Time: A quiet afternoon in the third year of Jinghe
Place: Imperial Study
Episode 1: Your Majesty, Let Me Explain
Gu Lian had just finished reviewing the last memorial. He rubbed his aching temples and instinctively looked around for that familiar, refined figure.
Today, Ai Miao had taken half a day off to handle personal affairs at home, and somehow, the vast imperial study felt unusually empty without him.
"Has Duke Wen'an returned to his manor?" Gu Lian called out.
The attendant bowed. "Your Majesty, the Duke returned about half an hour ago. However…" He hesitated, his expression uncertain.
"However what?" Gu Lian raised an eyebrow.
"Well… the Duke didn't return alone. There was a young gentleman in the carriage with him—someone unfamiliar. They entered the manor together and haven't come out since."
A young gentleman? Unfamiliar? Rode in the same carriage with Ai Miao—and stayed inside for quite some time?
Gu Lian's grip on his vermilion brush tightened, knuckles whitening. A surge of sour jealousy and nameless anger shot through his chest. Ai Miao was reserved by nature, rarely close to others. Aside from himself, when had he ever seen Ai Miao share a carriage with anyone—let alone bring someone home for a prolonged private meeting?
Gu Lian stood abruptly, his golden robe sweeping up a chill. "Prepare the carriage. To Duke Wen'an's manor!" His voice was laced with ice.
Outside the study at Wen'an Manor
Gu Lian waved off all servants who tried to announce his arrival. The oppressive aura around him kept everyone at a distance.
He stood outside the study window, peering through the half-open lattice—just enough to see inside.
Ai Miao sat at his desk, back to the window. Beside him stood a young man in pale blue robes, gentle in demeanor and delicate in features. The young man leaned in slightly, pointing at a scroll on the desk, speaking softly—so close his lips were nearly at Ai Miao's ear.
Ai Miao didn't seem to mind. He even nodded slightly, listening attentively.
Gu Lian felt blood rush to his head, his vision darkening. Wonderful. He'd been reviewing memorials until his head throbbed, while his person was here—entertaining some unknown "young gentleman" in intimate proximity.
He couldn't take it anymore. He pushed open the study door with a loud bang.
Both men inside jumped and turned.
"Y-Your Majesty?" Ai Miao looked genuinely startled at Gu Lian's stormy expression.
The young man paled instantly and dropped to his knees, trembling.
Gu Lian didn't spare him a glance. His eyes locked onto Ai Miao, voice cold enough to freeze: "Seems I've come at a bad time—interrupting Duke Wen'an's… guest."
Ai Miao blinked, confused at first. Then his gaze fell on the kneeling young man, and he instantly understood. A flicker of helplessness flashed in his eyes, followed by a hint of amusement. Still, he kept his composure and stood to bow. "Your Majesty has misunderstood."
"Misunderstood?" Gu Lian strode to the desk, glanced at the scroll—some kind of mechanical blueprint—but ignored it. He stared at Ai Miao. "What kind of 'guest' requires Duke Wen'an to personally escort him home and hold a private meeting for hours? Hmm?"
That final "Hmm" was dangerously sharp.
Before Ai Miao could respond, the young man stammered, voice shaking: "Y-Your Majesty, please don't be angry! I—I'm just…"
"He's my cousin's son," Ai Miao said calmly, dropping the bombshell.
Cousin's… son?
Gu Lian's fury and jealousy froze mid-air. He stood stiffly, stunned.
Ai Miao continued, the helplessness in his eyes deepening: "He's always been fond of mechanical design and has no interest in the civil service exams. My sister, at her wit's end, asked me to guide him. Today, he brought a revised repeating crossbow design. It's quite clever. I was discussing its mechanics with him."
He paused, then looked at Gu Lian, voice tinged with subtle teasing: "If Your Majesty doubts it, perhaps you'd like to test this 'young gentleman' yourself?"
Gu Lian: "..."
He looked at the young man—still kneeling, clearly terrified, and indeed bearing a faint resemblance to Ai Miao. Then he recalled his own dramatic entrance, brimming with jealousy and accusation. His ears turned crimson.
He coughed sharply, trying to salvage some imperial dignity. "I—I see. A relative, and talented too. Very good… You may rise."
The young man scrambled to his feet, head still bowed.
Ai Miao watched Gu Lian's forced composure and couldn't help the faint smile tugging at his lips. He stepped forward, gently tugged Gu Lian's sleeve, and whispered: "Your Majesty, our discussion is finished. Might I request a private audience… to confess my 'neglect' today?"
Gu Lian, still flustered, seized the opportunity to retreat. He gave a curt "Mm," ignored the cousin's son entirely, and pulled Ai Miao out of the study.
Inside the carriage
Once the doors closed and the world was shut out, Gu Lian exhaled deeply and pulled Ai Miao into his arms, burying his face in his neck. "Why didn't you say so earlier?" he muttered.
Ai Miao let him hold on, gently stroking his back like soothing a bristling cat. "Your Majesty didn't give me a chance. You barged in… rather fiercely."
Gu Lian lifted his head and pecked his lips with mock ferocity, still shaken and a little sulky. "From now on, no more 'young gentlemen' getting that close to you. Not even cousins."
"Yes, Your Majesty," Ai Miao replied obediently, eyes twinkling.
Hmm. Looks like future visitors to the manor will need to be received in full view—perhaps with His Majesty "observing" from the side.
Episode 2: His Majesty's "Special Attention"
Ever since the "cousin incident," Gu Lian had taken a particular interest in the "young visitors" to Duke Wen'an's manor.
That day, Ai Miao was in his study reviewing documents from the Privy Council when the steward came to report: "Your Grace, the son of Minister Li from the Ministry of Works requests an audience. He wishes to consult you on a hydraulic model."
Ai Miao didn't even look up. "Have him wait in the flower hall. Serve tea."
Not long after, the steward returned, looking troubled. "Your Grace… Young Master Li says the model is quite heavy. He's already had it carried to the courtyard outside your study…"
Ai Miao frowned slightly, just about to respond—when a familiar voice rang out from beyond the door.
"Oh? What kind of model is so urgent it must be brought directly to the Privy Envoy's study courtyard? I suppose I ought to take a look."
Gu Lian, dressed in informal robes, had somehow wandered in. His expression was one of amused suspicion.
Ai Miao set down his brush and rose to bow. "Your Majesty—what brings you here?"
"I was passing by," Gu Lian replied casually. "And remembered that some fresh Da Hong Pao from Wuyi Mountain arrived today. Thought I'd share a pot with my beloved minister." As he spoke, his gaze drifted toward the courtyard, landing on the flustered young man standing beside the model. "And this is?"
The young man dropped to his knees in panic. "Y-Your Majesty! I—I am Li Mingyuan, son of Minister Li. I came to consult Duke Wen'an about a hydraulic model…"
"Rise." Gu Lian strolled into the courtyard, inspecting the half-human-sized contraption. "If it's official business, then demonstrate it here. I'll listen in."
And so, in the chilly spring courtyard, Young Master Li nervously explained his model while Gu Lian sipped tea from the veranda, "casually observing." Ai Miao stood nearby, watching the emperor's "just passing by" demeanor with quiet amusement.
When the explanation ended, Gu Lian finally set down his cup. "Interesting concept. But the details need refinement. Consult Duke Wen'an further. You may go."
Li Mingyuan bowed and fled like a man pardoned from death.
As soon as he left, Gu Lian pulled Ai Miao inside and pressed a hand warmer into his cool palms. "Standing out there for half an hour in this weather—your hands are freezing."
Ai Miao let him warm his hands, speaking softly. "Your Majesty needn't come in person. I know how to handle these things."
Gu Lian was unapologetic. "I'm simply caring for my officials. Besides…" He leaned in, voice low against Ai Miao's ear, "That Li fellow looked at you with even less propriety than your cousin did."
Ai Miao finally laughed aloud. "Your Majesty—Young Master Li was just married last month."
Gu Lian paused, then huffed, "Which means he should be even more careful!"
Episode 3: Jealousy Without End
A few days later, Ai Miao was on night duty in the palace. After finishing his state affairs, Gu Lian made his way to the Privy Council's night office—only to find Ai Miao standing beside a young military officer, discussing strategy over a sand table.
The officer was the son of the Minister of War, last year's top-ranked martial scholar—spirited and full of youthful vigor. At the moment, he was pointing excitedly at the sand table. "Your Grace, this formation is brilliant! If we strike with it, we'll surely crush the Northern Rong cavalry!"
In his enthusiasm, he even clapped Ai Miao on the shoulder. "Your Grace commands like a god—this junior is in awe!"
Gu Lian's expression darkened instantly.
—
That night, back in the bedchamber, Ai Miao was removing his hair crown in front of the bronze mirror. Gu Lian approached from behind, arms naturally encircling his waist, fingers deftly unfastening the golden clasp of his jade belt.
He asked, casually—too casually: "That young general today… you seemed rather familiar with him?"
Ai Miao's hands paused. Through the mirror, he saw the emperor's tense profile and a glint of mischief flickered in his eyes. "Your Majesty means General Zhang? We are indeed acquainted. His father and mine were old friends. He used to visit our manor often as a child—always chasing after me for sweets."
Gu Lian's hands froze. The loosened belt was now clenched tightly in his fist.
Ai Miao turned to face him, taking in the emperor's stormy expression. At last, he relented, reaching out to smooth the furrow between his brows. "When he was eight, he put a frog in my book satchel. I smacked his palm with a ruler. He never dared come back after that."
Gu Lian: "..."
He stared into Ai Miao's smiling eyes for a long moment—then suddenly scooped him up in his arms. "So it seems my consort has been attracting admirers since childhood."
Ai Miao gave a soft gasp, instinctively wrapping his arms around Gu Lian's neck. "Your Majesty… I have morning court tomorrow…"
"No matter." Gu Lian laid him gently on the dragon bed, fingertips brushing his lips, eyes dark and intent. "I'll be mindful."
—
The next morning, Duke Wen'an—rarely absent—requested leave from court. His Majesty, on the other hand, appeared at morning audience refreshed and radiant.
From that day on, an unspoken rule spread throughout the court: When discussing matters with Duke Wen'an, maintain a distance of at least three feet. And always, always observe proper decorum.
After all, His Majesty's vinegar jar—once tipped—spilled fast and without warning.
Episode 4: The Jealous Emperor's Happy Ending
The Lantern Festival of Jinghe Year Four arrived in a blaze of celebration.
It was the first grand palace banquet since Ai Miao had been formally named Consort Sovereign. Though he held no official title of Empress, Gu Lian had insisted on placing a seat of equal rank beside the imperial throne—so that his consort could sit with him as an equal.
As the banquet reached its peak, envoys from various nations began offering performances. Among them, a young musician from the Western Regions drew particular attention. His pipa melody was haunting and sorrowful, and his deep-set eyes remained fixed on Ai Miao throughout the entire performance.
When the music ended, the musician rose and bowed. In halting Central Plains speech, he said: "I have long heard of Duke Wen'an's mastery of music. Might I request your guidance?"
The hall fell silent. Everyone knew this musician—renowned in the Western Regions not only for his beauty, but also for his romantic reputation.
Gu Lian's fingers tightened around his wine cup, knuckles pale. Yet his expression remained gentle. "The Consort Sovereign has been working hard of late. It would be unwise to tire him further."
The musician, oblivious, pressed on: "Then… might I ask Duke Wen'an to critique my performance?"
Ai Miao was about to respond when Gu Lian suddenly stood. "Since the envoy is so gracious," he said with a smile that didn't reach his eyes, "why don't the Consort Sovereign and I perform a duet in return?"
To everyone's astonishment, Gu Lian personally fetched a guqin and joined Ai Miao's jade flute in a rendition of Phoenix Seeking Its Mate.
The melody was tender and lingering, the harmony between guqin and flute seamless. Throughout the performance, Gu Lian's gaze never left Ai Miao—his affection more eloquent than the music itself.
When the final note faded, Gu Lian took Ai Miao's hand before the assembled envoys and declared: "The Consort Sovereign and I are as harmonious as qin and se. Our bond shall never waver."
—
That night, back in the bedchamber, Gu Lian was still brooding over the musician's gaze as he helped remove Ai Miao's hair crown.
"Your Majesty is still bothered by that musician?" Ai Miao asked, helplessly amused.
Gu Lian wrapped his arms around him from behind, burying his face in the crook of his neck. "The way he looked at you—it was clearly…"
Before he could finish, Ai Miao turned and, for the first time, kissed him—silencing the jealous emperor's unfinished complaint.
When the kiss ended, Ai Miao's breath was slightly uneven. He whispered: "In my eyes, there has only ever been Your Majesty."
Gu Lian stared at him, stunned, then broke into a quiet laugh and pulled him into a tight embrace.
"I know," he sighed, content. "I just… can't help myself."
"Then Your Majesty may keep watching," Ai Miao said with a smile, resting in his arms. "After all, I'll be in Your Majesty's sight for the rest of my life."
—
From that day on, the Jinghe Emperor's reputation for jealousy spread across the realm. But no one ever dared harbor improper thoughts toward the Consort Sovereign again.
After all—everyone knew:
His Majesty's vinegar jar could overturn the entire empire.