TL: Hua
Chapter 71: Uncle and Nephew – Xiao Pei goes to Enzhou (11)
The boat docked. Zong Suiyang picked up Pei Xiting in one swift motion and disembarked. The boat swayed, but he walked as if on level ground, not disturbing Pei Xiting’s sweet dreams.
Yu Shaoyun appeared on the shore. Seeing His Highness carrying the person like a child, he didn’t offer a hand, fearing His Highness wouldn’t appreciate it.
“Cloak,” Zong Suiyang said.
Yu Shaoyun unfurled the cloak, instinctively reaching to tie it on Zong Suiyang. He suddenly paused, then turned and covered the person in His Highness’s arms. As he helped with the cloak, he inadvertently caught a glimpse of His Highness’s lips. With that color, he must have been kissing on the boat.
Zong Suiyang noticed Yu Shaoyun’s small glance and said, “What are you looking at?”
“Nothing,” Yu Shaoyun quickly retracted his gaze, smiling. “If you’re happy, your subordinate is happy too.”
Zong Suiyang didn’t refute. He poked the small black snake that was trying to burrow into Pei Xiting’s collar.
The small black snake dared not move again and wriggled back onto Zong Suiyang’s shoulder.
Back in the carriage, Zong Suiyang gently laid Pei Xiting down on the main seat and took out a blanket to cover him thoroughly. He glanced at Pei Xiting’s flushed, peaceful sleeping face, then turned and took a small black medicine bottle from the cabinet beneath the tea table. He poured out the last pill and swallowed it with water.
Yu Shaoyun saw this from outside the door and quietly asked, “Out of medicine?”
Zong Suiyang hummed in response, capped the bottle, and put it back in its place.
Zong Suiyang had a condition. Since his youth, images of intimacy would often appear in his mind, a yearning for satisfaction. If unsatisfied, he would experience immense pain, as if consumed by desire. Su Chongyan couldn’t find any symptoms in his body and said it was a psychological addiction.
Zong Suiyang was tormented. He viewed lust as something shameful, and he used to strongly reject and loathe it. But he had never lost control until Pei Xiting appeared.
Zong Suiyang tilted his head to look at the deeply sleeping man. This was a cunning little fox, a beautiful spirit, a fierce tiger, luring him, tempting him, constantly wanting to devour him. His iron-like resilience finally shattered, revealing his vulnerability. The “addiction” suppressed within him for years constantly slammed against its cage until it broke free, surging forth. Meanwhile, he retreated step by step, completely defenseless.
Zong Suiyang looked at Pei Xiting and sighed softly, saying, “This is a tribulation.”
“A love tribulation,” Yu Shaoyun said with a smile, “Perhaps it’s also His Highness’s blessing.”
Zong Suiyang didn’t refute.
They had brought thirty pills when they left, and now they were all gone. Yu Shaoyun couldn’t help but say, “Didn’t Chongyan warn you that this medicine shouldn’t be taken too much?”
Zong Suiyang stared at Pei Xiting expressionlessly and said, “I’ve been very restrained.”
So, he only kissed on the boat and didn’t do anything else? Yu Shaoyun sighed but also knew that his Highness was particularly traditional. In such matters, the rites of marriage would surely need to be performed after formal proposals and an official wedding ceremony.
“Then I’ll quickly send a message to Chongyan back in the capital and have him immediately send another bottle. We don’t know how much longer we’ll be here,” Yu Shaoyun couldn’t help but advise. “Your Highness, if you can’t resist, just spend less time alone with Pei-wenshu.” Zong Suiyang gave him a cool glance, and Yu Shaoyun surrendered, reaching out to close the carriage door, shutting off that displeased gaze.
*
The next day, Pei Xiting woke up early, just in time for breakfast. He didn’t ask why His Royal Highness had taken it upon himself to move his lodging. After washing and changing, he sat beside Zong Suiyang.
Today, besides them, Zong Lu was also at the table. When Pei Xiting ladled porridge, he served a bowl for the child. However, Zong Lu said, “Pei-wenshu, you’ve mistaken the direction. Fifth Uncle is to your left. I am Zong Lu.”
Pei Xiting was stunned by these words. He met Zong Lu’s dark yet subtly nervous eyes and understood. He tilted his head to look at Zong Suiyang. His Royal Highness’s face was expressionless, his gaze sweeping over him, Zong Lu, and the bowl of milky porridge.
At such a young age, he’s incredibly astute, skilled at reading expressions, and knows how to adapt to protect himself. It seems he’s spent a lot of time studying the challenging subject that is His Royal Highness!
Pei Xiting felt a pang of sympathy for the little prince. He immediately slapped his forehead and said, “Oh right, I forgot.”
He picked up the bowl of porridge and placed it in front of His Royal Highness, smiling, “I just woke up; my mind’s still hazy. This bowl of porridge was meant for Your Highness.”
Zong Suiyang withdrew his gaze, gracefully picked up his spoon, and began to eat his porridge.
Seeing this, Zong Lu breathed a sigh of relief and gave Pei Xiting a grateful look. Pei Xiting, in his heart, affectionately patted the little prince’s head and went back to eating his own porridge.
After breakfast, Eunuch Lai brought a tray with three cups of tea. He placed a teacup beside Zong Suiyang, who took a sip, then turned and spat it into the tea basin, saying, “You two will return today. I will send people to escort you.”
Eunuch Lai looked at the little prince, but Zong Lu said, “Fifth Uncle, I don’t want to go back.”
“I am not discussing this with you,” Zong Suiyang said.
Zong Lu pursed his lips, not daring to make a sound, yet unwilling to agree.
Pei Xiting rinsed his mouth nearby, keeping his eyes downcast and his thoughts to himself, not wanting to interrupt.
Zong Suiyang wiped his mouth with a handkerchief and instructed Eunuch Lai, “Go pack the little prince’s belongings.”
Eunuch Lai dared not disobey and assented.
“Wait,” Zong Lu stood up and walked beside Zong Suiyang. “Fifth Uncle, Lord You and the others have been working day and night, yet they still haven’t found the missing children. This means we’re searching for a needle in a haystack. If the mountain won’t come to me, then I’ll go to the mountain. Am I not also a child of around ten years old? I am willing to serve as bait to help Lord You find those children sooner.”
The table vibrated with a “thud,” startling Pei Xiting to look up at Zong Suiyang.
Zong Suiyang looked at Zong Lu expressionlessly and said, “Get back and pack your things.”
Zong Lu’s face paled slightly, but he didn’t retreat. He said, “Fifth Uncle, when you were a prince, you ventured into danger multiple times for the Crown Prince. Why can’t I? I am Fifth Uncle’s nephew, Fifth Uncle’s subject. Why can’t I share Fifth Uncle’s worries?”
“This is not something you should meddle in,” Zong Suiyang’s tone was sharp. “You’re merely someone who cannot protect himself, and you dare speak of sharing my worries?”
These words were quite ruthless, but Zong Lu didn’t take them to heart. He said, “Yes, my survival completely depends on Fifth Uncle. I truly cannot protect myself, but I am more useful in this matter than Fifth Uncle or Lord You. Moreover, didn’t Fifth Uncle want me to be the Crown Prince? If I am to be the Crown Prince, I’m not a child at this age.”
Pei Xiting quietly watched the uncle and nephew, observing the hidden anger and storm in Zong Suiyang’s eyes, sighing inwardly. This man intended to cultivate the little prince as his successor, teaching him with extreme strictness, but when it came to “practice,” he was reluctant to let go.
“A wise person does not stand beneath a crumbling wall,” Zong Suiyang said. “I’ll say it again: get out.”
“Things that Fifth Uncle can do, why can’t I do them? Things that Fifth Uncle cannot do, why doesn’t Fifth Uncle ask me to do them?” Zong Lu argued forcefully, “Using oneself as bait to lure out the snake—doesn’t Fifth Uncle often use such tactics?”
Zong Suiyang narrowed his eyes slightly, and his hand on the table moved. Pei Xiting, fearing he might deliver a backhanded slap, instinctively reached out and held that hand.
Zong Suiyang paused, looked at Pei Xiting, and said nothing.
Pei Xiting withdrew his hand and looked at Zong Lu, saying, “The same standards applied to different people naturally lead to different considerations. His Highness can disregard his own safety, but he’s unwilling to let you take risks. Privately, you are His Highness’s nephew; publicly, you are as important as His Highness.”
“I know, but if I always stay under Fifth Uncle’s wings, like a pampered bird, when will I ever spread my wings and soar?” Zong Lu said.
“A young eagle takes flight in its own time; why the rush?” Pei Xiting said gently. “Currently, we don’t know the purpose of the missing children. How could your fifth uncle dare to let you be bait? If something were to happen, would you want to make your fifth uncle cry?”
Zong Lu was startled. He cautiously glanced at Zong Suiyang and whispered, “Fifth Uncle wouldn’t cry.”
“Your fifth uncle is a human being, and humans cry,” Pei Xiting reached out and poked Zong Lu’s heart. “If I were to literally carve out half your flesh, wouldn’t you cry from the pain?”
Zong Lu pursed his lips and said nothing.
“How about this?” Pei Xiting suggested, “Let me first investigate the master behind Bai Mian Fang, see if there’s any useful information, and then we can discuss it, alright?”
Zong Lu said, “But Fifth Uncle wants to send me away today.”
Pei Xiting leaned slightly, approaching Zong Suiyang, and said, “Your Highness, why don’t you both take a step back?”
Zong Suiyang wouldn’t budge, saying, “He must leave.”
Zong Lu instinctively looked at Pei Xiting. Pei Xiting told him, “You go out first; I’ll beg your Fifth Uncle for you.”
Zong Suiyang heard this and said, “You get out too.”
Pei Xiting pretended not to hear and motioned for Zong Lu to leave quickly. Once the door closed, he moved his chair until it touched Zong Suiyang’s.
“Your Highness, listen to me.”
“No.”
Pei Xiting ignored him and said, “Actually, both of you have your own ways and both want to stick to your own ideas, but the little prince can’t resist you, so the outcome will inevitably be your victory.”
Zong Suiyang looked at him and said, “Isn’t it ridiculous for you to persuade me to agree with him?”
“I wasn’t thinking that, because doing so is indeed very dangerous. And to be honest, if I were to persuade you to agree with him today and something happened to him, I would also be responsible,” Pei Xiting said carefully. “But the little prince is no longer a naive child. Look at him; he seems much more mature and composed than children his age, don’t you think?”
Zong Suiyang didn’t refute and said, “So?”
“I was just listening to you two talk, and I think you have a flaw that I’d like to suggest you consider. Of course,” Pei Xiting turned slightly, lowered his eyes, and said softly, “If Your Highness doesn’t want to hear it, or if hearing it will make you want to crush me, then I won’t say it.”
“Putting on an act,” Zong Suiyang reached out and tapped Pei Xiting’s forehead. “Speak if you want to speak; otherwise, get out immediately.”
“I’ll speak, I’ll speak,” Pei Xiting released his hand from his forehead. “I think you’re sometimes too overbearing. Since the little prince is no longer a naive child, he’s bound to have his own thoughts. Look at what you just said—”
He cleared his throat and, channeling “Zong Suiyang,” said, “I am not discussing this with you.”
Zong Suiyang saw this and smiled, saying, “You’ve learned quite well.”
“Of course,” Pei Xiting hummed triumphantly, then added, “When you say, ‘I’m not discussing this with you; I am informing you,’ it’s too overbearing. After all, you two aren’t simply lord and subject; you’re also uncle and nephew.”
Zong Suiyang was silent for a moment at this, then said, “I usually listen to his ideas, but this matter is non-negotiable. I was too lazy to listen to him further, as I ultimately wouldn’t agree.”
Pei Xiting nodded and said, “I think that when the little prince has his own ideas, you can first listen to what he has to say, even if it contradicts your own. At least have a process of discussion. Don’t just immediately deny and refuse; otherwise, how stifled will the child feel? And I’ve noticed the little prince is imitating you; he’s also a man of few words. When he grows up, he might just be your type.”
“My type?” Zong Suiyang said, “What’s wrong with my type?”
“Your type, well,” Pei Xiting drew out the end of his sentence, then, met with Zong Suiyang’s slightly threatening stare, immediately surrendered, smiling, “Good, and not so good.”
Zong Suiyang frowned slightly, “How so?”
“I’m only talking about your cold face and few words. Let’s not discuss the other things for now.” Pei Xiting said. “Your temperament’s downside is on the surface: a cold face and few words, making it difficult to approach. And if you were to meet someone with a similar temperament to yours, I can’t even imagine.”
“But I haven’t met anyone with a temperament similar to mine,” Zong Suiyang said suddenly, looking at Pei Xiting.
The reason he called Pei Xiting his tribulation was precisely because of Pei Xiting’s character: both frank and fierce, yet so stubborn and persistent. Pushed away once, he dared to rush back a second and a third time, as if as long as he had a little reliance in his heart, Pei Xiting wouldn’t be afraid of being hurt by him.
Pei Xiting clicked his tongue, saying, “Interrupting someone? Do you have no manners?”
“My apologies,” Zong Suiyang said. “You continue; tell me my good side.”
“You just want to hear me praise you, don’t you?” Pei Xiting elegantly rolled his eyes. “Oh well, I’ll just praise you. The good thing about your temperament is that you’re not a ‘central air conditioner’.”
It was another unheard-of term. Zong Suiyang asked, “What does that mean?”
“It roughly means being kind to everyone, unable to highlight the importance of one particular person. This term is mostly used in matters of love and affection,” Pei Xiting said, making a sound with the tip of his tongue.
Zong Suiyang understood and said, “One particular person is naturally different from everyone else and cannot be treated the same.”
“Very good, very good, you’re quite enlightened.” Pei Xiting smiled and continued their previous topic. “At the little prince’s age, his body grows, and his mind must grow too. Don’t let him bottle things up. When you discuss and converse, you can also know what he’s thinking, whether he has any inappropriate thoughts, or any tendency to go astray. Isn’t that better?”
Zong Suiyang lowered his eyes and said nothing.
“I know you protect the little prince very well and keep a good eye on him, but you can control his body; can you control his heart? Can you keep track of everything he ponders every day?” Pei Xiting said, “Your Highness, people need to communicate and interact.”
A moment later, Zong Lu entered the room, standing between his fifth uncle and his future fifth uncle-in-law, secretly nervous.
Zong Suiyang looked at him and said, “If you don’t want to leave, then don’t for now. But there’s one condition: you are not allowed to act recklessly on your own; otherwise, I will break your legs, and no one’s persuasion will help.”
The “no one” in question touched his nose on the side and said nothing.
Zong Lu’s lips curved, and he immediately said, “Thank you, Fifth Uncle. I will definitely not act recklessly.”
“Go practice your calligraphy,” Zong Suiyang said.
“Yes, I’ll go now.” Zong Lu bowed with cupped hands. As he turned, he gave Pei Xiting a grateful look and quietly left.
Eunuch Lai stood nearby and, seeing him, immediately came forward and quietly asked, “How did it go?”
“I’m not leaving today,” Zong Lu said. “Pei-wenshu can indeed persuade Fifth Uncle.”
Eunuch Lai reached out to adjust the little prince’s lapel and quietly said, “But what you said earlier was too bold. His Highness would absolutely not agree. Although Pei-wenshu can persuade His Highness in this matter, if he supported your idea, he would be causing trouble for himself. What if…”
He couldn’t say ominous words, only, “In short, let’s not make things difficult for Pei-wenshu.”
“Don’t worry, I understand,” Zong Lu didn’t hesitate. “If Pei-wenshu helped me persuade Fifth Uncle to agree to my idea, and something happened to me, he would blame himself, and it would be hard for him to face Fifth Uncle. So I won’t ask him privately again. Since Pei-wenshu said to wait for news from Bai Mian Fang, I will listen to him and not act recklessly on my own.”
“Good, as long as you understand,” Eunuch Lai smiled. “Then let’s go back and practice calligraphy.”
Zong Lu hummed and led Eunuch Lai back to the study.
Inside the room, Zong Suiyang looked at Pei Xiting and said, “You…”
He seemed to be deliberating, as if he had something difficult to say. Pei Xiting knew what he was struggling with in his heart, but on the surface, he feigned ignorance, asking curiously, “What?”
Zong Suiyang expressionlessly scrutinized Pei Xiting for a moment, truly unable to ascertain if he had forgotten what happened last night. After all, this person had a history, and his acting skills had reached a sublime level.
“Your Highness?” Pei Xiting urged.
Zong Suiyang didn’t speak. Although last night’s kiss was initiated by Pei Xiting, he had responded, so it wasn’t Pei Xiting taking advantage of drunkenness to act indecently. Rather, it was under the moonlight, with an ambiguous atmosphere, where they both were swept away by emotion.
“Nothing.” Zong Suiyang withdrew his gaze. “Drink less in the future.”
“How can I do that?” Pei Xiting smiled like a satisfied little fox. “Wine is a good thing.”
If he didn’t drink, how would he find an opportunity to steal a kiss?
*
Pei Xiting’s wait wasn’t long. Two days later, the light at Bai Mian Fang lit up, and the “Immortal’s” reply arrived.
Pei Xiting and Yuan Fang went to Bai Mian Fang again, familiar with the routine, and sat in their previous spot. This time, however, a screen had been placed in front of them, with someone sitting behind it.
“This is Immortal Envoy Huo, sent by the Immortal to speak with you two,” Xian Yin said, standing by the screen.
“Immortal Envoy Huo,” Pei Xiting called out, then eagerly asked, “How did the Immortal respond?”
Immortal Envoy Huo’s voice sounded like that of a young man, speaking unhurriedly: “The Immortal is aware of your request and feels compassion, but this matter is extraordinary, and the Immortal is still hesitating.”
“Hesitating about what?” Yuan Fang said. “Does the Immortal have any difficulties?”
“What difficulties could an Immortal have?” Pei Xiting looked at Yuan Fang disapprovingly. “The immortal has unparalleled magical powers and will grant any request. Brother Fang, don’t underestimate the immortal.”
With that, he looked at the screen and said, “Brother Fang is blunt and not good with words. He does not mean to belittle the Immortal’s abilities or disrespect the Immortal. Please, Immortal Envoy, be understanding.”
“Yes, I misspoke,” Yuan Fang said. “I’m just worried the Immortal has a hidden difficulty. If so, please speak plainly. Whatever I can do, I’ll definitely do my best.”
Immortal Envoy Huo chuckled at this, saying, “The Immortal is magnanimous and will certainly not punish mortals for a few unintentional words. You two need not worry. However, Brother Chen, you just said you’d do whatever you could. Is that true?”
“Naturally,” Yuan Fang replied.
“Then it’s easy,” Immortal Envoy Huo said. “Actually, the Immortal’s hesitation isn’t out of fear of the Crown Prince, but because of doubts that you two are not truly devoted.”
“What do you mean by that?” Pei Xiting frowned. “Our offerings are all genuine gold and silver, not stingy in the slightest. How is that not sincere enough?”
“You misunderstand, young master. I’m not saying your offerings were stingy or that they’re of no use, but your intentions,” Immortal Envoy Huo sighed faintly, evaluating, “Their authenticity is unclear.”
Yuan Fang furrowed his brows, confused. “What does that mean?”
Immortal Envoy Huo didn’t rush to answer but instead said, “Brother Chen, what if I told you the Immortal could grant your request, but the condition is that you must kill the person beside you to prove your sincerity?”
Pei Xiting’s heart skipped a beat, his face changing drastically. “What do you mean by this!”
“With all due respect,” Yuan Fang said angrily, “Immortal Envoy, this joke has gone too far! The person beside me is my beloved. How could I kill him for my own personal gain? Furthermore, I don’t understand why the Immortal would want to kill my beloved?”
“Because his identity is problematic,” Immortal Envoy Huo said with a half-smile. “The son of a court official, a clerk from the Longhe Division—does he actually want to kill his own Crown Prince?”
Pei Xiting’s identity was exposed. Yuan Fang’s heart sank slightly, and a map of Bai Mian Fang, given by You Zong earlier that day, quickly appeared in his mind. He instantly planned an escape route, his body tensing, ready to act.
At that moment, Pei Xiting reached out and pressed Yuan Fang’s wrist, scoffing, “I thought it was something extraordinary. So it’s just because of my identity?”
Immortal Envoy Huo said, “Isn’t Young Master Pei’s identity extraordinary enough?”
“I am Pei Xiting, so what? And why can’t I think about killing the Crown Prince?” Pei Xiting’s chin lifted slightly, and he teased, “If all subjects are forbidden from harboring such thoughts, then where did the term ‘rebel’ come from?”
Immortal Envoy Huo felt as if he had been shot. He smiled and said, “Is Young Master Pei disregarding his entire family?”
“Since you know my identity, do you not know my situation in the Pei mansion? Pei Yan fell in love with my yiniang at first sight, but he was faithless and disloyal. Not only did he treat my yiniang coldly, but he has also been indifferent to me all these years. The madam, Wang-shi, treated me even more harshly. The slightest mistake would result in being forced to kneel in the ancestral hall. I don’t know how much grievance I’ve swallowed over the years. I used to fear her, but gradually, I came to hate her!” Pei Xiting closed his eyes briefly, and when he reopened them, his eyes were red. He said coldly, “After I entered the Longhe Division, Wang-shi even dared to force me to marry her niece, thinking she could control and manipulate me for life. She doesn’t deserve to! If my parents are not kind, how can I respect or love them?”
Immortal Envoy Huo said nothing upon hearing this. Young Master Pei was indeed not highly regarded in his family and had little presence. Pei Yan’s faithlessness and weakness, and Wang-shi’s strict rules, were indeed true.
Bu-yiniang is my birth mother, but we live in different courtyards, so we’re not close enough. All these years, only Brother Fang has been good to me…” Pei Xiting tilted his head to look at Yuan Fang, saying with a trembling voice, “He respects me, loves me, cares for me, and dotes on me, as if I were some precious treasure, unwilling to let me be scratched or broken. With such a beloved, I would be willing to die to be with him forever, let alone accompany him in seeking revenge!”
Yuan Fang, playing along with Pei Xiting, felt uncomfortable from the emotion in those eyes. He seemed to somewhat understand how the Crown Prince felt when facing Pei Xiting.
Such a pair of tender, affectionate eyes—even in acting, a fraction of their sincerity was so powerful, let alone when they were truly earnest?
“So that’s how it is,” Immortal Envoy Huo said, without stating whether he believed it or not. “But His Royal Highness seems to treat Young Master Pei quite differently. Is Young Master Pei not at all hesitant?”
Pei Xiting’s eyes flickered slightly, and he said, puzzled, “What do you mean?”
“The Immortal knows everything,” Immortal Envoy Huo said. “His Royal Highness not only allowed Young Master Pei to enter the Longhe Division, which even children of high-ranking families struggle to get into, but also permitted you to enter his manor on Chaohua Mountain. This certainly sparks imagination.” Pei Xiting’s face gradually paled upon hearing this, not from guilt, but from fear. Yuan Fang reached out and put an arm around him, comforting him, “Don’t be afraid, I’m here…”
Immortal Envoy Huo raised an eyebrow, saying, “Did I say something wrong? What’s wrong with Young Master Pei?”
“…The Immortal indeed has eyes and ears everywhere. The Crown Prince’s treatment of me is indeed ‘special,'” Pei Xiting bit out the last word, his tone sarcastic. “Because he tried to turn me into his s*x slave, a plaything he could chain by the neck and only please naked!”
Yuan Fang: “?”
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