Chapter Text
Several days had passed since the meeting had taken place. Just now, Jin GuangShan was heading to the meeting hall when he received the news that Yao Sabadell had arrived at Jin Palace.
As soon as he walked through the door, he saw Yao Sabadell bow to him. “Greetings, Your Majesty. I’ve brought the signature you needed from my father.” He presented a beautifully decorated golden folder with great poise. “Inside is the request. I hope it will be helpful.”
Jin GuangShan took the folder, then opened it to inspect the paper with the requested signature. Shortly after, he set it on the table. “That was certainly quick. I didn’t expect something so minor to be handled with so little delay, considering it wasn’t a matter of great urgency either…”
Yao Sabadell smiled faintly. “I advised my father that the sooner we acted, the less we would keep you waiting. With everything that has happened between us in these last weeks, you have become an essential part of our growth. My father and I understand the importance of maintaining strong ties, and that is why we wanted to return what you have given us so much of: priority.” He bowed. “Besides, I came early with the intention of spending a pleasant time with you.”
Jin GuangShan nodded slowly. “A pleasant time… You are quite a disciplined and upright young man. Your father must feel very proud.”
Yao Sabadell hadn’t expected such a compliment, but he was undeniably pleased. “I appreciate the praise, Your Majesty. I always try to lighten the burden of leading the Yao clan by carrying out my father’s orders to the letter.”
“Admirable…” Jin GuangShan waved his fan. “A very intelligent son.”
“You should feel the same way yourself.”
“Oh, really? Why?”
“Jin Zixuanyu is an honorable man dedicated to his work. From my point of view, he is a man prepared for any challenge that comes his way.”
Jin GuangShan sensed the purpose behind the compliment. Yao Sabadell seemed to want to strengthen their relationship by being polite and kind, but the fact that he mentioned Mo Xuanyu so soon made him suspicious. Ever since Mo Xuanyu had confessed about the possible “physical abuse” on Mount Huaicang, he couldn’t see Yao Sabadell in the same way.
“How curious,” he replied, waving his fan. “Very strong bonds have formed between you and Mo Xuanyu.”
“He is a good person. He showed my father that he is a man worthy of taking the reign of LanlinJin in the future.”
“He not only showed your father how capable he is… but you were able to see it too, it seems.”
Yao Sabadell smiled faintly. “How could I deny it? I told you before: Jin Zixuanyu is an honorable man.”
“I suppose he was more interesting to you than to anyone else… Or am I mistaken?” After speaking, Jin GuangShan looked him straight in the eyes, like a spear ready to strike. His gaze was sharp, as if he wanted to scrutinize any reaction Yao Sabadell might have to his words.
By then, Yao Sabadell looked at him in silence, and after a second, tilted his head. “With all due respect, what are you implying?”
Jin GuangShan didn’t waste any time. “I know what happened on Mount Huaicang. Mo Xuanyu told me. Now that I have the pleasure of speaking with you face to face, I’ll take this opportunity to ask: What is your deep interest in him?”
The younger man’s expression shifted from a bright smile to one of complete seriousness. With a slight clearing of his throat, he replied, “If you already know… there’s no need to explain.”
“Actually, it is necessary,” Jin GuangShan replied, his hands behind his back. “Every story has two sides. I would like to hear yours.”
Yao Sabadell fell silent for several long seconds. It was understandable that he felt uncomfortable. Talking about a private matter that wasn’t really the concern of the president of LanlinJin was both irritating and embarrassing. However, he figured that since he was already here with his hands tied, perhaps he should take the opportunity to clear up any misunderstandings.
“With all due respect, Your Majesty. From my point of view, Jin Zixuanyu also played a part in bringing us closer in an intimate way.”
“Oh, he played a part… I see. He contributed to the point that… you got hurt in the shoulder?”
“…” Yao Sabadell didn’t understand what he was referring to.
“Come on, explain it to me,” Jin GuangShan continued. “Hurting him in the shoulder—is that something you consider right?”
“Hurt his shoulder? I’m sorry, but I don’t fully understand what you’re referring to.”
“He claimed to have been abused by you, and indeed, the injury on his shoulder confirms it. Don’t you remember? How convenient…”
“From my point of view, and with no intention to offend, what really happened between us was that we kissed…”
“What?” Jin GuangShan was astonished.
“That’s what we did that last night on Mount Huaicang. Your Majesty, I thought you knew the true story. Could it be… Jin Zixuanyu invented another version of the events to hide the kiss?”
Jin GuangShan furrowed his brow, clearly perplexed. His face radiated disbelief, confusion, and bewilderment.
By then, Yao Sabadell spoke up, “Perhaps you are right. I got carried away and took advantage of the situation, allowing my feelings to come to light. Your son appeals to me, and I felt happy because we had a beautiful connection. However… it wasn’t all my idea. I must confess that your son was the one who started it all.”
Jin GuangShan narrowed his eyes. “What do you mean? Are you implying that he…?”
“He shares the same taste as I do. He wanted a kiss that night, and I gave it to him.”
Jin GuangShan immediately shook his head with obvious bitterness. “No, this is ridiculous. I never thought you would twist the story to contradict my son’s words.” Yao Sabadell remained silent as he watched Jin GuangShan in denial. He continued, “How can you come and distort the truth? Why not admit that you were wrong and that you were the one who started it all?”
“With all due respect, and with no intention to offend… I think you don’t truly know who your son really is.”
“Do you have any proof to claim that he started that blasphemy?”
By then, Yao Sabadell lowered his gaze. “Unfortunately, I don’t have any proof in my hands. It’s just my word against his, but if you allow me to have a brief conversation with him, perhaps I could…”
“Don’t you think you’ve already done too much by abusing him?” he replied, clearly not in favor of his approach. “Why do you need to get close to him? To force him?”
“Jin GuangShan,” he said, his facial features hardening. “You are accusing me of something that, although Mo Xuanyu also has no proof to back his words, forces me to defend myself with the usual phrase: ‘It’s his word against mine.’ If you truly want to find the truth, you should give me the benefit of the doubt.”
“My son is incapable of lying to me. Besides, why should I give you the benefit of the doubt when the scratch on his arm is so evident?”
“I didn’t make that scratch. I have never laid a hand on him. All we did that night was kiss. I cannot allow you to treat me as an abuser when I haven’t been. I will not allow that.”
“And what do you plan to do? How would it benefit me to provide the information you’re seeking?”
“I understand,” Yao Sabadell held back from saying something that might come across as rude. He took a deep breath and then said, “The Yao clan and the LanlinJin government have always kept their distance due to these misunderstandings over the past two years. The large debt that wasn’t settled within the required time has caused our ties to appear unstable. With this, I don’t intend to give you a lecture; I just want to say that in any story, there are always two versions that divide us, and you have the freedom to choose which one you prefer to believe.” He took another deep breath before continuing, “I will not try to defend myself, nor will I force you to believe me. Your son had his reasons for telling you what he did, accusing me. If you truly want to gain something that benefits you at the expense of the truth… I only ask that you allow me to speak with him.”
Jin GuangShan didn’t look convinced by his request at all.
“I propose something,” Yao Sabadell continued. “If I can prove that my version of the story is correct, grant me the opportunity to approach your son whenever I wish. I can teach him more about important political matters to highlight. In fact, I can help him become the best leader of Jin Palace, setting aside Meng-Yao.”
“How can you say that?” Jin GuangShan furrowed his brow even more. “Meng-Yao is the next successor of my reign. Why would I leave him out?”
“Aren’t you ashamed that the next heir to the throne is the son of a prostitute?”
Jin GuangShan seemed to have heard something utterly horrifying when the origin of his second heir was revealed. “How do you know that? Or rather… how does that situation affect my reign?”
“Preserving royal blood is important. If Meng-Yao succeeds you and marries in the future, he will bring a tainted bloodline to the kingdom because of his mother. I know this isn’t really my concern, but I recall hearing you mention something similar in the first meeting. In other words, you’re not very sure about giving Meng-Yao the chance to be a leader for the same reason. There may be other personal reasons that make him unworthy. However, I know the main reason is his origin. Am I wrong?”
Jin GuangShan stared at him without saying anything in response. He was upset, without a doubt. However, discussing Meng-Yao’s origin was one of the things he never wished to debate. It had always been that way since he accepted him into Jin Palace. In fact, his main condition for accepting him was to bury that nefarious past.
He clearly remembered those days when he promised to forget that topic. Seeing now that Yao Sabadell knew about it filled him with loathing. It made him think that during the first meeting he had with the Yao clan, he had spoken too much. Surely the alcohol had made him say foolish things, and now he didn’t know how to defend himself.
“Jin Zixuanyu is a man worthy of the crown,” Yao Sabadell continued. “If you allow me to teach your son so that he can surpass his older brother… I’m sure he will thank me for it.”
Jin GuangShan couldn’t comprehend such audacity. “How dare you? Pay you for lessons that my son doesn’t need?”
“In fact… we both know it would be a good way to win without any losers. Do you know why?” The older man narrowed his eyes. Yao Sabadell continued, “Every time you allow me to see your son, I can pay you a significant amount of money as repayment for the debt that still remains between us. You wouldn’t need to give me anything else except your consent to see your son.”
“What makes you think I would use my son for such an atrocity?”
“The debt between us is an immense burden. Since last time, my father has tried to maintain order in the Yao clan, hoping for the day when you finally pay him what you owe. I don’t want to see him stressed over the same old issues, so it seems to me that what I’m proposing is not difficult to fulfill…”
Jin GuangShan looked away, feeling truly offended at the implication that he didn’t have the means to fully repay such a large debt. Standing before him, Yao Sabadell was only asking for permission to see Mo Xuanyu as part of the repayment.
He didn’t know what to think or what decision to make, since, from his point of view, settling a debt merely by using his son sounded utterly abhorrent, yet also tempting.
“What about the Yao leader?” Jin GuangShan asked with a certain seriousness. “Don’t you think he’ll realize he’s losing money for no apparent reason?”
“Don’t worry about that, Your Majesty. I will take care of everything without him suspecting a thing.” Jin GuangShan didn’t respond. There, Yao Sabadell insisted, “We can start today: if you allow me to see your son, I will pay you for the first lesson of the day.”
~~~
“Kaite, don’t lick me like that!” The three-month-old puppy seemed overly energetic that afternoon when Mo Xuanyu wanted to play with her for a while.
The hound gleamed with the incredible black collar that Meng-Yao had gifted her a few days ago, so Mo Xuanyu didn’t waste the opportunity to also wear the black hat that made them an inseparable duo. Apparently, he wouldn’t take it off for anything in the world. It had become his favorite hat.
At the moment, the puppy had a habit of licking Mo Xuanyu’s cheeks as soon as he brought her close to his face to show affection. Mo Xuanyu loved pampering her, and she didn’t hold back, responding with several licks. Suddenly, a bark from her alerted him. When Mo Xuanyu turned toward the backyard exit, where Kaite was focused, he saw a tall man standing there with his hands resting behind his back.
Mo Xuanyu stood up immediately, holding the puppy tightly in his arms, filled with anxiety.
“Greetings, Jin Zixuanyu,” Yao Sabadell greeted with a smile. “It’s good to see you again.”
“What are you doing here?” Mo Xuanyu didn’t even have the decency to greet him. The fear that coursed through his body made him look around in every direction, not noticing his father nearby. “How did you get in?”
Yao Sabadell sensed the rejection immediately. It wasn’t the first time Mo Xuanyu had acted this way. On the day of the second meeting, he had given hints that he didn’t want to see him, and now it was confirmed.
“I’m not here to make you uncomfortable,” he immediately said in a gentle voice. “I only asked your father to allow me to have a moment to speak with you alone, and he agreed. I feel there are several things between us that need to be clarified. May I have the honor?”
Mo Xuanyu felt somewhat defenseless. How could his father have agreed to let this man come to speak with him “alone”? He was sure his father had become protective after learning that he had suffered abuse at this man’s hands. How was it possible that he allowed him to come? On the other hand, he had his pet in his arms, so he felt he also had to protect her—though, more accurately… he needed her to protect himself from anything this man might try to do.
“Shall we sit?” Yao Sabadell gestured to a small bench in the garden where they could talk peacefully.
Seated in that spot, Mo Xuanyu, holding his pet in his arms, kept his eyes fixed on the man, attentive to everything he did.
“I’ll be direct with you,” Yao Sabadell took a somewhat deep breath. “Did I do something wrong the last time we kissed?” Mo Xuanyu felt his heart beat impatiently. Was he really asking the obvious? Yao Sabadell continued, “I ask because… since that moment, I’ve felt you’ve been a little distant.”
The younger man looked around, refraining from responding. It wasn’t appropriate to mention something like that in Jin Palace, where anyone could hear them.
“And well?” he asked.
Mo Xuanyu lowered his gaze, wanting to tell him to be quiet, but he wasn’t even capable of doing that. What could he say? That he had been hurt? That was something he should already know…
“Jin Zixuanyu…”
“I want you to forget it,” he replied immediately. “What happened that day will not happen again between us because I will not do it again.”
“Oh,” Yao Sabadell looked at him, feeling slightly offended. Something didn’t seem to please him, and it showed in his gaze. “So you didn’t like any of my kisses… Not even for having brought liquor
“I never asked you to do that.”
Yao Sabadell understood the rejection perfectly. “Of course. You’re right,” he nodded. “In that case, if it had been Lan Wangji… it would have been a different story. Wouldn’t it?”
Mo Xuanyu felt that was a low blow.
“Lan Wangji is indeed worthy of your devotion,” he continued very calmly, “even if he does not return it.”
“No,” Mo Xuanyu said firmly, frowning. “He isn’t worthy of me either.”
“Yes…” Yao Sabadell clicked his tongue slightly as he carefully considered his next words. “I understand that he isn’t worthy of you either, but… why am I not? That day, we simply had an enjoyable time.”
“Forcing me?” Mo Xuanyu hissed bitterly. A faint annoyance settled in his gaze. “I told you many times to stop, and you simply continued, ignoring my words.”
“Forcing you? I wouldn’t be capable of something like that. Besides… I didn’t know you felt that way about me. My sincerest apologies if I hurt you without realizing it. Truly, forgive me.”
Mo Xuanyu watched him in silence.
“Is there any way I can make up for my lack of respect? I won’t blame the alcohol. If I hurt you, I will take full responsibility. I don’t want to lose your friendship now that our parents have resolved their differences. Jin Zixuanyu, you know how difficult the distance has been for all of us, and to break our bond over a misunderstanding that can be resolved with an apology… I couldn’t do that. Could I?”
Seeing how concerned Yao Sabadell was about the consequences of a possible rift, Mo Xuanyu began to think that he was right. He hadn’t seen the situation clearly because he had been focused on the trauma.
Apparently, he seemed remorseful, so Mo Xuanyu felt that perhaps… he could forgive him. “All right,” he agreed. “If you promise to forget what we did on Mount Huaicang, I will do the same.”
“If that is what you wish… I agree. Nothing happened between us that day. I only wish to preserve your friendship, which is too valuable to me,” Yao Sabadell said as he stood up and then bowed to him.
By then, Mo Xuanyu felt that so much formality wasn’t necessary, but he chose to remain silent while the puppy seemed fed up with being in his arms. She shook herself free and jumped down from his lap.
“Kaite!” Mo Xuanyu shouted, worried as he saw her land on the ground. The puppy turned toward him, wagging her tail at the sound of her name, but then focused on Yao Sabadell and approached him closely, sniffing him and almost immediately seeking to play.
“How adorable,” the older man said, stroking her head with a wide smile. “She’s beautiful, just like her owner.”
Mo Xuanyu scratched his cheek at the compliment. It was after that that the puppy began to nibble on Yao Sabadell’s fingers playfully, making him enjoy the moment. By then, Mo Xuanyu didn’t say anything else as he watched them play, until he saw her running in circles around him. “Oh, don’t let her go inside the palace… That’s not allowed.”
“Oh, I understand,” Yao Sabadell said, directing his gaze toward the far end of the garden. “Can we go over there? That way she can run anywhere, and her owner won’t have to worry about losing her. What do you think?”
Mo Xuanyu looked away as he thought about it. He still didn’t feel comfortable being alone with him in a place where not many people passed by; however, Yao Sabadell seemed unaware of his anxious thoughts as he took the initiative to walk in that direction, creating some distance while picking up a small twig from the ground.
The puppy gave in far too quickly. Apparently, she didn’t see him as a threat. Kaite trusted him immediately upon finding a new playmate.
On the other hand, Mo Xuanyu wished that Meng-Yao were here to protect him, but he knew that wasn’t possible since he was once again away from the Jin Palace…
He had no choice but to go over there with them, walking slowly and keeping his distance, although, in a way, he couldn’t help smiling whenever he saw his precious baby having fun.
~~~
Since that afternoon, Jin GuangShan couldn’t believe that his son had lied to him in every sense of the word. He had lied about the injury on his shoulder, when what had really happened between them was a kiss. The worst part was that the way things had happened left him in a foul mood. There was something in Jin GuangShan’s mind that simply could not accept such a reality—one he considered an aberration.
That his son liked men when he himself had been a complete womanizer was simply inconceivable — an incredible clash of beliefs and perspectives that pushed him into an unyielding state of denial.
Jin GuangShan was a man willing to face anything, but a homosexual son was certainly not one of those things. However, he was also not a man who made things complicated. If he could benefit from a situation, he would do so without hesitation. It wasn’t hard for him to eventually agree to the visits Yao Sabadell had proposed under the excuse of turning Mo Xuanyu into a “better leader.”
The idea of Mo Xuanyu becoming the next leader of LanlinJin crossed Jin GuangShan’s mind often, all because Yao Sabadell had promised to straighten him out and turn him into an admirable man.
What happened between Mo Xuanyu and Yao Sabadell was no longer in his hands. The only thing Jin GuangShan began to find fruitful was the money the man handed him during each visit, a situation he started to enjoy. On the other hand, Mo Xuanyu gradually eased his anxiety regarding Yao Sabadell when he didn’t seem to act with any ulterior motives.
He completely changed his perspective now that Yao Sabadell was behaving like the man he had known from the beginning: polite and kind, without violating his integrity. In fact, Kaite was one of the main reasons Mo Xuanyu began to accept Yao Sabadell, since she became excited just by seeing him, and the latter never missed the chance to buy her outfits, toys, and a bunch of treats so the puppy could grow up with good manners.
Mo Xuanyu learned a few tricks that Yao Sabadell had been teaching the puppy to make her more obedient. On one occasion, Nie Huaisang got to meet him after one of his unexpected visits. It was obvious that he would express his opinion; he seemed like a good candidate for Mo Xuanyu. By then, Mo Xuanyu only pretended to listen and ended up nodding. The truth was… he still had his reservations.
Mo Xuanyu had understood that the trauma was behind him, and that he should never again feel the desire to kiss another man. The aftermath of that trauma gradually led him to believe that his attraction to men was simply a phase.
Whenever he thought of something like that, or felt a kind of unhealthy attraction, he would block it out. He scolded himself and forced himself to suppress it.
“Brother Mo… Now that Yao Sabadell visits Jin Palace often, don’t you think you should take the opportunity to go out with him?”
“No,” Mo Xuanyu said without thinking, which came across as very abrupt, especially when he noticed Nie Huaisang’s somewhat surprised look. “I mean… it’s not right to think that way.”
“Please, Brother Mo,” Nie Huaisang crossed his arms. “How is it not right to think that way? He’s a good man. I don’t understand why you won’t give yourself the chance to get to know him as a possible future love. Look at all this”—he pointed to several of the puppy’s toys scattered on the ground. There were so many! “He’s practically become the puppy’s father. He pampers her too much! And I’m almost certain it’s because of you!”
Mo Xuanyu scratched his cheek, feeling a bead of sweat run down his forehead. He didn’t want to admit it, but on second thought, Yao Sabadell seemed to be giving the puppy so much affection with the intention of getting closer to him and making up for the past.
“Are you really going to tell me that he’s not interested in you?” Nie Huaisang stared at him as if accusing him. “You know that won’t work on me! I have a good eye for these things! It’s obvious that he likes you a lot!”
“For heaven’s sake…” Mo Xuanyu looked away. “Nonsense…”
“Brother Mo! You know I’m pretty accurate when it comes to matters of love! I can tell that man is head over heels for you. That’s why I’m telling you: Take advantage of it, take advantage of it.”
“Is that what you would do?” he asked, smiling at him in return. “I haven’t even seen a possible candidate for you either…”
He laughed while waving his fan. “Brother Mo, what are you saying? For someone to be with me, he has to be a man capable of putting up with my whims… Hahaha! Just kidding. But to answer your question: it’s not like I’m looking for so much formality with the first person who comes my way.”
“Would you kiss on the first date?” Suddenly, Mo Xuanyu asked, wanting to know his opinion on the matter and to compare it with the kiss he had shared with Yao Sabadell.
“Hmm… maybe? It depends on the context and the place.”
“If there’s alcohol involved… would you do it?”
Generally, Mo Xuanyu was very reserved on these topics, whereas Nie Huaisang was more open. That he was asking him about the possibility of kissing on the first date, including alcohol…
“Did something happen?!” Nie Huaisang’s eyes widened in surprise. “Brother Mo… did something happen?! You don’t usually ask me these things! What are you hiding?!”
Mo Xuanyu silenced him with a hand, while Nie Huaisang grabbed his shoulders, shaking him in search of the truth. However, Mo Xuanyu’s gaze filled with pain when he felt his right shoulder, still sensitive from the last injury, being squeezed too hard. Nie Huaisang was taken aback when he saw the scar starting to show on his skin.
By then, Mo Xuanyu had to explain everything to him from the beginning, omitting the actions that would reveal his feelings for Lan Wangji. He diverted the topic by telling him about what he had experienced with Yao Sabadell on Mount Huicang, leaving out those forced kisses. Although he had to admit it was a bit awkward to recount it as if nothing had happened, Nie Huaisang made it more bearable by giving him advice on how he could get to know Yao Sabadell romantically, in case he ever became interested.
For Nie Huaisang, all of this was a game, but for Mo Xuanyu, it wasn’t entirely so. Remembering that night and how frightened he had felt left him deep in thought.
Even though Nie Huaisang encouraged him to explore love with someone like Yao Sabadell, a man who seemed quite interested in him, Mo Xuanyu had his doubts.
He had forgiven Yao Sabadell, but he wasn’t sure if he should give him a chance. He couldn’t deny that it all seemed intriguing. Experiencing love, leaving the trauma behind, was tempting. Although he still lived in the past because of the trauma, being close to Yao Sabadell also made him feel desired—something that almost never happened due to his insecurities.
He had to admit that Yao Sabadell had behaved very well toward him in the past few weeks. Therefore, the curiosity to explore more of the realm of love—those sweet fluttering feelings in the stomach, without the need to include kisses—was something he would like to experience again…
Here he was again, having improper thoughts about someone he shouldn’t: a man. Mo Xuanyu shook his head, frowning, and then let out a deep sigh, feeling quite confused between duty and desire.
~~~
That afternoon, Meng-Yao was going out again. He had been quite busy with Xue Yang over matters Mo Xuanyu didn’t know about. The truth was, they seemed to be good friends. Mo Xuanyu began to watch their interaction, silently observing how his brother smiled so much by his side, and it started to make him… jealous.
“Why are you leaving again?” Mo Xuanyu asked as soon as they finished lunch. His eyes looked saddened, as if pleading for him to explain the real reason.
“A-Yu… you know the reason well,” Meng-Yao smiled, understanding what he was trying to communicate with his gaze. “My absence tonight is important. I understand that you don’t want me to be away again, but I promise to make it up to you as soon as I return.”
Mo Xuanyu pouted and crossed his arms. He felt a mix of emotions, blending annoyance and sadness.
“I promise to bring you a gift,” Meng-Yao said. “Tell me what you want, and I’ll bring it to you no matter the cost.”
Mo Xuanyu looked him in the eyes, a faint blush coloring his cheeks. It was clear that all he wanted was his company. “I…” he whispered very softly, “all I want is a hug.”
Meng-Yao raised both eyebrows and smiled gently at him. He took the initiative to wrap him in his arms, a hug that proved very comforting for Mo Xuanyu. By then, the younger one closed his eyes and wrapped his arms around his shoulders to strengthen that closeness he so cherished. There was nothing more Mo Xuanyu longed for than to spend the entire day like this, together with him…
As soon as he thought about it, he felt insecure, and a slight sense of anxiety and uncertainty resurfaced in his chest. Why was he thinking about this again? Why did it have to be with him, his brother? In fact, when Mo Xuanyu felt the urge to pull away, Meng-Yao seemed to hug him even tighter as he said:
“I love you, and I always will.”
There, Mo Xuanyu froze in his arms. Hearing his older brother say that while hugging him, and feeling his own hesitation, left his mind blank. Lying in his arms, Meng-Yao’s honey-colored eyes met his as he pulled back. “Do you love me too, A-Yu?”
Mo Xuanyu looked into his eyes and feared what he felt for him. That feeling grew more intense with each passing moment, to the point that the word “love” felt too small. It was difficult to admit that he cared for him as he gave a slight nod and lowered his gaze. He felt the urge to hide or cover his face. In fact, the desire was so strong that he covered his eyes with his hands.
“Are you okay?” he asked, seeing him in that position. However, when Meng-Yao saw that tiny nod, still with his hands covering his eyes, he found it quite adorable and amusing. “I’ll take that as a yes.”
He stroked his head and promised that he would return soon, assuring him that they would spend a pleasant day together. Once he left, Mo Xuanyu remained at the foot of the last step of the grand staircase, watching the car carrying his brother drive away from Jin Palace.
He sighed at the longing to see him again. A flood of thoughts crossed his mind, but there was one feeling that overshadowed them all: love.
That night, there wasn’t going to be a meeting, so Mo Xuanyu locked himself in his room with the idea of painting a special fan for his older brother. Just as he was finishing the final touches, he heard his bedroom door being knocked.
“Young Master Mo, you have a visitor,” the servant said, bowing as soon as he opened the door. The news excited Mo Xuanyu, who thought his brother had returned. Since that afternoon, the only thing on his mind had been his older brother. His heart longed for his return, and with that thought, he left everything he had been working on on his desk to go downstairs.
In the hallways, he came across the group of friends who had drank with Meng-Yao at the bar. Among them was Miss Luo QingYang. However, none of them was him… Could he be with his father?
As he made his way to the main hall, he froze at the sight of Yao Sabadell’s presence.
“Jin Zixuanyu,” the man smiled upon seeing him arrive. He made a courteous bow and added, “It fills me with pride to see you again.”
Mo Xuanyu hadn’t expected to find him here without a special event. Shortly after, he noticed his father approaching them, waving his fan as he walked.
“Mo Xuanyu, it’s good to see you leave your room. For a moment, I thought you wouldn’t come out for the rest of the day…” Jin GuangShan, who had said this with no intention other than to scold his son’s habits, seemed to notice the impression his son had upon seeing Yao Sabadell. In fact, he chose to remain silent to watch as Mo Xuanyu bowed to both of them in greeting.
“I didn’t know there was a meeting today, Father,” Mo Xuanyu said, assuming that Yao Sabadell’s unexpected visit was because of that. However, he was surprised when he heard him say:
“Don’t take it so seriously, my son. In fact…” Jin GuangShan turned to Yao Sabadell, who was looking at him in the same way. “I want both of you to follow me.”
Jin GuangShan led them to the Fragrance Hall, a place that belonged to him and into which only a few people could enter—those closest to him, to be precise.
As soon as Mo Xuanyu entered, he noticed that Yao Sabadell was by his side, finding it very strange that his father had allowed him into his private space. That meant… they were very close?
“Mo Xuanyu, since you know that Meng-Yao has been absent most of the time due to various obligations, I would like to know your opinion about becoming my right hand when he isn’t around.”
“Y-Your… right hand?” Mo Xuanyu remained thoughtful. “What does that mean?”
“Well, it’s like taking Meng-Yao’s position to help manage the kingdom’s affairs more efficiently. Whenever he isn’t around, you would take his place as the next successor. It’s an excellent idea that Yao Sabadell suggested so you can learn more about what it takes to be a good leader in Jin Palace.”
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Mo Xuanyu remained thoughtful, believing that the position was meant only for his older brother as the next in line. He had never wished to take the role from him. In other words, Meng-Yao had the presence to become an excellent leader. He couldn’t even entertain the idea of replacing him, because he would never be better than him.
“Now that we are alone regarding this proposal, I would like to know: What are your thoughts on it?”
Mo Xuanyu looked somewhat confused. “Wouldn’t that… mean taking Meng-Yao’s position?”
“Of course not,” Yao Sabadell suddenly interjected right beside him. “Jin Zixuanyu, the proposal is for you to learn to stand in for your brother whenever he isn’t present. You would be an interim substitute. In doing so, you would help His Majesty maintain order in the kingdom, and I am willing to assist you if necessary.” Yao Sabadell concluded by bowing to him.
“Yao Sabadell is right,” Jin GuangShan added, waving his fan. “All of this is so that you can become an excellent statesman in the future. So… what do you say?”
Mo Xuanyu wasn’t very sure about accepting. He respected too much what his brother would become in the future to even consider taking his place.
“If you accept, I’m sure Meng-Yao would be very proud of you,” Jin GuangShan added. “After all, both of you are my children and deserve proper recognition for your actions. That’s why I want both of you to learn to be leaders in your own right…”