MTCCP Chapter 25

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This overtime stretched until midnight, and by the time the two of them got into bed, neither had the energy for pleasantries.

Yue Yiwan had been pondering what "minimalism" truly meant, sketching several trench coats, outer robes, and long dresses, but none felt quite right.

Simplicity meant, first and foremost, pure and clean colors. Second, it required a visually fresh and elegant appearance, meaning there could be no unnecessary embellishments—the overall look had to be clear and straightforward.

If the design could evoke associations, making people think of something as simple as possible just by looking at it, that would be even better.

…But what was simple enough?

A rock, a line, a leaf?

He had drawn nearly a dozen drafts but remained unsatisfied.

According to his schedule, he needed to finalize his sketches within five days before moving on to pattern-making and tailoring.

Meanwhile, Hua Muzhi was still getting used to typing, but his speed had improved significantly.

He wrote 2,500 words, taking nearly two hours. As soon as he finished, he uploaded the draft to the submission box, set the publication time, and double-checked it twice just to be sure.

The Silver Scepter was about a female scientist who traveled back to the Middle Ages, not only altering the course of history but also creating numerous cultural, technological, and societal conflicts.

For example, she loved wearing pale yellow clothing but was mistaken for a prostitute in the streets because of the color.

Or when she simply wanted to drink fresh water, only to discover that in this era, only wine was considered safe to drink. Water was regarded as a disease-ridden substance, only fit for the lowest slaves.

Having spent years in the palace, Hua Muzhi had read extensively on various subjects and had a deep understanding of many historical facts from that period.

Before turning off his computer, he habitually checked the comments section.

His novel had gained over sixty new followers, and the comment section was becoming livelier.

Some readers had looked up historical references and asked why public baths existed during the Renaissance.

Others enthusiastically left comments on each chapter, celebrating with virtual confetti.

It felt like stepping into a warm and welcoming world in the void, where he had met many new friends.

They were listening to his wild imaginings, eagerly waiting for him to tell the next chapter of his story.

Seeing all the responses, Hua Muzhi carefully replied to each comment—even if it was just an emoji or a simple congratulatory message, he always made sure to reply with a "thank you."

Thank you for being here.

By the time he finished and shut down his computer, Yue Yiwan was still curled up with his pillow, sketching away.

In just two and a half hours, he had changed sitting positions at least a dozen times—lying down, leaning, even hanging his head over the side of the bed, as if trying to shake inspiration loose with gravity.

"Is it really that hard?"

Hua Muzhi slipped under the covers, curious. "The theme is only two words?"

"Yeah." Yue Yiwan let out a long sigh. "And last year, over 8,000 people applied, but only 1,000 made it to the next round."

Fashion designers from all over the world wanted to use this competition to make a name for themselves and break into the high fashion industry.

Even being a guest editor for YUSH for just a year would give someone top-tier connections in the fashion world, granting access to supermodels and veteran designers.

He couldn’t afford to lower his standards. Over the past few days, he had drawn dozens of drafts, only to reject most of them.

"Tomorrow afternoon, I’ll take you to Qianshuyuan for a walk," Hua Muzhi said, tucking the blanket around him. "You can’t rush creativity."

"Mm."

It was indeed late. Yue Yiwan yawned, turned off the bedside lamp, and settled into bed.

Then, he suddenly realized something very important.

So… how were they supposed to sleep tonight?

Last night, to avoid awkwardness, he had tried to sleep with his back to Hua Muzhi the entire time. Yet, when he woke up, he was still in the man's arms.

Could it be that this crown prince was a beast in disguise, forcibly pulling him over in the middle of the night?

Impossible.

In the darkness, Yue Yiwan could clearly make out the face of the man just inches away.

Sensing that he was being watched, Hua Muzhi glanced over and asked, "What is it?"

"This might be a little embarrassing," Yue Yiwan cleared his throat and asked, "How… how did I end up in your arms last night?"

Hua Muzhi couldn't help but laugh.

From the very beginning, he had liked this straightforward nature of his.

Admitting upfront that he had no hopes for this marriage, clearly stating his expectations for life in the palace, openly discussing his childhood experiences—

He never hid anything. He was truly an open and unclouded soul.

"Actually," Hua Muzhi said softly, "on our wedding night, you rolled over in your sleep and snuggled up to me all on your own."

Yue Yiwan felt his face heat up and said seriously, "You can’t lie to me."

Hua Muzhi's smile deepened. "I’m not lying to you."

…That actually sounded about right.

Deep down, he had already suspected as much, but his pride wouldn't let him admit it.

But—hugging him was really comfortable!

Yue Yiwan cleared his throat again, trying to salvage his dignity. "Even if I was hugging you, that doesn’t count as taking advantage. If you feel uncomfortable, I can sleep with a separate blanket."

He couldn't risk it outside the palace—if the old prince found out, it would be a disaster.

But in the Eastern Palace, it should be safe enough.

"Yiwan," Hua Muzhi reached out and gently smoothed a few strands of silver hair behind his ear—his touch was light, but not flirtatious. "We are already married."

"You are my lifelong partner now."

Yue Yiwan wanted to bury his face in the pillow and pulled the blanket tighter around himself. "So this is reasonable and legal."

"Mm."

"I'm a little cold," he mumbled.

Hua Muzhi, ever perceptive, opened his arms generously. "Come here."

And so, someone—who insisted on acting reluctant—rolled over once again.

Then, with practiced ease, he buried his face into Hua Muzhi’s embrace.

"We are not in a romantic relationship," he muttered, as if afraid that Hua Muzhi might get the wrong idea. Even though he was curled up in his arms, he still stubbornly denied it. "We’re not."

Hua Muzhi didn’t feel hurt at all. He simply tightened his embrace and said, "No, we’re not."

The warmth of the embrace made it hard to stay awake. It felt like closing his eyes would lead straight to a peaceful dream.

"And we’re not flirting, either..." Yue Yiwan tried to finish his sentence, but sleep overtook him before he could.

"Mm, not flirting."

Hua Muzhi tucked him in once more and held him securely as they both drifted into slumber.

We’re just keeping each other warm.

The next morning, they were set to head to Misty Step Mountain for the winter hunt.

The attendants had already prepared the off-road vehicles and drivers, with all necessary equipment checked and loaded. Lunchboxes were stocked in the cars, with the option to return to camp for a meal or enjoy hot oyster soup and various dishes from the insulated containers.

The Hua-Yue couple exchanged polite small talk with their relatives for quite some time. It wasn’t until the old prince finally arrived—fashionably late—that they each got into their vehicles and drove up the mountain.

Yue Yiwan had already accepted his role as a mere spectator for this trip. He had never actually hunted before, so as long as he didn’t cause trouble, that would be enough.

If this were some cliché romance novel, there would probably be a delicate and pitiful crown princess who would clutch the prince’s rifle and plead, "The little bunny is so cute! You can’t shoot the bunny!"

However, Yue Yiwan not only wanted to eat rabbit, but also venison, muntjac, and wild pheasant wings.

Braised, pan-fried, roasted, or grilled—he’d take them all, preferably with a sprinkle of sesame seeds.

When they reached a suitable spot, they moved quietly with the attendants, approaching the animals roaming the forest.

Yue Yiwan couldn't resist touching his own clothes as they walked.

His outfit was even lighter than his summer attire, yet he still felt warm—even a little hot.

The cold-resistant capabilities of this high-tech fabric were truly impressive.

"Over there," Hua Muzhi’s eyes locked onto something, and the chief attendant immediately brought over a rifle and ammunition.

Yue Yiwan held his breath—he still couldn't see anything.

Distant gunshots rang out, followed by the fluttering of startled wings.

Oh. This was just like playing PUBG.

Bullets flying everywhere, yet he saw nothing.

Hua Muzhi adjusted his scope, half-crouched in the grass, and locked onto a deer about sixty or seventy yards away.

Aim, load, breathe, shoot.

With a silencer, the gunshot was muffled, sounding more like a dull thud.

Yue Yiwan still hadn't seen what they were shooting at.

Then, all of a sudden, a stag leapt out of the bushes, bolting away in a panic.

But before the crown prince could fire a second shot, the deer suddenly collapsed mid-run.

The bullet had done its work. It just took time.

"Oh! That’s one down already?" Yue Yiwan perked up. "Its antlers look really nice!"

Hua Muzhi raised a hand to signal for silence, then pointed to the southeast.

On a small clearing in the distance, a plump red-tailed pheasant was pecking at the grass seeds, completely unaware of any danger.

The crown prince slowly stood up, selected a lighter rifle, and handed it to Yue Yiwan.

He reached out, lightly circling around him, and lowered his head to show him how to load the bullets.

"This one is yours."

Yue Yiwan’s gaze lingered on the pale, slender fingers resting on the gunstock.

His heart started pounding.

______

Author’s Note: 

The crown prince will try writing all kinds of genres, just like how The Son of a Theatrical Master featured various scripts.

BUT The Silver Scepter has a real-life inspiration! The prototype is my upcoming novel, Supercarrying Da Vinci to Victory, which will launch on New Year’s Day with three consecutive chapters!

T/N: Please give support on my ko-fi page and please rate it on NU page properly cause i think this novel deserve high rating, thank you🍊🍊🍊