Title is a well-known idiom: 伴君如伴虎 bàn jūn rú bàn hǔ = Accompanying one’s sovereign can be like accompanying a tiger. I just changed the translation a bit because, otherwise, it would be waaay too long. Happy reading! 
Ye Yang fell silent.
He glanced at Feng Luan’s horse—sturdy and elegant, yet with those slender legs, it would have to bear the weight of two people on its back. How exhausting that must be.
Furthermore, Shen Shaoheng’s exaggerated acting was obvious; it seemed intentional, as if he meant for his horse to stumble. The whole incident was too coincidental, and he even suspected it might have been orchestrated by Feng Luan to provide an excuse for Shen Shaoheng to get close to him.
Feng Luan also thought Shen Shaoheng’s acting was too obvious, clearly an attempt to curry favor. However, Shen Shaoheng wasn’t entirely wrong; this indeed presented a perfect opportunity—
He turned to look at Ye Yang, feeling a stirring in his heart, about to reach out his hand to invite Ye Yang to ride together. However, Ye Yang, with a skeptical look in his eyes, took a step back and asked seriously, “Did you two plan this to deceive me?”
Feng Luan hesitated, “……Zhen did not.”
Shen Shaoheng was taken aback. The situation had unfolded far beyond his expectations. He hastily interjected on Feng Luan’s behalf, “Yes! His Majesty did not!”
Ye Yang, “……”
Seeing Shen Shaoheng’s anxious demeanor and recalling his clumsy acting just now, his suspicion grew stronger.
If it wasn’t at Feng Luan’s behest, why would Shen Shaoheng resort to such poor acting? He couldn’t help but exchange another glance with Feng Luan, only to catch a hint of resentment in Feng Luan’s eyes, accompanied by a -1 penalty popping up beside him.
「Feng Luan’s favorability score has decreased by 1, current favorability score is 98」
Ye Yang, “……”
Wait a minute, how did the favorability rating suddenly jump to 98? Wasn’t it 89 yesterday?!
Shen Shaoheng felt that something was amiss, very much so.
He wanted Feng Luan to forgive him, to salvage his own career prospects, but he never expected his attempts to backfire so disastrously. Yun shijun assumed it was at the emperor’s behest, and now the emperor seemed even more displeased!
Not okay, this wasn’t the plot he envisioned, he needed to twist everything back!
“Countless errors, all of which are mine,” Shen Shaoheng gritted his teeth. “If Yun shijun doesn’t find it distasteful, you can use this servant’s steed, and this servant shall proceed on foot!”
Ye Yang, “……There’s no need for that.”
Even if the collusion between Feng Luan and Shen Shaoheng were true, it would primarily be Feng Luan’s transgression, with little implication for Shen Shaoheng. He had no desire to trouble Shen Shaoheng further; what purpose would it serve to make Shen Shaoheng chase after a horse? He recalled the towns not being too far apart on the map. For now, he could only endure the inconvenience of borrowing Feng Luan’s horse.
Ye Yang asked, “Is it possible to reach the next town by tonight?”
We’re sorry for MTLers or people who like using reading mode, but our translations keep getting stolen by aggregators so we’re going to bring back the copy protection. If you need to MTL please retype the gibberish parts.
Shen Shaoheng nodded repeatedly.
Tf Tjcu mbeiv bcis cbv jcv rjs, “Ofa’r rfa boo olgra; kf mjc qegmtjrf j cfk tbgrf bcmf kf gfjmt atf abkc.”
Vtfc Vtjbtfcu mbeiv tjgvis gfrlra jqqijevlcu tlwrfio lc tlr wlcv.
Indeed, he truly excelled. Look, Yun shijun was still riding alongside the emperor!
Lf ofia tlr mjgffg qjat kjr rwbbat rjlilcu, jcv cba bcis atja, atf fwqfgbg kjr ybecv ab gfkjgv tlw ufcfgberis!
……
With two people seated on the horse, it felt a bit cramped. Ye Yang couldn’t help but feel sorry for the horse. As soon as they mounted, he suggested, “Shouldn’t we take turns riding the horses instead?”
Before the words had even settled, Feng Luan gave Shen Shaoheng a cold glance. Shen Shaoheng was startled, breaking out in a cold sweat, hastily explaining, “Uh…… if Yun shijun and His Majesty wish to ride this servant’s horse together, this servant certainly has no objections.”
He emphasized the word ‘together,’ hoping that the emperor would understand he meant no offense.
Ye Yang didn’t dwell on it much. He nodded and asked, “While we’re out, how should I address you both later?”
Shen Shaoheng had already thought of an address. Without hesitation, he flattered, “His Majesty shall be addressed as Young Master, and Yun shijun as Young Madam. As for me, being a humble servant is quite enough.”
Ye Yang, “……”
Feng Luan was rather pleased, but Ye Yang seemed somewhat displeased.
What’s with the term Young Madam? He’s a grown man after all. Wasn’t this designation a bit excessive?
While he understood that the customs depicted in this book were open-minded, where men took male concubines, it was mostly prevalent among wealthy households. Wealthy families didn’t worry about succession, but for ordinary impoverished families, every member was vital for labor. How could they afford such indulgence?
“We’re conducting a discreet investigation; perhaps it’s best not to attract too much attention,” Ye Yang suggested reluctantly. “Terms like Young Madam…… they do seem a bit…… conspicuous.”
Feng Luan thought Ye Yang was just being shy. Since Shen Shaoheng had already chosen his, he didn’t mind a simple change in address. He casually agreed with Ye Yang’s suggestion, saying, “Ah Yang’s suggestion is astute; let us adopt a different appellation.”
Shen Shaoheng, of course, had already prepared for this. He immediately nodded and suggested, “In that case, His Majesty shall be addressed as My Lord, and Yun shijun can be referred to as Young Master.”
Those who had watched Lord Mo Hou’s plays were all aware that whenever the terms ‘Young Master’ and ‘My Lord’ were used for two people in one scene, they denoted that the characters were a couple. Given the widespread circulation of Lord Mo Hou’s plays, discerning individuals can naturally distinguish such couples from others.
He was extremely satisfied with his brilliant and flawless plan. But when he turned to look at the emperor and Yun shijun…… it seemed like neither of them had caught the subtle implication of his words. Feeling somewhat disappointed, he sighed deeply. Yet, a new scheme blossomed in his mind. He decided to create opportunities for the emperor and Yun shijun to ride alone together. Taking the initiative, he slowed the pace of his horse slightly, allowing it to fall behind the two.
……
Ye Yang felt quite awkward.
Seated in front of Feng Luan on the horse, he found himself practically nestled in Feng Luan’s embrace. He was acutely aware of the ambiguous intimacy of the situation, and throughout the journey, he wished desperately to keep his back straight, feeling inexplicably tense.
Feng Luan naturally sensed his tension. After some consideration, he could only reluctantly explain to Ye Yang, “Zhen hasn’t given any orders for Shen Shaoheng to behave in such a manner.”
Considering Feng Luan’s rising favorability score, Ye Yang decided to overlook his comment.
If misunderstandings lead to a decrease in the favorability score, even if it’s just gradually diminishing, it’s still a decline! If he experiences several declines, wouldn’t they eventually offset a single increase in score?
He remained silent for a while, and indeed, after a moment, Feng Luan’s favorability score seemed to have dropped a bit more.
Feng Luan seemed to realize that his explanation was futile. With a sigh, he endeavored to maintain a more restrained demeanor to avoid further displeasing Ye Yang. After a moment of silence, he finally found another topic and asked Ye Yang, “Now that you’ve learned how to ride, do you also wish to learn archery?”
He was waiting for Ye Yang to express interest in learning. Archery was different from horseback riding; it required hands-on, close guidance to correct posture. If Ye Yang wished to learn, he could also seize the opportunity to spend some intimate time with him.
Ye Yang continued along with his words, saying, “I really do want to learn martial arts…… How about this, when we return to the capital, I’ll go find my brother—”
Feng Luan interrupted him, “No need to trouble General Yun, Ah Yang. There is someone perfectly capable of instructing you right here.”
He awaited Ye Yang’s sudden realization, yet Ye Yang merely tilted his head slightly and cast a contemplative glance from past to present, as if pondering. Deliberately, he remarked, “Indeed, Commander Shen must also possess formidable martial skills.”
Feng Luan, “……”
After uttering these words, Ye Yang fixed his gaze on Feng Luan, awaiting any shift in Feng Luan’s favorability score.
Having spoken such words, he couldn’t help but suspect that Feng Luan’s score would not drop.
Sure enough, Feng Luan furrowed his brow slightly, an expression of displeasure evident, and a -1 appeared above his head. He coolly remarked, “Shen Shaoheng? His martial skills are far from matching those of your elder brother.”
Shen Shaoheng, “……”
Feng Luan’s voice carried, and Shen Shaoheng evidently heard every word. Yet, in such a moment, to refute would be unwise. He hastened to nod in agreement, even taking the initiative to prompt Feng Luan’s thoughts further, saying, “Yun shijun, with my limited martial skills, both His Majesty and General Yun surpass me by far!”
Ye Yang, “I see……”
Shen Shaoheng, “Well, of course! In my humble opinion, if Yun shijun wishes to learn martial arts, why not have His Majesty teach you!”
Ye Yang was about to speak when he noticed a tea stall in the distance. He changed his mind and turned to the two behind him, asking, “Shall we take a break for a moment and rest the horses?”
He genuinely cared for Feng Luan’s horse, accustomed to a life of luxury in the palace and not used to such exertion. Since he had suggested the idea, Feng Luan naturally had no objections. Thus, they halted by the tea stall, and Feng Luan dismounted first, intending to turn back and assist Ye Yang. However, Ye Yang had already agilely dismounted, landing firmly on the ground.
His horseback riding skills had greatly improved compared to his initial clumsiness, thanks to his diligent training during this period. He was no longer the weakling who would pant after a short walk. Due to Ye Yang’s naturally fragile constitution, progress was slower, but he had enough confidence. He firmly believed that given more time, he could even restore his physical fitness to the level he had in the modern era.
The tea stall was run by a married couple, situated in such a remote location that it rarely saw many customers. Calling it a tea stall might have been generous—it was simply a piece of cloth spread on the ground with some tea and a few small stools placed nearby. Without much thought, Ye Yang asked the shopkeeper for tea, and they all sat down. Shen Shaoheng once again began fervently praising the emperor’s formidable martial skills, claiming there were few rivals in the court.
As they were halfway through their conversation, Ye Yang turned his head and caught sight of two individuals emerging from the woods with swords on their backs. Their graceful movements made it appear as if they were descending from the treetops. Arriving at the tea stall, they tossed a few copper coins onto the cloth and requested two pots of fine wine from the shopkeeper.
His eyes lit up instantly, recognizing the display of martial arts he had seen in wuxia dramas. Every man harbored a lingering dream of the jianghu in his heart, and he couldn’t help but feel excited. Turning to Feng Luan eagerly, he asked, “Your Maj…… My Lord, do you know how to do this?”
Feng Luan, “……no.”
Ye Yang felt disappointed.
“That’s a medley of martial arts from the jianghu,” Feng Luan furrowed his brow. “Zhen…… My training has largely been imparted by the court’s generals, and is quite different from their techniques.”
Ye Yang looked at the two martial artists with admiration, feeling a sudden surge of longing in his heart.
Not good!
Shen Shaoheng felt that this was not the way to go.
As the Commander of the Imperial Guards, he must help the emperor regain control of the situation!
“Merely light-footedness! That’s not difficult!” Shen Shaoheng exclaimed. “Those two may be able to climb trees, but their footwork is clumsy. Clearly, they are novices.”
Ye Yang immediately turned to him, his expression filled with anticipation and curiosity. “Commander Shen, do you know how?”
“In my youth, I also wandered the jianghu out of curiosity,” Shen Shaoheng said. “Naturally, I—”
He caught Feng Luan’s gaze from the corner of his eye, causing him to abruptly halt his sentence. He then forcefully changed tack to another statement.
“N…… Naturally, I do not know,” Shen Shaoheng replied dryly. “If even His Majesty doesn’t know, then how could I be any different?”
Ye Yang, “……”
Feng Luan had already placed the bowl down coldly and said, “Let’s go.”
Shen Shaoheng wiped the cold sweat from his forehead and let out a deep sigh.
Indeed, accompanying the emperor was akin to accompanying a tiger.
It’s hard.
Traveling with a young couple is truly hard.
As they reached the horses, Ye Yang mounted first, but Feng Luan did not follow suit. Instead, he led Shen Shaoheng’s horse aside and, under Shen Shaoheng’s bewildered gaze, mounted it himself.
Shen Shaoheng muttered, “My Lord, are you suggesting…… that we ride together?”
Feng Luan gave a cold snort in response.
“If Commander Shen’s footwork is so impressive,” Feng Luan said icily, “then use your footwork to keep up with the horses.”
Poor Shen! Ah, the travails of being more gifted than someone in love wishful of winning his beloved!
Oh my, poor SSH XD
Thank You for the new chapter (๑´ლ`๑)♡
Can you do that?
Er, no, I’m just an emperor 😕
What was that saying that there’s a path to heaven but you chose to court death or smthg hahahahah very fitting for commander shen!
Thank you for this chapter! Can’t wait for the next 💜