Translated by Eve
Edited by Wuxian
Setting aside the matter of Sui Yuan entering the palace to discuss with Zhao Xihe how the protagonist gong and shouโs actions have been completely different from that of the plot, let us mention what happened after Situ Yu finally escaped from the palace. That day, the first thing he did upon returning to his residence was to gather all of his trusted aids, advisors, and tacticians.
He told them in detail all that had occurred within the palace, especially every word and action of His Majesty the Emperor. In the end, he raised his own hypothesis, hoping that this group of sophisticates could dispel his doubts and make a painstaking investigation of his Emperor Fatherโs true meaning.
Although Lin Xiao was the protagonist shou with an innate ability and wisdom that superseded others and an astute and calm-headed demeanour, he was still young, after all. He had always been shut deeply within his residenceโs courtyard, so his experience with worldly matters was very limited. The person with the highest status he had contact with had only been the Fourth Princeโs Mufei who also resided deep within the palace. When he heard that he had been specifically called out and criticized by the Emperor, who also knew about his crossdressing, with his black history of having disobeyed and disrespected the Emperor, he immediately paled, becoming frightened, worried, and helpless.
——His beautiful dream of relying on the imperial examination to become an official and stand out among his peers, was completed wasted, ne! Instead, he received a wake up call: he suddenly discovered that he had already been mentioned by the Emperor, but this remark was nothing good. He immediately felt like the world had collapsed.
On the contrary, Xie Ling, an heir of an aristocratic family, was much more calm. He muttered to himself for a while and made specific inquiries about His Majesty the Emperorโs words and tone. Only then did he sigh in slight relief, โHis Highness need not fret. This matter is not overly terrible. If handled properly, this could still be considered a fortunate affair.โ
Situ Yuโs expression slightly eased up. He had always trusted Xie Lingโs intelligence. Furthermore, he had also sincerely wished to hear good news, so he couldnโt help but trust Xie Ling a bit more, โSpeak.โ
Xie Ling smiled and complied, telling him of his conjecture.
Although the Emperor had given Situ Yu a lesson, he did not actually punish him. In addition, the last words he uttered were in fact an โencouragementโ. This made Xie Ling feel rather assured. He believed that His Majesty the Emperor also wished to see the competition between his sons and for the winner to become the next ruler.
Perhaps from start to finish, His Majesty the Emperor knew of their plans. However, he did not obstruct nor expose them. Instead, he cooperated. This probably meant that he was sincere. His warning towards Situ Yu…perhaps it was because he disliked how he always put on an act of โnot participatingโ only to benefit from the othersโ dispute. Perhaps he was warning him to have propriety and not go overboard. Or, perhaps…cough…he was seizing this opportunity to attack a rival-in-love. In short, since his ambition for the throne had already been exposed, then Situ Yu ought not hesitate nor hold back, nor stay silent and passive, but take another step forward and project himself.
The Emperor was in his prime and he had not yet become kind and self-composed as it will in his old age. He does not yet place a high importance to his heir nor does he take familial affection into much consideration. When linked to his glorious achievement that was seizing the throne in the past, his current action of coldly idly standing by while his sons fought between each other makes it evident that the Emperorโs methods are cruel and his conduct, extreme. This kind of ruler will inevitably dislike a cowardly and timid successor. If one moves forward, there is the possibility of victory. If one retreats, then one is destined to have no chance of attaining that grand position.
โHenceforth, what we need to do is to push forward with our agenda, but that does not mean that we ought to advance prematurely. At the very least, this time, we must perform this play impeccably to the end. Even if that one—โ Xie Ling raised his right hand and pointed to the sky, โis very clear about our every move and action , we must act for the rest of the world to see. Afterwards, we will seize the opportunity to use this as a pretext to change our original stance of not wanting to participate in the struggle for succession.โ
Situ Yu nodded in understanding.
Since he hoped to be known as a wise ruler throughout the ages, he definitely did not want to leave any stains on his reputation. To transition from being a meek and ordinary โnon-participantโ to an extremely ambitious โparticipantโ, it inevitably required a suitable excuse. Otherwise, he would become a hypocrite who did not live up to his name. Right now, โthe death of the Fourth Princeโs Cefeiโ gave him an appropriate entry-point to cut into.
His beloved woman had become a sacrificial victim of a political struggle. The Fourth Prince was so aggrieved that he wished he were dead. However, after pulling himself together, he achieved supreme enlightenment: so as to never allow such a tragedy to repeat itself, so as to protect the people most important to him, he needed to step foot onto the bloody road from now on. Once one thought like this, it sounded quite moving, ne! It could be said to be a rather tragic yet heroic legend!
Situ Yu and his group of advisors discussed things over and changed their strategy for the battle over succession. On one hand, he had to fight and display his capabilities so as to change the Emperorโs bad impression of him. On the other, he also had to make sure not to touch Emperor Fatherโs bottom line so as to not make him displeased.
Getting things just right was difficult to do, but it was extremely important that he did so.
Even if he would end up bringing out his brothersโ vigilance and end up coming out of the dark—which would make it more difficult to act—the most crucial point right now was Emperor Fatherโs attitude. Situ Yu was not afraid of directly facing off against his brothers. Originally, the reason he was in hibernation was because there was no need to act.
After deciding the approximate plan, Situ Yuโs mood abruptly relaxed. His gaze swept over Lin Xiao, who had been earnestly listening to everyoneโs discussion and occasionally raising his own suggestions modestly. He suddenly stared at him fixedly.
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.
Olc Wljb๏ผโ๏ผ๏ผ๏ผโ
Olc Wljb ofia j yla jogjlv, yflcu rajgfv ja ilxf atja ys Vlae Te, jcv reymbcrmlberis jrxfv lo atfgf kjr jcsatlcu kgbcu klat tlr fsfr. Vlae Te, gjatfg fwyjggjrrfv, ilutais mbeutfv bcmf. Pc atf fcv, tf rqja bea atf defralbc atja kjr jikjsr bc tlr wlcv, โOlc Wljb, gfujgvlcu We Ke…tbk wemt vb sbe xcbk?โ
โXu Tu?โ Lin Xiao stared at him blankly. He didnโt know why the other asked this but he still answered honestly, โI have never come into contact with him. All that I know about him are from rumours spread around the Capital.โ
Situ Yuโs expression became slightly dejected. He knew that Lin Xiao never lied. If it was like this, could it be said that Xu Tuโs feelings were unrequited? This simply made Situ Yu feel even more conflicted than when he found out his Emperor Father had stolen away the person he liked.
#The person I like is completely heterosexual. However, the person he likes is a man crossdressing as a woman. #
——This topic was simply too abusive. The more he thought about it, the more sick he felt at heartโฆ.
โ…Why does Fourth Prince ask this?โ Amongst these ignorant people, only Xie Ling understood.
โ…Today, Emperor Father personally said that Xu Tu…constantly has Lin Xiao on his mind,โ Situ Yu looked pained, as if his teeth ached.
Xie Ling who was as conflicted as his master: โโฆโฆโฆโฆโฆโฆโฆโฆโ
Lin Xiao, who was mentioned again but completely did not know how this had come to be: โ๏ผ๏ผ๏ผ๏ผโ
——After more than a decade, it was the first time he had felt that the female him was so charming. First, it was the Fourth Prince with his strange aesthetics. Then, Xu Tu came out with his feelings for some inexplicable reason? He was not acquainted with him at all, ah!
โEnough. I had put on a play for the entire day and also, was frightened by Emperor Father. I am rather tired. Everyone, disperse,โ Situ Yu brandished his hands, exhausted. Regardless of whether it was his body or spirit, both felt like they almost couldnโt carry this heavy burden much longer.
The advisors that could stay by a Princeโs side were rather insightful. Although they felt very bewildered by those words, at the very end, they still quietly left one after another. Only Xie Ling cast a sympathetic gaze at Lin Xiao just before leaving.
Lin Xiao, who suddenly felt that things were not too encouraging: โโฆโฆโฆโฆโฆโฆโฆโฆโ
Lin Xiao waited until he had left the courtyard of the Fourth Princeโs residence. Only then did Lin Xiao grab hold of Xie Ling and drag him far from the other people, hiding on one side. Soon after, he collected himself and saluted the other with deep respect, โWould sir please inform me of why His Highness did as he did at the very end?โ
Xie Ling pretended to mutter to himself for a moment. Afterwards, who knows if it was because he was taking joy in Lin Xiaoโs suffering or if he was feeling sympathetic towards Lin Xiao who was innocent but unjustly implicated, but he did not hesitate too long, โOur Highness likes that little Young Master Xu Tu.โ
Lin Xiao๏ผโ๏ผ๏ผ๏ผ๏ผB-but, isnโt that Young Master Xu a man?!โ
——Although the pitiful protagonist shou had nearly been married off to a man, he had never developed any feelings towards Situ Yu so homosexual love was nothing but a fable to him.
Xie Ling shot him a glance indifferently, โWerenโt you almost made into our Fourth Princeโs Cefei?โ
โBut…but everyone thought that I was a womanโฆโ Lin Xiao stammered in response.
Xie Ling waved his hands and did not dispute with Lin Xiao any further, โThat Young Master Xu is rather liked by His Majesty the Emperor.โ
โThis like refers toโฆโ Lin Xiao sucked in a breath of cold air, feeling incredulous.
โThatโs right. It is exactly as you think…affairs related to the Emperorโs bed,โ Xie Ling tactfully destroyed Lin Xiaoโs delusions.
Lin Xiao๏ผโโฆโฆโฆโฆโฆโฆโฆโฆโ
——WTF! This kind of Heaven startling secret! Will I be silenced?! Indeed, curiosity killed the cat! QAQ
โHis Highness cannot obtain Young Master Xu. His Majesty the Emperor views him as his treasure,โ Pausing, Xie Lingโs gaze towards Lin Xiao was like one who was paying a moment of silence to him, โAnd little Young Master Xu seems to see you in a special light.โ
Lin Xiao๏ผโโฆโฆโฆโฆโฆโฆโฆโฆโ
——I-I will certainly be silenced! However, I really didnโt know anything, ah! QAQ
Question: Thereโs a person who likes me for some inexplicable reason. However, my boss, and my bossโ boss both like that person! What should I do?
Answer: Restrain your grief, accept your fate. After 18 years, you will be a hero.
โThat Young Master Xu Tu…is unexpectedly so charming as to attract His Majesty and His Highness into vying for his affection, hm?โ Lin Xiaoโs voice was hoarse, carrying a tone that indicated that he still found it difficult to believe.
Xie Lingโs eyes contained a slight mirth as he looked at Lin Xiao, who had become muddle-headed after suffering those attacks and appeared as if his spirit had wandered off. He leisurely and confidently stroked his sleeves.
This was unlike what happened in the original plot, in which Lin Xiao continued on with the identity as the Fourth Princeโs Cefei. In the original plot, Xie Ling and co. did not know of his identity as a man. Lin Xiao was admired greatly for his steadiness and calmness that was unlike that of a typical woman, as well as for his outstanding wisdom in strategizing. Now, Lin Xiao had become one of the Fourth Princeโs advisors. The relationship between him and Xie Ling was competitive in nature. The Fourth Prince trusted Lin Xiao quite a lot, and Lin Xiao did not betray this trust. This made Xie Ling, who considered himself to be the core of the Fourth Princeโs group of tacticians, feel a sense of danger, as if his livelihood was about to be snatched away. He was completely unlike the him in the original plot who had developed a peculiar feeling towards Lin Xiao due to his admiration of him.
Xie Ling was never much of a nobleman. Since he could attack his rival, he would naturally do so happily. Moreover…from a certain angle, Xie Lingโs vigilance against Lin Xiao was not just due to their rivalry, but it also carried a faint hostility that came from facing against a rival-in-love.
โThis little Young Master Xuโs excellence…only when one has seen him himself can one truly understand.โ Xie Ling laughed gently, โTo add, this one also has quite favourable feelings towards little Young Master Xu. It is just a pity that he dares not compete against His Majesty and the Fourth Prince. I can only hide my feelings deep within my heart, not daring to reveal even the slightest bit of it.โ
Lin Xiao๏ผโโฆโฆโฆโฆโฆโฆโฆโฆโ
——As soon as I woke up, I unexpectedly became everyoneโs rival-in-love. This feeling was really invigorating.
โRight, Zhang Zhenye also pays particular attention towards little Young Master Xu. Unfortunately, that fool probably doesnโt yet understand just what his feelings towards him are, ne!โ Xie Ling attacked again.
Xie Ling raised his hand, falteringly, โI apologize…I need a moment to calm downโฆ.โ
Xie Ling smiled in satisfaction. He clasped Lin Xiaoโs shoulder and slowly turned. Only after he was far away from Lin Xiao did he reveal a sliver of melancholy on his face.
โGuan guanโ cry the ospreysOn the islet in the river.
The beautiful and good young lady
Is a fine mate for the lord.
It is only logical that a young man admires a beautiful woman. Fortunately, he had not fallen too deeply and could extract himself out of this matter in time. Right now, what Xie Ling was troubled over was his stubborn as a tree stump—incomparably stubborn— good friend.
Love, this one word, indeed frustrates people the most.
At present, Sui Yuan, who was pestered in all sorts of ways by His Majesty while on the Emperorโs bed, naturally did not know about the scene of bloody slaughter and foul wind that occured at the Fourth Princeโs residence. After thoroughly giving up on rescuing the plot, the only issue that caused him a headache was how to refuse his loverโs propositions.
Sui Yuanโs willpower has always wavered when faced with Zhao Xihe. Regardless if it was because of the fundamental docility within him, or if it was his feelings of remorse and love towards Zhao Xihe, all of these made him increasingly unable to refuse him. Of course, the most important reason was that he saw that Zhao Xihe, who nearly descended into madness from being able to see but not eat every day, became much tougher in bearing.
So as to prevent himself from being eaten clean in a daze before he had made adequate mental preparations, Sui Yuan had no choice but to decrease the amount of time he appeared before His Majesty the Emperor. Instead, he stayed by the Second Prince Situ Guiโs side more often and helped him with missions, and coaxing people over as preparation for the inevitable battle for succession.
Situ Gui: โ…Although I wonโt be scolded over the missions Iโm assigned, however, the expression Emperor Father uses to look at me is becoming increasingly sinister and terrifying. Whatโs this all about?! QAQโ
At the restaurant, the Second Prince sat at the window seat, his face looking as though he was contemplating the vicissitudes of life while exhausted to the point of being unable to love anymore. Sui Yuan turned away, feeling guilty, lighting a candle for him in his heart.
โNa, Third Brother. Let us, brothers, be frank and place our cards on the table.โ
Seeing Sui Yuanโs evasive gaze, Situ Gui steadied his expression, his tone especially complicated.
Although he had always portrayed himself as a simple-minded silly idiot, Situ Gui really was not a simple-minded person. He only did not wish to act deviously towards Xu Tu. Even more, he did not want to believe in his own conjecture. However, things had already reached this point. He could no longer continue believing in his own lies: โYou and Emperor Father…the relationship between you twoโฆ.โ
Sui Yuan pursed his lips and slightly lowered his head. It could be considered a tacit agreement to Situ Guiโs probing.
Although he had made mental preparations prior, Situ Gui nearly stopped breathing. His expression immediately darkened, โEmperor Father…is he forcing you?โ
โ…No,โ Sui Yuan did not plan on letting Zhao Xihe carry this black stain on his own.
โDonโt try to deceive your Second Brother,โ Although he was relatively more โfavouredโ since they were young, Situ Guiโs affection towards his father was much inferior to the brotherly affection he felt towards Xu Tu. In his eyes, Emperor Father was a goal that he had to unceasingly struggle to climb over, someone who oppressed him until he couldnโt breathe, a great mountain that always made one extremely afraid and on edge.
A flash of ruthlessness flickered through Situ Guiโs eyes. He raised a hand to press against Sui Yuanโs shoulder, โIf he is forcing you, tell Gege. Even if I canโt do it now, there will be a day…a day where I will be able to seek justice on your behalf!โ
Sui Yuan๏ผโโฆโฆโฆโฆโฆโฆโฆโฆโ
——W-wait a second! This rhythm seems a bit off? To become enemies with your father over a man, isnโt this too ridiculous?! He wasnโt walking the path of a beauty that will bring disaster upon the nation, ah!
Eve: I actually feel so bad for the protagonist shou LMAO. Heโs just minding his own business and keeps getting shot at.
Our little MC is an unwilling homme fatale also. ๐
Ty
BIG SIGH I’m really starting to wish for a harem ๐
A harem of characters Zhao Xihe had played, you mean? ๐๐๐
Shhh don’t read my mind ๐๐
Xiao Tan, baby… You’re a beauty that will bring disaster upon the world, forget the nation.
Thank you very much!! ,๐๐
Fuck. Yan* fucking keyboard.
๐๐๐๐ YUAN****
I begin to believe that its a old and dirty deb….
Anno…your frustrations are as funny as the mental turmoil of the protag shou/MaleHelenOfTroy. ๐
๐คฃ๐คฃ๐คฃ๐คฃ๐คฃ๐คฃ๐คฃ๐คฃ๐คฃ๐คฃ๐คฃ๐คฃ๐คฃ๐คฃ Thank you for the update!
Hahaha I’m sorry but your plight also made me chuckle!!
xD hahaha ๐
Poor MC. Fortunately this is not harem๐๐คฃ so many admirers!!!๐คฃ
Thanks for the chapter ๐
But I am a bit confused. Right now, is Xie Ling still posing as a woman with the fourth princes friends, even if they killed “her” off? Or does the author mean in the original plot he still poses as the fourth princes cefei? ๐ค
Author meant he posed as the cefei in the original plot! Edited the chapter to make that more clear.
Poor Lin Xiao, he only wants to live peacefully lol.
Thank you for the chapter!
Lol poor sui yuan, even when telling the truth people wont believe
Thanks for the hard work love the story ^_^
These poor dudes didnโt have a chance.
Thanks for the great translation โฅ๏ธ
(แแแ)ีฬตฬ(แแแ)ีฬตฬ(แแแ)ีฬตฬ ฮฃ((*โงโฝโฆ)๏พ๏ฝผ)) This is really great! Really great! I love how AโYuan accumulates aggro towards Zhao Xihe lolololol ๐๐๐๐๐
“He wasnโt walking the path of a beauty that will bring disaster upon the nation, ah!”
Sui Yuan, dear, you have already turned half of the capital into masochists. It’s too late for that๐.
Lmao๐คฃ๐ญ this halo’s power is just too OP I cant-
SITU GUI IS SUCH A GREAT BRO๐ญHE WANTS TO PROTECT HIS LITTLE BROTHER
Wow… Im running out of candles to light for this people… I feel im going to need to buy more for the next chapter hahahahha
Thanks for the chappie! (๏พยดโ`)๏พโก