My Husband Can't Possibly Be a Tyrant Emperor! - Chapter 10

Li Qing had already set out breakfast in the main hall. When Zhu Xuexian entered, he was astonished to find the table laden with a full spread.

 

Zhu Xuexian: “…”

 

Feeling somewhat guilty, Li Qing smiled brightly and said, “Master, please try my cooking.”

 

Zhu Xuexian was almost speechless: “You made so much!”

 

“I wasn’t sure what your tastes are, so I prepared a bit more. Please eat your fill, Master.”

 

Zhu Xuexian sat down to wait for Fu Mi.

 

Soon after, Fu Mi entered and took a seat across from him. Only then did he and Li Qing remove the bowls that had been covering the dishes.

 

To avoid arousing Zhu Xuexian’s suspicion, the breakfast retained only its aroma and flavor, while the presentation was deliberately made to look unappealing. The imperial chef nearly wept while arranging the dishes, lamenting that he had never prepared food that looked so unpalatable in his life. His lifelong pride was shattered, and he wished he could showcase his full culinary prowess to Master Zhu.

 

After taking a couple of bites, Zhu Xuexian turned to look at Li Qing, who was watching him expectantly.

 

“How does it taste, Master?”

 

“How did you make this? Write down the recipe for me!”

 

Li Qing chuckled softly. “No need to write it down. If you enjoy it, Master, I’ll make it for you every day. To be honest, I have a secret recipe,” Li Qing began to fabricate, “Back in the day, it was this very skill that earned me a place by the old master’s side.”

 

Zhu Xuexian glanced at Fu Mi. “Is this the kind of heavenly life you’ve been living every day?”

 

Fu Mi smiled and said, “From now on, we’ll leave the kitchen to Li Qing.”

 

Zhu Xuexian shook his head. “No, I want to learn.”

 

He excelled at almost everything, but cooking was still a work in progress for him.

 

“Running the bookstore is already enough work for you. If anyone should learn, it should be me,” Fu Mi said.

 

Li Qing: “…”

 

The emperor wants to cook? Even if he dared to, who would dare to eat it!

 

Li Qing quickly interjected, “Please let me do something, or I’ll be too afraid—afraid of being useless and sold off!”

 

Zhu Xuexian hurriedly shook his head. “No, no, I would never do such a thing.”

 

Despite the lavish breakfast, Fu Mi only ate a small bowl of noodles. The noodles looked rather plain—thin silver thread noodles drizzled with a light soy sauce and garnished with a few shreds of pickled ginger shoots.

 

He didn’t even taste any of the other dishes, as if he had grown tired of them. After the meal, Fu Mi insisted on accompanying him to the bookstore.

 

“I can’t just sit around doing nothing, relying entirely on you to support me,” Fu Mi said. “Let me work as your assistant.”

 

Li Qing had already grown numb to such remarks and pretended not to hear.

 

Zhu Xuexian opened an umbrella and said, “It’s not like I can’t afford to support you.”

 

He didn’t mind such things but was concerned that the other might. Some men were fiercely prideful, resenting even the idea of relying on others. He was glad Fu Mi didn’t share that mindset.

 

Not only did he lack such pride, but he also seemed quite willing to play the role of a supportive partner.

 

“Working as your assistant still means relying on you,” Fu Mi said, taking the umbrella from his hand and slinging the bag from Zhu Xuexian’s shoulder over his own.

 

Tall and slender, he carried out these actions with a gentle and dependable grace. Zhu Xuexian caught the scent of his robe—it now smelled just like his own.

 

Such small details moved him deeply, filling him with the warmth and comfort of everyday life.

 

This was exactly the kind of life he had always wanted.

 

Li Qing excused himself, saying he needed to organize the items in the trunks, and stayed behind at home. Zhu Xuexian and Fu Mi left the house together.

 

The spring rain fell in a fine drizzle. Because they were walking together, Kuang Xuexian didn’t even notice the plainclothes guards following at a distance to protect them. He did, however, notice the crows in the sky, circling overhead in the light rain.

 

Had there been more crows in the city lately? Was Shuangluan City turning into a city of golden crows?

 

Fu Yi suddenly asked, “Why is it so quiet today?”

 

Kuang Xuexian replied, “Didn’t sleep well yesterday?”

 

He was just making casual conversation, but Fu Yi said, “I was reading your storybooks.”

 

Kuang Xuexian’s heart instantly raced. Perhaps because they were growing closer, the sense of ambiguity was becoming clearer. He always felt that the other was teasing him, yet Fu Yi seemed so refined and elegant, not the type to do such things.

 

He said, “Read less in the future.”

 

Then added, “Don’t read them anymore.”

 

Fu Yi’s tone seemed to carry a chill of the spring rain. His gaze lingered on Kuang Xuexian’s face for a moment before he said, “Mm, I won’t read them anymore.”

 

He was actually so obedient… truly infuriating.

 

Such a proper gentleman, with fair skin and handsome features, still a blank slate who didn’t even understand how men could be with men.

 

Truly tempting. Kuang Xuexian thought he could devour Zhang Ji in the next couple of days.

 

Fu Yi didn’t hold Kuang Xuexian’s hand today.

 

He had endured a night of torment and still felt the ache in his veins.

Now, Kuang Xuexian walked beside him, half a head shorter, with a gentle fragrance about him. His hair was tied up with a green jade hairpin, making him appear even more delicate and slender.

 

During the meal earlier, Fu Yi had been watching Kuang Xuexian’s lips. Kuang Xuexian had a plain and simple appearance, with flawless skin like fresh snow on celadon. Yet his lips were like peach blossoms, the vibrant red becoming the only splash of color on his face.

 

He couldn’t see through him, couldn’t guess whether, if they too were to “mingle lips and tongues, entwined like spring silk,” Kuang Xuexian would remain as calm and carefree as he appeared, or if he would be “consumed by fire, unable to control himself.”

 

Like that prince, who “seemed to become a different person.”

 

Now, enveloped in the misty rain, he was reminded of the story from The Lotus Sutra Record. This tale had a particularly thought-provoking ending.

 

One day, Prince Chunming suddenly disappeared from the temple without a trace. Some said he had been secretly executed by his father. Others claimed he had been carried away by Fa Qing.

 

According to a witness, it was in the dead of night, with spring mist thick in the air, when he saw Fa Qing carrying someone out. The person was wrapped in the bright yellow robe worn only by Buddha statues, with bare, snow-white feet and long hair cascading over the robe. Clinging to Fa Qing’s neck, they vanished together into the night, never to be found despite a nationwide search lasting months.

 

They disappeared into the vast spring night like falling petals without a sound, leaving no trace behind.

 

He felt that this story, in some way, seemed to carry Kuang Xuexian’s shadow. Such a story, filled with lust, yet with a wondrous ending as enchanting as the fragrant mist of spring, leaving the truth obscured.

 

The spring rain pattered softly in the morning mist. Kuang Xuexian entered the shop, lit a small stove, boiled water, and first brewed the purple bud tea he had bought for him.

 

He worked efficiently, with a quiet and graceful presence, moving with effortless fluidity. Amid the thin mist and bubbling hot water, Fu Yi surveyed the surroundings. This small, ordinary bookstore seemed transformed by Kuang Xuexian’s presence on such a spring morning—so plain yet radiant.

 

Kuang Xuexian always seemed to bring unexpected surprises.

 

When they first met at Ruyi Tower, he was surprised that such a man, who seemed to thrive on attention, turned out to be a handsome gentleman with a cool and understated elegance.

 

Just as he thought this person must possess both beauty and talent, he discovered that such a serene man could write such sensual and indulgent stories.

 

The longer he observed, the more he felt this man was unfathomable, making him want to get closer and see everything about him.

 

Now, he was almost halfway drawn in. He saw his infatuated reflection on the water’s surface.

Today, due to the rain, there were far fewer customers. Li Qing was also absent, leaving only the two of them in the bookstore. Kuang Xuexian had originally planned to write a new story today but had set it aside.

 

He felt that Fu Li had been watching him all day. Just then, he heard the sound of gongs and drums outside and stepped out of the bookstore to see what was happening.

 

It turned out a wedding procession was passing by nearby. The groom, adorned with flowers, rode a tall horse, followed by a gilded bridal sedan. Nearly a hundred dowry chests, all painted in red lacquer with gold designs and tied with red silk, indicated this was a wealthy family.

 

“Quite a few weddings happening today.”

 

“It’s all because of the emperor’s selection of consorts. All the official families in the city are rushing to marry off their children. There aren’t many auspicious days for weddings this month. By next month, when the imperial decree arrives in the capital, it’ll be too late.”

 

“No need to wait until next month. I’ve heard many people have been gathering near the old palace recently, probably preparing for the emperor’s arrival. They say the emperor is traveling everywhere these days and might come to our Shuangluan City any time.”

 

Suddenly, Kuang Xuexian noticed Fu Li standing behind him.

 

The bookstore owner, Liu, joked with a smile, “When will Boss Kuang get married?”

 

He glanced meaningfully at Fu Li’s face.

 

Another person chimed in, “Boss Kuang isn’t in a hurry. After all, he definitely won’t be chosen by the old emperor.”

 

Everyone burst into laughter. Worried that Fu Li might feel uncomfortable, Kuang Xuexian turned and gently nudged him back into the store. As he turned, he heard a familiar voice call out, “So this is the young gentleman you’ve found?”

 

Kuang Xuexian quickly turned around and saw a handsome man in a purple floral robe, carrying some items, walking toward them.

 

Boss Liu and the others greeted him warmly, “Master Wang, long time no see!”

 

Kuang Xuexian was also pleasantly surprised and smiled, “You’re back.”

 

In the common parlance of the Great Zhou, young men were often called “young sir”, while “sir” was a respectful term for young men of status and dignity.

 

The Master Wang before him was indeed a man of considerable standing.

 

His real name was Wang Baobao. At first, Kuang Xuexian thought it was Wang Bobo and found it oddly cute for such a tall and sturdy man. Later, he learned it was actually “趵,” a character with multiple pronunciations. Having seen too much of the Baotu Spring, every time he received a letter from him and saw his signature, he couldn’t help but read it as “Wang Baobao.”

 

Wang Baobao’s brother-in-law was Su Hui, the deputy garrison commander of the Western Capital, a high-ranking official in the region. This allowed Wang Baobao to move about Shuangluan City with considerable influence.

 

Recently, Wang Baobao had accompanied his sister back to their hometown and had only returned today.

 

This young master scrutinized Fu Li intently.

 

Kuang Xuexian quickly invited him into the store and introduced him to Fu Li, “This is my friend, Wang Baobao.”

 

Fu Li showed no trace of a smile, his dark eyes meeting Wang Baobao’s gaze.

 

Wang Baobao remarked, “Not bad-looking.”

 

Kuang Xuexian said, “Say that again.”

 

Wang Baobao: “No, I mean, Kuang Xuexian, I thought you were joking, but you actually went to Ruyi Tower to throw the embroidered ball and really found someone!”

 

Kuang Xuexian smiled and asked him, “What did you bring me? Since you came, you even brought something—so polite.”

 

“Specialties from my hometown. You always said you wanted to try them.” Wang Baobao’s eyes were still sizing up Fu Yi.

 

Handsome, truly handsome, but he seemed so gloomy. Those pitch-black eyes made him look like he was smiling without warmth.

 

“How long have you been back?” Kuang Xuexian asked him.

 

“Just got back. I haven’t even made it home yet. Laifu, who picked me up, told me about your situation, and I was so shocked I jumped right off the carriage. My sister is still waiting for me in the carriage, but it couldn’t get through. Why are there so many weddings in the city today? Did you start this trend?”

 

Kuang Xuexian laughed and said, “My influence hasn’t reached that level yet.”

 

Wang Baobao hesitated, then said, “Let’s not talk about it now. Tomorrow, let’s meet at Ruyi Tower and have a proper chat. My sister is still waiting for me, so I’ll head off first.”

 

Kuang Xuexian saw him to the door. Wang Baobao turned back to glance at Fu Yi before stepping out. Once outside, he asked, “Is this reliable? That young man seems to have a terrible temper.”

 

Kuang Xuexian said, “Nonsense. I’ve never met anyone with a better temper than his.”

 

As he spoke, he glanced back at Fu Yi, who was leaning against the counter. Perhaps it was the lighting, but his eyes were pitch-black, overshadowing his refined handsomeness and making him seem like a different person.

 

Meanwhile, Wang Baobao had already pulled Kuang Xuexian under the nearby phoenix tree. Wang Baobao’s expression grew much more serious. “I’m serious, you’re being too bold. You’ve already brought him to the shop? Who is he? What does he do? Where’s he from?”

 

Kuang Xuexian replied, “He’s already moved into my home.”

 

Wang Baobao: “…”

 

“It’s hard to explain in a short time. Let’s talk in detail tomorrow. Thanks for the gifts—tomorrow’s meal is on me.”

 

Wang Baobao said, “Forget it. No man could ever take advantage of you anyway. With his refined appearance, he wouldn’t stand a chance against one punch from you.”

 

The phoenix tree was about to sprout buds, and the spring rain had left the stone pavement gleaming darkly. Wang Baobao was even taller than Fu Yi, making Kuang Xuexian look as slender and graceful as a bamboo shoot.

 

The two of them seemed so intimate as they talked. After seeing Wang Baobao off, Kuang Xuexian returned to the shop. Fu Yi had already moved behind the counter and was examining the things Wang Baobao had brought.

 

Elegant and pleasing to the eye, it seemed as if the earlier gloominess had been an illusion. Seeing Kuang Xuexian return, he smiled and asked, “He brought you so many things. Are you two that close?”

 

Kuang Xuexian said, “He’s my best friend in Xijing. He went back to his hometown a few days ago, otherwise I would’ve introduced you two earlier.”

 

Fu Yi remarked, “He doesn’t seem very proper.”

 

Kuang Xuexian paused for a moment, then laughed. “He isn’t very proper.”

 

“How did you two meet?”

 

Kuang Xuexian said, “We fought and became friends.”

 

Fu Yi smiled and asked, “Is that so?”

 

Wang Baobao was from Zhouzhou, which wasn’t far from Lang State. The cuisine there was very similar to Lang State’s, with distinctive characteristics. This time, Wang Baobao had brought him salted white fish from Zhouzhou, walnut persimmon cakes, rice cakes, and jade hairpin flower candy. The jade hairpin flower candy, in particular, was Zhouzhou’s most famous specialty. The flower candy that was all the rage in Jiantai City nowadays was actually modeled after it—making it the ancestor of all flower candies.

 

Kuang Xuexian unwrapped the paper package to reveal slender jade hairpin flower buds encased within golden sugar cubes.

 

Beautiful in color and fragrant in aroma—truly, seeing it once was better than hearing about it a hundred times.

 

Wealthy families in Zouzhou made their own jade hairpin flower sugar, and the Wang family even cultivated a dedicated garden for the flowers, handling everything from cultivation to production themselves. While jade hairpin flower sugar was also sold in Shuangluan City, it was far less exquisite than this.

 

He held it out and offered it to Fu Mie first. “Try it.”

 

Fu Mie said, “I don’t like sweets.”

 

Kuang Xuexian noticed that he was quite picky when it came to food—it seemed that if he didn’t like something, he wouldn’t even try it.

 

But Kuang Xuexian loved sweets, especially since this was a specialty his friend had brought all the way from his hometown.

 

He ate two pieces in a row. The sugar was delicious, with an intense floral fragrance. As he ate, he tried to tempt Fu Mie into sharing the joy that sweets could bring. “There’s no sugar better than this.”

 

Fu Mie suddenly said, “People in Jiantai are tired of this kind of flower sugar. Jiantai has sugar that’s even prettier and tastier than this.”

 

Kuang Xuexian said, “Then I’ll have to try it.”

 

“I’ll buy it for you later.” Fu Mie abruptly changed the subject. “Do you have many friends?”

 

Kuang Xuexian said, “The only one I’m particularly close to is Bao Bao.”

 

Particularly close.

 

Fu Mie didn’t say anything more, lowering his eyes as he used a paper knife to slice through the colored paper in his hands with a shhh sound.

 

By noon, the rain had completely stopped, and customers began to arrive one after another. Fu Mie was a new face, and every time a customer came, they would seize the opportunity to praise him.

 

Kuang Xuexian was in a very cheerful mood.

 

What delighted him most was Fu Mie’s reaction. Sometimes, when customers praised his good looks, Fu Mie would simply continue wrapping books quietly beside them. No matter how others praised him, he seemed indifferent.

 

An indifferent gentleman deserved to be lavished with affection. Kuang Xuexian thought his focused expression while learning to wrap books was also quite endearing.

 

Kuang Xuexian had arranged to meet Wang Bao Bao again the next day. Unexpectedly, before they had even closed for the day in the afternoon, Wang Bao Bao arrived again by carriage.

 

As soon as he entered, he exclaimed, “Oh dear, Xuexian, something terrible has happened! The emperor is actually in our Shuangluan City!”

 

Kuang Xuexian: “Huh?”

 

“It’s said the emperor has been here for several days already. The city officials all know, but they haven’t dared to spread the word!”

 

Kuang Xuexian said, “If the emperor were to visit, wouldn’t they have to announce it? When Chancellor Xie came to Shuangluan City the year before last, they notified everyone months in advance and cleared the areas he visited ahead of time. But recently, I haven’t heard anyone mention the emperor appearing anywhere.”

 

“I heard he’s been staying in the Phoenix Palace the whole time and hasn’t left.” Wang Bao Bao said, “That twisted freak! I heard that as soon as he arrived, he summoned all the city officials to the Phoenix Palace and used them as target practice. My brother-in-law is still bedridden!”

 

Kuang Xuexian asked in shock, “Your brother-in-law was injured by the arrows?”

 

“Not exactly,” Wang Bao Bao said, “But he was scared sick! Do you know how the emperor shot? He made them kneel in a row, holding their official hats as targets, and shot blindfolded!”

 

Kuang Xuexian: “Is the emperor that terrifying?!”

 

“My brother-in-law still has nightmares when he sleeps. Not just him—I’ve heard many officials in the city are trembling with fear, and several have fallen ill! My brother-in-law told me to stay home these days and wait until the emperor leaves. Xuexian, you should be careful too. You made quite a scene with that embroidered ball toss the other day—everyone knows about it. Be careful the emperor hears and punishes you for it!”

 

“But I didn’t break any laws, did I?”

 

“That’s hard to say. You know how those who lust after women often hold prejudices against those who prefer men! What if he takes notice? He’s not exactly the type to listen to reason! Anyway, with the emperor in the city, it’s better to be cautious. He treats people like target practice!”

 

Wang Baobao glanced outside, then shot a look at Fu Yi behind the counter, lowering his voice a little. “I heard from my brother-in-law…”

 

His peripheral vision caught Fu Yi staring at them expressionlessly.

 

His eyebrows were sharp, long and sweeping into his temples, his pupils pitch-black. The sky was already gloomy on this overcast day, and standing behind the counter, the light was even dimmer, making him resemble a venomous serpent coiled among shadowy vines.

 

For no reason, Wang Baobao felt his hairs stand on end. He straightened up and ended his whispered conversation. “Anyway, be extra careful these days.”

 

Kuang Xuexian nodded vigorously. “Got it!”