Chapter 27 – Dreams Filled With Him

Shortly after the end of the first lunar month, the weather quickly turned to spring. The southeast wind blew past the city gate and through the entire capital. The peach trees and willows planted along the roadside quietly began to sprout new leaves. The frozen river had long since melted. Swallows that had migrated southwards [to escape the winter], gradually flew back to the capital. It seemed that everything had been filled with life and vitality.

You Shu is very fond of spring, because it always imbues people with endless hope.

Although Xiao Weixin was ignoring him right now, he cheered himself up again after reflecting for some time and decided to continue doing his best. It was not his character to admit defeat after a setback. Whenever he fell, he would stand up by himself and continue on his path to excellence.

In addition, the spring hunt is about to begin.

In the novel, the plot mentioned that an assassin somehow managed to sneak into the hunting grounds and nearly managed to kill Xiao Weishen but, at the critical moment, the dog emperor pushed the innocent Xiao Weixin out [in front of the sword] in order to protect himself.

When he first read this, You Shu had thrown his phone away in anger and was beaten up by his roommate who was sleeping in the lower bunk.

The dog emperor wants to live so badly that he pushed his own younger brother out to block the sword. How can a human being do such a thing?

Although the dog emperor’s attitude towards the protagonist changed drastically because of this incident and he took great care of him in all aspects because of his guilt and never doubted him again, his actions at that time had already exposed his vile, selfish and disgusting personality. Moreover, Xiao Weixin had nearly died at that time. If the sword had penetrated just a little deeper, he would not have survived.

When he was reading this part, he wasn’t very frightened because it was only a novel. But now he was in this world and even though he knew that the protagonist had a halo, You Shu couldn’t help feeling worried. So, he took the initiative to approach Master Yingshou, asking him to assign him to protect the prince in the hunting ground.

Xie Feiyuan was a little surprised. Although Ying San was steady and careful in his work, he never took the initiative to ask for missions. In previous years, he had never joined in such events as the spring hunt so why had he suddenly changed his mind this year?

Then, he suddenly thought of the prince’s unusual reticence in the past few days. He didn’t know what had happened but the prince, who clearly wanted to see You Shu, forcibly restrained himself from doing so.

They are both young men. It would be better if they talked about this calmly.

One was his beloved’s son, who had been raised by him since childhood. The other was his successor whom he had carefully selected and trained and treated as his own godson. He naturally hoped that these two people could end their argument and get along. Both of these children are excellent and outstanding. If they can cooperate properly, the road ahead would be easier.

Hearing that Xie Feiyuan had arranged for You Shu to follow him to the hunting ground, Xiao Weixin was silent for a long while before he agreed.

In fact, he could have rejected this immediately. After all, this was his palace and Xie Feiyuan was his subordinate. He could ask him to change the guards at any time with just a word but, whenever the words came to his lips, Xiao Weixin could only swallow them back.

Although he had deliberately tried to hide it, he couldn’t deceive himself. In truth, he…

Really, very much, wanted to see him.

He would just take a glance. What harm could a glance do?

He [skillfully] brainwashed himself like this.

——————

The day of the spring hunt.

You Shu changed into a regular guard uniform and followed Xiao Weixin’s entourage to the hunting ground. The hunting ground was near a village outside the capital, beside a mountain forest.

This imperial hunting ground has been owned by the imperial family since the establishment of Great Xia. Every three years, a grand hunting event is held in spring. All imperial clan members, including the emperor, must participate in order to display the majesty of the imperial family and to pray to the mountain god for the continued prosperity, safety and well-being of the state and the citizens.

You Shu doesn’t understand the logic of these ancient people. You hunt down the subjects of the mountain god and still have the nerve to ask him for protection, for favorable weather and for peace and prosperity? A villain like Xiao Weishen will have countless troubles in the future and it’s ridiculous for him to expect any deity to save and protect him.

A large group of people departed the capital in a grand manner, accompanied by hundreds of imperial guards, enough to form a small army. On the surface, it seemed as if the capital was completely defenseless and unguarded at this time as if anyone with evil intentions could easily seize it. But, Prime Minister Xia, that old fox, is not so careless or foolish.

The capital was even more well-guarded than usual, but these guards were hidden and an illusion of an unguarded city was created to test whether anyone would take the bait. Xiao Weishen has always been suspicious about the assassination that night¹The assassination by Xiao Weixin in the very first chapter. and he would not let go of this perfect opportunity to set a trap [for the person behind it].

Therefore, Xiao Weixin’s decision to not do anything was correct.

Although Xiao Weixin has always claimed to be sick and weak, even he has to participate in the hunt. But no one would ask him to perform seriously and it is enough to simply shoot down a rabbit or a pheasant, which can be regarded as fulfilling his task.

When everyone arrived outside the hunting ground, Xiao Weishen ordered people to set up camp. They would stay here for five days. Most of the female clan members were also present this time. This is a grand event which only happens once every three years so it is a good opportunity for women to go out and enjoy themselves.

The Empress also came, along with Xia Yinxiu.

You Shu is looking forward to the development of the relationship between the male and female protagonists here. Although the plot before this point has gone completely off-track, it would be good if it can rejoin [the original] here. Not to mention, the second female lead will also appear. How could he not want to see all of it himself?

The servants brought by Xiao Weixin had already set up the tent and he calmly went in to rest. You Shu stood guard outside the tent with Ying Er, who had also disguised his appearance. It was almost noon and the hunt was about to begin.

No matter what era, leaders love giving a long and annoying speech at major events. You Shu hated it before and he still hates it now. In addition, the dog emperor’s oratory skills are terrible and his whole speech sounds like a bunch of nonsense, which was only good for making people’s heads hurt.

At this moment, Xiao Weixin turned around and glanced at him lightly. You Shu immediately stood up straighter, secretly thinking that he must not do anything wrong [and make a bad impression].

Xiao Weixin, who was standing at the very front [of the crowd], was also annoyed by that pretentious and pompous speech and felt extremely impatient, especially because he knew that the little shadow guard was standing only a few steps behind him. He endured the urge to turn around for a long time, before finally giving in and calmly turning around to take a look at him.

As expected, although nothing could be seen through the disguised face, his mood instantly improved.

After Xiao Weishen finished his pompous and lengthy speech, he finally let the official²令官 (líng guān) is a term used specifically for the official who oversaw the banquets or celebrations. Kind of like an MC or a host. make the announcement to begin the hunt.

All the generals were already fired up and eager to begin, vowing to hunt the biggest and best prey to present to the emperor and win the highest honor. Even Yang Qixian looked quite enthusiastic.

The whole group of people quickly spurred their horses forward into the hunting ground. Xiao Weishen, as the emperor, was the first one to ride forward and rode in front. Only Xiao Weixin and his group rode forward slowly. After all, his established character is one that is weak and frail. It would be suspicious if he was too enthusiastic and passionate about this kind of event.

Xiao Weixin only brought Qi Han, Wang Chen and a few ordinary guards into the hunting ground with him. The prey hunted by his subordinates was also counted as his own prey, so after entering the hunting ground, he simply told them to go [and hunt] by themselves. He himself had little interest in such activities as hunting and usually just wanders around in the woods, only taking action when he found a good prey.

The others were ordered to disperse. Only You Shu followed closely on horseback, not daring to ride too close to him for fear of angering him. Ying Er surveyed the surroundings and nodded to him, signaling that everything was normal.

You Shu knew this place would be safe for some time but he didn’t dare to relax his guard. Who knows whether the plot would change again?

Xiao Weixin knew that he was the one following behind himself so he didn’t look back or say anything and continued to ride forward at a leisurely pace. A little while later, they came across another group. You Shu casually took a look at them. Oh, isn’t that the dog emperor?

Xiao Weishen cared a lot about his dignity and wanted to hunt a large prey, so he led a group of imperial guards to wander around the forest. The place where You Shu was currently standing happened to be in his blind spot.

If he were to act at this time…

You Shu is not an impulsive person but he couldn’t help but tighten his grip on his bow and quietly move his hand to touch the quiver on his back, staring closely at the man.

From this vantage point, he is confident that he can succeed. If that dog emperor could be killed here, would Xiao Weixin’s road ahead be easier? Would he no longer have to live such a life of fear and constant worry?

If he succeeds…

You Shu’s hand slowly tightened around the arrow and he suddenly made up his mind.

But just as he was about to raise his bow, someone pressed his hand down³The first time I read this part, half of me was screaming DO IT. KILL THAT PIECE OF TRASH. While the other half was like NO. Don’t do it. It will ruin everything. As it is, I would still have loved to see that pos die gruesomely. Consequences be damned. .

“No.” Xiao Weixin had come over at some point. He pressed You Shu’s arm down and firmly shook his head.

Then, he led You Shu away from that place. He did not blame You Shu for trying to act without permission and merely took him into a pavilion to rest with a calm expression.

“Step back for now.”

Ying Er immediately withdrew after receiving the order but glanced at You Shu with worry. He didn’t know why Ying San, who has always been cool-headed and restrained, suddenly tried to kill someone without authorization. It wasn’t like him at all.

“This subordinate has committed a mistake.” You Shu knelt on the ground to plead guilty.

Xiao Weixin stared at him closely and asked softly: “What was your mistake?”

“This subordinate… This subordinate acted without permission and almost sabotaged my lord [‘s plans].” You Shu said in a deep voice, “If the attack had failed, my lord would definitely have been implicated.”

Xiao Weixin nodded and asked, “How sure were you [of success]?”

“Completely.” ​​You Shu said firmly, “This subordinate was completely sure of killing him with a single arrow.”

Xiao Weixin laughed, looking very satisfied: “This king [also] believes⁴So, in case the meaning didn’t carry through, he’s not just saying he believes that, it means he is utterly convinced of it and takes it as a fact. Which, idk guys, I would love for someone to say it to me. I would freaking melt. that you do have the skill to do so.”

“Stand up.”

You Shu got up from the ground but still didn’t understand what he was thinking.

Is he not angry?

Xiao Weixin laughed for a while and then sighed softly: “Don’t act so willfully next time.”

“You may indeed be able to kill him here but Xiao Weishen is not our main target, do you understand?”

“I want to kill him even more than you do but killing him doesn’t mean that everything is over. As long as Xia Maoan, the real mastermind, is still alive, there will still be another Xiao Weishen. Do you understand?”

Of course You Shu understands but he hadn’t considered so many things at that moment. He had just really, really wanted to try and make Xiao Weixin happy, even if only a little bit.

Which reader doesn’t want their protagonist to enjoy a peaceful life? Who would want to see their protagonist suffer and be wronged?

“Yes.” You Shu lowered his head and replied.

Xiao Weixin looked at him for a while and then said: “There will be many opportunities to kill him in the future, no need to hurry.”

“I want to keep him for later. Destroy the Xia family first and then kill him.”

You Shu nodded. He knew the reason for Xiao Weixin’s forbearance. It was his fault for being so impulsive this time.

Xiao Weixin suddenly said: “Take off the mask.”

You Shu obediently removed his mask and revealed his face. Xiao Weixin looked at his face carefully, his eyes unconsciously filled with hidden tenderness and affection.

He was truly blessed with an astoundingly beautiful face. This face had appeared in his dreams many times.

Xiao Weixin himself was also helpless about this but… the little shadow guard in his dream was really adorable⁵I am curious. What kind of dreams are they? For research purposes only..

T/N: Hey my guys. I apologize for this long break. I had this chapter 75% translated and ready to go by around 8 October but then my uni started and apparently profs going easy on first years is only a myth bc whew. Things went from 0 to 100 a little too fast. I did have time to translate but I was quite frankly tired of staring at computer screens so I chose to sleep instead. Anyways, I have the next chapter 50% translated but no promises about when I will update it… maybe next Sunday? I will try my best to. 

On another note, I discovered a new song recently which I particularly loved. It’s a cover of an old movie song and some of the lyrics sounded as if they were written specifically for these two. I translated them as best as I could. Here you are (along with the actual song):

I can’t find any peace

When I don’t see you

My whole day brightens

With just one glimpse of you

My whole world will become beautiful

Once I have you

• 1
  The assassination by Xiao Weixin in the very first chapter. ↩︎
• 2
  令官 (líng guān) is a term used specifically for the official who oversaw the banquets or celebrations. Kind of like an MC or a host. ↩︎
• 3
  The first time I read this part, half of me was screaming DO IT. KILL THAT PIECE OF TRASH. While the other half was like NO. Don’t do it. It will ruin everything. As it is, I would still have loved to see that pos die gruesomely. Consequences be damned. ↩︎
• 4
  So, in case the meaning didn’t carry through, he’s not just saying he believes that, it means he is utterly convinced of it and takes it as a fact. Which, idk guys, I would love for someone to say it to me. I would freaking melt. ↩︎
• 5
  I am curious. What kind of dreams are they? For research purposes only. ↩︎