AEGA CH3

The Kingdom of Changli, the Imperial Palace, Zichen Palace.

The memorials on the desk were piled high, and a slender hand clutched a scroll. A young man dressed in a deep purple brocade robe sat before the desk. His phoenix eyes were lowered; he was elegant, handsome, and incomparably noble. His features were naturally sharp and striking, yet his brows were deeply knit, his thin lips tightly pressed. His expression was cold and gloomy, as if he had been suppressing something for an eternity, mixed with a weary, sickly exhaustion that took away a fraction of his brilliant radiance.

Purple was the color of supreme nobility, a symbol of the Emperor. One who wore purple had to be the ruler of the realm.

Yet, this supreme monarch knew all too well that he was nothing more than a trapped beast caged within the palace walls—struggling and roaring in despair, with no one to hear his cries.

The world envied the Emperor for wielding absolute control over the realm, completely unaware that the Emperor himself was controlled by an invisible force.

So what if he had been young and promising, clearing flood disasters and eradicating rebellious factions during his days in the Eastern Palace? Back then, the Crown Prince had been so spirited and exceptionally heroic, fully dedicated to expanding the grand blueprint for his country and people, vowing to share his life exclusively with his Crown Princess, highly praised by the hundred officials, and deeply loved by the myriad citizens.

But now, the ministers and commoners of Changli only knew that their current Majesty was devoid of principle and reason, heavily indulged in sensory pleasures, had banished his original Empress to the Cold Palace, and was a foolish ruler who hadn’t attended court for three whole years.

“Your Majesty,” Yun Luo reminded him in a low voice, “It is time to flip the name tags. The imperial selection ended this month, and several more young masters have entered the palace. You should choose who will serve you tonight and then invest them with official ranks.”

His appearance was delicate, alluring, and dangerously seductive—fluidly blurring the lines between genders—and easily rivaled any of the beauties in the inner palace. Yet, even a visage like his could not draw a single glance from the supreme ruler.

Xie Chongjin lowered his eyes coldly. The selection platter was dazzlingly filled with green head tags, all veterans who had entered the palace three years ago, whose names he still couldn’t be bothered to remember. As for the newcomers—the young master Zhangs or young master Wangs—he didn’t even care to grant them a single glance.

After all, the person he truly wanted was not here.

His Qingshu, his Xuechao… the person whose name he had carved into his era name, wishing to spend the rest of his life with, was not here.

He could not even meet him.

His lowered long eyelashes hid the agony in his eyes, and the hand clutching the memorial tightened until veins popped up, trembling slightly.

To this day, he still couldn’t comprehend how he had fallen into such a desperate predicament.

Xie Chongjin and Lu Xuechao had known each other since childhood; they were childhood friends.

Lu Xuechao was the legitimate son of the Prime Minister’s estate, born of illustrious stock. From the age of six, he became the Crown Prince’s study partner, frequently entering and leaving the Imperial Study.

At first, Xie Chongjin hadn’t actually paid much attention to this young study partner. The Crown Prince was surrounded by countless children of noble families, and Lu Xuechao was far from the only study partner. According to the laws of the Kingdom of Changli, the Empress could intervene in state affairs and assist His Majesty in governing the nation, whereas ordinary consorts could not. Many official families wanted to use their proximity to the throne to secure a head start, sending their children to the Crown Prince’s side from a young age to cultivate a childhood bond. In the event that one became the Crown Princess in the future, it would mean skyrocketing to success and bringing immense glory to their clan.

Xie Chongjin was young, but having studied the manipulative arts of monarchs, he was perfectly aware of the hidden agendas behind these so-called playmates. While these innocent children might not yet know the burdens placed on their shoulders, naively assuming they were merely here to accompany the Crown Prince in his studies, Xie Chongjin saw right through the schemes of the families backing them, and thus remained distant from them all.

Despite always being crowded and surrounded by a throng of people, the young Crown Prince did not have a single true playmate.

Lu Xuechao, on the other hand, understood his family’s intentions perfectly but had no desire to act on them.

He considered himself talented enough to earn his own scholarly honors through his own merits in the future, entering officialdom to become a top official just like his father to serve his country. Why bother taking the shortcut of becoming an Empress?

He was also too lazy to gather around the Crown Prince to flatter him like the other children. The Crown Prince seemed to possess a rather calculating mind himself, likely just putting on an act for those study partners anyway; going over would be a waste of effort.

Whenever class ended for recess, the other noble children would swarm forward like a flock of bees to curry favor with the Crown Prince. Lu Xuechao would quietly walk over to the Grand Tutor to ask questions and clear his doubts, never joining the chaotic scramble.

Yet, Xie Chongjin noticed him anyway.

Because the Grand Tutor praised him far too many times.

Xie Chongjin was born a Crown Prince, carrying immense expectations and receiving royal education. He learned to read at age three and practiced martial arts at age four, making him a prodigy who stood far above his peers. Yet upon meeting Lu Xuechao, he truly understood the meaning of the phrase “there is always a higher heaven, and always a better man.”

While other young children were still painstakingly learning to write character by character, Lu Xuechao could already compose poetry, speaking in flawless literary prose. He applied lessons fluidly in class, frequently leaving the Grand Tutor entirely speechless. Even the Grand Tutor, whose students spanned the entire realm, exclaimed in awe that Lu Xuechao was the most brilliant student he had ever taught, and even the Crown Prince was a fraction inferior to him.

Xie Chongjin had always been known as a child prodigy, never falling short of anyone since childhood. His status as the master of the Eastern Palace had also bred a haughty, arrogant pride in him. Hearing this, he naturally refused to accept it and wanted to compete with Lu Xuechao to see who was superior.

The result was a crushing defeat.

The young Crown Prince was deeply shaken. Since his scholarly talents couldn’t match up, he raised his chin slightly and said, “I want to spar with you in martial arts.”

Lu Xuechao paused, then replied, “Alright.”

Xie Chongjin figured that since this person’s literary talents were so incredible, his martial arts wouldn’t be bad either. He decided he should go all out, and thus delivered a punch that whipped up a fierce wind, showing no mercy.

Who would have guessed that Lu Xuechao wouldn’t even attempt to dodge, taking the punch directly, which left a faint bruise on his face.

The rest of the watching noble children immediately began to flatter him obsequiously: “An excellent strike, Your Highness!”

“Your Highness is truly mighty! Your Highness’s martial arts are incredible!”

Surrounded by the chorus of praise, Xie Chongjin wasn’t happy at all. He barked coldly, “Shut up, all of you! Back down!”

The cheering instantly ceased. The noble children became as quiet as cicadas in winter and scattered like startled birds.

Xie Chongjin looked toward Lu Xuechao, furrowing his brows as he said, “Why didn’t you dodge? If I win because you held back, it’s a hollow victory. You don’t need to let me win.”

“It’s not that I didn’t dodge, I couldn’t dodge,” Lu Xuechao said calmly. “I have never practiced martial arts.”

Xie Chongjin was astonished. “Then why did you agree to spar with me? I am not someone who enjoys winning unfairly.”

“Before entering the palace, my father instructed me that I must never disobey the Crown Prince’s orders,” Lu Xuechao answered truthfully.

“…With a brain as smart as yours, how can you be so rigid?” Looking at the bruise on Lu Xuechao’s face, Xie Chongjin inexplicably felt a pang of guilt, as if he had bullied a younger neighborhood brother. He said uncomfortably, “Come here, I’ll apply some medicine for you.”

Lu Xuechao spoke again, “I dare not trouble Your Highness. I can do it myself.”

Xie Chongjin raised an eyebrow. “Suddenly you remember how to disobey the Crown Prince’s orders?”

“…” Lu Xuechao slowly shuffled over, obediently tilting his face upward.

Xie Chongjin was about half a head taller than him. Bending down, he was at the perfect height to apply the medicine, putting them within arm’s reach. Looking at Lu Xuechao’s snow-pale, adorable face, his clear, watery eyes, and his slightly knitted brows from the pain, Xie Chongjin felt bewildered. How had he never noticed before that he had such a cute study partner?

Xie Chongjin couldn’t help but pinch Lu Xuechao’s cheek, his eyes widening slightly.

So… so soft.

The skin was fair and soft, and his features were so intricately sculpted that he looked exactly like a porcelain doll.

“…Highness?” The pull on his wound caused a layer of mist to rise in Lu Xuechao’s eyes, and his voice became soft and sweet.

“Ahem!” Xie Chongjin snapped back to his senses, withdrew his hand, and asked with forced solemnity, “How old are you?”

“Six,” the porcelain doll said.

“Then I am a year older than you; you should call me brother. My courtesy name is Huaiyun, so you can call me Brother Huaiyun,” Xie Chongjin was naturally a character who disliked getting close to others or joking around, yet for some reason, he really wanted to tease this porcelain doll.

Perhaps it was because Lu Xuechao, like him, possessed an intelligence that far exceeded their peers, giving him the desire to converse as equals. Or perhaps it was because he had hurt Lu Xuechao, leaving him with a sense of guilt that made him instinctively want to treat him better.

Boys in the Kingdom of Changli were given a courtesy name at birth, which only those closest to them could use. Xie Chongjin was the Crown Prince; the only people in the world who dared to call him by his courtesy name were the Emperor and the Empress.

Lu Xuechao hesitated for a moment, feeling that this breached propriety.

“You must never disobey the Crown Prince’s orders,” Xie Chongjin used that exact phrase to pressure him again.

“…” Lu Xuechao compromised, “…Brother Huaiyun.”

Hearing the porcelain doll softly call him brother, Xie Chongjin’s heart practically soared with affection, though his face remained steady as he said, “In exchange, you must also tell me your courtesy name.”

Lu Xuechao said, “Qingshu.”

“Alright, Brother Qingshu,” Xie Chongjin finished applying the medicine, cupping his face to look closely, and asked, “Why don’t you practice martial arts? Practicing martial arts can help you defend yourself. You look so adorable; it’s far too easy for people to bully you.”

…The only person bullying me is you.

Lu Xuechao grumbled inwardly, yet answered obediently, “My constitution is weak and prone to illness. My imperial father doesn’t allow me to practice martial arts.”

Xie Chongjin froze and hurriedly asked, “What illness?”

Lu Xuechao shook his head. “No major illness, just a frail constitution. I frequently catch colds and suffer from headaches.”

“Since your constitution is frail, you should practice martial arts even more to strengthen your body,” Xie Chongjin said. “Later, I will have the imperial physicians prescribe a formula to nurture your body, and I’ll also teach you some physical training techniques.”

Lu Xuechao thought about it, then finally responded, “Alright.”

After that day, Lu Xuechao became entirely different from the other study partners.

Xie Chongjin loved to take him along wherever he went—to study, to practice martial arts, to play cuju, and he even invited Lu Xuechao to stay overnight in the Eastern Palace, sleeping head-to-foot, completely inseparable.

The other study partners were green with envy and hatred, but they knew in their hearts that they couldn’t compare to Lu Xuechao. Whether it was family background, appearance, or talent, Lu Xuechao was top-tier in every aspect. It wasn’t surprising at all that the Crown Prince favored him.

Having found a true soulmate, Xie Chongjin grew weary of dealing with his other fair-weather friends. After bringing it up to the Empress, Lu Xuechao officially became Xie Chongjin’s sole study partner from that moment on.

Time flew by, and the six- or seven-year-old children transformed into sixteen- or seventeen-year-old youths in the blink of an eye.

In the gentle warmth of spring, when they grew weary from excursions, Lu Xuechao would rest against Xie Chongjin’s back. In the scorching heat of summer, when the stuffy air was unbearable, Xie Chongjin would lower his status to fan Lu Xuechao. In the rustling autumn winds, when the night grew slightly chilly, Lu Xuechao would invite Xie Chongjin to drink together beneath the moon. In the vast, endless winter snow, when they stayed indoors, Xie Chongjin would pillow his head on Lu Xuechao’s lap to read a book.

Everyone throughout the Eastern Palace who witnessed this remarked that the relationship between the Crown Prince and the young master of the Lu family was simply too exceptional.

As children, they were childhood sweethearts; as youths, they sang and drank together, sharing the exact same ideals. The young Crown Prince had already begun to show his sharp brilliance—bright, vivid, and unbridled. His mind held the texts of governance that would leave a legacy for generations, and his heart possessed an soaring ambition to benefit the myriad citizens. Since the age of fifteen, he had successively achieved two massive contributions: resolving flood disasters and eliminating traitorous factions. His reputation among the common folk was exceptionally high, making him truly ride the crest of success.

Lu Xuechao had also grown into a peerless celestial beauty, possessing an extraordinary character and a mind brilliant as a demon, acting as Xie Chongjin’s number one strategist. Xie Chongjin’s illustrious merits owed heavily to Lu Xuechao’s brilliant scheming behind the scenes.

Both of them were unrivaled geniuses, and when paired together, they were completely invincible—even prompting other nations to harbor deep wariness. If they already possessed such outstanding political achievements at such a young age, if Xie Chongjin became the monarch and Lu Xuechao became the Prime Minister in the future, wouldn’t the Kingdom of Changli completely suppress the other countries until they couldn’t even lift their heads?

It wasn’t that no one wanted to drive a wedge between this pair of best friends, but before they could even put their plans into action, news broke that Xie Chongjin had requested an imperial decree from the Emperor for a marriage alliance, seeking to marry Lu Xuechao as his Crown Princess.

Now, they truly weren’t just best friends anymore—they had become soulmates.

Having accompanied each other for ten years, from childhood innocence to youthful spirit, at the very awakening of love, they had developed a mutual affection for each other.

On the night of their wedding, Xie Chongjin was so nervous he didn’t even know where to place his hands and feet.

Lu Xuechao shed his vibrant red wedding robes, revealing skin like smooth jade, as white as fine snow.

Xie Chongjin’s body was incredibly stiff, his palms sweating profusely. The very hands that wouldn’t tremble even when drawing a bow to notch an arrow were currently unable to undo a single clothing button.

Lu Xuechao’s cold appearance revealed a strike of vivid brilliance under the reflection of the candlelight. He said with a smile, “Is Huaiyun finding me too hot to handle?”

Xie Chongjin didn’t dare look at that enticing beauty. “No.”

Lu Xuechao’s tone was incredibly gentle. “Then why aren’t you coming to hold me?”

“Clearly, when we were young and slept in the same bed during winter, the Crown Prince brother always loved to hold me, using the excuse of warming my body…”

“That wasn’t an excuse,” Xie Chongjin said immediately. “Your body was freezing, making it easy to catch a cold; I genuinely wanted to warm your body. Besides… we were both small back then, how could I have any improper thoughts…”

“Oh?” Lu Xuechao’s tone turned upward. “Then we are not small anymore. On this very night of our bridal chambers, the Crown Prince brother doesn’t have any improper thoughts?”

“Or… must I be the one to take the initiative?”

Xie Chongjin was completely worked up by the teasing. Once his nervousness faded, he hooked the other man’s chin from the side and leaned in fiercely to kiss him, though the moment he touched those lips, he softened his touch, acting almost reverent.

Lu Xuechao brushed against his lips and turned his head away. “I am not taking the pregnancy pill.”

Xie Chongjin froze, then quickly realized that he was referring to the pregnancy pill that all men in the Kingdom of Changli had to take on their wedding night after marrying, which granted them a child-bearing constitution.

“Then don’t take it,” Xie Chongjin gave in to him.

“Not in the future either,” Lu Xuechao pushed his luck further.

The Kingdom of Changli was a Kingdom of Men; a male giving birth was ultimately different from a woman. It required cutting open the abdomen to surgically extract the child, and there were no pain-relieving medicines available. Countless men had died during childbirth. Lu Xuechao was exceptionally terrified of pain; this matter could be described as his absolute dread.

Such words were utterly preposterous. Xie Chongjin was the Crown Prince and would be the Emperor in the future. If Lu Xuechao was unwilling to give birth, the Emperor could look for others to do so. Yet Xie Chongjin would absolutely never look for anyone else. Saying this was equivalent to severing the orthodox royal bloodline.

Even given Lu Xuechao’s talent and strategy, making him a cornerstone minister for Changli, if such a statement were leaked outside, he would be heavily condemned as utterly selfish.

Yet, Xie Chongjin didn’t feel that Lu Xuechao’s words were overly willful at all. He remained completely indulgent, saying, “Alright.”

Lu Xuechao raised his eyes, a half-smile playing on his lips. “You agree to even this? Then what about heirs? You are going to be the Emperor in the future. Those ministers in the imperial court value propriety more than their own lives. If I have no heirs, they will definitely force you to aggressively expand your harem and spread your lineage…”

“What does how they view it have to do with me?” Xie Chongjin said displeasedly. “I only listen to state affairs, not domestic affairs.”

Lu Xuechao said, “The monarch’s harem has never been just a domestic affair. It involves too many political interests and power balances.”

Xie Chongjin said, “Only a foolish ruler needs to use a harem to balance the court. To be a wise ruler, one must never be controlled by others.”

He looked around for a moment, then leaned in close to whisper in his ear, “I’ve even thought of the era name. It will be called the Xi Dynasty. The dynasty (Chao) belongs to your Xuechao. You were born on a snowy night right after the snow cleared, at the very moment the morning glow filled the sky. I also hope that from now on, we can walk from the first faint dawn, when the morning glow first rises, all the way to our twilight years, growing old together, one life, one lifetime, one pair of people.”

Lu Xuechao laughed. “Aren’t you afraid of being condemned as a foolish ruler?”

“Let them condemn me if they wish. I’ve heard that giving birth is exceptionally painful, and I have no desire to see you suffer through that torment. If you liked children, that would be one thing, but otherwise, I originally never planned to let you take that pill anyway. We can just adopt a child from the imperial clan to succeed the throne; why worry about having no one to inherit the empire?” A youthful arrogance flashed between Xie Chongjin’s brows, yet his expression carried absolute earnestness. “Whether a ruler is foolish or not depends on whether the nation is prosperous and the people are strong, not on how many consorts or sons the Emperor has. With you and me working hand-in-hand, we will definitely make Changli’s national power flourish, bringing peace and prosperity to the world, and the people will only praise us as wise rulers of a prosperous era.”

“On the other hand, you, who are so afraid of pain… don’t go crying too fiercely in a moment, making my heart ache for you…”

…

A young man was full of hot blood, truly pushing Lu Xuechao until he felt like he was about to die.

The next day, Lu Xuechao draped his messy long hair, lowering his eyes as he said hoarsely, “His Highness claims his heart aches for me, yet your actions didn’t show a single shred of pity.”

Xie Chongjin clung to him tightly, rubbing his face against the other’s neck as he felt a spark of desire rise again. “Wasn’t it because… I finally married the sweetheart I’ve loved since childhood? I was temporarily overwhelmed with excitement and simply couldn’t control myself…”

Lu Xuechao said calmly, “May I ask Your Highness, when can you control yourself?”

Xie Chongjin thought about it seriously, then laughed and answered, “With Qingshu in my arms, I fear I will find it hard to restrain myself for the rest of my life. I will definitely treasure you, love you, and carry you with me wherever I go.”

Lu Xuechao’s expression remained unchanged. “His Highness can get lost now.”

Xie Chongjin picked up a strand of Lu Xuechao’s black hair, wrapping it around his fingertip to play with it. “A single night as husband and wife brings a hundred days of kindness. Why is the Crown Princess being so impolite…”

Lu Xuechao said politely, “His Highness, please get lost.”

“I refuse to get lost. Does the Crown Princess still have any energy left? I shall style your hair for you…”

…

Everyone in the world knew that the Crown Prince and his Crown Princess shared an incredibly profound affection, living in absolute harmony, though the Crown Princess had never produced any offspring.

Because the Crown Prince protected him, and the Crown Princess himself was far from an ordinary figure, and since they hadn’t been married for very long, no one dared to criticize the matter.

Another year passed. The Crown Prince turned eighteen, and the Emperor suddenly fell gravely ill—the sickness striking like a collapsing mountain. In less than three months, he passed away.

In July of the 24th year of Yongchang, the late Emperor passed away. Crown Prince Xie Chongjin ascended the throne, changing the era name to the Xi Dynasty.

Crown Princess Lu Xuechao was invested as the Empress, granted the Phoenix Seal and the Phoenix Robe, ruling over the inner palace.

The story began from this very moment.