Chapter 36 - Date

-Imperial Study Room-

The Great General is smiling all the way since he entered the room. No matter how the emperor tries to annoy him, he didn't get angry and ignored it instead.

Wu Zhang Wei scoffs. "I bet everything went on smoothly," He said while glancing at Huang Fei Hong.

Fei Hong rubs his nose, "Well... he didn't accept me yet but he told me he needs time to think about it. At least, he's considering, right?"

Zhang Wei huffs. He thought with how excited and happy Fei Hong looked, Jing Yi has accepted his feelings. But the truth is, he's still thinking about it.

"Don't celebrate too early. Considering means there are two possibilities, accept or reject. So..."

"Gosh! Can't you just support me or be happy for me? If you don't want to congratulate me then at least don't spread the negativity." Fei Hong rolls his eyes.

"Hey! I'm just saying! I was kind enough to let you have the chance to hang out with him. If I didn't ask my love to ask Jing Yi to leave him alone, do you think you could even have that 'consideration' from him? Be grateful!" Zhang Wei slams the memorial in his hand onto the table.

The general won't back down, he slams the table with his palm. "Be grateful? To Consort Li, yes, I'm grateful to him. To you? You're just using me to have a sweet time with Consort Li. If it's not because he wanted to help me out, he only let you come to him during the night ONLY. But of course, the sexually frustrated emperor won't feel enough to meet his beloved during the night only." He laughs evilly.

The veins pop out on his forehead, Zhang Wei slams the table. But before he could say anything, the eunuch announced Xiu Ying's arrival.

As soon as Xiu Ying entered the room, Zhang Wei walks towards him but managed to send a smirk towards Fei Hong. "Love, what are you doing here? Miss me?" He asked while taking Xiu Ying's hands and leads him to the chair.

Xiu Ying squinted his eyes and his face is saying, 'Don't you feel ashamed saying things like that?'. But the emperor continues showing his silly smiles.

Fei Hong rises to greet Xiu Ying but Xiu Ying waves his hand and asked him to sit again. He glances at the door, thinking he might get a glance at Jing Yi.

"He's outside," said Xiu Ying. Fei Hong smiles faintly, feels embarrassed.

"Love, you didn't tell me, why you came here? Is there anything you need?" Zhang Wei pulls a chair closer to Xiu Ying then takes a seat on it. And, he can't keep his hand to himself. Always want to hold Xiu Ying's.

"Nothing. It's just I was walking around then suddenly thought of you and Lord Huang is here, so I thought of visiting. Am I interrupting something?"

Zhang Wei quickly shakes his head. "No of course not, love. We're just talking." He glances at Fei Hong.

Xiu Ying turns to Fei Hong and his lips curved with a hidden meaning. "You're so straightforward, aren't you, My Lord?"

Fei Hong blinks repeatedly. "Wh- what do you..."

"Jing Yi told me everything."

Fei Hong lowers his head and bites inside his lips. While at it, he stutters, "Th- then... did he say anything? I- I mean... his thought about wh- what I told him."

Xiu Ying chuckles. "He just told me what you told him. Then, he asked for my opinion on that matter. So, I said why not giving a try? If he didn't want to decide hastily, why not try to get to know each other first. That's all. Even when I asked him what he felt when you told him your feelings, he didn't answer me." Xiu Ying shrugs his shoulders.

Fei Hong's face turns slightly gloomy. He suddenly recalled what Zhang Wei just said, 'considering means accept or reject'.

Zhang Wei who can't stay still was pinched on his arm. Xiu Ying signaling to him to read the mood. How could he openly flirt in front of someone who looked like he just had his heartbroken?

Zhang Wei sighs. He clears his throat, "Well... if he seriously dislikes your approach, I bet he already rejected right on the spot. Since he said to give him time, that's means there's a big possibility he'll accept you. Maybe he just needs some courage and motivation."

Fei Hong's eyes beaming. He lifts his head to look at the couple in front of him. He smirks, "You're lucky to get Consort Li. And thank you Consort Li, for helping me out and also... for knocking some sense in that guy's head."

Zhang Wei was about to retort and slams the table but Xiu Ying quickly pulls his arm and smile at Fei Hong. "Sure. I'll make sure he'll behave. If he ever tried to sabotage you, just let me know. I'll let him sleep alone for a month."

Zhang Wei's eyes widen. "Love! How could say that?! Why would you side with him? Hey! Your husband is me, not him."

Xiu Ying and Fei Hong laugh out loud. They feel contented to tease the emperor.

After awhile, Fei Hong excuses himself and asked Xiu Ying to let him borrow Jing Yi for a moment. Xiu Ying allowed.

As soon as they were left alone in the room, Zhang Wei pulls Xiu Ying onto his lap. He pinches his cheek, "Are you having fun, teaming up with him and tease me?"

Xiu Ying wraps his hands around Zhang Wei's neck. "That's what you got for taking advantage of me." He pinches back but on Zhang Wei's nose.

"Taking advantage of you? When did I do that?"

"Well, someone pretends to be a good guy, helping out his friend to get his love. But the truth is, he just wants to eat some tofu and clinging onto me." Xiu Ying rolls his eyes.

Zhang Wei can only laugh stiffly. He tightens the hold around Xiu Ying's waist and snuggles on his chest. "I- It's not wrong for a husband to eat tofu with his wife. If I didn't do that, my wife let me come to him at night time only. How can I stand to be apart from him the whole day? I'm missing him like crazy."

Looking at the childish guy in his arms, Xiu Ying shakes his head and sighs. How can this guy become an emperor?!

Xiu Ying comb through Zhang Wei's hair using his finger, "I wonder how he'd react to my little gift.." He mumbles.

"Gift? For Fei Hong?" Zhang Wei frowns.

"Yes. I left a gift for him. A special gift." He chuckles when Zhang Wei is clearly dissatisfied when he heard Xiu Ying gave him a gift.

"What is it? Can't you tell me?" Zhang Wei starts to snuggle on Xiu Ying's neck.

The breath tickles him, Xiu Ying wiggles on Zhang Wei's laps. "Nope. Not gonna tell you."

While the couple is flirting with each other, Fei Hong went to Jing Yi's side outside the room. Jing Yi who had been waiting for his master was lost in thought until his name was called.

"Jing Yi"

"M- My Lord..." Jing Yi stares into Fei Hong's eyes for a few seconds then quickly lowers his head.

"How are you doing?" Fei Hong asked. They just met two days ago but lately, it is harder for him to hold back his feelings. If it's possible, he wants to pull the smaller guy into his arms and hugs him tightly.

"I'm fine."

Fei Hong looks around, rubbing his nape. The awkwardness can't be hidden. He's about to say something but Jing Yi cuts his words.

"My Lord.."

"Yes?" Fei Hong answered with a big smile.

Jing Yi fidgets, "Hmm...my master asked me to go out to find some stuff for him. D- Do you mind...go- going with me?" Jing Yi looks at the ground, hiding his blush.

Fei Hong blinks repeatedly. His mind has stopped functioning.

'O- out? Did he just ask me to go out... together... alone...'

"I- if you're busy, i- it's okay. I can-"

"No! I'm not busy. I can go with you. When are we going?" Fei Hong asked excitedly.

With a faint smile, Jing Yi answers, "Later...after lunch. Is that ok with you?"

"Yes. Yes. I'm free at that time."

Well actually he is not free but he can always shove the work to the Vice-General. He is not the type that likes to slack off but in contrast, he always did his work perfectly and on time. But for today, he needs to break his record of 'never skips work' as his love life is on the line.

"Okay then...I'll see you later." Jing Yi bobs his head.

"Hmn. I'll pick you up at Zhongcui Palace. By the way, you want to ride the carriage....or horse?" He suggested but he wished Jing Yi would choose a horse so they can ride together.

"Car-carriage. It is more convenient as we need to bring back a lot of stuff." Jing Yi can't look at Fei Hong when he said this. The memories of them riding the horse together flashed through his mind, making him feel embarrassed.

"Ohh...okay." He hides his dejected face with a faint smile.

........

Right on chǒu hours (1-2pm), Huang Fei Hong already waits in front of Zhongcui Palace. Instead of wearing his usual armored suit, he chose to wear a simple robe. He doesn't want to attract much attention with his soldier attire and he wanted to feel more carefree during this outing.

Jing Yi was stunned for a moment when he saw Fei Hong. He never saw the general in a casual robe so Fei Hong kinda gives a different vibe. He looks slightly like a playful rich nobleman with his stunning look. But no matter what he wears, it can never hides the intimidation aura.

Xiu Ying who went out to send off his servant smiles meaningfully. He turns to Jing Yi, "Make sure to get everything I wrote on that list. It is quite hard to find so both of you can take time. But, if it's already night and you guys still can't find it, just forget it. I'll figure out later." He winked at Fei Hong.

Actually, on the list, there are two types of herbs that can't be found in their country. If Xiu Ying wants it, he needs to wait for the imported ones, so it is quite impossible to find it at this time. But, he just writes it on to let the two of them spend more time.

Both of them ride the carriage to the market. Fei Hong wrecking his brain trying to find a suitable topic to talk about.

He fakes a cough, "What did Consort Li ask you to buy?"

Jing Yi immediately rummages his sleeve to find the list given by Xiu Ying. Then, he passes it to Fei Hong. "There were fabrics, sweets and most of them are herbs. If it's the sweets and fabrics, maybe I can easily find them but for the herbs, it might be a little difficult. I didn't know how it looks. Plus, it was a rare one." He worried he can't find it or he might be scammed by the sellers and bought the wrong herbs.

Fei Hong raises his hand to caress Jing Yi's head. "Well, I also didn't know the real look of these herbs but don't worry. I have a friend that can help us."

"Really?!"

Fei Hong nods. "We find the fabrics and sweets first, then I'll bring you to meet him."

Jing Yi mutters thank you. "I'm glad you came with me, My Lord." He said with no other intention but grateful. However, Fei Hong's heart is beating like crazy. He replies with a smile then quickly throws his gaze outside the window.

Their first stop is the clothing store. Xiu Ying asked Jing Yi to buy some thick material as he wants to make winter clothes for Zhang Wei.

Jing Yi asked an opinion from Fei Hong to choose what type of material and also its colors.

Since, the great general had been friends with the emperor for a long time, for sure he knows the emperor's taste.

On the side, Fei Hong feels happy when Jing Yi is relying on him. Even though it was just a small favor, but still he looked dependable in Jing Yi's eyes.

Done with the fabrics, they went to buy some snacks at the stalls on the roadside. Xiu Ying asked him to buy some tanghulu, pumpkin pancakes and also sticky rice cakes.

The truth is he can just ask the cook in the imperial kitchen to make it for him but said he prefers the one that sold outside.

Well, the truth is he's just finding excuses for Jing Yi to run an errand for him and let them have a date.

"We're done with the fabrics and sweets right?" Jing Yi nods.

"Then, let's go and meet my friend." Jing Yi nods repeatedly.

While walking to the place that only Fei Hong knows where Jing Yi asked out of curiosity. "My Lord, who is this 'friend' that you mentioned? Is he some kind of excellent herbalist?"

Fei Hong answers, "Actually this guy used to be an army physician. He's an excellent physician, maybe not too excellent like your master, but he's a little bit better than imperial physicians. After we're done with the war a few years ago, he decided to cut all ties with the palace. He said he's interested in business so he opened a pharmacy in the capital."

Jing Yi makes an 'O' with his mouth.

Soon they arrived at an ordinary-looking pharmacy. When they entered the pharmacy, Fei Hong's lips slanted.

He fakes a cough, making the person behind the counter turns around, revealing a very beautiful guy. It clearly shows that he is a.....ger.