Extra Story of the Imperial Tutor (Forcefully Doting On You)

 

Extra Story of the Imperial Tutor

In the majestic hall, Li Xuan sat at the edge of a table.

A folded paper was opened on the table, but he had no interest in it and was staring blankly at a landscape painting on the wall.

It was Yi Sheng's artwork. Although Yi Sheng had never spoken about his background, Li Xuan could infer from his everyday demeanor that he must be from an esteemed family. He was well-bred, had good manners, and was versed in music, chess, calligraphy, and painting, and even poetry and prose.

Li Xuan sighed again as his thoughts reached this point.

He had no idea when his partner would wake up.

His eyes were full of tired bloodshot lines — the result of reviewing documents during the day and staying up at night with Yi Sheng, leading to inadequate rest.

Inhaling deeply, Li Xuan detected a comforting, subtle fragrance wafting through the air.

It was the soothing scent Yi Sheng often carried— not at all strong, rather refreshingly delicate. Breathing in that scent brought a sense of calm to his restless heart.

Due to days of physical labor and mental exhaustion, Li Xuan felt very tired. The fragrance made him sleepy in no time.

However, the tranquility was shattered by a sharp voice shouting, "Your Majesty! Your Majesty! The Imperial Tutor has awoken!"

Li Xuan, who had already stepped foot into the realm of slumber, was rudely awakened by this call.

Startled, Li Xuan quickly opened his eyes, ignoring the stinging sensation in his eyelids. He stood up immediately and excitedly questioned the little eunuch who had rushed in, "The teacher has awakened?"

The little eunuch, taken aback by the Emperor's sheer delight, hurriedly responded, "Yes, yes, but the Imperial Tutor, he..."

Before he could finish speaking, he saw the Emperor sprint past him and disappear out the door in the blink of an eye.

The little eunuch was left in distress, quickly chasing after. As he ran, he wondered if his own hurried pace was considered improper in the presence of the Emperor, who was running himself.

When Li Xuan reached Yi Sheng's room, he pushed the door open, only to find that just two palace maidens were inside, and the person he expected to see was gone. Anxiously, he grabbed one of the maidens and asked, "Where did the teacher go?"

The palace maiden, who had never seen the Emperor look so agitated, hurriedly replied, "The Imperial Tutor said he felt dirty after lying in bed for so many days and wanted to take a bath. He should be in the bathhouse now. Would you like to wait for him in the room, your Majesty?"

Without a second thought, Li Xuan lifted his bright yellow royal robe and stepped over the threshold. He waited impatiently on the teacher's bed, and finally, Yi Sheng came into view, his hair still slightly wet.

At the sight of him, Yi Sheng paused slightly and was just about to bow when he was stopped by a strong pair of arms.

Li Xuan held his teacher in his arms, scrutinizing every detail of the man with his gaze.

Freshly recovered from a severe illness, Yi Sheng's face was incredibly pale. With his cascading dark hair, the sight was touchingly delicate.

Without uttering a word, Li Xuan immediately scooped up Yi Sheng and laid him on the bed under his surprised gaze.

The maids and eunuchs originally present in the room tactfully exited, leaving them alone.

Yi Sheng's pale face turned a flushed red, his breathing a bit rapid. His eyes held a faint anger, "Your Majesty, you have overstepped."

Li Xuan held him close, looking down, "Are you still mad at me, Teacher?"

Yi Sheng averted his eyes, his hand pushing against Li Xuan's body lightly, "I dare not."

Yet Li Xuan held on, pleading pitifully, "Please don't be mad, Teacher. I was wrong. But you know that I'm not cunning or heartless by nature. I just feel that you're too detached, even from me. You warned me to be wary of meritorious officials just after the establishment of the dynasty. But I didn't want to act so ruthlessly. And you're one of those officials too, I didn't want to doubt you."

Yi Sheng sighed silently in his heart.

Compared with other candidates for the throne, Li Xuan indeed lacked the necessary cunning and ruthlessness. He knew all these. They were the reasons why he had initially chosen him.

But he didn't expect that these would become grounds for their disagreements and arguments.

Li Xuan continued, "But when you were angry, I, I still did as you advised. I appointed them dukes, gave them land, but only allowed them to consume their official salary and reclaimed the military power. I've tried hard to do what you suggested. Can you stop being angry with me now? I can't imagine if I had been a step late, just one step..."

His words broke off there, unable to continue.

Lightly patting Li Xuan's back, Yi Sheng sighed, "I'm sorry."

Li Xuan managed a tearful smile, "Can you stay by my side then, teacher?"

"What would I do by your side?"

"This throne is too lonely. I want you to accompany me."

"You are missing a queen."

"I don’t want a queen."

"..."

"I don’t want to get married, nor do I want to have children."

"...You are the emperor."

"That means I can do whatever I want, right?"

"..."

"I don't want anyone else. I just want you, my teacher, to accompany me. Will you stay with me forever? My parents have passed away early, and I have no siblings. In a while, I'll adopt a child from distant relatives, and raise him. When he grows up, I'll pass this burden onto him, and we, teacher, can go out to enjoy the mountains and rivers, okay?"

"... As you wish."

"I knew you are the best, teacher!"

________________________

Author's Notes:

The above plot is written by a fan of the CP (couple pair) Xuan-Sheng, who wishes to remain anonymous.

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