Deathbed Remonstrance

A self-disciplined, self-restrained, possibly immortal emperor × a bewitching, loyal general who charms the ruler, perhaps?

Xiao Yu / Xiao Mingzhi × Xue Bai / Xue Youqing

The late emperor died of illness. Rumor had it that he died beneath the peonies, and so, with no other choice, the crown prince ascended the throne at eighteen. This was the commonly accepted version, practically recognized as official history.

Only the veteran officials at court understood that this rumor, tantamount to a scandal, was the current emperor's way of concealing the truth: he had murdered his father and seized the throne. But it was only a suspicion. No one dared say it aloud, much less let it spread among the people.

After all, everyone knew that for the past ten years, His Majesty had worked tirelessly day and night, and the realm had enjoyed peace and prosperity.

The wars had ended, the disasters had been dealt with, the laws and order restored, and the chaos brought to a halt.

So it no longer mattered how he had come by the throne.

He was the fifth emperor of the Da Zhao Dynasty, and a ruler for the ages who had saved Da Zhao from the brink of ruin. Strict with others, he was even stricter with himself, correcting his own conduct in an almost obsessive manner. He shunned pleasure, abstained from alcohol, and restrained his desires, examining himself again and again each day. The realm came first, and state affairs took priority.

He never showed joy or anger, and no one knew what he liked or hated.

Until the eleventh year of Xianning.

"Your Majesty, General Xue is now seducing the ruler and corrupting the court! Please think carefully!"

"Court is dismissed."

This is the fourth piece I've written for practice, an attempt at a new style.

Theme: Older men are delicious, younger men are delicious too. Delicious, and I love them.