Let him kiss a little, touch a little, most…
Li Sanbao did not expect Qin Li to act so much on a whim. He was sweating profusely from anxiety. “Your Majesty, I fear staying outside the palace is improper. The few rebels captured today are likely just the tip of the iceberg. What if others are lurking in the shadows, waiting for a chance to assassinate?”
His eyes flickered toward Xie Linchuan every now and then; he might as well have said outright that Xie Linchuan was the most likely person to attempt an assassination. What if Xie Linchuan disregarded his family’s lives and decided to perish together with Qin Li?
Qin Li raised a hand to cut him off. “There are plenty of Imperial Guards outside. It is only for one night. The number of people who want to assassinate me daily could likely stretch from the palace gates to the moat.”
Xie Linchuan thought to himself that these words showed quite a bit of self-awareness. In his previous life, Qin Li had seized the throne by force. He was violent and aggressive, preferring to suppress opposition with power and might. Countless people wished for his death. During his three-year reign, surviving assassinations was as common as a daily meal.
It was only because of his luck and his firm grasp on military power, with an army fiercely loyal to him, that no major catastrophe occurred for three years. It was a pity that he insisted on keeping a traitor like Xie Linchuan by his side. He played a winning hand poorly and eventually lost the throne he had fought so hard for, suffering the humiliation of Li Xuehong in the end.
Xie Linchuan clicked his tongue inwardly. Qin Li, look at you. It was so not worth it. If Qin Li had a chance to be reborn, he would surely regret his blindness in falling for him and his stubbornness even as he faced death.
Noticing that Xie Linchuan seemed somewhat distracted, Qin Li pressed his brow with a hint of displeasure. “Tonight, I shall stay in General Xie’s bedchamber.”
“With General Xie here,” his deep eyes turned toward Xie Linchuan, “the General will protect me, will he not?”
“Naturally.”
Xie Linchuan snapped back to reality, meeting Qin Li’s indecipherable gaze. Was this fellow’s lust stirring again, or was he testing him once more? Earlier tonight at the Qingyue Tower, he had used Li Fenghao’s remnants to trick Yang Qiong into being publicly punished. Qin Li had surely seen through it. In other words, Qin Li knew he was indeed in contact with the Li remnants, yet he had not exposed him. He was unsure what Qin Li was planning. Fortunately, Yuan Chen had been killed by Yang Qiong; otherwise, they might have confessed that they were originally meant to meet Xie Linchuan. Even though he had a clear conscience, there was no telling what Qin Li and his ministers would suspect.
The Shared Room
The night grew deep, and the early spring air was bone-chilling. Xie Linchuan had not stayed at the Xie manor for a long time. Servants had already tidied his room until it was spotless. A charcoal brazier burned in the main room. It was not as exquisite as those in the palace, but it was enough to keep the room warm.
Xie Linchuan’s bedroom was simple and functional. The floor was covered with a fine wool carpet. On one side was the bed with plain green curtains, and on the other was a desk and a display shelf. The shelves were packed with various books, and several pieces of his own calligraphy hung on the walls. A small stove sat by the table, warming a pot of water. Hand warmers and fur gloves were all within reach.
Xie Linchuan led Qin Li into the room. Qin Li kept his hands tucked in his sleeves, his curious eyes darting everywhere as he explored every corner, even flipping through the books on the shelves.
Xie Linchuan brewed tea and served it to him. “My humble room is simplistic. I have neglected Your Majesty.”
Qin Li weighed the hand warmer in his hands and sat down in a chair.
Xie Linchuan said, “The hour is late. Your Majesty should rest early; you have court tomorrow morning.”
Qin Li, who was drinking water, set down the teacup and raised an eyebrow with a playful smirk. “What? Is General Xie so impatient to serve me at rest?”
Xie Linchuan saw that he still liked to tease with his words, yet he showed no intention of undressing for bed. Clearly, he was still wary, fearing he might be stabbed in his sleep.
Xie Linchuan found it somewhat amusing. Qin Li was a very contradictory man. He was clearly on guard, yet he could not help but want to be close, even insisting on a bedside talk through the night. Qin Li had eaten his fill and did not want to sleep, but Xie Linchuan did.
Xie Linchuan sat down casually and added a piece of charcoal to the stove. “Since Your Majesty does not wish to rest, what shall we talk about?”
Qin Li looked around and suddenly asked, “You seem to be very sensitive to the cold.”
Xie Linchuan’s hand poking at the stove paused. “It is all right.” It was just a habit of memory.
Qin Li tossed the hand warmer to him, leaned back in his chair, and propped up his cheek, watching him lazily. “Do you have nothing to ask me?”
Xie Linchuan thought for a moment and said, “Today, regarding Yang Qiong, Your Majesty could have handled it more leniently. Yang Qiong has performed great service for Your Majesty, and he has offended too many people to ever betray you again.”
“Your Majesty has only been on the throne for a month. By punishing him severely in public, are you not worried he will harbor resentment, or that other surrendered officials will fear a purge and turn to Li Fenghao?”
Qin Li let out a short laugh, as if he had expected this question. “It is precisely because Yang Qiong has offended everyone that he can only rely on me to survive. Do you know that he has to prepare several carriages to mask his movements for court, for fear of revenge and assassination?”
“He fears losing my favor more than anyone else. Therefore, I must use him to establish my authority, to tell others never to act recklessly based on their past merits or grow arrogant.”
Xie Linchuan narrowed his eyes slightly. Qin Li’s words were also an implication for him. Now the entire court knew Qin Li favored Xie Linchuan, which drew envy. He had no real power, many political enemies, and ties to the previous dynasty’s remnants. He, too, had to rely closely on Qin Li for power, status, and favor to survive. He, too, could not afford to lose that favor.
Qin Li would punish Yang Qiong, but he would not easily kill him.
Qin Li curled the corner of his mouth, watching Xie Linchuan’s profile as he pondered. He had enough patience to wait for the day Xie Linchuan could not help but come and beg him.
That look in Qin Li’s eyes was very familiar. Across the rising heat of the charcoal stove, Xie Linchuan’s gaze met his for a moment before he nonchalantly looked away. He feared he would have to disappoint Qin Li.
Seeing that the other man remained silent for a long time, Qin Li cleared his throat. “Xie Linchuan, today you framed my loyal official. Not only did I not punish you, but I also helped you vent your anger. Should you not repay me for my grace?”
Xie Linchuan smiled. “Why does Your Majesty say that?”
“You intentionally lured Yang Qiong and the Li remnants together. If they had clashed, you could have used them to kill for you and get revenge. If they had not fought, you could have thrown mud at Yang Qiong and used me as your witness.”
Qin Li’s gaze was sharp. “Your courage is truly immense. Framing ministers, settling personal scores; you even dared to use me?”
Xie Linchuan blinked. “Did Your Majesty not say that I was the one framed by Yang Qiong?”
Qin Li said crossly, “Stop playing dumb. Do you normally wear women’s clothing to stroll the streets for no reason, or send blank papers to your former master to show your longing?”
Xie Linchuan stopped pretending. “Then why did Your Majesty not expose me in public?”
Qin Li was momentarily speechless. He pursed his lips before saying, “I turned a blind eye because of your merit in drawing out the rebels.”
“There was no need for you to go in person. Wearing women’s clothing to see me was clearly a flaw you showed me on purpose.”
Qin Li pushed the charcoal stove aside and leaned in closer to Xie Linchuan, narrowing his eyes. “Xie Linchuan, are you cutting ties with the Li family to join me, or are you gaining my trust to wait for an opportunity?”
Being seen through by Qin Li did not surprise Xie Linchuan. He only smiled. “What if I am joining you? What if I am gaining trust? No matter what I do, will Your Majesty not continue to suspect me?”
These words somehow carried a hint of grievance. Qin Li’s interest was piqued. He tilted the other man’s chin to look from side to side. This man was the most handsome of all the clever and decisive people he had met, and the most daring and capable of all the beautiful ones.
Yan Yu always said Xie Linchuan’s deep calculations were a threat. He knew this well. But it was precisely this kind of rare fruit growing on the edge of a cliff that enticed the mind. Plucking it was more exciting, and the moment it was consumed, it would surely be more delicious.
Under the warm candlelight, Xie Linchuan’s naturally cool, white skin was tinged with warmth. His features were deep and well-defined, possessing an air of dignity and righteousness. Years of martial arts training gave him a sharp, unique spirit. His shoulders and arms were firm and powerful. His aura was like that of a righteous hero depicted in storybooks; always calm, resilient, and inviolable.
Qin Li specifically wanted to see this face show a look of being lost in desire or indecisiveness. The thought itself was incredibly invigorating.
Qin Li leaned in, his breath hitting the other’s cheek. He said hoarsely, “Tell me, what is it you truly want? If you are obedient and serve me well, I might be able to satisfy you.”
Xie Linchuan’s heart stirred. He looked straight into his eyes and spoke calmly, “What if I wish to no longer be under house arrest?”
Qin Li’s gaze darkened slightly. He let go of him and sat back in his chair. “I thought you would ask for a position in the court or for me to eliminate your enemies.”
Xie Linchuan thought to himself, He turned cold so quickly. It truly is not yet the time. But it did not matter. If Qin Li was unwilling to give it, he would make it so that Qin Li had no choice but to give it.
Thinking of this, Xie Linchuan lowered his eyes and said flatly, “Then I shall not trouble Your Majesty.”
Qin Li narrowed his eyes unhappily, feeling a surge of irritation. This man changed his face as easily as flipping a page. Just a moment ago, when he cooked noodles, he had a touch of gentleness. On his lips, he complained of suspicion, but in his heart, he was entirely calculating how to leave.
Qin Li snorted. “You want to leave the palace that badly?”
Xie Linchuan raised an eyebrow. Had Qin Li actually softened? He thought for a moment and took the opportunity to make a request. “In a few days, it will be Your Majesty’s Heaven Worship Ceremony. It is too boring to be cooped up in a courtyard all day; I also wish to see the excitement.”
Just seeing the excitement was harmless enough. Qin Li thought it over and nodded. “Very well.”
Xie Linchuan suddenly asked, “I heard Your Majesty flogged a censor a few days ago?”
Qin Li’s expression became immediately guarded. “Why do you ask that?”
Xie Linchuan acted as if he did not see the man’s unpleasant expression. “Censor Pei was also acting for the sake of Your Majesty’s reputation.”
Qin Li sneered. “Do you have ties with this Pei Xuan as well? No wonder he risked everything to plead for you, asking me to let you out of the palace. What, I hit him, and you cannot stand it, or are you pained for him?”
“It seems General Chixiao is not only famous on the battlefield but also attracts many admirers in matters of the heart.”
Xie Linchuan watched Qin Li’s sarcastic outburst. In his past life, he would have surely retaliated against such distorted insults, arguing back until Qin Li was fuming with rage. In the end, the poor censor Pei Xuan would likely have become Qin Li’s scapegoat, and Xie Linchuan would have gained nothing; certainly not the freedom to move outside the palace.
Xie Linchuan blinked and drew out his words. “I am pained.”
As expected, Qin Li’s face turned as black as the bottom of a pot.
Xie Linchuan said slowly, “I am pained for Your Majesty’s reputation. Censor Pei was only advising Your Majesty to take concubines and produce heirs. Is that a crime? Your Majesty hit him without considering the facts. With no concubines in the harem, the citizens of the capital will surely gossip. They might even secretly question if Your Majesty is…”
His gaze swept down Qin Li’s abdomen, and his lips curled into a mischievous smile.
Qin Li first raised an eyebrow in surprise, then looked strange as his ears twitched. “You are pained for me?”
Xie Linchuan: “…”
Did this man have a filter in his ears? He had said such a long sentence, and Qin Li only precisely captured the words “pained for Your Majesty.” Everything after that was automatically ignored.
Qin Li scratched his chin, rose from his chair, and paced a couple of steps before him as if tasting the meaning. “You care quite a bit whether I take concubines?”
Xie Linchuan looked at him, at a loss for words. How did it change meaning when it came from Qin Li’s mouth?
Qin Li reluctantly reflected on himself and felt his mockery earlier was perhaps a bit much. Just a little. His expression cleared, and he sat back down, naturally crossing his legs. He propped up his chin and said leisurely, “I have only just ascended. Concubines and heirs can wait for later. As long as you are a bit more well-behaved, I naturally will not neglect you.”
Qin Li knew he did not like women at all, nor did he like noisy children. He had been an orphan since childhood and had never known the feeling of being loved by family. Now, he also looked down upon the debt of birth. How could he shoulder the heavy burden of bloodline and give something he simply did not have? As for an heir, he could just pick a talented child to adopt later. In these chaotic times, was there ever a lack of orphans?
But there was no need to let Xie Linchuan know this, lest he grow arrogant from favor and let his tail wag too high.
Xie Linchuan remained silent. Although he did not know how Qin Li’s logic could be so peculiar, it was not necessarily a bad thing that the man was easier to coax than imagined.
“Your Majesty misunderstood Censor Pei. Since you have already hit him, why not offer some comfort to show your magnanimity? What does Your Majesty think?”
After smoothing his own feathers, Qin Li became much easier to talk to. “A small matter. I will have the Imperial Hospital send a physician to Pei Xuan’s manor to treat him.”
Qin Li’s eyes darted around. “Xie Linchuan, I have agreed to your requests. Now is it not time for you to repay my grace?”
Xie Linchuan saw that his lust was indeed persistent. He could not help but find it funny; the man had already forgotten fleeing in panic from the hot springs. He was both unskilled and loved to flirt.
Xie Linchuan curled his lips. “How does Your Majesty wish for me to repay you?”
Qin Li looked at that handsome, smiling face and felt an uncontrollable itch in his heart. How to repay? Naturally, it was to let him kiss a little, touch a little, and ideally sleep together. He had snatched the man into the palace for so long. Not to mention his mouth, he had not even touched his hands; it was too much of a loss. If word got out, others might think he was impotent.
However, since they were still at the Xie manor tonight, it was truly not quite safe. Forget sleeping; a little kissing and touching would be fine.
“Come here.” Qin Li beckoned with his finger.
Xie Linchuan took two steps forward and stopped before Qin Li’s chair. Qin Li suddenly reached out and grabbed his collar, pulling the man forcefully toward him. Xie Linchuan had expected this and did not struggle. He leaned down obediently, one hand bracing on the armrest and the other on the back of the chair.
Warm breath hit his cheek. Qin Li sat up straight. His features carried an exotic flair, with a high brow and deep eye sockets. His intense eyes, usually sharp with malice, now softened naturally, becoming lazy and quiet.
Qin Li’s sticky gaze slid over the other man’s brow and ink-black eyes, lingering on the red mole on the bridge of his nose before sliding down to those thin lips. This is it, Qin Li thought suddenly. He should leave an exclusive mark here.
One hand tightened on Xie Linchuan’s collar while the other held the back of his head, slowly and resolutely pressing him down. Xie Linchuan did not resist; instead, he had the presence of mind to look down and study Qin Li’s expression.
Qin Li was arrogant and filled with heavy desire, yet when kissing, he was no different from ordinary people. He likewise closed his eyes, and even showed a few hints of a caution he himself had not noticed. He had clearly been staring at Xie Linchuan’s lips, yet when he kissed, it landed beside the corner of the mouth. A pair of hot, dry lips; the texture of the lip lines was clear. It was as if a child from a poor family was eating, carefully saving his favorite piece of meat for last.