The Cold General's Secret Obsession

Chapter 12: The New Emperor’s Arrival

The palace was abuzz with excitement — a foreign Emperor had arrived to discuss trade alliances. Nobles whispered about his reputation: powerful, influential… and dangerously charming.

But none of that mattered to Lin Xuan.

Because the moment the new Emperor stepped into the grand hall… Lin Xuan’s cold eyes widened in shock.

“...Jian Cheng?”

The so-called "foreign Emperor" grinned smugly.

“Long time no see, Lin Xuan.”

---

Old Friends, New Problems

Later that evening, Lin Xuan dragged Jian Cheng into a secluded corridor.

“You idiot!” Lin Xuan hissed in a low voice. “What are you doing here?”

“I could ask you the same,” Jian Cheng smirked. “Didn’t expect to see you playing the role of a cold-blooded general.”

“I am a general,” Lin Xuan snapped.

“Sure,” Jian Cheng chuckled. “And I’m the Emperor of a country I’ve barely ruled for a month.”

They stared at each other before breaking into quiet laughter — the first genuine smile Lin Xuan had shown in ages.

“Don’t tell anyone we know each other,” Lin Xuan warned.

Jian Cheng grinned. “Relax. No one’s finding out your secret.”

---

The Emperor’s Growing Jealousy

Unfortunately, Zhao Wei had noticed.

He had never seen Lin Xuan smile so genuinely before. Worse, Lin Xuan was constantly sneaking off to meet Jian Cheng — laughing, talking, acting... comfortable.

Zhao Wei’s irritation reached its peak during an evening banquet.

Jian Cheng casually draped his arm around Lin Xuan’s shoulders. “Lin Xuan here once saved me from a bear,” Jian Cheng laughed. “Isn’t that right?”

Lin Xuan snorted. “More like you tripped over your own feet and ended up in a bush.”

The room erupted with laughter. Lin Xuan’s cold façade seemed to melt — his lips twitched into a rare smile.

From across the table, Zhao Wei’s fingers clenched tightly around his wine cup.

---

Jealousy Turns Dangerous

That night, Lin Xuan was walking back to his quarters when Zhao Wei appeared.

“You’ve been spending a lot of time with that Emperor,” Zhao Wei said coolly.

Lin Xuan frowned. “So?”

Zhao Wei stepped closer. “Is he… important to you?”

Lin Xuan blinked. “He’s an old friend. Why?”

“You’re never that comfortable with anyone.” Zhao Wei’s tone sharpened. “You barely smile at anyone. But with him…”

“Why does it matter?” Lin Xuan asked coldly.

“Because I—” Zhao Wei stopped himself. His gaze softened, but there was frustration behind his eyes.

“I don’t trust him,” Zhao Wei muttered.

Lin Xuan scoffed. “He’s harmless.”

“You’re too naive,” Zhao Wei snapped. “What if he’s using you?”

“I can take care of myself,” Lin Xuan said firmly. “I’m not one of your delicate concubines.”

“You’re more than that,” Zhao Wei growled. “To me…”

Lin Xuan’s eyes widened slightly.

For a brief moment, Zhao Wei’s hand reached for Lin Xuan’s wrist — but then he turned sharply and walked away.

Lin Xuan stood frozen, heartbeat racing.

---

Meanwhile…

From the shadows, Jian Cheng watched the exchange with a knowing grin.

“Oh…” Jian Cheng chuckled to himself. “This is interesting.”

---

End of Chapter 12