As someone who has been cultivating in North Snow City since he was a child, Qiu Yutong was indeed not very wise to the ways of the world. But in any case, he had experienced the mortal world for a full 10 years, and to some extent, understood certain things.
For example, “male pet”, he understood it.
At this very moment, he finally realised, that the “remarkable beauty” that Prince Jin had sent to Lu Xiao that the two eunuchs mentioned just now, was not anyone else but himself!
He was a… male pet.
Qiu Yutong’s mind was a sea of white.
He had become a male pet, a male pet offered to Lu Xiao.
Qiu Yutong’s entire being felt unwell.
A layer of goosebumps, in rapid succession, fought to emerge across his back.
Too absurd, too embarrassing, too… humiliating.
Qiu Yutong was stiff for quite a while, before suddenly remembering something, and quickly looked at his body.
On his entire body, besides the dark green embroidered brocade, were gorgeously intricate circular cold chains around his ankles, wrists and neck; the entire manner of dressing was terrible to the extreme.
“…” Qiu Yutong’s mouth silently twitched.
As it turned out, he should have long understood.
Just now, he was still randomly guessing, exactly what identity this body had, was he a foreign slave, or a prisoner of war… Actually, there was no need for guessing, this body was already dressed to serve, but from the start, he had not thought in that direction!
What was this rotten situation!
Even if the Heavenly Law wanted to play with him and not allow him to ascend, it did not need to torment him like this!
Qiu Yutong basically wanted to cry but had no tears.
He was not a person who had a lot of attachment, letting nature take its course; if he failed in ascending, he would not force it, even if he died, he had accepted it. But inexplicable possessing the body of a male pet, and being used as a present by that damnable Prince Jin, and offered as a tribute to his one and only disciple…
This was too absurd and he had no way to accept it.
But, even though he couldn’t accept it, things have already become this way. The biggest problem now was, what should he do?
Why not, when he saw Lu Xiao later, simply acknowledge the other person, and let that youngster get him more presentable clothes?
…Impossible.
After thinking for only a second, Qiu Yutong extremely firmly, without the slightest hesitation, resolutely and decisively rejected that thought.
Impossible, absolutely impossible.
His extremely terrible look today, absolutely couldn’t acknowledge Lu Xiao! Absolutely not!!
He couldn’t humiliate himself in front of this person*.
[T/N: The raws actually state he “丢不起” this person, which kind of means he cannot “let this person down” by being in such a “humiliating state”. I shortened it so it sounds better in English, but do let me know if this is better.]
But, if he didn’t recognise him, under this situation that wanted his life, how could he deal with his once-disciple?
Yes, Lu Xiao had always been a sensible and good child. If he acted pitiful, maybe he could bluff his way out… Also, Lu Xiao’s conduct was very clean, he was not fond of homosexuals, and might be disdainful of Prince Jin’s “present”, directly driving him out; that wouldn’t be very good.
He was racking his brains, doing his utmost to think of a way when the two eunuchs brought the cage to the courtyard doors of Jingxin Palace.
Qiu Yutong was very familiar with regards to Jingxin Palace.
This small palace was not the palace of the official monarch, but rather a side palace, it only had 3 courtyards. After the old emperor passed away and before Lu Xiao was enthroned, the master and disciple pair once stayed in this place for a short 3 months.
He didn’t expect that after Lu Xiao had ascended for 5 years, he didn’t move out.
The short eunuch greeted the imperial bodyguard at the gate and the two eunuchs then brought the cage in. In front of the large vermillion doors, they slowly stopped.
”Zhiya” With a soft sound, the large palace doors opened, and a short and fat old eunuch walked out.
”This servant greets Zhang-gonggong.” The two eunuchs said.
At the side of the doors hung an innumerable number of bright lanterns, separating the thin white muslin. In one look, Qiu Yutong could recognise that the short and fat eunuch in front of him was Lu Xiao’s personal servant that year, Zhang Defu.
It’s just that, at this very moment, Zhang Defu did not have the destitute look of before. He had on dark red eunuch robes made of fine silks, holding the handle of a snow-white horsetail whisk, just like a powerful eunuch with a lot of authority.
Zhang Defu narrowed his eyes, sizing the cage up. “Inside the cage, is the remarkable beauty Prince Jin is sending as a tribute, Young Master Xue Rong?”
“Replying Zhang-gonggong, yes,” the shorter eunuch respectfully replied.
“Okay, let me have a look.” Zhang Defu nodded then stooped down and lifted up the cloth, looking inside.
Qiu Yutong quickly looked down.
Zhang Defu was stunned, his whole body was motionless. His hands couldn’t help trembling, and the cloth fell close.
”What is it, Zhang-gonggong?” The shorter eunuch earnestly asked.
Zhang Defu didn’t respond to him, only dazedly stared at the cage, as if he had seen a ghost.
After a long while, this steady and smooth eunuch unhurriedly regained consciousness and muttered to himself, “Alike, too alike. Prince Jin he…”
He didn’t continue, face complicated as he became silent for a while. Suddenly, he sighed, “Nevermind, no matter his motives… this is also good, this is also good.”
Qiu Yutong felt apprehensive, what did he mean by “this is also good”?
Prince Jin sent a male pet to Lu Xiao, how was this good?
Zhang Defu hesitated for a moment before he bent down and urged, “Young Master Xue Rong, the palace is not the same as the outside, a single mistake is intolerable. Since you’ve come here, that means you’ve learned the rules. When you go in later, don’t overestimate yourself, if you offend HIs Majesty, no one can save you.”
Qiu Yutong didn’t know if he should laugh or cry, and replied with difficulty, “I understand.”
Zhang Defu paused, yet couldn’t help but sigh again. “Ai, with your looks, with your looks… it’s unknown if it’s a blessing or a misfortune. Forget it, in short, serve well and if His Majesty is satisfied, you will also benefit.”
”Eh, this…” Qiu Yutong could only feel his scalp go numb.
Serve well? Serve Lu Xiao?
… What kind of service?
He resolutely didn’t think further.
He gave a light cough, and tried to save himself, “Zhang-gonggong, that, cough… actually, I don’t feel well today…”
“Don’t speak anymore,” Zhang Defu didn’t allow comment and waved his horsetail whisk, “Bring it in.”
Qiu Yutong, “…”
Following Zhang Defu’s order, the cage was lifted once again, swaying into the palace.
Once inside, the warmth inside hit his face directly, along with the strong scent of ambergris, making people feel drowsy.
The palace was not large, in each of the southeast and southwest corners was an exquisite white water lily incense burner, which had the expensive ambergris incense lit in each one. Inside, the smoke curled, the subtle fragrance floated around.
Another 10 steps inside, north of the room, was a large sandalwood writing desk.
Behind that desk sat a man, who was currently reading some reports*.
[T/N: Raws actually state memorials to the emperor which are basically official communications to the emperors. Think of them like reports.]
Qiu Yutong looked at him and the pit of his stomach lightly trembled.
Lu Xiao.
The person looking down and reading the reports, the incomparably unfamiliar yet extremely familiar handsome youth, was Qiu Yutong’s one and only disciple, Dachen’s young emperor, Lu Xiao.
Past the cloth covering the cage, Lu Xiao’s face was not very clear, but in front of the desk, there was a copper sparrow candlestick. On top of them were 10 lighted whale fat candles, penetrating the cloth to light up the surroundings, and so he could barely see through it.
Qiu Yutong watched the man behind the desk, and, after sighing in sorrow, still had some doubts.
Lu Xiao this youngster, when did he become so mature?
He thought about it and couldn’t help but laugh – even though, to himself, the two’s separation had only happened recently, in truth, a full five years had passed in the mortal world. Counting it, Lu Xiao was already 23, so he would obviously be different from when he first ascended the throne.
As Qiu Yutong was letting his imagination run wild, the cage shook slightly and was put onto the thick carpet.
“Reporting to Your Majesty, this is the remarkable beauty Prince Jin offers as a tribute, Young Master Xue Rong,” Zhang Defu’s obese body was prostrate upon the carpet, as he spoke extremely deferentially.
Lu Xiao minded his own business and continued reading, too lazy to even raise his eyelids. His voice was deep and cold, “We know. Leave the person here, everyone else is dismissed.”
”Yes,” Zhang Defu once again knocked his head before crawling up, bringing the two eunuchs who carried the cage away.
Thus, only two people were left in the study room.
Dachen dynasty’s young emperor, and the unlucky emperor’s teacher who had unspeakable sufferings.
Qiu Yutong had been alive for 200 years, what sort of situation has he not seen, but he had never heard of such an outlandish tale. He was so anxious his throat felt dry and couldn’t help but swallow some saliva, following which he once again cursed himself.
The more he thought, the more he regressed, why was he so anxious?
He had brought Lu Xiao up from 8 to 18; this youngster’s swordsmanship, military tactics and strategising, which were not taught by him? It’s merely, merely, that this youngster had grown a little bigger, matured a little, but in his bones, wasn’t he still his little disciple?
Qiu Yutong calmed a bit, before starting to worry again.
Regarding today’s situation, how little could he do in order to deceive Lu Xiao?
In short, he didn’t want to expose his identity and humiliate himself, nor did he ever want to “serve” Lu Xiao, this was such an unlucky and messy affair.
Qiu Yutong couldn’t help but look up, glancing at Lu Xiao.
Behind the large desk, that young, handsome, mortal emperor, seemed to have no interest in the “remarkable” beauty inside the cage, his attention was always focused on the large stack of reports*, too lazy to even lift his head.
[T/N: Technically the raws saw something along the lines of folded papers, which the memorials are usually in the form of.]
Seeing that the other party was always looking at the reports, not at all giving him attention, and making no suspicious movements, Qiu Yutong secretly let out a breath of relief.
Looks like this youngster was still the same, clean with little desire*.
[T/N: This means he’s not a licentious person.]
Qiu Yutong relaxed, this was much easier to manage. As long as he forced himself to go through with the deception, then find a way back to North Snow City, he could reconstruct his original body and continue cultivating.
Since he had a plan, he was also not anxious. He might as well close his eyes for a bit, borrow the cloth curtain’s shelter and carefully size up his favourite disciple.
After the desk, Lu Xiao’s eyes looking down*, attention entirely on the reports, the faintly yellow candlelight shone upon his youthful face.
[T/N: Original raws state drooping pupils, which is kind of the state when you’re looking down at something with your eyes partially closed.]
He had completely shed his inexperience look, his once delicate and immature silhouette become sharp and incisive, phoenix eyes, thin lips and a straight nose, incomparable handsome.
He looked unfeeling, firm and mature, his countenance filled with an emperor’s aura.
The study room was extremely quiet with only the soft rustling sound of the weasel bristle brush touching fine writing paper, like the continuous drizzle in autumn, or the soft breeze brushing across tree branches.
Qiu Yutong distantly took in all the details of his only disciple, his heart filled with endless sorrow.
Lu Xiao had really grown up and matured.
Not, not only that…
Qiu Yutong frowned slightly.
He didn’t know why, but he faintly felt that Lu Xiao was quite different from the past. This difference was not just because of maturing or the difference from immaturity but the entire person’s temperament, it was different.
What was different?
He looked, as if he was unhappy…
Was the state affairs too much?
Qiu Yutong looked at Lu Xiao, deeply entranced as he thought. The other party seemed to be able to sense something, suddenly looking up, a cold, electric gaze stared at the white cloth covering the cage.
Actually, from the bright area behind the desk, looking at the shadowed cage*, it was impossible to see clearly, but the incisive gaze that seemed almost corporeal, immediately caused Qiu Yutong to stiffen instantly.
It was completely different from the young child’s admiring and dependant gaze of before; the youth’s gaze now was unfeeling like the extremely northern millennium-old ice that was hard to melt, without a single trace of warmth.
Lu Xiao unhurriedly put down his brush, coldly saying, “Have you seen enough?”
Qiu Yutong regained his mind, blinking, not entirely accustomed to Lu Xiao’s tone.
Such a cold tone, Qiu Yutong had never heard before.
He was somewhat at a loss. What was wrong with Lu Xiao?
Seeing that he didn’t utter a sound, Lu Xiao laughed coldly and stood up from behind the desk. This young emperor bypassed the desk and ambled towards him, standing in front of the cage.
A large shadow, it could almost cover Qiu Yutong’s entire person.
Qiu Yutong couldn’t help but shift back a bit.
Lu Xiao slowly narrowed his eyes, thoughtfully sizing up what was behind the cloth, that indistinct silhouette.
In the room, only the desk had candles, the cage was enveloped in shadows. Past the white cloth, he could only make out an indistinctly make out a frail silhouette, currently curled up in the corner of the cage looking weak and helpless.
“Playing coy*!”
[T/N: Probably referring to covering the cage with a cloth in order to seem more mysterious and hence more attractive.]
Lu Xiao laughed coldly, then with a “shua”, he casually pulled out the sword at his waist, slashing silently.
“Kacha” the sound of something breaking, the wooden cage was easily slashed into half!
While the white cloth on top of the cage was torn into two, slowly floating down.
