I Head East

[Narcissus Pairing | Completed]

After twenty years of struggle, Pei Huaiyu finally became emperor. He had barely enjoyed a few days of triumph before he was betrayed and mutilated into a human pig.

The good news: He could be reborn after dying with his kingdom.

The bad news: He had to possess his younger self.

The boy had a miserable life. His father didn't care for him, his mother didn't love him, and his older brother even wanted to send him to hell. With two streaks of ash smeared across his face, he hid behind Pei Huaiyu and tugged at his robe. "Big brother, you're the only one who's kind to me."

Pei Huaiyu: It's not that I can't bring myself to kill him. He's just still a child.

Later.

The boy who was "still a child" at nineteen had been spoiled enough to bite Pei Huaiyu's lip and sneak into his bedchamber at night.

Pei Huaiyu could still keep a straight face as he pulled that hoof away and stubbornly said, "He's going to die anyway. I'll forgive him this time."

Pei Huaiyu thought his heart had grown as cold as a fishmonger’s after ten years of killing.

Yet that brat kept making him laugh in spite of himself.

"Are you insane? Why won't you kill a few lowlifes and clear the road? The throne is right there, and you'd rather go pick up sesame seeds!"

The boy before him snapped, "There are so many things in the world more precious than power..."

Pei Huaiyu asked scornfully, "Like what? The innocence and justice you keep going on about?"

The boy cried as he listed those worthless things one by one, then awkwardly added, "...And you."

Though his heart was in turmoil, Pei Huaiyu still had to put on an ironhearted act.

He patiently repeated, "I never said I was a good person here to help you."

The boy snugged his wind-whipped cloak around him and said irritably, "I know, you villain. Don't catch a chill again."

Later, the conspiracy was exposed.

The sword pierced the boy's abdomen.

At last, he understood. He gave a bitter laugh. "I was a fool. I got your lies and truths backward."

Aboard a riverboat, pale and smiling bitterly: "Since I promised you, I won't abandon you."

That was a lie.

In the Red Chamber, raising his cup and declaring, "Life would be so dull without A Wei."

That was a lie.

At the brink of life and death, casually promising him a kiss, then saying, "All you need in this life is this," words that turned his soul upside down.

That was a lie, too.

At last, he realized that the person he treasured most was a ruthless liar, whose every thought and glance brimmed with schemes.

Only the words "I didn't come to save you. I came to kill you" were true.

Fueled by hatred, he seized power and founded a new dynasty, finally turning the tables and imprisoning Pei Huaiyu.

But all that trouble was just so he could sink his teeth deep into Pei Huaiyu's neck.

Then ask him one question.

"Does it hurt? Is that look in your eyes hatred for me?"

"Your Majesty, I hate you just as much."

Theme: Fight for what you believe in, and live a remarkable life