Chapter 72: A King Does Not Joke

Chapter 72: A King Does Not Joke

Zhu Yunxuan did not awaken until well past the hour of the Dragon. As he groggily sat up, Liang Zhen entered the room accompanied by Rong'er.

They had already been out playing and returned. Upon seeing Zhu Yunxuan awake, the child rushed over, giggling as he nestled into his father's embrace, "Daddy, Daddy, quickly get up, the sun is shining on your bottom!"

Relaxed against the headboard, Zhu Yunxuan smiled and stroked the child's face, "Good baby, you mustn't use such vulgar expressions. People will tease you if they hear."

The child blinked at him, "Daddy, why did you wake up so late? Father said it was because you were too tired from your wedding night. Father didn't bully you, right?"

Zhu Yunxuan: "..."

Liang Zhen found the situation both amusing and exasperating. He reached out to pinch his son's nose affectionately. "Why are you still thinking about that, little one?"

The child giggled and dodged playfully, burrowing into Zhu Yunxuan's embrace. Persistent, he continued questioning, "Daddy, Daddy, is what Father said really true?"

Zhu Yunxuan nodded, feeling somewhat awkward. "Yes, it's true."

Then, he frowned and turned to Liang Zhen. "Why did you tell the child such things? If he casually mentions it to others later, won't that be embarrassing?"

Liang Zhen laughed nonchalantly. "It's already done. Why is Your Majesty being shy?"

"You have quite the thick skin, don't you?"

"Relax, I've already told him not to mention it to anyone. Your son is well-behaved and will listen."

The child immediately nodded in agreement. "Rong'er is very obedient. Rong'er won't tell anyone that Father and Father had their wedding night, not even Big Father."

Zhu Yunxuan averted his gaze, letting out a soft scoff, but the corners of his lips couldn't help lifting slightly.

During breakfast, Liang Zhen mentioned that he would soon bid farewell to the Qins and return home. Zhu Yunxuan, who was eating, lifted his eyes. "Didn't you say you wanted to stay here for a few more days? Has something happened on the island?"

Liang Zhen casually replied, "Nothing major, but we've been out for several days now. It's best we head back sooner."

Zhu Yunxuan didn't inquire further, simply nodding. "Alright, if you want to go back, let's go back. It's all the same wherever we are."

Liang Zhen smiled and served him food. "Eat more, then we'll set off when you're full."

After Zhu Yunxuan finished his meal, the family of three bade farewell to the Qins and boarded their boat to return home.

On the return journey, they sailed downstream, and despite their late departure, they could reach the island by evening if they didn't encounter any severe storms. Zhu Yunxuan, feeling unwell, fell asleep soon after boarding the ship, allowing Liang Zhen to take their son Rong'er to the deck to play without disturbing him.

It wasn't until well past noon, after Rong'er had eaten his fill and gone to bed for his afternoon nap, that Zhu Yunxuan finally woke up. The more he slept, the wearier he felt, unable to muster the energy even to sit upright on the bed.

Liang Zhen brought him a cup of hot water, asking with concern, "Are you hungry?"

Zhu Yunxuan shook his head. After moistening his throat, he found some relief. "I'm not really in the mood for food."

Sitting beside him, Liang Zhen held his hand and chuckled softly. "I should have been gentler last night."

Zhu Yunxuan leaned against his shoulder, closing his eyes in silence. For a moment, he gazed at their son, who was sleeping soundly with a flushed face, beads of sweat on his forehead. He gently stroked the child's soft cheeks, whispering, "When he was born, he was so tiny, blue all over, and barely breathing. He didn't have the strength to cry, and there were several times when we thought we might lose him. He was pricked with needles every day and soaked in medicinal baths just to make it through his first month."

Liang Zhen's smile faded, and he tightened his grip on Zhu Yunxuan's hand. Zhu Yunxuan's voice grew softer, "I was afraid to see him, to hold him. One night, I heard him crying, and he suddenly ran a high fever. It was almost too late. I didn't sleep all night but dared not go to check on him. Thankfully, thankfully, the imperial physician saved him..."

Liang Zhen was slightly stunned. Now he understood that Zhu Yunxuan hadn't entirely lied to him back then. Their child had nearly not survived, just a narrow escape. Perhaps he would never have had the chance to meet this child. He couldn't quite describe the emotions swirling within him, but after much contemplation, only gratitude remained. "Don't dwell on it too much. That's in the past. Rong'er is doing well now, and he'll live a long life."

"Indeed... We owe it to Brother for taking Rong'er to Southern Border for treatment for half a year, allowing him to recover fully."

Liang Zhen nodded and sighed. "We must properly thank Duke Ding and his wife. In the future, His Majesty should groom their two children, as Rong'er sees them as his true older brothers. They will undoubtedly become a support for Rong'er in the future."

Zhu Yunxuan let out a soft sigh. "Mm."

After a brief silence, Zhu Yunxuan suddenly sat up straight and frowned. "Take off your clothes and show me."

Liang Zhen chuckled. "Your Majesty, it's broad daylight. This isn't appropriate, is it?"

"What are you talking about?" Zhu Yunxuan's brows knitted even tighter. "Hurry up and strip."

With no choice, Liang Zhen removed his outer robe and, at Zhu Yunxuan's prompting gaze, also took off his inner shirt, revealing his muscular and well-built upper body to Zhu Yunxuan.

Zhu Yunxuan's gaze softened as he reached out to caress the whip scars on his chest, his expression profoundly mixed.

Last night, in the midst of their passion, he hadn't seen them clearly, only feeling the uneven texture of the scars with his hands. Now, seeing them with his own eyes, they appeared far more grotesque than he had imagined.

Liang Zhen caught his hand, "It's nothing, just a small injury."

Zhu Yunxuan's lips curved thinly, his tone cold and stern, "You consider it minor because you didn't die from being whipped, right?"

Liang Zhen pulled on his clothes, smiling nonchalantly, "Then, Your Majesty, if you feel sorry for me, next time when you're angry, you can stab me yourself with a few swords. Just don't let others do it."

"...I didn't, it wasn't me who ordered anyone to hit you," Zhu Yunxuan explained awkwardly. "I've already dealt with them."

Liang Zhen nodded appreciatively, his smile deepening. "I know."

Zhu Yunxuan fell silent, leaning back against Liang Zhen's shoulder, feeling a bit stifled. Liang Zhen gently patted his face. "Upset? I was just joking with you."

"No," Zhu Yunxuan mumbled. "I'm not upset."

"There's no need for self-blame, A Xuan. It was my fault for crossing the line as a subject to the emperor. Even if I were to be truly sentenced to death, I would deserve it. Yet, A Xuan, out of sentimentality, not only spared me but also punished those who inflicted private punishment on me. I should be thanking you instead."

Zhu Yunxuan scoffed softly. "Don't try to coddle me like Rong'er; only he would believe your honeyed words."

Liang Zhen kissed his forehead with a smile. "If A Xuan thinks my words are sweet, then you must feel sweetness in your heart. I'm glad."

Knowing he couldn't win an argument with Liang Zhen, Zhu Yunxuan decided not to pursue the topic and simply leaned against him quietly. The inexplicable irritation in his heart gradually dissipated. After a long silence, he asked again, "Have you thought about the future?"

Liang Zhen was taken aback. This was the first time Zhu Yunxuan had mentioned 'the future' to him. After a moment of stunned stillness, he lowered his head and gently nuzzled against Zhu Yunxuan's cheek. "I want to return to Great Yan. Although this island in the South Seas is beautiful and free, it lacks my A Xuan and Rong'er."

Zhu Yunxuan's lips curled. "Didn't I tell your subordinates before? Anyone on this island without ill intentions can go back if they want to."

"Me too?"

Zhu Yunxuan lifted his gaze, amusement flickering in his eyes as he looked at Liang Zhen. "Do you really think I wouldn't include you?"

"Mm," Liang Zhen said with satisfaction, "A Xuan truly has me on your mind."

Zhu Yunxuan playfully hit his shoulder. "Stop with the flattery. I'm being serious. You should return as Xiao Nian. I'll take care of everything else. After we go back... you'll be my emperor."

Liang Zhen burst into laughter. "Does His Majesty truly mean that?"

"There's no joking when it comes to the king's word," Zhu Yunxuan replied calmly. "If you impress me, I'll bestow the title of Empress upon you."

Liang Zhen lifted Zhu Yunxuan's chin and kissed him, smiling. "Excellent."

Zhu Yunxuan blinked, looping his arms around Liang Zhen's neck and passionately kissing him. Their lips and tongues intertwined, a silvery thread forming between them before Liang Zhen licked it away, their embrace deeply affectionate.

After the deep kiss, Zhu Yunxuan leaned against Liang Zhen's chest, closing his eyes and whispering, "Let me give you an official position. What would you like to do?"

"An official position? Has Your Majesty forgotten that the harem should not meddle in politics?" Liang Zhen chuckled nonchalantly. "No need for that. Let's not break our ancestors' rules. If you're willing, I'd be content to serve as your behind-the-scenes strategist."

Zhu Yunxuan frowned in disapproval. "Do you expect me to support you like a freeloader? How can you have the nerve to live such an idle life at your young age?"

Liang Zhen clicked his tongue and caressed Zhu Yunxuan's damp lips. "Other emperors can afford to maintain their harems, so why can't you take care of me?

"Would you be okay with me having a harem to distribute my affection equally?"

Liang Zhen pulled Zhu Yunxuan closer and kissed him again. "A harem for equal affection? Your Majesty couldn't even get out of bed this morning after dealing with me alone. Wouldn't more women exhaust you to the point of being devoured?"

"…Why are you like this?"

Liang Zhen looked at him with a grin. "What do you mean by that?"

Zhu Yunxuan replied irritably, "Enough with your quips. Fine, if you want to hold an official position, then do it. I can't really confine you to the harem anyway. With your talents, it would be a waste to only be the emperor. I don't mind breaking ancestral rules, so what are you worried about?"

"Ah Xuan," Liang Zhen sighed helplessly, regaining his serious demeanor. "Forget it. If Your Majesty doesn't mind, neither should I. If you genuinely want to confer an office, make me a civil servant. I think serving as a cabinet counselor would be suitable. Then, I could legitimately assist you in reviewing state documents."

Zhu Yunxuan lifted his gaze, his eyes filled with a mix of emotions. "A civil servant?"

Liang Zhen nodded. "Being a civil servant is fine. That way, I can stay by your side day and night. Don't overthink it. Even if you're willing to give me military power again, I wouldn't bother accepting it. It's exhausting, and I just want a peaceful life too."

"...If you wish to be a scholar, so be it. It's your choice." Zhu Yunxuan fell silent, leaning quietly into Liang Zhen's embrace with his eyes closed.

Liang Zhen lowered his head and planted another gentle kiss on his forehead.