Passage

TW: Graphic descriptions of a violent death

A loud thud startled Yan Zheyun. It took him a second to realise that Liu Yao had slammed his palm down upon the wooden armrest in a rare display of frustration. He watched with bated breath as a myriad of expressions flickered over Liu Yao's face. On one hand, he was honoured that Liu Yao didn't feel the need to conceal his feelings from him. On the other, he felt exhausted for Liu Yao, knowing fully well that when his husband stepped outside of this sedan, he was once again emperor and had to tuck these strong emotions away lest he let slip his vulnerabilities to his enemies.

"Have the imperial physicians been sent for?" Unlike the anger on full display before Yan Zheyun's eyes, Liu Yao's tone was the epitome of calm. But Yan Zheyun knew that the servants and guards hanging on their emperor's every word outside were already breaking out in cold sweat.