Chapter 23: A Deep Kiss by Flickering Candlelight
Chu Yi felt a dryness in his throat, as if a scorching heat was spreading to the root of his tongue. He unconsciously licked his lips.
His hazy vision was suddenly filled by the sight of Sheng Qianheng. He could barely hear the words coming from his mouth.
All his attention was drawn to those opening and closing lips. Without hesitation, he reached out, cupped Sheng Qianheng’s face, and kissed him.
He slowly licked over Sheng Qianheng’s lips, his sharp teeth nibbling gently. Chu Yi didn’t close his eyes but took in Sheng Qianheng’s surprised expression. After nibbling several times, he asked, “What’s wrong with you? Why are you so dazed?”
Sheng Qianheng’s Adam’s apple bobbed. He hadn’t wanted to do anything excessive on their first day out of the palace. But Chu Yi’s drunken reaction was far beyond what he could handle. He raised a hand to rub the back of Chu Yi’s head and replied, “Do you know what you’re doing?”
Chu Yi blurted out, “I’m thirsty. I’m drinking water.”
Sheng Qianheng laughed helplessly.
Chu Yi pressed his forehead against Sheng Qianheng’s and said in a voice only the two of them could hear, “You look very handsome when you smile. You should smile more in the future, okay?”
Sheng Qianheng felt Chu Yi’s breath, tilted his head up slightly, and sealed his lips, breaking in with no effort at all.
Chu Yi tried to bury himself in Sheng Qianheng’s embrace, desperately feeling the other’s warmth, his saliva…
His tongue was already numb from being turned over and over. His hands, at some point, had already wrapped around Sheng Qianheng’s neck, his fingertips kneading into his hair.
Night fell, and the inn gradually lit up with candles, the flames flickering.
All sorts of passersby bustled about, some talking loudly, others whispering in secret. The clamor surged like a tide.
However, amidst this clamor, in a guest room on the second floor, it was a different world.
Chu Yi and Sheng Qianheng held each other tightly. Only their rapid breathing could be heard in the room. The two seemed to be lost in the moment, completely oblivious to the noise outside.
The already lit candles cast their intertwined figures and mischievous hands in silhouette.
Both of them had drunk a lot of wine. As their wet heat exchanged, the taste of wine between their lips and teeth unexpectedly turned slightly sweet.
The scents of Zhuǎnrìlián and Danshen had long since spread across the bed, intertwining intimately and creating a unique charm~
Chu Yi felt his thoughts gradually grow muddled. When he couldn’t breathe, he tugged hard on Sheng Qianheng’s hair and mumbled, “I can’t breathe…”
“Brother, can you not pull my hair?” Sheng Qianheng only reluctantly left Chu Yi’s lips when he felt the pain. He raised a hand to rub Chu Yi’s chest and asked, “Are you okay?”
Chu Yi felt extremely drowsy and rested his head on Sheng Qianheng’s shoulder. “Tired, sleepy, uncomfortable…”
The breath from Chu Yi on the side of his neck teased Sheng Qianheng’s already crumbling reason. But to his dismay, Chu Yi’s hand, without him noticing, had squeezed him.
Sheng Qianheng’s body suddenly stiffened. He immediately moved Chu Yi’s mischievous hand, steadied his breathing, and looked sideways at Chu Yi’s peaceful sleeping face. “Brother, are you testing me…?”
Chu Yi laughed, and when he opened his eyes, his gaze was drawn to the bobbing Adam’s apple. He raised his hand, broke free from Sheng Qianheng’s restraint, and caressed it.
But that thing jumped up and down like a spring. Chu Yi’s playful mood grew, and he lifted his heavy head and bit down on it.
Sheng Qianheng was already full of vigor. He pushed Chu Yi onto the bed with a sudden force, his back teeth nearly shattering. His heavy breathing echoed in the room. “Brother, we can’t play anymore!”
Chu Yi felt dizzy. The moment he felt the bedding behind him, he unconsciously closed his eyes and fell asleep, completely ignoring Sheng Qianheng’s miserable state.
Sheng Qianheng watched as Chu Yi found the most comfortable position and fell asleep hugging his arm. A deep sense of helplessness washed over him…
How could Chu Yi fall asleep so peacefully after teasing him so much after drinking?
The candlelight flickered, and the scent of wine lingered. Sheng Qianheng looked at Chu Yi’s cheeks, which were already dyed the color of crabapple blossoms. His eyelashes trembled slightly, as if he were not sleeping soundly.
Sheng Qianheng took the opportunity to lie down on his side and reached out to tidy Chu Yi’s sideburns. Perhaps the black hair brushing against the side of his face was a little itchy, for Chu Yi frowned unconsciously, shifted his body, and buried himself in Sheng Qianheng’s neck before he would settle…
Sheng Qianheng closed his eyes and recited the Clear Heart Mantra in his mind, trying to suppress the wicked thoughts within him.
When the sun was high in the sky, the stall owners who had closed up last night had already set up their stalls again and were shouting their wares.
The noise from outside made Chu Yi’s brows furrow. When he slowly opened his eyes, he was completely dazed.
He slowly sat up, feeling a terrible headache. He scanned the room but didn’t see Sheng Qianheng.
He must have gotten Sheng Qianheng drunk last night, right? Had he escaped to another inn to rest? He couldn’t remember anything…
Chu Yi got off the bed, put on his shoes and socks, and was just about to go out when the door was pushed open.
Sheng Qianheng entered with a bowl of tea. Chu Yi unconsciously swallowed. He met Sheng Qianheng’s gaze and squeezed out a smile.
Did my escape fail? Was I caught by Sheng Qianheng again? What’s in that bowl of tea? It’s not poison, is it? Is he going to execute me?
As the saying goes, a couple for a day is a couple for a hundred. Sheng Qianheng shouldn’t be so eager to poison him, right?
In an instant, Chu Yi imagined various tragic death scenes in his mind, but he never expected Sheng Qianheng to ask, “You’re awake? Does your head hurt? I had the inn brew a bowl of sobering soup. Have a sip?”
Chu Yi was stunned for a long time, trying to analyze the current situation. Sheng Qianheng was being pleasant to him, with no sign of anger. Nothing should have happened.
But why did he run away after getting Sheng Qianheng drunk? Why?
After placing the sobering soup on the table, Sheng Qianheng walked up to Chu Yi and reached out to feel his forehead. “Why aren’t you talking? Is your head hurting badly from the alcohol?”
Chu Yi looked up blankly at Sheng Qianheng and asked, “I was drunk?”
Sheng Qianheng nodded and recounted everything that had happened last night.
Chu Yi gave an awkward laugh and asked, “Then did you sleep well last night?”
Sheng Qianheng clasped his hands behind his back and raised an eyebrow. “Last night, you promised to wear that rainbow feather coat from the tailor’s shop for me to see. Do you remember?”
Although Chu Yi had no memory of his drunken state, he would never do such a thing! Sheng Qianheng was trying to trick him. “Sheng Qianheng, if you’re going to lie, at least pick a more believable one.”
Sheng Qianheng shrugged, took the sobering soup, and fed it to Chu Yi spoonful by spoonful. “Since you don’t believe me, there’s nothing I can do.”
As Chu Yi drank the sobering soup, he carefully observed every subtle expression on Sheng Qianheng’s face.
When Sheng Qianheng met his intense gaze, he couldn’t help but recall his hazy eyes from last night. He leaned down slightly and tasted Chu Yi’s lips.
On the Dragon Boat Festival, the streets of Chang’an were bustling with people.
The street vendors had set up their reed sheds. Those selling jiǎoshǔ had already piled up their pointed green towers, and the business at the stalls selling sachets was booming…
Chu Yi held Sheng Qianheng’s arm as they strolled through the lively street. He was nibbling on a string of candied haws, his gaze focused on a crowded area.
“Sheng Qianheng, what is that place?”
Moshu, who had been following behind them, replied, “That is the Flower-Filled Pavilion, the largest brothel in the capital.”
Sheng Qianheng squeezed Chu Yi’s palm hard, becoming alert. “What, you want to go to a brothel for some fun?”
Chu Yi shook his head repeatedly. “You know I can’t hold my liquor. But it’s my first time seeing a brothel, so I’m just curious.”
Sheng Qianheng said sharply, “You’re not allowed to be curious, and you’re not allowed to go in.”
Chu Yi: “I’m not that kind of person. I have no intention of going in.”
Sheng Qianheng was not just afraid that Chu Yi would be tempted by others, but even more worried that if he went in, he would be mistaken for one of the Flower-Filled Pavilion’s top courtesans.
If Chu Yi were to be defiled by others, he would be furious.
Although Chu Yi had no intention of entering that place of rouge and powder, a plan formed in his mind. If he disguised himself as a woman and hid among the courtesans…
Sheng Qianheng took Chu Yi’s hand and quickly passed by the Flower-Filled Pavilion, but they unexpectedly ran into an acquaintance at the head of the bridge.
Jiang Xinrui had been troubled by his father’s nagging about marriage and was looking for a quiet place to hide. But he saw someone on the street who looked just like Chu Yi. He immediately ran forward to confirm.
Even though Jiang Xinrui knew it might be a trick of the eye, he had to go and confirm.
When Jiang Xinrui stood in front of Chu Yi, he didn’t even notice Sheng Qianheng beside him. He only cared about greeting him, “Xiao Yi, it’s really you!”
Hearing the “Xiao Yi” that came out of Jiang Xinrui’s mouth, a deep killing intent rose in Sheng Qianheng’s eyes. He wrapped an arm around Chu Yi’s waist and pinched it, then said, “Wife, he called you Xiao Yi?”
“You, he…” Chu Yi felt a pinch on his waist. He even had to think for a long time before he remembered Jiang Xinrui’s existence. He explained, “It’s common to run into acquaintances on the street.”
Only then did Jiang Xinrui notice their intimate gesture, and he couldn’t help but feel disappointed. “Your Maj…”
Sheng Qianheng immediately interrupted Jiang Xinrui, “Don’t call me that randomly. We’re out to have fun and don’t want to be disturbed!”
Chu Yi nodded quickly, shooting a look at Jiang Xinrui, signaling him to leave.
But Jiang Xinrui mistook it as a cry for help. He continued, “I never thought I’d run into you two on the street. Would you like to come to my residence for a small gathering?”
Chu Yi felt his scalp tingle. Is Jiang Xinrui a fool? Can’t he hear the dismissive tone in Sheng Qianheng’s words? How did he become a high-ranking court official?
He opened his mouth to refuse, “Jiang Xinrui, we have other matters to attend to. We’ll have to decline your kind offer this time…”
Who would have thought that Sheng Qianheng would agree? “Since Brother Xinrui has extended such a warm invitation, it would be disrespectful for us to refuse. Why don’t you lead the way, Brother Xinrui?”
After nodding, Jiang Xinrui walked side by side with Chu Yi and Sheng Qianheng.
Although Sheng Qianheng seemed to be chatting idly with Jiang Xinrui, Chu Yi felt a chill run down his spine.
The three of them sat in the main hall of the Jiang residence. Seeing Sheng Qianheng’s furrowed brow, Chu Yi had no choice but to act as if he didn’t care about Jiang Xinrui at all.
He had no heart to taste the candied haws in his hand anymore. He took Sheng Qianheng’s fingertips and dropped them into his hand, then took out a silk handkerchief to wipe his own. But the sugar stuck to his fingertips was hard to wipe off. He had no choice but to ask, “Is there a place to wash my hands?”
Jiang Xinrui stood up and immediately replied, “Of course there is. This subject will take Your Ladyship.”
Chu Yi shook his head repeatedly. “No need. Vice Minister Jiang can just point me in the right direction. I can go by myself.”
Sheng Qianheng raised an eyebrow. He pinched Chu Yi’s wrist, looked up into his eyes, and said coldly, “Vice Minister Jiang should stay and chat with Zhen for a while. Beloved Consort, come back soon after you’ve washed your hands.”
Translator’s Notes
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Jiǎoshǔ : An old name for zongzi, the sticky rice dumplings wrapped in bamboo or reed leaves, traditionally eaten during the Dragon Boat Festival.
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Xiao Yi : “Xiao” (小) is a common diminutive prefix added to names, often used for people who are younger or to show affection and familiarity.
