Feng Luan was in a bad mood, and for the rest of the journey back to the palace, he hardly said a word to Ye Yang.
Ye Yang couldn’t grasp the shifts in his mood. He sat there, cautious, realizing that accompanying this tyrant was akin to walking on eggshells. The tyrant rarely engaged in meaningful conversation, and Ye Yang lacked the ability to read minds. As the favorability score oscillated unpredictably, he found himself increasingly perplexed.
The military horse stable was a bit of a distance from the palace, and the carriage’s jolts were quite uncomfortable. At first, Ye Yang sat upright, but after a while, he couldn’t help but shift his hips to find a more comfortable position. With Feng Luan’s favorability score now down to just 7 points, Ye Yang didn’t want to upset him any further. He moved cautiously, almost as if he were watching Feng Luan’s face while trying not to irritate him.
Despite the arrival of autumn, the day remained quite sultry. With His Majesty seated in the carriage, Ye Yang hesitated to draw the curtains. The interior of the imperial carriage lacked proper airflow and was rather cramped with the presence of two large men. It didn’t take long before Ye Yang started sweating.
This might not be a significant event, but he had grazed wounds on his legs and buttocks. The sweat was seeping into these grazed areas, causing a sharp and unbearable pain. Just as the carriage hit some small stones on the road, it jolted abruptly. Ye Yang, who was already sitting unsteadily, was thrown backward. Unfortunately, he landed right on the wounded area that had been scraped. His face turned pale instantly. He wished to jump up immediately, but all he could do was slightly lift his buttocks, trying his best to maintain some distance between the wound and the seat without showing any sign of discomfort.
He wanted to shout out in pain but refrained, stifling it into a barely audible, muffled groan. Before he could regain his composure, the carriage abruptly lurched to the other side. He was already struggling to maintain his awkward sitting position, and with the carriage’s sudden movement, he was propelled towards Feng Luan. Thankfully, the dog emperor had a semblance of compassion and reached out to assist him in regaining his balance, all the while wearing a perplexed expression. “What is the matter with you……?” he inquired with a furrowed brow.
Yun Yang’s body couldn’t bear the pain, leaving Ye Yang with a pale face. Beads of sweat formed on his forehead, and the corners of his eyes reddened. His breathing grew slightly faster, and he tried to suppress the pain with muted groans. In a hushed tone, he reassured Feng Luan, “I…… I’m alright, Your Majesty……”
Shen Shaoheng was outside, quietly admonishing the military driver. He then approached the carriage’s window curtain and asked in a low voice, “Your Majesty, is everything well?”
Feng Luan, “……”
He wanted to reassure that he was fine, but upon seeing Ye Yang’s distressed condition, he hesitated. Suddenly, Shen Shaoheng pulled the reins, riding up to the back of the carriage. His voice quivered at the end of his sentence, carrying a hint of fear and surprise.
“This servant is at fault, Your Majesty, for disturbing you,” Shen Shaoheng, still shaken, confessed. “Allow this servant to order the accompanying imperial guards to withdraw five zhang and maintain a respectful distance.”
Ye Yang, “……”
Feng Luan, “……”
Ye Yang gazed at the gauze curtains on the carriage’s side, revealing faint hints of the surroundings. He then turned to assess his current position, finding himself semi-reclined in Feng Luan’s embrace.
……Hold on, something seems off.
Has Shen Shaoheng misunderstood something?!
He listened to the gradually fading sound of horse hooves outside the carriage, stiffening his spine, not daring to move, and even more afraid to look at Feng Luan, fearing that this unexpected incident would significantly decrease the favorability score Feng Luan had for him.
However, after a brief moment, Feng Luan cleared his throat lightly. He gently assisted Ye Yang in sitting up straight and reassured him, “You need not dwell on what zhen said earlier.”
Ye Yang cautiously lifted his eyes to look at Feng Luan. He noticed that Feng Luan’s demeanor had softened considerably compared to his earlier displeasure. Feng Luan’s words were now spoken in gentle and soothing tones. Ye Yang managed to steady his nerves, but he still felt a sense of unease as he forced a smile and replied, “Yes, this servant understands.”
However, speaking of which…… What did this dog emperor just say?
“You needn’t be so fearful of zhen,” Feng Luan furrowed his brows once more, speaking gently, “Zhen is not a fiend or a demon.”
Ye Yang continued to nod along.
He had straightened himself up, lowered his gaze slightly, and put on an obedient and docile appearance. Yet, he secretly glanced at Feng Luan from beneath his long eyelashes, a cautious and delicate expression on his face. This, coupled with his slightly reddened eye corners, pale and weary complexion, and slightly disheveled hair……
Feng Luan cleared his throat again, realizing that his previous words had perhaps been…… a bit too harsh.
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.
He felt guilty but didn’t know how to apologize. He looked at Ye Yang for a moment, and a sense of guilt mingled with complex emotions began to spread within him. He even thought that this Yun shijun was so straightforward in his actions and words, without any pretense. In all his years at the palace, it seemed like he had never encountered someone quite like him.
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Feng Luan asked him, “Are you interested?”
Ye Yang, “……”
He wanted to shake his head, but when he looked at the large number ‘7’ above Feng Luan’s head, he bit his lip and nodded earnestly.
“Interested,” Ye Yang said dryly, “I love watching plays the most.”
Throughout his life, he had seen plays only a few times, primarily accompanying older family members. He wasn’t certain about the style of music or the type of drama the Group of the Three Emperors performed, and whether he’d be able to understand them.
He knew that he wouldn’t bother to listen to any play if it weren’t for the sake of pleasing this dog emperor.
Feng Luan didn’t seem to notice his reluctance. Hearing him say so, he appeared quite pleased. Finally, as the carriage entered the palace grounds and came to a stop, Feng Luan was the first to disembark. He turned back, reaching out to help Ye Yang. Yet, Ye Yang remained seated in the chair, his expression strained.
How was he supposed to get off the carriage like this?!
Having sat for too long and sweating, his clothes seemed to have stuck to the wound. When he slightly lifted his buttocks, the pain became unbearable. He managed to stand up shakily, but looking at the height of the carriage from the ground, he felt a sense of despair for a moment.
Normally, when he watched TV dramas, when a beautiful woman got off a carriage, someone would quickly provide a little stool to help her alight. But now, as he looked at how effortlessly Feng Luan got off, it seemed like Kang Ning had never even considered this. Ye Yang could only stick half of his body out of the carriage, and he gave a forced smile to Feng Luan, saying, “Your Majesty, it’s quite high.”
He recalled Feng Luan’s extremely low favorability score and was quite apprehensive, fearing that his actions might cause that favorability score to plummet further. Initially, he had simply hoped that Feng Luan would arrange for someone to bring over a stepping stool. However, much to his surprise, upon hearing his request, Feng Luan took a step closer, extended his hand, and embraced his waist, lowering him down from the carriage directly.
Ye Yang froze.
He did not.
Your Majesty! This is so uncalled for!
He nervously glanced at the guards and court attendants around him, all of them wearing impassive expressions, as if they were completely oblivious to the situation. Ye Yang’s face turned bright red.
He gritted his teeth to stabilize himself on the ground, afraid to look up at Feng Luan. The road was bumpy, and he felt even more pain in his buttocks. He cursed the damned saddle but also remembered the promise he had made just a few hours ago.
He had sworn to learn how to ride a horse, and if it meant a sore bottom, so be it. After all, wasn’t that how you toughen up your backside?
With a determined spirit, Ye Yang took a deep breath and then raised his head to offer a grateful smile to Feng Luan.
「Feng Luan’s favorability score has increased by 10, current favorability score is 17」
Oh?
Why did the favorability score suddenly grow?
The dog emperor’s unpredictable favorability score was quite hard to comprehend, as if it all hinges on superficial impressions, making it extremely challenging to deal with.
Shen Shaoheng was standing by Kang Ning’s side, watching as Feng Luan supported Ye Yang towards the palace, and he couldn’t help but sigh.
“His Majesty and Yun shijun seem to share a remarkably close bond,” said Shen Shaoheng. “When it comes to His Majesty…… it’s truly surprising to discover these hidden interests of his.”
Kang Ning arched an eyebrow at him. “Commander Shen, what do you mean to say? If you plan to speak ill of the Emperor behind his back……”
Shen Shaoheng hastily interrupted Kang Ning’s words.
“Me? How could I dare to speak ill of His Majesty?” Shen Shaoheng lowered his voice. “It’s you, Kang Ning. You were by the carriage the entire time. Didn’t you perceive anything?”
Kang Ning, “……”
If he examined it closely, when he was outside the carriage earlier, he did seem to hear…… some rather peculiar sounds.
Kang Ning raised his head once more and glanced at Ye Yang, who was walking with a somewhat stiff posture.
Kang Ning, “!!!”
“Truly, Your Majesty,” Shen Shaoheng gave a thumbs up and complimented with a measured tone, “Your wisdom and experience are truly remarkable, and us, servants, hold them in high regard.”
……
When Ye Yang returned to the palace, the night had already fallen.
Wan Juan had been anxiously awaiting his return to the palace, eager to hear about his day and the perfect experience of riding with the emperor. However, when he returned, he didn’t give her a chance to ask any questions. Instead, he asked her to leave the room and locked himself inside alone.
After enduring a day full of bumps and jolts, he returned to the palace and had dinner with Feng Luan. By the time he got back, he felt like his buttocks were no longer his own, not to mention the constant friction on the inner thighs when he moved. Now, all he wanted was to find a place to take off his pants and carefully examine the condition of his injuries. If treatment was needed, he intended to apply medicine promptly. Furthermore, the weather remained hot, and he had no desire to end up with an infected sore bottom in a few days.
However, being in the palace was entirely different from being at his own home. Ye Yang had no idea where the emergency medicine was kept by the court attendants. He decided to take a look at his injuries first. As he was in the middle of taking off his pants, he suddenly heard the sound of Wan Juan knocking on the door. She asked, “Shijun, are you alright?”
Ye Yang, “……I’m fine.”
Riding a horse and getting a sore bottom was rather embarrassing. He couldn’t bring it up in front of the young lady. Moreover, the injury was not visible. He could tough it out!
Though Wan Juan remained somewhat concerned, she didn’t press further after Ye Yang assured her he was fine. After a brief pause, she whispered softly, “Young Master, Imperial Physician Rong has arrived with your medicine. If you are not feeling well, I’ll accept the medicine and escort him away.”
Upon hearing the name Imperial Physician Rong, Ye Yang instantly perked up.
He recalled the medicine Imperial Physician Rong had provided for itching and scar reduction, which had proven to be incredibly effective. He believed that Imperial Physician Rong should have pain-relief and disinfectant medicines as well, and he had an urgent need for a box of these.
Ye Yang hurriedly said, “Wait! Let him in. I want to meet him in person.”
Wan Juan didn’t think too much about it.
In previous instances when Imperial Physician Rong delivered medicine, if Ye Yang had the opportunity, he would always receive him personally. It wasn’t a matter of great importance. So, she exited the room, invited Physician Rong to bring the medicine inside, and accompanied them, waiting for Ye Yang to initiate the conversation.
Ye Yang felt embarrassed and chose his words carefully. He addressed him, “Imperial Physician Rong, your medical expertise is really remarkable. The effects of the medicine you’ve provided have been great during these past few days.”
Imperial Physician Rong, with a humble demeanor, responded, “I’m glad it’s been of help to you, shijun.”
Ye Yang cleared his throat softly, then discreetly glanced at Wan Juan and the other court attendants, who stood at a distance. Given that he lowered his voice, they shouldn’t be able to hear him clearly. With caution, he inquired, “Do you happen to have any medication that can alleviate pain and inflammation…… I mean, reduce pain and inflammation?”
Imperial Physician Rong was taken aback and repeated after him, “Alleviate pain and inflammation? Has shijun been injured?”
Although it was embarrassing, Ye Yang still nodded reluctantly.
“What are the circumstances and location of shijun’s injury?” Doctor Rong asked and, fearing that Ye Yang might not understand, he added, “The treatment can vary depending on the location of the wound.”
Ye Yang was uncertain why the imperial physician was inquiring in such a manner. He was determined to save face and didn’t wish to disclose this incident to Feng Luan or Wan Juan. If he were to speak to Imperial Physician Rong at this moment about this matter, it would likely become known to the others too. He hesitated, stammering as he contemplated opening up. However, Imperial Physician Rong’s expression had shifted, as if he had instantly grasped the situation.
Wait a sec. On his way here, he overheard two young eunuchs whispering outside the imperial infirmary, as if they were gossiping about something.
It appeared that the emperor had taken Yun shijun outside the palace, and on their way back, Commander Shen, for reasons unknown, ordered the Imperial Guard to fall back by ten zhang, maintaining a considerable distance from the royal carriage. This action was rather unorthodox and even perilous, given Commander Shen’s several years of leadership over the Imperial Guard, which should have precluded such errors.
Imperial Physician Rong suddenly understood.
He had been a physician in the imperial infirmary for decades, serving three emperors. He was well aware of the affairs in the palace, especially those concerning the harem.
When he looked at Ye Yang again, there was a subtle change in his expression.
“This servant does have this type of ointment here, and will have someone bring it over shortly,” said the imperial physician, lowering his voice. “Rest assured, this medicine is a closely guarded secret within the palace, and its effectiveness is remarkable. It’s guaranteed that you will be fully recovered by tomorrow, shijun.”
Considering the discomfort in his posterior, Ye Yang realized that his buttocks had endured quite a bit of abrasion. He didn’t hold unrealistic hopes of a complete recovery by tomorrow, but he did hope that the medicine provided by the imperial physician could offer him some respite from the pain.
He expressed his heartfelt gratitude to the imperial physician and as he watched the physician rise to bow, he couldn’t understand why his expression seemed admiring; and then he added, “Congratulations, Yun shijun.”
Ye Yang, “?”
Congratulations?
What was he being congratulated for?
Ye Yang continued to watch as Imperial Physician Rong departed, lost in thought for a moment.
Fortunately, it didn’t take long before the people from the imperial infirmary delivered the medicine.
The ointment was inside a brocade box, and there was a conspicuous red ribbon tied on top of it, which had an unclear significance and looked quite peculiar.
Without thinking much, Ye Yang found an excuse to send everyone away and pitifully applied the medicine. Only then did he heave a sigh of relief.
It had to be said that the medicines from the imperial infirmary were truly divine. As he applied the ointment to the abrasions and cuts on his buttocks and thighs, the pain gradually receded, leaving behind a refreshing coolness, even a hint of comfort.
Furthermore, the ointment came in a large container, and the quantity was quite substantial. He figured that after his wounds healed, there would still be plenty left. After a brief consideration, he stowed the ointment away in a small drawer by his bedside.
This was a valuable treasure! It deserved to be cherished!
This misunderstanding of everyone is gold 😂
Thank You for the new chapter (ฅ^ω^ฅ)♥
ty for reading ♡(｡- ω -)
Haha, cherish the ointment of misunderstanding Ye Yang
Thanks for the chapter!
thx 4 reading (❤ω❤)
This is such a gem! Thank you dear Esme for translating this!
ahh im so glad u enjoy it! (っ˘з(˘⌣˘ ) ♡
Oh gosh, all I could think was “kick everyone out and show the imperial physician so he can treat it!” All he had to do is say “saddle sores” and I bet most of those people would understand. Now keeping a secret he thought was embarrassing just became a more embarrassing secret than he knows 😄.
Oh myyyy, that will surely be usefull in the future specially because it’s beside you bed. 😂