Xie Rang wanted to go in and see Yun Qing, but he would never go against Yun Qing's wishes.
When he was rejected for the second time, he was reluctant to leave, but Yun Qing's next thought froze him in place, as if his whole body was bound by something, and he could no longer move.
It took a long time for Xie Rang's numb thoughts to slowly begin to function again. He took a step back, but didn't leave. He just stared at the door, his gaze shifting between light and shadow.
He didn't want to delve into the meaning of the Grand Tutor's last words, but as if out of control, all the clues he had noticed before surfaced in his mind at this moment.
Why did the Grand Tutor gradually distance himself from him as he grew up? Why did the Grand Tutor never share a room with him no matter how much he begged? And why, not long ago, did the Grand Tutor feel regret and pity while refusing to soak in the hot springs?
No matter which trip he took, the Grand Tutor always had a trusted physician by his side, and women always accompanied and served him.
What he had never considered, never doubted... now all pointed to one possibility—
There's no question of homosexuality or dislike of women. It's because the Grand Tutor himself is a woman!
So this is the secret you've been keeping from yourself all this time?
Xie Rang closed his eyes, feeling his mind go blank, unable to think any further. Even Shunfeng's questions seemed to slow down.
"Your Majesty, everything is ready. Would you like to rest now?"
Shunfeng had served Xie Rang for so many years, but he had never seen Xie Rang look like this before. It was as if something had changed invisibly, and even the aura around Xie Rang had become unfathomable. It seemed that if one thought too deeply, one would be dragged into danger.
What is... happening?
He thought shakily, with the wind at his back.
Is it because of the matter concerning the adults?
"Rest, of course I need to rest." Xie Rang said these words as if he were squeezing them out from between his teeth. If he hadn't been trying so hard to restrain himself, he would have rushed in to ask if it was really true.
But reason told him he couldn't, and after Yun Qing's guidance, he couldn't bring himself to do such a thing.
He needs to calm down.
Yes, that's what it means to stay calm.
Yun Qing was injured, so he couldn't let her move again. Shunfeng had already wisely prepared another room, but not too far away, right across from Yun Qing, to ensure that Xie Rang could sense what was happening on Yun Qing's side.
Just before entering the room, Xie Rang gave a subtle, sneer.
The world is full of unbelievable twists and turns, but what's the point of all this? He spent so much time figuring out his own feelings, accepting the fact that he was gay, and even had a long-term vision, selecting children from the royal family to raise, preparing to seize the opportunity when it came, only to be caught off guard like this.
Fortunately, it's not too late.
He and the Grand Tutor have a long future ahead of them.
...
"Leave."
Taking advantage of the quiet moment, Qinglan quickly bandaged Yunqing's wound, helped her put on her clothes, and sprinkled medicine powder on it. Although there was still some slight pain, it was not unbearable.
The guards had sharp ears. Ever since Xie Rang was rejected and stood silently at the door, Qinglan had been paying attention. She only reminded Yunqing when footsteps were heard.
After a long silence, Yunqing came to a conclusion: "He's angry, but you'll have to coax him later."
Having been by Xie Rang's side for so many years, Yun Qing could easily understand his emotional changes. When he refused, she had already anticipated this outcome. It wasn't unexpected, but she still felt helpless.
Qinglan looked up at her, hesitating to speak: "Young Master, I don't know whether I should say this or not... Is His Majesty relying on you a little too much?"
When His Majesty was with the young master, he was always obedient and well-behaved, and his behavior was impeccable. However, as a bodyguard, she felt that his dependence was too strong, as if he wanted to completely possess him.
If he weren't the current emperor, his presence beside the young master would have made him a dangerous person.
Yun Qing clutched the hem of her clothes, lowered her eyes in thought, and said in an ambiguous tone, "Indeed, I noticed it."
It didn't start in the last few years, but from the very first time she met him, she knew it.
The fact that Xie Rang was labeled a tyrant is not only due to the condemnation of his advisors, but also undeniably because he possessed inherently flawed character.
Specifically, this manifests in his desire to control everything, whether it be power, or people or things close to him. The year Yun Qingyuan left didn't seem to change much, and he would occasionally bring it up afterward.
Yun Qing knew that he had never forgotten.
"Please make a careful decision, young master. When the time comes, let go."
Qinglan's voice was very soft, yet it was firm and resolute.
All the assassins and bodyguards left by the Li family were the greatest protection the Li couple could provide for Yun Qing. If all else failed, they would do everything in their power to help Yun Qing leave.
Yun Qing remained silent.
She reached out and helped Qinglan up: "Go and rest."
She did not answer the question.
-
Yun Qing felt that her mental strength was remarkable. She had survived an assassination attempt and been injured last night, and after working for most of the night, she slept quite well.
After Qinglan changed the medicine again in the morning, Yunqing slowly put on her clothes and went out.
After last night's unexpected incident, the Imperial Guards have now secured this area very tightly. Yun Qing estimates that not even a fly could get out.
As soon as she opened her door, the door opposite her opened as well, and Xie Rang, with a gentle smile, came into view: "Grand Tutor, you're awake. Come and sit in my room."
[He doesn't look angry.]
Yun Qing assumed he had calmed down on his own and followed him into the room. The servants had already brought up the food and set a table, but Xie Rang didn't touch it.
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