Chapter 26: The Empress’s Private Letter

Lin Jianxi’s voice was gentler than moonlight.

After he finished speaking, a few tears actually fell. Amid the flickering candlelight, he turned his head to the side, his damp lashes trembling lightly.

The scene in his mind was too terrifying.

But that was just his imagination—reality would only be more cruel.

His hand still rested on Lin Xiaoye’s chest, and the other man remained silent for a long time. Lin Jianxi felt truly heartbroken, yet he didn’t want to bawl like a child. He closed his eyes, and the last tear slid down his cheek—

—only for Lin Xiaoye to wipe it away with his fingertip.

Rarely, the other’s tone lacked its usual bite as he snorted a laugh. “You care about quite a lot, don’t you?”

Lin Jianxi lifted his gaze to Lin Xiaoye’s eyes. Those eyes, hardened by years on the battlefield, always held a ruthless edge—one that Lin Xiaoye had never hidden from the empress, not even back when he trained under him.

He always smiled, but that glint in his eyes was hard to erase. There had been a few times when he’d acted like a child, even crying to him and begging him not to leave.

Yet now, there was a hint of pity in them.

Was Lin Xiaoye feeling sorry for him?

Lin Jianxi paused, and the other man continued, “Just stay here in the palace with peace of mind. No one will hurt you, and you won’t have to grieve for anyone else.”

“Lin Xiaoye,” he said, “just because we can’t see it doesn’t mean it isn’t happening. Everything we possess and enjoy today was granted to us by the people. They’re not just numbers and strength—they lift us up, adore us, indulge us, and trust us completely. Can you bear to see them disappointed?”

Lin Xiaoye pinched his chin, the ruthless mockery returning to his eyes. “When it comes to disappointment, haven’t you given them more than I have?”

“That’s why I know all the more about their indulgence and trust in me.” Lin Jianxi met his gaze without flinching.

Lin Xiaoye turned to pour some tea. “Your lips are dry from all that talking. How pitiful. Here, have some tea.”

Lin Jianxi took the cup and promptly splashed the tea in his face.

Lin Xiaoye closed his eyes and suddenly burst out laughing.

At the same time, dozens of ideas for tormenting the empress flashed through his mind. As he pondered them, a fragrant handkerchief was tossed onto his face.

Beyond his line of sight, Lin Jianxi’s voice took on a choked sob, trembling with anger. “I care about you. Even in my dreams, I’m thinking of you. But what about you, Lin Xiaoye? Why won’t you show yourself a little pity? Why use a phrase like ‘torn apart by five horses’ on yourself? Do you know how prophetic words can be? In times like these, saying something so inauspicious—do you treat your own life like a joke?”

“…”

Lin Xiaoye used the handkerchief to wipe the tea from his face. Looking at the tears on Lin Jianxi’s cheeks, he smiled. “My life is mine to do with as I please. I’m completely free in that regard because no one cares what happens to me, right? Don’t you want me dead?”

Lin Jianxi didn’t hesitate. “No.”

“…”

Lin Xiaoye teased, “Don’t tell me you’ve fallen for me?”

Lin Jianxi hurled a pillow at his face and shoved Lin Xiaoye out the door.

Lin Xiaoye left the room with a smile, but the moment the door shut, it vanished.

He stared at the handkerchief in his hand, as if it still carried Lin Jianxi’s warmth.

Lin Xiaoye stood frozen, unmoving for a long while.

He didn’t know how much time passed before the weary emperor returned from outside, prompting him to prepare to leave.

At the doorway, he doubled back to the pavilion and picked up the flower ring Lin Jianxi had given him—this flower ring he’d worn briefly upon receiving it before tossing it aside and never touching it again.

~~~

Lin Xiaoye didn’t know what he was thinking, or perhaps he wasn’t thinking at all. He simply lay on the bed, staring at the flower ring.

Xiao Yang shoved the door open and strode in without ceremony.

Lin Xiaoye glanced at him. “Got yourself a wife? You’re grinning like an idiot.”

Xiao Yang plopped down on the bed’s edge. “Hell yeah, I’m so excited I can’t sleep. Once the Dog Emperor’s out of the picture, how should I keep the empress? Does he like pretty clothes? He always dresses so plainly, but his tastes won’t matter then. Whatever I want him to wear, he’ll wear… He’s so beautiful; he’d look good in anything—hey, what the hell?”

Lin Xiaoye kicked him away. “Dream on.”

Xiao Yang shot back, “You hate him so much; you’ll probably treat him like crap. What’s wrong with me showing a little mercy?”

Lin Xiaoye retorted, “How do you know I’ll treat him badly?”

“…”

“…”

The words hung in the air, and both men froze.

“Didn’t you say you were going to lock him up and make the emperor watch while you humiliated him? I don’t even think that’s necessary… That empress…” Xiao Yang trailed off, then added, “He’s really worth cherishing.”

Lin Xiaoye sneered. “Looks like you haven’t had enough of the rack.”

Xiao Yang: “…”

Lin Xiaoye, irritated, simply handed the room over to Xiao Yang and went to drink on the roof.

It had been a long time since he’d been up here.

Lin Xiaoye gazed at the tree not far off. Years ago, he’d often wait on the roof for his benefactor to return, then leap down to recount the day’s events by his side. Every word of response from his benefactor had filled him with inspiration, spurring him to talk even more eagerly.

—Don’t you want me dead?

—No.

In that moment, Lin Xiaoye had felt the empress was sincere.

But after fooling himself for so many years, how could it be real? Still, those tears were pitiful enough. It wouldn’t hurt to believe it was sincere, just one more time.

Anyway, what was one more deception?

Lin Xiaoye tipped back his drink and closed his eyes.

How could he not understand what the empress had said? Though much of it was likely at the emperor’s behest, he’d thought it through carefully, and there was truth in it.

He remembered every word his benefactor had ever said—how could he not understand? Otherwise, it would hurt his feelings too much.

But today… he’d hurt the empress’s feelings twice.

The first time was over the prince, making the empress cry.

The second time was because of himself…

Himself?

Lin Xiaoye jolted upright, forgetting to swallow the wine in his mouth.

The second time was for not respecting himself, which had made the empress cry in anger.

He sat up abruptly. Did that mean his place in the empress’s heart was now on par with the prince’s?

…

Lin Xiaoye let out a scoff.

You’re thinking too much. Who knows—maybe the Empress acts this way with everyone.

He lay back down and gazed at the moon. But its soft glow only brought the Empress to mind once more.

That hand, placed so gently over his heart. The concern in those eyes was enough to stir pity in anyone.

“Here.” Lin Xiaoye could almost feel Lin Jianxi’s hand right there on his chest. Slowly, he laid his own hand over the spot. “It’s very deep.”

Lin Xiaoye drew in a deep breath, his palm resting there.

Just how deep was it, to make you so heartbroken—

His fingertips paused. He frowned faintly and pressed down a little harder. Then, through the fabric of his clothes, they brushed against something.

He slipped his hand beneath the cloth and slowly drew the object out—

His pupils quivered.

It was a note.

From the Empress.

Tucked in its folds was a pear blossom petal that must have fallen there at some point.

With his movement, the petal drifted softly onto the fabric over his chest.

Carrying a gentle fragrance.

…