General 9
As soon as those words were spoken, the young emperor’s face visibly turned red. His cat-like eyes shimmered with moisture, making it unclear whether it was due to anger or embarrassment.
“How audacious!” Tang Xi, furious, raised the luminous pearl, ready to throw it at him.
Nie Rong’s voice was inexplicably low and husky. “Your Majesty, I’m just touching. Nothing more.”
Tang Xi looked at him in disbelief. “What else do you think you’re going to do?”
Angrily, he turned to leave, but after taking only two steps, his wrist was caught. Nie Rong pulled him into a firm embrace from behind.
Before Tang Xi could say anything, he felt a strong inhale against his hair.
Even without looking back, he could easily imagine the infatuated expression on this shameless scoundrel’s face. He instantly felt like bristling in frustration.
Nie Rong, reveling in the warmth in his arms, couldn’t help but lean in closer. “Your Majesty is too adorable… I want to commit treason.”
How had he never realized before that the young emperor was this soft, this fragrant?
If someone had told him back at the border that he would one day be lusting after the little emperor like some lecherous scoundrel, he would have cut out that person’s tongue without hesitation.
And yet, here he was, behaving exactly like a rogue—pressing close, inhaling, licking, violating the boundaries of his defenseless little emperor.
A warm breath caressed Tang Xi’s ear, and soon after, he felt something damp and teasing slide against his earlobe.
Shocked and enraged, the young emperor couldn’t hold back—his cat ears popped out again.
Fluffy, golden, triangular little ears twitched sensitively.
Nie Rong, completely unabashed, reached out and stroked them—then gave them a firm rub.
Because he wasn’t used to his humanoid cat ears, they were especially sensitive. The moment they were touched by Nie Rong’s calloused hands, Tang Xi shuddered as if struck by lightning, instantly losing all strength and collapsing limply, completely at his mercy.
Nie Rong held the little cat in one arm while his other hand remained busy stroking those delicate ears—and occasionally sneaking in a lick or two.
The little emperor was as sweet as a piece of candied fruit on the verge of melting.
Nie Rong had never liked sweets, but now he wanted nothing more than to hold this one in his mouth and savor him completely.
Tang Xi’s eyes turned misty red as he whimpered, overwhelmed by the sensations.
No one knew how much time had passed in the treasure-filled dark chamber. Long enough that Tang Xi genuinely felt like he was about to melt under Nie Rong’s relentless kisses before he was finally released.
Even then, it was clear the man was reluctant to let go.
And he was. Nie Rong was struggling with the overwhelming response his body had to the young emperor. If he held on any longer, he feared he would truly commit treason—so with great reluctance, he loosened his grip.
“I’m going to have your head chopped off!” Tang Xi huffed in grievance, trying his best to sound fierce.
Nie Rong chuckled in a low voice. “Be good. If you behead me, who else will dote on you?”
Even when coaxing him, he had to tease.
How had his poop scooper in this world become so shameless?!
Tang Xi puffed up in frustration.
What he didn’t know was that Nie Rong had spent over a decade in the military, surrounded by rough, battle-worn men. He’d heard every vulgar joke imaginable. Compared to that, the way he treated Tang Xi—a delicate porcelain doll—was already an exercise in restraint.
“You already have someone you love. Why are you still toying with me—with Us?”
Nie Rong’s face showed genuine confusion. “Your Majesty doesn’t know who I love?”
Tang Xi scoffed, covering his cat ears as he retracted them. “Why should I care?”
“Because it’s you,” Nie Rong said simply.
Tang Xi felt lightheaded, as if a giant fish snack had just bonked him on the head. He nearly broke into a foolish grin.
So… he hadn’t fallen for someone else after all?
At that moment, System 1551 quickly intervened: [Host, please be careful not to break character.] It had already been lenient with this foolish cat—otherwise, who knew how many violations it would have racked up?
Breaking character too much would drain all his points.
Tang Xi quickly straightened his expression, forcing his excitement down. “You love me?”
Nie Rong’s face turned suspiciously red. Fortunately, since he was standing behind Tang Xi, it went unnoticed. “…Mm.”
“Then why hasn’t the great general handed over the Tiger Tally?”
The little emperor had been eyeing Nie Rong’s Broken Feather Army for some time now. His words were both a jab and a test.
Nie Rong hesitated. He did have the Tiger Tally, but that lifeless object was meaningless. His soldiers followed him, not the tally.
No one else could command them.
If the little emperor wanted them…
Nie Rong lowered his voice. “If Your Majesty desires it, I am willing to offer it as a betrothal gift.”
The tally couldn’t command his men—but he could.
And if Tang Xi wished, he would become the sharpest blade in his hand, ready to strike at his command.
. . . . .
By the time Tang Xi returned to the palace from the general’s manor, night had already fallen.
This time, he was prepared. He ignored Nie Rong the entire way back and managed to avoid being coaxed into drinking.
The next day, there was no court session. Tang Xi summoned Ye Baishang to the palace.
Ye Baishang had not been recruited as Shen Xing’s trusted aide like in the original storyline. This change sparked new possibilities in his mind.
The mission this time was to ensure that Nie Rong wouldn’t be brought down in his power struggle against Shen Xing. And the most crucial factor in that fight was for Tang Xi, as the monarch being protected, to secure his own position on the throne.
The first step was to install his own loyal officials within the court. Right now, the imperial court was divided into two factions—one under Shen Xing, the other under Nie Rong.
Building his own influence, starting with the original protagonist shou, was the perfect beginning.
Next, he needed to slowly reclaim the authority to review memorials, and finally, step by step, take back full control of the government.
Ye Baishang entered the palace, overwhelmed by the unexpected favor. He wasn’t a fool—he had long noticed from the attitudes and words of his colleagues that the little emperor had been reduced to a mere figurehead.
He knew full well that choosing to align with either Shen Xing or Nie Rong would guarantee him a smooth political career.
Yet when the young emperor, perched high above, tilted his head and asked if he was willing to serve him, he nodded without hesitation.
Tang Xi had Ye Baishang recite the article that had earned him high praise from the ministers. As he listened, he realized that the original protagonist shou was indeed an exceptionally talented scholar.
The essay was about national development. It might not have been flawless, but it was the most suitable plan for the country’s current situation.
In the original storyline, the policies proposed in this essay had never been adopted—what a waste.
But now that he was here, he wouldn’t let such talent be buried.
To maintain his persona, Tang Xi feigned casual interest as he posed questions about the article, making it seem like idle curiosity when, in reality, every question targeted crucial details.
Ye Baishang was taken aback. The young emperor’s seemingly offhand remarks actually deepened his own understanding of his work, leading him to reconsider several points.
He began to doubt whether the emperor’s foolish and incompetent reputation was genuine.
Perhaps it was just a facade to protect himself.
Alone in the deep palace, surrounded by wolves and tigers, the young emperor must have had a difficult time.
Tang Xi: [1551, why do I feel like Ye Baishang is looking at me weirdly…]
1551: [That’s an expression of affection and pity.]
Watching Tang Xi and Ye Baishang become increasingly engrossed in conversation, 1551 couldn’t help but remind him: [Don’t forget, you’re just a puppet emperor. How do you plan to assign Ye Baishang to the Ministry of Works?]
Tang Xi: [And don’t you forget, while my persona may be that of a tyrant, at my core, I am still a ruler who stops at nothing to achieve my goals.]
Knowing full well that Nie Rong harbored feelings for him, how could he not take advantage of that?
It would even help strengthen his bond with his poop scooper.
1551: Please return that naive little kitten from before.
Nie Rong didn’t even need to be summoned. The moment he heard that Ye Baishang had been called into the palace, he arrived uninvited.
Like a territorial beast eager to defend its claim, he seemed ready to mark his mate at any moment.
Ye Baishang had barely left before Nie Rong strode in.
“General Nie has arrived,” Tang Xi said leisurely, picking up a piece of pastry. He cast a sidelong glance at the man. “You really don’t consider yourself an outsider, do you?”
It was hard to tell whether the expression on his face was mocking or something else.
Nie Rong knelt on one knee. “Your Majesty, I have something to report.”
He gestured for Eunuch De to lead the others out.
Eunuch De looked at the Emperor. Without His Majesty’s permission, none of them dared to move.
Tang Xi wanted to shake his head, but he knew that if he refused now and Nie Rong acted out later, it would be an embarrassment in front of everyone.
This shameless scoundrel was completely unpredictable.
“What was Your Majesty discussing with Top Scholar Ye just now?” As soon as the door closed, Nie Rong dropped all pretenses.
His gaze roamed over the young emperor as if he wanted to devour him whole.
“I intend to arrange a position for Minister Ye in the Ministry of Works,” Tang Xi made no attempt to hide his intentions. “What does General Nie think of that?”
As long as he could gain the approval of either Nie Rong or Shen Xing, this matter would be settled.
Nie Rong’s eyes darkened. “Is Your Majesty asking for my help on his behalf?”
“Help?” Tang Xi grabbed the cup beside him and hurled it at Nie Rong’s head. “I am the sovereign ruler of this nation!”
The intricately patterned cup smashed directly against Nie Rong’s left forehead, and blood trickled down.
Tang Xi was startled. He had thrown the cup because Nie Rong had become increasingly insolent before him. Given the original character’s notoriously violent temper, even if he endured for a while, he wouldn’t tolerate it forever. A sudden outburst of fury fit his persona.
But he had assumed Nie Rong would dodge.
He hadn’t expected him to take the hit head-on.
He couldn’t afford to show even the slightest hint of concern.
Nie Rong slowly lifted his head. “Tonight is the Qixi Festival among the common folk. Your Majesty, come with me.”
His expression was calm, devoid of any anger. If taking this hit could make the young emperor happy, then he accepted it willingly. His skin was thick enough—he could take a few more blows.
This statement was as good as agreeing to the emperor’s request.
The most unpredictable thing in the world was the emperor’s mind. Tang Xi’s previously sour expression softened slightly, and for once, he looked at Nie Rong with a rare kindness.
In this dynasty, the Qixi Festival was a night when unmarried men and women could freely roam the streets in search of a potential match. The customs of Da’an were relatively open—there was no curfew, nor were there strict restrictions on women.
That night, the capital was bustling with life. Tang Xi had been secretly taken out of the palace by Nie Rong, without Eunuch De’s knowledge. Nie Rong’s martial skills were unparalleled. If he wanted to take someone out of the heavily guarded imperial palace without a sound, he could do so effortlessly—even if that person was the emperor himself.
There was something thrilling about sneaking out of the palace like this.
The little emperor, despite coming unwillingly, ended up having the most fun.
No one knew how many lanterns and masks he bought along the way. Whatever caught his fancy, he simply took it without hesitation—without any awareness of paying. Even when he saw a vendor selling sugar figurines, he took the entire lot and handed them out to noisy children passing by.
In his mind, the whole world belonged to him. If a mere street vendor dared to object, he could just throw them into the dungeon.
Fortunately, Nie Rong followed closely behind, paying for everything and carrying his purchases.
This peculiar pair quickly attracted the attention of many scholars and young nobles.
The exquisitely handsome young man at the front looked like the spoiled son of a high-ranking official. Yet, he wasn’t unpleasant. The man trailing behind him, however, didn’t seem like a servant or a guard. Even with a mask covering his face, his presence was undeniable—far from that of a mere subordinate. Their dynamic was strange, to say the least.
Tang Xi didn’t care about the stares and continued exploring whatever caught his interest. Perhaps influenced by the lively atmosphere of the marketplace, he—who would normally lash out at anyone who dared to look at him—remained surprisingly calm despite being the center of attention.
The vibrant red lanterns that adorned the streets reflected in his eyes like a sea of stars.
For a moment, all was peaceful.
Then, an idea popped into Tang Xi’s mind, and he grinned mischievously, his cat-like eyes curving into crescents. He waved Nie Rong over.
Seeing the young emperor smile so innocently and adorably, Nie Rong’s heart softened as he leaned down. “I am here, Your Majesty.”
And just like that, Tang Xi ruined the atmosphere with a single sentence:
“I want to visit a brothel!”
Author’s Note: Daily bullying of the little cat ✅