Chương 56: In the Emperor's Embrace
Valerius Evander had just finished dealing with the state documents. For the past few days, his mind had been entirely consumed by Ethan Caelan, leaving him with little energy to focus on state affairs. Now that Ethan had finally regained consciousness, it felt as if a massive weight had been lifted from his chest.
Eager to see Ethan, Valerius left his desk and hurried toward the Jade Heart Pavilion. From a distance, Doctor Henry Thorne greeted him with a respectful bow and began his report.
“Your Majesty, the Fourth Prince, has just finished soaking in medicinal herbs. He is now in the garden, basking in the sun to recover,” Henry informed him.
Valerius turned his gaze toward the garden. “How is he faring?” he asked with a note of concern.
Henry hesitated before replying, “Your Majesty, his life is no longer in immediate danger. However…”
“What’s the issue?” Valerius’s voice betrayed his impatience.
“His Highness has a naturally cold constitution. After falling into the lake previously, his body hadn’t fully recovered. Following this near-fatal ordeal, the cold energy has deeply penetrated his meridians. The medicinal herbs can only provide warmth to the exterior, but they cannot expel the cold from within.”
“Is there no cure?” Valerius asked, his anxiety evident.
Henry sighed before responding solemnly, “There is a method, but the Fourth Prince has adamantly refused to use it.”
Valerius let out a soft chuckle. “Why would his consent be needed? If it can heal him, any method should be used.”
Taking a deep breath, Henry revealed the controversial method. “The treatment involves transferring yang energy from a healthy man into the Fourth Prince’s body.”
“Transferring yang energy? Such a peculiar method,” Valerius murmured, his brow furrowing.
Henry nodded. “Indeed, Your Majesty. This method is well-known among practitioners of spiritual arts. It is called dual cultivation. Essentially, a strong, yang-energetic man must engage in intimacy with His Highness for seven consecutive nights. The yang energy transferred will balance His Highness’s yin and yang, clearing his meridians and revitalizing his life force.”
Valerius’s eyes lit up. “Would my yang energy suffice for this?” he asked eagerly.
Henry gave a knowing smile. “Your Majesty, as the sovereign, your yang energy is the most potent in all the land. It would be ideal for the treatment.”
This revelation filled Valerius with excitement. The thought of curing Ethan while being close to him every night thrilled him. However, Henry’s hesitant gaze brought him back to reality.
“But…” Henry hesitated before continuing, “His Highness has made it clear that if any man dares touch him, he will take his own life.”
The flicker of joy in Valerius’s eyes dimmed. He knew Ethan well enough to understand that he meant what he said. It was a warning not to overstep his boundaries.
Valerius exhaled heavily. “He’s still emotionally fragile. Forcing this on him might only worsen his state of mind.” Yet the thought of another man transferring yang energy to Ethan, touching his body, made Valerius seethe with jealousy. Ethan was his, and only he had the right to lay claim to him.
Noticing Valerius’s inner turmoil, Henry leaned closer and whispered, “Your Majesty, I’ve recently developed a new medication called Spring Dream Powder. It not only nourishes the body but also induces a state of relaxation, allowing the user to experience pleasant dreams.”
Valerius’s interest piqued. “It won’t cause him any harm, will it?”
“Not at all, Your Majesty. The powder is primarily composed of calming herbs and will not pose any danger to the Fourth Prince,” Henry assured him.
“Good. When can we begin his treatment?” Valerius asked.
“The cold energy has already taken root. Delaying further will only deteriorate his condition. It would be best to start tonight,” Henry advised.
“Very well. Proceed as planned. Make the necessary preparations,” Valerius commanded firmly.
"Understood, Your Majesty," Doctor Henry Thorne replied with a respectful smile before leaving, a flicker of guilt shadowing his face. Deep down, he whispered to himself, Ethan, don't blame me. I'm only trying to fulfill His Majesty's wishes. Henry attempted to justify his actions to ease the moral conflict brewing within him. As the chief royal physician with access to rare and potent remedies, he knew there were alternative treatments for Ethan Caelan. Yet, he chose this course, partly to please Valerius Evander and partly to secure his own standing in court.
Valerius Evander made his way to the Celestial Garden. From afar, he saw Ethan reclining on a chaise under the cascading wisteria of the Twilight Moon arbor. The golden sunlight bathed Ethan in a soft, radiant glow. Strands of his hair shimmered like threads of light, and his serene face was akin to a masterful sculpture. His skin was alabaster and flawless, his phoenix eyes closed in a light slumber, lashes long and curled like butterfly wings. His pale lips carried a faint smile—pure yet irresistibly captivating.
Valerius halted, rooted in place, his gaze fixated as time seemed to stand still. Every exquisite detail of Ethan etched itself into his heart, drawing him closer. He approached with measured, silent steps, eventually sitting beside Ethan and watching him with unyielding intensity.
A gentle breeze stirred, carrying the sweet fragrance of flowers. Petals of wisteria floated down, adorning Ethan’s form with a gossamer layer of lilac, making him appear even more ethereal. Valerius couldn’t resist reaching out, brushing away the petals scattered in Ethan's soft hair. His touch was gentle, but his heart surged with a tumultuous storm. Every moment of contact felt like holding a priceless treasure he could never bear to let go of.
Sensing the delicate touch, Ethan stirred. His phoenix eyes, clear as autumn lakes, slowly opened and met the intense, burning gaze of the man before him. Alarm flickered across his face, and he instinctively turned his head, avoiding the fiery intensity of Valerius's eyes and the warmth radiating from the hand on his shoulder.
Valerius felt a pang of regret for disturbing Ethan's rest but couldn't suppress the joy of seeing him awake. His lips curled into a soft smile as he spoke gently, “The wind is strong out here. You’ve only just recovered—it’s not good for your health.”