Talking
Yan Ge pointed at his own face, “You don’t mind the scar on my face?” Throughout the conversation, he didn’t detect any disdain in Huangfu Yu Chen’s eyes.
Huangfu Yu Chen chuckled, “Am I such a shallow person? Once you become accustomed to it, the scar seems as if it has always been there from the beginning. If it wasn’t the fact that my appearance as the ruler would be affected, I wouldn’t mind leaving a mark on my face to soothe your heart.”
Yan Ge was taken aback. He did mind the scar on his face to some extent. Although men didn’t usually care much about their looks, nobody liked having an ugly scar on their face.
His calm demeanor had a reason behind it. Yan Jin(system) had informed him that the reason the scar couldn’t be completely removed was because the muscles had been damaged. Ordinary medications had poor regenerative capabilities, but with the Foundation Pill, all impurities in the body could be eliminated, providing an instant cure. Moreover, there were many scar-removal remedies in the Pharmacopoeia, although they were slower in effectiveness compared to the Foundation Pill. Therefore, he had been waiting for his next promotion so as to obtain the Foundation Pill. However, Huangfu Yuchen’s calmness about it also pleased him and a faint smile appeared on his face involuntarily.
Huangfu Yuchen let out a sigh, gripping his hand. “Does this count as my request being fulfilled?”
Yan Ge stared into his eyes. “Surrounded by numerous beauties, can you truly remain faithful?”
Huangfu Yuchen looked at him with a smile. “If I were to truly do wrong, I believe you would come up with hundreds of ways to seek revenge. Are you afraid you can’t bind my heart? The Yan Ge I know is spirited and determined in the face of any challenge.”
Yan Ge placed a hand on his shoulder. “As you said, love is poison. Once consumed, only one person can provide the antidote. I can think of hundreds of ways to retaliate against you, but none of them can cure the poison. Shouldn’t I be cautious?”
“Have more faith in me.” Huangfu Yuchen was helpless, and could only utter these feeble words. It was a fact that he had many consorts, and given his status as emperor, it was difficult to assure Yan Ge. In this regard, he truly owed Yan Ge.
“I will give you time to consider, but I hope it won’t be too long, and I hope your answer won’t disappoint me.”
Yan Ge glanced at him speechlessly. Since he was only given one path, what difference did it make whether he considered it or not?
Huangfu Yuchen understood his meaning and caressed his face, unwilling to let go.
Both of them fell into silence, pondering their own thoughts. Despite the absence of words, the atmosphere was awkward.
Huangfu Yuchen held Yan Ge’s arm tighter, feeling that Yan Ge intended to give him an answer today. He didn’t want to hear a rejection. Since their initial encounter, he had recognized Yan Ge as someone with strong principles, like a gentle breeze, freely able to withdraw at any moment, beyond the grasp of ordinary people. If Yan Ge’s answer was negative, he didn’t know what he would do. He didn’t want to reach that point with Yan Ge. Love was indeed poison, and whoever touched it would be sealed by its enchantment.
After a long while, Yan Ge raised his hand and smiled at him. “Okay, I promise you. I also want to give myself a chance.” His life would be long, so why should he hesitate? Since he could earn twenty thousand taels by investing ten thousand taels, he could also turn Huangfu Yuchen from a lecherous man into a loyal dog!
—“Master, you’ve made a wise decision!” Yan Jin excitedly chimed in.
Yan Ge ignored him.
Huangfu Yuchen’s dark eyes suddenly brightened, and he lifted Yan Ge onto his lap, holding the back of his head, and kissed him deeply. Yan Ge could clearly feel Huangfu Yuchen’s rapid heartbeat and elevated body temperature.
Huangfu Yu Chen suddenly released him, hesitating. “Have you really considered it thoroughly? Being together will undoubtedly bring us great pressure. The struggles within the harem will intensify, and your situation will become more perilous…” Despite his words, his arms still held Yan Ge tightly.
Yan Ge sensed his conflicting emotions and felt moved. Huangfu Yuchen had truly fallen in love with him, which was why reason and emotions were entangled. This man’s past was despicable, but his emotions were so pure.
“I’m not that weak.”
Huangfu Yuchen kissed him again.
Yan Ge embraced his waist, responding hesitantly.
After a while, Huangfu Yuchen released him, panting slightly. “Let’s abandon our agreement. As long as there is a suitable opportunity, I will promote you. You shouldn’t have to wait until you earn 200,000 taels.”
“No, no,” Yan Ge shook his head repeatedly. “Agreements are agreements, and emotions are emotions. Besides, I enjoy challenging myself. Or do you not believe that I can do it?”
Huangfu Yuchen could only give in. “Fine, I’ll listen to you. I’ll stay here tonight.”
–“Ding—Side task: Serve the Emperor in bed. If the task is completed, you will be rewarded with…”
If it weren’t for this annoying system without a pause button, and the need to wait for the prompt to finish before making a selection, Yan Ge would have definitely turned off the sound.
He jumped off Huangfu Yuchen’s lap and deliberately looked at him with a horrified expression. “Isn’t that too fast?”
Huangfu Yuchen paused for a moment, then chuckled and teased, “Where did you get that idea? I just want to sleep, nothing more.”
Yan Ge didn’t refuse. A relationship requires both parties to put in effort and nurture it together in order to last. Since he had already agreed to be with Huangfu Yuchen, he would also strive for it.
Huangfu Yuchen pulled him back to his side. “Zhou Wenhan has been banished to the cold palace, and Du Zhengfeng will keep an eye on Song Ruhao. So you don’t need to worry.”
Yan Ge looked at him in surprise. “Du Changzai? Is he your person?”
Huangfu Yu Chen nodded. “He is actually a secret guard, and doesn’t have a flower body. In order to monitor the male consorts and maintain purity in the harem, I intentionally arranged for him to be a consort.”
Yan Ge raised an eyebrow and casually said, “I suppose there might be someone arranged by you among the female consorts as well?”
Huangfu Yuchen admitted, “It’s Consort Rou. She is also a secret guard who accepted this mission. She will spend her entire life in the harem, so I got a child for her when she came.”
Yan Ge held his hand. “You don’t have to tell me everything. I will learn to trust you.”
Huangfu Yuchen gazed at him and kissed his face. “Alright. From now on, I won’t hide things from you that are unrelated to state affairs, such as birthday gifts.” He handed a gift box to Yan Ge.
Yan Ge opened it and found a beautifully carved jade pendant inside, although it didn’t appear to be made of actual jade. He picked it up and examined it. “What is this?”
Huangfu Yuchen explained, “You often venture outside the palace and can’t avoid some dangers. With your abilities, there shouldn’t be many people who can threaten you, but it’s better to be cautious. This is a fragrance free pendant from a rare fish species. Just a drop of water can release a scent that humans can’t smell but can be detected by falcons. If you encounter any danger, just moisten it. No matter where you are, I can find you.”
Yan Ge put it away. “Thank you. I’ll keep it with me.”
“I’ll inform Gao Feng and Gao Yun tomorrow. From now on, they’ll follow you in your tasks,” Huangfu Yuchen added.
Yan Ge smiled happily. “That’s great. I was afraid they wouldn’t agree.” Among the four social classes, merchants, though wealthy, had the lowest status.
Huangfu Yuchen smiled. “That’s easy. But they will still retain the title of Imperial Guards.”
Both of them understood the implication — Gao Feng and Gao Yun would not have to report Yan Ge’s words and deeds outside the palace every day. It goes without saying that their relationship will now change. In the past, Huangfu Yuchen didn’t talk about it explicitly to avoid hurting Yan Ge’s feelings.
After saying what needed to be said and explaining what needed to be explained, Yan Ge called for the maids to come in and clean up the table.
Huangfu Yuchen summoned Deng Mande, who was swatting mosquitoes in a corner. After taking a bath at Tenglong Palace, he returned to Luoxue Palace. Yan Ge had already freshened up and was lying on the bed in a white inner robe, leaving one side of the bed empty. There was an ice basin placed beside the bedposts.
Huangfu Yu Chen smirked, walked over, and lowered the gauze curtain before lying down on the bed.
Yan Ge put away the pharmacopoeia.
Two lanterns remained lit, their light filtered through the gauze curtain, creating a hazy atmosphere.
Huangfu Yuchen covered Yan Ge’s body with his own and kissed his lips. Yan Ge didn’t refuse; Huangfu Yu Chen’s kiss brought him pleasure and contentment.
The next morning, Xiao Chuanzi held the toiletries, and Deng Mande held the imperial robe, waiting at the door, their faces filled with relief. The two masters had reconciled, which meant less suffering for them as servants.
Huangfu Yuchen opened his eyes and saw Yan Ge lying next to him. For a moment, he still found it unbelievable that Yan Ge had truly agreed to be with him. As an emperor, he had never dared to hope for love, but now he had obtained it, and his heart overflowed with emotion and satisfaction.
He stared at Yan Ge until Deng Mande quietly called from outside, prompting him to sit up.
Yan Ge opened his eyes, smiled at Huangfu Yuchen, and leaned in to kiss him on the lips, amused by his surprised expression. “What’s wrong? Now you belong to me. I can kiss you whenever I want and repay you in kind. Is that not allowed?”
Huangfu Yuchen smiled, wrapping his arm around Yan Ge’s waist. “Allowed? Why wouldn’t it be?”
Yan Ge felt a sense of joy flooding his heart. When he had secretly loved Wen Zhi(crush in previous life), his overflowing affection had been trapped within his chest, tormenting him day and night. But now, there was someone who allowed him to freely express his emotions and accepted his gestures with pleasure, making him feel truly happy.
After allowing Xiao Chuanzi and Deng Mande to enter and set things down, the two dismissed them and prepared themselves before leaving together.
Just before opening the door, Yan Ge grabbed Huangfu Yuchen and swiftly planted a kiss on his lips, then lifted his lips in a smile.
Just before opening the door, Yan Ge held onto Huangfu Yuchen and swiftly pressed a kiss upon his lips, a smile playing on his lips.
“I will accompany you for dinner,” Yan Ge said. The first step in training a scumbag is to make him accustomed to your presence.
“Mmm, I’ll wait for you,” Huangfu Yuchen replied.
The two walked forward side by side. Their smiling faces caught the attention of Gao Feng and Gao Yun, who keenly sensed a different atmosphere than before.
“Gao Feng, Gao Yun, from now on, you will follow Yan Changzai in his tasks. Are you willing? I will retain your titles as imperial guards,” Huangfu Yuchen declared.
Working outside the palace offered more freedom than within its confines, something Gao Feng and Gao Yun desired. They exchanged glances, both showing delight. “We are willing to follow Yan Changzai. Thank you for your grace, Your Majesty!”
Yan Ge playfully interjected, “Rest assured, I won’t mistreat you. Let’s go.”
He and Huangfu Yuchen exchanged a knowing look, and then they set off towards their respective destinations.
Talking
Yan Ge pointed at his own face, “You don’t mind the scar on my face?” Throughout the conversation, he didn’t detect any disdain in Huangfu Yu Chen’s eyes.
Huangfu Yu Chen chuckled, “Am I such a shallow person? Once you become accustomed to it, the scar seems as if it has always been there from the beginning. If it wasn’t the fact that my appearance as the ruler would be affected, I wouldn’t mind leaving a mark on my face to soothe your heart.”
Yan Ge was taken aback. He did mind the scar on his face to some extent. Although men didn’t usually care much about their looks, nobody liked having an ugly scar on their face.
His calm demeanor had a reason behind it. Yan Jin(system) had informed him that the reason the scar couldn’t be completely removed was because the muscles had been damaged. Ordinary medications had poor regenerative capabilities, but with the Foundation Pill, all impurities in the body could be eliminated, providing an instant cure. Moreover, there were many scar-removal remedies in the Pharmacopoeia, although they were slower in effectiveness compared to the Foundation Pill. Therefore, he had been waiting for his next promotion so as to obtain the Foundation Pill. However, Huangfu Yuchen’s calmness about it also pleased him and a faint smile appeared on his face involuntarily.
Huangfu Yuchen let out a sigh, gripping his hand. “Does this count as my request being fulfilled?”
Yan Ge stared into his eyes. “Surrounded by numerous beauties, can you truly remain faithful?”
Huangfu Yuchen looked at him with a smile. “If I were to truly do wrong, I believe you would come up with hundreds of ways to seek revenge. Are you afraid you can’t bind my heart? The Yan Ge I know is spirited and determined in the face of any challenge.”
Yan Ge placed a hand on his shoulder. “As you said, love is poison. Once consumed, only one person can provide the antidote. I can think of hundreds of ways to retaliate against you, but none of them can cure the poison. Shouldn’t I be cautious?”
“Have more faith in me.” Huangfu Yuchen was helpless, and could only utter these feeble words. It was a fact that he had many consorts, and given his status as emperor, it was difficult to assure Yan Ge. In this regard, he truly owed Yan Ge.
“I will give you time to consider, but I hope it won’t be too long, and I hope your answer won’t disappoint me.”
Yan Ge glanced at him speechlessly. Since he was only given one path, what difference did it make whether he considered it or not?
Huangfu Yuchen understood his meaning and caressed his face, unwilling to let go.
Both of them fell into silence, pondering their own thoughts. Despite the absence of words, the atmosphere was awkward.
Huangfu Yuchen held Yan Ge’s arm tighter, feeling that Yan Ge intended to give him an answer today. He didn’t want to hear a rejection. Since their initial encounter, he had recognized Yan Ge as someone with strong principles, like a gentle breeze, freely able to withdraw at any moment, beyond the grasp of ordinary people. If Yan Ge’s answer was negative, he didn’t know what he would do. He didn’t want to reach that point with Yan Ge. Love was indeed poison, and whoever touched it would be sealed by its enchantment.
After a long while, Yan Ge raised his hand and smiled at him. “Okay, I promise you. I also want to give myself a chance.” His life would be long, so why should he hesitate? Since he could earn twenty thousand taels by investing ten thousand taels, he could also turn Huangfu Yuchen from a lecherous man into a loyal dog!
—“Master, you’ve made a wise decision!” Yan Jin excitedly chimed in.
Yan Ge ignored him.
Huangfu Yuchen’s dark eyes suddenly brightened, and he lifted Yan Ge onto his lap, holding the back of his head, and kissed him deeply. Yan Ge could clearly feel Huangfu Yuchen’s rapid heartbeat and elevated body temperature.
Huangfu Yu Chen suddenly released him, hesitating. “Have you really considered it thoroughly? Being together will undoubtedly bring us great pressure. The struggles within the harem will intensify, and your situation will become more perilous…” Despite his words, his arms still held Yan Ge tightly.
Yan Ge sensed his conflicting emotions and felt moved. Huangfu Yuchen had truly fallen in love with him, which was why reason and emotions were entangled. This man’s past was despicable, but his emotions were so pure.
“I’m not that weak.”
Huangfu Yuchen kissed him again.
Yan Ge embraced his waist, responding hesitantly.
After a while, Huangfu Yuchen released him, panting slightly. “Let’s abandon our agreement. As long as there is a suitable opportunity, I will promote you. You shouldn’t have to wait until you earn 200,000 taels.”
“No, no,” Yan Ge shook his head repeatedly. “Agreements are agreements, and emotions are emotions. Besides, I enjoy challenging myself. Or do you not believe that I can do it?”
Huangfu Yuchen could only give in. “Fine, I’ll listen to you. I’ll stay here tonight.”
–“Ding—Side task: Serve the Emperor in bed. If the task is completed, you will be rewarded with…”
If it weren’t for this annoying system without a pause button, and the need to wait for the prompt to finish before making a selection, Yan Ge would have definitely turned off the sound.
He jumped off Huangfu Yuchen’s lap and deliberately looked at him with a horrified expression. “Isn’t that too fast?”
Huangfu Yuchen paused for a moment, then chuckled and teased, “Where did you get that idea? I just want to sleep, nothing more.”
Yan Ge didn’t refuse. A relationship requires both parties to put in effort and nurture it together in order to last. Since he had already agreed to be with Huangfu Yuchen, he would also strive for it.
Huangfu Yuchen pulled him back to his side. “Zhou Wenhan has been banished to the cold palace, and Du Zhengfeng will keep an eye on Song Ruhao. So you don’t need to worry.”
Yan Ge looked at him in surprise. “Du Changzai? Is he your person?”
Huangfu Yu Chen nodded. “He is actually a secret guard, and doesn’t have a flower body. In order to monitor the male consorts and maintain purity in the harem, I intentionally arranged for him to be a consort.”
Yan Ge raised an eyebrow and casually said, “I suppose there might be someone arranged by you among the female consorts as well?”
Huangfu Yuchen admitted, “It’s Consort Rou. She is also a secret guard who accepted this mission. She will spend her entire life in the harem, so I got a child for her when she came.”
Yan Ge held his hand. “You don’t have to tell me everything. I will learn to trust you.”
Huangfu Yuchen gazed at him and kissed his face. “Alright. From now on, I won’t hide things from you that are unrelated to state affairs, such as birthday gifts.” He handed a gift box to Yan Ge.
Yan Ge opened it and found a beautifully carved jade pendant inside, although it didn’t appear to be made of actual jade. He picked it up and examined it. “What is this?”
Huangfu Yuchen explained, “You often venture outside the palace and can’t avoid some dangers. With your abilities, there shouldn’t be many people who can threaten you, but it’s better to be cautious. This is a fragrance free pendant from a rare fish species. Just a drop of water can release a scent that humans can’t smell but can be detected by falcons. If you encounter any danger, just moisten it. No matter where you are, I can find you.”
Yan Ge put it away. “Thank you. I’ll keep it with me.”
“I’ll inform Gao Feng and Gao Yun tomorrow. From now on, they’ll follow you in your tasks,” Huangfu Yuchen added.
Yan Ge smiled happily. “That’s great. I was afraid they wouldn’t agree.” Among the four social classes, merchants, though wealthy, had the lowest status.
Huangfu Yuchen smiled. “That’s easy. But they will still retain the title of Imperial Guards.”
Both of them understood the implication — Gao Feng and Gao Yun would not have to report Yan Ge’s words and deeds outside the palace every day. It goes without saying that their relationship will now change. In the past, Huangfu Yuchen didn’t talk about it explicitly to avoid hurting Yan Ge’s feelings.
After saying what needed to be said and explaining what needed to be explained, Yan Ge called for the maids to come in and clean up the table.
Huangfu Yuchen summoned Deng Mande, who was swatting mosquitoes in a corner. After taking a bath at Tenglong Palace, he returned to Luoxue Palace. Yan Ge had already freshened up and was lying on the bed in a white inner robe, leaving one side of the bed empty. There was an ice basin placed beside the bedposts.
Huangfu Yu Chen smirked, walked over, and lowered the gauze curtain before lying down on the bed.
Yan Ge put away the pharmacopoeia.
Two lanterns remained lit, their light filtered through the gauze curtain, creating a hazy atmosphere.
Huangfu Yuchen covered Yan Ge’s body with his own and kissed his lips. Yan Ge didn’t refuse; Huangfu Yu Chen’s kiss brought him pleasure and contentment.
The next morning, Xiao Chuanzi held the toiletries, and Deng Mande held the imperial robe, waiting at the door, their faces filled with relief. The two masters had reconciled, which meant less suffering for them as servants.
Huangfu Yuchen opened his eyes and saw Yan Ge lying next to him. For a moment, he still found it unbelievable that Yan Ge had truly agreed to be with him. As an emperor, he had never dared to hope for love, but now he had obtained it, and his heart overflowed with emotion and satisfaction.
He stared at Yan Ge until Deng Mande quietly called from outside, prompting him to sit up.
Yan Ge opened his eyes, smiled at Huangfu Yuchen, and leaned in to kiss him on the lips, amused by his surprised expression. “What’s wrong? Now you belong to me. I can kiss you whenever I want and repay you in kind. Is that not allowed?”
Huangfu Yuchen smiled, wrapping his arm around Yan Ge’s waist. “Allowed? Why wouldn’t it be?”
Yan Ge felt a sense of joy flooding his heart. When he had secretly loved Wen Zhi(crush in previous life), his overflowing affection had been trapped within his chest, tormenting him day and night. But now, there was someone who allowed him to freely express his emotions and accepted his gestures with pleasure, making him feel truly happy.
After allowing Xiao Chuanzi and Deng Mande to enter and set things down, the two dismissed them and prepared themselves before leaving together.
Just before opening the door, Yan Ge grabbed Huangfu Yuchen and swiftly planted a kiss on his lips, then lifted his lips in a smile.
Just before opening the door, Yan Ge held onto Huangfu Yuchen and swiftly pressed a kiss upon his lips, a smile playing on his lips.
“I will accompany you for dinner,” Yan Ge said. The first step in training a scumbag is to make him accustomed to your presence.
“Mmm, I’ll wait for you,” Huangfu Yuchen replied.
The two walked forward side by side. Their smiling faces caught the attention of Gao Feng and Gao Yun, who keenly sensed a different atmosphere than before.
“Gao Feng, Gao Yun, from now on, you will follow Yan Changzai in his tasks. Are you willing? I will retain your titles as imperial guards,” Huangfu Yuchen declared.
Working outside the palace offered more freedom than within its confines, something Gao Feng and Gao Yun desired. They exchanged glances, both showing delight. “We are willing to follow Yan Changzai. Thank you for your grace, Your Majesty!”
Yan Ge playfully interjected, “Rest assured, I won’t mistreat you. Let’s go.”
He and Huangfu Yuchen exchanged a knowing look, and then they set off towards their respective destinations.
