A Cannon-Fodder Stand-In, but a Cheerful College Student

He Xiyang is a cheerful college guy.

One day, he transmigrates into a novel about a bunch of princes fighting for the throne, and becomes the scapegoat of a gloomy villain.

Xiao Zhihui is the most inconspicuous prince in the Cold Palace, biding his time like a worm and nursing boundless ambition. While the other princes are busy fighting each other to the death, his spies have already spread throughout the palace and beyond.

Even so, the road to the throne is full of deadly traps. One false move could get him killed, so Xiao Zhihui needs a stand-in to take the hits.

He glanced at He Xiyang and said casually, "That one. He looks stupid."

Easy to control.

He Xiyang: O.o?

What does that mean?

Forced to dress like the villain, He Xiyang is pushed into the spotlight and buried under schemes, plots, and flashing blades.

Meanwhile, Xiao Zhihui stays behind the scenes. As long as he keeps his stand-in's life in his hands and prevents him from betraying him, he can remain safe and sound.

As it turns out, Xiao Zhihui was worrying too much.

When a political rival sent over poisoned pastries, Xiao Zhihui was discussing what to do with his trusted aide. Then he turned around and saw He Xiyang had already eaten half of them by himself, cheeks bulging.

"Hey, are you gonna eat any of these?"

Xiao Zhihui: "..."

At a banquet, the other princes mocked him to his face, waiting for him to make a fool of himself.

Xiao Zhihui was hit where it hurt, his face darkening.

Then He Xiyang gave him a thumbs-up, sounding not the least bit sarcastic, just genuinely impressed. "Dude, that's awesome!"

Xiao Zhihui: "..."

A fool can't see the malice in people's hearts, let alone betray anyone.

He Xiyang is carefree and easygoing, treating everyone like a buddy.

His trusted aide warned Xiao Zhihui, "Your Highness, this man has slipped out of your control. Get rid of him soon, before things get out of hand..."

With a sword at He Xiyang's throat, Xiao Zhihui said coldly, "You have the time it takes to burn one incense stick to give your last words."

He Xiyang looked resolute, patted his chest, and stretched out his neck to meet his death. "Of course! I'd take a blade to both ribs for a buddy!"

But that look in his eyes seared Xiao Zhihui, and he could no longer bring himself to strike. He bound the man, tossed him onto the bed, gripped his ankle, and fucked him.

He Xiyang wasn't very flexible, and the muscles at the tops of his thighs trembled.

He pushed at the man above him in confusion. "Wait, man, this kinda hurts. Are we acting out some kind of ruse to fool someone?"

Xiao Zhihui: "..."

After a moment of silence, he lied without batting an eye. "Yes. Walls have ears, A Yang. Make it louder."

He really was stupid. And so easy to fuck.

Extra scene:

After ascending the throne, Xiao Zhihui began preparing for the empress's coronation ceremony.

He Xiyang came running over. "Need a hand?"

Xiao Zhihui reached out and took He Xiyang by the waist. He knew He Xiyang's measurements by heart and didn't need to measure him. He handed over the wedding robe he'd had tailored.

"Try it on."

He Xiyang helped him put on the phoenix crown and ceremonial robe, then asked, "Is there some girl with a figure about the same as mine?"

Xiao Zhihui: "..."

It wasn't until Xiao Zhihui carried him into the bridal chamber that He Xiyang finally caught on.

"I'm the empress?!"

Theme: Treat others sincerely.