The Golden Beast Incense Burner

[The full story is complete. Please leave a five-star review! The companion novel, Above the Court, is also complete and available on my author page!] ---Synopsis--- [Calculating, domineering marquis seme x vengeful censor uke] In the spring of the third year of the Jiqing era of the Great Sheng, a massive imperial examination cheating scandal rocked the capital, Shengjing. Censor Tang Zhenshu fought tirelessly on behalf of the wronged candidates, even at the cost of imprisonment and repeatedly putting himself in danger. Tang Zhenshu's brush was as sharp as a blade. In this feudal dynasty ruled by the powerful, he alone raised his pen and paper, seeking justice for the world with the words of a scholar. He was the only untainted person in the desire-filled city of Shengjing. But then he met Zhao Jingmian. "I've had you stay at my residence for over two months now. Don't be so unwilling every time. Zhenshu, the marquis thinks highly of you and is doing you a favor. Others beg for something like this and still can't get it, so don't be ungrateful." Tang Zhenshu smiled and accepted Zhao Jingmian's kindness, then turned around and struck with a knife, setting a grand scheme in motion across Shengjing. The candidates denounced the court as disloyal, the people condemned the powerful as cruel, and the emperor could not escape unscathed from this strange web woven from words. Zhao Jingmian was left covered in blood, too. His eyes red, he asked, "Tang Zhenshu, in your eyes, I'm just a pawn, aren't I?" Tang Zhenshu said nothing. His long, thick lashes cast a shadow over his eyes, his expression cool and distant. After a long silence, Zhao Jingmian used his bloodstained hand to brush the red beauty mark at the corner of Tang Zhenshu's eye. "Was there never even a shred of affection?" Tang Zhenshu suddenly laughed. He lifted his head and touched Zhao Jingmian's pale face in turn. His voice cut through the air like a bloodied blade. "Have you forgotten, Marquis?" "I still hate you so much." Their relationship was like the cool, noble scent of ruina incense, burning away in a lavish golden censer. Endless and relentless. [Reading Guide] 1. There'll be plenty of political maneuvering. Both leads are each other's first and only, and it has a happy ending! 2. This is part of the Above the Court series. 3. Some details are authorial inventions, so please don't overanalyze them! 4. The next book will be yours! Feel free to add it to your collection. 5. Synopsis dated June 30, 2022. Theme: Valuing justice and morality.