Feng Tingye is the emperor of the State of Ye (烨), the same “Ye” from his given name. However, his title should be taken with more than a few grains of salt. Emperors were a dime a dozen in ancient times, and no doubt the ruler of the State of Xia calls himself an emperor as well, and every guy that owns more than a square meter of turf.
This is also why Romance of the Three Kingdoms is a mistranslation, because Wei, Shu, and Wu weren’t ruled by kings, but rather by wannabe emperors. However, Romance of the Three States sounds far less…romantic.
Even eunuch and maid in Sweet Spring Palace groveled on the floor, dead silent and trembling. They didn't dare raise their heads even an inch for fear of their lives.
"There's no problem with Your Majesty. Cough cough. Just be careful for a while and don't partake in any…strenuous activities with Her Highness." The fifty-some years old imperial physician secretly wiped cold sweat off his brow. This was the first time in all his years seeing the emperor look so ominous. To injure His Majesty in such a place… looks like this newly arrived princess wouldn’t be surviving the night.
Veins popped up on Feng Tingye's head after hearing the physician's advice. How very nice. This demonstration of hers had kicked off the first leg of their marriage. She'd probably make even crazier escapades in the future if he didn't discipline her now.
Feng Tingye's expression became gloomier as he recalled Xia Yuqing's silently stricken expression earlier when he raised his head in pain. It reminded him of weaning kitten he'd briefly raised as a child.
She'd raised her dejectedly hanging head. Tearful, guilt-ridden eyes abruptly met Feng Tingye's, causing his heart to contract.
He'd experienced all sorts of gazes since becoming emperor: calculating eyes, insincere ones, ingratiating looks, apprehensive gazes. But he'd never seen such pure and sincere concern.
His rage had been considerably dampened by those tears. She was probably just scared. I've never been so impulsive before after all, Feng Tingye thought.
In reality, however…
Aaaaah! How could she have kicked Seme-sama! Thank god one couldn't die from being kicked there. Damn it, according to the physician, she'd effectively crippled his love life for the next few days! Moreover, in the future…
Xia Yuqing was practically in tears. Her seme-sama had lost his Excalibur because of her! OH NO, she didn't want to go down in history as the fiend who'd kicked a super seme downstairs into an uber uke!
Feng Tingye would be coughing blood if he heard Xia Yuqing's current thoughts. Sadly, he didn't have a superpower like mind reading, so the misunderstanding persisted.
"All of you can get lost now. But if today's affair is leaked…" Feng Tingye's eyes narrowed threateningly.
Everyone in the foyer cringed simultaneously, shouting righteously, "Our lips our sealed." Then they made like rats from a sinking ship.
Xia Yuqing wanted to flee as well, but she was a beat too slow.
"Where do you think you're going, my dear?"
Her right hand was unwittingly caught by a certain person. Xia Yuqing craned her neck t look at the bedridden Feng Tingye. She schooled her expression. "The night is growing deeper, and Your Majesty should rest as well. I-I will return to my own quarters."
"The road is difficult in the dark. You should stay here instead."
Ehh?! Xia Yuqing took a moment to process this. Is he planning to take advantage of the darkness to dispose of me and avenge his honor?
Seeing Xia Yuqing vacillate in place, Feng Tingye impatiently reached out and pulled her into the bed.
"Your Majesty!"
"Don't move, or you'll get capital punishment on the spot."
Capital punishment on the spot?! Xia Yuqing froze immediately. Hot breath blew on her shoulder, carrying a warmth that made Xia Yuqing shiver.
"Now sleep." A hypnotic voice said besides her. Her slim waist was trapped in his arms. Xia Yuqing turned her head, listlessly studying Feng Tingye's countenance in the moonlight.
His sleeping face was smooth. Free of the haughtiness and lethargy, he appeared as innocent as a child. Xia Yuqing's heart trembled as she stared at his face blankly.
Time flew. In one day, she'd experienced more than a year of staying at home. Xia Yuqing was already exhausted in both mind and body, and it wasn't long before she drifted off.
And as she closed her eyes, the man who'd been "sleeping" opened his slowly. His benign expression was instantly replaced by maliciousness.
Feng Tingye studied her peaceful sleeping expression under the moonlight. His fingertips trailed along her cheek until they arrived at her neck. He could easily end the life of the woman dreaming in his arms with only a little force. And it was also what he'd intended to do before meeting her. But now…
His fingers lingered on her neck for a while longer, before ultimately returning to her waist. Feng Tingye looked at Xia Yuqing with a complicated expression. He muttered tightly, "Since you've caught Our interest, then don't let Us down."
Xia Yuqing was still blissfully asleep, unaware of her close call with death, and reviewing the day's events in her dreams. Look like transmigration isn't as bad as I thought it would be, right?