Stirring up Trouble Everyday~

Since that day, Li ZeChen was back to treating Ye Ming with his previous gentleness, no longer putting up a cold and aloof front. Since nothing he did was able to change his mind, what use was there in doing so?

Even if you refuse to be my Empress, living without standing or prestige, I can still keep and indulge you forever.

Feng Yang palace was much quieter on the inside, the other women were not permitted past the main doors, even the Empress Dowager was barred from entering. It was much safer here, where Li ZeChen has ensured that no more accidents were allowed to happen.

These quiet and uneventful days passed quickly.

[Ye Ming: Ah, it's so boring. No doubt it's more comfortable living here, but there's not even a single catfight around, it's too well shielded, oh the loneliness!]

[888: Weren't you the one who plotted to dominate the harem and ended up here?]

[Ye Ming: Yes...]

[888: Then don't do it.]

[Ye Ming: Uh….. although it's very comfortable living here, I'm getting bored of this place. I think it's time for His Majesty to take me outside for a breath of fresh air.]

[888: He'll let you out???]

[Ye Ming: But of course! Big brother, in this, you're lacking a bit. He just doesn't allow me to leave his side, but he has never said that he will keep me locked up in the palace forever. As a 24/7 husband, if I want to go out, wouldn't he rush to accompany me? Compared to the likes of Bao Si and Daji, they can't even hold a candle to me, hahahahaha!]

Note: 褒姒 (bāo sì) and 妲己 (dájǐ) – 2 famous femme fatales blamed for the downfall of kingdoms.

Bao Si was one of the concubines of the ancient Chinese sovereign King You of Zhou. She was considered one of the most beautiful Chinese women ever. In order to please her, King You abused the trust of his nobles by repeatedly lighting the summoning beacons to summon the vassal's armies to amuse Bao Si. After several times of this, when there was a genuine attack, none came to answer his call.

Daji was the favorite consort of King Zhou of Shang, the last king of the Shang dynasty in ancient China. She is portrayed as a malevolent fox spirit in legends as well as novels. She is considered a classic example of how a beauty causes the downfall of a dynasty in Chinese culture.

[888: ....] I have faith in your wickedness.

Of course, Ye Ming would not be so overt as to say Husband, take me out for a walk. He began to mope, his expression sullen, and would stay for long hours in the study room to practice writing.

Li ZeChen thought of various ways to coax Ye Ming, willing to even pluck the moon from the skies for him, but Ye Ming remained despondent. One day, he came back to find Ye Ming standing at the desk with a brush in hand, his side profile radiating melancholy.

Depressed at the sight, Li ZeChen walked over and hugged him from behind. He asked softly: "What did you do today?"

Ye Ming casually pushed away the piece of rice paper in front of him, answering faintly: "Nothing."

Li ZeChen's sharp eyes caught sight of the beautiful lines of Ye Ming's elegant and powerful calligraphy strokes on the rice paper. A few lines of poetry were written on it, the words conveying a deep longing for the vast outside world, but was trapped and unable to leave. He immediately realized that Ye Ming wanted to go outside.

He (YM) has been kept in the palace for so long, how could he not be bored? This was an oversight of his (LZC).

Li ZeChen's eyes flickered as he remained silent. The next day, he did not leave in the morning as usual. Instead, he laid out a set of outdoor garments for Ye Ming, saying: "Zhen will be going out hunting today. Wen Qing, you will accompany zhen."

Ye Ming's expression finally showed some changes, eyeing him doubtfully. Li ZeChen meant to bring him out of the palace? Didn't he mean to cage him (YM) here?

A trace of helplessness flitted pass Li ZeChen's eyes. If you had wanted to go out, you could have just told zhen…. did you really think zhen would keep you locked up in the palace for life, without permitting a single step outside? How could zhen bear to treat you that way.

If you would be zhen's Empress, zhen could even let you rule the world with zhen…. but you are unwilling.

Ye Ming's eyes lit up at the thought of finally being able to leave the confines of the palace, but then he recalled that he would be with Li ZeChen. To be seen by others by the Emperor's side, would that not make all his efforts at concealment be in vain? He dimmed in an instant, his voice cold: "This minister cannot go."

Li ZeChen understood Ye Ming's concerns, he allowed a servant to bring a hat to Ye Ming and fastened it on. It had a wide brim with a thick veil attached, which completely concealed the face. Then he ignored Ye Ming's struggles of resistance, and brought him out!

Ye Ming and Li ZeChen were seated in a carriage, their hands tightly clasped. Even under the cover of the hat, Ye Ming still felt uncomfortable. Any glance sent his way made him tense up for fear that he would be recognized, it was nerve wracking.

He had wanted to leave the palace, but not like this with Li ZeChen. How would the people view him? They would definitely know that he is Li ZeChen's male pet…..

Thinking of this, his eyes turned red with humiliation and anger. It would have been best to have continued staying in the palace, it's not like he could escape from Li ZeChen's clutches, what difference does it make whether or not he was permitted to go outside.

The floor of the horse drawn carriage was covered with thick tiger skin rugs, which were extremely soft, and made the ride much smoother, but a few bumps were inevitable. Jarred by a particularly rough jolt, Ye Ming fell against Li ZeChen's body. Before he could move away, Li ZeChen circled his shoulders in his arms, and held on tightly to his hand.

Li ZeChen remained silent, and held on to him all the way through the ride. His chest was strong and firm, his palms hot, and Ye Ming couldn't help the warm flush from rising in his face.

After what felt like an eternity, they finally reached the hunting grounds. Surrounded on all sides by the scions of other families, the imperial bodyguards and the imperial soldiers, Ye Ming was nervous and tense, too afraid to utter a single word lest he be recognized.

Li ZeChen noticed Ye Ming's unease and dispelled the crowd, telling them to begin first. He turned to Ye Ming with a smile: "Come with zhen?"

Ye Ming shook his head. All he wanted was to keep his distance from Li ZeChen, how would he be willing to go with him.

Li ZeChen sighed inwardly and did not force the issue, he turned and mounted his horse. Since Ye Ming wanted to be left alone, he will grant his wish. After all, the purpose of today's activity was to bring him outside for a respite.

He sat tall and straight, both legs nudged once at the horse's flanks, and very soon his figure disappeared into the distance.

Ye Ming watched Li ZeChen leave and finally breathed out a sigh of relief. He began to make his way towards the edge of the crowd for a more secluded spot, unwilling to be surrounded by so many people.

[Ye Ming: There are quite a lot of familiar faces here today.]

[888: Indeed.]

[Ye Ming: Speaking of which, is my brother-in-law here today?]

[888: Who's your brother-in-law?]

[Ye Ming: Zuo Yu ah! Even though I'm not bound to them by marriage, he's still considered my brother-in-law ^__^]

[888: ....]

[888: Turn left, 200 meters.]

Zuo Yu was currently serving in the Imperial army, and so happened to be accompanying the Emperor on a hunt today, but the Emperor unexpectedly brought someone with him, a man. The man was wearing a wide brimmed hat with a thick veil concealing his face, but based on his posture alone, one could expect the person to be beautiful….. seeing the intimacy between him and the Emperor, he could only be the Emperor's male pet.

Zuo Yu has always looked down on such men who relied on looks to win the favour of others, but he couldn't help feeling that the figure seemed familiar, and snuck a few more looks over.

It wasn't long before the Emperor left to join the hunt, the man stayed back by himself. He seemed unwilling to be in a crowded area, and turned to seek solace in a corner not far from where Zuo Yu was standing.

The man stood quietly, not noticing Zuo Yu's presence. Although not a word had left his lips from the very beginning, he gave off a melancholy air, full of sorrow and bitterness, attracting sidelong glances from the others. A strong breeze suddenly lifted the edges of his veil, before it drifted back down.

Although it was for but a moment, just a brief glimpse offered of the handsome face before it was hidden again... Zuo Yu's expression suddenly twisted!

888: This goes to show that you have no presence.

Ye Ming: Isn't it the author's fault for carelessly assigning a name???

888: Hehe.

(Note : Sarcastic laugh)

Li ZeChen: -kisskiss- Darling, I'll help you beat up this useless author.

Ye Ming: You love me best QAQ

Author: ....