The Empress Dowager froze for a moment. The senior ministers quickly adjusted their robes and descended into the courtyard. The young noble sons in the courtyard all knelt at once.
The Frozen King had arrived again.
At that moment, Xiao Ai appeared and said, “Xie Liangbi is among them.”
Fu Ye’s heart stirred. Descending the jade steps, he glanced into the crowd and saw several refined, elegant young noble sons, their jade crowns and pearl belts shining. Their gold- and silver-threaded robes glittered in the courtyard sunlight, almost fragrant in their splendor.
A cluster of handsome aristocratic young men gathered together—it was truly a pleasing sight.
Fu Huang entered and saw Fu Ye gazing into the crowd. When Fu Huang came close, Fu Ye turned and greeted him.
Everyone knelt down one after another, bowing deeply in unison: “Long live the Emperor! Long live him forever!”
Fu Ye bowed respectfully and said, “Your Highness.”
Because of his studies, he wore very plain clothes, but having rested well these past few days, his skin looked even paler and smoother than when he first returned. His eyelids were faintly tinged with red, as if lightly brushed with rouge, making him shine even brighter than on New Year’s Eve when he wore his finest, most elaborate robes.
He was the classic example of someone whose simple outfit outshone everyone else’s.
Nobody quite understood how he could look so delicate.
He also had a knack for dressing well. His accessories showed his own clever touch—though his robe was plain, it was decorated with a string of seven-colored jewels that jingled softly when he moved. He had the noble aura of a prince but none of the usual imperial severity, making him appear approachable.
In fact, he was quite magnetic and easy to get close to.
Fu Huang looked toward Sun Gongzheng and the others. Immediately, a female attendant brought over a chair.
The Empress Dowager sat nearby on a chair, her gilded armor lightly scraping against the golden lotus patterns on her sleeves. Her expression was dark and brooding.
Fu Huang seemed not to notice her and sat down beside Fu Ye, asking, “Have you chosen yet?”
Fu Ye faced him and replied, “Not started yet.”
The female attendant served tea, but Fu Huang didn’t look at it—he merely gave a faint nod toward Fu Ye. “Choose yours.”
She brought a chair for Fu Huang as well.
The atmosphere became slightly awkward for a moment. Fu Ye lifted the hem of his robe and sat down. After nodding, an internal servant began reading the names of the young noble sons standing in the courtyard.
“Son of the Minister of Works, Xue Ruyun, age seventeen.”
Hmm, this scene and these words seemed familiar somehow.
After the servant finished, a handsome young gentleman with a jade-like face stepped forward from the crowd and bowed deeply.
He was quite pretty and likable-looking, but trembling all over.
So pitiful—it looked like the pretty boy might start crying.
But as soon as Fu Huang arrived, the noble sons in the courtyard seemed to shrink in fear, not daring to raise their heads.
It was unclear whether they feared the emperor or the possibility of being chosen.
Fu Ye looked over them one by one, only focusing on finding which one was Xie Liangbi. Suddenly, he heard the servant announce, “Son of Minister Xie, Xie Liangbi, age twenty.”
He immediately straightened and leaned forward to look closely.
Fu Huang leaned back slightly on the armrest, noticing a young man standing out from the crowd with the bearing of a jade tree in the wind.
He wore a silver cloak patterned with bamboo leaves, his face as flawless as a jade seal—cool and radiant.
Minister Xie was a crafty old fox with a stern face, but his son was handsome, carrying a concealed sword with an extraordinary air about him.
Xie Liangbi bowed and said, “I am Xie Liangbi, paying respects to the Empress Dowager, His Majesty, and Prince Huan.”
His voice was as clear and precious as gold and jade, matching the flawless perfection of his face. He was tall, and Fu Ye knew he was one of Fu Huang’s loyal admirers. Fu Ye had heard Xiao Ai recount his story—it was that of a loyal and upright subject. Moreover, when Xie Liangbi looked at Fu Huang, his gaze was genuinely earnest and respectful.
Such a loyal fan definitely deserved to be cultivated.
So Fu Ye asked, “Do you hold an official position?”
Fu Huang gave him a faint glance.
Xie Liangbi replied, “I just joined the Golden Armor Division.”
The palace guards were traditionally the first choice for sons of high officials to enter service. However, the Golden Armor Guards didn’t enter the inner palace. Since Xie Liangbi was the son of Minister Xie, it was unlikely he got the position through connections.
It was also possible that Minister Xie thought serving close to the emperor was like serving a tiger and didn’t dare let his son get too close.
The latter possibility seemed more likely.
Fu Ye nodded.
Xie Liangbi bowed again and stepped to the right.
The servants continued to read the names of the remaining young nobles.
These young men all came from distinguished backgrounds—mostly royal relatives. Some were as delicate and graceful as Fu Ye himself; others were tall and sturdy, exemplifying masculine strength. Each had their own kind of beauty, showing the high standards of the royal family’s selection.
After the introductions were done, the Empress Dowager asked, “Have you chosen one?”
Then with a knowing tone added, “Don’t be afraid—choose whoever you like.”
Before Fu Ye could answer, Fu Huang said, “Since it’s a companion for study, choose the most talented one. What do you think?”
What else could he say?
He was the eldest, so he called the shots.
Fu Ye obediently replied, “I agree.”
Talent could only be judged by academic achievement; looks and background were obvious at a glance. The most talented was naturally Zhang Jianwen, the third son of Minister Zhang Hanlin—known as the most renowned among the young nobles in the capital.
The Empress Dowager was quite satisfied as well.
Zhang Jianwen wasn’t good-looking and was rather honest, but among the Zhang family’s children, he was the most promising. Last year, he passed the imperial examination as the youngest candidate and had been a prince’s study companion for two years—a solid reputation.
She just couldn’t understand the emperor’s intention. She had expected him to pick someone with both literary and martial talents, like Minister Xie’s son.
But this was typical of Fu Huang’s style—always unconventional.
Lately, the emperor’s puzzling actions were many, and the Empress Dowager was quite troubled by how unpredictable he had become.
In the end, Zhang Jianwen was kept, and the other young nobles lined up and left.
Many of them were first-timers in the palace and kept glancing back repeatedly.
Several were handsome and seemingly frivolous, clearly unstudious types.
Judging by their looks, they were obviously angling to flatter Fu Ye if chosen.
Fu Huang hated this kind of person most of all.
Now his disgust was doubled.
Fu Huang stood and said, “If you have any other requests, mention them now. When you study from now on, no more crying or making a fuss.”
The phrase “crying or making a fuss” obviously displeased the Empress Dowager.
But Fu Ye suddenly remembered something and, not wanting to say it in front of her, replied, “Let me think it over. I’ll tell Your Highness at dinner.”
His tone was somewhat intimate, which made the Empress Dowager pause.
She studied the emperor’s face carefully. His features still bore a gloomy pallor; earlier, he hadn’t even greeted her properly in front of so many nobles and ministers. He remained as unruly and unrestrained as ever. Over the years, their confrontations in court had destroyed any mother-son sentiment. There was no turning back now.
She found Fu Huang irritating in every way, yet at this moment, bathed in sunlight, his pale complexion seemed to have lost some of its harshness. His tall, mature face, especially his high nose bridge, bore a faint resemblance to the late emperor.
But her attention quickly shifted to another matter.
Fu Ye, standing beside Fu Huang, looked far too frail and weak.
Fu Huang was like a powerful bow, towering a full head above him, his presence completely overwhelming. If he pressed down, Fu Ye wouldn’t be able to escape.
The Empress Dowager said, “Our dynasty has always valued martial prowess. Since Prince Huan is going to study, he should learn horseback riding and archery as well.”
Fu Huang glanced at Fu Ye and said, “Then he shall.”
Empress Dowager: “…”
What was the emperor really up to? He agreed so easily.
Fu Ye thought horseback riding and archery were way more fun than memorizing books. In modern society, you’d have to spend a fortune just to ride horses and shoot arrows—horseback riding itself is basically an aristocratic sport.
So he bowed and said, “Yes, Your Highness.”
Fu Huang glanced at Fu Ye. The sunlight shone on him, making his pale skin almost glow, his lips red, teeth white. The white collar at his neck made him look polite and refined, like a flawless jade.
Being properly dressed really was more pleasing to the eye.
After finishing classes that evening, Fu Ye went to the main hall of Qingyuan Palace to report on his day’s studies and to have dinner.
Fu Huang neither showed concern nor indifference toward Fu Ye’s schooling—it was more like he just listened and then told Eunuch Qin, “Serve the meal.”
Fu Ye noticed that today’s table was full of his favorite dishes.
When it came to food, no one in the palace ate better than the emperor. The Empress Dowager Zhang always ate vegetarian meals, and at lunch, only had clear broth and water.
Studying was exhausting, so Fu Ye ate a lot at dinner.
After the meal, Fu Huang gifted him a set of exquisite scholar’s tools—all rare treasures from across the realm. Royal favor certainly came with deep pockets. Fu Ye was thrilled and couldn’t put them down.
Eunuch Qin noticed how happy Fu Ye was and recalled that Fu Huang had originally ordered them to bring a precious sword from the treasury as a reward for Prince Huan. That sword was no ordinary blade—it was a tribute from a foreign land, named Longhua, glowing faintly and sharp enough to cut through iron like butter.
But somehow, they were told to put it back.
Then Fu Huang said to the prince, “Study well. If you do, I’ll give you even better rewards.”
Ah, that’s how it was! The emperor’s way of dealing with people was truly masterful!
Fu Ye not only had to get up before dawn to study but also had to attend physical education classes.
He was actually pretty good at archery. His middle school was a prestigious school in the provincial capital, with a rich PE program. He had practiced archery for three years in junior high. But ancient bows and arrows were a whole different beast from the ones he used in PE—the materials and power were totally unlike each other.
When he pulled the bowstring all the way back, his arms trembled.
His body was weak now; the arrows he shot felt light and flimsy. If the target was close, it was okay, but farther away, the arrows didn’t reach well.
His archery instructor said, “Your Highness, look at the targets His Majesty has shot.”
Fu Yu saw a pile of pierced targets and felt overflowing admiration for Fu Huang.
He was really a skilled archer.
Fu Ye thought horseback riding was the hardest.
As a noble, he had many attendants to help, but the imperial horses were all big and strong, and at his age, it was embarrassing to ride a small horse. So he could only ride around the imperial riding grounds under the supervision of the horse trainers.
Fu Huang stood with his hands behind his back, watching him wobble and sway as he circled on horseback.
Though he couldn’t ride well, it was obvious he enjoyed it.
Whenever told to study, he made excuses, but for these lessons, he was genuinely excited.
Eunuch Qin felt the emperor had changed a lot these past few days.
He no longer looked like the sickly, gloomy man he used to be. There was a spark of spirit now.
Though he seemed more imposing.
Fu Huang’s natural composure and royal demeanor gave him an air of authority without anger. Watching the sixth prince learn to ride, he seemed a little disdainful.
The emperor was quite strict.
Fu Ye rode over to Fu Huang and the others and said, “It’s my first time on a horse.”
“They chose the gentlest horses for you,” Fu Huang said.
The implication was clear: anyone could learn to ride this well.
Fu Ye said, “If my elder brother praised me a bit, maybe I’d ride even better.”
In the whole world, only Prince Huan dared to talk to the emperor that way.
Eunuch Qin and the others were used to it, but the horse trainers were quite startled—each one lowered their hands and heads, not daring to meet the emperor’s gaze closely.
Of course, the emperor wouldn’t praise anyone, and Fu Ye knew he wouldn’t praise him, which was why he said what he did.
Xiao Ai said, “You’re starting to really act like brothers now—respectful younger brother and elder brother.”
Fu Ye rode his horse, holding the reins as he watched Fu Huang and the others walk away.
“I discovered a secret,” he told Xiao Ai, “Fu Huang doesn’t just like people fearing him. When I’m a little less respectful, he actually seems happier.”
Xiao Ai said, “The guy just said nothing and left.”
Fu Ye said, “You don’t get it. It’s a feeling that can only be understood, not explained.”
Xiao Ai said, “Well, keep working on earning his favor. I’m heading out. If one day your fake identity gets exposed and he still can’t bear to kill you, then you’ve really hit the jackpot.”
Thinking of that, Fu Ye shivered.
To be honest, the closer he got to Fu Huang, the more he felt that when the truth came out, he might suffer even worse consequences.
But his skin was so delicate—so delicate that he felt like the main character in a novel who always gets hurt.
After practicing horseback riding for a while, his inner thighs were rubbed raw, red and swollen. When he took a bath and rubbed the sore spots, it hurt badly, so he sent Qing Xi to fetch ointment.
But as soon as he entered the hall, he found Fu Huang sitting inside, reading.
“What ointment?” Fu Huang asked.
Wrapped in a thick robe, Fu Ye said, “The saddle’s too hard and rubbed my thighs raw. I soaked in hot water but it just itches more.”
Qing Xi brought the ointment over. Fu Ye took it, saying, “Luckily, I came prepared.”
Fu Huang didn’t like having people around him—he preferred quiet. So Qing Xi and the others usually stayed on the other side of the hall, guarding silently. Fu Ye sat on the couch, glanced at Fu Huang, then turned slightly and applied ointment to the upper part of his thigh. The thick robe was parted, revealing one leg—long, fair, and smooth—the young man’s leg vivid and alluring.
After applying the ointment, he gathered his robe back and leaned over, asking, “What are you reading, elder brother?”
Lately, the weather wasn’t so cold, but the heated floor kept the hall warm like spring. His robe was parted, exposing the inside of his thigh—reddened and swollen skin covered with red ointment, glossy and oily, which made the uninjured skin nearby look even whiter and smoother.
Fu Huang said, “Put on an undershirt.”
Fu Ye had just crossed his legs and sat opposite him. Hearing that, he got down from the couch and went to put on his clothes.
Unless it was some complicated outfit, Fu Ye usually never let others help him dress. Fu Huang looked up and saw him hang the robe he’d just worn on the folding screen. The robe was pale white with red cloud patterns, covering the palace maiden paintings on the screen.
Such folding screens were common in the palace. During Emperor Wuzong’s reign, palace maiden paintings were very popular, many painted by female palace attendants, known for their exquisite beauty. The folding screen Fu Ye picked was especially magnificent—almost dazzling—but at this moment, all its brilliance was overshadowed by the silhouette standing behind it. As he put on his inner shirt, Fu Ye said, “When it gets hot, will we still have to dress so formally in the palace?”
He remembered reading before that the ancients were far more open-minded than modern people imagine—when it got hot, they’d wear thin, sheer garments that would make modern folks blush.
Fu Huang sat cross-legged with the bearing of an emperor. “There’s ice in the palace.”
Fu Ye finished dressing, even putting on white silk socks, then sat cross-legged opposite him. “Can’t I wear less?”
Fu Huang asked, “How much less?”
Fu Ye smiled faintly but didn’t answer.
Fu Huang turned his head and called, “Qing Xi.”
Qing Xi entered cautiously, head bowed.
“Your Highness, your hair isn’t dry yet—didn’t you notice?”
Fu Ye said, “I’ve been drying it for a long time. I have too much hair.”
Qing Xi hurriedly brought over a cloth.
Fu Ye had no choice but to dry it again.
His hair spilled out—it really was thick, jet black as ink, truly beautiful. Fu Huang, who always despised those who indulged in luxury, at this moment felt that all the wealth in the world should belong to this prince.
Leaning back slightly, Fu Huang looked at him applying the ointment, the candlelight flickering in his eyes—light and dark at once.
“Today, Zhang Jianwen asked me if I wanted to choose a few more study companions, or some attendants for horseback archery. I questioned him and learned that among those who came to select study companions originally, a few wanted to enter the palace too and asked him for a recommendation. Can I pick a few more to come in and keep me company?”
Fu Huang’s mind flashed back to those unruly sons of noble families in Cien Palace, and he said, “There are plenty of riding and archery instructors—aren’t they enough for you?”
Fu Ye just mentioned it casually. Zhang Jianwen was honest; those people begged him, and he couldn’t refuse, so they came to ask Fu Ye himself. He didn’t mind, and seeing Fu Huang wasn’t too agreeable, he dropped the topic.
But Fu Huang asked, “Or do you have someone special you like?”
Fu Ye looked up and saw Fu Huang seriously watching him, his eyes deep black.
For some reason, Fu Ye felt a kind of low pressure.
This elder brother of his seemed very wary of the subject.
Fu Huang said, “There were indeed a few handsome young men the other day.”
Fu Ye raised his eyebrows. “Huh?”
Fu Huang added, “But I’m asking you to pick study companions, not wives.”
Suddenly understanding Fu Huang’s meaning, Fu Ye hurried to explain, “You’ve misunderstood, elder brother.”
Seeing Fu Huang remained silent, he went on, “My studies aren’t complete yet, so how could I have time to think about such things? That would be letting down you and mother’s hopes! Or do you think I’m some lecherous scoundrel?”
He suddenly recalled what had happened a few days ago while playing chess.
He obviously left a very bad impression on Fu Huang!
He swore to heaven he had absolutely no improper feelings toward Fu Huang!
Then he told Qing Xi and the others, “You may leave now.”
Fu Huang glanced at Eunuch Qin and the others, who all left immediately. Even the black-armored guards standing in the corridor were signaled to move away.
Fu Huang’s expression grew serious. “What do you want to say?”
He thought Fu Ye was really about to name someone he liked among the study companions.
Fu Ye blushed faintly and said, “Elder brother might have misunderstood me. I won’t hide it…”
He took a deep breath and met Fu Huang’s gaze: “I, your humble brother, am still a virgin.”
He added, “And have been all along.”
Fu Huang was stunned. After that, Fu Ye went on with a long explanation—about liking men but not just anyone, wanting to find someone who truly understood him—but Fu Huang didn’t hear any of it.
After what?
It seemed Fu Huang realized what the “after” meant. He didn’t know when Fu Ye finished speaking, but he looked at him with a flushed face and sincere, moving eyes.
He gave a soft “hmm,” then sat up straight. Today, he wore many layers of robes, stacked heavily in front of him.
“I understand,” he said.
His gaze swept over Fu Ye, quiet and deep, and he added, “Very obedient.”
For a moment, Fu Ye’s heart surged with emotion—he couldn’t tell what heat was rising, or where it was supposed to go.
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