Shi Qing, who was happily indulging in his meal, suddenly looked up and saw the Prime Minister, Shi Zhen.
The young man immediately smiled with sparkling eyes, swallowing the shrimp that the new emperor had personally peeled for him. He cheerfully called out, "Father!"
Father, indeed!
At this moment, Prime Minister Shi wished he could just carry his son away and lock him up for some serious reflection. What kind of occasion was this? It was the imperial palace! And who was sitting nearby? The emperor himself! Yet his son called him "Father" without a hint of decorum.
Despite the roaring turmoil in his heart, Prime Minister Shi had to maintain an appearance of composure in front of Emperor Yu Chen. He bowed respectfully and said, "Your Majesty, this humble servant is here to attend your presence."
"No need for formalities," Emperor Yu Chen replied. He waved his hand to dismiss the Prime Minister's bow before it even fully descended.
Prime Minister Shi straightened his posture, his expression stern. "Shi Qing! What are you doing in front of His Majesty? Hurry up and apologize!"
"It's alright," Emperor Yu Chen interjected before the young man could speak. He continued to leisurely peel his shrimp, his demeanor relaxed. "The way Shi Qing acts before me today is the same as in the past. Prime Minister, there's no need to worry."
"Yeah, Father," Shi Qing chimed in, grinning. He took another bite of the shrimp the emperor had handed him and then raised his face and hand, allowing Emperor Yu Chen to wipe away the grease with a handkerchief. His beautiful, almost otherworldly, face radiated pure joy, seemingly unfazed by the presence of the current emperor.
He even found time to ask Prime Minister Shi, "Father, do you have important business here?"
Prime Minister Shi, struggling to maintain his composure, cleared his throat and avoided answering Shi Qing's question directly. Instead, he turned to Emperor Yu Chen and said respectfully, "Your Majesty, my son has been causing disturbances in the palace for quite some time now. Perhaps it would be best if I take him back home."
"Shi Qing has already agreed to stay in the palace," Emperor Yu Chen replied. He spoke to his beloved, Shi Qing, in a friendly manner, almost as if he were in high spirits. "Prime Minister, there's no need to worry. I will take good care of Shi Qing."
How could Prime Minister Shi not worry? Firstly, this situation was highly improper. He had already ruled out the possibility that the new emperor wanted to retaliate against him. Instead, he focused on his son's exceptional appearance.
He thought to himself, "With a face like that, he's bound to cause trouble sooner or later!"
Prime Minister Shi attempted to salvage the situation. "Your Majesty..."
"Yes, Father," his son interrupted him.
The young man stood up and walked over to his father, smiling carefreely. His beautiful, captivating eyes were filled with happiness. "I'll be staying in the palace for a few days. You can go home alone."
At this moment, Prime Minister Shi gazed at his son and had only one thought in his mind. Eighteen years ago, he and his wife had acted impulsively.
Shi Qing was a troublemaker, and Emperor Yu Chen was relentless in his pursuit.
"Prime Minister, rest assured. Back when I was in the palace, I received Shi Qing's care. It's been four years since we last met, and I simply want to catch up," Emperor Yu Chen said.
Prime Minister Shi's mind was stuck on a repeated sentence.
"I received Shi Qing's care."
The emphasis on the words was profound.
Since Emperor Yu Chen ascended to the throne, various major and minor events related to him had occurred in the homes of ministers with some connections. When he was studying in the imperial study, he had been bullied by four imperial princes and their attendants. As soon as he ascended to the throne, apart from Shi Qing, all the others had either been confined to their residences or stripped of their official positions on one pretext or another.
At least, that was the better outcome. The new emperor had spared their lives.
Shi Qing was the only lucky one among them.
But back then, he had bullied Emperor Yu Chen worse than several imperial princes combined. Rumor had it that he had treated him like a servant, ordering him around and even making a prince eat the leftovers of a courtier.
Prime Minister Shi had been unaware of these events at the time.
After all, his son went to the imperial study during the day and wandered around the capital city in his free time, only returning home to sleep at night. The father and son barely met twice a week, and their conversations could be counted on one hand.
All he knew was that his son was quite unruly, often frequenting brothels and taverns, and yet he had a good rapport with the former emperor. He also got along well with the imperial princes in the study. He had no idea that this little troublemaker would be audacious enough to bully Emperor Yu Chen right under the emperor's nose in the palace.
Once he found out, Prime Minister Shi couldn't help but wish he could discipline this unruly son properly. But he couldn't. His wife, the lady of the house, and the senior members of the family all doted on Shi Qing and treated him like a precious gem. They wouldn't even allow him to scold Shi Qing, let alone punish him.
Prime Minister Shi didn't believe for a second that Emperor Yu Chen and Shi Qing had formed such a close friendship without any ulterior motives. He was sure there was a conspiracy at play, absolutely certain. He couldn't shake off the unease in his heart.
The new emperor was unwavering in his stance not to release Shi Qing, while Prime Minister Shi was desperately trying to pull him out of the palace. Yet Shi Qing, that wretched boy, not only refused to leave but also scurried back on his own.
It was infuriating! What kind of son was this?
Regardless of his anger, Prime Minister Shi had to save his son. He composed himself and forced a smile. "Your Majesty, would you allow Shi Qing to accompany this old minister for a while?"
"Of course," Emperor Yu Chen agreed. He wasn't naive; he could tell from the Prime Minister's expression what he intended to do. Prime Minister Shi planned to speak ill of him in front of Shi Qing.
Emperor Yu Chen immediately added, "I'll accompany you, Prime Minister."
Prime Minister Shi couldn't believe his ears. He had served two emperors and had climbed the ranks under the previous emperor, who often came up with peculiar ideas. Couldn't he at least prevent the new emperor from being a third wheel? He quickly responded, "No need, Your Majesty. You are the true dragon, and I am but a humble servant. How can I let my superior accompany his subordinate?"
Prime Minister Shi was trembling with fear, and his heart seemed to stop beating. If the emperor insisted on accompanying him, wouldn't that mean he'd burden the emperor with his duties? He was supposed to help resolve matters for the emperor, but now he felt guilty for inconveniencing him. He was deeply troubled.
Seeing that Prime Minister Shi was about to say something that would make him seem utterly useless in the emperor's eyes, Emperor Yu Chen reluctantly gave up on the idea. He couldn't shake off the feeling of insecurity, worried that Shi Qing might run away if he didn't stay close.
After some thought, he instructed, "Prime Minister, due to your advanced age, I'll grant you a nine-wheeled carriage."
A nine-wheeled carriage was a privilege reserved for the royal family, especially for use within the palace. Generally, only the emperor could use such a carriage in the palace, as horses and carriages were not suitable for the palace environment. Typically, sedan chairs carried by attendants were used.
Historically, emperors would grant their ministers a nine-wheeled carriage as a sign of supreme respect and trust. Prime Minister Shi had served two emperors and held the position of prime minister, so it was reasonable for Emperor Yu Chen to grant him this privilege.
Of course, the new emperor's intention was not merely to show respect to Prime Minister Shi. The nine-wheeled carriage could only be used within the palace, meaning that it would take Shi Qing and Prime Minister Shi only to the edge of the palace grounds.
Prime Minister Shi couldn't be sure if he had grasped the new emperor's intentions, but his twitching eye corners were a clear sign of his agitation. Even if he expected Shi Qing to return to him soon, Emperor Yu Chen couldn't bear to see his little cat, who had just returned to the palace, leave him again.
Emperor Yu Chen accompanied them out of the grand hall, down the steps, and to the carriage. He watched as Shi Qing boarded the nine-wheeled carriage and then reluctantly stood there, gazing at the carriage as it departed.
Inside the carriage, Prime Minister Shi lifted the curtain and peered out at the emperor, feeling increasingly uneasy in his heart. "Shi Qing, tell me, what do you think the Emperor's real intentions are?"
"Nothing much," Shi Qing replied casually, seemingly unfazed. "He hasn't seen me in four years, so he just misses me."
"Misses you?!" Prime Minister Shi couldn't help but burst into laughter at his son's words. "Aren't you afraid, after all the humiliation you subjected the emperor to?"
"The emperor said he doesn't hold a grudge against me," Shi Qing blinked his innocent eyes, appearing completely blameless. "Besides, I didn't do anything to him back then. I just made him eat food he didn't like, carry me up and down the stairs, and warm my feet. That's all."
Prime Minister Shi sighed. He reached out and rubbed his son's neck, but Shi Qing, ticklish, moved away with a smile. "That tickles, Father! What are you doing?"
"I just want to get closer to your neck a bit more, in case I don't get to see it again in the future," Prime Minister Shi said with a desolate expression. "Our Shi family has been a single lineage for nine generations, and you and your mother are our late blessings. We only wish to hold you in our hands. But our indulgence has led you astray. You offended the reigning emperor, and we fear we may lose you prematurely."
Shi Qing couldn't help but feel both amused and exasperated.
"Dad, it's not that serious. Back then, I helped Emperor Yu Chen quite a bit, and he even expressed his gratitude to me. He said I was the only one in the palace who treated him well," Shi Qing said.
Prime Minister Shi's eyes brightened as if he saw a glimmer of hope for his son's survival. But he quickly regained his composure and thought about what his son had just said.
Making the current emperor eat leftovers.
Making the current emperor warm his feet.
Making the current emperor carry him up and down the stairs.
The flames of hope were extinguished once again.
Prime Minister Shi sighed, "My child, I'll resign from my position. When that happens, you, as a commoner, won't have any reason to stay in the palace."
"Don't be too grateful, Dad. I didn't want this either. It's just that I only have you as my son," Shi Qing replied.
Prime Minister Shi asked, "You want to stay in the palace even if I resign?"
Shi Qing said nonchalantly, "Yes."
Prime Minister Shi was taken aback, "Why?"
"I like His Majesty," the young boy said naturally.
Prime Minister Shi was at a loss for words. Shi Qing continued with a cheerful expression, "Dad, look, in terms of looks, he's like a dragon and phoenix among men. In terms of personality, he's gentle and considerate. In terms of lineage, he's the current emperor. You and Mom have been procrastinating about arranging my marriage for so long, just because you wanted to find someone like him for me, right? Well, now I've found him myself. Are you happy?"
Prime Minister Shi was speechless. To be honest, he thought his son had a problem with his brain.
Prime Minister Shi finally asked, "I'll ask you one question, would you be willing to leave the palace with me? If you say yes, I won't hold onto this official position."
"No, I won't go!" The young master's tone was resolute. "Emperor Yu Chen truly doesn't intend to take revenge on me, so you can rest assured, Dad."
Prime Minister Shi corrected him, "Call him 'Your Majesty'."
At this point, he didn't just think his son had a problem with his brain. He also believed his son had something wrong with his eyes.
Someone he had once humiliated, who had now risen to power, was treating him well, even allowing himself to be treated like a servant. How could he describe this situation in just one sentence? It was like a weasel visiting a chicken coop, not for any good intentions. And now, his son, Shi Qing, this little yellow chicken, was saying he had taken a liking to the weasel.
He gave up on trying to save his son.
Prime Minister Shi simply said, "I don't care whether you want to leave the palace or not. We have only you as our sole heir. I don't want you to be the only one who ends up losing your life because of offending the emperor."
"I won't be executed; I'm sure of it. I think His Majesty likes me," Shi Qing said, quite pleased with himself.
Prime Minister Shi was utterly flabbergasted. What did he mean by "likes me"? Did he like the way he had humiliated him in the past? Did he like his arrogant attitude that disregarded all sense of hierarchy? Did he like a subject who treated the emperor like a servant, even peeling shrimp for him? To be honest, whether he looked at it from a father's perspective or an outsider's perspective, Prime Minister Shi couldn't find any redeeming qualities in Shi Qing.
Oh, right. Shi Qing had a good face. But Emperor Yu Chen was the true dragon emperor, and he could easily find someone attractive. How could he possibly like his own son, who had nothing to offer except his appearance?
Prime Minister Shi was so disheartened that he even forgot about his son's lack of intelligence.
He calmly asked, "Are you still drunk?"
"Dad, don't you believe me?" Shi Qing asked, still cheerful. "Maybe our family can produce a male empress. Oh, wait, we care about our reputation. Empresses are women. If I become a male empress, it would be embarrassing. How about a prince? I'll become a prince."
Prime Minister Shi thought his son was daydreaming in broad daylight. He wanted to tell him to wake up, that there was no hope, that he should stop dreaming. How did he end up with such a foolish son? His once-illustrious reputation was now tarnished. He wanted to say all of these things, but he held back.
The carriage had already brought them to the palace gates.
The palace was vast, but the horses pulling the carriage were royal steeds, naturally very fast. A palace attendant outside respectfully said, "My Lord, we've arrived."
This palace attendant was sent by the current emperor himself and was now waiting at the carriage door, so Prime Minister Shi couldn't continue speaking. He could only grit his teeth and give his son, who looked completely innocent, a fierce glare before being assisted down from the carriage.
His foolish and naive son waved to him from inside the carriage, "Dad, take your time on the way."
The nearby palace attendant, who could be considered one of Emperor Yu Chen's trusted aides, understood how important this young master was to his master. He immediately smiled obsequiously and coaxed in a gentle tone, "Young Master Shi, there's no need to worry. Palace attendants will accompany my lord all the way, and if Young Master is concerned that it will get dark and my lord won't be able to return, we can escort him to his residence."
During the previous reign, such customs didn't exist, but customs could change, especially if it pleased Young Master Shi. Emperor Yu Chen wouldn't blame him as long as it made his son happy.
Shi Qing found the idea appealing, but Prime Minister Shi had no desire to be further provoked. He waved his hand in refusal and walked toward the palace gates with an air of determination, as if he were a warrior departing never to return.
Deep down, he felt a mixture of sorrow and heroism. How should he break the news to his wife? Should he say that their son had become foolish, actually falling for the current emperor? Or should he suggest that the current emperor might be planning to retaliate against their son, which was why he was being kept in the palace? As for what Shi Qing had said earlier, Prime Minister Shi believed it was just the emperor indulging in some banter, and he chose to ignore it.
Who would like someone who had once humiliated them during their lowest moments? Although he was getting old, he wasn't senile!
In the capital, when people heard that Shi Qing had been detained in the palace, they had similar thoughts. No one believed that Shi Qing, who had once humiliated the current emperor, would have a good outcome. He had been arrogant for so many years, and there were many who disliked him. Now, it seemed that the young master had met his match, and the "Dislike Shi Qing Alliance" led by Zhao Wulang was overjoyed. They even imagined a miserable life for Shi Qing in the palace.
Since the emperor hadn't executed him outright, it must be because he intended to make the man who had once humiliated him taste humiliation himself. Perhaps Shi Qing was currently crying miserably in the palace.
Celebration was in order!
Definitely a time to celebrate!
However, while they were indulging in these thoughts, the reality inside the palace was entirely different from the rumors outside. Shi Qing had been living an extraordinarily comfortable life during this period. He woke up each morning on a luxurious fox fur blanket, and whatever he desired to eat or drink was delivered to him within half an hour.
While he had been favored at home, Prime Minister Shi had always believed that his children should not indulge excessively. Although necessities like firewood and charcoal were provided, frivolous entertainment was out of the question. Their family's heritage was indeed substantial, but Shi Qing hadn't been able to enjoy it. However, things were different with Emperor Yu Chen. The palace was his, and so was the late emperor's private treasury, which held treasures accumulated from conquering enemy states over the past four years. All of these treasures now belonged to him, and he had generously bestowed them upon Shi Qing.
It was as if a dragon had spent its entire life searching for treasures, only to present them all to the person it loved when it finally found them.
Shi Qing could have anything he wanted, and he was living a blissful life. But he himself was very serious and felt a sense of crisis.
[System, I don't think this is working.](brackets are part of the source text)
The system was in the middle of admiring itself when it heard Shi Qing's words and suddenly became perplexed. [What's wrong, Host? Isn't everything going well? Your rejection rate is down to single digits.]
[Didn't you notice something terrifying happening to me?]
The system immediately became nervous. [What? What?!]
Shi Qing sighed heavily. [Charm! I've seduced Yu Chen, but he's still resisting.]
The system: [...]
Shi Qing: [It shouldn't be like this. Why is he resisting me?]
Since bringing Shi Qing to the palace, Emperor Yu Chen's underlying unease had been suppressed, and the rejection rate had dropped almost daily. The only regret was that he continued to resist Shi Qing's advances, no matter how much he flirted or used various tactics. Everyone could see that Yu Chen was on the verge of exploding, but he had somehow managed to hold himself back.
It was a pity that he couldn't ruin his own character, or else he could have just thrown himself onto the bed and made everyone happy.
The system: [...]
The system: [...Wuwuwu.]
Shi Qing comforted it, [Alright, alright. Although it's an experiment, I really do feel this way.]
The easily-appeased system immediately became ecstatic and began flattering him, [Host is also the best host I've ever encountered.]
With the experiment completed and his rainbow farts successfully delivered, Shi Qing let the system watch TV again.
He contemplated that this wouldn't work.
Previously, it was different. While Yu Chen Nian was away at war, he was in the capital. Now that they shared a bed every day, and Yu Chen Nian was quite spirited, any discordance would be noticeable. He thought for a while and realized he needed to come up with a solution.
So, on this day, when Yu Chen Nian returned from the morning court session, intending to enjoy some relaxation time with his little cat in his arms, a palace attendant informed him that Young Master Shi had left the palace.
Because the emperor had granted Young Master Shi the highest authority, there was no one who dared to stop him if he wanted to leave the palace. Furthermore, he had left riding a horse – yes, the sweat-blooded steed that had been presented to him and that he liked, which Yu Chen Nian had given him.
The expression on the man in the black dragon robe's face immediately darkened.
Perhaps it was due to the influence of his previous seventeen years of miserable life, but Yu Chen Nian was very possessive and insecure. He cherished Shi Qing so much that he wanted to keep him in the palace forever. If not for fear of hurting the young master's feelings, he might have done so already.
These days, Yu Chen Nian had been showering Shi Qing with all the good things in the world, taking care of this pampered little cat. He feared that if he didn't do a good job, Shi Qing might want to leave.
Fortunately, the young master was living happily and hadn't expressed a desire to leave the palace. But then he went to court one day, and Shi Qing ran away.
Yu Chen Nian practically changed into casual clothes and sent people to find out where Shi Qing had gone immediately. When the news came back, he was furious.
Shi Qing had gone to a brothel.
Shi Qing had indeed gone to a brothel. He had brought along the oversized night pearl that was given to him by a subsidiary state as a tribute and that Yu Chen Nian had allowed him to play with. His purpose was to show off, to flaunt it in front of Zhao Wulang, who had mocked him as a grasshopper in autumn before he entered the palace.
Zhao Wulang was someone who could compete with Shi Qing, so naturally, he was a dandy as well. However, his luck was not as good as Shi Qing's. He wasn't as handsome as Shi Qing, not as popular as Shi Qing, and his family background wasn't as good as Shi Qing's. While his family did pamper him, it wasn't on the level of Emperor Yu Chen's doting.
He felt like he had been born unlucky. If they had to bear him, why did they also have to give birth to Shi Qing? Now, when people in the capital thought of dandies, they immediately thought of Shi Qing. Zhao Wulang was like a nobody in the city now. So, he despised Shi Qing and targeted him.
This time, Shi Qing had turned the tables. The boy who had bullied an unloved prince before had transformed into the reigning emperor. Zhao Wulang couldn't have been happier. It was karma!
When he heard that Shi Qing had been taken to the palace and no news had come out, he became even more elated.
This was double karma!
And now, he was happily pouring himself a drink at the brothel.
Just as he filled the glass, the door was kicked open from the outside.
"Zhao!"
The young master swaggered in, with his chin held high in an air of pride, and in front of the astonished onlookers, he presented the large night pearl.
"Didn't you say you got a night pearl last month? Come on, I've got one too. Let's compare."
Zhao Wulang finally regained his composure and stared at his archenemy from head to toe.
This guy wasn't pale, thin, or haggard, as Zhao Wulang had imagined. In fact, he looked quite healthy. This frustrated Zhao Wulang even more.
"Are you okay?!"
"I'm fine, and you don't have to worry about me."
Shi Qing was quite used to this and took a step onto a stool.
"Are you up for a challenge, or are you just going to stand there?"
Provocation always worked with dandies like Zhao Wulang.
Zhao Wulang immediately stood up. "What are you so arrogant about? Everyone knows you can't hold a candle to your former self now."
"Don't bother telling me that useless stuff. Just tell me, are you up for it or not?"
Zhao Wulang didn't want to participate in the challenge. He knew that Shi Qing's night pearl would dwarf his. So, he hesitated for a moment and then blurted out, "Autumn grasshopper!"
Shi Qing chuckled. "Is that the only thing you know how to say? I've only been away from the capital for a few days, and you've become a coward."
Zhao Wulang sneered. "Who doesn't know that you offended the current emperor? I don't know whether you're scared or not, but I do know your good days are over."
"Perhaps in a few days, if I want to curse at you a couple of times, I'll have to visit you in jail."
Zhao Wulang said, "Hah, you still think you're the same Young Master Shi who once ruled the capital. Even in the past, you couldn't do anything to me. Not to mention now."
"Alright, if you don't believe me..."
Shi Qing's plan succeeded, and his beautiful eyes immediately took on a playful look. He stepped forward, reaching into Zhao Wulang's pouch, and pulled out a small medicine bag.
"I knew you'd carry this when visiting a brothel."
Zhao Wulang realized Shi Qing might be trying to provoke him into a fight to get him jailed. So, he resisted. "What are you doing with my medicine? Give it back!"
A young man listening to their conversation quietly whispered to Zhao Wulang, "Five, don't forget, you've never won a bet with Shi Qing before. You've already lost so many good things to him. This set of jade chess pieces is a gift from your uncle. It won't look good if you lose."
"Nothing to worry about! I'm definitely going to win this time!"
Zhao Wulang brimmed with confidence. "I'm a gentleman's son, never stole, never robbed, and never hurt anyone. Even if His Majesty wants to send me to jail, he'll need a reason."
"Alright!"
Shi Qing's plot worked, and he looked at Zhao Wulang with a mischievous smile. He put away the night pearl.
"Tell me, what will you do if I get you locked up?"
Zhao Wulang retorted, "I won't do anything. Young Master Shi, you know this medicine is an aphrodisiac."
—Bang!
The door, which had just been closed, was violently kicked open again.
Yu Chen Nian walked in with a stern face. As he entered, the people behind him immediately rushed in and surrounded the area.
Zhao Wulang looked at his younger brother beside him and asked, "Who is this?"
He had never seen a prince before, and being a commoner, he certainly hadn't seen the new emperor.
As an emperor, Yu Chen Nian naturally had someone to announce his presence. A royal guard first closed the door, checked for soundproofing, and then cleared his throat.
"His Majesty has arrived; please kneel before His Majesty."
The entire room of people promptly knelt, except for Shi Qing.
Zhao Wulang anxiously tugged at Shi Qing's trousers. "Are you trying to get us killed? Hurry up and kneel!"
Then he watched as a pair of boots, still embroidered with golden dragons, appeared before his eyes. Next, the new emperor circled around Shi Qing.
His voice was somewhat husky but carried a tone of indulgence. "How did you end up in a place like this again?"
"I came to see a friend."
Shi Qing, this guy, wasn't a bit arrogant now. His voice was soft, as if he could wring out water, and it sounded sweet and cloying.
"Why did you come out?"
"I just wanted to go out for a walk."
Knowing that Shi Qing wasn't here for fun, Yu Chen Nian withdrew his sharp claws and looked gently at his young master.
Then he noticed the young man's face turning redder and redder. There was a hint of haziness in his eyes, and he was even lightly rubbing his face against him.
Yu Chen Nian sensed something was wrong and quickly supported him. "Shi Qing? What's happening?"
Shi Qing, with a tender and pitiable tone, complained softly, "Um... it's just that Zhao Wulang, a moment ago, he gave me an aphrodisiac..."
"I think we should detain him for a few days..."
Zhao Wulang: ???
Who the hell gave it to you? You drank it yourself!!!
You did it yourself!!!!
Thank you for reading this far! You can access more chapters from HERE by joining my Patreon community. You'll gain exclusive early access to the COMPLETE NOVEL.
As a member of my Patreon community, here is what you'll get:
For $5
- Early access to 100s of chapters before they go public.
- You also get access to all the novels I'm translating, you can find them here HERE.
- Your name will be featured on the "Wall of Gratitude".
- The power to vote on which novel I translate next.
- You Get Ad-free Chapters.
For $10
- You get to suggest a Novel for me to translate.
- You get access to Digital art.
- Your name featured on the "Wall of Gratitude" (in gold).
For $20
- You get to recommend a Novel and I will immediately start translating it.
- Your name featured on the "Wall of Gratitude" (in blue).
Plus, you can Cancel your membership at any time.
Don't let this amazing opportunity slip through your fingers!
