The Scum Shou's Survival Guide Chapter 34-38

Chapter 34

Ye Ming closed and opened his eyes and found he was back in the system s.p.a.ce.

888 asked him: "Do you want to go on to the next mission?"

Ye Ming said: "Okay. Previously we delayed so much time so let's hurry up and leave."

888 didn't say anything. Very quickly Ye Ming felt the s.p.a.ce around him spin and knew that he had successfully transmigrated.

Ye Ming heard the familiar sound of the system prompt and reviewed the memories in his mind. On his face a relaxed smile appeared. "So it's this world."

In this world his name was Qi MingYan. He was the son of the Prime Minister and the Crown Prince's study companion.

However his romantic target was not the Crown Prince Li ZeYuan, but the unfavored Fifth Prince Li ZeChen.

Compared to the pampered and loved since birth Crown Prince Li ZeYuan, Li ZeChen was much more pitiful. His mother was a palace maid that the Emperor had took a fleeting interest in. But because she got pregnant and was able to successfully to give to a son, she was given a Beauty t.i.tle.

Although Beauty w.a.n.g had a son, however her position was not high. It was hard for her to survive in the palace and she needed to be constantly on guard against the plotting of other concubines. The Emperor also didn't take any interest in her son. He had many children, so how could an unimportant princeling enter his eye? Because Beauty w.a.n.g was not favored, so it caused Li ZeChen to constantly be bullied by the other Princes.

Beauty w.a.n.g was not an intelligent woman. She was also very narrow-minded. In her own home she had been an unfavored daughter of a concubine. She originally that that if she climbed onto the Emperor's bed then she would be able to fly to the heavens in one stroke, how could she have known that a woman who didn't have the Emperor's favor, even having a son was no use. She didn't have the techniques of the other concubines, and as time pa.s.sed and she saw that she would not be favored again, she gradually also began to lose interest in Li ZeChen.

Li ZeChen was constantly bullied by his brothers and sisters. Even his mother didn't care about him very much, and only treated him as tool to be used to obtain status. If it wasn't for the fact that he matured early, was very good at protecting himself, as well as having a personality that could endure, then he probably would have died a long time ago.

When Ye Ming entered the Palace as a study companion at the age of eight, the Crown Prince Li ZeYuan was ten years old and Li ZeChen was eight.

An eight year old child, even if he looked serious and grave on the surface, deep down his heart was still soft and longed for love and attention. Ye Ming was very good at coaxing small children.

Although Ye Ming could not publically and openly get close to Li ZeChen and become friends with him, but every time when others didn't notice then he was secretly take care of and help him. He displayed his kind intention towards him…. Although in the beginning Li ZeChen was very suspicious of Ye Ming's behaviour, however as time pa.s.sed, he was slowly moved by Ye Ming's warmth and gentleness. He became less cautious towards him. Although his face was still cold, however he had already slowly let him walk into his heart.

Like small droplets which over time condensed into a large flow, in this way Ye Ming cared for Li ZeChen. Almost without realizing it, the affection rate reached over 50%.

A few years past and the children became youths and slowly understood the sensation of love. Li ZeChen looked at the Ye Ming who had blossomed into a beautiful and jade-like youth, and his feeling slowly started to change. Not only did he admire and like him, but he began to desire to obtain this person.

However Ye Ming was a person who was beside Li ZeYuan. Li ZeYuan also liked Ye Ming and had a secret crush on him. It was impossible for Li ZeChen to even get close to him…. he was also scared to let anyone know about the closeness between him and Ye Ming.

Li ZeYuan's position in the court was not comparable to Li ZeChen's. With Li ZeYuan's favor, Ye Ming's days in the court was like a fish in water. Everyone knew that he was favored by the Crown Prince. Everyone in the palace was not afraid of sidelining an unimportant prince like Li ZeChen but they would never dare to offend Ye Ming.

Ye Ming was aware of Li ZeYuan's feelings towards him, however he didn't do anything and allowed the other's secret crush to continue. Because he also needed to utilise Li ZeYuan's help. Only this way would he have enough sway in the Palace in order to help Li ZeChen more, so he only pretended he didn't know about Li ZeYuan's feelings.

Li ZeYuan was also scared of frightening Ye Ming so he never openly expressed his feelings. The relationship between the two people was pure.

At that time Li ZeChen had no power to fight with Li ZeYuan so he could only endure. All the way until he reached the age where he could leave the Palace to set up his Manor, only then did he began to show his genius and capability. He completed his tasks very effeiciently and slowly began to obtain the Emperor's notice. Slowly he became important and his wings slowly began to become stronger.

It was only at this time that Li ZeYuan realized that his quiet and silent younger brother had been hiding his ambitious. Somehow he had become his biggest political rival and the two people began to battle openly.

After some years, the Emperor became ill. Under the pressure and force exerted by Li ZeChen, Li ZeYuan in order to obtain the Emperor's throne decided to take the risk of forcing the Emperor to abdicate. Instead he fell into a trap created by Li ZeChen. The Emperor never expected that the Crown Prince he had always loved and favored the most was this impatient, even couldn't wait for him to die before stealing the throne. He wasn't even as filial as Li ZeChen. In anger he took the t.i.tle of Crown Prince away from Li ZeYuan.

Li ZeYuan finally lost to Li ZeChen. A month later the Emperor pa.s.sed away because of his illness and the throne was given to Li ZeChen. Li ZeChen immediately imprisoned Li ZeYuan.

In all of the above proceedings, Ye Ming was like a bystander watching a drama unfold. Occasionally when there was a chance he would do a few things to increase Li ZeChen's affection level.

However his method in this world of increasing the affection level was different to the other worlds. From the very beginning to the end, he had never openly expressed any words of like or love to Li ZeChen. He only subtly and silently showed him warmth and care. Slowly he melted his young man's heart of darkness. He purposely didn't do anything that was obvious, however he still let Li ZeChen feel his care, however this type of feeling had no clear name or shape.

If you wanted to think it meant something then it could. However if you wanted to say it wasn't then that was also possible.

From the beginning to the end Ye Ming preserved his position as a high-level white lotus, he never gave anyone a real and definite answer, however he constantly orbited around these two brothers and made Li ZeChen fall deeply in love with him. 888 called him a green tea b.i.t.c.h.

Ai, no matter if it was a white lotus or a green tea b.i.t.c.h, in this manner Ye Ming successfully maxed out Li ZeChen's affection rate to 100%. However in this whole time the two people had never had any intimate actions and had never confirmed their relationship.

Ye Ming had completed his mission and was preparing to leave. However at this time the Li ZeChen who was finally sitting upon the dragon throne suddenly opened his mouth and confessed his feelings to Ye Ming.

The reason that Li ZeChen had been so ruthless in trying to obtain the throne, other than for the purposes of making himself stronger, the bigger reason was in order to s.n.a.t.c.h Ye Ming from Li ZeYuan's hands. Right now he possessed the entire world, no one could stop them, so he hurried to confess his feelings towards Ye Ming.

He also felt definite that Ye Ming also felt the same way about him.

Ye Ming was about to leave, how could he accept Li ZeChen's love confession? Thus he pretended to be extremely shocked, and claimed that his feelings towards him had always been a pure master-servant respect and dedication. He didn't have any other greater feelings. He even said he was in love with his female cousin Zuo YiFang and that he was about to get married.

Li ZeChen had been filled with expectation and excitement about his love confession. He originally thought Ye Ming would definitely agree but instead got this kind of answer. He was unimagineably hurt.

Yes, Ye Ming's fake kindness and "white moonlight" act had maxed out Li ZeChen's affection rate and then he turned around and told him that he liked women! He was a straight man!

{T/N: White moonlight, if I'm not wrong it refers to the typical and unrealistic "first love" that appears in most Asian dramas, you know the first person that the protagonist ever liked who always seems unimagineably perfect. Kind of like "the one that got away".}

You thought I liked you? Well you were mistaken! You misunderstood. I completely didn't have those intentions towards you ╮(╯▽╰)╭.

[888: What's wrong with you. Why did you have to create this kind of "going home to get married" fatal situation?]

[Ye Ming: …..]

[Ye Ming: But originally I always had a agreement with my cousin since childhood ah… anyway, what's Li ZeChen's blackening level currently ne~ ^_^]

[888: 90.]

[Ye Ming: Shocked.jpg. But I didn't do anything to him! All it was was saying that I don't actually like him and that I'm getting married? Why is the blackening so high!]

[888: How do I know what you humans are thinking? Maybe he feels that you should have some kind of feelings towards him? Otherwise why would you sway back and forth in front his eyes all those years, and not let any opportunity to increase the affection rate pa.s.s by. Although you never said "I like you", however from your behaviour it's obvious that you care about him?]

[Ye Ming: …..]

Ye Ming touched his chin. It looked like he needed to make preparations for the worst.

Actually at the time of his living, he actually felt a bit uneasy. Although he had pretended that he didn't know Li ZeChen's feelings and had never liked him, however a 100% affection rate was no laughing matter and he was aware that his behaviour was ambiguous and open to misunderstanding.

{T/N: Remember YM truly (although also stupidly) believes that his breakup in each world is to the benefit of the MLs and will help them move on. However in this world he did suspect that LZC wouldn't be able to move on hence his uneasiness.}

Now it appeared that Li ZeChen clearly was not able to put down his feelings. As the Emperor, what did he want that he could not obtain? That's why after being rejected his blackening value was so high. No matter how gently and innocently Li ZeChen behaved towards him on the surface, it didn't change the fact that he was an Emperor who had obtained his position through ruthless methods.

And also because of his childhood experiences, his personality also tended towards being cruel and dark.

[Ye Ming: Hm, it seems like not much time has pa.s.sed since I left?]

[888: That's right. Time flows differently in each world. In this world you've only left for half a year.]

For Ye Ming many years had pa.s.sed but to Li ZeChen, Ye Ming had rejected him only half a year ago. And right now it was very soon going to be Ye Ming's marriage day.

Ever since he had been rejected, Li ZeChen had never again raised this matter. He didn't put Ye Ming into an uncomfortable situation, and he definitely did not see him again in private. He appeared as though he had completely given up, however the experienced Ye Ming immediately knew that this was all a pretense.

According to Li ZeChen's personality and methods, he definitely would strike sooner or later.

[Ye Ming: I'm a bit scared.]

[888: Why? Are you scared of Li ZeChen's revenge?]

[Ye Ming: I'm scared that how come Li ZeChen still hasn't come to revenge himself. If he doesn't move soon then I'm really going to be married ah. What should I dooooooooooooooo!]

[888: ……]

[Ye Ming: My cousin's blood relationship to me is within three generations, how could I be a beast and marry my cousin?! Also I don't want to hurt her. If I can't give her a good s.e.x life how can I marry her! This marriage can't happen!"

[888: s.e.x life?]

[Ye Ming: I only like men ah QAQ]

[888: …..]

[Ye Ming: I wouldn't do anything crazy and perverted like marrying her ah and trap her in this loveless marriage!!]

[888: …..]

In order to preserve his image, 888 used a lot of effort not to laugh. He didn't think that this fellow would still have this little bit of morals.]

Ye Ming was quite anxious. Li ZeChen clearly had not put things down however he was good at enduring. In an entire half year he hadn't done anything. He even continued to treat the Qi family with the same importance and favor as he always had. Even Ye Ming couldn't think what Li ZeChen was thinking exactly.

The Qi family had been an esteemed family with political power for over a hundred years. They had given birth to countless first and second places in the Imperial Examination, as well as high-ranking officials and ministers. In this life Ye MIng's father Prime Minister Qi was very powerful and esteemed. His personality was righteous and good and as the Emperor's chief advisor, Li ZeChen respected him very much.

And the Zuo Family was the greatest military family in the country. Zuo YiFang was the daughter of General Zuo and his main wife. Ever since young she had been spoilt and pampered.

{T/N: The actual t.i.tle of the General is "Protecting National General", I've seen it in a couple of ancient texts and it seems to be the most important General and the highest ranking military t.i.tle. Correct me if I'm wrong.

The child of the main wife has a higher status than the child of his various concubines. Remember in Ancient China, men only have one wife. All the others are concubines. The children of the concubines actually have to call the main wife "mother" rather than their own birth mother in order to show her due respect.}

Young lord Qi and young lady Zuo were about to get married.

Who knew how many young women who had admired young lord Qi, and how many youths who had admired young lady Zuo had their hearts broken all over the ground.

Ye Ming totally paid no mind to his status as the protagonist of hot gossip. Every day he longed for Li ZeChen to hurry up and make his move. After that he would respond accordingly. He didn't believe he couldn't beat him!

The day of the marriage was drawing ever closer and Li ZeChen still didn't do anything. Ye Ming began making plans of his own.

If Li ZeChen really didn't do anything, he would have to think of a method himself. Although it might have some impact on Zuo YiFang's honor, however it was better than her getting married to him. Also General Zuo would definitely never let anyone bully his precious daughter. At the very worst Ye Ming would just be the bad guy himself.

{T/N: Although not specifically stated exactly what YM is going to do it's probably something like running away from the wedding. This would still impact ZYF's honor since it's seen as something shameful for her. Just want to make sure people don't think he's actually going to do anything horrible to her lol}

However Ye Ming felt that Li ZeChen shouldn't wait until after he got married to move against him. He loved him so much, how could he bear to see him marry another person? Go to bed with a woman? He definitely should make his move before the wedding.

After some time, two days before the wedding, Ye Ming heard 888's notification.

[888: Li ZeChen's people have come. Seems like you can finally see him again.]

[Ye Ming: Good job, my little baby!] {T/N: Referring to LZC not 888 lol…}

[888: …..]

As usual Ye Ming took a bath then went to his room to rest.

A masked guard wearing black clothes entered the Prime Minister's manor soundlessly. He picked up the Ye Ming who was sleeping soundly on the bed and in the blink of an eye vanished into the night.

This time Ye Ming slept especially deeply. In a daze he opened his eyes and called the name of his body servant. There was no reply. He used his hand to prop himself up on the bed and looked around. When he saw where he was a shocked expression appeared on his face.

Right now he wasn't at home any more. In front of him was a completely foreign place.

Ye Ming looked suspiciously around him. He found that there was a blanket over him and that on the table there was a tea set. Nothing in this room was not of the highest quality… he had been in the Palace for many years so it only took a glance to see that the flower vase was as a Palace tribute.

He was in the Imperial Palace!

After confirming his location, Ye Ming could barely believe it. He only went to sleep, how did he enter the Palace?

His heart was chaotic. He immediately got off the bed and put on his shoes and prepared to walk out.

At this time the door was opened and two palace maids carrying a basin to watch the face and instruments for grooming came in. They respectfully said, "Young lord, you've woken up. Your servant will help you brush your hair and put on your clothes."

Ye Ming completely didn't understand his situation however in his heart he had a bad premonition. He completely ignored them and continued to walk out.

He didn't take more than a few steps before a man's figure appeared, walking towards him.

The man was wearing gold dragon robes. On his head was a gold crown. His face was elegantly beautiful beyond description and his aura was very powerful. Underneath his handsome brows was a pair of deadly black eyes that made it difficult for people to meet his gaze. It was clearly Li ZeChen!

Ye Ming felt as though he had walked into a dream. But he was after all a minister. His natural instinct was to kneel down and he said respectfully, "This humble minister greets the Emperor."

Li ZeChen's eyes were inexplicable. However the moment he saw Ye Ming he exposed a small smile. He walked over quickly and grabbed Ye Ming's arm. He said with a smile, "Beloved minister, there's no need to make the formal address."

Ye Ming saw Li ZeChen and his heart was in turmoil. Of course he hadn't forgotten about the scene where Li ZeChen had confessed to him half a year ago. But how could he agree to such a ridiculous request from the Emperor and turn himself into someone who used intimacy to gain favors?

He felt that Li ZeChen's request was completely humiliating! He and Li ZeChen had known each other for so many years. He had personally witnessed that lonely child step by step turn in to this dragon above men. He was happy for him and admired him, but he had never thought that Li ZeChen had this kind of feelings towards him so he rejected him without hesitation.

At that time Li ZeChen didn't force him. He only turned around and left, letting Ye Ming breathe a sigh of relief.

In his half year Li ZeChen had never expressed that kind of desire again and also did not try to see him alone. Ye Ming though that Li ZeChen had completely put away those notions that he shouldn't have, and was peacefully preparing to get married with his cousin. Who knew that once he woke up, he would be in the Imperial Palace. Could it be that the Emperor still remembered his request from back then?

Ye Ming's heart sunk. He said slowly, "What does the Emperor… require…."

Li ZeChen only smiled slightly. He waved his hand and those maids put down all their things and left.

He held Ye Ming's hand and sat on the bed. As though he was with his good friend he said in an intimate manner, "Zhen hasn't seen this beloved minister for many days and missed him. So zhen decided to invite the beloved minister to come to the Palace to meet me."

Ye Ming looked into Li ZeChen's bottomless eyes. He couldn't guess what he was thinking, however this type of "emotions" was difficult for him to accept. He thinned his lips and said, "If his Majesty wants to see this minister you can directly call me, you don't need to use this kind of method."

Li ZeChen looked at him deeply.

The youth's face was very handsome. His face was white and because he had only recently woken up, his eyebrows were not completely open yet. His black hair was also a little bit messy and fell over his dark eyes. Those elegant eyebrows, bright pupils and pink lips… every inch of him tormented his thoughts and dreams, however at the same time this person forced him to maintain a pure distance and didn't let him get close.

But in this wide world he is only person that no matter what underhand method, I have to obtain at all costs.

Originally I didn't want to use this kind of method to force you. However you are about to get married and it's impossible for me to keep enduring.

A deep emotion was brewing inside Li ZeChen's dark eyes. He smiled deeply at Ye Ming and said, "Zhen was scared that beloved minister wouldn't want to see zhen, so that's why zhen had no choice but to use this kind of method of invite beloved minister into the Palace."

Ye Ming heard these words and how could he not understand the meaning behind Li ZeChen's words. Why wouldn't be want to see him? Of course it was because he wouldn't agree to his request.

He really didn't want to believe that the Emperor would do this kind of wanton thing. He straightened his body and said, "This minister doesn't really understand His Majesty's meaning. Any day that the Emperor wants to see this minister, as long as you call then I would not dare to refuse. But right now I need to go home momentarily."

Li ZeChen saw Ye Ming's att.i.tude and the smile on his face slowly faded. "Beloved minister is in such a hurry to go home. Is there something wrong?"

Ye Ming's face was very ugly. Obviously Li ZeChen already knew the answer but was asking anyway! However he was the Emperor and he was the servant. Ye Ming could only suppress the anger inside his heart and said respectfully, "This minister is getting married tomorrow."

"Get married" these two words, he clenched his teeth and deeply emphasized these words.

You are the Emperor but you forced a minister to enter the Palace, isn't this something that only a tyrant would do? Ye Ming prayed that Li ZeChen would realize his mistake and retract his hand and move away from the cliff. He shouldn't do  this kind of laughable thing that would make the world laugh at him.

Li ZeChen looked at Ye Ming and his expression was dark.

Actually in your heart you understand. You know about my feelings for you however you pretend not to… if you didn't have a single bit of feeling towards me, then why did you treat me so well over these years? Why did you make me fall in love with you?

Right now you want to get married? Too bad… from the day you disturbed me, you can only be mine!

Li ZeChen slowly opened his mouth. "Then zhen is afraid that beloved minister will be disappointed. This marriage, zhen thinks it would be better if it does not occur."

As soon as Li ZeChen said these words, Ye Ming's heart became chaotic.

His whole body felt cold. The person in front of him was no longer the youth from yesteryear who needed his protection, but instead was a ruthless tyrant, he only did what he wanted without regard for the consequences.

But he still definitely could not acquiesce to his request! Not even mentioning that he already had a fiancee, if he agreed to Li ZeChen and entered the Palace as a male concubine, then how humiliating would it be for the Qi family! They would be laughed at by everyone!

Ye Ming suddenly knelt down in front of Li ZeChen. He heavily banged his head against the ground in a kowtow. With a steadfasts gaze he looked into Li ZeChen's eyes. "Your Majesty, please allow this minister to leave the Palace."

Li ZeChen's saw the determination in Ye Ming's eyes. In this moment jealousy reared itself like a poisonous snake inside his breast. What part of me isn't good? As long as you open your mouth, I can place the entire world at your feet and make into the most honorable and esteemed person. However instead you treat me like a snake.

Clearly, you previously treated me very well….

Why is it that when I can now finally protect you, you suddenly say that you don't like me?!

The feeling of his heart twisting made Li ZeChen's voice become colder. His eyes carried a dangerous light. "Beloved minister is in such a hurry to leave the Palace, it must be because you can't let go of your fiancee. Zhen has also see young lady Zuo before, she really is a very elegant and n.o.ble girl…"

Ye Ming felt that Li ZeChen's voice was becoming more and more strange. His heart was panicked and without thinking he blurted out, "Don't hurt her!"

Li ZeChen laughed coldly. I didn't even finish my words, what are you scared of? You're so concerned about her. You love her this much?! If there is no way to make you love me, then why do I need to care about your feelings?

[Ding! Li ZeChen's blackening +5, the current blackening value is 95.]

Li ZeChen jerked aise his billowing sleeves as he got up. He looked down at the young man kneeling in front him. The man's back was very straight, he was neither humble nor overbearing. That handsome face carried with it a red flush. Probably it was because he was panicked… his pale lips were slightly opened as though inviting people to have a taste. His bright eyes carried a tempting light.

Li ZeChen could no longer suppress the desires of his heart.

He didn't know when he had fallen in love with this person. Perhaps it was many, many years ago. When he still existed inside that dark corner looking out, only this person turned back around to smile at him. Probably at that time he had already fallen deeply.

He had constantly, constantly followed this person, like a moth drawn to a flame. Although he already knew the result, however he could control his actions.

Li ZeChen slowly smiled. As though he was scared of frightening Ye Ming, he made his voice soften. "Don't worry, zhen won't hurt her. It's cold on the ground. Beloved minister hurry and get up."

Ye Ming stilled. Just before Li ZeChen's face was clearly very dark and he had thought he was about to something crazy, but who knew the next moment he had recovered his calmness and smile.

No matter what as long as Li ZeChen was willing to take a step backwards then nothing could be better. Ye Ming got up from the ground but before he had even properly stood up, he was pulled into a solid embrace. The next moment a kiss full of aggression landed on his lips!

Ye Ming felt the arms clutching his waist. His gaze naturally fell on the handsome face close to his and his eyes were filled with shock! The next moment he felt the kiss deepen more and more.

He finally got his wits back. In his eyes a humiliated and angry look appeared and his body shook.

Just thinking that he was being a.s.saulted by another man, his heart was filled with anger and humiliation… and the worst thing was that this wasn't any man but someone he couldn't deny! This man was his Master!

Li ZeChen turned his body and pushed Ye Ming onto the bed.

Ten years had pa.s.sed and now he finally kissed those soft lips. He found out that it was even sweeter and more delicious than in his fantasies. His heart was filled with satisfaction and he didn't want to let go. He only wanted to use more force and completely possess this person!

Li ZeChen clutched Ye Ming tightly in his arms. He touched his face and his breath landed on his ear. His eyes were warm and tender. "Be zhen's Empress, okay?"

[Ye Ming: So direct… so unexpected…]

[888: Don't get so excited. You're already so thrilled your voice is trembling, you have to hold on! Don't agree by accident.]

Chapter 35

Li ZeChen looked at Ye Ming's shocked speechless expression. His eyes were filled with love and he repeated himself solemnly. "Wen Qing, zhen wants you to be zhen's Empress."

Wen Qing was Ye Ming's personal name. It was something only intimate friends could use. Actually before Li ZeChen become the Emperor, he had always called him this way in private. The two of them had always had a good relationship. It was only after Li ZeChen confessed and was rejected that the two people gradually began to become distant.

At this time Li ZeChen was looking at him tenderly. The love overflowing in hsi eyes could not be supressed, just looking at them made one so hot that would melt.

Ye Ming was momentarily panicked. Every scene from the past flashed before his eyes. Li ZeChen in his youth, the Li ZeChen after he had grown up, and also… the current Li ZeChen. He had never expected that Li ZeChen had this time of absurd feelings towards him.

The great Emperor of a nation, wanted to marry a man and make him Empress! Didn't he know that would evoke the entire imperial court's resistance and would make the entire would laugh at him? It was completely ridiculous!

Ye Ming's heart was in chaos. Originally he thought Li ZeChen only had a momentary impulse, and wanted to take him into the harem to be a male pet. He never expected that Li ZeChen wanted to make an enemy of the entire world so as to make him Empress. It was clear that his person's feelings for him was genuine. From Li ZeChen's perspective he clearly had no intention of insulting him.

But to Ye Ming- this didn't make any difference.

No matter what t.i.tle Li ZeChen wanted to give him, he wasn't willing to enter the harem. As a man how could he stand to enter the inner palace and spend his days playing harem intrigue with a bunch of women?

Getting married and having children. Forging a successful and meritorious career as well as bringing glory to his house. These were the things he should be doing.

Ye Ming's expression was clear and cutting. He said in a righteous tone of voice, "I beg the Emperor not to speak such ridiculous words agaim. How can this minister be your Empress? It's impossible!"

Li ZeChen knew that it was unlikely Ye Ming would agree. This reply was within his expectations. He looked into Ye Ming's face which was full of righetousness. Clearly he was so young but this manner of steadfastness and dedication was no less than an old minister. It really made one's head hurt.

He didn't want to force Ye Ming. That's why he had always suppressed himself and didn't see him for a half a year. But now things had come to a head. He couldn't continue to be soft hearted otherwise this person… would belong to someone else.

After considering this, Li ZeChen's heart finally became calm.

From the moment he had decided to kidnap Ye Ming into the palace, he was determined to win and would never again give Ye Ming the opportunity to escape from him!

Li ZeChen lowered his eyes and asked, "Why is it impossible?"

Ye Ming said strenuously, world by word, "This minister is a man, how can he enter the harem and become the Empress? Isn't his Majesty afraid of being ridiculed by all the people in the world? Also, this minister already has an arranged marriage."

"Zhen doesn't care about how the world sees me, however…" Li ZeChen's thin lips raised upwards, a smile that didn't reach his eys. He said, "It seems like you still can't let go of your fiancee? Actually this matter is very easy to resolve. How can zhen let you be put in a tough place."

Ye Ming was startled. He completley could not understand Li ZeChen's way of thinking. But since he had just been given a lesson, he no longer dared to think that Li ZeChen would be willing to let him go. He frowned and said, "Your Majesty…."

Li ZeChen's said casually, "Zhen can also marry Zuo YiFang so she can enter the harem to be your companion. But don't worry, zhen won't touch her. She will just be your companion. That way yo ucan see her every day. Isn't this the best of both worlds?"

Ye Ming listened to Li ZeChen's casual words and looked into his bottomless dark pupils. A chill ran though his entire body.

How was this not putting him in a touch place? This was clearly blackmail! Li ZeChen was warning him that if he didn't let of Zuo YiFang, then he would bring Zuo YiFang into the palace to be a living widow. That would be ruining her entire life!

Ye Ming's lips were white. The person in front of him was as terrifying as a stranger. Just a single word from him could determine an entire person's life. How could this person be the same youth from the past that although was a little cold, had always been very generous?

No matter what, he couldn't allow Zuo YiFang to come to harm!

Ye Ming struggled and tried to kneel down but he was stopped by Li ZeChen and was pushed onto the bed instead. Li ZeChen's dark eyes stared into his. His words were gentle but at the same time carried a deep force of an Emperor's majesty and could not be denied, "In the future you don't need to make this kind of address." {T/N: He's referring to the kneeling.}

Ye Ming's movements froze and he dared not struggle again.

Of course he could chose to continue kneeling but judging by Li ZeChen's att.i.tude, if he continued to disobey him, who knew what kind of outrageous thing he would do. If something happened to him that didn't matter, but he couldn't drag down Zuo YiFang to suffer with him.

Both of Ye Ming's fists clenched and he lowered his eyes. He bit his lip and said, "Zuo YiFang is not suitable to enter the harem. This minister also doesn't need her companionship. I beg his Majesty to reconsider…"

Li ZeChen raised his eyebrow slightly. He said in a meaningful way, "Isn't it you that can't let go of her? Zhen is willing to break the rules and marry her for you, unless you don't wish to see her every day?"

Ye Ming's eyes wree full of sorrow. Li ZeChen was in effect forcing him to personally say he was giving Zuo YiFang up. But if he didn't then Li ZeChen definitely would not let her off!

He closed his eyes and after a long time spoke in a trembling voice as he made a painful decision. He said slowly, "I beg his Majesty to to retract his decision. This minister… can let her go. This minister… is willing to stay…."

Li ZeChen looked at Ye Ming's red eyes and anguished expression and felt jealousy pierce through his heart.

You really like her this much… for her, you are willing to stay here. Why is it that you can't like me this way?

Li ZeChen's fingertips lightly touched Ye Ming's eyelashes. Chaotic feelings tumbled around inside his heart. From this moment on, you can't think of any other person. You can only be mine. He pushed Ye Ming onto the bed and lowered his head to lightly kiss his eyes. His hands pulled open Ye Ming's clothes and gently licked his neck.

Ye Ming felt Li ZeChen's aggressive kiss. The strong scent and sensation of a man overcame him. Instinctively he couldn't help but shudder and want to get away. But when thinking about Li ZeChen's words from just before, the threat wasn't just to him but to the people he loved, including his family.

The anger of an Emperor wasn't something a single person could bear alone.

Thinking of all the possibilities, Ye Ming could only suppress his desire to escape. He tightly closed his eyes and allowed Li ZeChen to kiss him.

Li ZeChen stared at the person underneath his body. The man's pale face was flushed with embarra.s.sment. Clearly he had only just kissed him but Li ZeChen felt like it wasn't enough. Ye Ming's thin clothes were loosened and pulled aside and exposed his clavicle. His skin was smooth and delicate, and his dark hair was spread out around him…

Li ZeChen's eyes went dark as desire overwhelmed him. He wanted to violently possess him right away!

But he took a deep breath and controlled himself.

After some time, Li ZeChen released Ye Ming's wrist and stood up.

Ye Ming had originally thought that he could not escape a tragedy today and had already made mental preparations. But unexpectedly Li ZeChen only kissed him and the released him without doing anything else. This made him widen his eyes with surprise.

Li ZeChen smiled faintly. "Zhen antic.i.p.ates our marriage night greatly."

If you come into the palace to accompany me then of course I need to announce it to the world and marry you with great fanfare, so that all the people of the world know that you are my Empress. So of course I can't take you so casually.

Ye Ming saw that Li ZeChen had made up his mind to make him the Empress and his heart couldn't help sinking further.

They had known each other for such a long time, however he really couldn't understand this person Li ZeChen. This person had always hidden things deep in his heart. His methods were ruthless and once he had made up his mind about something, no one could sway him. He would be willing to sacrifice anything to accomplish his goals. It would be extremely difficult to make Li ZeChen change his mind.

Ye Ming's heart was filled with anxiety. However he also definitely couldn't be Li ZeChen's Empress!

Not to mention his unwillingness, but if his father and mother found out, they would probably kill this unfilial and humiliating son!

Ye Ming's eye were red. His hands were tightly clenched. "Your Majesty… this minister… really can't…."

A smile turned up the corners of Li ZeChen's mouth but his tone of voice was dangerous. "What are you worried about Wen Qing?  If it's about your engagement, rest a.s.sured that zhen will help you resolve it and definitely will not let the Zuo family lose face. Zhen will also personally go to the Qi family to bestow upon them the bride price, and righteously take you into the harem. You only need to wait patiently to become zhen's Empress."

"No-" Ye Ming's pupils dilated. If Li ZeChen really went to the Qi family to give a bride price, it would definitely make his father so angry he would die. His extreme state of fear actually made him calm down slightly and he said, "This minister… this minister only thinks things are too rushed. I want to take things slowly."

That's good! If he couldn't change Li ZeChen's mind then no matter what today he had to at least stabilize Li ZeChen and not let him make any outrageous moves.

Ye Ming looked at Li ZeChen. His voice no longer became so reluctant. Instead he said in a pleading and embarra.s.sed tone, "I beg the Emperor… to give this minister a little bit more time…"

Li ZeChen looked into Ye Ming's eyes. How could he not see that Ye Ming was still unwilling. He only had no choice but to beg him in this manner, the only reason was to drag out the time. But even though he clearly understood this person's heart, he was still willing to be fooled and lied to by him. He couldn't bear to force Ye Ming into a corner.

Since you are willing to beg zhen, then zhen of course will accede to your request.

[Ding! Li ZeChen's blackening -10, the current blackening value is 85.]

Li ZeChen tipped up Ye Ming's chin and lovingly kissed him. He said in an indulging manner, "All right."

Ye Ming heard this reply and his entire body went soft. His words before had wound up his body tightly in panic and expended all his energy. If Li ZeChen hadn't agreed, then he could only smash his head against the wall to kill himself in order to prevent him from going through with his decision.

Li ZeChen reluctantly let go. He said with a sigh, "Rest well Wen Qing. If you need anything you only need to give an order. You can treat this place like your own home."

After speaking he finally left. Today the first thing he did after leaving morning court was to come and see Ye Ming. Right now there was still a lot of things he needed to do.

Ye Ming watched Li ZeChen leave and then hurried out of the door.

This was an extremely large Palace full of pavilions, bridges and lakes. However the people serving in the Palace weren't numerous and it had an empty feeling. Ye Ming followed the main path forward and wanted to try and leave, but at the gate he was stopped by two tall and large guardsmen.

They said respectfully, "Young master, please go back."

Ye Ming said with a cold face, "I want to go out."

The guards' manner was respectful. "The Emperor has given the order that we cannot allow you to leave here."

This answer was not unexpected to Ye Ming. Of course judging by Li ZeChen's personality and methods, he definitely could not let him escape so easily. The scene in front of his eyes made him extremely worried. It was as though this huge Palace had been personally constructed for him. But no matter how gilded and luxurious it was, he still didn't want to stay because it was only a cage to trap him in.

Ye Ming walked around looking everywhere and finally had no choice but to return disenhearted to his room.

[Ye Ming: Heh. I finally entered the Imperial Palace! Even though the Qi family is a wealthy and ill.u.s.trious clan, however compared to the Imperial Palace it's nothing. This is what you really call a place of royalty. Now I'm someone who has lived in the Imperial Palace!"

[888: You just disappeared like this but it doesn't seem like you're concerned that other people might get worried at all, he he.]

[Ye Ming: Li ZeChen's methods are always very reliable. He's good at plotting far head. Since he was brave enough to kidnap someone, then he definitely can take care of things well. I don't need to worry about it at all hehe.]

[888: …..]

[Ye Ming: The only thing that I didn't expect was that he would really be able to control his desires and actually wants to wait until getting married before getting physical. People from the ancient days are really different! Impressed, impressed.]

[888: ……]

By the time Li ZeChen came back it was already night time. When he saw Ye Ming, a gentle and tender expression appeared in his eyes. He said in a deep voice, "Wen Qing, did you wait a long time? Come and sit here.

Ye Ming looked at him with a complicated gaze. He really didn't want to get close to Li ZeChen, he couldn't help thinking about the moment when Li ZeChen kissed him and felt uncomfortable all over. But he was also scared to disobey his order. So he could only sit by his side, his entire body frozen.

It didn't take long for the palace maids to begin arriving, bearing dishes of food.

Ye Ming looked at the table which was piled with seafood and other type of delicacies but he didn't have the slightest bit of appet.i.te. The food went down with difficulty and he only ate a few mouthfuls before he put down his chopsticks.

Li ZeChen noticed this and frowned. But he quickly dispelled it and said to Ye Ming, "Is it not to your taste?"

Ye Ming smiled with difficulty. "It is."

Li ZeChen sighed. He said, "You've eaten too little. If it's not to your taste, then does that mean you're still angry with zhen?"

Ye Ming said, "This minister wouldn't dare."

This time he said "wouldn't dare", not "isn't true".

Li ZeChen smiled faintly. This person ah… he appeared obedient and respectful on the surface, but underneath he was still so naively stubborn. In his heart he is clearly dissatisfied with me, only he doesn't dare to speak that's all.

However Li ZeChen couldn't get angry. Instead he felt guilty. He really missed the olden days…. back then Ye Ming wouldn't behave so humbly and so distantly from him. He would always show his true feelings and emotions and behave in a lively manner.

In the end it was him that had made Ye Ming angry.

The darkness in Li ZeChen's eyes pa.s.sed with a flash. He returned to his usual elegant appearance. He picked up some food in his chopstick and placed it in Ye Ming's bowl and said in a gentle voice, "Then you should eat more ba."

Ye Ming didn't pick up his chopsticks. He had already been trapped in the Imperial Palace for one day and one night. Tomorrow was the day he was supposed to get married but he was still trapped inside the Palace. How could he have any appet.i.te?

He just disappeared like this. He couldn't imagine how his parents must be panicking. And what would his cousin do? The person she was supposed to marry disappeared, other people might think that he was running away from the marriage. To a highborn lady like her, wouldn't that be a huge injury to her pride and self-respect?

Just thinking about it made Ye Ming feel like he couldn't sit still. He was filled with anxiety.

Li ZeChen immediately saw what Ye Ming was worried about. He smiled faintly, "Wen Qing are you worried about your family? Don't worry, no one will know that you have disappeared."

Ye Ming's face changed. "What do you mean?"

Li ZeChen picked up some more food and held it up to Ye Ming's mouth. He smiled and said, Ëat and zhen will tell you."

This type of intimate action really made Ye Ming embarra.s.sed. But he eventually opened his mouth and ate the food that Li ZeChen fed to him.

Li ZeChen saw that Ye Ming was obediently eating and a bright smile appeared on his face. He continued to feed Ye Ming like this, until Ye Ming really couldn't eat any more. Then he stopped, tilted his head and lightly kissed the fluid left behind on Ye Ming's lips. He gave out a low laugh, "… it's just as delicious as you."

Ye Ming's face immediately became red. Could this person not let go of even a single opportunity to take advantage of him?!

He finished the meal with difficulty then Ye Ming immediately asked again, "What happened with my family?"

Li ZeChen looked outside the window and slowly smiled. "Right now it's still early in the night. Later on I'll take you out to have a look and then you'll understand."

Ye Ming was startled. Was Li ZeChen intending on taking him home to have a look?

Li ZeChen looked deeply at Ye Ming. He said in a tender voice, "Wen Qing, can you read for zhen? Zhen hasn't heard you reading for a long time and really misses it."

Ye Ming didn't understand what Li ZeChen was thinking however he definitely didn't want to anger Li ZeChen, terrified that he would change his mind about taking him home so he could only say in a humble manner, "This minister will obey."

Li ZeChen got up and went to a nearby bookshelf and took out a book. The cover was blank and the contents couldn't be discerned. His fingers were long and he ran it along the pages of the book before giving it to Ye Ming. "Read this one ba."

Ye Ming opened it and looked. Inside the calligraphy was powerful and beautiful, like dragons flying and phoenixes dancing. With one glance he could see it was something Li ZeChen had personally written. Probably when he was bored he had written it, it looked as though it had been written at a whim.

Ye Ming was preparing to open his mouth to read but when he saw the contents, his expression changed and became awkward.

Li ZeChen saw it. On his face his expression didn't change at all. Instead he said in a gentle voice, "Why don't you read?"

Ye Ming pressed his lips together. His ears were pink and he didn't dare look at Li ZeChen. HE could only open his mouth to begin to read, "What is the point of wondering about emotions, directly vowing to be together in life and death. To the south heavens and northern earth, flying together…."{T/N: Er… there is more but I completely don't know what it is trying to say. It's like poetry in archaic language. My guess is… it's a love poem?}

Li ZeChen sat there and stared at the delicate youth sitting in front of him. The youth's head was bowed and exposed a beautiful side profile. His dark hair fell down his back and his pink lips opened and closed. That voice which was like clear water flowing over stones fell into his ears, and it was as though he had returned to the past…

At that time he always stood far away in a forgotten corner, staring at the bright and delicate youth who stood beside the Crown Prince. The youth read with a serious demeanor, and completely didn't know how many gazes he was attracting…,.

It wasn't just his, or Li ZeYuan's. Even the Third Princess' heart was filled with thoughts.

At that time he could only stare at him greedily but couldn't get close. Only the high and mighty Crown Prince could stand beside him righteously.

But right now everything was different…. right now he only he only belonged to him. He would only read for him. This beautiful sight was something only he could see.

Li ZeChen noticed that Ye Ming's ears were red. He felt that he was probably embarra.s.sed. This person who was normally dignified and modest, although he now knew Li ZeChen's feelings, the fact that he couldn't accept it was normal.

However… I can't let you go.

"Live and die together, growing old together with children…" {T/N: Yes I approximated it, but something like this.} Ye Ming's face became more and more red, and his voice was unsteady. "In order to obtain one person's heart, I vow to stay together never leaving until the hair grows white…"

He never thought that with his cool and cold demeanor, Li ZeChen could write this kind of emotional poetry. This image was something he could hardly imagine. What kind of feeling was Li ZeChen feeling at the time of writing it, and who was he thinking of? Could it be himself (YM)….?

When Ye Ming thought about this, his feelings were chaotic. He felt that his face became more boiling hot, and he didn't know whether he should be angry or embarra.s.sed. With surpreme effort, he managed the last sentence: "…. in humans there will always be desperate love, it cannot be tempered by moons or wind…" {T/N: Yes I'm approximating again…}

He hurried to close the book and didn't dare look at it again.

Li ZeChen laughed lowly. He saw Ye Ming's red face and his heart went soft. Right now do you understand one thousandth of my feelings towards you?

Although he was deliberately trying to tease Ye Ming, but he was also scared of making him angry. He restrained the teasing words which rose his mouth, and said in a serious manner, "It's getting late. Zhen will take you to your home to take a look."

Ye Ming heard that he could go home and sighed with relief. It seems like Li ZeChen was still as good as his word.

Li ZeChen stood up and walked to Ye Ming. He lowered his head and said, "But unfortunately you will have to endure a little." Once his words fell, before Ye Ming could react, he pressed his acupoints. Ye Ming couldn't speak and his entire body fell forward.

Li ZeChen reached out and caught him in his arms. Then they left the Palace.

Outside it was deep night and everything was quiet. There was only the voice of the night watchmen calling the time. Li ZeChen changed to black clothing and carefully held Ye Ming. He directly went over the wall of the Qi Manor, just like a thief.

The whole journey Ye Ming had been held tightly by Li ZeChen. Li ZeChen's actions made him feel very uneasy. What did he intend to do by bringing him home in this sneaky manner? Obviously he was scared of anyone finding them.

What kind of situation was his family in?

It didn't take long for Ye Ming to arrive near his courtyard. From inside the heard the sound of low voices speaking. Li ZeChen held Ye Ming and hid in the branches of a tree.

Although it was deep night, but there was still people coming and going from his quarters. Their manner was serious and grave. Madame Qi's broken voice came from inside, "My son still hasn't woken up…?"

Ye Ming's oldest maidservant Zi Huan said, "The young master still hasn't woken. Madame you should go back and rest. If you cry so much you'll damage your body. The young master has always been filial, if he sees you like this he will undoubtedly be sad."

But Madame Qi still couldn't stop crying. What curse had befallen them? Why would a healthy child suddenly fall unconscious and not be able to wake up? Even the Imperial doctors couldn't do anything, and could only say he had been cursed and only the Heavens could decide his fate….

The Prime Minister Qi had also not rested. He was very unhappy. His eldest son suddenly encountered such misfortune, and even the marriage with the Zuo family had been pushed back. His heart was filled with anxiety, but he still had to comfort his family and wife.

He said, "They will take care of him well. If he wakes up, they will tell us immediately."

He pacified Madame Qi to go back to rest and so the group of people finally left.

Ye Ming was sitting in the tree, quietly watching the entire proceedings. His heart was chaotic and his brain felt befuddled and he had gooseb.u.mps…. What was this? Didn't he disappear? Who as the person who was lying there sick and unconscious?

Li ZeChen waited until Prime Minister Qi had felt, then he held Ye Ming and jumped down and walked into the courtyard.

Inside the room there was only Ye Ming's eldest maid Zi Huan guarding. When ZiHuan saw Li ZeChen appear holding Ye Ming, not only did she not look the slightest bit surprised but instead knelt down and said in a humble and respectful voice, "Your subordinate greets his Majesty."

Ye Ming was shocked. His closest maid was working for Li ZeChen! How many spies did Li ZeChen have in the Qi household? Just thinking about the fact that every day his every single movement had been observed by Li ZeChen made his body tremble. This person was too frightening!

Li ZeChen took Ye Ming and walked to the side of the bed.

When Ye Ming saw clearly the scene on the bed, his pupils dilated and his face went paper white. The person on the bed actually looked exactly the same as him! It was another him, currently sleeping on his bed, taking his place and his position.

Li ZeChen said expressionlessly, "You can get up now."

As soon as Li ZeChen spoke, the other "Qi MingYan" {T/N: YM's formal name, his personal name is Wen Qing} on the bed immediately opened his eyes. He looked expressionlessly at Ye Ming and then got off the bed to kneel to Li ZeChen. "Your subordinate greets his Majesty."

Ye Ming was completely speechless. He looked with both fear and anger at Li ZeChen. With his eyes he questioned him: what is going on!

Li ZeChen smiled faintly and said gently, "Look, you don't need to worry at all that your disappearance has affected anything. Because you have always been at home, it's only that you were temporarily sick."

What do you mean not worry?! Ye Ming's entire face was white as a ghost.

Li ZeChen lowered his head and lovingly kissed him. He said slowly, "As long as you agree to marry zhen, then zhen will arrange for "you" to wake up, okay?"

Ye Ming's eyes were filled with anger. This person had promised to give him more time to consider but now he was turning around to force him?! If he didn't agree to Li ZeChen's request, then he would never be able to wake up and make his entire family sick with worry for him.

But Li ZeChen's next sentence made Ye Ming realize that what he had just said was not even the most frightening thing.

Li ZeChen looked deeply at Ye Ming. His black eyes contained a wordless and deep emotional pressure that made one feel completely enveloped and unable to withstand, "You will agree to zhen's request right? If you don't agree, zhen will have no choice but to arrange for you to 'die from illness'."

This way, in this word will be no more Qi MingYan and so you can only stay by my side.

Ye Ming felt like there was a haze over his eyes. He had never been so frightened by the person standing in front of him.

If he agreed and became this ridiculous male Empress, his parents and relatives would be ashamed to death of him. If he didn't agree then… he would be a dead person, and his father and mother will be plunged into despair because of his death. And also he would never again see the light of day.

He stood like this on the precipice of a cliff. No matter if he went forward or backwards, he could only end up a pile of bones at a dead end.

Li ZeChen keenly felt the person in his arms trembling. His heart felt pity but his face was expressionless. He knew that if his heart softened, then this person would definitely find a way to reject him.

It's best that you don't reject me…. because I really, really don't want to use the second method to treat you.

Li ZeChen gathered Ye Ming tightly in his arms, then disappeared into the night. It didn't take long for them to return to the Imperial Palace. He gently placed Ye Ming on the bed. He reached out his hand, then Ye Ming sucked in a deep breath and found that he could speak again.

Ye Ming's face was pale. He hurried to support himself to sit up and then just as he wanted to kneel down, he remembered Li ZeChen's request from before and suppressed the urge. Instead he raised his head and looked at him. His voice quavered, "Emperor…"

Li ZeChen lightly caressed Ye Ming's lips. His voice was tender, "Wen Qing you don't need to reply at once. You can think about it slowly. Zhen will wait for you."

He held Ye Ming in his arms and stared seriously into his eyes. In his eyes there was the light of hope. "However, you probably won't make zhen disappointed, right?"

Ye Ming's body was extremely rigid. He didn't move at all. Although Li ZeChen's voice was very gentle, however when it landed in his ears, it had the ability to steal away his soul.

This person was like a vicious tiger. Step by step he would force you backwards. Perhaps this vicious tiger would act like a harmless cat in front of you, but if you angered him, he would unhesitatingly open his mouth and rip you into pieces.

As for Ye Ming, not only could he not gamble but he also didn't have anywhere to run.

Li ZeChen lightly patted Ye Ming's back, and said appeasingly, "It's late and you should rest."

Ye Ming heard that Li ZeChen wanted to rest and for a moment his body went soft with relief. He lowered his eyes and said, "This minister respectfully sends his Majesty on his way."

No matter what, as long as he could temporarily escape this person it was good… when Li ZeChen was by his side it was as though there was an enormous mountain on top of him, suffocating him.

Li ZeChen made a helpless expression and slowly raised his eyebrow. "Did zhen say he was going to go? You want to escape zhen this much?"

Ye Ming stared at him with slight terror. You're not going? Then do you instead to stay here to pa.s.s the night?!

Li ZeChen clapped his hand and very quickly some eunuchs and maids came in. He said, "You lot help the young master to bathe."

"Yes." The palace maids said. They then respectfully said to Ye Ming, "Young master please follow us servants."

Ye Ming stood there and didn't move. He looked at Li ZeChen and his eyes had fear but Li ZeChen only smiled at him…. Ye Ming stood there for a while longer and then finally gritted his teeth and followed the palace maids away.

The maids and eunuchs had already prepared the water. A jade step had been placed beside the tub, and on top of the water there floated flower petals. Everything was very fragrant. They humbly helped Ye Ming take off his clothes and then said gently, "Young master if you need anything from us servants, you just need to call."

Then they lowered their heads and backed out of the room.

Ye Ming saw that they had gone and walked into the bathtub and sat down comfortably.

[Ye Ming: Ah…. this is too enjoyable. It would be even better if someone came now to give me a back ma.s.sage.]

[888: You can call someone to give you a ma.s.sage. Outside there are more than ten people waiting to wait upon you, available at your beck and call, he he.]

[Ye Ming: ….. ke, there's no need.]

After all right now he should express reluctance! How could he be in the mood to ask a young girl to give him a back ma.s.sage? No, it didn't make sense… he had to control himself!

Although he couldn't call someone to give him a ma.s.sage however Ye Ming still soaked comfortably.  Inside the bath water some valuable Chinese medicine had been mixed in, it made his blood flow freely. After soaking he felt sleepy and reluctant to get up.

Although he didn't make a noise however at regular intervals, some eunuchs would come in to help him change the water. Even though he didn't give any instructions however they served him very well.

Ye Ming raised his head and looked at the ceiling. He closed his eyes. This was too enjoyable, he didn't want to get up. Just as he was about to fall asleep, through a haze he saw someone reach out and embrace him, taking him out of the bath.

This person's movements were very gentle. One hand supporting his back and the other supporting his knees, allowing him to nestle in his embrace.

Ye Ming's head moved and his chin hit someone's chest. He opened his eyes and went still. When he raised his head he saw that Li ZeChen was holding him. An expression of fright and embarra.s.sment rose into his eyes. His face went red and he began to struggle, wanting to push Li ZeChen away.

Li ZeChen's grip tightened and he didn't let Ye Ming escape his embrace.  He showed a helpless and indulging smile. "If zhen didn't come, would you not come out for the entire night?"

Ye Ming bit his lower lip and his eyes glimmered. His voice shook slightly. "Can your Majesty put this minister down? This minister can walk by himself…." Being held like this by Li ZeChen made him feel very embarra.s.sed.

Li ZeChen sighed deeply. He held Ye Ming and placed him down on a nearby bed. He said in a low voice. "Are you this frightened of zhen?"

He didn't mind that Li Zechen's body was making his clothes wet. He took a towel from one side and began to wipe down Ye Ming's wet body.

Although the movement was quite ordinary, but because Ye Ming thought about Li ZeChen's feelings towards him, he felt very awkward. He was a man but he was being embraced by another man. However he didn't dare to struggle and could only let Li ZeChen wipe him  down.

Li ZeChen carefully helped Ye Ming dry his body and didn't even forget the gap between his toes. He saw that the person in his arm's entire body was red. Because he had been soaking so long, his skin had developed wrinkles. He felt both helpless and his heart hurt.

Ye Ming felt so awkward that he was about to draw blood from biting his lip. Finally Li ZeChen wrapped him in a robe and then placed him on the bed. "Don't move and go to sleep."

Although he had escaped the awkward situation from before, Ye Ming tightly clutched his clothes and stared uneasily at Li ZeChen.

Li ZeChen saw Ye Ming's fearful expression and couldn't help sighing. His heart was very heavy. He didn't want Ye Ming to be so frightened of him. Although he could gain his person with underhanded methods, however he still couldn't obtain his heart.

He couldn't make him not frightened of him.

It was a shame but this was the only method he had. Everyone thought that he was high above, supreme among men, and that he could easily obtain anything he wanted.

But no one knew that he couldn't even do something simple like win the person he loved.

Li ZeChen took off his wet clothes and exposed his wide shoulders and narrow waist. He had a slender but powerful body. Then he took a  wide-sleeved long robe that had been placed on a nearby shelf and then finally got into the bed beside Ye Ming. He reached out and pulled him into his embrace.

He said softly to him, "Don't be scared. Zhen just wants to hold you."

Although Li ZeChen said this and he really didn't make any moves, however Ye Ming could smell a manly scent. Being held tightly in his hot arms, although clothes separated them, however the temperature was enough to make him melt. How could he possibly fall asleep?

Ye Ming kept his eyes open like this but Li ZeChen really seemed to go to sleep. He closed his eyes and very quickly his breathing evened out.

It didn't take long before Ye Ming couldn't hold on any longer. His eyelids drooped and he finally fell asleep.

When he woke up the next day, Li ZeChen was already no longer by his side.

Ye Ming got dressed, had breakfast and then sat looking depressed inside the room, not doing anything.

[Ye Ming: Usually when a guy says "I just want to hold you, I just want to rub a bit, I won't go in, 99% of the time it's a lie.]

[888: ?]

[Ye Ming signed painfully: However Li ZeChen is that 1% exception.]

[888: ………]

So you are very disappointed?

Ye Ming began a period of living that can be called peaceful. Everyday the idle days inside the Imperial Palace "tortured" him. Even if he wore brocade and silk, ate the most precious produce of the seas and mountains, and there were servants at his beck and call, Ye Ming continued to behave as though the G.o.ds owed him eight million dollars.

As the Emperor, Li ZeChen was extremely majestic in front of others. Even if he simply raised his voice slightly, people would kneel down to beg his forgiveness. But in front of Ye Ming, he was always gentle and considerate. No matter what kind of face Ye Ming gave him, no matter how cold he was, he was always patient.

He definitely didn't continue to force anything upon him, merely waiting upon him with good food and good drinks. Every night he would hold him to sleep but they would only kiss. He never did anything to the end.

Just like this more than ten days pa.s.sed. Ye Ming felt like it was time to reduce the blackening a little. Li ZeChen wasn't any type of Mr. Perfect. By contrast, he had many serious problems.

On this night Li ZeChen came back. The two people ate dinner like normal then Li ZeChen held Ye Ming to sleep.

Ye Ming looked at the man in front of him. He tightly thinned his lips as though he was considering something seriously. Finally he opened his mouth. "Your Majesty… do you really like this minister?"

Since directly rejecting him didn't work, perhaps he could try curving the pathway in order to save the country.

These few days Ye Ming had always been very cold. Although he was still very respectful, however he did his best to maintain his distance. He had never asked any questions like this. Li ZeChen's eyes were excited. The fact that Ye Ming was willing to talk to him and ask him questions was a good sign.

He said without hesitation, "I do."

Ye Ming's face was slightly red. He couldn't understand why Li ZeChen was so attached to him. He tried hard to liken these feelings in his mind to that of between men and women. He paused for a moment then said, "However this minister thinks that… your Majesty doesn't really like me."

Li ZecChen showed a hurt expression. He said in a low voice, "Even now, do you still question zhen's feelings for you?"

He had practically dug out his heart to show this person.

Ye Ming actually didn't question it. As the Emperor, for Li ZeChen to show this kind of tolerance and spoiling att.i.tude towards him, even in the previous dynasties no one could have matched Li ZeChen's deep level of emotion. However he still could not accept these feelings.

Ye Ming slightly opened his lips. His voice was very light and his eyes bright. "'In order to obtain one person's heart, I vow to stay together never leaving until the hair grows white…' {T/N: This is from LZC's poem remember}, actually this minister really agrees with this sentiment. Also this minister feels that, if one really liked someone, then there definitely won't be room in one's heart for anyone else."

If he got married to his cousin, then he definitely marry any concubines as it would hurt her, however Li ZeChen….

Ye Ming looked at him. "However in the Emperor's harem, there isn't just this minister. An Emperor's harem has three thousand, how can the Emperor say that he likes this minister alone? The Emperor is only momentarily impulsive, and to bear ridicule from the whole world for one momentary impulse, this minister really feels it isn't worth it."

{T/N: "The harem has three thousand", this is a common phrase indicating the many people living in the harem. It doesn't mean LZC (or any Emperor really, at least I hope….) having three thousand concubines.}

It was true. Li ZeChen's harem wasn't empty!

After he became the Emperor, in order to consolidate strength, he did the same as the other Emperors and married many concubines in order to fill the inner palace. Right now there were more than a dozen concubines in the harem. Although it wasn't a lot, however it also wasn't little.

It was only that, he had never allowed any of these women to appear before Ye Ming.

Li ZeChen heard Ye Ming's words and stilled. Then he suddenly smiled.

Not only did he not show any panic or distress, but instead looked extremely joyful. He tightly held Ye Ming and said emotionally into his ear, "Wen Qing, are you jealous?"

If Ye Ming cared about these women, then that was good news to Li ZeChen. That meant that at least Ye Ming wasn't completely heartless. If he didn't care about him at all, then why would he care if there were women in his harem?

So that meant… Ye Ming cared about him a little?

[Ding! Li ZeChen's blackening -15,  the current blackening value is 70.]

Ye Ming did not expect that Li ZeChen would react in this way. He couldn't help but look embarra.s.sed and said in a low voice, "Your Majesty, your 'like' is just like this… ma…"

Li ZeChen lowered his head and licked Ye Ming's lips, then kissed him deeply.

Ye Ming was kissed until he was breathless. Then he thought about the fact that Li ZeChen treated him the same way as his women, and felt even more embarra.s.sed.

Li ZeChen deeply looked at Ye Ming's face. Then finally he couldn't bear letting him be in distress any longer and let him go reluctantly. He said with a low voice and a smile, "Zhen has never touched any of them. Zhen only wants to be with you. It was always like that in the past, and it will always remain this way in the future."

Ye Ming looked at him with disbelief. "How could this possible…."

There was laughter in Li ZeChen's eyes. He said in a low and peaceful voice, "How is it nbt possible? Is there anyone who dares to question what zhen does?" He wasn't like those weak and useless Emperors. In this Imperial Palace, he was the only voice of power. Even the Dowager Empress didn't dare to say much to him.

As the Emperor, if he couldn't do as he wished and was controlled by others, then what was the point.

Ye Ming completely couldn't understand this. He opened his eyes wide, "Then why did you marry them?"

Li ZeChen stared into Ye Ming's eyes and said affectionately, "Because if I did so, then when I finally married you, there would be less talk outside. If you don't like them, then after we are married, zhen will find an opportunity to send them away from the Palace."

Li ZeChen had been plotting to obtain Ye Ming for a long time. Everything that he did he thought far into the future. As soon as he became Emperor, he began to fill the harem.

Although he had no intention of taking any of those women, but as a Emperor, if the harem was empty then people would talk. In that situation then when he wanted to pressure them to accept Ye Ming as Empress, then Ye Ming would bear the brunt of the ill talk.

But if there were women in the harem then it wasn't the same story. Although these people would still think his actions ridiculous, they at least wouldn't give Ye Ming the t.i.tle of having destroyed the nation. Their resistance to having a male Empress would also be minimized.

He had been planning for many years. His only desire was the openly and righteously possess Ye Ming. He wanted to reduce the hurt that Ye Ming would suffer. That's why until he felt that his position and power was stable, he had never confessed to Ye Ming. Unless he felt like he was completely in control of the situation, he would never have made a move on Ye Ming.

As for these women, they were stepping stones that he had used in order to pave the way for a male Empress.

Ye Ming was completely speechless. He originally thought that his words could make Li ZeChen rethink. He thought he could move him. However who knew that he would obtain this kind of shocking response! Li ZeChen had done all this for him… but he wasn't moved at all. Instead he only felt that Li ZeChen was even more frightening. His character was too cold and cruel.

These women… they were innocent.

And all of this made Ye Ming feel deep guilt. He felt as though he was the villain who had brought calamity upon his nation and its people!

Li ZeChen looked warmly at Ye Ming. He said gently, "So now you can rest a.s.sured. Zhen only has you in his heart."

Ye Ming couldn't speak. Li ZeChen's actions showed that he had been planning for many years. Long before he had confessed to Ye Ming. Then how could Ye Ming find any way to move him? His heart felt heavy and he felt suffocated.

Li ZeChen lightly kissed Ye Ming and then pressed his face into his chest. He smiled and said, "Go to sleep, don't think too much."

[Ye Ming: emmmm….. this child's three views are a little bit distorted.]

[888: You just found that out now?]

[Ye Ming: I've never seen such a high level Li XiaHui in this world. Although this level of control is admirable, but what about all those beauties? All of them are in the prime of their life, they didn't even get to sleep with the Emperor once and now they have turned into unwanted women. So pitiful!]

{T/N: Li XiaHui is a historical figure. When he was cultivating, a women once tried to seduce him however he was unmoved. So basically just referring to someone who isn't able to be swayed/seduced.}

[888: Whose fault is this….]

[Ye Ming: Of course it's his! As a untainted and lofty white lotus, I will definitely lead by example and let him feel the might of the guardian of the correct three views!]

[888: …..]

This person had the gall to say that he wanted to lead someone else by example???

********************************

Ye Ming was trapped in the palace. Just thinking about the "Qi MingYan" that was unconscious for more than ten days in his home and the tears of his mother and the anxiety of his father, made his days and nights restless and he was very depressed.

Li ZeChen however was the same as always. Every day he left early. If he had time he would come back to accompany Ye Ming, or ask Ye Ming to read to him.

Although he didn't force Ye Ming, however Ye Ming couldn't relax at all. If he continued dragging out the time, it wouldn't affect Li ZeChen. Instead it was him that couldn't afford it any longer.

Li ZeChen saw that Ye Ming was unhappy and felt pity for him. However he couldn't allow Ye Ming to leave the Palace. He could only find various ways to amuse him. Anything valuable and interesting in the Palace he brought to Ye Ming's palace. Everything used in this place was the finest that the Imperial Palace had. Only the things that were discarded by Ye Ming would be sent to the other Palaces.

On this day it began to rain outside. Ye Ming didn't leave the room one step.

He saw Li ZeChen come back and looked at him indifferently. He sat there unmoving. It can be seen as a form of silent protest.

Li ZeChen sighed. He went over and held Ye Ming's shoulders. He lowered his head and said beside his ear, "Wen Qing, are you unhappy again?"

Ye Ming thinned his lips and didn't speak. He turned his head away slightly and avoided Li ZeChen's intimacy.

Li ZeChen's eyes darkened. These days he had humbled himself in order to placate Ye Ming. He was on the verge of digging out his heart to show him. However Ye Ming wasn't moved the slightest. In Li ZeChen's heart he felt inevitably frustrated.

As the king of this land, if the Emperor wanted someone he didn't need to go to such pains. He could directly make an order… it was only because he couldn't bear to distress Ye Ming, so that's why he tried to make him happy. However Ye Ming didn't care about this at all.

Li ZeChen paused and thought of something. He said casually, "Zhen's secret guards told zhen that recently Zuo Yu came to visit you. He seemed very concerned about you and has been everywhere trying to find a doctor that can treat you."

Ye Ming stilled. Zuo Yu was Zuo YiFang's older brother. He was also his close friends and the two people's relationship was very good. It wasn't unusual that Zuo Yu would be so concerned about him.

Li ZeChen said with some heat, "He isn't even your relative, but he's even more anxious than your actual family. He cares about you so much, is it possible that he likes you?"

Recently Ye Ming was very sensitive about this kind of matter recently. When he heard Li ZeChen's words he felt a bad feeling. He said seriously, "He is only this minister's good friend. It's only because of the marriage arrangement between our families, that's why he would care a little more."

Li ZeChen nodded his head. He said lightly, "It's best if he doesn't have any thoughts towards you. But it seems like he is much too idle. He should focus on his own matters instead of running around outside all the time. Next time zhen will give him some things to do."

The Zuo family was a military family. Zuo Yu was currently the leader of the imperial guards. It would be very easy for Li ZeChen to find something for him to do.

Ye Ming's expression was very ugly. Zuo Yu was only concerned about him and Li ZeChen was already this dissatisfied. Now he would be dragged down for no good reason.

This type of love really made him shudder.

He always thought that Li ZeChen was more capable than Li ZeYuan and would be a good Emperor. Also Li ZeYuan's actions in trying to force the previous Emperor to abdicate was not ethical. So he had always supported Li ZeChen…. But in this period of time, seeing Li ZeChen's conduct, it really made him feel it was more and more ridiculous. He was completely a tyrant! It really made one's heart disappointed and cold.

Had Ye Ming mistaken him?

These days every time Ye Ming thought about his current situation and thought about what he could do, he felt that now that things had already gotten to this point, he had run out luck. Li ZeChen would definitely not change his mind, but Ye Ming would also definitely not agree to be his Empress.

If things kept dragging out in this manner, there was no benefit to him and it wouldn't change anything. It would only make things more and more difficult to handle.

At this moment, he finally made a decision in his heart!

A look of despair flashed through Ye Ming's eyes. He suddenly stood up from the bed and slowly walked towards Li ZeChen. He lifted the hem of his robe and knelt down. He looked into Li ZeChen's eyes.

Li ZeChen also looked at him. Originally he could have stopped him however this time he didn't. He looked into Ye Ming's eyes and had a bad premonition. It was as though he already knew what Ye Ming was about to say. However he didn't want to accept it.

Ye Ming opened his mouth slowly, "His Majesty has given me two choices. Right now I have made up my mind."

Li ZeChen's gaze went cold for the first time. He interrupted, "You don't need to reply right now. Zhen isn't in a hurry."

"No." Ye Ming's voice was very determined. His eyes were very bright and he said gravely, "This minister already has his answer in his heart. There is no point to wait any longer."

He kow-towed heavily three times. He used a lot of force and a "dong dong dong" sound could be heard. On his forehead appeared the oozes of blood. Ye Ming's eyes were filled with determination. He said, word by word, "It is utterly impossible for this minister to become the Empress."

If he didn't become the Empress, then he could only die.

However he would prefer to be a dead man! He still definitely couldn't be Li ZeChen's Empress and let the whole world ridicule them!

YiFang, I am sorry. I can't marry you and make you my wife. I hope that in the future, you can meet a better person…

Father, mother, this child is not filial and cannot accompany you… however if you knew about this, you would definitely support my decision.

Although I am only a strengthless scholar, however I have pride in my bones. How can I become this ridiculous male Empress? Without loyalty, without filial piety, without justice.. since I can't then let this world be rid of the person called Qi MingYan!

Li ZeChen stood up suddenly. His hand were behind his back and the color was blue and violent. Although he tried to control himself however his eyes still showed a terrible anger.

He waited for such a long time. He used all his effort and humbled himself like a child. He was willing to do anything… but in the end he still only got this answer.

If it was anyone else dared to provoke him this much, he would never have tolerated it for so long. However… the person in front of him wasn't the same. So even though Li ZeChen was very angry right now, however he still suppressed himself with deadly effort.

Li ZeChen's voice was cold as frost. He said slowly, "You can think about it again…"

Zhen will give you a chance to change your answer.

Ye Ming smiled. His eyes were clear as the stars and there was no trace of hestiation in his voice. "This is my answer. I won't change it."

Li ZeChen's eyes become as cold as ice. This is your answer? This is your answer!

You would rather die than be zhen's Empress, is that right?!

The air immediately became stifled with a pressuring feeling.

Suddenly Li ZeChen reached out his hand, s.n.a.t.c.hed Ye Ming and threw him onto the bed. He looked at him with dark eyes and his voice was very gloomy. "Fine! Then zhen will fulfill your wish."

[Ding! Li ZeChne's blackening +20, right now the current blackening value is 90.]

Chapter 37

Li ZeChen's eyes were dark and violent thoughts rippled through his chest.

Since you would rather die than be zhen's Empress, then why should zhen treat you so preciously? Why should zhen constantly suppress myself? Just because I'm scared of frightening you, humiliating you, hurting you?

Since you made this choice, then zhen will fulfill it!

Ye Ming was thrown onto the bed. He saw Li ZeChen's dangerous eyes and knew that this time he had finally really angered him.

He didn't care at all. Wasn't this day inevitable? No matter how much Li ZeChen pretended to be nice and gentle in front of him, he was still a proud Emperor, he would never allow anyone to reject him!

His so-called "patiently waiting", was only because he knew Ye Ming had nowhere to escape to.

Li ZeChen held Ye Ming's face in his hand and used force to clutch his chin and violently kissed his lips.

Ye Ming tightly closed his eyes. From the moment he had spoken the words of rejection, he had already made mental preparations for any time of consequences, however… he would rather be humiliated and tortured then accede to the Emperor's ridiculous request!

Li ZeChen's fingertips moved pa.s.sed Ye Ming's ear, cheeks and lips… his voice carried an icy quality, "This is the choice you made yourself."

***********************************

The bedside and the floor was filled with messy clothes. The bedsheets had been half pulled aside, revealing the figures inside. The man's black hair was spread on the bed, and on his white skin there was many red marks. It was obvious he had just experienced a bout of lovemaking.

He half closed his eyes, and his eyelashes were wet. His corners of his lips were torn.

Li ZeChen sat by the bedside, wearing a robe casually. His face was very heavy.

Today had a completely possessed this person. This person that he had loved from the bottom of his heart for over ten years. He originally didn't want to treat him this way, but although he tried all kinds of methods, he only received a rejection as an answer. At that time he completely lost his sense of reason.

However, he had finally obtained this person. However he wasn't happy as he originally thought he would be. Probably it was because he wished the feelings could be mutual.

And that it hadn't been forced…

[Ding! Li ZeChen's blackening -10, the current blackening value is 80.]

Li ZeChen lowered his eyes and looked at Ye Ming. He wanted to reach out and embrace him however in the end he didn't stretch out his hand. He only said coldly, "Since you are not willing to be zhen's Empress, then just be zhen's male pet ba."

Then you will know, what an incorrect decision you have made.

Zhen will wait for the day you regret!

Ye Ming heard his words and his eyelashes trembled slightly. He slightly opened his eyes and then struggled to get out of bed and kneel on the ground. He said, "Thank you, your Majesty. This minister obeys."

Rather than being laughed at by the entire world, it would be preferable to be a nameless and unknown male pet.

Li ZeChen stared fixedly at Ye Ming and saw his unhesitating words of thanks and even the slight expression of relief in his eyes…. He only felt that his chest was stuffy and he was pained and suffocated.

I wanted you to be my Empress, but you used all your effort to resist and would rather die than obey… now I want you to be a male pet, and you agreed so easily!

Do you understand what you're agreeing to?!

Li ZeChen tossed his sleeves aside and stood up. He was scared that if he remained here, he would be unable to control himself and do something he will regret.

He was someone that had the habit of suppressing their emotions. Otherwise back then in the Palace he wouldn't have been able to endure for so many years and let Li ZeYuan become careless towards him, and allow him to plot and plan his way to this position. But when facing Ye Ming, he was always on the precipice of losing control.

Ye Ming saw Li ZeChen's back moving away and very tiredly fell on the bed.

[Ye Ming: Ah… my back is sore and my legs are soft… the Emperor is really the Emperor, so powerful.]

[888: …..]

[888: Tell me the truth. Are you doing this for the mission or for your s.e.x life?]

[Ye Ming: Of course it's for the mission! How can you misunderstand me like this?]

[888: He he.]

***********************************

The next day the sun hadn't even risen when the eunuch came to wake Ye Ming.

This was the first time in a long time that Ye Ming hadn't woken up naturally. He was a little bit angry at being woken up, however for the sake of his acting he endured it.

The eunuch was as respectful as always, however the tone of his voice had become more professional. He said, "Young master you are to move to the Xuan He Courtyard, please come with this servant."

People came to immediately pull Ye Ming up from the bed and help him dress before sending him out the door.

Ye Ming didn't resist. He obediently followed the people and left this place.

Compared to the Feng Yang Palace that Li ZeChen had personally constructed for him, the Xuan He Courtyard was much more lacking. It only had a few rooms, and a not very big yard. Although it had everything necessary and wasn't old or broken down however when compared to the Feng Yang Palace, this place completely didn't have any features.

Ye Ming entered his new quarters and his face was very calm. No matter where he was it wouldn't change his mind.

No matter if it was a regal palace made of gold, or an old and rundown shanty house, to him it made no difference.

[Ye Ming: I feel like I've moved from the Presidential Suite of the Sheraton to a 7 Days Inn /(ToT)/~~]

{T/N: Not sure if they have 7 Days Inn in other countries, but in China it's a low budget hotel chain, it's like 2 or 3 star, like even cheaper than Holiday Inn.}

[888: 7 Days Inn is already good enough. You're not even paying rent, so don't have too many expectations. How many people are there in the world that don't have anything to eat or wear and don't even know how to survive. As a high-level white lotus, for the sake of the world, don't think too much about material things.]

[Ye Ming: ….]

He might complain but after Ye Ming had a careful look he found that although nothing was as luxurious as the Feng Yang Palace, however it was definitely not shabby or old. The surrounds were quite simple and elegant, low-key but not without its own charm. Living here would be peaceful and quiet.

It was clear that Li ZeChen had spent a lot of effort over where to place him. He had to express his "coldness" towards him, but he didn't actually want Ye Ming to suffer.

Although there was not as many people waiting upon him as before, only two eunuchs and two maids, however all of them were very dedicated and professional. They didn't suddenly change their att.i.tude because of the "fall in status" but remained just as before, respectful with their eyes downcast, and treated him very well.

Although Ye Ming could see this very clearly, but since he was acting as the "would rather die than be bent" Qi MingYan, of course he would not appreciate Li ZeChen's efforts in this regard! Although he had moved from the Feng Yan Palace to this out of the way corner, everyone would think that he had angered the Emperor in some way. This was the normal pattern of "losing favor".

Ye Ming knew that Li ZeChen's methods couldn't be just this simple. Although he wouldn't really want to hurt him but since he had trampled over his heart so utterly, he would definitely would want to make him feel utter regret over his choices. He guessed that Li ZeChen had other methods up his sleeve to "humiliate" him, in order to make him understand his situation and change his mind.

Ye Ming started living there. At night he only received a few simple vegetable dishes. Since he was sick of eating exotic seafood dishes, it didn't feel bad to change the flavor.

At night he had no intention of waiting of Li ZeChen. He read a little while then prepared to go to bed. At this time he heard the sound of the servants outside greeting the Emperor. He hurried to stand up. In the end Li ZeChen still came.

Ye Ming showed a surprised expression as though he thought that since Li ZeChen had a.s.signed him here that he wouldn't be coming by. He knelt respectfully on the ground and said, "This minister greets the Emperor."

Li ZeChen glanced at Ye Ming. Today every word and every expression that Ye Ming had said or made had been reported back to him.

This person really didn't care about money and wealth. Even if he was sent here, his expression didn't change at all. This kind of loftiness and not caring about power and money personality… what could he do with him?

It wasn't as though he didn't have more cruel methods. In order to s.n.a.t.c.h a mere scholar into his hands… but how could he bear to use such methods on Ye Ming?

Li ZeChen's hands were behind his back and his gaze was heavy. There wasn't any sign of the previous warmth and tenderness. Right now his eyes were bottomless and the expression could not be read. He walked over to in front of Ye Ming and didn't hurry to tell him to rise. Instead he only said faintly, "Since you are a male pet, then you should have the appearance of one."

Ye Ming thought that he had already endured the humiliation from the previous night. How could there be anything worse? So he respectfully said, "This minister understands."

Li ZeChen saw Ye Ming's unmoved expression and his heart felt very stuffy. He said coldly, "Bring the things inside."

Obeying Li ZeChen's words, eunuchs immediately appeared from behind him. They brought in a row of chests and placed it neatly inside the room. The eunuchs opened the chest and then respectfully backed out of the room.

The corner of Li ZeChen's moth raised up and his voice had a mocking tone, "Then beloved minister, do you know how a male pet should behave?"

Ye Ming stilled. He was born out of a scholarly and academic household. He had always held himself to a high standard and hadn't even been to a brothel before. How was he supposed to know how a male pet was supposed to behave? This ident.i.ty alone was enough to humiliate him. He supposed it was being a man who as not really a man, whose purpose was to fulfill other men's desires… wasn't it just what they had already done yesterday?

Li ZeChen saw Ye Ming's expression and immediately knew he completely had no understanding of this. His heart softened. This person probably didn't know anything even about the affairs between men and women, Li ZeChen was the first person who had ever been intimate with him. All of these things, Ye Ming had only shared with him…

Thinking about this, Li ZeChen's heart unexpectedly felt better.

But he still needed to frighten him a bit. Otherwise how would Ye Ming know how he was supposed to behave?

He tenderly looked at Ye Ming's face and then laughed. "Get up ba."

Ye Ming got up from the floor and and as usual hung his head. He was waiting for Li ZeChen's order.

Li ZeChen walked over to the chest and took something made of jade stone. He said to Ye Ming, "Beloved minister, do you know how this is used?"

Ye Ming shook his head.

Following that was a series of very humilating instructions.

Very patiently, Li ZeChen took out every item in the chest and introduced it to Ye Ming. His instructions were extremely detailed. Ye Ming's expression become uglier and uglier, and in the end even his lips were white. His eyes were filled with anger and shock and his entire body was frozen. In his entire life he had never heard such shocking things. Just who on earth would invent these kind of degrading toys. It was completely ridiculous!

Li ZeChen raised Ye Ming's chin and kissed his white lips. He laughed softly and said, "When beloved minister learns all of this and uses everything once, then he will be considered a proper male pet."

Ye Ming heard these words and extreme humiliation and fear made him unable to stay calm.

He had originally thought he wasn't scared of anything. But he had never thought Li ZeChen would use these kind of degrading methods. He would prefer to be sliced by a thousand swords, then use these kind of things!

Ye Ming suddenly wanted to kneel down but Li ZeChen directly grabbed him and threw him down!

Ye Ming thought of the words he just heard and was disobedient for the first time. He began to struggle. He opened his eyes wide and looked at Li ZeChen. His voice trembled. "Your Majesty, please just kill this minister ba."

When Li ZeChen heard these words, his good mood that he had just recovered immediately dissipated. He grasped Ye Ming's chin and said slowly, "Zhen likes you so much, how can zhen kill you? Don't ever say these words again."

Ye Ming's eyes were anguished. This kind of "like", he would prefer not to have it!

Li ZeChen touched his face. His voice was both tender and cruel. "Beloved minister, you need to think about how to be a proper male pet. This way if zhen is in a good mood, then maybe zhen won't let your relatives suffer."

It was like cold water had been splashed down on Ye Ming's head. Just then he had been filled with anger and almost forgot what kind of frightening presence he was facing.

Right now even though to others he was a "dead person", however his relatives and his friends were still living…. all of these people's fates were held in Li ZeChen's hands.

Li ZeChen saw his appearance and found his anger disappearing. He sighed softly. After some time he steeled his heart, grasped the jade stone and placed it inside.

{T/N: So I'm pretty sure that's what it is. Like stone or some kind of a.n.a.l s.e.x toy made of jade. Probably a d.i.l.d.o. Seen it in other danmei novels. But actually in order to avoid censor, author actually used two characters which phonetically sound the same as "jade stone" but don't mean anything together.}

Ye Ming's nails dug into his palms and closed his eyes. His heart felt like ash.

Li ZeChen didn't touch him otherwise. He just reached out and gathered Ye Ming into his arms and said, "Sleep."

Yesterday he had already been very careful however Ye Ming was still injured somewhat. His body wasn't very suitable for accommodating lovemaking with a man so originally Li ZeChen didn't want to disturb him today. Just then it was also to help him apply medicine and also try to condition his body at the same time. After all he didn't want to hurt Ye Ming every time.

However unfortunately Ye Ming couldn't understand this. He only thought Li ZeChen was doing this to humiliate him. Thinking about the things inside the chest he felt both angry and fearful. And the thing inside his body made him feel extremely awkward.

This whole night Ye Ming didn't sleep. The next day there were shadows underneath his eyes.

Li ZeChen frowned. He didn't think Ye Ming would be this stubborn. But thinking about his end goal, he only ordered, "Without zhen's permission, you can't take it out."

He got up, got dressed in the dragon robe and went to morning court.

Although Ye Ming had moved to the Xuan He Courtyard, however Li ZeChen still came here every night to sleep. Because of the thing inside his body, Ye Ming felt extremely humilated and didn't leave the room one step.

Thus after a few days, Li ZeChen finally claimed him again. This time it was much easier than before and didn't injure him.

Afterwards Li ZeChen looked at the humiliated to death Ye Ming and finally his heart softened and said, "If you are obedient then in the future you don't need to use those things, okay?"

Ye Ming bit his lip and didn't speak. Both his eyes were red.

Li ZeChen sighed.

To you, is being with me such a painful thing? Shouldn't it be the happiest thing a mortal can experience? Can't you feel it at all? No…. it should be that you do feel it, it's only human nature, however your logic will not allow you to accept such joy.

It's not that I don't understand your thinking, I only want you to accept me. It's been so many years…. Don't you have even the slightest bit of emotions towards me? Even if it's not to the level of "like", it should at least be care and warm feelings ba?

Why can't you be like before and accept and like me? All of this, isn't the way you think.

Originally we should have been loving towards each other, why did it become like this?

***********************************

When Ye Ming's body improved, and was more used to him, LI ZeChen made love with him every night. This was something he had been dreaming about for countless days, finally he could experience it and so it wasn't a surprise that he couldn't control himself and wanted it endlessly.

Li ZeChen could now understand the ancient Emperors who didn't want to go to morning court's thinking. For this person, even if he had suffer through rebellion and warfare, it would be worth it.

Ye Ming was done every day until he couldn't get out of the bed. After some time, Li ZeChen's blackening was also reduced by 10 points and so he felt very satisfied.

[Ye Ming: Although these days are quite happy, according to this person's setting, I should be showing some kind of reaction by now.]

[888: It seems like you're very concerned about this person's setting?]

[Ye Ming: Of course! This setting is the basis of my method for reducing blackening! In the end, the person he loves has this setting. It doesn't matter if I die, however if the mission fails that wouldn't be good.]

[888: This setting, isn't it also you? Every word and movement is made by you, what's the difference?]

[Ye Ming: No I think it's better to draw a clear line between us ^_^] This way he could tell himself that the person that all of these men loved was not the real him. It was all just a game. So he didn't need to give out his real heart, what would be the point of that?

[Ye Ming: Also if I don't act as a demon, how can I remove the blackening~~]

[888: ….]

Today Li ZeChen came as soon as court finished. He saw the palace maids kneeling outside looking terrified. LI ZeChen's eyes narrowed and he opened the door and walked inside.

Ye Ming lay on the bed. His face was white and his chin was pointy. Only his black eyes were still bright. In front of him his meal hadn't been touched at all.

Li ZeChen immediately understood what was going on. He said, "How come you're not eating?"

Ye Ming said respectfully, "I don't have any appet.i.te."

Li ZeChen fingers moved. Although Ye Ming was just as respectful as before and didn't show anything on the surface, but how he could be not see into his heart? Is it so painful to be my side, is it so hard to bear?!

Li ZeChen's heart was very cold. He was silent for a long time and then he went and held Ye Ming up and held him in his arms. Before of his action Ye Ming's robe was pulled aside and exposed the fierce marks which hadn't had time to disappear yet. Li ZeChen reached out, held the bowl and personally began to feed Ye Ming.

Ye Ming lowered his eyes and didn't protest. If Li ZeChen fed him a mouthful then he would eat a mouthful, his movement was very slow and it took some effort just to eat half a bowl.

Li ZeChen wanted to continue to feed but Ye Ming suddenly made a noise and vomited .

He leaned against the bed and dry retched for a long time. After that he turned around and looked with terror at Li ZeChen. "Your Majesty please punish me. This minister didn't do it deliberately."

Li ZeChen didn't care about the vomit covering his sleeves. He ordered the palace maids to bring new food. He helped Ye Ming wipe his chin and began to feed him again.

Ye Ming continued to not protest however every time he ate a few mouthfuls he would vomit. Afterwards his eyes were filled with tears and his expression extremely pitiful.

Li ZeChen helplessly put down the bowl. With a cold face he called the imperial doctor over.

The imperial doctor arrived quickly and after looking for a long time, said the young master had a psychological illness.

Li ZeChen's face was like ice and a pained expression flashed through his eyes. After some time he returned to the room and said slowly, "Zhen won't touch you so you must eat properly, do you understand?"

Ye Ming said obediently, "This minister understands."

Although he said this however Ye Ming continued to not be able to eat. He could only drink a little water. After three days, his entire person became very thin and frail.

Li ZeChen's heart was very pained however he was helpless. Ye Ming probably was hoping for death, that's why he couldn't eat a single thing!

What psychological illness? It was just a lack of will to live!

This day Li ZeChen came again to personally feed Ye Ming. As usual Ye Ming couldn't swallow it. Lying on the bed, it was though his entire body was made of ash.

Just thinking that this person could die like this, Li ZeChen's heart felt extremely heavy.

Even when he had been fighting for the throne, when every moment could have been his last, he had never been so frightened.

He definitely couldn't let Ye Ming die!

Li ZeChen stared at Ye Ming for a long time. Suddenly he slammed his hand and all the bowls and utensils on the table clattered to the ground, making a clanging sound. Water and food was splashed everywhere. His gaze was dark and he said coldly, "You want to die this much?"

Ye Ming said in a deathly tone, "This minister doesn't dare."

Doesn't dare? How do you not dare?!

Li ZeChen's eyes were black and his heart was filled with anger and pain. Complex and heavy emotions swirled together! The corner of his lip raised and he suddenly said, "Fine. Since you can't eat then you don't need to eat."

Li ZeChen picked Ye Ming up, turned around and left.

In this period of time it was the first time LI ZeChen had taken Ye Ming out of this courtyard. It didn't take long for them to return to the royal study room

Li ZeChen placed Ye Ming down wicker chair beside a desk screen. He lowered his waist and lightly touched Ye Ming's pale and bloodless lips.

How do you dare to seek death? Is it because you think you have nothing to fear?

Ye Ming half closed his eyes. He was tired and sleepy and hungry. However this was probably a form of relief ba… from now on he wouldn't have to be trapped in the inner palace any longer, and every day have to tolerate making love every night, now he wasn't even a real man anymore….

He really didn't want to go on any longer.

Just as Ye Ming was thinking this, outside he heard the eunuch say, "Your Majesty, Prime Minister Qi is here. He is just outside the door. Do you want to see him?"

When these words fell into Ye Ming's ear, his pupils contracted and a fearful expression appeared on his face! It was as though someone on the verge of death suddenly got a burst of adrenaline!

He raised his head and looked at Li ZeChen. What did he want to do?

Li ZeChen lowered his head and kissed Ye Ming's forehead. He looked into his eyes and on his lips appeared a smile that didn't rise to his eyes.

Ye Ming suddenly realized something. He struggled to reach out his hand. His thin fingers clutched Li ZeChen's clothes with a deathly grip. His eyes exposed a begging expression and his voice was very weak. "Don't…."

I'm begging you, please don't do this.

Li ZeChen grabbed Ye Ming's fingers and forcibly pushed them away. He said in a clear voice.

"Call the Prime Minister in."

The author says:

Ye Ming: Little black room! Little black room!

Li ZeChen: …..

Chapter 38

Prime Minister Qi waited outside. He didn't know why the Emperor had called him into the Imperial Palace so late at night. After some time he heard the eunuch call him inside. He schooled his face properly and walked in with a respectful pose.

Ye Ming heard the sound of footsteps. He thought about the fact that just beyond a thin paper screen, his father was standing there. Fear filled his face. He reached out and clutched Li ZeChen's wrist, frantically shaking his head. He pressed his lips tightly together.

Rather than letting his father see him appear in this manner in the Palace, then he would prefer that he thought he was already dead!

Li ZeChen tenderly caressed Ye Ming's face and then kissed his lips. In a low voice beside his ear that only the two of them could hear, he said, "Weren't you missing your loved ones? Zhen will let you see them, how about that? Maybe that way you will get better quickly."

Ye Ming didn't dare make a sound. He could only use his eyes to beg Li ZeChen.

I beg you, don't do this… I'll listen to you. I'll listen to everything you say…

Li ZeChen saw Ye Ming's frightened expression and his eyes were dark. He suppressed the feelings in his heart. One more time he pulled Ye Ming's hand away, turned around and walked away.

Ye Ming saw Li ZeChen's figure walking away. Thinking about the scene that would happen after he felt as though his whole world was on the verge of collapse. He was so terrified he couldn't think. He could only use his hand to cover his mouth and dare not make a single noise.

Li ZeChen walked out from behind the screen behind the desk. When Prime Minister Qi saw Li ZeChen he began to kneel down respectfully but before he could do so, Li ZeChen hurried to help him up. He said politely, "Teacher, you don't need to make any address. Hurry and sit down."

Prime Minister Qi sat to one side. He had a very good impression of Li ZeChen.

Back in the last when Li ZeChen wasn't yet the Crown Prince, he was also already very obedient and understanding. Among all the royal sons and daughters, he was dedicated and hardworking but didn't like to call attention to himself. He was young but he had a mature and introverted personality. Prime Minister Qi thought he looked a bit pitiful, and took care of him a little.

Afterwards Li ZeChen and Li ZeYuan began to fight over the throne. Old ministers such as Prime Minister Qi actually didn't support Li ZeChen. They thought that the Crown Prince was correct choice and so in that time he had ordered his son not to get too close to Li ZeChen and stay away from court politics.

It's only that he never expected that in the end Li ZeYuan would raise a rebellion and that the hidden and low-key Li ZeYuan would finally become the Emperor.

At that time Prime Minister Qi thought that Li ZeChen would hold a grudge against him in his heart. After all during his fight for power, Prime Minister Qi had not been on his side. He had made preparations for the worst… but he never thought that after ascending the throne, Li ZeChen not only didn't settle the score with him, but actually treated him just as respectfully as before. In private he would always call him "Teacher" and pay him respects like a student. He didn't show any arrogance at all.

Even with Prime Minister Qi's strict and traditional personality, he couldn't find any faults with Li ZeChen and so he admired him very much. He could only say that he was a very humble and capable Emperor. No matter in what respect Li ZeYuan could not compare with him. So slowly Prime Minister Qi put down his bias and became loyal towards Li ZeChen.

These days because his oldest son was comatose, his heart had been occupied with anxiety. However in front of the Emperor he didn't show anything and only said, "His Majesty called this minister today, is there something I can do?"

Li ZeChen smiled slightly. "It's nothing important. It's only regarding these reports. Zhen can't make up my mind, so that's why I called Teacher in to discuss. Sorry to trouble Teacher."

Prime Minister Qi said sincerely, "Working for his Majesty is this minister's job."

Li ZeChen took out a few imperial reports and courteously began to discuss with Prime Minister Qi. Afterwards he would directly make the orders. After some time it already became very late.

Prime Minister Qi saw that Li ZeChen was still working so late into the night and couldn't help saying, "Your Majesty needs to take care of your body. Don't over-tire yourself."

Li ZeChen nodded his head. "Teacher is right. Zhen will take care." He paused and then his eyes showed a worried expression. He hesitated and then said lowly, "Zhen heard that… Wen Qing has been unconscious for a long time. Can you tell me the situation right now?"

Prime MInister Qi sighed. His face and voice carried a tired and depressed att.i.tude. "He still hasn't woken up yet."

Ye Ming was just sitting on the chair behind the screen. When he heard his father's familiar voice, his eyes couldn't help getting wet. Thinking him unconscious this whole time, his father must be worried to death…. But how could he let his father discover him here?

His loved one was so close to him, but they couldn't meet.

Li ZeChen seemed very worried. He said, "Zhen will send the imperial doctor to take a look. If there is anything that zhen can help with, Teacher don't be polite. All the medicine and resources in the Palace are at your disposal."

Prime Minister Qi was very touched. He didn't think that Li ZeChen would remember their old relationship with so much grat.i.tude. He said respectfully. "Thank you your Majesty."

Li ZeChen said sincerely, "Zhen and Wen Qing have been friends for a long time. If anything were to happen to him, zhen would be extremely worried. I will do all that I can."

Prime Minister Qi thought that the Emperor was really very generous. He was very grateful.

Li ZeChen asked a few more things about Prime Minister's Qi's family then respectfully sent him away. After he saw Prime Minister Qi following the eunuch away, he came back.

Li ZeChen walked behind the screen. His expression had long returned back to coldness. Those dark eyes looked at Ye Ming. He exposed a smile and said, "Did you hear everything?"

Ye Ming's red eyes stared at him. Of course he had.

He heard his father and mother being worried about him and the current situation in his family… he had also heard how this person (LZC) speaking all of those lies!

Li ZeChen saw the wronged expression in Ye Ming's eyes and laughed. He walked over and lightly embraced him in his arms and said gently. "Are you angry again? Could it be that you blame zhen for not letting you meet with your father? If you want to meet then zhen can call the Prime Minister back. He shouldn't have gone far."

When Ye Ming heard this his body froze. Just then he was only thinking about anger, he had almost forgotten Li ZeChen's actions this day was all just to threaten him! If he continued to oppose him, then who knows what Li ZeChen would do?

He said in a trembling voice, "This minister… This minister doesn't…. Thank you your Majesty for your concern…."

Li ZeChen laughed lightly. He said, "If you don't want to meet in the short term that's fine. However you need to eat properly, otherwise – next time zhen can only ask Prime Minister to personally persuade you. I'm sure you will listen to him, right?"

Ye Ming shook his head.  He was terrified that if he responded too slowly, Li ZeChen might change his mind.

Li ZeChen was very satisfied. He picked up Ye Ming and took him back to the Xuan He Courtyard. He told the palace maids to bring foods that were soft and could be digested easily. He then patiently began to feed Ye Ming to eat.

Ye Ming felt bullied and didn't have any appet.i.te but then thinking about the consequences of not eating, and what would happen to his parents in Li ZeChen became angry, he could only force himself to eat slowly through his disgust. He no longer dared to seek death.

He had to live. If he died Li ZeChen wouldn't let his family go!

Li ZeChen fed him half a bowl and saw that although Ye Ming didn't eat much he was at least able to hold it down without vomiting, so he sighed with relief.

The imperial doctor had told him that Ye Ming wasn't sick. His so-called "psychological illness" was only that he didn't have a will to live. If he wanted to live, no matter if he was forced… as long as he could live that was good.

Although he had told Ye Ming before that if he didn't want to be the Empress then he would make him a "dead person", however he really didn't have the heart to do such a thing. He could only hope that if Ye Ming one day changed his mind, then he could still marry him openly and make him Empress. That's why he didn't want to cut off his return path, and let "Qi MiangYan" die.

It was only a shame that… Ye Ming probably couldn't understand his feelings.

His overwhelming love, to this person, was only humiliation and degradation. Li ZeChen wasn't scared of the whole would ridiculing him but this person always placed a larger importance on his reputation than on Li ZeChen. Probably he thought reputation was the most important thing in the world.

When Li ZeChen thought of this, a sorrowful feeling flashed through him. He placed down the bowl, stood up and left.

Ye Ming finished half a bowl then lay down on the bed. As usual he looked dispirited and depressed.

[Ye Ming: I'm so hungry….]

[888: It was you that asked me to make you vomit everything you ate. This is the road you chose yourself, even if you have to do it on your knees you have to go to the end. No matter how cruel you have to continue.]

[Ye Ming: Fulloftears.jpg, I don't want to eat congee anymore. I want to eat steamed hairy crabs, fried crayfish… if that's not okay then at least hotpot. Three pounds of lamb and beef….]

[888: He he he….]

[Ye Ming: Big brother, maybe you can help me secretly give me small stove. I saw there's all sorts of things in the system shop and it's all very cheap. I don't need to eat any kind of high-level outer-s.p.a.ce food, I just want a plain and simple seafood platter okay QAQ]

[888: Can you please have a bit of backbone?]

[Ye Ming: Wuwuwu]

[888: It's not possible. Anyway if you want to obtain non-essential food, then I need to take 10x the experience points. Are you willing to sell it to me?]

[Ye Ming: …..]

[888: You don't want? Then don't worry about it, I will give you free steamed cornbread, you don't need to thank me.]

[Ye Ming: QAQ]

After eating four days of steamed cornbread, Ye Ming's heart was like ash and he cried bitter tears.

After that day Ye Ming indeed stopped seeking death. He seemed to have accepted his fate. Every day he would attentively eat any food that was brought to him. Although he still didn't have a large appet.i.te however he slowly recovered his spirits.

Li ZeChen saw that Ye Ming was getting better and felt relieved. However although every day he held this person, he could only fear his fear and submission, every day the pressure in his heart increased.

Even at court, all the ministers could feel the Emperor's repressed mood.

This day Li ZeChen finished court and his heart felt very gloomy. So he decided to walk around the Imperial Gardens. He ran into Concubine Liang as well as some other concubines coming this way.

As for what kind of motives these women had, Li ZeChen was very clear. They wanted to leave an impression of themselves in him so as to increase the chance of him favoring them. But when Li ZeChen saw these glamorous and charming women, he only thought they were annoying. In his heart he only thought of Ye Ming.

As the Emperor, no matter if it was a man or a woman, they were willing to seduce him. The people that wanted to climb onto his bed was countless. Only that person… was different from the others.

Li ZeChen's mood wasn't good. He didn't wait for them to get closer and just turned around and left, leaving only his retreating back for those women.

Ye Ming was sitting inside his own courtyard. He was pretending to be sorrowful and anguished. Luckily he had a very good appearance. Even if he sat here like this, he didn't look as though he was putting on an act, but actually looked quite pitiful.

He saw Li ZeChen had come back and immediately stood up to greet Li ZeChen.

Li ZeChen walked over and reached out and picked out a strand of Ye Ming's hair. He rubbed it between his fingers. Right now he was finally able to touch this person whenever he wanted.

No matter how he treated him, Ye Ming wouldn't protest. He would only submit obediently.

However his heart still felt very empty. That empty place not only hadn't been filled but became more and more lonely. It as like an abyss that had sucked in his entire being and there was no hope of escape.

Li ZeChen didn't say anything but held Ye Ming and returned to the room. Very easily he took off his clothing.

Ye Ming knew what was about to happen. He didn't do anything to resist. He closed his eyes and let Li ZeChen do as he wished. The only thing he did was furrow his brow slightly to show that he probably wasn't enjoying what was happening.

Li ZeChen kissed his soft lips and in his eyes was a strong emotion, but Ye Ming didn't see it at all.

He once again took this person and saw him make involuntary sounds and expose an expression that was both painful and joyous, and afterwards he held him tenderly in his arms.

If this is the only way that I can hold you, then let it be this way ba….

I finally know that even if I'm the Emperor and have conquered the entire world, there are still things that I cannot obtain. But even if that's the case,  you are the still the only person that I want.

[Ding! Li ZeChen's blackening -10, the current blackening value is 60.]

**************************************

The peaceful days always pa.s.sed very quickly. Because Ye Ming didn't make any fuss, so his life with Li ZeChen can be considered harmonious. A few more days pa.s.sed and  then one day as Ye Ming was basking in the sun listlessly, he heard 888's notification that someone had come.

[888: Concubine Liang and a few other concubines are coming this way. 100% they are here to make trouble for you.]

[Ye Ming: The fact that they took this long to come is already unexpected. It's clear that they don't have much favor or status in the Palace, so their power isn't enough… probably right now it's only because they feel they really can't endure any longer and finally came.]

[888: He he, you seem very understanding of their way of thinking.]

[Ye Ming: Of course! Our hearts are aligned! Let me tell you, right before this I took a crash course refresher on harem intrigues!]

[888: You studied harem intrigues???]

[Ye Ming: Yes, I'm very professional ba. Praiseme.jpg.]

[888: ……..]

[Ye Ming: Our aim is to – dominate the harem!]

[888: …. I think it's completely unnecessary to spend so much effort pretending to be white lotus. You can directly tell Li ZeChen you want to dominate the harem. Li ZeChen's blackening will disappear in under a minute and immediately fulfill your wish. What would be the point of harem intrigues then? Coldlaugh.jpg]

[Ye Ming: ……]

[Ye Ming: If when I left I didn't tell him that I didn't like him and that I was about to marry the woman I loved, then I would definitely use this method. So that's why you shouldn't randomly say stuff. Deep sigh.]

[888: ….]

I knew you were a directionless trash!

Concubine Liang and the others had already been in the harem for over a year. However the Emperor had always been busy sorting out political matters, and was very hardworking and didn't seek entertainment. He had never favored any of them. They all desired deeply to obtain the Emperoir's attention. If they could give birth to a Prince that would been even better. Who knew that once they entered the Palace they would barely be able to even see the Emperor's face?

Alright…. If everyone was the same that was one thing. They could only hope that one day the Emperor would notice them. But they never thought that that one day the Emperor would suddenly change his nature, he created a resplendant Palace to house his love!

The bevy of Concubines were so jealous their eyes were red. They used all their resources to find out who was in the Feng Yang Palace. What kind of fox demon would make the not interested in women Emperor suddenly move his heart! It was a shame that the security aroudn the Feng Yang Palace was air-tight, even a fly couldn't get out. So in all this time they couldn't even figure out if the person inside was a man or a woman.

However not a long time pa.s.sed before they heard that the person inside the Feng Yang Palace had lost favor. They had moved out to this out of the way Xuan He Courtyard.

Xuan He Courtyard wasn't big. As people went in and out, naturally the news could come out. It turns out that the person who had cast a spell over the Emperor was actually a man! Just thinking about the fact that they couldn't even see the Emperor's face but that this man could let the Emperor spend every night with him, they couldn't suppress the jealousy in their hearts.

They really wanted to see what this fox demon looked like!

Concubine Liang brought two low-level concubines with her and came here with a lot of fanfare.

The eunuchs and palace maids in Ye Ming's courtyard saw that they didn't come with good intentions and tried to stop them. However Concubine Liang had more people and barged in regardless.

When Concubine Liang came into the courtyard she immediately saw a man standing underneath a tree. He heard the noise and turned around, showing a elegant and refined face that was as bright as the moon. She froze for a second.

Originally she thought he would be a s.e.xy and devilish looking man, but she didn't think he would be this type of gentle and jade-like young master. He didn't even have half of the appearance of a male pet. He looked more like a young master from a scholarly family.

Although Ye Ming's appearance made her feel taken aback, however quickly the jealousy and hate in her heart got the upper hand.

Ye Ming was also very surprised. He didn't think that these people would just coming barging in here. Just thinking that these were Li ZeChen's concubines, he felt very awkward and uncomfortable. He wanted to go inside and not see them, but he hadn't had a chance to do anything before he heard the woman opposite him say, "A mere male pet like you, how can you see me and not kneel!"

Ye Ming's face changed. He was so angry his hands shook.

He wasn't angry at these women. He was more angry at Li ZeChen. If it wasn't for Li ZeChen how could he have been reduced to this state. Being a male pet, ridiculed and bullied by women!

In his whole life he had only knelt to his teachers and superiors, how could he kneel to a harem woman!

Ye Ming thinned his lips. He turned around and wanted to leave but he was stopped by two eunuchs.

Concubine Liang laughed coldly. She walked forward. This was the person who had mesmerized the Emperor? If the Emperor still favored him that was one thing, but right now he had been put in this place, so it was clear he wasn't anyone important. The Emperor was probably only playing  with him. And anyone who was given the t.i.tle of a male pet obviously came from origins that were not seemly.

As for her she came from a wealthy and ill.u.s.trious family. Her position was high, how could she be scared of a mere male pet? The Emperor always did things in a measured manner so it was unlikely he would reprimand her over a mere plaything!

"What kind of method did you use to mesmerize the Emperor?" Concubine Liang's voice was very cold. "Don't think that just because you have the Emperor's favor that that makes you somebody! The Emperor is only interested in you because you're new. Did you really think you had flown up to a high branch and turned into a phoenix? Just look at yourself!"

When had Ye Ming ever been degraded in such a manner? He was so angry his face went white. However as a man he didn't want to fight with a woman. He couldn't argue with a woman so he only made a cold grunt.

*****************************

The moment Concubine Liang came to the Xuan He Courtyard, Li ZeChen already had gotten word. He immediately put down what he was doing and rushed over. When he arrived he saw Ye Ming trapped inside the courtyard. His face was very humilated, it was clear that Concubine Liang had said something ugly.

Li ZeChen's eyes went cold. His gaze when he looked at Concubine Liang had a killing intent. Previously he had tolerated her too much, she actually dared to come to make trouble for Ye Ming! He was just about to go forward to stop her when he saw Ye Ming give him a cold and distant look. His footsteps stopped.

Even if Ye Ming didn't say a word however Li ZeChen understood his thoughts.

The person Ye Ming blamed the most was not Concubine Liang but himself… it was because of him that he was trapped in this place. He completely didn't want his help and completely didn't look even the slightest bit happy to see him…. Ye Ming hated him!

Li ZeChen's heart went cold. The words he wanted to say were lodged inside his throat.

Painful feelings erupted inside his heart. His hands clenched together tightly. Do you hate me this much… do you not care about me even a little bit…?

Li ZeChen's appearance made Concubine Liang extremely shocked. She thought that perhaps she had underestimated Ye Ming's position in his heart. In her shock she knelt down and wanted to immediately apologize. But what was unexpected that the Li ZeChen who just before had looked very angry had suddenly calmed down. He didn't say anything and didn't show any intention of wanting to stop her…. What was going on?

Just as Concubine Liang's head was swimming in fear and confusion, Li ZeChen suddenly turned to her and said slowly, "Beloved concubine, please rise."

Concubine Liang froze. Very quickly she felt she understood! Just as she thought, Li ZeChen didn't place much importance on this male pet. Otherwise how could he have no reaction? It looked like he still valued her more. The Emperor was always wise. Even if he favored a male pet, but he definitely wouldn't damage her honor for him. After she was his proper concubine.

Concubine Liang felt she understood everyone's positions. Also it was a rare opportunity to meet Li ZeChen. She showed a smile to curry favor and said in a girlish voice, "Why did his Majesty come here?"

Li ZeChen's eyes were unreadable. He said, "I just happened to be pa.s.sing by. Beloved concubine, why did you come here?"

Concubine Liang said, "This concubine heard that his Majesty often comes here recently so I was curious about my new sister that lives here. I wanted to make a friend, but who knew…" She showed a bullied expression. "That he was actually a young man, and he… was very disrespectful to this concubine, and even refused to make the proper address…"

Li ZeChen laughed coldly inside his heart. "Oh, so it turns out he offended beloved concubine…"

Concubine Liang saw Li ZeChen's deep and fathomless eyes. For some reason her entire body went cold. Although Li ZeChen's tone was still measured however she felt strangely terrified. She stammered, "Ye- yes…."

Li ZeChen then asked, "Then how does beloved concubine want to punish him?"

How did Concubine Liang dare to punish anyone in front of Li ZeChen? Her legs already felt weak. However since he had already taken the topic in this direction, if she ran away now then she wouldn't be able to hold up her head in the harem in the future. Everyone would laugh at her and say even a male pet had climbed on top of her head. So she forced herself to say, "He is someone that his Majesty likes. How does this concubine dare to inconvenience him? As long as he kneels down and apologizes to this concubine, it will be enough."

You dare to make Ye Ming kneel! You!?

Li ZeChen's eyes went dark. His hands were behind his back and his gaze was cold. He wasn't someone that was chivalrous and cherished women. He had already made up his mind that in the future he would definitely let this woman know what she could and couldn't do. However right now was not the time.

He turned and looked at Ye Ming. He said slowly, "Did you hear?"

Although Li ZeChen said this however looking at Ye Ming now, he couldn't help but allow a sliver of hope to rise into his eyes.

Just like a person who had gone down a path of no return however still had not given up finding an exit path.

Ye Ming definitely wouldn't agree to kneel to this woman right? You can ask zhen! Zhen definitely wouldn't let anyone humiliate you. Zhen will protect you, you can be as spoiled and as irreverent as  you like! You can be as demanding and as presumptuous as you like! No one will dare to blame you!

Even if you hate me, but as long as you open your mouth to ask me, I will still do anything you ask. No matter what you do, I will always be on your side.

Otherwise… you will have to lower your head to a person that is beneath you. This kind of easy choice, what will you do?

Ye Ming raised his head and directly looked at Li ZeChen in the eyes.

Do you want me to beg you? You want me rely on you like a woman? Be like a woman and beg a man for his favor and his pity? No… if I can only avoid kneeling by relying on a man's infatuation, then I would rather just kneel.

What I'm kneeling to isn't her, but my own integrity.

Although I am living in the harem, but my heart is still outside in the wide world. I definitely won't beg you.

Ye Ming slowly retracted his gaze. He quietly stood there, all clothed in white. He looked like an immortal that was above petty things. He turned around to face Concubine Liang and with his hands tightly clenched, he very slowly began to kneel down.

Li ZeChen saw Ye Ming's movement. This action ignited an explosion of anger and disappointment inside him and took away all his logic!

Is opening your mouth to ask something of me something that is so difficult for you?!

Seeing Ye Ming's knees almost touch the ground, Li ZeChen suddenly yelled, "That's enough!"

Concubine Liang jumped with fright. Everything was fine she didn't understand why Li ZeChen had suddenly gotten so angry. She immediately sank to her knees in fear.

Li ZeChen completely didn't care. He walked over and grabbed Ye Ming's arm and dragged him inside the room. There was a "peng" and the door slammed shut!

Ye Ming's arms was clenched tightly by Li ZeChen. Li ZeChen used excess force and his face was so pained it went white. However his gaze was by contrast very calm, as though he already completely didn't care about anything.

Li ZeChen saw Ye Ming's eyes and his eyes were full of violence… clearly you only needed to open your mouth to say "no"! Then I would have helped you!

But you weren't willing, isn't that right!

You hate me this much, isn't that right!

T/N: For now this is the end (of my translation… not of the story, it's complete!). For more information, please see this here.