Shorts #11 - Affection is A Deep Love [ Historical ]

(This chapter’s story is of the same background setting as the previous two chapters.)

The following is the introduction of the setting as well as the characters.

A month before the Emperor’s big wedding, the Emperor’s biological younger brother, King Jing married someone from one of the Capital’s well-known Merchant families, the eldest son He Qingzhou as his Queen Consort. A portion of the ministers did object to the social standing of this Queen Consort. After all, the King was a member of the royal household, the Queen Consort he was to wed should have come from a social background of ministers, but with the Emperor’s decree already laid down, what use was their objection?

————————

The He Family’s young sir He Qingzhou was quite a frail and sickly person, but after reaching adulthood his body had become much stronger than before. Under the intense care of Hua Jing, his physical situation greatly improved and he seldom fell sick. In reality, He Qingzhou’s frail physique was not a condition from birth but was due to an incident that happened when he was young. During winter, the He Family’s second branch’s eldest illegitimate son had pushed him into the lotus pond, it was only after a maid had reported this to the Old Madam that he was saved.

On the day of the Emperor and Empress’ Royal wedding, Hua Jing also brought his Queen Consort with him to the palace celebratory feast. He Qingzhou had a very refined look to him, he appeared polite and reserved plus was friendly to everyone, which definitely made him a magnet for the women. However, because He Qingzhou had already been married to King Jing, with the protectiveness and love of King Jin, all the girls did not dare to confess their love for him, regardless of how brave they were individually. Some of the women tried to use the time during wine-toasting to talk to He Qingzhou, but these were few in number because the face of the person seated next to him, Hua Jing, was as black as thunder. In truth, there were also some ministers who wanted to respectfully toast the Queen Consort Jing, but King Jing’s face was just too fearsome that they all gave up.

“You’re not allowed to drink anymore, when we go back you might get wind-chill from traveling in the wind later.” Hua Jing stretched out a hand as he flattened the stray hairs on He Qingzhou’s head. As he gazed at He Qingzhou’s flushed cheeks, even though he felt a tad displeased, his tone was still gentle as he rebuked, “Your face is all red.”

He Qingzhou blinked dazedly, he did not have a high tolerance for alcohol anyway so he nodded obediently, “Mmm, got it.” He Qingzhou noticed the loving look on Hua Jing’s face and could not control the wave of happiness through him. He pursed his lips as he slowly asked, “Ah Jing, can we go home yet?”

The celebratory wedding feast had already reached the halfway mark, and Imperial Brother should have consummated his wedding by now (cough cough) . Hua Jing had long since wanted to return home, but looking at how He Qingzhou had so much of an appetite, he did not mention returning home. After all, if they could eat here then they should, the person who was paying for it was definitely not himself. (Hua Xuan: You really are my biological younger brother!!)

Thus Hua Jing stood up, a wine cup in one hand and He Qingzhou’s hand in the other, he turned to the rest of the ministers as he toasted, “A toast to you all. Zhouzhou is feeling a bit unwell, my Queen Consort and I shall return home early.” Hua Jing purposely used his nickname for He Qingzhou in front of everyone as he wanted to nip the dreams of all those girls in the bud. He Qingzhou could only ever belong to him.

“We humbly send you off, our King.” The ministers were impatient for King Jing to leave, especially those that had yet to marry. The previously icy-cold King Jing had just teased his wife in public! How could they live through that! Look at our respected Prime Minister, although he also had displayed some affection in public, he took his wife back to the house half-way through the wedding feast. But why can’t you be more considerate of the rest of us who have mother tigers for wives? What about the ministers that are still single? My King, you have greatly hurt them! There simply wasn’t any reason to go on living!

— Let’s ignore these ministers who have gone off-track.

He Qingzhou’s steps were a bit weak, as he regretfully thought to himself, I should not have drank that wine. Luckily King Jing was allowed to sit in a carriage while exiting the palace, but upon catching sight of He Qingzhou’s predicament, Hua Jing immediately picked him up in a princess carry.

“I knew I should not have let you drink that wine.” Especially all those toasts from the young ladies!

He Qingzhou snuggled his head closer toward Hua Jing’s neck as he muttered, “I thought you said that you liked the way I looked after drinking wine?”

So that’s why. Hua Jing laughed lightly but did not reply. In reality, He Qingzhou usually portrayed a gentle and courteous manner but after drinking wine his actions became even cuter. (Don’t ask why the word ‘even’ was used! Because Hua Jing felt even under normal situations, He Qingzhou was cute too!)

Seated in the horse carriage, Hua Jing initially thought that He Qingzhou would be weary but surprisingly he was oddly energetic. Hua Jing pulled him onto his lap as his arms embraced him. He Qingzhou did not act as shy as he usually did, perhaps it was the influence of the alcohol that made him braver, and he wrapped both his arms around Hua Jing’s waist.

"

"

Hua Jing cleared his throat before saying, “Zhouzhou, if you keep looking at your husband this way, I cannot guarantee that here and now, in this horse carriage, I won’t swallow you whole.”

He Qingzhou was slightly embarrassed when he heard this, but still, he earnestly gazed into Hua Jing’s eyes as he replied, “Ah Jing, I think I like you even more, and love you more than before. Will you be this good to me all our lives?”

Hua Jing’s eyes were filled with surprised happiness, even though he knew how he felt toward Zhouzhou, Zhouzhou rarely confessed his feelings so directly. The only time apart from today was on their wedding night.

“You silly little thing! Didn’t I tell you a long, long time ago? That I would always treasure this person He Qingzhou, for my entire life, and that I would love you greatly.” Hua Jing lightly pecked He Qingzhou’s soft lips and clung tightly onto He Qingzhou until they reached their residence.

The ice-mountain had long since been melted by Young Sir He, and it had never reappeared, the thing that had taken its place was a loyal dog ——-

This night, in the palace, the Emperor lovingly caressed his male Empress, as their bodies joined in unison. And not too far away, in the main courtyard of the Residence of King Jing, there was another couple spending the night together. The two of them were close enough for their ears to rub each other and spent the entire night making love. (Embarrassed >////<)

Love is the purest form of affection, and affection is the deepest form of love. I wish that all lovers in the world will come together, regardless of gender or age. As long as two hearts are closely intertwined, they will surely be able to weather through the hardest of trials, and grow old together.

~ Fin ~

(T/N: Finally it’s finished!!! Will be starting a new project soon! Thanks for accompanying me through these stories! DO comment who was your favorite if you had any!)