Chapter 1: The marks on the eyebrow are marks on the heart (1)

On the day the first snow began to fall in the north, a tavern ten miles outside the capital welcomed a group of distinguished guests.

It was rare to see so many people come by on such a cold day, especially ones clad in armor. The tavern staff bustled about serving dishes, and the sharp-eyed waiter brought a pot of hot tea directly to the main table.

A dozen or so soldiers were scattered at various tables. Only two people sat at the main table: a high-ranking general with a fierce and intimidating face, and a young man dressed in plain clothes.

Unlike the burly and rugged military officers nearby, the young man was strikingly handsome.

This tavern was located along the main road to the capital, and the waiter had seen countless travelers come and go. However, this was the first time he had ever seen someone with such exquisite looks.

He glanced once, then couldn’t help but sneak another look. Just as he was about to steal a third, his view was blocked by the general.

Huo Linping grabbed the teapot from the waiter and set it on the table. His armor pieces clinked against each other as he sat down, making a dull sound.

“Hiss, fricking weather. It’s so freaking cold.” General Huo rubbed his hands that were calloused from years of martial training.

The waiter didn’t dare to sneak anymore looks and left in a hurry.

Next to Huo Linping, the young man chuckled softly.

“Why scare the poor lad, General Huo?”

Huo Linping turned to glance at the youth sitting beside him, who carried an aura completely opposite to his own.

The young man’s hands were pale and delicate like jade, his fingers long and slender like scallion stalks, gently fiddling with a pair of chopsticks.

It was already near dusk. In the warm, flickering candlelight of the tavern, the youth’s eyes were clear and serene, his finely shaped features like a masterful painting of mountains and rivers.

Huo Linping suddenly shook his head.

He cursed inwardly in disbelief: It’s already been three months traveling together. Why do I still lose my soul at the sight of Lord Gu?!

Among the room full of armored guards, only Lord Gu wore plain clothes.

A simple, creamy-white outfit.

No different from what any ordinary commoner might wear.

And yet, Gu Jingyuan was without a doubt the most eye-catching presence in the room.

It was partly his immortal-like appearance, and also his unhurried, gentle demeanor. Calm like a deep spring.

Along the journey, Lord Gu had drawn plenty of stares.

Huo Linping couldn’t even count how many peace blossoms he had to fend off.

He couldn’t help but think: With looks like that, who wouldn’t get ideas after seeing him?

No wonder His Majesty…

Huo Linping poured himself a cup of hot tea.

He filled Gu Jingyuan’s cup as well, then made casual conversation: “When we left the capital, it was still summer. Now it’s already snowing.”

Gu Jingyuan’s hand paused slightly over his food, “The snow came early this year.”

“Yeah,” the general continued, sighing. “F*ck… time flies.”

Gu Jingyuan glanced at Huo Linping, his eyes glowing faintly with soft amusement.

He let out a small laugh, “General Huo, mind your language.”

Such a transcendent, ethereal man like Lord Gu just so happened to be born with a pair of naturally seductive peach blossom eyes.

When he used those eyes to look at someone, there always seemed to be a hint of springtime warmth in them.

“Hahaha.” Realizing he had zoned out again, Huo Linping let out a few sheepish laughs and scratched his head.

“We did say on the road that I’d try to learn some manners from you, Lord Gu. And I have tried, haven’t I? But a rough person like me is hopeless.” Huo Linping downed the tea in his cup in one gulp, poured himself another, then turned to Gu Jingyuan and asked: “Would you like some, my lord? Warm you up a bit?”

“No, thank you.” Gu Jingyuan replied with a gentle smile.

Red lips and white teeth. A beautiful sight.

When he wasn’t smiling, he carried an air of distant coldness, the kind that made people hesitate to get close.

But once he smiled, those peach blossom eyes would curve gently, making it almost impossible not to be drawn in.

Huo Linping couldn’t help but say, “Once we finish eating, we’ll be back on the road. Should be just an hour or so before we reach the capital. Lord Gu, thank you for all your guidance along the way. Once we’re back… please, take care of yourself.”

As he spoke, a wave of melancholy welled up in him. Once they returned, it wouldn’t just be a matter of no longer dining at the same table. No one could say what their circumstances would be like in the future.

He was a man of the military, someone who usually looked down on scholarly types who couldn’t lift a sword or carry a load.

But Lord Gu was truly an exception.

A few months ago, His Majesty had dispatched Lord Gu to investigate corruption involving the Riverway Governor, and Huo Linping was assigned to protect him during the mission.

Unexpectedly, they got caught in a massive flood disaster along the way, facing hardship after hardship. The young lord had even been injured.

By the time his wounds had healed, the investigation completed, and they turned back toward the capital, three whole months had passed.

In those three months, Huo Linping’s feelings for Gu Jingyuan had shifted from the simple duty of escorting him to a genuine desire to know him better.

It wasn’t just him, every soldier under his command sang Lord Gu’s praises. All agreed he was sharp, capable, and possessed a noble character.

Lord Gu could deal with corrupt officials and manage a natural disaster.

Though he looked delicate, he had a bold and heroic spirit. Even after being injured, he never once blamed them for failing in their duties. He carried none of the haughty air so common among the noble sons of the capital.

As the people often mentioned: “Spend enough time with Lord Gu, and it doesn’t matter whether you’re a scholar or a soldier, you just feel at ease.”

It was just a pity that such a person—this once-in-a-century Literary Star of the Great Yi Dynasty…

Ended up in His Majesty’s bed.

…

Huo Linping’s emotions were in turmoil, but he didn’t want to ruin the atmosphere or let Lord Gu notice anything, so he quickly averted his gaze.

Unexpectedly, Gu Jingyuan let out a bright laugh and said, “It’s not like we won’t see each other after returning to the capital. If General Huo is willing, you can come drink with me anytime.”

“Really?!” Huo Linping looked up again in surprise

“Of course,” Gu Jingyuan replied with a smile.

Outside, night had fully fallen, and the tavern had lit the fire indoors.

In the glow of the flames, Gu Jingyuan’s sharp and refined features flickered between light and shadow, still as strikingly beautiful as ever.

Little Lord Gu had pale skin, smooth and luminous like flawless jade.

The only imperfection was a scar just half an inch from his right brow bone.

It was a red mark.

Not long.

But it looked deep.

It seemed old, like something left behind long ago. It was eye-catching, yet didn’t detract from Gu Jingyuan’s looks.

On the contrary, when he smiled, those peach blossom eyes of his would curve up ever so slightly upward. The scar along his brow seemed to become the perfect accent, lending his already handsome features a subtle touch of allure.

Whenever Huo Linping looked at that scar, he couldn’t help but think: His Majesty already has a white moonlight he held in his heart.

This was something everyone at court knew.

After all, for the sake of his white moonlight, His Majesty was able to resist the enormous pressure from the entire court for years, refusing to name an empress or even select consorts.

Who would’ve thought that the notoriously cruel and iron-fisted Emperor Yuwen, who ruled the empire with harsh laws, was such a romantic at heart?

It was said that the person he loved was a prince from the northern Rong Kingdom, someone he had met in his youth while traveling.

It was also said that prince from Rong had a scar above his brow as well.

And it was said that Lord Gu had only climbed up to the emperor’s bed because of that very scar.

Lord Gu bore an 80% resemblance to His Majesty’s white moonlight.

After a quick bite, the group set back out on the road.

The journey back to the capital was long, yet they managed to return in under half a month, eating and sleeping in the wind in the open the whole way.

Truthfully, there had been no need to rush like this.

But once the affairs of the rivers had been settled, an urgent imperial edict arrived from the capital, summoning Lord Gu back immediately.

The reason the court was so eager to recall Gu Jingyuan was because Chang Kingdom had sent an envoy, hoping to initiate a cultural exchange with Great Yi.

Although it was said to be a cultural exchange, in truth, it was a literary duel.

The Great Yi Dynasty emphasized martial prowess over literature, ruling the land through military strength.

In contrast, the southern Chang Kingdom was not as powerful as Great Yi, but it was a land of scholars and talent, to the point where even common folk were literate.

In a true battle of words, Great Yi was certain to lose.

But Great Yi was, after all, the hegemon of the Central Plains. After much deliberation among the court’s civil and military officials, they agreed that Great Yi’s face could not be lost.

The only person capable of turning the tide was Gu Jingyuan.

Only Gu Jingyuan.

And so, after repeated requests and urgent summons, they traveled day and night, without a proper rest in ages.

Gu Jingyuan boarded the carriage. His injuries had never fully healed, and after being jostled for so long, he looked so thin and frail that it seemed as if a gust of wind could carry him away.

“We’ve been rushing back all this way, and Lord Gu hasn’t rested for even a moment.” The soldiers further from the carriage couldn’t help but whisper among themselves.

“Exactly. We’re thick-skinned so it’s nothing to us, but the Lord is still injured… And His Majesty too—seriously, Lord Gu had only just finished his last mission, and now he’s being made to compete in a literary match? Even if Lord Gu had three heads and six arms, he’d still need rest!”

“Not to mention how delicate and fragile Lord Gu’s body is… His Majesty really doesn’t know how to cherish jade.”

“If you ask me, Lord Gu must truly love His Majesty. He’s never complained, and he was also the one who insisted on traveling both day and night… Lord Gu treats His Majesty with all his heart, but His Majesty… sigh.”

“You’ve got some nerve! Is the Emperor someone you can speak casually about?” Huo Linping overheard their whispers and harshly scolded his subordinates, “Good thing we’re out here. If we were in the capital, would you still dare to say that? Tired of living, are you?!”

“Yes, sir!” The reprimanded soldiers realized they had spoken out of turn and didn’t dare to utter another word.

Huo Linping gave his men a firm scolding before ordering them to move out.

In truth, although His Majesty was strict, he wasn’t unreasonable.

On the contrary, the Emperor was upright and fair, just and impartial.

They had already pushed themselves to the limit to rush back. Even if they arrived a few days late, the Emperor most likely wouldn’t blame them.

But Lord Gu didn’t want to make things difficult for His Majesty, so he had never delayed for even a moment, forcing himself to press on.

Huo Linping deeply admired Lord Gu’s devotion to the Emperor. Lord Gu had always been loyal and obedient to His Majesty.

Others said that Lord Gu bewitched the ruler with his charm and harbored ulterior motives. Before leaving the capital, Huo Linping had believed that.

But after witnessing Lord Gu’s abilities and character throughout the journey, now he wouldn’t believe it even if they beat him to death.

—With Lord Gu’s intelligence and talent, why would he need to play the part of some scheming seductress?

If Lord Gu treated His Majesty well, then it could only mean one thing: he truly loved him.

It was just a pity that His Majesty…

They had only been gone from the capital for a month, and a new favorite Young Master Dong had appeared in the imperial harem.

No title, no official position, but he was the Emperor’s new beloved.

All because his appearance somewhat resembled that “white moonlight.”

They first heard about this a few days ago. Just after entering the northern region, rumors were already spreading in a tavern.

Huo Linping could still recall the look on Lord Gu’s face back then…

It was one of blank confusion.

A kind of confusion that made anyone who saw it feel a pang of heartache.

By the time the group rushed back to the capital, the city gates had already closed.

Fortunately, Huo Linping was the Deputy Commander of the Imperial Guards and had a token that allowed him to enter and exit the city at will.

Gu Jingyuan had originally planned to return straight home to rest. He was dozing off against the side of the carriage when they were stopped at the city gate by a group of imperial guards.

—The Emperor had ordered men to wait at the gate with an imperial edict, summoning Gu Jingyuan to enter the palace and present himself immediately upon his return.

Gu Jingyuan froze for a moment after receiving the decree.

But soon, he obediently nodded and, without any objection, followed the eunuch who had delivered the imperial command into the palace.

Emperor Yuwen summoned Gu Jingyuan for a private audience in the Imperial Study.

The study was heated by underground floor heating, and the bright yellow radiated an air of luxury and power.

However, Gu Jingyuan didn’t have time to take in the surroundings.

The moment he stepped through the door, someone pinned him against it. A familiar scent of dragon incense invaded his senses.

A strong hand gripped his narrow waist tightly against the door. Gu Jingyuan frowned slightly, “Your Majesty, you’re hurting me.”

“A’Yuan has been away for so long—did you miss zhen?”

As Long Yanzhao spoke, a wave of hot breath brushed against the nape of Gu Jingyuan’s neck.

Gu Jingyuan shivered slightly, and his voice softened suddenly: “…I missed you.”

The Emperor let out a low chuckle, “And what exactly did you miss?”

Though he asked, Emperor Yuwen wasn’t waiting for an answer.

The sound of fabric rustling echoed throughout the study.

Gu Jingyuan hadn’t had a chance to change clothes before entering the palace. Long Yanzhao had grown used to seeing him in his court robes, and now that he was wearing simple commoner’s attire, the Emperor suddenly found himself intrigued by the idea of undressing him in this new outfit.

Gu Jingyuan was pressed firmly against the door.

He struggled a little, his voice growing even softer: “Your Majesty, this subject just rushed back to the capital… covered in dust and travel-worn…”

“Zhen doesn’t mind if you’re dirty,” Long Yanzhao’s voice was unusually urgent.

Gu Jingyuan lightly pushed at him, his voice pleading, “Your Majesty…”

Like a little kitten.

With that, Long Yanzhao was thoroughly pleased.

He ordered a bathing tub to be brought in and placed right in the Imperial Study. The palace attendants moved quickly, clearly very familiar with the routine.

Once everything was prepared, Long Yanzhao placed Gu Jingyuan into the warm water.

Gu Jingyuan was washing himself in the bath, while Long Yanzhao leaned against the edge of the tub. His bright yellow imperial robe was perfectly smooth without a single wrinkle, but his brows were tightly furrowed.

“Ah-Yuan’s injury…” Emperor Yuwen was referring to the scar on Gu Jingyuan’s shoulder.

He knew Gu Jingyuan’s body like the back of his hand—before leaving the capital, that spot had been smooth and unblemished. Now, it was wrinkled and disfigured.

It was a new wound, with fresh skin just starting to grow over it. Clearly, the injury had been severe.

Gu Jingyuan had nearly lost his life on this recent mission.

But when faced with the emperor’s concern, he only smiled lightly, unconcerned. He lifted a hand to cover the scar, not allowing Long Yanzhao to see it.

“It’s already healed,” Gu Jingyuan said. “Your Majesty, don’t look. It’ll offend your eyes.”

Long Yanzhao replied, “Zhen is not afraid.”

Gu Jingyuan glared, “Still not allowed.”

The Son of Heaven couldn’t help but laugh in exasperation.

“Everyone says Lord Gu is obedient and well-behaved. How come zhen has never seen it? Lord Gu is as stubborn as can be. Even I don’t dare provoke you.”

Gu Jingyuan didn’t move.

Shrouded in rising steam, he tilted his neck back, his handsome face looking straight at the emperor. “This subject listens to Your Majesty. Whatever you want, I’ll give it to you.”

His jade-like, fair cheeks had turned slightly red from the warmth, his eyes gradually moistening, highlighting the red mark along his brow bone and making it look even more bewitching.

Long Yanzhao raised his hand and gently touched the scar above Gu Jingyuan’s brow.

His thoughts suddenly drifted far away, and his expression darkened.

That person also had a scar in the same place.

A wound received for him.

Long Yanzhao remembered many years ago, on the day they parted, Cheng Yinzhuo had said to him: he had once died for Long Yanzhao’s sake, and asked him never to forget it—never to forget that he owed him a life.

So, Long Yanzhao always remembered.

Years later, he met Gu Jingyuan.

Gu Jingyuan looked a lot like Cheng Yinzhuo—his smile was similar, and even the scar on his brow was identical.

Only their personalities were completely different.

Like the difference between day and night.

—Gu Jingyuan didn’t want to be remembered.

…

When he came back to his senses, Long Yanzhao’s imperial yellow robe was already soaked with warm water.

The bath was large. Gu Jingyuan had to cling tightly to the edge with his fingers to stay upright.

After three months apart, Gu Jingyuan had truly missed him.

But once was enough.

After three months of fighting and killing, he was already tired.

So by the second time, Gu Jingyuan no longer really missed him.

But the emperor remained vigorous as ever, showing no intention of stopping.

Gu Jingyuan didn’t want to move.

But in this position, he had no choice but to steady himself.

His beautiful peach blossom eyes turned red from exhaustion.

Too tired, he had no choice but to beg for mercy.

His voice turned even softer, carrying a tearful tone.

But what he got in return was Emperor Yu changing to a different position.

The more Gu Jingyuan begged, the more he enjoyed bullying him.

He liked hearing him beg, like a little animal.

He liked making him cry.