Chapter 3

Zhu Hui didn't seem to be yelling at him but instead begging him. Yuan Ling was so shocked by the change in personality in the boy that he obediently obeyed. He climbed off and watched as Zhu Hui shuffled away from him as he turned red from embarrassment. Zhu Hui's face trembled as he looked back into Yuan Ling's eyes. Unable to take the embarrassment, he took off running.

After that incident, Yuan Ling became even stickier. He pestered Zhu Hui nonstop and would begin to disrobe whenever the two were together. Zhu Hui felt his sanity leave him as he didn't know how to act toward this shameless child. Zhu Hui had never met another person who got under his skin quite like Yuan Ling did. The two continued their carefree days not knowing that trouble was brewing within the Imperial Court.

Yuan Ling's father, the Emperor, was found dead by poison. Yuan Ling was quickly crowned Emperor before the reality of his father's death could even settle in. He was a young boy, yet he was being forced into a position of power. Even though Empress Dowager used him as a puppet and controlled everything, he still felt the pressure of being crowned Emperor. Even the strongest of people would feel themselves crumbling.

Zhu Hui noticed how badly Yuan Ling wanted to break down, but he couldn't allow himself to do so. When he had the opportunity, he approached Yuan Ling and tugged on his sleeve. Yuan Ling was surprised that Zhu Hui took this initiative, but his misery outweighed his surprise. He gave a forced smile, "Yes?"

Zhu Hui began to pull him, "Follow me, young Lord." Yuan Ling followed dispiritedly behind him as Zhu Hui led him to the waterfall. Zhu Hui was worried by his lack of energy and swallowed hard. His hands twitched before slowly reaching forward. He took off Yuan Ling's outer robe and then his own.

Yuan Ling turned up his head, "Hui-Gege?"

Zhu Hui blushed slightly and turned to avoid his look. He added in a small voice, "J-Just the outer robe…"

Then, Zhu Hui grabbed his hand and led him to the waterfall. Yuan Ling looked at their intertwined fingers and gave a slight smile. They waded in the water before they stopped before the waterfall. The water bouncing off the surface splashed their faces. Yuan Ling spoke, "Hui-Gege?"

Zhu Hui looked deeply into his eyes, "If we are under the waterfall, then no one will know what is a tear and what is water."

It was then that Yuan Ling understood his intention. His bottom lip trembled as he broke out into a heartfelt wail. He sobbed for his father's loss, his stressful new position, and the lack of control he had over his own life. Yuan Ling grabbed at Zhu Hui burying his face into the other's chest, "Hui-Gege! You aren't allowed to leave my side! Ever!"

Zhu Hui flinched slightly before hesitantly hugging Yuan Ling back. He let out a low grunt, "En."

Zhu Hui stayed true to his word even to this day.

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Zhu Hui was surprised to have remembered such a long-lost memory. He glanced at Yuan Ling who walked with his head held high and an arrogant faint smile on his face. It is hard to believe that he hasn't grown up one bit.

Yuan Ling felt his eyes and glanced back. His smile caused his eyes to turn upwards into a crescent shape, "Hui-Gege. You are staring. Am I really that beautiful?"

Zhu Hui looked away from him in irritation. His voice was curt, "Just hurry up."

Although Yuan Ling was now an adult, his mother clearly ruled the courtroom. She would make "suggestions" and Yuan Ling would approve them. He was a puppet, but he didn't mind as much. It was less stressful this way. Everyone in the courtroom knew that the Emperor was controlled by the Empress Dowager, but no one cared to complain. The Empress Dowager was far wiser than her son after all.

After completing his royal duties, Yuan Ling turned to Zhu Hui and whispered to him, "Follow me."

Zhu Hui frowned slightly but maintained his composure. The two walked with the Eunuchs back to his courtyard. Yuan Ling turned to them, "You may leave."

Eunuch Wan trembled with anxiety, "B-But… My Lord…"

"The Emperor wishes to be alone with Chancellor Zhu. You are dismissed."

"Young Lord… I-I can't…"

Yuan Ling glared at him, "Dare you defy my orders?"

Eunuch Wan flinched. This was all it took for him to back down. "This lowly official wouldn't dare! Please excuse us, my Lord!"

Yuan Ling watched them with a frown as they scurried away. Now alone in the courtyard, Yuan Ling turned to Zhu Hui with a sly look on his face. He firmly grabbed Zhu Hui's arm and dragged him inside. Zhu Hui reluctantly let himself be pulled. Yuan Ling spoke over his shoulder, "Come, Hui-Gege. I require your assistance inside."

"My assistance?"

"Don't forget you promised to reward me. And as my reward, I wish for you to serve me. You aren't allowed to back out now."

Zhu Hui glanced away as his ears burned. How could he forget?

Yuan Ling led him inside and released his arm. He turned to him and raised his arms. He spoke in an arrogant tone, "Undress me."

Zhu Hui's face twitched, "En?"

"Undress me!"

Zhu Hui clenched his jaw and carefully began to take off his many layers. Zhu Hui hesitated as he pulled off the last article of clothing, leaving behind only his inner robe. Yuan Ling found his hesitation humorous. He held out a hand to stop Zhu Hui. Zhu Hui let out a sigh of relief. He had honestly believed that Yuan Ling would have him take off everything.

Yuan Ling walked over to his luxurious bed and plopped down on it. He held out his foot with a cocky grin, "Now take off my shoes."

Zhu Hui gave him a suspicious look before stepping over to the bed. He knelt down and carefully removed the shoe. Then he removed the socks after Yuan Ling's insistence.

Yuan Ling spoke again, "I want a foot massage."