Chapter 56 - Honey Tangerine Flavored Shadow Guard Gong (14)
Translator: KunLin
Editors: Vez. Blarghette
*Mild nsfw
As Gou Liang was about to reach Yangzhou prefecture, King An was bidding an emotional farewell to the citizens as he set out on the road to return to the capital.
The sea of citizens kneeling to send him off stretched for ten miles.
A report describing the scene of King An’s send-off was sent to the Emperor. As he read the report in the flickering candlelight, the Emperor’s brows gradually furrowed.
The eyes in the court were observing King An closely. Everyone knew that once he returned to the capital, the capital would undergo a change.
In the East Palace.
Li Yan’s complexion was sallow and his expression was anxious. He had lost a lot of weight, as though he really had fallen to a bout of illness.
“Chong Hui, things are already like this, do you have a way?”
All his channels of information had been blocked off. As the Crown Prince of the East Palace, not only was he confined by the Emperor, but the servants around him had also been replaced with the Emperor’s people. Right now other than Zhong Yue, there wasn’t a single person he could trust.
It had almost been a month. At this point, he didn’t even know how many of his men were still left.
Or perhaps, they had all already betrayed him.
As he considered this possibility, Li Yan felt like he was being fried alive. His eyes grew full of malice.
Before Zhong Yue spoke, he started to cough, and only after a long while did he manage to suppress his coughing to say: “Dear Yan, there’s no need to be anxious, when things haven’t reached the most dire point, the more anxious you are, the more you’ll mess up.”
Compared to Li Yan, Zhong Yue’s complexion was even worse—on the first night he had moved into the East Palace, the secret medicine he always carried on him had been stolen.
He knew it must’ve been that damned Emperor, but nowadays he didn’t even have the permission to leave this palace, not to mention finding anyone for an explanation, so he could only endure this loss. Without the clan’s secret medicine, his weakened body couldn’t receive any supplements to get better, making the injury in his heart hard to endure, putting him through sleepless nights as he suffered silently.
However, Li Yan was unable to calm down, “If this situation isn’t dire, then what is? Chong Hui, I know you must have a method of retreat in your hands, just when are you going to take it out to help me!”
Zhong Yue heard this and was angered, but before he could retort, he began to cough violently again.
Impatience flashed through Li Yan’s eyes, however, he still got up and walked to Zhong Yue’s side, absentmindedly helping pat his back, before pouring some water for him.
He said: “Chong Hui, I know my words touch a taboo of the Zhong Clan, but King An is about to return. This time he had led the Zhang Clan’s soldiers to perform disaster relief and his achievements are outstanding. Do you really want to stand by and watch as their careers rise?”
If Li Yan was still the powerful Prince from when he had exposed the identity of the fake Crown Prince, then he wouldn’t be as impatient as he was now. But the higher one climbed, the harder one fell. To lose prestige and power after tasting it was far more tormenting than never having it.
In the short month that he had been imprisoned in the East Palace, his patience had already been worn away.
“Cough, cough, cough…”
Zhong Yue tightly shut his eyes, hiding the disappointment and hatred within them.
What did Li Yan know? In order to let him smoothly pass his life and death crisis and inherit the Will of Heaven, the people of the Zhong Clan would not dare to assist him in any way.
Even if he had a way of retreat, at this moment he wouldn’t be as foolish as to offer it to Li Yan with both hands.
In this one month of confinement, it wasn’t just Li Yan who woke up from his arrogance, Zhong Yue’s mind had also cleared up. He finally saw through the true color of this man. Without his past bright and clean appearance, without his identity as the Crown Prince, this Li Yan without the admiration and support of the masses, was selfish, incapable, and ugly.
Like right now, every word and every line from Li Yan’s mouth stabbed at his heart.
King An, the Zhang Clan, they were all blights in his heart. They were the people who had made him experience immense humiliation, but in Li Yan’s mouth, they became bargaining chips to manipulate him…did he even care or feel distressed for him the slightest bit!
Zhong Yue hated that he couldn’t pull a sword and kill this man, but he could faintly understand that doing so would not help him pass through his crisis. Instead, it would cause him to be stuck in the state where he wanted Li Yan’s love but couldn’t obtain it.
Besides, he was unresigned…even if this man were to die, he could only belong to him, Zhong Yue!
When the coughing finally receded, the last trace of color on Zhong Yue had disappeared, his lips were pale like paper.
He laughed coldly, saying: “What is there to be afraid of? No matter how powerful King An is, so long as the Emperor dies and you are still the Crown Prince, then naturally this world would be yours. Then, even if King An wants to seize the throne it would be treason and I would naturally have ways to let him die without a burial place!”
“What are you saying!”
Li Yan’s expression changed, he let out a gasp and vigilantly stood up, checking outside the window. Only after confirming there was no one outside watching them did he let out a sigh of relief.
Walking back, Li Yan lowered his voice and scolded: “Right now, Father Emperor has eyes everywhere here, how could you speak so carelessly.”
Zhong Yue looked at him tepidly.
The disdain in his eyes angered Li Yan, but he could only endure. He sat back down beside him and continued to help him rub his back, before asking in a whisper: “Chong Hui, since you said this, have you long already arranged it…could it be the secret medicine you have offered to Father Emperor?”
“Emperor Wu is too greedy, if stealing my medicine is simply to guard against me, then so be it. If he were to be even the slightest bit greedy though…heh, just an ordinary person, how much of the Heaven’s favor can he receive? I’m afraid at that time, he won’t be eating an elixir, but a death talisman!”
Zhong Yue said cruelly.
This one month of confinement had made him hate the Emperor thoroughly. He only wished for the other to die faster.
Li Yan was delighted, but he then said worriedly: “Father Emperor has always been cautious. Even if he wants to use that medicine, I’m afraid it won’t be soon. Right now, Li Mu is returning to the capital. What if Father Emperor suddenly decides to depose me and make him the Crown Prince instead—
“Rest assured.”
Zhong Yue interrupted him, smiling coldly he said: “I’ve already done a divination on him. In this lifetime, he won’t have this fate!”
Li Yan was thrilled. He then brought Zhong Yue into his arms and asked in a quiet voice how he was feeling.
As the two nestled against each other, they didn’t see the abhorrence in each other’s eyes, nor did they see the ugly expressions on each other’s face.
【Gou Liang: Isn’t there a saying, a whore and a dog is an eternal match? They split apart so easily, there’s no sense of challenge at all. 】
【System: Then don’t pay attention to them anymore and focus on brushing up the mission progress rate ba, Master！=v= 】
【Gou Liang: But I’m just saying it, they are truly a match made in heaven. Since they only love themselves, they can’t even endure this small ordeal. 】
【System: Master, Master, the mission progress rate ah, the mission progress rate! It has almost been a year and it’s only at 10%! Do you not feel embarrassed?】
【Gou Liang: En, it’s time to give them a little more action. Otherwise, how boring would it be if the Zhong Clan continues to hide in their tortoise shell?】
【System: …Ignoring the system, you will receive retribution T ^ T. 】
“Master, we’ve arrived at Lin House.”
At Zhong Quan’s reminder, Gou Liang who was resting against him with his eyes closed retreated from his sea of consciousness.
On the outskirts of Yangzhou’s city was a lonely mountain. It used to be surrounded by a mass grave and was extremely inauspicious, but about thirty years ago, to everyone’s surprise, the wealthy Lin Family had chosen to build a manor in this place and settled there. It was said that the Lin Family possessed too much fortune and since their descendants were unable to bear it all, they were often weak and short lived, so they found an ominous place to build their residence, and sure enough, they were able to regain their health and enjoy a normal person’s lifespan.
At this moment, the ever quiet Lin Family residence was unusually lively. Every person in the Lin Family was waiting at the main entrance with a respectful expression. The closer the carriage approached, the straighter their backs stood.
When Gou Liang was carried off the carriage by Zhong Quan, he heard a person say loudly: “Li AnNan and his family welcome the exalted guest!”
He looked over and saw a densely packed crowd with a hundred something heads lowered in respect. Among them, a curious little boy raised his head wanting to take a look, but was shoved back down by the horrified wife beside him. She pushed his head back down, not allowing him to take a look.
Gou Liang: “…”
“No need for formalities, I am imposing on your residence.”
Only after hearing him speak did Li AnNan dare to raise his body, he said: “You are too polite, it is an honor for the Lin Residence to be visited by you!”
Seeing Gou Liang sitting in the wheelchair, Li AnNan hurriedly lowered his body, not daring to make Gou Liang look up at him. Seeing him do this, the other people naturally also didn’t dare to remain straight.
After entering the courtyard that had been specially prepared for Gou Liang, Li AnNan hurriedly knelt and said: “Quan Seven, greets Master, greets leader.”
“Get up ba.”
Gou Liang looked at the chubby man in front of him and said this.
The Lin Family in the south was Quan Ya’s largest base of operations. The people here, although they appear like parent and child or husband and wife to the outside world, it was all a pretense. The Lin Family was only a family in name, there were no actual blood relations between them, and every generation of family head was a Quan Ya shadow guard, with the head being switched every twenty years to prevent thoughts of disloyalty being birthed from greed.
Only after hearing his words did Li AnNan stand up. He bowed and said: “The Jade Peak Courtyard has already been refurbished according to the leader’s will. If Master finds it to be uncomfortable or lacking, this subordinate can change and add to it.”
His tone was excited but cautious. This was his first time interacting with Master, he was inevitably a bit nervous.
“En, I’ll keep it in mind. Pass orders down to make sure Old Jiang is carefully served. If he wants to do something, let him do it. If he needs anything, do your best to provide him with it, understood?”
“Yes, this subordinate obeys!”
Gou Liang nodded his head, “If there’s nothing else, then withdraw ba. No need to come here often to wait on me.”
Lin AnNan heard this and didn’t dare to tarry. When he left, Gou Liang rubbed between his brows, feeling a bit weary. Zhong Quan crouched down and said: “Today’s travel was tiring. Master, why not rest for a while first?”
Gou Liang didn’t reply. He had him bring over the crutches. He still hadn’t completed the rehabilitation exercises today.
He walked until his forehead was drenched with sweat and there was no strength left in his body before letting Zhong Quan carry him to the bathroom in the penthouse.
The wealthy had the wealthy’s way of living. This bathroom, for example, was incomparably luxurious—white jade was used to encircle the bath, the floor was covered in jade tiles, and the water was drawn directly from a hot spring. There was mahogany wood carved into beautiful sceneries, its price clearly astronomical, as well as a bench carved from a block of jade so one could rest. Even the Imperial Palace was not as extravagant as this.
Gou Liang was undressed and placed into the water. He let out a comfortable sigh.
“No wonder I’ve heard, rather than your position as the leader, more people fight for Quan Seven’s position.” Gou Liang accepted the warm water handed to him and took a sip, smiling as he asked: “With your ability, taking Quan Seven’s position is just a matter of lifting your hand, why did you instead choose this bitter and thankless post?”
Zhong Quan looked at his dimples, his gaze flickered across his pale, glistening chest.The color of the two protruding points weren’t as dark as when he had kneaded them with his fingers. They were light pink adorning the front of his chest, and were extremely good-looking…his voice sounded a bit tense: “Merely casual remarks. Whether it is the leader or Quan Seven, they all belong to Master. And…this subordinate only wishes to remain by Master’s side and protect Master.”
“I know you’re loyal.”
Gou Liang set down the cup, he ran his hand through the spring, water sifting through his fingers. He said a bit regretfully: “How can a hot spring not be accompanied by wine, how dull.”
Zhong Quan persuaded: “You are still taking medicine, it’s not good to drink wine. May Master place importance on your body.”
“Mouthy.” Gou Liang glanced at him, seeing that his gaze was stuck on himself, his smile couldn’t help but deepen. He said: “You, go bring some alcohol.”
“Master.”
Zhong Quan didn’t move. He looked at him with disapproval.
Gou Liang raised his hand and splashed water onto the other’s face, saying unhappily: “I can’t drink, but am I also not allowed to watch you drink? Quickly, or could it be that you’re disobeying me?”
Only then did Zhong Quan move. He didn’t dare to leave Gou Liang alone for long and came back soon after. The entire process didn’t take longer than a few breaths.
Gou Liang propped his head against his arm, his expression lazy as he watched him drink.
Since he didn’t say stop, the other drank cup after cup. It didn’t feel like he was watching someone appreciate wine, it was more like watching a cow drink water.
“Taste good?”
Gou Liang asked him.
Zhong Quan replied: “Not bad.”
Gou Liang raised his hand, wanting him to pass over the wine cup so he could smell it. The scent of plum blossoms mingled with the rich fragrance of the rice wine. He had long heard of the uniqueness of the South’s plum blossom wine. This smell was indeed alluring. Gou Liang was a bit tempted. So he said: “It looks just like water. No wonder you drank so much but still showed no signs of intoxication.” He then smiled deeply at Zhong Quan.
Taking advantage of how Zhong Quan was temporarily dazed from his dimple attack, Gou Liang quickly lowered his head and—placed a kiss between Zhong Quan’s fingers.
This guy was actually guarded against him. The hand speed with which he switched out the wine cup, it was a pity for him not to be a swindler at a casino!
Gou Liang glared at him hatefully.
Zhong Quan’s heart leaped. Seeing how he was still holding his hand without letting go, his palm couldn’t help but heat up. He said in a low voice: “Master, don’t drink in excess.”
“I haven’t even drank any yet, what excess? I’m just trying a little for the taste. Are you giving it or not?”
His almond eyes were roundened and imposing. His lips were pursed, but it felt a bit like he was throwing a tantrum.
Zhong Quan almost couldn’t hold back.
Other than in bed, Gou Liang had never acted like this with him. He was always either indifferent or stern. Zhong Quan’s itchy heart trembled looking at the faintly discernible dimples. It became even harder for him to control himself. He said grimly: “Drinking is not good for the body, it would clash with the medicine. Don’t be willful.”
Gou Liang despaired. He splashed a faceful of water at the other. Leaning backward, he said: “Still not coming to serve me!”
Zhong Quan wiped his face, then earnestly helped him wipe the front before washing the back.
Gou Liang hugged his arms, he leaned in towards his mouth and sniffed. His eyes curved and said: “The scent lingers. Not bad, just don’t know it tastes…Zhong Quan, close your eyes.”
The movements of Zhong Quan washing his back halted, he closed his eyes.
“Lower your head.”
Zhong Quan lowered his head.
Gou Liang raised his head and kissed his lips. The dense taste of tangerine and positive soul force made him unable to think. At this moment, they were so close together he was unable to hold back. He stuck out his tongue and licked gently.
Zhong Quan’s entire body became rigid.
The breath against his face mingled together with his own, his lips were touched by something soft, a warm and supple tongue probingly slipped past the opening of his mouth, like it was hesitating. Zhong Quan’s heartbeat was like a drum. Unable to resist, he opened his eyes and saw that Gou Liang’s eyes were closed. The other’s lashes trembled, like he was enduring something…
He clenched the cloth he was washing with and forcefully pulled Gou Liang into his embrace, kissing him deeply.
“En…”
Gou Liang cried out, calling him impudent in a half-hearted manner. Zhong Quan’s hand caressed his back and then pressed against the back of his head, preventing him from escaping. He pressed against his lips and sucked fiercely.
This was the most intimate interaction they’d had outside of bed or, rather, aside from the times when Gou Liang’s poison acted out. The longings in him that had brewed for a long time, after letting go of it, it was impossible to rein it in again.
Gou Liang’s tongue was sucked numb by him. He felt dizzy. There was no time for him to carefully enjoy this delicacy at all. He instantly opened his eyes and glared at him with discontentment.
Zhong Quan froze, his actions came to a stop.
He had indeed overstepped. Today was only the fifth of the month, he should’ve endured…
Gou Liang’s eyes were full of resentment, yet he didn’t push him away. He bit the other’s lips and said angrily: “Who allowed you to open your eyes, shut them!”
Zhong Quan shook, but when he looked into the other’s eyes, he saw that the other’s eyes were as heated as his. It’s just that the other felt embarrassed and stubbornly refused to show it. His heart tightened, he closed his eyes and resumed to kiss him passionately.
Gou Liang’s cries were muffled by him. He half-heartedly told the other to release him, but his words were hardly convincing at all.
【Ding, the mission progress bar has increased. Current completion rate: 11%！】
“S-slow down a bit…I still haven’t…taste…wu…”
Not only did Zhong Quan not listen, he became even more forceful, entering even deeper, kissing him impatiently and fiercely, like he wanted to eat him whole.
Gou Liang could only give up. The fists used to hit the other loosened. He wrapped his arms around Zhong Quan and completely let himself go, submissively allowing the other to do as he pleased.
Zhong Quan hugged him tightly. He couldn’t kiss him enough, have him enough. Gou Liang was also provoked by him. A fire was lit in his body and he allowed himself to be immersed in it, habitually lifting his legs to wrap around the other’s waist, wanting to lean his entire body against him. But the moment he moved his legs, Zhong Quan immediately regained his composure—
Zhong Quan held down Gou Liang’s legs. He broke his mouth free and said: “Master, don’t move your legs.”
Gou Liang’s eyes were misty. He was still hugging onto him, and for a moment he didn’t understand his words. Zhong Quan bent down and sucked at his lips harshly. He then lifted him up and carried him out of the water.
“It is unsuitable to stay in the spring for too long. This subordinate will take you back to rest.”
It was then that Gou Liang finally regained himself. He retracted his hand and coughed, trying his best to pretend that nothing had happened just now. “Alright.”
Zhong Quan moved him up higher in his arms. He lowered his head and kissed his dimples.
Gou Liang shot him an angry look, “If you continue to be so impudent, I won’t let you off!”
Zhong Quan laughed in a low voice : “Master, don’t forgive me. Quan is willing to be punished.”
He took Gou Liang and sat down on the jade bench. There, he pulled down the silk towels hanging from the screen and helped wipe his body. Gou Liang was placed down onto his lap. He moved around awkwardly, then accidentally touched a hot and stiff object…he froze and his entire face suddenly reddened.
Zhong Quan lowered his head and looked at him. After a long time, he pulled his thoroughly reddened Master into his arms and held him tightly, unwilling to let go ever again.