Transmigration: Wake Up as an Annoying Concubine

Sounds of chirping birds and the morning rays that slide between the two windows, revealing two pairs of legs tangling.

Zhang Wei had been awake for awhile. But he has no intention to get up. Looking at the angel sleeping soundly in his arms, nothing can describe how happy he is right now.

Zhang Wei staring down at Xiu Ying who looks like he won't wake up for another hour. He removes strands of hair and gently caressing the fair cheek.

Due to little "disturbance", Xiu Ying nestles into Zhang Wei's chest, hiding his face.

Feeling something touching the top of his head, Xiu Ying half-opened his lids and lifts his head. He blinks repeatedly.

"You're awake?" Zhang Wei asked.

Xiu Ying groans and lowers his head back, tighten his arm around Zhang Wei. The emperor chuckles. His Ying-er is so cute!

"It has passed chén hours (7-8am). You don't feel hungry?" Zhang Wei keeps caressing Xiu Ying's hair.

"But... Sleepy..." Xiu Ying answered with a muffled voice.

"Alright. Let's sleep some more." Zhang Wei pulls the quilt over Xiu Ying's body.

The two lovebirds have their breakfast late. Xiu Ying blushes when his parents smile meaningfully, especially when he came to the dining hall hand-in-hand with Zhang Wei. But the emperor walks proudly with a wide smile plastered on his face.

After breakfast, Zhang Wei went to meet Li Shizen.

"Seems like everything going well for you, Your Majesty?" asked Li Shizen while sipping his tea.

Zhang Wei rubs his nape, "Well... Thanks to you, Lord Li. And Madam Feng too. If not because of the two of you, maybe both of us still didn't have a heart-to-heart talk and never solve the problem. Thank you, Lord Li."

Li Shizen waves his hand, "I just helped Xiu Ying to open his eyes and make him realize what he should do. He followed or not my advice, that's out of my power. No one can force him. So, what he did was purely because of what he truly feels."

Zhang Wei smiles. He clears his throat, "Lord Li... What I said before, I meant it. I want to make Xiu Ying my empress." He sits straight, looking serious.

Just like any typical father, Li Shizen staring straight into Zhang Wei's eyes, even though in front of him is the emperor, he gives out a more intimidating look, "Then, Your Majesty must promise to protect him at all cost. I always care for my son like my own life and I want Your Majesty to do it better. If anything happened to my son because of Your Majesty's carelessness, just prepare to look for another Prime Minister."

Zhang Wei nods. "I promise. And.. If we're alone, I don't mind if you want to call me by name just like Madam Feng did." He smiles sheepishly.

Li Shizen scrunched up his nose and rolls his eyes.

After the talk with Li Shizen, Zhang Wei went to find his lover.

Xiu Ying is sitting in the garden with Madam Feng. Madam Feng can't retract her smiles after Xiu Ying told her that right now he's getting along well with Zhang Wei. Being teased by her mother, Xiu Ying can't keep a straight face and blush.

"Mother, Ying-er.." Zhang Wei greets from behind. He managed to plant a kiss on Xiu Ying's forehead before he took a seat.

Madam Feng almost tears her handkerchief after witnessing their moments.

"Ying-er, do you want to go out?" Zhang Wei asked.

"Out?" Xiu Ying blinks her eyes repeatedly then looks between Zhang Wei and her mother.

"Yes! Ying-er, you should go out with Zhang Wei. Spend time together. Just go sightseeing around the market. You must feel bored if you just stay at home." Madam Feng winks at Zhang Wei.

"But...is it really fine? Won't people recognize us?"

"It's okay. Let's disguise ourselves. In that way, we can walk carefreely." Zhang Wei reassures.

Madam Feng suddenly clasped her hands and rises, "Alright! Ying-er, come with mother. Mother will put on a disguise for you." She quickly drags Xiu Ying away and smiles meaningfully at Zhang Wei. Zhang Wei chuckles. Her mother-in-law is full of schemes...but a scheme that cost him benefits her.

After half an hour, Zhang Wei waited in the front yard. He wears a simple robe, looking like a scholar with a thin mustache and a tiny stubble. However, it still can't cover his handsomeness. With hands clasp at the back, Zhang Wei waits for his love patiently.

The sounds of someone clearing her throat make Zhang Wei turns around. With eyes that get wider, Zhang Wei stares without blinking. His mouth slowly drops open. He stared into those brown eyes and his heart thumping faster.

Xiu Ying wears a light pink robe, a woman's robe. With a white veil that matched with the inner robe color, it only reveals Xiu Ying's eyes. Eyes that can make Zhang Wei fell down on his knees.

Under the veil, Xiu Ying's face turns so red. He can't believe his mom dressed him up as a woman. Xiu Ying glares at Madam Feng. "Mother! How can you dress me into a woman's robe! For God's sake, I'm a guy!"

Madam Feng scoffs, "Yeah... a guy that's prettier than any woman."

Xiu Ying was about to retort but he stops when he felt a palm gently touched his side face. "You're so beautiful, Ying-er," His hoarse voice made Xiu Ying shudders.

Madam Feng nods, agreeing. She looks happy and proud of her work. "It's better to dress you up like this. If you're still maintaining a guy's look, people still could guess. With a veil like this, you're hardly recognized by others."

Xiu Ying rolls his eyes. 'Just say that it is your hobby dressing up a guy in female clothes!'

"Alright. Let's go. If we're late, there's not much we can see." Zhang Wei intertwined their fingers. Xiu Ying lowers his head, shy.

"Mom, we're going first. Please tell, Lor- father that we're going back a little bit late." Zhang Wei winked.

Madam Feng smirks then waves her hand, "Okay, okay. Go now. Don't worry about my husband. You guys go on enjoy yourself."

......

Inside the carriage, Zhang Wei can't keep his hand to himself. One hand keeps caressing Xiu Ying's back of the hand and the other hugging tight on Xiu Ying's shoulder.

"Your-" Before Xiu Ying could finish, he was given a glare. "Zh- Zhang Wei..."

"Yes, love?" Zhang Wei answered gently.

"St- stop hugging me so tight. Don't you feel hot?" Xiu Ying glances at the outside, it was just a warm day but sitting in a carriage, literally sticking to each other still can make someone feels sweaty.

"Nope. It's not that hot. It's so breezy outside." He has no intention to let Xiu Ying's hand and shoulder go.

Zhang Wei tries to change the topic, "Ying-er, you know the way around the market so well, right?" Xiu Ying nods.

"Then, you have to guide me. I rarely go out of the palace. Even if I did, it's not for fun or sightseeing. So, I don't really know any good place." Well, he's half lied. He did know some places because sometimes he sneaked out of the palace to do some investigation on his own. He also disguised himself a few times before.

But, today he wants Xiu Ying to lead him.

Xiu Ying nods vigorously. "Sure! Whenever I return home, mom always brought me along so I did know a few good places. I'll take you there later."

"Alright," Seeing the smiles on his face, Zhang Wei gently caressing it. Then he pulls Xiu Ying's head until he lands it on his shoulder.

As soon as they arrived, Xiu Ying dragged Zhang Wei around the market. They went to the clothes store and trying every snack at the food stalls. Xiu Ying also stopped by the herbs store to find some imported herbs. After that, Zhang Wei bought him some hairpins and a jade bracelet at the accessories store. They also didn't forget to buy something for Lord Li and Madam Feng.

Their presence is attracting everyone's eyes. A good-looking guy and a beautiful 'girl', walking around the market, they can feel the love is in the air. Whenever the guy carefully holding the 'girl's' hand, pulling 'her' into his embrace, protecting 'her' from the bustling market, it feels like the whole world has turned pink. Both of them are such a match made in heaven!

The veil fluttering when the wind hits it makes the guy even more curious about the face under it. Even from the eyes, they could guess how pretty the 'girl' is.

Zhang Wei emitted a murderous aura whenever those guys lusting over his beloved. Released Xiu Ying's hand, Zhang Wei quickly pulls Xiu Ying's into his embrace and shot a death glare at those guys.

'Even with a veil, my love is still too captivating!'

"Wh- what's wrong?" Xiu Ying lifts his head with a puzzling look when his face suddenly bumps into the sturdy chest.

"Nothing. I just don't want someone staring at what's mine." His face softened when he looks at Xiu Ying. They continue to walk with Zhang Wei's hand still on Xiu Ying's shoulder. It was quite hard to walk in their position, so Xiu Ying has to put his hand on Zhang Wei's waist.

Zhang Wei is busy protecting Xiu Ying so he didn't notice the women's eyes on him. When he's acting possessive towards Xiu Ying, those women can't help but squeal.

"Gosh! He's so manly!"

"Oh my! I wish I could have a man like that!"

"If only my husband is half romantic like him. Sighs"

"Who is he? From which family he came from? Do you think he got any brother?"

"Even if he got a brother, it can't be the brother got the same attitude."

"But at least he got the handsome trait!"

Xiu Ying unconsciously tightens his hold on Zhang Wei's waist, making the latter turn to him. "Hmm? What's wrong? Do you feel tired?" Zhang Wei asked.

"Ah? Hmm...yeah... A bit tired. Let's have a rest somewhere." Xiu Ying lowers his head. Luckily Zhang Wei didn't notice that he got jealous of those women, or else he'll run as fast as he can to hide the embarrassment.

Zhang Wei brings Xiu Ying to the nearest inn. At first, Zhang Wei wants to take place on the first floor, but when he saw the prying eyes of those inside the restaurant on Xiu Ying, he quickly asked for a private room on the second floor. Clueless Xiu Ying obediently followed.

Zhang Wei asked those servants and guards, including Jing Yi who had been following them from afar to take their time in another room or on the first floor. Meaning, leave them alone. They reluctant to leave them unprotected and letting them serve themselves but after being stared at by the emperor, they can only lower their head and leave the room.

The servants decided to eat on the first floor while the guards pick a private room beside the one Zhang Wei and Xiu Ying in.

Zhang Wei pours a cup of water for Xiu Ying, "Here, have a drink first."

Even though Xiu Ying was supposed to serve the emperor, but Zhang Wei beat him to that. Zhang Wei was about to kneel down to check on Xiu Ying's legs but the latter quickly prevented him to do so.

"I'm alright. It's just... it's been awhile since I walk this long." Xiu Ying smiles. He can't say what he did before because he was drinking vinegar.

"Well...I'm sorry. I shouldn't drag you for too long. It's okay. After this, we'll ride the carriage." Zhang Wei wipes off the bead of sweats on Xiu Ying's forehead using his sleeve.

Xiu Ying shakes his head, "No. It's fine. I'm having fun too and we don't have to ride the carriage. It won't be much fun compared to walk. By the way, near the riverside, they usually light up some lanterns and fireworks. How about we go there later on?" Zhang Wei nods his head vigorously.

After having their meals, Zhang Wei and Xiu Ying take a rest for awhile while waiting for night time. The guards and servants outside the room keep looking at each other. It was so quiet inside the room and they're wondering what the two lovebirds doing inside the room.

Unbeknownst to them, Xiu Ying and Zhang Wei are just sitting on a couch, with Xiu Ying leans his head on Zhang Wei's shoulder. They stay in silence but there's no awkwardness in the air.

When the outside has become dark, both of them get out of the room and head towards the riverside. Luckily, it is a long riverside or else, with the number of people who came, they will keep brushing each other.

Once they've reached there, Zhang Wei tried to look for a more private place and dragged Xiu Ying there. He quickly raises his palm, asking the guards and servants to stop following them. Getting the hint, they quickly halt their steps. They know, the emperor wishes to have some privacy.

"We're going out at the right time. They usually light up the lanterns and fireworks twice a month or when there is a special occasion." Xiu Ying explained while looking around.

Zhang Wei just hums. He's too busy admiring someone's face.

In a swift move, Xiu Ying is now in Zhang Wei's arms, with his back facing Zhang Wei's chest. He flinches at the sudden move but then he relaxed.

Receiving no rejection, Zhang Wei tightens the hug and rubbing his head against Xiu Ying's. "Ying-er... thank you for today. I'm so happy."

"Hmm. I'm- happy too..."

Zhang Wei chuckles then steals a kiss on the cheek that was covered with a veil.

When the lanterns were released together with the fireworks, both of them lifts their head and stare in awe, especially Xiu Ying. He was fascinated by the view, he didn't realize his veil was untied.

Out of nowhere, now they're facing each other. One hand on the waist and another hand caressing Xiu Ying's cheek and slowly moving towards the pink lips. Xiu Ying gulps down his saliva.

They stared at each other in an odd way, as if it were a silent argument. Zhang Wei leans closer and closer...until their lips inch apart. Zhang Wei's eyes still on Xiu Ying's. He doesn't want to do this out of consent. If Xiu Ying said no, he'll put it apart.

But...

Xiu Ying slowly closes his eyes and he wraps his hands around Zhang Wei's waist. Now, their lips touched. Sparks flew in every direction, and the world was slowly disappearing around them. It feels like there are only two of them at the riverside.

The kiss was slow and soft. Their lips move in perfect sync. Xiu Ying never knew a kiss so innocent could be so intimate and electrifying. His legs tremble but he was supported with Zhang Wei's hand on his hip and back of the neck.

Zhang Wei pulls him closer and slanted Xiu Ying's head, deepening the kiss. Xiu Ying moans when a sudden intrusion of the tongue into his mouth. He grabs on Zhang Wei's robe tightly. The kiss went on for awhile. Zhang Wei reluctantly breaks the kiss as Xiu Ying almost out of breath.

Zhang Wei is turned on. His breath becomes heavy. He pressed their forehead together and mutters, "Ying-er... Ying-er... Ying-er..."

It sends shivers to Xiu Ying's spines. He knows his lover's condition but he's not ready for that. He pulls Zhang Wei for a hug and gently taps on his back, trying to calm him down.

Zhang Wei takes a deep breath and sighs heavily. It was hard to hold back, but he forced himself to do it. He doesn't want to scare off his beloved.

When he has calmed down, he pecks on Xiu Ying's temple, "Let's go back.." Xiu Ying nods.