Chapter 48

Ji Yuheng was forced to inhale the Mafei Powder, his mind growing groggy, yet at that moment, he instantly sobered up. Cold sweat drenched his back as he finally understood Wei Huai’s malicious intent.

He never imagined Wei Huai would be so audaciously brazen. As the Great General of the current dynasty, not only did he defile the palace and carry on an illicit affair with the Noble Consort, but he showed no regard for others at all. He tied this shizi under the bed to listen to the sounds of their intimacy. Did Wei Huai still have any respect left for the laws and customs of the court, or for human ethics and morality?!

Ji Yuheng felt as if he had fallen into an icy abyss, a chill rising from deep within his bones. He didn’t want to just stand by idly; he wanted to stop Qixue. This wasn’t merely out of ridiculous and contemptible jealousy—it stemmed from his concern for Qixue.

If their affair were discovered by the Emperor, Wei Huai could rely on his military achievements to escape any threat to his life or property. But what about the Noble Consort? As a consort in the rear palace, his current glory depended entirely on the Emperor’s favor. Once the scandal was exposed, how could His Majesty spare him?

Wei Huai professed his love and admiration for the Noble Consort time and again, yet had he ever considered her future even a little? He was far too arrogant, far too selfish. He was simply unworthy of the Noble Consort’s affection.

Ji Yuheng desperately tried to move his body, wanting to knock on the bed frame to catch Qixue’s attention. But his body refused to obey; not even a single finger would budge, let alone make any noise.

Move… I have to stop the Noble Consort…

Despair flickered in Ji Yuheng’s eyes. His mind was fully awake, but his body was like a rigid stone. The clearer his mind became, the more agonizing it felt, like his heart was being fried in boiling oil. He knew in his current state he could do nothing. It would be better to pass out—at least then he could have some relief.

He suffered torment under the bed, while Qixue on top remained utterly oblivious. Qixue simply took a damp cloth and wiped his body clean.

To avoid drawing attention, he didn’t call for a bath. He had bathed that morning anyway, so he was still perfectly clean, smelling sweetly fragrant. Besides, it was already generous of him to let Wei Huai have this much—what right did Wei Huai have to complain?

Qixue tossed the cloth to the floor and waited idly for Wei Huai. It wasn’t long before Wei Huai returned.

Somehow, Wei Huai had managed to wring his washed hair nearly dry, with only the tips slightly damp. He had also changed into cloud-blue robes, making him look refreshingly neat.

Qixue said curiously, “It’s rare to see you in blue. Why not wear red?”

“Of course, to match you better.”

Wei Huai smiled and knelt before Qixue of his own accord. “Now you have no excuse to favor other men.”

Qixue poked his forehead with one finger. “You’re such a massive jar of vinegar.”

Wei Huai nodded with a laugh, not bothering to defend himself. He gently kissed Qixue’s finger, licked between the soft, tender gaps, then kissed the back of his hand and forearm, mumbling indistinctly, “Can I kiss you?”

“No.”

Qixue rejected him without mercy. “Like you said, you can only drink milk. Don’t even think about anywhere else—those places aren’t for you to touch.”

He lifted the wide skirt hem, revealing his slender legs. The plump roots of his thighs were faintly visible. He had already removed his undergarments and shoes earlier while wiping himself and hadn’t put them back on.

“I’m like this. Come if you want.” He said dismissively to Wei Huai.

Wei Huai held his breath, staring intently at the alluring sight. “This is perfect. Thank you for the reward, Your Ladyship. This subject is deeply grateful.”

He lowered his head and leaned in; the skirt hem gently fell, draping over most of his body.

…

“A Xue…”

Afterward, Wei Huai held Qixue, who was soft as spring water, and moved to kiss his lips. “Did I serve you well?”

“No kissing.”

Qixue lightly pressed against his lips, his face flushed with lazy spring passion. “I’ll give you credit for having some skill. As for you, handle it yourself—I don’t care.”

“Alright, I’ll do it myself.”

Wei Huai coaxed him softly. “Lie down, okay? Let me take a good look at you. I’ve missed you so much I’m going mad. I won’t touch you—just let me feast my eyes. Please, A Xue, grant my wish. Will you?”

“…” Qixue gave him a sidelong glance and tugged at his sash. “I said, handle it yourself.”

With his tacit permission, Wei Huai’s heart rejoiced. He gently laid Qixue down.

The ice-platform-colored robes fell to the floor. One snow-white arm draped down, the jade bracelet on his wrist translucent like ice. The faint purple floating inclusions shifted with the movement, creating halos of light, like a little rabbit playfully hopping in the glow.

From the gap below, Ji Yuheng stared at the shadow cast by the floating inclusions. His gentle eyes had turned bloodshot, tears falling darkly, yet not even a sob could escape his throat.

He still remembered that night when Qixue lay unusually docile in his arms, slipping the jade bracelet onto his wrist and smiling as he said he liked it.

He had secretly rejoiced in his heart. Though he couldn’t voice his feelings for Qixue, he could pour all his emotions into the jade bracelet. As long as it stayed with Qixue forever, even if they never met again, he could cherish a distant, beautiful memory.

But now…

“…”

Tears fractured his vision into a kaleidoscope of lights, and his heart, pure as crystal, shattered into countless pieces. Each shard reflected the lively, adorable little rabbit, leaping through his heart.

And his heart was now utterly worthless.

…

Qixue lay dazed for a long while, nearly drifting off to sleep, when he suddenly felt warmth on his foot, followed by Wei Huai’s kiss on his hair.

“A Xue…”

Wei Huai murmured Qixue’s name, his breathing still heavy. Qixue obediently let him kiss for a bit until the kisses reached his cheek. Then he pushed Wei Huai’s lips away and opened his misty eyes. “Enough already?”

“Enough.”

Wei Huai chuckled lowly, then helped Qixue wash up and dress, tidying everything properly.

Qixue yawned, leisurely enjoying the service. He was fairly satisfied this time. Though Wei Huai always wanted to kiss him, he had mostly behaved—stopping when told, obeying completely and just looking.

It had been a while since they’d been intimate, and Qixue felt Wei Huai had changed a bit. He had always cared about Qixue’s feelings before, but he’d never listened. Now, he did exactly as told.

Not bad, actually?

A subtle sense of vanity was satisfied, though Qixue showed nothing on his face. He kicked Wei Huai. “Alright, you’ve had your rabbit milk. Aren’t you going to get lost? I need to return to the palace to visit Consort Dowager Xu.”

Wei Huai picked up his clothes from the floor and dressed piece by piece, casually saying, “You’re really devoted to Xu Taifei.”

“Because Consort Dowager Xu has cared for me like a mother. She’s good to me, so of course I must be good to her.”

Qixue stated matter-of-factly. “You wouldn’t even be jealous of Consort Dowager Xu, would you?”

“A jar of vinegar holds as much as it can—no matter whose it is.” Wei Huai shamelessly admitted.

“Careful not to burst.” Qixue poked his chest. “So many people like me. Can you handle them all?”

Wei Huai: “Then I’ll hide you away, so only His Majesty and I can find you.”

“In your dreams.” Qixue laughed, amused, and stretched out his arms. “Alright, help me up.”

Wei Huai carried Qixue to the floor and supported him as he took a few steps. Once Qixue’s legs weren’t so weak, he asked, “What’s your relationship with Ji Yuheng, really?”

Qixue: “What’s wrong? You really seem to care.”

“I think it’s more than ordinary. He even admitted to me that he admires you.” Wei Huai said. “Have you two been intimate?”

“Is that your business?” Qixue’s tone was dismissive as he shook off Wei Huai’s hand. “Mind your own affairs. Mine aren’t for you to worry about.”

“A Xue…”

Wei Huai smiled helplessly. He could tell Qixue was just throwing a little tantrum, not truly angry. “Please.”

Qixue thought for a moment, considering how to explain. “My relationship with Ji Yuheng is complicated, but not like you think. I used to hate him a lot because of certain things, but he helped me with a huge favor, so I don’t think he’s all bad anymore. I like him a tiny bit—his constitution is very appealing to me.”

“As for intimacy, no, not really. He hasn’t touched me. And if he says I admire him, it’s probably just him coveting my beauty. After all, I’m so beautiful; it’s only natural.”

“We have nothing between us, so don’t make things too hard for him. He’s heading back to Nanping County the day after tomorrow. We’ll have no ties after that. Why worry about him?”

“A Xue, you’re wrong. Ji Yuheng doesn’t just covet your beauty—he truly admires you.”

Wei Huai said, full of jealousy. “His admiration runs deep. I can tell because I feel the same for you. That’s why I can’t tolerate him.”

Qixue paused. “You’re not lying?”

Wei Huai smiled bitterly. “Even if I wanted to deceive you, I wouldn’t on something like this.”

“So Ji Yuheng admires me…”

Qixue murmured to himself, his emotions complex. It felt impressive to have Ji Yuheng’s admiration. But if Ji Yuheng liked him, then things with Xie Shu were probably impossible now?

Considering this, Qixue’s expression brightened. Seeing his delight, Wei Huai narrowed his eyes and suddenly said, “A Xue, I need to apologize to you.”

“Why?” Qixue looked at him. “What bad thing did you do now?”

Wei Huai said, “Out of jealousy, I punished Ji Yuheng on my own and hid him under the bed. He heard everything we just did.”

“What did you say?”

Qixue bent down in shock to look under the bed and indeed saw Ji Yuheng, bound hand and foot. Enraged, he kicked Wei Huai. “Hurry up and get him out!”

Wei Huai dragged Ji Yuheng out and untied him. Ji Yuheng’s face was streaked with tears and dirt; even his hair crown was askew. His outfit, meant to please Qixue, was utterly ruined—he looked utterly wretched.

Ji Yuheng regained some strength, spat out the cloth in his mouth, closed his eyes wearily, and sat motionless on the ground, head bowed.

“Yun Qi…”

Qixue squatted beside Ji Yuheng and gently placed a hand on his shoulder, his mood extremely complicated.

He felt Ji Yuheng was the one more humiliated here, especially since he secretly admired Qixue. His heart must be aching now.

Qixue had never seen Ji Yuheng wear such a grieved and humiliated expression before. Even when Qixue tormented him night after night, Ji Yuheng had always been gentle and indulgent, never showing negativity.

Now, Qixue had no desire to torment him. Seeing Ji Yuheng so dejected stirred pity in him. He gently wiped Ji Yuheng’s cheeks with his sleeve. “I’m sorry. I didn’t know you were there. Ignore Wei Huai—he’s just a beast. Don’t—”

Before he could finish, Wei Huai scooped Qixue up horizontally and strode toward the door. “If you’re this nice to him in front of me, aren’t you afraid I’ll kill him?”

Qixue hooked his arms around Wei Huai’s neck irritably. “Try killing him and see.”

He meant that if Wei Huai dared kill the child of destiny, he’d die first. But Wei Huai took it differently. “You’re protecting him that much?”

“That’s not what I meant.” Qixue sighed helplessly and glared at him fiercely. “You dare question me? I haven’t even settled the score for forcing Yun Qi to eavesdrop. You think that’s over?”

“I never thought that. I know I was wrong. Punish me as you see fit.”

Wei Huai kicked the door open. Before leaving, he said coldly to Ji Yuheng, “This is your warning. If you dare approach A Xue again, I’ll really kill you.”

“Feeling unwilling? Unfair? But I know you won’t retaliate or spread this. You’re just a shizi. Great Yong has dozens like you, but only one Great General—me. Only I can stabilize the rivers and mountains for His Majesty.”

“That’s why I can have A Xue, and you can’t.”

He carried Qixue away through the door, leaving Ji Yuheng sitting silently on the cold floor, not lifting his head for a long time.

Gradually, his hands clenched tighter and tighter, until blood trickled from the marks.

“I know, someone as ordinary and worthless as me isn’t worth a single coin…”

His voice was hoarse as he murmured lowly.

“But what if it were the Crown Prince of Great Yong?”

“Isn’t there only one in the whole world?”