After the caged swallow escaped on Danmei AI Translations

Chapter 1

Fri, 27 Mar 2026 04:39:50 +0000

Chapter 1#

Returning to Court: His Majesty is Holding a Selection#

In the fourth year of Jingyuan, the Emperor led a personal expedition to attack the State of Chen.

In the eighth year of Jingyuan, the States of Qi and An surrendered.

In the tenth year of Jingyuan, the State of Qing was conquered.

Thus, the world was initially settled, and the four seas were cleared.

In August of the same year, the great army returned to the court.

Chapter 2

Fri, 27 Mar 2026 04:39:50 +0000

Chapter 2#

Fighting for Favor: Come here, I’ll teach you.#

Great Liang Palace, side hall of Taiji Palace.

Yanzhi sat at a small table, holding his face in both hands, staring blankly at the crushed cream puff.

Qing State had surrendered, the great army returned, and His Majesty was discussing affairs with the ministers in the main hall.

Because his clothes had been dirtied by the puff, he had apologized to the Emperor and returned to his room to change.

Chapter 3

Fri, 27 Mar 2026 04:39:50 +0000

Chapter 3#

Favorability: Stop Liking His Majesty#

Today’s cream puffs were bitter.

Every single one of them.

Xiao Cuan sat upright at the desk, appearing perfectly composed.

In his right hand, he held a cinnabar brush, moving it like dragons and snakes to leave comments on the memorials. His left hand, however, reached beneath the imperial desk to press down on Yanzhi’s head.

Yanzhi was hunched over, kneeling before him, his cheeks and the rims of his eyes flushed a deep red.

Chapter 4

Fri, 27 Mar 2026 04:39:50 +0000

Chapter 4#

Palace Banquet: Choosing an Empress is the Same as Choosing a General#

So sour, so painful.

After sleeping for who knows how long, Yanzhi struggled to wake from his dream.

“Mm…”

He instinctively lowered his head, burying his face in the warm, hard fabric in front of him, rubbing it forcefully like a kitten washing its face.

His body felt sore and painful everywhere, his eyes were dry and stinging, and his throat was parched.

Chapter 5

Fri, 27 Mar 2026 04:39:50 +0000

Chapter 5#

Fireworks: Watching Fireworks with His Majesty#

This one is too ugly, this one is too stupid.

This one is both ugly and stupid.

Of the children of the close ministers attending the banquet tonight, Xiao Cuan found every single one of them an eyesore.

He retracted his gaze and looked at Yanzhi.

Yanzhi sat right beside him, head lowered, eyes downcast, seriously cutting the venison.

This large piece of venison had been hunted casually by Xiao Cuan on the road when the army returned to court.

Chapter 6

Fri, 27 Mar 2026 07:45:41 +0000

Chapter 6#

The Registry: What did I teach you a few days ago?#

Xiao Cuan pinched Yanzhi’s nose, walking in front with large strides.

Yanzhi was being pulled along, standing on tiptoe, running to catch up.

“Your Majesty… Your Majesty…”

A bit slower, he couldn’t keep up.

His nose was about to be pulled off!

Xiao Cuan didn’t stop, only taking a moment to command the officials: “You’re dismissed.”

The ministers didn’t dare say much and bowed: “Respectfully seeing off Your Majesty.”

Chapter 7

Fri, 27 Mar 2026 07:45:41 +0000

Chapter 7#

The Name: Does Your Majesty like me even a little bit?#

A line of palace servants carrying freshly delivered seasonal fruits from the kitchen ascended the stone steps and arrived before Taiji Palace.

“Reporting to Your Majesty…”

The words had only just begun when the tightly closed palace doors were suddenly struck by something, emitting a soft thud.

The servants instinctively looked up, but immediately lowered their heads again, not daring to look further, and retreated the way they came.

Chapter 8

Fri, 27 Mar 2026 07:45:41 +0000

Chapter 8#

Autumn Hunt: I shouldn’t have chosen men in the first place#

The August Autumn Hunt was a tradition established at the beginning of the Great Liang nation.

Its purpose was to test the soldiers’ martial skills, train battlefield formations, strengthen the Liang army’s power, and at the same time, remind descendants to cultivate riding and archery to stabilize the world.

Now that August was almost over, many officials secretly speculated that the army had just returned, and the Emperor had also just come back from the battlefield. The horses and men were tired and in need of rest, so this year’s Autumn Hunt might naturally be cancelled.

Chapter 9

Fri, 27 Mar 2026 07:45:41 +0000

Chapter 9#

Anger: I told you to come here!#

Hoofbeats thundered, kicking up clouds of dust.

Xiao Cuan took the lead, leading two columns of personal guards to the foot of Northern Liang Mountain.

The Great Liang had enclosed the entire Northern Liang mountain range as a hunting ground.

A traveling palace had been built on the mountain, but Xiao Cuan never went there, always ordering camp to be set up at the foot of the mountain instead.

Chapter 10

Fri, 27 Mar 2026 07:45:41 +0000

Chapter 10#

Rebellion: Throwing things at the Emperor!#

Bang—

Yanzhi was thrown onto the couch, falling into the piled-up blankets.

He struggled, waving his hands about, scrambling out of the bedding.

But as he turned, he bumped straight into the Emperor’s embrace.

—The Emperor was blocking him from behind.

Xiao Cuan stood before the couch, back to the candlelight.

He stood in the shadows, his expression hidden, yet his eyes shone in the darkness like a wolf’s, with an eerie light.

Chapter 11 - 1

Fri, 27 Mar 2026 07:45:41 +0000

Chapter 11 - 1#

Leisure: You even gave birth to a “son” for me…#

Yanzhi could hear His Majesty’s voice and feel His Majesty’s breath.

He knew His Majesty had returned.

So he struggled to wake up, wanting to say the words he had prepared all night to His Majesty.

But as soon as he spoke one sentence, His Majesty covered his mouth.

“Wuu wuu…”

Yanzhi shook his head and waved his hands, trying to struggle, but His Majesty held him even tighter.

Chapter 11 - 2

Fri, 27 Mar 2026 07:45:41 +0000

Chapter 11 - 2#

Leisure: You even gave birth to a “son” for me…#

“Usually when we practice archery and riding, I wouldn’t say we hit every time, but it’s at least ‘fifty out of a hundred.’ Yet with you, Brother, it’s ‘zero out of a hundred.’”

“Go away, go away, go away!” Bian Mingyu said loudly. “The four of you, one sentence each, it’s giving me a headache!”

The brothers’ banter was very interesting. Yanzhi cupped his face, looking at them with a smile in his eyes.

Chapter 12

Fri, 27 Mar 2026 08:50:34 +0000

Chapter 12#

Young Wolf: Idiot, afraid of dogs, afraid of wolves…#

Xiao Cuan did go hunting.

He woke up before dawn, while Yanzhi was still asleep.

Leaning on the couch, he held Yanzhi and absentmindedly pinched his face and hands.

Yanzhi was fast asleep, eyes closed, nestled defencelessly in his arms, obedient and gentle.

Xiao Cuan pinched him like a doll for a while before making a plan.

Leaving Yanzhi on the couch, he got up, left the tent, called out the names of several generals, and sent his personal guards to fetch them.

Chapter 13 - 1

Fri, 27 Mar 2026 08:50:34 +0000

Chapter 13 - 1#

Sugar Cake: Who gave you sugar cake!#

The group stayed camped outside the Beiliang Mountain hunting grounds for nearly half a month.

Xiao Cuan wasn’t particularly enthusiastic about hunting.

Aside from the first two days when he went up the mountain and bagged a fierce tiger and two foxes, he spent the rest of the time in his tent. He read memorials while holding Yanzhi and the rescued wolf cub, absentmindedly stroking their heads and pinching their faces.

Chapter 13 - 2

Fri, 27 Mar 2026 08:50:34 +0000

Chapter 13 - 2#

*

Three days later.

After drinking a bowl of bitter medicine every morning, noon, and night, Yanzhi’s cold was almost fully recovered.

He recopied the roster drawn up by His Majesty and sent it to the Secretariat, asking the officials there to make arrangements.

He then led the palace servants to clean up two vacant halls in the western part of the Daliang Palace, preparing them for the candidates to reside in.

Chapter 14 - 1

Fri, 27 Mar 2026 08:50:34 +0000

Chapter 14 - 1#

Castration (Revised) You Think I Don’t Dare Castrate You?#

In an instant, a wild wind rose and struck head-on.

Hearing that incredibly familiar voice, Yanzhi whirled around and came face-to-face with the man’s enraged countenance.

He instinctively forgot to struggle, his entire body freezing in place, his eyes wide and filled with utter disbelief.

Xiao Cuan gripped his arm and hoisted it high, with such force that he almost lifted him off the ground entirely.

Chapter 14 - 2

Fri, 27 Mar 2026 08:50:34 +0000

Chapter 14 - 2#

He was afraid.

He had been to this place once before, when he was eight years old.

He was afraid… he was afraid…

Reaching the end of the corridor, in front of the very last room, Xiao Cuan similarly kicked the door open and threw Yanzhi inside.

Yanzhi fell onto a heap of hay but quickly scrambled up and ran toward the outside.

But by then, Xiao Cuan had already closed the door.

Chapter 15

Fri, 27 Mar 2026 08:50:34 +0000

Chapter 15#

Cell - Like a Wild Beast Marking Its Prey#

Breath exchanged, lips and teeth met.

A wild storm, lightning and thunder.

An extremely intense kiss: Yanzhi struggled with all his might, and Xiao Cuan suppressed him with all his strength.

It didn’t seem like the lingering tenderness of a romantic embrace, but more like a world-shattering, fierce fight.

Xiao Cuan bit Yanzhi’s lip until it bled. Yanzhi’s stubborn streak flared up, and he also forcefully bit Xiao Cuan’s mouth open.

Chapter 16

Fri, 27 Mar 2026 08:50:34 +0000

Chapter 16#

Showing Off - Yanzhi Is Mine!#

“I like Your Majesty…”

“Especially like… very much like… number one in the world…”

“I like Your Majesty…”

In the dark prison cell.

Straw was spread on the ground, clothes were spread over the straw, and Xiao Cuan sat upon the clothes.

Yanzhi sat astride Xiao Cuan’s lap.

With both arms around the Emperor’s neck and his head buried in his shoulder, he sobbed and murmured these words over and over again.

Chapter 17

Fri, 27 Mar 2026 08:50:34 +0000

Chapter 17#

Alarm - Alarm! Favorability has dropped to X points!…#

Great ups and downs, great sorrow and grief.

When Yanzhi returned from the Beiliang Mountain hunting grounds, he had already caught a cold, and it took two or three days of drinking bitter medicine for him to improve.

Now, after being severely frightened by Xiao Cuan and then heavily tossed about by him, Yanzhi fell into a fever shortly after fainting.

Chapter 18 - 1

Fri, 27 Mar 2026 08:50:34 +0000

Chapter 18 - 1#

Freeing Him - From Today On, He Is No Longer a Servant#

Inside and outside the dream, on and off the couch.

The nightmarish Yanzhi and the clear-headed Xiao Cuan faced each other, quietly in a standoff.

An alarm sound, coming from nowhere, echoed between them.

The sharp, piercing alarm played over and over again like a valley echo.

An alarm light, coming from nowhere, flashed between them.

Chapter 18 - 2

Fri, 27 Mar 2026 08:50:34 +0000

Chapter 18 - 2#

The medicine bowl clattered onto the tray, accidentally tipping over. The medicinal soup trickled down, and a palace servant hurriedly carried the things out and brought back a new bowl.

“Your Majesty…”

Xiao Cuan picked up the medicine bowl again and looked down at Yanzhi.

Yanzhi had recovered slightly and had fallen back asleep in his arms.

He couldn’t hear Xiao Cuan speaking, so his usual threats were useless against him.

Chapter 18 - 3

Fri, 27 Mar 2026 08:50:34 +0000

Chapter 18 - 3#

Yanzhi sat up from the couch, pulling at the wounds on his body, which caused another wave of dull pain.

He clutched his chest, lowered his head, and panted in small, shallow breaths.

The wolf cub, suddenly pushed by him, rolled backward and did two somersaults on the couch, but quickly scrambled back up and ran to him, wagging its tail.

Yanzhi looked closely: “Tang… little dog? It’s you!”

Chapter 19 - 1

Fri, 27 Mar 2026 08:50:34 +0000

Chapter 19 - 1#

Resistance - Giving His Majesty a Heavy Kick#

Taiji Hall, Main Hall.

Outside, a fine autumn rain pitter-pattered, cold and chilling to the bone.

Inside, the floor heating was on, and charcoal braziers were lit, making it warm and cozy.

Yanzhi was wrapped in a tiger-skin blanket, sitting on the couch, holding a bowl of minced meat in both hands.

The meat was cooked until very soft and had been simmering on the stove, still steaming hot.

Chapter 19 - 2

Fri, 27 Mar 2026 08:50:34 +0000

Chapter 19 - 2#

Finally, he pressed Yanzhi’s head with one hand and held a teacup with the other, pouring two cups of warm water into his mouth.

Yanzhi didn’t resist or struggle, and didn’t even speak. Even when choked by the water, he only had red eyes, turned his head, and took out a handkerchief to wipe his face and mouth.

Seeing that His Majesty’s hand also had water on it, he even wanted to wipe it for His Majesty too.

Chapter 19 - 3

Fri, 27 Mar 2026 08:50:34 +0000

Chapter 19 - 3#

Instead, it was him, Xiao Cuan, who lay flat on the couch, staring at the hidden patterns on the curtains, counting the beats of the night watchman’s clapper coming from outside the hall, having not slept all night.

It shouldn’t be like this.

The one who couldn’t sleep should be Yanzhi.

It should be Yanzhi tossing and turning, unable to sleep, and then he would naturally pick Yanzhi up and hold him in his arms, placing him on his lap.

Chapter 20 - 1

Fri, 27 Mar 2026 08:50:34 +0000

Chapter 20 - 1#

Escaping! The Bird in the Cage Has Escaped!!!…#

Selection’s over.

More than a hundred noble sons and daughters, guided by palace servants, left the palace one by one and returned to their homes.

Closing the door of their homes, their family members curiously asked: “What was the ‘final interview’ His Majesty mentioned like?”

“Which noble son or daughter did His Majesty choose as the Empress? Were you chosen?”

Chapter 20 - 2

Fri, 27 Mar 2026 08:50:34 +0000

Chapter 20 - 2#

But Xiao Cuan only walked to the candle stand, pinched out two candles with his fingers, and then walked back.

He lay heavily on the couch and asked coldly: “Who said you were going to lose favor?”

“Your Majesty said so…”

“I haven’t said that these past few days.” Xiao Cuan rolled over and turned his back to him, “Stop slandering me.”

“Then…”

“I’ll have them bring the palace roster over tomorrow.”

Chapter 20 - 3

Fri, 27 Mar 2026 08:50:34 +0000

Chapter 20 - 3#

Yanzhi hurriedly put down the “little dog,” bowed, and saluted: “Replying to Your Majesty, today the weather is good, and I want to take the little dog out for a walk, so I am happy.”

“Oh.” Xiao Cuan walked up to him, stopped his steps, “Don’t go out yet, follow me in.”

“Yes.”

Yanzhi had no choice but to hand the “little dog” to the palace servant, and followed His Majesty into the main hall.

Chapter 21 - 1

Fri, 27 Mar 2026 08:50:34 +0000

Chapter 21 - 1#

Capture - Eh, it turns out he wasn’t caught!#

—Yanzhi ran away! Yanzhi escaped! Yanzhi flew away!

It wasn’t until he saw Yanzhi’s name, written in Yanzhi’s own hand on the palace departure roster, that Xiao Cuan finally understood—

Why had Yanzhi been neither cold nor warm toward him lately?

Why did Yanzhi insist on doing the work of copying the roster a few days ago?

Chapter 21 - 2

Fri, 27 Mar 2026 08:50:34 +0000

Chapter 21 - 2#

He didn’t want to stay here, nor did he want to stop. He only wanted to run forward, and it would be best if he could run to the south all at once!

Sugar cakes, there must be some in the south too! There are even more delicious snacks in the south!

He ran all the way to the city gate, just about to run out, when suddenly, a burst of hurried footsteps came from behind him, from far to near, slowly approaching.

Chapter 22 - 1

Fri, 27 Mar 2026 13:58:15 +0000

Chapter 22 - 1#

Pursuit - Meeting Xie Yi, Almost Caught#

The wind was sharp and the snow was heavy.

Yanzhi carried his bundle and held the “little dog” as he trekked through the mountain forests.

He didn’t dare take the main official roads, fearing the imperial guards would catch up, so he could only duck into the woods.

However, he wasn’t afraid at all.

Perhaps it was because when he was small, he often went up the mountains to gather firewood and pick mushrooms; or perhaps it was because he himself was a little swallow—entering the woods felt like coming home.

Chapter 22 - 2

Fri, 27 Mar 2026 13:58:15 +0000

Chapter 22 - 2#

Yanzhi hurriedly raised his head: “I’m sorry, I…”

“While lying in bed recovering, I was thinking—”

“If only I hadn’t gone out of my way to bring Young Master Yanzhi sugar cakes back then.”

“If only I hadn’t followed Young Master Yanzhi into the corner of the palace wall back then.”

“If only I hadn’t acknowledged Young Master Yanzhi as a good friend back then, that would have been better.”

Chapter 23 - 1

Fri, 27 Mar 2026 13:58:15 +0000

Chapter 23 - 1#

Letting Go - Xiao Cuan Will Never Let Go!#

—Where is Yanzhi?

Not only was Xiao Cuan stunned, even Xie Yi was stunned.

He turned his head and looked at the old man in disbelief.

What was going on? This shouldn’t be.

Xie Yi knew Yanzhi had escaped, and he also guessed that His Majesty would not let it rest and would definitely send someone to find him.

Chapter 23 - 2

Fri, 27 Mar 2026 13:58:15 +0000

Chapter 23 - 2#

Yanzhi had already spoken to this extent. If he still held onto Xie Yi and the old servant, wouldn’t that be deliberately bullying him?

Last time, he merely locked Xie Yi in the purification room for a few days, and Yanzhi fell seriously ill, pitifully crying and saying he would never like him again.

If he really beat Xie Yi to death, Yanzhi would definitely be furious with him.

Chapter 24 - 1

Fri, 27 Mar 2026 13:58:15 +0000

Chapter 24 - 1#

Mother - Meeting Mother, Xiao Cuan’s Major Breakdown#

Yanzhi was born in a remote and secluded small mountain village.

Most of the people in the village were surnamed “Yan,” so the village was called “Yanqi Village.”

Yanzhi’s father was a famous rogue and rascal in the village, idling around all day, either drinking or gambling.

The family’s fields were neglected, and they relied entirely on Yanzhi’s mother weaving cloth and spinning yarn to earn a bit of money to sustain their livelihood.

Chapter 24 - 2

Fri, 27 Mar 2026 13:58:15 +0000

Chapter 24 - 2#

“Taoist temple.” Xiao Cuan murmured these two words, thoughtful.

*

At the same time.

Yanzhi was on the neighboring peak praying and requesting his mother’s longevity tablet.

The Taoist temple was not large, hidden in the mountains, with only one old Taoist priest and a few young acolytes.

There weren’t many longevity tablets settled here; Yanzhi was one of those who had paid more.

His mother’s tablet was quite new, and the altar was clean; the young acolytes cleaned it daily.

Chapter 25 - 1

Fri, 27 Mar 2026 13:58:15 +0000

Chapter 25 - 1#

Boarding - On the Boat! Xiao Cuan’s Duplicity…#

—“His Majesty’s verbal decree! Lift the ban!”

—“Open the city gates! Resume traffic!”

Two rows of personal guards on warhorses, holding high command flags, entered through the South City Gate and exited through the North City Gate, crossing the entire capital of Daliang.

Hoofbeats thundered, and the military orders spread, shaking the earth.

The civil and military officials who had been ordered to blockade the city and palace gates hurriedly dodged the commotion and bowed in salute upon hearing the news.

Chapter 25 - 2

Fri, 27 Mar 2026 13:58:15 +0000

Chapter 25 - 2#

He had clearly ordered all of Yanzhi’s things to be cleared out, yet the hall and the couch were still full of Yanzhi!

He was going to change these quilts; he was going to dismantle this couch.

He was going to tear down this palace and have the craftsmen build a new one!

Xiao Cuan fell back onto the couch and closed his eyes impatiently.

He wouldn’t look anymore. If Yanzhi ran away, then he ran away; he wouldn’t search.

Chapter 26 - 1

Fri, 27 Mar 2026 13:58:15 +0000

Chapter 26 - 1#

Regret - Can’t Help Thinking of Yanzhi#

—Who?

Who are these people?

—On what basis?

On what basis did Yanzhi’s favorability toward them rise so quickly?

On what basis did Yanzhi have an initial favorability of fifteen for Xiao Chen and A-Si, ordinary characters who don’t even have proper names?

On what basis did Yanzhi’s favorability toward this Boss Wei keep rising? It’s only been half a day, and it’s already nearly thirty!

Chapter 26 - 2

Fri, 27 Mar 2026 13:58:15 +0000

Chapter 26 - 2#

Whether he’s caught or not, he should always have some money on him.

As long as Yanzhi is still alive, it’s fine.

The ministers exchanged glances and answered in unison: “Yes!”

“Go then.” Xiao Cuan waved his hand, dismissing them.

“We withdraw, Your Majesty.”

Xiao Cuan looked up and glanced at Yanzhi’s favorability panel again.

At some point, Yanzhi had likely fallen asleep; the panel had stopped moving and stayed there quietly.

Chapter 27 - 1

Sun, 29 Mar 2026 01:08:42 +0000

Chapter 27 - 1#

In Hand - He, Xiao Cuan, Is the Idiot!#

For three consecutive days, Yanzhi has not made any new acquaintances.

This indicates that Yanzhi has been staying with the same group of people, in the same place.

Yet, several close ministers, leading thousands of soldiers, have searched both inside and outside the city with no results.

This means Yanzhi has joined a departing group or used a means of transportation.

Chapter 27 - 2

Sun, 29 Mar 2026 01:08:42 +0000

Chapter 27 - 2#

“That’s good then. I’ll call them all out right away!”

“Very well.”

“Men, everyone come here!”

At Boss Wei’s command, the crew members put down what they were doing and came forward, standing in a line.

“This is everyone on the ship. My surname is Wei.”

The two officials exchanged a discreet look, said nothing, and simply lowered their heads to record two characters on paper.

Chapter 28 - 1

Fri, 27 Mar 2026 13:58:15 +0000

Chapter 28 - 1#

Settling Down - He Hates His Majesty, He Hates Him to Death#

The house the middleman took Yanzhi to see was in a small alley on the south side of Shiyan Town.

The alley was named “Tianshui Alley” (Sweet Water Alley). As soon as Yanzhi stepped over the threshold, a sweet and fragrant scent wafted toward him.

“Wow—” Yanzhi sniffed.

He looked around and finally locked his gaze on the water well in the yard. He jogged forward, squatted by the well, peered inside, and sniffed seriously.

Chapter 28 - 2

Fri, 27 Mar 2026 13:58:15 +0000

Chapter 28 - 2#

He was ill and muddled, yet His Majesty refused to let him go, clutching his collar and pressing the back of his head, holding him firmly in his embrace.

His Majesty held him, pinched him, kissed him, licked him, bit him, and teased him.

Yanzhi tried to struggle, wanting to wave his arms forcefully, but only his fingers twitched slightly.

The more he struggled, the more he couldn’t break free.

Chapter 29 - 1

Sun, 29 Mar 2026 01:08:42 +0000

Chapter 29 - 1#

Partnering Up; Mad Dog Building a Nest#

“No… no need…”

Yanzhi sat up, wanting to stop him.

But it was already too late.

Chu Yu took a large leap, crossed the threshold, and disappeared in a flash.

Well… alright then…

Yanzhi sat back on the couch and touched his stomach.

He had slept for quite a while. The sunlight that had been shining through the bedroom window had unknowingly shifted to the other side.

Chapter 29 - 2

Sun, 29 Mar 2026 01:08:42 +0000

Chapter 29 - 2#

“What’s wrong?” Chu Yu asked as he sprinted over. “Is there a thief? Surely not?”

Yanzhi stood on the stone steps at the entrance, pointing into the courtyard.

“Eh?” Chu Yu looked closely. “Where? Where’s the thief? Your house has always been empty like this. What’s missing? Speak up!”

Yanzhi pointed at Peanut Cake: “I have a donkey!”

“Yeah, so? Are you showing off to me?”

Chapter 30 - 1

Sun, 29 Mar 2026 01:08:42 +0000

Chapter 30 - 1#

Inner Garments; Continuing to Build the Nest, Continuing the Madness#

—Yanzhi has fallen for someone else.

Outside the Taiji Hall, a fierce wind raged.

The sound of the wind whistled through the narrow palace corridors, creating a din like the wailing of ghosts and the howling of wolves.

The gale swept up heavy snow; clumps of snow the size of fists hammered against the windows like hailstones, sounding like malicious spirits pounding at the glass.

Chapter 30 - 2

Sun, 29 Mar 2026 01:08:42 +0000

Chapter 30 - 2#

He should sleep.

His head was full of Yanzhi, and he couldn’t think at all.

Sleep for a while and then go find Yanzhi; sleep for a bit and then go immediately.

Xiao Cuan breathed in Yanzhi’s scent, and suddenly his throat tightened, his heart stirring.

He reached for one of Yanzhi’s inner garments on the couch and sniffed it carefully.

This was Yanzhi’s close-fitting garment, plain white, small and delicate. Yanzhi had worn it for a while; the fabric was soft, and there were even some loose threads.

Chapter 31 - 1

Sun, 29 Mar 2026 01:08:42 +0000

Chapter 31 - 1#

Setting Up the Stall; News of the Empress’s Appointment Arrives#

The New Year was approaching.

Although Shiyan Town was small, it was filled with a festive atmosphere.

This morning, before dawn, wisps of cooking smoke rose in Sweetwater Alley, wafting out bursts of sweet fragrance.

As usual, Yanzhi drove the donkey cart to the entrance of Chu Yu’s house, and then together with Chu Yu, loaded the freshly steamed brown sugar cakes onto the cart.

Chapter 31 - 2

Sun, 29 Mar 2026 01:08:42 +0000

Chapter 31 - 2#

The old man selling vegetables spoke first: “Hey! You’ve had enough!”

The ruffian retorted: “Old geezer, it’s none of your business!”

“Get lost, get lost, don’t look for trouble here!”

“We’re teaching the sugar cake seller a lesson, it’s none of your business, don’t meddle in other people’s affairs!”

Yanzhi tightened the whip at his waist, and just as he was about to speak, he heard Sugar Cake barking and hurriedly looked back.

Chapter 32 - 1

Sun, 29 Mar 2026 01:08:42 +0000

Chapter 32 - 1#

Edict; Mad Dog Attacking, Zhi-zhi Beware!#

—The Emperor has appointed an Empress! The inner palace has a master!

—This is hereby proclaimed to all under heaven!

The officials spurred their horses through the long street.

Yanzhi instinctively stood up, staring at them blankly.

Beside him, Chu Yu and the other stallholders bowed to welcome the messengers and listen quietly to the imperial decree.

Chu Yu looked up and saw Yanzhi still standing stiffly on the spot. He hurriedly tugged at his sleeve and whispered a reminder: “Yanzhi, quick!”

Chapter 32 - 2

Sun, 29 Mar 2026 01:08:42 +0000

Chapter 32 - 2#

Xiao Cuan didn’t dismount, only sat on horseback, eyes lowered, scanning them: “Rise.”

“Thank you, Your Majesty…”

Before they could stand up, Xiao Cuan asked again: “Has the edict of the Empress’s appointment been passed down?”

“Replying to Your Majesty, it has all been passed down.” The leading official replied respectfully. “Now, throughout the entire An Prefecture, down to the villages and towns, everyone knows Your Majesty has appointed an Empress. Further south, Huai Prefecture and Chen Prefecture, receiving Your Majesty’s decree a bit slower, are still in the process of deployment.”

Chapter 33 - 1

Sun, 29 Mar 2026 01:08:42 +0000

Chapter 33 - 1#

Heart-to-Heart; Yan and Yu Open Up, Mad Dog Sets a Trap#

The donkey cart slowly rolled through the street.

Chu Yu drove the cart, and Yan Zhi sat with his head lowered, hands clutching his chest, lost in thought.

The two sat on opposite sides of the donkey cart, neither saying a word.

It wasn’t until fifteen minutes later that the donkey cart stopped in Sweetwater Alley.

Chapter 33 - 2

Sun, 29 Mar 2026 01:08:42 +0000

Chapter 33 - 2#

Chu Yu poured the meringue into the previously prepared batter and stirred it evenly: “The cake I made this morning was just a steamed egg cake; this time’s cake should be even softer.”

Yan Zhi followed him behind to the stove, looking at him admiringly and exclaiming constantly: “Wow… wow wow wow!”

Chu Yu put the batter into the steamer: “By the way, how do you know about ‘cream’?”

Chapter 34 - 1

Sun, 29 Mar 2026 01:08:42 +0000

Chapter 34 - 1#

New Year’s Eve; Zhi-zhi Spends the New Year, Mad Dog Goes Crazy#

“Little Yan, good news! Good news!”

At noon this day, Yan Zhi was setting up his stall at the market to sell cakes as usual.

Most of the townspeople had gone home for lunch, so there weren’t many customers. The other stallholders nearby were also feeling lazy and weren’t talking much.

Yan Zhi sat on a small stool, his face cupped in his hands, lost in thought.

Chapter 34 - 2

Sun, 29 Mar 2026 01:08:42 +0000

Chapter 34 - 2#

*

The New Year drew closer day by day.

In the past month, Yan Zhi and Chu Yu had partnered in business. After deducting costs, the two had earned a total of two taels of silver, splitting it one tael each.

Yan Zhi took the money and bought some fruit offerings for his mother, as well as large bones and fine fodder for Sugar Cake and Peanut Cake.

Chapter 35 - 1

Sun, 29 Mar 2026 13:11:55 +0000

Chapter 35 - 1#

Traces (Revised) The mad dog smelled Zhizhi’s scent…#

In the blink of an eye, the Lantern Festival arrived.

This morning, the sky outside the window was still dark when Yan Zhi climbed out of bed.

He closed his eyes, hugging his quilt, and sat on the bed, dazed for a moment.

“Ah—”

Yan Zhi raised his hand, covering his mouth, and gave a long yawn. Then, in one breath, he threw back the quilt and got out of bed.

Chapter 35 - 2

Sun, 29 Mar 2026 13:11:55 +0000

Chapter 35 - 2#

The whole street was filled with small vendors, selling lanterns, candied fruits, and some, like him, selling pastries.

However, no one else’s pastries were as delicate as those made by him and Yan Zhi, so his stall always had the most people surrounding it.

Chu Yu was busy introducing, packing, and collecting money, so busy that he wished he had three heads and six arms to help.

Chapter 36

Sun, 29 Mar 2026 13:11:55 +0000

Chapter 36#

Mistaken Identity (Revised) Finding Zhizhi by following the scent…#

—“Go investigate.”

On the Lantern Festival, the lights were bright and the crowds were bustling.

Xiao Cuan held the brown sugar cakes he had just bought in both hands, standing in a dark corner, his eyes shining with a sinister light as he stared at the street side.

Unblinkingly.

Chu Yu was still setting up his stall by the street to sell cakes. His cheerful laughter, shouts, and hawking were exceptionally loud amidst the clamor of the crowd.

Chapter 37 - 1

Sun, 29 Mar 2026 13:11:55 +0000

Chapter 37 - 1#

Dagger Zhizhi wields a knife to stab the mad dog!#

—This Chu Yu, what is he doing?

—Yan Zhi is his person! Yan Zhi saw His Majesty coming and ran out specifically to welcome him!

—Why is this Chu Yu always so presumptuous? One moment saying Yan Zhi is his wife, and the next standing in front of Yan Zhi?

—Is there something wrong with him? What on earth is he doing?!

Chapter 37 - 2

Sun, 29 Mar 2026 13:11:55 +0000

Chapter 37 - 2#

Then what are they doing now?!

At this thought, Xiao Cuan could no longer hold back and strode forward.

Tonight, everyone had gone into the city to see the fireworks, so the alley was deserted. Even if anyone was there, they would have long since gone to sleep.

The wooden gate of the small courtyard was left slightly ajar, and a faint candlelight shone through the window paper.

Chapter 38 - 1

Sun, 29 Mar 2026 13:11:55 +0000

Chapter 38 - 1#

Confrontation Alternating hot and cold violence to train the dog#

A sudden wild wind rose, and dark clouds churned.

In the small bedroom, Yan Zhi stood on the couch, level with Xiao Cuan, even slightly taller than him.

Xiao Cuan held his face in both hands, pulling him forcefully towards himself. He tilted his head slightly, breathing heavily, and kissed his lips fiercely, biting down hard on his lip petals.

Chapter 38 - 2

Sun, 29 Mar 2026 13:11:55 +0000

Chapter 38 - 2#

Xiao Cuan turned back to look at him, amused: “Finally deigning to open your golden mouth and talk to me?”

Since he had come in, Yan Zhi hadn’t said a single word to him from start to finish.

Xiao Cuan grabbed him, and he didn’t scream.

Xiao Cuan asked questions, and he didn’t answer.

Until now, when Chu Yu came in, he finally spoke.

Yan Zhi ignored his sarcasm and said again: “He’s just my neighbor, he…”

Chapter 39 - 1

Sun, 29 Mar 2026 13:11:55 +0000

Chapter 39 - 1#

Clarification Xiao Cuan, I hate you to death!#

“Ugh—”

Yan Zhi crouched by the couch, retching repeatedly toward the floor.

Caught off guard, Xiao Cuan was pushed away and sat on the couch, momentarily stunned.

But he was only dazed for a moment; he soon reacted, lunging forward to grab the bedding and wrap it around Yan Zhi. Then, he hurriedly reached out to feel his forehead and cheeks.

Chapter 39 - 2

Sun, 29 Mar 2026 13:11:55 +0000

Chapter 39 - 2#

Xiao Cuan’s eyes narrowed, staring fixedly at him.

“I’m a good friend of Yan Zhi’s, and I’ve brought some brown sugar cakes. They’re cheap and filling.”

“It’s none of your business,” Xiao Cuan spoke coldly. “Get lost.”

“I’ll just go in and give him a piece of brown sugar cake. I won’t say anything to him…”

Chu Yu still wanted to try more, but Xiao Cuan waved his hand, and the two guards immediately grabbed Chu Yu’s arms and carried him out.