Lately, the weather has been so hot that it felt like being inside a roasting furnace. People started sweating even when they were not moving, let alone when they were so busy that their clothes got soaked through.
When it is this hot, people tend to become irritable. Wen Mingyu, who was in the middle of his term, was experiencing even more emotional ups and downs. His temper became bigger.
Wen Mingyu was lying on the bed, attempting to sleep. He tossed and turned but just couldn’t do so. Sweat was forming on his forehead, dampening his pitch-black hair, some of which were sticking to the side of his cheek and neck. His neck felt sticky and uncomfortable as well.
He turned over once more, this time facing Mu Zhan. He had always been afraid of the heat, and now he did so even more. He therefore didn’t wear much inside the hall, and the material of his clothing was a sheer fabric: light, thin, and soft, exuding a cooling effect. The way the fabric clung to his body created a subtle allure.
Lying on his side, his body formed an undulating arc. From the line of his shoulders and neckline down to his slender arms resting languidly, there was a graceful dip at his narrow waist, followed by his long, pale legs.
Mu Zhan’s eyes darkened. He couldn’t help but reach out, putting his arm around Wen Mingyu’s waist, wanting to pull the person into his arms and cuddle him to sleep as usual. However, Wen Mingyu didn’t even think twice before slapping his hand away, scowling as he said, “Don’t touch me, it’s hot.”
With a sharpslapsound, Mu Zhan’s hand stammered in midair. His eyes widened a little after being rudely rejected. Despite the lack of emotion on his face, he somehow gave off a pitiful vibe, akin to a big dog being shooed away by its owner.
Wen Mingyu froze for a moment, now feeling guilty under Mu Zhan’s gaze. He thought he might have gone a little overboard and hit him a bit too hard. He averted his eyes in regret and murmured softly, “It’s just too hot. I don’t want to cuddle.”
Mu Zhan fell silent. Then he reached out and gently picked apart the damp black hair stuck to his forehead, taking care not to touch his skin in the process. “Is it that hot?” he asked softly.
Wen Mingyu pursed his lips and nodded, feeling like he had been placed on a fire rack to be roasted. No matter what he did, he felt unbearably hot, as though going without clothes would still be so hot.
Mu Zhan immediately gave the order to relocate to Hanliang Hall.
That was a summer palace within the imperial grounds, specifically built to combat the heat. Constructed by water, the palace was equipped with water wheels inside and out. Running water powered these water wheels, which blew cold air into the hallway by stirring the fan blade rotation. At the same time, a mechanism pumped cold water to the roof, where it cascaded down the eaves to create a water curtain, effectively cooling the palace. One may describe it as an antiquated form of air conditioning.
After sitting down, the water-powered fans began to turn, sending a cool breeze that hunted the hems of their clothes. The cascading water curtains at the four corners spray about, making the seat feel icy cold.
Even during the height of summer, it has become refreshingly cool to live here.
The imperial physician had advised pregnant people to exercise extreme caution. They couldn’t be either cold or hot. An ill body could weaken the body, and many medicines couldn’t be used during pregnancy as it would be harmful to the fetus. Therefore, it was best to eliminate any chances of getting an illness.
The imperial physician warned not to be greedy for cold, but Wen Mingyu was now more afraid of heat than ever. Without ice, he couldn’t survive. Even when sleeping, he needed Mu Zhan to fan him; otherwise, the oppressive heat prevented him from falling asleep.
In the end, it was still necessary to relocate to Hanliang Hall for a period of time to avoid the harshest days of summer.
As Wen Mingyu lay on the bamboo couch in Hanliang Hall, he gradually recovered from his previous cranky rabbit state. A feeling of relief replaced the suffocating frustration, and at the same time, he was even more appalled by what had happened just now. Although he had a good cause for it, if the situation had been reversed and he went to hug Mu Zhan only to be slapped away, he would definitely be a little bit upset.
Wen Mingyu wanted to coax Mu Zhan.
He considered it, then flashed his rabbit ears. Rubbing them, he leaned closer, grabbed Mu Zhan’s hand, and placed them on the soft fur, offering, “For you to touch.”
Mu Zhan was taken aback and froze. He knew Wen Mingyu was already struggling with his pregnancy and the weather, so he didn’t want to upset him. Moreover, the rabbit ears were fluffy and draping down his face would probably make him feel extra hot.
Thus, even though Mu Zhan liked petting his rabbit ears, he still shook his head and pulled his hand away. “No need. You get some rest.”
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Wen Mingyu’s eyes brightened, and it was only after such a long time that he finally stopped. He was feeling content and fell asleep in a good mood, with a faint smile even tugging at the corners of his lips.
But he realized something late when he woke up. Sluggish and tired on his pillow, his mind gradually became clear.
Wasn’t he the one to coax Mu Zhan?
Why did it seem like… it was the other way around, and he was the one being coaxed?
Mu Zhan saw his dull face and asked, “What’s wrong?”
Wen Mingyu looked at him, then abruptly stretched out his arms to him, hugging him tightly.
Mu Zhan froze, obviously shocked. The person who had just moments before refused to hug him was now suddenly actively hugging him.
Wen Mingyu knew Mu Zhan must be puzzled without looking up. He buried his head in Mu Zhan’s arms and nuzzled against him, saying, “I just feel like you are really good, so I want to hug you.”
He was in such a terrific mood that he couldn’t resist snorting a laugh as soon as he was done talking.
Mu Zhan smiled at this. He only felt that the one in his arms was not a rabbit but rather a chunk of honey, exuding a delightful sweet scent that warmed one’s heart.
Mu Zhan didn’t hesitate on hugging him back as well, still sporting a smile. “Not hot anymore?”
Wen Mingyu glanced at the curtains of water. “Yes.”
Then, after they had been clinging to each other like this for a while, Wen Mingyu wriggled himself out of Mu Zhan’s arms and fanned himself with his sleeves. His face was flushed as he said, “It’s still a bit hot.”
He felt hot from too much hugging.
Mu Zhan chuckled softly.
The heat was not limited to their time lounging in Taiji Hall. Wen Mingyu also felt it while working. Thus, Mu Zhan ordered several ice chests to be placed in the corners of the temple where he worked. The temperature in the room rapidly dropped.
The absence of the persevering heat was just like being inside an air-conditioned room.
His coworkers were similarly more laid back, discussing how it was rare for the Ministry of Revenue to be so generous this year. In previous years, there was always a limit on the amount of ice provided, and once it ran out, the heat would be intolerable. This time, the ambient summer weather was milder and more comfortable than the early summer. They were even a bit reluctant to leave by the end of the workday, as if the company was their home. After all, once out of this door, the heat wave rolled on, and it felt as if they could melt a person.
What they didn’t know was that these chests of ice came from the empress’s personal allocation, which was naturally more generous, leaving no worry of running out. Furthermore, if the situation truly went that extreme, the emperor would give up his share.
In any case, when it was cooler, they were more driven to work, and they were not so hot and crazy to the point of venting through poetry, such as,‘The long day seems endless; with the heat steaming and poisoning my insides.’,‘As long as the summer heat is a retreating foe; the tides of life then comes sweeping in.’and‘Too lazy to wave my fan of white plumes; rather go naked, ‘neath the greenwood trees.’
Finally, they didn’t have to go butt-naked in the heat.
Wen Mingyu had no idea that he had inadvertently caused this.
In the height of summer, ice treats were, of course, amust.
Chilled watermelon was a summertime necessity, but in addition to that, there was also an ancient version of ice cream, something Wen Mingyu loved the most.
A palace servant served an exquisite porcelain plate. The base layer was ice, topped with cream and ghee, then with flower branches inserted like the shape of mountains. A faint white mist of cold air rose from it, creating a scene evocative of a fairyland from it. This ice food was calledsoft mountain.
One almost felt reluctant to eat the soft mountain since it was so beautiful and eye-pleasing, but Wen Mingyu only hesitated for a maximum of two seconds before he picked up a silver spoon, firmly scooped up a large amount, and stuffed it into his mouth. Mixed with bits of crushed ice, the dessert was rich and fragrant and so chilly he couldn’t stop shivering.
Both cold and refreshing, Wen Mingyu’s eyes narrowed with pleasure as he ate, looking completely sated.
Not only ice cream, there was also a chilled summer green bean sweet soup to beat the heat. Crushed fruit juices were drizzled over shaved ice and creamy cheese… Summer treats were also extra hearty.
However, the cold treats were not to be overindulged in, either, as overeating them could upset the stomach. As a result, Wen Mingyu would only eat a small portion each time, and sometimes he would share the dessert with Mu Zhan.
The final bite of the soft, creamy cold cheese glided down his throat. Wen Mingyu licked his lips, still a touch dissatisfied.
He turned his head, looking at Mu Zhan—not that he planned to fight him for dessert, but only out of habit that he looked over.
Mu Zhan didn’t really like sweets, but in the heat of summer, even he couldn’t resist having something cold to relieve the heat. Because he was from a royal family, every movement of his was one of elegance and grace, unhurried, and carried an inexplicable air of reservedness.
Not only was it pleasing to the eyes, but Wen Mingyu felt that he suddenly understood the meaning of the phrase “a feast for the eyes.”
What a big, beautiful wife—just want to cling to him!
Wen Mingyu watched him without restraint, straightforward and unapologetically. Unconsciously, Mu Zhan’s movements slowed down until he stopped entirely. His head turned to meet Wen Mingyu, and his eyes, his gaze somewhat dark. “Behave yourself, or you will be the one who can’t take it.”
Wen Mingyu hadn’t understood what he meant at first but realized later. It turned out every one of his thoughts was betrayed by his pheromones.
Just like now, Mu Zhan could smell the fruity scent on Wen Mingyu’s growing richer and sweeter, which was like a small hook taunting and hooking at him all the time.
During pregnancy, it wasn’t just Mu Zhan who was having a hard time; Wen Mingyu was the same too. There was an uncontrollable longing that was stronger than ever.
He repressed the shyness in his heart as he stared at Mu Zhan’s Adam’s apple as it bobbed while he spoke, finding it particularly sexy. With that thought, he moved in and kissed it directly, even mischievously nibbing it lightly.
Mu Zhan tensed in an instant, his whole body becoming completely motionless like a statue.
Wen Mingyu loved it when he was close to Mu Zhan, even after the weather turned hot. Though it was somewhat uncomfortable, he still couldn’t help but roll over to him at night, deftly burrowing himself in Mu Zhan’s, only to feel hot and roll away once more. But eventually, he would roll back and sleep like a human burrito.
Mu Zhan couldn’t contain his laughter when he would sometimes wake up to this sight of him.
And at this point, Wen Mingyu was very different.
Hands pressed on his thighs, he cocked his head to look at him, a tinge of mischief visible in the tails of his eyes. He didn’t stop after that one kiss; instead, he kept moving higher, planting a second kiss on his chin and a third on the corners of his lips. The kisses were light, like feathers brushing over, stirring an itch deep inside.
His voice came through his lips, slightly muffled. “… Hug.”
Wen Mingyu pulled Mu Zhan’s hand over and let it rest on his waist, and as soon as they tightened, he pulled him closer to his embrace. Mu Zhan then bent down and gave him a kiss on the lips.
The kiss was soft and slowly brushed against his, as if deliberately teasing.
After a while, Mu Zhan let him go and gave him a thoughtful look.
Wen Mingyu frowned, feeling this was not nearly enough. Like a gourmet dish that was presented to him but could only be savored in a shallow bite. Dissatisfied, he pushed Mu Zhan and perched on his waist, then spoke in a tone that was almost authoritative, “Kiss me.”
Mu Zhan’s smile broadened. He caught Wen Mingyu’s hand, dragged him down, and held him firmly. Then, he pried open his lips and teeth for a deep kiss, not sparing an inch. The fruity and wine scents were closely intertwined together.
Even when it started to get heated later, Wen Mingyu still refused to let go.
After the sweltering summer days, the weather slowly returned to normal. While it was still warm, it was no longer to the point of being intolerable. And then later, the nights also began to carry a hint of coolness.
The Jingyan lectures, which had been postponed due to the extreme heat, resumed as usual.
Wen Mingyu followed the Hanlin scholars to the Yan Yi pavilion. Today, he also took part in the discussion and gave a short speech. He and Wei Chen, along with other newly appointed subjects, were given the opportunity to speak.
After Wen Mingyu finished speaking and sat down, he suddenly frowned. He felt something was off. His clothes felt sticky, like they were damp with sweat. But he wasn’t feeling hot at all.
He looked down and saw a small patch of dampness on the fabric over his chest, a little deeper in color than the rest. The area was small and not unnoticeable, but when he realized what it was, his brain buzzed, and something in there exploded with a loudboom.
The Author has something to say: Jade Cub: …… ！！！！！！
PS: * Hanliang Hall is quoted from wikipedia, and the summer-related poem lines are cited.
Interested little darlings can go check. Historical poets often went crazy with the heat and wrote a lot of amusing poems complaining about it, hhh.
ChiFu: MIA is here. but hey, I returned with a new laptop! it’s a celebration ~