By the time Shen Huaishi withdrew, it had already gone dark outside. Lin Qingyu and Jiang Xing looked at each other without saying a word, separated by the scattered scrolls.
Feeling the coldness radiating from Lin Qingyuâs body, Jiang Xing panicked a little. Heâd made Lin Qingyu distressed again. He wasnât afraid of Lin Qingyu being angry with him, but he was afraid of being unable to coax him.
Jiang Xing was worrying about how to coax him when Xiu Jiao momo came in and reminded Lin Qingyu, âMaster Lin, itâs about time for His Majesty to head to bed.â
It was already a violation of the rules for the emperor and his minister to live together in Xingqing Palace. If they were even going to sleep together in the same room, even the Empress Dowager would not agree. For the past few days, Lin Qingyu has been staying in the side hall, only a few steps away from the emperorâs bedroom. But even still, he sometimes felt it wasnât enough. When he couldnât fall asleep, after waking up from a dream, he would go to the main hall to take a look, just to make sure that Jiang Xing was still there.
At this moment, he didnât want to let Jiang Xing go. And so he blurted out, âHe canât go.â
Xiu Jiao momo was so frightened by Lin Qingyuâs cold tone that she didnât even dare to breathe too loud. Master Lin wasnât easy to get along with even at the best of times and now, he had just lost his husband. He must be in a terrible frame of mind. Who would dare to provoke him at a time like this?
Jiang Xing said slowly, âWithdraw for now.â
Xiu Jiao momo was stunned. When did the Emperor start sounding like a grown man? Even one with the air of one used to being followed? She didnât have time to think about it. She bowed and retreated.
Jiang Xing looked carefully at Lin Qingyuâs expression. He said coldly, âJiang Xing, sure enough, you are a great big liar. Just how many things are you hiding from me?â
Lin Qingyu frowned, âAre you play-acting me now?â
Jiang Xing wound his arms around Lin Qingyuâs waist, smiled and pulled him into his arms. âIâm just speaking for you. You know, so you can rest for a while.â
Lin Qingyu whispered, âYou said⌠it was quick.â
âAnd it really was very quick. Thousands of arrows pierced my heart. How can it not be quick?â Jiang Xing said half-truthfully, âTo be honest, I think this way of dying is quite pleasant, much better than dying slowly from illness.â
Lin Qingyu closed his eyes, tightly gripped his fingers. âThat wasnât a faithful reenactment.â
âOh?â
âI wonât call you a big liar.â
Jiang Xing suddenly said, âThatâs right, you should call me a âbruteâ.â
Lin Qingyu paused and said, âJiang Xing, you great big idiot.â
Jiang Xing laughed out loud, âBaobei, you arenât angry anymore?â This coaxing task was a lot easier than he expected.
Lin Qingyu shook his head. âI canât bring myself to get angry anymore.â He lowered his head and leaned on Jiang Xingâs shoulder. His voice trembling slightly, âWhy do you always have to suffer like that? It happened to Lu Wancheng and even as Gu Fuzhou you couldnât escape it.â
Jiang Xing smiled. âIâm curious too. Why is it always me?â He said casually, âI donât think Iâve done anything so atrocious as to offend the Heavens.â
Lin Qingyuâs shoulders stiffened and his eyes grew wide. Jiang Xing, who was holding him, immediately noticed his strange behavior. He looked down at him. âWhatâs wrong?â
Lin Qingyu held his breath and clung to him even tighter. ââŚItâs nothing. Can you not leave tonight?â
Weâre sorry for MTLers or people who like using reading mode, but our translations keep getting stolen by aggregators so weâre going to bring back the copy protection. If you need to MTL please retype the gibberish parts.
Jiang Xing accompanied Lin Qingyu until he fell sleep. Once Lin Qingyu was sleeping sound, he quietly returned to the main hall. From the warm, fragrant and soft embrace, he returned bitterly to his cold bed.
He had to find a way to be able to sleep with Lin Qingyu openly and aboveboard. While they might be just sleeping next to each other in bed now, later on, if after making love he would still need to pull up his pants and leave, well, that was just too miserable and truly proper scumbag behavior. But more importantly, running back and forth like this every night was really tiring.
The news of Gu Fuzhouâs death spread in throughout the capital. Everyone in the city, from high to low, from civil and military officials to ordinary common fold, all sighed woefully. In the barracks, all these burly soldier had their eyes swollen from crying. When Wu Guogong heard the bad news, tears burst from his aged eyes and cried bitterly about how Heaven had no eyes. Wu Zhan was also overwhelmed with grief; the hair on his temples turned gray and he was no longer are lively and vigorous as before. Even some of the imperial censors who disliked Gu Fuzhou had to put on a show and shed a few hypocritical tears.
There were rumors that after the new emperor ascended the throne, he began to grow more familiar with human affairs. When he learned of Gu Fuzhouâs death, it was as though he had lost an elder brother and he went so far as to cut off his hair as a sacrifice to be burned, to comfort Gu Fuzhouâs spirit in heaven.
Lin Qingyu was Gu Fuzhouâs widow and the only remaining master of the Generalâs Mansion. He had no choice but to go back to the Mansion to oversee the funeral. He was dressed in mourning clothes of plain white, white like snow; even the ribbon that held his hair was white, spotless and clear as icy jade.
Jiang Xingâs eyes widened. He smiled and said, âWhere did this beautiful little widow come from? Come here and give Zhen a hug.â
Although Lin Qingyu cared nothing for worldly customs, he was wearing mourning clothes and being affectionate with another man while wearing this was a little too much even for him. âDonât make trouble.â Lin Qingyu said, âIâll be heading back to the Mansion. YouâŚâ
Jiang Xing said, conscious of the situation, âIâll obediently wait for your return in the palace and I wonât go anywhere.â
Lin Qingyu nodded. After taking a couple of steps, he still felt worried and hurriedly turned back. âDo you want to go back to the Mansion to see the little Guâs? Theyâve gotten very bigâŚâ
Jiang Xing smiled lazily. âAlright.â
Lin Qingyu breathed a sigh of relief. He called in Xiao Songzi to help change Jiang Xingâs clothes. âIf the empress dowager asks, tell her that the emperor has already fallen asleep and it would be inconvenient for him to see visitors.â
Jiang Xing changed into the attire of a normal son of nobility. His short hair was too eye-catching so Lin Qingyu put a hooded fox fur cape on him. No one in the Gu Mansion had yet to see Xiao Li so they should not be able to recognize him.
The two got into the carriage and Jiang Xing joked, âCan you rely on Xiao Songzi to cover up for us? He is âXiao Songziâ, after all.â
Lin Qingyu said, âHe is very tight in front of me. He is a trustworthy person.â
Jiang Xingâs smile faded. âThisâŚâ
Outside the Generalâs Mansion, Yuan Yin had brought Huan Tong, Hua Lu, Zhang Shiquan and the others to await his arrival. Looking from a distance, they were a swath of bleak, plain white. Jiang Xing looked at the words âGu Mansionâ written on the white banner hanging over the gates and felt as though he were seeing something from a lifetime ago.
Ever since Jiang Xing entered the dream within Gu Fuzhouâs first seven days from death, Lin Qingyu had yet to return to the Gu Mansion. Yuan Yin was a very capable person. After receiving the news, he held back his grief and set up the mourning hall, preparing everything. âMadam, youâre back.â
Huan Tong said with eyes turned red. âYoung Master, is the General reallyâŚis he really gone? He was so powerful, how could he just be gone like that⌠Could they have made some sort of mistake?â
Lin Qingyu made no comment. He said, âDonât stand around here. Letâs go in.â
Seeing the young man following Lin Qingyu, Yuan Yin was taken aback. He asked, âMadam, who might this be?â
âDo not mind him. Simply take it that he goes with me.â
Gu Fuzhouâs body had yet to arrive at the capital but there was already an endless stream of people who came to the Gu Mansion to offer their condolences. Most were Gu Fuzhouâs former subordinates and Lin Qingyu had to take great care to receive them. Jiang Xing was hidden away in the side hall by Lin Qingyu. Separated by a curtain, he fell asleep listening to the sound of sobbing and weeping. Until a loud voice rang out and jolted him awake.
âIt was me! It was I who killed the General! If I hadnât forced the General to take command of the Northwest, how could the General have ended up like this! General, General, without you, what would the Dayu do in the future⌠I have became the Dayuâs eternal sinnerâŚâ
Yuan Yin watched Wu Zhan wailing loudly, already losing control. He asked Lin Qingyu, âMadam, should you try to comfort General Wu?â
Lin Qingyu was kneeling in front of Gu Fuzhouâs memorial tablet. âItâs fine, let him cry.â
While Wu Zhan howled all the way til dusk, many people came one after another. Zhang Shiquan announced each one to Lin Qingyu as they came. âMadam, Master Li from the Ministry of War is here.â
There was only one âLiâ in a position of power within the Ministry of War â Li Chan. Jiang Xing had heard Lin Qingyu talk of Li Chan. Lin Qingyuâs evaluation of him was âa person possessing of both within and without; can be usedâ. It was much higher than Xiao Songziâs evaluation. â F*cking âpossessing of both within and withoutâ.
Jiang Xing lifted the curtain, just in time to see Li Chan walking into the mourning hall. With a handsome appearance and the strong style of a man of letters, he was indeed a young talent.
Li Chan held the lit incense sticks and bowed three times in front of Gu Fuzhouâs memorial tablet. He then walked up to Lin Qingyu and said, âMaster Lin.â
Lin Qingyu nodded towards Li Chan. âMaster Li.â
Li Chan couldnât help reaching out his hand, wanting to lay it on that slender shoulder. As soon as he was about to touch, his hand dropped once again. In the end, he still didnât have that much courage. He only dared to use words to comfort him. âThe dead cannot be brought back to life. I hope Master Lin can find it in himself to restrain his grief and accept this inevitable loss.â
Jiang Xing chuckled. He let the curtain fall to a close, sat back and continued to drowse.
Hua Lu and Huan Tong knelt in front of the brazier burning paper money. The former muttered, âWhy is the Young Master so calm?â
Huan Tong said, âYou forgot, when Young Master Hou passed away, Young Master was also very calm. But in his heart, he must feel more aggrieved than anyone else.â
Hua Lu shook her head. âItâs different.â She could feel the subtle difference but she couldnât tell what exactly was different.
With the sunset, the guests gradually dispersed. According to the Dayuâs customs, Lin Qingyu had to keep vigil for his deceased husband for three days.
Seeing that Lin Qingyu had dismissed all the servants, Jiang Xing came out of the side hall, yawning. Lin Qingyu cast a sidelong glance at him. âWill you light incense for yourself?â
âNo.â Jiang Xing leaned over and wrapped his arms around Lin Qingyu from behind. âQingyu, Iâm sleepy.â
Lin Qingyu said, âGo back to your room and sleep then.â
Jiang Xing said sleepily, âCome with me.â
Lin Qingyu looked at Gu Fuzhouâs memorial tablet and took Jiang Xingâs arms away from his waist. âMy apologies, Your Majesty but this minister cannot accept your kind thoughts. I am still observing a mourning period for General Gu.â
Jiang Xing closed his eyes and smiled. âSince aiqing said this, Zhen finds that he is no longer sleep. â how do you plan to observe this mourning period for General Gu?â
âAt the very least, I wonât be accompanying the Emperor to sleep under the Generalâs roof.â
âIt doesnât matter.â Jiang Xingâs eyes were bright, as though brewing they were brewing something wicked beneath the surface. âWeâll do it secretly. We wonât let anyone find out.â
Lin Qingyu: ââŚâ
âSo, would you like to have a secret affair with meâMadam Gu?â The words âMadam Guâ were said with a rising tone, the ending sounding as though it carried an ambiguous smile.
Lin Qingyu said calmly, âThis body of yours is not yet eighteen.â
Jiang Xing was stunned. ââŚHuh?â
âI remember you said that in your hometown, there are many restrictions on men under the age of 18. They are not allowed to marry and have sex with others.â Lin Qingyu paused, âIn addition, you also said that in your hometown, itâs illegal to sleep with a dullard.â
Jiang Xing tried to take back his words. âDid I say that?â
Lin Qingyu said, âYou think I remembered wrong?â
âââBut Iâm not a dullard anymore. Besides, Iâm in the Dayu now. Why should I follow the traditions of my hometown? Here, people who marry early could already have a second child by the time theyâre seventeen. Wait, wait. Youâre not actually planning to wait until this body of mine turns eighteen before you have sex with me, right? Itâs rare for me to find something that Iâm willing despite it being tiring. How can you dampen my enthusiasm like this?â
â
Seeing Jiang Xingâs pained face, Lin Qingyu couldnât help but smile. While donned in mourning clothes, he smiled and Jiang Xingâs heart burned so hot that he lowered his head, wanting to kiss him.
Lin Qingyu raised his hand to cover his lips. âNot here.â
Jiang Xing grabbed his hand. âI insist.â
When he kissed him, Lin Qingyuâs heart suddenly rose and his body trembled. The candlelight cast a dim light. Jiang Xing was too close. Lin Qingyu couldnât see his face clearly, only a vague outline.
The word âpreposterousâ flashed in Lin Qingyuâs mind. He put his hand on Jiang Xingâs chest but he couldnât push him away.
Jiang Xing felt his attempt to push him away and laughed, âBaobei is so nervous â Is it because your deceased husband is watching?â
Before Lin Qingyu could refute his lips were once against blocked by Jiang Xing. He has never been an inflexible person; since he couldnât escape it, he might as well enjoy it with peace of mind. Lin Qingyu closed his eyes and the mourning hall they were in disappeared, leaving only the gentle and warm touch, the young manâs clean and natural scent.
Suddenly, there was a slight noise from a dark corner.
Jiang Xing slowly raised his eyes and turned towards the sound, only to see a figure leaving in a hurry. He couldnât see the manâs face but just based on the back view, he already had an idea in his mind.
That this person left such a trace with his skills showed just how frightened heâd been.
Lin Qingyu was so weak from Jiang Xingâs kiss that he hadnât heard anything. Because of his shortness of breath, a soft moan escaped from lips.
This moan made Jiang Xingâs breath catch. He immediately put the matter behind him, lowered his eyes and concentrated on kissing the mourning beauty in his arms.