Being called delicate by Tantai Yi time and again would infuriate even a clay figure, let alone Song Pu.
He had always considered his manhood quite capable; among his peers, he had been compared and consistently ranked near the top, never at the bottom. Yet to be labelled “delicate” in front of Tantai Yi was simply unbearable. He forced a smile and retorted, “…After all, this subject is but a mortal, and naturally cannot comprehend Your Majesty’s hardships.”
He was just an ordinary person, but this dog of an emperor wasn’t even human!
Song Pu only dared to mock subtly, amusing himself. Tantai Yi, oblivious to the slight, merely held Song Pu’s hand, moving it to his own private parts, and said in a light, dismissive tone, “Lord Song, hurry up and continue serving me.”
In modern boys’ dormitories, helping each other was not unusual. Setting aside the worry of the ‘back garden’ to assist Tantai Yi now was acceptable. But once done, it could become a precedent for a second, a third… and then countless more times. Once the line was crossed, there was no going back.
Song Pu did not wish to sink to that level. He wanted to secure his place beside Tantai Yi, yes, but by talent, not in seduction. His adolescent fantasies had never included men, proving he was an unequivocally straight man. Even if Tantai Yi held supreme authority, he would not offer himself to a tiger!
“Lord Song?” Tantai Yi’s tone grew dangerous, his grip on Song Pu’s hand tightening. The sudden pain immediately brought Song Pu to his senses.
He winced, a flurry of corrective words ready on his lips, but what came out instead was, “Your Majesty, rest assured, this subject’s skills are unparalleled; I shall ensure Your Majesty’s complete satisfaction, your instrument pleased, and your entire body at ease.”
Thus, he found himself on the back of a tiger… unable to get off, damned if he did and damned if he didn’t. He gritted his teeth and plunged in headfirst.
Tantai Yi usually took care of his own needs, but nothing had ever compared to the softness of Lord Song’s hands. The entirely different experience felt incredibly novel to him.
Song Pu’s touch was gentle yet skilled. Every stroke, polish, and massage was performed with the ease of someone who had done it countless times. Handling the inexperienced Tantai Yi was effortless.
It took a half an hour.
Tantai Yi’s release was powerful, catching Song Pu all over his face and hair. Opening his eyes to see his Lord Song in such a dishevelled state, even someone as thick-skinned as him felt a flicker of apology. Yet But beneath the apology, looking at this scene, he felt a heat in his chest a primal, indescribable restlessness. The feeling wasn’t unfamiliar; he’d often felt this burning fire in his heart whenever he faced Song Pu these days.
He suppressed it and said in a hoarse, casual voice as if nothing had happened, “…Why did Lord Song not dodge?”
Song Pu’s nostrils filled with Tantai Yi’s scent; blood rushed to his head. He almost strangled the ‘chicken neck’ in his hand, but instinct restrained him. His anger fizzled like a tiny flame snuffed out.
“…This subject did not anticipate Your Majesty’s dragon-tiger vitality and such formidable strength. It was as if Your Majesty had drawn the Sun-Shooting Bow at a hundred paces, and piercing a willow leaf without fail. I could not dodge in time and was utterly routed.”
As Song Pu spoke, the mess on his lips slid into his mouth. He froze, then frantically looked around for something to wipe it off with. Tantai Yi handed him a silk handkerchief. “Lord Song, wipe yourself quickly.”
Song Pu took it and cleaned his face, then noticed the handkerchief was familiar. It was the same one he had used before. “…“
Tantai Yi asked, “Why have you ceased wiping, Lord Song?”
Calmly, Song Pu continued, cleaning himself properly. “I wish to wash.”
Tantai Yi summoned Cao Xi to bring hot water.
After several washes, Song Pu felt that Tantai Yi’s scent was finally gone from his nose and mouth.
Reclining beside Tantai Yi, he steadied his emotions, drew a deep breath, and asked, “Is Your Majesty comfortable?”
Tantai Yi savoured the memory, a smile tugging at his lips. “Lord Song’s skills are indeed unparalleled; I am very satisfied.”
Song Pu replied, “I have heard that close brother and good friends sometimes do this sort of thing. Your Majesty regards me as a confidant and treats me with such kindness; I naturally repay such kindness tenfold. If Your Majesty wishes, I may continue to serve thus.”
Tantai Yi’s brows knitted, his tone suddenly colder. “Lord Song has also served Song Lingyun?”
Song Pu smiled. “Your Majesty misunderstands. My relationship with my ge has never reached that level. Only Your Majesty can inspire such devoted service in me.”
Tantai Yi’s expression softened, lips curling in a gentle but warning smile. “Remember, Lord Song: I do not like you placing your attention on others. Serve anyone but me, and I will not forgive you.”
Song Pu replied, “Your Majesty jests. This sort of thing is naturally between the two of us. Just as Your Majesty bestows such favour only upon me, I naturally exhaust myself only for Your Majesty. This is a secret between Your Majesty and me. May I ask if Your Majesty can keep this secret? If anyone found out, this subject would be too ashamed to show his face.”
Tantai Yi’s golden eyes deepened. “Why be so concerned, Lord Song? I am the Emperor. Even if I made you my consort, no one would dare speak.”
Here we go again!
Song Pu choked, saying, “If Your Majesty insists on going on his own way, I cannot escape blame either. You know I am a scholar. If the world knew I served men with my beauty, the spit would drown me.”
Tantai Yi frowned. “I am not the sort to judge by appearances. Besides, with Lord Song’s looks, you are hardly at the level to trade on your charms. Do not overthink it.’”
Song Pu: “…”
He wiped his tears coldly and asked, “If Your Majesty does not value my looks, then what is it in me that pleases you?”
Tantai Yi said reservedly, “Lord Song has a pure character, a sincere heart towards me, and pleases me in every way. As for your appearance, I pay it little attention”
Song Pu felt himself ensnared in reasoning, yet seeing Tantai Yi’s confidence, he knew there were truly no ulterior motives.
Even after two releases, they were still both perfectly good, upright straight men.
Thinking this, Song Pu’s heart lightened again, and his words grew more sincere. “The palms of my hands are nearly raw. Will Your Majesty reward me with some medicine for the injury?”
Post-coitus, men were easier to talk to. Tantai Yi, usually accommodating, softened considerably. “I am not stingy.”
He propped himself up, fetched a medicine bottle from a hidden compartment, and held out his hand. “Give me your hand, Lord Song.”
Song Pu complied. They were indeed red all over, with several faint white friction marks, looking rather pitiful. Tantai Yi applied the medicine while speaking in a measured tone, “I usually take an hour for this, but you managed in a half. It was such a bother that I took up meditation to calm myself. Lord Song made me release in just two quarters of an hour… a great service. I should give you a reward. Tell me what you desire, and I shall grant it.”
At that moment, Song Pu’s palms were stinging sharply, and his thoughts were scattered. He said casually, “Serving Your Majesty is my duty. How could I ask for reward? Your Majesty need not dwell on it.”
Tantai Yi glanced at him again, smiling. “Lord Song likes gemstones. How about I allow you to pick any one gem from my treasury?”
The candlelight shone like daylight. He noticed the sapphire pendant slipping from Song Pu’s collar as he bowed his head. It seemed Lord Song, like him, loved these transparent, beautiful things.
Now, when Tantai Yi looked at Song Pu, he found nothing disagreeable. Everything about him was wonderful. If he could have Lord Song by his side always, that would be a true joy in life.
Song Pu’s eyes lit up. “Does Your Majesty truly mean it?”
“Lord Song should know I never break my word,” said Tantai Yi, displeased.
Song Pu said joyfully, “Thank you, Your Majesty! Your Majesty’s favour makes me so happy that I only wish to devote myself wholeheartedly to you! If Your Majesty wishes to break his vow of abstinence again in the future, just summon me. As long as I have the strength, I will give my all until my dying breath!”
Tantai Yi was silent for a moment, then smiled. “No need for the future. If Lord Song still has the energy, attend to me once more.”
Song Pu: “…………”
He looked down, speechless with despair. What a beast!
—
Finally finished, Tantai Yi said contentedly, “ I have been saving up for so long, so I was inevitably eager. My apologies for putting Lord Song through that. After we return to the palace, you may pick any two items from my treasury.”
Song Pu had his back to him, face buried in his hands, blushing with shame. He truly didn’t know what to say.
He now realised he had no bottom line or morals. The moment Tantai Yi mentioned gemstones, he was completely bewitched, unable to walk away, giving up everything.
He had failed his ancestors! Failed his father’s tough-guy upbringing!
“Why aren’t you speaking, Lord Song?” Tantai Yi pressed.
Speak? Speak what? There was nothing to say. Song Pu’s voice was as faint as a mosquito’s. “Thank you for Your Majesty’s great favour. But Your Subject is tired and wishes to rest.”
Hearing this, Tantai Yi said indulgently, “Since Lord Song is tired, rest well.”
Song Pu was covered in sweat. He said softly, “Your Subject is going to sleep. Your Majesty should also rest soon.”
With that, he immediately pulled the blanket over his head and closed his eyes to sleep.
Perhaps because of the emotional rollercoaster, once he quieted down, drowsiness quickly washed over him. Before long, he was asleep.
Tantai Yi lay beside him, his body relaxed after release, his mood exceptionally joyful. He turned his head to look at Lord Song, who was curled up in a ball, and chuckled. “Lord Song, aren’t you hot like that?”
Song Pu naturally did not answer. Tantai Yi turned onto his side, reached out, and pulled Song Pu into his arms, pressing him close. Feeling the soft solidity in his embrace, the smile on Tantai Yi’s lips deepened. He whispered in Song Pu’s ear, “I misspoke earlier. Lord Song’s looks are truly the finest in my heart.”
