Chapter 4

 HHYL Fanfic2 Chapter 4

All the soldiers held their breath upon the arrival of their highest leader, The Emperor, ---clearly he was impatient as His Majesty was not coming by way of his usual elegant steps, instead, His Majesty was literally flying. ---Such pose they had never seen before. They all knew so well their Emperor's temper regarding Lord Lu. The past accident had proven that to them many times, nobody was allowed to look at Lord Lu intensely, less to say about touching him.

With all that terror in their minds, they could only wait for His Majesty to unleash his infamous temper towards the man who returned together with Lord Lu and evidently 'holding' him tightly. Who knew what kind of bad luck would befall on this unfortunate beautiful man. They sincerely wished the best of luck for him while watching from a far, afraid of making a reckless move which would attract the Emperor's rage.

Without knowing any of this conflicted situation in the soldiers chaotic mind, Huan Shu Cheng could only watch helplessly when Lu Cang struggled to free himself from his supporting hands and eagerly moved forward. He could see a hint of relief on the handsome face by his side, making him more than reluctant to let him go as his sense of attachment grew stronger and deeper.

However, Lu Cang pushed him away and was taken by a man in white even before Shu Cheng realized what actually happened as he was still in a daze. Staring blankly to the direction where Lu Cang had been taken, unconsciously he tried to make his way to there too, but for his surprise, General Mu Yue and Commander Ding Peng blocked his way and towered intimidatingly in front of him.

Trying hard to quash the unexpected sense of loss and disappointment that had emerged abruptly, Shu Cheng immediately came to his senses, ---That person in white must be someone of a higher position than General Mu Yue and Commander Ding Peng since they prevented Shu Cheng from following after him. Both of them were the Emperor's most trusted subjects along with Lu Cang... In a mere second, Shu Cheng had put all these thoughts into consideration, hence, although not having any chances to see the man's face clearly, he confidently concluded, that man in white, must be the mysterious Emperor of the Great Datong Empire, Emperor Jing Zong.

Of course Mu Yue and Ding Peng would block his way even without Jing's explicit order. Jing had been irritated to the utmost since Lu Cang was taken during the negotiation gathering. They would even bet their lives that Jing had not slept, not even one wink the whole night. How could they let anyone disturb him now?

"Sir..." Mu Yue strictly called out to Shu Cheng, as if wanting to warn him, where he actually stood now. ---The Military camp of Datong, The Country of Mingdi's current enemy as the truce had yet to be formed.

Mu Yue's tone reminded him of his own situation. At the very least, Lu Cang was in his own military camp and nothing bad would befall upon him, moreover, he was with the Emperor himself. Instead, his own situation was more dangerous.

Looking at Mu Yue and Ding Peng's sour expression, for someone as intelligent as Shu Cheng, he knew best not to agitate them at the moment. With his usual smiling warmly face, he cupped his hands in front of his chest.

"General Mu, Commander Ding, Greetings. I am Huan Shu Cheng, Mingdi's Adviser." Even though had a clear understanding that they might have known him, Shu Cheng still saluted and greeted them respectfully as they were, not too sure about General Mu Yue but Commander Ding Peng was obviously his senior in age.

"Adviser Huan, Greetings. Please..." Mu Yue and Ding Peng saluted him, then made a gesture for him to follow them, signaling that any further talk should be halted until they arrived at the respective place to do the talk 'comfortably'.

After a final glance towards the direction Lu Cang had gone, Shu Cheng while nodding his head, trailed behind Mu Yue and Ding Peng without any expectation that he would be warmly welcomed by them, all the while uncontrollably wondering which tent belonged to the Second-in-Command.

Initially, he thought he would be brought to one of the tents that served as the military prison, to be held captive while being severely interrogated. But to his surprise, he was brought to a cozy tent to rest.

"Adviser Huan, have a rest here. I believe you are exhausted from your long journey. For your own safety, please restrain yourself from stepping out the tent." Mu Yue courteously 'advised' Shu Cheng.

Realizing the silent threat behind the words, Shu Cheng prudently nodded his head. "Thank you for the concern, General Mu. I will keep your advice in mind."

Instead of a shabby dimmed and heavily guarded tent like the usual tent prison, he was held in a not as large as his usual tent, but still an agreeable tent. ---Looked like Datong truly had confidence in their power to let such an important captive like him stay in this kind of tent.

The corner of Shu Cheng's mouth was slightly raised as he watched Mu Yue and Ding Peng walk out of his tent and left him alone. His decision to form an alliance with Datong grew even stronger. But first, he must think of a way to convince Datong.

Resting his body on the bed, the breathtaking features of the Second-in-Command appeared as soon as he closed his eyes. Accompanying him to the realm of dream.

Meanwhile, all the soldiers looked at each other seemingly confused, yet, they all breathed out sighs of relief since nothing bad happened even though the Emperor saw his beloved touched by another person.

------

In The Emperor's tent...

Seeing that Lu Cang fainted the moment he arrived, Jing, without a moment of hesitation, swiftly brought Lu Cang back to their tent. He wanted to have a clear look at Lu Cang's condition as soon as possible. --- He even had to halt his urge to smash that brazen-faced man who dared to intimately hold his Lu Cang.

The moment he heard the report about Lu Cang, he hastily flew to the direction the soldier told him. And by the corner of his eyes, he saw Mu Yue and Ding Peng also following him in a rush. When he saw that Lu Cang was being firmly held by another man, he was about to explode from his anger, however, Lu Cang seemingly wasn't aware of his own situation and with a relieved smile, he fainted just as soon as he saw Jing.

Although he was more than happy that Lu Cang had safely returned to him, yet, he still couldn't be totally relieved. He still had to personally check Lu Cang's condition thoroughly to be assured that he was all right; he had collapsed as soon as the arrow touched him yesterday. ---It may have contained some type of dangerous poison.

Letting out a sigh of relief after being finally convinced that there wasn't anything dangerous in Lu Cang's body, Jing still couldn't help but furiously frown when he took off all of Lu Cang's clothes and saw the wound on his right leg. The blood had stopped flowing, but still, the wound was quite deep.

Gritting his teeth, Jing diligently held in another cause for his anger, suppressing his urge to kill the bastard who dared to inflict such a wound on the body of Lu Cang. He swore to himself, whoever was responsible for this transgression, would pay dearly with no less than their life. ---Briefly, a cold light flashed within his perfect eyes when he contemplated about what kind of torture he should kindly gave to vent his layer upon layer of piling up wrath.

After bandaging Lu Cang's wounds and covering his body with the quilt, Jing sat by the edge of the bed and patiently waited for him to wake up. All the while several thoughts continued to run around his mind. Once again, he had lost his beloved, it happened right before his own eyes this time.

But now he had finally returned.

Despite everything having happened only yesterday, Jing, however felt like a long century had passed. He had wanted to go and find Lu Cang himself, but Mu Yue and Ding Peng kept preventing him from doing so. After all, they were currently in a foreign land, the enemy's territory, needless to say that they knew nothing about the surroundings. Then again, he was needed to keep the soldiers' morale high in order to be ready for any possible conditions. --- Which he did spectacularly by emanating a dreadful aura since yesterday, causing all the soldiers to be at their highest state of alert. With the uncertainty of where to look, Jing could only impatiently wait for any news from the unrefined and useless King of Mingdi.

As soon as they got back to their tent, Jing sent a messenger back to Anhui to ask for re-enforcement and weaponries, as well as other supplies. In case that foolish King couldn't fulfill his promise and Lu Cang didn't return safely to his side, he would be all ready to crush Mingdi by any means. For letting this kind of circumstance occur in their territory.

Now that Lu Cang had returned to their camp, Mingdi was spared from meeting its doom. Yet, he still needed to hear from Lu Cang's own lips, why was he being accompanied by that ... that.... graceless Adviser. ---Surely Mu Yue and Ding Peng would take care of him for the moment.

Jing only needed a glance to understand that that unpleasant Mingdi Adviser was bad news. ---He eyed Lu Cang with a distinct affection in his eyes. Thank heaven for Lu Cang's naivety, he wouldn't understand anything like that, especially coming from a man. ---Jing smiled bitterly as he was reminded of his own experience when he tried to win Lu Cang's heart during his memory-lost period. Lu Cang wouldn't believe that a man could be attracted to another man even though he himself was attracted to Jing, a man, though more beautiful than any women Lu Cang had ever seen.

However, Jing also knew, this Adviser obviously was not simply just an Adviser. He remembered vividly how the King called out to him when he was being taken. ---A pure concern from a father. Sneered inwardly, Jing would not be surprised if he was a Prince or he might be the designated candidate to ascend the throne of Mingdi.

Given his calm and bright nature during the negotiation, Jing could conclude that this Adviser was the one behind all of the King's decisions. ---That detestable King was only a fool despite his high position. The highest probability was King Huan ascended the throne because he was the only option, otherwise.... Jing doubted anyone would be stupid enough to let him rule a country. ---An obviously foolish and self-indulgent man.

Recalling the intimate position of that Adviser and Lu Cang when they arrived, Jing seethed in all resentment. How dare that impudent Adviser take advantage of his Lu Cang! --- That hand on his waist was totally uncalled for. Jing also could see the clear disappointment on the Adviser's face when Lu Cang forcefully pushed him away and eagerly fell into Jing's arms. It was as clear as day that.... that loathsome Adviser had feelings for his Lu Cang. Jing couldn't help but be irritated by this fact.

Knowing Lu Cang better than Lu Cang himself, Jing knew that Lu Cang was highly desired by women. Granted, his face was manly and handsome, his body was well-proportioned, tall and firm. Not to mention he had the natural bearing of a leader. The pride in his sword-like brows which perfected his dashing countenance had somehow drawn out his own charm and multiplied it. Although Lu Cang was not on good terms with most of the courtiers and officials alike, he was respected by the soldiers, the eunuchs and the palace attendants despite their lack of contact with him due to Jing's unreasonable order. They respected him not because he was The Emperor's closest man, but because Lu Cang was worth their respect. ---Having been Jing's lover for many years, never once did he abuse his position, unlike his previous favorite concubines. Once Jing showed them more attention, they would start to walk in the Palace with their heads up in the clouds. Harassing the other concubines and the attendants using their position as The Emperor's favorite.

So far, this was the very first time for a man, other than himself, to be attracted to Lu Cang and openly displayed his interest. Furthermore, this man could cause more troublesome affairs as he was not one whom Jing could take lightly. Of course Jing could understand this Adviser's nature easily since he could sense that this Adviser was of the same mold as Jing himself. ---Naturally bright and talented, descendant of a Royal lineage, perfect in all aspects, and blessed with an extremely good look.

No matter what, Jing must prevent any further intimate relationship between this detestable Adviser and Lu Cang. Especially after Lu Cang made that threat about going to another person if he found that person better. ---Jing at that time found it to be an amusingly idle threat, now however, the thought made him simultaneously anxious and furious. He would most certainly have to kill Lu Cang himself if Lu Cang was brave enough to leave him. To Jing, Lu Cang was his, thus, could and would only be with him and him alone!

He quickly clammed down his about-to-surface jealousy as he remembered their conversation. In the end, Lu Cang had chosen him, ---a truly bittersweet moment. Lu Cang had pushed that despicable man away when he saw Jing coming and gave Jing the most beautiful relieved smile just before he lost his consciousness due to his exhaustion. ---Reminded of this very obvious fact, Jing smiled contently. Lu Cang would never leave him. Jing was certain of it.

"Nghh....."

A low moaning voice from by Jing's side alerted him that Lu Cang was waking up at this moment.

"Woken up? Did you have a nice rest??" With his sweetest voice, Jing spread his beautiful smile to the stirring Lu Cang.

Greeted by the voice that he missed so much the moment he regained his consciousness, Lu Cang sat upright at once. He almost couldn't believe his eyes when he saw Jing sitting by the edge of the bed.

Jing's magnificent divine like countenance was smiling so beautifully. His long pitch-black hair was like water-falling, the world's best black thread of silk on his white as snow clothes. The autumn lake like eyes were glistening so brightly. In that moment, Lu Cang felt like he was still dreaming if not for Jing lightly kissing him.

"Jing!!" Genuinely delighted to see Jing again, he exclaimed happily, not even realizing his current naked condition.

Chuckling, Jing pulled him close for a long embrace. "How do you feel?"

After savoring Jing's scent for quite some time, Lu Cang answered in a lowered voice. "Never better..."

"Hmmm? You call this better?" Jing gently pushed Lu Cang away and started his ranting. "Look at this wound, this is what you call better?? And you lost your consciousness as soon as you arrived, this is what you call better?" Jing lifted Lu Cang's left palm and showed him the scar caused by the arrow. He also pointed to Lu Cang's bandaged right leg. "After my warning about being extra careful, this is what you presented to me?"

"You drive me crazy with your recklessness. How careless! Indeed, there is no cure for foolishness."

As if reprimanding a naughty child, Jing firmly fixed his stern eyes on Lu Cang. In spite of his complaining, Jing's voice was filled with obvious concern.

Having Jing treat him like a child again, Lu Cang frowned and was about to refute, but as soon as he recalled the feeling of bitterness he had experienced when he was away from this selfish-beyond-belief man, the proudest man with an unbelievable amount of haughtiness, who always acted all high and mighty as if his logic was the only truth in this world, Lu Cang couldn't help but swallow in all of his bickering words. Instead, he threw himself back into Jing's arms and hugged him tightly.

"I am sorry... I admit, this time it is entirely my fault....I even exposed you to a greater danger... I am truly sorry..."

Jing was greatly surprised and amused by Lu Cang's unusual reaction. The usual Lu Cang would stubbornly protest and be so unwilling to admit his faults. But now, not only did he admit that he was at fault but he also felt sorry. Lightly, he patted Lu Cang's head.

Teasingly, he asked Lu Cang to lighten his mood. "What greater danger?"

"That arrow... I could never forgive myself if that arrow had hit you and you were the one taken away instead." Lu Cang showed his sincere concern. His face was displaying all his seriousness. Yet, his handsome face was unable to hide its annoyance when he heard Jing's soft laughter, no... a mocking sneer to be exact.

"Silly!!! As if that kind of thing could happen to me! That small arrow could never take me down, you really are a fool! That's why I said, I could never be at ease with a certain fool by my side in enemy territory."

"There is always that possibility!" Unbending, Lu Cang irritatedly voiced out his concern.

"Well... just say that I was the one taken, then, it would be the enemy's loss to impudently take me. Not mine. Since I would surely have meticulously destroyed them, not leaving a single person alive. And I am sure, I wouldn't take a day to come back!" Implying that the length of time Lu Cang had taken to return was unacceptable and referencing the powerless state he was in when he came back, Jing shot Lu Cang his usual scoffing eyes.

Lu Cang dejectedly lowered his head. How true. If it was Jing, surely he wouldn't have had this much trouble with the enemy and would have returned to him on the very same day. There was so much confidence in Jing's tone that Lu Cang believed every single word he said. But he still stubbornly pressed on.

"What if you were actually knocked down?"

Rolling his beautiful eyes, Jing answered Lu Cang's unsettled feeling with a clear menacing undertone.

"I must say, there is hardly anything that could take me down. But if you insist, if I were truly knocked down, which I believe would never happen, the moment I opened my eyes, I would see to the destruction of whoever dared to do that to me!"

Jing could feel Lu Cang's body tremble slightly, still unconvinced by his words. Bestowing Lu Cang with his best smile to ease his restless heart, Jing lovingly caressed Lu Cang's face.

"Of course it would never happen... don't worry too much about it, alright? Instead, you need to worry about your own self." The warm and loving tone suddenly distorted to an unpleasant expression. Almost indifferently, Jing asked with his heavy tone. "Tell me... Why did you come back with that Adviser?"

Upon this kind of tone, Lu Cang confirmed that Jing extremely disliked the adviser for some reason only Jing would know.

Sighing, Lu Cang started his story from the moment he regained his consciousness until he came back to the tent. All in detail. But he left out about having a conversation with Huan Shu Cheng all night long, knowing that Jing would be greatly annoyed by this fact, therefore, he only briefly told Jing that they took shelter in a big tree.

He also didn't let Jing know that he was thinking of Jing all the while. Thinking of returning to Jing's side as soon as possible.

A hint of a mischievous smile appeared on Jing's soft rosy lips. "Looks like I need to check your body thoroughly..." Caressing Lu Cang's cheek all the way down to his neck until his chest, Jing watched amusingly as Lu Cang knitted his brows with both a confused and worried expression. ---Confused because Jing was displaying such a playful smile, and worried because Jing said he needed to check his body thoroughly. Was there something wrong with his body? Was there something poisonous in that arrow? But Lu Cang had made sure that there wasn't anything but tranquilizer in that arrow.

It was like he had no awareness at all, indifferently, Jing said to Lu Cang. "After all, you spent a night with another man."

Instantly Lu Cang's face changed from a worrier to a warrior, all fierce and agitated.

"Xuan Yuan Jing!!!" Pointing his fingers angrily at Jing's face, Lu Cang's eyes were ablaze by the fury. "Never once did I complain about you spending a night with your Concubines! How dare you accuse me for such immoral lecherous conduct!"

He was greatly disturbed by this careless remark. How could Jing accuse him of such a thing!

Jing was still wearing his 'I-didn't-say-anything-wrong' expression, making Lu Cang's grievances over his offhanded words heightened, causing his breathing spell to be disrupted.

After a short pause to steady his breathing, he resumed. "I can't believe you actually said such a thing to me!!!" Uncontrollably, his body was shaking greatly for the suppressed overflowing emotion he felt at the moment.

Lu Cang furiously glared at Jing. The entire time when they were separated, all that occupied his mind was Jing. He was worried for Jing's safety. He missed Jing greatly. Yet, Jing lightly accused him of... of...the more he thought of it, the more the wrath consumed him.

And yet, Jing was still looking at him nonchalantly with his all relaxed manner, with his usual almost like laughing face, not feeling the least bit guilty for saying that kind of hateful thing.

Angered to the utmost, Lu Cang climbed out of the bed and was about to step outside the tent. Only then did he realize his condition. --- He was stark naked. Face reddened, both by anger and humiliation, he quickly grabbed the quilt to cover his body.

To add more to his aggravation, Jing was holding tightly onto the other end of the quilt, preventing him from fully covering his body, with his annoyingly wicked smile. ---Lu Cang hissed and flared up, ready to burst out with another temper tantrum.

Before he could burst out any of his rude swearing words from his past coarse life as a Bandit King, with one mighty pull from Jing's side, Lu Cang gracelessly tumbled forward. Jing caught his about-to-fall body and put him back on the bed. Using his own body weight, he seized Lu Cang in a firm hold.

"Damn you!!" Lu Cang was too angry to comply with whatever game Jing had decided to play. He used his arms and legs to try to push Jing away. "I warn you! Get off!"

Jing said nothing. Playfully, he seized both of Lu Cang's arms and secured them over his head, rendering Lu Cang in an alluring and seductive posture. With his eyes beaming the light of love, Jing silenced that swearing abusively mouth. Sealing that ill-tempered mouth with his own lips.

Whenever Lu Cang was feeling agitated, he would put up the most unreasonable opposition despite knowing how useless his resistance was. And of course, in all certainty, he was fully aware that Jing would get more excitement from his meaningless rejection. His previous experience had given him more than enough proof that Jing was far more superior than him in term of power and that his desperate struggle would only serve as pouring oil to the fire. But how could Lu Cang give up his protest when being wronged with such disgraceful words.

"Hmmmppphhhmmm....." His complaints were reduced to a mere groan, setting aflame Jing's desire.

Jing's strong left hand pinned Lu Cang's wrists while his right hand was having its own adventure. Venturing about Lu Cang's body. From his smooth as silk hair all the way to his neck, lingering a while to greet the proud buds, before arriving at its destination, the soft but hot thing between Lu Cang's legs.

His hand was too skillful for Lu Cang. With only a few strokes as his introduction, that instrument was already standing up, at full attention.

Using his right hand only, Jing lightly kneaded the gradually growing hot pole of Lu Cang. Teasing the roundish tip of that stem with the pad of his thumb, Jing suddenly squeezed it harder, made Lu Cang squirmed and struggled even more.

Lu Cang's whole face was as red as the newly wed's bride silk clothes from lacking air when Jing released his mouth for breathing. His eyes were glaring furiously as he was breathing so hard without closing his mouth to draw in more air.

"You... You... Get off!!!" Panting so hard, Lu Cang tried to articulate his objection.

Despite knowing Jing so well, Lu Cang still carelessly aroused Jing even more with that kind of expression which Jing loved the most when they were in bed. ---Panting helplessly, eyes widened in a threaten attempt, whole face red with swollen lips, and to add all those alluring pose, a silver thread from his mouth fluid flew down and wetted his soft neck.

Before Lu Cang had another chance to protest, his lips were sealed again. This time, Jing was utilizing his hot and nimble tongue to reduce the persistent angry tone into an arousing moan while his right hand had moved to another place. To the hot and twitching back entrance hidden in the middle of two soft and roundish hills. Gently, he rubbed it in a very pleasurable way.

Lu Cang squirmed a little from the sensation this gave him. Jing slowly traced and taunted Lu Cang's entrance for a while, steadily enticing its owner. Jing, not wanting to place too much strain on his lover's body, began to gradually slide his long slender fingers in and out of the twitching pinkish rear entrance. After smoothly gliding several of his fingers all the way in, ---Lu Cang began to increasingly moan uncontrollably, "Mmmm", with the pleasure of the gentle caressing and thrusting of his inner walls. His long and slender middle finger easily found the most sensitive spot in the inner part of Lu Cang's body.

Having his most pleasurable spot being stimulated continuously, Lu Cang helplessly jolted, weakened and felt like all the power left his body at once. He gradually lessened his futile struggling movements.

For the intelligent Jing, this small gesture, without a doubt, would not escape his observation. Sensing that Lu Cang was no longer vehemently objecting, he withdrew his lips which had been sealed over Lu Cang's, looking into those dimmed-with-lust eyes of Lu Cang's, he smiled beautifully, making all the stars in the sky pale in comparison.

"Xiao Cang.... It is not you that I doubt. You have my utmost trust. The one whom I can't trust is the other party. I have to make sure that he is not to lay a hand on you."

"You are being ridiculous again!! Other than you, who will be interested in me?"

Jing chuckled at those naïve words. If only Lu Cang knew how attractive he was. Again, Jing would never let him know about his own good qualities. Only Jing would know about them.

Jing tried to recall if he had ever felt more desire or contentment than at this moment. Jing slowly leaned toward Lu Cang and gently let his lips lightly touch his. Hmmm...how soft and sweet they felt and tasted under his touch. Deeper and deeper, he drew Lu Cang in, continuing to lick the sweetness from his lips igniting once again a passion full of fire. Secretly smiling to himself, Jing continued with his 'check-up' activity.

Jing slightly lifted and adjusted Lu Cang on the bed, for his comfort, Lu Cang took this chance to straddle his legs around Jing's waist. Smiling between his kisses, Jing grabbed those lower cheeks firmly yet gently as he bit each one of those hardened buds softly. Jing slowly closed his lips to embrace those buds. Sensually, he sucked for what seemed to last for an eternity. He bit gently into each one, sucking a little more with each nibble. Jing now suckled intensely on those two buds until he made smaller dark circles appear around each one. As his buds were devoured by that skillful hot mouth and tongue, combined with the skillful fingers which danced at his rear entrance, Lu Cang couldn't help but moan loudly from the pleasure Jing's gave him.

After hearing such a thrilling sound emanate from under him, Jing returned his lips to Lu Cang's. While his manhood slowly entered that twitching but enticing cave, to dig out more pleasure from his private mine by plowing slowly and gently. Carefully he moved his waist in an up and down movement.

Jing reminded himself again, he had to set Lu Cang's well-being as his top priority. Even with his heightened desire, Jing still deliberately held himself in check for he didn't want to put too much burden on Lu Cang's body. Lu Cang, despite responding vigorously, was obviously still worn out from his exhausting journey. As he took all of this into consideration, Jing finished their love making after releasing himself only once, not inside Lu Cang's body, this time he chose to release himself outside, to make it easier for Lu Cang to clean up afterwards. Jing's undeniably insatiable appetite was kept controlled. Today was about his returned Xiao Cang, he needed to wait patiently for his body to fully recover.

As usual, Jing was already all refreshed and was cleaning off the traces of their hot session from their bodies using the silk cloth next to their bed. Afterwards he continued to caress Lu Cang's body while Lu Cang was still panting, trying hard to catch his breath after their energetic private time together.

"Cang... Listen to me... I don't want you to do such a reckless thing again, you hear me?"

"Can I say the same to you?" Lu Cang retaliated after stabilizing his breathing spell, narrowing his eyes in annoyance.

"Excuse me Lord Lu, when the hell have I ever done a stunt as reckless as yours?"

"Apology, Your Majesty, there is no way in hell a perfect being like Your Majesty would commit such a reckless action."

"I see... You are getting better at running that mouth. What reward shall 'I' bestow upon my beloved subject, Lord Lu?"

"Answer Your Majesty, Your humble subject would be more than grateful to have Your Majesty healthy and 'ruling' the country with the 'utmost' concern." Underlying his sarcasm, Lu Cang raised one of his brows, challenging Jing about his playful nature.

"You..." Though greatly amused by their new style of teasing each other, Jing sometimes still regretted that he had taught Lu Cang literature. He should have taught him the boring details of court etiquette instead. Jing smiled and shook his head slightly.

Seeing that the smart Jing could no longer taunt him, Lu Cang laughed softly. Jing just slapped his head lovingly for his soft laugh.

Jing was about to climb out the bed when Lu Cang suddenly grabbed his wrist.

"Don't... stay here longer ... I...I still miss you..." Saying that with a blushing face, Jing felt that Lu Cang was truly endearing. The rare display of affection from Lu Cang was Jing's treasure. How could he not comply with such an adorable request?

"What's wrong? Shouldn't you rest more? Your strength hasn't fully replenished yet." Nevertheless, having said these full-of-concern words, Jing laid by Lu Cang's side and pulled his body into a protective cuddle.

"Yes, but.... I want you here...." Lu Cang hugged Jing's suet jade body with all his heart recalling how the melancholia he had suffered when separated from Jing for only a day had filled his heart like the bitterest medicine. Lu Cang felt like crying when he remembered the extreme longing he had felt when he was making his way back to their camp last night.

Then a sudden realization hit Lu Cang.

If Lu Cang could not even stand a day of separation, how did Jing feel during their one year long separation??

How could Jing have endured that year without him? ---He lost his memory, so he felt nothing. But for Jing it must have been real torture, yet he still managed to live through the separation. Not only that, but he had never ceased in his determination to be reunited with Lu Cang. Indeed, the man he fell in love with was truly strong and remarkable. As for himself, as soon as he regained his memory, he yearned dearly for Jing. He wanted to see Jing. He wanted to hug him and feel his warmth. He shuddered lightly as he recalled how miserable he felt when he couldn't as Jing had already left for Datong.

Hugging Jing even tighter, which baffled Jing for a while, Lu Cang whispered his regret over and over again. Indeed, he had taken what Jing gave him for granted. He reminded himself of the promise he made last night.--- that he would appreciate and accept all of Jing: his love and his whole being.

Now that he could understand what Jing had to go through so well, his affection for the most powerful and most beautiful man only increased in intensity, overflowing unrestrainedly in full force, flooding his heart and causing great turbulence in his eyes. He was so overwhelmed that despite himself, droplets of tears dropped uncontrollably onto Jing's chest.

Startled, Jing lifted Lu Cang's face up so he could look deeply into those boudoir eyes and asked in alarm. "What's wrong? Do you feel uncomfortable?"

In this solemn moment, Lu Cang didn't know how to properly convey his feelings in words. There were no words that could adequately express the depth of his feelings. Using the only way he thought was the best, he looked at Jing with his brimming eyes.

Instead of an answer, Jing got a kiss. ---The sweetest kiss Jing ever received, filled with an intensity of all Lu Cang's heartfelt love and gratitude. Startling Jing slightly. Yet pleasing him greatly. ---Lu Cang initiating a sensual yet loving kiss was such a rare occasion.

After his memory-lost state, Lu Cang had become more willing and braver to express himself, unlike before, when he used to contain all of his feelings inside. ---Whether it was his love or his complaint, he passively waited for Jing to act. This kind of Lu Cang, without a doubt, would be more than lovable to and welcomed by Jing. The only person who dared to and that Jing allowed to be as rude as he wanted towards the Emperor.

Jing ran his fingers through Lu Cang's soft long hair. Patting Lu Cang's smooth but firm back to ease his overflowing affection, Jing deepened their kisses, filled with pure love, without a taint of lust. At this moment, time seemed to have lost all meaning, it faintly sounded like rain was hitting the top of the tent playing a melodious tune in the background. Lu Cang held tightly to Jing, no longer worried that Jing would not be there, that this was a dream or illusion caused by the drug that had been in his system...

For unclear reasons, whether it was because he had been worn out from extreme tiredness or from his extreme overflowing feelings, Lu Cang drifted back to his blissful quiet world of sleep. Rested his body and heart in the embrace of the man he loved the most.

End of HHYL Fanfic2 Chapter 4.