Becoming the Emperor’s Greatest Woe

Emperor Ying Chuan of the Zhou Dynasty: He ended an age of chaos and expanded the realm's borders under the label of “rebel and traitor.” He established harsh laws and punishments that shaped the empire for millennia, a man whose life was a mixture of merit and fault. Thousands of years after his death, he still inspires countless admirers and haters. He is truly the most controversial man in the history books.

A thousand years later, at a museum, Jiang Yuxun, a hater, grumbled, “Ying Chuan was a warmonger who launched one campaign after another and was obsessed with glory. Which commoner living in that era wasn't suffering?”

As soon as the words left his mouth, he was transported to a banquet, where he loudly repeated them.

*

Beneath twelve strings of ceremonial beads, the man from the history books looked at him with an amused smile. “Why don't you elaborate, my dear subject?”

Jiang Yuxun knew Ying Chuan had a little hobby of “inventing torture methods,” and could only wonder: Is it too late to kill myself and start over?

The next second, Jiang Yuxun, who should have kept his mouth shut, discovered that he had acquired a “hard truths are hard to hear” debuff.

Whenever Ying Chuan asked him a question, he would blurt out everything he truly thought.

That day, Jiang Yuxun's words rang through the great hall.

The entire court fell silent, and everyone thought he was doomed.

*

Jiang Yuxun tallied the gains and losses and reviewed history without softening a single word.

The first time, he was thrown into death row and nearly beheaded.

The second time, he was confined to reflect on his mistakes and had three years' salary docked.

The third time... Ying Chuan slowly set down his wine cup and asked, “What do you think I should do, my dear subject?”

Find better crops, build waterworks, reform institutions, and devise sound policies.

Taking history as a lesson, the Great Zhou, which should have fallen within a single generation, instead reformed and eliminated abuses, growing stronger by the day.

It became the most enviable golden age in a thousand years.

...The only thing that seemed a little off was that the most controversial man in the history books had turned gay.

And the one he had fallen for was his hater, Jiang Yuxun.

*

As the empire was founded and affairs of state grew ever more demanding, ruler and subject had no choice but to discuss matters by candlelight and sleep side by side.

One day, in front of the imperial bed, Ying Chuan slowly took the wrist of the person beside him.

Remembering the tales told by later generations, Jiang Yuxun couldn't help blurting out, “Wait... wasn't Your Majesty supposed to be indifferent to love, and especially repulsed by homosexuality?”

Ying Chuan narrowed his eyes. “I've been meaning to ask: where exactly did you hear those ridiculous rumors, my dear subject?”

Bonus scenes:

1. Eunuch: “Lord Jiang's words are utterly insolent and treasonous! He must be severely punished.”

Ying Chuan: “Oh?” He was only looking out for me. Hard truths are hard to hear.

#He loves it#

2. Everyone in the Hall of Heavenly Harmony is one of Ying Chuan's trusted confidants.

Except Jiang Yuxun: he is Ying Chuan's greatest headache.

[Feel-good story + sweet romance, alternate universe, noted 2022.10.20]

*

“Coming soon”: Bury your bones here and add it to your favorites~

The young general Chu Renxue had rendered such outstanding service that he eclipsed the emperor, earning the sovereign's suspicion. In the end, he died on the battlefield and became a bound spirit. Years later, the dynasty was nearing its end. It had not only ceded territory and paid tribute to foreign tribes, but had even sent a prince away as a hostage.

Chu Renxue watched coldly, wanting only to drive the prince, Gu Xianfeng, out of his territory.

He pushed the door open at midnight until it creaked, and persisted in blowing out the candle whenever Gu Xianfeng was reading.

One night, after Chu Renxue had blown out the candle for the fifteenth time, Gu Xianfeng finally put down his book... and looked up to ask what he wanted.

It turned out Gu Xianfeng had been able to see him all along.

No surprise there. A descendant of the Gu family was bound to be devious!

Chu Renxue struck a deal with Gu Xianfeng, teaching him military strategy and martial arts.

In return, Gu Xianfeng would gather Chu Renxue's bones and help his spirit pass on.

-

Gu Xianfeng returned to his homeland, reformed the court, and reclaimed the lost territory.

Chu Renxue had barely enjoyed a few days of freedom before his spirit was summoned to the capital once more.

Gu Xianfeng had somehow grown a head taller than him. He made Chu Renxue change into his own robes, kept him by his side day and night, and shared his bed with him. He even wanted to take things further.

Chu Renxue gritted his teeth. “You ingrate! You really are just as heartless as your ancestors!”

“The general needs to absorb more of the emperor's aura to anchor his soul and restore his yang energy,” Gu Xianfeng said, rubbing his head against Chu Renxue's neck. “I'm only repaying your kindness.”

[The title and blurb might keep changing before the story begins _(:з"∠)_]

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Theme: Better to die roaring than live in silence