The 'Xi Shi' in My Palm

1.

The young emperor had only just ascended the throne when the regent seized power and reduced him to a puppet. Xu Qingtong, a trusted aide to the emperor, volunteered without hesitation to go undercover by the regent's side.

After six years undercover, the man who had usurped the throne was dead, and the emperor finally ascended to his rightful place.

When Xu Qingtong returned to the emperor's side, he hadn't even had a dream in which his original hopes came true before discovering that the emperor had found someone else. The two were harmonious, their virtue and grace shining through, a perfect match praised in the histories.

As for Xu Qingtong, he was merely an old stain on the emperor's sleeve.

2.

When Xu Qingtong was locked away in the cold palace, the emperor's new beloved mocked him. "Now you look just like a disgraced imperial consort, waiting day and night for His Majesty to show you mercy."

Xu Qingtong elegantly took a sip of tea to moisten his throat, then smashed the cup and used a shard to slash the other's hand. "Get out."

That night, his actions did indeed bring the emperor to him.

Xu Qingtong said he wanted to leave the palace and retire to the mountains, but before he could finish, the emperor grabbed him and threw him onto the bed.

As a shadow fell over him, Xu Qingtong heard the emperor's icy voice through his dizziness. "I saw him on top of you, again and again."

"..."

3.

In his second year locked in the cold palace, Xu Qingtong's chronic illness worsened, and he died on the night of the emperor's wedding to the empress.

When he opened his eyes, he had been reborn eight years in the past. The young puppet emperor was holding his hand and crying. "Qingtong, don't go. The regent is brutal and merciless. Going into the tiger's den is too dangerous..."

Xu Qingtong pried the emperor's fingers apart one by one, then turned and walked step by step toward the wanton, overbearing regent.

It's been a long time.

4.

"My lord, the emperor has sent one of his trusted aides. You'd better be careful. I think he's using a beauty trap to make you lower your guard."

The regent gave a cold laugh and kicked over the table. "Ridiculous. Do you take me for Fuchai? Even if Xishi herself came, I'd still draw my sword and cut her down."

But the one who came was no Xishi. He was the young painter who had once appeared in a fleeting, unforgettable glimpse.

The regent didn't raise his hand or draw his sword. He was too parched to speak, and couldn't move a step.

So what if I become Fuchai?

I... couldn't be more willing.

Beautiful, scheming bottom and dramatic, devoted top

#Don't get cocky just because I dote on you. I don't like you at all!#

#Oh.#

#...I like you more than anything. Don't be mad, talk to me.#

#Tsk.#

(The emperor will be reborn later.)

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