page 20

"What's the matter?"

Zhou Rendong leaned into his chest, eyes misty with tears and a look of confusion. He glanced at the ruler and whispered, "Aren't you going to... discipline me?"

Fu Yicen instantly grasped the situation, a surge of pity filling his heart.

He gently patted Zhou Rendong's back, soothingly saying, "Silly Rendong, no one dares to discipline you anymore."

"Don't be afraid."

"It's just a measurement." Fu Yicen helped the tailor to her feet and took the ruler from her. "Let me do it."

Zhou Rendong looked bewildered as Fu Yicen released him, tilting his head in contemplation, seemingly trying to make sense of the situation.

Fu Yicen gave an exasperated smile. "Raise your arms."

Zhou Rendong complied. Under the tailor's guidance, Fu Yicen held the ruler against Zhou Rendong's arm for a brief measurement. Once the size was reported, the tailor took note of it.

Zhou Rendong blushed from embarrassment over his misunderstanding and lowered his head, avoiding eye contact.

The tailor then produced a flexible measuring tape, handing it to Fu Yicen.

Seeing Zhou Rendong's heightened shyness, Fu Yicen felt a playful urge.

He wrapped the tape around Zhou Rendong's waist and pulled him closer, causing him to tumble into Fu Yicen's embrace.

Using the adjustment of the tape as a pretext, Fu Yicen's hand slid around Zhou Rendong's waist, deliberately brushing against his sensitive areas. Zhou Rendong, rendered weak by the touch, leaned even closer into Fu Yicen's embrace.

"My lord," he murmured tremulously, "please... don't do this."

In high spirits, Fu Yicen leaned down and whispered into Zhou Rendong's ear, "Are you feeling shy, Rendong?"

Seeing the tailor still waiting nearby, Zhou Rendong's face flushed even redder, his earlobes glowing like ruby gemstones.

Finding it endearing, Fu Yicen took the opportunity to plant a kiss on Zhou Rendong's earlobe.

The sensation shot through Zhou Rendong, making him shudder. He pleaded, "My lord, please, not like this..."

Noticing the young man's growing distress, Fu Yicen withdrew his teasing.

The tailor finally obtained the measurements she needed and heaved a sigh of relief. Just as she was preparing to leave discreetly, Fu Yicen sat down on a plush couch, cradling Zhou Rendong in his arms, and began giving instructions.

"Make the ceremonial attire according to the specifications for a general's primary spouse, and have it ready before the Lunar New Year's Eve."

"Understood."

"Select some high-quality fabrics. I'll bring Rendong over another day to choose some, and have several garments made for him."

Zhou Rendong hurriedly grasped Fu Yicen's arm, shaking his head, "There's no need, I can't wear that many."

The garments are intricately designed and made from high-quality fabrics. If he could make it back alive to the general's residence, these clothes would be impractical for chores. And if he couldn’t make it back…

"They'll fit."

Fu Yicen was assertive, not giving him a chance to decline. With a wave of his hand, he dismissed the elderly tailor.

"Will you rest, or seek out Chu Yu for medical lessons?" Fu Yicen, noticing his listlessness, asked, ruffling Zhou Rendong's hair.

Zhou Rendong's eyes lit up. Grasping the hem of Fu Yicen's robe, he earnestly gazed at him. Seeing no jest or anger in Fu Yicen's eyes, he bravely said, "I'd like to study with Doctor Chu."

"Very well."

Fu Yicen entrusted the young man to Chu Yu, having Yuan Yue stand by to care for him. Only then did he feel at ease to attend to the mounting military affairs...

Within the royal palace.

In a dimly lit secret chamber, a masked woman in green dashed in. Upon seeing the towering man waiting inside, her eyes sparkled with mischief, and she flung herself at him in a seductive manner.

"Your Majesty, I've missed you so~"

Emperor Xia Zhijin caught the coquettish woman, with his slender fingers pulling away her veil, revealing a face marred by two ugly scars.

His fingers caressed her scars, the corner of his eyes lifting playfully.

Fu Rushuang, once the capital's most celebrated beauty.

A face ruined in service to him; indeed, a pity.

"When will you deal with Fu Yicen and make me the empress?" Fu Rushuang swayed his arm, urging him.

Xia Zhijin produced a small vial from his robe, "On New Year's Eve, drug Zhou Rendong and bring him to my chamber."

"What?" Fu Rushuang exclaimed, "Master Rong has been taken by Fu Yicen; no one's there to drug him!"

"Master Rong was taken?"

Fu Rushuang nodded nonchalantly, one hand reaching up to caress Xia Zhijin's chest, beginning to undo his robe.

Xia Zhijin's eyes narrowed as he grasped her wandering hand, suspicions forming in his mind.

Fu Yicen probably had caught on to Fu Rushuang's ill intentions and had dealt with her accomplice first.

Only this foolish woman remained in the dark.

On New Year's Eve, he intended to exploit her fully, extracting her last ounce of value.

"What are you doing? Haven't you missed me in these few days?" Fu Rushuang complained, freeing her hand and resuming her advances.

Xia Zhijin seized her chin, "Zhou Rendong is linked to the Fei Kingdom's treasure. Bring him to me. Let Fu Yicen misunderstand, and drive him out of the general's residence."

"He promised me that after the New Year's Eve, he'd dismiss him."

"What if he reneges?" Xia Zhijin remarked with a cold chuckle, "Assist me one last time. Acquire the treasure, and I'll deal with Fu Yicen immediately. Then you can ascend as the empress."

"Truly?"

"When have I ever deceived you?"

Fu Rushuang pouted skeptically, "Why are you so bent on driving Fu Yicen to his doom? If you fear his military power, just order him to hand it over. A man of his loyalty would certainly oblige."

Xia Zhijin's gaze darkened, a silent sneer forming in his heart.

His concerns regarding Fu Yicen extended beyond military influence. It was also about their shared bloodline.

He responded with a feigned tone, "It's simply because he stands between our love."

Fu Rushuang thoughtfully twirled her eyes, snatched the vial from the emperor's grasp with a smile, and declared, "One last time."

"Very well."

Xia Zhijin flashed a devilishly charming grin. With a firm push, Fu Rushuang toppled onto the nearby bed, her waistband swiftly undone by him.

The soft, green skirt cascaded to the floor, feather-light. With a kick, it sprawled in disarray...

"Mmm..."

Chu Yu stretched lazily, yawning. With sleepy eyes, he observed Zhou Rendong, engrossed in a medical book.