It wasn’t until in the later half of the night that Song Song finally fell into deep sleep, because Li Xiao, using the excuse of being drunk, continued to mess with him the entire time.
His voice was very soft, carrying a hint of a smile while he continued to say all sorts of things into Song Song’s ears. In the end, Song Song had to cover his mouth with a palm, which was promptly kissed in return. Really overwhelmed, Song Song couldn’t resist threatening him: “If you keep going then I’m not talking to you anymore!”
Not sure if what he said was effective, or because Li Xiao was actually a bit tired, the man finally calmed down and let Song Song go to sleep.
When he woke up, the sun was already high in the sky. Li Xiao was no longer next to him. The stew that was simmering on the stove looked touched, clearly eaten by the early rising man. Song Song took it to be washed by the servants. He ate his breakfast and then threw up again in the spittoon soon after. After laying around limply for a rest, he eventually gathered enough energy to go take care of his flowers.
Not long after, someone came to report that the crown prince came to visit. Song Song was momentarily surprised, then chuckled and said: “Please trouble him to wait for a second.”
When he finished tidying up everything and went out, the crown prince came over with a little gift. His face carried a hint of shame: “Yesterday I was drunk. Not sure if I offended brother-in-law or not so I came to apologize. Please forgive me.”
He bowed deeply. Song Song hastily helped him up and said: “You brothers finally managed to have a gathering. It’s understandable for you to drink excessively out of joy. No need to blame yourself.”
The crown prince sat to his side and continued to converse with him for a while. He asked cautiously: “Yesterday after I left, was big brother angry?”
“Your big brother is always like this.” Song Song comforted him in a warm tone: “In the end, you’re brothers. Between brothers, is there any reason to hold a grudge? You don’t need to worry.”
Li Yang seemed like he let out a breath of relief, but his brows furrowed more. He said softly: “Okay then.”
He sat for a while longer, looking like he wanted to say something. But in the end, he still swallowed it down and left.
The following few days, Li Xiao was held back by the emperor to discuss official business in the palace. There seemed to be some activity in the capital, however, Song Song didn’t ask too much regarding this matter. Yet for his safety, Li Xiao still would let him know a little here and there.
Because of the assassination attempt at the king’s estate, Li Xiao began to privately investigate the secret agents from the nation of Jin. What happened last time was unusual. That person wanted to throw the blame on the empress no doubt because he knew about Li Xiao and the empress’s fight beneath the surface. However, just who this person was still remained unknown for the moment.
Before this matter was investigated clearly, the front lines suddenly sent an urgent missive. General Yan, who was able to breach three of the nation of Jin’s cities consecutively, was attacked by an expert fighter from the nation of Jin. With his life in imminent peril, the troop’s morale also received a heavy blow.
This General Yan originally was a trusted deputy general serving under Li Xiao. To place him at the front line was also recommended by Li Xiao. Now that this unforeseen event occured, the court scrambled over a quick countermeasure.
Reportedly, to calm down the troops, the advisor that General Yan brought with him already told the troops that the court would send a capable big general forth to provide support. However, if the reinforcements do not appear by the time General Yan perishes, not only would they lose all of the cities they just seized, they might even lose their own territories.
Once again, Li Xiao returned home late. When he turned the corner of the street, he could easily see the two shining lanterns hanging at the entrance of the king’s estate. He walked through the door and headed to the main house. The stone lanterns to the side of the path were also lit up bright.
At the door stood a long silhouette, currently looking towards his direction. Upon seeing him return, the figure quickly walked over: “Your highness.”
“It’s already very late. Don’t wait outside for me in the future.”
“I saw that you’ve been returning later and later every night. I was a little worried.”
“Father is getting on in age and his health is getting worse. He’s been letting me help him deal with political affairs lately.”
Song Song handed him a hand warmer, but Li Xiao stuffed it back: “I don’t need it.”
Song Song touched his hands, and felt they were warm, so relaxed.
Li Xiao took the chance to squeeze his soft thin fingers and lead him into the room. He ate the nighttime snack that Song Song had prepared for him. Then Song Song brought over water to help him wash his feet. However, Li Xiao grabbed his hands to stop him: “Your body’s not suitable for work right now. Don’t tire yourself out.”
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.
“I’m still good.” He still didn’t look too pregnant at the moment. It wasn’t inconvenient to serve Li Xiao. This was also his duty.
Ol Wljb kjrtfv eq tlwrfio atfc bgvfgfv rfgnjcar ab mjggs atf kjafg bearlvf. Lf qeiifv Vbcu Vbcu bcab atf yfv jcv mgjvifv tlw lcab tlr jgwr. Lf ujhfv bea atf klcvbk ja atf ygluta iluta lc atf mbegasjgv jcv rjlv: “Ktlr xlcu vlvc’a ilxf atf iluta lc atf qjra.”
“How come?”
“Because where there’s light, there’s shadow.”
Song Song’s eyelashes blinked, vaguely remembering in the previous life, after Li Xiao became emperor, he also didn’t like the light very much. His resting palace was always darker than everywhere else. He remembered that that day after Li Xiao had his episode, he actually decreed that the capital was not allowed to light any fires. The entire imperial city fell into darkness, as if it were a ghost city.
His personality in the previous life was eccentric and antisocial. He also had a rule within the palace. On the last day of every month, all the lights must be extinguished in the palace. All violators were executed.
Song Song was very curious as to what he did on that day, so secretly followed him once. He learned only then that Li Xiao went to the pagoda. Bottles of liquor scattered all around his feet on the floor, he drank the entire night.
Song Song hugged Li Xiao around the waist with both arms and asked curiously: “What’s wrong with having a shadow?”
“One person’s shadow… seems a little cold.”
Song Song couldn’t resist smiling. He placed his chin on Li Xiao’s chest and looked up at him: “What about now?”
“Now, when I see the light at the king’s estate, I know you’re here and feel much warmer.”
The corner of Song Song’s mouth curved: “As long as your highness doesn’t kick me out, then I’ll accompany you always.”
“Do you want this king to ascend the throne?”
Even though Song Song was already used to Li Xiao talking about this, he still couldn’t help but feel startled at hearing those words. Frowning, he replied in a small voice: “Of course I want you to.”
“If I became the emperor and had a harem, what would you do?”
Song Song never really thought about this before. He hesitated for a moment, faintly feeling somewhat uneasy in his heart, but still answered quickly: “When that happens, you will be the most respected person in the world. If you had a harem, that’s to be expected.”
Li Xiao looked at him for a moment and said: “Are you telling the truth right now?
Song Song looked down, pressed his mouth together and said: “Of course it’s the truth.”
Li Xiao squeezed his chin: “Really?”
His eyes were pitched black when Song Song’s gaze crossed with his. Suddenly feeling choked up, Song Song said sulkily: “It’s not like I can stop the ruler of the nation.”
He was upset, but Li Xiao seemed pleased by his grievance. He raised his eyebrow and said: “I’ll give you a special privilege. As long as you ask, Zhen will listen.”
“You…. aren’t yet!”
Wrinkling his nose, Song Song pushed him aside and flipped over. However, he was pulled back into Li Xiao’s arms again: “Today I discussed with father. I will be bringing troops to support the front line.”
Song Song looked tranquil from the back. He didn’t give any response. Li Xiao propped himself up to look over at him. He could only see half of the other’s face and his damp eyelashes. He didn’t get a chance to open his mouth yet, when a hand pressed in his face. Song Song had reached back to push him away and said: “I know.”
His voice sounded a little stuffy. Li Xiao asked: “Who told you?”
“I guessed it… “
Song Song paused. He felt he was really strange. When Li Xiao said those words, he suddenly couldn’t resist the tears filling his eyes. He blinked vigorously and said: “Steward Qi said before. After the wedding, you already declined bringing troops. This time you definitely couldn’t decline again.”
Maybe there were people who even complained that Li Xiao was evading his responsibilities. Originally he was the one appointed to go, but he recommended someone else. Now something happened to that person, resulting in a loss of troops and a general. Therefore, some people would feel that if Li Xiao had gone in the first place, then those troops wouldn’t have died.
Li Xiao laid behind him, his gaze focused on the back of his wangfei’s head. He reached out and poked Song Song once. Song Song didn’t move. He poked him again. Song Song still didn’t move. Li Xiao raised his hand again. Song Song abruptly turned around to glare at him: “What are you doing?”
When he glared, he looked extremely spoiled.
The two husbands’ heads lay quietly on the pillow. They crossed gazes. Li Xiao said: “If Song-er can’t bear it, then this king still has other people I can recommend.”
Song Song replied gloomily: “In your highness’s heart, am I so inconsiderate?”
Li Xiao said: “My mother was also a considerate person. She invited empress Qin into her house. Does Song-er want to learn from her, and help arrange marriages for this king?”
How did they arrive on this topic?
Song Song said: “If your highness wants to, then of course I will help you make arrangements. If your highness doesn’t want to, then I’ll throw every single one of them out as they come.”
Li Xiao looked at him for a while, then said with a grave frown. “Did you know you just violated the 7th rule.”
Song Song’s head blanked: “What, what 7th… “
He immediately started to search his head for what 7 rules Li Xiao was talking about. Then he quickly thought about what he just said, confirming that his decision was made taking Li Xiao’s point of view into account.
He was somewhat bewildered, unable to make heads or tails of this matter.
Until Li Xiao opened his mouth and said: “You’re not jealous. That’s violating the 7th rule. This king can immediately divorce you.”
Song Song: “… …”
He glared at Li Xiao again, reached out his hand to pinch him. Li Xiao hugged him tightly again: “If nothing happens, then tomorrow this king will be picking troops for departure. Can’t Song-er just… pretend to be jealous for a second?”
Song Song said angrily: “I will never arrange weddings for your highness willingly! Your highness can only belong to me! How’s that?”
When he said this, his eyes were shining merrily. Because he was speaking the true words from his heart.
However, Li Xiao said: “You can show your jealousy a little more.”
This time, Song Song thought for a while then said: “Jealousy can turn a person ugly. I don’t want to become like that.”
Li Xiao looked at him for a while, his head flashed an image of madam Song. Li Xiao hugged him again in his arms: “That kind of Song-er I also like.”
Looking down, Song Song grasped Li Xiao’s clothes with his fingers. After a while, he said in a small voice: “I also like your highness.”
Li Xiao immediately turned to look at him, his gaze scorching: “Say it again.”
Song Song took a breath, and looked up, as if giving himself courage. He kissed Li Xiao briefly on the lips and said: “I… I also like your highness!”
He said: “You don’t need to keep probing me out. And you don’t need to think too much anymore. I really really like your highness. However, I don’t want to become a strange person because of my feelings… … everything you give me, I want it all. What you don’t give me, I won’t try to steal it. But even if I don’t say it or don’t do anything, it doesn’t mean that I’m not jealous. I’m very grateful that you treat me this well. I will also always, always treat your highness well.”
Li Xiao looked at him for a while.
He knew how much madam Song liked Song Guogong back then. He heard that madam Song actively pursued Song Guogong. At that time Song Guogong already was engaged to Fu Xiang, but she used her family background to interject herself.
And also the empress, if it weren’t because of jealousy, then everything wouldn’t have become like this.
A jealous heart is a very scary thing. Song Song has it but he knew better and
was content with what he has. He made himself pretty clear. He would do whatever Li Xiao wanted him to do. But if Li Xiao didn’t ask for it, then he also won’t take the initiative to give it.
Although he heard what he wanted to hear, but as Li Xiao looked at him, his heart still felt a little yearning.
“This king still thinks…. if Song-er knew how to throw an unreasonable tantrum, then you’d be even cuter.”
Song Song: “……”
He wordlessly looked at Li Xiao for a while, then suddenly lifted his hand. He hesitantly smacked him once.
Li Xiao: “?”
“You… you’re bringing troops to battle tomorrow, who knows if someone will try to stick women in your tent when you get there… “
Li Xiao’s face was full of anticipation and encouragement.
Observing his reaction carefully, Song Song said bravely: “You’re not allowed to touch other people! If I find out…”
Li Xiao said cautiously, as if afraid to scare him: “If you find out, what will you do?”
Song Song looked down and thought for a while, then said: “I’ll find you lots of pretty women.”
Li Xiao didn’t speak for a long time.
Until Song Song opened his mouth and threatened sulkily: “… … and I won’t like you anymore.”
Li Xiao exhaled slowly and said sincerely: “That’s really too terrifying.”
Song Song looked at him and saw some honesty from his expression and said in a small voice: “You better remember it well.”
The writer has something to say:
Who knows, maybe when he comes back, his wife will know how to throw a tantrum!
And, the weather’s cold. It’s time to give the empress a bento.
Thank you for the update!
Sooo cute.. also, one of my turnoffs is envy, so I can’t vibe with Li Xiao in this one~
truee, under usual circumstances i feel the same, but with everything Song Song has been through i think it would be healthy if he acted a lil more selfishly xD
+1
Getting jealous all the time isn’t good that’s true. But anyone will get jealous at the thought of their lover with someone else. It also proves that you love them bcz you can’t see them with someone else.
(All my logic comes from the BLs I’ve read. I’ve never been in love. Except with some anime and novel characters. Real humans are no good. (◕ᴗ◕✿)
Envious people irl are toxic af, and people that are this envious irl are THE worst!
I know. But if we’re talking about BLs, I think it’s fine ’cause usually the other party doesn’t mind much or is equally prone to jealousy.
I’ve learnt to deal with it bcz fsr in Chinese BLs the MLs get jealous of even their own children. It’s nice to read novel where MLs aren’t so jealous all the time but I can’t find them. And some in which the ML doesn’t get jealous has MCs who literally kiss other people. And I have difficulty accepting that.
(Sorry for ranting…)
I “KNOW” it is fiction, but it’s still a turn-off for me…
Yea that possessive shit ain’t cute at all irl.
That’s why I appreciate this couple. Ml is possessive but is willing to let mc out the house, start a business, etc. & mc is jealous but is unwilling to let it control his actions.
As long as a person tries to make a conscious action to monopolize another person’s time, attention, thoughts, and emotion, I classify that as envy and it unnerves me because it is controlling in nature for I believe envy to be restricting and full of malice when directed at someone, be it in good intentions or not because you are taking away something from another person.
Consensually giving affection is okay… and I’ve long forgotten the context… but my thoughts still stand, I do not vibe with people that consciously puts a relationship in a state where they want the other party to covet them.
Also yes, jealousy is normal in a relationship, but should never be mandatory.
Wow, what did bento do to you? They are so cute and made with love!
Thank you very much for the translation 🤍🤍🤍🤍🤍
I think it’s a reference in recording drama/filming site, when a character appearance comes to an end, usually the crew will give the actor who played it a goodbye dinner/bento, thanking for the hard work and also for brushing bad luck if the character’s dead (cmiiw._.)
Wow, what an interesting cultural context! Thank you very much for your explanation!
Well, i think this tantrum is very reasonable.
Thanks for the update! I wanna see empress bento~
Thank you for the chapter 💕
I really want to see the now crown prince’s reaction when he finds out what his mother has done, he will break down right?……. Am I a sadist????
I too am looking forward to this. I want to see anguish and regret and lots of tears. And the I want him to move on an be happy. He deserves a nice live. But he better cry first.
We might both be sadists.
Thank You for the chapter (´,,•ω•,,)♡
well, tantrum is suppose to look cute. if its not then its not a tantrum anymore lol. and why would he feel jealous, u literally drive away all those people around u 😭 song song is a one lucky guy
He’s like someone who wants homework and detention because he never got to go to school 😂. Song Song does have some leeway for tantrum throwing though – he’s pregnant after all 😄
Muita fofuraaaaaaaa♥️♥️♥️♥️🛐🛐🛐🛐
Li Xiao has a weird kink ,he like unreasonable tantrums with jealousy !
SEBUAHI can’t imagine that if Songsong died one day, Li Xiao would be devastated beyond his previous life. I also wish Songsong would be more selfish, he is already good in dealing with her family, now she has to be even more selfish that she is the only consort of king Li Xiao, and there can be no concubines in his palace.
I’m super duper jealous of their healthy wealthy relationship! Like, they legit talk it out on what they feel instead of assuming sht about the other! No misunderstandings at all!!!
Exactly they’re one of those few couples who talks it out when they’re in their own bubble
So cute! I don’t think it’s so much that Li Xiao wants him to be jealous all the time, it’s that he wants Song Song to at least show some jealous over him.
Lmao 😂 😂 😂
What a super scary threat
One of my favourite chapters yet. It was so so cute.