no turning back now. And selfishly, he didn’t want Ning Ziheng to escape.

“Ziheng, you know it, don’t you? I like you. I’ve been in love with you, harboring impure thoughts, since a long, long time ago. I’m the dirtiest one here.”

“My first wet dream was because of you. Every twisted fantasy I’ve ever had involved you. I’ve been lusting after you for years, using you in my imagination to pleasure myself. How could I possibly be clean?”

“You don’t know this, but one summer during a nap, I leaned next to you and breathed in your scent until I fell asleep. When I woke up, I found myself holding you, kissing you, touching you. I was excited and terrified—terrified you’d find out and hate me.”

“That time you were betrayed by your subordinates—I lied to you. I never went to ask for the antidote. That night, I did everything to you except the final step. You were already mine.”

“Ziheng, I’ve needed you for a long time now. Even when I lost my memory, I couldn’t stop thinking about you. And when I held you, I knew—you weren’t unaffected. You had feelings too. You must understand—you can’t escape. Stop rejecting me. I told you—I want something different with you. We’ve long since stopped being master and disciple. We never truly were. Stop chaining yourself with that title. Look at me—I’m Qi Ci. A man who can hold you. A man who can be your husband. A man who can love you for a lifetime and give you a home. Face it, Ning Ziheng. Just face it.”

Qi Ci seemed unwilling to wait any longer. Even though Ning Ziheng couldn’t respond, he had to pour out everything he’d held in for years. He had to seize this moment to tear away the pretense and force Ning Ziheng to face reality. Because Qi Ci knew him too well—otherwise, he would resist until the end.

Whether it was the reunion after so long, or an emotional dam breaking, or the collapse of all rationality—when Ning Ziheng cried until he couldn’t stand, Qi Ci hardened his heart and carried him into the house.

Ning Ziheng’s weak attempts at resistance were rendered powerless by the alcohol, and to Qi Ci, nothing could stop the flood of emotions anymore.

Maybe he was taking advantage—but Qi Ci couldn’t stop himself now.

In that small, shabby house, everything seemed wrapped in a dreamlike glow. Even the bed, made of a few planks thrown together, groaned under the weight. Sounds leaked out through the loosely closed windows, drifting gently into the wind, echoing through the entire valley.

When Ning Ziheng finally woke up, it was already dusk the next day. He was in pain all over, covered in marks, and beside him lay someone sleeping peacefully.

His first instinct was to flee. He remembered that at one point, he had willingly responded—and that was something he couldn’t face. But his wrist was tightly held by another hand, so tight it hadn’t loosened even in sleep, as if telling Ning Ziheng: if you want to leave, you’ll have to cut this hand off.

Once again, Ning Ziheng sank into a whirlwind of emotions, completely flustered and overwhelmed.

When Qi Ci woke, he simply hugged him gently, worried about his condition. But Ning Ziheng, too angry and despairing, said nothing. Qi Ci didn’t press him and continued caring for him meticulously. Not long after, he took him away from the valley.

It was then that Ning Ziheng learned Qi Ci had taken full control of the border army. He had risen once again, and the Crown Prince’s group had already begun their counterattack.

Qi Ci’s mission was relatively straightforward, which was why he felt safe enough to bring Ning Ziheng along.

When they entered the city riding together, someone familiar asked, “And this is?”

Without hesitation, Qi Ci kissed Ning Ziheng on the cheek in front of everyone. The crowd was stunned speechless, and Ning Ziheng was shocked, covering his face as he stared at him.

But Qi Ci, after that bold declaration of ownership, swaggered right into the mansion with Ning Ziheng and brought him straight into the inner courtyard. He announced to the servants, “This is the other master of this house.”

Ning Ziheng firmly refused to live together, and Qi Ci didn’t force him.

Though he agreed on the surface, Ning Ziheng knew that every night after he fell asleep, someone would sneak in to hold him. Every morning before he woke, kisses would fall on his forehead. Yet by the time he opened his eyes, the bed was always empty.

Ning Ziheng didn’t expose it—he knew it was pointless. He had grown numb to this level of closeness, too exhausted to resist anymore.

All he needed was time—to calm down, to sort things out.

Fortunately, aside from the nights, Qi Ci was always busy during the day and hardly ever around.

Then, news arrived from the capital. The Crown Prince had reclaimed his title, wiped out the traitors, and soon, an imperial edict was issued. Qi Ci became the highest-ranking military officer of the Great Zhou Dynasty, the Grand Marshal, openly and honorably commanding the border troops.

On his first day in office, the entire city gathered to see him. Ning Ziheng also went in secret. Standing on the high platform, Qi Ci looked dazzling beyond words, while Ning Ziheng—hiding in the shadows—felt a bitter ache in his chest.

Rumors had already started spreading about the Grand Marshal keeping a man in his inner residence.

That night, Ning Ziheng couldn’t sleep. When he was pulled into someone’s embrace, he finally spoke up.
”Have you heard the rumors outside? Do you really want to be the first marshal in history to bear such disgrace? How would you explain yourself to Yuan Ran? If someone with ill intentions decides to impeach you, how do you think you’ll end up?”

Qi Ci was stunned for a while, but his arms only tightened around him: ”His Majesty and Lin Qingyang, Huo Luo and Yue Chen—aren’t they all like that? What am I supposed to be afraid of?”

“Their partners are good people. I’m not.” Ning Ziheng let out a cold laugh. “I’m doing this for your own good. If I stay by your side, what if someone decides to dig up my past crimes one day? You could be dragged down with me.”

“I was mentally prepared for that four years ago. Besides, His Majesty promised me it wouldn’t happen.”

Suddenly, Ning Ziheng remembered just who Qi Ci had risked his life and limb to earn military merit for. He was at a loss for words: “Even if it doesn’t happen, don’t tell me you actually think you can do whatever you please? Even Yuan Ran and the others couldn’t be openly together. Maybe they can tolerate their partners having someone else, but I…”

Ning Ziheng suddenly choked on his words.

Qi Ci, however, suddenly laughed: “But you can’t stand anyone else being around me. Don’t worry—besides you, I can’t get it up for anyone else.”

Ning Ziheng was instantly both angry and embarrassed. He tried to shake off Qi Ci’s hand and get up, but was pulled right back into his arms. As he struggled, he heard a familiar threat from Qi Ci.

“If you move again, I can’t guarantee all we’ll be doing is sleeping.”

The threat pressed against his back made Ning Ziheng instinctively give in. In the end, he obediently went to sleep.

A month later, more news came from the capital.

At the coronation ceremony, Lin Qingyang had officially been made Empress—even though he was a man.

Ning Ziheng stared at the news in disbelief, while Qi Ci burst out laughing and pulled him into a hug.

“All those excuses you gave—let’s see how long they’ll hold up.”

“Yuan Ran is reckless. You can’t compare him to others,” Ning Ziheng could only reply. Deep down, even now, he still truly hoped that he and Qi Ci could each return to their rightful places, as if none of this had ever happened.

But Qi Ci would never agree to that. Soon after, he took Ning Ziheng with him to attend the imperial wedding.

Right before they departed, a strange incident occurred.

A man with a severed arm came bearing a gift: two exquisitely crafted daggers, inlaid with gemstones and sharp enough to slice through iron—extremely valuable weapons.

But Qi Ci never saw the man himself. There was only a note.

“Wishing the married couple a long and happy life together.”

Finding it too strange, Qi Ci decided to take the gift with him to the capital. When he met the eagerly awaiting Emperor, he mentioned the incident and presented the daggers.

Yuan Ran immediately understood who had sent them. He was surprised they were even still alive—let alone sending a wedding gift. Since they had, he naturally accepted it.

Yuan Ran, clearly in a playful mood, teased Qi Ci about his relationship with Ning Ziheng. When he learned that Qi Ci had arranged for Ning Ziheng to stay at a residence outside the capital, he smirked.


“So nothing’s happened yet. Looks like you and Huo Luo are still not quite there—one can’t handle his lover, the other can’t handle his family.”

Yuan Ran’s smugness made Qi Ci deeply envious, though he had to admit—the man was impressive.

He had sorted out both his family and his lover, and was now blissfully married. As for Qi Ci, marriage was something he didn’t even dare to dream of. If Ning Ziheng could openly stay by his side, that alone would be a miracle.

At the wedding, Qi Ci couldn’t bring Ning Ziheng along—he was worried he would be targeted. Officially, Ning Ziheng was still considered dead.

Watching the happy couple, and with Huo Luo and Yue Chen being as lovey-dovey as ever, Qi Ci was overwhelmed with emotion. He drank heavily. When he returned, he found Ning Ziheng still awake, lighting a lamp for him. Ning Ziheng only got up to leave after seeing him return, which moved Qi Ci deeply.

Fueled by alcohol, he acted like a drunken fool, clinging to Ning Ziheng as he followed him into the room, holding him tight and mumbling bitter, crazy words of love.

Perhaps returning to the capital had stirred up something in Ning Ziheng, because that night, Qi Ci finally got his way. The room was filled with warmth and soft moans, a haze of passion behind the bed curtains.

Qi Ci enjoyed it so much he didn’t want the night to end. He feared that once Ning Ziheng sobered up, he’d go back to being a monk.

So he didn’t stop until the sun was fully up, finally releasing the completely spent Ning Ziheng and falling asleep with him in his arms, content.

But after that night, things returned to how they were—he could only look and not touch.

They quietly returned to the borderlands and continued their difficult life.

Ning Ziheng’s attitude drove Qi Ci nearly mad. Qi Ci knew Ning was doing it to push his buttons, but there was nothing he could do except wait.

He didn’t expect another incident to occur three months later.

Qi Ci had been looking for a reason to vent his frustrations on the enemy when suddenly, a secret order came from the Emperor. Unexpectedly, Qi Ci found himself playing matchmaker for Huo Luo and Yue Chen, giving them a platform.

Well, maybe it was for the best. Things between him and Ning Ziheng had been tense lately. A change of scenery might help.

So Qi Ci took Ning Ziheng traveling with him. Surprisingly, it worked—their relationship improved a lot.

Although they didn’t cross the line again, Ning Ziheng clearly allowed Qi Ci to sneak into his room at night, even letting him hold him. Occasionally, he could steal a kiss, and that was already good enough.

Just as Qi Ci thought he could slowly wear him down and get what he wanted, a golden order summoned him back to handle official business. Fine. The safety of the border came first—he had no complaints about doing his duty.

But the moment they returned to the Marshal’s residence, Ning Ziheng became reserved again.

It wasn’t until Yue Chen arrived that the whole charade ended. Qi Ci had thought with Yue Chen, the Prime Minister, here, managing the newly annexed territories would be easier. But to his surprise, those two—

Qi Ci got so busy he barely saw Ning Ziheng anymore, and had to watch those two lovebirds fool around all day while neglecting their work. He was filled with resentment.

Luckily, Yue Chen knew how to read the room. Just when Qi Ci was about to lose it, he offered a lifeline.

“Brother Qi, still haven’t gotten Ning Ziheng to cave? Want me to give you a little advice—as repayment for all your help?”

Fine. Yue Chen definitely had more tricks up his sleeve. If it meant more effort, so be it.

So one morning, Ning Ziheng woke up and was surprised to find that Qi Ci hadn’t come to his room the night before.

One day passed. Then two, three, four. Qi Ci stopped entering his room altogether. Other than occasionally sharing breakfast, Qi Ci was always too busy to meet.

That was when people started showing up at the door one after another. Some had ulterior motives—either proposing marriage or sending beauties. Oddly enough, this had never happened before. After their offers were rejected, they started probing for preferences and began sending delicate young boys.

One time, Ning Ziheng actually saw one of those pretty boys in Qi Ci’s private quarters. His anger flared instantly, and he raised his sword, ready to kill.

Qi Ci rushed over and grabbed Ning Ziheng’s arm, scolding him,


“Why are you still so hot-tempered? Resorting to violence over a disagreement—how am I supposed to deal with that? What, are you jealous?”

“I’m not! Don’t you find it disgusting? What were they thinking—sending you a boy like that?” Ning Ziheng shouted in fury

“You still can’t kill people over it. You’re not the same Ning Ziheng you used to be.”

This time, the Marshal naturally also rejected any improper conduct. But when Qi Ci stopped Ning Ziheng from acting, it deeply wounded Ning Ziheng’s heart. “This is just how I am—you knew that from the start, didn’t you? If I’ve made things difficult for you, why didn’t you just let me leave?”

Ning Ziheng had thought Qi Ci would be as firm as before, never letting him go, not even tolerating such words. He thought Qi Ci would fiercely hold him, kiss him, and warn him not to say such things.

But this time, it didn’t happen. Qi Ci only gave him a deep look, then said, “Don’t kill people so casually.”

Then, he turned and left. Ning Ziheng stood there in a daze for a long time.

But gradually, Ning Ziheng noticed that all the attendants and servants around Qi Ci had been replaced. Each of them was particularly clean-cut and attractive. Within his jurisdiction, a civil official appeared—one with both striking looks and exceptional talent.

Because of border affairs, Qi Ci and the civil official were often together—day and night, working side by side. Naturally, this fostered a deep bond between them. One time, Ning Ziheng even saw Qi Ci personally brush snowflakes from the man’s hair. The two smiled at each other with such seamless understanding.

It was a beautiful scene—but Ning Ziheng couldn’t deny the sharp, dull ache that stabbed through his heart.

Maybe Qi Ci’s feelings had changed. That thought began to swirl relentlessly in Ning Ziheng’s mind. Part of him told himself he should feel relieved, but he couldn’t suppress the surge of bitterness that suddenly rose in him. He even almost attacked the civil official once while approaching him.

He felt something was very wrong with himself. He was Qi Ci’s teacher—he shouldn’t be like this. Anyone would be better than him, as long as it wasn’t him.

But it was precisely during such moments that, though he couldn’t see Qi Ci, he dreamed of him every night.

In his dreams, Qi Ci left him behind. That kind of fear was more terrifying than any nightmare.

Eventually, from too much worry, Ning Ziheng fell ill with a fever. At the time, there was only one doctor in the Marshal’s residence. Just as they were about to send someone to call for him, they heard that the doctor had been summoned by the Marshal to see the civil official instead. The servants whispered among themselves, saying things like “favored” and “out of favor.” The looks they gave him made him feel utterly humiliated.

In that moment, it felt like Ning Ziheng’s heart cracked open. The heat of his fever only worsened from his emotions.

He could only wrap himself in a blanket, curled up in a miserable sleep, thinking maybe… maybe it was time to leave.

In his fevered state, he once again saw Qi Ci’s face, filled with worry and care—but it felt so unfamiliar now. He thought it must be a hallucination. Finally unable to bear the turmoil inside him, perhaps only in his feverish confusion did he dare to face the changes in his own heart.

He cupped Qi Ci’s face and kissed him—desperately, almost pleading.

“Xiao Ci, don’t leave me. I was wrong. I admit it—I can’t live without you. I won’t be your teacher anymore, I won’t… I won’t be stubborn again. Hold me, okay? Just look at me, only at me, please, Xiao Ci…”

But Qi Ci seemed to want to push him away. Ning Ziheng didn’t care what Qi Ci wanted to do—he just didn’t want him to leave. He used all his strength to pull Qi Ci onto the bed.

His fevered body pressed against him.

An active Ning Ziheng was already lethal to Qi Ci, let alone one who clung to him and said he wanted to be his wife, not his master.

When Ning Ziheng, without guidance, managed to melt all of Qi Ci’s resistance, Qi Ci couldn’t even think of calling a doctor anymore. How could he not care about Ning Ziheng’s health? It was just that at first, he didn’t know. Once he realized, he immediately summoned not only the Marshal’s doctor but also the military physician from the camp, and every traveling doctor he passed on the way—just in case. After all, Ning Ziheng had ruined his own health so badly in the past, and Qi Ci had only just nursed him back to good condition. He couldn’t let him fall sick again so easily.

But before the doctors could examine him, Qi Ci had already been driven mad by Ning Ziheng.

The heat of his feverish body was even more intense than usual—it nearly stole Qi Ci’s very soul.

It wasn’t until Ning Ziheng finally passed out that Qi Ci, drenched in sweat and terrified, rushed out in disarray, clothes askew, grabbing the three sleeping doctors and dragging them in.

All three doctors were utterly embarrassed.

The fever had been caused by excessive worry—no doubt about that. The rising temperature wasn’t surprising. Just drink some medicine, ease the mind, go easy on intimacy, and his body would recover.

Only then did Qi Ci finally feel relieved. After feeding the medicine to him mouth-to-mouth, Qi Ci never left his side again. He just held Ning Ziheng and waited for the fever to break and for him to wake up.

The next morning, Ning Ziheng finally regained consciousness. The first thing he saw was Qi Ci lying beside him. His memories from the day before slowly came back, and he was completely stunned.

He couldn’t believe he had been so bold… that he had taken the initiative. Ning Ziheng bit his lip. There was still a strange lingering sensation on his lips that left him dazed—until another kiss fell there.

Startled, Ning Ziheng snapped out of it, meeting Qi Ci’s eyes, filled with worry and affection.

“Finally cooled down. Next time you get a fever, don’t call me. You know how many years I’ve secretly wanted you—how could I possibly hold back? How do you feel now? Better?” Qi Ci’s voice was hoarse and alluring, making Ning Ziheng feel a bit hot again.

Ning Ziheng shifted awkwardly. “Feels like… I still have a bit of a fever.”

Qi Ci looked puzzled and reached out to check. “No, your temperature’s normal. Are you feeling unwell? I’ll get the doctor.”

Just as Qi Ci was about to get up, the cold wind that blew in made Ning Ziheng freeze. He suddenly remembered all those nights lying alone in bed without Qi Ci—cold, uncomfortable. On instinct, he reached out and wrapped his arms around Qi Ci, refusing to let him go.

“What’s wrong?”

“Xiao Ci, don’t go. I’m fine.” Even Ning Ziheng couldn’t believe the words had come from his mouth. He slipped into a daze again, until Qi Ci stopped trying to leave and instead leaned down over him.

The suffocating kiss left Ning Ziheng breathless. When he finally caught his breath, he looked up at Qi Ci, eyes glazed, momentarily speechless.

The deep affection in Qi Ci’s eyes seemed ready to overflow. “Ziheng, in a few days, let’s get married. If you don’t want anyone to see, then just the two of us will have a ceremony. I want to marry you. Our master-disciple bond is over. Let’s just be lovers. Is that okay?”

Ning Ziheng stood there stunned for a long time—then, finally, he nodded.

In that instant, the joy in Qi Ci’s eyes burst out like the brightest light. Ning Ziheng remained dazed for a moment longer before realizing: he was the one who could make Qi Ci smile like that. Why had he always thought he couldn’t?

“Xiao Ci, I like you. You’re in my heart, truly. Thank you—for being my only family.”

Qi Ci froze, his eyes gradually reddening. More than joy, he looked like he was about to cry. He lowered his head and hugged Ning Ziheng tightly.

“I should be the one thanking you, Ziheng. Thank you for accepting me despite how wrong I was. Thank you for forgiving my selfishness. Thank you for choosing me back then, for making me your family. Let’s never part again.”

“Mm. Never again,” Ning Ziheng said, finally shedding all the thorns on his body, embracing Qi Ci with the softest part of himself.

Not long after, with red candles and wedding robes, they held a wedding ceremony with just the two of them. And even that was enough to bring tears of joy.

Thankfully, Ning Ziheng hadn’t taken his life the moment Qi Ci was in danger. Thankfully, the Saintess had rescued Qi Ci from the beast arena. Thankfully, they had met again in the capital.

Thankfully—thankfully—fate had taken pity on them.

From then on, they never parted again.

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