Chapter 42

If he had kissed her then...

Xiao Huan suddenly closed his eyes, but the teacup in his hand still couldn't lower the temperature. Just thinking about this for a moment made him feel dry mouth and his heartbeat accelerated.

What am I thinking about?

The soft, curved corners of her lips with dimples kept lingering in his mind, and every time they lingered, his body felt hotter.

Xiao Huan took a deep breath, but he didn't know that Xie Ling, who was studying his homework with his head down, raised his head at this time.

Tsk, that’s a bit difficult.

How should this be written?

A new question that had never been seen before appeared. Xie Ling frowned and thought for a long time but had no clue. At this time, he couldn't help but set his sights on His Majesty again.

Your Majesty is so knowledgeable and talented, he must know it.

It’s just… he just told me to be quiet. If I go over and ask about homework now, will I get scolded?

The hall was silent, without a sound. Xie Ling hesitated for a long time, but couldn't help turning his head to take a look. He found out:

Hey, why is your majesty closing your eyes?

Are you tired?

He was a little hesitant to begin with, and now he was even more hesitant. He waited and waited, and talked to the system for a long time, until His Majesty finally opened his eyes. Only then did he make up his mind, grit his teeth, and stand up.

"His Majesty."

"Um, can I come over here?"

Xie Ling pointed at the homework and looked over pitifully.

The delusion in Xiao Huan's mind had not yet subsided, and he was just barely suppressing it. Seeing that Xie Ling had a difficult question to ask, he paused in his heart and told him to wait for Zheng Wanyun to answer his questions tomorrow, but he still didn't say it out loud, just said: "Come over."

It's settled.

After Xie Ling got the permission, he felt relieved and walked over happily with his homework.

But as soon as he got closer, Xiao Huan's reaction became more obvious. The faint magnolia scent seemed to be exactly the same as the one on her pajamas last night.

He pursed his lips tightly and watched Xie Ling speaking, opening and closing his mouth. He even moved closer for fear that Xie Ling could not see the handwriting clearly.

Xiao Huan was stiff for a long time, then he looked in the direction of his gaze. His voice was so low and hoarse that he didn't even know what he said. He answered almost instinctively based on his knowledge.

Xie Ling didn't know. After hearing His Majesty speak, he was a little surprised. Why did His Majesty's voice suddenly become problematic? He was blowing the wind when he entered the hall. Sure enough, he felt uncomfortable all over now, right?

But he couldn't let His Majesty find a royal physician right away, so after asking the questions and returning, Xie Ling calculated the time in his mind.

Well, he must remind His Majesty when he has dinner in the evening, and don't forget.

Xiao Huan slowly breathed a sigh of relief after the familiar temperature left, but what bothered him was that he almost lost control just now.

I really wanted to kiss Xie Ling just now.

It was just a little bit. If that guy got any closer, he might not be able to control himself.

The feeling of irritation and heat had not subsided yet. Xiao Huan closed his eyes and realized that he was actually affected by the pajamas. The more he looked at Xie Ling, the more he liked her.

I even had a desire for him.

He felt a little complicated in his heart. It was not until an unknown amount of time had passed that Xiao Huan forced himself to abandon the thought and restrained himself to return to the memorial.

Xie Ling finished his review earlier than His Majesty. He was in good condition today and studied very hard all afternoon. Now that he finished his review early, he started counting the time.

How many memorials does His Majesty Emperor Wu have?

When can we have dinner?

Xie Ling and the others were all hungry when they saw His Majesty raise his eyes, realizing that it was already dark.

"I still have some time to deal with government affairs. If you have finished writing, please go downstairs and have dinner."

Xie Ling: ...Hey, aren't we having dinner together today?

But Your Majesty, have you forgotten something?

"But where is the imperial physician?"

Your Majesty still needs to see the imperial physician, right?

Xiao Huan didn't expect that he still remembered this at this moment. He choked and looked at him indifferently.

"I will summon the imperial physician after I review the memorial."

Oh, then he will be fine. Xie Ling nodded, packed up and left.

It was not until the other party left that Xiao Huan's throat rolled and he breathed a sigh of relief. He hadn't made up his mind yet, but he managed to finish the memorials on hand.

Wang Bao glanced at the sky and said with a worried look: "Your Majesty, it is already midnight."

"Aren't you going to have your meal yet?" His Majesty has been too busy these days. He feels tired for His Majesty just by looking at him.

Xiao Huan looked up and was surprised to find that so much time had passed since Xie Ling left. He paused for a moment and asked, "Has Xie Ling eaten?"

Wang Bao lowered his head and said, "Master Xie had his meal right after he returned. He should have washed up and gone to bed by now."

Xiao Huan's eyebrows relaxed a little: "Serve the food."

"By the way, ask Xia Changli to come."

Thinking about how he tossed and turned last night and how hot it was all day today, Xiao Huan couldn't help but frowned slightly.

Wang Bao didn't dare to ask more questions and hurried downstairs to call for someone. After a while, the head of the Imperial Medical Service arrived.

Xia Changli was on duty tonight when he saw the emperor. He was almost not surprised and immediately came over with a medical kit.

But this time, what made him take a closer look was: Is Mr. Xie not here?

During this period of time, Master Xie was almost always here when he was summoned. Why wasn't he here today?

Xia Changli was just wondering when he saw the emperor, who had just had a simple meal, looking at him.

"I have been feeling a little unwell lately."

"Xia Qing, come and take a look."

"yes."

Through a handkerchief, Xia Changli held his breath and carefully felt the pulse. After a moment, he looked strange.

Your Majesty, this is... your internal fire is too strong and a little too hot.

After so many years of self-cultivation, every time Xia Changli examined His Majesty's pulse, His Majesty was always calm, but he had never seen His Majesty so... angry.

There was a slight weird expression on her face for a moment, which made him unable to help but take another look.

"What's going on?" Xiao Huan frowned and asked when he saw that he was hesitating to speak.

Why do you have this expression? What's wrong with me?

Xia Changli coughed lightly, came back to his senses, thought carefully, and chose his words: "Your Majesty may be too tired from government affairs recently, and a little bit tired."

"I will prescribe some medicine to calm your fever. Just take it."

He paused, and finally said the simplest method: "Of course the simplest way is for Your Majesty to solve it yourself."

solve?

How to solve it?

Xiao Huan was stunned for a moment before he reacted, and his face suddenly turned pale and blue.

Xia Changli is talking about me...is it because of that?

He took a deep breath and should have been furious. But he calmed down, recalled his unusual reactions when he saw Xie Ling today, and closed his eyes to understand.

I'm afraid I've been tempted by worldly desires.

There was a dead silence in the air. Xia Changli thought of His Majesty's character, so he deliberately lowered his voice so that only His Majesty could hear it.

But even so, Xiao Huan's face darkened.

After a while, just when Xia Changli felt that his head might not be saved, and he had been cautious in the palace for many years, and now it was finally time to write a suicide note to his family, he heard the emperor say word by word: "I know."

"First, prescribe me some medicine to reduce fever."

Xiao Huan said this almost with gritted teeth.

Xia Changli saved his life and nodded quickly: "Your Majesty, don't worry."

"I will open one now."

He had just saluted when he heard His Majesty's inexplicable tone and looked at him again.

"You know I know this, don't you?"

Xia Changli: ...

"I understand, old minister."

The eunuch next to him remained silent.

Not knowing what was going on with His Majesty's health and why he suddenly became so mysterious, Wang Bao was hesitant, but seeing that His Majesty didn't want others to know, he had no choice but to swallow the medicine and watched Old Doctor Xia go down to boil the medicine.

…

When Xie Ling woke up the next morning, he smelled a smell of... medicine in Qianyuan Hall?

Hmm, why is the smell so strong so early in the morning?

At first he suspected that he had not woken up yet, and his nose twitched slightly. When he saw Qian Ming coming in, he couldn't help but feel a little strange.

"Do you smell anything?"

Qian Ming was stunned for a moment, then he reacted and smiled, "So this is what Master Xie was talking about."

"Your Majesty summoned the imperial physician last night. This should be the residual smell from the medicine boiled at night. If you find it unpleasant, you can open the window to ventilate for a while."

Xie Ling shook his head. So that was it? That was fine then. He just woke up suddenly and smelled something and was a little curious.

However, the smell of the medicine was indeed strong enough that he felt his eyes go straight and he felt dizzy after smelling a little bit of the residue.

What is the reason for your majesty's health?

The smell felt strange. He seemed to smell the scent of herbs that could reduce internal heat. It must be an illusion. Hahaha, it's been so cold these days, who needs herbs to reduce internal heat?

After he packed up and dressed and went out, he couldn't help but sneeze because of the wind, and immediately all the strange thoughts in his mind were gone.

But just when he was determined in his thoughts, he smelled the smell again when he came back in the evening. This time... Xie Ling frowned and approached the door, his expression thoughtful.

"System, I don't think I smelled it wrong."

“Is this the taste of Coptis chinensis?”

There was no way it was possible to be mistaken for smelling such a bitter smell, and since it was not far away, the system was able to barely distinguish it with an electronic scan.

"The host guessed correctly, it is indeed Coptis chinensis."

The bitter smell filled the entire Qianyuan Hall. Xie Ling recalled the fear he felt when he was a child because of the medicinal herbs containing Coptis chinensis, and his face twisted for a moment.

But why would Your Majesty drink Coptis chinensis? Isn't this something that can reduce internal heat?

Xie Ling hesitated to speak, with a strange expression on his face.

After sitting in the side hall for a long time to review, I really couldn't help it.

"Is your majesty back?"

Qian Ming thought that Master Xie wanted to pay a visit to His Majesty, so he smiled and said, "Your Majesty just came back from Wannian Pavilion."

"It would be great if Master Xie wanted to go."

Xie Ling breathed a sigh of relief, but no, he still felt he couldn't bear it, so he decided to go to the main hall.

The main hall is spacious and well located, so even if there is medicine being boiled outside, the smell will not drift in here. He took a deep breath, resisted the urge to cover his nose, and returned to his homework.

Xiao Huan had just finished drinking the medicine. He frowned when he heard the other party's movement. Thinking about who had caused him to have a strong temper and unbearable heat these days, Xiao Huan didn't want to see Xie Ling at this time.

Especially last night... he really dreamed of Xie Ling.

Unlike the vague dream of the day before, where he couldn't see the scene clearly, last night, perhaps stimulated by Xia Changli's words, he actually dreamed that he and Xie Ling... slept on the same bed.

His mouth was so dry and itchy that Xiao Huan put down the medicine bowl, and his emotions could not be heard.

"Go ask him what he's doing here now?"

Wang Bao, who knew that His Majesty had just drunk the medicine, responded in a low voice and looked at His Majesty curiously. Although he didn't know why His Majesty didn't let Master Xie in, he still walked out dutifully.

"Thank you, sir."

"Why are you here now?"

Isn't it supposed to be meal time now?

Xie Ling certainly couldn't have said that the emperor had boiled some medicine and fumigated him. He blinked and said tactfully, "I just heard that the emperor had seen the imperial physician last night, so I came here to say hello."

Well, no matter what, you have to speak nicely.

As expected, Wang Bao thought that Master Xie was concerned about His Majesty, so he came to ask about His Majesty's well-being for two consecutive days, and his expression was even more moved. However, as a eunuch in front of the emperor, he could not reveal His Majesty's situation, so he could only say, "Master Xie, wait a moment, I will pass on the message."

Xie Ling touched his nose and waited until Eunuch Wang left before complaining to the system.

"See, I told you we should come to the main hall."

“There’s no smell here.”

The ancient palace design was based on the main hall. Whenever there was a disturbance, the side halls would suffer. Even though His Majesty was drinking medicine here, the only refreshing smell here was the scent of ambergris, while his side was almost pickled with coptis.

system:……

"You're right, aren't you?"

I have to say that the host is quite quick-witted.

The two waited outside for a long time, and they didn't expect that they would not be allowed to pass.

When Wang Bao went in to pass the message, he thought it would be the same as before, and His Majesty would let Master Xie in after frowning. Unexpectedly, when he said that Master Xie came to care about the Holy Body, Xiao Huan paused, struggled for a moment in his heart, but his face did not change.

"Tell him that I appreciate your kindness and that he doesn't need to come over to greet you today."

"I'm fine."

Wang Bao: …

He glanced up cautiously.

"You don't see Master Xie?"

This is unprecedented. Your Majesty, why is this happening today... ?

Before he could wonder, he saw His Majesty glance at him indifferently, and Wang Bao quickly lowered his head.

I thought to myself: Strange, really strange, it seems that His Majesty has been acting strange since Imperial Doctor Xia prescribed the medicine last night.

Xiao Huan lowered his eyes and continued to read the memorials, and Xie Ling had just taken a breath of fresh air when he heard the news from inside the palace.

——Emperor Wu said there was no need to ask for his well-being.

Ah, what should I do then?

Is he going back to the side hall again?

No!

After Xie Ling expressed his gratitude, he turned around and walked back. After taking just two steps, he was again inhaled by the strong smell of Coptis chinensis. At this time, he could not help but turn back.

"Host, what are you going to do?"

The system was confused and had a bad feeling.

Xie Ling coughed lightly: "Sometimes people still have to lose face a little."

"I don't have no moral integrity, so who does?"

He took a deep breath and prepared himself mentally: he felt that it was impossible for him to go back to the side hall to smell the medicine, let alone return to the library to study at this moment?

It’s too far and totally not worth it.

So after all the calculations, the best option now is to stay in the main hall of Qianyuan Palace. After all, the air here is good, there is incense, and it is warm and dry.

He just needs to be a little more...outgoing and brave.

So Xie Ling turned around and said to Eunuch Wang Bao in surprise, "After thinking it over, I still feel uneasy about Your Majesty."

"Your Majesty, it's okay to not see anyone while you're resting."

"Eunuch Wang, can you help me put a table and chair in the corridor outside the palace? I will sit here and pray for His Majesty and do my homework at the same time."

These words were so explosive that Wang Bao was unable to react for a moment.

Sit here and pray for His Majesty?

This... Your Majesty's illness is not a serious one.

Wang Bao was in a daze, with a complicated expression, but he couldn't stand Mr. Xie's sincere gaze, so he coughed lightly.

"Mr. Xie, are you sure?" He sounded awkward.

Xie Ling felt a little embarrassed to be honest, but since he had already said this, he might as well just go for it, so he nodded and said, "Thank you, Eunuch Wang."

"I've thought about it."

Wang Bao was still able to make the decision on this matter. Seeing that Xie Ling already had a plan in mind, he waved his whisk and signaled the eunuch to bring a table and a wooden chair to Master Xie.

Then Mr. Xie actually sat down, looked at the closed door of the main hall for a while, and then withdrew his gaze sadly.

I couldn't help but feel slightly moved: As expected of Mr. Xie, he is truly sincere to Your Majesty.

Xiao Huan thought that the matter was over after sending the people back. He coughed softly and was about to ask Wang Bao to pour a cup of tea. However, when he looked up, he found that Wang Bao, who had gone out to deliver the message, had not returned yet.

He frowned slightly and started reading the memorial again. After a while, he looked up and asked when he heard footsteps.

"What's going on?"

I just went out to preach the will, why did it take so long?

Did something happen?

Xiao Huan was just thinking about whether I should give Xie Ling something as a consolation since I didn't see him this time. Then he heard Wang Bao half touched and half hesitantly said: "The slave's order has just been delivered."

"It's just that Master Xie is really worried about Your Majesty and is loyal to Your Majesty, so he has returned now."

Coming back again?

For the first time, Xiao Huan felt that he did not understand these words. How could a court official return after being refused an audience with the emperor?

"So where is he now?" Still waiting outside the door?

He drank a sip of tea and heard Wang Bao say, "Master Xie has asked for a table and chair outside the door, and is now praying for His Majesty there."

"Puff" Xiao Huan was glad that he didn't really drink it, otherwise he would have choked to death.

"You mean he's moved a table and is sitting outside the door now?"

Wang Bao nodded: "Young Master Xie first prayed for His Majesty for a while, but then he was afraid of delaying the lessons that His Majesty had painstakingly arranged and affecting the imperial examinations, so he lowered his head to review." It was really touching, and what a deep love between the monarch and his subject.

Xiao Huan: ...

It must be said that this guy always does something unexpected.

Xiao Huan pressed his brow and felt a headache, but he could sit if he wanted.

Outside: Xie Ling lowered his head and took notes. When the system saw that there was no one around, it asked cautiously, "Did you really pray for blessings in the main hall just now?"

How come he doesn't know that the host is also proficient in this business? Is it another side job of the host?

Xie Ling: …

"How is that possible?"

"Isn't it because I took the name of Qifu? I had to pretend to do it just now, otherwise it would be unworthy of the name."

Well, as for looking at each other affectionately in the bedroom, Xie Ling really couldn't think of a posture, so it was good to just keep it simple so that everyone could understand his meaning.

system:……

Is that so?

Now it was the system that was speechless. After wanting to say something for a long time, the system saw the host lowering his head to study seriously after a good performance of performance art. It felt that this host looked so familiar.

I haven't seen the host go crazy for a long time, and I'm still a little uncomfortable with it.

The homework assigned by Zheng Daju in the evening was a bit complicated. Xie Ling would write for a while and then look up at the opposite side for a while, just to rest his eyes.

However, this scene took on a different meaning in the eyes of others; even the Eagle Guards in the dark couldn't help but sigh.

"Thank you, Master, for being so loyal."

Liang Chun: ...

That’s true.

The two of them whispered a few words, and then Master Xie lowered his head again when he saw that there was no result.

Well, my eyes feel much better after taking a rest for a while.

Xie Ling nodded and finished the last bit of homework. He was just thinking about what meal to ask Qian Ming to prepare when he returned home that night when he heard the sound of the main hall door being pushed open.

Although Xiao Huan was reviewing memorials, he was also paying attention to the movements outside the bedroom. After watching for a while, he glanced at Wang Bao.

Wang Bao naturally understood and went out to investigate, coming back after a few moments.

"Your Majesty, Master Xie is still here."

Xiao Huan closed his eyes, but finally couldn't help himself. It was already so late, but this guy was still so persistent.

Never mind...let him in.

Xiao Huan stopped and remained silent for a while.

Wang Bao looked at his nose and his heart, but he heard His Majesty say, "If you go out and the person is still here, let him in."

"Why?"

"Yes, Your Majesty." How come he suddenly appeared again? Wang Bao was stunned for a moment before he reacted and nodded.

Xie Ling had finished his homework, his nose was feeling better, and he was about to go back home smelling sweet from the ambergris. Unexpectedly, Eunuch Wang came.

system:……

Xie Ling: …

Everyone in Yitong felt a jolt in their hearts.

"Oh no, Tongzi, could it be that my performance art was too much and angered Emperor Wu? Is His Majesty going to punish me?"

System: You know your performance art is exaggerated, right? What's the difference between you and pulling a table in front of the emperor to beg for food?

"Forget it, I'll just slide on my knees once I get in."

Without waiting for Tongzi to say more, Xie Ling had already made a decision.

Wang Bao smiled and felt happy for Master Xie in his heart.

"Thank you, Master. His Majesty wants you to come in."

Well, Mr. Xie's sincerity finally moved His Majesty.

Xie Ling responded and immediately adjusted his expression, but he hesitated for a moment before going in.

"Eunuch Wang, how do you think His Majesty is feeling?"

Wouldn't he be facing anger when he entered?

Wang Bao didn't understand what Master Xie was worried about, but he still said, "I can't say for sure. Master Xie will know when he goes in."

All right. Xie Ling wiped his face, gritted his teeth and walked in.

He felt very heavy-hearted when he went in, and then he found that the situation didn’t seem to be what he thought?

Wait a minute, Xie Ling was stunned for a moment and then met Emperor Wu’s very complicated eyes.

Xiao Huan didn't expect him to last that long. He was in a complicated mood and didn't know what to say. He knocked on the table and a servant brought Xie Ling a cup of hot milk tea, then turned his head away.

"It's cold outside, please drive away the chill."

Huh?

"Thank you, Your Majesty."

Xie Ling: "Something is wrong, Tongzi. His Majesty didn't blame me."

System: Succubus, no big deal, it’s used to it.

Xie Ling lowered his head and took a sip, and found that it was freshly brewed. He didn't know when the emperor had ordered someone to cook it.

Could it be that Your Majesty himself likes to drink it?

Xie Ling's furtive glance did not escape Xiao Huan's eyes, and he couldn't help but look over.

"What are you looking at?"

"It's nothing, Your Majesty. Um, are you feeling better?" Xie Ling didn't forget why he stayed there and didn't leave, so he greeted him.

Xiao Huan was silent for a moment. He really didn't know whether this guy did it intentionally or unintentionally.

"Better."

He knew whether the fire-reducing decoction was effective or not. Heart disease needs heart medicine. However, he was a little confused at this moment. What should he do when facing Xie Ling? He thought he would be restrained and calm today, but he didn't expect this guy to be so sincere.

He looked at Xie Ling and looked him up and down. Just when Xie Ling felt a little creepy because of the way he was looked at, Xiao Huan looked away.

"Bring some food."

At this time, the imperial kitchen had no more delicious food, so Wang Bao went downstairs to get some cakes and said with a smile, "Thank you, Master, for a snack first."

Xie Ling was simply shocked by such good treatment.

Wait, could it be that Your Majesty really thinks that he is praying and is moved by him?

When he thought of this possibility, he felt a little uncomfortable sitting on his chair.

"Well, Your Majesty, that's not necessary. I'm not hungry."

He ate two bites before coming.

Damn it, what if Emperor Wu mistakenly thinks I am deceiving the emperor? Xie Ling reluctantly turned his eyes away from the exquisite snacks in front of him.

Xiao Huan sneered and said impatiently, "Eat when I tell you to."

"Will I blame you?"

Okay.

Xie Ling was exposed and had no choice but to pick up the pastries.

I have to say that the pastries in front of the emperor are delicious. One bite made his eyes light up and he couldn't help but eat a few more bites.

Xiao Huan watched him eat like a cat slave, and at this moment, he felt that Xie Ling was cute again. Is this thing really that delicious?

He reached out and took a piece, and it was nothing special.

After eating, Xiao Huan washed his hands. He really didn't understand why he liked something so sweet. But Xie Ling suddenly turned around and took a look.

Um?

Wait, he just seemed to see a eunuch in Qianyuan Hall taking the medicine downstairs?

No, do you think you need to boil medicine now?

The remaining medicinal smell was bitter enough already, he couldn't even imagine how pungent it would be if it was boiled now. It might even kill him.

"It's a good thing I didn't go back, Tongzi."

"Your Majesty, save my life."

System: "But you still have to go back later."

What should I do then?

The two of them were silent, and Xie Ling hardened his heart.

After the meal, Xiao Huan was just about to ask him to go back and rest early as he had to get up early the next day, but he saw Xie Ling suddenly put down the cakes and looked at him hesitantly, as if something had happened.

"His Majesty."

Forget it, the crime of deceiving the emperor has been committed, and he really doesn’t want to go back and suffer.

"What's the matter?" Xiao Huan raised his eyes calmly.

Xie Ling hesitated for a moment, looking a little shy with two dimples on his face, but he said something shocking: "Well, Your Majesty, do you think I can sleep in the main hall of Qianyuan Palace tonight, with you?"