WAYCAC Extra 11

TL: Hua

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Extra 11: First Meeting – Zong Rui & Qing Lingling

Mother Qin smiled so hard her eyes and nose were distorted when she found out that Qing Lingling had charmed Young Marquis Mei. She patted Qing Lingling’s shoulder and called him her “sweetheart” over and over.

Qing Lingling was fifteen. His face hadn’t fully developed yet. Without any makeup, he was still a soft and beautiful sight. He sat in his chair, a smile on his face, but his heart was calm.

“Mother, Prince Zong is here,” someone said from outside the door.

Mother Qin let out a gasp and quickly went out to greet the distinguished guest. “Quickly, get Min Yan to serve him!”

Min Yan was the top courtesan of the Yuanying Pavilion. She was known for her drum dances, her enchanting figure, and her light footsteps, which was where she got her name[mfn]敏[mǐn] nimble; 烟[yān] mist[/mfn].

Qing Lingling didn’t like her but also felt sorry for her. The woman prided herself on being a future concubine to a nobleman, and she was so haughty she practically looked down her nose at everyone. She offended people left and right, not realizing that a plaything would one day be discarded, and her fate would be miserable.

“Prince Zong is so handsome,” a young servant girl said, her face flushed as she carried in some tea.

“The imperial palaces and royal manors are full of beautiful people. Which of these noble descendants doesn’t have a handsome face?” Qing Lingling wasn’t interested in Prince Zong. Such a grand title meant a glorious life if you could cling to it, but he was incredibly difficult to serve. You might even lose your life.

He yawned and went back to the couch to take a nap, knowing he might have to serve Young Marquis Mei later.

Young Marquis Mei was a scoundrel. Qing Lingling wondered if he had any weird habits in bed. He sighed to himself, stroking the pillow, when he suddenly heard a gasp from outside the door.

Qing Lingling frowned and called a servant girl in. “What happened?”

“Miss Min Yan upset the prince, and Mother Qin is outside kowtowing and begging for mercy,” the young girl said naively. “I didn’t expect Mother Qin, who is so strict on a normal day, to step up in a moment like this.”

Losing a star courtesan meant losing a lot of money. How could Mother Qin not be worried? Qing Lingling shook his head and laughed softly. As he was about to tell the girl to stay away from trouble, someone came to tell him that the prince wanted to hear a song.

Qing Lingling pursed his lips and didn’t dare to delay. He got up and followed. His heart was filled with anxiety. The prince had just been in a bad mood, so he would have to be extra careful to avoid any sparks flying.

Qing Lingling reminded himself as he hurried to the door of the private room. He saw Mother Qin kneeling to one side, her forehead red with a big bump. Min Yan was kneeling next to her, her head down, trembling all over, but not daring to cry out.

Qing Lingling looked away and walked up to the table. He saw a part of a moon-colored brocade robe and a pair of unblemished white boots. He didn’t dare to look up and bowed. “Greetings, prince.”

Zong Rui looked up at the boy in front of him. He was wearing a light blue robe and had a handsome figure. He was trying to bury his eyes in the ground, showing he knew his place, but he was too green. “What’s your name?” he asked.

Qing Lingling froze for a moment. “Qing Lingling.”

“The ‘ling’ from nimble?” Zong Rui asked.

Qing Lingling shook his head. “The ‘ling’ from a bell.”

Zong Rui looked at Qing Lingling’s neck and smiled. “That’s fitting.”

Qing Lingling didn’t understand his hidden meaning. “What song would you like to hear, prince?”

His tone sounded like he wanted to finish quickly and leave. Zong Rui, however, had other ideas. “Pour me some wine.”

Qing Lingling didn’t dare to delay. He quickly stepped forward, picked up the wine pot, and poured wine into the cup. The fingers holding the cup were long, fair, and very pretty. Qing Lingling suddenly remembered the little servant girl saying that the prince was very handsome, and his mind wandered. He accidentally overfilled the cup, and the wine spilled out.

The wine dripped onto the table. Qing Lingling came back to his senses, his heart clenching. He immediately knelt down. “Prince, please have mercy!”

Zong Rui didn’t tell him to get up. “It seems you think I’m a cold-blooded killer who doesn’t care about human life.”

Qing Lingling shook his head but didn’t know what to say. In these people’s eyes, weren’t human lives like ants? Suddenly, his chin was seized and lifted by a hand.

Qing Lingling looked up and met a pair of peach blossom eyes, shrouded in a hazy mist. He really is handsome.

Qing Lingling was so mesmerized he forgot to beg for mercy. He just stared at Zong Rui. He looked a bit silly, like someone who hadn’t been trained yet. Zong Rui found this intriguing. “One’s mind is too quick; the other’s is too slow. Mother Qin, your training methods are terrible.”

Qing Lingling thought about it and decided that “mind is too quick” was about Min Yan, who was too eager to climb the social ladder and had lost her sense of propriety, which was why the prince was displeased. “Mind is too slow” was clearly about him—clumsy and not quick-witted enough.

So, did he also have to go and kneel next to Min Yan?

Qing Lingling was a little scared. He couldn’t help but think of Young Marquis Mei, but the thought only lasted for a moment. After all, why would Young Marquis Mei risk upsetting Prince Zong for him?

His chin suddenly hurt. Qing Lingling let out a muffled groan and looked up at Zong Rui. Zong Rui leaned forward slightly, his fingers stroking his chin. “Since I called you here, your singing must be good. Sing a song. If you sing well, I’ll spare you. Otherwise…”

Zong Rui glanced at Qing Lingling’s right hand, which was tightly clenched on his knee. He smiled. “You can’t even hold a wine pot steady. There’s no need to keep this hand.”

Qing Lingling’s face went deathly pale. He trembled as he agreed, propping up his wobbly legs to back away three feet. He opened his mouth and began to sing “Peach Blossom Forest.” But he was too nervous, and his throat was dry. The first note was a croak!

Zong Rui had a half-smile on his face. Qing Lingling shivered. Just as Zong Rui raised his hand, Qing Lingling swung his sleeve and slapped himself, driving out all the distracting thoughts from his mind. He took a breath, looked up, and started singing again.

“…” Zong Rui paused and supported his forehead with his raised hand.

Qing Lingling did have a good voice. It was clear, elegant, and not at all vulgar. He sang with emotion. Once he found his footing, the caution in his eyes, the wariness in his gaze, and the tension in his body all vanished. Every expression, every flicker of sadness or anger, was vivid in the song, making it very moving.

After the song was over, Qing Lingling stood still, his face tense as he looked at Zong Rui.

Zong Rui watched him for a long time without saying a word. But when Zong Rui finally left, he stopped as he passed by him. Qing Lingling’s legs were already stiff and numb from standing. When the boots suddenly stopped, his heart tightened.

Zong Rui stroked Qing Lingling’s face. The handprint had already faded, and it felt a bit cold. He said, “How old are you?”

Qing Lingling said, “Fifteen.”

In their line of work, a person was most valuable at twelve or thirteen. Fifteen was a good age, but eighteen or nineteen was already a bit old.

Zong Rui, however, said, “A bit young. Let’s raise it for a while longer.”

Qing Lingling seemed to understand but didn’t notice Mother Qin’s desperate winks. He mustered his courage, looked up at Zong Rui, and said, “But Young Marquis Mei…”

His words faltered, but Zong Rui understood. He didn’t get angry; instead, he laughed. “Then do you want me, or do you want him?”

It was a question, but Qing Lingling knew he had no choice. He forced himself to show a beautiful smile. “I want you.”

Zong Rui didn’t say another word, but the people in Yuanying Pavilion changed overnight. Mother Qin became wary of Qing Lingling. She no longer dared to scold or even lecture him. She moved Qing Lingling to the best room, with the best furniture in the building. The servants she chose for him were also the most diligent and respectful.

Qing Lingling watched the busy people and understood that this room wasn’t being tidied up for him, but for Prince Zong.

For half a month, Prince Zong did not come again. Just when Qing Lingling thought the nobleman had just casually shone a light on him and then forgotten all about him, Zong Rui arrived one night.

He looked impressive, but as he sat down, Qing Lingling smelled blood on him.

“You’re hurt. Do you need some medicine?” Qing Lingling asked.

Zong Rui nodded and told his attendant to go and buy some. Qing Lingling carefully helped him untie his sash and unbutton his clothes. He pulled off his outer and inner robes, and there was a bloody mark on his shoulder. Qing Lingling was very familiar with the shape of this wound—it was from a whip.

How could a prince have a mark like this? Qing Lingling was a bit shocked. To his surprise, it was as if Zong Rui had eyes in the back of his head. “Are you curious?” he asked.

Qing Lingling answered truthfully. “A little.”

Zong Rui said, “Guess.”

His tone was slightly teasing. Qing Lingling pursed his lips. “The King?”

Zong Rui said, “The old man wanted me to get engaged to a girl from the Qu family. I refused, and after we had a fight, he gave me a whip.”

King Ning’s mansion and the Qu family. It was indeed a powerful alliance. Looking at all of Yejing, the Qu family was the most qualified to form a marriage alliance with King Ning’s mansion. But since the prince was unwilling, Qing Lingling didn’t dare to comment further. He only said, “Then if you run away like this, won’t the king be even angrier?”

A servant girl brought clean water. Qing Lingling took a cloth, wrung it out, and carefully cleaned the area around the wound.

His touch was so light, like a feather. Zong Rui pursed his lips. “The old man is furious with me every day.”

His tone was so relaxed, with not a hint of fear. Qing Lingling laughed and asked with curiosity, “But they say a match is made by one’s parents. If the king insists, what will you do?”

“If he insists, the Qu family has to agree,” Zong Rui said.

The attendant came back with the ointment. Qing Lingling took it. When he heard Zong Rui’s words, his eyes widened. “The Qu family doesn’t want to?”

“The Qu family dotes on their daughters. They will respect their wishes and won’t force them. I’ve spoken to their daughters. We both don’t have that kind of feeling for each other. Even for a marriage alliance, the girls would ask for my opinion first,” Zong Rui said. “Since neither of us has any interest, no matter how tough the old man is, he can’t be tougher than His Highness.”

His Highness, that is, His Royal Highness the Crown Prince. Qing Lingling had heard about the new crown prince’s methods—cold and ruthless. What he said went. But when Prince Zong mentioned his cousin, his tone was very relaxed, suggesting they had a good relationship in private.

Zong Rui tilted his head and saw that Qing Lingling was deep in thought. “Are you interested in His Royal Highness the Crown Prince?” he asked.

Qing Lingling shook his head. “I wouldn’t dare. He sounds intimidating.”

Zong Rui raised an eyebrow. “Judging His Highness in front of me? It seems you’re not afraid of me anymore?”

“I thought about it. Worrying all the time will only lead to mistakes. As long as I am respectful to you, diligent in my work, and have a good sense of discretion, the rest is up to your mercy,” Qing Lingling said, looking at Zong Rui. “I haven’t been with Young Marquis Mei recently. I only want to serve you wholeheartedly.”

Zong Rui glanced at the bandage on his shoulder. “Isn’t that what you should do? Do you want to have a foot in two boats?”

Qing Lingling helped him pull up his clothes. “But the brothers and sisters in this house serve this person and then that one. This person likes to eat this; that person hates to drink that. It’s so tedious and complicated. They have to remember so many things in their heads.”

“You’re different from them,” Zong Rui said, reaching out and pinching Qing Lingling’s face like dough before letting go. “You only need to remember me. Throw all the irrelevant things out of your mind. If you get them mixed up, it doesn’t matter. A good beating will make sure you remember.”

Qing Lingling immediately said, “I’ll make sure to remember!”

That night, Qing Lingling remembered two things about Prince Zong: first, he only used the herbal cream from his manor when he bathed, and he didn’t care for anything else. Second, he needed a stick of light, fruity incense and a night light before bed.

That night, Zong Rui walked to the bed with his robe on. He saw Qing Lingling kneeling at the foot of the bed, his little face tense, as if he was afraid he would pounce and eat him at any moment. Zong Rui felt the urge to tease him. “Come and serve me,” he said.

“…” The nobleman really didn’t keep his word. He said he would let him grow for a while.

Qing Lingling sighed inwardly, then sighed with relief. It was bound to happen eventually, and at least his first time wouldn’t be with the pot-bellied “pork jerky” man he had imagined. He looked up at Zong Rui, who was looking down at him. In the dim light, his peach blossom eyes were exceptionally handsome and charming.

When Zong Rui lay down, Qing Lingling crawled onto the bed, sleeping on the outer side. He went through the things the women had taught him before. He had a rough idea of what to do. Under the covers, he untied the laces of his undergarment, flipped over, and sat astride Zong Rui’s waist. But because it was his first time and he was so nervous, he didn’t find the right position and ended up sitting in a very dangerous place.

Zong Rui let out a muffled groan, reached up, grabbed the back of Qing Lingling’s neck, and said, “You’re getting ahead of yourself.”

His tone wasn’t harsh. Qing Lingling blushed and weakly pleaded, “Please forgive me. Can… can I start over?”

Zong Rui was so amused he laughed. He tightened his grip slightly, staring at Qing Lingling’s flushed eyes. “Did they not teach you at the house?”

“They did,” Qing Lingling said softly. “But it was all just theory. The mistresses wouldn’t let us touch the props, saying we had to wait for a guest to ‘break us in.'”

His voice was like a mosquito. Zong Rui was quiet for a moment. “That’s so stupid. Get down and lie still. You’re pressing on my wound.”

Qing Lingling quickly flipped over and lay down, pulling the blanket up to cover himself completely. He didn’t dare to touch Zong Rui again. His butt was still a little uncomfortable. He had been poked just now, and he didn’t dare to think about it. His mind was practically fried.

Suddenly, the blanket on his face was lifted. Zong Rui propped himself up and stared at him. “Are you trying to suffocate yourself and frame me?”

“No!” Qing Lingling shook his head violently. His eyes, clear black and white, stared back at Zong Rui. He said in a quiet voice, “If you’re uncomfortable, you must tell me, and I will do my best.”

“…” Zong Rui laughed. “Are you that thirsty?”

“I’m actually a little scared,” Qing Lingling said honestly. “But meeting you is a great opportunity for me. I want to work hard to please you so I can have gold and jewels and gain some respect.”

Anyone who wanted to get close to Zong Rui had the same thoughts, and these were the simplest desires. Many others wanted to fly up the branches and become phoenixes. Qing Lingling was the first to say it out loud, and with a tone of “I must try my best.” Zong Rui couldn’t explain it, but he reached out, rubbed Qing Lingling’s face, lay down, and said, “Then you’d better pray for me, because with your skills in bed, I’m just paying to suffer.”

Qing Lingling rubbed his face, turned to face Zong Rui, and said, “I’ll practice as fast as I can. I’m a fast learner.”

Zong Rui closed his eyes. “How will you practice?”

“I have a lot of erotic paintings. I’ll look at them again, and then I’ll find a place to watch and learn from others,” Qing Lingling said.

Zong Rui felt a headache coming on. “Just stay put.”

“Alright.” Qing Lingling didn’t dare to speak again. He quickly glanced at the handsome profile of the prince, looked away, lay down, and closed his eyes.

At first, he still didn’t dare to let himself fall asleep. But Zong Rui’s breathing was steady, and his sleeping posture was refined. He showed no intention of moving to bother him. Gradually, Qing Lingling relaxed and finally fell asleep.

Zong Rui wasn’t actually asleep. People of his background had to stay vigilant when sleeping away from home. It was a habit he had since he was a child; he was incredibly sensitive to any noise around him. When Qing Lingling flipped over and draped himself over his shoulder, he was stunned for a moment. He reached out and pushed him away by the forehead.

Qing Lingling turned over, tugged at the blanket, unconsciously pursed his lips, and fell back asleep.

Zong Rui: “…”

The next day, when Qing Lingling opened his eyes, Zong Rui was already dressed and washing up at the washstand.

Perhaps because he had never seen him serve others like this, the look that Prince Zong gave him when he tilted his head was a half-smile, not a very friendly one. Qing Lingling’s heart tightened. He quickly threw off the blanket, jumped out of bed, and scurried to Zong Rui’s side, taking the cloth from his hand to soak it in water for him.

Qing Lingling had just woken up, and his sleeping habits weren’t very graceful. His hair was tousled and frizzy, like a cat that had just rolled on the ground. He looked a bit naive and cute. Zong Rui looked at him for a moment, wiped his face again, and said, “Let’s go.”

Qing Lingling said “yes” and quickly saw Zong Rui out. After the man went downstairs, he looked back at the room.

There were no secrets in the red-light district. The news that Qing Lingling had charmed Prince Zong spread quickly. That day, Qing Lingling was practicing calligraphy at a table when he heard someone knock on his door and tell him that Prince Zong had arrived and wanted him to serve him.

Qing Lingling replied, put down his brush, and quickly tidied himself up in front of the mirror before heading out. When he arrived at the private room, he found that not only was young master Zong there, but also a group of other young noblemen, including Mei Xiu. Young Marquis Mei looked at him with a dark look in his eyes. Qing Lingling stopped and lowered his head.

Zong Rui saw this and smiled. “What are you standing there for? Come here.”

Qing Lingling walked to Zong Rui’s side and poured him wine. This time, he didn’t spill any. Zong Rui pinched his fingers. “Where did you get ink on you?”

“Oh,” Qing Lingling said, only just noticing. He hid his hands behind his back in embarrassment. “I was practicing calligraphy. I heard you were here, so I wanted to come and serve you quickly. I didn’t notice. Please don’t be mad.”

Zong Rui said, “What were you practicing?”

“‘The Ning He Post,'” Qing Lingling said shyly. “I’m just copying it, and it doesn’t look like anything yet.”

Zong Rui had seen his calligraphy in his room. He heard this and said, “‘The Ning He Post’ is too sharp for you.”

Qing Lingling was truly dedicated to practicing. He knelt down, rested his arm on Zong Rui’s knee, and said, “Then, what style should I practice?”

“You’re learning small-character calligraphy. Try ‘The Ping Qiao Post.'” Zong Rui said, lazily stroking Qing Lingling’s chin. “I have the original scroll. I’ll have someone bring it to you another day.”

Qing Lingling took Zong Rui’s hand, rubbed his cheek against it, and smiled with his lips. “Thank you, prince.”

These young nobles gathered together were very extravagant, gambling with chips that Qing Lingling couldn’t even imagine. He stood beside Zong Rui and noticed that the prince rarely participated in these games. When someone invited him, he just waved his hand lazily.

Glasses clinked. Gauze curtains fluttered. A soft moan came from a corner. Qing Lingling glanced over and saw a woman’s skirt had been pulled down to her chest. The man on the couch had his hand in her skirt.

Qing Lingling looked away but suddenly met Zong Rui’s eyes. He was stunned for a moment and instinctively looked away.

Zong Rui was quiet for a moment. He extended his leg and hooked Qing Lingling’s calf. Qing Lingling stumbled and fell onto him. He wrapped his arms around him. “Are you embarrassed?” he asked.

Qing Lingling’s face was flushed. “I’ve seen it many times,” he said.

What a liar. Zong Rui reached out, pinched his chin, and said with a smile, “Scram.”

Qing Lingling stood up, bowed, and slipped away, not daring to look into the corner as he left. He was in a hurry and accidentally bumped into someone who was just arriving. “I’m so…”

“You dog! Don’t you have eyes when you walk!”

Before he could finish his apology, a slap came toward his face. Qing Lingling’s head snapped to the side, and he fell to the ground, everything going black for a moment. The hand he used to support himself squeezed his sleeve tightly, but he didn’t dare to show any displeasure. Anyone who could enter this room was a big deal.

The people in the room heard the commotion and looked toward the door. Mei Xiu glanced at Qing Lingling and then at the newcomer, a hint of schadenfreude on his face.

“Oh, third young master, why get angry at a little plaything?”

Someone stepped forward to mediate. Whether on purpose or not, their shoe landed on Qing Lingling’s hand. It hurt, but he didn’t dare to cry out. In Yejing, if someone was referred to as “young master” without a surname, it meant they were of the royal family.

The newcomer was the third young master of King Ning’s mansion, Prince Zong’s younger brother.

As the saying goes, “You can’t beat a dog without looking at its master.” If it were someone else, Prince Zong might have protected him to save face. But this was his own brother, so it was different. It would be an act of mercy if Prince Zong didn’t scold him or show annoyance.

Qing Lingling closed his eyes, swallowed the bloody taste in his throat, and was about to get up when he heard a familiar voice from behind him.

“Lingling,” Zong Rui said, without getting up. He just looked at the person sitting on the ground by the door. “Get up.”

Qing Lingling was stunned. He quickly used his hands to crawl up. Just as he was about to turn his head to look at Zong Rui, the latter said, “Slap him back.”

The room fell silent. Even the couple in the corner stopped what they were doing. Everyone looked at Zong Rui in disbelief, as if they hadn’t heard what he said clearly.

Even though the brothers were not born of the same mother and their relationship was not particularly good, they still shared a surname. How could a man shame his own brother in public for the sake of an outsider, a little plaything from a brothel? Was the prince tired of going back to King Ning’s mansion?!

Zong Mei’s eyes widened, but he didn’t dare to make a fuss. While they were both young masters of the King Ning’s Mansion, there was a clear distinction between them and the eldest son.

Zong Mei looked down at Qing Lingling, his eyes full of malice. The meaning was clear: Prince Zong’s fascination with you will last for at most a month. Once you lose his protection, your little life will be over, you little slut!

Qing Lingling pursed his lips. He instinctively turned his head to look at Zong Rui, who didn’t rush him. He just looked down at him, his peach blossom eyes veiled. Qing Lingling couldn’t see what was in them.

No, maybe he didn’t need to see. He just needed to obey.

The silence in the room was broken in an instant by a slap. Qing Lingling swung his hand, the one that had been stepped on, and it landed on Zong Mei’s face. He showed no mercy and even glared at Zong Mei fiercely.

Zong Mei covered his face, staring at the little slut in disbelief, but he didn’t dare to move under Zong Rui’s gaze.

“Lingling,” Zong Rui called Qing Lingling to his side. He slapped his waist lightly. “That’s enough. Why did you hit him so hard? Apologize to the third young master.”

His tone was lazy and devoid of sincerity. Qing Lingling said “yes,” turned to Zong Mei, bowed, and apologized sincerely.

“…” Zong Mei gritted his teeth. “It’s nothing. Since you’re with Prince Zong, we’ll call it even.”

Zong Rui smiled but didn’t say anything, which in everyone’s eyes was a silent agreement.

Qing Lingling was Zong Rui’s person.

The news traveled back to King Ning’s Mansion. King Ning was furious. He took out the family law to chase after his son. His wife desperately tried to stop him. Zong Rui shrugged and took the opportunity to run away.

He left the archway and saw a carriage coming toward him. The expression on his face changed. He stepped forward and bowed. “Your Highness.”

The carriage stopped. Zong Suiyang lifted the curtain and looked at him indifferently. “You useless thing.”

Zong Rui didn’t dare to argue and listened with his head down. But Zong Suiyang didn’t say much more to him. He only said, “You’re so public about playing with courtesans. What girl will want to marry you in the future?”

“No girl will want to marry me, but plenty of people will want to be the prince’s wife,” Zong Rui said with a smile. “You’re busy with state affairs. Don’t worry about me. Maybe I’ll just be an old bachelor, living a life of wealth and glory with King Ning’s golden mountains.”

These were incredibly disobedient words. If King Ning or the Emperor heard them, they would have been so angry they would have killed this unfilial son. But Zong Suiyang just reached out, tapped Zong Rui’s head, called him a scoundrel, and then dropped the curtain. The Crown Prince’s voice was flat. “Go on.”

Zong Rui said, “yes,” and watched the carriage stop in front of King Ning’s mansion before turning to leave.

Earlier that day, Qing Lingling asked Zong Rui why he stood up for him. Zong Rui told him to guess. The boy thought seriously and suggested it was because of a sibling rivalry, a power play, or a deliberate self-disgrace to protect himself in front of the Crown Prince.

The fact that he could even think of the second reason meant he was quite smart. But Zong Rui shook his head. “Because I wanted to.”

“You do things just because you want to?” Qing Lingling was surprised, then smiled. “Can the prince of King Ning’s mansion be so reckless?”

“Yes,” Zong Rui said.

Qing Lingling didn’t understand. “Why?”

It was less of a “why” and more of a “how.”

Zong Rui thought about it. There were many reasons. Because he wasn’t afraid. Because he didn’t have to choose. Or perhaps because of the deep look of what could only be called compassion in the Crown Prince’s eyes. The Crown Prince had to permanently suppress his own recklessness, but he was willing to preserve it in Zong Rui—whether it was a small matter like what he wanted to eat today, a serious matter like where he would be assigned tomorrow, or even a rebellious, outrageous act that his family couldn’t tolerate.

Regardless of their blood ties, if you spoke of their relationship, the Crown Prince had no brothers and was left with only him, his cousin.

That was the most rebellious person of all.

Qing Lingling was still staring at him. Zong Rui came back to his senses, opened the calligraphy scroll, and said, “Practice this yourself first. If there’s anything you don’t understand, write it down. I’ll get you a tutor another day.”

This kind of treatment felt like a dream. Qing Lingling was overjoyed. “Prince, you’re such a good person.”

Zong Rui neither agreed nor disagreed. He thought Qing Lingling was naive. He wasn’t a good person. He didn’t even spit out the bones when he ate people.

Six months later, on Qing Lingling’s birthday, he was crying pitifully under Zong Rui.

Over the past six months, he had been well taken care of, gained some weight, and become pampered. He could be arrogant in front of outsiders, and now he even dared to get angry with Zong Rui sometimes. At that moment, as Zong Rui pushed hard into him, he sank his teeth into Zong Rui’s shoulder, covering it in tears and saliva.

Zong Rui was both pleased and disgusted. He pinched Qing Lingling’s face and kissed him. The red thread and bells on the boy’s neck jingled. He said indistinctly, “You need to be taught a lesson.”

Qing Lingling was becoming more and more disobedient. Perhaps he was always this wild at heart, but he had to bow to the whip in the past. Now, by Zong Rui’s side, there were no rules or beatings. Zong Rui was also incredibly lenient with him, granting his every wish. So his temper gradually came out and grew.

He was a perfect example of a person spoiled by favor.

“It hurts,” Qing Lingling said, glaring at the man above him through his tears. He said in a disgusted tone, “You’re no good at this!”

Zong Rui laughed instead of getting angry. “Then you’ll have to practice more with me.”

Qing Lingling’s mouth turned down. He started to wail like he did when he was a child, fighting with beggars over buns. He hadn’t cried like this in years. Later, when he was wronged, he would just get teary-eyed and sob quietly under the covers at night.

Zong Rui’s passion was completely extinguished. He found it so funny he was angry. He stopped and lightly patted Qing Lingling’s wet face. “Is this the time for you to start squealing like a pig?”

“Are… are you trying to kill me?” Qing Lingling sobbed. “I always heard about people being played to death in bed. I can’t believe I… hiccup! I’m going to end up like that too.”

Was he really that bad?!

Zong Rui covered his forehead and stared at Qing Lingling for a while. The boy gradually held his breath and didn’t dare to cry anymore. He just kept hiccuping, looking both ridiculous and pitiful.

After a moment of staring, Zong Rui suddenly pulled out, rolled over, and got off the bed in a fit of annoyance.

Qing Lingling was stunned. He quickly climbed up and hugged Zong Rui’s lower back. “Don’t go! I’m sorry!”

Zong Rui turned and looked down at Qing Lingling, deliberately asking, “Are you willing now?”

“I’ve always been willing; it just hurts…” Qing Lingling hugged Zong Rui tightly and changed his words. “Actually, it doesn’t hurt that much. I’m just being pampered and inconsiderate. Please don’t be angry with me.”

Zong Rui threatened, “Then should I continue?”

Qing Lingling said, “Mhm,” and let go of Zong Rui’s waist. He lay down on the bed like a fish on a cutting board. When Zong Rui didn’t move, he was stunned. He climbed up again, assuming a more compliant and convenient position in front of Zong Rui.

He was hurt. Zong Rui saw it. He reached out and stroked Qing Lingling’s lower back. The boy’s fair, slender body tightened uncontrollably. He was clearly still scared. His fingertips moved up and down, as if caressing a soft piece of silk. Suddenly, he slapped Qing Lingling’s butt and turned around. “Go to sleep,” he said.

Qing Lingling was stunned. He got up and knelt, watching Zong Rui. The latter, in his sleeping robe, walked past the screen, and the sound of him washing up could be heard.

He messed up. Qing Lingling grabbed his hair and didn’t move. A man of Prince Zong’s status—where could he be treated with such neglect? He remembered their first meeting, when Min Yan had offended the prince because she didn’t know her place. And now him…

Qing Lingling lowered his eyes. He only heard footsteps approaching when they were very close. He looked up and saw it was his young servant girl.

His body was covered in marks from their lovemaking. The girl’s face was flushed as she handed him a round jar. “The prince told me to bring this to you.”

Qing Lingling took the ointment. A paper tag was stuck on it. It was a special healing balm for that specific area. He held the jar, and his heart immediately settled down.

The bed and blankets had been changed. The lights in the room were out. They went to sleep again, this time wearing their undergarments. Qing Lingling looked at Zong Rui’s calm profile, then gently flipped over and lay on his shoulder. “Prince,” he said.

Zong Rui didn’t move. He just said, “Mhm.”

Qing Lingling said, “Are you still angry?”

“Don’t get on my nerves and make me angry enough to die,” Zong Rui said, reaching out and pushing Qing Lingling’s head away. “If you’re not going to sleep, get out.”

Qing Lingling didn’t leave. He gently tucked the blanket around Zong Rui. “Good night, prince.”

He lay on the bed, tossing and turning after Zong Rui fell asleep. Suddenly, Zong Rui’s voice came from behind him. “If you can’t sleep, put out the night light.”

Qing Lingling was surprised. “But I thought you…”

He turned his head. Zong Rui had already closed his eyes, refusing to communicate. Qing Lingling stared at his face for a moment before quietly getting up and putting out the lamp by the bed.

The room was dark. The only light came from the moon outside the window.

The blankets rustled twice. Qing Lingling scooted over to Zong Rui and put his arms around his waist, whispering, “Prince, if you ever get tired of me, can you please put in a good word for me so I can continue to live in Yejing? If you don’t want to see me, please allow me to leave Yejing so I won’t be in your way. Alright?”

Zong Rui opened his eyes. “You really see me as a good person, don’t you?”

“I think you’re truly a good person,” Qing Lingling said. “A thousand times, ten thousand times better than I ever imagined.”

“Then I need to reflect on myself. I shouldn’t be so good to you so you don’t get too comfortable and walk all over me,” Zong Rui said.

Qing Lingling laughed softly, then gently rubbed against Zong Rui’s face. “Because of your indulgence, I’ve offended a lot of people. If you don’t want me anymore, any of them could tear me to pieces.”

“Are you blaming me for this and wanting me to take responsibility?” Zong Rui asked.

“I wouldn’t dare. I’m just begging you, aren’t I?” Qing Lingling said.

Zong Rui scoffed. “We’ll see how you behave.”

Qing Lingling said “Ah” and then “Alright,” but he still seemed hesitant. Zong Rui heard it and said, “Finish what you’re saying.”

Qing Lingling whispered, “Before you came today, I was buying some earrings, and it just so happened that Lady Li from the Shangguan family also liked the same pair. She wanted them, but I didn’t give in. When she left, she told me to wait for her.”

Zong Rui said, “She just told you to wait?”

“She also called me a whore, but that’s the truth, so I don’t mind. But I think I’ve offended her. What if she goes back and complains about me to Marquis Shangguan?” Qing Lingling asked.

Zong Rui listened quietly to him, doing his best to sweet-talk him. After a short while, he said, “As long as I’m here, no one will touch you.”

Qing Lingling said “Mhm” sweetly. He looked at Zong Rui for a moment in the dark, warm bed. “As long as you treat me like a person, love me, and protect me, I would be willing to die for you one day.”

That was a very foolish thing to say. Zong Rui was taken aback for a moment. “Cut it out. What’s your life worth?” he said.

Qing Lingling disagreed. “You often take me out. If there’s any danger, I’ll protect you.”

“With that small body of yours, you’d fall over in the wind. And you expect me to rely on you?” Zong Rui reached out and ruffled Qing Lingling’s hair. The boy mumbled something, but Zong Rui didn’t hear it clearly. It probably wasn’t anything nice.

Zong Rui laughed. “Go to sleep,” he said.

“Yes.” Qing Lingling said no more. His heart was at peace, and this time he fell asleep quickly.

Zong Rui opened his eyes and stared blankly into the dark for a while before closing them and falling asleep.

The next day, when he woke up, a person was lying on his chest. Qing Lingling was fast asleep. Zong Rui didn’t push him away. He reached out and stroked Qing Lingling’s soft face, his fingers sliding down to the red thread and bell on his neck.

Zong Rui untied it and put it on Qing Lingling’s wrist.

“Prince…” Qing Lingling groggily opened his eyes. When he raised his hand, the bells on his wrist jingled. He was stunned. He looked at his wrist, then at Zong Rui.

Zong Rui didn’t want to meet his eyes. He reached up and covered them with his hand. “Go back to sleep,” he said.

Qing Lingling didn’t say anything. He obediently lay on Zong Rui’s chest, his cheek pressed against his heart. The steady, powerful thumping was so loud it hurt his ears.

He shook his hand, and the bells jingled.

(The End)

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This is the last extra. I’m going to miss them (˃̣̣̥⌓˂̣̣̥ )

Thank you for reading and support the author if you can ( ´•̥̥̥o•̥̥̥`)♡(˘̩̩̩̩̩̩ ⌂ ˘̩̩̩̩̩̩)