1 Chapter 1

Before the rooster could crow, Zhu Hui diligently and effectively got out of his bed. He did some stretches and simple exercises before he washed his hands and face. He placed on his outside robe with a vermillion bird embroidered upon it. With an apathetic expression, he smoothed out his clothes and took a deep breath. He promptly opened his door and stepped out.

As he walked through the Palace grounds, the ladies in waiting, the servants, and everyone else, watched him with intent. He was a tall man with a muscular build. His face wasn't rugged, but very pleasant instead. His hair was neatly pulled into a military-styled bun without any flaw. He walked with dignified air and his face never revealed his emotions. It was common for the ladies, and even some men, to swoon over him as he walked by. If his handsome looks weren't enough to gain admirers, his position in the Palace definitely was.

Zhu Hui was the Chancellor of the Department of state of affairs and a close advisor to the Emperor. He oversaw the laws that the Emperor wanted to implement. Some argued that he had even more power and control than the Emperor himself. This alone would make a man act arrogant. However, he never put on a false sense of airs and always remained calm and steady. Due to this, many elder officials didn't feel as though this position was stolen from them. He was capable and willing to listen, so there was no issue.

Zhu Hui stopped in front of the throne room and noticed the anxious looks from the Eunuchs and other officials. He let out a sigh. It seems the Emperor has yet to come and is late… Again.

The current Emperor, Yuan Ling, was a special case. He was exceedingly lazy and spoiled from a young age. This was a result of his upbringing, so one couldn't necessarily blame him. However, it still was a shameful occurrence.

Zhu Hui turned and walked to the courtyard belonging to the Emperor. He didn't even need his identification to walk in. Everyone had already memorized his face and knew not to delay him. He stepped toward the heavily guarded door with his hands placed behind his back. His deep voice resounded off the walls, "Good morning, Eunuch Wan."

Eunuch Wan turned to him with a fresh bruise across his eyes. Relief filled his eyes as he rushed to the side of Zhu Hui. He bowed swiftly as he squawked out in grief, "Ah! Chancellor Zhu! Thank the heavens!"

Zhu Hui already knew what the issue was. He looked at the door impassively, "Is he at it again?"

"Ah…" Eunuch Wan lowered his head submissively, "It seems the young Lord isn't in the mood again… However… He doesn't seem as upset? Today he only threw one stone tablet at me."

One stone tablet as opposed to a solid stone table.

Eunuch Wan looked up with pleading eyes, "Can this lowly Eunuch trouble Chancellor Zhu to get the young lord to behave?"

Zhu Hui raised an eyebrow. Young Lord? He had his coming-of-age ceremony years ago. He is hardly a young lord… Although… You couldn't tell that by his actions.

Zhu Hui reached out his hand, "You know the procedure."

Eunuch Wan grinned in relief as he nodded. He motioned to a younger Eunuch who held a tray out to Zhu Hui. On it was three small glasses filled with the strongest liquor the Palace had to offer. Zhu Hui promptly picked up a glass and, in rapid succession, he drank all of them. He cleared his throat. Slapped his face. Then nodded at Eunuch Wan, "Open the door."

Eunuch Wan happily obliged and ordered the other younger Eunuchs to open the door. Zhu Hui put on his ever-stoic face and stepped into the room. The problem with his Lord wasn't that he was childish or spoiled. No, it wasn't for his annoying personality that Zhu Hui had turned into an alcoholic. Rather… The problem with his Lord was…

Zhu Hui's stoic face crumbled as he gaped at the stark-naked Emperor who was standing proudly while displaying his assets.

….The problem with his Lord was that he was insistent on being a nudist.

Yuan Ling let out a deep breath, "Ah! Chancellor Zhu. Isn't the weather just spectacular today? It makes one feel like they can truly spread out and breath."

Zhu Hui pinched his brow, "My Lord… Please put some clothes on."

Yuan Ling did a small little dance, "Hui-Gege. You are too uptight. All that tension is bad for you. You will age rather quickly if you keep that up. The monks say that I should wake up early and do breathing exercises. They say that tai chi is very beneficial to my health. Now, Hui-Gege. What do you think about this move? I call it the windmill."

Zhu Hui felt his patience already begin to leave him, "My Lord. You are needed for your Royal duties. Please do not make me force you." He added in aggravation, "Plus, the monks didn't mean for you to be naked while doing so."

Yuan Ling stuck out his tongue. He had a very youthful appearance and a smaller build which seemed to emphasize his childish behavior. He was only a few years younger than Zhu Hui, but he certainly didn't act like it. He spoke indignantly, "I'm the Emperor. If I so wish, I could make everyone go naked."

Zhu Hui felt himself snap, "Emperor my a**! I don't care if you are god yourself, you are putting on some clothes."

Before Yuan Ling could even react to his treacherous remark, Zhu Hui abruptly snatched his royal attire that had been waiting to be put on. Yuan Ling let out a shriek and began to run away from Zhu Hui as he chased after the naked man holding the clothes. Yan Ling let out a shout, "Don't force me into those horrid clothes!"

Yuan Ling had no hope of escaping Zhu Hui. Zhu Hui was a seasoned veteran who gained his position at a young age. He was extremely skilled at strategy as well as being skilled in combat. Both of which came in handy as he chased the naked man around the room. He held down Yuan Ling firmly as he struggled under his grip, "Zhu Hui! Let go! This is the Emperor's orders!"

Zhu Hui hummed as he forced him into the clothes, "Did someone hear that? I think it was the noise of a pesky mosquito."

Yuan Ling let out a whine, "Hui-Gege! Please let me go! I hate those scratchy clothes." Yuan Ling grabbed his hand and looked up pitifully at Zhu Hui. His apricot eyes watered in aggrievement as his voice trembled softly, "Hui-Gege…"

Zhu Hui froze upon seeing that miserable-looking face. He felt his resolve weaken but promptly shook it off. He spoke firmly, "Don't give me those eyes. You must attend to your royal duties with dignity."

Yuan Ling let out a sigh knowing he couldn't win against the inflexible Zhu Hui. Then, he had a sudden thought. A sly smile crossed his face, "Hui-Gege. If I behave, could I have a reward?"

Zhu Hui paused for a moment before continuing to dress him, "…If you behave."

Yuan Ling tilted his head, "I can have anything I ask for?"

"…Within reason."