Chapter 112: Extra: About the Throne 3

Chapter 112: Also an Extra: On the Imperial Throne 3

Luo Yunchen's lips quirked as he gazed deeply at Su Zheng. After a moment, he gently but firmly pressed back against Su Zheng's nose, his voice slightly hoarse: "You don't lie, brother. Only I can... not even brother himself..."

"Alright, no lies. I'll just wait for you to wait on me hand and foot—don't you dare complain I'm troublesome!"

"Of course not! I'm happy to do so!"

"Then now, can you help me dress?"

Luo Yunchen's expression still showed reluctance, but he turned around and carefully unfolded the dragon robe to help Su Zheng dress.

Su Zheng raised an eyebrow at the little brat's sulky look, finding it super cute. He reached for two small pastries, offering one to Luo Yunchen's lips, smiling: "Don't worry, eat this and you won't have to fear losing me."

Luo Yunchen didn't hesitate; he opened his mouth and obediently ate the pastry, his eyes asking what Su Zheng meant.

Su Zheng said seriously: "This is a peace-of-mind pill. Once you eat it, you'll be at ease. From now on, whenever you want to find me, you'll be able to."

With that, Su Zheng fed himself the other pastry, then continued: "The one I ate is a staying-put pill. After eating it, wherever I part from you, I'll stand still and wait for you to return to my side, so we can leave together."

Luo Yunchen listened, spellbound. He stared at Su Zheng, and finally, stars lit up his eyes. A smile gradually spread across his lips. Tilting his head, he reached for the plate of pastries, picked one up, and fed it to Su Zheng: "Then brother should eat more."

***

Luo Yunchen disguised himself as Su Zheng's guard, escorting him to the city tower. He instructed Xu Mo and the Shadow Guard to protect the Emperor before sneaking off silently to the garrison.

At the camp, Luo Yan had received the order to enter the city that morning and had already assembled the troops, all lined up and ready to go.

Su Zheng ascended the city tower to look out. Before long, the mighty, orderly cavalry and warhorses marched in unison, their steps steady. The raised battle flags were solemn and majestic, snapping in the wind.

Luo Yunchen, clad in his battle robe, rode at the very front of the procession. With a single command, he calmly and resolutely ordered, "Enter the city," leading the generals behind him through the open gates that welcomed them.

The city's citizens had long been waiting eagerly. On both sides of the streets, on the second floors of shops, and even on rooftops, people were perched, hoping to catch a glimpse of the triumphant soldiers' awe-inspiring presence.

City defense soldiers maintained order and heightened security. Even those on the rooftops were shooed away if there were too many, to prevent the roofs from collapsing. Thus, everything was orderly, without a single disturbance.

The citizens widened their eyes and held their breath, their gazes fixed on the marching procession.

General Luo Yunchen, with his stern demeanor and commanding presence, was followed by soldiers who were equally valiant, spirited, and resolute.

Only when they could hold their breath no longer did they finally exhale. In an instant, the crowd on both sides went wild, cheers rising everywhere!

Not only were young girls and married women breathless and weak in the knees, but even the men felt their hearts pounding with excitement, hoarsely cheering for the General.

Amidst the fervent cheers, a sachet came flying out of nowhere, arcing through the air straight toward Luo Yunchen.

Luo Yunchen seemed completely unaware, still looking straight ahead with no intention of acknowledging it.

Just as the sachet was about to land on Luo Yunchen, Luo Yan, riding on one side, shot out a hand and caught it, not even letting its fragrance touch Luo Yunchen.

Moments later, like a dam breaking, various sachets, folding fans, embroidered pouches, hooks, belts, and other unknown items flew densely from all directions toward Luo Yunchen and the other soldiers.

Luo Yunchen, however, remained utterly oblivious to everything happening around him. His gaze was fixed solely on the palace ahead, never wavering.

Luo Yan and the other deputy generals' hands were a blur. Not only did they catch everything aimed at themselves, but they also intercepted every single item heading for Luo Yunchen.

Until they neared the palace gates, not a single thing even came close to Luo Yunchen.

At the palace gates, the Imperial Guard and sentries stood at attention, alert. The citizens could not approach and could only watch from afar.

Su Zheng had already descended from the city tower. Accompanied by the civil and military officials, he exited the palace gates to welcome Luo Yunchen and the generals.

The moment Luo Yunchen saw Su Zheng, the corners of his mouth involuntarily lifted slightly, a faint, barely noticeable smile.

Dismounting swiftly, Luo Yunchen strode to Su Zheng, knelt on one knee, and cupped his hands in salute.

Yet his back remained straight, without bowing. Instead, he slightly raised his head, lifting his brows, his eyes filled with emotion as he looked at Su Zheng.

Beneath the surface of deep infatuation, his gaze was clear and calm. Meeting Su Zheng's eyes, his voice was firm and resolute: "Your general pays homage to Your Majesty!"

Su Zheng, in his dragon robe, stood with a refined and dignified posture, his hands behind his back, exuding imperial authority. His gentle, smiling eyes were full of admiration and approval for Luo Yunchen.

As Luo Yunchen finished speaking, Su Zheng's smile widened. He leaned forward slightly, reached out, and grasped Luo Yunchen's elbow, hoisting him to his feet. He said cheerfully: "Excellent! General Luo, with your valor and strategy, you have safeguarded every inch of Dayin's territory, spared its people from the suffering of war, and rendered great service to the nation. I am deeply gratified! The General has had a long journey; I shall personally throw a welcome feast for you! Someone, read the decree!"

A eunuch stepped forward, holding an imperial edict, and boomed out the decree.

The civil and military officials, the gathered citizens, and the soldiers who had already dismounted all knelt and bowed to listen.

Except for the Imperial Guard and sentries responsible for security, who stood tall and alert, the only two still on their feet were Su Zheng and Luo Yunchen.

Su Zheng held onto Luo Yunchen, pulling him closer. Naturally, Luo Yunchen could no longer perform the formal salute, nor did he want to step back. He went along with Su Zheng's wishes and remained standing.

Knowing that Luo Yunchen understood his intent, Su Zheng didn't let go of his hand either. Using it as leverage, he leaned in closer, an enigmatic smile on his face, and said in a low voice: "General Luo is so impressive. How many scholars and beauties did you charm along the way?"

As he spoke, Su Zheng's other hand climbed up Luo Yunchen's waist and chest, feeling him up inch by inch, and said slowly: "Our awe-inspiring General Luo must have collected quite a few love tokens on this journey, hasn't he? Let me see, where have you hidden them all?"

Luo Yunchen didn't understand what Su Zheng meant by "love tokens" at all, nor did he have the mind to figure it out. All his attention was captivated and delighted by Su Zheng's intimate actions.

Luo Yunchen smiled warmly, watching Su Zheng's bold, mischievous, and ridiculously handsome features. His heart was filled with longing and tenderness. He remained motionless, letting Su Zheng touch him all over.

Su Zheng felt around several times but found no extra or unfamiliar objects. He raised an eyebrow and muttered: "Nothing... Did you throw them all away, or did you not accept a single one..."

Luo Yunchen glanced at Su Zheng's hand, which had stopped moving but still rested on his chest. He lowered his head slightly, his low, smiling voice carrying both reassurance and fervor, and purred seductively: "Brother, don't rush. Once we're back at the palace, wherever brother wants to touch, I'll bare it all for you... I'll make sure brother gets to touch every inch..."