This Imperial Preceptor Is a Total Fraud

[Two male leads + rivals-to-lovers + rekindled romance + faked death + younger love interest + faithful couple, happy ending]

A powerful prince gong × a frail, beautiful national preceptor shou

The national preceptor of the Xi Kingdom is said to be an immortal cultivator. After saving the emperor, he was granted the title of national preceptor. Yet he is so mysterious that no one has learned his name over the years, and no one has even seen his true face.

Chu Huaiguai, newly returned from the military camp, scoffed at the story. He believed the so-called national preceptor was nothing but a charlatan who fooled people for a living.

The first time he saw the national preceptor was outside the emperor’s palace. The man was wrapped in a thick fur coat, holding a hand warmer and sitting in a wheelchair as servants wheeled him out. When Chu Huaiguai asked, he learned this was the legendary national preceptor, a man who came and went like a dragon, never showing his head or tail. He was unimpressed. The man looked like nothing more than a sickly weakling, with not a shred of ability.

Later, in the bedchamber of another imperial heir, the national preceptor was still in his wheelchair. He shook his head helplessly before a consort who was weeping behind her hands. Ignoring her loud sobs, he left impassively, passing Chu Huaiguai outside.

Chu Huaiguai called him cold and heartless, then set about finding proof that the national preceptor was a fraud. But as their unavoidable encounters continued, Chu Huaiguai gradually began to think that perhaps the man really did have some ability.

Later still, Chu Huaiguai entered the Star-Gazing Pavilion the emperor had built for the national preceptor. The man gently took his hand and teased him with a mixture of truth and deception: “The fourth prince’s palm suggests quite a few admirers.” Chu Huaiguai clasped his hand in return. “You fraud, always making fun of me.”