Chapter 42 Part 2

“Good.”

Qixue flashed a sweet smile and left Ji Yuheng behind. Ji Yuheng lay on the floor a little longer until he recovered some strength, then stood, slowly dressed, and slipped away from Chenglu Palace via a side path.

…

Over the next few days, Ji Yuheng visited Chenglu Palace every night to meet Qixue and endure his “torment.”

It was indeed uncomfortable and painful, but for Ji Yuheng, it was a rendezvous he eagerly anticipated.

He could see his beloved every night, and his beloved was willing to be intimate with him—how could he feel fear or resistance? He only restrained himself and feigned agony because he knew Qixue disliked seeing him happy, all to please Qixue.

Sometimes, when the pleasure was too much, he even had to cover his face to hide the delight in his eyes.

By day, Ji Yuheng participated in the academy examinations. The emperor was selecting an heir, primarily testing the imperial clansmen’s six arts and policy discussions to choose the best.

As he had feared, over these days, Ji Yuheng witnessed endless scheming among the imperial kin, and the court grew turbulent as a result.

Hand tricks during exams were the least of it. Some even plotted murders. In just a few short days, there were three fatalities and over a dozen injuries. The victims were either top performers or those too arrogant and provocative, drawing others’ hatred.

Even Ji Yuheng himself had encountered several assassination attempts, but he had dodged them all with his alertness. This was all thanks to Qixue kidnapping him, which had given him sufficient warning. Only then did he heighten his vigilance and avoid the others’ schemes.

Thus, from the bottom of his heart, he felt even more grateful to Qixue.

After experiencing these overt and covert struggles, Ji Yuheng felt utterly exhausted both mentally and physically. Only during his nightly rendezvous with Qixue could he fully relax and enjoy Qixue’s closeness.

Ji Yuheng felt that he was not suited to stay in the treacherous Capital City, nor did he believe he could become the heir. So after the academy exams ended, he would return to his fief in Nanping County. After that, he would never see Qixue again.

Three days later was the final riding and archery exam.

He did not have many more chances to meet Qixue, so tonight, he planned to give Qixue the jade bracelet that his mother had entrusted to him.

He would not tell Qixue the bracelet’s origins but planned to present it as an ordinary gift. Whether Qixue accepted it, wore it, or not, Ji Yuheng had no certainty and would not force him. He simply wanted to silently express his feelings, nothing more.

Ji Yuheng took the jade bracelet from the Treasure Casket, wrapped it carefully in a handkerchief, tucked it into his collar, and headed alone to the Imperial Palace.

The weather that night was poor. After thunder and lightning, a steady spring rain began to fall. Ji Yuheng held an umbrella as he arrived at Chenglu Palace’s bedchamber, but unexpectedly, Qixue was nowhere to be seen.

By coincidence, Dong Yuan was also there. He was not on duty that night and had been resting at home when Qixue’s Nightmare Demon urgently summoned him, so he had rushed to the palace.

When he arrived at Chenglu Palace, he had not even had time to apply powder to his face. His exposed brows and eyes resembled those of a refined scholar, surprisingly bookish.

Dong Yuan’s face lacked its usual sardonic smile. He merely said to Ji Yuheng, “Her Ladyship is in the Rabbit Garden helping a pregnant doe give birth. She has no time to see you tonight, Shizi. Please return.”

With that, he hurried toward the Rabbit Garden. Ji Yuheng paused for a moment before following immediately behind him, arriving at the Rabbit Garden together with Dong Yuan.

Boom…

Another clap of thunder rumbled in the night sky. Qixue anxiously crouched by the rabbit burrow, watching the laboring mother rabbit with heartache.

The mother rabbit was not due to give birth tonight, but the thunder had been too loud, startling her into premature labor—and a difficult one at that. Qixue, at a loss, had summoned Dong Yuan, who rushed over upon receiving the message.

Dong Yuan was capable of almost anything, but he had no experience delivering animals. His family had been too poor in the past to keep chickens, ducks, pigs, or dogs. The only living beings in his home had been him and his younger brother.

As the mother rabbit let out pained cries, Qixue floundered helplessly. Dong Yuan squatted beside her, frowning as he said, “I hear you need to massage the doe’s belly to position the fetus correctly, but…”

“I’ll do it.”

Ji Yuheng stepped forward from behind them, his gaze falling on the mother rabbit. “I’ve helped difficult births for animals a few times before. I have sufficient experience. If Her Ladyship trusts me, she can leave it to me. I guarantee the mother rabbit will be fine at least.”

Hearing Ji Yuheng’s voice, Qixue turned back in a daze, then quickly reacted and shifted aside anxiously to make room for him. “Come try quickly!”

Ji Yuheng immediately squatted beside the mother rabbit and massaged her belly, locating the kit’s position. At the same time, he said to Dong Yuan, “Trouble Dong-daren to fetch me a flute. I need to play a tune to soothe her.”

Dong Yuan went at once and soon brought a jade flute. Ji Yuheng gently adjusted the kit’s position before taking the flute and playing a serene, peaceful melody.

The flute’s sound was ethereal and tranquil, like a gentle hand softly comforting all the small animals present. Not only did the mother rabbit and gray rabbits calm down, but even Qixue’s mood settled. He watched the laboring mother rabbit with concern.

After about half a shichen, the mother rabbit gave birth safely. The litter of newborn kits had not yet grown fur; they were all pink and curled up against their mother.

Seeing mother and kits safe, Qixue’s suspended heart finally settled. Only then did he realize he had broken out in a cold sweat down his back.

Exhausted, he sat on the ground, his body slumping sideways into a refreshing embrace. “Don’t be scared. It’s fine. Look, they’re all healthy and nursing from their mother.”

Ji Yuheng pulled Qixue into his arms, stroking his black hair and gently comforting him. His embrace was clean and warm, his scent fresh and pleasant. Qixue struggled a few times, but seeing Ji Yuheng would not let go, he allowed himself to be held, nestling in his arms to rest.

Though he despised Ji Yuheng, at this moment, he truly thanked him for saving the mother rabbit and kits’ lives.

Ji Yuheng lifted Qixue onto his lap, patting his back lightly before saying to Dong Yuan, “I must trouble Dong-daren once more to fetch a fleece blanket for the kits. The weather is chilly, and without fur, they’re prone to cold. Her Ladyship also needs one; wrapping up in it will make him more comfortable.”

Dong Yuan smiled, but unlike before, his smile was much more sincere. “Yes, Ji Shizi.”

One large and one small fleece blanket were brought into the Rabbit Garden. Dong Yuan arranged a warmer, more comfortable burrow for the mother and kits before withdrawing.

Ji Yuheng carefully wrapped the fleece blanket around Qixue and said warmly, “There, relax. Sleep for a bit.”

He naturally attracted small animals, and Qixue found it hard to resist his pull. Just like that, he coaxed Qixue to sleep.

In his dreams, Qixue forgot his dislike for Ji Yuheng and showed his most genuine self, clingily hugging him.

The rain curtain was serene, pattering softly on the ground.

Ji Yuheng gently patted Qixue’s back, patiently lulling him into deeper slumber. Lowering his gaze to Qixue’s sweet sleeping face, he no longer hid his emotions. His curved eyes brimmed with deep affection and indulgence.

He truly liked Qixue very much.

After an unknown time, Qixue groggily opened his eyes and saw Ji Yuheng’s face upon waking.

If it had been before, he would have slapped him away in disgust. But perhaps because Ji Yuheng had been so accommodating these past days, or because he had saved the mother rabbit’s life, Qixue suddenly felt Ji Yuheng was not so detestable.

Moreover, Ji Yuheng’s embrace was very warm and comfortable. He did not want to get up.

So Qixue merely shifted position to continue lying there, asking Ji Yuheng nasally, “What time is it now?”

Ji Yuheng said softly, “Just past hai chu.”

Hai chu… Still early before His Majesty retired. No need to hurry over yet.

Qixue lazily emptied his mind, reluctant to leave Ji Yuheng’s arms. Seeing he did not get up, Ji Yuheng felt delighted inwardly. He did not disturb Qixue’s peace but silently held him, adjusting to a more comfortable position.

Qixue was not one to stay idle. It was rare for him to feel physically fine yet want to do nothing. After a while, he said to Ji Yuheng, “Thanks for tonight.”

He was one to clearly distinguish kindnesses and grudges. Ji Yuheng had helped him and saved his kin’s lives; he would not forget that favor.

He remembered that in the original story, Ji Yuheng killed His Majesty because two years later, the witchcraft backlash consumed His Majesty, driving him mad and leading to countless atrocities. For the sake of the people, Ji Yuheng slew him and took the throne.

Now with him here, His Majesty would never suffer witchcraft backlash or commit those heinous acts. If Ji Yuheng did not rebel in the future, he could spare him too—as long as he dealt with Xie Shu.

Qixue resolved himself inwardly and asked Ji Yuheng, “What thanks do you want?”

“I don’t need any thanks from Her Ladyship,” Ji Yuheng said. “This is what I should do for her. Besides, it was a life. Even without her word, I would have saved it.”

Qixue did not want to owe favors. “Really nothing you want me to do? If you don’t want to come at night, I wouldn’t mind skipping…”

A faint blush colored Ji Yuheng’s handsome face. “I… I don’t think that way. If Her Ladyship truly wants to thank me, then accept my gift.”

“?” Qixue was surprised. “You’re so strange. Not only do you refuse my thanks, but you want to give me a gift instead?”

“Mm, a parting gift for Her Ladyship. I have no heart for the throne and couldn’t claim it anyway. In a few days, I’ll return to Nanping County.”

Ji Yuheng carefully took the jade bracelet from his bosom. “Please accept it, Her Ladyship.”

Qixue took the gift and unwrapped the handkerchief, revealing a fine ice-clear jade bracelet. “Pretty nice. Want me to wear it now?”

“If Her Ladyship likes it, wear it. If not, keep it. I won’t force you,” Ji Yuheng said gently.

Qixue slipped the jade bracelet onto his wrist; it fit perfectly. “Looks good. I like it. It matches my jade token nicely.”

Seeing him actually wear it, Ji Yuheng’s heart softened. “I am deeply grateful for Her Ladyship’s favor.”

“Since you’re leaving, I’ll give you a parting gift too.”

At that moment, Qixue found Ji Yuheng especially pleasing to the eye. Smiling, he caressed his lips. “How about a kiss? Or do you want more?”