Under the vast sky, there is no land that is not the king’s territory; within the borders of the land, there are no people who are not the king’s subjects.
The title of emperor signifies a position of supreme authority, absolute power over life and death. A mere frown from him could cost countless people their heads.
Not to mention that the current emperor is notoriously known as a tyrant. When a tyrant rages, corpses pile up by the millions, and blood flows for thousands of miles.
Wang Baobao hesitated at the threshold, his heart pounding so hard it felt like it might leap from his throat. His scalp tingled with anxiety, unsure how to address the figure before him.
Standing in the courtyard, slightly dizzy from the sun’s glare, he suddenly heard Li Qing’s soft voice: “Master Wang.”
He shuddered as if hearing a demon’s whisper in his ear!
Turning around, he saw Li Qing smiling at him, his face round, fair, and plump, without a trace of beard, yet his gaze carried a certain weight. Li Qing whispered, “Master Wang knows what can be said and what cannot, right?”
It wasn’t a question. Just a warning.
Wang Baobao flinched, hurriedly denying, “I… I don’t know what you mean.”
But Li Qing merely smiled faintly, tucked his hands into his sleeves, and walked over to Kuang Xuexian and the emperor.
Wang Baobao wondered where he had slipped up or if the emperor’s attendants were simply too sharp-eyed. Then it dawned on him—the emperor had long known about his relationship with his brother-in-law. Yet on the night of the lantern festival, the emperor had made no effort to conceal his identity.
So the emperor had no intention of hiding it from him. Either he didn’t fear Wang Baobao knowing, or he deliberately wanted him to know! Before the Son of Heaven, those in the know would keep their mouths sealed tighter than those unaware. Naturally, the emperor had no fear of him leaking secrets.
Kuang Xuexian reached out to stroke the little kitten. The cat looked like it had been born not long ago, likely having wandered outside for some time. It was emaciated but surprisingly affectionate.
“It wandered in on its own,” Fu Lie said.
Kuang Xuexian gently patted the little black cat’s head, and it immediately nuzzled against his palm. Overwhelmed with compassion, Kuang Xuexian said, “How pitiful.”
A faint smile curled at the corners of the emperor’s lips. He glanced leisurely at Wang Baobao before cradling the kitten and walking inside. The Son of Heaven had no need to utter threats. To him, even the sons of high-ranking officials were nothing more than insignificant ants.
Kuang Xuexian gave the kitten a quick checkup, then mentioned bathing it and building it a small nest.
Wang Baobao didn’t venture too close, choosing instead to sit by the doorway and watch.
Suddenly, a crow fluttered down into the courtyard. Wang Baobao turned his head and saw Li Qing quietly approach, retrieving a letter from the crow’s leg.
Startled, he watched as the crow cawed twice before flapping its wings and flying away.
Several crows perched on the neighboring eaves took flight at the sound, converging in the sky.
Wang Baobao looked up, feeling as if the place were enveloped in an aura of death. Li Qing tucked the letter into his waistband and glanced in Wang Baobao’s direction. Wang Baobao’s heart raced like a drum. He quickly turned away, pretending he had seen nothing.
Inside the room, the emperor spoke softly to Kuang Xuexian, “I knew you’d like it.”
Kuang Xuexian replied, “I’ve always wanted to keep a small pet once I settled down—a kitten or a puppy.”
The emperor asked, “What counts as settled down?”
Kuang Xuexian pursed his lips, seeming a little embarrassed. But after a moment, he still answered softly, “Now counts.”
The emperor crouched beside Kuang Xuexian, a pleased expression on his face as he gently stroked the kitten’s head. The little kitten meowed softly. This place felt like a paradise for a tyrant.
Wang Baobao was staring blankly when he suddenly noticed Li Qing approaching him. Wang Baobao flinched.
Li Qing, however, smiled at him and turned to look at Fu Mi and Kuang Xuexian together.
The emperor had always loved fierce beasts. He had once ordered various regions to present tigers, wolves, leopards, and other wild animals to the capital, and even built a hundred-beast garden within the palace. While this move certainly had ulterior motives, the emperor genuinely adored ferocious creatures. As for the small, beautiful, and exotic birds presented by local officials, he never spared them a glance.
Raising this little stray cat was likely because he guessed Kuang Xuexian would like it. After all, someone like Kuang Xuexian, a man of good family, seemed just the type to adore small animals.
Perhaps His Majesty enjoyed this side of him, relishing the simple life in this small courtyard, and wanted to use an unwanted stray kitten to make the illusion of a home feel more complete.
After all, this was likely something the emperor had never experienced before. At this moment, Wang Baobao no longer felt that the emperor was merely acting. Perhaps the day was too clear, the warm spring sunlight shining on him, making him wish such ordinary days could last a little longer.
The sunlight was bright and clear. Kuang Xuexian moved the little nest to the doorway to let it bask in the sun.
After settling the kitten, Kuang Xuexian washed his hands and went to cook. Wang Baobao, too afraid to be alone with Fu Mi, hurried over and sat by the kitchen door.
Today, Li Qing couldn’t arrange for the imperial chefs to deliver prepared meals. Fortunately, he had anticipated this yesterday. Since Kuang Xuexian had expressed interest in learning to cook, Li Qing had memorized a few recipes taught by the imperial chefs and was now guiding Kuang Xuexian in the kitchen.
Seeing Wang Baobao leaning against the kitchen doorway, clearly unable to hold a conversation with Fu Mi, Kuang Xuexian asked while cooking, “Any latest news? How’s the investigation into the explosion going? Has the culprit been caught?”
Wang Baobao replied, “I’m not sure. My brother-in-law hasn’t returned yet…”
Kuang Xuexian said, “I thought you’d know more than we do.”
Sunlight streamed in through the southern window. Kuang Xuexian, sleeves rolled up, bent over as he chopped vegetables. His fair hands and clean, beautiful profile made Wang Baobao think that Kuang Xuexian truly had exceptional looks—equally adept in the hall and the kitchen, skilled in both literary and martial arts. What outsiders knew of his excellence was merely the tip of the iceberg. If only he weren’t indifferent to fame and fortune, he would undoubtedly achieve great things, whether in scholarship or martial prowess!
Why was he so unlucky as to catch the eye of a tyrant? Indeed, the method of tossing the embroidered ball to choose a husband was far too conspicuous, attracting even the emperor’s attention. But what was the emperor planning to do?
It was all so absurd that it sent shivers down Wang Baobao’s spine. Sitting in the sunlight, he felt only a chilling coldness creeping over him, and he began to question why he was even here.
Li Qing came out to toss water and, taking advantage of Kuang Xuexian’s busyness in the kitchen, handed the message tube tucked at his waist directly to Fu Mi.
Fu Mi opened and read it right in front of Wang Baobao, as if he didn’t exist.
Devils, both of them! Treating him like thin air! Wang Baobao felt like he could spit blood in frustration. After reading the words on the paper, Fu Mi sneered, “They move fast enough.”
Li Qing also glimpsed the content. The note bore only a few words: Xiao Changming is arriving in Shuangluan City.
Xiao Changming was the adopted son of Princess Xiangguo, Fu Gui, and currently served as the Chief Clerk in the Prime Minister’s residence. Princess Xiangguo was the only child of the current Grand Empress Dowager and was related to Prime Minister Xie as his niece.
Thus, although Xiao Changming’s official rank was not particularly high, he was a trusted confidant of Prime Minister Xie.
After reading the note, Fu Yi handed it back to him, a layer of hostility flickering in his eyes. In places where Kuang Xuexian couldn’t see, the emperor made no effort to conceal it.
What a terrifying two-faced man!
Noticing the two-faced man suddenly turning to look his way, Wang Bobo quickly turned his back.
Li Qing returned to the kitchen. While tending the fire, he took out the letter and, while Kuang Xuexian wasn’t paying attention, tossed it directly into the flames.
Wang Bobo didn’t dare to speak either, his eyes fixed on the knife in Kuang Xuexian’s hand. Kuang Xuexian was chopping vegetables, his hand pressing down on a cucumber as the knife flew swiftly, neatly slicing it into fine, uniform shreds. Li Qing, standing beside him, exclaimed in amazement, “Young master, your knife skills are truly impressive!”
Kuang Xuexian put the knife away. “My cooking might not be as good as yours, but I do have some skill with a knife.”
Wang Bobo felt slightly reassured. At least Kuang Xuexian wasn’t someone to be trifled with.
Despite Kuang Xuexian’s delicate and elegant appearance, his movements were sharp and agile. He was skilled at using leverage and particularly adept with blades and swords. When they first met, Wang Bobo had been soundly beaten by him.
With Li Qing assisting, the meal was prepared quickly. The weather was pleasant today, so Kuang Xuexian decided to move the dining table out into the sunlight.
Wang Bobo seemed unusually reserved today. Kuang Xuexian thought it might be because Wang Bobo and Zhang Ji didn’t get along well, creating an awkward atmosphere.
Come to think of it, the two of them hadn’t exchanged many words. Since they had just met, there was still room for improvement in their relationship. As the intermediary, he should try to ease the tension.
So, he brought out several jars of fine wine from the wine cabinet in the west wing. “Bobo, which one would you like?”
Wang Bobo replied awkwardly, “Um…” He gestured toward Fu Yi. “Let him choose. I’m fine with anything.”
Kuang Xuexian said, “He doesn’t drink. Li Qing also has a low tolerance for alcohol. It’ll mainly be the two of us drinking.”
Wang Bobo said, “Then let’s have Phoenix Wine.”
Kuang Xuexian opened a jar of Phoenix Wine. He pulled Li Qing over to sit as well. Fu Yi naturally sat next to Kuang Xuexian, while Wang Bobo sat opposite them. He even noticed the emperor subtly shifting his stool closer, as if trying to press right up against Kuang Xuexian.
Speaking softly and gently, he really did resemble a handsome, clingy young son-in-law!
Did anyone understand how bizarre this scene felt to him?!
Today, under Li Qing’s guidance, Kuang Xuexian took charge of the cooking. To be honest, the meal was much tastier than what he usually prepared. However, Wang Bobo was in a particularly low mood today, looking weary and listless. He ate without much reaction, completely unlike his usual enthusiastic self.
Kuang Xuexian asked him, “Still worried about your brother-in-law?”
Wang Bobo pursed his lips and shook his head. “No.”
Seeing his stubbornness, Kuang Xuexian comforted him, “Your brother-in-law was on official duty at Phoenix Mountain at the time. The explosion at the foot of the mountain has nothing to do with him. No matter how tyrannical the emperor is, he can’t possibly execute all the officials in the Western Capital.”
Wang Bobo was terrified. He glanced at Fu Yi, pursed his lips, and softly replied, “Mm,” before finding an excuse to change the subject. “The sun is too harsh. I want to sit with my back to it.”
With that, he moved to the other side. A crow landed on the opposite wall, its pitch-black eyes fixed on him as if it possessed a spirit.
He had just lowered his head when he suddenly heard Fu Yi ask him, “Lord Wang, you’re unusually quiet today. Could it be that you have some grievance against me?”
Ahhhhh!
“N-no… how could that be!”
He raised his head and met the emperor’s dark, gleaming eyes. In the sunlight, the emperor’s skin was so fair it seemed to glow, and his pupils had turned a shade of brown. His face wore a smile, radiant under the sun, handsome and elegant to the point of being dazzling—yet it sent a chill down Wang Baobao’s spine, making him feel like he was about to cry.
The emperor, still smiling, glanced at Kuang Xuexian and continued, “In the past, Lord Wang and I might not have understood each other well enough, so there were some misunderstandings. But now we’ve come to know each other better, haven’t we? Lord Wang, feel free to visit our home often.”
So terrifying. So terrifying! Whatever Kuang Xuexian said, Wang Baobao didn’t process a single word. His mind had gone completely blank, and he could only nod frantically.
Fu Yi didn’t speak further either. He ate very little, cradling the kitten in his arms and idly teasing it with his fingers.
Li Qing almost felt sorry for Wang Baobao. To be honest, his master was no saint, nor was he a gentleman. He disliked Wang Baobao without needing a reason and had no intention of changing that. He simply hoped Wang Baobao would appear less often in front of him, which was why he kept intimidating him.
But who could reason with an emperor? So Li Qing personally poured wine for Wang Baobao.
He poured a cup, and Wang Baobao obediently drank it.
Wang Baobao was already dizzy from the sun and lack of rest, and he didn’t dare refuse the wine Li Qing poured. Soon, he was thoroughly drunk. Sitting at the same table as the emperor, perhaps due to overwhelming psychological pressure, he suddenly burst into tears when he saw Kuang Xuexian seated beside the emperor.
He felt that the emperor was so cruel and cunning that neither he nor Kuang Xuexian were likely to meet a good end!
Li Qing: “…”
Kuang Xuexian was also startled and moved closer, saying, “Why are you crying?”
Wang Baobao didn’t dare speak. A tall, sturdy man, he sat on the stool sobbing uncontrollably before finally saying, “I… I have to go.”
He was afraid that if he stayed any longer, he’d get even drunker and say something that would lead to a quicker death.
He wondered, if Kuang Xuexian knew that his Zhang Ji was the emperor, would he still be sitting here so calmly?
He would surely run. But under the vast sky, all land belongs to the emperor—where could one possibly escape the emperor’s grasp?
If he angered the emperor, he’d likely meet an even more gruesome end.
Wang Baobao insisted on leaving, so Kuang Xuexian had no choice but to see him off. Perhaps out of genuine sympathy for his pitiful state, Wang Baobao heard Kuang Xuexian complain to Li Qing and Fu Yi, “That damned emperor is going to be the death of someone.”
Wang Baobao’s legs went weak, and he let out a muffled “Ugh.”
Li Qing awkwardly said, “Young master, you’ve also had quite a bit to drink. Let this servant see Lord Wang off! I’ll go find a carriage.”
Li Qing went out and found a carriage. When it was time to board, Kuang Xuexian tried to help him, but Wang Baobao didn’t dare let him, climbing up on his own.
However, he didn’t dare be alone with Li Qing and begged Kuang Xuexian to accompany him. Kuang Xuexian decided to go with Li Qing.
As Wang Baobao sat inside the carriage, Kuang Xuexian and the others lifted the curtain to board. Suddenly, he caught a glimpse of the emperor standing outside the door, holding the little black kitten, looking as elegant as a jade tree. The kitten was also watching them, as if it had transformed into a fierce cat, its eyes dark and gleaming, unnervingly bright.
The emperor smiled cheerfully and added, “Lord Wang, do come again next time.”
Terrified, Wang Baobao immediately shrank back into the carriage.
They encountered few people along the way, but quite a few patrolling officers. Kuang Xuexian leaned against Wang Baobao and asked him several times what was wrong, but Wang Baobao remained silent.
Li Qing looked at Wang Baobao sympathetically, thinking he should be as gentle as possible with him, so he kept smiling at him.
Wang Baobao almost hid behind Kuang Xuexian. Why was he smiling so slyly at him? Stop threatening him!
They escorted Wang Baobao to the Su residence. Kuang Xuexian noticed that this area, where officials and nobles gathered, was even quieter than where ordinary people lived. There was almost no one on the streets.
He regretted taking the carriage—it felt too conspicuous. Fortunately, they weren’t stopped by any officers along the way.
They helped Wang Baobao out of the carriage. By then, he was nearly drunk out of his mind, clinging to Kuang Xuexian and crying until the male servants from the residence finally dragged him away.
Kuang Xuexian sighed in relief and turned to get back into the carriage when he suddenly saw a fast horse galloping toward them. The rider shouted sharply, “Make way!”
The swift hooves and stern voice startled their own horse. Their coachman hurriedly tried to rein it in but couldn’t avoid the oncoming rider in time. Just as a collision seemed imminent, Kuang Xuexian grabbed the back of the coachman’s collar and pulled him aside. Li Qing cried out, “Be careful, sir!”
Then he saw Kuang Xuexian use the edge of his other hand to gently press and push against the sweat-drenched neck of the galloping horse. The horse seemed to halt its momentum instantly, neighing as it stumbled several feet sideways, nearly throwing off its rider.
Li Qing shuddered. The rider seemed to have no time for anything else and shouted loudly, “Quickly ask Lord Su to go to the temporary palace!”
A servant at the gate replied, “My lord has just returned!”
“Tell him that Chief Secretary Xiao from the Prime Minister’s residence has arrived. Ask him to go at once!”
After saying this, the rider tugged the reins to change direction, then glanced down at Kuang Xuexian. Out of the corner of his eye, he caught sight of Li Qing and flinched in fright.
Afraid the rider might greet him, Li Qing frowned and subtly signaled. The rider immediately spurred his horse away, his face pale.
The coachman, still shaken, finally remembered to thank Kuang Xuexian. Li Qing, even more fearful in hindsight, said, “That was too close just now, sir!”