Chapter 159 - President Xie’s Laws of Love
Translated by Eve
Edited by Serefina
2. President Xie’s Laws of Love
Bai Qiuchi looked at Xie He coldly. She really didn’t like him just merely based on his beauty, which far surpassed her own. She also felt a very strong sense of danger. Although he was nothing but a lowly courtesan who could never appear in public, she could not allow such a person to stay by Xiao Yan’s side…. She had to nip any dangers at the bud.
Bai Qiuchi was currently mulling over how she should go about getting rid of Xie He and carefully examined his face. All of a sudden, her expression changed, a flicker of disbelief and alarm flashing through her eyes. She sucked in a deep breath and asked, “What’s your name?”
Xie He deferentially said, “Nubi’s called Yuan Jin.”
Bai Qiuchi looked doubtful. “Yuan Jin?”
Xie He nodded.
Bai Qiuchi suddenly left. Her arrival had been aggressive but she had left with a baffling attitude.
Xie He watched her leave with a look of respect on his face. When he returned to his courtyard, a pensive look appeared in his eyes. That woman clearly recognized him but he didn’t recognize her. He obviously had not missed the alarm in Bai Qiuchi’s eyes. Was his real identity a threat to her? Or could it be that she was mistaken and was actually afraid of someone who looked similar to himself?
Regardless, this was interesting.
【Xie He：Baby, I’ve got a mission for you. Monitor the actions of every single person in this residence, including any idle conversations that may go on. Smile.JPG】
【444：(⊙v⊙) Mn!】
In a day’s time, Xie He had a much better understanding of the situation at the Prince’s Residence. He also knew who Bai Qiuchi was. Bai Qiuchi used to be an ordinary child from a peasant family. Two years ago, she was brought back by Xiao Yan for some unknown reason. He doted on her as he would a real sister and had taken care of her family for her sake. You could say that she had reached heaven in a single bound.
The servants at the residence all knew that Bai Qiuchi liked Xiao Yan, but Xiao Yan obviously only saw her as a younger sister.
The servants treated Bai Qiuchi with reverence because of Xiao Yan’s might. But inwardly, they looked down on Bai Qiuchi. If it wasn’t because Xiao Yan favoured her, a woman with this kind of background wouldn’t even be worthy of being a servant in a Prince’s residence.
Xie He thought about it long and hard but couldn’t find anything to do with Bai Qiuchi in Yuan Jin’s memory. But he wasn’t worried. Considering Bai Qiuchi’s attitude towards him, she would make trouble for him sooner or later.
He just had to wait and accept whatever she threw at him. This was good. Otherwise, with Xiao Yan’s attitude towards him, he would probably just forget all about him.
Xiao Yan showed no interest in Xie He after accepting him. It seemed like he would let fate take its course with Xie He. The servants didn’t take him seriously and would only remember to bring him cold leftovers very late in the night.
Xie He obviously didn’t eat that. Today, he was once again about to ask 444 to help him exchange for some delicious food when he heard 444’s report.
【444：Host dada! Someone’s watching you! 】
【Xie He：Who is it, Baby?】
【444：The commander of Xiao Yan’s personal guard, Qi Qing. He’s watching you on Xiao Yan’s orders. _(:зゝ∠)_ He’s up in that tree!】
【Xie He：Got it. It seems that we got to spend some more experience points.】
【444：…Why?】
【Xie He：Because according to the law, those that peek on me will all fall in love with me, ah. 🙂 】
【444：……】Excuse me but what kind of law is this???!
Xiao Yan seemed to not care about him in the slightest but he was actually worried that he was one of the Crown Prince’s people. He didn’t feel assured. He was very prudent by nature.
But this was a good helper gong sent to Xie He’s door, ne. The differences in social classes in the ancient era was nothing to laugh at. The likelihood of a majestic prince falling in love with a courtesan was extremely low. Prince Su was difficult to get to but dealing with his subordinate was much easier.
Now that he was at the Prince’s residence, he obviously could not let go of any possible helper gongs.
Xie He carried the plate of leftovers inside and then shut the door. When he was certain that Qi Qing could not see him anymore, he had 444 help him get rid of the contents on the plate and then had him exchange for a delicious cultivation world meal. He happily gorged himself on it.
Xie He was in a great mood after eating his fill. Now, he was ready to start working. He had to act pitiful well!
【Xie He：Baby, help me exchange for a “Even I Cannot Help But Love Him Upon Seeing Him” expressions pack. 🙂 】
【444：O(∩_∩)O. OK. The “Even I Cannot Help But Find Him Adorable Upon Seeing Him” expressions pack costs 1000 points. Exchange complete~】
Xie He’s originally radiant face was now covered in a layer of weakness and frailty. He looked like a bullied, pitiful little thing. However, this didn’t diminish his beauty in any way. Rather, anyone who saw him would want to dote on him. They could not bear to see him suffer injustices and would want to protect him.
Xie He opened the door. He was dressed in a simple yet elegant changshan. His jet-black hair fell freely behind him and he carried the plate out. Because of his slender and feeble stature, he looked like a willow branch swaying in the wind.
Qi Qing sat atop of a branch of a large tree, hidden amidst the leaves. He was dressed fully in a black jinzhuang, watching Xie He coldly.
Prince Su and the Crown Prince seemed like brothers that got along on the surface. However, they had always been competing in secret. This time, if it wasn’t because Prince Su had gained information he could use against the Crown Prince, the other would not show goodwill like this. However, he could not forget how the Crown Prince had been planning for Prince Su’s death all this time. That’s why, even if it was a courtesan, they could not afford to be careless.
Qi Qing knew that the servants of the wangfu were neglecting Xie He. However, he had no intentions of stopping them. In any case, his mission was to just monitor this person.
If Xie He were to express any discontent or fishy behaviour, it would be a good enough excuse to expel him from the wangfu.
It was just that, when he saw Xie He’s pale, small face, and how lovely and pitiful he looked, Qi Qing didn’t know why, but he felt a bit of reluctance to see the other be treated like this. He was indeed a pitiful person in the end. He was once part of a glorious governmental family but that family was reduced to ashes. He was now drawn into the power struggle between Prince Su and the Crown Prince for no reason whatsoever. Even if he was innocent, he may not have a good end. His Highness would not take a fancy to him.
Qi Qing had watched Xie He for several days in this manner. He had discovered that Xie He was always very obedient and lovable. He had no arrogance. Even if he was being neglected like this, he had no complaints. It was like he had gotten used to being treated like this and thought that it was only to be expected….
There was nothing you could fault him for.
Gradually, Qi Qing had put down his concerns. His vigilance and hostility was no longer as deep as it had been in the beginning. With what he’s seen of Xie He, even if they left him in the wangfu, nothing much would come out of it.
He had heard of Yuan Jin before. He was a very famous courtesan within the Capital. Perhaps the Crown Prince had only chosen him because of his renown. Qi Qing wasn’t the type to go to brothels, but when he looked at Xie He, he had to admit that the other was worthy of his reputation…. He was indeed stunning.
【Ding, Qi Qing’s Favourability Value +20. The current Favourability Value is 20.】
Xie He stayed in his courtyard for several days, content with his own lot. He did not take a single step outside his courtyard for many days in a row.
Fortunately, the people of the wangfu seemed to remember that someone lived here and didn’t seem to plan on starving him. Today, Xie He once again collected his cold leftovers. However, he didn’t return to his house to eat behind closed doors this time. He just sat on a small stone stool and stared at the food in front of him.
Inside the crude bowl was porridge and cabbage. Who knows how long it had been left out.
Qi Qing furrowed his brows from where he was sitting on the tree. He had felt nothing in the beginning. But now, he had watched Xie He eat these things for a few consecutive days. That originally feeble person looked like he would faint from hunger at any moment. Qi Qing felt some discontent towards the kitchen people.
The wangfu did not lack money. Even the lowest of the servants ate better than this. It was said that Bai Qiuchi had expressed her dislike of Yuan Jin, and this was why the servants were treating Yuan Jin especially poorly. They wanted to curry favour with Bai Qiuchi.
Qi Qing had never liked Bai Qiuchi. Now, he disliked her even more. This woman was petty and vicious. She relied on His Highness’ favour to stir up trouble.
Xie He sat there quietly for a while before he began to eat. He slowly picked up some cabbage with his chopsticks and ate it with his porridge. His actions were slow and graceful. It was probably because he was truly hungry, but after finishing the porridge, he also licked the bowl clean. Although he had finished very quickly and then returned to his room, Qi Qing, who had witnessed this scene, felt that the other was adorable and pitiful….
Qi Qing sighed quietly. He pondered over whether or not he should have a word with the kitchen. At the very least, this child should be able to eat his full.
It wasn’t like the wangfu could not afford to provide for an idler, so long as he didn’t stir up trouble.
【Ding, Qi Qing’s Favourability Value +10. The current Favourability Value is 30.】
Xie He placed the bowl outside before returning to his room and closing the door. He joyfully had 444 prepare him a big meal. He then slept contentedly. He felt like he had gained some weight from just sleeping and eating every day.
………………………………
The courtyard Bai Qiuchi lived in was only second to the one Xiao Yan lived in. All of the decorations were very precious. It showed off the lavishness expected of wangfus.
She was currently sitting in her room with an uneasy expression on her face. She had resided in the wangfu for two years. Xiao Yan had complied to her every wish during these two years and had given her face. However, he had no intentions of wedding her. She knew that she was not qualified to be his princess-consort and had previously hinted that she was willing to be with Xiao Yan without any titles. She knew that Xiao Yan was not one to meet kindness with ingratitude. As long as he decided to take her in, he would never treat her poorly.
As long as she was able to become Xiao Yan’s woman, she could continue to live this pampered and glorious life instead of worrying about when this dream would end. If she had to leave the wangfu, she would be nothing.
Bai Qiuchi had been patiently waiting for a chance but now, when she thought of Yuan Jin, a cold, sharp glint flashed through her eyes. In the end, she got up and ordered her personal servant girl, Shui Rong, “Invite His Highness to dine here tonight.”
Shui Rong lowered her head and said, “Yes, Young Miss.”
After giving her instructions, Bai Qiuchi waited nervously.
A short while later, Shui Rong came back and said that His Highness had agreed. Bai Qiuchi relaxed upon hearing this.
That night, when Xiao Yan came over, he saw Bai Qiuchi standing at the entrance to her courtyard, evidently dressed up in her best attire and makeup. As soon as she saw him, she gave him a gentle, ladylike smile. She wrapped her arms around his and softly said, “Gege, you’ve come.”
Xiao Yan’s eyebrows furrowed imperceptibly but he didn’t throw her off.
Bai Qiuchi pulled Xiao Yan over to the table and sat down with him. She then ordered the servants to serve their meal. She pointed to one of the dishes and said, “I personally made the lotus root steamed in broth for you. Gege, try it.”
Xiao Yan had a taste. When it was a trifling matter, he usually yielded to Bai Qiuchi.
Bai Qiuchi watched Xiao Yan eat, her expression one of even greater nervousness. She gave Shui Rong a look and the other immediately withdrew, closing the door for them. Bai Qiuchi then got up and helped massage Xiao Yan’s shoulders. She said in a soft voice, “Gege, you haven’t come over recently. Have you been really busy?”
Xiao Yan’s expression was cool. “Yes. Have you taken a liking to any of the young masters I mentioned last time?”
Bai Qiuchi looked distressed. She said in an annoyed tone, “I still want to spend a few more years with Gege. I don’t want to marry so soon.”
Xiao Yan sneered inwardly. He had looked for noblemen of the highest quality for Bai Qiuchi. If she were to marry any of them, she would get to live a life of luxury for the rest of her life. However, Bai Qiuchi wasn’t satisfied. She wholeheartedly wanted to become his. When he thought of this woman’s bottomless greed, he felt extremely annoyed. He wanted her to leave as soon as possible.
However, he suddenly felt heat spread in his lower abdomen. When he recalled what he just ate, Xiao Yan’s expression changed. A cold light flashed through his eyes.
Bai Qiuchi placed her hands on Xiao Yan’s shoulder and breathed against Xiao Yan’s ears. “Gege….”
Xiao Yan stood up at once, overturning all the food on the table! He looked at Bai Qiuchi coldly. Bai Qiuchi had already taken off her shawl. Her clothes showed off her exquisite, slender body. Her cleavage was faintly visible beneath her pale collarbone. Truly shameless! She was actually trying to drug and seduce him!
If anyone else were to be so presumptuous, Xiao Yan would kill them! However, he owed Bai Qiuchi his life. Were it not for this, there was no way he would tolerate letting this kind of woman wreck havoc within his wangfu! Xiao Yan’s icy gaze swept over her and he let out a deep voice. “If there is a next time, Benwang will marry you out at once!”
When Bai Qiuchi heard this, her eyes filled with tears. She had already exposed herself like this but Xiao Yan still didn’t want her. He was a majestic prince. What was it to accept a concubine? Why didn’t he like her?
She held Xiao Yan’s arm and begged, “Gege, can’t I stay?”
Xiao Yan said in a frigid voice, “Scram.”
After saying this, he mercilessly threw her off and left in large strides!
Xiao Yan had resisted temptation and left Bai Qiuchi’s courtyard. But now, the effect of the drug was intense. He felt hot and bothered, and had nowhere to vent. However, he wasn’t willing to accept doing it with the servant girls. At this moment, he remembered the courtesan that the Crown Prince had sent. He was a courtesan, that’s all. His purpose was to serve men. It was very appropriate to sate his lust with him.
Thus, Xiao Yan headed towards Tingfeng Court.
Xie He was sleeping on his bed when he suddenly heard 444 make a fuss. He had woken Xie He up. Xie He opened his eyes, eyebrows slightly furrowed. In a blink of an eye, 444 had told and showed Xie He what had occurred.
Xie He cocked a brow. He didn’t think that this supporting female lead would put in so much effort. She had given him a chance to interact with Prince Su so soon.
【Xie He：Young Miss Bai has made a mistake because of her guilty conscience. Smile.JPG】
【444：Why would she feel guilty?】
【Xie He：I too want to know why. No one would fear me or feel guilty upon seeing me unless they had a reason to. There must be a reason for why she feels this way. She thinks that my arrival is a threat to her, to the point that it will leave her with nothing. Therefore, she wants to sleep with Xiao Yan, no matter what method she has to use. Xiao Yan is a formidable man of the ancient era. Even if he doesn’t like her, he would not mistreat his own woman.】
【Xie He：Continue monitoring Bai Qiuchi. I want to know her secret. 🙂 】
【444：(⊙v⊙) Mn!】
After giving these instructions, Xie He closed his eyes and pretended to sleep.
When Xiao Yan arrived at Tingfeng court, Qi Qing, who was guarding it, was startled. When he saw Xiao Yan’s appearance, he immediately perceived that something was wrong. He lowered his voice and asked, “Your Highness?”
Xiao Yan’s face was ashen. He ordered Qi Qing, “Stand guard outside,” before kicking the door open and entering.
Xie He had been in a very shallow sleep. He was immediately startled awake. When he saw a tall man standing against the light coming from outside, he cried out in fear, “W-who are you?”
Although Xiao Yan could see the fear in Xie He’s eyes, he didn’t have the patience to placate him. He directly closed the door and walked over to the other, pressing Xie He, who was trying to escape, back onto the bed!
Xie He’s slender wrists thudded against the bed. At this moment, with the help of the moonlight shining in through the window, he could finally see the man’s face. This only exacerbated his fear. He nearly fainted. He stammered, “Y-Your Highness….”
Xiao Yan squeezed Xie He’s neck. This courtesan’s skin was extremely fair. Xiao Yan, who was under the influence of the aphrodisiac, pressed Xie He down beneath him. He felt like his desire was about to overflow! Today, he had come to vent his lust. Therefore, he tore Xie He’s clothes off in one smooth motion. Xie He’s pale, slender, and perfect body was on full display. His body was immaculate without a single fault. Even his sleek ankles were flawless.
Xiao Yan’s eyes darkened. He directly pulled Xie He’s legs apart and took him.
………………………………
Qi Qing guarded the door. In the beginning, he had heard Xie He’s frightened shout, followed by a groan of pain. Afterwards, there were no more words, only Xie He’s sobs and whimpers. Occasionally, there would be a pained whine.
Even if he didn’t see it with his eyes, Qi Qing could guess what was happening inside. His body stiffened slightly and his mouth felt a bit dry.
He couldn’t help but think of Xie He’s appearance and think of just how he must be tormented right now to make those kinds of sounds. He thought of how His Highness would not treat him kindly in the slightest…and once again, he found himself a bit unable to bear the thought of it….
But he was one of His Highness’ people. He was only one of His Highness’ guards. Therefore, he could not say anything. He could not do anything.
But Qi Qing couldn’t help but think that if it were him, he would not be able to bear treating Xie He like that.
【Ding, Qi Qing’s Favourability Value +10. The current Favourability Value is 40.】
Xiao Yan vented his lust on Xie He many times without any restraint. When he finally stopped, he discovered that Xie He looked like he was on his last breath. There were purple marks all over that slender, frail body. There was also blood slipping down from between his legs.
He had indeed been a bit too rough. He didn’t think that this courtesan would have such tender skin. A bit of force and he had ended up like this.
Ever since Xie He discovered that the man who had entered his room was Xiao Yan, he had not resisted and had borne everything obediently. Seeing that Xiao Yan had stopped, he turned his face over and gave Xiao Yan a fawning smile. With a soft, raspy voice, he called out, “Your Highness….”
Xie He looked at Xie He. There was still pain on that tiny face but the other was still forcing himself to give him a charming smile. Only then did he realize that Xie He had not resisted or refused him. He hadn’t even said anything. He only endured it and would occasionally cry out when it was too much.
Even though he had been reduced to such a state, he still remembered to smile at him.
No matter who f*cked him, he would still smile at them, welcome them, cooperate with them.
Xiao Yan let out a disdaining bark of laughter. He blatantly looked Xie He up and down. Although he was a lowly prostitute, his body was indeed quite good. It made him want to continue to do him. He was a rarity, innately made to serve men.
【Ding, the target Xiao Yan’s Favourability Value +20. The current Favourability Value is 20.】
Xiao Yan dressed himself, fastened his belt and then gave Xie He a cold look. He then left.
When he exited, he found Qi Qing still standing outside. He asked, “He seems to know his place. Has there been any issues?”
Qi Qing quickly rescinded the look of displeasure and said, “No. He has been staying here obediently all this time. He hasn’t even taken a single step outside the courtyard.”
Xiao Yan nodded and didn’t ask anything more. He really didn’t give a damn about Xie He. He said, “If there’s nothing, there’s no need to keep watching over him. Have the servants take note of him. Don’t let him run around unsupervised.”
Qi Qing nodded, “Shuxia understands.”
Qi Qing watched Xiao Yan leave. He then gazed through the half-opened door at Xie He and felt his heart speed up. That…pitiful, abused appearance…that naked, slender pale body…everything attracted him so.
He watched as Xie He struggled to get up, but the other only ended up falling back down. Qi Qing really wanted to go help him but…this person was His Highness’.
Qi Qing cast his eyes downwards. In the end, he didn’t advance forward. He shouldn’t have any improper thoughts towards Xie He. Fortunately, it was just a thought right now. He could still suppress it.
Xie He lay on the bed. He rested for a while before he grabbed his clothes with trembling hands and draped it over himself. Xiao Yan had left just like that. It was obvious that he didn’t care about him. He didn’t even send anyone to bring him water. Xie He’s body was still covered in Xiao Yan’s fluids. The sticky feeling was unbearable. He wanted to find some water to clean himself.
Unfortunately, he had no energy left. In the end, he simply fell asleep like that.
…………………………
Bai Qiuchi had many eyes in the wangfu. When she found out that Xiao Yan had headed towards Tingfeng Court after he left, she was so angry she smashed everything in her room!
She didn’t sleep that night. The next day, her eyes were bloodshot and a cold, rancorous light flitted through her eyes. She didn’t dare to offend Xiao Yan but it wasn’t like she couldn’t take care of a mere Xie He, right?
Because Xie He suffered terribly last night, he slept very deeply. The next day, he was sluggishly woken by a clamour within his courtyard.
It had always been desolate around these parts. Except for when someone came to deliver him his meal, no one ever came. This was the first time it had gotten so noisy.
Xie He opened his eyes and saw that several heavy-built momo had walked in. One of them pulled Xie He down from the bed and said in a cold voice, “We do not feed idlers in the wangfu. There is no man here that requires the services of a vixen like you. Therefore, don’t harbour any ideas you shouldn’t. Only by properly doing your work will you be given food.”
While she said this, she shoved a broom into Xie He’s hands and said, “Go sweep the garden. You are not allowed to eat until you’re done sweeping.”
Xie He’s body ached all over and it was difficult to bear. He grabbed the broom and hesitated before quietly asking, “Nu understands…but…Nu was wondering if Nu could first wash a bit…is that OK…?”
That momo let out a resounding laugh at that. “Do you think you’re still at the Xunhuan House? Wash, what wash? Whose bed do you plan on climbing into?” As she said this, she gave Xie He an askance glance. “Hehe…besides, would your body even be considered clean after washing?”
Xie He’s face paled. Pain appeared in his eyes. He didn’t say anything more.
When the momo saw that her goal had been accomplished, she shoved Xie He outside and brought him to the garden. The garden of the wangfu was huge. There were many fallen leaves on the ground. If he were to sweep it on his own, he might not even finish even if he took the entire day. It was obvious that they were trying to make things difficult for him.
Xie He didn’t refuse though. He knew that he wasn’t welcome here. Pleading was of no use. This, he had known for a long time.
He grabbed hold of the broom. Even though his legs were trembling, he slowly began to sweep.
【444：Host dada, when on earth will you finish sweeping all this, ah? QAQ】
【Xie He：I’m not planning on sweeping.】
【444：They said that they won’t give you food until you finish sweeping. QAQ】
【Xie He：…Baby, when have I ever eaten their food? Smile.JPG】
【444：……】
The author has something to say:
This silly author has two kinds of angels (readers). One type is the trembling, tyrannical President types. The other type is the Emotion Emperors that always manage to guess what plot device is going to be used next. All of you want to see me cry, don’t you?! But I won’t! Turns head away. Hmph!
I’m going to bear it!!! I’m going to throw myself into the embrace of the soft, cute angels…. yingyingying.
Eve: My heart hurts for Yuan Jin/XH’s portrayal of YJ. I feel like the gong abuse this time will be very sweet.
sere: me this entire chapter was wondering about bai qiuchi’s existence and the backstory