After the Young General Arrived in the Capital, He Was Flirted into Becoming a Brooding Powerbroker

Pure-hearted young man and junior general x beautiful, strong, untragic favorite courtier; older man/younger man; plot-driven; happy ending.

Sheng Ye, adopted son of the Northern Garrison General, is summoned to the capital, appointed to office, and granted a residence, showered with honors. All he wants, though, is to go home and fulfill his filial duties.

As he handles affairs in the usual way, he uncovers a smuggling scheme involving tribute goods. The capital’s nobles clap and watch the show, praising him: “As expected of a man from the wilds. He has an animal’s instincts.”

The powerful Uncle of the Emperor, who dominates the court, scoffs. “Just a trapped beast yapping in desperation.”

New to the world, Sheng Ye sets out to go home by hunting down corrupt merchants and investigating officials. Believing a clear conscience gives him free rein, he runs roughshod over everyone, only to be battered and bloodied by the treacherous capital, and even puts his closest friend’s life in jeopardy.

The court pronounces, “The boy is naive. Surely he’ll learn how to conduct himself as an official here.”

But Sheng Ye only grows more determined with every setback, steadily rising through the ranks until he is appointed head of the Inspectorate, with authority to oversee all officials.

People sneer, “Someone powerful must be guiding this boy from behind the scenes.”

When the rumor reaches Meng Shu, he tightens his cloak in the height of summer and says, “I’m merely a physician of the Imperial Medical Bureau, and I won’t live much longer. Sheng Lang is simply clever by nature.”

At the time, Sheng Ye has yet to understand romance. His ears turn red, and he replies solemnly, “Love is sacred and pure. If you use sincerity as a jest today, then when you meet the one you truly love, won’t you regret these few careless words with your life?”

Later, Sheng Ye deposes the foolish emperor and eliminates the imperial in-laws. He should have kept his promise and gone home with Meng Shu to ride horses and catch fish, but Meng Shu’s blade sinks into his chest.

Sheng Ye seizes the other man’s bloodied hand, his gaze heavy. “You taught me to hide stratagems within stratagems and make every plan succeed. How could you not know that even in heaven or hell, I would never let you go?”