Chapter 74: Eyes Only for Him
The fireworks dyed half the night red. Han Min stared at Fu Xun, his eyes reflecting the same red glow.
“Your Majesty is brave and skilled in battle; I cannot keep pace.”
He wanted to withdraw his hand, but Fu Xun held on tightly.
“You’re not failing to keep pace—you’re flattering me.”
Hearing this, Han Min became even angrier. He forcefully pulled his hand back and wiped it on his sleeve.
He deliberately looked away, unwilling to watch the fireworks celebrating Fu Xun’s conquest of the twelve northwestern tribes for the third anniversary.
Fu Xun suddenly asked, “On your birthday, I had someone bring you twelve copper seals. Did you receive them?”
Han Min turned his head. “Hmm… too ugly…”
Wait—twelve copper seals, representing the twelve northwestern tribes?
Han Min froze for a moment, then drew in a sharp breath as he realized the truth.
The twelve seals bore images of wolves, tigers, and leopards. Han Min had found them ugly, so he kept them in a box, thinking they were just random souvenirs Fu Xun had picked up in the northwest.
After the nomadic tribes were subdued, as territories of the Qi state, they naturally presented their old seals to the king to be reissued.
Fu Xun had taken the seals they originally offered and given them to Han Min as birthday gifts.
Fu Xun leaned back slightly, resting one arm on the table, raising an eyebrow at him: “Today also marks the third year since you subdued the twelve tribes. It’s worth celebrating.”
Han Min pressed his lips together but couldn’t resist any longer. He tossed his empty wine cup into Fu Xun’s lap, muttering a curse, though the fireworks drowned out his words.
Fu Xun placed the cup back in front of him and pointed to the sky: “Quick, look. It’s almost over.”
Watching the fireworks this time, Han Min finally felt some joy.
The fireworks were set off outside the palace walls, perfectly visible to Han Min, while Fu Xun, sitting opposite him, naturally had his back to them.
He didn’t see them, nor did he want to. But by observing the light reflected in Han Min’s eyes, he could tell how beautiful the display was.
Han Min noticed and turned to look at him. Just as he was about to meet Fu Xun’s gaze, Fu Xun lifted his white jade cup as a shield and turned his head back toward the fireworks.
The Eunuch Yang fireworks outside attracted the citizens as well. Ten or so silver-armored guards rode out from the palace gates, carrying baskets on either side of their horses’ necks. The baskets were filled to the brim with small five-cornered sachets, clearly visible in the red glow of the flames.
The five-cornered sachets were traditionally used in Qi to ward off evil and pray for blessings. Families with children would sew these sachets and distribute them to neighbors, giving thanks for divine protection.
The lead guard reined in his horse and proclaimed loudly: “Today marks the third year since the northwest was subdued. By the Emperor’s grace, five-cornered sachets are granted, and this season’s taxes are exempted. Heaven bless Great Qi! Heaven bless our Emperor!”
There was half a sentence left unsaid—
Heaven bless Master Han.
This was also Fu Xun’s intention in having the sachets distributed.
The lead guard then tossed a handful of sachets to the gathered crowd. The ten or so guards dispersed along the city’s streets, distributing the sachets to everyone.
Made from fine silk, the sachets were embroidered with auspicious motifs like lotus flowers and koi fish. Small tassels adorned each corner, with a delicate braid hanging below. The sachets contained mild herbs, giving off a gentle fragrance that refreshed the mind.
The citizens clutched the sachets, admiring them and bowing outside the palace gates in gratitude:
“Heaven bless Great Qi! Heaven bless our Emperor!”
Inside the palace walls, Fu Xun and Han Min could naturally not hear them. Han Min rested his head, looking at the sky, while Fu Xun watched him.
At moments like this, a few soft words might have made Han Min open his heart—but not yet.
Fu Xun had been contemplating for a long time. He could not yet make Han Min Empress, nor silence the whispers of the world, nor prevent the hidden schemes of the Song state. To rush Han Min to a high position now would only endanger him.
Han Min might not care about such matters, but Fu Xun did.
He did not want to flatter Han Min with empty words for his own satisfaction. Although Han Min was naive and would fall for it, Fu Xun resisted.
Simply letting Han Min know about the five-cornered sachets would be enough to move him to tears.
Han Min was a fine scholar, worthy of the seals of the twelve northwestern tribes, and in time, worthy of the Song state’s seals as well. If he could not promise him a secure position immediately, it was better to wait.
Fu Xun reached out to tug Han Min’s hair but suddenly realized he had his crown on.
Han Min pushed his hand away and smugly raised an eyebrow: “You won’t be able to play with my hair anymore.”
Fu Xun smiled without answering. Of course I can still play with your hair—I can play with you too.
–
Late at night, Han Min prepared to go home.
The two stood outside Zichen Hall as guards brought Fu Xun’s horse.
Seeing the horse, Han Min immediately stepped back, waving his hands: “No, no, I don’t want it!”
The horse had suddenly accelerated along the palace road before, leaving Han Min with a psychological scar.
Fu Xun held his hand, letting him feel the horse’s mane: “It’s fine. It knows its mistake.”
The horse exhaled a long breath and pawed at the ground, seemingly disgruntled.
Han Min said, “No, Your Majesty, please give me a calmer horse.”
“This one will do. I’ve tamed this spirited horse, and it behaves when it sees you.”
Han Min was skeptical.
Fu Xun nudged him: “If we don’t leave soon, dawn will break. I’ll escort you back. No one else will ride this horse; I’ll bring it back myself.”
Like before, Han Min held the reins and cautiously guided the horse forward.
After some distance, Fu Xun held his waist and whistled. The horse immediately responded and bolted forward.
Han Min, having experienced this before, was startled again and shouted—but this time he didn’t hide in Fu Xun’s arms. He clung tightly to the horse’s neck.
Sensing his fear, the horse hesitated and finally slowed despite Fu Xun’s command.
Han Min breathed a sigh of relief, patting its head: “Scared me to death.”
Fu Xun was not entirely pleased that his little trick failed. He smacked the horse’s rump to urge it to run faster.
Han Min noticed, clinging to the horse’s neck and repeatedly saying: “Don’t run, don’t run.”
The horse calmed and moved steadily forward.
Han Min looked back and asked Fu Xun: “Did you just pat it?”
Fu Xun remained calm: “What?”
“I noticed. Your hand was on my waist, then you pulled it back. I know you patted it.”
“What?”
“I knew it. Did you pat it when we came here too?”
“No.”
Indeed, this time Fu Xun had only whistled.
Han Min, half-believing, patted the horse’s head: “Good boy, ignore him. Walk slowly.”
—
At the Han residence, they dismounted. The alley was empty, and the guards kept their distance.
Fu Xun said: “Go on inside.”
Han Min ascended the steps alongside him: “You should return too, Your Majesty.”
They paused, then spoke simultaneously:
“You’re not going in?”
“Not returning yet, Your Majesty?”
After a brief silence, they spoke again together:
“I’ll go in first.”
“I’ll return immediately.”
Han Min couldn’t help laughing first: “Silly. I’ll go in first. Your Majesty, take care.”
He turned and ascended two more steps, opening the door—bumping into Han Li holding a lantern.
The candlelight cast shadows across Han Li’s slightly sunken eyes, making them deep and dark.
Han Min startled, stepping back and almost falling—but Fu Xun caught him in his arms.
Once steady, he patted his chest and said to Han Li: “Cousin, why are you here? You scared me.”
Han Li moved the lantern away, plunging his face into shadow: “I was studying at night, heard a sound outside, and wasn’t sure if it was you, so I came to check.”
“Thank you for your concern.”
“You’re welcome.”
Han Li smiled and bowed to Fu Xun: “Your Majesty.”
Fu Xun glanced at him and coldly said: “No need,” then looked at Han Min: “Go inside and rest. Tomorrow you’ll serve in the palace.”
Han Min: “I know. I’ll wake up before dawn to serve Your Majesty.”
Fu Xun smiled and nudged him: “Go on.”
“Alright.”
Han Min secured the door and heard the horses’ hooves fade. Han Li lingered outside with the lantern.
Han Min noticed the cat’s food bowl in the corner was still full. The cat hadn’t eaten all afternoon?
Usually, it was diligent about meals and greeted him. But today it hadn’t.
Curious, Han Li asked: “Are you close to the Emperor?”
Han Min, cautious after Chu Yu’s test, didn’t reveal much: “No. But today at the crown ceremony, His Majesty mentioned I should remember my duties tomorrow—he thinks I have energy and should do more.”
It was clear to any observer: Fu Xun treated him well.
Han Li smiled silently, not exposing him. He wondered if this closeness would last once Fu Xun discovered the manuscripts.
—
Han Min returned to his room, lit a candle, and watched the light filter through the paper window.
Han Li stood outside, unaware of the chaos the cat had caused inside. At least the red coral ornament was probably ruined.
Han Min didn’t shout in anger; instead, he laughed and said: “Why are you locked in here? No wonder you didn’t eat.”
The white long-haired Persian cat, System, slept quietly at the bed’s foot, tail curled.
Han Min picked it up, smiling: “You silly System.”
The system could only act when near Han Min—and this cat was Tongzi.
The system shouted: “Rename it! You can only call me System when I possess a body!”
“I don’t care. System is a little fool.”
The white cat opened its eyes, licked Han Min’s hand, and meowed.
“Alright, let’s bring in the outside cat food.”
Han Li returned to his room.
Han Min heard the neighboring door close as he went to get the food.
System: “Why did he only go in now?”
Han Min, holding the cat: “What do you think?”
He brought the food and cat inside. The system possessed a body, shook itself, and ate heartily.
Han Min noticed two extra gift boxes—gifts from Princess Rongning, likely delivered while he was out.
He set them aside, planning to ask who brought them.
System: “He’s sneaky, not straightforward at all.”
Han Min: “I know.”
System: “Then why didn’t you—”
Han Min sat: “Today Brother Liu brought news from the academy. A position opened for a student returning home for mourning.”
System, delighted: “So Han Li can move out?”
Han Min nodded.
After Chu Yu tested Han Li’s character, Han Min had wanted to find him a better place—at least not in his home.
The household was too small for such an ambitious person. Pei’er was still young; the environment had to be controlled.
Now the academy had a vacancy, giving Han Li a proper place.
System, satisfied, rubbed against him. Han Min pressed its head: “Don’t wipe your mouth on my clothes.”
“Mimi meow meow.”
“Come here.”
Han Min pressed its head down.
—
After washing up, the system lay on the mat in front of the bed.
Han Min lay on the bed, one hand holding a book, the other stroking the cat’s soft back.
System’s tail flicked against his hand.
System: “Go to sleep. Aren’t you going to the palace tomorrow?”
Han Min: “Yes.”
He put down the book, sat up, and retrieved his sword from the canopy.
“Right, I have something to say.”
System, narrowing eyes: “Yes?”
“I like Fu Xun.”
Han Min said this seriously, yet lightly, as if stating something mundane.
The system froze: “You—”
Han Min repeated: “I like Fu Xun.”
The cat’s whiskers trembled: “You’re crazy!”
Han Min looked at it earnestly: “I’m not. I really like him.”
The system jumped and tried to stamp him awake.
“Crazy, you’re insane!”
“I’m not, I—”
System swiped his face: “Shut up!”
Fortunately, its claws were trimmed, so it didn’t hurt much.
Han Min turned his head, hair falling over his face.
He wasn’t crazy; the system was.
He explained calmly: “You said you didn’t like him as a child, right?”
“Things seem different now.”
“How so? He doesn’t play with your hair anymore?”
“No, I’m the one who’s different.”
Han Min placed the system on the bedside, facing him. The little cat pouted, fur bristling, eyes locked on him.
Han Min touched its whiskers: “What’s wrong?”
System: “You tell me.”
“I’m just telling you. Nothing more.”
“You didn’t even consult me?”
“How can I? You’d forbid it? You’re a machine—you don’t understand.”
System stomped, hitting his face: “Be rational! What’s so good about him?”
Han Min replied seriously: “Cute, humorous, attentive.”
System frowned: “You mean Fu Xun?”
“Yes. Don’t you think that’s him?”
System was speechless.
Han Min continued: “Since long ago—when I went to Tongzhou to meet Grandfather—I wrote to him, asking him not to marry the Song princess. Maybe even earlier, I kept thinking about my feelings. These past days, it became clear—at the polo ground, after reading a script, and just now—I realized I like him.”
He added jokingly: “I’m smart—I should have realized earlier.”
System: “You fought as children, remember?”
“Of course, boys are mischievous; it’s called mutual fighting.”
The system fell silent. Han Min smiled, patting its head: “I’m telling you, he’s in my eyes and my heart.”
System asked: “So what now?”
Han Min scratched his head, thoughtful: “He’s the Emperor. I don’t want to be locked in the palace. I don’t know his intentions. If we can’t even be Emperor and subject, that’s bad. I’ll wait and see.”
He sat up, holding the system, dancing with it on the bed.
“Celebrating finally having someone I like—after forty years of bachelorhood in two lifetimes, I’ve opened my heart. The rest can wait.”
System got dizzy: “Stop! I haven’t said—”
Han Min twirled it: “One spin, then another. Good.”
Once the system was dizzy, Han Min lay back, rubbing its belly.
After a while: “Right, you’re a male cat. I like a man, so I must avoid trouble.”
System, wide-eyed, kicked him: “So I can’t come near you anymore?”
“Why?”
“My gender is male.”
Han Min, surprised: “You have a gender? I thought you—”
System sat up: “Tomorrow I’ll get a body. I’ll pursue you, stronger than Fu Xun. You’ll transfer your affection quickly.”
Han Min picked it up: “So you’ve had designs on me. Then yes, I must avoid trouble.”
The system cried out.
—
That night, Han Min had a sweet dream. He dreamed that last night, on the high building beside Zichen Hall, he leaned over the desk and kissed Fu Xun.
A bold little rascal.
A night of blissful dreams.
The next morning, Han Min woke refreshed, the sunlight streaming through the window.
He pushed the system away—today he had palace duty. Yesterday he had promised Fu Xun he would arrive early, perhaps even helping him wash.
He got up, dressed quickly, and rushed to the palace. Fu Xun was already practicing at the training ground. Seeing him, he smiled slightly.
—
Because Fu Xun had injured his hand, documents had to be drafted by someone he trusted. Han Min, after dealing with the crown ceremony, came to assist.
They sat at the desk with categorized memorials piled before them.
Starting from the left, Han Min began reviewing. After two or three, he saw a memorial from Chu Yu.
The matter of the polo ground was assigned to Chu Yu for investigation. As expected, after the incident, Song quickly sent a moderate envoy to take the blame, claiming Princess Rongning had reprimanded him previously, so he acted out of resentment.
It was obvious to all that this reason was weak—acting with murderous intent over a trivial matter was implausible.
Two suspects were captured: Ji Heng and an attendant of Duke of Guangning, Zhao Cun.
The attendant, hearing someone had confessed, shifted all blame to himself.
Ji Heng insisted on his innocence, claiming he had been walking at the polo ground when captured.
Chu Yu found additional evidence for further investigation, and Rongning Princess’s side agreed.
Fu Xun, however, did not wish to pursue further and instructed Han Min to reject the memorials.
The reasoning had been explained previously: disposing of Zhao Cun was simply removing a worthless prince.
Zhao Cun would inevitably make a major mistake, and Fu Xun had long desired the territory of fifteen strategic northwest locations.
Thus, the matter was temporarily settled.
Author’s Note: Body Use Application
Applicant: System
Reason: Host loves a non-human (Fu Dog), decides to personally intervene
