The Tyrant's Beloved Empress

5

Xiao Zhige dared not hug him tightly but An Chang Qing was like a little monster fidgeting and rubbing against him, causing him to feel smitten but at the same time unbearable. After having to endure till he couldn't anymore, Xiao Zhige held him down and said sternly, "Sleep."

An Chang Qing who was indulging himself with the warmth said 'oh' reluctantly and finally stopped moving.

Xiao Zhige heaved a sigh but right after, he saw the person raised his head again. After a while, he asked, "Is Wangye free tomorrow?"

"..." Xiao Zhige had to steel his nerves again for fear that An Chang Qing would make another request that would perhaps shatter his restraint. "There's a martial arts competition at the barracks tomorrow, I have to be there. What's the matter?"

An Chang Qing heard his answer and withered with disappointment. He replied with a dampened tone, "Tomorrow is my san chao hui men1. Since Wangye is busy, I will go back alone, it's not a big deal."

Xiao Zhige froze, it quickly dawned on him on what day the san chao hui men was.

Since An Chang Qing was a man and Xiao Zhige was a long-term resident of the barracks who had never concerned himself with traditions, this ritual completely skipped his mind . On top of that, the steward who should've made the necessary arrangements, assumed that he did not like An Chang Qing and had neglected this matter.

"I'm sorry. It's my negligence." The thought of An Chang Qing's plight in the Xiang Manor caused Xiao Zhige to feel guilty. He pondered briefly and said, "Tomorrow, I will send you back in the morning. When the competition is over, I will come back to accompany you in the afternoon, is that alright?"

An Chang Qing was not expecting to get an apology. The gloom immediately disappeared and he was happy again, "Ok."

After that, they both entered a night of good sleep.

The next day at the mao2 hour, Xiao Zhige woke up. An Chang Qing was curled up with his face snuggled close to his chest, still in deep sleep. His cheeks were pinkish and his lips were slightly parted, looking innocent and very much unlike the gremlin that he was when awake. Xiao Zhige observed him fondly for a while before getting out of bed with the quietest of movements. He then tucked him under the blanket and called for Steward Wang to the study.

"What have you prepared for Wangfei's homecoming?" Xiao Zhige sat on the master's seat and asked with an indiscernible tone in his voice.

But having served him for many years, Steward Wang instantly knew his implications. He knelt down and pleaded, "It's my incompetence. Wangye, please pardon my negligence. I will get to it now."

Xiao Zhige's eyes were like daggers pointing at him. He then gave Steward Wang a stern warning, "Give yourself the appropriate punishment. Pick the gifts from the inner treasury. Make sure to prepare extravagantly for Wangfei's mother and the Second Young Miss. And do not let this happen again."

"Yes, I'm aware of my mistakes." Steward Wang stood up with trembling legs. He wiped the sweat on his forehead and said, "I will go get the gifts ready. When it's done, I'll head over to receive my punishment."

Xiao Zhige waved his hand, "Go. Make sure to show Wangfei the list when you're done."

When An Chang Qing woke up, he saw that Xiao Zhige was already training with his spear. He was wearing a black archer's sleeve embroidered with silver threads. His black hair was neatly gathered, exposing his straight and muscular back. He moved his golden and black spear with ease as it created a current through the air. An Chang Qing leaned over the window and watched, not realizing that he was being enticed.