Qixue was a bit stunned. He lowered his head to look at Wei Huai kneeling at his feet and didn’t speak for a moment.
Deep down, he felt this was utterly absurd. Wei Huai was actually seeking his favor, willing to become his lover. Even in a dream, he would have found it too bizarre, yet here it was, happening for real.
Just last night, Wei Huai had argued with His Majesty. How had he suddenly changed his tune today, offering to be his lover? Was there some scheme behind it?
Perhaps sensing Qixue’s doubts, Wei Huai gave a helpless smile and explained, “I thought about it all night last night and finally figured it out: Since I can’t compete with His Majesty, I won’t fight him. Pleasing you is what matters most.”
“Not being able to beat His Majesty doesn’t mean I’ve completely lost, A Xue. As long as you have even the slightest affection for me, I still have hope. Otherwise, even if I defeated His Majesty, you still wouldn’t accept me—what would victory mean then?”
“What I care about is you, A Xue. For you, I can disregard His Majesty altogether. Let him be your principal husband, and I’ll be your lover. As long as I can make you happy and joyful, that’s enough for me.”
“A Xue, will you accept me?”
After saying this, he gazed quietly at Qixue. Qixue felt his sincerity and resolve, his heart lightly touched. He knew Wei Huai wasn’t joking; he had made a tremendous decision to say these words.
Qixue had spent a long time with Wei Huai and understood his character. Wei Huai seemed approachable but was proud to his core, never bowing to anyone. Yet today, he had come to him, casting aside all pride just to beg for his favor.
Qixue couldn’t help feeling a bit soft-hearted—and admittedly, a bit moved. He did harbor some affection for Wei Huai. But he had no intention of agreeing. His Majesty was enough for him. Besides, he had already taken the Baosui Pill. If he were intimate with Wei Huai and got pregnant with his child, what then?
“Seventh Brother, listen to me, I…”
Qixue was about to refuse when something stirred in his mind. He recalled what Lady Shanyin had once said to him.
“Wei Huai is already devoted to you heart and soul. Why not try making him love you even more? Love you so deeply that even if you abandon him, he’d accept it gladly, willing to give everything for you—even his life.”
“He’d be like a dog wagging its tail at your feet, never daring to defy your will…”
In the past, he had thought he could never make Wei Huai love him that way and quickly gave up the idea. But now, he suddenly felt he might give it a try.
Hadn’t Wei Huai said he wanted to please him? Then let him be the most obedient little dog, devoting everything to him.
A seductive smile colored Qixue’s eyes as he gently caressed Wei Huai’s cheek. “It’s not that I can’t agree… I’m just afraid you won’t accept my conditions.”
Wei Huai took his hand and lightly kissed it at his lips. “As long as you agree, I’ll accept any conditions.”
“Don’t be so absolute. Hear me out first.”
Qixue spoke leisurely, “Becoming my lover isn’t that easy. You must pass my tests. Whatever tasks I give you, you must carry them out unconditionally. Only if you do them well will you get a reward. If you fail, you’ll be punished.”
“Even if you earn enough rewards, it doesn’t guarantee intimacy. I want to bear His Majesty’s child, so I took the Baosui Pill. Until I conceive His Majesty’s child, you can’t touch me. I won’t bear yours.”
“If you can accept all that, I’ll agree. But do you still think that makes you my lover?”
Qixue lightly tapped Wei Huai’s lips with his fingertip. “It sounds more like being my little dog.”
Wei Huai closed his eyes. Hearing that Qixue wanted to bear Helan Ji’s child but not his own tore at his heart like a laceration. But he knew he had no choice; he must accept whatever Qixue demanded.
“I accept.” Wei Huai opened his eyes, gazing up at Qixue with pained longing. “I’ll be your dog, your lover—anything, as long as you’re willing to be close to me.”
“You won’t touch me either?”
“Never without your permission.”
“Good.”
Qixue smiled happily, leaned down, and kissed Wei Huai’s forehead. “I accept. Get up now.”
He reached out to pull Wei Huai to his feet and proactively embraced him. “Seventh Brother, I’m so happy you love me this much. I like you too, so keep loving me like this from now on—even more. If His Majesty and I run into trouble someday, we’ll have to rely on you.”
Wei Huai wrapped his arms around him, holding him tightly. “I won’t let you face any trouble.”
“I hope so.”
Qixue spoke sweetly but sighed inwardly. He already had troubles now—killing Ji Yuheng and Xie Shu. But he wouldn’t order Wei Huai to do it; that would be suicide. He wouldn’t put Wei Huai in such danger.
Wei Huai held him for a long time, inhaling his scent with bittersweet satisfaction. He asked softly, “Do you have any tasks for me now?”
Nothing at the moment, but since Wei Huai had asked, Qixue gave his first command. “I’m tired. Carry me back to my chambers to rest. Don’t let the palace servants see.”
Wei Huai obediently scooped him up princess-style and carried him all the way back. Rabbit Garden wasn’t far from Qixue’s chambers, and they encountered no one en route. The one time they nearly ran into two inner servants polishing vases, Wei Huai easily avoided them.
As for the Nightmare Demons ubiquitous in the Imperial Palace, there were none in Chenglu Palace.
Ever since Qixue moved into Chenglu Palace, Helan Ji had withdrawn most of the Nightmare Demons from there, leaving only a few for Qixue to command. If he didn’t summon them, they wouldn’t appear.
After their marriage, Helan Ji respected Qixue, giving him ample personal space. He wouldn’t use the Nightmare Demons to spy or monitor him. That was why Qixue dared to bind and torment Ji Yuheng there; otherwise, he wouldn’t risk it under Helan Ji’s watch.
Wei Huai gently placed Qixue on the soft couch and covered him with a thin blanket. Satisfied, Qixue crooked a finger at him. “Come here. Close your eyes—your reward.”
Wei Huai lowered his head and shut his eyes. Qixue tilted his chin up, first kissing one eyelid, then studying Wei Huai’s handsome face. For symmetry, he kissed the other eyelid.
“Done.”
He patted Wei Huai’s shoulder. “I’ve sealed you with my mark. From now on, you’re my little dog, Seventh Brother.”
Wei Huai opened his eyes, his chest softening with tenderness and ache from the kisses. He murmured, “Okay.”
He sat on the floor by the couch, gazing at Qixue. Qixue reached out, scratching under his jaw like one would a dog’s chin. “What’s wrong? Not satisfied yet?”
“A Xue… I want to ask you,” Wei Huai began, “why haven’t you removed the nipple studs I forced on you?”
“Because it would hurt to take them off,” Qixue said. “His Majesty didn’t make me remove them either, so I kept them.”
“If you’re just afraid of pain, I can remove them for you without hurting,” Wei Huai offered.
Qixue asked curiously, “Why do you want to help me take them off? Don’t you like them anymore?”
Wei Huai replied, “Whether I like them doesn’t matter—it’s what you think. If you don’t like them, I’ll remove them. It was my mistake, so I should make it right.”
“We’ll see.” Qixue waved dismissively. “I don’t mind them that much. I’ve gotten used to wearing them; they don’t bother me.”
“Besides…”
He slanted a glance at Wei Huai. “Don’t think I don’t know what you’re thinking. You definitely want me to keep them, don’t you?”
Wei Huai tried to protest, “I—”
“Then it depends on your performance. If you do well, I’ll keep wearing them.”
Qixue loosened his collar, revealing the vivid ruby nipple studs. Deliberately in front of Wei Huai, he teased the small ruby pendants. “If you want to touch them again with your own hands, you’ll have to earn it.”
“…” Wei Huai’s breathing grew heavy as he stared fixedly at the rubies. After a long moment, he rasped, “Okay.”
Qixue didn’t let him look his fill before ruthlessly fastening his collar again and issuing the dismissal. “I’m going to have lunch with Xu Taifei. You can go now. Come only when I call you.”
Wei Huai left obediently. Qixue was pleased at reining Wei Huai back in. He changed clothes and went to Cuiwei Palace to dine with Xu Taifei. After lunch, while Xu Taifei rested, Qixue napped there too. He returned to Chenglu Palace only after waking.
In the afternoon, a palace maid presented over a dozen calling cards and invitations from the families of imperial clansmen and officials.
Qixue received such invitations daily. Everyone knew he was the Emperor’s beloved consort; naturally, many sought to flatter him.
He had attended only one banquet before, meeting some people but remembering few names. None were plot-relevant.
He skimmed today’s invitations—still no familiar names.
But one caught his attention. It was from the County Princess of Qing County, inviting him simply to taste Qing County’s mountain delicacies—no flowery language.
Qing County…
Qixue involuntarily thought of Prefect Xu and his wife, and his companions on Dali Mountain.
He hadn’t seen the Xu couple since leaving Qing County. Back then, he was illiterate and couldn’t write letters. Later, he simply hadn’t had time.
He heard they had been important guests at his and Wei Huai’s wedding, traveling all the way from Qing County. Unfortunately, he had fled the marriage and missed them. He wondered how they were.
Now that things had stabilized, it was time to send them greetings.
He wrote two letters: one to the Xu couple, warmly addressing them as “uncle” and “aunt,” mentioning his new title as Noble Consort and His Majesty’s favor; the other to his friends on Dali Mountain.
The letters would go together to Qing County, with Prefect Xu forwarding the second to Dali Mountain.
Besides the letters, Qixue withdrew two chests of gold from the treasury—one for Prefect Xu, one for Dali Mountain. Now that he was Noble Consort, why not cash in? Not only would he be a wealthy rabbit; those around him deserved benefits too.
With everything handled, Qixue took out the County Princess of Qing County’s card. “Reply that I gratefully accept the invitation and will attend on time.”
“Yes, Your Ladyship.”
The maid left with the card. Just then, Dong Yuan returned from errands outside, cradling a Treasure Casket with a mild smile. “Your Ladyship, everything you wanted is ready.”
These were tools for tormenting Ji Yuheng. Hearing Dong Yuan had prepared them so quickly, Qixue perked up. “Open it—let me see.”
Dong Yuan opened the casket and took items out one by one. “This is a secret medicine from the Western Regions. One pill makes one burn with desire.”
“This is the whip you specified. It’s hollow, soaked in medicinal liquid for forty-nine days. It draws bloodlessly, without excessive pain, but leaves the struck area numb and unbearably itchy.”
“Pair it with this Horn Rope to bind him—he’ll itch frantically but can’t scratch, bound as he is. How miserable do you think that’ll make him?”
“And this…”
Qixue eagerly examined each item. When he reached the needle pouch, he tossed it aside. “I clearly said no tools that draw blood.”
The silver needles were palm-length and bamboo-thick. Stabbing them into Ji Yuheng’s body would kill him by tonight.
“Oh dear, Your Ladyship, this is a good one—polished so smoothly, not easy to make. Don’t throw it!”
Dong Yuan hastily retrieved the pouch and explained its use. Leaning to Qixue’s ear, he whispered, “…used like this, it blocks his… Nothing comes out no matter what, enough to drive him mad, begging on his knees like a dog for your mercy.”
Qixue stared at the silver needles in shock. “It’s used that way?”
“Exactly.” Dong Yuan grinned. “Each varies slightly in thickness. If you don’t want to ruin him, choose carefully.”
Qixue curiously flipped through the urethral silver needles. “You’re the one with ideas.”
“It’s my honor to alleviate the Noble Consort’s worries,” Dong Yuan said with a smile.
…
That evening, in Chenglu Palace.
At about the same time, Ji Yuheng was brought into Qixue’s bedchamber again.
This time, Dong Yuan had politely invited him into the palace, and Ji Yuheng did not resist. He entered fully conscious, and upon seeing Qixue, he lowered his eyes respectfully and knelt in salute. “Greetings, Noble Consort.”
Qixue lounged lazily on the noble consort’s couch, holding a short whip in his hand and lightly tapping it against his leg. Without wasting words on Ji Yuheng, he said, “Strip.”
Ji Yuheng’s ears quickly turned red. He remained silent, wordlessly removing all his clothes and neatly folding them before placing them at his side.
He shielded his front with his hands, covering the most unsightly part. “I disturbed Your Ladyship last night. This official is truly terrified and hopes Your Ladyship will…”
Qixue could not bear to hear such words—it was as if he had shown weakness in front of Ji Yuheng. A bit angry, he interrupted, “What disturbance? Do you think your little toy could disturb me? You’re really giving yourself too much credit.”
Last night, he had cursed Ji Yuheng’s as being as big as a donkey spirit, but tonight it had become a “little toy.” Ji Yuheng was stunned for a moment before murmuring lowly, “As long as it did not frighten Your Ladyship, that is good.”
“Move your hands away,” Qixue commanded bluntly.
Ji Yuheng’s ears flushed red as blood. He slowly moved his hands aside. Qixue glanced once, then averted his gaze, only to glance again. Dishonestly mocking him, he said, “It’s not even as big as the rabbit I keep.”
“…” Ji Yuheng could only remain silent.
“Enough idle talk.” Qixue raised the short whip and pointed to the vial on the table. “Take one and kneel before me.”
Ji Yuheng obediently stood to fetch the medicine, but upon opening the vial, he caught a sickly sweet scent and could not help furrowing his brow.
Well-versed in pharmacology, he recognized this aphrodisiac secret medicine as an evil drug. Without hesitation, he said, “Your Ladyship, this medicine has a demonic and ferocious nature. It must not be taken lightly. Who offered this to you? They surely harbor ill intentions. You must not trust it easily.”
“Of course I know this drug is abnormal,” Qixue mocked. “I’m not going to take it—it’s for you to eat. Hurry up.”
Ji Yuheng fell silent for a moment before setting down the vial. “…This official cannot obey. Please forgive me, Your Ladyship.”
“You dare disobey me?”
Qixue flew into a rage, grabbing a soft pillow from the noble consort’s couch and hurling it at him. “Will you eat it or not? If not, I’ll chop off your head!”
Ji Yuheng knelt down. “Then please punish this official, Your Ladyship.”
Qixue grew even more furious, for he had only said it in jest—how could he truly chop off Ji Yuheng’s head? Fine then. Since Ji Yuheng refused to eat, he would personally stuff it into Ji Yuheng’s mouth and see if he swallowed!
Qixue tossed aside the short whip and stormed over to Ji Yuheng. He pinched up a pill, seized Ji Yuheng’s chin, and forcefully tried to shove it into his mouth. “Eat it!”
It was only after Ji Yuheng was fully erect that the silver needles could be inserted. If he was not aroused yet, the needles would surely injure him, and Qixue would suffer backlash, so he could not let Ji Yuheng get hurt.
Ji Yuheng turned his head away, clamping his teeth tightly, refusing to let Qixue force the pill in. After several struggles, Qixue’s hand slipped, and the pill accidentally fell out, rolling into a crevice where it could no longer be retrieved.
The Nightmare Demon could retrieve it, but if the Nightmare Demon saw it, that meant His Majesty saw it too. Qixue could not call the Nightmare Demon for the pill.
Qixue knew this was Ji Yuheng’s Destiny at work again. Enraged, he slapped Ji Yuheng across the face. “What righteous gentleman are you pretending to be? Do you think I don’t know? Last night, weren’t you—”
As soon as he said this, Ji Yuheng flushed crimson from face to ears, but to Qixue’s shock, Ji Yuheng reacted as if he had swallowed the pill, instantly transforming into that detestable state. And it was… even more exaggerated, even more like a donkey spirit.
Why had a mere scolding changed it? Did Ji Yuheng like being cursed at?
But that could not be right—he had insulted him earlier too, and there had been no change. So…
Qixue’s gaze shifted, as if he had uncovered some tremendous secret. He looked Ji Yuheng up and down.
Suddenly, a bewitching hue tinted his brows and eyes. He smiled at Ji Yuheng.
“Tell me, Ji Yuheng… do you have some special thoughts about me?”
“Are you coveting my beauty?”
Ji Yuheng shuddered all over, the flush on his face gradually fading to a slight pallor.
Seeing his reaction, Qixue’s eyes curved in a smile. “You should have said so earlier. So that’s how it is…”
Qixue pinched Ji Yuheng’s chin, parting his own collar with the other hand to reveal his snowy, alluring body.
Ji Yuheng said nothing, but his most instinctive reaction could not lie. He endured it until his muscles trembled faintly all over.
Qixue took it in, fully understanding now. He leaned close to Ji Yuheng’s ear, exhaling a breath of hot air, and whispered softly.
“Ji Yuheng… you’re so filthy.”
