The Supervisor's Beautiful Canary

[Powerful, scheming, and unhinged top × beautiful, timid puppet-emperor bottom]

The new emperor, Luo Xinjing, was strikingly beautiful, as radiant and serene as the moon.

He had spent his early years wandering among the common people, but returned to the imperial court amid a shift in power. People said he was born with the Mandate of Heaven.

Only Luo Xinjing knew that beneath his golden, jade-like appearance lay nothing but sordidness.

Because he was the son of a prostitute.

Because he was nothing but a caged bird, nailed to the throne.

In the grand, gilded palace hall,

Lou Shangqing, who had placed him on the dragon throne, gripped him by the throat and forced him to look at himself in a bronze mirror.

His breath was damp and husky against Luo Xinjing's ear, his voice wickedly seductive. "Your Majesty, what should you call me?"

The resistance and struggle he had expected never came.

Instead, the young emperor leaned against him like a fledgling, timidly tugging at his sleeve as if begging.

"Father, you're all I have."

Lou Shangqing was surprised by his behavior, but pleased that he knew his place.

He held the young bird in his palm, making every breath he took a gift from Lou Shangqing.

The boy's gaze grew ever more trusting and adoring. He even cautiously invited Lou Shangqing to celebrate his birthday with him.

That night, the palace was bright with candlelight.

Looking into those inviting, sparkling eyes, Lou Shangqing drained his cup.

But the very next moment, he froze.

"Drip."

Blood fell into the empty cup.

In the final moment before his consciousness blurred, Luo Xinjing's voice rang in his ear, full of hatred and triumph. "This is my grand gift to you, Father."

--

After years of careful planning, Luo Xinjing finally escaped his gilded cage.

He went into hiding under an assumed name, living freely and happily in the bustling lanes and alleys.

All the troubles of the world had nothing to do with him anymore.

Until one day, the street, normally packed with people, stood empty.

The wind fell still, leaving only the rustle of bamboo branches.

Luo Xinjing stood at the mouth of the alley, his back stiffening. He turned and ran.

But the next moment, an arm locked around his waist, and the man's voice mocked him. "Your Majesty, it's time to go back."

--

Only much later did Luo Xinjing learn one thing.

Lou Shangqing had a unique constitution and was immune to all poisons.

On the day Luo Xinjing thought he had escaped his control, the man had stood atop the towering palace wall, watching him ride away.

It had all been wishful thinking from beginning to end.

Reader notes: 1. Both leads are sexually inexperienced.

2. One-on-one pairing.

3. Large age gap.

Theme: Stand on your own two feet