General 1
A group of palace maids dressed in soft pink and green entered in an orderly manner as soon as Tang Xi got out of bed, each carrying something—the dragon robe he was to change into.
Being an emperor meant getting used to being served, but Tang Xi still found it uncomfortable. At least the undergarments remained his own responsibility—the original character had disliked physical contact with others.
Because he was afraid of being mocked for having skin softer than a woman’s.
The palace maids were extra cautious, moving swiftly and efficiently, afraid that lingering too long might accidentally offend the young emperor.
If that happened, a punishment of dozens of strikes with the plank would leave them crippled, if not dead.
The original character’s inexplicable sense of pride once again made things convenient for Tang Xi.
Aside from the slight awkwardness of a young palace maid discovering a luminous pearl on his bed, the preparations before the morning court session went smoothly.
He had yet to meet any key figures of the plot, so without any way to trigger the storyline, Tang Xi could only head to court in confusion.
A long procession of over ten eunuchs and palace maids trailed behind him, making for an imposing scene.
Just walking from his sleeping quarters to the court hall took a significant amount of time. Tang Xi’s delicate feet ached from the journey—his skin was even more sensitive than the original character, and walking for too long would cause blisters.
He suddenly regretted not calling for a sedan chair. After all, in the entire palace, only the emperor had the privilege of being carried in one.
It was his first time as emperor, and he had yet to get used to this sense of privilege.
Upon reaching the Golden Throne Hall, Tang Xi tried to keep a stern expression, attempting to appear serious.
However, looking at the sea of bowed heads before him made his legs weak. He barely managed to maintain a mask of impatience, only relaxing slightly after they finished their chant of “Long live the Emperor.”
In reality, he had been startled—standing at the very front of the officials was none other than the Prime Minister, the original protagonist gong. The moment Tang Xi saw him, the storyline flooded into his mind.
“If there is something to report, speak. If not, court is dismissed,” the sharp, high-pitched voice of Eunuch De carried an unexpected sense of authority.
Tang Xi had just finished processing the entire plot when he noticed a minister exchanging glances with Shen Xing. Only after receiving Shen Xing’s subtle nod did the minister step forward to speak.
Tang Xi: I saw that!
As expected of a mere puppet emperor—these people, with Shen Xing as their leader, didn’t regard him at all. Even the ministers had to seek Shen Xing’s approval before daring to speak.
Minister: “Your Majesty, I must report…”
Tang Xi had initially been a little curious, but after listening to the entire report, he was left speechless. Not only did even the most trivial matters require Shen Xing’s approval, but the things being reported were utterly insignificant.
He couldn’t care less that the young General Huang had been recognized at a brothel, causing some minor scandal.
Among the court officials, aside from the unfortunate General Huang who had been reported, no one else showed any reaction.
It seemed the young emperor truly spent every morning dealing with such trivial matters. The ministers were all used to it, so it was no wonder the original character disliked attending court.
Tang Xi casually followed the minister’s lead and scolded General Huang with a few light remarks. He then noticed that the young general’s face had turned red, as if he were furious.
He couldn’t help but sigh—young people really were quick to let their emotions get the better of them.
Huang Peifan wasn’t sure what had come over him. When he unintentionally looked up, he met the young emperor’s gaze—those clear, cat-like eyes glanced over him and settled on his face. Suddenly, he felt embarrassed.
This wasn’t his first time meeting the emperor, yet his heart was now pounding, and his face was burning.
Especially since he was being scolded over something so embarrassing. The shame made him even more restless. His initial indignation completely melted under that gaze, which carried a hint of both reproach and playfulness. Instead, a strange and indescribable emotion took over.
The young emperor was clearly reprimanding him, yet his voice was so soft. Did he even realize that his tone carried no authority at all?
Huang Peifan found himself completely distracted by the scolding, his face flushing even redder. His thoughts wandered—those lips looked so soft, and the words that came out were just as gentle.
After finishing his scolding, Tang Xi simply dismissed him.
While going over the plot in his mind, Tang Xi realized that this young General Huang was one of Nie Rong’s men. He had only recently taken up his position but would later become one of the main forces assisting the villain.
What Tang Xi didn’t expect was that several other ministers stood up to speak afterward. Their issues were also completely unrelated to state affairs, yet they all targeted people from Nie Rong’s faction.
It was true that the factions of Shen Li and Nie Rong were like fire and water, but such blatant hostility was unusual. Was something about to happen?
Tang Xi poked 1551.
1551: [Nie Rong is returning tomorrow.]
[Tomorrow?!] Tang Xi almost laughed out loud in front of the entire court. He barely managed to suppress the urge, his shoulders trembling slightly.
He had a feeling that his “poop scooper” had also followed him into this world. He never expected to see him as soon as tomorrow.
Tang Xi’s eyes curved as a small, secret smile crept onto his lips.
When Shen Xing looked up, he was met with the sight of the young emperor’s sweet smile.
Even someone like him, who didn’t like superficial beauty, had to admit at this moment that the young emperor’s face was indeed stunning. Why hadn’t he noticed it before?
The original character had always been attractive, but his features carried a touch of sharpness. However, after Tang Xi took over his body, that sharpness was replaced with a softer, more innocent charm. He no longer looked like a tyrant, but rather like a delicate young master from a noble family.
Shen Xing, who had originally planned to bring something up immediately, changed his mind and remained silent.
Once it was confirmed that no other ministers had anything to report, Eunuch De swept his sleeves and loudly declared, “Court is dismissed!”
Tang Xi was just about to leave when Shen Xing called him back.
What was with this supposed original protagonist gong? If he had something to say, why not bring it up during court? Why insist on speaking privately?
Tang Xi paused. Since the storyline never included detailed accounts of this puppet emperor’s actions, he had no idea what Shen Xing wanted to discuss in private.
Still, he was somewhat displeased and lifted his chin. “If you have something to say, wait until I’ve finished breakfast.”
Then, with a sudden change of mood, he added, “Or why don’t you join me for breakfast, Shen Aiqing1?”
The young emperor’s temper came and went quickly.
Shen Xing smiled and agreed. He had originally called out to Tang Xi on a whim, wanting to speak with him privately. Sharing a meal didn’t sound bad either.
He had no wife or concubines, knowing well that he preferred men. He didn’t think he’d ever develop feelings for this foolish emperor, but there was nothing wrong with admiring beauty.
The imperial breakfast was lavish, and Tang Xi’s eyes sparkled with excitement.
His gaze instantly locked onto the shumai placed closest to him. Waving off Eunuch De, who had stepped forward to serve him, he eagerly picked up a dumpling and stuffed it into his mouth.
His small mouth was completely stuffed, full to the brim.
No one dared to look directly at the young emperor while he ate—except for Shen Xing. He didn’t stare too openly, just stealing a glance at the young emperor while sipping his soy milk.
The young emperor’s eating habits were oddly adorable, inexplicably making others feel hungrier.
Shen Xing hadn’t yet realized that, in just one day, he had attached countless new labels to the so-called useless fool he once looked down upon.
The young emperor disliked being disturbed while eating—or rather, no one dared to disturb him.
Tang Xi continued eating, alternating between shumai and small pastries, finishing several plates before reluctantly putting down his chopsticks at the system’s reminder.
The food in the palace was exquisite, and the taste was impeccable—but the portions were ridiculously small.
Each plate held only a tiny amount, looking elegant but far from filling.
Even with the table fully covered in dishes, Tang Xi couldn’t eat too much. If he did, the empty plates would stand out, making it seem like he had an enormous appetite.
Wiping his mouth, he tried to shift his gaze nonchalantly away from the plate of vinegar-braised pork.
Shen Xing also set down his chopsticks and wiped his mouth.
“Shen Aiqing, what were you about to say?” Tang Xi finally looked at him after finishing the meal.
Shen Xing stood and responded, “Your Majesty, I wanted to confirm the arrangements for welcoming General Nie tomorrow, as well as the banquet. I believe that since General Nie has once again expanded our borders at the frontier, we should host a grand banquet in his honor. The people are eagerly anticipating his return.”
Tang Xi was momentarily confused. [1551, aren’t they supposed to be mortal enemies by now? Why is Shen Xing still worrying about the affairs of the villain?] And he even went out of his way to seek approval for a lavish banquet.
System 1551 suddenly felt fortunate that this foolish cat was so clueless—playing the role of an incompetent ruler came naturally to him. [Of course, he’s not actually trying to put in a good word for Nie Rong. He’s deliberately bringing it up to provoke your dissatisfaction with him.]
A subject gaining too much power was a ruler’s greatest nightmare, and Nie Rong’s reputation among the people was exceptionally high.
Despite being fierce enough to make children cry at night, his undefeated battle record had earned him the title of War God in the hearts of the common folk.
Folk songs were even composed to praise him, essentially expressing that having his protection was the greatest blessing for the nation.
The young emperor could hardly tolerate this, and Shen Xing frequently manipulated his perspective with subtle schemes.
As a result, Nie Rong, once a staunch royalist, was forcibly turned into a thorn in the emperor’s side.
Although Tang Xi didn’t fully understand the situation, he chose to trust the system.
Shen Xing truly was as cunning as a fox—his mind so full of twists and turns that it was a wonder he didn’t tie himself in knots.
Feigning displeasure at his words, Tang Xi put on a reluctant expression. “Do as you see fit, Minister Shen. I trust you.”
He acted as if he wanted nothing to do with the matter.
Shen Xing achieved his goal, but instead of leaving immediately, he lingered, engaging in casual conversation.
Tang Xi watched helplessly as the delicious food was taken away, feeling a pang of sorrow, yet he still had to spare some energy to entertain Shen Xing’s small talk.
To him, Shen Xing’s warm inquiries felt insincere.
Yet, Shen Xing was undeniably skilled in conversation, always bringing up topics that would have interested the original character. Even when Tang Xi responded half-heartedly, Shen Xing managed to keep the conversation flowing without any awkward pauses.
Perhaps sensing that he wasn’t particularly welcome today, Shen Xing eventually wrapped up the conversation and excused himself.
The moment he left, Eunuch De cautiously spoke up in Nie Rong’s defense.
Having served in the palace for many years, Eunuch De could easily discern the hidden implications behind Shen Xing’s words.
He had a favorable impression of Nie Rong, knowing that the general harbored no ambitions for the throne. Deep down, he hoped the young emperor wouldn’t let others sow discord between him and General Nie.
However, given the emperor’s unpredictable temperament, Eunuch De didn’t dare to speak too bluntly. Afraid that his well-intentioned words might backfire, he could only subtly highlight how difficult life was for General Nie at the border.
Tang Xi responded, “I understand. I won’t make things difficult for General Nie.”
Hearing this, Eunuch De was relieved. “Your Majesty is growing up.”
Feeling a little awkward, Tang Xi huffed, flicked his sleeves, and strode away.
Eunuch De chuckled as he followed behind. He couldn’t help but feel that the young emperor had changed in some way.
Author’s Note:
This is a fictional dynasty with many creative liberties~ I hope my dear readers won’t scrutinize the historical details too much because I’m not very knowledgeable. QwQ
- 爱卿 àiqīng = term of address for officials. ↩︎