The Cold General's Secret Obsession

Chapter 2: The Cold General’s Secret Obsession

The palace halls echoed with the sound of sharp footsteps as General Lin Xuan strode past, his dark armor gleaming under the lantern light. Servants scurried out of his path, soldiers straightened their backs, and ministers whispered anxiously whenever he appeared.

Lin Xuan’s reputation as a ruthless and cold-hearted general was well-deserved. His sharp tongue could cut as deeply as his blade, and his piercing glare alone could silence an entire room.

But behind that icy façade... Lin Xuan was barely holding in his inner BL fangirl.

---

Morning Court

Lin Xuan stood at his usual position in the court — tall, imposing, and expressionless. His cold gaze swept across the room... until it landed on Prince Liang and Commander Han.

Oh no... they're standing so close again...

His fingers twitched.

Prince Liang discreetly passed a scroll to Commander Han, their fingertips brushing. Commander Han’s face flushed slightly.

Did they just... TOUCH HANDS? Lin Xuan’s mind screamed. I knew it! They're totally in love!

“General Lin,” Emperor Zhao Wei’s voice snapped him back to reality. “Is something amusing you?”

Lin Xuan immediately returned to his cold, stoic expression. “No, Your Majesty.”

But inside, he was writing an entire BL novel in his head.

---

Afternoon Sparring Session

Lin Xuan stood in the palace courtyard, sparring with the soldiers. His strikes were sharp and merciless, his cold gaze freezing his opponents in place.

“Is that all you’ve got?” Lin Xuan sneered after disarming yet another soldier. “You’d be dead on the battlefield.”

The soldiers shivered. Their general was terrifying.

But the moment Lin Xuan turned away, his sharp eyes spotted Prince Liang and Commander Han again — practicing archery together. Commander Han stood behind Prince Liang, adjusting his stance by wrapping his arm around the prince's waist.

Lin Xuan’s stoic mask nearly cracked.

Oh my god... back hug! Classic BL trope! Wait... should I write this down?

He clenched his fist, forcing himself to look away. Stay cold. Stay cold. You're a ruthless general, not a fanboy...

---

The Emperor’s Game Continues

That evening, Lin Xuan sat in his private quarters, scribbling furiously in his notebook.

"The noble commander stood behind the delicate prince, his arm wrapping protectively around his waist as he guided his fingers along the bowstring..."

“You’re working hard tonight.”

Lin Xuan froze. Emperor Zhao Wei was standing behind him, his gaze landing on the notebook.

Lin Xuan slammed it shut. “Just... writing war strategies.”

Zhao Wei smirked. “Interesting. Tell me, General Lin... since when do war strategies involve romantic back hugs?”

Lin Xuan’s face stiffened. “Your Majesty must be mistaken.”

“Oh?” Zhao Wei leaned closer, his voice low and teasing. “Perhaps I should read it aloud in court?”

Lin Xuan’s glare could kill a man. “Your Majesty wouldn’t dare.”

“Try me.” Zhao Wei chuckled.

Lin Xuan sighed in defeat. “What do you want?”

Zhao Wei’s smile widened. “Have dinner with me tomorrow.”

Lin Xuan’s cold façade faltered for a second. “...What?”

“You’re sharp, ruthless, and deadly on the battlefield,” Zhao Wei said, stepping closer. “But I’m starting to believe you have... softer interests. And I’d like to know more about those.”

Lin Xuan’s ears turned red. “There’s nothing to know.”

“We’ll see,” Zhao Wei said with a smug grin before walking away.

---

The Next Evening — Dinner with the Emperor

Lin Xuan sat stiffly in the Emperor’s private dining room, unsure whether to be terrified or flattered. The dishes were exquisite, the wine expensive, but Lin Xuan could barely focus.

“You’re surprisingly quiet tonight,” Zhao Wei teased. “Aren’t you usually busy... observing certain palace couples?”

“I don’t know what Your Majesty is talking about,” Lin Xuan replied coldly.

“Oh?” Zhao Wei leaned in slightly, his face uncomfortably close. “Then why did you nearly fall off your horse when Prince Liang hugged Commander Han earlier?”

Lin Xuan choked on his wine. “I didn’t—”

“You did.” Zhao Wei chuckled. “You’re ruthless on the battlefield, yet you turn into a lovestruck fool when two men stand too close.”

“I am not a fool,” Lin Xuan snapped. “I’m just... observant.”

“Oh?” Zhao Wei’s smile turned wicked. “Then tell me, General Lin... have you ever considered writing us into one of your... observations?”

Lin Xuan’s face turned crimson. “Your Majesty—”

“Relax.” Zhao Wei’s hand brushed against Lin Xuan’s, lingering just a second too long. “I’ll give you something to write about... eventually.”

Lin Xuan was certain his heart stopped.

---

End of Chapter 2