TPOTCFC

CHAPTER 66-69 AFTER OBTAINING LOVE

"......"皇帝的一番话，将凌萧惊了个清醒。

"......" The Emperor's one sentence shocked Ling Xiao awake.

他愕然的看着皇帝，便见皇帝负手走到了他的眼前。

He watched, stunned as the Emperor held his hands behind his back and walked until he was right in front of him.

"莫绮跟朕说了一些很奇怪的话，想不想听听？"

"Mo Qi told Us some very strange things, would you like to hear them?"

皇帝这般说着，却没有等凌萧的回复，自顾自的说道："她说，她杀了你，她还说，朕杀了她。"

Though the Emperor talked like he was asking him, he did not wait for his reply and continued to speak, "She said, she killed you. She also said, We killed her."

"......"凌萧冷汗淋漓，面对着皇帝犀利的目光，只觉双腿一阵发软。

"......" Cold sweat dripped from Ling Xiao while he faced the Emperor's sharp gaze. He could feel his legs weakening.

他咽了咽口水，艰难的道："那......皇上您信吗？"

He swallowed his saliva and then managed to get out his question, "Then... Your Majesty, do you believe it?"

皇帝闻言，望着凌萧，望了凌萧许久，他突而抬手捏住了凌萧的下巴道："朕信你，你来说说看。"

The Emperor stared at Ling Xiao for a long time after he said those words, then he raised his hand to hold Ling Xiao's chin and said, "We believe you, why not tell us about it?"

这无疑是将问题踢给了自己！

This was clearly just kicking the question back to him!

凌萧面色白了白，这皇帝说的好听，是信自己，但是如果自己说不出一个让他信服的理由来，自己的回答又怎能让他满意。

Ling Xiao's face went white. Although the Emperor said it pleasantly that he believed in him, but if he couldn't give him a reason that could convince him, then how could his reply satisfy him?

这个问题，明显从一开始，皇帝就是要自己回答的。

The Emperor wanted him to reply to this question from the beginning.

凌萧这般想着，心里有了坦白的念头，但是，他的事情毕竟匪夷所思，说给皇帝听，皇帝会不会信？信了之后又会怎么处理他这个超乎这个世界存在的人？

While Ling Xiao thought about it, the thought of being honest had crossed his mind, but his situation was unimaginable. Would the Emperor believe him if he told him? How would he handle him after he believed him, a person who transcends this world?

他抬头纠结的望着皇帝一眼，皇帝清冷冷的回望他，一副无所不知的模样，凌萧讶然的瞪眼，皇帝这副模样倒是提醒了凌萧，皇帝一般不问话，一问话基本已经对结果有了看法，问话问来只是为了验证对方的忠诚。

He raised his head in turmoil and gaze the Emperor a glance. The other party only coldly looked back at him, wearing an omniscient appearance. Ling Xiao widen his eyes in surprise, when the Emperor had this kind of look, it reminded him that the Emperor usually did not bother what other people said. Once he started to ask, he pretty much already knew the result. Asking him was just to inspect and verify the other's loyalty.

凌萧这般想着，将最后一丝犹豫撇去，他深呼吸了一口气，下定决心，朗声道："皇上，莫绮杀我是真的。"

Ling Xiao threw away that last trace of his hesitation after he thought it through and took a deep breath, firming his resolution then clearly said, "Your Majesty, it's true that Mo Qi killed me."

皇帝闻言挑眉，负手在后，一副高深莫测的模样，凌萧内心有些发怵，虽然他能猜测皇帝对结果有了想法，但是他并不知皇帝心中是怎样的想法。

The Emperor raised an eyebrow at his words, his hands behind him while he continue to wear his profound appearance. Ling Xiao felt terrified in his heart, although he can guess that the Emperor already has some thoughts about it, he did not know what the Emperor was thinking about after all.

可他已经开了头，就没有了后悔的余地，他只能硬着头皮说道："她......要毒死我，我便一直找机会报仇。"

But since he already started, then there was no more leeway for him to regret it. He could only brace himself and continue, "She... wanted to poison me to death, while I continue to look for an opportunity to take revenge."

凌萧故意说的模棱两可，既没有说清楚莫绮想要毒死自己是上辈子的事情，也没有说清楚莫绮究竟有没有真正毒死自己。

Ling Xiao deliberately spoke ambiguously, he did not clear up the fact that Mo Qi wanting to poison him to death was something from his past lifetime, now did he say whether or not Mo Qi had managed to poison him to death.

一切说得似乎都是这辈子发生的，让皇帝不至于听到前世今生这样的虚无缥缈而难以接受的事情。

Everything he said was something that happened in this lifetime, so the Emperor would not hear something so unrealistic and hard to accept like a past lifetime.

然而，皇帝却似乎什么都知道，他突而说道："你死了，所以朕才杀了她。"

However, the Emperor seem to know everything and interrupted, "So We killed her because you died."

他的话不是疑问，而是在陈述肯定。

His words were not a question, but a declaration of his certainty.

凌萧讶然的听着，只觉背后一阵发凉。

Ling Xiao listened in surprise, but could only feel his back grow cold.

皇帝回头，清冷冷的看着凌萧，薄唇轻启道："上辈子的事。"

The Emperor looked back at him coldly while words flowed from his thin lips, "In your past lifetime."

"皇上......您......"凌萧心里咯噔了一声，不由一阵心悸慌乱。

"Your Majesty... you..." Ling Xiao's heart thumped and he started to panic.

"如此，便能解释你一步步的神机妙算了。"

"Like that, it explains all of your clever schemes."

"......"

"......"

皇帝说这话，声音很平很稳，完全没有发怒的前兆，但是，凌萧却莫名感觉到了恐慌。

When the Emperor said it, his voice was very calm and firm, it did not hold any sign of anger. But Ling Xiao felt an indescribable sense of alarm.

即使有免死金牌在手，此时他亦不敢抬头看皇帝的表情，他不清楚皇帝会怎么处理自己这个死了又活了的人，他只将头低得极低，浑身都在害怕得发抖。

Even if he had the golden death exemption plate, he still did not dared to look at the Emperor's current expression. He didn't know how the Emperor was going to handle him—someone who died then revived again. He could only keep his head extremely low, trembling in fear.

凌萧颤抖的模样，像极了一只刚出生面对未知世界的小狗，瑟缩成一团。

Ling Xiao's trembling appearance was like a puppy that had just been born and was facing the unknown world, curling up into a ball.

皇帝眼瞧着不由觉得好笑，他伸手揉了揉凌萧的头，揉乱了那一头整齐的青丝，凌乱的发丝掉落了几许在凌萧的眼前，让这人淳朴无辜的眼更显可怜。

The Emperor felt it was quite funny as he watched and he rubbed Ling Xiao's head, rubbing him so much his orderly fine black hair turned messy and landed all over Ling Xiao's eyes. It made the guileless and innocent eyes of his turn even more pitiful.

尤其在他茫然抬眼的瞬间，皇帝恍若看见了一只摇尾乞求主人怜爱的小狗。

Especially in that moment he raised his eyes to look at him at loss, the Emperor felt he saw a puppy wagging his tail and begging for his master's pampering.

这一眼，便让皇帝的心软了个彻底，他俯身在凌萧唇角轻轻印上一吻，将人揽进了怀中。

Those eyes completely soften his heart and he leaned over to lightly land a kiss at the corner of Ling Xiao's lips, then pulling him into his embrace.

凌萧身子一僵，愕然的抬眼望着皇帝。

Ling Xiao's body went stiff, then raise his head to look at the Emperor in shock.

"皇上......您......"

"Your Majesty... you..."

"对朕如此没有信心，是不是该罚？"皇帝好心情的垂眼望着凌萧。

"To be so doubtful of Us, should We punish you?" The Emperor kindly looked down at Ling Xiao.

凌萧一愣，心中百转千回下，很快了然皇帝的意思，皇帝不像是要追究讨伐自己的意思。

Ling Xiao stared blankly while his mind flitted through thousands of things before understanding the Emperor's meaning. He was not going to look any deeper or do anything to him.

思及此，他不由重重松了口气，连带着语气也轻松了起来。

He couldn't help but release a breath of relief at the thought and his tone also relaxed.

"凌萧不是对皇上您没有信心，是对自己没有信心。"

"Ling Xiao isn't doubting Your Majesty, but in myself."

皇帝扬眉望着凌萧，凌萧狡猾的道："凌萧怕在皇上心中的份量不够......"

The Emperor raised an eyebrow at Ling Xiao, who slyly said, "Ling Xiao was afraid that I do not have enough of your heart..."

刚刚还一副胆怯畏缩的模样，此时，这人捡回了命，却又恢复了狡猾的本性。

Just a moment ago, he had a timid and cowering appearance. But now, he was back to his lively self and back to his sly nature.

那灵动的双眼珠贼溜溜的打转，回答狡诈至极，一下便躲过了自己对他的质问。

Those pair of lively eyes were sneaky and his reply was very crafty, allowing him to hide from the question.

皇帝微微勾唇。

The Emperor slightly smiled.

许是许久不见皇帝的回应，凌萧心里有些不安，便按捺不住的说道："如果皇上真要惩罚凌萧，那凌萧听命便是了。"

Ling Xiao felt a bit uneasy when he saw that the Emperor was not responding for a while, and he couldn't keep silent any longer. "If Your Majesty really wants to punish Ling Xiao, then Ling Xiao will obey."

凌萧说着这话，目光辗转间，魅惑浑然天成，连他自己都不知道，他抬眼勾魂间，是怎样的万种风情。

Ling Xiao's eyes flickered around when he said that, his charm working naturally. Even he did not know just how enticing he appeared when he raised his eyes to look at him from below.

皇帝眼瞧着，目光幽深，下一秒，他将凌萧禁锢在了怀里。

The Emperor observed him, his gaze serene. But in the next second, he confined Ling Xiao into his embrace.

疯狂而索取的吻，连连落下，最后辗转在凌萧的唇间，撬开了凌萧紧闭的唇，带着他因为诧异而僵硬的舌纠缠起舞。

Fast and demanding kisses repeatedly fell and finally landed on Ling Xiao's lips. His tightly closed lips were pried open, tangling with his tongue that was stiff from shock.

"嗯......嗯哼......"

"Hnn.... Mhnnn..."

一吻完毕，敏感的身子早已软成了春水，瘫痪在皇帝的怀里，只能依靠着皇帝的相搂，勉强支撑着站起。

After the kiss was over, his sensitive body had long went soft like water and he laid paralyzed in the Emperor's chest.

凌萧满面红霜，眼含魅波，嘴唇开合间，吐出灼热的气息，喷在皇帝裸露在外的脖颈上，带来丝丝入骨的痒意。

皇帝目光暗沉，宛如一只贪狼，盯着凌萧，似是要将凌萧丝毫不剩的拆骨入腹。

The Emperor's gaze was dark, like a greedy wolf as he stared at Ling Xiao, as if he wanted to completely swallow Ling Xiao into his bellow with not even a bone left behind.

"......嗯......"

"...Hn..."

凌萧微颤，被皇帝侵占的目光望得浑身一酥，轻哼便从开合的唇间流泻而出。

Ling Xiao slightly trembled and felt weak all over from the Emperor's possessive gaze. A light groan flowed out between his lips.

"呵......"

"Heh..."

皇帝似是轻笑了一声，皇帝的笑带着暗哑的嘶声，不是特别好听，但是很性感。

The Emperor laughed softly, his voice carrying some huskiness and was very pleasant to the ear, it was very sexy.

凌萧挣扎着抬头，想要看清皇帝的笑颜，却突然被皇帝打横抱起。

Ling Xiao struggled to raise his head to see the Emperor's smiling face, but he was suddenly held up horizontally.

凌萧一声轻呼，忙伸手搂住了皇帝的脖颈，被皇帝宛如公主抱的抱在怀里，凌萧很想反对，然而，想起往事种种，他被皇帝如此，早已不是第一次，此时才反对，反而显得矫情。

Ling Xiao called out in alarm and quickly held the Emperor's neck with his arms. Being held in a princess hold like this, Ling Xiao really wanted to protest. But when he thought back to everything that happened before, it has long stopped being the first time the Emperor did this to him, for him to protest against it now would just appear pretentious.

况且，凌萧服帖的躺在皇帝的怀里，微微勾起了唇角。

Besides, Ling Xiao's lips slightly quirked up as he rested against the Emperor's chest comfortably.

皇帝的人看似很冷，这个怀抱却异常的温暖，被皇帝抱着，无论何种姿势，都很舒服。

Although he looked very cold, his hugs were exceptionally warm. Being held by him in this kind of position was quite comfortable.

无论是身还是心。

No matter if it's his body or heart.

"喜欢？"皇帝似是看出了凌萧的心喜，微微撇头看向凌萧。

"You like it?" The Emperor seem to have seen through his fondness and tilted his head to at him.

凌萧抬眼笑道："喜欢。"

Ling Xiao raised his eyes and smiled, "I like it."

"那朕今后时常抱你。"皇帝一本正经的承诺。

"Then We will often hold you from now on." The Emperor earnestly promised.

凌萧轻笑出声，应道："皇上一言九鼎，凌萧可记往心里了。"

Ling Xiao laughed and replied, "Your Majesty's words hold enormous weight, Ling Xiao will note it down in my heart."

"嗯。"皇帝轻应了一声，将凌萧轻柔的放在床上，俯身双手撑在凌萧的两侧，唇就落了下来。

"Hn." The Emperor agreed with a sound and placed Ling Xiao softly down on the bed, then leaned over with his hands supporting him by Ling Xiao's head, kissing him.

凌萧勾笑着抬手将皇帝的发冠解下，让那头梳得一丝不苟的发丝倾泻而下。

Ling Xiao smiled and reached up to take off the Emperor's headdress, so that his finely comb hair would tumble down without its support.

散落的发些许飘扫在自己的肌肤上，带着微痒。

His hair swept over his skin, giving him a slightly itchy feeling.

凌萧用小手指勾着，微微推搡着一路往下而去的皇帝，轻声道："皇上，凌萧能先问一个问题吗？"

Ling Xiao stroke down with a finger and quietly asked, "Your Majesty, can Ling Xiao ask you something?"

皇帝起身，隐忍的皱眉，深呼吸了一口气，气息微微不稳的道："问。"

The Emperor got up and frowned, silently bearing by taking a deep breath then asked a bit unsteadily, "Ask."

"您对凌萧的底线是什么？"

"Just what is your bottomline for Ling Xiao?"

皇帝抿唇，眯眼不悦的盯着凌萧，似乎在责备凌萧在关键时候问的竟然是这么无聊的问题。

The Emperor pursed his lips, his eyes narrow in displeasure as he stared at him. Like he was blaming him for asking such a boring question at such an important moment.

凌萧读懂了皇帝眼中的鄙视，不由被噎了一下，他讪讪的道："没有皇上您明确的表示，凌萧很难心安，总是担心自己不经意间会触碰到您的底线。"

Ling Xiao read and understood the disdain in his eyes and he held back his words for a moment before getting them out embarrassedly, "Without Your Majesty's explicitly stating it, it's very hard for Ling Xiao to be at ease. I am always worried that I would touch your bottom line without paying attention."

皇帝皱眉，盯着凌萧，见他眼中没有丝毫退怯的意思，重重的叹了口气，颇为无奈的道："朕以为你很清楚。"

The Emperor frowned and stared at him, as he observed he had no desire to withdraw his question, he finally sighed heavily and rather helplessly said, "We had thought you were quite clear on it."

凌萧皱眉，皇帝若还是从前的皇帝他当然清楚，但是，现在的皇帝已经不是当初的皇帝了。

Ling Xiao wrinkled his brows, if the Emperor was still the Emperor from before then it would be quite clear. However, the current Emperor was no longer the one from before.

凌萧曾多次触碰皇帝的底线，本以为会死，可是却都被皇帝轻易的饶恕了，这完全颠覆了他的认知，不由让他想要重新搞清楚皇帝的底线。

Ling Xiao had touched his bottom line many times and thought he would die. But the Emperor had easily forgiven him and that completely toppled his understanding. He couldn't help but want to know again, just what was the Emperor's bottomline.

似是瞧出了凌萧的所想，皇帝轻叹道："你所知并没有错，只不过，朕对你是特别的。"

Like he had seen his thoughts, the Emperor gave a soft sigh, "What you knew before wasn't wrong, it's just that you are special to Us."

凌萧一愣，皇帝已经再次欺身压了下来，惩罚一般轻咬了凌萧一口。

While Ling Xiao was distracted, the Emperor had already once more took the chance to press him down, lightly biting down on him like it was a punishment.

凌萧吃痛轻呼，皇帝好心情的眯眼，欣赏着凌萧吃痛的表情，那惬意的神情似乎在说："打断了朕，就要做好被惩罚的准备。"

Ling Xiao called out in pain for a moment and the other part narrowed his eyes in a good mood, enjoying his appearance of pain. His satisfied expression seem to say: "To dare to interrupt Us, you need to be prepared to be punished."

凌萧怨念的看了皇帝一眼，皇帝自喉咙间发出一声轻笑，俯身tian了tian凌萧被咬伤的地方，带着安抚般的回道："朕对你，早已没有底线可言了，你又何必担心？你只要记得朕是你的男人就够了。"

Ling Xiao gave him a eye that held his complaints and the Emperor laughed, leaning over to lick the place he had bit. He said with an appeasing tone, "We had long stopped having a bottom line for you, why are you still so worried? As long as you remember that We are your man, that is enough."

凌萧被tian的舒服的眯眼，耳旁听着皇帝带着磁性的回话，诧异的抬头，却正巧碰上皇帝落下的吻。

Ling Xiao narrowed his eyes at the comfortable sensation of being licked while the Emperor's charming reply entered his ears. He raised his head in astonishment but just so happen to run into the Emperor's kiss by doing so.

唇齿交融，气息逐渐紊乱，凌萧挣扎了两下，想要问清楚皇帝什么意思，却败在了皇帝的缠绵之下。

Their lips blended together and their breathing gradually grew chaotic. Ling Xiao struggled a bit, wanting to ask what did he mean but was defeated under the Emperor's touches.

推搡的手不知何时变成了迎合，清醒的脑袋也被吻得昏呼呼的，不知今时是何时。

He didn't know when, his hands that were pushing the other away turned to pandering while his mind went dazed by the kisses, he didn't even know what day it was anymore.

皇帝见此，微微勾唇，手下轻巧巧的将凌萧的衣物除去，湿润的吻一路往下。

The Emperor slightly smiled at the sight and easily got rid of Ling Xiao's clothes, his moist kisses going the whole way down.

手指探寻着那秘密之处，让身下这具身躯，爽利的颤抖。

His finger search for that secret place of the other, making the body below to shudder in pleasure.

让身下的人，无暇顾及其他，只剩下索取的心思......

And causing the man below to be too busy to care about other things, leaving behind only a demanding mood...

一夜缠绵，第二天，凌萧扶着微酸的腰起身，皇帝已经不在身边了。

After a night of tangling, Ling Xiao supported his sore waist as he got up. The Emperor was already not in sight.

身上很清爽，显然已经被清理过了。

His body felt very refreshed, it was clear he had been cleaned already.

"皇君。"旁边的宫女端着水伺候凌萧洗漱完后，恭敬得唤了凌萧一句。

"King Consort." The maid by the side brought a bowl of water for Ling Xiao to wash, after he finished, she respectfully called him.

凌萧伸了一个懒腰，看向了她。

Ling Xiao stretched lazily and looked at her.

宫女道："李公公，在门外守候多时了。"

The maid answered, "Steward Li, had waited out by the door for a long time."

Chapter 67: After Obtaining Love (II)

凌萧闻言，往外看了一眼，果然看见门外微露出的半把浮尘。

Ling Xiao looked toward the entrance when he heard her, and as expected, half of a horsetail whisk could be seen.

凌萧起身，走了出去。

Ling Xiao got up and walked out.

"皇君。"一走到门口，李公公跪下行礼。

"King Consort." The moment he walked to the entrance, Steward Li knelt down to salute to him.

凌萧瞥了他一眼，道："起来吧，何事？"

Ling Xiao gave him a glance and said, "Stand up, what do you need me for?"

小李子谄媚一笑道："这不，皇上早朝时，惦记着您，让奴才来伺候着，还让奴才带了一些早膳过来。"

Xiao Lizi smiled flatteringly, "His Majesty was thinking of you this morning at the court and wanted this servant to come serve you. He also wanted this servant to bring some breakfast for you."

这般说着，小李子朝后挥了挥手，不多时，外面走进两排太监，手里都端着精致的盘子，朝凌萧行礼之后，恭恭敬敬的将盘子端进了凌萧的宫殿。

After he spoke, Xiao Lizi waved his hand behind him. Not long after, two rows of eunuch walked in, each holding an exquisite tray. They saluted to Ling Xiao then respectfully place the tray in Ling Xiao's palace.

凌萧眼瞧着，跟上走去一看，发现美味珍馐摆了满满的一桌。

Ling Xiao observed them and then walked over to take a closer look. A table full of delicacies were placed before him.

"这......"凌萧皱眉。

"This..." Ling Xiao frowned.

小李子忙上前解释道："皇君，这些都是皇上心疼您，特意嘱咐奴才给您备上的。"

Xiao Lizi hurried forward to explain, "King Consort, these were all specifically ordered by the Emperor for us servants to prepare for you, he was worried about you."

说着，小李子瞧向桌面，特意讨好道："皇君，您瞧瞧，这些菜品，皇上自己都从未要求过，却特意吩咐奴才给您备着，皇上对您可真是最好的。"

Xiao Lizi took a look at the table after he spoke and fawningly continued, "King Consort, take a look. The Emperor himself has never requested these dishes, but told us servants to prepare them for you. The Emperor really is doing his best for you."

小李子说着，一脸的嘚瑟，似乎得宠的就是他本人一样，凌萧轻悠悠的瞥了他一眼，小李子连忙收敛了自己的得意，清了清嗓子凑近凌萧道："皇君，除了这个，皇上还要奴才将这个交给您。"

While Xiao Lizi spoke, his face was full of smugness like he was the one being loved. Ling Xiao gave him a long look and he promptly vanished his proud appearance, softly clearing his throat before approaching Ling Xiao once more, "King Consort, beside this, the Emperor also wanted this servant to give you this."

小李子摊开了手掌伸到了凌萧的面前，凌萧低头一看，发现那手掌中躺着的是一枚钥匙。

Xiao Lizi spread out his palm in front of Ling Xiao who took a look. A key rested in his palm.

凌萧掀开眼皮看了小李子一眼，小李子会意的解释道："这是皇宫内库的钥匙，一直以来是贤妃保管的，可如今，皇上让奴才拿来给您，皇上交代说，您需要什么，无须经过他的同意，只管去拿便是。"

Ling Xiao first looked up at Xiao Lizi who promptly explained without further words, This is the key to the imperial palace's warehouse. It was always safekept by Concubine Xian before, but the Emperor had this servant bring it to you this time. When the Emperor handed it over, he said that anything you want, you can directly take it without his agreement."

说完，小李子郑重的将库房钥匙交给了凌萧。

His part spoken, Xiao Lizi handed the warehouse key to Ling Xiao.

凌萧讶然的挑眉，皇帝这可真是皇恩浩荡了。

Ling Xiao raised an eyebrow in surprise, the Emperor's imperial kindness was really broad and powerful.

这内库的钥匙就这么给自己了？

He really just gave the key to him like that?

里面的东西随便自己拿？

He could take whatever he wanted out of there?

凌萧眼珠转了转，拎着那枚钥匙笑了。

Ling Xiao's eyes turned in its sockets, then he raised the key and smiled.

皇帝既然这么大方，那他干嘛不接受。

Since the Emperor is so generous, why should he not accept?

等他把皇帝的内库给搬光了！看皇帝还拿什么来大方！

Just wait for him to clean out the warehouse! Then let's see what the Emperor can use to be generous!

本着仇富的心态，不满的想着，凌萧用完早膳，就往皇帝的内库走去。

Ling Xiao resentfully thought about that with a 'hating the rich' attitude. After he ate his meal, he immediately left for the Emperor's warehouse.

去了才知道，自己所谓的搬光是有多天真。

He only knew just how naive he was about trying to clean out the warehouse when he got there.

这内库的财宝，满满得堆了五个房间，奇珍异宝应有尽有，要搬光，光凭凌萧一人，是完全不可能做到的。

The valuable items in this warehouse filled five rooms completely, anything you can think of were in there. If he wanted to clean this place out, with just himself, it was completely impossible.

凌萧四处看了看，在最里边的一件屋子桌面上，看见了一块通体透亮的暖玉，暖玉色泽细腻，光泽油亮，即使是凌萧这个外行人看来，也能看出这玉必定价值不菲。

Ling Xiao looked all over and then noticed a block of bright warm jade on a table in one of the rooms. The color of the warm jade was exquisite, and the luster glossy. Even Ling Xiao, this amateur could see that the value was high.

但令凌萧奇怪的是，玉被一个架子单独的供在最里边的桌面上，看得出，这玉在这堆宝物中很特别。

But what made Ling Xiao feel strange about was how this jade was sitting alone on the innermost table, he could see that this jade was very special amongst the piles of treasures.

但是，若说它很珍贵，这玉却只是被供在桌子上，即没有给它上锁，也没有将它藏起来。

However, he can't really say it's very precious since this jade was just place on the table, it wasn't locked up nor was it hidden.

这让凌萧觉得很是怪异，不由的多看了几眼，就往玉走去。

It really gave him a strange feeling and he couldn't help but take a few more looks at it, so he walked over.

小李子接受了皇帝的命令，很尽职的跟在凌萧的身后，见凌萧去碰那玉，眼神微亮。

Xiao Lizi had received the Emperor's order and very diligently followed behind Ling Xiao. Watching Ling Xiao touch that jade, his eyes brighten.

他走上前凑近凌萧，弯着腰问道："皇君，可喜欢这玉？"

He walked up to Ling Xiao and bent his waist while asking, "King Consort, you like this jade?"

"嗯。"凌萧沉浸在自己的思绪当中，敷衍一般应了一声。

"Hm." Ling Xiao made a sound of agreement while immersed in his thoughts.

小李子眼瞧着，小声而讨好的道："那......皇君拿着？"

Xiao Lizi watched the scene and said in a fawning soft voice, "Then... why don't you try picking it up?"

"......"凌萧没有做声，将玉揣在了手里，入手带着微凉，而后升起淡淡的暖，握着很舒服。

"......" Ling Xiao did not speak and just picked up the jade. As he held it, a faint warmth came from it, it was quite comfortable.

近看这玉上面刻着一只栩栩如生的虎，因为玉是白色的，这虎也似是真的白虎一般，威风凛凛。

From a closer view, he could see that a vivid and lifelike tiger was carved on it, because the jade was white, this tiger really looked like a White Tiger, majestic.

凌萧越看越心喜，把玩着玉，就不想松了手。

The more he looked at it, the more like liked it. He didn't want to let go of it as he played with it.

小李子见状，再次提道："皇君喜欢不如拿着。"

Xiao Lizi once again said as he watched, "If King Consort likes it, then why not hold onto it?"

凌萧回头瞪了小李子一眼，这小李子这般多话，就像似这物是他的一般，令人心生不爽。

Ling Xiao turned back to glare at him. With Xiao Lizi talking so much about it, it's like this thing was his and it made him uncomfortable.

凌萧撇嘴，他知道，自己说到底，其实就是对小李子当初选择站在皇帝那边，心有芥蒂，此时才会不管小李子做什么说什么，心理都会不舒服。

Ling Xiao curled his lips, he knew that in the end, he was already bearing a grudge against Xiao Lizi ever since he stood on the Emperor's side. So no matter what Xiao Lizi said, he would always feel uncomfortable.

不过，凌萧着实对这玉心喜，也就真带在了身上。

However, Ling Xiao really did like this jade, so he carried it on himself.

出库以后，小李子并没有跟着凌萧，而是找了个理由后，给凌萧行了一礼后，去了贤妃的宫殿。

After he left the warehouse, Xiao Lizi did not follow Ling Xiao and instead, found a reason for Ling Xiao to leave first before going to Concubine Xian's palace.

这内库的钥匙一直以来，皇帝命贤妃保管，这内库里面的东西进进出出，也由贤妃把关。

The warehouse key had always been in the hands of Concubine Xian. The things that enter and leave the warehouse were always checked by Concubine Xian.

账目都在贤妃的手里，皇帝这次虽说将内库钥匙给了凌萧，但备用的还在贤妃的手里，内库里面的东西随便凌萧拿取，但却命小李子将凌萧拿了什么一一跟贤妃说来，好让贤妃把账给算清楚。

The account of items were all in her hands. Though the Emperor gave the key of the warehouse to Ling Xiao, the reserve key was still in her hands. Ling Xiao was free to take whatever he wanted from the warehouse, but Xiao Lizi would go to Concubine Xian to tell her what he took and allow her to keep the account of items organized.

皇帝说是什么都任由凌萧拿取，自己并不过问，但凌萧拿了什么，他想知道的时候，只要一查账目就能一清二楚。

The Emperor said that he would not get involved with whatever he took, but as for what he took, if he wanted to know, he only needed to go look at the account of items to know.

这事，皇帝命小李子来做，并没有明确让小李子隐瞒凌萧，但小李子自认凌萧心理会不舒服，也就将事隐瞒了下来。

When the Emperor had Xiao Lizi carry out his orders, he didn't say to hide that from Ling Xiao. But Xiao Lizi thought that Ling Xiao would feel uncomfortable so he hid the matter.

凌萧却是个机灵的主，有了上辈子的经历，他也知道，这内库的账一直是贤妃来记得。

But nevertheless, Ling Xiao was a clever individual, with the experience from his past lifetime, he already knew that the account of the warehouse was taken care of by Concubine Xian.

这皇帝将钥匙给了自己，却没有把账一并交给自己，仔细一想，就能知道，这钥匙必定是有备用的。

Though the Emperor gave him the key, he did not give the account to him. If he thought about it carefully, then he would immediately know that there was bound to be a spare key.

而自己拿了什么，估计也得跟保管着内库账目的贤妃报备。

And what he took more than likely needed to be told to Concubine Xian who was taking account of the items within the warehouse.

与其等着皇帝让自己去跟贤妃报备，还不如自己主动一些。

Rather than waiting for the Emperor to tell him to go tell Concubine Xian what he took, it was better for him to go tell her now.

凌萧这般想着，也往贤妃的宫殿而去。

With that thought, Ling Xiao started to walk toward Concubine Xian's palace.

凌萧聪明的猜对了皇帝的心思，却并不知道皇帝已经安排了小李子省下了他的麻烦，也并不知道小李子竟然会自作聪明觉得自己心理会不舒服而隐瞒了这一事情。

Ling Xiao correctly guessed what the Emperor had in mind, but he did not know that the Emperor had already arranged for Xiao Lizi to save him from the trouble. He also did not know that Xiao Lizi thought he was doing smart by hiding the matter from Ling Xiao because he thought it would make the other feel uncomfortable.

所以，当小李子到了贤妃的宫殿的时候，凌萧也到了。

As such, when Xiao Lizi arrived at Concubine Xian's palace, Ling Xiao also arrived.

凌萧与小李子都被带到了前殿，等贤妃出来相迎。

Ling Xiao and Xiao Lizi were both led to the palace hall, waiting for Concubine Xian to come out and meet them.

在贤妃宫殿，凌萧看见恭敬站在一边，面色微显仓促的小李子，诧异的挑眉，随即明了，这小李子刚刚告退的理由是在骗他呢。

At Concubine Xian's palace, Ling Xiao saw the respectfully standing Xiao Lizi, whose face suddenly went white beside him. He raised an eyebrow in surprise and immediately understood. The reason this Xiao Lizi used just then to be excused was a lie.

好个小李子，虽说不是一手培养的，但好歹带在身边一段日子，对着皇帝谄媚也就算了，如今自己和贤妃之间，竟然选择了贤妃？

What a nice move Xiao Lizi, although he didn't groom him himself, he had still been by his side for a good while. Leaving aside how he sided with the Emperor, between him and Concubine Xian, he had actually took her side?

凌萧冷冷一笑，小李子畏缩了一下，连忙低头跪伏在地，率先请罪："皇......皇君饶命，小李子不是有意欺瞒......是......是皇上让奴才将皇君您在内库拿了什么，来跟贤妃说一声的。"

Ling Xiao coldly smiled and Xiao Lizi cowered, hurriedly lowering his head and kneeling on the ground, apologizing first, "King... King Consort, please have mercy. Xiao Lizi didn't mean to lie to you...it's...it's the Emperor who wanted this servant to tell Concubine Xian what you have taken from the warehouse."

"......"凌萧闻言皱眉："皇上让你来的？此话当真？"

"......" Ling Xiao frowned, "The Emperor had you come here? Are you telling the truth?"

小李子苦着一张脸求饶道："奴才哪敢跟您说假啊。"

Xiao Lizi had a bitter face as he continued to beg for forgiveness, "How could this servant dare to lie to you?"

"哼。"凌萧一声冷哼："你有什么不敢的？"

"Hmph." Ling Xiao coldly snorted, "What do you not dare?"

小李子闻言一惊，连忙伏低头表现出恭敬道："皇君，奴才冤枉啊。"

Xiao Lizi was frightened and quickly lowered his head to show his respect, "King Consort, this servant is being accused wrongly."

"冤枉？"凌萧反问："那来跟贤妃报备隐瞒着我，也是皇上命令的？"

"Accused wrongly?" Ling Xiao questioned, "Then hiding the fact you had to come report to Concubine Xian was also ordered by the Emperor?"

皇帝那么聪明的人，怎么可能会隐瞒自己会知道的事情？

How could such a smart man like the Emperor, hide something he would know?

凌萧在心里嗤笑，看着跪在地上瑟瑟发抖的不敢发言的小李子越加冷下了面。

Ling Xiao sneered in his mind and looked down at the kneeling Xiao Lizi who was shivering and did not dare to talk, and his face went colder.

"这是怎么了？"突而，一道柔柔的女声cha进，凌萧撇头看了过去。

"What is going on?" Suddenly, a soft woman's voice floated in and he turned his head to look over.

是一身黄色正装的贤妃。

It was Concubine Xian, dressed in yellow formal dress.

与上次在皇帝面前看见的她不同，此时她化着微浓的妆容，头戴金冠，身着锦衣华服。

She was different from how he had seen her beside the Emperor before, the current her had on a dense layer of makeup, a golden crest laid on her head and her clothes were embroidered with gold flowers.

正式的服装，让她整个人带带着一层淡淡的光晕。

Her formal dress caused her entire person to be enveloped in a faint light.

凌萧觉得有些闪眼般，微微眯了眯眼，便见贤妃被搀扶的小步走到了自己的面前，柔若无骨的朝凌萧行了一礼。

Ling Xiao felt it was a bit dazzling and squinted his eyes. He watched as Concubine Xian arrived in front of him while being supported by the arm, her soft, almost boneless like body saluted to him.

"臣妾给皇君请安。"

"This lady pays her respect to the King Consort."

"......"

"......"

凌萧沉默，这牧国的"皇君"相当于"皇妃"，品阶比贤妃大了一级，但贤妃暂管后宫，说起来，也是可以不用朝他行礼的。

Ling Xiao went silent, Mu Country's "King Consort" was equivalent to "Queen Consort", the rank was a whole rank higher than Concubine Xian. But with how she manages the harem, she didn't really have to salute to him.

TL Note: Just Empress is Huang Hou, pretty sure Queen Consort (Huang Fei) is like just a rank lower than that. Not sure which dynasty system this one uses, but it's usually Empress > Consort > Concubines

此时，她穿得这般隆重，又朝自己行了一礼，倒像是自己是来兴师问罪的。

Right now, with how ceremonious she was dressed and saluting to him, it was like he was here to criticize her.

"先前忙了一阵，未曾前去给皇君请安，让皇君亲自登门，着实是臣妾的错，还望皇君宽恕。"

"This lady was busy for a while and hasn't found the time to pay respects to you. For King Consort to personally come to this lady's place, it really is this lady's mistake, please forgive this lady."

"......"凌萧嘴角抽了抽，心情复杂。

"......" Ling Xiao's lips twitched, his mood a bit complicated.

前辈子看多了莫绮与众位妃子的盘旋，自己在身后给莫绮出谋划策，而如今，自己现在这身份，就像是演了莫绮的角色......

In his past lifetime, he had often watched Mo Qi and this concubine hovering around each other while he put forward plans ideas for her behind her. And nowadays, with his current identity, it was like he was playing Mo Qi's role...

难道自己也要和这些妃子这般周旋么？

Could it be that he must contend with these concubines too?

凌萧想想都觉得可怕，不由甩了甩头，便开口表明意思道："起来吧，我不是来怪你的。"

Just thinking about it was scary and he shook his head. He had to make clear his goodwill, "Stand up, I am not here to blame you."

说着，凌萧似是不想和贤妃多言，直接从怀中掏出了从内库里拿出的那玉，给贤妃看了一眼，颇为霸气的道："这玉，我要了。"

While he spoke, Ling Xiao did not want to drag on the talk any longer and directly fished out the jade he had gotten from the warehouse out of his bosom. He looked at her and said rather domineeringly, "I want this jade."

言下之意就是，贤妃该记账了。

The implication of his words was that she should go bookkeeping.

然而，贤妃看了一眼，先是诧异了一会，而后柳眉微蹙，几次张口欲语，似是有什么难言之隐。

However, when she saw the jade, the first thing she expressed was shock before becoming distressed. She wanted to speak several times but nothing ever went out of her mouth, like it was too hard to mention.

凌萧皱眉："怎么？"

Ling Xiao frowned, "What's wrong?"

"贤妃有什么想说的，不如直说。"凌萧道。

"If Concubine Xian wants to say something, just say it." Ling Xiao said.

贤妃闻言，微微抿唇，琢磨了一会，开口道："这......皇君怎看重了这物事？"

Concubine Xian pursed her lips, wavered for a bit before asking, "This... how did King Consort choose this item?"

"太贵重了？不能拿？"凌萧挑眉猜测。

"Is it too precious? So I can't take it?" Ling Xiao raised an eyebrow and guessed.

"不。"贤妃摇头，微微一笑道："恰恰相反。"

"No." Concubine Xian shook her head, slightly smiling, "It's the very opposite."

凌萧一愣，贤妃娓娓说道："这玉虽然价值连城，在宫里却是个'禁忌'，虽说是皇上早年佩戴的，但是后面命臣妾锁进去了，就曾命令，锁进去以后不准任何人碰触这玉，违者......斩。"

While Ling Xiao stared blankly, Concubine continued, "Although this jade is invaluable, it is a 'taboo' in this palace. It's said to have been from the Emperor's early years, but later on, he ordered this lady to lock it up. Once that order had been made and the jade locked up, no one was allowed to touch it. Violators... were beheaded."

凌萧心头一惊，看向贤妃，发觉贤妃正在暗暗打量他的表情，他微微一愣，连忙压下惊慌，装出一副云淡风轻的模样看向她。

Ling Xiao's heart jumped and he looked at her, finally becoming aware that she was secretly taking note of his expression. He slightly calmed and quickly pressed down his panic, assuming a very indifferent appearance to look back at her.

贤妃一顿，继续说道："也由此，无人敢打这玉的主意，因为碰触了就会被斩首，宫里头的人都说这玉是'禁忌'。"

Concubine Xian paused and continued on her explanation, "As such, from then on no one tried to get any ideas about that jade. Because anyone who touched it would be beheaded. Everyone in the palace say the jade is 'taboo'."

贤妃说着，带了丝感慨："这许多年过去了，这玉也该是被皇上忘记了，此次，皇上或许是忘记提醒皇君了。"

Concubine Xian sighed sorrowfully as after that, "So many years has passed by, the Emperor probably forgot about this jade. So he likely forgot to warn King Consort this time."

"......"凌萧闻言低头，望向手中的玉。

"......" Ling Xiao looked down at the jade in his hand.

它静静的躺在手中，散发着暖，温润而细腻，入手的触感能感受的到，这玉之前时常被把玩触摸，此时才会如此的平滑。

It sat quietly in his hand, a warmth flowing from it, gentle and exquisite. When he held it, he could feel that this jade was often touched by someone before, and as such, was now very smooth.

凌萧着实喜欢这玉，不由咬咬牙，握紧了手中的玉，抬头看向贤妃道："这玉，我收了，回头我亲自和皇上说，你记着就是。"

Ling Xiao truly liked this jade. He clenched his teeth and held it tightly, then raised his head to look at Concubine Xian, "I will take this jade. I will go back and personally speak to the Emperor about this, you just need to record it."

贤妃一愣，轻悠悠的行了一礼，应答了一声："是。"便将头低下，让凌萧看不清她的表情。

Concubine Xian stared blankly for a long time before saluted and replying, "Yes." She lowered her head so that Ling Xiao couldn't see her expression.

凌萧也懒得琢磨她的心思，转身便要离去。

Ling Xiao was also too lazy to think about her thoughts and turned around, planning to leave.

转身一瞬，却看见，门外走近一位熟人。

But the moment he turned around, he saw a familiar person.

那人一身艳红纱裙，头梳随云鬓，一支金钗点缀，带着万种风情，徐徐而进。

That person was dressed in a red cotton skirt, her hair neatly combed with a golden hairpin, appearing very charming as she slowly walked forward.

这人，正是曾算计自己的红叶。

This person was Hong Ye, who once had plotted against him.

凌萧微愣，红叶也似是没有料到凌萧会在此一般，脚步微顿，随即，她伏身，嫣嫣然的朝凌萧行了一礼。

Ling Xiao paused and Hong Ye did the same, as she had not expected to see Ling Xiao. Her footsteps stopped and her back immediately bented, giving a beautiful salute to Ling XiO.

"皇君康安。"

"I hope King Consort is well."

"......"凌萧没有回话，眼神复杂的看着红叶。

"......" Ling Xiao did not reply as he looked at Hong Ye, his eyes showing a complicated.

皇帝向来严厉律己，自己在他面前多被宽恕， 是皇帝自己亲口所说，底线在自己这里已经没有了意义。

The Emperor has always been strict. Though the Emperor had personally said that he had been forgiven many times because there really wasn't a bottom line when it concerned him.

那么，这红叶为何能逃过责罚？

In that case, how did Hong Ye escape from punishment?

这让凌萧很是在意。

This really bothered him.

红叶逃过了责罚不说，还跟在了贤妃的身边，也相当于皇帝将红叶带进宫。

Aside from how she was able to escape punish, she also stayed by Concubine Xian's side. Which was the same as the Emperor allowing Hong Ye to stay in the palace.

皇帝怎么想的？

Just what was the Emperor thinking?

凌萧抿唇。

Ling Xiao pursed his lips.

"起来吧。"凌萧冷言说道。

"Stand up." Ling Xiao coldly said.

红叶咬唇起身，侧身站在一旁，给凌萧让出了一条道。

Hong Ye bit her lips and stood up, then stood to the side to give Ling Xiao a route out.

凌萧其实除了在意皇帝那边怎么想的，也很好奇红叶怎么回事？

While Ling Xiao was very curious on what the Emperor was thinking, he was also very curious on just what was going on with Hong Ye.

之前对自己也不算特别的差，甚至可以说关心自己，自己更是将舞都教导给了她，可她说算计就算计，这人的脑子里是怎么想的。

She was not really terrible to him before, he could even say she was worried about him before. Plus, he had taught her his dancing skills. Yet she just went and plotted against him, he really was interested in just how her mind worked.

凌萧盯着红叶，探究一般仔细打量着她的神情。

Ling Xiao stared at her, like he was trying to carefully make out her expression.

红叶将头低得极低，似乎在躲避凌萧的目光。

Hong Ye kept her head extremely low, like she was hiding from his probing stare.

凌萧有心问她，见她如此，也没了问的欲望，他深叹了口气，轻飘飘的道："你好自为之。"

Ling Xiao thought about asking her, but seeing her act this way, he lost the desire to ask. He gave a deep sigh then said wistfully, "You do your best."

说完，他错身离开。

He turned and left after those words.

"红叶，怎么样，早膳给皇上送过去了吗？"

"Hong Ye, how was it? Did you send it to His Majesty this morning?"

走得不远，不知贤妃有意还是无意，让凌萧听到了这句话。

He didn't know if it was intentional or not, but he hadn't left far when Concubine Xian said that, as such, he heard it.

凌萧微微一顿，握了握拳，抬脚离去。

Ling Xiao paused for a slight moment, clenched his fist then continued to walk away.

"皇......皇君......"身后传来弱弱的叫唤，明显小李子跟了上来。

"King...King Consort..." A weak voice called from behind him, it was clear Xiao Lizi had caught up.

凌萧不想理他，疾步的走在前头，小李子小跑的紧追。

Ling Xiao didn't want to pay attention to him and walked quickly, with Xiao Lizi jogging to follow closely.

一路回到自己的宫殿，凌萧将自己保持的冷静褪去，露出了宛如小猫炸毛一般的表情，猛力推开自己的房门，气呼呼的走了进去，动作粗鲁至极。

The moment he got back to his palace, Ling Xiao took off the calm appearance he kept up and exposed his irritated expression, pushing open the door roughly then walked in, puffing with anger, his actions were very crude.

最后一句话，贤妃那加大的声量，摆明是让自己听到的。

Those last words that were said louder than normal, were clearly for him to hear.

这小李子有句话说的果然没错。

There was something Xiao Lizi said before that was really too true.

这贤妃虽然表面上不会与自己为难，却暗地里和自己较着劲呢！

Although this Concubine Xian acted like she didn't make things awkward for people, in secret, she disputed against him!

凌萧气恼的关上房门，抹了一把脸，转身却碰到了一双透亮的黑眸，凌萧惊了一跳，复而一看，才知道，是坐在桌旁的皇帝。

Ling Xiao angrily closed the door, rubbed his face and turned around, only to be scared by a pair of black eyes. Taking a closer look, he noticed that it was the Emperor, sitting at the table.

凌萧忙伏身要行礼，皇帝起身打断他道："免了吧。"

Ling Xiao hurriedly bent his body to salute, but the Emperor got up and interrupted him, "Don't bother."

"皇上......您回来多久了？"凌萧回想起刚才自己不顾形象的动作，颇为忐忑的问。

"Your Majesty... How long have you been back?" He asked rather nervously when he thought back to his previous display.

皇帝闻言，意味深长的看了凌萧一眼，答道："来多久不是最重要的，重要的是，你不想给朕看见的朕全看见了。"

The Emperor profoundly looked at him and replied, "How long We've been here wasn't important, the important part was that the things you didn't want Us to see has been completely seen."

"......"凌萧汗颜，眉头不可抑制的跳了跳。

"......" Ling Xiao blushed with shame, his brows unconsciously twitching a bit.

皇帝走到了他的面前，像是发现了什么新奇的事物一般，抬手摸了摸凌萧的眉头。

The Emperor walked in front of him and rubbed his brows like he had found a novelty.

凌萧一僵，却没有拒绝皇帝的碰触，微凉的手抚摸着眉头，带点轻痒，让凌萧心下微动，身子便泛起了一阵的灼热。

Ling Xiao went stiff, but didn't refuse his touch. With the gentle strokes of his hand, it was a bit itchy and stirred the bottom of heart, causing his body to heat up.

皇帝眼瞧着，却突而收回了手，转身搂住了凌萧的腰，带着他走到了桌边，轻声问道："什么人惹了朕的皇君？"

The Emperor observed and suddenly took back his hand. In a moment, his hands were around Ling Xiao's waist and he led him to the table, quietly asking, "Who made Our King Consort unhappy?"

凌萧一愣，自是知道皇帝在询问刚刚自己那气呼呼的模样。

Ling Xiao paused, he knows that the Emperor was asking about his angry look just a moment ago.

他本想将贤妃的事说来，却看见桌面上摆着几碟精致的点心，点心有些微乱，看着已经被动过了，而皇帝刚刚坐着的桌边，那里还放了半碗粥，明显是皇帝刚刚喝剩的。

He originally wanted to say what happened with Concubine Xian, yet saw the dishes of fine desserts. The desserts were a bit messy, it looks like it had already been moved. And by the Emperor's side on the table was a bowl of half eaten congee, it was clear he had just drank from it.

凌萧一下子联系到了贤妃刚才的那句话，浑身的热度尽数散去，剩下冰凉，让他有些发颤。

Ling Xiao immediately made a connection with what he heard from Concubine Xian just before he left, and his entire body temperature left him,

他望着那点心，艰难的咽了咽口水问道："皇上，这是您的早膳？谁人送来的？"

He looked at the desserts and swallowed with difficulty, then asked, "Your Majesty, was this your breakfast? Who sent it to you?"

"贤妃差人送来的。怎么了？"皇帝不知有意无意，没有提及红叶。

"Concubine Xian had someone send it over. What's wrong?" He didn't know if it was intentional or not, but the Emperor did not mention Hong Ye.

凌萧的心凉了凉，颇为勉强的笑了笑道："无事。"

Ling Xiao's heart went cold and he forced a smile, "There's nothing."

他说着，微微挣脱开了皇帝的拥抱，皇帝眯眼不悦，望向凌萧。

He said that and slightly threw off the Emperor's hold, who narrowed his eyes unhappily as he looked at him.

却见凌萧紧紧的盯着桌面上的点心，宛如一只被侵占了领地的老虎，朝着那些点心呲牙咧嘴，恨不得将之啃咬撕裂一般。

But he could only see Ling Xiao staring at those desserts on the table, like a tiger whose territory was invaded and occupied, and was baring his fangs at them, hating that he couldn't rip them apart.

皇帝挑眉，心下了然，不由觉得好笑，他弯起了唇角，却似是有意逗弄凌萧一般，撑着下颚又夹起点心吃了几口。

The Emperor raised an eyebrow and understood, he felt it was a bit funny and his mouth rose in a curve. Yet he teasingly propped up his face and ate a few more bites of the desserts.

这一下，凌萧的目光就不仅仅是看着点心了，而由点心转移到了皇帝的身上，那目光怨念得皇帝想忽视都忽视不了。

With that action, Ling Xiao was no longer just staring at the desserts and had shifted his gaze to the Emperor. The complaints in those eyes weren't something the Emperor could ignore even if he wanted to.

何况皇帝并没有忽视的意思，他转头，看向凌萧，那戏谑的目光宛如在看自家养着的小猫挥动着小爪子一般，充满了宠爱。

Besides, he wasn't planning to ignore it. He turned his head to look at Ling Xiao, his teasing eyes that were full of love watched the scene that reminded him of a small kitten waving its small claws.

凌萧微微一愣，皇帝的目光太过明目张胆，看得他心砰然跳动，连带着升起的怒意，也被望下去了些许。

Ling Xiao was a bit surprised. The Emperor's gaze was too straightforward, causing his heart to jump a bit and for some of his anger to diminish.

对视着这目光，却也不难看出，皇帝温柔之余，眸色透亮，目光通透，这目光望久了，就像是将他的心剖开，将他心中所想之事都看得一清二楚了一般，让凌萧有种心事被窥见而升起了的淡淡羞耻。

Being faced by that gaze, it was not hard to see his gentleness toward him. Those bright eyes were penetrating, after being stared too long, it felt like his heart was cut open and laid bare for him to see. It gave Ling Xiao a feeling of being peeked on, and gave him a faint sense of shame.

凌萧感受着，面上渐渐升起了红晕，染开了他眉目间的怨气与怒意，皇帝见状，这才悠悠的道："朕给你一个机会，你想让朕做什么，说给朕听，朕会听你的。"

Ling Xiao felt that a blush was gradually making its way up on his face, washing away his resentful and angry appearance. When the Emperor saw that, he finally spoke, "We will give you one chance, what do you want Us to do? Tell Us, and we will listen to you."

皇帝的眼神有意无意的扫过了桌面上的点心，这样的暗示，也让了解皇帝的凌萧明了，凌萧的一下子转怒为喜，咧嘴一笑，大胆的要求道："皇上，凌萧要你将这桌面的点心送还给贤妃！"

Intentional or otherwise, the Emperor's gaze swept over the desserts on the table. This kind of hinting for someone like Ling Xiao who understood the Emperor, turned his anger to delight in a moment. He grinned and brazenly requested, "Your Majesty, Ling Xiao wants you to return all of these desserts back to Concubine Xian!"

"......"皇帝挑眉，没有做声。

"......" The Emperor raised an eyebrow and did not speak.

凌萧一顿，有些错愕，难道他理解错了皇帝的意思，皇帝的暗示不是的示意这桌点心任由自己开口处置？

Ling Xiao stopped, a bit worried. Could it be he understood the Emperor's meaning wrong? The Emperor wasn't hinting for him to deal with the desserts on the table?

眼见着凌萧的笑容又淡了下来，皇帝伸手揉了揉凌萧柔软的发丝，颇为无奈的道："便听你得罢。"

Watching Ling Xiao's eyes dimming again, he reached out to rub Ling Xiao's soft hair and said rather helplessly, "I'll listen to you."

凌萧满意至极，用宫里的小厨房亲手给皇帝做了一餐早膳。

Ling Xiao was very satisfied with that and used the small kitchen in the palace to personally cook.

早膳之时，凌萧将怀里的那块玉拿了出来，摆在了皇帝的面前。

After the morning meal, Ling Xiao took out that jade from his bosom and placed it in front of the Emperor.

皇帝看了一眼，仅一眼，便冷下了脸皱起了眉头，浑身散发出拒人于千里之外的气势。

The Emperor took a glance at it, that one look caused his whole face to cool and his brows to wrinkle.

凌萧一惊，连忙跪伏在地，他这才相信那贤妃所言并不虚假，皇帝对这块玉确实不喜的紧。

Frightened, Ling Xiao immediately knelt. He was now convinced that what Concubine Xian told him weren't lies, the Emperor really didn't like this jade too much.

虽然这段时间与皇帝朝夕相处，让凌萧对皇帝的畏惧降低了很多，但皇帝这一身威压还是压得凌萧浑身发抖，他突然有些后悔将这玉带了出来，言行也变得小心翼翼了起来。

Although he had been in contact with the Emperor day and night, reducing his fear of the other by a lot, it did not stop him from trembling all over when the Emperor released his pressuring might. He now regretted a bit for taking this jade out, his words and actions also became much more cautious.

"你想要这玉？"皇帝突而说道，目光看向跪着的凌萧，幽深而疏离，就像是看待一个陌生人一般，凌萧心下一惊，心中有些不是滋味，却也不敢对皇帝欺瞒，只能懵然的点了点头。

"You want this jade?" The Emperor suddenly asked, his gaze lingering on the kneeling Ling Xiao. His serene gaze became estranged, like he was looking at a stranger. With his mind sounding an alarm, Ling Xiao felt a bit upset in his heart. But he did not dare to hide the truth from him and could only nod his head dumbly.

皇帝见状，再次望向凌萧手中之玉，目光深沉而复杂，饶是自认为了解皇帝的凌萧，此时也瞧不出皇帝眼中暗藏着什么样的情绪。

The Emperor moved his sight back to the jade after he saw his confirmation, his gaze deep and complicated. Even for Ling Xiao who understood the Emperor to some extent, he was unable to make out his mood.

但皇帝不言不语，一身骇人的气势告诉凌萧，这时候最好不要打扰皇帝，否则事情只会更加糟糕。

But the silence and terrifying aura of the Emperor told Ling Xiao that it was best he did not disturb the other at this time, otherwise, things would become worse.

这玉就宛如贤妃所说，在皇帝面前就像是个'忌讳'，只要一出现就能启动皇帝身上的某个机关，让皇帝变得比任何时候都要疏远而难以捉摸。

This jade was as Concubine Xian said, it was like a 'taboo' in front of him. As long as it appeared, it was like some kind of button was hit on the Emperor's body, causing him to become estranged and elusive.

"朕将它关进内库之时，曾扬言，谁要是敢触碰就当斩首。"

"We had place this into the warehouse and once said that whoever dares to touch it would be beheaded."

凌萧闻言一颤，咬牙垂眸，恭敬而诚服的跪在地上，让皇帝看见他的忠诚，等待着皇帝对他的裁决。

Ling Xiao trembled when he heard that, he clenched his teeth and kept his eyes down, kneeling with complete respect so that the Emperor could see his loyalty and wait for his ruling.

若是斩首，那么，他还有免死金牌可用......

If he were to be beheaded, then he still has the death exemption golden plate... If he was to be beheaded, then he still has the death exemption golden plate...

凌萧已经做好了最坏的打算。

Ling Xiao had already calculated the worst possible outcome.Ling Xiao had already calculated the worst possible outcome.

"朕先前没有与你说来，也是朕的疏忽。"皇帝突而转了口，凌萧一愣，就听得皇帝再次说道："但朕也允诺了你，内库的任何东西你都可以拿取。"

"We had not told you before, and it was Our negligence." the Emperor suddenly switched back, throwing Ling Xiao off as he heard him continue, "But We have promised you that you can take anything you want out of the warehouse."

这般说着，皇帝深叹了口气，带着万分无奈的口气："罢了，起来，且拿着罢。"

The Emperor sighed heavily after that, then said with a rather helpless tone, "Forget it, stand up and hold onto it."

说完，他似是不满一般，又轻轻说了一句，似是抱怨："内库珍宝无数，你看中什么不好，非看中了它。"

After he spoke, he seem to be discontented as he once again said another line, like he was complaining, "There are countless treasures in the warehouse, yet out of all the things, you just had to pick that one."

凌萧微微一愣，不仅是皇帝会在他面前抱怨很是令他惊奇，光是这话是个什么意思？

Ling Xiao stared blankly. Not only was he really amazed at the Emperor complaining in front of his, just what did his words mean?

凌萧起身很想询问皇帝，皇帝却已经朝外唤了小李子进来。

Ling Xiao got up and really wanted to question the Emperor, but the other had already called for Xiao Lizi to come in.

凌萧对小李子没有好脸色，轻撇开了脸，小李子面色苍白的朝着皇帝行礼。

Ling Xiao was not in the mood for Xiao Lizi and just glanced at him. Xiao Lizi saluted to the Emperor with a pale face.

皇帝没有细究两人的表情，只是颇为疲倦的道："你将刚才收起来的点心送还给贤妃，让贤妃将皇君拿取的玉登记在册。"

The Emperor did not look like he was going to probe into the two people, he merely said rather tiredly, "You will return the desserts to Concubine Xian, and have her register what the King Consort took in the book."

"是。"小李子微微一愣，抬眼看了看凌萧，似乎对凌萧未将他隐瞒的事情报告给皇帝有些不可置信，但此时皇帝下达了命令，小李子也不敢耽搁，连忙行礼带着点心往贤妃宫殿而去。

"Yes." Xiao Lizi was a bit surprised and raised his eyes to look at Ling Xiao. He was a bit incredulous about the matter he had reported to the Emperor because Ling Xiao didn't hide it from him. But since the Emperor had made the order, then he did not tarry and quickly saluted, carrying the desserts to Concubine Xian's place.

而皇帝在下达完命令之后，没有再看凌萧一眼，直直的离开了凌萧的宫里。

And after the Emperor made the orders, he did not give Ling Xiao another glance and directly left his palace.

凌萧瘫坐在椅子上，望着手头的玉愣愣的失神。

Ling Xiao sat motionlessly on the chair, absentmindedly staring at the jade in his hand.

皇帝自那之后，几天没有来凌萧的宫里，却也没有听闻他去其他的宫殿。

Ever since then, he never came to Ling Xiao's palace, but he also did not hear news about him going to other palaces.

每晚都是在凌萧的隔壁，自己的宫里头过的。

Each night was spent in the neighbor palace to Ling Xiao's, in his own room.

但光是那天皇帝下达的两个命令，且不说那将贤妃的点心退还了回去，就是那玉皇帝赐给了凌萧，已经让凌萧在宫里头彻底出了名。

But just based on those two orders the Emperor passed down, leaving aside how Concubine Fei's desserts were returned, the fact that he gave Ling Xiao the Jade Emperor was enough to make his name famous in the palace.

让后宫炸开了锅。

Causing the whole harem to go abuzz.

那玉，皇帝当初下得命令犹如在耳，为了那玉，多少太监宫女因为不小心触碰了而丢了性命。

That jade, the order the Emperor placed down before still rang in their ears. For that jade, just how many eunuchs and maids had died because they'd accidently touched it?

就是如今的后宫三妃，丽妃、冉妃、贤妃又有谁敢碰？

And the current three members of the harem, Concubine Li, Concubine Ran, and Concubine Xian, just who would dare to touch it?

可刚册封的凌萧，不仅碰了，还成功得让皇帝就玉赐给了他，这特大的殊荣，足以让所有的人都明白，皇帝特宠的是谁！

But Ling Xiao who had just been titled his consort, not only did he touch it, the Emperor even gave it to him. That kind of special privilege made it clear to all just who the Emperor loved the most!

哪怕这几日皇帝不在任何宫殿过夜，也不曾招任何人侍寝，但光一点已经足以证明凌萧在牧国皇帝心里的位置了。

Even if the Emperor had not spent the night at any palaces nor called people to serve him, just that bit served as proof for Ling Xiao's position in the Emperor's heart.

凌萧一下，成了宫里头人人讨好的对象。

In a moment, Ling Xiao became the target which people tried to curry favor with.

当然，也成了一部分人憎恨、想要处之而后快的对象......

Naturally, he also became someone that a portion of the people detested, and wanted to get rid of quickly...

这天，凌萧起了个大早，正在感慨皇帝已经多久不曾来见他的时候，宫里迎进了一个特别的客人。

On this day, Ling Xiao woke up early. Just as he was sighing about just how long the Emperor hadn't come to see him, his palace just met a very special visitor.

冉妃。

Concubine Ran.

Chapter 68: After Obtaining Love (III)

这冉妃姿态容貌虽不比另外两妃，但是她的手段是最多的，心计也是最深的。

Although this Concubine Ran's attitude and appearance wasn't as comparable as the other two, she had the most tricks and her schemes ran deeply.

她能有今天这个地位，除了他的父亲是吏部尚书之外，很重要的一个原因，是她懂得用手段和心计在后宫中立足。

For her to have her current position was not only because her father was the High Official of the Ministry of Appointments, the other important reason was becase she knew how to use tricks and schemes to gain a foothold in the harem.

当然，她的手段和心计，凌萧并不认为能瞒得住皇帝。

Of course, Ling Xiao did not believe her tricks and schemes could be hidden from the Emperor.

但皇帝既然允许她走到今天这个地位，那必定是容忍了她的那些手段和心计。

But since the Emperor allowed her to walk here to this day, then it meant he could tolerate her tricks and scheming,

这样一个有心计和手段的女人，今天突然来访，肯定没有什么好事。

This kind of woman that has both tricks and schemes, for her to suddenly pay a visit today isn't anything good.

凌萧摆了摆手想推掉她的求见。

Ling Xiao waved his head, trying to reject her visit.

然而，前来通报的小李子却多嘴道："皇君，这您没来之前，这冉妃算是后宫独宠，如今皇上虽然宠着您，但这冉妃就这样辞了，恐怕不太好......"

But Xiao Lizi who had informed her arrival just had to add on, "King Consort, before your arrival, it was always Concubine Ran who had all of His Majesty's love. Though His Majesty loves you now, Concubine Ran was just disregarded, so doing this isn't..."

凌萧闻言皱眉，不悦的回头看了小李子一眼，心中不甚奇怪，这小李子什么时候和冉妃这么要好了，帮她说话？

Ling Xiao frowned and looked at Xiao Lizi, annoyed. He also felt it was a bit strange, just when had Xiao Lizi got on such good terms with Concubine Ran, to speak up on her behalf?

凌萧饶有所思的望着小李子。

He stared at Xiao Lizi, full of curiosity.

小李子被凌萧望得畏缩了一下，面上有些惊慌，凌萧瞧见了，眼神微亮，他微微趋身，想要再看清楚一些小李子的表情，但小李子已经意识到了什么一般，连忙恭敬的伏低了头，状似是朝凌萧请罪，实际上却是躲避着凌萧的视线。

Xiao Lizi cowered a bit from his staring, panic showing on his face. Ling Xiao's eyes brighten at the sight and he approached him, trying to take a closer look at the other's expression. But Xiao Lizi became aware and quickly lowered his head respectfully, like he was trying to apologize, when in fact, he was just doing so to hide from Ling Xiao's line of sight.

凌萧眯眼，起身踱步在了小李子的跟前，绕着跪在地上畏缩成一团的小李子打着转，眼睛瞧着他微微发抖的身子，不悦的情绪膨胀而出。

Ling Xiao narrowed his eyes, stood up and walked until he was right in front of Xiao Lizi. He then rounded the cowering and kneeling, eying his trembling body. His annoyed mood grew and came out.

"小李子，平常除了皇上上朝的时候，你几乎不过来我这边的吧？"

"Xiao Lizi, apart from when the Emperor is at court, you pretty much never come to my place right?"

凌萧猜测着，讽刺道："今天是吹得什么风，皇上早朝都上完了，李总管不在皇上身边伺候着，倒过来我这边了。"

Ling Xiao gussed then mockingly asked, "So what are you trying to do today? The Emperor's morning court is pretty much over, so why is Steward Li not present by the Emperor's side and serving him, and ends up at my place?"

凌萧没有叫"小李子"，反而将小李子尊称为李总管，这更为小李子心慌。

Ling Xiao did not call him "Xiao Lizi", rather, he called his by his title "Steward Li", which flustered the other more.

凌萧见此，嗤笑了一声，却不给小李子解释反驳的机会，他说道："这也可巧了，平日里我这宫里头冷清得紧，这你一来，这冉妃竟然也过来了。"

Ling Xiao sneered at the sight and did not give him the chance to explain himself, he continued on, "And such a coincidence, my palace is usually unfrequented, yet the moment you come, this Concubine Ran also comes."

小李子闻言一惊，面上的血色尽褪，唇色泛白，颤抖着竟然连话都说不出口。

Xiao Lizi was so scared by that point his face lost all color and his lips were blanch, he was trembling so hard he could speak a word.

凌萧眼不眨的看着，心中冷笑。

Ling Xiao stared at him without blinking, while he grimly laughed in his heart.

"自我当皇君以来，这院子里除了下人，后宫妃子无人来访，我想着，我怎么也是一个皇君，这后宫妃子不可能不好奇，既然无人敢来，必定是有人特意命令过，这人是谁，我想李总管也没必要让我说得那么清楚。"

"Ever since I became King Consort, besides the servants in this courtyard, there haven't been any of the harem concubines visiting me. I thought, I am a King Consort after all, how could the concubines of the harem not be curious? Since no one dared to come, then someone must have ordered it. Who that person is, I believe Steward Li doesn't need me to say out loud."

凌萧说着，果然看见小李子面若死灰，这更为凌萧确定他的猜测是对的，他这个宫殿这么平静，是皇帝对后宫里面的人下达了命令，看来皇帝为了他确实费了不少心思，这般想着，凌萧心情微缓。

While he spoke, he saw that Xiao Lizi's face really did turn for the worse. This confirmed even more that his guess was correct. For his palace to be so peaceful, it was because the Emperor had laid down the order. Looks like he had really done a lot for him. Ling Xiao's mood turned better at the thought.

但随即想到门外的冉妃与跪在他面前胆敢欺上瞒下的小李子，凌萧心中不由一阵恼火。

But when he thought of Concubine Ran outside the door and the kneeling Xiao Lizi who dared to lie to him, Ling Xiao's anger flared up.

他冷着脸道："这冉妃能在我宫门口求见，费了李总管不少心思吧？我倒好奇了，她给了你多少好处，让你这样帮着她？"

His face was cold as he further asked, "For this Concubine Ran to be able to come to my palace and ask for an audience, how much effort have you used Steward Li? I am very curious, just how many benefits did she give you, for you to help her like this?"

小李子颤抖的不能自己，只一个劲的磕头，结巴的求饶。

Xiao Lizi shuddered in spite of himself, and could only keep kowtowing, stutteringly begging for forgiveness.

那模样可怜至极。

His appearance was very pitiful.

凌萧睥睨着他，目光冰冷："先前在内库，你怂恿我拿出那玉佩，是不是也知道那玉佩是皇上的'忌讳'？你想陷害我是不是？"

Ling Xiao disdainfully looked at him, his gaze ice cold, "Back then in the warehouse, you incited me to take that jade ornament, did you already know it was the Emperor's 'taboo'? You want to set me up don't you?"

"不......不是，奴才......冤......。"小李子连连摇头，想要反驳，被凌萧那凛冽的眼神望着，又垂眸不敢再否认。

"No...I wasn't... This servant...wronged...." Xiao Lizi repeatedly shook his head, trying to refute his words, but he didn't dare to deny again after being stared at by his cold eyes.

凌萧冷笑了一声，这小李子好歹跟过自己一场，竟然想害死自己。

Ling Xiao sneered, this Xiao Lizi had followed him for a good period of time, yet he wanted to kill him.

那玉佩的事情，他早有怀疑，前辈子他知道有这个玉佩，但从未见过，皇帝从来不跟莫绮说这事，也未曾将内库交由莫绮，以至于这辈子的他根本没有防范。

He was long suspicious of that jade ornament. In his past lifetime, he knew there was such a jade ornament, but he had never seen it before and the Emperor never spoke to Mo Qi about it. He also did not give Mo Qi the warehouse key, so up to this life, he has never been on guard against it.

但这小李子不同，自己不在皇帝身边的这段时间，他一直跟在皇帝，皇帝更是让他将钥匙交给的自己，这玉佩如果小李子说自己不知道，凌萧怎么也不会信。

But this Xiao Lizi was different, in the time he wasn't by the Emperor, the other had always been by the Emperor. The Emperor even gave him the key, so if Xiao Lizi tried to say he didn't know about the jade, how could Ling Xiao believe it?

凌萧讽笑，这小李子想让自己死，但是，他没有猜到皇上并不会降罪自己。

Ling Xiao mockingly smiled, this Xiao Lizi thought he would die, but he would have never guessed that the Emperor would not punish him.

凌萧冷哼了一声，俯视着小李子，强压下怒火道："你是要自己招，还是去见皇上？"

He coldly snorted once, looking down at Xiao Lizi and squashed down his rage to ask, "Do you want to confess yourself, or go see the Emperor?"

一见凌萧提及皇帝，小李子惊得瘫坐在地，一脸的惊慌失措。

The moment Ling Xiao mentioned the Emperor, Xiao Lizi was so frightened he was paralyzed on the ground, almost losing his head out of fear.

"不......皇君......皇君饶命啊！这事千万不能让皇上知道......奴才......奴才也是被逼迫的啊......"

"No... King Consort... King Consort, please spare my life! You can't let His Majesty know... this servant... this servant was also forced..."

眼见着小李子开始说实话，凌萧冷声命令道："从头说来。"

Seeing how Xiao Lizi was starting to speak the truth, Ling Xiao coldly ordered, "Explain from the beginning."

"奴才......奴才是受了冉妃的指使......"小李子小声的说道："先前您回来之时，奴才曾跟您说冉妃心机最深，可不知这话被哪个不长眼的听见了，传到了冉妃的耳中，奴才就被冉妃叫了去。"

"This servant... this servant was incited by Concubine Ran..." Xiao Lizi started to speak in a soft voice, "Back when you've returned, this servant had once told you Concubine Ran's schemes runs the deepest. But this servant did not know someone heard it and passed it onto her. So this servant was called to her."

小李子这般说来，面上一片懊恼，似乎再后悔当初说这话时，没有清除周围闲杂的人，凌萧听着，仔细辨认着小李子面上表情的真假。

While he spoke, his face was very upset, he seems to be regretting not clearing away the surrounding people when he said those words. Ling Xiao listened and carefully identified if the expression on his face was faked or genuine.

"冉妃恐吓奴才，说奴才污蔑了主子，要拿奴才问罪，奴才虽然是皇上身边的奴才，但冉妃是皇上的妃子，是主子，先前还颇为得宠，奴才一时害怕......"

"Concubine Ran threatened this servant, saying this servant has slandered her and wanted to punish this servant. Although this servant is a servant by the Emperor's side, Concubine Ran is still His Majesty's concubine, and therefore a master. She was also the previous favorite, so this servant in a moment of fear..."

"就听了她命令？"凌萧接了小李子的话头，小李子既没有承认也没有否认，只是恭敬而讨饶的伏低了头。

"Took her order?" Ling Xiao continued his line for him, and Xiao Lizi did not admit or deny it, he only respectfully kept his head low to ask for forgiveness.

凌萧见此嗤笑："小李子，你先前可不是这么没有胆量的人吶。"

Ling Xiao sneered at the scene, "Xiao Lizi, you weren't such a cowardly person before."

凌萧说着，蹲下身，伸手强制性抬起了小李子伏低的头。

While he spoke, he also squatted down, then forcefully raised up Xiao Lizi's lowered head.

"我曾经教过你，如果想要隐瞒，说话当半真半假，但是我从没有说过，你可以在我面前这样做！"

"I once taught you, if you wanted to hide something, then speak in half truths. But I have never said to do so to me before."

凌萧说着，用力捏紧了小李子的下巴，小李子吃痛，却不敢呼出声，眼眶里慢慢擒满了泪水。

As he spoke, he tighten his hold on the other's chin, causing him pain. But Xiao Lizi did not dare to cry out as tears slowly filled his eyes.

凌萧冷酷的看着，怒道："怎么，到了这个时候，你还想着隐瞒吗？"

Ling Xiao unfeelingly watched and angrily asked, "What, you still want try and hide it now that it has come to this?"

小李子颤抖："皇......皇君......"

Xiao Lizi trembled, "King... King Consort..."

凌萧手下再次用力。

Ling Xiao once again put in force.

小李子微微挣扎："皇君......饶......命。"

Xiao Lizi slightly struggled, "King Consort... mer...cy."

"哼。"凌萧讽刺一笑："你连实话都不敢说，还敢向我求饶？"

"Hmph." Ling Xiao mocked him with a smile, "You don't even dare to tell me the truth, and still try to beg for mercy?"

凌萧发泄一般将小李子甩向一边，朝外喊道："来人。"

Like he was venting, he threw Xiao Lizi aside and called out, "Servants."

"奴婢在。"不多时，暗香带着暗咏以吉祥福康的面貌出现。

"Your servants are here." In a short moment, An Xiang, followed by An Yong while wearing Ji Xiang and Fu Kang's disguise appeared.

凌萧眼神微暗道："你们将他看住，我出去会会这位冉妃。"

Ling Xiao said with a dark expression, "You guys watch him, I will go out and meet Concubine Ran."

"公子，福康在这里看住就行了，奴婢陪您一道出去吧？"吉祥福康互看了一眼，由吉祥回道。

"Young Master, just Fu Kang would be enough to watch him. This servant will go out with you alright?" Ji Xiang and Fu Kang exchanged a look and Ji Xiang said back.

凌萧微微一顿，现在宫里的人除了躲在暗处的这两人，其他人都被小李子给遣开了，他身边没人，去见冉妃确实不妥。

Ling Xiao paused. The people in his palace, besides these two that keeps watch over him in secret, the other people had all been sent away by Xiao Lizi. It would not be proper to go see Concubine Ran with no one by his side..

思及此，凌萧点了点头，应和了吉祥的提议。

He thought for a bit and nodded, agreeing to Ji Xiang's suggestion.

等凌萧带着吉祥出去的时候，冉妃正带着婢女四处观看。

When Ling Xiao left with Ji Xiang, Concubine Ran was bringing along her maid to look over the place.

她似是觉得这宫殿很新鲜一般，四处瞧着，时不时伸手摸摸摆在桌面的物件。

She seems to think that this palace is very fresh experience and toured the place. She would even reach out from time to time to rub the objects arranged on the table.

面色似喜似怨。

Her face held both delight and complaint.

凌萧敛眸清咳了一声，随即扬起笑脸，装模作样的走了出去。

Ling Xiao controlled himself, gave a coughed, and immediately plastered a smile on his face as he walked in.

"冉妃若是喜欢我这宫里的物件，不如我送你一些？"

"If Concubine Ran likes some of the items in my palace, why don't I give some to you?"

"皇君安康。"冉妃听闻声音，连忙转身行礼。

"This lady hopes you are well King Consort." When she heard his voice, she immediately turned around and saluted.

她行礼时，微微抬眼，看了看凌萧，见凌萧身后跟着的是吉祥并不是小李子，微微皱眉，随即很快漾开，装出一副什么都没有的样子，恭敬而顺从得等待着凌萧的唤起。

When she saluted, she slightly raised her eyes and looked at him. When she saw that the one behind him wasn't Xiao Lizi, but Ji Xiang, she frowned but immediately buried it and assumed an appearance of not seeing anything. She respectfully and obediently waited for Ling Xiao to let her up.

但这一神情的变动并没有瞒过凌萧的双眼，凌萧微微笑了笑，有意为难冉妃，便未曾叫她起身，而是直接绕过她走到了上位坐下。

But her slight actions did not bypass Ling Xiao's sight and he slightly smiled, intending to embarrass her. He did not say she could get up, rather, he went around her and sat down.

冉妃跟随着凌萧的动作，转了方向，却也没敢起身，一直跪在凌萧的跟前。

Concubine Ran followed his movement and turned around, but she did not get up, continuing to kneel in front of Ling Xiao.

凌萧端起桌面的茶喝了一口，余光打量着面前的冉妃。

Ling Xiao raised the teacup on the table and rank it as he sized her up from the corner of his eye.

她身着一身红纱裙，化着精致的浓妆，姿态妖娆，风情万种。

She was dressed in a red cotton dress, her makeup delicate and heavy while her posture enchanting, she was very charming.

若是未进宫的凌萧，看见这样的女子，恐怕会多看几眼，再夸上一句，但凌萧已经进宫，不管是前辈子还是这辈子，他都没有心情欣赏皇帝的女人。

If it were the old Ling Xiao who had not entered the palace and seen such a woman, then he would at least look at such a woman a few more times then compliment her. But the current Ling Xiao is in the palace, no matter if it was his past lifetime or his current one, he wouldn't be in the mood to admire the Emperor's women.

在心里默念着皇帝女人这四个字，凌萧心里一阵不舒服，只不过面上还是那一副装出来的微笑。

He silently said 'The Emperor's woman', those three words in his chest and he suddenly felt a bit unwell. But the smile on his face remained without change.

冉妃跪了许久，不曾见凌萧的反应，便主动开口疑问道："皇君？"

Concubine Ran had knelt for a long time, and took the initiative to ask when she saw Ling Xiao still hasn't responded, "King Consort?"

"恩？"凌萧假笑着应了一声，装作疑惑的样子："冉妃唤本皇君何事？冉妃这次前来又有何事？"

"Hm?" Ling Xiao gave a fake smile and responded, pretending to still wear a puzzled appearance, "What does Concubine Ran want to ask this King Consort? For what reason did Concubine Ran come here?"

这话的意思就是要她跪着回话了？

Did those words mean he wanted her to keep kneeling and reply?

冉妃闻言，面色一变，一阵怒意在胸口排山倒海，她几乎压抑不住自己的愤怒，却突而想到此人正得宠之时，不由咬牙强忍了下来。

Concubine Ran's face changed now, a burst of anger surge in her chest that she almost couldn't keep down. But when she thought of how this man was the current favorite, she clenched her teeth and resisted with great difficulty.

只假惺惺的道："臣妾可以起来说话吗？"

She asked with false courtesy, "Can this lady stand up and speak?"

"不可以。"凌萧微笑着拒绝。

"You cannot." Ling Xiao smiled and refused.

冉妃一愣，愕然的抬头直视着凌萧，似是没有想到凌萧会如此干脆的拒绝一般。

Concubine Ran was so surprised she raised her head to look at him. It looks like she had never thought Ling Xiao would so straightforwardly refuse her.

凌萧见此，心中冷笑，将手中的茶杯往桌面重重一放，呵责道："谁准许你抬头了？"

Ling Xiao sneered in his mind at the sight, lifting the teacup that was on the table and berated, "Who allowed you to raise your head?"

"......"冉妃连忙低头，面色又难看了几分。

"......" Concubine Ran quickly lowered her head, her face even more ugly.

凌萧见此，便慵懒的道："冉妃似是对本皇君有什么意见，既然如此，不如就退下吧。"

After seeing her, Ling Xiao languidly said, "Concubine Ran seems to have some complaints toward this King Consort. Since so, then you may leave."

"！"冉妃一颤，面色扭曲。

"!" Concubine Ran trembled, her face twisted.

她好不容易托了李总管来到了这里，怎么可能就这样回去！

She finally came here due to Steward Li, how could she leave just like that!

思及此，她深呼吸了一口气，心想着先顺着凌萧留下来再说，便强笑道："皇君说得哪里话，臣妾哪敢对您有什么意见吶。"

Many thoughts ran around and she took a deep breath. She first had to make Ling Xiao stay, so she smiled and spoke, "What is King Consort talking about? How could this lady dare to have any complaints toward you?"

"哪敢？呵......"凌萧嗤笑了一声，目含鄙视的望着跪在他身前的冉妃："冉妃的胆子大着呢，哪有不敢的事呀。"

"How could you dare? Heh..." Ling Xiao sneered, his eyes full of disdain as he looked down at the kneeling Concubine Ran, "Concubine Ran's courage is great, how could you have things you don't dare to do?"

"皇君这话可说得重了，臣妾自认对您对皇上都尽心尽力，你这般说来，可冤枉臣妾了。"

"King Consort is laying it down too heavily, this lady is doing her best for both you and His Majesty. Your words are accusing this lady unjustly."

"呵......"凌萧讽笑着摇头："冉妃，一定让本皇君把话说明了吗？你对皇上用药之事，你威逼小李子之事，你设计陷害本皇君之事，都当本皇君不知道吗？"

"Heh..." Ling Xiao mockingly smiled and shook his head, "Concubine Ran, must you make this King Consort say it clearly? How you used drugs on the Emperor, how you threatened Xiao Lizi, how you planned to set up this King Consort, do you think this one knows nothing about it?"

冉妃心中一惊，身子一僵，停顿了数秒，才生硬的回道："臣妾不明白皇君您的意思。"

Alarm rang in her mind and her body went rigid. After stopping for a few seconds, she finally stiffly returned, "This lady does not understand what King Consort means."

凌萧起身，走到了冉妃的身前蹲下，讽刺道："冉妃你是聪明人，会耍些小把戏，但你那些小把戏也就骗骗笨蛋，你看本皇君像是你能骗过去的笨蛋吗？"

Ling Xiao got up then walked in front of her and squatted down, mockingly asking, "Concubine Ran, you are a smart person and can play some tricks. But those small tricks can only deceive fools. Take a look, does this King Consort look like a fool you can deceive?"

说着，凌萧又补了一句道："本皇君都瞒不住，你认为瞒得住皇上吗？"

With that said, he added another line, "If you can't even hide from this King Consort, then do you think you can hide it from the Emperor?"

"......"冉妃闻言，身子顿时一僵，面色瞬间变得惨白。

"......" Concubine Ran's body went stiff again when she heard that line, her face turning deathly white in that moment.

凌萧见此，意味深长的道："你好自为之。"

Ling Xiao profoundly stated, "You best behave."

说完，他带着吉祥越过冉妃就要离去，冉妃突而起身喊住了凌萧。

Now that he was done speaking, he was about to cross over Concubine Xian and leave with Ji Xiang in tow when she suddenly got up and shouted at him.

神情语气全无了刚才的恭敬之意，而是带了咄咄逼人的气势。

Her expression and tone held none of the respect from before, rather, it turned menacing.

"凌萧，你这样恐吓污蔑本宫是何居心！"

"Ling Xiao, what evil intentions do you have to threaten and slander this one!"

TL Note: She changed from the chenqie to bengong. Chenqie is used for females to address their lower statues, bengong is much higher.

凌萧回头，目光冰冷得望着冉妃，冉妃被望的一震，微微后退了一步，又壮胆上前呵道："本宫好歹是皇上的妃子，你既然敢无凭无据的污蔑本宫，本宫要状告皇上！"

Ling Xiao turned back, his eyes so cold that Concubine Ran trembled a bit and retreated at the sight. But she once again gathered her courage, "In any case, this one is still the Emperor's concubine, you, who has no proof dares to slander this one, this one will report it to the Emperor!"

"请便。"凌萧嗤道。

"Do as you wish." Ling Xiao scoffed.

"你！"冉妃气短，怒道："别以为皇上宠着你就能无法无天了！这后宫还不是你的天下，它有贤妃管着。"

"You!" Concubine Ran's anger spiked and she angrily stated, "Don't think that just because the Emperor loves you, you can disregard the laws and morals! This harem is not yours to rule, it has Concubine Xian to manage!"

"皇上宠着你能宠几时？别说后宫还有三妃，就是贤妃手底下美人红叶，都能让你一败涂地！"

"How long would the Emperor love you? Besides the three concubines in the harem, there's also the beauty, Hong Ye under Concubine Xian's hands. They can all crush you!"

"那红叶，人美手巧，皇上对她可不比对你差，我看她呀，进后宫也就是时间问题，待她进来了，你的好日子也就到头了！"

"That Hong Ye, is beautiful and skillful with her hands. The Emperor's attitude towards her isn't any less than to you. I believe that her entering the harem is just a matter of time, just wait for her to come, then your good days would be over!"

凌萧暗了暗眼眸，红叶本来就是他心里的一个结，此时听冉妃如此说来，明知她是故意挑拨，还是忍不住怒火滔天。

Ling Xiao's eyes turned gloomy, Hong Ye was already something he was worried about. Now listening to what Concubine Ran was saying, although he knew she was just trying to instigate something, he still couldn't help but burn with anger.

冉妃见凌萧面色难道，心知自己的目的已经达到了，虽然用了极端的方式，但料想自己有父亲护着，也能相安无事。

After seeing how Ling Xiao's face turned worse, Concubine Ran knew that she had reached her purpose. Although she had to use an extreme way to do it, since she had her father's protection, she could still live peacefully.

这般想着，她更是有恃无恐，宛如一只骄傲的孔雀，仰首挺胸的在宫女的搀扶下越过凌萧往外走去。

The more she thought, the more she felt secured since she had backing. Like a prideful peacock, with her head up and her chest forwards, she walked by Ling Xiao while holding onto the arm of her maid.

"等等。"凌萧暗哑着声音喊住了冉妃。

"Wait." Ling Xiao's deeper voice stopped her.

冉妃高傲的回头，一脸得意的表情："皇君还有何事？臣妾可是忙得很吶。"

Concubine Ran arrogantly turned around, a proud expression on her face, "Is there any other matter King Consort? This lady is very busy."

"哈！"凌萧被气笑了。

"Ha!" Ling Xiao was angered to the point he laughed.

他阴森森的看着冉妃，凶狠的目光宛如一只捕猎的狮子，望得冉妃全身动弹不能。

He darkly stared at her, his cruel gaze like a hunting lion, freezing her to the spot.

凌萧阴测测的笑，露出的明明是洁白整齐的贝齿，望在冉妃的眼里就宛如是滴着唾沫的锯齿，随时可以上前撕咬开她的脖颈。

Ling Xiao darkly smiled. What showed in his smile were spotlessly white and orderly teeth, yet in Concubine Ran's eyes, they appeared like fangs that dripped with saliva, ready to pounce foward and tear open her throat at any moment.

她不由自主的后退。

She involuntarily drew back.

这个凌萧，给她一种在皇帝面前才有的压迫感，令人窒息。

This Ling Xiao gave her the same oppressive feeling she would only get from the Emperor, a suffocating one.

"吉祥，冉妃就这么回去了，显得我们待客不周，给她留点纪念吧，本皇君看那张脸就不错，毁了罢。"

"Ji Xiang, if Concubine Ran returns just like that, it would be seen as if we do not treat our guests well. Let's leave her some memories. This King Consort thinks her face is pretty nice, destroy it."

正当冉妃心慌之际，便听得凌萧如此说来，她心下一惊，更多的是不敢置信，她是皇帝的妃子，要处置也是由皇帝开口，这凌萧怎敢私自动刑！

Just while Concubine Ran was flustered, her mind went into shock at what he just said. But more than shock was disbelief. She was one of the Emperor's imperial concubines, even if he wanted to punish her, it would all depend on what the Emperor says. How could Ling Xiao dare to punish her without approval?!

她惊讶太过，甚至连反驳都忘了，只惊愕得看着吉祥拿着刀子一步步朝她走来，她连连后退，嘴里一直重复着"不可能，你不敢这样做的，不会如此的"的话，心里此时却没有了底。

She was in so much shock she couldn't even retort. She could only retreat as she watched Ji Xiang walk towards her while holding the knife, her mouth constantly repeating, "It's impossible. You wouldn't dare, it won't happen". But she completely lost confidence in her words.

她拉着带来的宫女抵挡，却躲不过吉祥的快手。

She pulled the maid she had brought with her to take the blow, but she was not fast enough against Ji Xiang's quick hands.

面上一阵刺痛，冉妃能感觉利刃划破了她娇嫩的肌肤，灼热的血自面上滑落。

A stab of pain came from her face and she could feel the sharp blade cutting open her tender skin, then her warm blood flowing down from it.

美丽的容貌，在残酷的后宫有多重要，没有人比冉妃更清楚。

Just how important a beautiful appearance was in the cruel harem, no one was more clear about it than Concubine Ran.

此时感受到自己面貌被毁，她失控的惨叫。

Now that she could feel her appearance being destroyed, she lost control and screamed.

凌萧皱眉捂紧了耳朵，抱怨一般看了吉祥一样，似乎在责怪她将冉妃刺激的太过。

Ling Xiao frowned and covered his ears. He used a complaining face to look toward Ji Xiang, as if he was blaming her for provoking Concubine Ran too much.

但吉祥知道，凌萧面色已缓，对她如此对待冉妃其实是满意的。

But with Ling Xiao's face slowly returning to normal, Ji Xiang knew that he was actually very satisfied with how she treated Concubine Ran.

"好了，吉祥，还看什么，将这个疯女人扔出去吧。"凌萧冷淡的下达命令。

"Alright, Ji Xiang, what are you still looking at? Throw out this crazy woman." Ling Xiao coldly commanded her.

吉祥领命。

Ji Xiang accepted the order.

凌萧转身，又似是想到什么一般回头道："对了，吉祥，将刚刚这个疯女人碰过的几样物事，给我送到冉妃的宫里砸了。"

Ling Xiao turned, but then seem to have remembered something and turned back to say to her, "That's right, Ji Xiang, those things that that crazy woman touched just now, send them all to Concubine Ran's place and smash it."

"......"吉祥一愣，有些心疼的一一望过哪些物件。

"......" Ji Xiang paused, her heart aching a bit as she looked at those items.

那些都是皇帝亲自挑选过来摆放的，每一样都价值连城。

Those were all personally chosen by the Emperor and set up here, every single one were invaluable.

吉祥望向凌萧，想说这些物件无罪，但凌萧已然转身进了内院。

Ji Xiang looked at Ling Xiao and wanted to tell him how these items were innocent. But he had already turned and went back to his courtyard.

吉祥无奈，只能找人搬着物件，一样一样搬到冉妃宫里头，当着受刺激的冉妃将东西一一砸个粉碎。

Ji Xiang had no other choice, she could only find people to move these items. One item after another were moved to Concubine Ran's palace and smashed in front of the provoked Concubine Ran.

这件事，很快就传开了。

This matter quickly spread out.

不过一刻，皇帝就到了凌萧的宫中。

But in a quarter of a time, the Emperor had arrived at Ling Xiao's palace.

Chapter 69: After Obtaining Love (IV)

"我还在想，皇上您什么时候愿意来见凌萧呢。"凌萧望着站在门口的皇帝，远远的朝皇帝行了一礼。

"I was just thinking about when was Your Majesty was going to come see Ling Xiao." Ling Xiao looked towards the Emperor who was standing at the entrance, then saluted from afar.

皇帝面无表情的走近，挥退了跟随的众人。

The Emperor walked in while wearing an expressionless face, and waved his hand to dismiss the following people.

"起来吧。"他的声音冷清清的，不含喜怒。

"Stand up." His voice was cold and cheerless, holding neither delight nor anger.

凌萧淡然的起身，直视着皇帝。

Ling Xiao calmly rose, looking straight at him.

皇帝挑眉，这小太监胆子还真是大了不是一点点呢。

The Emperor raised an eyebrow, this former eunuch's courage really has grew, and not just by a tiny bit.

"你没有什么想说的？"皇帝清冷的开口。

"You don't have anything you want to say to me?" The Emperor coldly started.

"有。"凌萧目光眷念的望着皇帝，缠缠绵绵的情意从那双似是会说话的眸中流露而出，带了丝依赖。

"I do." Ling Xiao's gaze was very fond as he looked at him, it was like his eyes had a voice of their own as his soft affection for the Emperor seem to speak for themselves within his eyes and held a trace of dependence.

皇帝望着，一顿，转开了视线，却也柔和了表情。

The Emperor paused and moved his line of sight, but his expression became much more gentle.

他无奈的叹息，最后轻轻呵责了凌萧一声："太过了。"

He helplessly sighed, then lightly berated him, "You were too excessive."

"皇上指什么？"凌萧故作不懂。

"What is Your Majesty referring to?" Ling Xiao pretended to not know what the other was talking about.

皇帝危险的眯眼，龙威泄出，压迫着凌萧，是在不悦凌萧的装疯卖傻。

The Emperor narrowed his eyes dangerous, his dragon might leaking out to pressure Ling Xiao. He was not pleased with how Ling Xiao was pretending not to know.

"......"凌萧被那眼神望的心下一惊，倒退了一步，倒也想起了皇帝毕竟是皇帝。

"......" Ling Xiao was alarmed by that gaze and fell back a step. He then recalled that the Emperor was the Emperor after all.

凌萧抿唇，带着微微的不甘道："如果凌萧不这般做，皇上您会这么快来见凌萧吗？"

Ling Xiao pursed his lips, and said with a trace of reluctance, "If Ling Xiao didn't do that, then would Your Majesty come so quickly to see Ling Xiao?"

"......"皇帝皱眉。

"......" The Emperor made a face at him.

"冉妃之事，凌萧确实有心为之，其一，她耍尽心计来挑拨我与您之间的感情，凌萧什么都能忍，唯独此事不能容忍。"

"The matter with Concubine Ran, Ling Xiao did do it on purpose. She tried her best to come and sow disharmony between our feelings. Ling Xiao can bear anything but that."

皇帝蠕动了一下唇，似是有话要说，凌萧大胆的打断他道："其二，若凌萧这里不发生些事，皇上您要冷落凌萧多久呢？"

The Emperor moved his lips, about to say something but Ling Xiao fearlessly interrupted him, "Secondly, if nothing happens at Ling Xiao's place, just how longer were you going to give Ling Xiao the cold shoulder?"

说着，凌萧将前几日的玉掏出，摊开放在皇帝的眼前，抿唇道："您不喜凌萧拿着它，与凌萧说来就是，您这样'容忍'着凌萧拿着它，却好几日不曾踏进凌萧的宫殿，您让凌萧怎么想？又想让凌萧怎么做？"

While he spoke, Ling Xiao then took out the jade from a couple days ago, and laid it in front of the Emperor's gaze. He pursed his lips and said, "You don't like Ling Xiao holding onto this, yet you "put up" with Ling Xiao holding onto it. But then you don't come to Ling Xiao's palace for several days, how do you think Ling Xiao would think? What do you want Ling Xiao to do?"

说完，凌萧作势要将玉扔掉，皇帝神情一凛，呵斥的话脱口而出："放肆！"

After he finished speaking, Ling Xiao put on an attitude of wanting to throw the jade away. The Emperor's gaze instantly went cold, he berated him, "Impudent!"

凌萧一顿，皇帝已挡在了凌萧的身前，捉住了凌萧抬起的手，阻止了他的动作。

Ling Xiao paused and the other moved in front of him, catching his raised hand to prevent his action.

凌萧愕然，手下一阵疼痛，是皇帝握着自己的手在暗暗用力，凌萧咬牙承受，看向面前的帝王。

Stunned, he felt a burst of pain from the Emperor's tight hold. He clenched his teeth and bore with it while looking at the monarch in front of him.

除了亲热的时候，这还是凌萧第一次与皇帝这么接近，接近的可以看见他一根根的眼睫毛，长顺的半遮住充满怒气的眼，

Besides when they affectionate, this was actually the first time Ling Xiao was so close him, so close that he could see each eyelash, and the anger in those half-lidded eyes.

发怒的皇帝就宛如发怒的狮子，浑身充满了威胁，原本在凌萧面前已经收起的帝威，此刻倾泻而出，压制的凌萧止不住的颤抖。

An angry Emperor was like an angry lion, a threatening aura covered him. The aura that was originally put away in front of Ling Xiao, now poured out, pressuring Ling Xiao until he could only tremble.

凌萧倔强的忍受，目光坦荡的对视着面前的帝王。

Ling Xiao stubbornly endured it, his gaze firmly facing the monarch before him.

僵持了片刻，皇帝率先放开了凌萧。

After the deadlock lasted for a short while, the Emperor let go of him.

"朕赏赐的东西还无人敢扔，尤其是当着朕的面。"

"The things that We have bestowed, no one has ever dared to thrown it away. Especially in front of Us."

这就算是解释了他发怒的原因吗？

Was this the explanation for why he got angry?"

凌萧却并不认为事情这么简单。

But Ling Xiao did not believe that things were so simple.

可皇帝不愿说，他又怎么能得知。

But the Emperor wasn't willing to talk about it, so how was he supposed to find out?

"朕赏赐给了你，就好好拿着，这玉除了你无人配拿。"

"We have bestowed it to you, so take good care of it. Besides you, no one can touch this jade."

皇帝此话有些奇怪，凌萧想要问清楚，皇帝却已转移了话题。

The Emperor's words were a bit strange. When he wanted to ask, the Emperor had already shifted the topic.

"冉妃之事，无论原因如何，你都做得太过，罚你俸禄一年，你可有异议？"

"The matter with Concubine Ran, no matter the reason, you were too excessive. Your punishment will be one year of salary, do you have any objections?"

凌萧跪地领命："凌萧无异议。"

Ling Xiao knelt to accept the order, "Ling Xiao has no objections."

这事本来就是过分了的，被罚是理所当然，何况皇帝罚的，在有内库钥匙的自己的面前，根本无足轻重。

The matter was too excessive, so being punished was natura. Besides, although the Emperor punished him, he had the key to the warehouse, so it was simply insignificant.

凌萧怎么会有异议。

How could he have objections?

"那好。"皇帝说着，微弯身扶起凌萧，搂着他的腰带到桌边坐下道："那'我'和你好好谈谈。"

"That's good." The Emperor bent down to support Ling Xiao up, hugging his waist and sat down by the table. "Then you and 'I' can have a nice chat."

TL Note: !!! Finally?!

皇帝自称的是'我'而非'朕'，凌萧讶然的瞪眼。

The Emperor referred to himself as 'I' and not 'We', causing Ling Xiao to widen his eyes in shock.

心中却在窃喜，皇帝这样算是将自己与他真正等同了么？

But he was secretly delighted in his heart, did this mean the Emperor was now putting him on equal footing with him?

这样，让凌萧感觉自己与皇帝贴近了许多。

Like this, it made Ling Xiao feel that he and the Emperor were much more intimate.

但凌萧同时也发现，皇帝说这话的时候，特意加重了好好谈谈四字，这样的加重语气，让凌萧心下明白，皇帝的怒气并没有过去，只是皇帝一直是个理智的人，怒气并不能影响他的决策。

But at the same time, Ling Xiao noticed that when the Emperor said that line, he had added weight to those last five words. This kind of emphasis made it clear to him that the Emperor's anger was not gone. It was just that he had always been a rational man, his anger did not influence his decisions.

此时，他说要跟自己好好谈谈，也就是要和自己算账，不知为何，思及此，凌萧浑身一颤，心中升起了一些不安。

At this moment, he said he was going to have a nice chat with him, that meant he was going to make him pay. He didn't know why, but when he thought about it, Ling Xiao started to tremble, a feeling of unease rose in his heart.

皇帝一直斜眼瞧着身侧的凌萧，见他面色变幻，也将他面上的不安瞧的一清二楚。

The Emperor was looking at him from the side the entire time, so he could see his expression changing and clearly make out his unease.

刚刚还张牙舞爪，转瞬间就宛如小猫一般举着粉嫩的爪子试探般的伸出，倏时，内心的强压下怒火消失殆尽。

He had just done from threatening gestures, yet in a moment, it turned into a kitten that was probing him with its tiny claws. The raging anger he had been keeping in check in his heart now almost completely disappeared.

只余这人留在心房，满满涨涨的，牵动着自己的心。

Only this man could stay in his heart, growing and effecting his heart.

皇帝带着无奈的叹息。

The Emperor heaved a sigh that carried his helplessness.

这已经不知是他今天的第几次叹息了，回想起，他过去的年华里，都不曾叹息这般多。

He didn't even know how many times he had sighed today. When he thought back to his past years, he hadn't even sigh this many times.

"朕不能找你，你就不懂来找朕吗？"皇帝轻轻的说着，带着一丝苦闷："朕还能将你拒之门外不成？"

"If We don't come find you, can't you come find Us?" The Emperor softly spoke, a hint of depression in his words, "How could We refuse to see you?"

"......"凌萧沉默，自己还真没有想过主动去找皇帝，这几天，赌气一般，就想看看皇帝什么时候会过来。

"......" Ling Xiao went silent, he really hadn't thought about trying to go find the Emperor. These past few days, like he was peeved, he wanted to see just when was the Emperor going to come see him.

结果，自己这样的赌气，不仅让两人几天没见，还将简单的事情复杂化了，凌萧一阵懊恼。

In the end, his act of being peeved not only caused the two to not see each other for several days, but also made such a simple affair so complicated. Ling Xiao felt annoyed.

眼瞧着凌萧悔恨得五官皱在了一起，宛如幼猫一般，可爱的紧，皇帝微微弯了弯唇角，俯身在凌萧头顶落下一吻。

Eyeing Ling Xiao's remorseful face that caused his face to wrinkle, it was so adorable like a small cat. The Emperor smiled and leaned over to land a kiss on top of Ling Xiao's head.

凌萧微微一颤，明明被吻的是头顶，却似是全身肌肤都快烧着了一般，发烫发热。

Ling Xiao trembled a bit, it was obviously his head that was kissed, yet it felt like all the skin on his body was rapidly burning, causing his whole temperature to rise.

凌萧掩饰一般，抬眸说道："那好，就算这件事你我扯平了，你没来找我，我同样没有去找你，谁也不能怨谁。"

Like he was trying to cover it up, he raised his eyes to look at him and said, "Alright then, let's consider this matter even. You didn't come find me, and I didn't come find you. Neither of us can blame each other.

"恩。"见凌萧面若桃李，皇帝眼神暗了暗，漫不经心的应了一声。

"Hm." Seeing how Ling Xiao's face was like a peach, the Emperor's eyes darken a bit and absent-mindedly answered.

声音沙哑，性感非常。

His voice was husky, full of sex appeal.

凌萧心跳如雷，脑中不由浮现前几日的缠绵，他忙甩了甩头，甩掉脑子里不合时宜的想法，扯回话题道："皇上，冉妃你打算如何安抚？"

Ling Xiao's heart jumped like thunder and his mind couldn't help but recall back to when they tangled together. He quickly shook his head, throwing out that untimely thought from his mind and replied like he was trying to change the subject, "Your Majesty, how are you planning to pacify Concubine Ran?"

皇帝闻言，目光轻移道："她近日太过猖狂，便冷着罢。"

The Emperor's gaze was very light as he replied, "She has been too cruel recently, she can cool off."

"冷着？"凌萧讶然："您不去探望她？"

"Cool off?" Ling Xiao was surprised, "You aren't going to visit her?"

"怎么，你希望朕去？"皇帝挑眉不悦的望向凌萧。

"What, you wish for Us to go?" The Emperor raised an eyebrow, displeased.

凌萧连忙摇头："当然不是，只是她是吏部尚书之女，而朝堂不是在宰相下台之后，权利便倾向于吏部尚书了么，这如今......"

Ling Xiao quickly shook his head, "Of course not, but she is the daughter of the High Official of the Ministry of Appointments. And ever since the Prime Minister fell, the court's power has been inclining towards him. Nowadays..."

"看来你也不是真正对朝堂之事无知。"皇帝意有所指的说道。

"Looks like you're not truly ignorant of what is going on in the assembly." The Emperor somewhat pointedly said.

凌萧被噎了一下，没敢回话，皇帝虽对他宠信有加，但是，涉及到朝堂凌萧还是万分小心的。

Ling Xiao was choked for a moment and did not dare to reply. Although the Emperor doted and trust him to an extreme, Ling Xiao was very careful about getting involved with court matters.

凌萧宛如兔子一般的神情，自然没有逃过皇帝的眼睛，皇帝眯眼，低声道："你不必如此，朕没有责怪你的意思，你若真好奇吏部尚书，明日便跟朕一起去早朝。"

His rabbit-like appearance naturally did not escape the Emperor's eyes. He squinted his eyes and said in a low voice, "You don't need to be like this, We are not blaming you. If you are really curious about him, then you can come with Us to the morning assembly tomorrow."

"早朝？我？"凌萧惊讶。

"Morning assembly? Me?" Ling Xiao was in shock.

皇帝挑眉看向凌萧："你莫不是忘了，朕将工部尚书的职位交给了你？"

The Emperor raised an eyebrow at him, "Could it be that you have forgotten? We had given the post of High Official of Ministry of Works to you?

"......"那不是一个虚名吗？虽说允许自己听政，但什么时候去听，凌萧可不曾听皇帝说来，皇帝不说，自己怎么敢妄动。

"......" Wasn't that just a fake position? Although he was allowed to listen to politics, but when he was allowed to go listen to it, he never heard the Emperor say so he didn't dare to do anything.

见凌萧面色古怪，以为他觉得压力深重，皇帝宽慰道："你不在的时候，原工部尚书仍代你行职，你不可太过紧张，朕将这位置给你，本就没想你操劳，朕想的不过是你脑子里那些稀奇古怪的配方。"

Seeing how Ling Xiao's face was a bit strange, he thought he was feeling pressured and consoled him, "When you're not present, the former High Official of the Ministry of Works takes your place. You don't need to be too nervous, when We gave this post to you, we didn't mean to make you work hard. We only thought of those strange formulas in your mind."

"配方？"凌萧皱眉。

"Formula?" Ling Xiao frowned.

皇帝意有所指的道："比如火药。"

The Emperor pointedly said, "Like the gunpowder."

凌萧恍然，内心复杂："原来皇上打得是这个主意。"

Ling Xiao immediately understood, his heart complicated, "So Your Majesty was thinking about that."

凌萧的语气，有些阴阳怪气，皇帝听了眉头紧锁，状似无意的瞥了凌萧一眼："你也可拒绝，朕带领的牧国，即使没有你那稀奇古怪的玩意，也将是天下最强，有了你那些玩意，不过是锦上添花，意义并不大。"

Ling Xiao's tone was a bit strange, causing the Emperor's brows to pull together tightly. Like he was carelessly giving him a glance, he said, "You can also refuse. With Us leading Mu Country, even if we don't have those strange things of yours, we can also become the strongest under heaven. With your things, it is only extra decoration, there isn't much meaning."

皇帝不清楚凌萧脑子里究竟装了多少东西，但这话说得狂妄，状似牧国将永远矗立在世界顶端一般。

The Emperor wasn't clear about just how many things goes on in Ling Xiao's mind, but what he said was rather arrogant, like Mu Country will forever be a tower that exists far above.

不过，自上次牧国重创邵国以来，牧国士气大涨，这百年间，天下确实难有敌手。

However, ever since the last time Mu Country inflicted serious damaged onto Shao Country, Mu Country's morale had greatly rose. In these hundred years, it really was hard finding an opponent for them.

这皇帝，有狂妄的资本。

This Emperor had the capability to be arrogant.

凌萧敛眸，他如今人都跟了皇帝，什么都坦白了，还有什么可保留的？

Ling Xiao rolled his eyes. Nowadays he was following the Emperor and confessed everything, what else does he have in reserve?

思及此，凌萧抿唇道："凌萧自当为皇上效力。"

Thinking around, Ling Xiao pursed his lips and said, "Ling Xiao will serve Your Majesty well."

皇帝扬眉，轻轻握了握凌萧的手，拉着他坐在了自己的腿上，拥在了怀里。

The Emperor raised an eyebrow at his declaration, then gently held his hand, pulling him to sit onto his legs, embracing him.

"不可操劳。"

"You're not allowed to work hard."

"恩。"凌萧心中一暖，轻轻应了一声，眼珠一转，心中一个想法袭来，便琢磨着开口道："皇上，凌萧愿为皇上做事，但也有一个疑问，希望皇上能回答凌萧。"

"Hm." Ling Xiao's heart warmed, and softly replied. His eyes then turned and thought floated up, he wavered for a moment before saying, "Your Majesty, Ling Xiao hopes to handle matters for Your Majesty. But Ling Xiao has a question and wishes Your Majesty can answer."

皇帝用询问的眼神望向凌萧。

The Emperor used an inquiring gaze on him.

凌萧直视皇帝道："皇上，红叶在您心里是什么？"

Ling Xiao said it straightforwardly, "Your Majesty, what is Hong Ye in your heart?"

"......"皇帝微微一顿，皱眉道："冉妃挑拨的？"

"......" The Emperor slightly paused, frowned and asked, "Concubine Ran instigated it?"

"虽是挑拨，但不可否认，是凌萧的心结。"凌萧直白道。

"Although she did, it cannot be denied that it's Ling Xiao's sore point." Ling Xiao frankly answered.

皇帝嗤了一声："这冉妃果然不可留。"

The Emperor laughed once, "This Concubine Ran really cannot be kept."

这话说的凌萧的心凉了凉，皇帝的意思难道是红叶的事不该让自己有所察觉？

Those words caused Ling Xiao's heart to chill, did the Emperor mean the matter with Hong Ye wasn't supposed to known to him?

难道皇帝真的对红叶......

Could it be that the Emperor to Hong Ye really...

凌萧面色沉了沉。

Ling Xiao's complexion turned a bit down.

"小李子，你打算如何处置？"皇帝开口，越过了凌萧的问题，却问了凌萧一个差点被他遗忘的存在。

"How are you planning to deal with Xiao Lizi?" The Emperor passed by Ling Xiao's question but brought up something he almost forget about.

凌萧微微一愣，随即问道："皇上您都知道了？"

Ling Xiao stared blankly at him and immediately asked back, "Even Your Majesty knows?"

皇帝不可置否，凌萧想想也是，有些事自己都能清楚，皇帝比自己聪明千百倍，怎会不知道。

Nothing can be hidden from him. Ling Xiao felt it was rather natural, some things even he knows clearly while the Emperor was a hundred thousand times smarter than him. How could he not know?

但小李子是皇帝身边的人，凌萧虽然刚才疏忽了小李子这件事，却早晚会把小李子交给皇帝处置，可如今，皇帝却反过来问他要怎么处置。

But Xiao Lizi was someone by the Emperor's side. Although he had neglected the matter with Xiao Lizi just now, it was something the Emperor would had dealt with eventually. Now now, the Emperor had reversed it and asked how he wanted to handle it.

凌萧有些楞然，不由表达意思道："小李子是跟在皇帝身边的人，自然是由皇上处置。"

Ling Xiao was a bit confused, and expressed himself, "Xiao Lizi is someone by Your Majesty's side, it should naturally be handled by you."

皇帝轻轻摇头："他是你带着的，朕才升他为总管，如今他犯了事，自是你来处置。"

The Emperor softly shook his head, "He was taken along by you, that was why We had made him the Steward. So now that he has made a mistake, you should handle it."

"......皇上。"凌萧内心有些感动，皇帝虽然看起来冷冰冰的，却比什么人都细心。

"...Your Majesty." Ling Xiao's heart was a bit touched, although the Emperor always looked icy, he was much more attentive than anyone else.

细心的知道照顾自己的心情，明明是个不可一世的君王，却有着能溺死人一般的柔情。

So attentive as to take in account of his mood. He was obviously an unparalleled Sovereign King, yet carried such gentleness that could drown a person.

凌萧内心被打动，突觉自己对面前的帝王又多了几分喜欢。

Being so touched, a few more points of love toward him grew.

"朕既然应允了你共度一生的承诺，那有些事你也该知道了。"说着，皇帝微微推搡着凌萧，站了起来。

"Since We have promised to spend all of Our life with you, then there are some things you should know." After he said that, he slightly pushed Ling Xiao and stood up.

"你处置了小李子，便来贤妃宫中罢，朕等你，也将在那里将红叶之事与你坦白。"

"After you deal with Xiao Lizi, come to Concubine Xian's place to find Us. We will wait there for you and honestly tell you about the matter with Hong Ye."

皇帝说完，负手而出。

With those words said, he left with his hands behind his back.

惦记着皇帝的坦白，凌萧让暗咏暗香将吓昏厥了的小李子押上来，对小李子的处置也很漫不经心，心中奇怪，皇帝为何一定要自己处置了小李子再去贤妃宫中，与他一道去不好么。

With his mind constantly on the Emperor, Ling Xiao had An Yong and An Xiang bring up the Xiao Lizi who fainted from fear. He was also very indifferent toward Xiao Lizi's punishment. He felt strange, why did the Emperor must have him deal with Xiao Lizi then go to Concubine Xian's palace? Wouldn't it be better to go together?

"公子，主子是怕您一时气愤，处罚太过，到头来又后悔。"暗香似是瞧出了凌萧的心事，多嘴说了一句。

"Young Master, Master is afraid that you would punish him too excessively in your anger, then regret it." An Xiang seem to have seen through worry and told him.

凌萧疑惑的望向暗香，暗香却自知失言一般抿紧了唇，低头不再开口。

Ling Xiao looked toward her in confusion, but An Xiang knew she had said too much and tightly kept her lips closed. Keeping her head low, she said no more.

凌萧苦笑："我说，好暗香，你每次说话都一半一半的，不是让公子我白着急么？"

Ling Xiao bitterly smiled, "I need to say, you're too good An Xiang. Every time you speak, you always just say things in halves, aren't you just making me worry more?"

暗香咬唇："可若奴婢说了，主子的苦心就白费了。"

An Xiang bit her lips, "But if this servant were to say it, then Master's painstaking effort would go to waste."

凌萧眉头跳了跳："你已经开了个头，便算是说了，如今只剩两个选择，一个我押着小李子去见皇上，当面问他，一个是你自己说。"

Ling Xiao's eyebrow twitched, "Since you've already said part of it, then keep talking. You only have two choices right now, the first one is I take Xiao Lizi with me to go see the Emperor and ask him myself. The other is for yourself to tell me."

暗香苦着脸，懊恼的神情一览无遗。

An Xiang made a bitter face, her annoyance was plain to see.

凌萧也不急，静静的看着暗香，等她开口，他知道涉及到了皇帝，暗香怎么都会开口的。

Ling Xiao was also not in a hurry and peacefully looked at her, waiting for her to speak. He knew that once he involved the Emperor, she would always speak.

果然，暗香迟疑了片刻，缓缓说道："公子，这小李子不是个好的，冉妃固然威逼了他，但实际上，他自己也防着您。"

As expected, An Xiang hesitated for a moment before slowly explaining, "Young Master, this Xiao Lizi isn't a good one, although Concubine Ran did threaten him, he was also on guard against you."

"他是您带过的，而后偷偷学了您一些本事就跟了主子，那时您与主子还并没有这般要好，那小李子怕您小心眼，怪责他攀上了主子，便一心想着您的权利不能做大，这般才联合了冉妃行事。"

"He followed you and sneakily learned some of your skills and followed after Master. At that time, you and Master weren't on such good terms. That Xiao Lizi was afraid of you being petty and blame him for climbing up to Master, and kept thinking how to limit your power. So he joined with Concubine Ran."

"......"凌萧皱眉，其实这事自己心中也隐隐有了察觉，自己每次见到小李子都没有好脸色，也不外乎小李子会觉得自己小心眼会回头报复他。

"......" Ling Xiao frowned, actually, he already had a faint idea that it was like that. Every single time he saw Xiao Lizi, he never had a good face on. He did not blame Xiao Lizi for thinking he was petty and retaliate against him.

但实际上凌萧虽怨小李子不够忠诚，但他是唯一跟过自己的小太监，自己也真不会怪责他到哪里去，不然，他早已死了千百遍了。

In fact, Ling Xiao blamed Xiao Lizi for not being loyal enough. But he was just an eunuch that followed him before, he wouldn't really do anything to him. Otherwise, Xiao Lizi would had died thousands of times long ago.

但小李子终究太蠢，并没有想过，自己要报复早已经报复，怎么会等到现在，他没有花心思让自己对他改观，反而，跟自己耍起了心眼。

Unfortunately, Xiao Lizi was too stupid in the end and didn't think about how if he wanted to make reprisals, he would had done so long ago. Why would he wait until now? He did not work hard to change how he viewed him, rather, he decided to plot against him.

"即是如此，这跟冉妃红叶有什么关系，为何一定要自己先处置了他？"

"Even so, what does this have to do with Concubine Ran and Hong Ye? Why must he be handled first?"

"......"暗香为难的皱眉，几次张口又闭上，很难启齿的模样。

"......" An Xiang awkwardly frowned. She opened her mouths many times then closed it, having a very hard time speaking.

凌萧着急："你倒是说啊。"

Ling Xiao was worry, "Hurry up and tell me."

暗香被催的紧了，咬牙道："他不仅联合了冉妃，还暗自勾结了红叶，想让红叶成为主子的新欢，红叶几次三番求见主子，都是这小李子给通报的，也有好几次，是小李子暗中计谋主子和红叶'碰巧'会面，他表面跟您说着这红叶不是个省心的，说是贤妃撮合红叶和主子，实际上，暗地里，真正撮合红叶与主子是他自个。"

An Xiang clenched her teeth while being urged, "He didn't just work with Concubine Ran, he also colluded with Hong Ye, trying to make Hong Ye Master's new lover. Hong Ye tried over and over again to see Master and it was all because this Xiao Lizi informed her. There was also several times it was Xiao Lizi secretly strategizing how to make Master and Hong Ye meet 'by chance'. He said outwardly how this Hong Ye was a troublesome individual, saying how it was Concubine Xian who was playing matchmaker with Hong Ye and Master. But in fact, in secret, it was him who was playing the real matchmaker between Hong Ye and Master.

"......"凌萧闻言，恶狠狠的盯着昏厥在地的小李子，咬牙道："这些，皇上都知道？"

"......" Ling Xiao glared at the unconscious Xiao Lizi on the ground, clenched his teeth and asked, "Does the Emperor know all of this?"

暗香低头不语，答案已然在了凌萧的心中。

An Xiang kept her head down and did not speak, but the answer was also in Ling Xiao's mind.

"他知道，为何还让小李子这般作为下去？为何不拒绝红叶的求见？"

"He knew, then why did he let Xiao Lizi continue? Why did he not refuse Hong Ye looking for him?"

暗香垂眸："奴婢......不知。"

An Xiang looked down, "This servant...doesn't know."

"好个小李子！"凌萧冷笑。

"What a great Xiao Lizi!" Ling Xiao coldly smiled.

暗香连忙跪在地道："公子，您息怒，主子就是担心您知道这事以后会被怒气蒙蔽了双眼，知您虽然嘴上不说，但小李子跟过您一段时间，您对他有些情谊在，怕您将来后悔......"

An Xiang quickly knelt on the ground, "Young Master, please calm down! This was what Master was worried about, that you would be so angered at being deceived. Although you don't say it, Xiao Lizi had followed you for some time, you have some friendship with him. He was afraid you would regret..."

"你放心，我不会后悔。"凌萧讽笑："为了一个不忠诚的人，我还不至于后悔。"

"You don't need to worry, I will not regret it." Ling Xiao mockingly smiled, "For a unloyal person, I will not regret."

说着，凌萧昂首道："暗咏，把他送出宫，送出京城，此生都不准出我的面前。"

After he spoke, Ling Xiao head his head high as he ordered, "An Yong, send him out of the palace, out of the capital. In this life, he is not allowed to ever show himself in front of me."

暗咏微叹了口气，轻声应道："是。"

An Yong faintly sighed, then softly answered, "Yes."

说完，凌萧不再看小李子一样，转身往贤妃宫殿而去。

After he finished speaking, Ling Xiao no longer looked at Xiao Lizi and turned away, walking for Concubine Xian's palace.

皇帝到底跟贤妃和红叶什么关系，要这般护着她们，尤其是红叶，知晓在眼皮底下耍花样，皇帝还视而不见。

Just what kind of relationship does the Emperor have with Concubine Xian and Hong Ye for him to protect them like this? Especially Hong Ye, he knew that she was doing stuff behind him back, but the Emperor still turn a blind eye.