After the Sickly Beauty of a Minister Failed in His Rebellion

◇ Passionate, devoted younger top x ruthless, frail beauty of a powerful official bottom ◇ Teacher-student, younger top Li Qing is the regent of the dynasty. He keeps to himself and is as beautiful as a woman, yet after the late emperor's death, he seized sole control of the court and ruled the vast empire with an iron fist. He is frail and often ill, but his methods are merciless. Rumor has it that he was born into a lowly family and rose to his current position solely because he was beautiful and ruthless. No one knows how many misdeeds he has committed or how many people he has offended. The people dare to be angry, but not to speak. No one expected his ambition to go even further. He attempted to usurp the throne, but his plot was exposed, making him the most wanted criminal in the land. * Lu Huan is tasked with capturing the regent, who is now on the run. When his subordinates hear the news, they're all delighted. They spread the word, saying, "His Highness can finally get his revenge!" Back then, Li Qing had Lu Huan sent from the capital to the frontier to consolidate his power, where he spent three years choking on dust. Now Heaven has opened its eyes, and the treacherous minister has finally been brought to justice. In His Highness's hands, it's time for him to get what he deserves. Everyone rubs their hands together, ready to vent their pent-up fury. Only Lu Huan says nothing. Who is Li Qing? The most capable official at his father's side, the man Lu Huan could only look up to in secret since childhood. The teacher who taught him for four years, from spring to summer, in the western palace and southern gardens. The lofty regent who, after coming to power, made his first act abandoning Lu Huan, severing all ties between them. And now, his prisoner. He is the moon reflected in water, whom Lu Huan has longed for all his life but could never attain. He wants him. Lu Huan: Do you regret it, Teacher? If you'd killed me back then, none of this would have happened. Li Qing: (Mm.) Lu Huan: It doesn't matter. We still have plenty of time. I can slowly teach you what regret means. Li Qing: Actually... I never regretted it. > The main couple is strictly one-on-one, with no switching or breaking them up. There are no other romantic interests or physical relationships, but the setup is melodramatic, with love and hatred tangled together. Pure-love readers, proceed with caution. > The bottom is an ambitious schemer who will stop at nothing, a hardline careerist with unstable mental health. He may lose control or have a PTSD episode from time to time, and only cuddling with the top can help. Please don't read if this bothers you. > They do not date while the teacher-student relationship is ongoing. > Fictional setting, no historical accuracy. The setting is made up, and there is no political intrigue, only love and hatred. * Cover art used with the artist K's permission. * For a more detailed reader's guide and content warnings, see the author's note in Chapter 1. Theme: People don't need others to define who they are.