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nEditor: SimoB

nEven if Fifth Young Master Zhao wanted to plead his case in front of His Majesty ten thousand times, he didn’t get the chance to speak even once.

nShi Qing was all like ‘oh no I’m too weak from the drug’s effects, I can’t argue with anyone right now’ as he squeezed his eyes tightly shut and nuzzled Yu Chennian blindly.

nHe wasn’t budging until Fifth Young Master Zhao was imprisoned.

nBut Yu Chennian was a clear headed monarch.

nHow could he lock up an official’s son based solely on the words of his crush? Besides, he knew that Fifth Young Master Zhao had always been Shi Qing’s sworn rival.

nYu Chennian could tell that Shi Qing was just messing around with Fifth Young Master Zhao. He was only planning to throw him into jail for a couple of days.

nIf the little master was really angry, he wouldn’t bother to wait for someone else. He would probably start a fight himself.

nTherefore, Yu Chennian just had Fifth Young Master Zhao sit in a cell for a few days.

nHe would have good food and a place to rest, so imprisonment really was too strong of a word.

nAfter quickly settling the matter of Fifth Young Master Zhao, the new emperor immediately took Shi Qing back to the palace.

nFortunately, although he came out in a low-key way with only some bodyguards and an ordinary carriage, the interior was decorated lavishly, with the imperial family in mind.

nThe spacious inside was covered with soft quilts. The carriage itself was also very stable when on the road. There was more than enough room for the drugged little youth to roll around.

nThe bodyguards outside the carriage maintained a certain distance, just enough that they could protect His Majesty at all times without hearing the noises within.

nYu Chennian’s confidant was in the driver’s seat. Although he was closer, he could only vaguely hear some of the conversation coming from within, because of its vast size.

nWhat he heard first was His Majesty’s soft voice: “Be good. Endure a bit longer. When we get back, I’ll summon the imperial doctors to have a look.”

nThen there was the tender and sticky voice of a little kitten. It dragged out its words in discontent.

nAfter that, His Majesty’s voice suddenly rose in volume. There was now notes of panic and suppression in his words: “Shi Qing! Control yourself! You’ll regret this when you wake up.”

nThe sweet murmurs grew more and more unhappy.

nThe confidant kept driving with an expressionless face. His ears twitched.

nHis keen hearing allowed him to discern the sound of clothes tearing.

nAt first he assumed it was His Majesty who couldn’t hold on anymore.

nUntil he heard His Majesty’s voice that sounded like it was a hair away from exploding: “Shi Qing, let go first……”

n–Rrrrip!

nThen there was a thump as if someone had been knocked over.

nIt would most likely be His Majesty who was knocked down, because he let out a groan right after.

nBut he was still attempting to salvage the situation: “Shi Qing, you aren’t in your right mind right now. Be good, alright?”

nFor a long time afterwards, that soft and coquettish voice was the only sound that came from within.

nIt was too quiet for him to make out the words, but it seemed like the other person was throwing a mini tantrum and being sticky. Occasionally, there were more tearing sounds.

nThen the soft voice was muffled.

nWhen it was heard again, it seemed to be breathy and on the verge of tears, maybe from a lack of air.

nHis Majesty’s voice was not much better. It was clear that he was about to explode.

nBut he still held on through sheer force of will: “Don’t be like this anymore. I don’t want to scare you. Wait until the doctor…… Wu!”

nFinally, there was a long silence.

nAfter that, the partition in the middle of the carriage seemed to close.

nThe partition used by the royal family provided perfect sound insulation.

nNo matter how good his hearing was, the confidant couldn’t hear a thing.

nHe slowed the carriage down until it was slower than walking pace. A journey that should’ve only taken an hour was stretched out to almost two.

nWhen they finally arrived at the palace gates, he disembarked with a serious face and stood respectfully beside the carriage door. He made no move to knock.

nSeeing that their leader didn’t move, the rest of the imperial guards followed his lead.

nSo a strange scene appeared at the palace gate.

nThere was a stopped carriage surrounded by a crowd of stern guards waiting for something to happen.

nLuckily, there was another entrance outside the palace gate and court had already concluded for the day. Otherwise, they would’ve attracted a group of spectators for sure.

nThe guards waited patiently.

nIt took more than two hours for the curtain to be lifted.

nHis Majesty’s slightly hoarse but satisfied voice came from within: “Enter the palace directly.”

n“Understood.” Only then did the dedicated leader of the bodyguards return to his seat and drive the carriage into the palace.

nInside, Yu Chennian snuggled against the youth in his arms. He planted kisses on Shi Qing’s hair: “Sleepy?”

n“Wu……” The eyes of the tired little youth were droopy. He was curled up obediently in the man’s arms. His voice was as soft as cotton candy: “You locked up……that Fifth Young Master Zhao, right? “

n“Yes.” Yu Chennian patted him on the back and coaxed him softly: “He’s in jail now.”

nThe little master was happy to hear it.

nEven though he was already very tired, he still nuzzled against Yu Chennian’s chest with a smile on his face.

nThen he nuzzled off a torn piece of fabric.

nThe emperor’s steel-like restraint from before had angered the thirsty Shi Qing. So the little master flashed his claws and ruined a perfectly good robe.

nNow that he got what he wanted, the little master was willing to be generous and offer an apology. His face was still full of confusion, but his chin rose like it usually did: “Who made your clothes? They’re so flimsy.”

nYes, that’s right. That’s how the little master &#k2018;apologizes’.

nYu Chennian didn’t even blink. He was still trying to soothe Shi Qing: “You’re right. The fabric isn’t good. If you don’t like it, then I won’t wear it in the future.”

nThe clothes in the palace were made with His Majesty’s comfort in mind. The thinner and lighter they were the better.

nBesides, when they were making the clothes, the seamstresses never expected someone to have the guts to violently tear them off of the emperor.

nShi Qing rubbed his face against him, his voice tender and sweet: “I like it. Make some for me too. Next time, you can be the one tearing them off.”

nYu Chennian’s hand, that was patting the little master’s back, froze.

nThe carriage scene from before flashed through his mind, but with their roles were switched. He was the one tearing.

nFortunately, although the weather was sweltering today, they had just exercised so Yu Chennian didn’t get a nosebleed from thinking naughty things.

nThe youth in his arms, who used to stroll around brothels without touching the girls, went on: “I want some clothes made of gauze as well. Does the palace have something like that?”

nYu Chennian’s brain stopped working completely.

nHe froze like a statue until the little master shifted and complained: “Why’d you stop? Keep patting me, ah. Fan me too. It’s so hot in here.”

nYu Chennian hurriedly returned to lightly patting his back with one hand while picking up the feather fan sitting nearby.

nThe little master was waited on hand and foot all the way to the main palace. Then, His Majesty carefully carried him out.

nThank goodness there was a change of clothes in the carriage, otherwise it would have been difficult to explain their bedraggled appearance.

nShi Qing was very sleepy as he laid on the bed, but his brain was too excited to rest. He rolled all over the big soft bed.

nYu Chennian was banished to shrimp peeling duty outside the curtain.

nThe little master was tired. He wanted to eat shrimps peeled by the emperor himself, with vinegar and everything. He finished half a bowl in one breath.

nSo Yu Chennian could only sit on the other side of the curtain peeling shrimp. He could vaguely make out the little master rolling around on the bed. He must be feeling uncomfortable.

nHis heart is full of pity, Even if Shi Qing liked to act tough, this was both of their first times. Plus he was the bottom, so it was harder on him.

nThe medicine he had sent for hadn’t arrived yet. Yu Chennian’s heartache made him peel the shrimp faster.

nMeanwhile, Shi Qing was incessantly poking the System while rolling around excitedly:

nTong! Tong! Describe Yu Chennian with one word.

nThe System, who had taken a peek once before and was immediately scared silly by the mosaics, only dared to peek again when the Host called it.

nThe System looked around carefully. It only replied after confirming the absence of censors: This System doesn’t know. This System has never heard of it. This System has never seen it.

nPah. I know even if you don’t say it.

nThe System’s curiosity was piqued by Shi Qing’s confident look. It asked: What’s he like?

nShi Qing held onto the soft bedding as he rolled around the bed.

nBig.

nShi Qing: Hehehehehehe.

nSystem: What?

nShi Qing: Hard-working.

nSystem: Isn’t Yu Chennian the emperor? How could he be…

nShi Qing: Yep. He works hard.

nSystem: ???

nSystem: ……

nShi Qing’s face was dreamy: I’ve noticed something. It’s like he becomes more hard-working with every world I visit. Is there a reason for this?

nHe asked with anticipation: Does this mean that he will be even stronger in the next world?

nSystem: ……

nSystem: ……Technically, this shouldn’t change. Maybe it’s because of the Host instead.

nShi Qing concurred.

nAfter all, he couldn’t be considered a normal person in the first two worlds.

nOnly the him in this world could be considered a genuinely normal person.

nThe little master wasn’t too disappointed to find out that Yu Chennian wouldn’t get stronger: Then I’ll enjoy myself while I can. Since I get to feel 100% pleasure for now, wouldn’t it be like 100 100 100 and so on and so forth happiness every time?

nThe System’s head was spinning.

nIt mumbled a vague response: I guess……?

nSo the little master, who planned on having a snack and a nap, threw off the blanket and ripped opened the curtain. He shouted at the man attentively peeling shrimps outside: “Yu Chennian! Yu Chennian get over here!”

nThe emperor stood up obediently and washed his hands before sitting on the bed beside the youth. He touched his face lightly: “What’s the matter? Are you uncomfortable?”

nHis heart ached: “Wait just a little while longer. The medicine will be here soon.”

nRight as he finished speaking, the little master’s tender and white hand grabbed his arm and pulled him onto the bed.

nYu Chennian couldn’t react in time. After all, Shi Qing had appeared all tuckered out before.

nAnd then.

n–Rrrrip!

nHis clothes were torn again.

nThe servant, who had been sent to get the medicine, returned to the main palace. He waited outside the door and said: “Your Majesty, this one has brought the medicine.”

nHis Majesty’s breathless voice came from within: “I’ll call you back later. Wait outside for now.”

nTwo hours later.

nAfter the medicine was delivered, Yu Chennian originally intended to just apply it for the little master. But for some reason, as he was applying it, Shi Qing pushed him down again.

nHis thoughts from before about how Shi Qing would hate him, scorn him or blame him for taking advantage of him, were all bunched up and thrown into the lotus pond.

nIt turned out that this inexperienced little master, who had a reputation for being an innocent playboy, had quite the appetite.

nThe duo were intertwined for almost the entire day.

nThe next day, after Yu Chennian returned from court, the little master eagerly bounced onto his lap holding gauzy clothing.

nOn the third day, he was dragged by the little master to the hot springs right after finishing his work.

nOn the fourth day, the little master went to the palace library and found some books from the previous dynasty. They recorded, in great detail, how the former emperor was able to keep things fresh with over three thousand beauties in his harem. He expressed a desire to try all of it with Yu Chennian.

nThe gratuitous amount of time they spent together everyday didn’t affect Yu Chennian’s handling of political affairs. Instead, he became more and more energetic with each passing day.

nAfter half a month, the pleased little master, who walked around with his nose in the air, finally remembered something.

nHe forgot about Fifth Young Master Zhao.

nYu Chennian had also forgotten him.

nIt was like he was in heaven these days. Each day, he handled all his government affairs efficiently, just so that he could return to the main palace faster and indulge in a new surprise. How could he remember this passerby?

nFifth Young Master Zhao’s life in jail wasn’t bad either, but his family was barred from visiting because the emperor had personally imprisoned him. As such, his family was sure that he had offended the current emperor in some unforgivable way.

nYu Chennian’s character couldn’t have been made more clear soon after his ascension. It was the most important information in all the reports.

nThey dared not even plead for mercy. Afterall, one wrong word could make Fifth Young Master Zhao’s punishment worse.

nAs a result, he was completely forgotten…

nFortunately, when Shi Qing couldn’t find Fifth Young Master Zhao to show off his new agate lion, he remembered and released him.

nThe first thing he did then was to proudly hold up the agate lion: “See this? This is from Fanro Country. One of their main exports is agate. This lion was made using the best quality materials and craftsmen.”

nFifth Young Master Zhao, who was still holding a grudge from being imprisoned, lashed out at Shi Qing: “That’s nothing.”

nThe little master was not angry.

nHe was a good tempered person.

nHe just touched his agate lion and said with a smile: “Say what you want. Although I have a good relationship with His Majesty, I definitely wouldn’t lock you up again just because you didn’t praise my lion.”

nFifth Young Master Zhao: “……”

nHe and Shi Qing had fought countless times over immaterial and physical things, but one sentence had to be said.

nThis guy was so annoying.

nBut Shi Qing didn’t find himself annoying at all. He just held his agate lion and looked at Fifth Young Master Zhao expectantly: “Be honest. How is this lion?”

nFifth Young Master Zhao looked back at the prison where he had been locked up for half a month.

nHe forced himself to squeeze out a smile: “It’s good!!! Great even! I’ve never seen such a delicate agate sculpture. Look at the smooth curve of the lion, his lifelike eyes, and the aura of strength he projects. It’s so good, ah!!! So great!! Truly a world-class masterpiece!”

nThe little master listened to his spiel patiently.

n“That’s it?”

nFifth Young Master Zhao’s words just now had forced him to scour the entirety of his vocabulary. He wouldn’t be able to say any more even if he had been threatened with a whip. “Yeah.”

nShi Qing’s vixen-like face immediately showed a look of disgust. He quickly shoved the agate lion to the attendant on the side: “Fifth Young Master Zhao has never had a good eye for such things. If he says this lion is good, it must be bad… I don’t want it anymore. Send it back.”

nFifth Young Master Zhao: “……”

nHe wanted to bite Shi Qing to death.

nThe little master saw through his thoughts and raised his little chin proudly: “Judging from your expression, you want to hit me? Go ahead. Just keep in mind I have His Majesty’s protection.”

nFifth Young Master Zhao: …He couldn’t.

nSo, Shi Qing, with a posture that really was asking for a sound smack, waltzed around Fifth Young Master Zhao. He enjoyed the way his archnemesis had to hold back his curses and desire for violence.

nOnly then did he shoot him a triumphant look and leave.

nFifth Young Master Zhao: “……”

nSo what if you have His Majesty’s protection!

nIs that such a big deal?!!

nHis Majesty’s protection… protection…

nHe bowed his head in despair.

nIt’s really amazing to have His Majesty’s protection.

nIt seems that he’ll be stuck with the title of the number two dandy in the capital for the foreseeable future.

n***

nBut Shi Qing abdicated his place as the number one dandy in the capital to Fifth Young Master Zhao.

nAfter meeting his true love, the little master, who once seemed to be aiming to rely on his parents forever, actually began to study seriously. Maybe he wanted to be a match worthy of Yu Chennian (at least that’s what Prime Minister Shi and his wife believed).

nDue to his own talents or a backdoor someone opened for him, he scored high enough in the exam to be ranked third.

nThen he smoothly became an official in court.

nIn the beginning, some questioned the veracity of the little master’s achievements.

nAfter all, although they didn’t know what was going on between Shi Qing and Yu Chennian, Shi Qing had always been a famous dandy.

nIt wasn’t out of the question for his father, the prime minister, to open a backdoor for him.

nPrime Minister Shi himself said that he really didn’t do such a thing. But after his son not only passed the exam but scored so highly, he too had his suspicions.

nIn court, the prime minister’s faction naturally wouldn’t talk poorly about Shi Qing, but his influence was not absolute.

nTherefore, Shi Qing became a target of resentment for a long time.

nOther families had prodigal sons.

nBut he turned out even better than his already accomplished father.

nIt went against expectations and caused a lot of backlash.

nBut Shi Qing gave back as good as he got.

nThe key difference between Shi Qing and Prime Minister Shi’s way of arguing was how direct they were. While Prime Minister Shi would be straightforward, Shi Qing liked to quote all kinds of obscure poems and set vicious verbal pitfalls for his opponents.

nIf one of his victims happened to be a slacker in school, they might not even notice that they’d been made a mockery of.

nAfter a few martyrs were shot down, no one could doubt Shi Qing’s literary talent anymore.

nLater, people began to mutter that, although Prime Minister Shi was such a powerful man, all his son Shi Qing knew how to do was argue with others.

nCould the little master bear such an insult?

nOf course not!

nHe didn’t say anything about it during the day, but he snuck into the palace at night and pillow talked the biggest BOSS Yu Chennian into submission.

nThe next day, the little master entered the Ministry of Finance.

nThe Ministry of Finance was in charge of money.

nThere were countless ministries and departments in the palace, but all of their expenses had to be signed off on by the Ministry of Finance before they could get money.

nThe only thing Shi Qing had a talent for was playing around.

nHe built something called an amusement park for the dandies and the children of government officials. It made money hand over fist.

nThis was a fun attraction after all.

nPeople were lining up for the chance to pay.

nSo after making a lot of money, Shi Qing was promoted.

nHe then set up something called a post office.

nTo set up a post office, you had to build them first. At the time, there were a bunch of people staunchly against spending money building this thing no one had ever heard of.

nIn the end, Yu Chennian was firmly on Shi Qing’s side. He used his personal coffers to fund the venture.

nAfter the post offices were built, packages were priced based on weight. The civilians could send a letter for next to nothing.

nIt might seem like the imperial court was taking a great loss, but don’t forget that we’re not just talking about one letter. In addition, the post office transported the cargo with letters as well. And they could deliver both ways. What’s more, since there were soldiers stationed at the post offices, there were very few thefts or robberies, so merchants began to outsource the delivery of their goods.

nHe made a monumental profit in the first year alone.

nSo Shi Qing was promoted again.

nBy the time he was promoted to the Minister of Finance, he had become a legend amongst the common people.

nThey called him the ‘Golden Minister’ for his ability to make a profit off of anything. Since he entered the Ministry of Finance, the National Treasury had become much more bountiful.

nNo one in court dared to mess with Minister Shi, who was honourable and able to hold his own.

nHe didn’t go looking for trouble either. He was just a bit lazy at most.

nShi Qing still had his fair share of enemies at court, but what could they do? The emperor clearly doted on him.

nIn the end, Shi Qing and Yu Chennian’s relationship was gradually revealed.

nPerhaps it was because the two of them made no move to conceal their lovey-dovey atmosphere. Or maybe it was because the emperor’s harem remained barren despite his young age. He even chose a baby from his clan, whose father had died from an accident before his birth and whose mother followed soon after, to be his heir.

nIt was normal that he didn’t choose any of his imperial brothers. After all, they had bullied him before. Why would Yu Chennian ever choose the spawn of one of his enemies to inherit the throne?

nShi Qing was still the same as ever. He roamed the streets when he was bored, eating this and that. However, he never went to the brothels again. Although Yu Chennian wasn’t as insecure as before, he was still vigilant about potential love rivals appearing around Shi Qing.

nWhen they were in their forties, their relationship was no longer a secret in the capital.

nAt the age of 45, Shi Qing resigned from office. Yu Chennian, in consideration of his great contributions to the country, titled him ‘Prince Le’an’.

nAfter that, Yu Chennian became the first emperor to pass on his mantle without dying, since the founding of their country.

nFree from their restrictive identities, the duo began to blatantly enjoy themselves in the countryside.

nThere was no clear record in the history book of when the two of them passed away or where they were buried.

nBut one thing was for certain. The crown prince who succeeded Yu Chennian once said: “Imperial father and prince father said that it was only a matter of time before the royal gravesite would be robbed. Before they left, they told me that they wished to be buried together in a beautiful place, in nature.”

nBut that description wasn’t exactly helpful in narrowing down potential locations. Even if later generations were very interested in these two famous historical figures, their graves remained undiscovered forever.

nThe only thing that anyone knew for sure was that they were buried together.

n***

nBack in the space between worlds, the System was still very excited: Congratulations to the Host for completing the task! Please select: One, to continue the task; or two, to take a rest.

nShi Qing: One, come on!

nDing! Please make your preparations. We will jump to a new world immediately!

n***

nShi Qing opened his eyes and reviewed the memories in his brain.

nHuh. He was a schoolyard bully this time.

nBullying people happened to be one of his talents!

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nThird arc complete!

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