Being a dark guard is no easy task.
Aside from being on call 24/7, there are situations like this to deal with.
If the master is a homebody, it’s not so bad. The dark guards can quietly perch on the beams, hide among the flowers, in the trees, or even under the bed. They might even hang like human ornaments under the eaves outside the window.
This is considered quite good among the dark guard community. After all, being a dark guard means lurking in unseen corners, staying quiet until the moment comes to protect the master. That’s their usual job.
But if the master is the adventurous type, constantly running around outside, things get complicated.
The dark guards must follow closely, providing protection without being detected by the master, and the closer they stay, the better. When the master is wandering around the mansion, they sneakily follow from the eaves, among the trees, or within the rock gardens.
In special circumstances, they might even have to hold lotus leaves over their heads and stay submerged in water, as still as a chicken, even in winter.
Fortunately, due to the secret art they practice, the dark guards are not particularly afraid of the cold, so there’s no worry about catching a chill and falling ill.
These situations are manageable. After all, a master can’t stay in one room all the time, and the dark guards are used to it.
However, if the master is constantly rushing outside, the dark guards must be prepared for quick costume changes, ready to spend their own money, and familiar with the various pastimes of the idle rich. They must also be well-versed in poetry, songs, and polite banter to avoid being outmatched in verbal duels with rivals, which could lead to punishment.
The danger level increases significantly!
Moreover, with the elite at the top of the power pyramid, there are always unexpected enemies popping up. The dark guards must ensure the master enjoys himself while constantly staying alert, observing the surroundings to prevent any danger.
It’s truly exhausting.
Prince Yu’nan is one of those masters who loves to be out and about.
So the dark guards have grown accustomed to following him, flitting through various hidden spots. Among them, only Gui Wuqing dares to walk lightly on the eaves.
The tiles at Prince Yu’nan’s Mansion are specially made. They look like glazed tiles but are nothing like them in reality.
Even the slightest touch on them produces a crisp sound.
Only Gui Wuqing, with his exceptional qinggong, dares to stroll on these bell-like tiles.
The mansion is truly vast.
By the time Gui Wuqing finished munching on two handfuls of sunflower seeds, they had finally arrived at their destination.
Outside, Prince Yu’nan knocked on the door and said, “Imperial Brother, I’m coming in.”
The dark guards had already slipped into the room one by one through the side window.
Gui Wuqing was the first to enter. He found a spot where he could observe the entire room, exchanged a glance with the head of the emperor’s dark guards, and once assured, settled quietly.
Once he was in place, Prince Yu’nan pushed the door open and walked in.
His face had been sour all day. Upon entering and seeing the scene inside, his expression turned even more sour.
He said, “Imperial Sister-in-law is here. Why did you call me in directly, Imperial Brother?”
“What kind of Imperial Sister-in-law is she?” The emperor blinked, showing none of the rumored deep affection for Consort Yu. Instead, he waved dismissively, saying, “You know it’s just the two of us here, so why bother with ‘Imperial Sister-in-law’?”
Prince Yu’nan was speechless for a moment. “Aren’t you afraid she’ll suddenly wake up and hear you?”
“If she hears, she hears. What can she do to me?”
The emperor casually poured two cups of tea, pushing one towards Prince Yu’nan. Prince Yu’nan sat beside him, frowning as he took a sip. “She may not, but if you keep occupying my residence, I might have to do something about it.”
The emperor chuckled. “Oh, feeling bold, are we?”
He didn’t mind the jab, continuing, “If you dare tell Mother Empress, I’ll fill your backyard with beauties. I’m sure Mother Empress won’t stop me and might even help pick them out.”
Prince Yu’nan’s backyard had been empty for a long time, without even a maid to warm his bed. Gossipers, including many dark guards, speculated whether Prince Yu’nan had some unspeakable issue.
The emperor’s words hit Prince Yu’nan’s sore spot.
He jumped up like a rabbit, glaring fiercely. “You wouldn’t dare!”
The emperor grinned like a fox. “Why wouldn’t I dare?”
Prince Yu’nan stood there, glaring at the emperor, who leisurely poured himself another cup of tea and asked as he sipped, “Don’t just stand there. It’s pointless. Do me a favor, and I’ll take her and leave immediately.”
Prince Yu’nan hesitated, his face still sour as he leaned in cautiously. “What favor?”
The emperor beckoned him closer with a finger. Prince Yu’nan eyed him suspiciously, unmoved, forcing the emperor to lean in and whisper a few words in his ear.
Prince Yu’nan let out a cold laugh, stepping back a few paces. “You’re dreaming!”
The emperor was taken aback by his sudden anger. “Why the outburst?”
Pointing at him, Prince Yu’nan thundered, “You ask why I’m so angry! You have so many consorts in your harem, yet you’re not satisfied? Now you even want to sleep with my dark guards!”
The emperor was stunned. “…?!”
He was genuinely bewildered, a rare look of confusion crossing his face. “When did I ever say…”
…that I wanted to sleep with your dark guards?
He had only asked to “borrow your dark guards for a few days.”
Before he could finish, the emperor realized what had happened.
He paused, his face turning various shades, caught between anger and amusement.
The dark guards perched on the beams, unaware of the emperor’s inner turmoil, were all trying to deduce which dark guard the emperor intended to sleep with.
Being a dark guard does have its perks.
From the emperor’s relatives to high-ranking officials and the elite, all their secrets and gossip are laid bare before the dark guards, like watching a melodramatic soap opera.
After years of observing, the dark guards quickly calculated, and their eyes, sharp as swords, landed on Gui Wuqing.
After all, the emperor had been at Prince Yu’nan’s place for quite some time, and the only dark guard he’d seen was Gui Wuqing.
Suddenly, Gui Wuqing found himself the target of countless piercing gazes from all directions, feeling like a porcupine. “…”