With Ye Yang’s words barely uttered, he watched as Feng Luan’s favorability score increased by another 10 points.
「Feng Luan’s favorability score has increased by 10, current favorability score is 84」
Ye Yang, “……”
It’s almost reaching 80 now! How was he supposed to deal with this?!
Ye Yang remained steadfast in his belief that there was definitely something wrong with this favorability system. First, there were the inexplicable fluctuations, and now, the sudden increase in favorability following a death threat. No matter how he looked at it, this wasn’t how normal people’s feelings fluctuated.
Feng Luan was quite surprised by the effectiveness of his method. He was filled with joy and wanted to make a promise right away, vowing never to make the mistake of mistrusting Ye Yang again in the future.
He grasped Ye Yang’s hand tightly, making a solemn promise. “There will never be a next time.”
Terrified, Ye Yang nodded incessantly, affirming, “There won’t be, there won’t be a next time.”
At the slightest provocation, Feng Luan sets up a funeral parlor for him. Where would he dare to have a next time?
Feng Luan felt even more moved. He realized that he and Ye Yang had gone through many ups and downs, and their bond had deepened. If they faced any more challenges in the future, they would be able to overcome them together. Holding Ye Yang’s hand, he suddenly remembered the cold outside, so he led Ye Yang back to his own tent.
In his heart, Ye Yang felt a myriad of reluctance, but he dared not speak up. With tears in his eyes, he obediently followed Feng Luan back to the ‘funeral parlor.’ Sitting down on the main seat with Feng Luan amidst the eerie atmosphere, he felt as though he might be sent away at any moment. Anxious, he looked at Feng Luan, waiting for him to speak.
Feng Luan poured him a cup of tea, intending to discuss the matter of the secret excursion.
“Upon our return to the capital, zhen shall feign a severe illness,” Feng Luan conveyed with solemnity. “Given our proximity and your inherent fragility, it would be unfortunate if you were to contract any ailment. Hence, it is imperative that we both withdraw from the company and seclude ourselves, at least temporarily.”
Ye Yang dared not voice his opinions and could only nod in agreement.
Feng Luan uttered softly, “Zhen will have Shen Shaoheng accompany us. He has often acted on zhen’s behalf on previous outings, so his temporary absence will not arouse suspicion. However, Kang Ning must remain in the capital. He needs to assist Prime Minister Yun in managing affairs at court and will also be tasked with concealing our whereabouts.”
Ye Yang praised with a lack of emotion, “Absolutely, Your Majesty, what a brilliant plan.”
“Fear not, zhen shall write a letter informing your father of your whereabouts,” Feng Luan assured thoughtfully. “Zhen will ensure your family does not worry needlessly.”
Ye Yang replied numbly, “Very well, Your Majesty. You have thoughtfully considered everything.”
“As for the other matters…… they are rather complicated,” Feng Luan said. “Zhen will gradually explain them to you on the way.”
“Indeed, Your Majesty. Whatever you say is correct,” Ye Yang replied obediently.
Feng Luan, “……”
Feng Luan seemed to notice Ye Yang’s dismissive tone, realizing that he was simply responding perfunctorily. He furrowed his brows slightly, thinking to tease Ye Yang a little. “Very well then, let us retire for the night.”
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.
“Pcvffv, Tbeg Zjpfras. Tbe jgf gluta.”
Tf Tjcu, “……”
Qjla, gfalgf obg atf cluta?
Pc atlr oecfgji qjgibg? Efalgf obg atf cluta?!
Tf Tjcu raloofcfv jii bnfg, gjlrlcu tlr tfjv ab ibbx ja Mfcu Oejc klat j afgglolfv fzqgfrrlbc. “T, Tbeg Zjpfras, wjs P riffq firfktfgf?”
Mfcu Oejc ogbkcfv lc mbcoerlbc, uijcmlcu jgbecv. “Qlat remt j qgboerlbc bo oibkfgr tfgf, vbfrc’a la qifjrf sbe?”
Seeing him frown, Ye Yang thought he was displeased. Immediately, the memory of the recent death threat flashed through his mind. He forced a smile at Feng Luan, his lips trembling as he said, “……I like it very much.”
Feng Luan’s smile softened as he spoke, “Zhen shall remain here tonight.”
Ye Yang, “……”
“Don’t fret, zhen understands,” Feng Luan reassured him gently. “Your sudden entry into the palace may have left you unsettled, and there are matters you may not be ready to accept just yet. Zhen will not force you.”
Ye Yang took a moment to comprehend what Feng Luan meant. What else could he be forced into? He felt awkward and realized he was in an unfavorable situation, one he couldn’t easily extricate himself from.
Feng Luan had already considered such a situation. An emperor worrying about such matters…… Ye Yang couldn’t help but feel that Feng Luan might indeed be starting to like him.
For Ye Yang, he had only been in this world for a little over a month, which was a short time. He had barely adapted to the life described in the book and still carried impressions from his reading. He found it difficult to accept Feng Luan’s change in attitude towards him.
But who could he blame? After all, it was he himself who had caused Feng Luan to have such a high level of fondness for him.
In the end, it was his own mess to deal with. The affection he had unwittingly garnered…… Ye Yang took a deep breath and earnestly said to Feng Luan, “Do as you please.”
Life and death are determined by fate, wealth and honor are in heaven’s hands.
Ye Yang contemplated earnestly.
At this point, he could only strive to lower Feng Luan’s favorability score. Yet, if he found it impossible to do so…… No, he must find a way to bring it down!
……
Ye Yang lay on the bed, surrounded by numerous chrysanthemums, feeling the atmosphere eerie.
The atmosphere at present was nothing like the mortal world, more akin to a solemn occasion for paying respects to the deceased. He found it ominous, but if the emperor didn’t mind, he dared not either. Yet, even the slightest movement made him apprehensive.
He might be easily spooked, unafraid of the living, but the eerie tales whispered by the elders are somewhat unsettling. It’s as if he couldn’t restrain himself from frightening his own mind, feeling that such ominous omens might attract misfortune. Yet, he ponders: wasn’t it said in ancient times that a true emperor was akin to a celestial being? Surely, the supernatural beings of the Three Realms would defer to him, hesitant to harm him easily. This implied that if there were indeed restless spirits seeking retribution, then surely, safety would be found by the side of Feng Luan.
He turned his gaze towards Feng Luan lying peacefully beside him, and for the first time, found this dog emperor to be utterly endearing. It was as if he radiated a comforting aura of safety, and Ye Yang found himself reluctant to depart from his side.
Just as he had these thoughts, Feng Luan sat up, seemingly intent on getting out of bed.
Ye Yang, momentarily nervous, hastily grabbed Feng Luan’s arm and asked, “What…… what are you doing?”
Feng Luan, somewhat puzzled, replied, “Going to the restroom.”
Ye Yang blurted out, “……I’ll come with you.”
Feng Luan, “……”
Ye Yang, “……”
Ye Yang felt the urge to metaphorically slap himself hard for his spontaneous outburst.
Feng Luan needed to attend to his needs, but did Ye Yang really need to tag along? He wasn’t a child anymore. Did they have to do everything together, even something as mundane as using the restroom?
Facing Feng Luan’s perplexed gaze, Ye Yang mustered a forced smile and said, “I…… I was just joking. It’s not good to hold it in. Please, go on.”
Feng Luan, “……”
As Feng Luan indeed rose and left, Ye Yang found himself alone, lying on the bed meant for paying respects, his heart pounding in his chest. He pulled the blanket over his head, waiting anxiously. After a while passed without Feng Luan’s return, Ye Yang couldn’t bear it any longer. Wrapping himself tightly in the blanket, he leaped off the bed, not even bothering to put on his shoes, desperate to rush out. His lips quivered as he sang a broken tune, “Good…… good fortune comes, I wish you good fortune……”
Approaching the tent’s entrance, trembling, Ye Yang timidly lifted the curtain and peered outside. He saw torches illuminating the area, with Feng Luan standing outside, clad in a cloak, engaged in conversation with Shen Shaoheng.
With the late-night briefing underway, Ye Yang sensed trouble brewing. He didn’t want to get entangled in such matters. However, when he glanced back at the wreaths and the dismal candlelight behind him, he resolutely held his ground. At least here, he could grasp a semblance of the world beyond.
“……The Commandery Prince Jinghuai should be aware of this matter as well,” Shen Shaoheng was saying to Feng Luan. “Forging iron privately is already a serious offense, not to mention that Wei has never believed in Buddhism. Yet, in recent years, he has frequented the Huguo Temple for worship……”
His voice faltered, and he glanced towards the tent, surprised. “Yun shijun?”
Feng Luan also turned to look at him and asked, “Why have you roused?”
Ye Yang managed a strained smile, unwilling to admit his fear of ghosts. Trembling slightly, he said, “I…… I thought you might have fallen into a pit since you took so long to return.”
Feng Luan, “……”
Shen Shaoheng couldn’t hold back and let out a chuckle. Seeing Feng Luan’s stern gaze, he quickly covered his mouth and moved aside.
Feng Luan seemed unperturbed by Ye Yang overhearing his conversation with Shen Shaoheng. Instead, he frowned slightly upon seeing Ye Yang barefoot and wrapped in a blanket. He turned back and said, “The ground is cold. Put on your shoes first.”
Only then did Ye Yang realize that in his panic, he had forgotten to put on his shoes. He coughed awkwardly and muttered under his breath, “Um…… I was just a bit worried about you. What if you really did fall into a pit? I’d have to fish you out with a pole.”
Feng Luan, “……”
Ye Yang realized he misspoke again. “I’ll go back first.”
Despite Ye Yang’s rambling, Feng Luan’s favorability score remained undiminished. However, Ye Yang couldn’t care less about his score at that moment. Glancing nervously at the funeral parlor behind him, he said he wanted to go back, but his hand clung tightly to Feng Luan’s sleeve, hesitating to take a step away.
Feng Luan seemed to sense something. He noticed Ye Yang’s fear but couldn’t discern its source. After careful consideration, he realized that Ye Yang might be troubled by nightmares in the night, hence his current distress. Naturally, Ye Yang sought someone he could rely on for comfort during such moments of panic.
Indeed, in his eyes, zhen is the one he can rely on.
「Feng Luan’s favorability score has increased by 5, current favorability score is 89」
Ye Yang, “……”
As a sudden gust of eerie wind brushed against his face, Ye Yang shuddered uncontrollably. He completely disregarded any notion of fostering Feng Luan’s favorability. Instead, he simply grasped Feng Luan’s hand, his voice trembling as he said, “It’s…… it’s too late. Can we discuss whatever it is tomorrow?”
Feng Luan, “……”
But the matter Shen Shaoheng spoke of was indeed important, and it couldn’t wait until tomorrow. Feng Luan turned back to Shen Shaoheng and said, “Shaoheng, come in and speak.”
Shen Shaoheng nodded slightly, a hint of surprise flickering across his features.
The fact that His Majesty is willing to let Yun shijun know about this matter indicates that His Majesty truly values him.
Shen Shaoheng pondered deeply, his expression earnest.
Drawing from his extensive experience and knowledge gleaned from years of studying various texts, Shen Shaoheng deduced that Yun shijun was likely to become the future empress.
With a mixture of emotions coursing through him, Shen Shaoheng followed behind Feng Luan and entered Ye Yang’s tent.
As the candlelight flickered and the eerie wind swept through the tent, a chill pervaded the air, causing Shen Shaoheng to involuntarily shiver.
“Good Heavens,” Shen Shaoheng exclaimed, “Who arranged for this makeshift memorial within?”
Feng Luan, “……”
Ye Yang, “……”
T/N
two chapters in a day?!? unbelievable. anyways, how has 2024 been so far for you guys? (very exhausting for me…) can’t wait for the weather to get warmer!!
Thanks for the updates 💕
thanks for reading! ⸜( ^ ᵕ ^ )⸝♡
Hahaha tactless and straight to the point!
+1 someone had to do it 🤣
Thank you for the chapters 😍
Waiting for the warm, here too🥶🤧
summer just cant come quickly enough! ty for reading (ꈍᴗꈍ)♡
🌸🌸🌸🤗🤗🤗
Oh, can their misunderstanding be even greater?
Thank You for the new chapter ( ๑ ᴖ ᴈ ᴖ)♥