
Posted originally on the Archive_of_Our_Own at https://archiveofourown.org/
works/2236185.
  Rating:
      Explicit
  Archive Warning:
      Major_Character_Death, Underage
  Category:
      M/M, Multi, F/M
  Fandom:
      Original_Work, No_Fandom
  Relationship:
      Original_Male_Character/Original_Male_Character
  Character:
      Original_Characters, Original_Male_Character(s), Original_Female
      Character(s)
  Additional Tags:
      Historical, Ancient_China, Hàn_Dynasty, First_Time, Loss_of_Virginity,
      Male_Homosexuality, Underage_Sex, Older_Man/Younger_Man, Original
      Character_Death(s), Drama_&_Romance, Sexual_Content, Original_Fiction,
      POV_Third_Person_Limited, First_Kiss, Kissing, Angst, 1st_Century_BCE,
      Tragedy
  Stats:
      Published: 2014-09-01 Updated: 2015-04-04 Chapters: 3/? Words: 6233
****** Power Over Love ******
by kyoselflove
Summary
     Qin Gao is an exceptionally beautiful young man. The Emperor of Han
     hears of Gao's beauty and has him come to the Imperial Palace. Gao
     becomes closer to the Emperor, but he finds himself wondering if it
     will begin his life or end it?
Notes
     This is my first take on original fiction and I am dying to know what
     people think. Just wanted to point out obviously they didn't talk
     like how I have written (since it takes place in 6 B.C.E) but I did
     that for the sake of simplicity and I don't really know how they
     talked back then, haha! (Does anybody?) Also I chose not to use to
     many Chinese terms so it wouldn't get confusing. I used the term
     hanzi, which is the word for Chinese Characters, like kanji is for
     Japanese Characters. That is all, hope you enjoy!
See the end of the work for more notes
***** Chapter 1 *****
A knock at the door startled him, causing his brush to go astray mid-stroke,
the hanzi becoming illegible. Looking down at the now unusable page, he sighed
putting down his brush, then rose out of his chair. There was another bang at
the door before he opened it.
“Qin Gao?” Before him was a handsome man, with sun kissed skin unlike his own.
“Yes?” Opening the door all the way he could see two other men still hoisted on
their horses. A gust of frigid air swept through the house, he pulled the
opening of his robes closer together.
“His Imperial Majesty wishes to speak with you.”
“Please, let me dress.” Gao closed the door with shaky hands. They were still
unsteady as he opened his wardrobe with haste, putting on a thicker robe. He
wondered what the Emperor could possibly want with him. Never before had he met
His Majesty in person, the idea that he wanted to see him was unnerving.
He pulled back the top layer of his long ebony hair, tying it with a ribbon
into a loose bun. He checked his appearance in the bonze mirror making sure it
was well enough for His Majesty, then he walked back to the door and slipped on
his shoes.
Outside, all three men were on their mounts, ready. Gao went to his stable to
retrieve his own steed. The saddle was heavy in his arms as he lifted it on to
his mares muscled back. He straddled her, petting the flowing golden mane and
then rode her out to the men in waiting.
Long moments had passed without words as they strode down the lengthy road. No
longer could Gao hold in his burning curiosity. “What does His Imperial Majesty
wish to speak with me about?”
“You dare question His Majesty’s intentions?” The good-looking man inquired,
brows furrowed.
He hands tightened around the reins, “No, of course not. My apologies.”
The short conversation made Gao even more nervous. What would the Emperor
summon him for? Gao tried to not think about the different scenarios, none
having a particularly good outcome.
The journey to the palace was a short one but Gao found himself bored with the
scenery, a failed attempt to distract him. Around them was nothing but farming
lands that were left barren. The other men hardly spoke; even when they did, it
wasn’t directed towards him. He rode his horse next to the attractive man,
“What’s your name?”
“Chao Jun.” He kept his eyes forward on the road, Gao nodded even though it
went unnoticed.
“Does this happen often?” Gao inquired.
“What?” Still Jun’s gaze avoided him.
“Being sent to take people to the Emperor?”
“No.” Jun said dryly. Gao frowned at the lack of effort for conversation.
The rest of trip was in complete silence, other than the sounds of nature
around them. As the walls of the palace came to view, Gao began to fidget with
his robe. An imperial guard opened the gate for them, once inside they
dismounted their horses, giving them to the stablemen. All Gao could do was
follow Jun to the emperor’s chambers.
Jun left, the doors were slid open by imperial eunuchs, revealing the Emperor
himself lazing on his bed, fanning his face with feathers. His Majesty was
young but older than himself. He appearance looked rather plain, but Gao would
never dare say it aloud. The Emperor’s skin was even more pale than his own.
The room was lined with gold, valuables littered through out the room showed
Gao of His Majesty’s wealth. The Emperor was in the finest silk robes Gao had
ever seen, his headpiece decorated with strings of jade beads.
“Qin Gao, I must say, the gossip does your beauty no justice. You are the most
beautiful person of all Chang'an!” His voice was cheerful, eyes wide. The
Emperor of Han stood, the jade clanking as he moved. As His Majesty came
closer, Gao bowed his head, stunned by his words. A smooth hand under his chin
lifted his face, his eyes meeting the emperors.
“Why would you hide such a lovely face?” The Emperor requested, the soft
fingers caressing his cheek.
“My apologies, Your Imperial Majesty.” He raised his head, avoiding eye
contact.
His Majesty snorted, “No formalities necessary here, we are alone. My name is
Li Jian.”
“It pleases me to hear such kind words, Jian.” The corners of Gao’s lips turned
upwards as he still gazed down at the floor.
Jian put a hand on his lower back, stroking through his robe, it startled him
for a moment but he regained his composure. “Look at me.” Gao’s did as he was
told. The emperor was smiling wide, “I will have men gather your belongings.
You reside in the palace from now on.”
“You honor me, Your Imperial—“
“Jian.” His majesty corrected him, waving his hand in the air with a tilt of
his head, the jade beads following his movements.
“Jian.” Gao repeated. “You honor me.”
“Good, now that’s settled!” Jian clapped his hands together before wrapping an
arm around Gao’s slim waist. “How about the grand tour?”
Gao nodded his head with a laugh, covering his mouth with his hand, old fears
being replaced with those of new. He paid no mind to the names of places the
Emperor of Han pointed out to him. Instead he was caught up with his inner
thoughts, a loving smile he would return to Jian in acknowledgement.
The arm around his waist tightened, bringing him closer to Jian. Officials
began to give him odd looks, even some with annoyance. Gao’s smile never left
his face as he was introduced to them.
“Ah, you remember Chao Jun?” His Majesty swayed his hand towards said man.
“Yes, Your Imperial Majesty.”
Chao Jun gave a nod but avoided eye contact with Gao. The act made Gao look at
him with surveying eyes. Jun was aged enough to have fathered adolescents, tiny
wrinkles showed underneath his eyes, that became more prominent when he smiled.
His chin adorned a goatee short in length; it was a nice contrast to his wide
face. His long hair pulled tight into a twist on the top of his head. The
Emperor’s chuckle brought him out of his trance. “Chao Jun you humor me!”
Gao had not realized that he indeed missed a whole conversation that took
place. He decided to give a little giggle of his own, right hand covering his
mouth as he did. His Majesty turned to him, “A jester, is he not?”
He gave a bow of his head, “Indeed, he is.”
Jun glanced at him, just as soon as they locked eyes, they moved away again.
The Emperor waved his hand towards Jun, “No worries, Chao Jun. I will take your
proposal into consideration.”
Jun nodded, a hint of irritation evident across his features, “Thank you, Your
Imperial Majesty.”
Jian placed a hand on his back, giving him a light push forward. Gao’s feet
began to move on his own as he heard the Emperor say his goodbyes to Jun.
“Let me show you to your quarters, Qin Gao.” His Majesty whispered in his ear,
causing him to shudder involuntarily.
Gao walked into the luxurious room, the Emperor right behind him. “Thank you,
Jian.”
“It is my pleasure! Rest now, you had a long day.” Jian gave a clap of his
hands then left his newly acquired chambers.
Gao fell against the plush bedding underneath him with a smirk. Not even
eighteen years of age, he found himself residing in the imperial palace. His
Majesty has taken a liking to him and he would surely use that fact to his
advantage.
 
***
 
“Do you ride, Gao?” Jian asked him as they waked to the stables.
“Of course.” He said confidently.
“Any man can mount a horse but can he ride?” The Emperor laughed, Gao stayed
silent for a moment.
“Then I will just have to show you that I can.” Gao teased, as he climbed on to
his horse the same one that he had rode to the palace the first time. The
eunuch’s that helped Jian onto his own mount shot him displeased looks. He
simply smiled at them and waited. A eunuch handed His Majesty a bow with a sack
of arrows.
“If you can ride, then you know archery as well?” Jian smirked at him; another
eunuch gave him his own set. The arrows had a rope tied around them; he hung
the bundle on his shoulder as he held onto the bow. In return to Jian’s
question, he only smiled not showing his teeth.
As they rode out, a few imperial guards and eunuchs in tow, Jian made sure to
stay directly by Gao’s side. It had been a couple of months since he was moved
into the imperial palace, the winter chill replaced by fresh warm air.
“How do you enjoy being an Imperial Secretary?” Jian said un-strapping his bow
from his saddle.
“It’s good, Feng Shu is a great mentor. Thank you, Jian, for the employment.”
Gao smiled and watched on as His Majesty aligned an arrow, drawing his arm back
to ready his bow.
“Yes, he is a good man and quite the writer.”
In the vast field a fog had set, making the distance concealed, it was mostly
vacant besides the few targets set up for His Majesty. Upon reaching the right
distance, they brought their horses to a stand still. The targets were made
roughly to look like a person, compiled together from dry straw.
Of course, he let His Majesty take the first shot; Jian kicked the side of his
horse riding along the targets, and then shot his arrow. Which missed the
target by a few meters. Gao could not help but let a giggle escape his lips.
Making the eunuchs beside him look horrified, the imperial guards rested their
hands on the hilt of their swords, as if ready to execute him on the spot.
Jian looked at him as he made his way back, Gao was afraid, after all he had
laughed at the Emperor’s failed attempt. But he wanted to test how much His
Majesty favored him. Jian put down his bow then let out a genuine laugh. “I
suppose you will do better, Qin Gao!”
Gao smiled wide, his hand covering his mouth as his teeth were exposed. Jian
rode to him, grabbing his hand in a tight grip. The action made his heart race,
Gao worried that he had pushed his luck to far. But there was no anger in His
Majesty’s eyes; instead they were clouded with another emotion he could not
pinpoint.
“What did I tell you about hiding your beauty?” Jian pushed Gao’s hand away
from his face, and then stroked his cheek tenderly. The light brush of his
smooth fingers on his skin made him quickly intake a breath. “Your Majesty…”
“Shoot.” The hand moved away from his cheek to point towards the straw targets.
The confidence he felt before had slipped away as he brought up his bow, riding
his horse out. His hand shook slightly, he took a breath and then released. The
arrow made a thud as it penetrated the straw person’s woodenhead, dead center.
He released a breath then galloped back to Jian.
“You seem to have more skill compared to me!” Jian chuckled, he pointed to
Gao’s successful hit, looking at the other men gathered around. “Did you all
see? Perfect!”
Finally by Jian’s side, he let his lips curve up, this time he didn’t hide his
teeth. Jian moved closer, taking Gao by surprise when His Majesty pulled on his
hair gently, pulling Gao towards him as their lips came closer. Jian pushed
their lips together; Gao found himself parting his own lips. The Emperor’s nose
brushing against his own and the hand in his hair tugging softly. Gao’s hand
found its way to Jian’s chest, he rested it there feeling his rapid heartbeat
that matched his own. He inhaled Jian’s scent, which smelled of earth.
His horse neighing brought him out of the world he had just been absorbed in.
Gao’s eyes glanced over to the other men surrounding them, who were all looking
away. Jian pulled away, Gao felt hot breaths on his ear, and then he heard a
faint whisper, “Perfect.”
***** Chapter 2 *****
“Qin Gao, finally we meet.” The Empress walked towards him with a forced smile.
She was dressed in elaborate robes but they were not as beautiful as the ones
Jian wore. Her presence made him uneasy, his grip on his fan by his side
tightening. Purposefully he had avoided her during his stay at the palace,
dreading this meeting.
“Empress…” Gao strained a smile of his own; he stopped walking.
“Zhou Wei.” She laughed bitterly, tilting her head to the side, showing off her
beauty. “Of course, my husband never introduced us.” Looking over Gao she
added, “Now I know why. Are you his new favorite? Soon he will grow tired of
you, as he did with the others.” It seemed she could ramble on for an eternity.
Just as he was about to answer, the Emperor suddenly appeared by his side and
spoke for him. “Empress Zhou, are you implying that he is to be used and
disposed of, like a whore?” His Majesty’s face serious, an expression he had
never seen across his features before. Hearing Jian speak of him in that
manner, made him blush.
Empress Zhou’s once normal demeanor changed quickly, her face contorted in
annoyance that went unnoticed by Jian; or rather he did not seem to care. “Of
course not, Your Imperial Majesty.”
Jian clapped his hands together, his attitude back to his cheerful self.
“Excellent. I assure you, Qin Gao is here to stay.” A shudder went through him;
those words made him officially belong to His Majesty. Without speaking again,
the Emperor walked away, Gao swiftly on his heels. He followed Jian until they
were alone inside His Majesty’s chambers.
The Emperor embraced him as the eunuchs slid the door closed. “Pay no heed to
her, my dear Gao.” Jian’s moist lips brushed against his cheek, “She is nothing
more than an accessory to show off to the people.”
“I was not worried.” Gao mumbled, then those lips were on his moving in a
gentle way. With bodies still close, a hand pushed him down on to the plush
bedding. His Majesty laid over him, giving him another small kiss. “My Gao, so
confident.” A warm hand entered into his robe, trailing down his bare chest. An
intimate touch that had him squirming, chills went down his body as Jian
slipped the silk fabric off his shoulders.
Now with his chest exposed, Jian explored the naked flesh with his mouth, the
jade beads on his headpiece teasing his skin as Jian leaned over him. Little
kisses were placed down his neck to his hardened nipple, where Jian sucked
keenly, making Gao smile with pleasure, eyes closed shut. The Emperor stopped;
Gao opened his eyes at the loss of the sudden sensation. Jian held his face as
he kissed him again, soft skin from Jian’s fingers caressing his cheek with one
hand and tangled in his hair with the other. With a tilt of his head he
welcomed His Majesty’s tongue as it entered his mouth, stroking his own.
Hands that were by his side, found their way into Jian’s hair, pulling him
closer, deepening their heated kiss. Gao moaned softly, as the Emperor’s thin
lips sucked on his plump ones. The headpiece that His Majesty wore was removed,
along with the ribbon that held his tight bun on the top of his head, letting
the loose locks fall on to his shoulders.
This time when Jian’s lips pressed against his, it was more eager. Trimmed
stubble from His Majesty’s mustache rubbed his skin raw but he enjoyed the
feeling. When those warm lips left his, a whimper escaped him. Bringing his
fingers to touch his swollen lips, he could not help but feel an overwhelming
excitement coarse through his body. Though afraid as well, never had he been
this intimate with someone.
“No longer can I wait. I need to have you now.” Whispering into his ear, Jian
untied Gao’s robe. Sitting up on the bed, Gao felt the silk fall from his body,
revealing his bare skin for His Majesty to view. Once again he could feel those
soft lips and hands caressing his sensitive flesh. The kisses left on his skin
making him squirm and moan. While the hands on his body left his skin burning
with desire. All the attention his body received made his neglected cock harden
quickly.
“Then take me.” His voice quiet, he turned on to his side, facing away from
Jian. Shuffling of fabric could be heard in the otherwise silent room. Looking
behind his shoulder, Gao could see His Majesty holding a tube of oil that he
coated his fingers with. When Jian brought his lubricated fingers to Gao’s
backside, he could feel his heart beating wildly in his chest.
Kissing his shoulder, then nuzzling his neck, Jian purred, “Relax, love.” A
finger pressed against his entrance, pushing in slowly, Gao felt him tightening
up and tried to relax, getting used to the unusual feeling. Another finger
pushed inside of him, he let out a whimper. Through the dull ache, he began to
feel good as Jian moved his fingers inside of him.
His breath became irregular as a third finger entered him, thrusting into him
as deep as they could go. Now the intrusion felt wonderful, Gao could feel the
pleasure building up in his stomach, his body moved on its own, along with the
digits inside him. Just when he felt as if he was about to explode, the fingers
were gone. Hot breath on his ear, brought him out of his pleasured bliss, “You
like that?” All he could do was nod in reply.
Bare skin against his back made him wonder when Jian had removed his clothing.
The Emperor’s warm skin against his own felt wonderful as Jian spooned him from
behind, fine chest hairs tickling his flesh. He could feel Jian’s ready cock at
his entrance, pushing his way in. Instantly he tensed up but soon remembered to
breath and relax. Jian placed kisses on his neck until he was fully inside.
After stilling for a few moments, Gao rocked his hips back, while Jian set a
slow pace. Discomfort left him, then it began to feel amazing, his moans became
louder with each thrust, Jian’s hand gripped Gao’s thigh, lifting his leg up
slightly. “Your…” It was hard to concentrate and find his voice, “Majesty…”
Eased on to lying on his stomach, Jian moved to mount him and continued in
their new position.
“So perfect.” The Emperor said lifting Gao’s ass off the bed and rubbing his
thighs. Gao no longer cared if the eunuchs outside His Majesty’s chambers heard
him; his moans were flamboyant, sounding effeminate, he almost did not
recognize his own voice.
Silk underneath him soiled as he felt an indescribable pleasure race through
his body out his cock. “Jian…” Moaning out his lover’s name, he clutched the
bedcovers in his fists as he rode out his orgasm. A grunt from His Majesty,
then warmth filled him up as Jian found his own release.
“You are not going anywhere.” The Emperor held him tight; in the embrace they
both fell asleep.
 
After the night His Majesty had taken him into his bed, they had been
inseparable. Qin Gao followed the Emperor around like a shadow. Although, rare
occasions would arise where Jian would leave the Imperial Palace and Gao could
not go, though most times he would.
Now was such an occasion, His Majesty had left the Imperial Palace on business
that Gao had not bothered himself to remember. In this time, he would actually
do his job that he was appointed to do. But most of these lonely days he would
spend with Feng Shu, his newly acquired friend and scholar. He enjoyed the old
man’s company; he could talk freely with him, which felt wonderful. As he was
always watching what he said around others of the Imperial Court.
“Where has His Majesty gone?” Shu spoke as he continued writing, the other hand
stroking his long grey beard.
“I believe to see the Prince of Dongping County.” He sat behind his friend on a
luxurious chair, fanning himself in boredom.
“That boy is trouble.” Shu kept his eyes on his work.
Gao shrugged his shoulders, and snapped, “What are you saying, Old Man?”
“If you are worried about His Majesty, there is no need. I only mean when his
time comes, he would be a horrid ruler.” For the first time Gao had entered the
room Shu looked at him, smirking. Qin Gao scoffed at the remark and continued
to fan himself.
“Tell me, what do you know of General Chao Jun?” Stilling his fan, he tried to
keep his face neutral.
“General Chao Jun is a man of few words and takes his job seriously. I imagine
he is not fond to be around.” Shu studied him, the side of his mouth turning
up. “Or did you want me to tell you what I know of his love life?”
“Perverted Old Man!” Crimson colored his face, which he covered with his fan.
“I am merely curious. Do you question my loyalty to His Majesty?”
Turning back to his writings, Shu answered, “Not at all. But curiosity is a
dangerous desire, you best stay away from.”
Gao just hummed in response, he should listen to the words from a wise man but
Chao Jun peeked his interest too much. Set in his mind, he stood from his spot.
“Farewell, Old Man.”
Shu laughed and waved, “Be well, Qin Gao.”
Leaving his friend to his work, he began the long walk towards his own
chambers. The cool spring air blew threw his hair, he stopped a moment and
closed his eyes to savor the breeze. Shu’s room had been suffocating and dusty;
he would rather be outside any time of day. Lashes fluttering open, his view
instantly landed on none other than General Chao Jun. Again, he had avoided his
gaze and no words were exchanged. Gao glanced over the other’s attire; he
noticed that Jun was fitted in complete combat armor. It looked heavy; he
wondered what it would feel like to wear it. Chao Jun was looking handsome and
ready for a war to happen at any moment.
“Chao Jun, how do you fare?” Steading his voice, he stared at the other who
still refused to make eye contact. Gao moved closer, flashing a small smile and
fanning himself, as he felt more flushed and the breeze had vanished.
Lips pursed and tight, Jun took a moment before replying, “I am well. And you?”
Nodding his head, he hummed a reply, suddenly loosing his voice. Jun grunted
then went to move away, on his way but Gao grabbed at his arm. Stopping, Chao
Jun did not look at him; Gao realized what he was doing and let go. The General
left without a glance back. Releasing a breath he had unknowingly held, Gao sat
down on a bench in the courtyard. He wondered why Chao Jun had such an affect
on him? Maybe the fact that he was cold and distant made Gao’s curiosity peak.
Closing his eyes, he relaxed, focusing on the breeze of fresh air. Moments
passed, he had no idea how long he sat there.
“How appropriate. Qin Gao doing nothing, I am shocked!” Gao opened his eyes
wide, standing before him was Zeng Cai, the Grand Commandant. He made noise of
disgust; the large man smelt vulgar and his appearance matched the scent.
“The baths would do you some good, Zeng Cai.” He sneered.
“I am your superior, yet you talk to me like you are above me.” Cai grabbed him
roughly on his upper arm, twisting it, making Gao cry out in pain. The smells
coming from the man assaulting his senses, making him gag. “You may have His
Majesty’s favor, but know your place boy.” Cai spat out at him.
“Zeng Cai.” A familiar voice called out, Gao saw General Chao Jun with a hand
on the arm that was twisting his own. The Grand Commandant huffed, slapping
Jun’s hand away then stalked off. Gentle in his touch, Jun held his arm,
rubbing it, “Does it hurt?”
Wincing, he withdrew his arm, cradling it; in fact it was a little sore. But
instead he said, “No, I am fine.” Looking unconvinced, Jun nodded and then
added, “You should be more careful. People of the Imperial Court are not fond
of you.”
Gao chuckled, covering his mouth with his fan, which was held with his good
arm. “Well, Chao Jun, thank you for your brutal honesty.” The other man finally
letting their gazes meet, Gao felt he could be lost in those dark eyes forever.
The General made his way to leave just as a eunuch nearby shouted, “His
Imperial Majesty has returned!”
***** Chapter 3 *****
Chapter Notes
     It's a miracle! Do people even remember this?
See the end of the chapter for more notes
In his short time of half a year at the Imperial Palace, Qin Gao had been
promoted from Imperial Secretary to Palace Attendant. His Majesty entrusted him
fully, where he received a large sum of salary. A quick rise in the Imperial
Court had him under suspicion by several officials, just like Chao Jun had
warned him. For he was nothing before coming here and suddenly becoming an
important person of the Imperial Palace at an accelerated rate.
Adjusting to his new daily routine had been rather easy for Qin Gao. For all it
entailed was in fact being aside The Emperor at all times; may it be standing
or lying with his ass to offer. He was assured to do his duty, which was to
please His Majesty. Nightly, they would rendezvous which had become one of
Gao’s favorite parts of his new life within the Imperial Palace. Well, maybe he
loved the luxurious presents bestowed on him more.
He was more than grateful for how kind His Majesty was towards him. Gao had
become the main attraction, the Emperor would place kisses down his neck not
only in the confines of his chambers but in front of all the Imperial Court as
well. Most of the men would turn away uninterested or maybe afraid to look upon
His Majesty’s prized possession. Though a few held their gaze a little while
longer, wanting a piece of him for themselves. Women would watch him with
jealous eyes, their painted lips turning into disgusted sneers.
One official, Zeng Cai, the smelly fellow, always narrowed his eyes as they
crossed paths, he was easy to read. Never did he speak to Gao in a friendly
manner, Gao knew the man wanted to be rid of him. Then there was Chao Jun; he
was a man of many mysteries, perking Gao’s interest.
On his way to his own chambers, Gao saw Zeng Cai standing in his way. “You are
nothing but filth stinking up this palace!” The man’s vile breath assaulted
him, trying to hold back the bile that gathered in his throat, he tried again
to move away from the man. A large hand grabbed his arm roughly, as he was
pushed against a near brick wall.
“I beg to differ Zeng Cai, it is you who stinks up the palace.” He spat back.
“You think you can walk around here with your smart remarks because you have
bitten the peach with His Majesty.” Again he tried to hold his breath, trying
to not inhale the man’s rotten scent. He had no idea what Cai was talking
about.
“Zeng Cai, how many times must I find you handling Qin Gao inappropriately
before you learn to back off?” Chao Jun, to his rescue again, he couldn’t help
but smile and push the assaulting man off him, who grunted and gave him a glare
in return.
“Keep laying your hands on me and I will tell His Majesty you want me for
yourself!”
The brute shoved passed him, circling Jun. “Are you his sitter now?”
“His Imperial Majesty has entrusted me to protect him.” Jun said in a casual
tone. Rubbing his sore arm, Gao looked at him startled. Why was he not told of
this?
A snarl left Cai as he tried to hold his tongue, Gao knew what he wanted to say
and he wish the smelly man would go ahead and speak, then he could have his
head. To his dismay, Cai left them alone. A heavy silence fell over them; the
only sounds to be heard were the drizzle coming from the fountain in the
courtyard.
The silence made his mind rumble with a thousand thoughts. One being; why did
His Majesty not wish for him to stay in his chambers for the night? He suddenly
felt lonely now that he had become accustomed to the Emperor’s body heat and
grazing touches. Hearing a loud sigh from Jun brought him away from his
feelings; with a flick of his wrist he opened his fan and covered his face.
After that encounter he felt less than clean and presentable.
“Have you the stories of Mizi Xia?” Jun looked at him.
“Should I have?” Gao giggled behind his fan.
Nodding, Jun continued. “He was favored by Duke Ling of Wei, just like you are
with His Imperial Majesty.”
Letting out a groan, Gao snapped his fan shut and tilted his head to the side.
“Is this a foreboding lecture?”
“No, just a story.” Though Gao would never believe that, Jun rarely spoke to
him and for him to speak this much just to tell a story seemed ludicrous. “One
day, he bit into a delicious peach and gave the rest to the Duke as a gift. At
the time the Duke was pleased.”
“Go on.” Gesturing with his fan for him to continue.
“When Mizi Xia’s looks disappeared with age as did the love the Duke felt for
him. Duke Ling then accused him of giving him a bitten peach as a sign of
disrespect and had him executed.” The look Jun held, though serious, Gao
couldn’t help but laugh into his hand.
“Are you worried I am to be executed when I’m ancient like you?” Before he let
Jun answer, he snapped his fingers. “Bitten peach! That’s what he meant.” He
had wondered what Zeng Cai meant. At his self discovery, Jun turned his lips up
just a little, Gao had to blink just to make sure he was actually seeing the
older man smile.
Jun let out a laugh, holding his chest. “Ancient? You wound me.” There he was,
letting the air free from his lungs in such a friendly gesture, a simple laugh.
Gao stared, stunned.
“Should I tend to your wound?” He said standing on his toes to reach Jun’s
height, pointing a finger, only a few paces away from Jun’s face.
“I find that not wise.” Turning away, Jun moved forward, Gao following by his
side.
As they continued to Gao’s quarters, he couldn’t help but sneak glances at Jun
along the silent walk. Always, he compared his handsome features to those of
His Majesty. A private pastime of his, of course Jun would always be more
attractive than His Majesty. He felt his heart clench at the incriminating
thought.
“Why are you escorting this mere boy to his chambers when you should be with
your family?” Gao chimed in, watching his robes sway with each step.
“No family.” That would explain why Jun was so distant, cold even. But it just
made Gao all the more curious about the general.
Gao closed his fan and tilted his head in a half nod once they reached his door
before leaning on the frame. “Do you think he will come and slit my throat in
my sleep?”
“Zeng Cai?”
“Yes. Perhaps you should stay then.” He already had it decided, moving aside,
to let Jun enter his private quarters.
“There is no humor in such threats, Qin Gao.” This man always held a sense of
seriousness. It made him wonder whether or not, Jun ever cut loose, and lived
life like a peasant enjoying the sun in his crops. Nonetheless, the general
stepped inside of his home, looking stiff.
“Why is it you think he is after my hide?” A pedestal held a pitcher of
huangjiu, He poured a cup, lifting it in front of Jun. Hesitant, Jun took the
wine, Gao watched as his lips took in the alcoholic beverage. Deciding to have
a cup of his own, he sat down in the common area, gesturing for Jun to join
him.
“Your flamboyance attracts attention, among selfish and hungry men.” Sitting
across from him on the floor, Jun even sat with his posture stiff.
“Flamboyance?” It made him laugh, a kinder way of saying he was effeminate?
“Relax, General Chao Jun.” The primness made him scoff; he fanned himself
again, watching Jun not heed his advice, sipping his wine. “Do you ever become
tired of such formalities?”
“It has always been. Are you saying that you are tired of life?” Finally, Jun
let his shoulders slump ever so slightly.
Gao could not help but snort. “Of course not. I just wish to speak with you
freely.”
“Then do as you wish.” Extending out his arm, Jun gestured for him to continue.
“I would be lying if I said I have not found you a bit fascinating. Treating my
curiosity.” Taking a sip of his wine, Gao watched as the general’s forehead
wrinkled.
“Fascinating? I’m nothing more than a man.”
“True, but every man has a tale to tell. What is yours I wonder?”
“A very long and lackluster one.”
Letting out a laugh, Gao didn’t bother to hide it under his hand this time.
Loving how he could show himself freely in Jun’s presence. “Shouldn’t I be the
one to decide that?”
The general sighed and took a sip of wine, slinking back a little bit. Gao was
happy that he had finally relaxed. “The Imperial Palace has always been my
life. From the day I was born, I was destined to be a warrior. My father had
trained me since I was five.”
“I could never imagine. My father only taught me to look after myself and gave
me parchment and paint.” Gao smiled. “I often thought of myself becoming like
Feng Shu.”
“Writing is your passion then while fighting is mine.”
“You enjoy it then? Killing people?” It was an intriguing topic; Gao knew he
would never be out on a battlefield.
Jun sat up a bit straighter, he wondered if his uniform had become
uncomfortable to sit in. “There are some who take pleasure in killing but I am
not one of them. I believe that learning how to wield a sword correctly is art.
Therefore I enjoy being able to use it. Now that I talk about it, I seem to be
conflicted.”
Leaning forward, Gao pointed a finger at the general. “Is that the wine tinting
your cheeks or do you have other thoughts on your mind?” That had made Jun
blush even more.
“You change topic rather quickly. I’m finding it hard to keep up.” A rare smile
appeared on Jun’s face.
“Avoiding the question, I see.” Taking the pitcher, Gao poured them both
another glass.
Placing his hand out, Jun waved. “I shouldn’t.”
“You should.” Continuing to fill the general’s cup with wine, Gao offered him
another smile. “Chao Jun, I think this is the most you have ever spoken in your
life, maybe that is why your tale is so dreary!”
A boisterous laugh left Jun; it filled Gao’s heart with certain happiness.
“Maybe it is then! Drink to that!”
Taking a gulp, instead of a sip, Gao felt the alcohol burn down his throat, his
head already feeling the effects. He thought of how Jian was probably wrapped
up with Zhou Wei—or rather inside of her. It made him feel sick all of the
sudden. Placing his cup down harsher than needed, he gritted his teeth.
“Are you alright?”
Hearing Jun’s voice, he smiled, biting back the jealously within him. “Fine. I
may have indulged in too much wine!”
“You should rest then.” At that, Jun stood up, offering his hand to him. Taking
ahold of the general’s hand, Gao was escorted to lie down on his bed. Even had
Jun tucking him in like a child.
“Why does His Majesty favor me?” He whispered as Jun pulled over his covers on
top of his body, making his already heated flesh feel snug.
“I imagine it’s your beauty.” In that moment, Jun brushed a strand of hair away
from Gao’s face then retreated his hand with haste.
“It is true then. I will have the same fate as Mizi Xia.”
Pulling away completely from the bed, the general sighed, and then said with a
tired tone, “Rest well, Qin Gao.” Jun left him be, alone with his own
troublesome thoughts.
Shutting his eyes tight, Gao felt his heavy heart thud in his chest. Eventually
letting his intoxicated mind into a slumber.
Chapter End Notes
     Sorry this is such a slow process. I'm trying my best to make it
     historically accurate and that seems to make me take forever. I have
     been studying the Han Dynasty for a year and I still don't know
     everything! But I'm trying. XD
     Also, my need for the dialog to be perfect hinders my progress a lot.
     ^^;
End Notes
     Any feedback and kudos are greatly appreciated! <3
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