The day Xiao Jie ascended the throne was an auspicious day. It was also an exceedingly normal autumn day. Lin Qingyu, though he has an official position but because it was only as fifth-rank imperial physician, add to that his status as a male wife, rendered him unqualified to participate in the enthronement ceremony. However, he was still able to stand in the midst of a group of civil servants. To either side of him were the Assistant Minister of Revenue and the Jian Yi Senior Official. Not only that, but he was the youngest among these fifth-rank officials; only twenty years old this year.
Some people said that he was able to stand here because of General Guâs honor; others believed that Lin Qingyu himself was favored by the new emperor and the empress dowager. Lin Qingyu was allowed to walk freely in the palace, frequently visiting the Qinzheng Palace and Fengyi Palace. It could be seen that this person wasnât just a simply Imperial Physician. There were rumors in the palace that the new emperor had offered Lin Qingyu his pick of any position he wanted, even jesting that the position of prime minister was open to him. But Lin Qingyu had declined. Lin Qingyu said that he wanted merely to be an imperial physician.
At the announcement that âthe emperor has arrivedâ, all the ministers knelt down and kowtowed. Lin Qingyu and Gu Fuzhou were no exception. The ground was quite hard and Lin Qingyu felt uncomfortable on his knees. The red carpet was spread all the way from the gate of the palace to Zichen Hall. The new emperor walked down the carpet, passing the civil and military officials one by one; finally, setting foot on the long steps to Zichen Hall.
In the Dayu, black was a color to be respected. The dragon robe was mostly black and gold. Pure black inlaid with gold threads, embroidered with a nine-clawed dragon. The hem of the dragon robe was extremely wide, dragging over the long steps, covering the emperorâs feet. Every time the emperor took a step, the ceremonial crown on his head would make a sound, the golden beads colliding.
Following the new emperor was a reserved, androgynous-looking eunuch. This man was dressed connoting his status as the one in charge of the Si Lijian stared fixedly at the emperorâs back. He followed him up the long steps, setting foot into the Zichen Hall and finally making their way towards the throne.
Xiao Jie sat down on the dragon throne. He opened his mouth, said something and the minister of rites said, âAll riseââ
Lin Qingyu stood up and looked at the dragon throne from a distance. Though Xiao Jie had donned on the luxurious dragon robe, he was still nothing more than a pretty idiot; not worth mentioning. Lin Qingyu spared him only a glance before focusing on Xi Rong.
It was ridiculous. No matter how much Xi Rong hated his status as a castrate, for Xiao Jie, for power, he had no choice but to once again be a court eunuch. At least, this time he was head of the court eunuchs.
After the enthronement ceremony, Lin Qingyu was about to return to the Mansion with Gu Fuzhou, when he was found by Xiao Songzi, saying that the emperor had invited him to Qinzheng Palace. Lin Qingyu asked, âSay so clearly, was it the Emperor who invited me or Eunuch Xi?â
Xiao Songzi was now the eunuch in charge of serving tea in the Qinzheng Hall, any sign of trouble within Qinzheng Hall would appear right under his nose. âThe invitation came from the Emperor,â he said, âEunuch Xi is busy with the Empress Dowagerâs move from Fengyi Palace to Ciâan Palace.â
âDoesnât seem to be anything serious.â Gu Fuzhou said, âGo ahead, Iâll wait for you in the Imperial Garden.â
Lin Qingyu came to the Qinzheng Hall. Xiao Jie was surrounded by several palace maids, helping him change. Xiao Jie grinned when he saw him. âImperial Physician Lin, youâre here. Take a seat first. I⌠Zhen will be finished here soon. Xiao Songzi, serve Imperial Physician Lin some tea.â
After some time, Xiao Jie was back in his regular clothes. He complained, âThis dragon robe is really too hard to wear and the ceremonial crown was so heavy, I though it would break my neck.â
Lin Qingyu said: âThe dragon robe is heavy so as to reflect the demeanor of the Emperor.â
Xiao Jie was quite self-aware, âBut Zhenâs aura isnât imposing enough. I canât even wear the dragon robe with enough style. If it were my brother, the Crown Prince⌠I mean Third Brother, Third Brother would be more suited to wearing something like this.â
Saying something like this in front of an official, in Lin Qingyuâs eyes, Xiao Jie was already the walking definition of âstupidâ. No matter how smart Xi Rong maybe, averaging out his intelligence with Xiao Jie, he would be nothing more than half a fool.
ââOr even Sixth Brother.â Xiao Jie kept babbling on, âImperial Physician Lin, have you seen Zhenâs Sixth Brother?â
Lin Qingyu nodded, âIâve seen him.â
Xiao Jie said excitedly, âIsnât he good-looking?â
âEn.â
âZhen has always thought Sixth Brother to be the handsomest young man in the entire world. If I were my Imperial Father, I would definitely not have left him in Jinyang Garden, separating him from his mother for so many years.â Regret appeared on Xiao Jieâs face. âHe would be a sight for sore eyes in the palace.â
Hearing these words, Xiao Jie cheered up once again, âSixth Brother and you as well, you two are the ones I like seeing the most â ah, and AâRong too.â
Lin Qingyu didnât have much interest in talking with an idiot. âFor what matter has His Majesty sought out this official?â
âOh, thatâs right.â Xiao Jie turned his neck, âWearing that ceremonial crown the entire day, my neck is now so sore. I heard that you are very proficient in acupuncture. Would you perform acupuncture on me?â
âExcuse me.â Lin Qingyu touched Xiao Jieâs neck, âDoes it hurts here?â
Xiao Jie let out a âhissâ and frowned. âRight there!â
Lin Qingyu said, âFor ordinary sprains, acupuncture is not necessary. A hot compress will be sufficient.â
Thinking that Gu Fuzhou was still waiting for him, Lin Qingyu did not stay long in the Qinzheng Hall. As he was walking out of Qinzheng Palace, he happened to Xi Rong who was on his way back from Ciâan Palace. Xi Rong maintained and refined and courteous manner. âGreetings, Imperial Physician Lin.â
Lin Qingyu gave a soft reply and headed in the direction of the Imperial Garden. Xi Rong directed a sharp look towards to his back. As soon as he entered the hall, he asked Xiao Jie, âIs something the matter that His Majesty sought out Imperial Physician Lin?â
Xiao Jie had his neck tilted, waiting for Xiao Songzi to apply a hot compress. âOh, my neck feels sore. Zhen had him take a look at it.â
Xi Rong approached and took the towel from Xiao Songzi. âLeave things here to me. You may all withdraw first.â
When the palace maids and eunuchs retired one after another, Xi Rong put the hot compress on Xiao Jieâs neck for him. âNext time His Majesty feels ill, do not go to Imperial Physician Lin. He is not the only one who has excellent medical skills in the Imperial Hospital.â
Xiao Jie was puzzled. âWhy?â
Xi Rong said calmly, âImperial Physician Lin and General Gu are not loyal to the Emperor.â
Xiao Jie stared at him and said incredulously, âThat canât be!â
âOh?â Xi Rongâs lips ticked up. âThis husband and wife pair was able to support you to the throne, naturally, they also have a way to turn you into the second Xiao Cheng. Otherwise, why would Lin Qingyu want the Empress Dowager holding court behind a curtain? Why would they have Gu Fuzhou in charge of the imperial guards?â
Xiao Jie listened ignorantly, âTheyâve helped us so much. Itâs only right that we give them something in return.â
Xi Rong was well-aware of Xiao Jieâs character and he knew talking to him was useless. And so, he said, âIn any case, His Majesty should heed my words and stay away from Lin Qingyu.â
Xiao Jie felt quite reluctant. âButâŚâ
The strength of Xi Rongâs hand suddenly increased, almost strangling Xiao Jieâs neck. He leaned against Xiao Jieâs ear and said gravely, âYour Majesty, how long have you and Lin Qingyu known each other? And how long have we known each other? Do you want to believe him over me?â
Though someone was already grabbing his neck, Xiao Jie was still completely unaware of the approaching danger. He only knew that Xi Rong seemed angry, so he hurriedly said, âAlright, I promise. Iâll stay away from him in the future. Donât be angry.â
Gu Fuzhou was hanging out in the Imperial Garden, waiting for Lin Qingyu. Empress Dowager Wen was fond of chrysanthemums and the new emperor planted all kinds of chrysanthemums in the imperial garden to show his filial piety. This was the season for when chrysanthemums were in full bloom. There was a certain kind of charm strolling through all the flowers.
Gu Fuzhou took a short walk and found a stone bench to sit down on to rest. Just as he was getting bored, he inadvertently caught sight of a young man dressed in luxurious clothes squatting behind the rockery. Although he hadnât seen the boyâs face, he had already guessed his identity. The only one who could wear such fancy clothes in the palace was Xiao Li.
Gu Fuzhou asked the eunuch accompanying him, âIs this King Huai?â
âYes.â
âWhat on earth is he doing?â Gu Fuzhou looked amused, âPlaying in the mud?â
The eunuch said, embarrassed, âThis servant does not know.â
Gu Fuzhou looked at Xiao Liâs back. His brows furrowed slightly. He was about to step forward to take a look and get to the bottom of it, when he heard Lin Qingyuâs voice coming from behind him. âGeneral.â
With his beautiful wife there, Gu Fuzhou lost all interest in looking at anyone else. âHey, you finally got here.â
Seeing his long-suffering expression, Lin Qingyu said, âI thought you like waiting for me?â
âThatâs right.â Gu Fuzhou smiled, âBut I prefer being with you.â
The two returned to the Mansion. Huan Tong was busying about in the yard. When Lin Qingyu asked, he learned that Huan Tong was getting ready to distribute charcoal to each room.
âIs it already time to use charcoal fire?â Lin Qingyu said softly, âLife flies by so fast.â
In the blink of an eye, winter was just around the corner.
Huan Tong said, âItâs not that cold yet but I was afraid the Young Master would be cold, so I thought of preparing the charcoal braziers already.â
A cold wave came charging in that night. It was indeed much colder than during the day. Before going to bed, Lin Qingyu added a few pieces of charcoal to the brazier and just as he was about to light it, he was stopped by Gu Fuzhou. âYouâre already going to use charcoal fire when it isnât even winter? Then what will you do in winter? Go out with a quilt? Has Doctor Lin not heard of the saying âKeep warm in spring, stay cool in autumn; donât rush to take off winter clothes in spring or put them on in autumnâ ?
Lin Qingyu looked at him. âBut Iâm cold.â
âIt wonât be cold if we sleep together.â Gu Fuzhou said naturally, âTomorrow, Iâll have someone change the bunk bed to a big bed.â
Lin Qingyu lowered his lashes. âEn.â
Gu Fuzhou said, tone upright and honest, âThen tonight, letâs squeeze in together first.â
With Gu Fuzhouâs body heat, even in winter, sleeping with him under the quilt was warm. Lin Qingyu slept on the inside, facing the wall. Gu Fuzhou hugged him from behind, his chest against his back.
Lin Qingyu has always occupied the bottom bunk. The pillows and quilts were suffused with a light medicinal scent.
After a while, Gu Fuzhou said, âQingyu, donât turn your back to me. Iâll end up pinning you hair down.â
Lin Qingyu turned over and faced Gu Fuzhou. âSatisfied? Now, go to sleep.â
Gu Fuzhou said, âIâll sleep in a while.â
Lin Qingyu subconsciously grabbed the quilt. âWhat are you waiting for?â
Gu Fuzhou said nothing and kissed him.
The bottom bunk was too small and the two of them were so close together they couldnât hide even the slightest movement from each other. Gu Fuzhou seemed a little surprised, as if heâd found something extraordinary. âQingyu, you have a reaction.â
Lin Qingyuâs face burned hot. He forced himself to calm down and said, âWhy canât I have a reaction? Iâm not Xi Rong.â
He was a normal man. When he makes out with someone he likes, naturally, he will have a reaction.
Gu Fuzhou smiled and said, âThatâs not what I meant. Didnât you say before that you have no interest in this matter? Because that pair of eyes of yours have seen too much.â
Also, Lin Qingyuâs temperament was too cold, as though e would never be dominated by worldly desires. For such a beauty to become like becuase of his kiss, there was nothing in life that could top this.
They had no idea when it happened but the two now changed position, with one on top of the other. Lin Qingyu tried his best to remain calm, âDonât you want me to have a reaction?â
âHow could that be?â Gu Fuzhou pinned his hands on the bed. He leaned over to look at him, âI am honored that youâd be aroused because of me.â
Gu Fuzhou saying this made Lin Qingyu even more ill at ease. âIgnore it. Iâll be fine in a while.â
âWhy would I wait a while then?â Gu Fuzhou smiled, âIâll help you.â
Lin Qingyuâs eyes widened slightly.
âNo need to be polite. I want to do it. If you feel embarrassed, you can help me out too.â
Lin Qingyu didnât agree. He also didnât refuse. Simply keeping quiet.
Gu Fuzhou knew that he was willing. Lin Qingyu wouldnât be one to act coy regarding tthis matter. But he hoped that Lin Qingyu could say so. He even badly hoped that Lin Qingyu would take the initiative to invite him.
Gu Fuzhou said in a disappointed tone, âYou arenât willing?â
Lin Qingyu: ââŚâ
Gu Fuzhou put on a look of sadness. âHandling this for myself get my hand sore. Right now, Iâm offering to help you out but youâre not even grateful for the offer.â
Lin Qingyu: ââŚâ
âFine, Iâll content myself with staying at the kissing and hugging stage.â Gu Fuzhou heaved a huge sigh of despair. âWho made it so that Doctor Lin would have no interest in this matter? Since I like you, Iâll like you everything about you, including your coldness.â
Lin Qingyu was driven to the edge of his patience. âEnough. If you keep talking, Iâm going to wilt.â
Gu Fuzhou seized the opportunity, âQingyu?â
Lin Qingyu tilted his head, his lashes trembling violently. ââŚDo as you wish.â