Reborn, the Mad Emperor Is Consumed by Regret

[Both leads reborn + reconciliation after heartbreak + secret love + a groveling pursuit + happy ending] Scheming, ruthless emperor × ascetic, aloof chief secretary of the Imperial Library In his previous life, Xiao Heng believed slanderous lies and personally ordered the death of Shen Qingci, the person who loved him most. Only after Shen Qingci was gone did he uncover the truth: that aloof, moonlike chief secretary had borne infamy for thousands of years on his behalf. He had loved Xiao Heng down to his very bones, yet never confessed it before he died. Clutching Shen Qingci's remains, Xiao Heng died in despair upon the dragon throne. When he was reborn, he looked at his beloved, alive before him, and swore a blood oath: This time, I'll protect you. He purged corrupt officials and overturned wrongful convictions, wishing he could cherish Shen Qingci like the most precious thing in the world. But the devoted chief secretary of his previous life wants nothing more than to resign and run away in this one. His feigned illness is exposed, his request to be reassigned is denied, and even when he tries to climb over the wall, he's dragged back to the emperor's bed. At last, when Shen Qingci makes yet another attempt to slip away, Xiao Heng completely loses control. He holds him tight, his voice hoarse and eyes bloodshot, pleading from the very depths of despair: “Qingci, if you run again, I'll die right in front of you.” Shen Qingci lowers his eyes, concealing the turmoil within. “Your Majesty, please conduct yourself with dignity.” The poison you gave me in my previous life is still warm on my lips. This subject... dares not drink it again.