Tyrant Pampering Wife Diary

Chapters 1-20

THIS IS FOR OFFLINE PURPOSES!!! THIS IS NOT MY STORY!! CREDITS TO THE REAL AUTHOR!!

Chapter 1 Rebirth

[My Clarification because I know Chinese names are confusing:

Song Song: Main character,

Song Ge: MC's half brother who he hates

Song Shi (Ah-Shi, affectionate nickname): MC's other asshole half brother

Song Guogong: MC's father

Li Xiao: Main love; Mad King by popular nickname but officially Ping Wang, which translates to King of Peace (also Chang Ji is used by close family member)]

Song Song felt himself being kicked.

Strange. Song Song thought. He had been floating around as a ghost all these years. When his child was stolen, he tried passing through the body of his enemy countless times. The thought of strangling the other growing stronger each time, yet in the end, he was still unable to physically grasp his enemy's neck. His consciousness had already dissipated, so why does it suddenly feel like he had a body?

Just as he finished thinking this, his hair was suddenly grabbed. A malevolent face came into view, stunning him for a moment.

"Stop pretending to be dead." The man threatened: "The Mad King has already entered our estate. This is a once in a lifetime opportunity for the Song family. All the hard work of creating the holy medicine isn't completed just because you ate it. Tonight, you must serve him well. If you try to slack off, I'll peel your skin."

Song Song continued to look at him, but still had trouble reacting.

"Ah-Shi." Right at this moment, a warm voice suddenly sounded: "Quickly release our elder brother."

The boy named Ah-Shi immediately let go and tossed Song Song away by the hair. This body was too weak. Even casually thrown, Song song felt dizzy and blurred vision. He blinked, saw a lock of long hair drop in front of him. It was broken off by the boy because of excess strength.

He heard Song Shi's contemptuous voice by his ears. "Just a wild seed of a lowly business girl, is still worthy of being called elder brother by us? Brother, you are too kind."

Song Ge shook his head helplessly, walked slowly to Song Song and crouched, holding his thin shoulders gently to help him up: "Ah-shi is mischievous. Elder brother, don't be bothered by him okay?"

Song Song slowly raised his face to look at him.

This was a face that's warm like jade, with a hint of worry between his brows, as if concerned that their brother's relationship will sour. This was also an extremely familiar face that Song Song abhor. Even after passing away many years, he still remembered this face clearly. He had been waiting all that time for Song Ge to die. Pity that moment never came.

Song Song often thought, if Song Ge's entire life was written on paper, it would be just five words: "A thousand years of calamity."

Song Song once thought that the entire Song family was terrible except Song Ge. He only discovered later that Song Ge was the real evil. He quietly controlled the Song family to humiliate him while self proclaiming to protect him. In reality, everytime after Song Song was protected, his situation became even worse.

He remembered all of this very clearly. Today... After his body was painfully altered, he was given as a gift to the Mad King by the Song family.

The real name of the Mad King was Li Xiao, privately Chang Ji. His official title was Ping Wang, King of Peace, but the name of the Mad King was more well known, which he himself approved.

Li Xiao was a talented genius since he was a child. The Emperor had high hopes for him and praised him personally: 'His literary skills can settle the country. His strength can □□, the world will be in my son's palm.' It is also because of this praise Li Xiao's life resulted in tragedy. At the age of eleven, he was fed a strange poison, crazily lived 5 whole years. Although he was cleaned of the poison later, his mental state continued to remain unstable. Because of his unparalleled martial strength, when he lost control, no one could stop him, leading to countless murders.

Originally such a person would be avoided like the plague, but after detoxification, Li Xiao was sent to the battlefield and led wars one versus one hundred. To the enemy, he was pure death god personified. Although his mental state was sometimes good, sometimes bad. When good, he's still able to strategize and scheme. Therefore, he quickly took command of the army and continued to maintain power in the court.

As the Emperor's health continued to decline, the court quickly split into two factions, one to support the crown prince, one to support the mad king. While the crown prince's supporters are firm, they have no real power. But the mad king is called the mad king not only because of his episodes. Even when his mood is stable, there seemed to be a hint of insanity that seeped into his bones. People say in private, once the Emperor dies, the crown prince will be helpless like a rabbit to a mad wolf. Unable to obtain support from the senior court officials and acknowledgement from the Emperor, the mad king will seize control illegitimately. It's uncertain what the mad king himself thought about this rumor.

(My clarification: The crown prince and the mad king are both sons of the Emperor. The crown prince is the son that the Emperor declares will inherit the throne if he dies. Here, they're saying that the crown prince at the moment is weak. So the people supporting the mad king want the emperor to change his mind and declare the mad king as the crown prince instead. BUT at the same time, they are kind of afraid because of the mad king's illness. Currently, people think that the mad king will just stage a coup to get rid of the crown prince after the emperor dies in order to ascend the throne.)

In such a big political scene, there are countless people like the Song family supporting both sides. The Song family already sent beautiful women to crown prince, but the crazy king did not like women, that's why Song Song became the tool to curry favor.

The Song family believed if Song Song, who had taken the holy medicine, can give birth to a child, he would become irreplaceable to the mad king. However, this was only a possibility. The side effects of the holy medicine were unknown so they didn't want to risk their other children to test it.The pitifully weak bastard child Song Song was the best choice.

(My clarification: Song Song's mother was the first wife married to his father, but because she was from a merchant family, not from a government family, her status was lowered to a concubine. So Song Song's status is the son of a concubine, which is considered lower than children of the main wife. I'm just going to use bastard child here, but note that his parents were married.)

Especially since...if Song Song were successful, they can just let the more outstanding Song Ge take the child and replace Song Song's position. If Song Song were unsuccessful and died... it wouldn't be much of a loss.

"Elder Brother?" Because Song Song didn't answer for a long time, a flash of impatience passed through Song Ge's eyes. Song Song finally returned from his thoughts. He looked at this man in front of him, who in the previous life, stole his appearance and his child, and used his name to successfully become the male empress of the ascended mad king.

Song Song suddenly felt a dagger in his sleeves. He absent mindedly remembered, this dagger was something he prepared to use to suicide back then. Later, he was dissuaded by Song Ge. Thankful and feeling like at least he still had one person, Song Ge, who cared about him in the world, he decided to continue living.

He held on to the dagger and finally smiled slowly: "I would never."

His smile was soft and gentle, filled with his usual obedience, but to Song Ge, it felt different from usual. He was thinking about what was different when he heard Song Song state: "How can I be bothered to argue with a dead man?"

There was surprise in his eyes when he saw Song Song's expression lacking the usual dependence and fear. No time to respond, the Song Shi behind him already exploded: "What nonsense are you babbling about? You don't want your life, right?"

Glaring, he rushed over to pick up Song Song's collar and to punch him in the stomach,: "You little..."

Unexpectedly, still kneeling in front of them, Song Ge watched Song Song's dagger stab into Song Shi's chest and panicked, losing his voice, "Song Song! Are you crazy?"

He caught the fallen Song Shi and yelled, "Help, help! Someone get the doctor!"

His shouts quickly attracted a group of people, and Madam Song almost fainted as soon as she entered the door, crying out a sharp voice: "What's going on?!"

Song Shi was carried away by his subordinates, one finger still pointing accusingly at Song Song. He couldn't speak and his throat was filled with blood.

Madam Song screamed suddenly and rushed over to fight Song Song. Song Song didn't try to avoid it. He knew how weak his body normally was due to long-term malnutrition; he was even weaker now due to the recent physical changes. He couldn't even fight against the woman in front of him, but he also knew that Song Ge wouldn't let himself die.

Sure enough, Song Ge pushed Madam Song away and blocked in front of Song Song, shouting "Mother! The mad king is in the living room right now. We already agreed to let him stay for the night. If we send him a dead thing, how are we supposed to explain it to him ?! "

Madam Song's expression was resentful, "Then send over someone else."

"In order to show sincerity, father already expressed he will send one of his own blood." Song Ge stepped forward, his eyes shining: "Which son do you want to send to the mad king to use for pleasure?"

Madam Song lips trembled. She was jealous by nature. Ever since her husband married her, she allowed no one else to enter the door. The concubines who couldn't be pushed away all had to obediently drink a concoction to prevent pregnancy. She herself worked hard and gave birth to seven children, lest her husband's attention was taken away by others. Of her husband's children... Only Song Song can be wasted.

But thinking of the son that was just carried out, she couldn't help but be filled with hatred. Song Ge took a step forward, reached out and supported her body, speaking softly, "Ah-shi will be fine ..."

"What if he loses his life?" Mrs. Song's tears burst out instantly and her body trembled slightly. Song Ge held her hand and helped her out the door, saying: "No matter what kind of condition Ah-shi ends up in, this son will make him pay blood for blood... Just leave him tonight. After tonight, I will give him to mother to punish first thing. We cannot afford the cost of angering the mad king right now. "

Madam Song covered her face and wept. Song Ge tried to persuade her again, "Hurry and go see Ah-Shi , he must be in pain."

Madam Song hurried away. Song Ge turned around to look at Song Song, slowly said: "Why do you do that? Are you crazy?"

Song Song rubbed his eyes, smiled sleepily and said, "I'm tired."

Originally, he was targeted by Song Shi because he wanted to secretly run away. In the previous life, he was drugged and thrown directly on the mad king's bed. Song Ge even explained graciously that this way, it wouldn't hurt him too much. But now was no longer the same as before. Song Song no longer planned to run. He climbed directly into bed and laid in this luxurious room that he normally wouldn't be allowed in--- Nowadays, he slept in the storage room where there wasn't even a wooden plank to lay on. He was only able to sleep in a soft bed and receive love from his father back when his mother was still alive.

Lying in bed, Song Song couldn't actually fall asleep. He knew that when the mad king leaves tomorrow, his situation would be more miserable than in the previous life. But whatever. Worse come to worst, he'll take a few down with him before he dies.

He will never give Song Ge the chance to use his flesh and blood to gain benefits again.

But this was only the worst outcome. Of course, if the mad king were willing to take him away, it would be the best.

He remembered in the previous life. When that person had his outbursts, if someone called out his name, that person would immediately calm down... but Song Song wasn't completely certain, if the person that woke that person was really him or Song Ge who took his name at that time.

Just what kind of meaning was his existence to that person?

Although his spirit is not tired, his body is really exhausted. The pain of being physically changed in previous life is still deeply ingrained in his memory. Song Song soon began to feel groggy.

Unknown amount of time passed, he heard the voice of Song Guogong (Song Song's Father) from outside: "This lowly official will no longer disturb your highness then. Please excuse me."

Song Song immediately woke up.

While he'd seen Li Xiao many times while following Song Ge around as a ghost. In reality, the only contact they had was just one night. Just thinking about those hands that were sometimes gentle and sometimes harsh made his scalp tingle.

He pulled on the quilt, closed his eyes and held his breath, thinking what he could do to please him.

The door of the room was pushed open and closed. Song Song heard the steady footsteps of the other party, getting closer and closer ...

He came near, but stopped at the bedside, motionless.

Song Song squeezed the quilt in his hand and turned his face suddenly, lifting the covers of his blankets silently to meet the gaze of that man head on.

Like in the previous life, the man looked down at him quietly. Song Song, however, was no longer scared stiff and shaking like before. He slowly got up and kneeled on the bed, lowering his slender neck and properly greeted, "Your Highness."

Chapter 2 Taken

He looked down at the soft mattress on the bed. Even though he knew that he would be fine tonight, he was still nervous.

"Lift your head and let this king take a look."

What the man said was the same in the previous life, but Song Song had been too scared to even look up then. He doesn't even know if that man was able to see and remember his face in the dark that night.

This time he raised his head to gaze at Li Xiao, who stared at him for a long time. Song Song almost felt as if that gaze were physically, carefully caressing his face inch by inch. He didn't know what Li Xiao was thinking, so he lowered his head down again.

Li Xiao spoke, his voice soft as if afraid to scare him: "What's your name?"

"Song Song."

"Song-er ..." The man chewed the name and Song Song's ears tingled unexpectedly.

Maybe it's because of blood relations, when Song Song was a ghost, he was forced to follow the child stolen by Song Ge. Li Xiao liked the little prince a lot and frequently came to see him. As he looked, he would often daze off. At this time, Song Song would secretly sneak closer. Whenever this happened, Li Xiao would suddenly seem like he noticed something. Eyes bright, he would turn his head to look at him, sometimes calling out, "Song-er?"

But the scorching heat in his eyes would soon fade away and become dark and deep again.

Even if Song Song were standing next to him, he wasn't able to see him.

Song Song's face was squeezed suddenly, pulling him back from his thoughts. He met that man's heavy gaze and deep voice: "Dazing off in front of this king, how very bold of you."

Song Song frowned and hurriedly bowed: "Your highness, please forgive me."

The man chuckled lightly. He reached out and held Song Song's wrist, carefully helped him up and said, "Did this king scare Song-er?"

Song Song immediately shook his head, "No."

Li Xiao sat down beside him, reached out and touched his soft long hair. His gaze fell on Song Song' scrawny shoulders and neck. He was too thin, thin enough to see traces of bone on the back of his neck. Song Song's diet had actually improved recently because the Song family had planned to use him to please the mad king. But for a body that was chronically malnourished, it was impossible for it to recover so quickly in such a short period.

Li Xiao's eyes moved down. He could even see clearly the protruding backbone through his clothes. Such a body, if hugged, would feel quite uncomfortable. Too many sharp edges poking about.

Song Song also noticed this and he was suddenly a little upset.

In the previous life, he was curled up the entire time because of being drugged and afraid. Li Xiao just directly pressed down, but this life ... Did he lose interest after seeing this thin, sunken face?

He furrowed his brow.

Putting aside the issue of whether or not Li Xiao will take him away, Song Song still remembered the tender little face of his child, the sight of his hands and feet gradually spread out. Although the child was later stolen by Song Ge ... But Song Song still wanted a chance to hold him. But if Li Xiao doesn't touch him, doesn't it mean he will never see that child again?

He immediately raised his face and said, "Your Highness, let's go to bed."

He reached out and took the initiative to help Li Xiao undress, leaning close enough to smell a refreshing aroma in the air. Li Xiao took the opportunity to pull him into his arms. Song Song froze and felt the palm of his hand caressing his face. Li Xiao asked, "Would you like to return to my estate with this king?"

Song Song: "!!!"

He was caught off guard by this sudden but welcomed proposition. His eyes lit up instantly, but he pretended to be reserved, lightly pressed his lips together before answering, "Okay."

Li Xiao must have never imagined he'd agree this quickly, a flash of doubt crossed his eyes. But then he quickly laughed, "We will return right now, okay?"

Song Song held back a smile, stared at him without blinking and nodded, "Okay."

After the mad king entered Song Song's room, Song Guogong and Song Ge stayed within the vicinity all this time to check the progress, but they saw that the lights inside the room did not dim, so couldn't help but worry: "This Song Song, can he do it or not?"

If he couldn't even get the mad king to stay for a night, then there's no need to keep his cheap life.

They just finished thinking this when they saw servants open the door and stood respectfully to the side. Stunned, they saw the mad king walk out of the room carrying a cloak wrapped person.

"Father!" Song Ge quickly shouted and the two of them hurriedly blocked Li Xiao before he exited the courtyard: "Wangye, You are ...?"

(Note: Wangye is a respectful title for the prince.)

Li Xiao glanced over and spoke in a nonchalant tone: "This king really likes this little thing. Trouble Song Guogong to relinquish him to me."

Upon hearing the mad king's words, both Song Guogong and Song Ge's face changed minutely. They didn't want to hand over Song Song so quickly. The result of the holy medication was still unknown. What if something happens to Song Song's body one day? If the mad king returned to complain that they gave him defective goods, how could the Song family survive that?

"This, this ... This child, Song-er, is still this lowly official's child. If wangye wants to take him away ..."

"What?" The crazy king's tone was jesting yet dangerous: "Unwilling to part?"

This 'unwilling to part' fell into Song Guogong's ears and became 'you dare stop me'? Everyone knows Li Xiao suffers from uncontrollable rage. If he happened to kill an official, then it'd be considered "unintentional." Song Guogong immediately lowered his head. Song Ge took a step forward and respectfully said: "Elder brother is fortunate to be liked by wangye. However, elder brother's personality is timid and weak. We're only afraid he won't be able to handle wangye's heavy favor. Why don't wangye ask him personally? After all... he's not a slave to be casually bought and sold."

While Song Song acted very out of character earlier, Song Ge only thought he was like a cornered rabbit, baring teeth at that moment in face of danger. Song Ge presumed he probably returned to being timid again. And while the conditions at home weren't all that good, it's still a place that Song Song was used to. To force him to face the mad king daily? It'd be no different than forcing him to walk the tightrope daily.

And plus, the last sentence was also intentionally said for Song Song to hear.

If it were the previous life, Song Song no doubt would have felt moved by Song Ge's last sentence and be convinced to stay. People always treated him as inferior, only Song Ge seemed to see him as a person back then. And at that time, after the night was over, it was also Song Ge who helped him run away. He told Song Song, if the mad king really liked him, he would be forcibly captured and taken away. Back then, Song Song was timid like a mouse and didn't know any better. Song Ge said that the mad king might even torture and then kill him. He believed everything.

Later when he heard that the mad king was looking for him everywhere, he became afraid to even go outside. Song Ge was the only one by his side every day. He always regarded Song Ge as a close family, but the other party ended up taking his life after childbirth.

Song Ge smiled and looked at Song Song whose face was covered by the cloak, waiting to see his familiar cowardly and pale white face, but unexpectedly, Song Song calmly pushed aside a corner of the cloak, revealing his face. Without even sparing a glance at Song Ge, he wrapped his arms around Li Xiao's neck and whispered, "Where wangye goes, I will go also."

This reply almost rotted Song Ge's teeth. His face turned sour, but Li Xiao's eyes brightened by a degree. He was done speaking and carried Song Song directly into the carriage.

Song Ge followed them outside the house, expression cloudy.

Song Song had always been like dough in his hand, allowing him to squeeze and knead as he wished. But now, this dough suddenly escaped into another person's hands. This change made Song Ge feel unhappy.

He stood for a long time before returning home. Immediately he ran into Madam Song coming out from the inside. She grabbed Song Ge: "I told you we should have killed him! Now he gained connections with the mad king, how can I get revenge for your younger brother? Ah Shi is still unconscious! He's still a kid. To be suddenly stabbed... He must have been very scared ... "

Song Ge gave her a disgusted look, suppressed the irate feeling in his heart, and comforted softly, "I will help him get revenge."

He said, "Song Song will return obediently."

As soon as Song Song was placed into the carriage, he immediately prepared to get out of the mad king's arms. To continue to be held like this... was a bit impetuous.

However, the other party had no plans to let go. Upon noticing his struggles, he even tightened his arm slightly. He chuckled into Song Song's ear and said, "Song Er's mouth is really sweet."

The breath that blew across Song Song's ear felt itchy and made him flinch away slightly. However, because he was still thinking about wanting the child, he replied smoothly, "Does wangye want a taste?"

Chapter 3 Pampering you

Squeezing Song Song's chin, the man held the back of his head and earnestly and tenderly completed a kiss.

Then he tightened his arms and replied, "It really is very sweet."

Dark eyes gaining a hint of embarrassment, Song Song, who had ulterior motives, couldn't hold back flushing red. He pursed his lips and lowered his head. For some reason, he felt that this king was a little different from how he was in the previous life. Of course, this feeling could be wrong. After all, he only had a one night stand with Li Xiao before.

Li Xiao's fingers combed through his long hair. His eyes dimmed when he saw a few fallen hair strands mixed within his fingers.

Song Song tried to get out of his arms several times, but ended up being held onto tightly. The man took the initiative to ask him, "What does Song-er normally like to eat?"

"Everything is fine." It was lucky if he could even eat normally. How could he possibly dare be picky?

He had always thought that after being a ghost for so long, he'd become more understanding and let go of the past. However, only after rebirth did he find out that all those old grudges were not so easily forgotten. The amount of tenderness and weakness he had in his past life were replaced by the same amount of resentment and need for revenge in this life.

He hated the storage room where he was forced to sleep, hated that he was starved and left without warm clothes to wear, hating his own malleable personality, and hated the father who had treated him like a broken toy since his mother's death. The one he hated the most was Song Ge who pretended to be kind.

Although his heart was heavy, his expression remained calm and quiet, never even hinting at his dark thoughts slightly.

Li Xiao continued to ask: "Is there anything you really want to eat?"

Song Song could not help but look up at him, "Wangye you don't have to worry. This commoner is very easy to raise. If you're happy, then give me one or two mantou and a little fresh water. That would be plenty."

Li xiao said thoughtfully, "Now that really is very easy to raise."

Song Song didn't talk anymore. In the past life, he already learned how to cover up his scars in front of others. Sometimes when his father used to ask about his life, he'd just reply everything was fine. Only later did he understand why only kids who knew how to cry would have candy to eat. He thought by just being obedient and considerate, not causing trouble to others would make others like him. But that was not the case.

Some people even thought his docile nature was just an act.

This time, he didn't mind showing some misery in front of Li Xiao, pretending to be a pitiful but silently enduring character. If this allowed him a hint of sympathy and made his life change for the better, then naturally it's a good thing. If Li Xiao spared no pity for him, however, it'll still be alright. He already had a plan to avoid his previous misfortunes.

The horse-drawn carriage took them all the way to the king's estate. Song Song struggled a bit harder: "Wangye, please allow this commoner to get off by himself."

(Note: the word for estate here is 王府 wangfu, which is not just 1 building but a bunch of houses built with a wall surrounding the area. Large. With lots of servants and other personnels.)

Unwilling to let go, Li Xiao asked, "What are you afraid of?"

He wasn't scared. He just didn't want to go out of the way to attract attention. Although Li Xiao liked men, he probably still had concubines he couldn't avoid accepting. The mad king was notorious. If he were carried out of the carriage, the news would spread throughout the whole residence within a day. Someone might use this as a reason to cause him trouble in the future. He didn't want to make enemies right from the start.

Before he was able to explain, Li Xiao seemed to already understand his thoughts. He pressed close to Song Song's ears, voice deep and low: "From now on, this king will only have you. No one is worthy to fight for favor with you."

Who, who wants to fight for your favor? !!

While Song Song remained surprised, Li Xiao already carried him out of the carriage.

The steward Qi who came to greet them also had the same expression of shock. However, his highness was always eccentric, so he quickly suppressed his confusion and followed the mad king into the main house. He watched wide-eyed as Li Xiao placed the person in his arms onto a chair, extremely gently, as if afraid to accidentally drop him.

The steward Qi saw that person's face clearly and a look of understanding crossed his face. The person was undeniably a great beauty, even though his appearance at the moment looked ghastly. His highness must have been tired of seeing the usual pampered beauties, so casted his attention on this troubled little thing.

It's pretty rare for his highness to find someone he liked. The steward didn't want to disturb his interest. He smiled slightly and said: "I will arrange for people to clean up fengjingyuan right now for gongzi to stay."

(Note: Fengjingyuan is just the name of a residence in the mansion. Usually it's a house with a small courtyard. Gongzi I'm not going to translate. It's a polite title used for a well educated young man, like Mister)

He thoughtfully got ready to complete the task, but heard Li Xiao said, "No need."

He raised his eyes in confusion thinking, perhaps wangye didn't plan to indulge for long and wanted to settle him in a guest room?

But then he saw Li Xiao caressing Song Song's face as if no one else were present and saying in a pleased tone: "Song-er will stay with me."

The steward eyelids twitched. He felt that he must have misheard.

Ever since the establishment of the Dagan dynasty, even the queen did not have the right to eat and sleep in the same residence as the king. The people were divided into different castes. Below the emperor was the king. The queen must understand the difference between her identity and her husband. First, this was the rule. Second, if the emperor was considered to be a heavenly dragon. Then the kings would be considered potential dragons. By extension, the main house where the sons of the dragon live was naturally a sacred place. If someone moved in, it would disturb the feng shui of the place and thereby disturb the aura of the son of the dragon.

(I feel like I should clarify again that the "king" I've been using, wangye, is a title granted to a son of the emperor after they come of age or completed a REALLY important task, signifying they can move out of the palace and have their own property. I'm not using prince because I don't feel like it's high enough in rank. Queen in this case, wangfei, is the main wife of the son of the emperor.)

He reasoned... Maybe the king only planned to let the other stay for one night. Then "entertaining" in the main house wouldn't seem too bizarre. So said: "Then I will go arrange the guest room?"

Li Xiao's possessive eyes showed a flash of dissatisfaction: "This king wants him to live in the main house from now on. What part don't you understand?"

The steward opened his mouth, then quietly closed it. How could he not understand, but it is really outlandish!

However, as an old man who served his highness since he was young, he knew that it was impossible to change his decision. Afraid to provoke him, he quickly replied: "This one understands."

"The weather is cold. Get someone to bring gongzi some warm clothes later. First go prepare dinner."

The steward hurried off to get ready.

Song Song listened to him giving orders one by one, finally had an opportunity to interject: "Your highness, this ..."

"I'm pampering you." Li Xiao squeezed his thin cheeks and said, "My position is higher than yours. You have no right to refuse."

"..." Because of what he said, Song Song could only swallow his protests. He stared at the man in front of him dumbfounded, feeling like his brain was broken.

Although it was pretty impressive that Li Xiao was able to ascend the throne in the previous life, where's he getting all that arrogance from right now? Song Song was just an insignificant character from the house of a government official. How could he ask Li Xiao to break this precedent rule for himself?

What did Li Xiao want?

His skinny body, his sickly yellow face?

But he didn't even have the qualification to refuse. Li Xiao won't allow him even a single word of disagreement.

(Clarification because I find this writer sometimes writes things in the most confusing manner. Here Song Song is being self deprecating. He doesn't think he deserves to be treated special so he wanted to refuse. But Li Xiao is like nah.)

Dinner plates quickly filled an entire table. In his memories, Li Xiao didn't seem to be so extravagant. Song Song held his chopsticks tightly, suddenly feeling like he will be condemned in history.

Where did it go wrong? Why does Li Xiao seem like a different person?

"Try a little of each." Li Xiao helped place food in his dish and said, "See which ones you like."

(Note: Usually it's servants or the wife is the one who places food on the husband's plate. The fact that Li Xiao places food in Song Song's plate here implies a whole lot of affection)

He sneaked close to Song Song's ears and said cryptically: "If there is a dish that you really like, when this king ascends to the throne, I will have it banned."

He said, "So only Song-er can eat it."

Song Song: "..."

He was so scared he dropped his chopsticks!!

Words of a mad man!! Treason!! If the current emperor heard such a thing, he'd say just one word: Kill--

He'll be beheaded too!!

Chapter 4 Sweet Dreams

This was Song Song's first meal with Li Xiao.

He heard of Li Xiao's madness before. When he looked at someone, even if he were smiling, people would be scared stiff. No one knew if, in the next second, he'd grab his sword and slaughter everyone. Even the emperor, when facing this son of his, would order bodyguards to standby. In everyone's eyes, he was a mentally ill.

At that time, no one knew that Song Song's name was the key to controlling his emotions. Even Song Song wasn't sure if his name will continue to have the same effect in this life.

He will have to see as it comes.

The people who served the mad king usually lived in fear. Even his slightest gesture could startle them like scared birds. Today, all of the servants had been sent away.

When Song Song's chopsticks fell on the table, Li Xiao immediately picked it up. He was sitting very close to Song Song. According to uppity scholars, only a concubine or male pet would be so out of line to sit in such close proximity to the master.

Song Song felt slightly uneasy. While the emperor was still alive, even the crown prince wouldn't dare to say that he will definitely become the emperor in the future. Only someone as crazy as Li Xiao would spout such wild talk. However, in Song Song's ears, this represented that Li Xiao either trusted him deeply or was purposely testing him.

(Note: I swear this author has such a roundabout way of saying things sometimes. I'm pretty sure here they're trying to say... Normally Li Xiao has servants around for dinner. They're usually terrified of him. Today, they're not present. It's only Li Xiao and Song Song at the dinner table. Song Song is suspecting he said something outrageous as "I'm going to become emperor" to test his reaction while they're alone together. So now... )

Song Song held his chopsticks again, carefully thinking about his reply. Afraid to anger Li Xiao, he said very lightly: "Your highness, please speak cautiously."

Li xiao wasn't angry and stated: "Song-er is right. This king will pay attention in the future."

Song Song lifted the serving chopsticks and helped fill Li Xiao's plate with food. He could feel the other in good spirits. While eating. Li Xiao suddenly spoke: "Song-er seems to know my tastes pretty clearly."

This is natural. In those years he followed the little prince (Note: he's talking about their son) around, he saw Li Xiao eat many times. Technically to guard from being poisoned, the emperor normally wouldn't eat too much. But since Song Song didn't have much to do as a ghost other than watch and think, he inadvertently remembered what Li Xiao liked to eat.

But he couldn't tell Li Xiao this, so he laughed: "What a coincidence. This commoner likes to eat these dishes as well."

Actually, Li Xiao's tastes were a little heavy. Song Song, who had a weak stomach, prefered something lighter. But since he's used to hardship, it didn't matter to him if the food suited his tastes.

Li Xiao examined him closely. It was uncertain if he saw through the lies. Either way, he didn't point it out, and stated courteously: "If Song-er wants to eat something specific in the future, just ask the kitchen to make it. Gain a little more weight so this king will feel more comfortable embracing you."

Sure enough, he was being rejected..

Song Song nodded. Due to chronic starvation, he couldn't eat a lot in one sitting, but still, he waited for Li Xiao to finish eating before putting down his chopsticks.

Now it's already October. The weather was getting cold, but the inner room of the main house was very warm and burning incense. Song Song followed him into the room, smelling the light aroma. His sight couldn't help but move to examine the delicate small incense burner. Li Xiao saw: "This fragrance has a soothing effect. Song-er should have heard people talk about this king's illness. "

"Heard a little."

Li Xiao's eyes darkened, stating, "Have you heard? This king often wakes up in the middle of the night and starts stabbing people."

Song Song nodded again. His face was sunken and thin, but he had a big pair of pure and clever eyes. He quickly recognized Li Xiao's slight mood drop. Taking two steps forward, he helped the man out of his outer clothes while stating gently: "Just idle gossip. No need to pay attention to such nonsense, your Highness."

Li Xiao swallowed, looked down at him and asked him hoarsely, "Are you afraid?"

"No." Song Song raised his eyes and smiled, "This commoner is not afraid of anything."

Li Xiao's little mood gradually faded. He reached out to hug Song Song's waist. Pressed forehead against forehead, he kissed his lips. Song Song responded clumsily, thinking he won't be getting any sleep tonight. Surprisingly, however, Li Xiao did not continue.

He laid on the large bed, cuddled in the man's arms like a pillow. The other had his eyes closed, while complaining quietly. "Too skinny. Uncomfortable."

Song Song thought to himself. In the previous life, how come you didn't complain about feeling uncomfortable?

He couldn't wait to have the child, but Li Xiao didn't seem to have any interest at the moment-- that's not correct to say. He did want one as well, but seemed to be worried about something.

Song Song couldn't figure it out, and groggily fell asleep. He didn't rest very well though. He had nightmares nonstop. He dreamt about falling to the floor, bleeding all over. Then, he dreamt about Song Ge stabbing him with a dagger. Following that, he dreamt about his child crying loudly in the middle of a fire... When he opened his eyes, he was being held by Li Xiao. The cold sweat on his forehead dripped from his cheek to his neck. For a moment, his large eyes held a look of panic, then quickly returned to normal.

Li Xiao's fingers brushed against his forehead, "Had a nightmare?"

Song Song blinked his eyelashes and joked, "Did I scare your highness?"

"You guessed it."

Song Song: "..."

Li Xiao was unexpectedly deadpan. He reached out and held him in his arms, his chin rubbing against Song Song's long hair. "This king is easily scared. If you don't want to frighten me to death and face the emperor's wrath, then you better have some sweet dreams instead."

Song Song could hear he was teasing himself and his heart slightly softened: "This commoner doesn't usually have sweet dreams."

Li Xiao thought for a moment then said, "Just wait until this king becomes the emperor and grant you the title of empress. That would count as sweet...."

Song Song covered Li Xiao's mouth, startled once again. God, what's wrong with this king? Even if he didn't want his head, Song Song still wants his.

The corner of Li Xiao's mouth uplifted. He smoothly pressed against Song Song's fingers and kissed up to the palm of his hand.

Song Song decided to stop talking nonsense with him and buried his head into his chest. Soon after, he fell asleep again.

This is probably the most comfortable night he spent in two lifetimes. No need to worry about rats crawling under him and no need to lose sleep over frostbite pain. Not to mention, no need to worry about someone suddenly barging into the storage room to use him as a punching bag.

All was inconceivably wonderful. When Song Song woke up, there was not a soul in sight. He opened the bed curtains, raised his hand to block the blinding light, and only then did he realize that it was already late morning.

He got out of bed immediately. Outside the inner room stood two maids who bowed down and saluted him: "Gongzi is awake. Do you want to get ready first?"

He acquiesced. Soon someone brought in hot water. Song Song washed his face and someone handed him a soft towel. After washing, the kitchen quickly delivered food: "Wangye ordered us to boil chicken soup for you. Eat it while it's hot. It's good nourishment. "

He dazely picked up the chicken soup, thinking... Did Li Xiao really plan to fatten him up before eating him? Why so picky?

Outside, steward Qi glanced into the room, then looked a second time, face full of uncertainty. The boy standing next to him looked at him, then looked at him again, eventually becoming impatient:: "Is he really the bastard child of the Song family?

This morning, the entire capital was talking about how our wangye went in person to snatch him here."

"Wangye's behavior is getting crazier and crazier," steward Qi mumbled, "This poor man."

The young boy said: "Wangye personally carried him back. I heard all the maids in the house were totally envious."

"What do you know?" steward Qi looked at Song Song as if he was seeing a dead man, turned and said: "Just wait. The next time wangye falls ill again will be the day he dies."

Chapter 5 Going Out

After Song Song finished eating, he got up to take a walk. He didn't go far, just wandered around the backyard.

The courtyard of the king's residence was very large. There were fake mountains with flowing water, winding corridors, and a large man-made lake. The maids were busying about. Although he was new and many maids did not know him, upon seeing his clothes, they knew he was no servant. If not a servant, then he was a guest. They politely greeted him on passing.

Song Song also returned the greeting politely. He strolled to the lakeside and watched the fish swim in the clear waters. He looked around. A servant standing in the corner suddenly ran over: "Gongzi, do you need some fish food?"

The people in this house were very clever. Song Song saw him take the fish food out of his pocket, and thanked him. He took some and sprinkled it in the lake. The fish quickly gathered around and opened their mouths to eat.

Song Song couldn't help but laugh.

It was rare for him to be so relaxed and in such good spirits. Suddenly, there was a loud noise next to him. Song Song turned his head and saw a maid just happened to fall right in front of him. The soup on the tray immediately splashed all over him. The maid hurriedly apologized and reached out to help him wipe clean. Song Song took several steps back to avoid her.

The maid hastily kneeled and bowed her head (Note: a Kowtow is when someone kneels and bow until their head touches the ground): "Gongzi, forgive me, Gongzi, forgive me!"

Qi Song Song said lightly: "You may rise."

Not only did the maid not get up, she bowed more forcibly: "This servant is sorry. Please don't tell wangye."

She bowed so much she started bleeding from the forehead. Song Song watched her without saying a word, bouncing lightly on the ball of his heels. A woman dressed in pink suddenly came around the corner. She had a look of astonishment. "What's going on?"

The maid replied while crying, "This servant greets Madam Qin."

(Note:Here comes a concubine to cause trouble. /o/ Remember, concubine is a lower ranking wife. They can be married for love but from a poor family OR they can be a beautiful woman that is gifted by the emperor or someone of higher rank.)

Madam Qin walked over quickly, using a look of scrutiny to look at Song Song while asking: "What happened?"

The young man who had originally handed Song Song fish food bowed back and answered, "That maid accidentally dropped the soup tray, splashed it all over gongzi, so... "

Madam Qin's face turned cold. She bent over personally to help the maid to her feet, furious, "Certain people just gained wangye's favor and already feel like they can turn gold leafs into real gold. Didn't you just get splashed by some soup? What? You want the maid to pay with her life?"

Song Song glanced at her and quietly explained, "I already allowed her to get up just now."

"Then why did she bow so much she hurt her head?"

"You will have to ask her personally."

That maid froze for a second, then lowered her head, shaking, "This servant, this servant was afraid that gongzi will tell wangye."

Madam Qin sneered immediately: "You're at least from the Song family. Purposely intimidating a little maid like this, how improper."

Song Song looked up and glanced at Madam Qing with indifferent eyes. Madam Qin trembled faintly, then heard him casually say: "I already told her to get up, but she insisted on kneeling and injuring herself. Is it me making things difficult for her or her making things difficult for me? If Madam Qin can't even distinguish this, then I guess we can only call wangye here to decide properly."

Madam Qin's eyes flashed. For a moment she felt like he could see right through her intentions. She hesitated, but then insisted: "You just entered the house yesterday and you're already so arrogant today. If wangye knew ..."

Song Song bursted into laughter and Madam Qin's face stiffened. "You, parasite! shameless and reveling in it. What a disgrace to Song Guogong!"

Song Song looked at the other full of smiles, tone still gentle and polite: "I heard before Madam Qin entered this residence, you used to have a little something with Song Ge."

Madam Qin froze. She indeed really liked Song Ge before, but that was two years ago. What's the point of Song Song mentioning this now? She only had time to consider this for a moment before Song Song spoke again:

"To be honest, when I saw madam at first, I wanted to reminisce with you. But on reconsideration I thought that since madam had already married wangye, you must have clearly cut away all previous relationships. However, seeing you like this now.... Speaking so passionately for the Song family, perhaps we still have many things to reconnect about in the future."

Puzzling over the first part of what he said, Madam Qin upon hearing the second part, suddenly had a huge change in expression. "What nonsense are you talking about?!"

She never thought that with just a few words, Song Song could drive her to her death. Technically, this was their first time meeting. What's there to reconnect? Isn't this just about Song Ge? The way he said it, as if implying she still had feelings for Song Ge. If this rumor were to spread, even if wangye didn't kill her, the empress dowager (Li Xiao's grandma; the emperor's mother) would arrive overnight to bestow her poisoned wine.

Song Song turned to leave. Madam Qin was so angry her whole body was shaking. She followed him two steps: "Stop where you are!"

Song Song paused and warned her without even turning his head. "Does Madam Qin really want to reminisce with me?"

Madam Qin's outstretched leg retracted. If she really chased Song Song down today, when he finds people to spread that rumor saying she chased him to ask about Song Ge, then even if she jumped into the Yellow River, she won't be able to clearly explain herself.

Song Song strolled away.

Madam Qin felt tense all over. Although she knew very little about Song Song, when she went with her brother to Song residence before, she faintly remembered he was timid and weak, very scared of everything. However now... he seemed like a completely different person. Behind the light words was full of hidden killing aura. Madam Qin felt chilled to the bone.

If Song Song really spreads everywhere she still likes Song Ge, then her reputation and her life... both will be ruined.

Spinning around, she slapped the maid that was kowtowing on the face, hard enough to send her kneeling to the ground and said spitefully through gritted teeth: "Useless trash."

Song Song just left the courtyard. Immediately he encountered Li Xiao, who had just returned from morning court. His somewhat cold expression promptly warmed up. Smiling, he walked up and said: "Wangye has returned."

He personally helped the other to change out of his official garments. Li Xiao examined him briefly and asked: "Did someone make Song-er unhappy?"

"Just a little maid." Song Song knew if Li Xiao really wanted to know, he could get someone to investigate. Song Song gave Li Xiao's official garments to a servant and retrieved a casual robe for him to wear. An arm suddenly wrapped around his waist. Li Xiao looked at him: "What exactly happened? This king wants to hear Song-er's explanation."

Song Song lowered his eyes and helped smooth out the wrinkles on Li Xiao's clothes, saying: "A maid accidentally spilled the soup tray and splashed this commoner. She was terrified and kneeled on the floor, bowing nonstop. Even her forehead got injured... This commoner just arrived yesterday. I have no title nor background, and....I haven't even done anything particularly scary. Yet, I managed to intimidate her so much that she was afraid to get up..."

He smoothed out the last wrinkle and looked up, holding back a smile. He said softly, "Don't you find this strange, your highness?"

Li Xiao seemed to like how he was acting very much, and played along: "Perhaps it's because this was the first time this king carried someone home. The maid knew Song-er was favored."

"That may be the case." Song Song faced him, looking harmless like he couldn't even hurt an animal. "But if word got out that on my first day here, I used my position to terrorize a servant, then would wangye stop pampering me?"

Li Xiao touched his face and said: "Hmm. Can't say for sure."

Song Song thought his words held something more. Sure enough, Li Xiao, without turning away from Song Song, informed a servant nearby: "Go. Find that maid. This king will ask her myself. Just who dares to secretly cause trouble for Song-er."

"Forget it." Song Song called the servant back and said, "I know wangye wants to treat me well. But if no one brings this to your attention, then just pretend you don't know anything."

He just arrived, and Li Xiao was already acting like he planned to spoil him rotten. Song Song felt a little uneasy in his heart. He felt unfamiliar with this kind of Li Xiao, unsure if he had any other motives.

Of course, the most important reason was... at the moment, he didn't even sit in the chair long enough for it to get warm yet. If he acted like a bossy mistress and made enemies everywhere, it would attract everyone's anger.

Li Xiao pondered for a second then did not mention this again, saying: "I heard FuXiang Restaurant released a new dish. Everyone says it tastes great. Does Song-er want to go have a taste?"

FuXiang Restaurant was considered the vanguard in food and cuisine in the imperial city. No matter what kind of new dish they release, the small restaurants around would quickly follow suit. After all, not everyone could afford to go to a place like FuXiang restaurant. To go to small restaurants to taste an imitation was okay as well.

Song Song's mother was from a merchant family. Her name was Fu Xiang, which sounds similar to FuXiang. FuXiang restaurant was actually established by Song Song's grandfather. He always had an endless creativity for different cuisine. Every one of his dishes wes heavily praised. His shops opened from the South Province to the North Province, and even won the Emperor's acknowledgement.

When Song Song was young, he frequented FuXiang Restaurant often. Everytime he went, his grandfather would personally cook and reserve the best room for his mother and him. Later, the Fu family all died. FuXiang Restaurant and all of the property went to the Song family. Song Song never visited again.

Not that he didn't want to go, but because he couldn't go.

He sat with Li Xiao on the carriage and asked: "Did FuXiang Restaurant change?"

"It was reconstructed."

The carriage just stopped outside the restaurant, the manager immediately saw it. He was a very observant person. Which nobility rode in what kind of carriage, he remembered it all. Seeing the waiter dim-wittedly step up to receive the guest, he put down his abacus (Ancient Chinese calculator) in a hurry, stepped out from behind the counter and stopped the waiter. "That's the mad king's carriage. You head back."

The waiter's face turned white.

He swiftly hit himself on the hand. Omg. In this kind of situation, if his smile wasn't proper enough, or his speech wasn't pleasing enough, hair wasn't tidy enough... In other words, if something little accidentally caused the mad king displeasure, then he surely would have lost his life just now.

The manager's age was old. He has many skills. He smiled pleasantly and waited. He saw the carriage door open. The mad king first appeared. Just as he approached to say something auspicious, he saw the mad king hold out his hands.

Song Song was a little surprised he wanted to carry him again, but now that his status as a male pet had probably already spread throughout the capital, he could only shamelessly and obediently allow himself to be carried down. While holding Song Song, Li Xiao stepped off the carriage. The manager found himself tongue tied, unable to say a single word.

When the mad king walked by with the person in his arms, the manager heard him ask in an extremely warm tone: "Where does Song Er want to sit?"

Next to them, the waiter's face was stunned. This was really a rare sight. Who knew the mad king actually had such a thoughtful side. If this scene could be drawn and hung on a wall, then it'd be considered a strange and rare treasure.

In the main hall of the restaurant, someone suddenly started moving chairs out of the way. People who just finished eating were all ready to sprint for the door at any given second. People who just received their food got ready to call the waiter for takeout. Within minutes, a group of staff showed up at the lobby to greet Li Xiao respectfully: "Your highness."

Be it the workers or the customers, at the moment, everyone held the same thought.

Begging you please give us a warning before you go crazy to give us innocent people some time to escape first!!

Chapter 6 Rest Day

Li Xiao ignored the crowd standing nervously to the side. After being questioned by Li Xiao, Song Song turned to ask the manager: "Is there anyone sitting in the Fuzi Hall?"

The Fuzi Hall is the best area in Fuxiang restaurant. By sitting there, not only can one see the river view, there's also a little staircase that went straight up to the pavilion on the roof. Guests can climb high to survey the river and boats anytime. It's a special service the other halls do not provide, only used to entertain the most distinguished guests.

He didn't directly say he wanted to sit there, but rather asked first, because he was afraid Li Xiao might offend someone because of him.

The manager smiled, "No, no. It's empty. Please follow me."

He personally guided the two upstairs.

The people downstairs waited until Li Xiao's figure disappeared before returning one by one to their seats. Some timid and cautious people left, leaving the more daring people to discuss quietly among themselves.

"Just then, wasn't that the bastard son of the Song family?"

"Did you see how skinny he was? Perhaps he received the cold treatment at home."

"No need to mention what happened prior. The guy is fortunate now, to be able to gain connections with the mad king."

Someone laughed out loud, with a hint of bad intentions: "So what if he knows the mad king. It's not like you guys don't know how he is. Every few days, he has one of those episodes. During that time, everyone in the estate can only hide away in their rooms.... This gongzi has to stay next to him all day. He can't even run away. Who knows if he can even see the sun tomorrow."

"I bet," Someone said: "This person won't be able to live past a month."

Someone snickered: "It's a wonder if he lasts three days."

"I can't believe this Song Guogong. He doesn't even care about the life of his bastard son. It's still his flesh and blood. How could he just give him away like that."

"Who let the legitimate son's mother be alive, and the bastard son's mom be dead then? With no one to back him up, of course he'd be used for exchange."

"I heard back then when the Fu family married over, originally she could have been the main wife.... How come suddenly...."

"That all happened in the past. No point talking about it. Let's eat. Let's eat."

...

Song Song wasn't aware of the gossip going on downstairs. He was currently busy serving food for Li Xiao. Suddenly, the other grabbed his arm and pressed him into his seat. Song Song asked: "Not to your taste?"

"You're not allowed to behave like you're serving a master in front of this king."

Song Song subconsciously withdrew his hands, not really understanding what he meant. He understood his position. He was just a male pet. During a meal, to serve Li Xiao was what he should do. Thinking deeply, his chin was suddenly lifted by Li Xiao. The man gazed into his eyes. "How a normal husband and wife interacts is how you and I should interact."

Song Song remained frozen. Li Xiao already released his chin, saying: "Let's eat."

Song Song silently thought. You're always surrounded by royalty and nobility. How are you aware of what a normal husband and wife usually do? But since Li Xiao already said it, he can't really refuse, so he quietly started eating his food.

He very quickly discovered that something was not quite right. New dishes kept being added to the table. One, two... 10... 20... The table looked like it was completely covered. At this time, the chef came out from the kitchen. "This lowly one greets your highness."

"En?"

Song Song looked up at that cook, saw him lower his head and say very respectfully: "The table is getting full. If we keep bringing more dishes, I'm afraid the uneaten food will negatively impact your appetite. The manager wanted this one to come ask you, do you still want more food?"

Li Xiao turned to ask Song Song: "Do you want them to bring another table?"

Song Song's gaze moved away from the chef: "Is your highness planning to have a party?"

Li Xiao laughed. "Today's banquet is only for you."

Song Song blinked. "I'm afraid we can't eat that much. Just.... There's no need to add more."

"Alright. We can taste test another day." Li Xiao concluded, instructing: "No need to bring up the other dishes. You can go."

Before the chef left, he gave Song Song an extra glance. Song Song also watched him leave before retracting his gaze to look at the table full of food. He said: "What are you trying to do, Your highness?"

"Didn't I say I was bringing Song-er here to try the new dishes?" Li Xiao stated: "Former years' new dishes, naturally should be tasted as well."

For a moment, Song Song looked at him dumbfounded, not knowing what to say. It was only when Li Xiao turned and faced him with a smile, he replied: "Many thanks to your highness's care, this commoner...."

"You don't need to refer to yourself as a commoner in front of this king."

Song Song cautiously agreed, taking small bites while secretly stealing glances at Li Xiao.

What is the mad king thinking really....

Of course they couldn't finish all the food. Song Song, who had been starved to frugality, saw all this food being wasted felt a bit reluctant to part. Li Xiao noticed and said: "Later, someone will come to pack this up and bring it back home to split among the servants."

To the servants, this was no doubt a huge gift. Take Song Song for example. If all these years ago, Song Guogong was willing to bring him some leftovers, then he wouldn't have lived so miserably.

He smiled and said: "Your highness is kind."

Li Xiao was staring at him again. Song Song didn't know what he said wrong, so he changed the topic. He pointed up and asked, "Your Highness, do you want to go up and take a look?"

Li Xiao looked away and said, "As you wish."

The two walked along the small staircase up to the roof. There's an eight-sided pavilion here. Because of winter, the edge wes covered by thick wind curtains. Song Song lifted a curtain, a gust of cold air blew in his face. Instantly, he felt refreshed and walked forward two steps, leaning against the guard rails to look out the riverfront. "It's only the afternoon, yet the pleasure boat is already out there." That boat belonged to the brothel. The decoration on the outside was extremely exquisite. Decadent music can be heard floating faintly from the river.

Li Xiao draped a cloak over Song Song's shoulders and said, "The sun sets early these days."

Song Song played with the cloak straps, glanced at him, then went back to silently looking at the river.

Years ago when the weather was perfect in Spring, he would come to this pavilion with his mother and grandfather to chat and drink tea. Now, the river was still the same river, but the people were no longer the same.

On the roof, the wind from the river was really too harsh. Li Xiao soon brought him back downstairs. Today the mad king did not lose his mind. To the owner and customers of FuXiang, this was a huge but pleasant surprise. Because this was the first time Song Song appeared in public, the number of people talking about him also increased.

Plenty of people were waiting to find out when he will die, and in these people naturally included Madam Song. At the moment, she was the current empress's blood-related sister. Back then, even though she married Song Guogong after Fu Xiang, she still forcibly occupied the position of the main wife. Because of the prioritization of the four classes (scholars > farmers > artisans > merchants), a lowly daughter of a merchant naturally couldn't snatch away her spotlight.

Madam Song had been staying at the bedside of Song Shi for several days and nights now, watching him slowly escape from life threatening danger. Finally she had the time to inquire about all that's happened. That time when Song Song was carried away, Song Ge said he had a plan to make Song Song obediently return. Even her personal maid tried calming her, saying: "He was brought away by the mad king. He probably won't live long."

However, Song Song continued to be alive after many days passed. Madam Song's heart was already filled with hatred for Fu Xiang from before. She believed in her bones that the other was second rate and therefore by extension, treated Song Song as trash as well. Now, not only was he not dead, he ended up becoming such an important figure because of the mad king. Her hatred naturally grew.

After the second day of Song Shi's recovery, she cleaned up and went to the palace to see the empress.

Song Song also heard of the gossip about himself outside. The capital never lacked chitchatters, afterall, there were many idle people. There was no way to stop their mouths, so Song Song just allowed them to say whatever. In any case, he was living comfortably these days. Eating and sleeping all day. Even his bones felt like they were grown soft by Li Xiao.

When he woke up one morning, Song Song rubbed his eyes, kicked his legs out and stretched his waist lazily. Then suddenly he heard a light laugh coming from his side. His heart skipped a beat. His muddled head instantly cleared: "How come your highness..."

"I have the day off." Li Xiao reached out and pulled him into his arms. "So Song-er is actually this casual when he's home alone. How come you're always so tense in front of this king."

Song Song thought in his head. Who isn't tense in front of you?

In the previous life, he saw with his own eyes how Li Xiao acted when he went crazy. That man's pitch black eyes hid crashing waves. The blood on the sword in his hand followed the edge of the blade, dripping to the floor. His face was extremely blank, with a hint of restraint and silent endurance. But the deranged and bloodthirsty expression pouring from his eyes was like a wild beast about to strike. Everyone knew, when the mad king had his outbursts, he had a lot of trouble controlling his desire to kill. So in front of him, even the current emperor would be extremely uptight.

Apparently, the first time Li Xiao was poisoned and fell ill, he started an all out masacre in the palace. Even the imperial army that arrived, he killed about 30. The regular people who lived in the palace, he killed about 100. Among them, also included his birth mother, the former empress, who had come to stop him.

Everyone says that when Li Xiao loses control, he'd kill even his own mother, but the rebirth'd Song Song knew that this was not what happened.

Song Song relaxed a little, pressed closer to Li Xiao's chest: "The last time your highness had the day off, didn't you go practice swordsmanship?"

"Seeing Song-er gain some weight these days and feel better when embraced, this king doesn't want to go practice now."

Song Song instantly looked up, saying: "Really? Then your highness..."

He paused for a second before he remembered what he planned to say. Feeling somewhat embarrassed, he lowered his head and asked in a small voice:

"When are we going to sleep?"

(Note: Together. He basically says "when are we going to have sex")

~~~~~~~~

Chapter 7: Outburst

Very strange. Some things feel fine when it's being done, but if one has to say it out loud, then it'd feel extremely embarrassing.

In the end, Song Song was not a very extroverted person. In the previous life, Li Xiao took the initiative all night. But here, it seemed like Li Xiao didn't have any interest. Song Song was the one who wanted the child, so he can only depend on himself to please Li Xiao.

Still, even if he wanted to obtain something from Li Xiao, he's not used to doing such a thing.

He lowered his head, the tip of his ears turning red, a little afraid to look Li Xiao straight in the eyes.

Therefore, he wasn't able to see how Li Xiao's eyes darkened in response to what he said. Li Xiao swallowed and held him still against himself. "Song-er... likes this king that much?"

That voice sounded somewhat hoarse, making Song Song's ears redden further. He raised his hand and scratched at it awkwardly, whispering: "Very, very much."

Like having a child with him, still counts as liking him, right?

Li Xiao's fingers ran through his long hair. Song Song can clearly feel the other's encroaching body warmth. He forced himself to calm down, lifted his head to face Li Xiao, and prepared to seduce him a little more---

"Your highness!" Suddenly from the other side came Steward Qi's voice. He said: "We brought in the person you were looking for."

Both of them froze for a moment. Li Xiao abruptly supported the back of his head and kissed him heavily on the lips. His kiss was very overwhelming, Song Song practically forgot to breathe. Only after the other got up and left, did he realize that his heart was pounding rapidly.

Inside the bed curtain, he pulled on his earlobe, brows slightly furrowed and eyes watery.

What the heck was I thinking, so early in the morning...

He kicked off the overly warm blanket, took a brief moment to wake up, then rolled out of bed.

There was a boy that always followed Steward Qi called Qi Haoyun. The little guy was still young but was very handsome and smart. Rumor was that he was Steward Qi's adopted son. As soon as Song Song exited the room, Qi Haoyun appeared and said: "Wangye went to the front hall to greet a guest. In a little while, he will return to eat dinner with gongzi."

He called servants to come help Song Song wash his face and rinse his mouth, then ordered people to serve a warm bowl of swallow's nest. The bowl was made of white jade. The sparkling clear colored swallow's nest looked extremely pretty inside it.

(Note: Swallow's nest is apparently to be super nutritional, but also made from bird saliva. A delicacy people still eat in China. :3)

Haoyun removed the cover of the bowl while putting some good words in for Li Xiao: "This kind of superior quality swallow's nest was something wangye especially went to the palace to request it as a reward from the emperor. Of all the people in this estate, only you're able to drink this."

Song Song could also recognize that the swallow's nest was no ordinary product. Ever since he entered the estate, Li Xiao pretty much mixed his diet with all sorts of different supplements to help him get stronger. The food was both tasty and nutritious. Song Song obtained some interest in cuisine from following around his grandfather when he was younger. He could recognize that the kitchen chef must have spent a lot of effort and thought on all of his meals.

When he heard Qi Haoyun say that, he smiled faintly while his heart felt a surge of gratefulness for Li Xiao.

But why did Li Xiao treat him this well? What exactly does he want? He didn't even seem especially passionate towards him...

At this moment, screams bursted from the front hall. Qi Haoyun jumped and the surrounding servants leapt forward and closed the doors forcibly. Song Song stood up surprised: "What happened?"

The servants remained silent. Qi Haoyun also squatted in a place far away from the door, mouth pressed closed.

Song Song seemed to realize something and asked: "Who is his highness meeting today?"

"I.. I don't know." Qi Haoyun said, at a loss: "Father usually doesn't tell me these things."

Song Song furrowed his brows. The clamor outside was still ongoing, faintly there was the sound of something falling. He began to worry. Just as the thought of going out to check things out came about, a shadow suddenly collided against the door. Through the paper door, Song Song clearly saw a bloody hand print slowly slid downwards.

Someone died.

The servants inside clenched their mouths closed and hugged each other in terror, faces white as sheets. Only at this time, Qi Haoyun finally gave Song Song a definite answer while trembling. "Wangye... is having an outburst again."

Song Song's lips shook for a second. While he's seen Li Xiao during his episodes in the past life, this was the first time facing it in this life. His eyelashes trembled. Suddenly, he went forward to open the door. Qi Haoyun was so scared his hackles rose. He threw himself at Song Song to grab him by the leg. "Gongzi! You can't go! If something were to happen to you, Wanye will definitely blame me when he returns to his senses!"

Song Song tried to keep his voice from shaking and whispered. "Nothing will happen to me.

"No!" Qi Haoyun yelled. "Don't go! Just wait... When everyone in the front hall dies, wangye will calm down. Then... then it'll be alright...."

He was only 13-14 years old. At this moment, his face was ashen as he hugged Song Song's thighs, his big and round eyes overflowing with tears. Song Song squeezed his fingers. He knew he had to go. If everything was the same as in the previous life, then he might be able to save the lives of all those innocent people.

He reached over to move away Qi Haoyun's hands, whispering "Don't worry, I..."

Just at this moment, someone shoved open the door. The dead body that was there from before was swiftly moved away. An elderly maid appeared and said to Song Song: "Wangye called you."

"Impossible!" Qi Haoyun immediately yelled: "Wangye can't recognize anyone. There's no way he could have called Song gongzi's name!"

But Song Song paused to listen. He knew this was possible. The last time he saw Li Xiao have an episode in the previous life, he killed everyone in the palace. In the middle of the bloodbath, Li Xiao looked everywhere, calling his name under his breath. When he had one of these outbursts, if it weren't for the fact that he could suddenly start slaughtering people, then he'd seem more like a very solemn dimwit. When searching for Song Song, he even acted a little naive and confused.

The elderly maid left, almost as if she was in a hurry, then suddenly returned. Kicking Qi Haoyun aside with a foot, she grabbed Song Song and pushed him outside the door. She said to those still inside: "Just remember, it was wangye who called him. Otherwise if this ends up investigated... then it'll be you guys who will be blamed for not protecting him."

The door was closed again. Song Song wasn't paying attention to what happened behind him. As soon as he exited, he ran straight for the front hall.

The elderly maid swiftly brought some of her attendants and escaped to the rear courtyard. When she reached the pavilion there, she bowed to the woman in pink, reporting: "This servant said that wangye was searching for him. He really went."

Madam Qin raised her hand and used the sunlight to examine her newly applied red nail polish, laughing. "Wangye only favored him for a few days, he's already forgotten his own caliber."

The elderly maid laughed as well: "I know right? There's always people who think they're special."

Madam Qin looked towards the front hall, smiling: "He'll die, right?"

"When wangye has his outbursts, no one can escape his line of sight alive." the elderly maid said: "Why else would he be called the mad king?"

Madam Qin relaxed, smiling.

That day when she had the first confrontation with Song Song, she actually only wanted to test him. Who would have thought Song Song was so overbearing. It can't be helped then. She had to be vicious.

Even if the mad king investigated this in the future, what can he do? First, the person died by his own hands. Second, the elderly maid actually wasn't a maid belonging to the estate. She'd be long gone by then. Even if Qi Haoyun and the other servants explained what happened, he wouldn't be able to find any clues to who sent her.

Not to mention, the mad king will probably immediately execute those servants who weren't able to "stop" Song Song.

When Song Song rushed to the front hall, the door was closed tightly. Steward Qi was injured, wrapping himself up with bandages with clenched teeth and grimacing. When he saw Song Song arrive, he froze for a second. "Gongzi, what..."

"I came to see his highness." Song Song looked at the tightly closed door from afar. "Is he inside?"

"He is." Steward Qi replied in a very low voice. "Don't get any closer."

"You guys locked him up?"

Steward Qi laughed bitterly. "Wangye's strength is unparalleled like a god. Who can force him? He's the one who locked himself up. Sometimes... he still has a hint of control."

Song Song looked at that door again and suddenly walked over.

Steward Qi didn't have a chance to hold him back and yelled instead: "What are you doing? This isn't the time to provoke him more!"

But in the end, he didn't dare to step up, even his voice was pressed very low and his eyes stared unblinkingly at Song Song's passing figure.

This Song gonzi's was really too... too daring!

Things that bystanders avoid in terror, he's rushing to do. Even those spoiled to extreme arrogance weren't this reckless.

Song Song carefully approached the door, his heart beating rapidly. When he saw with his own eyes the dead bodies, for a second, he questioned if his previous life was just a dream.

He slowly raised his hand and knocked, whispering: "Your highness?"

There was no response from inside. Song Song swallowed, then heard a tiny noise behind him, turned back to look. Steward Qi had thrown a stick at him, and upon gaining his attention, he gestured wildly, mouth opened wide to enunciate clearly and silently. "Enough! Get! Back! NOW!"

Here, aside from the loyal steward Qi and Song Song, there was no one else alive.

Song Song retracted his gaze and pursed his lips. Suddenly, he reached out and pushed open the door with a creak. Inside, Song Song first saw a man in rags laying on the floor. The man wasn't from the estate. He was probably the one brought in from outside...

Just what kind of person was he, to be able to trigger Li Xiao?

He carefully walked in, sight landing on the man's bashed in head, then quickly moved away.

Worried the outside light might stimulate Li Xiao, Song Song turned and quietly closed the door again.

Steward Qi smacked himself on the forehead.

Alright. Wangye's little treasure. He's definitely dying today.

Song Song lightened his breathing, eyes searching within the now dimmed hall. He lifted up the end of his long garment and tiptoed past the body on the floor. Just as he was ready to walk around the screen, he heard the sound of a sword dragging on the floor behind him. Spinning around, the presence of a bloodthirsty beast immediately invaded his senses.

Song Song's heart pounded.

Wide eyed, he saw Li Xiao in front of him, long hair scattered messily over his shoulders. His eyes black like ink. His eyes and his expression right now was extremely abnormal, mixed with paranoia and insanity. He stared straight at Song Song, as if he were vengeful spirit.

Just seeing him like this, Song Song instantly felt goosebumps all over.

He raised the corners of his stiffened mouth, very lightly calling: "Your highness, I'm..."

Clang--- The sharp sword fell to the ground, the echoing sound causing Song Song's eardrums to tremble.

"Song-er" Li Xiao called and Song Song felt an arm tighten around his waist before he was violently embraced. That man buried his face against his neck, voice hoarse: "This emperor's Song-er has returned..."

He was still his cure.

Song Song started trembling uncontrollably all over.

The feeling of terror that he suppressed before finally released. His eyelashes shook as he hugged Li Xiao tightly and he let out a long exhale.

"Oh your highness..." Song Song's worried but soft voice sounded. "I know you want to sit on the throne, but can we please stop mentioning it?"

Really worried that you'll lose your head before that happens.

~~~~

The writer has something to say:

Li Xiao: ?????

~~~~~~~~

Chapter 8 Greenhouse

What he said must have poked at Li Xiao's funny bone, because the man holding him suddenly started laughing next to his ear.

The sound of his laughter made his neck itch. Li Xiao's lips even touched his earlobe, causing him to pull back faintly. He looked up to see, but that man already moved away, asking "Who let you come here?"

Song Song abruptly realized the elderly maid who opened the door harbored malicious intentions. But since he planned to come anyways, one can even say they lent him a hand. So he said: "I wanted to come myself."

Not knowing why, he almost felt like the smile within Li Xiao's eyes grew even as he narrowed his eyes: "Why did you dare to come alone?"

"I..." Song Song paused, meeting his gaze, and said. "I wanted to see, if I was special."

He looked at Li Xiao and Li Xiao looked back at him. The atmosphere suddenly held an unspeakable tension. Song Song saw his eyes overflow with something heavy again, and hurriedly turned his face. "Let's leave already. Steward Qi is very worried about you."

Li Xiao suddenly swept him off his feet, startling Song Song who heard him say. "If there's no bed, are you still willing to sleep with this king?"

Realizing his meaning, Song Song blanked for a moment.

There's still... an unfortunate fellow with his head broken in on the floor here. Li Xiao really was crazy, right? To even consider a place like this...

Outside, steward Qi closed his eyes and took in a deep breath. Even though there wasn't any huge movement from inside the hall, he knew at this moment Song Song was definitely dead meat. His highness's sword was extremely swift, even more so during his outbursts. Even if it were him, he wouldn't be able to face it head on. All these years he's been able to survive was all thanks to his ability to escape and run away. Even so, he still sustained numerous small injuries in the process.

Not to mention the fact that Song Song had the physique like that of a pamper son of a wealthy family. The clothes he wore looked like they were just hanging on him. It was easy to see how thin and weak his bone structure was. So it was really unlikely he could escape.

He mouthed a death prayer to help send away Song Song's spirit, but then unexpectedly heard a loud laugh from inside the room.

Oh mad king, mad king. Laughing crazily isn't even strange.

Steward Qi stood up swiftly and tried to figure out what was going on inside.

Realizing Li Xiao was purposely teasing him, Song Song felt his face burn hot. He struggled to get out of Li Xiao's arms, but heard the other say: "There's blood on the ground. This king will carry you."

The door opened wide. Li Xiao carried him all the way outside and only placed him down after Song Song begged him. Steward Qi looked at them from afar, afraid to come closer.

He even rubbed his eyes hard, waited until Li Xiao approached closer, before kneeling down in a hurry. "Wangye feel better?"

"This king feels great." Li Xiao said. "Clean up this yard."

"This servant obeys."

Li Xiao side-eyed Song Song, reached out a hand to pull at his fingers and headed back to the main house while asking quietly. "Where's the hand warmer that this king ordered people to get for you?"

"Forgot to bring it."

Li Xiao carefully blew warm air into his palms as they walked away together.

Steward Qi who watched all this with wide eyes: "........."

Once again, he rubbed at his eyes hard, then opened his eyes wide to look. Even as they turned the corner, he could still see his highness's head turned, clasping Song gongzi's two hands, talking and puffing.

Such gentleness and affectionation, was a strange view no matter how he looked at it. A kind of marvel that's not usually seen on earth or in heaven.

Steward Qi ordered people to come clean up the front hall. He himself returned to his house. He just grabbed money and exited when he ran into Qi Haoyun who dashed over, "Dad, dad! Song gongzi is okay! Song gongzi he..."

Steward Qi saw his inconceivable look, as if seeing a mirror to his own stupefied expression just moments before. He said calmly: "I already know."

"Wangye, wangye didn't kill him!"

Yeah, and he even carried him out.

Steward Qi still indifferently replied. "En."

Qi Haoyun finally noticed the bag of money in his hand and asked dazily. "Where are you going?"

"The gambling hall has a new game." The old steward, who didn't even gamble, said, "Spend a little and in one round, I can win back a lot."

Qi Haoyun nagged "All those games are just money pits."

"Dad's fortune is good today. Just you wait. Promise I'll earn enough to get you a wife."

"Pa!" A cup shattered on the ground. Madam Qin stared at the maid in front of her. "Say it again?"

The maid trembled with fear. "That Song gonzi.... didn't die."

Madam Qin's voice was still calm. "How did he not die?"

"Wangye didn't kill him."

"Wasn't wangye having one of his episodes?" She asked: "Why didn't he kill Song Song?"

"I... I don't know..." That maid replied. "Maybe, maybe he brought some kind of medication that could sooth nerves..."

Madam Qin's expression instantly twisted. "If there really were such an effective drug, then would the emperor still use 18 bodyguards while meeting him?"

The maid was also very befuddled. "But... but he's still alive."

Completely unharmed and very comfortable.

In the dining hall of the main house. Song Song stuffed a piece of beef into his mouth, the thick juicy fat immediately spurt out between his teeth and on to his tongue. Smiling, he picked up a piece for Li Xiao. "Try this. It tastes great. Our chef is really skilled."

"Are you serious?"

"Of course!"

"How is he compared to the chef from FuXiang restaurant?"

Song Song paused, biting his chopsticks as he faced Li Xiao. "Each has their own merits. The two masters are both very skilled."

"Then how about we hold off on going to FuXiang restaurant to eat for a while?"

Song Song nodded, understanding that Li Xiao must have his reasoning for making this arrangement. He heard him speak up again. "Also, don't go out alone for a while... nevermind. You never go out anyways."

This request was indeed a little superfluous. Song Song smiled. "Don't worry, your highness. I won't cause any trouble for you."

If he remembered correctly, it'll still be two more years before Li Xiao ascended the throne. When Song Ge disguised himself to look like him and brought the child to find Li Xiao, that child was already one year old. But in order to sit on that throne, the secret preparations must have taken place at least two years. Song Song didn't understand any of this nor did he ask. He was afraid if he said too much, maybe he'll change the sequence of events. If Li Xiao weren't able to become the emperor, the good ending would be to be sent away to some barren land. The bad ending would be to lose one's life.

Thinking to this point, he couldn't help but ask Li Xiao: "Does your highness have a habit of drinking outside?

Li Xiao replied: "Sometimes."

"You... should drink less." Song Song said, face full of hardship. "If you drink and have a slip of the tongue..."

Li Xiao's eye expression warmed. "No need to worry. This king knows his limits."

How could he not worry? His fingers unconsciously touched his own stomach. Until now, the child hasn't appeared yet.

Because he couldn't go out, Li Xiao naturally considered the fact that he'll be bored. He ordered people to build a greenhouse and let him plant some flowers and grass inside. This fitted Song Song's interests just right.

When Li Xiao gave him seeds, Song Song impatiently ran off to the greenhouse. He first separated the seeds and planted a few of them in pots. "After scattering the seeds, they should sprout in a few days, right?"

"If the temperature is warm enough, the fast ones will take 3-5 days."

Song Song smiled as he stood up. "Your highness is educated in something like this?"

"Just a little." Li Xiao held a small hoe and helped him flip the dirt, paused, then added. "This king knows a little of everything."

Song Song smiled again. He looked down, hands fiddling with the little seeds, and suddenly said. "Then... does your highness know how long it takes for a baby to grow in the stomach?"

Li Xiao looked at him. Song Song turned his face again. "If someone wants a baby to drop next year... when does your highness think is the best time to sow the seed?"

Li Xiao squeezed the little hoe, recalled Song Song's implicit and explicit hints all this time, and suddenly understood everything. Eyelashes fluttering, he licked lips and asked a question that he knew the answer to. "Song-er... can have a baby?"

This topic was really too forward and too embarrassing. Still, the desire to have a child overcame his feeling of shame. Song Song faced Li Xiao somewhat nervously, "What if, what if I can?"

Li Xiao was silent for a long time.

Song Song suddenly started laughing, snatching away the hoe to dig the soil. "I was joking. How can I have a baby? No need to take it to heart, your highness."

He quietly thought. In the end, this kind of thing was too inconceivable. In the previous life, Li Xiao only saw the picked fruit. If he had to watch the fruit grow, who knows how scared he'd be.

What if he thought he was a monster and chopped him?

Maybe, after they have sex, he can find an opportunity to separate from Li Xiao for a while, wait until he ascended the throne, then come back to find him?

But if he did that, he'd be accused of being heartless, trying to obtain what he didn't deserve, and probably end up dying again.

Li Xiao tilted his head to watch his lover flipping the dirt while looking completely frustrated, his eyebrows raised a little. "According to what this king knows, if someone wants results by next year, then they should start working hard right now.

He asked: "What does Song-er think about this?"

Song Song immediately threw away the hoe, wiped his palms off, and looked expectantly at Li Xiao: "Great minds think alike."

~~~~~

The author has something to say:

Li Xiao: This king suddenly regrets again.

Song Song: QWQ

~~~~~~~~~~

Chapter Nine: Summons

Song Song's movements were a little clumsy, but his eyes held an urgency entirely different from his body.

Li Xiao's expression suddenly became complicated. Song Song thought he was starting to regret again, so hurried forward and reached for his belt: "Your highness..."

Li Xiao held his hands still, looking somewhat hard pressed, almost as if an unacceptable difference just occurred between what he expected and reality. Song Song thought about the past life. What if... Li Xiao didn't like forward people?

Understandable. A man like himself probably didn't want to lose control under any circumstance.

Song Song suddenly felt a little awkward. He knew his reason for approaching Li Xiao was hard to explain. Luckily, Li Xiao didn't know that he really could bear children. So his bold advances could be blamed on the fact that he was a male pet, just aggressively trying to curry favor that's all.

Thinking of it like this, Song Song felt a little better.

"If your highness isn't interested, then just pretend that I..." He subconsciously withdrew his hand while trying to relieve the strange atmosphere. But Li Xiao suddenly used strength and yanked him back into his arms.

Song Song's heart leapt, but he quickly noticed that man was busy measuring his waist circumference. Then touching from his waist upwards, he pressed against the protruding bones on his back with his hand, mumbling: "Still too skinny."

Song Song felt very disappointed.

It's not like he can gain weight all at once. He had to go step by step.

He unhappily lowered his gaze and sulked: "You highness, please let go. I still have to continue planting."

The corners of Li Xiao's mouth suddenly rose. His fingers slid down Song Song's cheek and caressed his chin. Then he lowered his head and kissed him.

The greenhouse was a good place. Even if the day was cold, just staying inside for a little while, one will start sweating.

When Song Song opened his eyes on the bed, everything was very quiet. He was alone inside the bed curtains. From the light shining through the slit in between the curtains, he could tell that now it was already the middle of the day.

Today, Li Xiao went to court.

(Note: I don't know how else to translate 上朝 than this. It's when the emperor and all the government officials gather early every morning to discuss issues. Basically he went to work.)

Feeling clean and refreshed, Song Song was surprised. He never thought Li Xiao could be so considerate.

If no issues occur, then the little guy should be in his stomach by now. Thinking about this, Song Song's entire person felt energetic. He got up and seriously ate breakfast, making the decision to strengthen his body no matter what.

At the table, someone told him: "Wangye will be going to the army camp after court today. He might not return until the afternoon."

Song Song gave a sound of acknowledgement. After eating, he went back to the greenhouse. Although it was too soon for the scattered seeds to sprout already, Song Song still had dirt patches that he didn't finish turning yesterday. When done, he planted down a different kind of seed.

Such a leisurely time did not last forever. Qi Haoyun suddenly ran over, reporting: "Someone is here from the palace."

Song Song blinked and asked "Who sent them?"

"The empress."

Song Song asked: "Where's steward Qi?"

Qi Haoyun replied. " Father had something to do outside today."

He finished, then suddenly realized something. "Gongzi, they come with bad intentions?"

Purposely picking a time to visit when the head of the household isn't home, of course they're here with bad intentions.

However, since the person was sent by the empress, he couldn't simply avoid seeing them. Song Song put down the hoe and walked out. Qi Haoyun followed him panicking. "Gongzi, gongzi. How about we don't go?"

Song Song looked at him laughing. "If people knew that a small male pet from wangye's estate dared to casually disrespect the empress, she will use it as an excuse to cause trouble for his highness."

Song Song expected this to happen anyways.

That day when he stabbed Song Shi, one reason was because of extreme hatred, the second reason was because he already considered the result.

If Song Shi died, Madam Song would have complained straight to the ministry of justice and caused a scene. He wasn't afraid of that happening. After all, in other people's eyes, he was always meek, quietly accepting insults and abuse. If he pretended to be scared in front of the ministry, he might even be able to give Song Ge a bad reputation. But now that Madam Song had complained to the empress. It signified that Song Shi's injury was getting better.

Song Song felt it a pity that he wasn't able to kill him.

When he reached the front hall, Song Song immediately greeted politely: "This commoner welcomes gonggong. Not sure what gonggong is here for?

(Note: gonggong is polite title for palace eunuchs)

That eunuch examined him quickly from head to toe. His adopted father was the Empress's personal eunuch. Overtime, even he was faintly aware of the ongoings in the Empress's sister's house. He saw Song Song with dirt sticking to his feet, looking weak and delicate, and became certain that the rumors were true. This bastard son of the Song family was indeed a pushover.

That time when he injured Song Shi was probably like a scared rabbit forced to bite.

Today's errand can be finished quickly.

He laughed once, speaking in a high pitched voice that made people's ears hurt. "Per the Empress's orders, please have Song gongzi come discuss family matters. Gongzi, the carriage is ready. Let's go."

He turned to leave, presuming Song Song to follow accordingly, but unexpectedly heard a gentle voice from behind him. "Before wangye left, he stated he wanted to drink the soup made specifically by this commoner. Looking at the time, he will be returning soon. If gonggong is not in a hurry, then why not wait for this commoner to finish stewing the soup before we go."

That eunuch furrowed his brows, turned around and said. "The Empress's imperial edict, you dare decline?!"

"Gonggong has mistaken this commoner." Song Song said calmly. "This one is just a poor commoner. Eating wangye's food and living in wangye's estate... according to reason, compassion, and written rules, it's difficult for me to disobey his orders."

The eunuch finally realized that Song Song won't be moved as easily as he thought, immediately said viciously: "So what? You're afraid to disobey wangye, yet you dare to disobey the Empress?"

"Gonggong, speak carefully. How could this commoner dare to disobey?"

The eunuch laughed coldly. "Don't dare? I can see you're plenty courageous. Wangye and the Empress, whose authority is higher? You better think carefully."

Seeing Song Song's face look conflicted, he let out a sigh of relief in his heart. The mad king's estate really wasn't a place where people could stay. As soon as he got here, he'd been feeling the chills. Song Song better hurry up and make the decision. After he finished this errand, he still had to go to a monastery to burn incense and pray to the gods for safety and health.

Yet, while Song Song was conflicted, he didn't allow himself to be pressured, saying. "I can't afford to offend either person. Still asking gonggong for permission, please allow this commoner to finish making the soup."

On one hand respectful, on the other still insisting on making soup. The eunuch was so mad even his eyebrows stood up.

The longer he stayed in the mad king's estate, the shorter his life span felt. Not to mention, he had to interact with this favored pet in this kind of place, always feeling like the mad king will pop out of nowhere anytime and stab him with a sword. He yelled angrily. "You worthless commoner, we could have done this nicely but you have to choose the hard way! Come, take him away!"

The two small eunuchs behind him stepped forward to grab Song Song's arms. Qi Haoyun knew Song Song didn't know how to fight and hurried up to help, but suddenly heard Song Song call resoundingly towards the outside: "Wangye!"

Bang---- Several knees hit the ground, one sounding louder than the next. The eunuch that was throwing his weight around had immediately knelt down trembling with his head pressed into the floor, face full of cold sweat dripping to the floor. When he opened his mouth to speak, his voice sounded less like a duck and was instantly far more appropriate. "This servant greets wangye. May wangye live thousands and thousands of years..."

The lesser eunuchs also knelt on the floor trembling.

In the silence of the room, suddenly came a chuckle. In the end, Qi Haoyun was still young, so he was the first who couldn't hold it in.

Song Song also looked at the scene with his mouth pressed closed, a hint of laughter in his eyes.

The eunuch finally realized he was being played with and jumped up. Unknown if it's from feeling too embarrassed or too furious, his face continually changed several colors.

Song Song remained unperturbed, stating calmly. "Seeing gonggong like this, no doubt you are well aware of wangye's illness. If he finds out that someone dared to use force in his territory... I'm afraid when the time comes, it might be hard for you to explain to the Empress."

If Li Xiao returned and discovered someone used force in his house, then he'd have a legitimate reason to cause trouble for the Empress. Not to mention, what if he accidentally got triggered and lost control, injuring the Empress or something... It'd be his fault. He might as well kiss his head goodbye.

This stupid errand, whoever wants it. They can have it!

The eunuch flung his sleeve and turned to leave, but Song Song didn't plan to let him go. "If you return empty handed, and the Empress starts asking, wouldn't it look bad?"

The eunuch's clenched teeth almost broke. "What. Do. You. Propose!"

Song Song smiled faintly. "Just sit and wait a while. When this commoner finishes making soup for his highness, I'll definitely enter the palace with you."

That eunuch shook all over, face taut as he sat in a chair. Song Song ordered someone to bring him tea, then brought Qi Haoyun outside. "Find two people to close the front door."

Qi Haoyun followed his instruction, then ran back to ask: "Gongzi, why are we keeping them?"

"If they're allowed to return empty handed, the Empress can say I refused to follow the imperial edict, then use the chance to openly ask his highness for my head, then what?"

Qi Haoyun froze for a second: "Wangye wouldn't hand you over..."

"If that's the case, then wangye will have to go against the empress head on. Such a big situation, the result would be hard to predict." Song Song headed towards the kitchen.

Qi Haoyun with his head down, considered for a second, then suddenly hit himself on the head and said. "What a close call. Just now if they took the chance to leave when you first declined, using retreat as a way to advance, then that would mean..."

"Shh." Song Song said. "Making soup is important."

He just finished cutting the ribs. From the outside, a lively young servant girl ran in. "Gongzi, the eunuch left!"

Song Song froze: "What happened to the people guarding the door?"

"They..." The girl mumbled vaguely, but Song Song understood. His position in this estate was just a regular male pet. His orders entered the left ear and left through the right. They have no real authority. That eunuch realized this so quickly meant he wasn't dumb. All he had to do was show the Empress's command token and scare the guards a little, naturally he'd be released.

Song Song fell silent for a moment, then picked up the cutting knife again. "We can only leave our fate to the will of heaven now."

If he sent people to chase them down, the situation would grow even worse.

Outside, as soon as the eunuch exited the door, he immediately slapped himself hard twice, one on each side of his face, shocking the small attendant next to him. "Liang gongong, what are you..."

Liang gongong touched his own red and swollen face, and laughed coldly "Didn't you see? A nameless little male pet, dare beat up the Empress's personal eunuch... how completely disrespectful to the Empress."

Sneering, he just prepared to get on the carriage when he suddenly heard the sound of horses approaching. The man riding on a huge strong horse in the front gradually stopped in front of him.

15 minutes later, the escaped eunuch was mercilessly tossed at Song Song's feet.

"A day out of my sight, Song-er already learned how to hit people."

Li Xiao walked over to Song Song, picked up his fair white hands with exaggerated flourish and a face full of earnest concern, asked.

"Does your hand hurt?

~~~~

The author has something to say:

Eunuch: .... Hand hurt. Face hurt. And stomach hurt from being stuffed full of dog food.

~~~~

Chapter 10 Request

(Foreword. This chapter is really hard to translate @_@. Really doing my best to make some sense here.)

When Li Xiao grabbed his hand, Song Song froze in confusion. He couldn't figure out what Li Xiao was talking about, that was until he saw the eunuch trembling on the ground.

He immediately explained: "Your highness really thinks too highly of me. This gonggong is so powerful, just now he almost got violent in the estate. I spent such a huge effort to placate him. How could I dare hit him?"

He was just a simple commoner. Although he ended up in the king's estate and gained Li Xiao's favor, he was still just a commoner. If someone was willing to show him courtesy as a sign of respect to Li Xiao, then that person understands etiquette. If they're not willing to show him any courtesy and even tries to harm him, then it's out of his control.

There's a saying. Officials one rank superior overpowers the inferior. This is also the reason why Song Song didn't rashly go with this eunuch to visit the Empress.

(Note: Okay author, what the fck. Here's what I think they mean. Song Song is saying here that people of higher rank usually bully those who are lower. While there might be people who treat him well as courtesy to Li Xiao, there are also those who won't and can easily hurt him. He knows that if he went with this eunuch, he'll definitely get bullied by the eunuch or by the empress herself. And since he's just a commoner, there's nothing he could do to protect himself if that happened. That's why he didn't go.)

Li Xiao said: "Now that's just strange. Liang gongong, how did your face end up like this then?

Back then, Song Song only fake-called Li Xiao's name once to purposely intimidate Liang gongong. That already scared him into cold sweats. Now that the mad king was physically standing right here, the eunuch was even more terrified, shaking for quite a while before his face scrunched up and replied: "It's.. it's because this servant accidentally fell. It has nothing to do with Song gongzi!"

At this time, if he continued to insist that it was Li Xiao's person that hit him, the other would probably straight up draw his blade and cut off his neck. If he said he hit himself, that's even worse. That would signify that he was deliberately stirring conflict between wangye and the empress, with malicious intent. Neither side would let him live.

Song Song's position was low, so he quietly stood half a step behind Li Xiao. Li Xiao, on the other hand, took a step forward and said with a smile. "So why did gongong come to my place? And what made you have to use force?"

The eunuch saw his feet like he just saw his own dead body, and bowed his head soundly on the ground. "Wangye please calm down. This servant doesn't dare to use force in your estate. I only came to pass on the empress's words for Song gongzi. Song gongzi, Song gongzi... this servant never meant to be rude to you. Please say something."

He was able to see that Song Song was indeed favored, so asked him to testify for him in front of Li Xiao as a show of respect. His attention to Song Song really did please Li Xiao, who turned his head to pull Song Song in front of him. He asked:

"Is he telling the truth?"

Song Song glanced at the eunuch's bruised forehead and did not give an exact reply but replied: "Your highness already made a decision, with the intent to be merciful. Therefore, who am I to say otherwise?"

This reply was extremely well worded.. Liang gonggong almost threw up a mouthful of blood. Song Song implied: Look. I didn't say you weren't rude, but rather it's his highness who was merciful. If sometimes in the future, he changes his mind, then you better watch your head.

How was Song Song a pushover? He's clearly: You wrong me once, I'll make you suffer 100 times over. This wasn't someone who'd lose out.

Alright, alright. If there are any more errands to come to this place in the future, he'll definitely decline whenever he can. And if he can't, he'd rather self-mutilate than come here!

This kind of Song Song in Li Xiao's eyes, however, was very attractive, shining bright. He reached out a hand and hooked Song Song's chin. Song Song pushed down his hand and said "Since wangye has returned and the soup is already cooking. This commoner really can't keep delaying the Empress, so I'll be entering the palace with gonggong."

Jiang gonggong already saw through his scheme, no ripples in his heart. Unsurprisingly, he heard the mad king reply: "If that's the cause, this king will go together with Song-er and see just what the empress wants."

Song Song went to change his clothes. As a male pet, he has no qualification to wear a hair crown. However, to avoid appearing rude in front of the empress, he still tied his long hair up with a ribbon. At a glance, he looked plain and composed. Other than his gradually filling in face, growing more exquisite day by day, he looked no different from a regular scholar. Such a good looking face even made him seem a bit harmless.

In the empress's palace, Madam Song was currently pacing around with a cold face. It's been a few days since her complaint reached here, but the empress made her wait all this time. The reason being that Song Song was extremely favored by the mad king at the moment. If they summoned Song Song and accidentally invited the mad king as well, then it would be hard to punish him.

Today was a good day. After court, the mad king would go straight to the army camp. Originally the plan was to bring Song Song over by noon time, however, now it's almost around 3pm, the person was still not here. Madam Song couldn't hold back and asked: "Your empress, is Liang gongong's competence trustworthy?

The empress also frowned, turning her head to look at the eunuch by her side. This eunuch looked very skinny, elderly in age. He immediately responded. "That youngster always wanted to become this servant's adopted son to better serve you. He will definitely complete this task with all his effort."

"Then why hasn't he brought that bastard child back yet?"

To madam Song's cursing, the empress only shook her head lightly. She was the elder sister of the house and was used to being lenient to her younger brothers and sisters. She knew this sister of hers had a spoiled and stubborn personality, so she didn't bother scolding her.

Madam Song tore at her handkerchief viciously. "My Ah-Shi just barely managed to get out of bed these last two days while that bastard child already climbed to the top of the capital, basking in the limelights. When he arrives, I will definitely make sure he won't be able to leave alive."

Hearing her say this, the empress's features instantly chilled a degree. "This matter I will deal with for you, so restrain those wild thoughts of yours. If the mad king gets triggered because of them, even I won't be able to protect you."

Madam Song was also aware that she can't really kill Song Song. She returned to grinding her teeth, stating: "Sister, please calm down. I was just venting... I won't commit murder. At least, at the very least, I'll feed him some very small needles and let him have a taste of how it feels."

Probably because she could understand madam Song's eagerness to get revenge for her child, the empress did not say anymore to tell her to stop. They waited 15 more minutes. Madam Song was so restless in the chair, she practically rubbed away her buttocks. Finally, they heard movement from outside. Madam Song immediately sat up in the chair, chin held high, her appearance overflowing with malice.

The next second, from the outside came the sound of the servants' greeting: "This servant welcomes Ping Wang, your highness!"

(Remember that Li Xiao's official title is Ping Wang 平王, which roughly translates to King of Peace / Harmony.)

Seeing the face of that extremely intimidating man walk in together with Song Song, the empress who had been sitting unperturbed instantly stiffened. Li Xiao greeted her: "This son pays respect to mother. Wishing mother peace."

"Xiao-er" The empress said hastily: "Please, please sit."

Madam Song stood up quickly and bowed.

Song Song, very properly, knelt down and bowed his head to the floor: "This commoner greets your majesty."

Li Xiao continued to stand without moving. The empress can only say: "So this is Song gongzi... please, please get up."

Li Xiao personally helped Song Song off the floor and brought him to sit together in chairs placed to the side. He said: "I heard mother had things to discuss with Song-er. Since it's been so long since I've come for a visit, I just invited myself here as well. Please don't blame him."

The empress's smile carried a hint of unease. She spoke softly, words extremely proper, completely without any thorns. "Xiao-er worries too much. This empress didn't call Song gongzi here for anything important. But seeing Madam Song is here, I specifically called him to catch up on what's happening at home.

Li Xiao chuckled, gaze turning to Madam Song. "If madam Song missed Song-er so much, then why haven't you visited my estate?"

(Note: Suddenly I feel like jumping forward to explain. The Song for madam Song is the last name. Whereas the Song-er that Li Xiao uses affectionately is Song Song's first name.)

Madam Song hadn't interacted with many outsiders in her life. Seeing Li Xiao, who looked crazy even while smiling, practically all of her limbs started trembling wildly. She gathered her courage, but still couldn't meet him in the eye, and said with a shifty look: "Your, your house... "

She didn't even finish her sentence when the empress interrupted: "Although Song gongzi is staying with Xiao-er at the moment, it's only temporary. How could Madam Song go and disturb like this?"

Although spoken with tact, the explanation was still somewhat demeaning to Song Song. It even used Li Xiao as the reason to lower him. In the end, what she meant was: Song Song was just a small male pet. Although he occupied Li Xiao's favor, how could he have the right to allow family to come visit and reminisce. Was he so arrogant to treat Li Xiao's territory as his own place?

Song Song looked down without speaking. Unless he was directly questioned, he had no qualification to interrupt.

The empress finished, then changed her mind and said without waiting for Li Xiao's reply: "Why don't we do this. Tomorrow, let Song gongzi return home to live for a few days, that way he can spend some private time to catch up with Madam Song. What do you think?"

Saying this, she planned to shove Song Song into the tiger's den.

The corner of Li Xiao's mouth curved. The empress instantly felt a chill to the back of her neck. She moved restlessly in her chair for a second, already prepared to hear Li Xiao's refusal. However, he said instead: "Mother is right. This son was careless."

Yet she couldn't completely relax, because Li Xiao clearly had more to say. As expected---

"A few days ago, father was just scolding me, saying that my brothers all had main wifes, but only I lacked a partner, don't even have anyone at home to help me with family matters... How about this, why don't mother help me obtain an imperial edict to marry Song-er? You're his blood related aunt. Surely you can't stand seeing him continue to suffer this grievance."

(Jumping in to strongly emphasize. Li Xiao calls the empress 'mother', but they're not related by blood. I don't want you guys to get confused and think Li Xiao is somehow related to Song Song. They're not related.)

He ignored the empress's face of astonishment, pitch-black eyes calmly turning to an opened mouthed face full of 'things shouldn't have advanced in this direction' expressed Madam Song, and said:

"People often say that mothers hold deep affection for their son. Look, Madam Song is so happy she can't even speak."

~~~~

The author has something to say:

Madam Song: No, I'm not! I'm not happy! Clearly it's only you guys who are happy!!!

~~~~~~~

Chapter 11 Choice

Madam Song, who was bestowed with an "extremely happy" description, forced a smile, her face turning white.

The empress also smiled dryly.

Li Xiao definitely had a mental illness, but when he was lucid, the strengths he displayed had no room for doubt. This was why even though ill, the emperor was still willing to place him in such high regards.

Because of this, the position of Li Xiao's main wife naturally couldn't be picked casually. No matter how crazy he acted, how he liked men, how he planned to ask the emperor to permit him to marry, that was his own business. It didn't matter what the result was. Even if the emperor didn't agree, he'd just scold Li Xiao a little, and complain he's purposely causing trouble. After all, they're father and son.

But if the empress took the initiative to mention this thing to the emperor instead, then the situation would change.

In the end, she wasn't Li Xiao's birth mother. If she randomly went to have Li Xiao marry a bastard child as the main wife, the emperor might think she harbored bad intentions and by extension, it might impact his impression of the crown prince.

She was just about to open her mouth and tactfully express her thoughts, when Li Xiao abruptly stood up. The empress almost couldn't hold her back straight.

Li Xiao did a 'please' gesture with his hand. "Today is as good a day as any. How about we go now to demand a title for Song-er?"

The empress held herself steady under Li Xiao's expression of invitation. The two eunuchs next to her stood vigilant facing the handsome man, ready to help the empress escape if he should have an outburst.

The empress fit her title. Even if she was extremely terrified, she still remained dignified and smiled. "Isn't Xiao-er being too anxious? We still have to ask Song gongzi his thoughts about all this, right?"

She knew Li Xiao was serious. At this time, only Song Song can stop his impatience.

Her gaze fell on Song Song--

Suddenly receiving such a privilege, as if dropped from the sky, according to logic, he should express some panic or say something like 'I can't possibly accept this,' right?

Ever since Song Song heard Li Xiao say that he wanted to 'request for an imperial edict for marriage', his head felt dazed. Later, when he saw Li Xiao's attitude remained unyielding, he felt his fingers tingle, heart rate speeding up.

Suddenly being called, he couldn't not stand up. His polite and weak appearance in the empress's eyes seemed like he was purposely acting.

The more he acted, the better. If he opened his mouth and declined with a few falsely polite remarks, then she could use the opportunity to wave this thing off, as if nothing happened---

"To receive his highness's affections, this commoner is flattered."

The empress noded, her eyes held a hint of satisfaction. This child who normally quietly resigned himself to mistreatment, in the end, still understood his lack of self-worth.

Song Song continued to reply: "I'll comply with the Emperor's decision. Many thanks to your majesty's help and blessing."

The empress's smile froze on her face.

Li Xiao instantly laughed out loud. "Song-er and I are deeply in love. Now, we only need mother to play matchmaker. Mother, let's go?"

His eyes fell on the empress's face, a hint of threat appeared in his pupils. The empress was afraid that if made unhappy, he'd have another outburst. So she could only stand up stiffly from her chair.

She never thought that while Song Song looked polite and meek, his speech and action could be so straightforward and direct. Not only was it not gentlemanly, in fact held a hint of shamelessness like a hoodlum. At the sight of any benefit, he instantly grabbed tight without any plans to let go. The teachings from the book of etiquette that stressed on being noble and aloof were thrown in the trash!

The mad king was royalty. His head was messed up. It's one thing for him to want Song Song to become his main wife. Who gave this Song Song the guts to agree to this marriage in just one reply. He should have looked in the mirror first and see if he was worthy!!

Madam Song accompanied the empress, forced by Li Xiao to walk in the front. Song Song followed Li Xiao a step behind. As they walked, Li Xiao suddenly reached out and pulled him next to him so they could walk on the same footing.

Song Song lifted his eyelashes to glance at him, saying softly: "This isn't appropriate."

"Earlier, you also didn't reply following standards."

Li Xiao's voice held a hint of teasing. Song Song couldn't resist smiling, cheeks lightly flushing red.

Of course he knew the way he rushed to jump on Li Xiao and stick to him was really too shameless, but he also understood, just now, if he followed the proper sequence to respond, then the ones happy right now would be the empress and madam Song. If that happened, even if Li Xiao didn't blame him, he'd still become unhappy in his heart. As for Song Song himself... what's the point of saving face. If he went according to the empress's intent, no one would think he was 'being courteous and understanding of time and circumstance'. They would only think he was pretending to be noble and virtuous, and behind his back maybe even end up ridiculing him for not knowing what's good for him.

Might as well act from the heart and make Li Xiao happy at the same time. After all, this man was his golden backer in this life.

His face did not reveal any of his many inner schemes. He only slightly used strength to squeeze at Li Xiao's fingers.

Li Xiao's eyes flashed, heart slowing a few beats. He coughed once, then turned his face away.

Madam Song, who was tense all over, followed the empress walking at a steady, not too slow yet not too fast, pace. In her own house, she could strut and throw around her strength all she wanted, but here in front of such a dangerous person such as Li Xiao, she couldn't do anything.

The empress at this time was also forced into a difficult position and felt somewhat angry at madam Song. But in the end, she was her own sister so she couldn't bear to say anything.

Madam Song was the first one who couldn't bear it and whispered: "You're really going to be matchmaker for that bastard child and the mad king?"

The empress pinched her and increased her footsteps, wanting to escape far away from Li Xiao's vicinity as soon as possible.

According to Song Song's status, he couldn't casually meet with the emperor. Therefore, when Li Xiao and the empress entered, he waited outside with madam Song to be summoned.

As soon as they left Li Xiao's presence, madam Song glared at him like she wanted to eat him alive. Song Song quietly stood there, but then saw madam Song moving closer, and using a very small voice, insulted him. "Shameless dog."

This woman really was trying to make use of every second and every inch to make his life miserable. Song Song sighed and said without even sparing her a glance: "If you say another word, then I'll complain to his highness."

Madam Song laughed coldly: "Inside the palace, what can he do to me?"

"Inside the palace?" Song Song looked at her with amusement. "During an outburst, the mad king can't even recognize his own relatives. What? You really think you can leave the Forbidden City alive?"

"You..."

A mindless lunatic was already very scary. A mindless lunatic with outstanding martial skills like the mad king... can't be described using merely scary. As long as he doesn't kill anyone significant for the nation, it's extremely possible for the emperor to pretend nothing happened. Although the Song family were considered nobility, madam Song even has an official title, they didn't hold real authority. In the emperor's eyes, they were just another grain of rice. It didn't matter if there's one more or one less.

Madam Song's face twitched. "Using your connection to intimidate people! Let's see how long your audacity will last!"

Song Song lightly replied: "I advise madam to act more courteously. If the emperor is willing to grant this marriage, then my audacity will last quite a number of days... Then you will have to be real careful."

Madam Song suddenly felt a cold shiver run up her back, and sneered. "Just because of you?" She continued confidently: "The mad king has what kind of status? A bastard child like you, you're not even worthy to wash his feet. Yet you really think you can become the main wife? Keep dreaming!"

Song Song calmly moved to the side and did not continue to rile her up.

Madam Song continued to shoot daggers at him with her eyes. If they weren't standing in front of the emperor's palace hall, she would have force fed him several small needles to torment him viciously.

The malicious thoughts continued to twist and turn, but because they were in the palace, she could only suppress them.

A while passed, someone from inside came to summon them. Madam Song hastily fixed her jewelry before entering, and along with Song Song, bowed low to the emperor.

The emperor said: "Lift your head. Let zhen take a look."

(Zhen is how the emperor refers to himself. It means 'I' or 'this one'. Only the emperor can use this word.)

Song Song looked up, neither servile nor overbearing. The old emperor took a glance, then nodded and said with a smile: "What an attractive and intelligent child. Come. Take a seat."

The two 'mother and son' thanked the emperor. Song Song sat next to Li Xiao. Madam Song, who was full of nerves, sat in a lower position to the empress. She only heard the emperor ask Song Song a few questions, before turning towards her. "What does Madam Song think of this?"

What does she think? Even if she had misgivings in front of the ruler, she couldn't say it out loud. Madam Song could only smile in reply. "All according to your majesty's decision."

In the end, the emperor valued the mad king. There's no way he would let his own child marry home a man. In her heart, she was confident in this thought. She heard the Emperor laugh loudly in reply. He coughed twice, then said: "Do we need to discuss this matter with Song Guogong?"

Madam Song thought he was testing her, and hastily said: "Even if my husband comes, we would still listen to the will of your majesty."

The emperor nodded and said: "If this is the case, then we'll leave it like this for now."

He looked at Song Song again, stating tiredly: "Alright. Everyone can return. It's time for my rest."

He stood up and left with the support of an eunuch. Everyone stood up respectfully to send him off. When that stooped figure completely disappeared, Li Xiao said goodbye to the empress and left first with Song Song.

The two just left, Madam Song immediately said: "Sister, the emperor just now, what did he mean?"

The empress's expression was somewhat grave. She glanced at Madam Song. "What do you think he meant?"

Madam Song said: "Song Song is born of lower class. How could he match the mad king? In my opinion, there's no way the emperor would agree to grant this marriage!"

Hearing her talk with such confidence, the empress suddenly laughed. "If that's the case, then you don't need to worry. You can go back."

The empress left as well. But madam Song still didn't get a clear answer. She frowned, thinking since her sister told her not to worry blindly, then that's a good thing. She felt relieved, and couldn't help feeling Song Song's unperturbed expression today was somewhat laughable.

"Oh well. Let him dream for a few more days."

Inside Yangxin Palace, the eunuch in waiting was fiddling with the candlelight. He turned his head to look at the old emperor who was sitting in front of the table, hesitated for a moment, walked over to ask: "Your majesty, is it a difficult choice?"

The emperor coughed lightly, looking at the blank white silk in front of him. "Today, Xiao-er arrived to ask for permission to marry. Is it to make zhen feel at ease, or is it because he sincerely likes that child?

"This servant feels, it could be both."

The emperor fell silent for a long time before saying: "He's a good child."

Realizing something, the eunuch at the side raised his sleeve to wipe at the corner of his eyes, saying: "Your majesty's consideration and love towards Ping Wang, he understands clearly in his heart."

The eunuch knew that the emperor had his troubles too. If Li Xiao didn't fall ill, the throne would have been his. All these years, the emperor never gave up on treating him. He even let him join the army to make a name for himself in an attempt to give him a chance to prove that he wasn't useless, his importance already far surpass that of other princes. But no matter how much the emperor appreciated his abilities, he still couldn't pass on rulership to the hands of a lunatic.

According to history, no ruler has ever had a male empress. Therefore, if he passed the imperial edict today according to Li Xiao's wishes, then everyone will understand that the emperor made a decision. That he gave up on ping wang and will give the throne to the crown prince. If he agreed to the marriage, on one hand, it represented that he abandoned ping wang. On the other hand, it represented that he's pacifying him. Either way, in anyone's eyes, it would seem like he was paving the way for the crown prince.

(Note: I still don't know if this part is clear. The emperor's saying. Sorry you can't rule the nation, but I'm letting you marry the guy you want. While Everyone else is thinking: Oh, the emperor wants him to marry a guy, that means he finally decided to have the crown prince inherit the throne.)

"Your majesty... are you worried ping wang will feel hurt?" The eunuch consoled. "Looking at his attitude towards the child next to him, it's real fondness. You don't need to worry about them too much."

The emperor held his brush. After a long time, he finally exhaled a long sigh, his elderly voice carried a hint of sorrow: "How unfortunate for Xiao-er."

The brush traveled. The imperial seal pressed down on the white silk.

This national and family matter like this, was decided.

~~~~~

The author has something to say:

Do you want the nation(power) or the beauty(love)? Pointless question.

Adults naturally want both.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Chapter Twelve Marriage Decree

The emperor's worries, Song Song also pondered over on the way home.

In his last life, Li Xiao eventually obtained the title of emperor. This represented that he wasn't a man who'd willingly submit to others. Song Song acted in accordance with Li Xiao today because he felt that Li Xiao was using this matter to test the emperor's attitude.

At the moment, the emperor likely believed that Li Xiao had really given up on becoming the ruler, but in reality, this was only Li Xiao's plan to make progress through pulling back.

The Emperor's health was getting worse and worse by the day. But he had been a benevolent ruler and a kind father. Li Xiao really wasn't a rebellious and disobedient son. Therefore he's waiting and hibernating, pretending to have no interest in the throne. All because he didn't want the emperor to spend the last of his days worrying about an internal strife between his sons.

Li Xiao suddenly spoke up, interrupting Song Song's train of thought: "How confident is Song-er on this matter?"

Song Song considered slightly: "Half, half."

This might as well have not been said.

In the end, he didn't dare to say too much on sensitive topics like politics, even in front of Li Xiao. Compared to being devoted wholeheartedly, talking without holding anything back and telling each other everything, Song Song much more preferred to treat Li Xiao with mutual respect. Song Song understood very well how to be content with the situation.

Li Xiao's smile slowly withdrew.

Song Song was sensitive to his dissatisfaction, just managed to throw over a glance, when he was suddenly hooked around the waist and yanked over.

Song Song instantly felt awkward.

To be honest, before when he actively teased and flirted with Li Xiao, it was all because of his little inner motive. When he focused on that target, he completely overlooked the process. But now that the objective was completed, and maybe the little guy was already in his stomach, he suddenly realized that this action seemed a bit too intimate.

Although this was what he thought, he didn't say it outloud, but instead obediently allowed himself to be held.

Li Xiao wrapped his arms around Song Song's waist asking, "You don't want the emperor to grant us permission to marry?"

What kind of talk was this?

Song Song replied: "I naturally think the same as your highness"

This answer was very clever. It doesn't agree or disagree, just said: same as whatever Li Xiao wants. It was hard to pick out any issues with such an answer.

Li Xiao, however, looked unhappier. His long eyebrows furrowed and he suddenly reached out and pinched Song Song's cheek, making him hiss in pain. He dumbly covered the area, thinking about what sentence he said that accidentally made Li Xiao unhappy. Then, his thoughts turned in another direction---

So under normal circumstances when Li Xiao got angry, he liked to pinch people's faces? This was much better than when he goes berserk and starts cutting people.

Somewhere else, madam Song just got off the carriage and returned to her courtyard when Song Shi who was laying on the bed yelled; "Did mother see that bastard today?"

"I did." Madam Song helped him lean against the headboard.

Song Shi instantly became excited: "So he received punishment?"

Even if he didn't see it personally, just hearing about it would make him happy.

Unfortunately, madam Song's expression turned displeased. She said, "Those rumours from outside weren't baseless. The mad king really spoils him rotten, going as far as to accompany him today. He even brought him to see the emperor to ask for an imperial edict for marriage."

Song Shi's face instantly turned green, voice turning high pitched, the injury on his chest even started hurting more. "Marriage?! He's going to get married to the mad king?!!"

"Don't worry, don't worry." Madam Song hastily calmed him. "Just relax. The emperor wouldn't really allow them to marry. Originally if this matter happened outside, then it would have caused a disturbance but then pass on its own. Now that it was brought to the attention of the emperor himself, we probably don't even have to do anything, his majesty will personally ruin him."

Song Shi replied uncertainly: "With the mad king alive, will he tolerate the emperor killing Song Song?"

"Even if the emperor doesn't order for his death, he still would probably order him to return here." Madam Song patted his head saying: "Today when the emperor left, he even examined Song Song one more time, clearly to remember him specifically. In any case, as long as Song Song had no status, sooner or later, he'll die."

"But if the mad king protects him..."

"He can protect him once, but can he protect him for a lifetime?" Madam Song laughed coldly: "You didn't hear the rumours outside. Even if Song Song managed to survive the first time, he definitely won't be able to survive the 15th time. Even if he doesn't return, sooner or later, he'll die in the mad king's hands."

"But he already lived with the mad king for over half a month, yet nothing has happened."

Just at this moment, a maid brought over medicine. Madam Song took over to feed it to him "Your aunt already told me today not to worry about it. Even if he survives everytime by some lucky fluke, eventually, the mad king will grow tired of him."

Song Shi finally felt relieved by her words and drank his medicine. "Anyways. The day is long. Even if he doesn't get killed by the mad king, I will definitely kill him myself!"

Outside, Song Ge quietly listened for a while then walked away with a solemn face.

While the talk outside circulated about how lucky Song Song was to be able to stay alive for so long next to the mad king, the news of the marriage edict spread outward from Li Xiao's estate.

Instantly, the entire capital exploded.

"I heard the mad king went personally to request for the edict. This action seems quite thought provoking."

"He and the emperor have a close father and son relationship. For him to willingly withdraw a step, it's a good thing."

"Now the crown prince can rest easy..."

This talk came from the more politically aware passerbys, but the capital didn't allow anyone to criticize the emperor. Therefore, this kind of talk can only be discussed in private. What's being circulated more openly was still rumours about Song Song.

"Not going to speak for anything else, this bastard child of the Song family really has opportunity knocking at the door this year huh? It's already amazing that he could live in the mad king's estate safe and sound for so long, now he even obtained such a position."

"The mad king really is crazy. It's one thing to play with men here and there. But he actually wants to marry the Song family bastard and bring him home. Not even considering whether their status matches, simply the fact that this will be a long term thing is a little ...."

"I reckon the mad king doesn't plan to leave descendants. Just look at those girls in his backyard. I heard he never touched them."

"To be honest, if his highness wasn't harmed by villainous schemes, who knows how many families in the capital would be running to make marriage arrangements with him. Totally envious of this Song Song."

"If he weren't crazy, how could Song Song even have the chance? I actually think this bastard of the Song family is quite unfortunate this year. To have gained the mad king's interest and forcibly seized back to his estate was already bad enough. Now he even has to spend a whole lifetime bound to that person. Ai, if it's you, can you even sleep?"

Regardless of whether or not passer-bys can sleep or not, madam Song was the one who really can't sleep at all.

When all was said and done, Song Song belonged to the Song family. Even though Song Song wasn't home, the Song family must know about this matter and in order to get ready for the wedding as fast as possible. Therefore, not long after Song Song received the edict, the palace sent people to inform Song Guogong personally as well, afterall, it was considered marrying into royalty.

Madam Song had been sitting stiff and wordless since the palace eunuch arrived, and until the other left, she finally reached her last straw and, hand waving, broke a cup into pieces, screaming repeatedly:

"How can he! How is he worthy!!"

Song Guogong tried to comfort her: "This is a good opportunity for the entire Song family. It can't count as a bad thing."

He just finished speaking, madam Song's head nearly exploded. She said bitterly: "He's your flesh and blood. Of course you don't think it's a bad thing."

Song Guogong glanced at her once, knew that she was extremely jealous, purposely did not want to speak any more to her, and instead turned to Song Ge: "Since the emperor already passed the edict, then we must prepare well. Ge-er, you find some time to bring Song-er back.

(Note: wedding tradition is for the bride to stay in her family's house until the day of the wedding. Then the groom comes to pick her up and bring her to his house where the ceremony is held.)

"Ok."

Song Ge's expression was also very complicated. He looked at his mother, who could be considered a helper who pushed this matter into motion, and turned away resentfully.

Madam Song looked at the broken tea cup on the floor, her breathing gradually growing heavier, the burning fury making her chest visibly rise and fall. Her personal momo saw her expression and asked softly: "Madam, should we tell this matter to the little master?"

(Note: Momo is an elderly woman that serves aristocratic women. The direct translation I saw is wetnurse. Kinda like a nanny.)

"His injury still hasn't healed. Tell him for what? You want to kill him?"

Song Song wasn't aware of the rackus in Song Guogong's residence. After the gonggong left, he held the imperial edict he received. Very quickly, he realised that he couldn't hold it in his hands forever, so he found a wooden box and placed it within. Li Xiao, who was sitting to the side, saw his 'tiny mouse hoarding food' behavior, and couldn't resist laughing. "Why are you hiding it?"

Upon hearing that laughter, Song Song suddenly realized that he seemed to have attached far too much value to this edict and stammering like a country bumpkin, he said: "This... this is the imperial edict."

He never received an imperial edict before. He only saw others, who upon receiving one, treated it like treasure. There's even an imperial edict placed in the Song family ancestral hall. Since this was the first time he received one, he couldn't just place it randomly.

It was rare to see him so out of sorts, Li Xiao couldn't stop laughing. Song Song's face flushed red in response. Still holding on to the carefully locked box, he wasn't sure if he should hide it or put it down, until Li Xiao stood up to embrace him.

"What Song-er said is right. This is the imperial edict. It's the edict that allows us to marry. Of course we have to protect it well."

He took Song Song's hand and helped him place the box in the uppermost area of their wardrobe. Song Song even took a piece of clothes to cover it, like he's afraid someone will see it. Li Xiao lowered his head and saw his little serious expression, couldn't resist smiling and leaning down to kiss him on the cheek.

Closing the wardrobe door, Song Song made himself small to try to escape from under Li Xiao's arm. But he was stopped, held by the wrist and trapped against the cabinet, as the other man continued on to kiss him on the lips. Mouth and tongue invaded, Song Song could only lift his face and let out soft humming noises from his nose.

Finally released, Song Song's face was completely red. He grabbed and stopped Li Xiao's still moving hands, and found a not very smart topic: "I wonder when the Song family will send people here to bring me back."

Li Xiao, unperturbed, continued to kiss his cheeks, his behavior extremely intimate: "When they come, naturally there will be someone to receive them. Song-er doesn't need to worry."

Song Song backed up, his pretty eyes shined with a bit of bewilderment, and asked in a small voice: "Your highness... how come you're suddenly so enthusiastic?"

Clearly when they first met, he seemed so indifferent and hard to tease.

Li Xiao was silent for a moment, looking at Song Song for a long while, before saying slowly: "This king also wants to ask, how come Song-er is suddenly so cold."

Clearly when he just entered the estate, he was passionate like fire.

~~~~~

The author has something to say:

Song Song: You changed. You're not you anymore.

Wangye: ? You're one to talk?

~~~~~

Chapter Thirteen Reminisce

Examined closely by Li Xiao's pitch black eyes, Song Song also didn't know how to answer this question.

It's not like he could say he had ulterior motives. A proud man like Li Xiao must have a very large ego. If he discovered the reason they were together was not because of his own charisma and attractiveness, he'd definitely feel humiliated.

At that time, this panacea will probably turn into mouse shit in his eyes.

(Note: the word for panacea here is describing Chinese medicinal pills which are small round and black. Song Song is comparing himself to medicine.)

Who's seen mouse shit being treasured like pearls?

Song Song was very self aware. He thought hard and almost found a way to dupe Li Xiao when he saw the other's eyes darken. Once more, Li Xiao grabbed his wrist and kissed him hard. This kiss held a taste of punishment, making his lips sting faintly.

Until a servant came to report: "Your highness, someone is here from the Song family to bring gongzi back." did Li Xiao finally willingly let him go. Song Song panted for air, cheeks dusted with a red hue, and heard him order outside: "Have them wait."

He caressed Song Song's face asking: "Do you want to go back?"

"According to the rules...."

"This king is the rules." Li Xiao hugged him with both hands. "You only have to say whether you want to or not, and whether you are willing or not."

Song Song pressed his kiss swollen lips together, then said.

"Don't want to. Not willing."

He continued. "But I have to return."

He still has things left at the Song estate that he didn't bring.

Li Xiao let him decide, respecting his choice 100% and without questioning, said: "This king will personally send you home."

Since he's already said it, Song Song didn't refuse. On this side, Li Xiao left to order people to prepare the carriage. Song Song went instead to the front hall to greet the visitor. There, he saw Song Ge.

He looked at this person who in the previous life had pretended to protect him like a guardian angel, while secretly pushing him straight into hell. He first froze for a second, then gave him a brief smile. The two exchanged some casual chit chat and Song Ge took this time to carefully examine him as well.

Still not much different from the Song Song in his memories, just not as skinny. He still had the usual gentle, very easy to pick on appearance.

What pleased Song Ge the most was the humbled, surprised expression on Song Song's face when he saw him. Song Song probably didn't expect him to come personally to collect him. Not only did it seem like Song Ge forgave him for injuring Song Shi right in front of him, he's still treated him so well, just like in the past. According to Song Ge's understanding of Song Song, the other was bound to feel moved again by this treatment.

He told Song Song: "The carriage is already outside waiting. Dinner is all ready for you at home. Let's hurry and get on the carriage, elder brother."

Just looking at his behavior, he'd seem like an exceptional good little brother.

They walked out the door together. However, Song Song did not hurry to get on the carriage. Song Ge patiently waited for a moment. Just as he opened his mouth to inquire, he suddenly heard the sound of wheels. When he turned, he saw the king's luxurious and spacious carriage being driven over. When it stopped next to the Song estate carriage, instantly the Song carriage appeared cheap and ugly in comparison.

Before he could respond, he saw Li Xiao bend down and carry Song Song into his carriage, then straddled onto a high and mighty horse. Without sparing him even a single glance, Li Xiao pulled at the reins and headed to the front.

Song Ge's personal servant leaned close to ask: "Song gongzi... isn't going to sit in our carriage?"

A moment later, Song Ge got on his own horse. Even though he was doing his best to maintain a smile, his facial color still looked green, especially when he saw passerbys curiously look over and whisper in voices he couldn't ignore.

"The carriage in the back belongs to Song Guogong? This is to retrieve Song Song, right? How come the king's carriage is also here?"

"You can't even understand this?" Someone said: "Song Song is clearly sitting in the front carriage."

"You're saying this second son of the Song family dragged an empty carriage over, and is now dragging an empty carriage back?"

"Of course. I gotta say, this Song Guogong is really blind. Does he really not know how much the mad king spoils that bastard child? Look at this lousy carriage they arranged for him. How embarrassing. How can it be worthy of the mad king's beloved baobei? No wonder he has to send his own carriage."

(Note: Baobei: baby, sweetheart, as mushy as you can go. you know ;3 )

On the horse, Song Ge's face was full of gloom.

The servant saw his face color and really wanted to curse loudly at the gossipers for him. This clearly was Song family's best carriage alright?! Who dared to say Song Guogong was blind!!

He just finished thinking this when he heard a small voice say to his side.

"Who's to say? Maybe this embarrassing carriage is their best carriage?"

Someone started laughing, then they began whispering in an even lower voice.

The servant saw Song Ge's face turn worse.

Compared to Song Song, even as a kid, Song Ge was arrogant. He only came to receive Song Song personally today, one reason was to show Li Xiao that he had a good relationship with Song Song. The second was to let Song Song understand that in this world, the only person who treated him well was himself.

Yet... clearly when the king's carriage was pulled over, Song Song could have declined Li Xiao with just a simple word. But he just accepted the pampering so easily, and completely without any consideration given to him or the Song family.

It can be said that today, he, Song Ge, played Song Song's supporting rule for once, and became a laughing stock for once.

He gloomily lifted his eyes to look at the carriage in the front, then secretly told himself. No worries. The feelings developed between them all these years, eventually will make him listen obediently.

When they arrived at the Song residence, Song Guogong's face looked bad as well. But since Li Xiao already brought Song Song over, he can only put on a smiling face and invite them into the house.

Some effort was indeed spent on dinner at the Song residence tonight. Li Xiao sat down together with Song Song and listened with an indifferent smile, to Song Guogong's bootlicking about how it was a blessing of 3 lifetimes for Song Song to be able marry someone like him. He casually placed a chicken leg into Song Song's bowl, saying: "Where will Song-er live tonight? Did father-in-law make any arrangements?"

Song Guogong married off 'a son', so didn't feel too strange being called father-in-law, and said: "No need to worry about this, wangye. The arrangements have long been ready."

"Oh?" Li Xiao said: "Is it the same courtyard as before?"

Song Song lightly pulled the corner of his mouth. When did he have a courtyard? Before he always lived in the storage room. He quietly looked down and scooped some rice into his mouth. He was wondering how his father would reply when he saw him say with a smile: "That's right. Ever since Song-er was brought away by you, that courtyard has remained empty. Nothing's been touched. Everything is kept the same."

Song Song's chopsticks paused.

Li Xiao seemed satisfied with Song Guogong's 'love' towards Song Song and said: "If that's the case, then this king can rest assured."

Song Guogong said with a smile: "In the end, Song-er is this old man's flesh and blood. How can I treat him unfairly in my own house?"

Li Xiao's eyes flashed, unexpectedly saying: "This king has heard of some rumours outside, about how you treated Song-er somewhat severely. Perhaps they were baseless?"

"How can you believe those rumours outside?" Song Guogong hastily replied. He was a little worried that Song Song said something to Li Xiao, and explained while glaring at Song Song with an eye: "Maybe I was a bit severe, but it was only regarding school work. In terms of food and clothing, how could this old man discriminate between my children?"

Song Song felt disgusted by his words, but what's more disgusting was to follow.

Madam Song observed Li Xiao's face color, seized the chance to praise Song Guogong, stating: "Exactly! When Song-er was small, he was stubborn and mischievous, often refusing to read and study. Husband would often hit him, but then comforted and consoled him afterwards."

Song Guogong continued saying: "That's right. Madam also loves Song-er dearly. Sometimes educating children is just like this. Often after punishment, Madam even cries gold tears."

He seemed to feel like he told a funny inside joke, and started laughing loudly.

After laughing a few times, he suddenly found Li Xiao didn't seem to be amused even by a little, and unnaturally stiffened, forehead seeping with cold sweats.

Silence permeated inside the room. Madam Song's outstretched chopstick carefully withdrew, cold sweats covering her palms.

Just at this time, Song Song asked quietly: "Doesn't Your highness find this funny?"

Madam Song could hear Song Song's tone of satire and thought he was purposely adding oil to the fire. The hate in her heart burned. She really wished Li Xiao would lose his mind for a second and choke Song Song to death. However, unexpectedly, Li Xiao actually started laughing lightly, saying: "To know that Song-er lived well, this king feels relieved."

The atmosphere at the table instantly lightened. While Song Guogong wiped away the sweat on his forehead, Song Song suddenly smiled and said: "Your highness is unaware. Father really did hit me before because of books. However, it wasn't because I didn't love reading, but because I stole my third brother's book."

Song Guogong's face turned black: "Song Song!"

Li Xiao's thin eyelids lifted and he immediately fell silent. The man looked down again at Song Song, patiently said: "Go on."

The expression Song Guogong threw at Song Song held some panic and pleading. They were extremely afraid of angering Li Xiao. This lunatic who can kill without blinking an eye, what's the point in provoking him?

"Because I was reading in the kitchen and accidentally burned the book. Third brother went to him crying..." Song Song looked at Song Guogong's terrified expression, and said slowly: "Father then punished me and third brother together." Actually, the only one punished was him.

Li Xiao's finger fiddled with his long hair for a second. "Looks like father-in-law never did show any favoritism."

Song Guogong let out a sigh of relief. Who knew, Song Song started talking again. "Humans are always biased. With 'mother' present, when he hit third brother, most of the time, it didn't hurt. Hitting me, on the other hand, was quite different..."

Seeing those two people's expressions change back to being scared and on edge, Song Song, in front of Li Xiao's displeasure, once again released the high tension: "After all, third brother was not even 5 years old."

Li Xiao revealed an understanding expression.

With the way Song Song kept on playing, one moment raising their anxiety, the next moment dropping it, both madam Song and Song Guogong felt like they almost had heart disease. Feeling like their lives were squeezed in his hands, they finally heard him say mercifully: "I'm done eating."

Song Guogong impatiently said: "Come, someone lead him to Xiang courtyard."

A servant hasily came up to lead the way. However, Song Song said unhurriedly, like a backtracking demon: "For this youngster to leave the feast early, it's not proper etiquette." He said: "Seeing as it's still early, how about we continue reminiscing. Let wangye feel entertained and happy.

Just look at that one sitting next to you who can go crazy any moment now, and begging you please be humane!!

~~~~~

The Author has something to say:

Madam Song: Paying respect to the mad king, begging you choke him to death the next time you have an episode!

Wangye: This king only fulfills Song-er's wishes.

~~~~~~~~~~~~

Chapter 14 Spoiled

"A donkey wearing tiger's skin, using his position to bully others!"

(Note: Don't even ask me about Chinese insults. Trying my best here lmao.)

After dinner, Li Xiao left with Song Song together to look at his living quarters. Madam Song didn't even leave the dining hall before she started cursing.

Song Guogong furrowed his brows. He somewhat couldn't understand this son of his. What's going on with him today? It's one thing to have a huge personality change, it's another to be constantly knocking down his own family's pedestal at the dinner table. Does he really no longer consider himself part of the Song family?

"He thinks if he follows the mad king, he can ascend to the heavens, doesn't he? They haven't even gotten married yet. Just look at how arrogant and wild he's become, to dare to pick at our faults at the table. This cheap seed, sooner or later I will..."

"Don't say anymore." Song Guogong interrupted her, his face extremely unsightly.

In the end, that was still his seed. Cursing him with that phrase, what's the meaning of this?

Madam Song, however, was very annoyed and screeched: "So what if I insult him? He's just the child of a lowly merchant girl. Kiss-ass trash. He really thinks he's someone important? Sooner or later, he'll fall to his death."

Her words were extremely cutting. Song Guogong was so mad his eyes bulged and his beard moved. The hand in his sleeve tightened, then released, then tightened again. In the end, he remembered that she was the empress's blood related sister, so turned his head and walked off.

"What? Don't tell me you feel bad for him?" Madam Song followed him, shouting words of ridicule at his back. "Who knows if he still accepts you as his father!!"

Song Guogong walked away faster, disappearing after passing through the arched doors.

Actually, there was no need for anyone to lead the way. Song Song originally lived with his mother in the Xiang courtyard, but after Xiang Fu died, he was chased out. Traveling past a limestone alleyway and seeing that familiar courtyard, for a moment his heart felt all kinds of complicated.

Li Xiao turned his head to look at him: "If Song-er has any troubles, you can tell this king."

While Song Song doesn't mind occasionally looking a bit pitiful in front of Li Xiao, he can't really deliberately recount to Li Xiao the daily abuse he received in the past. That kind of thing was unforgettable to him, carved directly into his bones and engraved in his heart, but if heard by others, maybe would seem annoying.

"With your highness here, how can I have any troubles?" Song Song smiled at him, then stepped into the courtyard.

Even though this courtyard was deliberately cleaned up, it still held the atmosphere of a place that has been vacated for a long time. The grass clearly looked like it was recently cleared away, the dirt on the ground still held marks of being flipped. There were two bonsai plants placed at the entrance from who knows where. Although inside the room was swept clean, the smell of mold and dust permeated the air. On the inner walls of the house held water marks.

Li Xiao only took a brief glance, before his face darkened.

Song Song continued inward. The bottoms of the familiar cabinets inside were already rotted. He opened a drawer to take a look. The smell of decayed wood mixed with recently placed incense assaulted his nostrils. Song Song sneezed, found the drawer completely empty, then closed it again.

Actually he was well aware that because his mother has died so many years, the priceless objects that were here have long since been removed. Even if a little were left over, they would have been picked up by the servants who cleaned here today.

Nevertheless, he still made sure to check every single drawer and every nook and cranny, unwilling to give up.

On the bed, there was actually a brand new blanket. Song Song glanced at it, suddenly hearing Li Xiao order to nearby servants: "Return to my estate to bring wangfei some clothes."

(Note: wangfei is the title given to the wife of a wangye like Li Xiao)

Then he added: "Call your steward here."

The people who received the instructions went their separate ways to complete their tasks. Li Xiao pulled Song Song to sit in front of the table, faced him and said: "Did you always live here before?"

Song Song blinked. He really didn't expect this courtyard and this room to be so empty, there weren't even any presentable clothes in the cabinets. But then again, it made sense. The marriage decree came down too suddenly. Song Guogong probably wanted to seem like they had a good father and son relationship. Therefore he hurriedly ordered people to bring him back, which left no time to make any proper arrangements here.

Now, even if Song Song wanted to pretend he always lived here, he couldn't. He could only remain silent and say nothing.

Li Xiao's mouth tightened, his eyes revealing a killing aura. He picked up a pastry from the table but was unable to control his desire to destroy, and slowly crushed the snow white soft cake to crumbs.

Song Song realized his mood didn't feel right, called out to him. "Your highness."

Li Xiao looked over, the darkness gathered in his eyes dissipating a little. Song Song pressed on his hand, suggesting: "If your highness doesn't like this place, then you can return first."

"I can sit a little longer." Li Xiao's voice was very soft, so soft it seemed somewhat unnatural. Certain syllables of his words jumped, sounding like a machine that could break anytime. Perhaps he didn't want to scare Song Song, he made a joke that wasn't very funny: "Already want to drive this king away so soon?"

Upon receiving the message, the steward's heart stuttered. Intuition told him that the mad king calling him could not be a good thing. Nevertheless, he still had to rush over there without a moment of rest. On one hand, he was afraid that if he was too slow, the mad king would break open his skull. On the other hand, he wished this path could last a little longer, just a little longer. But this road was very short, so short that as soon as he saw the sign for the Xiang courtyard, he started sweating bullets.

The steward was a very observant man. He saw the servants trembling to the side and realized that the mad king was probably angry. Upon entering the door, he immediately fell on his knees and bowed to the floor. "I heard wangye called. Does wangye have any orders?"

"Song-er isn't used to living in this courtyard. Go arrange another one for him."

The steward couldn't make the decision on this matter. He answered: "This servant obeys. I will go ask Master Song."

"This king will come with you."

Song Song hastily reached out and held Li Xiao's hand. He didn't dare to speak much, because he noticed that Li Xiao was currently livid due to dissatisfaction over this courtyard that Song Guogong arranged for him. He understood too well how scary this man was when he lost control. Lightly grasping his hand, Song Song obediently went with him to the main house.

The steward first politely bowed to Li Xiao to take his leave, then ran quickly to the study to report: "Gongzi said he can't get used to living in Xiang courtyard, so is currently waiting at the front hall for you to make other arrangements."

"Not used to living there?" Song Guogong turned black as soon as he heard it: "Song Song is really rebelling here."

He rushed into the front hall in two steps, didn't even manage to say anything before he made contact with a ruthless pair of eyes. Instantly, his legs turned to jelly, he almost knelt: "Wang, wangye...."

Wordlessly, Li Xiao used his fingers to lightly tap on the table top. Song Song sat next to him, looking worried.

Song Guogong stuck on a smiling face, and said with a hint of blame: "Deceiving wangye to gain favor, it seems like Song Song has lived too comfortably in your highness's estate. This child is really getting too spoiled nowadays. He can't even get used to living in the same courtyard as before..."

He didn't finish speaking, the hand that Li Xiao was using to tap on the table opened somewhat. The opened palm didn't even touch the table, yet that little table abruptly and noiselessly collapsed into pieces.

Song Guogong's face greened on the spot.

Is he really going to have an outburst?!

Run? But he hasn't completely lost control yet.

Stay? Who knows what will happen?

In the end, no one dared to provoke Li Xiao any more at this moment. All the servants in the front hall all knelt down. Song Guogong also couldn't hold it, one knee hit the floor following the second, his whole body rigid.

"Your highness..." Song Song called him, then saw Li Xiao narrow his eyes and say unhurriedly: "If he always lived there, then why aren't there any clothes?"

In the back, the steward pressed his forehead to the floor. Song Guogong actually was unaware of this thing, but he was very clear. The marriage decree arrived too fast. Before when Song Song lived here, he always slept in the storage room. Because of madam Song's malice, he didn't have even a single piece of decent clothing. Even though the courtyard was cleaned up, they weren't able to find clothes that didn't exist to fill the cabinets in such a short time.

No wonder why the mad king would get angry. This wasn't only bullying Song Song, this was also lying to him pointblank.

He secretly felt remorse for his negligence, on one hand terrified, on the other panicking.

Alas, it looks like some people will be dying today in the Song estate.

Song Guogong was very dumbfounded. He blankly took two breaths, then found Li Xiao already moved, like a demon, in front of him. The man looked down at him from above and spoke, a ghastly cold aura pouring out from his person as if it could seep into one's bones:

"The person this King carefully lavishes with delicacies and extravagance, you dare subject him to grievances openly and secretly. Father-in-law... How many lives do you have in the Song family to use for compensation?"

Disclaimer: I'm translating this novel for fun. I can't promise 100% accuracy, but I'm doing my best to try to make this coherent. Leave a comment if there's anything confusing and I'll try to fix it. If you enjoy the translation and want to support me, tip me a Kofi at

~~~~~~~~~~~

Chapter 15 Imprinted

"Wangye... shouldn't listen to other people's random gossip. This lowly official has never treated Song-er unfairly..."

His teeth clattered as he spoke, the muscles of his face trembling uncontrollably. Forehead buried deeply in front of those black boots, cold sweats stained the ground in front of him.

He never thought that in only half a month's time, Song Song has already occupied such an important position in Li Xiao's heart, becoming his untouchable wrath scale.

Just as this thought crossed his mind, he suddenly looked up. His anxious line of sight looked towards Song Song, begging: "Song-er, Song-er say something. When has dad treated you unfairly? Song-er?"

Song Song did not spare him even half a glance, but instead looked towards that man. Li Xiao slightly turned his head, and gazed back quietly. At this moment, Li Xiao was like an arrow in Song Song's hands, already pulled tight. He only had to release, then that man would instantly shoot out like a vengeful malicious spirit.

With the ruffling sound of clothes, Song Song arrived in front of LI Xiao and pulled at his hand: "If your highness thinks this courtyard isn't good enough, then we can just change it."

Li Xiao didn't move. When paranoid, it was difficult for him to move on from one thought to the next, trapped by the devastating bloodthirsty killing intent in his heart.

In the hall, everyone's hearts were all beating wildly in their chest, hard enough to cause chest pains. Everyone hoped that Song Song could pacify this lunatic, even though reason told them that this wasn't very likely.

Li Xiao didn't move. When he's about to have an episode, even if many words entered his ears, it was difficult for them to enter his brain in a short period of time. Song Song continued to pick up the man's other hand, and tried pulling him towards a chair, coaxing him: "Father is old. Don't scare him too much."

Song Guogong saw with the corner of his eyes, the black shoes in front of him turned and then slowly moved away. He gasped a deep breath. While Song Song was turning Li Xiao, he took the opportunity to climb up carefully from the ground and, softly and quietly, backed away. The servants to the side followed suit, and upon reaching the exit, they left running for their lives.

Madam Song also heard about Song Song wanting to switch living quarters, and was just walking this way. When turning the corners, she didn't look too carefully, and ran right into Song Guogong. She was abruptly knocked ass first on the floor and yelled loudly: "Why are you running?!"

"Shut up." Song Guogong glared at her with a blackened face. "The king is acting crazy right now."

Madam Song's face paled. She was helped up by her personal momo. "Did... did he kill anyone?"

"No." Song Guogong saw her afraid and said sympathetically: "Song-er is soothing him. We took the chance to escape."

"Song Song is still inside?" A gleam of light appeared in madam Song's eyes. Taking advantage of the mad king's condition, if it's possible to stimulate him a little more, then wouldn't Song Song be... dead meat?

The corners of her mouth couldn't resist uprising. The Song family steward, however, began to worry: "That's right. Gongzi is still dealing with the mad king. Will he be okay?"

Song Guogong pursed his lips in consideration.

Although originally he did want to use Li Xiao to elevate his family's social standing, when they received the emperor's edict, he even felt it was a good thing. But after experiencing this mess, he discovered that Li Xiao's favor towards Song Song to the Song family did not signify a big golden thigh. Instead, the mad king was more like a vengeful spirit who can come anytime and annihilate the Song family. This spirit seemed to be very easily incited by Song Song to help him get his revenge. This was not a good thing.

He just happened to follow the same line of thought as madam Song. If Song Song could be murdered by the mad king... Anyways, now that it's been confirmed that the crown prince will inherit the throne, even though the current emperor attached great importance to Li Xiao, who's to say for the future ruler. He definitely won't leave a man who could lose control anytime at his side.

While they were plotting, Song Song already placated Li Xiao. The man calmed down, looking at the currently emptied room, his face darkened again:

"Where is he?"

You scared him away.

Song Song couldn't resist laughing. At this time, the young Qi Haoyun suddenly scooted close from the side, big round eyes stared cautiously at Li Xiao: "Wangye.... Do you have any orders?"

"Tell them to make available the best courtyard here. Let wangfei move in there."

"We haven't married yet...."

Song Song had to remind him. Li Xiao didn't reply. Qi Haoyun looked over at Song Song after receiving the order. The latter didn't get a chance to speak yet, Li Xiao already put on a cold face: "Hurry up and go."

Song Song added: "Wangye won't hurt me. Hurry and go."

Qi Haoyun glanced at Li Xiao with uncertainty. Then, before the man got angry, he skedaddled away.

The room emptied. An arm suddenly hooked around Song Song's waist, and he found himself sitting on Li Xiao's leg. The man touched his hand for a bit, then brought it up to his lips for a kiss. The tension between his brows carried a hint of grumpiness.

Qi Haoyun just turned the corner when he heard the crisp clear sound of someone getting slapped. "This madam ordered you to go, so you should go obediently. Why's there so much nonsense?"

He walked closer and found madam Song punishing a maid. The maid was kneeling on the floor, crying: "But wangye will kill me..."

"If you were killed by wangye, you would bring honor to your ancestors."

What kind of situation was this? Qi Haoyun's thoughts spun in a circle, then he suddenly stepped forward. "Stop!"

Madam Song saw that this was someone who belonged to Li Xiao, immediately withdrew her hand, asking warmly: "Is wangye feeling better?"

"Wangye wants you guys to clear out the best courtyard available for the future wangfei to live in."

Qi Haoyun finished relaying the message, then saw her unhappy face. He looked over at Song Guogong who was standing to the side. Suddenly, an idea sparked. He deliberately continued: "He also said, the courtyard that madam currently lives in was perfect."

Madam Song's face instantly turned green. To the side, Song Guogong also didn't expect Li Xiao would say something like this. However, Qi Haoyun passed him the hat: "But of course, in the Song estate, the words of the master is what counts. It's almost time to retire to sleep, please make your decision soon."

Qi Haoyun didn't bother with what they thought, and left back around the corner when he finished speaking.

When he disappeared, Song Guogong immediately ordered people to make preparations. Madam Song practically exploded: "He dares to covet my courtyard. Husband, husband.... What are you doing?"

Song Guogong finished instructing. A group of servants very quickly began their work. Madam Song followed him into the room, and said incredibly: "You're really going to give my courtyard to that bastard child? Is he in charge or are you in charge? Say something! You can't even master your own house? You're not even a man..."

"Pa!" with a loud sound, Song Guogong, who reached his last straw, slapped her face with one palm. In lieu of her surprised, inconceivable gaze, he said sternly: "This wasn't Song Song's request. It was wangye's orders! Didn't you understand that kid's meaning? I am in charge of this estate. If the task is not completed properly, the mad king will definitely blame me! Do you really want me to die?!"

With his gaze locked on to her, madam Song seemed like she finally understood. Of course she doesn't want her own man to die. She actually liked him or else she wouldn't have insisted on marrying him despite Xiang Fu marrying him first. However, at the moment, she, who was trying to cause trouble, did seem like she didn't care about whether he lived or died. Madam Song could only let go of her anger, and say with eyes full of tears and grievances: "Then... then I should just give him my courtyard?

"He will only live there for half a month and then move out after the wedding."

In response to her crying, Song Guogong also softened his tone. He patted madam Song's shoulder and hugged her for a moment, frustration showing between his brows.

When Song Song was brought to the new courtyard, he was somewhat stunned. Li Xiao asked: "How is this courtyard?"

Song Song laughed: "This is indeed the best courtyard of the Song estate."

Li Xiao examined all around, expression much more at ease.

Song Song came here before, when madam Song had ordered him to fetch tea and pour water. Either way, as long as he was alive, then he was like a thorn in madam Song's eyes.

Once again walking into this house, he suddenly noticed that everything had been changed. No matter the bedding, or the incense, or the table and chairs, all were switched to a new set. This time, the steward was very efficient in completing this task. Every cabinet and drawers were stuffed full of new clothes. Song Song reached out to pick one out and saw the design was from a certain tailor from the capital. Suddenly, he couldn't resist laughing again: "He probably bought out all of the ready-made clothes in the capital, huh?"

Li Xiao raised an eyebrow, reached out to touch the material and said: "Barely counts as mid grade quality. Still not diligent enough."

"How can the Song family match our highness's extravagance." Song Song praised him: "Since these clothes fit me pretty well, we can bring them with us when we leave. It can save us some expenses."

"We didn't have our wedding, yet already thinking about how to save money for this king?"

Song Song didn't rebuke him, and said with some seriousness: "Since we're married, I definitely will support your highness wholeheartedly."

Madam Song was really stingy. Everything in her room was moved out completely. Song Song looked left and right.

(Note: this sentence seems really random. But I think what the author meant here was that Song Song wanted to take away some of madam Song's possessions just like how his mother's possessions were taken away after she died. But unfortunately, madam Song moved everything in her room away.)

Just as he finished that thought, suddenly he was hugged by Li Xiao again. The man pressed against his forehead saying: "Really?"

"Of course."

Li Xiao paused, saying: "If anyone in the Song estate dares to treat you badly, you have to tell this king."

Song Song felt his heart soften. Of course he doesn't plan to tell Li Xiao any of these messed up things. He knows Li Xiao was very busy. Even though it's still a long while before he will ascend the throne, some preparations won't be complete in a short amount of time. The only thing he could do at the moment was to decrease his presence and avoid affecting the events to come.

Still, Song nodded in response and reminded him: "It's already very late. Your highness should rest."

It was rare for him to be so agreeable. Li Xiao reached out and stroked his long hair. He just nodded when he heard Song Song say thoughtfully: "I will send your highness out."

Song Song pulled off the hand that was placed on his waist. However, it immediately moved back. The man stared at his porcelain face and said: "This king heard Song-er can't sleep unless it's in the same bed"

(Note: the word used here is 认床, which literally means recognize one bed, which I changed to imprint on a bed.)

"?" Song Song laughed and shook his head: "I don't need to sleep in the same bed."

If it weren't for the fact that a mouse hole was too small, he could nest anywhere. How could he have such an issue?

Li Xiao's expression was displeased. "Spoiled people all imprint on a bed."

".... I'm not spoiled."

(Note: the word used here is 金贵 which translates to gold and expensive. At first I was going to use aristocrat to describe it, but it doesn't seem quite fitting. Just someone who is very precious and well taken care of, I guess?)

"You are now." Li Xiao sulked more: "From now on, You imprint on the same bed, and also imprint on the same person. If this king isn't by your side, then you can't sleep steadily."

"... ..."

In this world, there's a type of spoiled called: the mad king decided that you're spoiled, then you're spoiled. And there's a type of imprint called: the mad king decided that you imprinted on a bed, then...

And there's also a little situation called:

The mad king wanted to sleep next to his wife.

~~~~~

The writer has something to say:

Song Song: When you throw a tantrum, it's actually... very cute.

Mad king: ?

(I didn't mention before, but sometimes in these afterwards, the author likes to use 怂怂 to write Song Song's name. They have the same sound, but this character means Scared Scared. xD)

Disclaimer: I'm translating this novel for fun. I can't promise 100% accuracy, but I'm doing my best to try to make this coherent. Leave a comment if there's anything confusing and I'll try to fix it. If you enjoy the translation and want to support me, tip me a Kofi at

~~~~~~~~~~~

Chapter 16 Slap

In the end, Li Xiao did not accept his "not appropriate" reasoning and Song Song found himself picked up and carried straight to bed.

According to old customs, before the wedding, the bride and groom shouldn't see each other. Yet in terms of Li Xiao, not only are they seeing, he's even moved into the house and refused to leave. How preposterous.

Good thing he wasn't a girl, otherwise, his reputation would have been long lost.

Actually on this matter, Song Song thought too much. Just like how today, although he didn't sit in Song Ge's carriage, no one thought him irresponsible. Who asked Li Xiao to have such a fearsome reputation outside, if accidentally provoked he'd go berserk. So to everyone, Song Song had no rights to object. He was just an unfortunate fellow who can only quietly accept whatever the mad king decided.

After the two got into bed, Song Song immediately closed his eyes.

Actually he was a little worried that Li Xiao might want to do something more. From what he knew from the past life, they only did it once. That meant the unborn child was definitely in his stomach right now. He's afraid Li Xiao might... push him out.

He never studied any medical books and in this area, had absolutely no experience. So whatever he thought was right was therefore correct.

But he couldn't really explain this before he was really expecting. There was no way Li Xiao would believe his words. Therefore, he could only close his eyes, slow his breathing, and pretend to fall asleep.

As he pretended and pretended, he really did end up falling asleep.

He slept very well. When he woke up, the sky was bright. The man who was beside him already went to court. He rubbed his eyes and got up. Just as he sat down in front of the mirror, he froze---

He reached out and opened his shirt collar and looked in the mirror back and forth for a long time. Then he silently pulled the collar up high and turned to wrap a marten fur scarf, one that Li Xiao ordered for him specifically, around his neck, covering up the extremely eye-catching red marks present.

Luckily the temperature had been plummeting, no one noticed his strangeness. Although when he continued to wear the scarf while eating at the table, there were still some servants who stared at him nonstop. He drank a scoop of white fungus soup, pursed his lips and said: "This has the king's estate's taste."

Qi Haoyun immediately replied: "Wangye specifically instructed people to bring it over. He's afraid the food here won't be worthy enough for you."

"... ..." Apparently in this world, there's a kind of not worthy enough called: wangye decided it wasn't worthy.

Song Song couldn't resist laughing, his eyes lighting up like stars. Qi Haoyun looked at him from the side, and suddenly said: "Gongzi, if you have any grievances, please tell his highness. I can see that wangye really treats you differently."

"What kind of grievances would I have?"

"... ..." Qi Haoyun wanted to say something but then hesitated. In the end, he was still young so couldn't hide his thoughts: "Yesterday when wangye had his episode, as soon as you stepped up, Song Guogong took his people and ran away instantly. Why didn't he think about what would happen if you couldn't calm down wangye... "

Song Song's smiling expression did not change.

To say he really didn't feel anything, that would be impossible. But all these years, he long understood that to this family of his, he was nothing. Madam Song hated his mother so she also hated him. She treated him less than a servant, wishing nothing more than to grind his bones to dust.

As for Song Guogong, the one he loved the most was probably himself. It's not that he never saw Song Song's injuries, but because Song Song never said anything, he just turned a blind eye and pretended to not have seen anything.

Yesterday at the dinner table, he was only secretly worried that Song Song would tell Li Xiao everything that happened at home... Worried about Song Song's safety? He probably couldn't wait for Li Xiao to lose it and kill him.

Originally Qi Haoyun just had a moment of loose lips. When he finished speaking, he suddenly realized that he might have said something wrong. Just as he worriedly thought about adding something more, he heard Song Song look over gently and say: "All those people ran, how come you didn't run?"

"I... ...." Qi Haoyun said: "I thought you're really godly. Last time when wangye had an episode, you managed to calm him down. I just wanted to see what method you use to do it."

"Did you figure it out?"

Qi Haoyun shook his head, thought for a moment, then said with a face full of admiration: "I still think you're super godly."

Other than godly, he couldn't use anything else to describe it. He followed his adoptive father all these years and saw from afar wangye have his outbursts many many times. When he really lost it, he couldn't even control himself. But with just casually one or two sentences, a light pull on the corner of his clothes, Song Song was able to placate him... The more he thought about it, the more amazing it became. In his eyes, Song Song can practically be compared to a world savior.

On this point, Song Song also didn't have an answer. In his impression, He and Li Xiao only met a little more than half a month ago. But the expression Li Xiao used to look at him often made him question if they knew each other a long time ago.

But this was impossible. Unless Li Xiao was also reborn. Not to mention, in the previous life, he needed to have the ability to see himself as a ghost.

Even if this were the case, then Song Song would only have been special to him in this life. But in the previous life... Li Xiao also clearly got better after hearing his name.

He couldn't figure it out no matter how long he thought about it and can only finally conclude with: Maybe, I'm really pretty godly.

Madam Song's courtyard was arranged really well. Song Song wandered around, got the sprinkler and watered the plants growing on the porch, then asked Qi Haoyun: "Is someone taking care of the greenhouse?"

"Yes. Wangye already instructed. Until you return, all your things will be taken care of."

Song Song nodded, suddenly felt his throat itch, lightly coughed a little. Qi Haoyun immediately gave him a cloak to wear. "Today the temperature is even lower. It might even snow tonight."

Song Song gathered the cloak's collar, then heard someone come to report: "Gongzi, 2nd gongzi would like to see you."

(Note: Song Song is the oldest son. Song Ge is 2nd. Song Shi is 3rd)

"Let him come in." He finished, then quietly asked Qi Haoyun: "Did wangye order people to guard this courtyard?"

Qi Haoyun instantly was a face full of pride. "Your guess is correct. Wangye ordered two of the best bodyguards to stand at the entrance. Without your orders, not even a mosquito can fly in to disturb you."

Song Song thought, Li Xiao really treated him with high regards.

Who knew how the two brothers' hearts were connected for a brief moment, because right now, Song Ge thought exactly the same.

Even though normally, madam Song was bossy and arrogant in her own house, she still didn't reach the point where she had people report in before entering the door. Look at how it was now. Song Song just moved in. There's actually people guarding the door, as if some high nobility arrived or something.

Song Ge didn't even enter the door, he already had to suppress some of his anger. After receiving permission, the first thing he said upon entering the door was "Elder brother is getting more and more prestigious now. If I wanted to see you, it's like trying to ascend to the sky."

Li Xiao gave Song Song power, naturally he had to accept it. Properly, he sat in the main seat, ordered someone to bring tea, saying: "Second brother is looking for me for what purpose?"

"Nothing particular. Just want to catch up with you." Song Ge looked to the left and right and said: "You can all go."

He treated Song Song's servants like they were his own to order about. Qi haoyun thought: who the heck are you?--- and ignored him completely. But Song Song thought briefly and gave him a nod. Only then did Qi Haoyun bow and withdraw.

The room quieted. Song Ge then asked with concern: "Does the mad king treat you well in private?"

"Very well." Song Song's smile was just like before, comparable to a soft little bunny.

Song Ge continued: "Have you two..."

Song Song heard him say this, and knew what he wanted to inquire. He said: "Wangye is very good, good everywhere. Second brother don't have to worry."

Song Ge sat in a chair to his side, continuing to say worriedly: "Elder brother doesn't have a lot of worldly experience. You're unaware. The mad king's illness is very unstable. All this time at home, I thought about you nonstop... Ah-Song, I really am scared for you."

Song Song's hand was covered by his.

Song Song actually was somewhat unclear as to what kind of affection Song Ge was trying to express here, was it love between brothers or something more unspeakable. He saw Song Ge's anxious expression. How much of it was true, Song Song didn't know. He only knew that in the previous life, he believed Song Ge's words 100%.

He looked down at Song Ge's hand and said: "Wangye doesn't like others touching me."

"Are you treating me as others?" Song Ge held his hand. All these years, he was the only person to reach out a helping hand for Song Song. He knew he was very important in Song Song's eyes. He knew he only had to pull on Song Song's hand, the other would become obedient like a rabbit. If he did something else towards him, the other's sensitive mental state would no doubt be affected, because he was far too thirsty for love and protection.

In Song Song's heart, he almost made himself a special place. This place already made a lasting mark. He just had to remind him a little, Song Song would definitely waver.

"Ge-er... ..." Song Song called his name using the same kind of warm expecting tone as in the previous life, as if only by calling his name, would he feel like his heart was soaked in a warm bath, like there was still someone who cared about him in this world.

Song Ge smiled slightly, but in the next second, Song Song abruptly raised his other hand---

A sharp clear slap sounded in the air. Song Ge's face turned to one side on the spot.

Song Song said unperturbed: "You overstepped."

~~~~~~~~~~

The author has something to say:

Song Song: Didn't expect it, huh? H e.H e.jpg

Disclaimer: I'm translating this novel for fun. I can't promise 100% accuracy, but I'm doing my best to try to make this coherent. Leave a comment if there's anything confusing and I'll try to fix it. If you enjoy the translation and want to support me, tip me a Kofi at

~~~~~~~~~~

Chapter 17 Barricade

Song Ge, whose face strikingly resembles Song Song's, turned pale. His eyelashes fluttered as he slowly turned back, pitch-black eyes staring unblinking at Song Song. Inside them seemed to overflow with something.

And incredulousness.

Just look at what Song Song did. He actually dared to hit him.

Was he insane?

But these thoughts were completely confined behind a smile. Song Ge licked at the corner of his mouth: "Ah-Song's temper is really getting worse..."

"All due to wangye's pampering." Song Song withdrew both of his hands, gathered together his sleeve cuffs and said: "You can go sit over there."

Song Ge saw from his faintly trembling fingers and knew that his heart agitated. So he smiled real quick, stayed where he was, and continued to say: "You hate me, right?"

Song Song's mood was indeed agitated, but it's because he was too excited. This was the first time he managed to hit Song Ge. That year after he was killed, he once repeatedly tried to do the same Song Ge, but every time, he would travel through his body. Now that he actually managed to touch him, Song Song even started imagining the thrill he'd receive when he can finally stab Song Ge to death with his own hands.

When he heard what Song Ge said, he smiled faintly: "Why would I hate you?"

"You hate that I couldn't protect you properly, right?

"Ge-er." Song Song turned his head and said gently: "Let's not mention our past. Just say why you came in search of me now."

"Li Xiao is an extremely scary man." Song Ge started again. "You have to leave him if you want to live a safe and steady life. Give me a chance. Let me hide you away in a place where no one can find you."

In the past life, Song Song was indeed hidden in a place where no one could find. Song Ge repeatedly warned Song Song not to go out, and told him that he couldn't let anyone see his current state. At the same time, He scared him with half truth and half lies about how Li Xiao was searching for him, emphasizing what would happen and how Li Xiao would treat him if he was found. It made Song Song unable to sleep soundly at night. When he was alone in that place, even the sound of wind in the middle of the night could scare him into goosebumps.

At that time, Song Song was with child. He viewed himself as a monster. Ashamed, sensitive, and weak, as if he'd break if touched even a little. Song Ge's intimidation exerted its greatest power in that kind of condition.

Later Song Ge stayed by his side inquiring about his well being, repeatedly expressing familial affection mixed with some other stuff, resulting in Song Song's trust in him wholeheartedly. He thought Song Ge was the only person he could rely on, and that Song Ge viewed him the same. Now that he thought about it, it was lucky that his disposition back then was weak and timid and he never tried to escape Song Ge's lies. Or else his self-esteem would have been crushed to dust as well.

Song Song heard his enticement, couldn't help wanting to laugh, and said. "But I haven't consummated with wangye yet."

Song Ge paused.

If Song Song didn't have Li Xiao's child, then he had no use.

He took a long while before he could find his voice again, sounding extremely fake: "... ... I only want you to be able to escape from his side. If he didn't touch you, this is even better."

"Then why don't you take me away right now." Song Song suddenly stood up and looked into his surprised eyes, pretending to say impatiently: "It turns out I misunderstood you. I thought you only wanted to use me as a tool to curry favor with Li Xiao. Let's take advantage while I'm still safe and sound. Ge-er, take me away."

"... ... " Song Ge fell silent again. This reaction was within Song Song's expectation. His eyes flashed. Abruptly, he slapped Song Ge across the face again and said furiously: "You're lying to me!"

Song Ge instantly jumped up, his porcelain cheeks turning red on both sides from the force of the blows. He was born looking rather elegant, but at the moment, with the reddened handprints, he looked a bit comical. He strongly held down his anger and gazed at Song Song, but Song Song only coldly looked back, saying resentfully: "You're just like father. Only treating me as a tool to obtain power and profit. Seeing that I haven't done it with Li Xiao, you felt that I, who was bodily altered, am useless, isn't that right?"

The reason Song Song's behavior made a huge change was actually because of this?

Song Ge's brain rapidly flashed through a series of thoughts, then hastily said: "That's not true. Let me explain. Right now you're still in this estate, it's still safe... I haven't finished preparing outside. Just wait for me to make the arrangements. I'll definitely take you away. I am definitely not the same as dad. Aren't you aware of how I treat you?"

He focused only on appeasing Song Song, completely forgetting the two slaps he received.

Song Song said: "Song Ge. It's already like this. Do you really think I'd believe you? You only talk, but never do anything. Just the same as before."

He suddenly felt disgusted, turned his back and said: "You can leave."

Song Ge finally realized that Song Song wasn't that easily tricked. He frowned. To be honest, he didn't only want to use Song Song. He also really liked the feeling of the other life trapped within his palm, one word could decide if he lived or died. But now, his little mantou completely stopped listening, was hard all over, unable to squeeze or hold. This let Song Ge's heart feel an unspeakable sense of dismay.

He touched his face for a second, then said: "I prepared all of your wedding ceremony. Is there nothing you want?"

He hoped Song Song would rely on him more and refuse to let go. No matter what the reason was, little mantou escaped from his hands. This feeling made Song Ge's heart feel empty. Song Song only replied: "Nope."

"Your mother's marriage slip, you don't want to see it?"

Song Song curved his lips and said: "My mother's marriage slip, should have long been burned to ashes by madam Song."

Originally the dowry list should have 2 copies, one for the Song family, one for the Fu family. But his grandfather already died for many years. That year when Fu Xiang married over, how much dowry she brought, no one knew. Song Song did want to see that marriage slip, but he didn't plan to depend on Song Ge. He will rely on himself and, step by step, reclaim everything that belonged to him. Pretending to work with Song Ge will only make him feel disgusted.

It seemed like Song Song was able to see through all the schemes just overnight. This made Song Ge feel somewhat at a loss. He said: "Is there nothing in the Song family that makes you nostalgic?"

"What do you want me to feel nostalgic for?" Song Song said. "The dirty money, or the rotten people?

In two sentences, he degraded the Song family into the dirt. Song Ge said solemnly: "You're seriously following the king? Now that you've climbed to a high branch, you've forgotten where you were born and raised?"

"Everything I want, wangye will give to me." Song Song didn't even spare him a glance and returned to his chair. "Song Ge, don't you understand? Right now, I don't even feel like turning it around to exploit you. To me, you're nothing but a rotten man with a rotten life. Sooner or later, I will personally take it away."

Song Ge wasn't scared. Instead, he started laughing because of Song Song's excessively frank attitude: "Ah-Song, just exactly where did I provoke you to have you hate me so much that you want to kill me?"

"Someone come." Song Song said in response. Qi Haoyun immediately ran in and heard him say: "Drive him out."

Song Ge never thought he'd make such a sorry figure in front of Song Song. Song Song actually kicked him out, kicked him out of the courtyard that his mother used to live in. He stood at the entrance looking at the emotionless bodyguards, then suddenly remembered a scene from many years ago.

The year that Fu Xiang died, Song Song was only 12 years old. He was the same, kicked out of that courtyard... oh, it can't be counted as kicked out, more like forcibly dragged out.

Just after the rain, the courtyard was all wet and muddy. When he was dragged out, he was holding Fu Xiang's memorial tablet, crying and yelling uncontrollably. Finally, madam Song couldn't take it anymore, and slapped him a few times until he finally fell quiet in fear.

Madam Song ordered people to seize the memorial tablet in his hand. In the end, it was Song Ge who couldn't stand it, and gave madam Song a nudge to make her dispel the idea.

After that, Song Song held that tablet and was ordered to kneel in the puddle for an entire night.

At that time, father still counted as Song Song's father. When he heard the news, ultimately it was he who came running over to rescue Song Song out of the water, sighing to madam Song: "What are you doing here? Fu Xiang is no longer here. Song-er is innocent."

But later, this father became completely absent.

Song Ge looked at this courtyard, vaguely appearing as if he understood what Song Song wanted to do. He frowned, temporarily unable to accept.

Song Song really wanted to treat the Song family.... as mortal enemies?

(Note: The word used here implies willing to sacrifice his own life to get revenge)

Hearing that Song Ge was actually kicked out, madam Song was stunned. "Is Song Song insane? That's my courtyard. He actually dared to kick Ge-er out! He actually dared---!!"

"Madam, madam. Please be quiet."

"That bastard child..." Madam Song was so angry she almost couldn't breathe. The momo beside her had to rub her back before she slowly recovered. She rolled her eyes and said: "He really is undisciplined and out of control! This place still belongs to my Song family! Look at where I am living right now?! He actually dared to kick me, the matron, out... If he's not afraid to lose face, then what am I afraid of? You get out. Go and tell everyone that he, Song Song, flew up the branch, to suppress our Song family. Just look how I've been bullied by him?! How am I supposed to live?!"

"Madam..." This momo had a cool-headed personality. She patted madam Song on the shoulder and said:" If this matter got out, gongzi won't be affected, but the things that you did to him in the past will likely be revealed."

"What did I do to him?" Madam Song said furiously: "Did I not feed him or not clothe him? His mother wanted to steal my man. The fact that I didn't kill that vile spawn is already magnanimous! What does he still want?!"

"But madam..." That momo continued: "Now with the mad king pressing from above, even if you want to ruin his reputation, everyone will only think it's because of the mad king. They won't believe it's gongzi's fault."

"Then am I supposed to just swallow this injustice?! Ge-er is so good to him, but now he even dares to oust Ge-er!!"

"Behind him, he has the mad king that big mountain to prop him up. Madam, we're only under a roof, with no choice but to lower our heads."

Momo likely also felt bad for her and wiped away some tears of misery.

At this moment, suddenly a small maid ran over: "Madam, that mad king, he... he finished court and is heading over here a...again."

Madam Song was shocked: "He's really treating my Song estate like it's his house?!"

She immediately ran to find Song Guogong. The latter heard the news and almost fainted. "Why did he turn this way after court? Is he coming to live here or to see Song-er?"

"Who the heck knows!" Madam Song said, face white: "If he lives in this estate for a day, then this estate will be in pandemonium for a day. In my opinion... why don't you go into the palace to request an imperial edict so he's not allowed to come here before the wedding?"

"But..."

"But nothing!" Madam Song pinched him hard. "If he just stays in that courtyard then forget it. But what if he has nothing to do and runs around everywhere looking at the scenery, then what? What if he doesn't like something in the estate? What if that group of pigeons you raised in the estate accidentally poops on him? And he gets irritated and loses control, who can block him?"

Song Guogong can only reply: "Then tomorrow I'll enter the palace. But today..."

"Today tell people it's forbidden to open the door." Madam Song said sternly: "Let them block the door. Just say meeting before the wedding is against customs. Let him consider Song Song's reputation for a second."

Song Guogong paused and said: "Then you go tell him."

Madam Song glanced at the Song family steward standing to the side. The latter's head instantly felt numb and he heard her instruct: "You go tell him."

Steward Song put on a bold face and arrived at the entrance to tell people to close the door. Not soon after, the sound of horse steps was heard. Li Xiao, in official garbs, pulled at the reins and stopped his horse, looking strangely at the closed entrance doors. He got off the horse, rolled up the long whip in his hand, and said to his imperial guard: "Go knock."

The guard received the order and went ahead. He hit the door once, then heard a forced calm voice reply: "Wangye. The master commanded, for the sake of gongzi's reputation, you... you living here is really against customs... so, please return, okay?

This last sentence was so soft, it sounded like it was trying to coax a child.

The guard withdrew his hand, turned to look at Li Xiao. The latter probably didn't expect to meet this situation. He pondered for a second and said: "Tell him, if Song Guogong dares to give this command, then tonight this king will make sure he won't be able to command at all."

(Note: There's a play on words here. Li Xiao says, if SGG dares to have this order 有命, then he will make sure SGG will have no order 没命. But 命 can mean order or it can mean life. So he's saying he will make sure SGG will lose his life.)

~~~~~~~~

The author has something to say:

Song Song: Sticky....

Wangye: ???

Disclaimer: I'm translating this novel for fun. I can't promise 100% accuracy, but I'm doing my best to try to make this coherent. Leave a comment if there's anything confusing and I'll try to fix it. If you enjoy the translation and want to support me, tip me a Kofi at

~~~~~~

Chapter 18 Making Soup

When the steward reported what Li Xiao had said to Song Guogong's ears, the estate doors were very quickly opened. Song Guogong stood waiting inside with both of his legs trembling, saw those black boots slowly walk closer, and subconsciously backed away. He said difficulty: "Originally this lowly official was just thinking about Song-er's reputation. But what wangye said is reasonable. Since the wedding date has been set... the rules can also be set aside."

Li Xiao said: "The two of you really care for Song-er closely."

These words almost had another meaning. For a moment, Song Guogong felt cold sweats all over, but in the end, he could only put on a bold face and say: "That's right. Song-er's mother passed away early. Madam and I naturally would care about him more. Just now, madam was just saying she plans to bring Song-er to Mingxuan Shop to pick up some fine goods."

Mingxuan Shop was also quite famous in the capital. The goods inside sell for at a starting price of 500 silver pieces. There were ingeniously designed jade ornaments, precious chinaware and treasured artworks. All were items that normal people could only dream of owning. Li Xiao said pleasantly: "Looks like you'll be spending quite a bit."

"For Song-er, as it should be."

Song Guogong kept his head down, and finally sent away this demon with great difficulty. Madam Song immediately charged over, looking startled: "You really want me to bring him to Mingxuan Shop to pick up goods?"

"You haven't noticed that wangye thinks we've been treating him poorly?" Song Guogong furrowed his brows: "It's already like this. In the future, why don't you exercise some restraint."

"My Ah-shi...."

"Ah-Shi Ah-Shi" Song Guogong chided: "Careful you'll lose your life!"

When Song Song heard about Song Guogong trying to blockade the door, he was a little worried that Li Xiao would get angry. It's not that he was worried Li Xiao in all his rage would kill the Song family, but he was scared the other would injure innocent people in the process.

He hastily came out of the courtyard, just bent down to get past some plum tree branches, when he saw the figure of that man striding over. Li Xiao's gaze fell on the white scarf wrapped around his neck and he smiled briefly. He took off his cloak and wrapped Song Song in it, saying: "Why aren't you wearing more outside?"

Song Song saw he was in good spirits, was relieved and replied: "I was worried about you."

His honest concern made Li Xiao even happier. The man held his hand and brought him back to the courtyard, saying: "Why did Song Ge come see you today?"

"To chit chat." Song Song allowed himself to be pulled. Suddenly, he felt a light scratch on his palm. Surprised, Song Song withdrew his hand and stared at the other a little stunned.

Li Xiao looked calm and unperturbed: "What's the matter?"

".... nothing." Song Song turned his face, thinking that maybe he was being too sensitive. Li Xiao probably just touched him accidentally. But the feeling of the soft flesh of his palm being lightly brushed did not fade away even after a long time. He used his other hand to rub at the area, the more he rubbed, the more the feeling increased and weighed on his heart.

"Madam Song said tomorrow she will bring Song-er to MingXuan shop to pick out some items. Is there something you want?"

Song Song's attention instantly shifted. "She said it?"

"That's right."

Song Song's eyes turned, suddenly couldn't resist laughing. "Did wangye say something?"

"How could this king offer suggestions on Song's own family matters?"

He replied indifferently. The guard in the back who knocked on the door before quietly recalled what he said before, that 'if Song Guogong dares...'

Indeed, he didn't offer any suggestions. He only threatened, that's all.

However, Song Song only nodded his head, thinking that Li Xiao didn't seem the type to get involved in trivial matters like these. When they returned to the courtyard, someone very quickly served dinner. Song Song took off the cover to the soup pot and said: "I made pork rib soup. It's good for warming the body. Wangye, you should drink a lot."

Song Song's culinary skills were actually pretty good. This was because those years before when he was pregnant and lived alone. Song Ge did not deprive him of food and would bring him a lot of material. Song Song didn't have anything to do by himself, so other than reading, he could only experiment with food.

In the soup, he placed some yam. The color of the soup was white. The pork ribs were very soft and loose after simmering under slow fire. The meat upon entering the mouth would melt on the tongue. It was also extremely appetizing to smell. He sat next to Li Xiao and watched him expectantly, waiting for him to have a bite before asking: "How's the taste?"

"Missing a little."

Song Song's excited expression instantly curbed a little. He frowned and asked: "Missing what?"

Li Xiao placed the bowl in front of him and said: "Eating alone, always missing a certain taste."

Song Song grabbed another bowl in good humour, and poured himself some. He drank a spoon, then turned his head to ask: "How about now?"

Li Xiao somewhat grumpily picked up his bowl again, took a sip, then placed it back down and said: "Still missing a little."

Song Song actually tasted the soup as soon as it finished cooking. To the original moderately salty taste, in order to cater more to Li Xiao's preferences, he added a few peppers. Now that he tried it again, it still tasted okay. He thought for a moment but couldn't figure out where he went wrong. So he pulled over the other's bowl, and tried a mouthful using Li Xiao's spoon, concluding: "I think... it is pretty good."

"Really?" Li Xiao leaned close. "Give this king another taste."

He opened his mouth and Song Song conveniently scooped a spoonful to feed him. The man's features instantly smoothed, and he said pursing his lips: "Indeed, very delicious."

"But this clearly is the same bowl as before...." Song Song suddenly realized something.

This was the same soup as before, but before when Li Xiao drank it himself, it always lacked something. Now that he's feeding Li Xiao, it suddenly changed to a delicacy.

He blinked. Li Xiao said: "Another bite."

Song Song held the spoon and could only continue to feed it into his mouth. He saw Li Xiao still looking at him as he closed his lips around the spoon. Abruptly Song Song looked away to pick up the chopsticks, saying: "Eat some meat. Good for growth."

Because the meat was stewed for a long time, when prodded with the chopsticks, it immediately broke apart. He tried to place it in Li Xiao's mouth, but suddenly felt his cheeks burn hot, and could only put it back down again and say with a stern face: "Wangye should feed himself. I'm also hungry."

Li Xiao accepted his bowl again and said: "When Song-er first entered the estate, he wasn't like this."

That was then. Back then he was scrambling to get on Li Xiao's good side. But now it's not the same. Song Song sucked in his abdomen, gave himself some courage, and declined to answer.

Li Xiao's gaze suddenly rested again on Song Song's scarf. "Song-er really likes this white marten scarf?"

Song Song paused and said: "It's warm"

"You're sweating."

"... ..." Around noon today, his throat was a bit itchy. He was worried that he'll catch a cold, therefore he quickly started stewing soup. The hot soup was very effective in warming up his body. In addition, he's been wearing the scarf the entire time. It'd be strange if he didn't sweat. He used his sleeve to wipe away the sweat on his forehead and said. "My neck is cold."

Li Xiao looked meaningfully at that scarf a little longer, but didn't say anymore.

After dinner, Song Song said: "Tonight, wangye should return home to sleep. Tomorrow, don't you have to go to the barracks to roll call?"

"This king gets up very quietly. I won't bother Song-er."

Quiet is quiet, but what do you mean by leaving all those red spots on someone's neck so silently? Song Song also doesn't want to wear a scarf while eating, but the clothes he was wearing underneath couldn't cover his neck. Li Xiao was too wild, leaving his mark brazenly. If he didn't wear it, there was no way he could face anyone.

"You... scared my family to death." Song Song said softly: "Please return, ok?"

Li Xiao glanced outside and said: "The sky is already pitch black."

Song Song said: "The Song estate is within the city. On the side of the roads, they hang lanterns. The road isn't dark."

Song Song grabbed his cloak and brought it over, gently placing it on his shoulder, then helped him tie up the string. He pulled at Li Xiao's hand, but was yanked back in return, bumping straight into the man's chest.

Li Xiao's both hands encircled around his body. His movement was very light, barely pressing down. If Song Song wanted to, he could even wiggle left and right in Li Xiao's arms. He squeezed the corner of the man's clothes, heard his breathing beside his ears and asked: "Your highness...?"

Li Xiao's palm ran down his backbone over his clothes. "How come you're growing so slow? Still so skinny."

Song Song's heart softened. "Who can get fat in one breath"

Li Xiao still embraced him and refused to let go. He even slightly tightened his arms, his chin resting on Song Song's shoulder. When he talked, it gave off a ticklish feeling. "Tomorrow when you go out with that Qin clan member, remember to bring people that this king arranged for you."

The Qin clan member was referring to madam Song. Her maiden name was Qin. Her name was Qin Zhihe. Song Song nodded: "I will."

Li Xiao still didn't let him go. Who knew if he really had a lot to say, or he was just searching for something to talk about. "Don't hold back when you're buying things. If you find something you like and the Song family can't afford it, you still have this king."

"En."

Song Song nodded again. He didn't know how he got so lucky, to be able to rebirth once and meet someone so good like Li Xiao. He said: "How could I be reluctant? If they want to suddenly act like a benevolent mother and father, then I'll pick only the most expensive objects to buy. Then, when I return to the king's estate, I'll exchange those for money and give it all to your highness."

Li Xiao treats him well, therefore, he also wanted to treat Li Xiao well. Thus, all his words carried a fawning tone, not realizing that his soft voice when heard by Li Xiao, gained a more attractive flavor. Li Xiao suddenly felt his heart numb, turned his head to give Song Song a kiss on the earlobe, then finally let him go, instructing: "Rest early."

Song Song nodded his head and sent Li Xiao all the way out of the Song estate. Watching him leave on his horse, Song Song turned and slowly walked back.

When he passed the currently blooming plum trees, he suddenly jumped up to hit a branch. Qi Haoyun behind him was frightened by this sudden movement: "Gongzi, what are you... "

Song Song landed on the ground. For a moment, he couldn't explain his exuberant behavior. Therefore, he maintained a reserved face as he looked up at the branch: "I want that."

The person that Li Xiao left for him was called Bai Yan. His physique was tall and mighty. When he heard what Song Song said, he used the sword in his hand to hook around and press down on the plum tree branch until it was in front of Song Song.

Song Song looked at him and smiled: "Thanks."

Bai Yan didn't speak so Song Song broke off the branch and returned to the courtyard.

On the morning of the second day, Song Song actively ordered someone to find madam Song to go to Mingxuan shop. Who knew if it's because Li Xiao said something to them or because madam Song believed this money, in the end, had to be spent. When facing him alone this time, she didn't say anything malicious.

When they reached the shop, the first thing Song Song said was: "Today, my mother wants to pick out a wedding gift for me. Do you know who she is? She's the current empress's blood related sister. She has the money and the power. You guys, look lively. If you can't bring out quality goods worthy enough to match my mother's prestige, then she'll make sure you won't be able to open this store tomorrow."

~~~~~~

The author has something to say:

Song Song: My mother has money. She loves expensive stuff.

Disclaimer: I'm translating this novel for fun. I can't promise 100% accuracy, but I'm doing my best to try to make this coherent. Leave a comment if there's anything confusing and I'll try to fix it. If you enjoy the translation and want to support me, tip me a Kofi at

~~~~~~~~~

Chapter 19 Wedding Gifts

During the first half of what Song Song said, madam Song was still smiling slightly, thinking it's good that this bastard still remembered her identity.

Until Song Song finished speaking his last sentence, she suddenly realized that something was not good, and immediately said: "Song.... Song-er!"

Song Song looked back puzzled: "What's the matter, mother? Did I say something wrong?"

Mingxuan Shop's workers all looked over here. Of course they knew what kind of position madam Song had. The empress's sister. The prime minister's daughter. They definitely couldn't afford to neglect her. When they saw her speak, they immediately asked respectfully: "Madam, do you have any instructions?"

Madam Song made a choking noise and said with gritted teeth: "What my son said is correct. What are you waiting for?"

Mingxuan's shopkeeper quickly greeted them personally: "Please come inside."

Song Song's marriage with Li Xiao already long spread throughout the entire capital. Both of these people couldn't be offended. The shopkeeper brought them into a room inside and said softly: "What kind of fine goods are you two looking for? Is it head jewelry, calligraphy or chinaware?"

Song Song said: "Fine jade, gold pieces, artwork. As long as it's expensive, bring it all over. Let's start with your most prized goods."

"Please wait a moment."

The shopkeeper left. Very quickly someone brought up a tray of tea and delicate pastries. Madam Song sat down with Song Song, squeezing her fingers. She finally couldn't hold back and asked: "What the heck are you planning to do?"

Her voice was pressed very low, like she's worried about something. However, Song Song's voice was loud enough for the whole room to hear: "Is something wrong, mother?"

Madam Song said smiling: "How could there be? I just want to ask ahead of time, is there something Song-er really wants? I don't want you to get confused later by all the choices."

The last sentence she said while gnashing her teeth.

Song Song smiled faintly and said: "I heard lately the capital has been spreading rumours that I've always been unable to obtain mother's love because I'm a bastard child. They say our relationship isn't well. Have mother heard of this?"

He kept saying mother mother, attitude extremely intimate. Because of servants nearby, Madam Song couldn't yell at him under their watchful eyes. Even if normally, her relationship with Song Song was indeed not harmonious, at the moment she can only pretend to be a caring mother and say: "I haven't left the estate these days so I really haven't heard. Just who is starting these rumors?"

"I heard it was because I didn't sit in the family carriage that day."

As soon as Song Song finished speaking, madam Song instantly jumped like she grabbed him by the ponytail: "Speaking of this, I did want to ask Song-er. Did you really disdain our family carriage because it's not luxurious enough and purposely embarrassed your second brother?"

Song Song answered unhurriedly with furrowed brows: "How can mother blame me now... Didn't you say two days ago in front of wangye that you can understand my reasoning? That wangye's tyranny is incomparable. He wanted me to sit in his carriage, what can this son do?"

Mingxuan's servants secretly followed their conversation.

What's this? This madam acted one way in front of wangye, and another outside? Could it be that madam Song's relationship with gongzi really isn't good?

Madam Song pressed her lips together, face unsightly. She picked up her tea cup and lifted it to her mouth. The next second, she abruptly stood up and threw the tea cup to the floor with a loud 'pa!': "Who made this tea? Do you want to burn me alive?"

A servant was nimble and responded quickly: "Madam please, calm down. This one will go fetch you a new pot."

Madam Song pushed him away with her hand, taking the chance to yell furiously: "Is this how you treat your guests here at Mingxuan? Song-er, let's go! We'll go shopping in another store!"

In the capital, Mingxuan's goods were famous for being expensive. If the shopkeeper really followed Song Song's instructions and brought out their best items, she reckoned that today, even her blood will be sucked dry.

At this time, if Song Song didn't follow, then he'd be labeled inconsiderate. To the side, a servant looked at him trembling. If they angered both customers in one go, the owner will definitely punish them...

Song Song just frowned, reached out and picked on the tea on the table and lightly took a sip, then laughed: "Mother, why are you acting like this? Mingxuan's items are well known for their quality. Since they've opened, their customer service is considered one of the very best in the business. It's only a cup of hot tea. It's not even that hot... The way you're making a big fuss here over nothing, people will think that we're purposely picking faults because we can't afford their stuff."

He walked over to madam Song, whose face was turning green. And like a child, he pulled on her arm and said: "Mother, you're the empress's sister. If you don't buy it from here, where else is good enough for you?"

He finished saying this, then suddenly chided the servants: "How do you guys do business here? Do you plan to let us wait forever? My mother is delicate! If she gets sick from waiting too long, can you afford to compensate?"

... ... never heard of any nobility who can get sick from waiting too long.

Song Song said this clearly to make a scene. However, if madam Song insisted on leaving again, then first, it would confirm that she couldn't afford the price and second, it would confirm that she was so spoiled she couldn't even wait.

Once again, she almost exploded from Song Song's words, but still had to endure it silently and sit back down in the chair. She glared fiercely at Song Song. The latter finally let her be with a smile on his face, calmly sitting on the other side.

Behind a decorative screen in the back, a man suddenly started chuckling: "Which family is this gongzi from? How interesting."

"Apparently, he's the mad king's wangfei."

That man's eyes darkened, and didn't say anymore.

After madam Song was forced back into her chair, she was extremely restless. She turned her head to look at Song Song. The latter was currently eating a plum blossom pastry. His posture while eating was extremely good looking, manner graceful. During this time, he was well fed by Li Xiao and finally grew some meat to his cheeks after trying all different kinds of nutritional supplements. His skin was porcelain white. At the moment, dressed in white, with a white marten scarf wrapped around his neck, he looked just like an immortal.

Unfortunately, madam Song had a biased perspective. No matter how she looked at him, she felt displeased. Especially when he bit down on the pastry, she almost had a feeling like Song Song was eating her own flesh.

She furrowed her brows and withdrew her line of sight. Finally the shopkeeper returned to introduce the goods. Song Song received a handkerchief from the servant next to him and wiped his hands clean.

Those quality goods were locked behind boxes. Even the boxes had extremely fine designs engraved onto them. The shopkeeper first opened the closest one to be examined: "This bracelet is called the 'Resting Phoenix'. It was made by the previous dynasty's Yuanming emperor for his empress. It was made by the best artisan back then. Look at this."

He lifted the bracelet in front of the window and let light shine on it. By some unknown mechanism, the phoenix at that moment looked as if it lifted off. The shopkeeper carefully turned the bracelet. The phoenix began flapping its wings. The sight was extremely astonishing.

He finished introducing, then placed that gold bracelet back into its box: "This bracelet is MingXuan's most expensive accessory. It has extremely high collection value. Don't know if gongzi likes it?"

Madam Song immediately replied: "This is worn by girls. What does Song-er need it for?"

Song Song exposed his own wrist. Because of chronic malnourishment, his wrist was very slender. He was clearly already 19, but his joints were comparable to a 16-17 year old's. His wrist was snow white, fingers delicate like a fine work of art, as if they'd break on touch.

He said shamelessly: "Wangye often says that my wrists are luminous like frost, skin white as snow. Even compared to the imperial city's most beautiful woman, I would not be inferior in any aspect."

The shopkeeper's expression didn't change. Madam Song looked like she was going to throw up. Song Song continued as if no one else were present: "Shopkeeper, do you think I can match this 'Resting Phoenix'?"

At this time, from the outside came a sudden sound of laughter. A voice said: "Since ancient times, gold accessories are used to match beauties. Never heard of the argument to have beauties match accessories."

Several people turned their heads and saw a dignified looking man enter. His every movement was brimming with nobility. He smilingly gazed at Song Song's exposed 'luminous wrist.' Song Song instantly lowered his hand. That man said: "Wangye has a good eye, but is extremely lacking in speech. He didn't even describe half of gongzi's brilliance. This Resting Phoenix has always been gifted to beauties. Beauties do not distinguish between men and women. This one believes that this Resting Phoenix is well-suited for gongzi."

He finished, then with a change in tone, glanced at madam Song and said:"But this Resting Phoenix is extremely expensive. Don't know if gongzi can afford it?"

Song Song had an expression of 'who the heck are you?' The shopkeeper was just about to explain, but saw the man wave his hand and said with a smile: "My name is Jin Mian. I'm the head manager of Mingxuan."

Song Song's gaze turned to madam Song, whose face color looked quite poor, and asked: "If I wore this bracelet, would it seem too feminine?"

Jin Mian laughed and said: "madam you're not aware. Although this Resting Phoenix was made by the Yuanming Emperor for his empress, later it was passed on to another dynasty's last emperor's male consort. According to history, that person was "generous and patient, a peerless beauty'. This Resting Phoenix when worn by him, just added to his beauty. They say beauty is like jade, and can only be accompanied by gold. This gold ornament is not biased to men or women."

Madam Song was about to say something, but suddenly there were movements from outside again. A man in black covered with cold frost strided inward. His gaze traveled around the room. Everyone immediately quivered.

Even that Jin Mian's face paled. Why did this Li Xiao come here...? A place like Mingxuan, if he has an episode, that would damage plenty of fine goods.

However, Song Song's thoughts became a little more certain. Li Xiao's gaze fell on his face, then glanced at the wide opened box. He walked in with large strides.

The crowd all stepped aside and watched him come close, reach out to take the bracelet, and say to Song Song: "Hand."

Song Song obediently extended over his hand and Li Xiao personally placed the bracelet on his wrist. He raised up his hand to examine it in the light. That accessory in contrast with his wrist indeed looked very nice.

Li Xiao turned his head to look at Madam Song, saying challengingly: "Not willing to buy?"

"... ..." Madam Song forced a chuckle: "How could that be possible? It's only that we haven't even looked at the other boxes. I'm afraid this child will be unable to make up his mind ...."

"Unable to make up his mind? If it's all to his taste, then buy them all." Li Xiao said: "The Song family guards over such a huge business like FuXiang restaurant which is all over China. If you can't even buy some fine goods from Mingxuan, then you no longer need to run it. Might as well just give it to Song-er as part of his dowry and bring it to this king's estate."

Madam Song's lips trembled. "Of course not. We can buy it. Naturally we can afford it."

She got scared that Li Xiao would really take away Fuxiang restaurant, who'd be able to stop his bandit-like behavior, and said hastily: "Quick, open everything for Song-er to take a look."

But Song Song interrupted with a light chuckle and said: "Wangye isn't aware. Yesterday, father already told me. Fuxiang restaurant which originally belonged to my mother as well as the wedding gifts my mother brought with her those years ago, they will all be part of my dowry to bring to the king's estate."

Madam Song cried out in alarm: "When did this happen?!"

"Why are you yelling?" Li Xiao's cold gaze swept over, instantly scaring madam Song into a quivering quail. He turned to face Song Song and said warmly: "Song Guogong is quite a fair and reasonable man. Looks like this king has misunderstood him."

Song Song nodded, and replied with a soft voice: "Not only father. Mother is also extremely good at understanding others."

He finished, then looked at madam Song, who looked as if she ate a rhizome. Her mouth pressed into a line then opened repeatedly. He said: "Am I right?"

~~~~~~~~

The author has something to say:

Madam Song: Right your mom... (it's a curse word)

Mad King: en?

Disclaimer: I'm translating this novel for fun. I can't promise 100% accuracy, but I'm doing my best to try to make this coherent. Leave a comment if there's anything confusing and I'll try to fix it. If you enjoy the translation and want to support me, tip me a Kofi at

~~~~~~~~~~

Chapter 20 Impudent

For a second, madam Song wanted to rush up and tear off the skin on Song Song's face, throw it on the floor, and step on it a few times.

She wanted to yell at Song Song: Screw your 'good at understanding others'! This madam isn't like that at all!!

However, with Li Xiao by his side, and Mingxuan's shopkeeper and manager all here, this shiny label that Song Song gave to her, even if she didn't want it, she still had to wear it.

If Song Song was just pointlessly making a scene, then it wouldn't have been as bad. But Fuxiang restaurant originally belonged to the Fu family. Fu family's only daughter was already dead, leaving Song Song as the sole successor. If he was still a son of the Song family, then the business, by rights, can remain in the Song family. However, now that he was marrying into the King's estate, it's reasonable to add his mother's things into his dowry.

Madam Song suddenly felt she was too soft before. She should have killed Song Song a long time ago, then he wouldn't be jumping in front of her today so unbridled.

However.... She can only imagine this, afraid to even reveal a bit of her frustration.

She forced herself to smile, knowing that after today, outside will spread quickly how she was considerate and how Song Guogong was fair and reasonable. When that happens, they would have no choice but to give Fuxiang restaurant to him. For a second, she actually hoped that Song Song would be magnanimous, stop while he was ahead, and only end up only buying that bracelet.

But how could Song Song do as she wished. He looked into her bloodshot eyes while opening another wooden box on the table. This box contained a set of wine cups and a container. His eyes shone slightly, focused on the dragon and phoenix sculpture at the top and said to Li Xiao: "Does your highness like this?"

"Allow this king to buy this set."

Even though Li Xiao was a lunatic, he was still humane. Madam Song just thought this and felt that she could save a little blood when she heard Song Song say: "You and I haven't wed yet. How can I use your money? My mother is the empress's sister and also the prime minister's daughter. My father has other businesses in addition to Fuxiang restaurant. My grandfather has pawn shops outside as well... " His tone held pride. "My family is extremely wealthy, so there is no need for you to pay." (Note: The grandfather he's talking about is madam Song's father.)

Li Xiao saw his cute little expression, and suddenly curved his lips.

Madam Song, however, detested his expression. She laughed weirdly, finally couldn't resist replying: "The king is also the current emperor's eldest son.... with claims to the world, how can the Song family compare...."

She didn't finish, Song Song abruptly changed face and reprimanded: "Mother, watch your words! The one who has claims to the world is his majesty, the emperor. What does this have to do with wangye?"

Madam Song felt a chill, then immediately shut up.

Li Xiao was born of the previous empress. Although he was the eldest son, the current empress was the crown prince's mother. If madam Song said that Li Xiao has claims to the world, where would the crown prince be placed? Before ascending the throne, even the crown prince didn't dare say that he has claims to the whole world.

Li Xiao's attitude towards Song Song compared to others was like the difference between heaven and earth. He shot madam Song a dark look and said coldly: "Looks like today, Song-er took a fancy to all of these prized items."

Madam Song knew inside that she said the wrong thing. Her brain didn't have time to consider when her mouth already started trying to appease Li Xiao: "Then we'll buy them all."

When Madam Song finished saying this, Song Song's eyes instantly lit up. He began grabbing all of the boxes without even a hint of hesitation. Seeing he couldn't hold them all, a momo by madam Song's side went up to help him. However, he immediately childishly threw himself at the stacked up boxes, saying: "My mother bought these for me, what are you doing?"

His pretty eyes stared at that momo, as if she was trying to steal from him, until Li Xiao reached out a hand: "How about if this king helps Song-er carry some?"

Towards Li Xiao, Song Song was very confident in. However, he still only divided him one box. He didn't hold back the happy expression on his face. When walking outside with the boxes in his arm, he even looked back and smiled at madam Song: "Many thanks, mother. Mother really adores me alot."

Madam Song haha laughed once, tightly twisting her handkerchief as she watched him leave. In her heart, she continuously cursed for him to trip over the doorstep and fall hard enough to become an invalid. Over here, she just finished thinking that thought when suddenly, she saw Song Song take a stumble.

Very casually, Li Xiao reached out and steadied him and all of the boxes in his arms. When Song Song stood firm, his eyes turned and looked back at madam Song again, and said with a soothing tone: "Mother don't worry. I'm very well."

Madam Song: "... ...."

Who's worried about you little traitor!

(Note: The direct translation is 'eat inside but cling to outside' referring to how madam Song thinks he should be grateful because he was 'raised' by the Song family, but is helping Li Xiao instead now.)

She suspected that Song Song was intentional anyways.

Jin Mian stood to the side. His gaze remained on that man, who upon entering, used an overwhelming aura to envelop all of Mingxuan, slowly leave. His eyebrows lightly furrowed together again.

After Song Song carried away the things, the shopkeeper came forward to report the price. When she heard it, madam Song said inconceivably: "That much?"

"That's right. Did madam bring enough banknotes?"

At this time, madam Song really couldn't smile anymore. She grinded her teeth and instructed: "Bring someone and go to the Song estate to retrieve it."

She turned to go out and just happened to see Song Song sitting in the carriage looking over with a smile on his face. Her heart felt like it will be consumed in flames. She heard Song Song say warmly: "Wangye said he wants to bring me around to play. Does mother want to come?"

Who would want to go with you two!

Madam Song said emotionlessly: "Be careful on the road."

"Same for you as well."

The carriage left. Madam Song, who was helped onto her own carriage by her momo, suddenly grabbed her chest, feeling faint. The momo asked worriedly: "Madam, you..."

Madam Song continuously took several breaths before she replied: "This Song Song, how dare he play games with me... ... "

"Madam, don't be angry." the momo coaxed: "Gongzi was indeed a little too much here, but he's only rampant for the moment. The days are long. When our crown prince ascends the throne, he will definitely kill the mad king.... When the mad king falls, gongzi will still end up at your disposal."

The crown prince was born of the empress, therefore her nephew. Currently the empress's father was the country's prime minister. The imperial tutor's estate and the prime minister's estate was divided into two factions, one to support the mad king, the other to support the crown prince. Both sides were evenly matched. However, now that the emperor decided to give up on the mad king, when he passes to the west and the imperial will is read, the crown prince will legitimately claim control over the nation.

The momo's words straightened her out. She instantly nodded and said: "You're right."

Although that's what she said, she still held some resentment and vented: "When he falls back into my hand, I will make him wish he were dead."

In contrast to madam Song's fury, Song Song really profited fully. He pushed the boxes into the king's carriage. Although the items weren't much in numbers, each was extremely valuable. The one that cost the most was an extremely beautiful gold figure of a chimera. Its body was embedded with jade and other gems, making it shine brightly. No matter the materials used or the production technique or the design, they were all only seen once in a lifetime, costing a total of 2000 white silver.

The items from Mingxuan often had large collection values. They were all valuable objects. If sold in the future, they could make a pretty penny. In the carriage, Song Song hugged the boxes unwilling to part, jubilantly laughed for a while, then suddenly heard a chuckle to the side.

Abruptly, he realized that he was being a little too impudent and hastily put aside the boxes, saying softly: "What we bought today, does your highness like them?"

"If Song-er likes them, then this king likes them."

Song Song pressed his lips together and nodded with restraint: "I like them all."

He looked down. Opposite of him, Li Xiao suddenly tilted his head, and looked at him like a little kid, from bottom to up: "What's the matter?"

"Nothing." Song Song felt just now he acted a little too beside himself with joy, and looked ugly like a greedy person. He didn't know if Li Xiao would get annoyed with him because of it.

Li Xiao sat straight again: "Did your father really say he will give you Fuxiang restaurant?"

Of course that's not true. Song Song swung his legs, and hummed with a little touchiness: "He has no other choice."

When he finished, he thought he sounded too arrogant again, carefully glanced at Li Xiao and said: "I only took back my mother's things. It's fair and reasonable."

Li Xiao nodded: "This king thinks that the Song family's possessions should be yours too."

Song Song was stunned. Today, he already managed to obtain plenty of benefits. He thought in Li Xiao's eyes he must look like a person who was unsatisfied with small gains, give him an inch and he'll go for a mile kind of vile character who needed to exercise some restraint. But he... what did he mean by saying this?

Li Xiao pondered for a moment then said: "Song Guogong's ancestors came from merchants. Before he became a baron, he was a good businessman. The property under his name is ample and some should be split with Song-er."

Great minds think alike. Song Song's eyes started shining. He said greedily: "Your highness really think so?

"No."

Song Song's greediness instantly withdrew. He placidly looked down, making a face. To be honest, in his eyes, everything the Song family owned should be his. His mother was the first to be married into the family. Originally she should have been the main wife. However, because the Qin family had power and reputation, madam Song forcibly stole his mother's position and expelled her to live in the courthouse in the corner.

In the previous life, Song Song did not contest or rob. He only wanted to live well. But now that he was reborn, his thoughts already changed extremely. He already experienced madam Song's maliciousness for one lifetime, already started to quietly suspect that his grandfather and grandmother's deaths were not as simple as it looked. If he really discovered that their deaths were related to the Song family...

Of course, this kind of thoughts he didn't dare to let Li Xiao know. In Li Xiao's eyes, he only wanted himself to remain harmless and needing protection, not shrewd like a ****, already showing his sharp spikes even before being touched.

(Note: Don't ask me what is ****. The author blocked it out ahaha)

He was afraid of frightening Li Xiao, then his golden supporter would collapse.

"This king thinks that everything the Song family owns should belong to Song-er."

Song Song looked up. Li Xiao took his closed hands and opened his palm, stretching his fingers one by one, saying slowly: "I'm very greedy. I want to take the best things in this world and place them in front of you."

He pulled up Song Song's hand up to his lips and kissed it lightly, gaze looking straight into his eyes, like he was weaving a fine net to wrap him up in, but also like he was looking straight into his heart's desires: "I will make you more pleased, make you more arrogant, and let you live in this world lawlessly."

"No need to secretly cover it up." He planned to spoil him rotten: "I like all of you."