“Ah?” Yan Yihuan had just been about to carry out his duties as the Grand Historian, but before he could write a single word, he was driven out. Although he didn’t dare defy the imperial decree, he couldn’t help feeling a bit sullen and unhappy.
Back in the Hanlin Academy, he was clearly instructed that as the Grand Historian, no detail was too small, and every word had to be true, everything the emperor said and did was to be recorded. But now, just as discussions were about to begin, he wasn’t even allowed to listen to it.
Yan Yihuan waited gloomily outside the door, there wasn’t even a place to sit. After standing for a while, his waist started to ache again.
After putting him through all that torment, did he(LXM) really think a few light presses would make up for it? Not only that, but he was deliberately left hanging, leaving him frustrated and unable to find relief.
If he were still at home right now, he wouldn’t be holding himself back like this, he’d have found satisfaction one way or another. But here he was, in full official robes when he looked down, and the solemn imperial palace all around when he looked up. Even with a few extra lives to spare, he wouldn’t dare act recklessly here.
Inside the imperial study, the two men had no idea of Yan Yihuan’s wandering thoughts outside. Li Xuanming glanced down at a memorial and asked,
“Any news from King Qin?”
“Yes,” Ming Zhang’s expression turned serious. “However, King Qin has shown no signs of unusual behavior. He often holds lavish banquets at his residence, drinks himself into a stupor every day, and completely ignores state affairs.”
Back when the late emperor had just ascended the throne, King Qin had openly vented his anger, even going so far as to claim that he was the rightful heir to the throne. This was a well known fact.
But later, perhaps someone had persuaded him, King Qin suddenly became extremely well-behaved. The late emperor, being a benevolent man, praised him for turning back from the brink and mending his ways.
But how could someone obsessed with power so easily let it go? Li Xuanming had always scoffed at the idea.
“But ever since Your Majesty gave the Crown Prince of Qin a warning, they’ve indeed started investigating the matter of the token, and have even secretly sent people in the direction of King Wei’s territory.”
“Then let them bite at each other first. And if they don’t, we’ll give things a little push.”
As for the person who abducted Yan Yihuan that day, Li Xuanming had known from the start that it was none other than his Third Uncle, King Wei, one of the imperial princes. His aim had been to sow discord between him and King Yan.
Now that his plan had failed, he would surely lie low for a while. Since no one’s willing to break the facade, why not give them a reason to break all decorum.
“Your Majesty?” Ming Zhang offered a cup of tea,
“When the Heir of King Qin left the capital, he was like a man who’d lost his soul. But ever since he came back from visiting the Yan residence in secret, it’s as if he’s a different person. Could it be related to Grand Historian Yan?”
“Ke.” Li Xuanming let out a cold laugh. “In another month it’ll be Jingzhe[mfn]Jingzhe – 3rd of the 24 solar terms in the traditional Chinese calendars. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jingzhe[/mfn], it’s time for the spring hunt, isn’t it?”
“Yes,” Ming Zhang nodded. “But since the late emperor disliked hunting, it hasn’t been held for the past three years. Although the hunting grounds are still maintained, they may not be in the best condition.”
“Then prepare it. This year’s spring hunt will be held as in years past.”
Since the founding days of the Northern Jin dynasty during the reign of Emperor Gaozu, there had always been the tradition of spring hunting, attended only by members of the imperial clan and the sons of high-ranking officials.
Back then, Emperor Gaozu established this custom to ensure the younger generation would not forget the skills of riding and archery, and to provide them an opportunity to strengthen the bonds of brotherhood.
But the late emperor had never cared for hunting, so the spring hunt indeed hadn’t been held in quite some time.
Yan Yihuan had been drooping his head the whole time, but the moment he heard the door open, he quickly looked up. Seeing that it was Ming Zhang, he immediately lit up with a smile.
“Lord Ming.”
Ming Zhang found it a little strange. On the road from Linjing to the capital, he had often irritated Yan Yihuan to the point of puffing up both cheeks in frustration. Yet in the next breath, the boy would call him “Ming Zhang ge,” and come clinging over like nothing had happened, all very affectionate.
What Ming Zhang didn’t know, however, was that Yan Yihuan seemed naturally drawn to beautiful people. In fact, compared to Li Xuanming’s aggressively striking looks, what he liked more was someone like Ming Zhang, a refined and handsome scholar with a quiet grace.
Without meaning to, Ming Zhang’s steps slowed. “What’s the matter, Grand Historian Yan?”
“Next time you come to the palace, could you bring me some honey cream pastries from Xi Ping Zhai?”
“How come you know about those too?”
Yan Yihuan gave a sheepish grin, though his eyes were full of expectations, “I heard the others at the Hanlin Academy say they’re absolutely delicious. I was planning to go try them myself, but then I got dragged here.”
“Why don’t you just ask His Majesty directly?”
“I wouldn’t dare…”
“They’re best when fresh out of the oven. If they’re left to sit for too long, the flavor’s won’t be quite the same.”
“Ah…” The disappointment on his face was so sudden and dramatic that Ming Zhang couldn’t help finding it both amusing and a little endearing. As an only child, he never had a younger brother, but he thought to himself that if he had one, it might be someone just like this.
“I’ll take you there when I have the time in the future, but more importantly, you should check a bronze mirror first.” Ming Zhang gestured toward his own temple, “Improper grooming is a serious offense in the palace.”
“What!?” Yan Yihuan touched the area near his ear in shock, and sure enough, a few loose strands of hair had slipped out. He hastily tucked them back under his official hat, inwardly fuming.
It was all that person’s fault.
“Yan Yihuan.”
Li Xuanming’s voice came from inside. Yan Yihuan stiffened. He quickly bid a hasty farewell to Ming Zhang with a bow, then entered the imperial study. When he walked in, Li Xuanming was still reading a memorial, not even looking up as he asked,
“Why haven’t you come in for so long? What were you talking about with Ming Zhang?”
“Nothing much.” Still annoyed about having been kicked out earlier, Yan Yihuan answered with a trace of defiance, “Such a small matter is not worth Your Majesty’s concern.”
Li Xuanming raised an eyebrow slightly and set the memorial aside. He raised his chin towards him,
“Come here.”
Yan Yihuan’s heart skipped a beat. He instantly regretted his little moment of rebellion, afraid he might’ve crossed a line. Although reluctant, he didn’t dare disobey. He approached with slow, dragging steps, and stopped when he reached the small desk that had been set up for him. Just as he was about to sit down, a soft cough stopped him.
“Come here.” This time, the tone held noticeably less patience. Gritting his teeth, Yan Yihuan walked to Li Xuanming’s side.
“What orders does Your Majesty have?”
“You seem rather upset. I suppose it’s because you didn’t get what you wanted just now?” Li Xuanming pulled him into his arms. Yan Yihuan knew there were still palace attendants waiting outside and quickly covered his mouth, choking back the yelp of surprise, and whispered urgently,
“I… I’m not upset.” His eyes darted nervously, though in truth, he wasn’t too worried. After all, this wasn’t the bedchamber. The emperor couldn’t possibly do anything to him here,
“Your Majesty is busy reviewing memorials, this minister should wait over there.”
Yan Yihuan shifted uneasily, glancing at the small desk nearby. But just then, a soft jingling sound reached his ears, making his expression change instantly!
“Li Jiang, close the door.”
“Don’t…!”
Obviously, no one would listen to him. The door was quickly closed. Yan Yihuan’s eyes were wide with shock. How could something like that be stored in such a solemn place?
“I admit I wronged you earlier, that feeling of being pent-up without relief isn’t pleasant, right?”
Before he could respond, Yan Yihuan found himself lying over the emperor’s lap, hands clamped over his mouth to stifle any sounds. Even so, he couldn’t suppress the muffled gasps that escaped as it entered. His eyes flushed faint pink, brimming with unshed tears.
“Much easier now.” Satisfied with the earlier preparations that noon, Li Xuanming looked quite pleased as he tidied Yan Yihuan’s official robes. “I’ve still got memorials to review, so you can wait nearby.”
A teasing whisper brushed against his ear,
“And hold it properly this time.”
Author’s Note:
Q: How do you make the third young master of King Yan who does not lack wealth, power, nor affection to fall head over heels?
Li Xuanming: Thanks for asking. You give him what he wants… and deny him what he wants.
