Love Is Poison
For over half month, Yan Ge and Huangfu Yuchen did not exchange a single word. Occasionally, they would encounter each other at the entrance in the morning. Yan Ge would greet him, and Huangfu Yuchen would respond with a faint “Mm” or simply walk past without uttering a word, not even sparing a glance at Yan Ge.
The cut on Yan Ge’s face had already healed, leaving behind a scar. Although it was faint, it remained quite noticeable because it was on his face. Walking on the streets, the gazes that fell upon him were no longer filled with admiration and envy, but with sympathy, and even disgust.
Madam Yan was filled with distress, searching for several remedies for him, but none proved effective. Yan Xiaojing had been worrying about Yan Ge being banished to the cold palace due to his injury, and after half a month, even he couldn’t remain calm anymore. The Emperor’s thoughts were difficult to fathom, so he chose not to ponder on them. Instead, he focused on being more diligent in his duties, fearing that any negligence on his part would implicate Yan Ge.
“Young Master, today is your 18th birthday. Why not take a day off, invite His Majesty to dine together, or go to the Yan Mansion, or simply go for a leisurely outing?” Wan Xiang suggested, hoping to alleviate Yan Ge’s recent low mood.
“Let’s discuss it later.” Yan Ge folded up the just-completed jewelry design and put it away. He didn’t misjudge Bai Jushen. Bai Jushen indeed possessed true talents and efficiency. Following his instructions, the other party had inspected all the jewelry stores in the capital and advised Yan Ge to acquire one that was on the brink of closing down. The preparations for its opening were now proceeding rapidly.
The reason for choosing a store that was on the verge of closing was that such establishments were relatively cheaper. Since Yan Ge had confidence in reviving it, it was better to buy a struggling business rather than one that was already thriving.
Currently, some of the jewelry designs by Yan Ge were already in production. The noble ladies and young misses of the capital had been eagerly anticipating the acquisition of the jewelry store by the First Company. The exquisite garments from the tailoring workshop had already captivated them, and they believed that the jewelry store of the First Company would not disappoint. The First Company had gained considerable attention without the need for deliberate publicity and in five days, the store would open its doors.
“Prepare to leave the palace.”
Inspiration had struck today, causing delay in leaving the palace until this late hour when the sun was already high in the sky. To avoid drawing attention to his departure, Yan Ge still wore his court attire and would change once he got on the carriage.
As he exited the palace gates, Gao Feng and Gao Yun briskly approached, bowing in unison.
“Greetings, Yan Changzai.”
“Let’s go.”
While passing through the Imperial Garden, they met Tian Guiren, who was dressed in a purple gown. She deliberately glanced at Yan Ge’s face and couldn’t help but laugh, covering her mouth with a tinge of embarrassment.
“Yan Changzai, I have been impolite.”
Yan Ge smiled faintly, “Tian Guiren exaggerates. Why didn’t Tian Guiren accompany His Majesty today? Oh, my apologies, I forgot. His Majesty has been busy recently, either spending time with the Empress or the four consorts, even when he has any free time.”
“You!” Tian Guiren raised her hand in anger.
Gao Feng raised his arm, and unsheathed his sword.
Tian Guiren was startled, cursing herself for being foolish. Gao Feng and Gao Yun were imperial guards and were still protecting Yan Changzai, indicated that the Emperor hadn’t truly abandoned hun. By causing trouble for Yan Changzai now, wouldn’t she be seeking her own demise? He was already disfigured anyway, why should she care about him. Thinking this, she huffed lightly and left.
Song Ruhao, accompanied by the close palace maidens and guards, calmly approached Yan Ge, his smile icy.
“Greetings, Song Guiren.”
Song Ruhao glanced at the scar on Yan Ge’s face, saying, “No need for formalities. Yan Changzai, forgive me for being straightforward. I’m just curious—why does Yan Changzai seem completely unconcerned about the scar on his face? You still reside in Tenglong Palace, aren’t you afraid of offending His Majesty’s eyes?”
For the first time, a hint of hostility appeared in his eyes, which Yan Ge found amusing. When he still had his looks, Song Ruhao concealed his true thoughts quite well. But now that he was disfigured, Song Ruhao seemed to become more guarded against him.
Casually sitting on a chair by the flower bed, Yan Ge smiled and asked Song Ruhao, “I wonder if Song Guiren is interested in hearing a story from Yan Changzai?”
Wan Xiang and Xiao Chuangzi had been with Yan Ge for a long time, and their courage had grown. They stood behind Yan Ge with their heads held high, fanning him, showing no fear in front of Song Ruhai.
Song Ru Hao glanced at the dirty stone fence and couldn’t suppress the jealousy in his heart. Why did Yan Ge make such a vulgar gesture look so elegant when he did it?
“Yan Changzai, please speak.”
Yan Ge waves the golden fan Huangfu Yuchen had given him and spoke leisurely, “There was a person named Su Dongpo who had a good friend, a Buddhist monk known as Fo Yin. They were close, and one day, Su Dongpo went to visit Fo Yin, and they meditated together. After the meditation, Su Dongpo asked, ‘How did I look while meditating?’ Fo Yin replied, ‘You looked like a Buddha.’ Su Dongpo burst into laughter and said, ‘To me, you looked like a pile of excrement!’ Fo Yin simply smiled. Su Dongpo laughed heartily and left. When he arrived home, he happened to meet his younger sister, and he told her about the incident, thinking she would find it amusing. However, his younger sister said, ‘In Buddhist teachings, all appearances are reflections of one’s own mind.’ Fo Yin saw you with the mind of a Buddha, so he said you looked like a Buddha. But when you called Fo Yin a pile of excrement, it reveals something about your own mind.’”
After finishing the story, Yan Ge bowed to Song Ruhao and calmly walked away.
Song Ruhao stood in place for a long time without moving.
Yan Ge got into the carriage, and Wan Xiang and Xiao Chuanzi were still a little dazed.
“What’s wrong?”
Xiao Chuangzi said in admiration, “Master, I just felt that the story you told was profound, like… that of a master!”
Yan Ge laughed.
After leaving the palace, the carriage went straight to Yan Mansion. On a son’s birthday and a mother’s day of suffering, it was only right for Yan Ge to show filial piety before his mother.
Madam Yan saw the scar on Yan Ge’s face and sighed for the hundredth time in her heart. Seeing him still wearing a smiling face, she felt both distressed and relieved.
At the dinner table, Yan Su reminded Yan Ge, “The Ten Thousand Longevity Festival is coming soon. Don’t forget to prepare a gift for the Emperor.” His thought was that if Yan Ge made a mistake, his days in the palace would become difficult.
Huangfu Yuchen’s birthday was approaching? Yan Ge pondered whether the Ten Thousand Longevity Festival could be an opportunity to improve his relationship with Huangfu Yuchen.
Yan Xiaojing looked at Yan Ge with concern and asked, “You haven’t been in high spirits lately. Has something happened?” The previous Yan Ge used to be full of energy and enthusiasm when he smiled, but now, although he still smiled, it was not as joyful as before.
“Nothing,” Yan Ge replied, “I’ve just been busy. Mother, let me toast to you.”
After the family of four raised their glasses and finished toasting, Madam Yan said, “About a month after the Ten Thousand Longevity Festival, on the eighteenth of the seventh month, your eldest brother is getting married. You’ll have to find time to attend. I’m telling you in advance.”
Yan Ge looked at Yan Su in surprise.
“So sudden?”
“What’s so sudden?” Madam Yan shrugged, “Your Eldest brother is not young anymore. It’s time for him to get married.”
Yan Ge gossiped with Yan Su, “Is it the person you were talking to the other day?”
Yan Su nodded, his face showing rare embarrassment.
Yan Ge sighed inwardly. The Hundred Flowers Festival truly lived up to its reputation as the ancient matchmaking version.
“Don’t worry, Mother. I’m sure elder brother will get married…” Yan Ge laughed awkwardly, feeling guilty. The situation between him and Huangfu Yuchen was so tense now that he wasn’t sure if Huangfu Yuchen would let him leave the palace now that he was displeased.
In the evening, when he returned to Luoxue Pavilion, there was a clear silhouette of a man reflected on the window. He was holding a wine or tea cup and taking a sip.
Yan Ge asked Wan Xiang and Xiao Chuanzi to leave and entered alone.
Huangfu Yuchen was sitting on the couch, sipping lightly. There were seven or eight dishes on the square table, along with a red silk box. He looked thinner, and his thinner face made his aura even colder and more refined.
By taking the initiative, it meant Huangfu Yuchen had given up his pride. Yan Ge walked over, feeling moved, “Yu Chen.”
Huangfu Yuchen glanced at him and said softly, “If I hadn’t come, I’m afraid you would never take the initiative to appear in front of me again.” As he spoke, a fragrance of wine emanated from his mouth.
Yan Ge picked up the white porcelain wine pot and weighed it in his hand. It was almost empty. He glanced at the nearby area and saw another empty wine pot on the couch. “How much have you been drinking?”
“Just a few cups, not enough to get drunk.” Huangfu Yuchen put down his wine cup, stretched out his arm, and pulled Yan Ge into his embrace, his legs clamping around his waist as he stared straight into his eyes.
When Yan Ge moved, Huangfu Yuchen held him tighter.
Yan Ge saw that Huangfu Yuchen had no other intentions, so he went along with it. However, sitting in that half-sitting position was quite embarrassing. He reached out and poured a cup of tea for Huangfu Yu Chen, waiting for him to continue speaking. From the bottom of his heart, he also hoped to break the deadlock between him and Huangfu Yuchen. He didn’t want to give up on his promotion, but he also didn’t want to truly become Huangfu Yuchen’s “consort.” Perhaps Huangfu Yuchen could give him a way out.
Huangfu Yuchen didn’t detect any awkwardness on Yan Ge’s face and didn’t know whether to feel happy or disappointed. “I thought I could avoid seeing you, but it’s difficult. It’s like being poisoned, and you are the antidote. Yan Ge, stay by my side. I will make our feelings mutual, just as you said, ‘a lifetime with one person.’ When the time is right, I will dismiss all the consorts I haven’t had children with. As for those who have given birth, I will never touch them again.”
Yan Ge stared at him in a daze. Was he serious?
Huangfu Yuchen held him tightly, his breath wafting onto his face, his sharp eyes fixed on him like a hunter aiming at its prey. “Yan Ge, I will never let you leave the palace in this lifetime. Why don’t we sincerely stay together?”
Yan Ge felt a slight looseness in his heart. There was no denying that Huangfu Yuchen was quite charming: his facial features were exquisite and pleasing to the eye, and his power was unrivaled, capable of helping him expand his business and provide protection. He was the epitome of the ancient “tall, rich, and handsome” archetype. Now that he regarded Yan Xiaojing, Madam Yan, and Yan Su as his true family, it meant that Yan Ge would inevitably be unable to leave the palace through “unlawful” means. If he chose to be with Huangfu Yuchen, not only could he resolve the issue of his promotion, but he would also gain a trusted companion, a true win-win situation. However, with Huangfu Yuchen’s three thousand beauties in the harem, could he really be content with just one lover?
“Stay by my side, a lifetime with just the two of us.” Huangfu Yuchen lightly kissed his forehead. “I won’t restrict you. If you wish to continue your business ventures, you may do so. I won’t force you and will give you time to consider.”
Love Is Poison
For over half month, Yan Ge and Huangfu Yuchen did not exchange a single word. Occasionally, they would encounter each other at the entrance in the morning. Yan Ge would greet him, and Huangfu Yuchen would respond with a faint “Mm” or simply walk past without uttering a word, not even sparing a glance at Yan Ge.
The cut on Yan Ge’s face had already healed, leaving behind a scar. Although it was faint, it remained quite noticeable because it was on his face. Walking on the streets, the gazes that fell upon him were no longer filled with admiration and envy, but with sympathy, and even disgust.
Madam Yan was filled with distress, searching for several remedies for him, but none proved effective. Yan Xiaojing had been worrying about Yan Ge being banished to the cold palace due to his injury, and after half a month, even he couldn’t remain calm anymore. The Emperor’s thoughts were difficult to fathom, so he chose not to ponder on them. Instead, he focused on being more diligent in his duties, fearing that any negligence on his part would implicate Yan Ge.
“Young Master, today is your 18th birthday. Why not take a day off, invite His Majesty to dine together, or go to the Yan Mansion, or simply go for a leisurely outing?” Wan Xiang suggested, hoping to alleviate Yan Ge’s recent low mood.
“Let’s discuss it later.” Yan Ge folded up the just-completed jewelry design and put it away. He didn’t misjudge Bai Jushen. Bai Jushen indeed possessed true talents and efficiency. Following his instructions, the other party had inspected all the jewelry stores in the capital and advised Yan Ge to acquire one that was on the brink of closing down. The preparations for its opening were now proceeding rapidly.
The reason for choosing a store that was on the verge of closing was that such establishments were relatively cheaper. Since Yan Ge had confidence in reviving it, it was better to buy a struggling business rather than one that was already thriving.
Currently, some of the jewelry designs by Yan Ge were already in production. The noble ladies and young misses of the capital had been eagerly anticipating the acquisition of the jewelry store by the First Company. The exquisite garments from the tailoring workshop had already captivated them, and they believed that the jewelry store of the First Company would not disappoint. The First Company had gained considerable attention without the need for deliberate publicity and in five days, the store would open its doors.
“Prepare to leave the palace.”
Inspiration had struck today, causing delay in leaving the palace until this late hour when the sun was already high in the sky. To avoid drawing attention to his departure, Yan Ge still wore his court attire and would change once he got on the carriage.
As he exited the palace gates, Gao Feng and Gao Yun briskly approached, bowing in unison.
“Greetings, Yan Changzai.”
“Let’s go.”
While passing through the Imperial Garden, they met Tian Guiren, who was dressed in a purple gown. She deliberately glanced at Yan Ge’s face and couldn’t help but laugh, covering her mouth with a tinge of embarrassment.
“Yan Changzai, I have been impolite.”
Yan Ge smiled faintly, “Tian Guiren exaggerates. Why didn’t Tian Guiren accompany His Majesty today? Oh, my apologies, I forgot. His Majesty has been busy recently, either spending time with the Empress or the four consorts, even when he has any free time.”
“You!” Tian Guiren raised her hand in anger.
Gao Feng raised his arm, and unsheathed his sword.
Tian Guiren was startled, cursing herself for being foolish. Gao Feng and Gao Yun were imperial guards and were still protecting Yan Changzai, indicated that the Emperor hadn’t truly abandoned hun. By causing trouble for Yan Changzai now, wouldn’t she be seeking her own demise? He was already disfigured anyway, why should she care about him. Thinking this, she huffed lightly and left.
Song Ruhao, accompanied by the close palace maidens and guards, calmly approached Yan Ge, his smile icy.
“Greetings, Song Guiren.”
Song Ruhao glanced at the scar on Yan Ge’s face, saying, “No need for formalities. Yan Changzai, forgive me for being straightforward. I’m just curious—why does Yan Changzai seem completely unconcerned about the scar on his face? You still reside in Tenglong Palace, aren’t you afraid of offending His Majesty’s eyes?”
For the first time, a hint of hostility appeared in his eyes, which Yan Ge found amusing. When he still had his looks, Song Ruhao concealed his true thoughts quite well. But now that he was disfigured, Song Ruhao seemed to become more guarded against him.
Casually sitting on a chair by the flower bed, Yan Ge smiled and asked Song Ruhao, “I wonder if Song Guiren is interested in hearing a story from Yan Changzai?”
Wan Xiang and Xiao Chuangzi had been with Yan Ge for a long time, and their courage had grown. They stood behind Yan Ge with their heads held high, fanning him, showing no fear in front of Song Ruhai.
Song Ru Hao glanced at the dirty stone fence and couldn’t suppress the jealousy in his heart. Why did Yan Ge make such a vulgar gesture look so elegant when he did it?
“Yan Changzai, please speak.”
Yan Ge waves the golden fan Huangfu Yuchen had given him and spoke leisurely, “There was a person named Su Dongpo who had a good friend, a Buddhist monk known as Fo Yin. They were close, and one day, Su Dongpo went to visit Fo Yin, and they meditated together. After the meditation, Su Dongpo asked, ‘How did I look while meditating?’ Fo Yin replied, ‘You looked like a Buddha.’ Su Dongpo burst into laughter and said, ‘To me, you looked like a pile of excrement!’ Fo Yin simply smiled. Su Dongpo laughed heartily and left. When he arrived home, he happened to meet his younger sister, and he told her about the incident, thinking she would find it amusing. However, his younger sister said, ‘In Buddhist teachings, all appearances are reflections of one’s own mind.’ Fo Yin saw you with the mind of a Buddha, so he said you looked like a Buddha. But when you called Fo Yin a pile of excrement, it reveals something about your own mind.’”
After finishing the story, Yan Ge bowed to Song Ruhao and calmly walked away.
Song Ruhao stood in place for a long time without moving.
Yan Ge got into the carriage, and Wan Xiang and Xiao Chuanzi were still a little dazed.
“What’s wrong?”
Xiao Chuangzi said in admiration, “Master, I just felt that the story you told was profound, like… that of a master!”
Yan Ge laughed.
After leaving the palace, the carriage went straight to Yan Mansion. On a son’s birthday and a mother’s day of suffering, it was only right for Yan Ge to show filial piety before his mother.
Madam Yan saw the scar on Yan Ge’s face and sighed for the hundredth time in her heart. Seeing him still wearing a smiling face, she felt both distressed and relieved.
At the dinner table, Yan Su reminded Yan Ge, “The Ten Thousand Longevity Festival is coming soon. Don’t forget to prepare a gift for the Emperor.” His thought was that if Yan Ge made a mistake, his days in the palace would become difficult.
Huangfu Yuchen’s birthday was approaching? Yan Ge pondered whether the Ten Thousand Longevity Festival could be an opportunity to improve his relationship with Huangfu Yuchen.
Yan Xiaojing looked at Yan Ge with concern and asked, “You haven’t been in high spirits lately. Has something happened?” The previous Yan Ge used to be full of energy and enthusiasm when he smiled, but now, although he still smiled, it was not as joyful as before.
“Nothing,” Yan Ge replied, “I’ve just been busy. Mother, let me toast to you.”
After the family of four raised their glasses and finished toasting, Madam Yan said, “About a month after the Ten Thousand Longevity Festival, on the eighteenth of the seventh month, your eldest brother is getting married. You’ll have to find time to attend. I’m telling you in advance.”
Yan Ge looked at Yan Su in surprise.
“So sudden?”
“What’s so sudden?” Madam Yan shrugged, “Your Eldest brother is not young anymore. It’s time for him to get married.”
Yan Ge gossiped with Yan Su, “Is it the person you were talking to the other day?”
Yan Su nodded, his face showing rare embarrassment.
Yan Ge sighed inwardly. The Hundred Flowers Festival truly lived up to its reputation as the ancient matchmaking version.
“Don’t worry, Mother. I’m sure elder brother will get married…” Yan Ge laughed awkwardly, feeling guilty. The situation between him and Huangfu Yuchen was so tense now that he wasn’t sure if Huangfu Yuchen would let him leave the palace now that he was displeased.
In the evening, when he returned to Luoxue Pavilion, there was a clear silhouette of a man reflected on the window. He was holding a wine or tea cup and taking a sip.
Yan Ge asked Wan Xiang and Xiao Chuanzi to leave and entered alone.
Huangfu Yuchen was sitting on the couch, sipping lightly. There were seven or eight dishes on the square table, along with a red silk box. He looked thinner, and his thinner face made his aura even colder and more refined.
By taking the initiative, it meant Huangfu Yuchen had given up his pride. Yan Ge walked over, feeling moved, “Yu Chen.”
Huangfu Yuchen glanced at him and said softly, “If I hadn’t come, I’m afraid you would never take the initiative to appear in front of me again.” As he spoke, a fragrance of wine emanated from his mouth.
Yan Ge picked up the white porcelain wine pot and weighed it in his hand. It was almost empty. He glanced at the nearby area and saw another empty wine pot on the couch. “How much have you been drinking?”
“Just a few cups, not enough to get drunk.” Huangfu Yuchen put down his wine cup, stretched out his arm, and pulled Yan Ge into his embrace, his legs clamping around his waist as he stared straight into his eyes.
When Yan Ge moved, Huangfu Yuchen held him tighter.
Yan Ge saw that Huangfu Yuchen had no other intentions, so he went along with it. However, sitting in that half-sitting position was quite embarrassing. He reached out and poured a cup of tea for Huangfu Yu Chen, waiting for him to continue speaking. From the bottom of his heart, he also hoped to break the deadlock between him and Huangfu Yuchen. He didn’t want to give up on his promotion, but he also didn’t want to truly become Huangfu Yuchen’s “consort.” Perhaps Huangfu Yuchen could give him a way out.
Huangfu Yuchen didn’t detect any awkwardness on Yan Ge’s face and didn’t know whether to feel happy or disappointed. “I thought I could avoid seeing you, but it’s difficult. It’s like being poisoned, and you are the antidote. Yan Ge, stay by my side. I will make our feelings mutual, just as you said, ‘a lifetime with one person.’ When the time is right, I will dismiss all the consorts I haven’t had children with. As for those who have given birth, I will never touch them again.”
Yan Ge stared at him in a daze. Was he serious?
Huangfu Yuchen held him tightly, his breath wafting onto his face, his sharp eyes fixed on him like a hunter aiming at its prey. “Yan Ge, I will never let you leave the palace in this lifetime. Why don’t we sincerely stay together?”
Yan Ge felt a slight looseness in his heart. There was no denying that Huangfu Yuchen was quite charming: his facial features were exquisite and pleasing to the eye, and his power was unrivaled, capable of helping him expand his business and provide protection. He was the epitome of the ancient “tall, rich, and handsome” archetype. Now that he regarded Yan Xiaojing, Madam Yan, and Yan Su as his true family, it meant that Yan Ge would inevitably be unable to leave the palace through “unlawful” means. If he chose to be with Huangfu Yuchen, not only could he resolve the issue of his promotion, but he would also gain a trusted companion, a true win-win situation. However, with Huangfu Yuchen’s three thousand beauties in the harem, could he really be content with just one lover?
“Stay by my side, a lifetime with just the two of us.” Huangfu Yuchen lightly kissed his forehead. “I won’t restrict you. If you wish to continue your business ventures, you may do so. I won’t force you and will give you time to consider.”
