World 4.22: Finale Kisses—dense kisses, countless kisses. It was like a layer of window paper being punctured; flesh met flesh, and even through the thin layer of clothing, nothing could be resisted. Xiao Shao absolutely adored that tear mole, a tiny speck adorning the corner of Qi Yan’s eye, making him look innocent and pitiful. When the little scholar’s eyes darted around, the mole…

World 4.21: Kiss While Xiao Shao was pondering how to complete his mission, Qi Yan, who had only been living outside the palace for a single day, suddenly suffered a nightmare. Ever since he began staying by Xiao Shao’s side, he hadn’t been troubled by nightmares for a long time. This time, however, it came with a vengeance. In his dream, the palace walls…

World 4.20: Examination Upon his ascension, Xiao Shao changed the dynasty name to Zhaoyuan and declared a Great Amnesty. Even the prisoners and disgraced women in the Jiaofang Department were pardoned and allowed to leave. Because so many officials had been dismissed during the purge of the former Crown Prince’s faction, there were many vacancies. Thus, in the spring of the first year of…

World 4.19: The Cabinet In the winter of the 37th year of the Jianning era, the case of Crown Prince Xiao Yi conspiring with the Hedong Governor Song Luyang to harm the other imperial prince came to light, shaking the court. Grand Tutor Song, along with over a hundred scholar officials, petitioned the court. Citing Xiao Yi’s lack of filial piety and his failure…

World 4.18: Great Wrath Qi Yan hesitated for a moment, remaining still. Lying in the same bed as one’s master was a breach of etiquette and law. Not only would he be labeled a favored sycophant, but Xiao Shao’s reputation would also be tarnished. But Xiao Shao’s complexion was truly terrible. Ever since coming down from Qinglong Mountain, the blood at his lips hadn’t…

World 4.17: Scheme Behind them, the wildfire spread with lightning speed. Before long, Qinglong Mountain was swallowed by a sea of flames. On the other side of the mountain, across the Shunqing River, the residence of the Garrison Eunuch Yao Jin had descended into total chaos. Eunuch He and Yao Jin had been reminiscing when they suddenly saw the neighboring peak catch fire. Black…

World 4.16: Very warm Xiao Shao sighed softly. He pulled the young man’s thin shoulders toward him, tucking him into his chest in a half-embrace. With one hand on his back and the other cradling the back of his head, he murmured his name: “Qi Yan?” Qi Yan did not reply. Even his breakdown was silent—much like his writing, it was reserved and subtle.…

World 4.15: Request The maids retreated one after another. Outside the door, Supervisor He’s careful inquiry came: “Your Highness? Are you alright?” Supervisor He was originally working in the Imperial Study, belonging to the Imperial Ceremony Department. He was a servant of Xiao Shao’s father, the emperor. Although the Crown Prince’s reach was long, it couldn’t extend to him. Now that he was following…

World 4.14: Old man They circled the completely burned-out vault. Xiao Shao kicked away two collapsed wooden beams, revealing the gray-black scorched earth. He then lifted his robe, knelt down, and rubbed his fingertips across the ground, picking up a layer of dust. Qi Yan also knelt down beside him. “It’s porous and loose. This is charcoal.” Xiao Shao flicked his fingertip, scattering the…

World 4.13: Vault Qi Yan was taken aback. His lips touched the wine cup. He hesitated slightly, then leaned close to Xiao Shao’s ear in imitation: “I don’t have a good tolerance for alcohol.” Song Luyang was still watching. Xiao Shao pressed the back of Qi Yan’s head with one hand, pulling the person entirely towards himself. He kissed the crimson earlobe repeatedly. To…