After Being Offered to His Majesty

When Lan Chen was young, he was adopted by a prestigious family, but was often bullied because of his status. Fortunately, his elder brother protected him as he grew up. As a young man, all he wanted was to stay by his brother's side forever, hoping to repay his kindness. Who could have known that his brother would offer him to the new emperor, Yan He, as a show of loyalty? Everyone knew that Yan He suffered from madness. He was sinister, ruthless, and given to unpredictable moods. Yet his brother sent Lan Chen to the capital without a second thought. On the night he entered the palace, Lan Chen saw Yan He approaching in a carelessly draped imperial robe, carrying a bloodied sword. But after looking him over, Yan He seemed unimpressed. He tossed the sword at his feet and made him choose between sharing his bed and taking his own life. After the farce was over, Lan Chen lay on the imperial bed, his heart dead. He placed the sword in Yan He's hand himself, silently asking him to grant his wish. "Your Majesty, kill me." Lan Chen thought he would be nothing more than a plaything to be toyed with at will. He never expected to receive everything he hadn't dared hope for. Later, his brother came to the capital, grabbed him with red-rimmed eyes, and begged him to run away with him. Notes: 1. This blurb was finalized on December 23, 2023. 2. This is far from an excellent serious drama. Comments are welcome. Please respect other people's work, and don't compare it to other stories. If you like it, stay; if not, please don't force yourself. Theme: Love others as you would nurture a flower, and love yourself the same way.