Chapter 4
Whenever Song Yu recalled that year's Spring Festival banquet, he couldn't help but smile.
The drunkard under the roses, the hostage being held, the stubborn and crying patient—he had witnessed three different sides of Li Congqing, and all three sides were equally lovable. Although Li Congqing was a man, aside from "lovely," he couldn't think of any other more fitting adjective.
"Mm-hmm, he can indeed be quite cute sometimes, especially his expression when he's sleepy, like a pitiful little puppy... No, that's not what I'm here to talk about. Third Brother, did you send Xiao Miao to Chunan because you want to give him to Xiao Qi?" Song Xuan asked.
"Whether he goes to Xiao Qi or not is up to Xiao Miao's own choice," the Emperor replied coolly.
"Then why have Li Congqing go along?"
"I have my own reasons."
Song Xuan hummed thoughtfully, hesitating before speaking again: "Third Brother, recently this younger brother has heard some rumors... um... I'm not sure if I should tell you."
"Rumors about me and Li Congqing?"
"So nothing in the world can be kept hidden from you!" Song Xuan exclaimed in admiration. "You're letting him leave at this time. Aren't you afraid he might never come back?"
"No, he will definitely come back—to my side." The Emperor's expression remained unmoved, his words revealing firm confidence.
"Sometimes this younger brother really can't tell whether you've got Li Congqing wrapped around your finger, or Li Congqing has got you wrapped around his."
The Emperor simply smiled without speaking.
To be precise, the two had each other wrapped around their fingers.
Whenever Li Congqing threw one of his stubborn tantrums, he would patiently coax him with gentle words, never feeling annoyed, unable to summon even a hint of anger. He only wanted to pamper him, indulge him, give him everything good in the world. It was truly spoiling rotten. To think that he, the堂堂大绍天子, the Son of Heaven of Da Shao, would have someone for whom he would willingly debase himself so completely—only Li Congqing could do this to him.
The saying "one thing conquers another" must have been meant for this kind of situation.
Back then, he hadn't expected Li Congqing to occupy such an important place in his heart. Thread by thread, drop by drop, they had taken root deep in his heart, winding tightly and densely, impossible to ever remove.
This person was essential to his life.
And he believed Li Congqing felt the same.
Neither could do without the other.
He knew that outside the Imperial Study, rumors about the Emperor and the Vice Minister of Rites were quietly rippling. Soon enough, they would surely stir up a wave of turmoil to crash against them. And he knew this person too well—had almost foreseen what reaction he would have.
He would run away.
Then, he would return to his side.
No matter how stars travel through the sky, they always return to the same place. Li Congqing had once pointed at the starry sky and told him that. Those eyes that were always half-open and drowsy during the day were so clear and bright in the night.
So no matter where he went, no matter how far or how long he was from the Emperor's side, he would eventually return to him.
Definitely.
◇
Those who survive great disasters are destined for good fortune.
The unlucky yet fortunate Li Congqing proved this saying true.
Actually, though his shoulder had been pierced by a sword, that sword was thin, sharp, and cut through iron like mud. The wound was quite clean, without the larger damage caused by dull blades being dragged. Even more fortunate, no tendons or veins were injured. That sword thrust looked fatal, but it had miraculously avoided all vital areas. The assassin's sword technique, despite the assassin having a rather dull mind, was indeed extraordinary. Impressive, truly impressive.
Strictly speaking, his injury was merely a relatively serious flesh wound. Under the care of the Imperial Physician using the finest medicinal herbs, the wound gradually healed over time, and his recovery was excellent. He no longer occasionally screamed like a chicken being slaughtered from pain.
However, he足足窝在家中娇生惯养了二个月, being thoroughly pampered by his family. Even Li Congyin, who loved money more than anything, didn't hesitate to spend a fortune purchasing the finest, most precious nourishing tonics, giving him ten nutritious supplements daily.
But his eldest brother's mouth was still sharp as ever: "Don't get too moved. Your brother still expects you to engage in official-business collusion, so don't waste my top-quality deer antler and thousand-year-old ginseng. Get better quickly and scurry back to the palace."
Li Congqing responded cheerfully: "Little brother also wants to eat jade蟾snow frog and polar ice lotus seeds."
"You rascal, aren't you trying to eat us out of house and home!"
The next day, jade蟾snow frog soup and ice lotus seed soup became his after-meal treats. Tea served to his hand, meals brought to his mouth—truly a dreamlike earthly paradise.
What was this "good fortune"?
On the day he returned to the palace to resume his duties, he finally got his wish—to transfer to the Ministry of Rites as Vice Minister.
Here's how it happened: After the morning court session, he was summoned to the Imperial Study. Present were Xu Shangshu from the Ministry of Personnel, Zhang Shangshu from the Ministry of Rites, and the National Preceptor Shangzhi—all three were very high-ranking officials, plus a monk.
After kowtowing to the Emperor, the National Preceptor said kindly: "Has the flower bloomed? Do you want to come pick it again?"
Li Congqing clasped his hands and replied: "Thanks to the Great National Preceptor's guidance that day. The flower has been presented to His Majesty; this subordinate no longer needs to pick it."
"I remember you ate the flower though," Zhang Shangshu said, his expression equally kind and benevolent, looking every bit the model old gentleman.
Li Congqing showed no embarrassment, smiling as he clasped his hands again: "Master Zhang has an excellent memory, remembering this subordinate's embarrassing episode that day."
"Today His Majesty summoned you here because of your meritorious service in protecting the Emperor a month ago. We wished to ask if there's anything you desire as a reward?" Master Xu brought up the main topic.
Meritorious service in protecting the Emperor? Li Congqing blinked. Could this refer to how he pushed the Emperor away so the assassin wouldn't injure him? Oh dear, actually that was because the assassin had pushed him too hard, so he merely顺势pushed the Emperor aside. The scene had been chaotic like a overturned stew pot—how could he have been thinking about protecting anyone? One could only say, if there's similarity, it's purely coincidental.
"This subordinate is overwhelmed. As long as His Majesty is safe, this subordinate would consider it worthwhile to die. I dare not seek any reward." Li Congqing put on an expression of fearful anxiety, delivering the proper official rhetoric while his heart wavered.
"Li Congqing, speak your wish. There's no need to decline," the Emperor spoke up.
"Indeed, don't insist on refusing. What is yours is yours," the National Preceptor added with a smile, clearly quite fond of this young man.
Constantly refusing others' gifts was impolite, and since the Emperor insisted on giving, not accepting would be disrespectful. Li Congqing thought for a moment, then readily agreed: "In that case, this subordinate has only one wish—to transfer departments."
"Want a promotion?" Master Xu raised an eyebrow.
"No, this subordinate wishes to transfer to the Ministry of Rites. Even demotion would be acceptable."
Promotion was too good to pass up, yet here was someone actually requesting demotion? Master Xu looked at him in astonishment. Could this young man's brain have been damaged by the assassin?
"The Ministry of Rites is quite fine. Transfer there, and you can frequently go to White Crane Temple to pick peonies," the National Preceptor said with a smile.
Of all topics, the National Preceptor loved bringing this up. Li Congqing couldn't help thinking, I've heard that repeatedly talking about the same thing is a sign of dementia in the elderly. Could the National Preceptor be experiencing cognitive decline?
"Why do you wish to transfer to the Ministry of Rites?" Zhang Shangshu asked.
Logically speaking, the Ministry of Revenue he currently served in was one where it was easier to demonstrate talent and gain recognition among the Six Ministries. Why would he want to transfer to the Ministry of Rites, which had the least prospects?
"Reporting to Master Zhang, this subordinate has greater interest in the affairs managed by the Ministry of Rites."
Interest? Was he treating court affairs like child's play? Master Xu's astonished gaze transformed into contempt. Having worked in the Ministry of Personnel, which handled appointments and transfers for officials ranked below Grade Four for so long, he naturally looked down on people without ambition.
"Are there any vacancies in the Ministry of Rites?" the Emperor asked.
"Reporting to Your Majesty, the Ministry of Rites could accommodate one more Vice Minister," Zhang Shangshu replied.
"Then starting tomorrow, Li Congqing is transferred to serve as Vice Minister of Rites, ranked at Grade Three-A," the Emperor decreed on the spot.
"This minister kowtows and thanks Your Majesty." Li Congqing knelt and kowtowed again. Vice Minister of Rites was a coveted position for him—little work, good salary, close to home.
"You may all attend to your duties. Li Congqing, stay," the Emperor ordered.
"This minister takes leave."
"Li Congqing, rise."
"Thank Your Majesty."
"Look up."
Li Congqing complied and looked up.
The Emperor studied him carefully. Two months since they'd last met, his complexion was much better than when he was injured—more full and rosy, quite nourished. His skin glowed with fine smoothness, and his lips had regained the color of spring flowers, tender and fresh.
The Emperor realized he had missed this person terribly for no apparent reason.
"Does it still hurt?" His tone unconsciously softened, no longer sounding so unapproachable.
"Thanking Your Majesty for your concern, it doesn't hurt anymore."
The Emperor suddenly felt an urge to see Li Congqing's wound—to verify it had truly healed. As Emperor, of course he couldn't do such a thing, and this impulse surprised him in his own heart. Why did he care so particularly about this person? Just because he nearly died for him two months ago?
He was the Emperor. Even ruling with virtue, how few people had died because of him? He had never felt such unusual concern for anyone. Because of this, he couldn't help feeling slightly annoyed—at these improper, inexplicable emotions.
Li Congqing felt his scalp tingling again under the Emperor's gaze. Always able to be at ease in any situation, he always felt ill at ease before the Emperor, even a tiny bit awkward. Especially when the Emperor quietly stared at him, as if trying to discover something in him, making him want to say: Could you please stop staring at me like that? I'm not good-looking at all.
The Emperor saw through his discomfort, his expression turning serious as he asked: "You've already passed your coming-of-age. Why haven't you married?"
Huh? At the Emperor's somewhat nosy question, Li Congqing couldn't help but be stunned. "Reporting to Your Majesty, this minister hasn't yet met a suitable match."
In truth, many people had rushed to be matchmakers for him, or wanted to marry off their unwed daughters to him—both were numerous. After all, he was a top scholar from the imperial examinations, with promising prospects. But he had declined them one by one. The Li family's attitude toward relationships and marriage was quite tolerant. Whether to marry or stay single, he was free to do as he pleased. They wouldn't force him. His life was his own; he could choose the life he wanted.
"Shall I be your matchmaker?"
Huh? Li Congqing was难得感到错愕, stunned again. Great Emperor, could you please not use such a serious expression and tone to say something so gossipy? It doesn't match your illustrious, divine, majestic image. (囧)
"Thanking Your Majesty for your concern, this minister currently has no plans to marry."
"Why not?" The Emperor pressed relentlessly.
Simply because I don't want to. What kind of "why" is that? "Reporting to Your Majesty, this minister hopes to truly achieve something first before starting a family." If that were really the case, he'd probably never get married in this lifetime.
The Emperor looked at him for a while longer before saying: "You may go."
"This minister takes leave." Whew, Li Congqing暗暗松了口气. So the Emperor was also part of the "matchmaker enthusiast" group, even concerning himself with his ministers' marriages. Truly a good emperor who loved his people like his own children, praised by all. (Is that so?)
And so, our Comrade Li took up his new post, happily stepping through the gates of the Ministry of Rites, obtaining this moderately-sized, leisurely position, and embarking on his ideal good life.
Except now he had to attend the morning court sessions punctually every day.
Previously, though attendance was also required, officials ranked below Grade Four all gathered in the great plaza outside the main hall, paying their respects to the Emperor within the hall through the towering distance. After the grand "Those with business to present, speak; those without, withdraw—" they could return to their offices for a brief rest,不必强忍未睡饱的困意站在大殿中不能走.
Gaining entry to the main hall for deliberations was almost like soaring to the heavens. Others looked at him with envy and jealousy, but to him it was a苦差事. Sigh, if he'd known this earlier, he would have directly said he only wanted to be a郎中, or even requested demotion to a员外郎. What was the point of promoting him and making him a Grade Three-A Vice Minister?
However, there were also benefits. The Ministry of Rites was indeed much more relaxing than the Ministry of Revenue. Though there was no shortage of affairs, he was now Vice Minister, ranked only below the Shangshu. He could legitimately delegate tasks to others. Those small,杂乱的 tasks like organizing and copying didn't need to be done by him. He only needed to glance over the work prepared by his subordinates, review it for errors, then submit it to the Shangshu for signature.
Vice Minister of Rites was a well-known闲职—the position no one wanted because there were no promotion opportunities. But Li Congqing sat in it quite happily.
His colleagues in the Ministry of Rites were also easier to get along with than those in the Ministry of Revenue. In the eyes of the Rites officials, Li Congqing was a rather amazing person. This unassuming superior allowed them to work轻松愉快. Sometimes when mistakes were made, he would politely correct and guide them, never scolding harshly. Though he appeared careless and absent-minded, he could notice many tiny details, avoiding many potential errors.
Most amazing was his ability to doze off anytime, anywhere. Sometimes when called to wake him, one would see him squinting his eyes into a thin line as he looked at documents, nearly diving headfirst into the papers. But after reading, he could still accurately point out errors and give instructions on how to correct them, then immediately lay his head down to continue napping. Master Zhang was quite lenient with him, letting him nap as he pleased. As long as his responsibilities were fulfilled, that was enough.
The Vice Minister is actually quite clever, just likes to sleep a bit too much and is a bit too limp and soft. Rarely seen standing or sitting energetically and straight. Other than that, there's nothing wrong with him. This was the conclusion of the Rites officials' observation.
Li Congqing's own perspective was——not seeking merit, only avoiding fault.
Being Vice Minister of Rites was perfect for him. He didn't want to transfer or get promoted at all.
On the other hand, the Emperor noticed Li Congqing often dozed during morning court. Sometimes he appeared to be in deep meditation the whole time; sometimes his head bobbed up and down. Others thought he was expressing agreement with the deliberations, but the Emperor could clearly see—he was dozing off. Even standing in the rearmost corner, the most inconspicuous spot, the Emperor noticed him. Yet he never publicly rebuked him, pretending not to see.
Gradually, others noticed too. Li Congqing thus acquired a title—Vice Minister Doze.
Master Xu looked down on him even more, constantly trying to find fault, seeking an opportunity to drive him out of the hall. He couldn't tolerate someone so dismissive standing in the sacred hall. But except for the dozing, there was no fault to find. The Emperor turned a blind eye to his napping, allowing Li Congqing to stand there steadily for the rest of his career.
Later, the Emperor inadvertently discovered Li Congqing wasn't just dozing during court sessions—he was lazy and drowsy all the time.
One afternoon, passing by the Ministry of Rites, the Emperor caught a glimpse of Li Congqing napping at his desk, sleeping so soundly that he drooled without realizing. The Emperor thought: no wonder this person loves sleeping so much and is naturally lazy—it's obvious why he wanted to transfer to the Rites Ministry.
The Emperor walked into the Ministry of Rites office. All the officials put down their work and knelt in kowtow. Someone was about to shake Li Congqing awake, but the Emperor made a shushing gesture, indicating not to disturb him.
"You may all withdraw for now." Wei Xiaomiao quietly told the other officials, and together with them, they filed out, leaving the Emperor alone with the Vice Minister of Rites, who was sleeping like a baby.
The Emperor sat beside him and silently watched his childlike, innocent sleeping face. There was an unprecedented feeling, something he'd never experienced before. Simply by looking at this person, his mood could feel relaxed and carefree, as if all burdens had been temporarily set aside.
Perhaps it was because no one had ever been so relaxed in his presence. Even his two young children were restrained around him. Only this Li Congqing, while respectful, still showed naturally effortless ease.
微微一笑, he raised his sleeve to wipe the drool from the corner of his mouth. His fingers, like butterfly wings fluttering, brushed against those slightly parted lips.
The butterfly's wings suddenly fluttered against the Emperor's chest—lightly, delicately, stirring his heart.
It was the beginning of summer. Occasionally a breeze passed outside the window, gently caressing a string of glass wind chimes beneath the eaves, producing crystalline, crisp sounds that were pleasant to the ear and refreshing to the heart.
The Emperor didn't speak to wake him, nor did he touch him inappropriately. He simply sat peacefully there, silently watching until he left. Li Congqing never woke throughout.
After the Emperor left, Li Congqing slowly opened his eyes, slowly sat up, raised his hand to lightly touch his lips, and sat dazed in a stupor until others returned. Only then did he stand up, stretch luxuriously, and rub his shoulders and waist.
"Whew——today's afternoon nap really left me with stiff limbs, backaches, and body aches."
◇
Peaceful, calm days continued. Summer passed in the blink of an eye, and autumn arrived.
The Emperor's shoulders bore the weight of an entire nation. Work pressure was certainly far heavier than ordinary people, so he needed appropriate leisure and entertainment to relieve work stress.
Imperial hunting trips were a common recreational activity for the Emperor, serving both recreational and health purposes, especially autumn hunts.
For this year's first out-of-palace autumn hunt, the Emperor summoned several civil officials to join. Li Congqing was among them, the reason being that civil officials also needed healthy bodies to serve the nation and court wholeheartedly.
Li Congqing was a frail scholar with no martial prowess. Not only did he lack the boldness to ride horses into forests, he had no archery skills for hunting. If he didn't fall off his horse and land on all fours, he'd be thanking heaven. Moreover, he had suffered a serious injury just last spring. Though it had healed under careful nursing, his injured shoulder still occasionally ached, especially when the weather changed.
He chose an extremely docile mare, moving slowly even while riding, falling far behind the group. He wasn't much faster than an old ox pulling a cart.
After the Emperor had hunted two deer, he returned to the imperial tent to rest and listen to political reports. The others began the hunting competition.
While others scrambled to chase foxes and fawns, Li Congqing continued his leisurely stroll, casually sightseeing. He had no interest in hunting. Chasing little animals around—the poor creatures, the hunter was even more exhausted.
As expected, Li Congqing didn't catch a single bird or rabbit. Empty-handed, he came in dead last. He didn't care at all. It wasn't like he'd lose his position or his head over this. At most, people would laugh and call him useless.
Whether a person was useful or not wasn't determined by how many foxes or rabbits they caught. He understood where his value lay. What others thought of him was their business, not really his concern.
Toward evening, the group returned grandly to the temporary palace. Many presented their catches to the Emperor, hoping to please him. In the end, all these animals went to the kitchen, then were served at table to fill everyone's bellies. So whether one caught anything or not was meaningless—you'd definitely eat it all anyway.
If one could eat deer meat personally hunted by the Emperor, that was true imperial grace, perfect blessed fortune—more beneficial than eating Tang Sanzang's flesh.
What shocked everyone was the Emperor summoning Li Congqing to his side to share the deer meat he'd caught that day. Of course, others also received small portions, but none were as large as Li Congqing's.
Moreover, the Emperor gave the fattest, most tender belly meat to the Dozing Vice Minister?! Very well, one might say it was because he had protected the Emperor before, deserving merit for the court. The Emperor rewarding him a small piece of deer meat was nothing special. The ministers went from disbelief to finding a good excuse, so they didn't make a big deal of it.
Li Congqing sat obediently beside the Emperor, taking small bites of the deer meat, chewing slowly by himself, not socializing with others. The Emperor drank heartily with the officials who came forward to toast him. Neither looked at the other.
Only after eating and drinking their fill did the banquet disperse, with people breaking into small groups to continue the festivities.
"Vice Minister Li, you're living the good life!" Geng Baiyou, also summoned for the hunt, came over to chat. As a fellow jinshi from last year's imperial examination, he was one of the few people Li Congqing was closer to. Currently Vice Minister of Works, he stood next to Li Congqing's position in the main hall during morning court.
"What's so good about it?"
"Being able to eat deer meat hunted by His Majesty—I'm so envious."
Oh? Could I trade so you can die happy and I can die envious? I'd rather give that piece of meat to you. Li Congqing thought privately, responding blandly: "It's just a piece of meat. Nothing worth envying."
"You don't know how lucky you are. Do you know how many people were watching you just now?"
Could I please not have this luck? He had no desire to become the focal point of the Emperor and everyone's attention. He almost pulled a bitter gourd face. That piece of deer meat was delicious—the skin crispy, the meat tender, the flavorful juices spraying out with each bite... But now it just seemed like poison wrapped in sugar coating, killing him.
However dull he might be, he could sense the Emperor was treating him "specially." This made the usually relaxed Li Congqing slightly tense, his heart secretly complaining.
The deeper the night grew, the laughter and noise in the temporary palace gradually quieted. Tired from playing, people went to rest.
Yet Li Congqing couldn't sleep. He walked out of the temporary palace alone, strolling toward a vast grassland not far away.
Looking up, tonight's crescent moon hung like a hook, the stars brilliant, the Milky Way stretching across the vast night sky. Constellation after constellation was clearly visible.
"Ursa Major, Camelopardalis, Leopard, Lingtai, Shaowei, Taibai, Changyuan, Yinde..." He observed intently, murmuring the names of the constellations he saw.
"What could make you stare so intently?"
Huh? The sudden voice startled Li Congqing. Turning around, he was startled to see the Emperor standing right behind him, very close.
"This minister kowtows to Your Majesty." He turned hastily, about to kneel.
The Emperor reached out and caught him, stopping him from kneeling. "Minister Li needn't stand on ceremony. In the future, no need to perform the kowtow when you see me."
Li Congqing paused, then bowed: "This minister will obey Your Majesty's will."
"What are you looking at?"
"The stars. Tonight is very suitable for stargazing in this location."
"Do you often observe the stars at night?"
"Yes."
The Emperor finally understood. Besides his natural love of sleeping, stargazing was one of the main reasons he dozed during the day.
"Have you divined any good or ill fortune?"
"Reporting to Your Majesty, this minister observes stars merely as an interest. I find it interesting, nothing more. It's not to predict natural disasters or observe human fortunes, so I've never discerned any good or ill fortune from the stars." Li Congqing replied. His eyes sparkled in the night—a radiance unlike any seen before. "A person's destiny is in their own hands, not determined by distant stars in the sky."
The Emperor smiled and said: "Should I transfer you to the Observatory?"
"Thanking Your Majesty, but I'd rather not. When an interest becomes work you must do, it's no longer interesting." From these words, one could glimpse Li Congqing's philosophy of experiencing life casually—living leisurely was first priority, enjoying life was second.
Perhaps because they were discussing Li Congqing's most beloved interest, perhaps because the Emperor's manner was so amicable, they chatted casually, one sentence after another. Gradually, both relaxed, no longer restrained or tense, no longer like worlds apart.
"For example, the phenomenon of Mars lingering at a star—since ancient times it's been considered an omen of natural disasters, national troubles, or the death of rulers. In truth, it's merely the natural cycle of celestial motion." Li Congqing pointed at the stars, opening up his话匣子with rare enthusiasm. "No matter how stars travel through the sky, they always return to the same place."
The starry sky was like shattered crystals scattered across the heavens, twinkling. Each star seemed to hide a story.
The Emperor discovered he loved listening to Li Congqing's unhurried, leisurely way of speaking. He smiled, listening attentively.
Li Congqing discovered he loved watching the Emperor's gentle, almost tender smile. It made him almost forget that one was ruler, the other was minister.
Just hours ago he had been worried about the Emperor's special attention. But after chatting for a while, he cast those worries behind him. Forgetting things quickly was also his specialty. Moreover, he couldn't control how the Emperor chose to look at him. If he couldn't be bothered to worry, then he wouldn't worry.
They stood talking, then, tired of standing, they casually sat down side by side.
Silence fell between them, but the quiet didn't create discomfort.
Just sitting quietly like this, saying nothing, was also fine.
The sleepy Li Congqing, sitting and sitting, unknowingly fell asleep. His head bobbed slowly, his body swaying, and most disrespectfully, he leaned against the Emperor beside him.
The Emperor turned to gaze at him.
Their faces were so close—close enough to feel each other's warm breath. Unconsciously, his eyes traced those rosy lips right before him.
Your lips, are they sweet? Let me take a bite and see?
Thinking this, unable to resist, he lowered his head and lightly pressed his lips to those pink spring flowers... In that instant, even he was startled. He bounced away, suddenly standing up abruptly.
Li Congqing tumbled onto the grass, waking up. He opened his drowsy eyes, looking up茫然and puzzled.
The Emperor stared at him wordlessly. This usually gentle, elegant man, unchanging in joy or anger, now appeared somewhat frustrated and angry. His expression was complex yet deep as the sea.
"What's wrong?" Li Congqing blinked and asked.
The Emperor's throat tightened. A fleeting, unknowable light flashed in his eyes. His expression rather unpleasant, he turned his face away, not looking at him. Without a word, he turned and walked off.
"What's he angry about?" Li Congqing muttered in puzzlement, shaking his drowsy head. He lay back down, and with amazing speed, drifted back into dreams.
After all, at home he often slept on the lawn in the courtyard. He was used to it, not considering that at home someone would cover him with a blanket. But here was wild countryside— heaven wouldn't kindly drop a warm quilt for him.
Yet what surprised him was, when he woke the next day, he found himself somehow back in the temporary palace room. He had no idea who had brought him back. His deep sleep and fainting were nearly indistinguishable—he was completely unaware of his surroundings.
Hmm... could it have been the Emperor? Nah, how could that be?!
Li Congqing was wrong. The one who carried him back was precisely the person he thought was absolutely impossible.
After the Emperor had walked away a distance, he couldn't help but turn back to look at Li Congqing. The man hadn't gotten up—instead, he lay down and continued sleeping. This made the Emperor both wanting to be angry and wanting to laugh. One couldn't be this lazy—surely there's a limit! He really didn't know how to take care of himself!
Autumn nights were cold. Unable to bear letting him catch cold and freeze, the Emperor could only turn back to his side. He had intended to order him back to the temporary palace, but seeing him already asleep, after hesitation, he bent down and lifted him horizontally. Carefully avoiding the night watch guards, he placed him in an empty room, set him down, and hurried away without pausing.
A ruler accustomed to self-control, the Emperor felt for the first time in his life that he was on the verge of losing control.
(Note) 荧惑: The ancient Chinese name for Mars. 荧惑守心 refers to the astronomical phenomenon of Mars (the "Fire Star") lingering near Antares (the "Heart" star), part of the Scorpio constellation. In traditional Chinese astrology, this conjunction was traditionally interpreted as an omen of disaster, national upheaval, or the death of a ruler.