Chapter 1

HHYL Fanfic 1

HHYL fanfic chapter 1

A fine fresh morning in late autumn, the breeze had carried the cold winter air.

As usual, Lu Cang, after spending a vigorous night with Jing, woke up by the knock on the door.

"Master.... Wake up yet??" His personal attendant, Xiao Sang had come to deliver his morning routine's appliances. - Hot water to clean and to freshen up his tired body in the cold morning.

Lu Cang stirred and stretched his body before realizing his stark naked body. He quickly grabbed his scattered sleeping robe and put them on before answering the door.

"Yes, come in...." Xiao Sang slowly opened the door and politely entered the room. The overwhelmingly thick scent of loving making greeted his sense of smell all at once. --- He was used to this kind of sensual aroma. It wasn't like he didn't know his master and the Emperor's relationship. He just pretended that he didn't notice in order not to embarrass his kind master.

Xiao Sang had followed Lu Cang since he was the bandit king at Mount Lu Cang. Being the weakest in term of kung-fu among the brothers, Xiao Sang considered himself extremely fortunate to be chosen as the bandit king's personal attendant. . He was allowed to stay by his master's side all the time He got to stay by his master's side all the time, unlike the brothers in Hangzhou.

Speaking of the brothers, after the Luo Rong Rong case, they realized how foolish they were, to try to hide something as important as that from the Emperor. They were lucky Jing didn't punish them for their foolishness as Lu Cang was there to defend them. Nonetheless, Jing warned them that he would not tolerate the second foolishness attempt.

Though Lu Cang was a bandit king, never once he mistreated his underlings, to this point one could say he cared for them as his family. And even after his master had become the Emperor's man, only his status had changed, his attitude remained intact. ---- Xiao Sang was always so proud of his Big Brother for this.

"Ah, yes... " Xiao Sang suddenly reminded of Jing's message before he left this morning. "His Majesty asked you to have your lunch with His Majesty in the imperial palace." Xiao Sang told Lu Cang as he prepared for Lu Cang's clothes for the day. ---- He prepared a light purple robe made of fine thick material with much less embroidery since Lu Cang didn't fancy it. He prepared light purple clothes made of a fine thick material that was less in embroidery since Lu Cang didn't fancy it.

Lu Cang knitted his sword like brows and slightly pouted. He never liked the idea of casually entering the imperial palace for a mere lunch or anything as trivial as that.

To lighten up his mood, Xiao Sang added, "And I heard that General Mu Yue has returned from his conquering the east expeditions."

"Ah! General Mu is back. Then I should greet and congratulate him first." Lu Cang's eyes shone with a brilliant light as if he suddenly found a purpose.

Originally, to make Lu Cang stayed by his side most of the time, Jing assigned Lu Cang to the Internal Affairs Administration, however, thanks to last year Northern Inspection's incident, Lu Cang was put in a pin and needle situation --- Though nobody dared enough to complain directly nor say anything about it, Lu Cang could still feel their silent scolding. --- Their sour expression and their despising eyes when they look at him.

Not to mention Zheng, Jing's younger twin, the second in command for National Affairs. Being in the Internal Affairs meant Lu Cang had to meet Zheng occasionally. --- Zheng rarely entered the royal palace, only when there were grand banquets or formal court assemblies would he turned up. - Or when Jing called for him. Zheng always gave Lu Cang this weird look, as if weighing and measuring his worth. --- Apparently he hadn't forgotten the royal dog, Fuqi's kidnapper. Not completely hostile, but nonetheless, enough to make Lu Cang couldn't sit comfortably and feeling extremely awkward and embarrassed.

All in all, they made Lu Cang felt the least comfortable. So, his first request, a personal request, he ever made to Jing was to put him in the military instead of the court. This field seemed decent for him who was a man of Jianghu. --- Unlike the Internal Affairs Administration, which required brain over muscles, this military post would be a much better option.

Of course, his idea was shot down by Jing immediately. ---Jing wouldn't agree to send his beloved to the battlefield. And being in the military, meant Lu Cang wouldn't be in the palace as often. Lu Cang would be out of his sight.

Lu Cang desperately persuaded Jing. He was having a real hard time to convince Jing. At long last, Jing agreed to his request, under 3 conditions: First, General Mu Yue would be the one in charge of Lu Cang to ensure his safety. Second, Lu Cang was not allowed to go to any inspections or expeditions without Jing or Jing's approval. Third, when General Mu Yue was out for his inspections, Lu Cang had to accompany Jing at all times and cease all military activities.

Lu Cang was forced to accept these conditions, otherwise, he had to stay in the Internal Affairs. Though Lu Cang knew that these conditions were set more to Jing's benefit, he couldn't help but agreed to them. After all, they were still better options than to stay in the court.

As if talking to himself, Lu Cang murmured in a low voice, "I wonder how the result is...."

Xiao Sang heard him though. He quickly went to the window to open it to hide his smiling face. Xiao Sang clearly understood what Lu Cang meant by the result. His master wasn't worried about whether the conquering was a success or a failure since they knew what the result would be especially when General Mu Yue had personally set out. Rather, Lu Cang was worried about the war's spoil. Always, among the war's spoil, there was at least one beautiful woman from the conquered country.

The waves of beautiful women who eagerly entered the palace from their own country was already unstoppable, not to mention tributes from other countries, including the war's spoil, it was very understandable for Lu Cang to be anxious. And according to Jing's reason, they would at least spend a romantic night with his Jing. --- Lu Cang made a wry smile for his bold statement. Although Lu Cang was obviously Jing's, Jing would never be exclusively Lu Cang's. A little consolation was, Jing never touched another man other than Lu Cang ever since he admitted his feeling to Lu Cang 6 years ago, by the little stream on the mountain.

"Master, I will leave first to prepare for your breakfast." After finished with his usual task, -preparing Lu Cang's garment, water for him to freshen up, and a bit of cleaning the air, he would leave Lu Cang to do the rest by himself. --- Lu Cang disliked being pampered like a kid.

"Ah.. Yes..." His trains of thoughts was disrupted, reduced him to a stuttered response.

After freshened up and changed his clothing, Lu Cang went to have his breakfast. All the way, he was pondering over whether to go straight to the palace, which he was not so keen of, or go to the military base first as an excuse to escape from Jing's unimportant request.

"Brother Sang, prepare the horses and come with me to the military quarters." He came to this decision after breakfast.

Xiao Sang reluctantly answered him, "What about His Majesty... "

"I want to greet General Mu first." Lu Cang cut him from his reminder.

"Master, wouldn't General Mu be in the palace to give his report to His Majesty first?" Xiao Sang told him the matter he already understood very well, he couldn't help but unhappily frowned a bit.

Seeing the change of mood, Xiao Sang quickly corrected himself, "But of course, we can wait for his return then greet him before going to the palace...."

Lu Cang smiled and nodded his head.

--------

In the palace,

Mu Yue could see that Jing was almost not interested in his report for he mostly did the same report every time he returned from an inspection or expedition. --- A successful accomplishment.

"Report, Your Majesty, the first step of conquering the east expedition is a successful one." Mu Yue started his report.

Jing seemed like expecting something else instead of his successful report. His eyes constantly wondered to the hall's entrance then frowned in disappointment when there was nothing or no one there.

Mu Yue seethed inwardly. He continued his report, "Your Majesty, the casualties for this is none, for the Xiang Kingdom, instead of battling us, offered their hand to be accepted as part of Datong empire."

Jing raised an eyebrow. "Offer their hand??" Jing sneered. "What do they think they can do for us?" Among the surrounding countries, Datong was acknowledged as the strongest in terms of military as well as the most prosperous one. It was laughable to think that a country like Xiang offered their hand.

"Report, Your Majesty. They are offering their military power and knowledge about the eastern region to assist us." Mu Yue could see Jing's cold eyes dangerously shone.

"So? What make them think we will accept that?" Somewhat Jing could sense a hidden agenda behind this proposition.

Mu Yue secretly heaved a sigh before he continued, "Your Majesty, there are countless small countries by the eastern area. If we set out troops to conquer each of them, approximately 5 years at the very least would be needed."

Jing raised his head, showing a bit of his concern. "Go on..."

"Xiang Kingdom offers to assist in conquering the small countries."

Jing brows had knitted together in a deep frown. "What do they expect from us?"

"Your Majesty, they expect us to protect them from this particular strong country. They had been troubled by this Kingdom since long ago. At the present, that kingdom has halted their assault because of their own internal power struggle. Therefore, to be accepted as a part of Datong will ensure they have a politically stronger position. And also....." Mu Yue hesitated to continue.

"And?"

"And also, to show his sincerity as well as to deepen the country's relationship, the King of Xiang has sent his youngest daughter, said to be the most beautiful as well as the brightest among the princesses." Mu Yue secretly shrank in fear upon seeing Jing's face had turned to a dreadful expression.

"Surely he didn't expect this princess to be the Empress?!" Jing's voice was severe. He was emitting a dangerous aura.

It wasn't the first time another Kingdom offered their alliances by sending their best princess in hope of becoming the Datong's Empress. The void of Empress' position was notorious throughout the land, though nobody knew the reason. --- Nevertheless, women eagerly entered the palace with the hope to fill this void position.

"Unfortunately, that is the case, Your Majesty." Mu Yue hated to report this kind of news as he knew how much Jing loathed this kind of proposition. Jing was an arrogant ruler after all. How could he agree to such matter if he could easily raid that country.

But today Jing was rather different. Usually, he would order to crush that impudent country that dared to demand anything from him. Jing was a little bit unfocused. Again and again he casted his eyes at the entrance and sighed in disappointment.

He concluded their meeting abruptly. "I would like to see what they can do for us first. Put the princess in the harem. I will think of a way to deal with them after they show us their values."

"Yes, Your Majesty. Your subject will retreat now."

Mu Yue met Ding Peng in the corridor on his way out.

"Ah, General Mu, you have returned... Must be another successful expedition." Ding Peng greeted him and saluted him.

"Ah.. Commander Ding Peng, it was nothing at all.... " Mu Yue saluted him back.

"By the way, is His Majesty expecting someone? He couldn't concentrate at all during our meeting." Mu Yue asked Ding Peng, Jing's personal bodyguard who understood Jing better than him.

Ding Peng sighed and made a weird expression. It was as if he was saying, 'Isn't it obvious?!'

Ding Peng shook his head and said: "Who else but your second in command? His Majesty even asked me to go and fetch Lord Lu, but unfortunately, he had left the moment I arrived. I don't even know how to report this...."

Mu Yue patted Ding Peng's shoulder to show his sympathy. --- They shared a mutual understanding concerning His Majesty's love affairs.

Both of them, being the closest to Jing, had gone through several troubles for Jing and Lu Cang.

Mu Yue had to deal with the heroes of the world tournament, arranged some unknown yet powerful enough martial artist to ensure Lu Cang's defeat. --- Thanks to Jing who secretly taught Lu Cang his forbidden high-handed move, Mu Yue's hero was miserably defeated by Lu Cang. Mu Yue failed gracefully. Presently, Jing put Lu Cang in the military and commanded Mu Yue to watch over Lu Cang, in all aspects. Including his personal life, such as, who were he closest to in the troops, were there any maids or women he ever talked with, etc. Mu Yue shuddered and didn't even want to remember what ridiculous things His Majesty told him to do to those who were overly friendly with Lord Lu or a threat to His Majesty! He could only helplessly sigh.

Ding Peng had it even harder. Needless to say how much trouble this heavenly couple had given him. From the time when Lu Cang was still his subordinate as the imperial bodyguard, the Zhang's house incident, to the trouble of retrieving Lu Cang from Hangzhou. Not only did Ding Peng had to threaten the powerful figure in Hangzhou who happened to hold a banquet but also had to witness His Majesty's uncharacteristic behavior!

"He must have used my arrival as his excuse again..." Mu Yue sighed again as he recalled the sour and anxious expression Jing wore just now. Jing ought to have guessed the same thing.

"Must be it. I wonder, there is actually a person who doesn't jump for joy to be invited to the royal palace." Ding Peng really couldn't stomach Lu Cang's ungratefulness.

"Given his background, it's only natural for him not to be confined inside the royal wall." Mu Yue, who was with Jing at that time, recalled Lu Cang's haughty attitude as the Bandit King, --- Particularly his arrogant side way glance he threw at Mu Yue.

"And it's kind of miracle too. His Majesty is notorious for his fickleness in affection, yet, this is already more than 6 years..." Ding Peng couldn't help but be amazed at this fact.

Both of them could only push this enigma behind their minds as they had no guts to question Jing's personal affairs.

------

Mu Yue arrived at his military quarter just before noon. He could see that Lu Cang was already there as he predicted. Really, this Lu Cang definitely not a very bright one as his course of action could be easily figured out by everybody. Mu Yue could swear that he could see Jing hurriedly on his way to this military quarter.

"General Mu, congratulation on your successful expedition." Lu Cang cupped his hands in front of his chest to salute and show his respect.

"It is my duty. Need no to be praised." Mu Yue humbly saluted him back. Mu Yue forced a smile as he asked, "Lord Lu... Have you been waiting for long?"

Lu Cang thought over it for a while before answering, "Not really... We have just arrived."

Though in military, Lu Cang was his underling, Mu Yue always talked to him in a formal way. Despite being lower in military rank, Lu Cang did hold a higher rank in court. Also, Mu Yue couldn't afford to offend Lu Cang for he's the Emperor's most beloved. Hurt Lu Cang meant severe punishment. Besides, Lu Cang also talked to Mu Yue in a very respectful way since Mu Yue was his superior.

"Then... Aren't you having another appointment??" Mu Yue slightly dropped a hint about Jing waited for him back in the palace.

"Hmm... Yes.. There is. But it is only a simple lunch. Nothing big to be concerned..." Lu Cang lightly replied to him.

Much to Mu Yue's astonishment, Lu Cang actually regarded a lunch with the Emperor as a mere lunch while other people would give their life only to have a chance to glance at the Emperor. This Lu Cang!! Truly ungrateful!!

"His Majesty has arrived!!!" A loud voice announced Jing's arrival.

Mu Yue rolled his eyes at their predictable childish game of hide and seek.

From Jing's back, Ding Peng followed with his unsettling face. ---He didn't know whether to laugh or to cry.

Lu Cang's face color gradually dropped as Jing coldly fixed his eyes on him.

"Long Live, Your Majesty..." Xiao Sang quickly fell on his knees to greet Jing while Lu Cang was still stunned and forgot to courteously greet Jing.

Jing waved his hand and allowed Xiao Sang to stand up. He turned his head, "Out..." He said that to the guards behind him. Left only the 5 of them.--- Jing, Lu Cang, Mu Yue, Ding Peng, and Xiao Sang.

Once the guards were out of sight, Jing dropped his Emperor bearing and gracefully sat on the chair. He pulled his lip to a smiling face while his eyes were not the least smiling. "Lu Cang! I have told you to come to the palace for lunch, why are you still in here?"

"Ahh... This... ngg.... I was just about to go...." An obvious lie. --- Lu Cang would look away when he was telling a lie. He had zero talent in lying. Of course, everybody in the room but Lu Cang knew about it. They all almost went to a face-palmed mode for Lu Cang's naivety.

Jing found this side of Lu Cang extremely adorable. But still, he was unwilling to let Lu Cang off the hook. "Forget it. We will have our lunch here instead."

Lu Cang awkwardly threw a glance at Mu Yue and Ding Peng, asking for their help. Ding Peng and Mu Yue busily looked away and pretended they didn't notice Lu Cang's signal. --- You deserve this for trying to defy His Majesty!

"Xiao Sang, go ask the maid to prepare lunch for four. We all will have our lunch together." Jing ordered Xiao Sang who stood behind Lu Cang.

Xiao Sang was about to move when Lu Cang grabbed his hand. Jing glared furiously at Lu Cang and he instantly dropped Xiao Sang's hand. Just before Lu Cang said anything, General Mu Yue stepped forward.

"Your Majesty, your humble subject couldn't agree for His Majesty to have lunch in this lowly place." No matter what, Jing was the Emperor, the highest figure in this empire, how could Mu Yue let him degraded himself just for a mere lover's quarrel.

"Why, General Mu, how could you say this place, which our Lord Lu loves so much, as a lowly place? Don't you know? He deliberately chose this place over the palace." Jing cunningly directed the blame on Lu Cang.

Lu Cang's whole face was a layer of crimson. In front of his trusted subjects, Jing could be as selfish as he wanted.

Seeing Lu Cang's reaction, Jing knew he would get what he wanted soon, so he continued with his taunts. "You could hurt Lord Lu by saying his favorite place as a lowly place and....."

"Jing!!" Lu Cang interrupted his taunting by unconsciously calling out his name. --- Who else would have the audacity to call out loud His Majesty's forbidden name.

"What? I was just telling General Mu that it is rude to say...." Jing mischievously pretended that he was defending Lu Cang.

"Alright..Alright..." Didn't want to trouble General Mu Yue any longer, Lu Cang admitted his error. "I am sorry... My apology, Your Majesty, I am wrong. Alright?!" Lu Cang quickly went to Jing's side. "Let's go back to the palace, alright?"

Jing successfully made Lu Cang gave in to him again. He lifted his right hand, made a gesture for Lu Cang to hold it. Lu Cang helplessly put his left hand on Jing's hand. The two who had a similar height walked out hand in hand. Jing victoriously smiled while Lu Cang hang his head in defeat.

The three people who were left behind just looked at each other amusingly. After all these years, they were used to seeing this kind of lovers' spat. In their mind, they shared the same thought: Poor Lu Cang, so easily manipulated by the cunning Emperor.

"Jing, shouldn't you pay more attention to your duty?" Lu Cang asked Jing while they were leisurely walking hand in hand back to the palace. --- Jing refused to use the sedan chair and chose to walk under the pleasant weather. Also to serve as Lu Cang's punishment.

Lu Cang still cared a lot for his reputation even after everyone knew about their relationship. By walking hand in hand would be extremely embarrassing for him.

"What do you mean?" Jing put on a fake confused expression, clearly wanted to annoy Lu Cang.

Lu Cang casted him an annoyed look. "Like this..." Lu Cang lifted their still tightly glued together hands. "Shouldn't you pay more attention to your position as the Emperor? What if your subjects look down on you?" Lu Cang looked around and noticed countless curious eyes on them. He desperately wanted to free his hand, but as usual, he was powerless in front of this mighty Emperor.

"Who told you to make me go out of my way to fetch you?" Jing couldn't help but to tease Lu Cang more. "Well... if you dislike me holding your hand, I can always carry you in my arms." Jing smiled mischievously.

"Jing!!" Lu Cang hissed at him.

Jing always enjoyed Lu Cang's angry expression. His pair of big eyes would shine with such brilliant light. His outstanding handsome face would blush to his ears. He would stretch his lip into a straight line. Very adorable yet seductive.

Jing glared at those who dared to stare at them and they quickly looked away. "Just ignore them. Nobody dare to oppose me anyway..."

"You are impossible...." Lu Cang lightly said, but it still didn't escape Jing's sharp ear.

Jing made a threat, "Hey! You are not to complain if I don't pay as much attention to you anymore."

"Who will complain? How many times must I remind you? I'm not a woman. I can take care of myself." Lu Cang stopped and glared at Jing. Given their same height, it was only natural if their eyes met when Jing stared back at him.

Lu Cang was fascinated by those beautiful eyes again. As if hypnotized, he didn't react when Jing kissed him lightly.

"I have never considered you as a woman. If I want a woman, why would I bother myself with you?" Jing wore his usual charming smile.

A simple but very assuring statement put Lu Cang at ease all of a sudden. Affected by Jing's smile, without any awareness, he pulled his lips into a sweet smile and tightly held Jing's hand.

"Then, may I have a child?" he teased Jing a little as they resumed their steps.

"Don't push your luck!"

End of Chapter 1