Chapter 1

  HHYL Fanfic2 chapter 1

Swaying lotus danced along with the spring's breeze. The surrounding trees sang their happy song in a rustle. The ripple on the pond smiled at the white clouds floating about in the blue sky, patrolling and guarding the lovely Goddess of spring who was spreading the sprinkle of pretty colors to all the still sleeping flowers. The whole world was so bright and dazzling. Finding its way to the luxurious pavilion, the light soon threw itself on a very fabulously handsome man.

Narrowing his pair of sparkling eyes, reflecting the spring sunshine, Lu Cang lifted his head from the book he was reading. Inhaling deeply to feel the warm and fragrant air. His face was the reflection of the lake, calm and relaxed, yet elegantly charming. His appearance seemed to have increased as he matured. Not beautiful, but extraordinarily good looking. Striking whosever eyes that caught a glimpse of him. Unfortunately, his attractive persona was only to behold, not to lay a hand on, as he was the Emperor's most precious lover. --- Even the maids and servants had been given strict orders to keep their distance, no closer than two Zhang. Only Xiao Guizi was allowed to wait on him.

Spending his time reading in the Lotus Garden had become his habit since he moved to the Royal Quarter. Jing would join him for a short while during his break after the morning court before he had to go back to reading and signing his piling like a mountain official documents. Sometimes Lu Cang would accompany him if he was not going to the Military base. --- Given his devil-may-care attitude, who would have guessed that Jing actually carried such huge responsibilities on his shoulder? Initially, Lu Cang definitely had no idea since Jing had always seemed so carefree and playful.

Lu Cang actually pitied him for shouldering those monstrous responsibilities, but thinking back....... Why should Lu Cang sympathize with that freak? With that heavy load of work, Jing should have worn himself out. But no.... Jing was not someone who seemed to know the meaning of 'limit'.

As Lu Cang had feared, every single night, Jing would 'spare' his time to love and play with his body dearly. If not for Lu Cang's threat to move out, he would continue as he pleased until sunrise. Damn that maniac!!

Jing must be busy again. Every year, around Spring, there would be many petitions from all Provinces in the Datong Empire. Jing needed to select the right official to be sent as the Capital's representative to please the provincial government.

Lu Cang chuckled as he remembered the face of Zhang Zi Dong when Jing sent him to Anhui, to be the Capital's representative in their Spring's Festival. Zhang Zi Dong's pretty face was drained of its color and showed an obvious fright. Everybody knew that the Eastern Region was quite dangerous for any important figures at the moment since Datong's Eastern Expedition started, especially after the Emperor had personally set out and eradicated a certain country.--- Nobody was allowed to speak the country's name aloud after that.

Looks like Jing still held a deep grudge for this Zhang Zi Dong, blamed him as the source of their previous grand conflict.

Speaking of the 'outside the Capital duty', Lu Cang's friend from the court, Sir Liu Zhong Tang would be back around this time. This year, and last year as well, he was posted in Hangzhou during the winter. As the Judicial Minister, Sir Liu surely was not a prejudice person. He never looked down on Lu Cang despite knowing he was the Emperor's male lover. Lu Cang often went to the Dali Si judicial office to visit him, and since Lu Cang had moved from his Marquis' residence, Sir Liu of course needed Jing's permission to enter the Royal Palace for a none official meeting. Like hell Jing would permit it.

It was still too early for him to be back, so, Lu Cang had to scratch off the option to visit him as part of his schedule today.

General Mu Yue also hadn't come back from Anhui. Big cross to the military activity option.

Commander Ding Peng had his day off to visit his family in the village. The outskirts of the Capital for a week. No sparring partner.

It was just yesterday he visited Xiang Wen, so, today he couldn't go. He didn't want to be senseless and put the guards in a tight position if he visited Xiang Wen too often.

Lu Cang laughed bitterly.

His circle was too small... But then again, in this huge Palace, nobody dared to approach him. All because of Jing!!

That tyrant had to go as far as to make sure nobody had the courage to even steal a glance at him. Damn that Jing!!

Abruptly, Lu Cang was reminded of the Emperor's Emblem, which Jing gave him last night. Initially, Jing didn't want to give it to Lu Cang for fear Lu Cang might use it to sneak out again. After a long consideration, Jing had to admit that it was all because of his Emblem that he could trace Lu Cang's trail. Therefore he gave it back to Lu Cang while saying in a too sweet voice smeared with poisonous venom:

"Xiao Cang...Giving this back to you. Just use it as you 'please' .... And you may want to see what will happen next..."

Frowning while looking at the Emblem, Lu Cang honestly didn't want to use this Emblem. As long as he had Jing, where else would he want to go?

A sudden idea came to his mind. A recently often appearing mischievous smile floated up and filled his face.

There was nobody but Jing who could accompany him today, so, why not?!

In an instant, he stood up and strode gracefully towards the Royal Study. To find Jing.

"Jing...."

Jing was frowning deeply before Lu Cang's entrance. As soon as he saw that distractive face, all of his tensed face muscles relaxed at once.

Smiling ever sweetly. "Xiao Cang... Come to accompany me??"

Instead of answering, Lu Cang gave him his most radiant smile, with an addition, a crooked brow. Jing knew, every time Lu Cang had this expression, Jing would need to be on high alert.

"What is it this time?? What kind of mischief are you planning?" Putting down the document in hand, Jing propped his chin with his right hand and amusingly smiled. Eyeing Lu Cang with his black and deep as the night sky eyes, filled with the undying spark of love.

"Here...." Lu Cang put down the Emperor's Emblem.

"What's with this?" Jing clearly couldn't figure out what Lu Cang was thinking of by giving him the Emblem back.

"I don't need it...."

Jing said nothing, just patiently waited for Lu Cang to continue. Surely he still had something to say.

Lu Cang stubbornly waited for Jing to ask. Both of them looked at each other while smiling. Both seemingly didn't want to give in and waited for the other one to lose in their usual childish game.

And Jing would never win in this kind of game. Who could win against that stubborn as a mule Lu Cang?

Sighing, Jing admitted his defeat. "Alright.... Why don't you need it??"

Lu Cang laughed triumphantly. It always felt terribly good to win over this almighty Jing even for the smallest trivial game.

Jing couldn't help but laugh as well. Jing understood that Lu Cang was amusing himself in this boring palace. Thus, whenever Lu Cang found an entertaining thing to do, Jing would happily comply.

"Well... since I have you, the Emperor himself, why do I even need the Emperor's Emblem? I just have to bring you with me wherever I want to go. Right??" Lu Cang stated it as if it was the simplest thing to do.

Jing waved his fingers, asking Lu Cang to come closer. For a kiss.

"What a clever thing to say!" As if praising a child, Jing praised Lu Cang in this kind of tone, to tease Lu Cang and to continue entertaining him. Jing had successfully upset Lu Cang again. --- Lu Cang bit Jing's lips in irritation.

"Whatever, come on, let's go!" Lu Cang brushed him off and pulled Jing along.

"Huh? Where to?"

"Out of the Palace, of course! Let's play in town... But.... First..." Lu Cang mischievously smiled as he casted a lascivious look all over Jing's body.

An hour later, on the busy street in the Capital City.......

All eyes were on the gorgeous couple. The man was an extraordinarily handsome man with haughty brows. His high nose and beaming lips complemented each other perfectly. All ladies in the street looked at him with amorous eyes, but quickly looked away when they saw the piercing cold eyes from the astonishing beautiful lady besides him.

The lady herself was beautiful beyond any words could describe. Her long black hair was half fastened with an amazingly exquisite hair dressing, showing a little of her seductive white as snow neck. Her red plump lips were smiling in a very sensual way while her eyes were glaring at anyone who dared to stare at her man. Her long light blue dress embroidered with flowery patterns gave the impression of nobility, as it accentuated her majestic figure magnificently. Though she was a bit too tall for the average lady, standing at the same height as the outstandingly handsome man beside her, they looked like two divine beings directly out of a painting.

That's right.... This heavenly couple was none other than His Majesty the Emperor, Xuan Yuan Jing, and his lover, Marquis Lu Cang.

Today, as Lu Cang decided to play in town, to escape the boring Palace, he made Jing wear women's clothing like what he did the first time they met. Of course, wearing women's clothing was never Jing's hobby, but when he thought about the amusing things he could do while in those clothes, very quickly he decided to play along. --- He could kiss and embrace Lu Cang in public.

Looking at the crowds who kept on ogling at them, couldn't help but feel both amused and irritated, he circled his arm possessively around Lu Cang's waist.

"Jing..." Needless to say, while already used to hand in hand public display, Lu Cang was still as modest as a virgin regarding too intimate body contact.

Ignoring Lu Cang's protest, Jing went on with his gesture to show the crowds that this amazingly handsome man was 'hers'. To stay away at all costs!

"You are the one who asked for this, don't regret it now!" Jing whispered in Lu Cang's ear, not forgetting to lick it, amusing himself with the layer of red that erupted from his lover's face.

Jing took note that Lu Cang couldn't stand this particular gesture as his body went all stiff. Moving uncomfortably in Jing's arm.

Found another amusing punishment to bestow upon Lu Cang, Jing triumphantly thought to himself. It wasn't bad to wear female clothing after all.

While the reward was worth the bother, nonetheless the effect was far too head-aching.

The next morning, there was a mountain of reports from various departments reporting on Lord Lu's uncouth and imprudent behavior in town.--- Playing openly and affectionately with a lady. More useless papers to read! Only served as Jing's source of annoyances.

-------

A burst of laughter, every now and then could be heard from the guess room of the Dali Si judicial office. Following the merrily chattering voices of two men.

"You wouldn't believe how red his face was when your brothers teased him." Liu Zhong Tang amusingly told Lu Cang about his brothers in Hangzhou.

Lu Cang laughed as he almost couldn't imagine it. Xiao Sang's calm as a lake face was blushing? He must find some time to go to Hangzhou and see for himself.--- Well... maybe when Jing's mood was extremely good, he could ask him to go together.

Every year, during winter, Liu Zhong Tang would perform his outside the Capital duty. For these past two years, he had been assigned to Hangzhou. ---Very much pleased Lu Cang. Eventually, he became acquainted with Lu Cang's brothers who also were posted as officials there. Knowing that Liu Zhong Tang was their Big Brother's friend from Capital, of course he would be warmly welcomed.

According to Liu Zhong Tang, this year, Cao Xin was expecting his second child. With the addition of Chu Mei and Xiao Yang, their Mansion had become so lively. Xiao Sang also was already comfortable with his new role as Xiao Yang's father. Liu Zhong Tang also added that Xiao Sang and Chu Mei often got teased by the brothers with their shy and reserved attitude towards each other.

It was really good to know that his brothers were doing fine. The last time he met them was when he recovered from his memory-lost state and had to leave Chu Mei and Xiao Yang under his brothers' care. It was, only about six or seven months ago, but it felt so long already.

"Cao Xin's son is so healthy. What is his name again?? Calling 'father-father-father' in a very cute way." Sir Liu continued amusingly as he recalled the cute chubby little son of Cao Xin.

"Ah, Yes.... Cao Jun, the last time I saw him, he was still learning to articulate the word 'father'...Seems like he managed it now..." Laughter escaped again from Lu Cang's mouth.

"Yes yes yes... He is a very bright child... Cao Xin is so fortunate to have a son as bright as Cao Jun..." Liu Zhong Tang stopped his words in the middle when he noticed the slight change in Lu Cang's face.

Liu Zhong Tang immediately understood the slight melancholy in Lu Cang's eyes. Even though he might appear as happy as he was now, Lu Cang still couldn't deny the fact that he, for all eternity, would never have a son of his own flesh and blood.

Being the Emperor's lover meant he no longer had the right to have a normal family. A wife and kids. He was bound to live in the Palace for all his life if he was lucky enough, or just be sent out of the Palace once the Emperor had gotten tired of him. Liu Zhong Tang sincerely wished that the latter wouldn't befall on his friend.

"Ahh... Lord Lu, I heard, this year you had quite an adventure??" Liu Zhong Tang quickly changed their family topic to another one.

Knowing that Liu Zhong Tang was being sensitive about his circumstances, Lu Cang was unable to contain his grateful smile. In this cruel and cold court, to have one sincere friend, Lu Cang considered himself to be extremely lucky.

"You mean about my 'year-long-disappearance' story?"

"Yes, that one. Another chapter in the 'Tales of Lord Lu'."

Both of them laughed heartedly again. Laughter filled the room with positive and warm feeling.

Liu Zhong Tang told Lu Cang about the "Tales of Lord Lu" who was miraculously retrieved from the 'Under World' by the Emperor. When everybody believed that Marquis Lu Cang had been executed, yet, the Emperor brought him back the next month.

Briefly Lu Cang told him the story about his disappearance, excluding Xiang Wen's role in the story, only the time during his disappearance. He had no time to tell Liu Zhong Tang before because Liu Zhong Tang had been out for duty during the time he returned to the Capital.

When he finished the story, without them realizing, the sky had been overcast.

"It looks like rain again..." Softly, as if muttering to himself, Liu Zhong Tang glanced at the sky.

"Yeah... It is almost summer after all..." Looking up, Lu Cang answered him as he heard the mutter.

"I hope that the sky will be clear tomorrow.... For His Majesty's on another Expedition... Cloudy weather is not a good sign to set off after all..." Suddenly, as if reminded, he abruptly turned to Lu Cang. "Will you go with His Majesty on tomorrow's Expedition?"

Nodding his head, Lu Cang narrowed his eyes at the white shadow coming their way while answering. "Yes... actually it was my petition. I asked Jing... I mean, His Majesty to let me go on an Expedition with General Mu Yue."

"Yes... You are Second-In-Command in military..."

"Noo... It is nothing but an empty title..." Laughing bitterly while saying this. Perfectly aware that Liu Zhong Tang knew what he meant. "And His Majesty just selfishly decided that he will go too..."

The droplets of rain had started to fall. Drenching the dry soil that welcomed them whole-heartedly.

"It's raining... How will you get back to the Palace now, Lord Lu?"

Liu Zhong Tang was quite concerned, especially after learning about Lu Cang's condition during his mysterious whereabouts. He thought that Lu Cang must, at least, still be physically weak.

"You don't have to worry...." With the corner of his eyes, Lu Cang signaled Liu Zhong Tang to look at the entrance.

There, Jing, had come to fetch Lu Cang donned in his casual white robe, stood up right wearing his indescribable expression. Lu Cang couldn't tell whether Jing was upset or happy. His beautiful as a fine crafted white jade face smiling in such an ambiguous way. For a fair point, it appeared as a smile for Lu Cang.

"Long Live Your Majesty!" Liu Zhong Tang quickly knelt and greeted Jing.

"Mm!" Jing answered in a mutter and waved his hand listlessly to grant Liu Zhong Tang permission to stand up.

Even though Jing already accepted the fact that Lu Cang needed another friend to chat with beside Ding Peng and Mu Yue, --- and that little Princess, Jing still couldn't help but be jealous every time Lu Cang warmly talked with another person, whether a man or a woman.

"Lord Lu.... I believe you have finished with your regular check of the Judicial Office?" When there were other people present, Jing would unleash his Emperor's aura. Dignified but frightful.

"Your Majesty, thank you very much for your concern. And yes, I am finished here." Lu Cang actually didn't have the intention to be awfully formal in front of his friend, but Jing chose to be formal and Lu Cang knew why he did so. To warn Liu Zhong Tang not to touch or be overly friendly with the Emperor's beloved.

Shaking his head, Lu Cang turned to Liu Zhong Tang to excuse himself.

"Sir Liu... it was, again, another nice talk with you. I will come again...."

"I will wait for your next visitation, Lord Lu..."

At the very least, they were using honorable title, not Brother this or Brother that, thought Jing to himself. His unpleasant feelings towards Liu Zhong Tang were alleviated a little.

For some selfish reasons, Jing couldn't tolerate any over-familiarity towards his Xiao Cang. He and he alone could be intimate and affectionate with Lu Cang.

Resting his left arm on Lu Cang's waist, Jing pulled Lu Cang closer to his body, not forgetting to throw Liu Zhong Tang a meaningful eye, declaring his belonging.

Clicking his tongue in irritation, Lu Cang glared at Jing while his whole face blushed red from embarrassment. How could Jing do this to him, in front of Liu Zhong Tang of all people!

"What?!" Pretending that he didn't understand the meaning behind Lu Cang's glare, Jing smiled so sweetly. "It can't be helped. I only brought but one umbrella, so we have to share.... You should be thankful that I am coming, if not... you would be down with another cold!"

Lu Cang seethed in resentment. Recently, Jing got a new hobby, treating him like a little child. Last time was like a woman! Who knew what he would treat Lu Cang as next time. An old man???

Both of them walked in the gradually getting heavy drizzle, under one umbrella, body tightly glued together with Jing's arm tightly wrapped around Lu Cang's waist. The sight itself was truly a heavenly picturesque. They gave off a very warm and loving feeling. Nobody, well, except those scornful courtiers, would think that they were a mismatch couple. They perfectly matched each other, a truly heavenly blessed couple.

Liu Zhong Tang himself couldn't help but smile when he saw Lu Cang warning the Emperor with his eyes. He sighed in all contentment for this Royal couple. Wishing them the very best of fortune, health and happiness.

"Jing... You don't trust me, do you??" Lu Cang asked in his slightly pouting face. Brows knitted in a tight frown.

"Hmm?? What do you mean? I trust you completely." Nonchalantly, Jing gave him an innocent smile.

"This!! This annoying treatment! Come to fetch me everywhere. I AM NOT a little child for heaven sake!!" Almost yelling, Lu Cang voiced loudly his complaint.

"Ahhh...." Chuckling, Jing said another annoying remark. "Who mistook you as a little child? Would I do all those fun and healthy nightly activities to a little child??"

Even though Lu Cang had become a bit bolder and not so hesitant to voice his mind, deep inside, he was still the same old Lu Cang who held morality and virtue as important thus he couldn't stand any dirty talk.

Eyes formed perfectly round, glared with all his might. "You are truly annoying!!"

"Thank you very much.... And you are truly adorable!"

"You are impossible!!"

-------

The next morning, all the troops and the procession to the Eastern Expedition were all readily in their position. Waiting for the ceremonial officers to hit the chime. Signaling their departure time.

The sky surely wasn't the kind that they wished for. A thick layer of grey clouds was covering the supposed to be blue and clear sky. Everybody wondered, if this would be a bad premonition? To depart under this gloomy weather?

Everybody but the Emperor.

Seemingly stolen the sunlight from the sky, The Emperor's whole face was the spark of light. Shining so radiantly, so brightly, to the point of dazzling. Beaming with such happiness, the Emperor cleared away their initial worry about bad omens or what not.

The procession proceeded after the bell chimed eight times. Like usual, magnitudes of overwhelming troops walked steadily as if they had no end. Behind the Dragon Chariot.

Leading the troops was their Great Hero of the Nation, General Mu Yue.

And by the Dragon Chariot was, The Commander of the Inner Palace Imperial Bodyguards, Commander Ding Peng. --- Ding Peng was specifically ordered to come along as Lu Cang's bodyguard instead of Jing's. In addition, two magnificent horses without their riders. The Emperor's and Lord Lu's.

The Emperor staying in the Chariot instead of riding the horse was understandable, given the gloomy weather that sent them its threat to hinder them with its droplets. But for Lord Lu to join him in his Chariot was a bit......

Ding Peng and Mu Yue could easily deduce the reason. --- The Emperor must have done something to him that caused him to be incapable to ride his horse.

Given the all shining and sparkling face of the Emperor and the overcast expression of Lu Cang, their deduction ought to be accurate.

Looking at the sky, Ding Peng truly wished that this Royal couple wouldn't create additional trouble for them this time.

End of HHYL Fanfic2 chapter 1.