In the third year of Chengqian, Emperor Xiao Yinghuai established the Tiancha Division, with its covert chief Song Jian overseeing palace intelligence. His power was terrifying. By Chengqian’s sixth year, a coup erupted—former court officials conspired with Prince Heng to usurp the throne, only to be swiftly executed by Tiancha’s covert guards. At the critical moment, a figure crashed down from the palace roof, landing squarely in Xiao Yinghuai’s arms. The court erupted: “Protect His Majesty!!” Freshly transmigrated, Song Jian stared at the man before him, horrified: “???” Huh??? Protect what???? --- Song Jian transmigrated as the covert chief—literally dropping into the emperor's embrace on arrival. Whether this counted as assassination was debatable, but failure to perform meant thirty lashes under Tiancha’s rules. Kneeling in the study, Song Jian trembled, face pale. Xiao Yinghuai asked, “Do you accept punishment?” Shaking like a sieve, Song Jian finally squeaked, “C-can I not?” Xiao Yinghuai: “?” … Xiao Yinghuai knew there was a traitor and quietly set a trap—Song Jian was meant to be the scapegoat during the coup. Yet Song Jian played his cards too well, leaving no evidence. Afterward, Xiao Yinghuai assigned spies to watch him, but reports only said: “Your Majesty, Chief Song fell asleep on the beams of your bedchamber... and asked for a blanket.” “Your Majesty, Chief Song stole pastries from the imperial kitchen again.” “Your Majesty, Chief Song said... this damn job is unbearable.” Xiao Yinghuai: “...” Later: “Your Majesty! Chief Song flirted with the Minister of Rites and got detained!” Xiao Yinghuai saw red. Through gritted teeth: “Bring him here.” --- Being a covert guard sucked—hungry, sleepless, always on call, stuck sleeping on beams. With dark circles, Song Jian cursed Xiao Yinghuai’s tyranny daily. Then Xiao Yinghuai offered one wish. Song Jian clasped his hands meekly: “No more beam-sleeping? I... I toss and turn.” Xiao Yinghuai smirked: “Granted.” That night, Song Jian was tied to the royal bed. Xiao Yinghuai traced his sash, voice husky: “Such a fine waist, Chief Song.” Song Jian: “???” --- Song Jian: Can I quit being a guard? Xiao Yinghuai: Empress is also an option.