Take Me Where a Wounded Tree Heals

Story

Chen Wansheng woke up with a headache. His arms were bound behind his back and his legs were also tied up. The smell of soil and burnt straws filled the dimly lit room. Where am I?

His captors still kept him alive, so they either wanted ransom or information out of him. As today was his scheduled leave, his disappearance might remain unnoticed. He must try to free himself or make the captor release him.

His daughter Jiarong had invited him to spend this day in the Tea Garden with her and her husband, Youxuan before, but he declined to give more time for the couple to enjoy themselves and went hiking instead. Would he have avoided this attack if he had gone with them, or would his daughter also get targeted? He comforted himself that his daughter was safe with Youxuan.

His throat was dry and his stomach was empty, so he was probably struck here for hours. Failing to untie himself or reach for anything that might help, he breathed deeply to calm himself. His captor might appear anytime so he had to get ready.

Time passed slowly like a snail when he had no way to judge the rate of its passage. When a man finally walked in, Wansheng spoke with a dry voice. "Let me go. I am a government official."

The man laughed in a voice as hoarse as sandpaper. He knocked Wansheng over with a kick towards his chest. Then he bent down and pointed a short knife against his chest.

Wansheng sweated profusely and froze at the spot. One wrong move and he might die on this dirty floor.

When The man used the knife to cut open his clothing, Wansheng was alarmed. "No!"

The man ignored him and cut open his clothing and chest binding, revealing his previously hidden breasts

"What kind of real officials have breasts like these?" The man said. "You're probably just a prostitute or escaped slave. Too bad that you can't go anywhere.

Despite Wansheng's shock at the reveal of his secret, his mind frantically analyzed the situation. This was bad news if this man really didn't know who he were, as he had less incentive to let him live. However, maybe Wansheng could convince him to return him home if he promised a reward.

"I am Chen Wansheng," Wansheng said and told him his address. "If you send me there or help me carry a letter there, my family will pay you handsomely. You could take the jade I wore as proof."

The man slapped him hard enough that he could see stars. "Stop putting on airs and keep lying. If you are obedient, I may keep you alive. Otherwise I will sell you away to brothels."

He squeezed Wansheng's nipples hard enough that Wansheng felt wetness in his eyes. "Too bad that you can't even nurse anyone or I can sell you at a better price. Perhaps the brothel owner can stick you in a wall to let the customer use you for a coin."

Cold dread filled Wansheng. He came from a well off family, and had a good career because of his intelligence and hard work. Never would he have expected to face such a horrible situation.

"Please don't. I have a child. He will miss me." Wansheng lied about the true gender of his offspring so this man wouldn't use him to threaten his daughter. Perhaps he might evoke some sympathy from this man.

"A whore's son can take care of himself " Came the man's reply. "You might have well put your body to use now."

He knelt around Wansheng's body and forced a cleavage between his breasts. Then he pulled out his organ to squeeze it between his breasts.

"Stop! Please!" Wansheng's throat tasted like bile. He tried to struggle, but the rope knots were too tight.

The man slapped his breasts sharply. "Shut up."

Wansheng tried to distract himself from his humiliation. A gentleman should rather be killed than humiliated, but his daughter was so fragile that the news of his violent death might kill her. He told himself that he would escape one day.

The man came on his breasts and scooped up his come on Wansheng's lips. "Lick it. Swallow it."

Wansheng widened his eyes and kept his mouth closed.

"You seem to be too stupid to follow orders. Maybe I should throw you out to vagabonds outside and let them use you for a coin."

Wansheng licked it away, his body shook in distress. When I am free, I will have him cut into pieces.

Wansheng had nothing to eat nor drink throughout the night. He was weak and hurt all over. He swallowed his anger when the man rose. "Water..."

The man put a water cup before him, but snatched it away before Wansheng could drink from it. Then he pressed his organ before Wansheng's mouth. "Suck it."

What? Wansheng turned his head away but the man grabbed Wansheng's neck to force him to face him.

"I don't keep useless slaves. I can do it the nice way, or I can dislodge your chin and thrust inside you. Don't even think of biting me."

"Can I have water afterwards?" If there was no escape, Wansheng wanted to have some control of the situation to guarantee his survival.

"You are doing better as a whore now."

Wansheng's face burnt. Before he could speak a rebuttal, the man forced himself inside his mouth.

Wansheng wanted to vomit, but the man grabbed his hair, thrusting against his throat and choked him. Wansheng could feel saliva dripping out of his forced open mouth.

Wansheng's eyes were wet with tears. His vision dimmed and his throat burnt. Will he die?

When the man came inside Wansheng, he forced him to swallow everything and licked him clean. He gave water to Wansheng afterwards, but the man's horrible taste lingered.

When the man drew his knife against Wansheng, Wansheng thought he would die. All the suffering for nothing, he thought.

Instead, the man cut his remaining clothes into pieces. The man rubbed his oily hands over Wansheng's scantily clad body, which made Wansheng feel dirty all over.

"Your breasts are too small," the man said. "We should do something about this."

What's he planning to do? Wansheng's heart raced.

Then the man pinched his backside and tried to force a finger in, so Wansheng screamed in pain.

"You're too tight," the man said. "Not many customers, have you?"

Wansheng knew lots of his peers visited male prostitutes and courtesans to get around the official ban on brothels, but he never hired one before, let alone being thought of as one. His throat was struck with anger. "How dare you!"

The man slapped on his breasts, leaving red ugly prints. "You think too much of yourself. Better accept that you're just dust."

When the man finally fed Wansheng some berries, he forced Wansheng to lick his fingers clean. To Wansheng's shame, he was so hungry and thirsty that his tongue actually lingered for the juice.

"Please don't! Please!" Wansheng begged, but the man still pushed into his body.

The first time Wansheng felt as if he had been pierced into half. He cried when the man rode inside him, his dignity crushed and destroyed. Wansheng fainted afterwards.

When he woke up, he found his body unnaturally full and wanted to die because the man put a thin rod inside him overnight. When he asked the man why, The man said that Wansheng should thank him for the training.

Wansheng couldn't believe this man's nerve, but horribly, it helped him adapt when the man penetrated him. Worse, he actually got hard from this. What kind of people would get hard from being raped, he thought as he felt acid eating away his body.

Wansheng bit his lips as the man rode his body, while his rough hands rubbed and stroked his breasts.

It was bad enough being raped, but now even his body betrayed him. His erection now lay against his abdomen and dripped, even when no one paid it attention.

Wansheng tried to squeeze it to crush his erection, but the man batted his hand away. "I don't allow you to touch yourself.

I didn't, Wansheng thought, but wisely chose not to argue. The last time he did the man almost castrated him.

So much pleasure built inside him, nearly overwhelming him. Then the man patted his backside hard while thrusting against his sensitive spot.

Wansheng screamed in his orgasm.

Wanaheng would describe his life as a nightmare, but the worst his sleeping mind could come up with was like a vacation compared to this.

The man tied him up when he was away. Wansheng could never tell when he would return. His bladder was so full that he was about to burst, but he didn't want to wet his body.

When the man finally arrived, Wansheng begged, "Please... I need to pee... "

The man held him up and pointed him towards a bottle. Wansheng felt like he was regressed to be an ignorant child, but he was too desperate to mind his manner.

Then the man forced him to kneel and suck him . Wansheng relaxed his throat to make himself more comfortable.

"Use your tongue. I don't want to teach you again."

Wansheng shuddered as he recalled how this man forced him to learn the technique of giving head. Several times he was almost suffocated and covered with ugly bruises afterwards. He blanked out his mind when the man licked him. At least this torture would end when this man came.

The man hand fed him water and thin vegetable congee while putting him in his lap, his clothed organ rubbed against Wansheng.

How come he can recover so fast? Is he actually an inhuman monster?

When Wansheng barely finished his meal the man put cream on his breasts. Wansheng squirmed as his breasts now itched and burnt, but he couldn't get away. The man applied the cream regularly so now even a wind would be unbearable to his breasts. If his hands were free, he would need to sit on them to resist the temptation of soothing his nipples. He didn't know how to live if he could return.

Sometimes his past as a respected official and father felt so distant. He had to scratch his name repeatedly with his nails to remind him who he actually was instead of the man's sex slave. He still dreamed about freedom, but he started to wonder if anyone looked for him, or if they had given up on him, believing that he was already dead.

His daughter would be heartbroken, but at least her husband Youxuan would comfort her . Youxuan was his most promising student. He handpicked Youxuan as his son in law. Their happy marriage proved his foresight.

He lost his thought when the man entered him. At least he could get lost in his sensation and escape from reality.

Then the man patted his backside. Wansheng came against his will.

Wansheng felt hopeless as his body no longer belonged to him. Am I still human, or am I only an animal?

Wansheng's breasts hurt for several days. They were swollen, lumpy and unbearably sensitive. It must be the cream, he thought.

His breasts grew so huge that even the man's large hands couldn't cover them entirely. It seemed to excite the man as he kept bruising and marking them. Wansheng felt that they were now the man's toys rather than a part of his body.

The first night the pain was so exquisite that he curled up and couldn't sleep. Then the man claimed that clearly he was angling for sex and forced himself inside repeatedly until he collapsed. The man "helped" him like this every night so he faked sleep and hid his pain.

The man came for him that day, forcefully squeezing and pulling his breasts and seemed to be amused by Wansheng'a pained expression. He took no mercy when stroking, rubbing and biting them, torturing them with a synchrony of pain.

Wansheng felt heated and painful , while his body was melting. His world was now limited to what this man did to his breasts until they squirt milk.

The man suckled him hungrily while Wansheng collapsed in full body shudder. His mind was completely blank when the pain only enhanced his orgasm. He moaned shamelessly and pushed towards the man

Only much later Wansheng trembled and cried when his breasts leaked. He could never be normal again.

The desire for revenge kept Wansheng living. The man was literally a monster. He deserved to suffer forever in hell.

While the man was extremely cautious not to leave anything Wansheng might use as a weapon, with luck Wansheng managed to hide a wooden spoon from him. If anything he would gorge the man's eyes out.

The man probably thought he had surrendered to his fate, so he tied him less securely today. When he struggled free from the ropes, he breathed deeply and removed the rod inside him.

His traitorous body was hungry for more, but it didn't matter anymore.

He held the spoon tight until he heard a painful shout outside. When the door burst open, his eyes watered when they adapted to the light. Someone entered and covered him with some clothing.

A familiar voice said, "You're safe now, Master Chen."

it was Youxuan. 

Youxuan saved him.

Wansheng couldn't believe that it was true. Perhaps he had already died and this was an illusion to placate the dead.

"Master Chen? I am coming towards you now. Can I check you over?" Youxuan sounded worried in this illusion.

"Yes," What's the harm in an illusion?

Youxuan approached him slowly and gently put down the robe he threw over Wansheng's body. He poured some water on a handkerchief and wiped Wansheng's neck.

Wansheng sighed as it felt good. He was so smelly and dirty that this felt refreshing. Probably his family found his dead body at the end and was now cleaning him up.

Youxuan cleaned up his shoulders and was about to reach his breasts. Even in an illusion he squirmed away, not wanting Youxuan to see him like this.

"It's all right, Master Chan. I only want to clean you up. May I?" Youxuan held the handkerchief still.

Finally Wansheng said, "Go ahead." What was the point of his refusal? As his son-in-law, Youxuan was the only suitable person to prepare his body for the funeral.

Youxuan carefully avoided his bruises and wounds when his hands reached his breasts. He was gentle, but even the light touch stimulated Wansheng's nipples to harden.

Then the reality hit Wansheng.

"No!" Wansheng quickly retreated from Youxuan until his back hit the wall. What was he thinking when he let Youxuan see… his body?

His breasts were as large as a woman's. His body was covered with bruises and bite marks. Youxuan could probably tell what had happened to him. How could he respect his father-in-law after seeing this?

Youxuan remained in his position. "I will put the handkerchief in your hands so you can clean up yourself. Can you put on the clothing yourself? We should move quickly as your captor might have partners."

His words intruded on Wansheng's panic. Any time the man might return. He couldn't land Youxuan in danger.

Wansheng took the handkerchief and roughly cleaned away the dried blood, biting his lips to suppress his moan. Fortunately Youxuan seemed not to notice.

"Do you… have a long piece of cloth? " He couldn't leave when anyone might see his breasts.

Youxuan checked over his pack and took out an undershirt. "I am sorry. I don't have anything better."

Wansheng grabbed the shirt to bind his chests. He groaned and bent over, as he bounded himself so tight that even breathing brought sharp hot pain. At least he could hide them under Youxian's robe now.

When Wansheng was fully clothed, Youxian helped him out of his prison, which was an old hut in the countryside. Wansheng never wanted to see it again.

"Did you… see a huge man on your way? ＂Wansheng asked, trying his best to describe his captor.

Youxian said, "I have come across a man that matched your description. I killed him when he attacked me."

"What?" Relief filled Wansheng and lightened his steps, but he had to see the evidence with his eyes. Otherwise the shadow of the man would haunt his life forever. "Bring me to the body."

Youxuan led him to the nearby bushes, where a huge man's body lay on his front. Wansheng bowed to check if he was really dead. He couldn't see the man's face clearly during his captivity but the height matched. He felt like a huge stone was lifted off from his soul.

"Burn it away. We can't let anyone see this." They didn't need any complication from the authorities' possible investigation.

Youxian lit a torch and handed it to Wansheng, who set a fire to the body. He wished he could burn away this chapter of life along with the culprit's body.

"The hut. Let's destroy everything in the hut." Wansheng said while walking back.

The smoke was choking when he set the hut on fire, but Wansheng found it freeing.

There was a long way to the capital, and Wansheng wasn't fit enough for a long journey, so Youxian insisted that they found a room in a tavern.

Wansheng wanted to return home as soon as possible, but he was tired. Besides, he noticed Youxian's dark eye circles, his pale face and his bandaged left arm. They both needed rest.

Youxian sent his servant in advance to inform Jiarong that her father was found now, claiming that it would be better for them to travel together at a more relaxed speed, but he probably noticed how nervous Wansheng was seeing people who knew him. Wansheng appreciated his discretion.

"We can rent two adjacent rooms, Master Chen," Youxian said. His regular use of his title reminded Wansheng that his rescue wasn't just a dream.

"Thank you," Wansheng said. "How long have I been missing?"

"Two weeks. We found your wrecked carriage."

It was only two weeks, but it felt like two centuries to Wansheng. He pressed his hand against his head to soothe the headache coming upon.

"We could talk later after we had our dinner," Youxian said without probing what had happened during the two weeks. Wansheng was grateful about that.

Youxian arranged for everything efficiently. The dinner was plain but hearty. The room was old but tidy. Wansheng sighed as he could finally have a hot bath.

He washed his caked hair, his dirty face and body, ignoring his breasts as much as possible. He could still see the man's palm print on them in his mind. If he had enough time, he would chop the man's head off his dead body.

Youxian said he killed that man. He had to ask Youxian for more information.

After a thorough bath Wansheng bounded his breasts again, wincing because of the burning pain.

Would he leak tonight?

His body chose to distract him with his emptiness. The man filled him too many times that it felt unnatural to go without.

What a lustful body, Wansheng thought. His body now felt laden with lead. How could he live with this?

There was a knock at his door. "May I come in?" It was Youxian's polite voice.

Wansheng wanted to ignore the door. He could fake sleep. Youxian would probably understand, but Wansheng couldn't hide forever. He took a deep breath and opened the door.

"Are you all right?" Youxian looked worried. Wansheng must have dweled in his thoughts for too long.

"I am all right. Just tired," Wansheng said.

Youxian frowned. "You should rest. We can discuss tomorrow."

"Please tell me now, or I can't sleep."

"You are a brave man," Youxian said with a sigh and told him what had happened.

When Youxian found out that he was missing, he hid the news from Jiarong and only told her that Wansheng was urgently summoned for confidential business. He examined Wansheng's wrecked carriage, but didn't find a huge amount of blood stain nor his body, so he believed that he was still alive. He started looking for him secretly ever since, in fear that the captors might harm him if they thought officials were involved.

"I'm sorry that I couldn't find you earlier ," Youxian said with downcast eyes.

"At least you have tried." Even though Youxian downplayed his effort, Wansheng could see the toll he took for saving him.

Then Youxian talked about the day he found Wansheng.

He was looking for Wansheng in the countryside with his servants, each splitting away to search as wide an area as possible. Then he saw a rough man wearing a piece of jade that looked familiar.

When he followed the man, the man discovered him and tried to attack him. Fortunately, Youxian struck him dead with his sword. He identified the jade as the one Wansheng usually wore, so he scanned the nearby area and finally saved Wansheng.

"Are you all right?" Wansheng asked. He repeatedly suffered from the man's brutal strength during captivity. Even unarmed, it was risky for Youxian to fight him.

Youxian smiled, "Don't worry. It's only a minor injury. I have asked around for a doctor, but the only doctor was occupied tonight."

"I am fine," Wansheng lied. His injury would heal on his own, and he didn't want a stranger to know how strange he was now.

"I can arrange for the doctor to diagnose you without seeing your face. Some injuries are insidious but deadly."

Wansheng's face started to heat up. "It's not necessary. I'd rather see a good doctor when we're back."

"You're a stubborn man, Master Chen," Youxian said while leaning forward. His hands accidentally touched Wansheng.

Wansheng retreated his hand quickly as if they were burnt. For a moment he was thrown back into his humiliating captivity. The atmosphere became awkward between them.

"Do you want to know what has happened to me? " Wansheng asked, dreading his reply. It would be like cutting open his wound and exposing it in daylight, but it would be better for him to offer than fumbling for a reply when Youxuan asked

Youxian bowed and stood up, "If you're ready and willing, I will be your attentive and discreet audience, but you must be exhausted now, Master Chen. Have a good night of sleep."

"Wait," Wansheng said. He was relieved that he could spare the details of his captivity, but didn't want to be alone at night. It reminded him too much of the nights of being tied up and left alone to suffer. "Can you… stay?"

Immediately he regretted his words. There was only one bed in the room. He couldn't bring himself to suggest sharing a bed, so where could Youxian sleep! "You can ignore me. You need sleep too."

"I will sleep on the ground. Don't worry. I will wake easily and will alert you to danger." Youxian was considerate as usual.

"Thank you," Wansheng said shamefully, because he appreciated his offer too much to decline even in the name of courtesy.

"You don't need to thank me. It's nothing."

Youxian took a bedsheet and settled on the floor. Wansheng felt warm because of his quiet acceptance and support. .

I don't deserve him, Wansheng thought, once again thankful that he had chosen him as his son-in-law.

Deep at night chest pain woke Wensheng up as he felt suffocated. He unwrapped his chest binding, and discovered the reason. They were so full of milk that even a light touch hurt. He tentatively touched his nipples but didn't know what to do.

It shouldn't be something I should know, Wansheng thought. His wife died during childbirth, leaving behind his only daughter, so this wasn't a concern in their marriage.

He must have made some sound, because Youxuan got up and approached him while asking, "Are you all right ?"

"Yes, go to sleep."

Despite wanting to reassure Youxuan, Wansheng involuntarily groaned because his breasts felt like they were about to burst. .

"You need help,"Youxuan climbed up on the bed. To Wansheng's horror, his breasts squirt milk onto Youxuan when Youxuan's elbow touched them.

"Are you bleeding?" Youxuan asked tensely while reaching for him.

The night was dimly lit with scarce stars. At this moment he was thrown back into the past when the man came for him every night.

"Please… please… " He threw himself forward trying to placate his tormenter. He pulled open the man's robe and swallowed him.

The man held his head still instead of thrusting forward as usual, but this was probably his new trick. Weishang held back his teeth and licked him as much as possible, hoping for a quick release. The man groaned and tried to pull him away before coming, but he wasn't fast enough. Wansheng swallowed as much as possible as he was forced to take it.

The man panted heavily. Some of the come dripped onto Wansheng's chest. Would the man punish him for not taking everything?

Without thinking, Wansheng pushed his nipple into the man's open mouth. When the man gently suckled him, Wahsheng's eyes wetted because of the sweet release of the pressure inside.

The pain of Wabsheng's other nipple became unbearable now that its brethren received solace. Fortunately the man didn't need him begging. He switched to the other side and gave him the same comfort.

When the man released his breasts, he gently held Wansheng in his arms. Wansheng started to realize that something was off

"Are you all right?" The man asked.

No, this wasn't the man's voice. It was Youxuan. What had he just done?

Wansheng struggled to get free. He didn't know how to face Youxuan after what he had done.

Youxuan tightened his arms, but still left space for Wansheng to breathe. "Nothing had happened. Nothing. You should sleep. It's a long day."

He saw me, Wansheng thought. He now knows what kind of person I am now . Wansheng couldn't understand why Youxuan sounded so calm.

He wanted to escape, but Youxuan used his arms and legs to hold him securely. At last Wansheng was exhausted enough to sleep.

Someone was pressing and compressing Wansheng's breasts at a regular interval. The pressure inside his breasts reduced, so now they felt soft and comfortable. It felt so good that Wansheng decided to cling to his sleep.

Eventually his breasts were relieved. They were gently wiped clean with a soft cloth.

Then his sleep-addled mind started to stir. He opened his eyes and saw Youxuan holding a handkerchief. He could smell his milk on it.

"What're you doing?" Wansheng asked, finally figuring out what had just happened. It felt surreal that Youxuan milked him during his sleep.

Youxuan put away the handkerchief and helped him sit up against the bed stand. "I should have noticed this last night. Some kidnappers drugged their male hostages like this to avoid their escape. You're probably still suffering from the drug's effect."

Wansheng was relieved to know it was temporary. Youxuan worked for the law ministry so he probably knew this from the crime records. Mercifully, Youxuan didn't mention how he offered himself for sex last night.

"Will the effect of the drug go away?"

"You are no longer drugged, so its effect should fade with time. Unfortunately not many survivors looked for help, so we didn't know much about an actual antidote. I can try to find a doctor."

"No," Wansheng didn't want to see a doctor now that Youxuan seemed to know enough to help. He couldn't bear anyone else to know.

Youxuan looked at him with concern but didn't insist. "I will get you breakfast from the kitchen so you can have it in the room. You should keep your body unbound for now, because your symptoms might get worse if your blood couldn't flow freely. We can talk later."

Wansheng's ears heated up. He felt as if he were a disobedient child who needed to follow instruction. "You can leave now."

When Youxuan left, Wansheng was conflicted whether to bound his breasts before putting on clothing, but finally heeded Youxuan's warning. What did he need to hide from Youxuan anymore? He thought. Youxuan saw him at his worst and talked to him like he were still worthy of respect.

Youxuan returned with a sesame shaoping and plain soya milk. Wansheng had never had a meal on the bed, so he insisted on taking them to a desk.

After breakfast, Youxuan said, "You need a more comfortable place for your recovery. Will you mind me renting a small house during our stay?"

Last night's relapse showed Wansheng that he might not be ready to face his daughter, his friends and colleagues. However, he needed to think about Youxuan and Jiarong.

"Will it be all right for you? Your superior may cause trouble for you if you leave your post too long. Jiarong must be worried about you."

"I have applied for a long leave and still have time before returning to work. I will also send a letter to Jiarong. I have written to tell her that you needed my assistance. She will understand."

"How is she?" Wansheng felt guilty as he didn't ask about his daughter before.

"She is healthy and energetic. Doctor Li's therapeutic recipes work well."

Wansheng smiled. "It's good to hear." Jiarong was frail from birth, so Wansheng often worried about her health and marriage, but Youxuan spent a lot of time and effort for her, including hiring the famous Doctor Li to improve her health.

As Youxuan clearly had thought ahead, Wansheng agreed to his plan.

Youxuan rented a small but elegant house with a garden nearby. The hired help efficiently cleaned up and prepared the house for them. The cook also prepared black sesame congee, pork and water caltrop soup and braised pig's trotters served with mushroom and beancurd in advance.

Wansheng's mouth started to water when he saw the meat dish. Youxuan said his stomach needed time to adapt, so he mainly had soup and congee for meals. While Youxuan made sure that the congee and soup varied in ingredients, Wansheng craved more filling food.

The pig's trotters were rich in taste and a delight to his tongue. He ended up eating most of the pig trotters, beancurd and mushroom sauntered with the meat juice. Only afterwards he realised that he forgot his manners.

“Your appetite has recovered well, Master Chen. However, you should leave some space for the soup"

""It's impolite of you to joke about your elders," Wansheng said with a smile, feeling languid after the hearty meal.

Youxuan smiled back."Please be generous and forgive me, Master Chen."

Wansheng patted his shoulders. He was nicely surprised by Youxuan's sense of humour.

"Do you want to take a walk in the garden?" Youxuan asked.

Wansheng shook his head. He still felt tired easily. Moreover, his muscles were still sore and stiff.

"Perhaps massage would help you feel better."

"Another of your secret talents?" Wansheng jokingly asked.

Youxuan smiled. "I have many useful talents and am happy to use them."

Wansheng sat on the chair with Youxuan behind his back. He was nervous as he couldn't see Youxuan, but it was too late for him to decline now.

Youxuan put his hands on his shoulders. "Relax, Master Chen. I won't hurt you. If you tell me to stop,I will stop immediately."

"Do your best or worst," Wansheng said, squeezing and relaxing his fists.

Youxuan pressed his thumbs along his shoulder blades and moved in towards his spine. "Do you want me to press lighter or harder?"

"It's fine," Wansheng didn't realize the amount of tension in his shoulders until Youxuan kneaded his shoulders and arms.

Youxuan said, "Your back is tense. May I work on it?"

"Please continue."

Youxuan started from his lower back with lotion on his hands, making circular motions up along his back."Is it all right? Too little or too much?"

Wansheng felt warmth spreading from Youxuan's hands. "Lighter, please." He worried that his body would betray him again.

Youxuan's hands became gentler, reaching towards his back and his shoulders. Wansheng felt lighter when Youxuan soothed his back pain.

"Do you want me to work on your legs? They must be strained."

"No," Wansheng said. He didn't want anyone's hands to be close to his backside.

Mercifully, Youxuan stopped without asking why.

"You have skillful hands."

"I helped my parents when they were still alive."

Conversations like that reminded Wansheng about their age and generation difference.

"If you find it acceptable, I can massage you every night."

"All right." Youxuan was very considerate. Wansheng once again thanked his foresight for picking him as son-in-law.

"Master Chen, it's time to work on your front now." Youxuan said gently, as if talking to a scared animal.

Wansheng hated this thought. He was a full grown man and a capable official. He shouldn't need to be treated with this extra care.

His eyes rapidly darted from side to side. No matter how necessary this was, he had never intentionally exposed his breasts to anyone. Even his dead wife didn't see him entirely naked.

"This is a part of the treatment. I will do it as fast as possible." Youxuan continued.

Wansheng wanted to shout at him, yet he had realized how unreasonable this impulse was, which only made him angrier. However, If he did it now, at least he would be in control unlike what had happened last night.

He pulled down his robe and said, "Do it."

"Thanks for trusting me."Youxuan bowed.

He put some oil on his fingers before placing them on top of and bottom of his left breast, moving in a circular motion. No matter how hard Wansheng had searched his face, he only saw dedication.

Wansheng felt the pain in his left breast and nipples lessened. When he signalled that this was enough, Youxuan moved towards his right breast. His hands felt so good that Wansheng dropped his shoulders.

"You can bend forward, Master Chen." Youxuan said.

When Wansheng obeyed, Youxuan held his breast with his fingers and thumb cupped around the top of his breast. He pressed his fingers and thumb back towards Wansheng , compressing and releasing rhythmically without lifting his hands.

The motion mesmerized Wansheng. The man used to be brutal, bruising and even drawing blood from his breasts. On the contrary Youxuan would ask about his feelings and adjust his touch accordingly. There was no pain. Wansheng was filled with contentment and satisfaction.

In fact, Youxuan was doing too well.

Wansheng crossed his legs to hide his erection, trying to bring up anything that could distract himself from making a fool of himself.

"You are really good with this," he said, before realizing how his words might be interpreted as criticism. Jiarong was childless, so she wouldn't need this. Besides, men were usually ignorant about this kind of business, including himself.

Youxuan replied, "My mum was once a wet nurse."

As far as Wansheng knew, Youxuan was an only child. However, poor families often lost their children to illness or gave them up for adoption. He tried to bring up a lighter topic but his nipples sprayed milk onto Youxuan's hands, ruining his effort.

Wansheng felt his face heated up, but Youxuan reassured him. "It's normal. Next time we will know how to work better."

Probably sensing Wansheng's discomfort, Youxuan distracted him with funny anecdotes about his colleagues. He told them with such a straight face that Wansheng couldn't help but laugh.

Youxuan changed the position of his fingers to move around in a circle until the lactation finished. Then he continued with the other breast.

It took so long that Wansheng feared that his body would embarrass him. "Can we speed it up?"

"I can nurse you. Is it acceptable?"

Wansheng couldn't believe his ears when he heard Youxuan's offer, but the image of Youxuan nursing him refused to leave his mind. Youxuan would probably be gentle while suckling him, taking in everything until his breasts were empty. Wansheng's organ stirred and he crossed his legs to hide his response.

"No, it isn't necessary. Take your time."

Youxuan nodded, not pushing the topic anymore. After finishing he massaged Wansheng again.

It was a relief to Wansheng when Youxuan finally left him alone, because any longer he would embarrass himself. Youxuan told him that they would have to do it frequently at first. Wansheng dreaded his words yet part of himself looked forward to it.

Wansheng firmly believed how rightly he picked Youxuan as his son-in-law because of how Youxuan pampered him during the whole stay.

Youxuan remembered what food he liked and disliked. When Wansheng praised the drunken shrimp soup, this became a staple along with clam soup. After Wansheng's confession that he was really bored about the plain flavor of congee, his rice was now served with crushed walnuts and red sugar.

To avoid Wansheng getting bored, Youxuan bought a lot of short story and anecdote collections, travelogues, and poems for his entertainment.

Wansheng joked upon seeing them. "I didn't expect you to know so much about books for leisure."

"I am not fun enough to amuse you like Laolaizi, so I hope they can serve the purpose," Youxuan replied.

Despite Wansheng's teasing, he appreciated the light reading . He often read books with Youxuan after a walk in the garden, because he found Youxuan's reaction as entertaining as the books.

When they read about how a grand scholar discussed the Confucian classics with a raccoon dog, Youxuan expressed his doubt. "How can a wild beast have time to learn the classics? Even if it did, a scholar wouldn't publicize such strange anecdotes so how could the author know?"

"Perhaps this was true. My teacher once had a dog, which barked whenever we recited the classics wrong." Actually Wansheng made up the anecdote to fluster him.

"It must be quiet upon your turn." Youxuan sounded so sincere that Wansheng smiled shyly and decided not to tell him the truth.

Youxuan prepared ink for Wansheng when Weisheng practised calligraphy. He helped pick a red plum flower from the tree and pinned it to Wansheng's collar during their walk. They played chess together and discussed current affairs. While Youxuan often asked about his opinion, Wansheng found his perspective insightful. He was the best companion Wansheng could hope for sharing a vacation together, and he seemed to also enjoy Wansheng's company.

As Wansheng grew to trust Youxuan more, he lay on his front and let Youxuan massage his neck, shoulders and his back daily. Then he would turn over and let him massage his legs.

Youxuan started by kneading and rubbing the sole and the top of his feet with fingers, moving up his legs to apply more pressure to tensed muscle until reaching his hips. Wansheng's legs felt so relaxed afterwards that he regretted not allowing Youxuan earlier.

I will miss this when I return, Wansheng thought, feeling strangely reluctant.

The only thing Youxuan did that Wansheng felt ambiguous about was to help with his breasts. The regular breast massage and hand expression effectively reduced his breast pain. Initially his breasts milked more than they did in the past, but Youxuan explained to him in advance that this was normal at the beginning.

However, he was unable to voice his deepest concern. His arousal got worse every time Youxuan worked on his breasts.

He was grateful for the blanket over his leg, because he got a reaction just from Youxuan cupping his breasts. He leaned towards Youxuan when he happened to touch his nipples. Heat filled his body when his milk started to spray. Sometimes he fantasized about Youxuan suckling him.

He felt ashamed about his fantasy of his son-in-law, who was only helping him out of obligation. Did his captivity damage his character so much that he would want to lead Youxuan astray?

He knew he should tell Youxuan to stop, but Youxuan was firm about helping him. Moreover, once he was free from pain, he dreaded its return. He ended up agreeing, while hoping that Youxuan would never notice.

The itch he felt for fullness inside his body remained strong. Several times his eyes darted to Youxuan before quickly moving away lest he discover. When the impulse was too strong, he put a finger inside awkwardly, but it wasn't enough to satisfy himself.

Wansheng's hope turned out to be wishful thinking.

He was biting his lips to hide his moan when Youxuan was working with his breasts. A spell of dizziness hit him, causing him to stumble forward. When Youxuan tried to grab his side to support him, Wansheng's momentum threw him off balance and ended up with Youxuan's hand over Wansheng's erection.

Wansheng froze. Time seemed to stall at this moment.

Youxuan knows about this now, he thought. He knows what kind of fallen person his father-in-law has become now. He felt like a criminal awaiting his judgment.

Wansheng darted his eyes, looking away from Youxuan's inscrutable face.

"It's all right, Master Chen," Youxuan said, while the heat of his palm felt like fire to Wansheng. "We should finish this."

His hands returned to Wansheng's breasts and continued, as if nothing had happened. Then he wiped his hands clean and handed over a dish of sweetened dry apricots. "You should eat more for your recovery."

Wansheng had one of them and tasted nothing. Youxuan was considerate enough to pretend that nothing had happened so it should be easy for Wansheng to behave similarly. However, could they continue like this?

He was the older person between the two, Wansheng thought. It was up to him to settle the matter.

"We should return to the capital," He said. "We have stayed here for two week. People would start to gossip. The longer we delay, the easier it will be for Jiarong to find out the truth."

He breathed deeply before the next harder part. "Thank you for saving me. You're the best son I could have wished for, but I couldn't burden you anymore. You shouldn't have to spend most of your time on me. Perhaps a doctor can cure me."

"Master Chen, you're never a burden," Youxuan said firmly. "You are a good mentor. I am grateful for you marrying your daughter to me. I only reached today's status thanks to you."

He looked straight into Wansheng's eyes. "I won't claim to understand what you have gone through, but you deserve time and care to heal. I will arrange for our return if it's what you want, but please don't think you should do it now for my sake."

Wansheng lost his stiff posture. It was rare for him to see Youxuan so direct, but he was warmed by Youxuan's defense of him. As the saying went, misfortune tested the sincerity of friendship. He could never doubt Youxuan after today.

When Youxuan arranged for their return trip home, he invited Wansheng to stay the first night with Jiarong and him.

"It will reassure Jiarong if I bring you home. You will also receive a warm welcome." Youxuan said before a sigh. "I must confess that I fired some of your servants."

"Why?"

"When I discovered your missing, I interrogated your servants. Some of them ignored their duties so I fired them as a warning to others."

Wansheng winked rapidly, but whatever was done was done now. Besides, He was certain that Youxuan did it out of good intention. "It's all right. The less people who know the truth, the less chance of gossip."

Their hand expression session was fraught with tension. Due to what had happened last time, Wansheng asked whether they could stop It entirely, but Youxuan warned him that it would very likely cause an infection.

"Perhaps you can teach me to do it myself," Wansheng said. He found it daunting to touch himself, but this would solve their problem. He kicked himself why he didn't think of suggesting it himself before.

"Very well," Youxuan said and put Wansheng's hand on his breast. "Remember the position. Now push it towards you."

Wansheng muffled a sharp sound of pain when he pushed himself too hard.

"You should take your time and do it gently." Youxuan sighed. "Otherwise you'll hurt yourself."

Wansheng's face and ears felt impossibly hot when Youxuan guided his fingers. What have I done before to deserve this?

"It's enough. Thanks," Wansheng said while cleansing his throat.

Probably sensing his embarrassment, Youxuan didn't challenge him. However, in the next morning, Wansheng tried for a long time without success. He was silently grateful when Youxuan took over.

At least he needed help less often from Youxuan now than before, so Wansheng told himself that he was making progress.

Wansheng was overwhelmed on his way back to the capital.

He forgot how noisy the city was. The noise of working mules and horses, carriage driven along rough toads, hawkers promoting their goods and people's general conversation was deafening after his stay in the secluded countryside. Youxuan patted his hands and ordered the carriage rider to drive more steadily, but he straightened his back in perfect posture. Now that he were back, he had to appear invulnerable.

They were in the carriage when Wansheng's breasts were engorged. He couched to hide his pain, but Youxuan said, "Let me help you."

He is too familiar with me for me to hide anything. Wansheng thought. "We're outside. The driver will hear us."

He winced and held onto his arm while the pain built inside him.

"Please forgive me," Youxuan said when he pulled open his robe and unbound his breasts. He gently massaged them.

"The carriage will get dirty," Wansheng argued weakly.

Youxuan pressed his chin against his left breast and opened his mouth, his tongue reaching as much of his breast as possible before suckling.

Wansheng was shocked by the image of Youxuan nursing from him directly and the sensation of his warm mouth. He bit his lips closely lest any sound came out. It was more intense than what he had expected.

The pain in his neglected right breast became more unbearable, so Wansheng nudged him toward it. Youxuan took the clue and diverted his attention.

Youxuan wiped him clean and helped tidy his robe, but Wansheng still felt anyone could see what they had been doing. He didn't dare confronting Youxuan about this, so they spent the remaining journey in awkward silence.

Jiarong greeted them in the living room. Doctor Li deserved a big reward, because her face now had a healthy pinkish tone.

"Dad! Youxuan! You both must be exhausted. I have dinner prepared for later," Jiarong said with bright eyes and a big smile, unknowingly breaking the ice between Youxuan and Wansheng.

Wansheng smiled. It was so good to see his daughter again. He felt like truly returning home.

The dinner Jiarong prepared was home -style and hearty, and most dishes were Wansheng's favourite. They had their dinner in comfortable silence.

Wansheng retreated early to his room, as he was tired and his breasts hurt. After a month without chest binding, he forgot how much pain it was to bind and hide his breasts. Another thing to adapt to, he thought.

Youxuan and Jiarong walked him to his room before their departure. Wansheng felt lonely and uncertain suddenly. He had depended on Youxuan so much during the short time that he found his absence unsettling, but Youxuan's priority should be Jiarong, not him.

There was a polite knock at the door later at night. "Master Chen, would you mind letting me in?" Youxuan asked through the door.

Wansheng's footsteps lightened as he opened the door to admit Youxuan.

When they were behind the closed door, Youxuan asked, "How do you feel?"

Youxuan often asked about Wansheng during the time they were together, but it was strange to hear it now at his home. Something shifted between them, but Wansheng was unsure what this was.

He decided not to confront how Youxuan nursed from him on their way back. Youxuan was probably trying to help while heeding his wish to keep the milk away, so there was no need to fixate on that.

"I am fine now that I am back with you both."

"It's the time now," Youxuan said, referring to their sessions.

Wansheng nodded with hesitation, removing his clothing and unbounding his breasts. They felt uncomfortably full even after their release. Now that they were in Youxuan's home, Wansheng's mouth dried as he worried about being discovered.

One more time, one more time is all right, he thought.

Perhaps because of the new environment or Wansheng's silent promise to himself, Wansheng felt Youxuan's hands on him more vividly than before. His warm hands lit a flame inside Wansheng as he massaged his breasts. His arousal seemed harder to hide than before.

When he accidentally sprayed milk onto Youxuan, he froze because he remembered that they were no longer alone in a secluded place. It was hard to justify why his son-in-law smelt like milk after leaving his room.

Youxuan frowned and licked the milk away. Wansheng watched his tongue with a racing heart, while half wishing he would help him with his mouth.

Youxuan never gave him an explanation before saying good night to Wansheng and left. If he was wise, he should follow suit and pretend nothing had happened, Wansheng thought.

Later that night he dreamed about Youxuan's tongue on his own fingers. This time Youxuan moved on to suckle him, his hands playing with his backside. Wansheng woke up with a cold sweat on his back.

Wansheng thought he left his nightmare behind when he returned to the capital.

He was wrong.

He had never realized his workplace was so loud and claustrophobic. His colleagues gossiped about him when they thought he didn't hear them, or that they knew but didn't care. They were like hungry wolves watching him for any weakness to destroy them. He felt too exposed to play this game with them.

Their pointed question and inquiry about his past month were designed to probe other than genuine concern, so he politely misled and diverted them. At least thanks to Youxuan's discretion, no one guessed the truth.

The sound of people approaching set him on alert. He nearly batted someone's arms away when they got too close. He was stranded in a hostile territory, and he felt like he was fighting a losing battle the whole day.

He cringed when he overheard someone gossiping about the theory of him being abducted by a fox spirit. Their conversation became pornographic in nature, but it hit closer to home than what they had probably realized. Too bad his captor had none of the physical charm his colleagues speculated, he thought.

He used to enjoy his work, but He got a headache just from watching his unattended workload that had accumulated during his absence. Even if he had worked non-stop without sleep, he would never finish them in time.

When the day ended he had to hide his exhaustion with his practiced smile and kept his head high. He should have stayed home, Wansheng thought.

On the way to Wansheng's carriage, his footsteps lightened when he saw Youxuan waiting for him. It was a relief to see a friendly face after the long day he had.

"Master Chen, you looked exhausted," Once inside the carriage, Youxuan said with pursed lips. "Perhaps some refreshment will lift your spirit."

Trust Youxuan to get to the point, Wansheng thought. However, he could hear the true worry in Youxuan's voice and felt warmth about his consideration.

He knew he should downplay or even deny his weakness, but Youxuan had stood by him at his lowest point of life and deserved his honesty.

"Not too well," he said, looking away from Youxuan. He could barely sleep last night, and the workplace politics drained his remaining energy. By now Youxuan probably thinks of him as delicate and easily breakable.

"You are still healing."

"It's already been a month. I should be ready by now."

"I saw tough people destroyed when they suffered less than what you might have experienced," Youxuan said. "Please give yourself time."

Part of Wansheng was frustrated how their position reversed, with the younger Youxuan taking care of him. "Stop cuddling me."

" You're my family so I'm worried." Youxuan lowered his eyes. "You can trust me, Master Chen. "

Wansheng stared at him for a long time, but Youxuan's expression remained unchanged.

"Jiarong misses you. Would you mind if we visit you and stay for awhile?"

Youxuan's eyebrows furrowed when he waited patiently for Wansheng's reply

Wansheng took a moment to process his non sequitur. Youxuan was offering to stay and help him, but used Jiarong as an excuse to save his face.

Finally he replied. "Of course I will welcome my family." He was tired of fighting alone.

When they arrived at Wansheng's home, Wansheng noticed how his servants looked at Youxuan like mice looking at cats. He was getting curious about what Youxuan actually did.

His head servant welcomed him with more enthusiasm than before and served him warm tea and a towel.

"You're eager to work today " Wansheng said after finishing the tea.

His head servant blinked rapidly. "Master, we have all learnt our lesson. You don't need to doubt our loyalty."

The dinner tonight was of a better quality too. Youxuan probably left a strong impression on him, Wansheng thought. He wished he had been there to watch it.

Wansheng invited Youxuan to his study after dinner. On their way, a rushing servant knocked into Wansheng and hit his backside.

The world went blank before Wansheng came in reflex

When he came into his senses, Youxuan was loudly scolding the servant before having him gagged and locked up while standing in front of him.

"Master Chen, I'm sorry for overreaching," Youxuan said while quietly guiding him into the study.

It never rained, but it poured, Wansheng thought. He felt like a puppet when led to his chair.

"Master Chen, the night is cold. Do you want to put on a coat?" Youxuan asked.

Wansheng remained quiet, his mind unable to get over what had just happened. Even today, the man ruined his life from his grave.

"The servant is locked up now. I have told your head servant to sell him away," Youxuan said.

Wansheng nodded. Perhaps it was cruel and unfair to the servant, but he couldn't stand having him under the same roof after tonight.

Youxuan remained by his side looking concerned, but didn't bring up his previous disgrace. Wansheng wondered whether they would pretend this didn't happen.

"I am sorry for overlooking the signs, Master Chen," Youxuan said with a hand on his shoulder.

"What do you mean?"

"I have mentioned reading up similar criminal case records in the ministry. Some kidnappers know their only punishment will be a death sentence so they want their hostage to be unable to ask for help and exhort the family to never ask help from the authorities."

Youxuan's steady voice gradually calmed Wansheng's nerves when Wansheng was drawn into his narrative. "Their victims are usually from well off families and don't easily cow before their captors, so the kidnappers humiliate and drug them so that their bodies betray them. Physical desire is a more effective weapon than violence, because the victims are ashamed and blame themselves for their torment."

"Is there a cure for them?" Wansheng asked.

"Yes, but the treatment takes time, and the victims need someone trustworthy to take the reins for them for awhile."

Only when Youxuan massaged his shoulders Wansheng realized how tense he was. Youxuan wouldn't force him to take his offer because he respected him. If he denied him, Youxuan would probably never bring this up again.

"Please help me," Wansheng said. He was at the end of his lifeline.

Wansheng thought Youxuan would start immediately, but Youxuan said Wansheng was too tense, so he gave him a full body massage to help him relax.

Wansheng lay on his front while Youxuan massaged his shoulders, his back and legs. He tensed up when Youxuan touched his backside. "Don't touch me there."

Youxuan took away his hands and said, "The biggest fear is fear of the unknown. If you know how your body will behave, you will have more control and we can start working on them."

"All right," Wansheng finally said. It could be deadly to be ambushed by his body at the most inappropriate time.

Youxuan kneaded his backside while Wansheng held his breath, but fortunately nothing had happened. When he stroked it with his flat palm and worked on tensed points, Wansheng's breath returned to normal when he enjoyed the massage.

"You are fine with massage. How about this?" Youxuan asked while caressing the rim of his backside.

Wansheng froze. Part of him wanted him to go deeper, but the other part recalled the previous rape. "Please...please…"

Youxuan removed his hands and hugged him. "I am sorry. It's all right now. "

Only until Wansheng relaxed Youxuan ran his fingers along his inner thighs.

Wansheng's breath became heavier, dreading and wanting more of his touch. He swallowed his disappointment when Youxuan moved up to the skin behind his knees.

Then he discovered that he was ticklish. His laughter dispelled some of his nervousness.

Youxuan gently caressed along his back while using his fingertips to tease his inner arms and wrists, asking softly how he had felt

Wansheng felt like he was melting in Youxuan's touch. He easily turned to lie on his back with a single prompt.

Youxuan's hands explored his front with the same gentleness. He traced circles with his fingertips around his navel and teased his lower abdomen causing Wansheng to shiver.

When his hands finally reached his breasts, Wansheng subtly leaned into his touch.

"I need to use different methods during the examination," Youxuan said while massaging his breasts. His fingers were close but not touching his nipples, building Wansheng's anticipation. "Just relax."

Then he suckled him.

It was better than his dream, Wansheng thought. Youxuan's wet breath teased his sensitive skin,which made the feeling of suckling more intense. His other neglected nipple was leaking now.

"Please," he said.

Youxuan lifted his mouth off to ask,"What do you want now?"

Wansheng put his hand on the other breast. "Please."

Youxuan caressed his breasts but stayed away from his nipple, which frustrated Wansheng so much that he said, "Please use your mouth on my other nipple."

Finally, Youxuan stopped teasing and satisfied his wish. Wansheng moaned while his erection was hard against his stomach.

"It's better than I expected," Youxuan said."Your captor seemed to only plant a hook inside you, so we can switch the trigger to replace the original one."

Youxuan went into detail about how it worked, but Wansheng's mind was too clouded by desire and desire to concentrate on his explanation. He rubbed against Youxuan so that his organ could get some sweet friction.

Youxuan held him between his legs to stop him. "It's not enough. You have to be patient."

The night Youxuan caressed and kissed all over his body, repeatedly pushing him to the edge of pleasure and denying him until he begged. When he finally told him to come while touching him, Wansheng's entire world went blank in ecstasy.

When Wansheng recovered, he asked Youxuan, "Are you certain that you can cure me?"

"Yes, but it will take a long time."

It meant that Wansheng would still be at risk of an uncontrolled orgasm before his recovery. If his rival caught wind of this and embarrassed him before the emperor, his entire family would suffer a dire fate along with him.

"Is there a way to stop it for now?" Wansheng said. He couldn't allow himself to be a potential danger. If push came to shove he would have to either resign or imitate an ancient official who castrated himself in advance to save his life.

Youxuan promised. "I will look into a temporary measure."

He kept his word and presented him with a chastity cage.

"It will crush your erection without hurting you." Youxuan said.

Wansheng felt daunted, but it was the best solution they could think up for now. "How can I use it? "

"Let me help you put this on." Youxuan said.

Wansheng pulled his robe to bare his lower body to Youxuan. A sense of shame and excitement filled him as he knew how improper he had looked.

Youxuan unlocked the cage, closing the rings around his scrotum and sliding the shaft part along his organ. Then he secured it with the padlock. It was tight around his organ, so Wansheng imagined that he would feel different if he got an erection.

"Do you want to test it?" Youxuan asked.

Wansheng wondered what he had done in his past life to deserve a discussion with his son-in-law on how to test his chastity cage, but it would be useful to know if it were safe or useful before going out.

"Mind giving me privacy?" Wansheng asked. He would explode if he masturbated under Youxuan's watchful eyes.

When Youxuan turned his back, Wansheng began to stroke himself through the cage. The extra weight was uncomfortable, and it was awkward to touch himself through the gaps. His organ remained unresponsive despite his usual touch.

Am I impotent? Wansheng started to panic.

There was a sudden slap to his backside. Wansheng screamed as his erection was squished by the pain.

"Are you all right?" Youxuan asked when he moved ahead of him.

"Next time, warn me ahead," Wansheng said. Despite the sudden pain, his organ seemed to remain intact.

"I thought it would feel more realistic."

Wansheng glared at him, but was forced to admit that Youxuan was right. He never knew about Youxuan's mischievous side before.

"I will help you take it off at night," Youxuan said.

Wansheng felt somewhat uneasy, but he convinced himself that Youxuan probably knew better than him in this aspect. It sounded silly not to trust him now.

When Wansheng left for work, he felt self-conscious whether anyone discovered his secret. The extra weight made him more aware of his trapped organ, which he usually ignored. He felt like he was reversed back to his younger easily excitable self, as his thoughts circulated around his trapped organ.

Youxuan was right to keep the key, Wansheng thought.

At least it distracted him from his bounded breasts. He bound his large breasts so hard to hide them that he could only breathe slowly. His sweat stained his binding even though he remained as still as possible. The milk built up inside him was so painful that he rushed to Youxuan after work and let him help inside the carriage. Sometimes he suspected that the driver might smell his milk

Work remained troublesome and exhausting, so he worried that he would have to resign earlier than expected. He had to help Youxuan with his career as much as possible when he still had the position and influence.

Wansheng was tapping his feet when Youxuan entered.

"Can you unlock me now?" Wansheng said. As a man, he could foresee that his night would be sleepless if he remained locked up.

"Later. It will be helpful for our treatment," Youxuan said. "Delay of pleasure will make the release more intense, so it will be easier to fix your conditioning."

Wansheng recalled his intense orgasm the night before and shuddered what would have happened with his organ locked up by Youxuan.

Youxuan whispered into Wansheng's ear, his warm breath blowing over his eartips. "Let go and enjoy everything."

It was easier said than done, Wansheng thought, as Youxuan played with his body like a masterful musician with his musical instrument. He wondered whether Youxuan achieved similar mastery with Jiarong during bed.

The thought about his daughter dampened his desire and filled him with guilt. What would she think if she knew her father was having sex with her husband?

Youxuan bit his shoulders. "Focus."

He kissed and nipped Wansheng's collarbone lightly, while running the back of his hands down his arms. Wansheng felt that his body woke up after a long dormancy.

"You don't need to be gentle," Wansheng said. "I won't break." He would rather Youxuan forcefully overwhelm him so that he wouldn't have any time to feel and think.

Youxuan's eyes were bright when he replied,"You deserve patience."

Wansheng's throat was uncomfortably dry. Fortunately Youxuan sped up with his touch, distracting him from his thoughts.

Youxuan blew on the area around his nipples, which hardened in response. His hands circled around and between his breasts, building his anticipation. When he massaged his breast while tracing his fingers around his nipples, the cage Wansheng wore felt more restricted .

The cage made Wansheng's arousal undeniable. It crushed his erection when Youxuan pinched, twisted and pulled his nipple. The pain haunted him when Youxuan continued to play with his breasts, but he still arched his back for more touch. Even the restriction couldn't stop him from wanting more, he thought.

He sobbed as Youxuan finally suckled him. A strange sense of contentment and connection overwhelmed him whenever he saw Youxuan nursing from him like a hungry baby to his mother, but Youxuan was anything but an infant. His body was hard and firm when enveloping him, and his erection showed that he was equally influenced by what they were doing.

It was normal for Youxuan to be affected, as he was still young and healthy, but Wansheng couldn't use his age as an excuse. His body craved Youxuan without shame, because only he would bring it release. He bit under Youxuan's collarbone to hide his sound when Youxuan ran his hands along his abdomen to his thighs. When Youxuan's hands reached his backside, he was too weak to struggle.

Youxuan glid his hand along the crease while licking his nipples. Slowly he put his finger inside shallowly.

"Please don't," Wansheng's body tensed up in anticipation of pain.

Youxuan whispered into his ear while his finger stayed. "Don't worry. It won't hurt. You will enjoy it."

The shadow of the man still haunted Wansheng, but his muscle already relaxed around his guest as if extending its welcome.

Youxuan massaged his lower back just above his backside with his other hand while kissing and licking his body. Wansheng felt he was losing his battle

Was it so bad to trust Youxuan with this? Wansheng thought while Youxuan . He already trusted Youxuan with the control of his release. What was one more to trust him?

Probably feeling his weakened resistance, Youxuan moved again and cautiously explored his body.

Wansheng felt drunk with pleasure. The pain he had expected from Youxuan's touch didn't come. Instead, his body yearned for firmer and deeper entry.

Perhaps because his organ was out of reach, the other parts of his body became more sensitive. The wave of warm feeling flowed through him as Youxuan conquered him with his mouth and hands.

"Please let me come," he whispered. Never had he realized that he had surrendered control to Youxuan, who could deny and grant him release at his pleasure.

"You can wait for more enjoyment," Youxuan said. His finger was alternatively pressing and rubbing in circular motion against a sensitive spot inside him at a maddening slow speed.

Despite the mix of pain and frustration, Wansheng accepted his decision surprisingly easily. It felt nice to let someone take control of him temporarily.

When intense pleasure started to radiate from inside his body, Youxuan released him and said, "Come."

Wansheng came and lost his consciousness.

When Wansheng woke up, Youxuan held him in his arms under a comfortable blanket while rubbing circles on his back. Youxuan must have cleaned them up during his sleep, Wansheng thought. His breasts were soft and comfortable, so Youxuan must have helped him with them too.

Youxuan handed him a cup of warm water when he noticed that Wansheng was awake. It felt refreshing.

"Would you like some candied osmanthus?" Youxuan asked.

Wansheng felt like he was being pampered as a newly married bride after the wedding night. He was amused by the ridiculous comparison. "Yes, thank you."

Only after eating the sweet did Wansheng realize how hungry he was so he took another piece. "When is it now?"

"It's about one o'clock, but we don't need to attend the royal morning meeting today so you can sleep again," Youxuan said while gently moving away.

Wansheng asked, "Are you going back?" He was annoyed how he asked the obvious after the words burst out.

"The servants will wonder if they see me coming out of your room," Youxuan replied. "Do you want me to put the cage on now? If you don't, I can come in the morning."

"Do it now," Wansheng would rather suffer than risk the possibility of discovery that would ruin them both.

After Youxuan's departure, Wansheng pulled the blanket closer towards his body as the room felt colder when alone.

Wansheng was running from the man, but was forced into a corner. The man cut Wansheng open and sucked his blood. He was about to pierce him into half now---

"No!" Wansheng woke up with heavy sweat. The dark sky looked threatening. Even the shadows seemed to hide potential assailants.

Wansheng crossed his arms before his chest and tried to comfort himself.

"It's only a nightmare. The man is dead." He repeated the words like a chant.

Even though his body was tired, his mind remained at high alert. He got up and watched the stars outside. Youxuan probably already fell asleep with Jiarong, so he was alone with his shadow.

He laughed at himself because of how melancholy he was. He slept alone after his wife's death two decades ago, as he never remarried because of his daughter. Now that he had a taste of intimacy with Youxuan, suddenly the loneliness became unbearable.

He threw himself back to the bed, where the memory of Youxuan's touch kept him company. At least the morning would arrive soon.

The prime minister's father celebrated his eightieth birthday today, so the prime minister organized a grand feast. His guests were all high ranked officials, so it would be excellent for networking. Wansheng attended the feast with Youxuan to help establish him as his successor.

He exchanged pleasantries with his colleagues, asking about their families and discussing the merit of different opera groups, while getting to know what the emperor's new favourite was and others' opinions on various political issues.

While Youxuan was quiet, he could hold his own in conversation and earned favour from the imperial court's inner circle. Several high ranked officials expressed their appreciation of Youxuan, who remained calm and undaunted.

Soon Youxuan would establish himself in the court without his help, Wansheng thought. He wondered what would have happened when he could offer nothing in exchange. He had been in the imperial court long enough to know how fragile loyalty and kinship could be when tempted by power and money. The best way to secure a relationship was mutual benefit that neither could go without.

"I heard that you have been ill and didn't want any visitors. Have you just climbed up from your sick bed?" Master Bian's loud voice intruded on Wansheng's thoughts.

Wansheng put on his mask of politeness when turning towards him. Master Bian's sister has just advanced in her rank as an imperial concubine, so he probably thought this was a good chance to antagonize him.

"Today is the birthday of the Prime Minister's father. Despite your concern for my health, we should pay respect to our host and discuss lighter topics," Wansheng said in hope to avoid direct conflict.

"We should all be thankful for our filial host and drink to his health," Master Bian said, almost shoving a cup of wine to his face. Wansheng could smell how strong it was.

Youxuan took the cup and said, "A younger person should never refuse an elder person"s offer." Then he drank away the wine.

Master Bian widened his eyes and seemed about to explode, but just then the prime minister announced that the dinner was ready. Master Bian glared at them without continuing to make a scene.

"Master Bian probably considered you as his new enemy. You need to be more careful because he is very good at holding a grudge and doesn't think about the consequences of his actions," Wansheng whispered to Youxuan during dinner.

"I am sorry." Youxuan said while wincing.

"You stood by me. What's to be sorry for?"

Youxuan replied with a clenched jaw. "I need to excuse myself from the dinner. The wine is drugged."

Shock, worry and anger filled Wansheng. How dare Master Bian drug Youxuan in public!

"We will leave together. I will send for a doctor to wait for us."

"No doctor," Youxuan said while shaking his head. "Words will go out."

Wansheng understood immediately that as he brought Youxuan here, any rumors of Youxuan's possible improper behaviour would reflect badly on him. Even now Youxuan cared about him at the cost of himself. If Youxuan hadn't drunk the wine, Wansheng would be the one to suffer.

When they could finally leave, Youxuan sweated heavily and walked awkwardly. In their carriage Wansheng could see how insistent Youxuan's erection was. He shut the window so they would remain unseen.

Part of him started to figure out how to destroy Master Bian while the other part of him noticed their role reversal. Usually Youxuan was the one in control, but now he was the vulnerable one. Somehow he felt relieved that they both saw each other at their weakest.

"Do you mind if I work on it now?" Youxuan looked downward. "At this rate I'm afraid I can't walk without humiliating myself when we reach home."

"Of course," Wansheng said. Even if Youxuan hadn't saved him, he would still say yes. He remembered how he almost tore his chest binding and shoved himself towards Youxuan on a particularly trying day, but Youxuan remained respectful afterwards. He was only repaying the favour.

Youxuan pulled himself out and held it with a loose fist, moving his hand up and down the shaft. With dilated pupils, He looked predatory under the dim light.

Wansheng watched him without turning his eyes away. He is huge he thought. His trapped organ tried to stir against the cage, as if jealousy of the freedom it was deprived.

When Youxuan came, he breathed heavily with tightened lips. Some of it splashed on Wansheng's clothing.

"Sorry," Yanseng said, giving a handkerchief to him.

Wansheng wiped it away, but the smell of Youxuan lingered inside the carriage.

After getting off the carriage, Youxuan retreated to his room. Wansheng burnt the handkerchief away, but the scene haunted his mind.

The pain caused by the cage reminded him that he was sexually attracted to Youxuan. He wondered whether his condition was incurable after all.

Later he heard that Master Bian had a stroke after the feast and had to resign. Wansheng was surprised because of his relatively young age, but it saved him trouble to destroy him. 

Today was Wansheng and Youxuan's resting day, so this morning they could stay home and have breakfast with Jiarong together. After breakfast, Jiarong said, “The weather is lovely today. We should go for a picnic together.”

Before Wansheng could express his concern Jiarong said, “I am much healthier than before. Don’t worry. I won’t get ill because of the slightest hint of breeze.”

“Have you already made up your mind?” Youxuan asked.

“Of course. Both of you are always so busy that it’s up to me to plan for everything. Besides, I really want to go to the riverside.”

Her innocent words caused Wansheng’s heart to sink. It was fortunate that she didn't know what her husband and father were busy with, he thought.

When they arrived at the riverside, it was already crowded. Youxuan's friends invited Youxuan to a shuttlecock game, while Jiarong and Wansheng watched under the shade.

"Have you been well recently, Dad?" Jiarong asked. "You look different after your return."

Wansheng's heart raced. "Of course. You don't need to worry."

"Youxuan said the same thing. He said you were only tired because of the demanding trip, " Jiarong said. "I know it's an honour to serve the Emperor, but please take care of yourself."

While her concern warmed Wansheng, he felt alarmed that Jiarong could sense that something was wrong with him. He didn't hide his secret as well as he had thought.

The next night Wansheng asked Youxuan, "Will it trouble Jiarong and you that you have to leave her bedside during the night?"

“Doctor Li said that if we want a child, we should refrain from indulging ourselves, so we now sleep in separate rooms and only get together on schedule." Youxuan looked away, probably not expecting to discuss his married life with him.

Wansheng's face heated up at this unexpected knowledge of Youxuan and his daughter's marriage. He regretted asking him such sensitive questions as well.

Jiarong was married three years ago, but she never got pregnant. They were still young, and Youxuan didn't mention anything about it, but Wansheng worried that Youxuan might think of marrying a concubine for a son in the future if they remained childless. Hopefully Doctor Li's prescription will help with this.

This arrangement also conveniently made it less likely for Jiarong to discover them, which was a relief to Wansheng, but Wansheng worried whether it was good for his marriage.

"Jiarong missed you. You should spend more time together. Don't let me burden you." Wansheng thought it was necessary to repeat himself.

"You're never a burden," Youxuan said. "I'm unsure how I can convince you otherwise, but I'm glad to help."

I would rather you quit now than later, because I'm afraid I will get used to your help, Wansheng thought.

When Youxuan got together with Wansheng, they would lie on the bed side by side for Youxuan to suckle him. Tonight Wansheng's breasts were engorged and didn't readily milk like before, probably because he spent longer than usual at work.

"Let's change our position to make it easier.," Youxuan suggested.

He helped Wansheng to get up on hands and knees, while Youxuan lay under him to massage and suckle his breasts. This position made Wansheng feel like a cow eager to be milked, but despite his indignity, his milk flowed readily as if affirming how eager he was. He looked away from Youxuan, but he couldn't deny his contentment as Youxuan suckled him dry.

Youxuan probably noticed his reddened face as he asked, "Are you all right?"

"Yes," Wansheng said with a deepened voice.

Youxuan nodded and moved away. He let Wansheng maintain his position while kneeling behind him and gently massaged his nipples.

Wansheng could feel Youxuan's erection pressed against his backside. Supposedly they began their arrangement to treat him, but now this had become more than purely clinical.

After nights of Youxuan fingering him, he didn't feel as nervous feeling Youxuan against him as before. In fact, he wondered what it would feel if Youxuan actually entered him.

Youxuan was stroking and pressing around his opening with something hard, which Wansheng shivered thinking what it might be. He heated up when he imagined how he presented himself to Youxuan: he was strutting his naked backside in the air with his back arched, as if trying to seduce Youxuan. Even his most private part was exposed to him.

"I am tired," Wansheng said, hoping Youxuan would take mercy of him. Besides his embarrassment, he wasn't used to the physical effort to support himself. By now he was so used to following Youxuan's lead when they were together that he would only move with his permission.

Youxuan told him to lie on his stomach, with a pillow under his hips. He pressed his face against his pillow, but discovered that his imagination went rampant as he couldn't see what Youxuan was doing

Youxuan was kissing and licking his inner thighs, leaving a cool wet trail. The slick wet sound shocked Wansheng's core because it was loud to him. Youxuan was leisurely taking his time, but Wansheng's skin itched for more. By the time he reached the place between Wansheng's legs, Wanseng spread his legs in welcome.

Youxuan's breath became heavier when he lavished loving attention to that piece of skin. The moisture in his breath stimulated Wansheng to moan in pleasure.

He almost jumped when he felt Youxuan's tongue licking him slowly and gently against his opening

What is Youxuan thinking? Wansheng thought. It's so beneath him to do this!

"Please stop," Wansheng begged him. He tried to struggle free, but Youxuan held and spread him open. Youxuan changed the direction of his tongue randomly, so Wansheng couldn't brace himself with expectation.

Finally Youxuan heeded his discomfort and returned to kiss his inner thighs. His strong hands squeezed his backside and patted him lightly.

The cage Youxuan required Wansheng to wear crushed his erection, but now Wansheng had learned to ignore his organ and let Youxuan have free reign to his body.

Then Youxuan pointed his tongue at his opening and gently penetrated him.

"No," Wansheng shook his head. It was overwhelming what Youxuan was doing to him.

Youxuan grabbed him tightly, his fingers flirting with his rim while his breath was heavy and warm against him. He must have liked it, Wansheng realized, but why?

Youxuan was darting his tongue into him, ripping into him like lightning. Wansheng felt he was empty and greedy for filling inside. While he knew that he shamefully like Youxuan's fingers, he didn't expect that his tongue would have such impact.

Youxuan's grip was tight on his hips. Would Youxuan leave his marks on his skin? Would he feel him the next day?

Wansheng felt Youxuan slipping a finger beside his tongue. The contrast of the hardness and softness made him yearn for more. He squeezed and relaxed his muscles for more pleasure.

His arousal built inside his body without any venue for release, "Please… please," he begged while forgetting his shame and uncertainty. Only Youxuan held the key for his desire.

When Youxuan pulled away his tongue and finger, Wansheng made a protesting sound and pushed back towards him to get him back. Then Youxuan entered him with the head of his organ .

Wansheng muffled his scream with his pillow while his body experienced the continuous orgasm. Youxuan released him and said to his ear. "Come."

His world exploded.

Afterwards Wansheng forced Youxuan to flush his mouth repeatedly until he deemed it satisfactory. He had questions about Youxuan's action, but probably Youxuan would explain it away calmly. Wansheng thought he should take time to think about their relationship.

It didn't rain but it poured.

Doctor Li checked up on Jiarong this day and looked tense afterwards. He told Wansheng and Youxuan in private, "Although Mrs Zheng 's health improved, it's still hard for her to get a successful pregnancy. You may need to put this in mind "

Youxuan stiffened his lips. "The most important thing is for my wife to get well. I am willing to pay you well for that."

"Of course I will prescribe suitable treatment for her, but it will take a long time for her health to improve."

Jiarong asked after Doctor Li's departure. "What did he say?"

"He said you're a cooperative patient, so your health has improved, but you still need to continue the treatment." Youxuan said.

Jiarong seemed to believe his white lie, but Doctor Li's words intruded Wansheng's mind when he was free.

It was hard to live as a woman because their fortunes were dependent on others. The society was especially hostile to women who remained childless, as childlessness was one of the legitimate grounds for divorce. Wansheng could take care of and defend Jiarong when alive, but even he couldn't fight against the society.

If Jiarong couldn't get pregnant, she would be ridiculed in her social circle and Youxuan would be under pressure to marry a concubine. If this happened, even if Youxuan put Jiarong first, Wansheng worried about how well she could handle the complication.

It would also complicate his relationship with Youxuan.

He picked Youxuan as his son-in-law because of how promising he was, and he was sure that Youxuan would appreciate Jiarong as his wife. The travesty in his life brought them closely together to a point that he couldn't imagine he could go on without him.

However, their tie was fragile. In public they were family only because of Youxuan's marriage to Jiarong. He didn't want any changes, but this was beyond his control. He started to visit temples to pray for them all.

The night Youxuan suckled him while they lay side by side with each other. Wansheng looked at his contented face and was struck with a crazy thought. If only he could carry a baby for Jiarong, he thought. Then the problem would be solved.

He bit his tongue. Perhaps his captivity did a fuller job on his mind than he expected, for he was sure this would have never entered his thoughts as before.

Youxuan released his breast and looked up at him. "You looked distressed."

Wansheng pressed his head to his other side of breasts. He would rather drown in what they were doing instead of facing reality. Youxuan probably felt his unwillingness to talk, so he silently worked on his other side

Afterwards Youxuan hugged Wansheng and drew circles on his back. Wansheng put his head on his shoulders and absorbed the comfort.

"Do you feel better?" Youxuan asked.

Wansheng nipped his shoulders, liking how much he felt.

Youxuan moved his fingertips lightly around his scalp to massage him. Then he moved along his neck and shoulders. He kneaded and squeezed his back to relieve him of tension. Then he drew circles under his navel and reached his hips. His gentleness filled Wansheng with a sense of contentment and warmth.

Wansheng leaned into his touch and kissed him. Youxuan was always so good to him that he wanted to be good to him too. It would hurt if he lost this, Wansheng thought.

The man crushed his dignity during his captivity, making him feel like less than human with no control of himself. Meanwhile, Youxuan treated him as someone worthy of tenderness. It was easy to surrender himself to him.

When Youxuan's touch and kisses became more heated, Wansheng could feel his erection against his body. Previously Yousheng only entered him shallowly, but Wansheng wanted more tonight.

"Will you come inside me?" He asked in a quick whisper.

Youxuan's breath became heavier and he lifted Wansheng's legs over his shoulders. His eyes were so bright and intense that Wansheng felt pinned. Then he put his hands on his tailbone, gliding up and down his backside while lavishing kisses on Wansheng.

Wansheng deliberately relaxed his muscles. His body heated up in anticipation, but he let Youxuan take the reins.

"You're so good," Youxuan said before rolling the tip of his tongue around his nipple. "Do you like this?"

Wansheng never thought of himself as a handsome man, but the way Youxuan seemed to find his body appealing boosted his confidence. "Yes."

His honesty earned Youxuan's loving attention to his breasts. He suckled him when Wansheng's milk started to drip.

By now Wansheng had settled with the fact that his involuntary lactation was incurable. He was less upset with this than he expected, because while he still feared an accidental exposure, he enjoyed nursing Youxuan. Fortunately Youxuan never asked his opinion about this.

When Youxuan moved towards his navel, Wansheng laughed because it tickled. Youxuan looked up with a smile while his hands spread his cheeks apart.

Wansheng pressed himself towards Youxuan for more contact as Youxuan's fingers tapped and traced his opening.

"Is it all right?" Youxuan asked when he slipped his fingers in.

Wansheng nodded. While he was used to fingering, the fact that Youxuan was preparing him for his entry made this more intense. He squirmed and moaned shamelessly as Youxuan stimulated him from inside.

Once he would feel more embarrassed about his enthusiasm, but Youxuan trained him out of it. "Focus on me," he said while bringing him to the edge of pleasure.

When Youxuan entered him with his organ, Wansheng tightened up out of his discomfort. Youxuan held himself still and kissed just above his organ. "It's all right."

He moved his hand along his shaft and caressed his testicles with his other hand. Wansheng's erection returned, but he was so used to Youxuan's denial that he wouldn't come without his permission,

Youxuan was moving slowly inside him now. but Wansheng's body quickly adapted to him. When he pressed the sensitive spot inside him with varying pressure, heat concentrated inside Wansheng.

Arousal built up inside Wansheng as pleasure flowed through his body. He was approaching his climax, but Youxuan eased him off and said. "You will love it if you wait."

When Youxuan finally allowed him to come, it was as rewarding as Wansheng expected.

Youxuan took care of him and cleaned him up before cuddling with him. Tonight he could stay longer, so Wansheng indulged himself and fell into his arms.

Wansheng still worried about their future, but he didn't want to ruin tonight with his questions.

The next day Youxuan said to Wansheng, "My second cousin has just written to me that he has another son."

"Congratulations," Wansheng said, wanting to be sure if he correctly interpreted the implication.

"My ancestors have enough descendants to pay tribute to them. Even if Doctor Li is right, my cousin is willing to let me adopt his son."

"Thank you," Wansheng said. Not everyone would choose this option.

"I have Jiarong and you for my family," Youxuan said. "It's enough for me."

Wansheng was embarrassed that Youxuan had read his worry, but his burden was lifted at his words.

Unexpectedly, Jiarong was confirmed to get pregnant several months later.

When the news reached Wansheng, he was glad yet worried at the same time. A child would help secure Jiarong's future, but childbirth was a deadly challenge to women.

He was grateful that Youxuan and Jiarong still lived with him, so it was easier for him to arrange for Jiarong's care.

Even Jiarong joked about his fussing. "I'm only pregnant, Dad. It's not a big deal."

Youxuan spent a lot of time with Jiarong. He also looked for good midwives and wet nurses in advance. Wansheng often saw him taking a walk with Jiarong in the garden because he was told that pregnant women needed exercise.

"I still can't believe that Jiarong got pregnant so soon," Wansheng confessed to Youxuan one day over a drink.

"Jiarong is young, and Doctor Li is a good doctor." Youxuan replied with a smile.

"I am so happy about that," Wansheng said while pouring another cup of baijiu. It was time for celebration.

Wansheng felt lightheaded and kept telling Youxuan how right he was for choosing him, while Youxuan listened to him patiently and put some stir fry lotus root Into his bowl.

When Wansheng was tired Youxuan helped him with a cup of water before tucking him in. He kissed Wansheng lightly on his cheeks before saying, "I'm glad you have chosen me. Good night."

Jiarong's childbirth was smooth for a new mother, so Wansheng rewarded the midwife generously. Both she and her baby boy are healthy.

"Will you name the boy?" Youxuan asked. Wansheng felt honoured by his request and spent the following month looking up good names for the child. He decided on Ruyue in the hope that the child would grow up to be a true Confucian who could look at the big picture.

Youxuan discussed with him whether his son should inherit Wansheng's family name to continue his line, but Wansheng refused because he was Youxuan's first born son and should inherit Youxuan's family name instead. After a fierce argument, they agreed to shelf the discussion before Ruyue grew up.

One night, Youxuan brought baby Ruyue to Wansheng. Wansheng held the baby cautiously, looking for traces of Jiarong and Youxuan in his face.

"He has your eyes," Youxuan said.

Wansheng smiled. "Probably inherited from Jiarong. "

Ruyue secured the connection among Youxuan, Jiarong and him, so he would always have a special place in Wansheng's heart even if Youxuan and Jiarong had other children in the future.

Then Ruyue started to suckle his hand and pulled on his clothes.

"He's hungry. Do you want to nurse him?" Youxuan asked.

Wansheng felt like holding a piece of lead. He was used to suckling Youxuan, but this was another matter to nurse a baby.

Youxuan took over the baby and said, "Let me take him to his wet nurse."

"Wait a moment," Wansheng said while pulling open his robe and unbound his breasts. Ruyue was his grandson. He told himself he didn't need to be embarrassed.

Youxuan helped Ruyue to latch onto his breast. Ruyue suckled him more forcefully than his father. Wansheng's face heated up because of the comparison.

Ruyue turned his head away after feeding from one side so Youxuan took him away. "He's still young and can't eat too much at once."

"Unlike you," Wansheng burst out before stopping himself.

Youxuan smiled. "He still has time to grow. Do you need my help with the other side?"

On the one hand, it felt scandalous to feed Youxuan and Ruyue in turn. On the other hand Wansheng was still uncomfortably full. Finally he submitted to his body's demand. "Yes."

Youxuan adjusted his hold of Ruyue before suckling Wansheng, who felt a sense of contentment with Youxuan and Ruyue, both he loved dearly. He would have never imagined this day when he married his daughter to Youxuan, but it was worth it.

Ruyue was now three and an energetic child unlike his mother, which Wansheng was thankful for. Youxuan and Wansheng watched over him from the shade while Ruyue was running around the garden to try to catch a big butterfly. When the butterfly escaped he ran to Youxuan. "I can't catch it."

Youxuan patted his head. "Beautiful things are timid. You should start by going slow and gentle before seizing the right moment."

"It sounds so hard," Ruyue said.

"If you really like it, it's worth the effort."

"You sound like you're experienced with that," Wansheng commented.

Youxuan smiled. "I've learnt the importance of patience. It's a father's duty to pass on wisdom to his children."

Wansheng nodded, as he did the same thing with Jiarong when she was young. It was like a cycle of life.

Jiarong sent a maid to take Ruyue away for a nap so Wansheng took a walk with Youxuan inside the garden. A butterfly flew by them, which looked like Ruyue's previous target.

"Did you like to catch butterflies as a kid?"

"I didn't have much leisure time because I had to help my parents with household work, but I can give Ruyue a better start in life."

"Your hard work has paid off," Wansheng said. It was hard to rise above one's own social class, but Youxuan managed to succeed.

"You should tell me more about yourself." Wansheng said as after these years, there were still layers of Youxuan unknown to him.

Youxuan winked. "I can tell you more tonight."

It proved how far they had come because he could joke back at his subtle sexual hint. "You will be occupied elsewhere."

"I will always make an effort for you." Youxuan looked so sincere that Wansheng's heart skipped a beat.

They parted with the unspoken understanding that they would meet at night again. Heavenly rule and the law would judge them for their relationship, but Wansheng was willing to shoulder the punishment when their judgment was announced in the underworld.

Wansheng woke up from a vaguely disturbing dream with a half hard erection. He willed it to fade away, but Youxuan spoiled his body so much that it was used to satisfaction and release.

Putting off his clothing, Wansheng awkwardly took care of his physical needs, but this only made him miss Youxuan more.

If Youxuan was here, Wansheng would probably hear his whisper in his ear, encouraging him to make this a show, but the emperor sent him away for a criminal investigation in the South.

Wansheng shook his head. At this rate he was going, he would probably spend his night looking for the star of the Weaving Girl and her husband separated by the Milky Way. He would also need to order his servants to drive singing birds away so that he could dream about Youxuan undisturbed.

He mimicked Youxuan's usual rhythm but ignored his organ. He promised Youxuan to keep away from it, and Youxuan was good at rewarding his obedience.

Finally, his body reached an orgasm in a long full body shudder. Wansheng's chest heaved while falling back to his bed. He would have to clean up, but now he allowed himself to dwell in his pleasure and think about Youxuan.

Youxuan returned to the capital several days later. He successfully fulfilled his mission with discretion, which earned him the emperor's regard. It would be a great help to his career.

When he was home he talked about the beautiful landscape of the South in length while bringing souvenirs to his family. Jiarong put the new golden hairstick in her hair with a bright smile, and Wansheng received a painting painted by his favourite artist. Ruyue laughed when he played with his new toy. However what delighted Wansheng most was his safe return.

When Youxuan came to him late at night, his eyes sparkled as Wansheng was naked under the blanket. "You really miss me."

Wansheng kissed him to nudge him towards action. Youxuan took the hint and kiss back, while moving his hands along his back.

When he nursed from Wansheng, contentment filled Wansheng as while he could relieve himself, he missed Youxuan doing it.

Youxuan guided him to the bed while putting a pillow underneath his backside and kneeling between his legs. "I dreamed about this a lot. Have you waited for me?"

When Wansheng nodded, Youxuan smiled while putting his right leg over his shoulder. "Thank you. You won't be disappointed."

This was one of their favourite positions as Youxuan could fondle and caress his breasts, his stomach and his thighs while entering him. Wansheng knew that his body was past his prime, but Youxuan kissed and touched him with such fervour that he forgot about that.

Wansheng knew how Youxuan loved his breasts as he always teased, massaged, squeezed and kissed his breasts during sex. He wondered if Youxuan paid the same attention to his daughter. Did they have reunion sex earlier?

This should have dampened his desire, but the thought refused to leave his mind. He could almost see Youxuan showing the same gentleness and affection to Jiarong, who would be as enthralled as him. Youxuan would fondle her breasts while whispering dirty things to her, making her burn with arousal. She would beg for him like her father because Youxuan was so irresistible.

Wansheng's orgasm was so intense that he thought he would die of pleasure. When he recovered, Youxuan hugged him and asked, "What have I done that deserved this? I have to do this again."

"No. Just do what you want," Wansheng muttered while burying his head in Youxuan's chest. He would keep this secret to his death.