Chu Xuanzhen's feelings for the youth had deepened considerably after the changes in their recent encounters. He was even willing to let the youth stay overnight in the Eastern Palace, sharing his bed and pillow.
Halfway through the night, the assassins intent on killing him came again. Since he had ordered the palace maids, servants, and guards not to approach his bedchamber, he instead took a keen interest in the people who came to assassinate him.
He wanted to hear how the youth would insult them.
The youth swaggered, emboldened by having someone powerful at his back. He raised his snow-white neck, tipped up his chin, and said contemptuously, "Just a few pathetic underlings. So eager to rush to your deaths-are you hoping to enjoy the incense offerings at your graves this time next year?"
"That's not very nice. You really shouldn't cut in line for something like this."
His style was the same as ever.
During the fight, the youth was clearly a little frightened. When the scene grew too bloody, he even rested his head on Chu Xuanzhen's shoulder. That tiny gesture delighted him, body and soul.
Whenever the youth was afraid, he would unconsciously lean on him.
"From this moment on, the Crown Prince and I are briefly brothers who've faced death together. He definitely doesn't want to chop off my legs now. Well done, you pathetic underlings. Actually, cutting in line to get reincarnated isn't entirely out of the question."
Hearing this, Chu Xuanzhen narrowed his eyes. He knew his own desires went far beyond that. He wanted the youth. He wanted to stay with him forever.
Yet those damned assassins seized the instant he was distracted to slice off a lock of the youth's hair. At that moment, he wanted to cut off all their