Hotaru [The Tale of Genji]

In fact, as early as after returning from the rattan banquet, Mr. Jiu Yuren fell into an incomparably infatuated love for the handsome palace.He was originally a pure and persistent person, facing such an outstanding person as Shuai Gongxia, it might as well be said that he fell in love at first sight.And on weekdays, he is very timid and never dares to reveal anything wrong.So even if he was as close as Mr. Bo Sheng, he didn't find anything unusual about him.

Young Master Yuren often inquires about news related to the handsome palace, if he knows something that he didn't know before, he will be ecstatic.Occasionally, Bo Sheng was annoyed by his questioning, so he was very surprised and asked Yu Ren why he was so persistent in being under Shuai's palace.Yuren then said that he admired Shuai Gong and wanted to become such a powerful person.

However, this admiration is not the other's admiration, but only Jiu Yuren himself knows.After listening to his explanation, Bo Sheng comforted him by saying that if he wanted to become a character like his elder brother, it would be impossible without years of hard work, and he asked Yu Ren not to embarrass himself like this.

"How could I not know the difficulty of this matter?" Yu Ren smiled wryly, "...but before coming to Yujing, I never knew that there would be such outstanding people in this world, but I couldn't do it...by the side Just watching quietly has already satisfied me."

Yuren's hometown is not as prosperous as Beijing, and the news is very closed.After he became sensible, he gradually discovered that he was different from ordinary people.I was so frightened that I dared not tell anyone about it.The character of low self-esteem and timidity was formed at that time.Later, he entered Yujing with his father.Although he encountered some bad things, he also let him know that although these things are not recognized, it is not that he is so different and out of tune with the world.Later, by chance, he was rescued by His Highness Prince Ying.The sassy demeanor of that day was deeply imprinted in Yu Ren's heart.On the night of the rattan banquet, when he was escorted back, he turned his head and saw Prince Ying standing under the circulating jade pot, with extravagant eyebrows that could be painted.This glance is something that will never be forgotten in this life.

"So that's how it is." Hearing what Yuren said, Bai Sheng probably understood a little bit.He patted Yu Ren on the shoulder as usual and comforted him: "Although it is difficult, it is not impossible. If you really want to become like your highness, you can practice martial arts more. In this way, you will also have the ability to protect yourself and It’s killing two birds with one stone.”

Seeing such a friend who sincerely encouraged him, Yu Ren concealed the shocking thoughts in his heart from any angle, silently clenched his fists behind him, and replied: "Okay."

"Just can you please not tell Xingping about this?"

"Eh, why?"

"Because..." Yu Ren smiled shyly, and said very embarrassedly: "I'm afraid he will make fun of me, after all..."

"Oh, according to his personality, he will definitely do this." Bai Sheng's eyes were dark, and he quickly understood what his friend meant, "Don't worry, I will help you keep it secret. However, you must also be clear that although Xingping's mouth is a little broken, But he's not the type to look down on others, don't get him wrong."

"Well, I know."

Young Master Ye Shan is a very sensitive person, Young Master Yu Ren has already noticed it.Although he didn't know how long he could bury such a heart, he still wanted to give it a try.If Mr. Yeshan knew about this matter prematurely, he would have told the commander-in-chief.Mr. Yuren might not even have the face to go on doing it while standing in the distance silently looking at the handsome palace.

Yuren doesn't know how long this miserable secret love of his can last.He plucked up the courage to ask Bo Sheng if he could take him into the palace to meet the handsome palace majesty. This was probably the bravest thing he had done these days.He also didn't expect that Bai Sheng would really fulfill such a wish for him.

The gratitude that Yuren showed that day shocked the young master of the Neifu family, thinking that he had done something earth-shattering.Yuren didn't have time to express his excitement to Bosheng, so he hurried back to prepare, trying his best to leave a good impression on Shuai Gonggong.

He was so excited that he couldn't sleep for half the night, dreaming about every possibility of meeting Shuai Gong.But when he really saw the prince, the nervous Yuren didn't know what to say in a panic.He was ecstatic because of His Highness the fourth prince's praise, and felt that his whole body was floating in the clouds.

However, when His Majesty came later.Yuren saw the eyes of His Majesty Shuai looking at His Majesty Shuque, with such tenderness and tenderness—exactly the same as when he looked at His Majesty Shuque.At that moment, Yuren discovered that Shuai Gong was a person who was in a secret love affair with himself, but he also knew that Shuai Gong had no place for anyone else in his heart.

Before he had time to be happy, he had fallen into deeper sorrow and hopelessness.

***

His Highness Prince Ying didn't know what kind of admiration that shy and innocent boy had for him.He only regarded this person as a good friend of his clan brother, with a timid personality but no malice.In this way, you can rest assured that Bosheng will communicate with him.

But, he also has his own troubles.

On that day, Suzaku came to Chengxiang Hall specially out of love and care, and his kindness was very useful to the handsome palace.When she was happy, she didn't hide her feelings, revealing a little bit too obvious lingering.The moment he and Suzaku looked at each other, Yingying was not sure whether he had noticed his own thoughts.

This worry about gains and losses disturbed the prince's thoughts.On weekdays, he always gets close to Suzaku intentionally or unintentionally, but now he dare not act rashly because of this matter.Suzaku's refusal to approach her is still in front of her eyes, and Yingying is really uncertain whether to take a step forward or linger in place.

This kind of mutual admiration is the most wonderful thing when two people are in love with each other.Hotaru can put aside her scruples and love her wholeheartedly, but Suzaku certainly can't do this.The things on his shoulders are too important, and there must be no way to abandon everything.Those reasons that seem extremely hypocritical to the prince are the obstacles that most prevent Prince Ying from embracing Suzaku.

Brotherly blood, high position responsibility.

The prince could not find a shred of strong evidence to refute them.

When he was young, His Royal Highness saw Suzaku, who was still in the East Palace, being persecuted by all parties, and couldn't help himself.It is because of its own weakness that it does not receive the attention it deserves.At that time, he only wanted to work for Suzaku, so that this person he liked since childhood would not be a pathetic puppet.

It's just that as the years get older, when the heart of love and lust is born, there will be the exclusive desire to contaminate the mortal world.He doesn't like those women who may become Suzaku's concubines, and he doesn't want to face the possibility of Suzaku becoming a concubine in the future.Even now that Suzaku has no intention of dealing with the harem, she will definitely not be able to escape in the future.

At this time, the situation of the two of them is not as involuntary as when they were young, but they have already tasted the meaning of being extremely cold at a high place.The prince looked back and thought that he did not want Suzaku to endure the humiliation. The two of them worked hard in this court for a long time, but in the end they pushed themselves into a very embarrassing situation.There are losses and gains, but I don't know where the way forward should be.

Kong has a cavity of love, nowhere to say it, no one dares to say it.

Leave grudges in vain.

***

Because of this inexpressible anxiety, Prince Ying has been in a bad mood for the past two days.Every night I would wake up suddenly, feeling so unbearable, thinking that my sweetheart would not be able to fall asleep.Fang was young and full of fire, and even after tossing and turning several times, he couldn't hide anything.The maids in the palace were always discussing in the dark, and when they talked about some secret places, they gathered together and laughed foolishly.

"His Majesty Shuai has reached this age," said an experienced waiter, "ah, it's really the most beautiful age for a young man."

"Who says it's not? Every time I serve His Highness to get up in the morning, I can't help but blush and have a heartbeat."

"Your Highness is so outstanding, even if you pass by him, you will be fascinated by his scent."

They gathered together and said some very bold things, and they didn't feel very embarrassed.It was lonely in the palace, and there were always discussions about such things in private.

"Hey, tell me, why hasn't the prince found someone to sleep with until now?"

"The reason for this is really elusive." Another petite girl also wondered, "Besides, the prince has grown up for such a long time, and the mansion has no wives and concubines. This kind of thing is too strange."

"The few princes in this palace are really strange, even His Majesty doesn't like to bother about the relationship between men and women. The fifth prince is still young and doesn't know it, and only Genji is the one who resembles his father the most. The confidante around me has never been broken."

"I also heard that Mr. Genji has been entangled with an old woman recently. The old woman is still showing off how tender Mr. Genji treats her. It's just a play on the occasion. When he waits for his duty, there will be fewer women around him." What?" There was a lot of disdain in this person's words, but it also attracted the approval of his companions.Seeing that everyone agrees with her words, she became proud, and then made her own evaluation of the fourth prince: "But you said why the handsome palace is like this, I think you have never understood what it is like. It is so young that you can't be ashamed to ask for love. , but not everyone is a master of love."

"So, do you want us to take the initiative?"

"It's not bad, the handsome palace is so handsome, even if you die overnight, you will have no regrets."

"It's really embarrassing..."

These few people are all women who have stayed in this palace for a long time, and they are used to the love and moon here, so there is no scruple in their words.They all have their own little thoughts about the handsome palace, and they revealed it when they teased.

There are men who take pleasure in admiring the beauty of women in the world. These few people have already seen the best men in the world, so they don't look down on ordinary people.So I started to read the men's style, and every time I had a romantic relationship with an outstanding man, I went back to show off and share it.It became a very special existence in this palace.

However, His Highness Prince Ying is different from ordinary men.Because he has an unusual heart, he will not easily fall into the confusion of ordinary emotions.Not long after, some restless maids in Chengxiang Hall were driven back by Yitong.This is no different from the style of Honghui Palace last time, and there are somewhat embarrassing inside stories.

It turned out that when she was falling asleep that night, Her Highness Ying seemed to be tossing and turning with something on her mind, but it was difficult to fall asleep.The palace servants who were watching the night happened to be some of the people who were talking that day.She has rich experience, so she can't see why the prince can't sleep.Relying on her own good looks, she deeply felt that this was a rare and good opportunity.If you take the opportunity to promote good things and go back to show off, I don't know how many people will be envious.

So, the palace attendant straightened his hair a little bit, and wanted to recommend himself as a pillow in a coquettish voice.This move completely angered His Majesty Shuai Palace.Just as she was approaching, the prince was furious and moved his hand, pushing this person far away.The palace attendant was so ashamed and angrily that he covered his face and ran out, never daring to appear in front of the prince again.

On the second day, after some commotion, the palace servants who gathered together to gossip that day, regardless of their status, were all invited out of the Chengxiang Hall by His Highness.Those who returned home went home and moved places in other palaces.

The palace has always known that the prince is strict, no one dares to discuss this matter.However, some inside information still spread quickly.In this way, no woman in the palace dared to take the liberty of approaching the handsome palace.

***

His Majesty Suzaku has always been very concerned about His Highness the Prince, and someone reported this small matter to him soon.Hearing the ins and outs of this matter clearly, he sighed deeply, kneading the space between his brows, and waved helplessly and wearily to the people next to him.

The two servants who were in charge of the internal affairs of the palace looked at each other, and one of them bent down to ask for instructions: "Your Majesty, do you want to arrange for the servants of the palace to serve as servants?"

Suzaku looked at the roster they held in their hands, all of which were very outstanding girls.He shook his head, with very complicated emotions implied in his tone, "Let's not mention this matter for now..."

"Yes." The two female officers saluted again and took the roster back.

"...Also," Suzaku paused, "In the future, the people who will be arranged in the Chengxiang Hall will be stricter, so as not to displease the commander-in-chief."

"Yes, the concubines know."

"Well, you go down."

The two female officials quickly and politely left the Qingliang Palace, and the palace immediately became quiet.Suzaku wanted to deal with the remaining government affairs, but she was absent-minded and couldn't see it at all.But he had to force himself to do something, because as long as he stopped.That day, under the corridor of the Chengxiang Palace, the hot touch of Prince Ying brushing his temples with his hands was repeated again.Even the palms and backs of the hands that Hotaru touched her would become hot.Then came the heat on both cheeks, the temperature was so high that Suzaku couldn't get rid of it no matter how she sat quietly.

His Majesty's exquisite mind gradually realized that there seemed to be something wrong with the prince's feelings for him.He comforted himself that Yingying was just a momentary carelessness and went astray.As long as you teach carefully, you will definitely not make mistakes again.

However, what he didn't expect was that one day he suddenly felt something wrong.Suzaku found himself unable to refuse Hotaru's touch and approach.This is definitely not an overnight change, it is only after countless days and nights of pampering that they become such a strange relationship.

It's not that Suzaku is ignorant of these things, he just doesn't understand why lovers' relationship patterns appear in himself and Yingying.This kind of thing should not be done. Thinking of this, the young His Majesty's heart is full of torment.

Maybe it's time to do something about it.Suzaku called the servant in charge of internal affairs in the palace, and said that he wanted to choose some gentle women with clean families.The two female officials thought that His Majesty was finally going to open the harem, but they didn't expect that they were chosen for the handsome palace.While feeling that His Majesty was really worried about this younger brother, the two ladies did not dare to neglect.

After several days of selection by the two, they finally selected some suitable candidates to present to His Majesty.It was reported that Shuai Gong was furious in Chengxiang Palace and wanted to send out several servants in the palace.

As soon as the specific news came, the two female officials were beating their hearts: In such a situation, I am afraid that the handsome palace will not accept the selection of a suitable candidate.

Sure enough, His Majesty's expression was even more exhausted and helpless than the two of them.Just tell them to back down first, don't spread this matter, pretend it never happened.He even told the two of them to be more relaxed about the atmosphere in the palace.

Suzaku didn't know whether it was a coincidence that this happened suddenly, or if Yingying had noticed something and expressed her opinion to herself.But no matter what the situation is, Suzaku can no longer look at the prince from the perspective of a close brother.

Not long ago, he realized that Shuai Gong no longer needed his own protection, and he could no longer treat him as a child.But now, he suddenly realized that his relationship with Prince Ying had reached a very dangerous situation.

***

In the blink of an eye, when the spring is warm and the flowers are blooming, a Buddhist meeting is held in the palace.Specially invited eminent monks from various ancient temples to give lectures.The high-ranking officials and nobles all came to listen and relieve the suffering of the world.Suzaku believes in the meaning of Buddhism, and whenever he talks about Zen with eminent monks, he always has a sudden understanding.His Majesty, who is always filial, specially invited these eminent monks to Zhuqueyuan to give a lecture on the Dharma to Tonghuyuan alone, which aroused praise from the whole court.

In those few days, the Buddha's voice was heard in the sky above the court hall, which seemed to imply a prosperous and blissful age.However, Prince Ying has no interest in these things.He never believed in Buddhism, so he lacked interest in it.And Suzaku once revealed some negative thoughts of avoiding the world, just wanting to escape, which made His Royal Highness Ying more and more bored with these things.

"If you don't want to listen to this, then go back." Seeing that although Ying Ying was sitting upright, she had already been distracted and absent-minded.Suzaku was both helpless and speechless, so he quietly persuaded him.Unexpectedly, the prince frowned, and asked back: "If Suzaku wants to hide from the world again, if I don't investigate for a while, I won't be able to stop it."

His Majesty Suzaku couldn't laugh or cry, I don't know why Yingying had such a weird idea. "Now that I'm on the throne, I haven't accomplished anything in my life. How can I dare to lament the fact that I have escaped from the world and become a monk? Why are you worried about these impossible things..."

Probably because if you are in the world of mortals, I still have a little bit of hope to wait.And if you escape into the empty mountain, how can I find you back from the otherworldly place?

"Probably... because of reluctance."

The prince's eyes were dim, mixed with this three-point heavy bitterness.What he said made Suzaku's heart skip a beat.There is obviously a Buddha Dharma that purifies the world is being sung outside, but his heart has never been so hot for a moment, contaminated with too much worldly delusion.

With such an expression on His Royal Highness's face, Suzaku almost felt that this sentence was the way he understood it.However, his reason is still desperately persuading him that everything is just his own overthinking.Suzaku laughed a little forcedly, and said to the prince, "What's the reason? Brother Huang won't leave you behind."

The prince didn't answer, and it took a long time before he made a vague answer.The voice was so soft that Suzaku thought he was hallucinating.Before he could say anything more, Prince Ying saluted casually, and said goodbye in a quick tone: "I suddenly feel unwell, probably because the incense ash here is too strong, please allow me to go back to the residence to recuperate."

Suzaku didn't know how to appease this younger brother who suddenly lost his temper with him.Yingsu is sensible, Suzaku can't bear to be harsh for her unreasonable trouble at this time.He could only sigh and grant the prince's request.And when the fourth prince stood up, Suzaku added a sentence hesitantly: "Recently, Buddhist affairs in the palace are not going on. If there is no major event, you...you don't have to come into the palace."

The prince paused, and the gloomy aura around him became stronger.He turned sideways, nodded curtly, and walked out without looking back.Leaving His Majesty alone sitting in the same place lost in thought.

His Highness Ying strode away from the Qingliang Hall, and did not stop until he was far away and could not hear the Buddha's name.He had a deep depression in his heart, and he was anxious and didn't know how to get rid of it, so he punched the tree trunk next to him angrily.The willow tree shook twice after being hit, and a few thin leaves fell weakly.

The lame temptation revealed just now when he couldn't bear it, how childish and ridiculous when he thinks about it now.It's just that the prince feels that his heart that is always patient is almost unable to hold on.Day after day, I couldn't find a chance to express my heartfelt feelings. This Buddhist event finally stimulated the nerves of the commander-in-chief who was always nervous.

The prince seemed to be a poor man who finally had a chance to step out of the shackles, but he shrank back the step he took at the door.He made fun of his cowardice, he had already opened his mouth, but the words he said in the end were so vague and ambiguous.

He originally thought that as long as he could catch up with Suzaku.Then you can be the only one who is qualified to stand beside him.However, Prince Ying discovered that as long as Suzaku refused the side-by-side position, he would never get such honor again in this life.

Hotaru pressed her chest, feeling the heart that would beat violently whenever she thought of Suzaku.This kind of love can't be endured, every touch makes him feel lingering and unforgettable.If you don't express it, this place will explode sooner or later.

Thinking back to what Suzaku said to herself before leaving, what exactly did it mean?Could it be that he had noticed something and used this to reject himself?Or are you just simply caring about your so-called "physical discomfort"?But no matter what kind of meaning it is, I can't see my sweetheart for the time being these few days.

Perhaps, Prince Ying can use this to get rid of the temptation from Suzaku who bothers people—you know, even the incense on Suzaku will make the prince fall into an inextricable lovesickness.Of course, the most likely reason is that the prince has not seen this longing person for many days.I fell into the mirror of depression where not seeing each other every day is like three autumns.

No matter which one it is, it is extremely boring, but the current Prince Ying really needs some time to sort out this messy love.If you are sure of what you want to express, then find a way that won't scare the other party.The cool wind with the smell of incense blows slightly, but what it brings is not the tranquility and peace of the Paradise.

"It's really... asking for trouble."

The author has something to say: two in one

The holiday is over, this matter is too painful, I don’t want to face it (buried in the soil, blah blah)