FIMA Ch122: Decision

Just after the hour of You (5-7 PM).

A faint crescent moon hung in the sky, and palace lanterns brightly lit everywhere, with occasional night breezes carrying the faint fragrance of osmanthus flowers.

Supported by Gu Siyuan, Xie Chenyun walked along the white marble paved palace path, passing seemingly endless red palace walls.

The palace night was very quiet; only the creaking of wooden clogs and the rustling of their robes rubbing against each other could be heard.

This was the second time he saw the night at the Jinling Palace. Compared to the first time when he came to steal, it was much more leisurely, but the presence of this person was constant.

At this moment, Gu Siyuan suddenly turned to him and said, “We’re here.”

The lotus pool was not far from Qingwu Terrace.

The palace wall seemed endless, but under their feet, it took less than half a tea’s time.

As the palace bath, it was exquisitely crafted everywhere.

A wide, boundless pool made of white marble, with a giant carved lotus in the center. On the outermost petals of the lotus sat statues of golden dragons and phoenixes, with warm spring water slowly pouring into the pool from their mouths.

White mist-like steam floated in the air above the lotus garden, making it look like a celestial pond.

Because they had notified in advance, there were red, white, and various colored petals floating on the pool surface, their fragrance intoxicating.

Xie Chenyun squinted, a faint smile on his face.

Such thorough preparations, it seemed this foolish emperor was determined to make this night successful.

Gu Siyuan had no interest in having servants assist with bathing, and he directly dismissed all the palace staff.

He removed his shoes and socks himself, then took off his clothes, leaving only thin underpants.

At this moment, Xie Chenyun, snapping out of his thoughts, looked up just in time to see this scene.

Xie Chenyun: “…”

Gu Siyuan’s body wasn’t something he hadn’t seen before.

Over a month ago, this guy had changed clothes in front of him.

Gu Siyuan, as an emperor, was widely rumored in both the common folk and the court to be indulgent in luxury and pleasure. But looking at his physique now, there was no sign of excessive indulgence in wine and women—on the contrary, Gu Siyuan could arguably be considered the epitome of masculinity.

Especially perhaps due to his recent martial arts training, compared to the first time Xie Chenyun saw him, Gu Siyuan had become even more robust and agile. His wheat-colored healthy skin, smooth and well-defined muscles, and some areas that needed no explanation, all contributed to his imposing presence from head to toe.

Xie Chenyun’s gaze shamelessly roamed over Gu Siyuan’s body.

Any man would have a bit of vanity about this aspect.

Gu Siyuan was usually quite aloof, but seeing Xie Chenyun’s gaze like this, he couldn’t help but tease him, “Chenyun, are you satisfied with what you see?”

With that, he casually removed his golden dragon crown, letting his black hair fall over his shoulders.

This disheveled appearance not only did not diminish his majesty but added a touch of mature charm and allure.

Xie Chenyun abruptly turned his head away, covering his flushed cheeks.

So this emperor… had such thoughts in mind?

Just now, Gu Siyuan’s gentle act of fetching the wooden clogs had softened him, and now he was showing off his physical attributes?

Really, every move is calculated…

Gu Siyuan was used to the quirks of the person beside him and didn’t pay much attention to Xie Chenyun suddenly turning away.

He immersed himself in the warm pool, where the spring water was soft and comforting. As soon as he touched it, a sense of relaxation spread from his feet to his entire body, like a fish in its natural pond.

Gu Siyuan sank completely into the water, only his head and long neck exposed above the surface, leaning lazily against the soft jade walls of the pool, exhaling a contented breath.

He lifted his head and casually called out, “Chenyun, come down as well!”

The Lotus Garden was completely open-air.

Now that night had fallen, the cool autumn breeze occasionally swept by.

Xie Chenyun’s clothes were already dampened by the misty vapor rising from the hot spring. If he continued to be exposed to this breeze, he might actually catch a cold.

Just as he thought this, a chill wind indeed blew through.

Xie Chenyun glanced around and chuckled softly, “Alright.”

Gu Siyuan: “…”

He had a feeling something was off with that expression.

Barefoot on the steps of white jade, Xie Chenyun’s feet seemed as pale as the stone itself.

As he walked, his clothing kept slipping off, revealing his flawless body completely, as pure and white as frost and snow, as polished and smooth as jade, truly a marvel of nature.

Gu Siyuan looked at him with a hint of admiration.

Xie Chenyun raised his gaze and smiled at him, “Your Majesty, do you find it pleasing to the eye?”

Gu Siyuan nodded honestly, “Chenyun is extraordinary, unmatched in this world, either a devil or a ghost.”

Just then, a dull splash echoed as a large water splash erupted from the pool.

Gu Siyuan helplessly wiped droplets off his face.

His black hair floated like seaweed, and Xie Chenyun’s beautiful face emerged slowly from the water’s surface, a mischievous smile playing on his lips, resembling a captivating sea nymph from the depths of the ocean.

Tilting his head, Xie Chenyun looked at Gu Siyuan and grinned mischievously, “Do I look more like a demon now?”

“Clear waters reveal the lotus, natural without embellishments,” suddenly these poetic lines came to Gu Siyuan’s mind. After a moment’s thought, he added, “Perhaps not a demon, but a pure merman.”

“You…” Xie Chenyun was both embarrassed and annoyed, yet also amazed.

…Why did this foolish emperor have so many tricks up his sleeve?

Did Gu Siyuan specifically study a handbook of tricks just to use them on him?

It’s a pity that such talent wasn’t used for noble purposes.

In the following moments, Xie Chenyun, considering Gu Siyuan’s endless tricks, began to be a bit cautious. Throughout the bath, he kept a distance from him, fearing Gu Siyuan would spring another surprise.

However, Gu Siyuan was oblivious to this.

He thought Xie Chenyun was just a bit mischievous but sensible enough to respect each other’s privacy by keeping a distance.

When the soaking was almost over, Gu Siyuan stood up to dry himself and dress.

He even kindly reminded Xie Chenyun, “It’s not advisable to soak for too long, it could be harmful to the body.”

“Oh…” Xie Chenyun responded, hastily getting up as well.

He watched Gu Siyuan, who had finished drying himself with dignity, start to dress. But he still hadn’t quite caught on.

This foolish emperor… just… left like that?

No frolicking in the water?

No new tricks?

No forceful advances?

No little toys?

Xie Chenyun scrutinized Gu Siyuan with a distracted gaze while walking on the white jade floor, still dripping wet.

Then, in a moment of distraction, he slipped and lost control, lunging forward uncontrollably.

Gu Siyuan quickly halted his dressing to reach out and assist.

When his palm touched the cool skin, Gu Siyuan felt as if he was holding a soft jade sculpture. The delightful sensation was enchanting, and he couldn’t resist touching a few more times with a sense of delight.

“…,” Xie Chenyun.

Sure enough, this damned rogue.

The peaceful bath earlier was an accident, and now his true nature was revealed.

Gu Siyuan believed his actions were merely appreciating beauty and had no ulterior motives. After finishing touching, he earnestly helped him up, fetched a robe from the nearby rack, and draped it over Xie Chenyun’s shoulders, gently advising, “Be careful underfoot, don’t catch a chill.”

“…,” Xie Chenyun puffed up his cheeks.

This foolish emperor really knows how to put on a show.

The bright moon had already risen high in the sky, with silver starlight streaming down, making the entire palace appear as if it was shrouded in a thin veil of frost.

The two of them walked back to Qingwu Terrace in silence.

Before stepping onto the stairs, Xie Chenyun tilted his head and asked with a smile, “Your Majesty, will you be resting at Qingwu Terrace tonight?”

Gu Siyuan nodded, his voice deep, “As long as Chenyun understands.”

Since it was all an act, it couldn’t be abandoned halfway. Xie Chenyun was indeed the perfect helper he had chosen.

“…” Xie Chenyun.

No… he didn’t want to understand.

Wasn’t this directly announcing the ultimate goal?

Feeling justified, Gu Siyuan finished speaking and strode into the sleeping quarters.

On the carved bed by the wall, there were two quilts.

This was a palace tradition: while bedchamber attendance was bedchamber attendance, when it came to sleeping, the emperor and his consort did not share the same quilt, to avoid disturbing each other’s sleep during the night.

Gu Siyuan never liked being too close to others, and he was even more reluctant to share a bed.

He glanced at the soft couch by the window not far away, picked up one of the quilts, and placed it there for Xie Chenyun to sleep on later.

As for why it wasn’t him?

Well, who told him to be the emperor? His status was inescapable.

When Xie Chenyun entered the room, he happened to see this scene.

He raised an eyebrow immediately.

Ha, what a cunning emperor.

Only one quilt was left on the bed, meaning that when it was time to sleep, they would have to get close.

Gu Siyuan sat by the carved wooden bed and nodded at Xie Chenyun, “Chenyun, come and rest early!”

After saying this, he took off his outer robe and lay down under the quilt.

Xie Chenyun was too angry to speak, and with a cold laugh, he strode toward the bed, his outer robe dropping to the floor as he moved.

Hmph, who’s afraid of whom?

With his skills, if Gu Siyuan tried anything, it was uncertain who would suffer.

Xie Chenyun threw back the other half of the quilt and lay down.

Gu Siyuan: “…”

Is he angry?

After thinking it over, Gu Siyuan couldn’t blame Xie Chenyun. This was originally the place he had arranged for him, and now he was taking it over. It was no wonder he was upset.

Fortunately, the bed was quite large, and it wasn’t crowded for two grown men to sleep on.

With this thought, Gu Siyuan settled down.

He raised his hand and snapped his fingers lightly, extinguishing the palace lamps on either side of the carved bed, plunging the room into darkness.

Only thin strands of moonlight filtered through the half-open window, barely illuminating the room.

Xie Chenyun gripped the quilt tightly, feeling a shiver in his heart, thinking: It’s coming, it’s coming, this perverse emperor, this lecher…

Yet despite having superior skills to Gu Siyuan, he always felt inexplicably weak in front of him.

Gu Siyuan was the most alert and sensitive person in the world, yet miraculously, he also slept soundly.

He could fall asleep instantly as soon as he closed his eyes and wanted to sleep.

This time was no different.

So when Xie Chenyun was close to wringing out the quilt in his hands, the person beside him still hadn’t moved.

After waiting for a while longer, he couldn’t resist turning slightly.

By the faint moonlight and starlight, he could just make out Gu Siyuan’s closed eyes and the gentle rise and fall of his throat.

When asleep, Gu Siyuan looked completely different from his usual stern and solemn self. His fully relaxed features softened his contours, adding a mysterious tenderness to his handsome and dignified appearance.

No, really asleep?

This emperor just fell asleep like that?

Xie Chenyun stared wide-eyed: “…”

What was going on?

He blinked and then blinked again.

Could it be that this person was actually a gentleman?

Feeling perplexed, Xie Chenyun closed his eyes.

But his mind was filled with thoughts of Gu Siyuan, jumping around non-stop.

He didn’t know how long it had been.

Suddenly, Xie Chenyun opened his eyes wide.

He understood.

Gu Siyuan did this because he truly loved and valued him. Even at this point, he didn’t cross the line or force him.

Though he couldn’t hide his love, using any excuse to get close, sharing a bath, or a bed was just a way to be near him…

Thinking this, Xie Chenyun felt a pang in his heart, his emotions a complicated mix.

As an emperor, Gu Siyuan could have everything in the world, yet he treated him with such care.

Propping himself up on his elbows, Xie Chenyun looked at Gu Siyuan’s peaceful sleeping face again.

His fingers traced in the air, feeling that this person was like a child of the heavens, otherwise, how could he have all the best things in the world gathered in one person?

So. Since there was no one better than Gu Siyuan in this world.

Then why should he be bound by gender, bound by other such mundane matters, and end up settling?

Moreover, being able to subdue such a man, wouldn’t that prove he was the truest man of all?

Xie Chenyun lay back down on the bed, but he had silently made a decision.

…

The next day, before dawn.

Gu Siyuan woke up. Although he didn’t need to attend the morning court while traveling, recent unrest across the regions meant he needed a whole morning to handle all the reports.

But before getting up, he frowned at the unexpected weight on his body.

Looking down, he saw Xie Chenyun almost curled up in his arms, head resting on his right shoulder, his soft hair against his chin. Both of his hands were tightly holding his right arm, and even one of his legs was draped over his thigh.

Gu Siyuan didn’t know when they started maintaining this position.

But… no matter how long it had been, had his vigilance really dropped to such a level?

He exhaled deeply. It seemed his skills were still lacking. He needed to intensify his practice of the second volume of the “Xiantian Qiankun Gong,” aiming to defeat the three great Xiantian grandmasters within two months.

Gu Siyuan immediately reached out to move the person on top of him away so he could quickly go to the Hall of Diligent Administration to finish the reports and then begin his practice.

At this moment, the small head on his shoulder suddenly moved slightly.

Then, Gu Siyuan felt a warm, familiar yet unfamiliar sensation on his neck, making him freeze instantly.

As a result, the hand he had placed on Xie Chenyun’s body trembled, and instead of pushing him to the side, it changed direction.

Like a chain reaction, at this moment, Xie Chenyun’s head moved slightly again, and a soft murmur came from his mouth, seemingly complaining about Gu Siyuan’s bothersome disturbance.

Gu Siyuan immediately released his grip.

But Xie Chenyun was not one to stay still. The foot that had been resting on Gu Siyuan’s thigh suddenly moved playfully, touching a place it shouldn’t.

As a result, it was Gu Siyuan who ended up being disturbed.

Early in the morning, being young, there were naturally some subconscious reactions.

However, Gu Siyuan had always been mentally strong and didn’t pay it much mind, intending to wait for it to calm down on its own.

But that foot seemed to sense some amusement and continued to move about mischievously.

Gu Siyuan had reached his limit.

This couldn’t go on.

He wrapped one arm around the slender body in his embrace and reached under the quilt with the other to grab the troublesome foot.

The cool, jade-like foot seemed to sense danger, its toes curling up in alarm and lightly brushing across Gu Siyuan’s palm.

But at this moment, Gu Siyuan’s heart had become as cold as iron.

If this continued, Xie Chenyun might not get a good night’s sleep, but he himself would surely be worn out by that foot.

He exerted force with both hands, placing Xie Chenyun on the inside of the bed, and then shook out the quilt that had been rolled into a ball, covering Xie Chenyun again.

After doing all this, Gu Siyuan lay on the outer side of the bed for a while, waiting for his earlier excitement to completely subside before getting up.

When he walked to the outer room, Wang Tan, knowing that he got up at this time every day, was already waiting there with the servants.

The palace servants helped Gu Siyuan put on his dragon robe, while Wang Tan lingered nearby, casting sideways glances.

Gu Siyuan said coldly, “If you have something to say, spit it out.”

Wang Tan immediately chuckled obsequiously, “Your Majesty, after Lady Xie attended to you last night, should we grant him some tonic?”

“…” Gu Siyuan.

He was already tired of hearing about this tonic, but if he didn’t grant it, in a few days, Wang Tan would be gossiping about dragon offspring.

After a moment of contemplation, he said seriously, “Yes, but have the imperial physician deliver it when I return after finishing the reports. I want to bestow it myself.”

“…Yes.” Wang Tan hesitated, his small eyes blinking.

The Emperor was truly ruthless!

It seemed that the mysterious consort who appeared over a month ago was the true love, and Lady Xie was just a stand-in, a tool to cover up why the Emperor hadn’t visited the harem lately.

If Gu Siyuan knew this, he would surely give a thumbs up.

Wang Tan, truly worthy of being the chief eunuch, you coincidentally guessed half of it right.

After Gu Siyuan left with his attendants.

Xie Chenyun immediately opened his eyes.

He excitedly hugged the quilt, rolling around on the bed several times before calming down.

A beautiful smile appeared on his lips.

Hmph!

Gu Siyuan truly loved him.

Even in such an urgent situation, he was unwilling to desecrate him, silently enduring it alone.

As an emperor, to have such respect and restraint, where else in the world could one find such a person?

Xie Chenyun’s fair fingers clenched into a fist.

In his dark eyes, a hint of blue flashed. Since this was the case, then from now on, he would take the initiative!

To be able to subdue a man like Gu Siyuan, what more could be said!