Opening
The genius of dawn broke through the narrow alley, revealing a small grocery store. A drowsy shopkeeper named Ah San yawned as he opened the door, sluggishly fastening his belt. Suddenly, he spotted an acquaintance passing by with great vigor.
He quickly called out, “Hey, Douzi, why are you dressed so neatly early in the morning? Going to visit your wife?”
“I’m off to work,” replied the young man known as Douzi, tugging at his new clothes with a beaming smile.
“Work?” Ah San, curious about Douzi’s joyous demeanor, asked, “Why are you so happy? Did you find a good job?”
Douzi, full of pride, exclaimed, “It’s indeed a great job! Have you heard of the Imperial City Amusement Park in the outskirts of the capital? It opens today, and I’m working there.”
“The Imperial City Amusement Park?” Ah San suddenly became alert. His hands loosened, and unbeknownst to him, his pants dropped to his ankles. “That’s the place operated by ‘Nan Yi’! You’re incredibly lucky. How much will you earn per month?”
“Two taels!” Douzi proudly extended two fingers, but before he could finish speaking, he had already walked far away. “Brother San, I’m in a hurry to go to work. We’ll chat next time!”
“Two taels…” Ah San was dumbfounded. That was much more than what his small grocery store could earn in a month. Even earning 600 coins per month was considered remarkable.
“Bang! Bang! Bang!”
The deafening sound of firecrackers echoed from the first hour of Mao until the second quarter, even reaching the ministers waiting inside the palace, who whispered among themselves.
“What’s that sound?”
“Do you know about the ‘Imperial City Amusement Park’ in the outskirts? It opens today. I heard they have many attractions for children. My son is taking my grandson there to play.”
“How could we not know? They’ve been distributing those colorful ‘promotional flyers’ everywhere for the past few days. As soon as the kids see them, they clamor to go. I’m also planning to take my child there for some fun.”
…..
Huangfu Yu Chen listened from the side door, smiled at the person still asleep in bed and gestured to Deng Mande.
“The Emperor has arrived!”
All the ministers knelt.
“Long live the Emperor!”
“Rise, my ministers.” Huangfu Yuchen took his seat on the dragon throne. “If there is any matter to report, do so. Otherwise, you may leave.”
The ministers were uncertain, their minds preoccupied with thoughts of the amusement park. These ministers, who had risen to the level of being eligible to attend the court, were not young anymore. They either had young children or grandchildren. The amusement park’s promotion was well done, with almost every street adorned with colorful flyers. Even if they hadn’t been out recently, the servants responsible for household errands or the stewards could bring back a few flyers. It was said that on the opening day of the amusement park, there would be a lucky draw. They all wanted to take their little ones there, even if just to join in the excitement.
Huangfu Yuchen rose and left.
Once Deng Mande called for the court’s adjournment, the ministers couldn’t wait to leave.
Huangfu Yuchen returned to the Tenglong Palace, where Yan Jin and the young crown prince anxiously sat on the crystal couch, occasionally casting glances at the draped dragon bed, fidgeting.
A palace maid softly reported to Huangfu Yuchen, “Reporting to Your Majesty, Yan Cairen is still sleeping.”
“Father Emperor,” Yan Jin, who wad braver than the young crown prince, approached Huangfu Yuchen. “Please wake Second Master. He promised to take us to the amusement park today.” He didn’t mind acting like a child, especially since Second Master’s invented games were truly enjoyable.
The young crown prince also looked at Huangfu Yuchen eagerly. “Yes, Father Emperor.”
Huangfu Yuchen cast a casual glance at them and walked towards the dragon bed. “Why the rush? You two have VIP tickets. Even if you go late, you’ll get to play before others.”
Yan Jin and the young crown prince could only sit back silently, dejectedly leaning on the table, their faces reflecting disappointment.
Huangfu Yuchen lifted the bed curtains, revealing Yan Ge who was lying on the bed. It was unknown how long he had been awake, and was resting his chin on his hands and smiling as he looked at him.
Huangfu Yuchen raised an eyebrow.
Suppressing a smile, Yan Ge leaned in close to his ear and whispered, “I’m deliberately teasing them.”
“It’s also a way to cultivate their patience,” Huangfu Yuchen smirked, leaning in to kiss him.
Unlike the young crown prince, Yan Jin had sharp ears and intentionally overheard their conversation. He ran over and stared at the two of them.
Huangfu Yuchen had no choice but to separate from Yan Ge.
“You’re finally awake!” the young crown prince trotted over, his face full of excitement.
Yan Ge sat up, stretched lazily, and pinched the small faces of the two boys. “Crown Prince, do you remember our agreement?”
The young crown prince’s expression became serious. “I remember. We can play happily when it’s time to play, but we must be focused and diligent when it’s time to study. This Crown Prince keeps his word.”
Huangfu Yuchen smirked.
“Good, we’ll leave after I freshen up.” After a month of preparation, the Imperial City Amusement Park was finally opening. Naturally, they wanted to take their own children there for some fun.
“I’ll go change clothes.” Huangfu Yuchen kissed Yan Ge’s lips and walked behind the screen.
Amidst the watchful gazes of Yan Jin and the young crown prince, Yan Ge shook his head inwardly, hastening his washing routine. After tidying up, he took out two identical backpacks from the wardrobe. He opened them to check the contents: water pouches, snacks, a small pouch with a few coins, and a set of spare clothes. The backpacks were sky blue, embroidered with majestic yellow tigers. Yan Jin and the young crown prince happily gathered around.
Yan Ge helped the two boys put on their backpacks and secretly instructed Yan Jin, “Remember to use illusion magic to change the appearances of yourself, the young crown prince, and Eunuch Deng when we go out.”
“Master, rest assured.”
Once everything was prepared, Yan Ge and Huangfu Yuchen each held one child and walked out. Deng Mande changed into casual attire and followed behind. In addition, there were four visible guards, not to mention the concealed secret guards.
The young Crown Prince glanced at Huangfu Yuchen and Yan Ge, his face beaming with joy. Since getting to know Yang Cairen, he had become much happier. Emperor Father not only held his hand but also occasionally carried him.
A discreet carriage steadily made its way towards the palace gate.
The entrance of the amusement park, “Imperial City Amusement Park,” was written in gold, red, green, blue, and yellow letters. Below, the “Nan Yi” logo was particularly prominent.
Colorful flags fluttered on the gate pillars, and outside the gate, it was packed with people—men bringing their children to play, forming long queues at the entrance. Yan Ge and Huangfu Yuchen were not surprised to see familiar faces inside. Some were Yan Ge’s business acquaintances, while others were high-ranking officials from the court.
Outside the specially erected barriers, vendors shouted loudly, “Melon seeds, delicious melon seeds!”
“Roasted sweet potatoes, fragrant roasted sweet potatoes!”
“Come and see, come and see, interesting clay figurines!”
“Cool and sweet green bean soup!”
“There are so many people in line, we’ll have to wait a long time,” the young crown prince said disappointedly.
Yan Jin comforted him, saying, “Don’t worry, we have VIP cards.”
Since there were too many people, the carriage couldn’t get close. Yan Ge instructed the coachman to park the carriage to the side. He and Huangfu Yuchen carried rhe two little ones, their unique backpacks immediately attracting the attention of many children. With their heads held high under the envious gazes of the crowd, the young crown prince and Yan Jin followed Yan Ge and Huangfu Yuchen towards the VIP entrance.
“Young Master Qin!” Kang Jian, accompanied by his son, was also in line. When he saw Yan Ge walking over, he immediately had a delighted expression. Ever since the unsuccessful attempt to introduce his sister to Yan Ge, Yan Ge had been somewhat distant towards him, and he had been looking for an opportunity to reconnect with Yan Ge.
“It’s Young Master Kang,” Yan Ge nodded in acknowledgment, offering a slight smile.
Kang Jian smiled and said, “Young Master Qin, congratulations on the opening of your amusement park. I have been intending to cooperate with your First Company—”
Yan Ge raised his hand to interrupt him, smiling apologetically, “I’m sorry, Young Master Kang. Today, I’m here with my family to have fun. Let’s not talk about business, Young Master. We’ll discuss it another day.”
With that, he took out a token and signaled to a staff member. “Young Master Kang is my friend. Let him enter from here.”
“Yes, Young Master Qin.”
Yan Ge nodded to Kang Jian and had the young crown prince and Yan Jin hand their tickets to the staff member for stamping, then the four of them entered together.
Kang Jian stood in place for a while before finally leading his son inside.
The tables and chairs within the amusement park were all meticulously crafted round logs, polished to a mirror-like smoothness and dyed in a kaleidoscope of colors, exuding a charming childlike quality. The park was even livelier than the outside, with a row of shops selling fruits, snacks, drinks, toys… everything one could desire, including a branch of the Intellectual Toys House. The vendors who set up their shops inside the amusement park had to pay a substantial fee, but their earnings far exceeded this expense.
Laughter and joyful voices filled the air as the young crown prince and Yan Jin’s attentive gaze swept across the carousel, slide, swing, Ferris wheel, and pirate ship etc, unable to decide what to play on.
Huangfu Yuchen’s face showed a rare shocked expression, while Yan Ge couldn’t help but chuckle, playfully patting him on the bottom.
“How does the carousel work?” Huangfu Yuchen looked at the carousel. Various colored wooden horses carried children who were smiling so hard.
Yan Ge explained, “Most of the attractions have a hidden chamber underground, operated entirely by manpower.”
“How do the workers below know when to start and stop?” Huangfu Yuchen was quite curious.
Yan Ge smiled mischievously. “Do you see that upright iron pillar over there? The staff members above would strike it once, and upon receiving the signal, the workers below would start operating the mechanism. It stops after ten rotations. One ticket allows you to ride for ten rotations.”
“I see.”
“Father, Papa!” The young crown prince, who was excitedly watching other children play, pointed at a high platform. “I want to play on that first!” To make things easier, Huangfu Yuchen and the young crown prince had agreed to refer to Huangfu Yuchen as Father and Yan Ge as Papa. Yan Ge gave him a stern look at the time, but he did not object.
Huangfu Yuchen patted the young crown prince’s head approvingly. “You’re so brave! Let’s go.”
Both the young crown prince and Yan Jin were fearless and chose to play on the attractions that tested their bravery, laughing heartily. The guards kept a watchful eye on them, not daring to be the slightest bit distracted.
Huangfu Yuchen pulled Yan Ge under a parasol. “Are you thirsty?”
“I’m not thirsty. These two little ones dare to play anything. Bungee jumping is actually prepared for older children,” Yan Ge shook his head slightly.
Huangfu Yuchen gazed at him, smiling without saying a word.
Yan Ge was puzzled. “What’s the matter?”
Huangfu Yuchen embraced his waist. “Yunxi is lucky to have met you.”
“Aren’t you lucky?” Yan Ge raised his chin, the way his lips curled up at the corners was a fatal temptation to Huangfu Yuchen.
“I’m luckier than him.” Huangfu Yuchen chuckled softly, leaning closer to nuzzle his ear with his lips.
Wen Xian observed from a distance for a while, wiping the sweat from his forehead with a handkerchief, shaking his head as he fanned himself with a folding fan, and calmly walked over.
“Young Master Qin, I feel like I’ve been deceived. You’re here enjoying the cool breeze while I’m sweating over there.”
Yan Ge laughed. “Boss Wen, it’s too late for regrets.”
“I don’t know who this is?” Wen Xian bowed to Huangfu Yuchen.
Huangfu Yuchen playfully glanced at Yan Ge.
Yan Ge held onto Huangfu Yuchen’s waist, giving a concise answer. “I am his husband.”
Huangfu Yuchen gave him a sidelong glance, his eyes filled with indulgent laughter, and he greeted Wen Xian with a cupped fist. “Huang Chenyu. Master Wen, our family owes you a lot for taking care of our Qin.”
Opening
The genius of dawn broke through the narrow alley, revealing a small grocery store. A drowsy shopkeeper named Ah San yawned as he opened the door, sluggishly fastening his belt. Suddenly, he spotted an acquaintance passing by with great vigor.
He quickly called out, “Hey, Douzi, why are you dressed so neatly early in the morning? Going to visit your wife?”
“I’m off to work,” replied the young man known as Douzi, tugging at his new clothes with a beaming smile.
“Work?” Ah San, curious about Douzi’s joyous demeanor, asked, “Why are you so happy? Did you find a good job?”
Douzi, full of pride, exclaimed, “It’s indeed a great job! Have you heard of the Imperial City Amusement Park in the outskirts of the capital? It opens today, and I’m working there.”
“The Imperial City Amusement Park?” Ah San suddenly became alert. His hands loosened, and unbeknownst to him, his pants dropped to his ankles. “That’s the place operated by ‘Nan Yi’! You’re incredibly lucky. How much will you earn per month?”
“Two taels!” Douzi proudly extended two fingers, but before he could finish speaking, he had already walked far away. “Brother San, I’m in a hurry to go to work. We’ll chat next time!”
“Two taels…” Ah San was dumbfounded. That was much more than what his small grocery store could earn in a month. Even earning 600 coins per month was considered remarkable.
“Bang! Bang! Bang!”
The deafening sound of firecrackers echoed from the first hour of Mao until the second quarter, even reaching the ministers waiting inside the palace, who whispered among themselves.
“What’s that sound?”
“Do you know about the ‘Imperial City Amusement Park’ in the outskirts? It opens today. I heard they have many attractions for children. My son is taking my grandson there to play.”
“How could we not know? They’ve been distributing those colorful ‘promotional flyers’ everywhere for the past few days. As soon as the kids see them, they clamor to go. I’m also planning to take my child there for some fun.”
…..
Huangfu Yu Chen listened from the side door, smiled at the person still asleep in bed and gestured to Deng Mande.
“The Emperor has arrived!”
All the ministers knelt.
“Long live the Emperor!”
“Rise, my ministers.” Huangfu Yuchen took his seat on the dragon throne. “If there is any matter to report, do so. Otherwise, you may leave.”
The ministers were uncertain, their minds preoccupied with thoughts of the amusement park. These ministers, who had risen to the level of being eligible to attend the court, were not young anymore. They either had young children or grandchildren. The amusement park’s promotion was well done, with almost every street adorned with colorful flyers. Even if they hadn’t been out recently, the servants responsible for household errands or the stewards could bring back a few flyers. It was said that on the opening day of the amusement park, there would be a lucky draw. They all wanted to take their little ones there, even if just to join in the excitement.
Huangfu Yuchen rose and left.
Once Deng Mande called for the court’s adjournment, the ministers couldn’t wait to leave.
Huangfu Yuchen returned to the Tenglong Palace, where Yan Jin and the young crown prince anxiously sat on the crystal couch, occasionally casting glances at the draped dragon bed, fidgeting.
A palace maid softly reported to Huangfu Yuchen, “Reporting to Your Majesty, Yan Cairen is still sleeping.”
“Father Emperor,” Yan Jin, who wad braver than the young crown prince, approached Huangfu Yuchen. “Please wake Second Master. He promised to take us to the amusement park today.” He didn’t mind acting like a child, especially since Second Master’s invented games were truly enjoyable.
The young crown prince also looked at Huangfu Yuchen eagerly. “Yes, Father Emperor.”
Huangfu Yuchen cast a casual glance at them and walked towards the dragon bed. “Why the rush? You two have VIP tickets. Even if you go late, you’ll get to play before others.”
Yan Jin and the young crown prince could only sit back silently, dejectedly leaning on the table, their faces reflecting disappointment.
Huangfu Yuchen lifted the bed curtains, revealing Yan Ge who was lying on the bed. It was unknown how long he had been awake, and was resting his chin on his hands and smiling as he looked at him.
Huangfu Yuchen raised an eyebrow.
Suppressing a smile, Yan Ge leaned in close to his ear and whispered, “I’m deliberately teasing them.”
“It’s also a way to cultivate their patience,” Huangfu Yuchen smirked, leaning in to kiss him.
Unlike the young crown prince, Yan Jin had sharp ears and intentionally overheard their conversation. He ran over and stared at the two of them.
Huangfu Yuchen had no choice but to separate from Yan Ge.
“You’re finally awake!” the young crown prince trotted over, his face full of excitement.
Yan Ge sat up, stretched lazily, and pinched the small faces of the two boys. “Crown Prince, do you remember our agreement?”
The young crown prince’s expression became serious. “I remember. We can play happily when it’s time to play, but we must be focused and diligent when it’s time to study. This Crown Prince keeps his word.”
Huangfu Yuchen smirked.
“Good, we’ll leave after I freshen up.” After a month of preparation, the Imperial City Amusement Park was finally opening. Naturally, they wanted to take their own children there for some fun.
“I’ll go change clothes.” Huangfu Yuchen kissed Yan Ge’s lips and walked behind the screen.
Amidst the watchful gazes of Yan Jin and the young crown prince, Yan Ge shook his head inwardly, hastening his washing routine. After tidying up, he took out two identical backpacks from the wardrobe. He opened them to check the contents: water pouches, snacks, a small pouch with a few coins, and a set of spare clothes. The backpacks were sky blue, embroidered with majestic yellow tigers. Yan Jin and the young crown prince happily gathered around.
Yan Ge helped the two boys put on their backpacks and secretly instructed Yan Jin, “Remember to use illusion magic to change the appearances of yourself, the young crown prince, and Eunuch Deng when we go out.”
“Master, rest assured.”
Once everything was prepared, Yan Ge and Huangfu Yuchen each held one child and walked out. Deng Mande changed into casual attire and followed behind. In addition, there were four visible guards, not to mention the concealed secret guards.
The young Crown Prince glanced at Huangfu Yuchen and Yan Ge, his face beaming with joy. Since getting to know Yang Cairen, he had become much happier. Emperor Father not only held his hand but also occasionally carried him.
A discreet carriage steadily made its way towards the palace gate.
The entrance of the amusement park, “Imperial City Amusement Park,” was written in gold, red, green, blue, and yellow letters. Below, the “Nan Yi” logo was particularly prominent.
Colorful flags fluttered on the gate pillars, and outside the gate, it was packed with people—men bringing their children to play, forming long queues at the entrance. Yan Ge and Huangfu Yuchen were not surprised to see familiar faces inside. Some were Yan Ge’s business acquaintances, while others were high-ranking officials from the court.
Outside the specially erected barriers, vendors shouted loudly, “Melon seeds, delicious melon seeds!”
“Roasted sweet potatoes, fragrant roasted sweet potatoes!”
“Come and see, come and see, interesting clay figurines!”
“Cool and sweet green bean soup!”
“There are so many people in line, we’ll have to wait a long time,” the young crown prince said disappointedly.
Yan Jin comforted him, saying, “Don’t worry, we have VIP cards.”
Since there were too many people, the carriage couldn’t get close. Yan Ge instructed the coachman to park the carriage to the side. He and Huangfu Yuchen carried rhe two little ones, their unique backpacks immediately attracting the attention of many children. With their heads held high under the envious gazes of the crowd, the young crown prince and Yan Jin followed Yan Ge and Huangfu Yuchen towards the VIP entrance.
“Young Master Qin!” Kang Jian, accompanied by his son, was also in line. When he saw Yan Ge walking over, he immediately had a delighted expression. Ever since the unsuccessful attempt to introduce his sister to Yan Ge, Yan Ge had been somewhat distant towards him, and he had been looking for an opportunity to reconnect with Yan Ge.
“It’s Young Master Kang,” Yan Ge nodded in acknowledgment, offering a slight smile.
Kang Jian smiled and said, “Young Master Qin, congratulations on the opening of your amusement park. I have been intending to cooperate with your First Company—”
Yan Ge raised his hand to interrupt him, smiling apologetically, “I’m sorry, Young Master Kang. Today, I’m here with my family to have fun. Let’s not talk about business, Young Master. We’ll discuss it another day.”
With that, he took out a token and signaled to a staff member. “Young Master Kang is my friend. Let him enter from here.”
“Yes, Young Master Qin.”
Yan Ge nodded to Kang Jian and had the young crown prince and Yan Jin hand their tickets to the staff member for stamping, then the four of them entered together.
Kang Jian stood in place for a while before finally leading his son inside.
The tables and chairs within the amusement park were all meticulously crafted round logs, polished to a mirror-like smoothness and dyed in a kaleidoscope of colors, exuding a charming childlike quality. The park was even livelier than the outside, with a row of shops selling fruits, snacks, drinks, toys… everything one could desire, including a branch of the Intellectual Toys House. The vendors who set up their shops inside the amusement park had to pay a substantial fee, but their earnings far exceeded this expense.
Laughter and joyful voices filled the air as the young crown prince and Yan Jin’s attentive gaze swept across the carousel, slide, swing, Ferris wheel, and pirate ship etc, unable to decide what to play on.
Huangfu Yuchen’s face showed a rare shocked expression, while Yan Ge couldn’t help but chuckle, playfully patting him on the bottom.
“How does the carousel work?” Huangfu Yuchen looked at the carousel. Various colored wooden horses carried children who were smiling so hard.
Yan Ge explained, “Most of the attractions have a hidden chamber underground, operated entirely by manpower.”
“How do the workers below know when to start and stop?” Huangfu Yuchen was quite curious.
Yan Ge smiled mischievously. “Do you see that upright iron pillar over there? The staff members above would strike it once, and upon receiving the signal, the workers below would start operating the mechanism. It stops after ten rotations. One ticket allows you to ride for ten rotations.”
“I see.”
“Father, Papa!” The young crown prince, who was excitedly watching other children play, pointed at a high platform. “I want to play on that first!” To make things easier, Huangfu Yuchen and the young crown prince had agreed to refer to Huangfu Yuchen as Father and Yan Ge as Papa. Yan Ge gave him a stern look at the time, but he did not object.
Huangfu Yuchen patted the young crown prince’s head approvingly. “You’re so brave! Let’s go.”
Both the young crown prince and Yan Jin were fearless and chose to play on the attractions that tested their bravery, laughing heartily. The guards kept a watchful eye on them, not daring to be the slightest bit distracted.
Huangfu Yuchen pulled Yan Ge under a parasol. “Are you thirsty?”
“I’m not thirsty. These two little ones dare to play anything. Bungee jumping is actually prepared for older children,” Yan Ge shook his head slightly.
Huangfu Yuchen gazed at him, smiling without saying a word.
Yan Ge was puzzled. “What’s the matter?”
Huangfu Yuchen embraced his waist. “Yunxi is lucky to have met you.”
“Aren’t you lucky?” Yan Ge raised his chin, the way his lips curled up at the corners was a fatal temptation to Huangfu Yuchen.
“I’m luckier than him.” Huangfu Yuchen chuckled softly, leaning closer to nuzzle his ear with his lips.
Wen Xian observed from a distance for a while, wiping the sweat from his forehead with a handkerchief, shaking his head as he fanned himself with a folding fan, and calmly walked over.
“Young Master Qin, I feel like I’ve been deceived. You’re here enjoying the cool breeze while I’m sweating over there.”
Yan Ge laughed. “Boss Wen, it’s too late for regrets.”
“I don’t know who this is?” Wen Xian bowed to Huangfu Yuchen.
Huangfu Yuchen playfully glanced at Yan Ge.
Yan Ge held onto Huangfu Yuchen’s waist, giving a concise answer. “I am his husband.”
Huangfu Yuchen gave him a sidelong glance, his eyes filled with indulgent laughter, and he greeted Wen Xian with a cupped fist. “Huang Chenyu. Master Wen, our family owes you a lot for taking care of our Qin.”
