[Hua]rricane: The update may slow down, not five days a week as usual, because, as you can see, I no longer cut chapters into twos. Each chapter is at least 5k words long, which is twice the amount of a typical chapter, so it’s a lot of work. But cutting a chapter and spreading it out is also such a hassle, so sigh~
Enough ranting about that. In short, fewer updates but fuller chapters ଘ(੭*ˊᵕˋ)੭* ̀ˋ
Chapter 56: Showing Teeth – Pei Xiting: Ow—ow—
The next evening, Pei Xiting entered the palace with his two superiors and headed straight to the Yuhua Hall, where the banquet was being held.
The hall was bustling with people, incredibly lively. Officials of the sixth rank and above in the capital, along with a couple of their family members, were seated in two rows. Pei Xiting, standing at the back, looked forward and felt that those seated here were quite comfortable. They couldn’t see the high platform at all and could simply eat and drink their fill.
“What are you looking at?” Lu Mang turned and pulled Pei Xiting. “We’re lucky, sitting with Lord You.”
Pei Xiting let out an “eh” and followed You Zong’s footsteps with Lu Mang, not noticing that the Pei family members at the banquet were all watching him.
Pei Yan watched Pei Xiting walk past him and eventually sit behind You Zong. His emotions were incredibly complex. He had navigated the officialdom for most of his life and was now only seated at a fifth-rank table, yet Pei Xiting, a minor secretary with no official rank, was seated in front of him.
“To see his father and not even glance, not come to pay respects, is truly lawless,” Wang-shi said in a low voice.
Pei Yan came back to his senses and said, “Xiting didn’t even see us.”
Wang-shi: “…”
She suppressed her displeasure and turned to the quietly serene Pei Qinghe, saying, “If not for your second brother’s absence today and your third brother being unable to sit at the same table due to his official position, you wouldn’t be qualified to attend this palace banquet. Therefore, you must seize this opportunity. Everyone here is an official’s child. If you don’t marry Young Marquis Mei, then choose a good marriage for yourself.”
Pei Qinghe was indifferent, even dismissive, but a gentle smile adorned her face as she said, “I will keep your teachings in mind, Madam.”
Officials and their families gradually arrived. Finally, a eunuch announced loudly that Empress Qu had arrived, accompanied by the two Qu sisters. The Crown Prince followed behind with Zong Lu.
Pei Xiting’s gaze pierced through the crowd in front, directly landing on the Crown Prince. This was his first time seeing the Crown Prince in his imperial casual attire: a purple robe with a jade belt and a tall crown with a jade hairpin, radiating a celestial and moonlit aura. It was no exaggeration to say that his equal was rare in the world.
“Stunned?” Lu Mang asked slyly.
You Zong also glanced at Pei Xiting.
Pei Xiting couldn’t bring himself to lie. He “mm-hmm’d” and said with a smile, “Stunned.”
Just then, the Crown Prince’s gaze swept across the crowd and landed on him. Pei Xiting was startled but saw that the Crown Prince had already retracted his gaze. This glance was like a bird skimming a lake, extremely light and swift, difficult to catch, yet leaving ripples on the water.
The three took their seats. Everyone knelt and bowed in unison. The eunuch said, “Rise, take your seats.”
Empress Qu, in her phoenix crown and robe, exuded an oppressive grandeur, yet her tone was extremely gentle. She briefly spoke a few opening remarks, shared a drink with the ministers and their families, and then allowed everyone to eat and drink freely.
Dancers in pink skirts and floral crowns entered with the music, their sleeves fluttering on the stage. Inside the hall, wine cups clinked, and the atmosphere was incredibly lively.
Empress Qu glanced at the bustling crowd, her gaze stopping at the Longhe Division’s section on the left. Just as Pei Xiting was looking towards the high platform, she immediately smiled and beckoned.
Pei Xiting was startled, remaining seated, but saw Empress Qu beckon again, indeed towards him.
Pei Xiting put down the agate cup, which was unlike any other around him, and the pomegranate juice, which was also unique. He rose, weaved out of his seat, and ascended the steps on the left.
Instantly, numerous gazes, of various kinds, simultaneously fell upon Pei Xiting.
Pei Xiting was dressed in a colorful, embroidered, fragrant robe today, with his hair tied in a matching hair tie, resembling a jade ruyi under the Kunyao Palace Lantern.
Empress Qu smiled as she watched him approach, saying, “This is your first time attending a palace banquet, isn’t it?”
Pei Xiting said, “Yes.” The previous “Pei Xiting” was socially anxious. Not to mention places like palace banquets; even asking him to attend various academy events would have been difficult for him.
“Don’t be nervous, just treat it as coming to eat,” Empress Qu pulled Pei Xiting’s arm, gesturing for him to come closer. She then noticed a faint scent of nectar and red dates coming from Pei Xiting’s neck.
The fragrance lingers far and wide. Empress Qu sniffed and glanced at the Crown Prince beside her, whispering, “Tonight, I’m the host, so there aren’t so many rules.”
Pei Xiting didn’t dare, nor would he, criticize the Crown Prince in front of others. He smiled and said, “Thank you for your concern, Your Majesty. I’m not nervous.” Empress Qu nodded and said, “Eh, Xiting, what perfume are you wearing today?”
“Answer, Your Majesty, it’s agarwood incense, a humble creation by my younger sister, Qinghe. She mixed it herself using an incense recipe,” Pei Xiting replied.
Empress Qu said, “It smells wonderful. The honey and red date scents complement each other perfectly, and the proportions are just right. It seems your sister has quite a bit of research in the art of incense.”
“Your Majesty exaggerates,” Pei Xiting smiled. “The little girl is usually idle in her boudoir and just messes around. It’s fine for her own use, but it would be embarrassing to bring it out, so I just use it up.”
“Eh, don’t be modest on behalf of your sister. If I say it’s good, then it’s good,” Empress Qu raised her chin. “Do you think I’m embarrassing myself too?”
“How dare this humble servant? Your Majesty is experienced and knowledgeable. If you say it’s good, it must be good,” Pei Xiting said with a forced smile. “If Your Majesty doesn’t mind, this humble servant will take the liberty of testing it for you. If you find it good, this humble servant will send the balm to the Fengyi Palace another day?”
Empress Qu showed a “that’s more like it” expression and said, “Try it quickly.”
“Alright.” Pei Xiting took out a small jar of balm from his sleeve pocket, scooped out a small piece with a spoon, and rubbed it on Empress Qu’s wrist, then rubbed his own wrists together lightly. “Would you like to try?”
Empress Qu did as instructed, then brought her wrist to her nose and sniffed, smiling, “This balm isn’t greasy; I like it. Has your sister entered the palace tonight?”
“She’s at the banquet,” Pei Xiting said.
“Ruohui,” Empress Qu said, “present this dish of crabapple pastries to the Pei family’s young lady.”
Awarding pastries didn’t require the head maid from Fengyi Palace to personally go down. This was a gesture to evaluate Pei Qinghe on behalf of the Empress. Pei Xiting knew the incense had been successfully presented and smiled. But with a glance, he met the Crown Prince’s all-seeing gaze.
Having done nothing wrong, Pei Xiting felt no guilt. He smiled at the Crown Prince, his eyes bright and teeth white, radiating charm with a single smile.
“…” The Crown Prince averted his gaze and took a sip of wine.
Zong Lu, beside the Crown Prince, took in their exchanged glances. He began to ponder again when a piece of crab meat suddenly appeared on the small plate in front of him.
He turned his head to look. The Crown Prince’s gaze was calm as he said, “Eat well.”
“Yes, Fifth Uncle.” Zong Lu guiltily turned his head away, then quickly realized, why should he feel guilty?
Why should he feel guilty for simply looking at his Fifth Uncle and Pei-wenshu exchanging glances in public?
In public, Fifth Uncle only exchanged a glance with Pei-wenshu. Why can’t he look?
Zong Lu felt his “pondering” had taken a big step forward. Just a little more, and he could figure out why the atmosphere between Fifth Uncle and Pei-wenshu was so strange.
Empress Qu ordered wine to be poured and said, “Then shall we have a drink?”
Pei Xiting nodded. As the eunuch approached with a tray, he picked up the wine cup to drink. However, when looking up to meet the crown prince’s eyes, dark as a deep pool, his wrist paused, and he dared not drink any anymore.
“What’s wrong?” Empress Qu looked at him puzzled.
Just as Pei Xiting was about to speak, the Crown Prince said, “Change his cup.”
The eunuch behind the Crown Prince responded and quickly replaced Pei Xiting’s cup with an agate one. Empress Qu watched, completely bewildered, and said, “May I ask what ritual this is?”
“Don’t you think he looks very much like an agate today?” The Crown Prince looked at Pei Xiting, his gaze profound. “Radiant and brilliantly clear.”
Although the Crown Prince’s evaluation was objective, Pei Xiting’s heart still fluttered. Amidst the lively clinking of cups, his heart pounded.
Empress Qu was also stunned upon hearing this. Although Pei Xiting was indeed worthy of such praise, it was strange coming from the Crown Prince’s mouth.
“Thank you for your praise, Your Highness,” Pei Xiting suppressed his emotions, willingly clinking cups with Empress Qu. “On this auspicious day, I offer this cup to wish Your Majesty a heart like the moon, bright and full, with blessings lasting long.”
“I accept your good wishes,” Empress Qu smiled and said, “Then I wish you a splendid future, and may all your wishes come true.”
Pei Xiting smiled and thanked her, raising his cup and drinking. It was sweet pomegranate juice, identical to the one on his table. He placed the agate cup on the tray, exchanged a few words with Empress Qu, and then excused himself.
Back in his seat, Pei Xiting saw Ruohui-gugu[mfn] 姑姑. Actually means aunt on father’s side, but that is how a high-ranking palace maid was addressed.[/mfn] return and speak a few words to the Empress. The Empress smiled and nodded, then said something else, and Ruohui-gugu also smiled and nodded. It seemed she was quite pleased with Pei Qinghe.
Mei Xiu brought his wine cup and sat beside Pei Xiting, asking, “What are you staring at?”
“Young Marquis, why are you here?” Pei Xiting said, “You can’t change seats.”
“Who said? No one stopped me on the way here, did they?” Mei Xiu said dismissively. “Come, have a drink.”
Pei Xiting didn’t chase him away. He picked up his agate cup and clinked it with Mei Xiu’s. His peripheral vision caught something, and he said, “Marquis Mei is watching you.”
“Let him watch if he wants.” Mei Xiu said. “Did you see? Mei Yi didn’t come today.”
Pei Xiting glanced over. The Mei family and the Qu family were seated opposite each other. The noblewoman beside Marquis Mei was adorned with pearls and jewels; her face had a charming smile. Then he looked at the lady seated beside Qu Zhao, her profile cold, her expression seemingly displeased.
Given this atmosphere, if Mei Yi had come, he probably wouldn’t have dared to lift his head all night.
Mei Xiu gloated, “Do you believe me? If this wasn’t a palace banquet, and if Mei Yi had dared to come, Madam Qu would have rushed over and slapped him.”
Pei Xiting raised an eyebrow. “That fierce?”
“Qu Zhao’s parents are a mix of scholarly and military, a fusion of fire and water,” Mei Xiu said, picking up Pei Xiting’s wine pot and pouring himself a cup. After tilting his head back and drinking it all, his brow furrowed, and he tasted it again to confirm, “This isn’t wine. What is this stuff?”
“Pomegranate juice,” Pei Xiting snatched the wine pot. “If you don’t like it, don’t drink it. It’s a waste.”
“Where did the pomegranate juice come from?” Mei Xiu asked. “Did you bring it yourself? No, that’s not right; this wine pot is imperial ware… Did your father secretly give it to you by taking advantage of his position?”
“What’s strange about there being pomegranate juice in the palace?” Pei Xiting tasted some crab. He glanced around and realized his crab dish was smaller than everyone else’s. It was clearly a special consideration too.
“What’s strange is that no one else has it, only you.” Mei Xiu looked at the crab dish and had a sudden idea. “They won’t let you drink nectar, only pomegranate juice, and they only give you this little crab—have you offended someone in the palace?”
Pei Xiting: “…”
“No, that’s not right. Her Majesty the Empress just specifically called you over… Oh,” Mei Xiu understood. “She called you over specifically to reprimand you!”
“That’s enough.” Pei Xiting placed the crab dish in front of Mei Xiu. “Eat more; it’s good for your brain.”
Mei Xiu’s face lit up, and he said gratefully, “Xiting, you really do care about me, from my future to my diet, every single detail.”
Lu Mang, beside them, gave Young Marquis Mei an unreadable look, thinking: Isn’t this an idiot? He can’t tell the difference between good and bad words.
And as a romance novel writer, he covertly glanced upwards again. Sure enough, he saw His Royal Highness the Crown Prince holding a cup and drinking, his gaze fixed on this side. Although His Highness’s gaze was hard to decipher, as long as he was paying attention to Pei Xiting, it was the most delightful thing to witness.
Lu Mang retracted his gaze and chuckled.
Pei Xiting and You Zong both looked at Chief Lu, who had suddenly developed a strange ailment. Mei Xiu also showed a look of recognizing a kindred spirit.
“…” Lu Mang chuckled sheepishly, burying his face in a small plate of sweet pastry.
At the Qu family’s table, Qu Zhen was restless, but Qu Lan quickly held her down, saying, “There are so many people; don’t cause trouble.”
“I’m not trying to cause trouble.” Qu Zhen stared intently at Pei Xiting’s face. “Just looking at him helps me eat.”
Qu Lan poked her on the forehead, saying, “You good-for-nothing girl!”
“Stop looking. The more you look, the more you desire, and the more frustrated you’ll become from not getting it,” Qu Zhao said.
“Why are you always pouring cold water on me!” Qu Zhen glared indignantly at Qu Zhao, then complained to Madam Qu in front of them, “Mother, Brother always hurts me with his cold words. He’s not being friendly to his sister; you should talk to him!”
Madam Qu glared at him furiously. Qu Zhao let out a “heh” and surrendered, picking up the wine pot to pour wine for Qu Zhen. He said, “Alright, alright, it’s my fault. Brother apologizes to you. I’ll drink this cup dry; you can do as you please.”
Qu Zhen was finally satisfied. She turned, however, to see Pei Xiting and Mei Xiu leaving their seats together. She could no longer sit still and immediately put down her wine cup to chase after them.
“…You brat!” Qu Zhao glanced around and saw that the other two had indeed also left their seats one after another.
Pei Xiting and Mei Xiu went out for some air. Mei Xiu knew the way and led Pei Xiting to the Golden Osmanthus Garden behind Yuhua Hall. They were chatting and laughing when Pei Xiting suddenly paused, turned to look at a rockery not far away, and said, “Come out.”
Mei Xiu turned, his gaze becoming wary, and said coldly, “Are you deaf? Come out!”
“Why are you yelling!” Qu Zhen walked out from behind the rockery, strode up to Mei Xiu, put her hands on her hips, and held her head high. “It’s me. What about it?”
Seeing it was her, the coldness in Mei Xiu’s eyes dissipated. He relaxed again and said with a cheeky grin, “My dear sister, you’re at the banquet but instead secretly follow us. What is your intention?”
“Who’s following you? Get lost!” Qu Zhen squeezed past Mei Xiu, looking up at Pei Xiting. Their eyes met, and her mind went blank; she had forgotten what she wanted to say.
Pei Xiting had already seen this girl sitting behind Qu Zhao, and with such a temperament, he naturally guessed she was Qu Zhen, one of the Qu sisters. He said, “Miss Qu, please speak your mind.”
“I… I wanted to ask you,” Qu Zhen cleared her throat and regained her composure. “Why won’t you marry me?”
Mei Xiu: “What?!”
Pei Xiting looked at the girl’s bright eyes and said gently, “Because I don’t like you, Miss.”
Qu Zhen’s brow furrowed. “You don’t even know me. How can you be sure you won’t like me?”
“Perhaps because I already have someone I like,” Pei Xiting smiled. “He[mfn]He and she have the same intonation in Chinese (ta1), so they just assume he’s talking about a woman.[/mfn] is completely different from you, Miss.”
Mei Xiu: “What?!!”
Behind the corner of the distant veranda, the Crown Prince paused, hearing the young man’s voice, clear and pleasant, yet serious and tinged with a smile.
Qu Zhen said unwillingly, “Perhaps after you get to know me, you’ll find me better than her.”
“Miss Qu is naturally very good, but such comparisons are meaningless. Since I already have someone in my heart, no matter how good others are, they won’t catch my eye,” Pei Xiting said.
Qu Zhen bit her lip and asked, “Then will you marry her?”
“If he is willing.” A hint of disappointment flashed in Pei Xiting’s eyes, which Qu Zhen noticed, and her thoughts immediately shifted. She guessed, “She doesn’t like you?”
“Yes,” Pei Xiting said.
Mei Xiu: “What!!!”
That shout made Pei Xiting’s ears ring. He couldn’t take it anymore and pushed the echoing Mei Xiu away.
Qu Zhen had originally wanted to ask if Pei Xiting and the Crown Prince had “that kind of relationship,” but Mei Xiu was still standing there. Now, hearing that the object of his affection didn’t like Pei Xiting, it didn’t matter if that person was the Crown Prince or not. She immediately rekindled her hope and said, “She doesn’t like you, which means you two have no fate! At this point, you need to look forward!”
Mei Xiu: “Right!”
“There are so many people in the world; there’s always someone you like who also likes you!”
Mei Xiu: “Right!!”
“Stop thinking about her; look at others!”
Mei Xiu: “Right!!!”
“…Alright, you two,” Pei Xiting covered his ears, which were being assaulted by the sound waves from both sides, and smiled faintly. “I’ll take my leave.”
The two stepped forward to chase, but Pei Xiting walked quickly, without looking back, saying, “Young Marquis, help me, and I’ll treat you to a meal another day!”
Mei Xiu heard this, stopped in his tracks, and held back Qu Zhen. He stood there dashingly and said, “Alright, little sister, give up. He doesn’t like you.”
“You give up too,” Qu Zhen shook her fist in front of Mei Xiu’s face, gnashing her small white teeth and saying fiercely, “Don’t even think about using your philandering ways to trick Pei Xiting. You’re not worthy of him!”
Mei Xiu was enraged. He reached out to grab Qu Zhen’s small topknot. Qu Zhen scratched his back, and the two immediately started wrestling on the spot, successfully allowing Pei Xiting to make his escape.
Pei Xiting weaved through the layers of rockery, ascended the steps onto the veranda, then turned right, rushing along. He exited the veranda, stepped onto a flower path, and passed through a moon gate, entering a garden.
There was no one around. The night breeze blew gently. Pei Xiting exhaled, hesitating whether to turn left or right, when footsteps suddenly sounded behind him.
The hurried footsteps came directly towards him. Pei Xiting turned and met Shangguan Jie’s grim face. “I heard what you said to Qu Zhen.” Shangguan Jie stared into Pei Xiting’s eyes. “Were you lying to her, or was it true?”
“It’s true,” Pei Xiting replied.
Shangguan Jie didn’t miss any of Pei Xiting’s expressions. He was certain there was no guilt or hesitation on that face. Pei Xiting spoke casually and naturally, absolutely sincerely.
Shangguan Jie’s mouth twitched. He said in a low voice, “Who is it?”
“Young Marquis is drunk,” Pei Xiting said indifferently. “Go back early.”
He turned to leave, but Shangguan Jie grabbed his arm and pulled him back. The sheer force of his grip made Pei Xiting’s wrist ache, and he instantly flared up.
“Shangguan Jie!” Pei Xiting looked up and said coldly, “If you’re sick, go get treated.”
Shangguan Jie sneered and said, “I asked you who that woman is!”
Pei Xiting also laughed, “What’s it to you?”
“What’s it to me?” Shangguan Jie’s face twisted for a moment. He said fiercely, “You’re mine.”
“You’re my ancestor!” Pei Xiting chuckled speechlessly. “I have nothing to do with you. Before you declare ownership, take a look in the mirror. Are you worthy?”
As his words fell, Shangguan Jie reached out to pinch Pei Xiting’s face, but Pei Xiting countered with a knee to his groin.
Damn, such a familiar move! Shangguan Jie immediately dodged, his expression distorted. “You dare use that move again!”
“I already did it, and you’re still asking if I dare. Tell me, are you crazy or not?!” Pei Xiting took the opportunity to break free, raised his middle finger at him, and said, “Get lost!”
Shangguan Jie was enraged. He lunged forward but then heard a familiar voice from behind:
“Young Marquis,” Zhao Fan entered from behind the moon gate, speaking gently. “Let’s talk properly. Why resort to violence?”
“Zhao Xingjian, don’t play the good guy here,” Shangguan Jie said impatiently. “Do you dare say you don’t want him?!”
“Prince Zhao is not that kind of person!” Pei Xiting fiercely retorted to Shangguan Jie. “Young Marquis is drunk and hot-headed, looking for trouble, completely disregarding that this is the imperial palace. You are a dignified young marquis, yet you are so shameless and despicable. Do you think everyone is like you?!”
“…He’s not that kind of person?” Shangguan Jie laughed in anger. “Are you serious?”
“One’s heart is hidden behind a belly. Although I can’t see through everyone, I know that the prince has never harmed or forced me. On the contrary, Young Marquis, from the very beginning, you wanted to ruin and humiliate me!” Pei Xiting glared resentfully at Shangguan Jie, his eyes red. Finally, he just turned his head away, hastily bid farewell to Zhao Fan, and quickly walked away.
Shangguan Jie didn’t chase after him this time. Before him was Pei Xiting’s resentful gaze, like a sharp knife carving into him, leaving a stinging sensation.
Zhao Fan watched Pei Xiting’s robe flutter as he quickly disappeared, his gaze deep and unreadable.
Shangguan Jie sneered at this sight and said, “Pretentious! He’s gone!”
“Then what do you want?” Zhao Fan retracted his gaze, his tone still gentle. “This is the imperial palace, and tonight, there’s a palace banquet. Do you want to make it known to everyone?”
“You speak as if you weren’t with me just now, listening to them talk in the corridor,” Shangguan Jie said.
“It was me,” Zhao Fan chuckled softly. “But Xiting isn’t afraid of me, nor does he resent me. He sees me and you as two different types.”
“…” Shangguan Jie’s gaze turned cold. “So what? Didn’t you hear? He already has someone in his heart. You want to win him over with methods from places of pleasure? Can you succeed?”
Zhao Fan’s expression shifted for a moment, then he said, “He has someone he likes, so what?”
Shangguan Jie raised an eyebrow. “What do you intend to do?”
Zhao Fan smiled gently, “Once I find the person he likes, all problems will be solved.”
On the other side, after passing through the moon gate, Pei Xiting didn’t walk forward anymore. He looked at the Crown Prince, who was three steps away, and at his indifferent eyes. The annoyance in his heart dissipated, replaced by an uncontrollable, complex emotion.
“Did Your Highness hear everything?” he asked.
The Crown Prince did not reply.
Pei Xiting reached up and adjusted his forehead band, then suddenly said, “Were my wine and crab meat ordered by you?”
“Yes,” the Crown Prince said.
“I remember the doctor’s advice not to drink alcohol or eat spicy, cold food,” Pei Xiting smiled. “Does Your Highness remember too?”
“I accompanied you to treat your injuries that day, so of course, I remember,” the Crown Prince said.
Pei Xiting listened to his calm, matter-of-fact tone, and his own tone grew sharp. “Why are you so concerned about me, Your Highness? I thought such small matters wouldn’t concern you or occupy your thoughts.”
“Because I—”
“Among all the guests, only I had pomegranate juice. When I came out, I asked the people from Guanglu Temple, and today’s palace banquet menu didn’t even have pomegranates. They found peeling the seeds troublesome and used other fruits instead,” Pei Xiting said thoughtfully. “At today’s palace banquet, there are very few people who could change a guest’s wine and cup without Guanglu Temple’s knowledge. If it’s not you, then it’s the Empress—I’ll go ask the Empress right now!”
He turned around and was about to leave, but the Crown Prince quickly stepped forward and grabbed the fair and slender back of his neck, subduing him in place.
Pei Xiting refused to give up and used his hands and feet to push forward. Suddenly, the Crown Prince reached out from behind and grabbed his neck. He was forced to tilt his head back onto the Crown Prince, facing his lower eyes.
The Crown Prince looked at Pei Xiting’s flushed eyes, tightened his fingers slightly, and asked, “Are you taking your anger out on me?”
Pei Xiting showed no fear, saying, “Are you feeling guilty?”
The Crown Prince’s eyelids lowered slightly. “Why should I feel guilty?”
Pei Xiting didn’t answer. Instead, he asked, “If Prince Zhao hadn’t come just now, and Young Marquis wouldn’t let me go, would you have helped? Or would you have simply stood here, watching indifferently?”
The Crown Prince didn’t hesitate. “I would have stopped him.”
Pei Xiting’s eyes widened slightly, but then he heard the Crown Prince say, “Because this is the imperial palace, and you are an official of the East Palace.”
His tone was calm, and no matter how Pei Xiting listened, he couldn’t detect a ripple of emotion. Pei Xiting stared intently at him, seeing himself reflected in those dark eyes—a mere jumping clown.
Pei Xiting’s head throbbed violently. He suddenly exerted force, pushing the Crown Prince away and stumbling twice before regaining his balance. The Crown Prince didn’t move an inch, merely narrowing his eyes.
“Do you have no personal feelings for me?” Pei Xiting looked at the Crown Prince. “There are countless officials in the East Palace. Do you treat any of them the way you treat me?”
Yu Shaoyun’s prediction had come true, but Pei Xiting wasn’t just suspicious; he was aggressive, clearly intending to tear an answer from the Crown Prince’s mouth.
“I thought I made myself clear enough that night in Ningzhou.” Despite his words, the Crown Prince instinctively knew that tonight he wouldn’t be easy to fool. This snarling little fox would not be easily suppressed by a few words again.
Sure enough, Pei Xiting said, “But your words and actions don’t match.”
The Crown Prince’s eyes flickered. “Presumptuous.”
“I’ve been presumptuous enough to die a thousand times over; with so many debts, I don’t give a damn!” Pei Xiting tilted his head slightly. Although he was a head shorter than the Crown Prince, his gaze was condescending. “The Longhe guards who came to the Pei mansion that day weren’t Longhe guards at all; they were your people. You’ve been watching me, and when you knew I was in danger, you personally came to pick me up, took me to Imperial Physician Liu’s residence for treatment, and even specifically instructed Imperial Physician Liu. Your concern for a subordinate is out of line!”
The Crown Prince still seemed unmoved. “So you think I have personal feelings for you?”
“Yes,” Pei Xiting said without restraint, his voice firm. “And I dare to say I’m not the only one who thinks so. Eunuch Lai was inexplicably polite, Commander Yu’s meaning was hard to discern, Deputy Minister Qu had a half-smile, Lord You was understanding, and even the little prince looked at us thoughtfully.”
He raised an eyebrow slightly, with a hint of sarcasm. “Your Highness, aren’t they all your long-time attendants?”
The Crown Prince didn’t answer, didn’t explain. Only a hint of disdain appeared in his eyes. “Are you very proud?”
“No, I’m very sad.” Pei Xiting looked intently at the Crown Prince. “Why won’t you admit it?”
“You—”
Pei Xiting said, “Do you think my status is too low to be worthy of your noble birth? Or do you look down on me because I’m a man?”
“…” The Crown Prince pressed his lips together. “I don’t look down on you.”
“Then why?” Pei Xiting asked, “Are you going to forsake love for eternal life?”
The Crown Prince couldn’t bear it any longer. He turned and walked away. “You’re drunk. Get out of the palace.”
“I haven’t had any wine today,” Pei Xiting said. “And I wasn’t completely drunk that night either.”
The Crown Prince suddenly turned, his gaze cold and fierce.
Pei Xiting was a little afraid, but he lifted his chin slightly, a hint of provocation in his eyes. “At least when you held me, I still had a shred of sanity.”
Xitinggggg don’t provoke Xi Zonggggg
