Chapter 161 - His Highness Rescues the Beauty~
Translated by Eve
Edited by Serefina
4. His Highness Rescues the Beauty~
Xiao Yan arrived in Bai Qiuchi’s courtyard. As soon as he pushed the gate open, he saw Xie He, who was kneeling on the ground, bound. His thin, pale body was especially eye-catching in the night. Who knew how long he had been kneeling there? He had already fainted. Xiao Yan’s steps halted and he turned his sharp, pitch-black eyes towards Qi Qing who stood beside him. He said in a cool tone, “Is this what you wanted Benwang to see?”
Qi Qing lowered his head. He was extremely nervous. He could hear the displeasure in His Highness’ tone. With His Highness’ brilliance, there was no way he couldn’t see what Qi Qing had been thinking. Qi Qing pursed his lips and said, “Shuxia thinks that…if he were to die like this, it may arouse the Crown Prince’s suspicion.”
Xiao Yan’s eyes grew cold and his voice was low, “That’s all?”
Qi Qing was silent for a moment before saying, “Shuxia…does not think he deserves death.”
Xiao Yan stared at Qi Qing for a while. He then slowly said, “Benwang told you to monitor him, not to protect him.”
Qi Qing’s palms were covered in sweat.
He suddenly felt like he was being irreverent. His presumptuous action of tricking His Highness to come here would certainly anger him. He might even vent his anger on Xie He…. But if he didn’t ask His Highness, Xie He’s death would be certain.
Right then, Bai Qiuchi came out draped in a beautiful cape decorated in a cloud design. She had just heard from Shui Rong that His Highness had come and had suffered quite the fright. She was terrified but calmed down quickly. His Highness’ arrival did not necessarily mean that she had been exposed. If she had been exposed, he would not be so quiet.
Bai Qiuchi stood before Xiao Yan and saw Qi Qing standing next to him at once. She thought, it couldn’t be that Qi Qing had tattled on me? She had always known that Qi Qing didn’t like her, but never thought that he would meddle in her business!
“Your Highness, why have you come to my place? Is something the matter?” Bai Qiuchi looked confused as she questioned Xiao Yan. She ignored Xie He who was kneeling on the ground.
Xiao Yan was rather displeased with Qi Qing’s actions and wasn’t going to bother with Xie He. However, when he saw Bai Qiuchi’s act, he knew that if he were to ignore this today, the people of the wangfu would think that he had allowed Bai Qiuchi to kill the innocent. She would only grow more rampant as time went on. Xiao Yan’s eyes grew cold. She was not the master of this wangfu.
Since he had come, compared to indulging this woman, he might as well give Qi Qing some face. After all, the other was his trusted and capable subordinate. He had always relied heavily on Qi Qing.
“What is the meaning of this?” Xiao Yan gave Xie He, who was kneeling on the ground, an indifferent glance.
Bai Qiuchi had already thought of her excuse. Her eyes reddened and she sobbed, “Gege, he ruined the dress you gave me last new year’s while washing it.”
Xiao Yan remembered that dress. It hadn’t been long since he had brought Bai Qiuchi back at the time. He had doted on her heavily because of his gratitude and the sliver of that…indescribable emotion in his heart. He had even asked his consort mother for a tribute to bring back to her.
However, he had very quickly realized that this woman did not move his heart at all. Therefore, he had begun to purposely draw lines between them. Gratitude was just gratitude.
Xiao Yan had grown up in the harem. He knew very well of the filthy methods women employed. He didn’t completely trust Bai Qiuchi. However, he had no intention of upholding justice for Xie He. Honestly, he didn’t care about either of them. Xiao Yan looked at her. “Even so, you should have handed him over to the wangfu to deal with.”
Bai Qiuchi returned Xiao Yan’s gaze with teary eyes, looking extremely helpless. “I-I was too upset and angry at the time. I just made him kneel for a while. I didn’t scold him harshly. I was going to hand him over tomorrow…I know I didn’t handle this well….”
When Xiao Yan heard this, he chuckled. He gave Bai Qiuchi a smile that wasn’t quite a smile. “No problem. It’s nothing major. If you lack servants, I will send a few over tomorrow. As for Yuan Jin, he is Benwang’s. Do you understand?”
The blood drained from Bai Qiuchi’s face. “He…he’s just a courtesan. What right does he have to be Gege’s…”
Xiao Yan said, “You should know why.”
This moment, Bai Qiuchi was fuming. Her chest heaved and her blood boiled. She obviously knew why…. She had shamelessly tried to seduce Xiao Yan but Xiao Yan didn’t want her. Instead, he wanted this filthy, base courtesan!
Xiao Yan couldn’t be bothered with continuing this chat with Bai Qiuchi. He walked over to Xie He, undid his binds, and caught him before he fell to the ground. The youth’s body was as light as a feather and his face was a frightening shade of white. After enduring the wind and rain, his beautiful appearance now looked utterly pitiful. He was like a trampled flower.
Although Xiao Yan had desired Xie He once, it was merely to alleviate his lust. After that, he didn’t think of the other at all. But looking at him now…he was indeed a beauty capable of arousing one’s tenderness. It would be a pity if he were to die like this.
Bai Qiuchi didn’t dare stop him. She watched helplessly as Xiao Yan carried Xie He and left before her eyes. She stood there in place, not moving for a long time.
Shui Rong stood to the side cautiously. She whispered, “Young Miss?”
Bai Qiuchi slapped Shui Rong without any warning! Her sharp nails left streaks of blood on Shui Rong’s face. Bai Qiuchi’s eyes were full of rage!
Shui Rong’s face burned but she didn’t dare to show her discontent. She immediately knelt down. “Young Miss, please don’t be angry.”
Bai Qiuchi didn’t even look at her. She turned around and returned to her room, gnashing her teeth. Xiao Yan actually saved Xie He! Aside from anger, there was also fear in Bai Qiuchi’s eyes. Everything was slowly heading towards the worst case scenario…. It wasn’t that she hadn’t thought of risking it and killing Xie He outright. It was just that Xiao Yan already didn’t like her. She would no doubt pique Xiao Yan’s suspicion if she did that. If she was investigated by Xiao Yan, everything would be over. That was why she wanted to find an excuse to torment Xie He to death.
The look in Bai Qiuchi’s eyes was cold. Although Xie He hadn’t died yet, after kneeling for a day and getting soaked by the rain, he might not make it. It would be best if he were to die!
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Xiao Yan carried Xie He back to Tingfeng Court. He carelessly threw the other onto the bed and told Qi Qing, “Call for a doctor to examine him. Let fate decide his life or death.”
When Qi Qing heard this, he sighed in relief. He knelt and said to Xiao Yan, “Many thanks to Your Highness.”
Xiao Yan regarded him. There wasn’t even a hint of a smile in his eyes. He slowly said, “From now on, do not meddle in his business.”
Qi Qing’s eyes dimmed but he still said, “Yes.”
Xiao Yan didn’t say anything more. He left without giving Xie He another look.
Qi Qing watched Xiao Yan leave and then turned back to inspect Xie He. His heart hurt for the other. It had only been a day since they had seen each other but Xie He had been tortured into such a state. How could he live without anyone’s protection…? Qi Qing paused and then whispered, “Nothing will happen to you. Wait until His Highness’ anger has subsided. I will find a way to take you away. From then on, no one will bully you.”
【Ding, Qi Qing’s Favourability Value +10. The current Favourability Value is 70.】
Xie He ran a high fever that day. When the doctor examined him, he shook his head. The doctor prescribed some medicine and left.
The subordinates would boil medicine for Xie He, pour it down his throat, and then be done with him. With a fever that high, it was likely he would not make it. It wasn’t alarming for a servant to die in this day and age. His Highness obviously didn’t care whether he lived. Otherwise, he would have asked about him.
Qi Qing paid close attention to Xie He’s condition the whole time. He felt very anxious but he didn’t dare take too much care of the other. He could only ensure that someone would feed Xie He his medicine and meals on time. In the end, whether he survived or not all depended on Xie He himself.
However, Xie He’s fever did not subside. Three days later, even Qi Qing almost gave up.
Bai Qiuchi was secretly very happy. Every night, she prayed that Xie He would die of sickness.
【444：Host dada, your body can’t hold on for much longer. 】
【Xie He：It’s about time. Give me a potent fever reducer. Smile.JPG】
【444：(⊙v⊙) Mn!】
Xie He used the fever reducer from the System store and got better very quickly. A high fever and cold that seemed extremely fierce and horrifying in the olden days was easily cured by a single pill from the System Store. It was very difficult for Xie He, who had a cheat like the System, to die unless he wanted to.
When Xie He woke up, one of the wangfu servants was about to feed him. Seeing that he had woken up, the servant was shocked!
Xie He seemed perplexed. After some time, he asked in a soft, raspy voice, “What happened to Nu?”
That servant said, “You had a fever. It’s good that you’re awake.”
Xie He recalled that he had ruined Bai Qiuchi’s clothes. Before he had fainted, he had been punished with kneeling in Bai Qiuchi’s courtyard. But now, he was back in his own courtyard. With a bit of fear, he asked, “How did…Nu come back here…?”
The servant smiled and gave Xie He a meaningful look. “It was His Highness that brought you back.”
Xie He was in disbelief. He hesitated. “It was…His Highness that saved Nu…?”
The servant nodded. “Yes. Therefore, you should relax and recover at ease.”
As he said this, the servant looked at Xie He with some envy in his eyes. At that time, news that His Highness had taken Xie He away had circulated around. His Highness had personally admitted that Xie He was his. Although they didn’t necessarily like Xie He very much, since he was able to survive, no one would treat him poorly from now on.
Xie He’s beautiful eyes glistened. He was very grateful.
His Highness actually thought of him?
Xie He wanted to get up but his body was too weak. The servant pressed him down at once and said, “I told you, don’t be in such a hurry. If you have something to do, wait until you’ve recovered.”
Xie He thought it over. His sick body wouldn’t be able to endure it. Asking for an audience with His Highness would indeed be inappropriate. Therefore, he obediently laid back down.
Ever since Xie He woke up, no one mentioned the clothing incident again. No one made him work either. Since he was His Highness’, no one but His Highness would dare ask him to do anything…. Xie He’s meals were delivered on time. Although it was not luxurious, it was still considered refined. It was on par with the higher ranking servants.
Xiao Yan had only made a casual, passing statement yet had been able to cause enormous change to Xie He’s life.
The servants no longer derided Xie He to his face. This courtesan was indeed stunning. Since His Highness had wanted him once, a second time was likely. Moreover, His Highness had acknowledged him. Perhaps this vixen would reach heaven in a single bound. Right now, it wasn’t a good time to hit him when he was down.
When Qi Qing heard that Xie He had woken up, he finally relaxed. It was just that he didn’t dare to go see the other. He was afraid of incurring Xiao Yan’s displeasure.
Bai Qiuchi once again broke the items in her room in a fit of anger! After Xiao Yan had left that day, the wangfu steward had sent her four new servants. It looked like Xiao Yan was doting on her on the surface, but she knew that he was actually warning her!
Xie He had rested for a few days and his body had more or less recovered.
【Xie He：It’s time for me to thank our XiaoXiao for saving me. Smile.JPG】
【444：Host dada, it was Qi Qing who begged Xiao Yan. Xiao Yan only reluctantly saved you. Shouldn’t your gratitude go to Qi Qing? @[email protected]】
【Xie He：But Baby, I don’t know that. 🙂 】
【444：……】
【Xie He：Young Miss Bai isn’t courageous enough. She still hasn’t been pushed into a corner, so she doesn’t dare to kill me outright as it would arouse Xiao Yan’s suspicion. She can only use these tactics in an attempt to rid herself of me under the guise of jealousy. If it was the original Yuan Jin, if he didn’t die from kneeling, he would probably have died from illness…. Well, Xiao Qing would obviously find a way to save me. Furthermore, my hinting seems not to have been in vain. In order to keep my name clean, Xiao Qing chose to ask XiaoXiao to come save me. Therefore, I can now use this chance to go thank XiaoXiao. Hehe. 】
【444：……】So what you’re saying is that this was all going according to your plans? _(:зゝ∠)_
【Xie He：We have to thank our ‘helper gong’ young miss for this. If it wasn’t because she’s been diligently causing trouble and seeking death, it would be a bit difficult for me to find an excuse to approach XiaoXiao. 🙂 】
【444：O(∩_∩)O~】
Xie He dug through his chest and changed into fitting clothes. He then meticulously freshened up and dressed himself. His complexion wasn’t very good, so he thought it over before applying a thin layer of rouge on his cheeks. His beauty was carefully contained and he was charming without appearing vulgar. He was truly a beauty who could make anyone fall for him. Xie He left, very satisfied with himself.
He was currently the person to whom Xiao Yan had personally said to have bestowed favour. Therefore, no one at the wangfu would make things difficult for him.
Xie He arrived at the gate of Xiao Yan’s courtyard and made a respectful bow to the imperial guard. He said, “Nubi is Yuan Jin. Nubi has come to request an audience with His Highness.”
That guard knew of Yuan Jin so he nodded and went in to pass on his request.
Xiao Yan was currently discussing how to take down the Crown Prince with Qi Qing. When he heard the imperial guard’s words, he furrowed his brows slightly. He had already forgotten about Xie He. He had only heard that the other had suffered from a frightful fever. This courtesan had always seemed to know his place…but he now dared to request for an audience. It couldn’t be that he had developed inappropriate thoughts after Xiao Yan had saved him?
Xiao Yan was about to refuse when he saw a flicker of nervousness in Qi Qing’s eyes. Immediately, he became displeased.
Qi Qing had always been his most capable subordinate. He was reliable, but was now lying to him and hiding things from him for the sake of a mere courtesan. He was even nervous for the courtesan right now…. Xiao Yan felt like he had underestimated the courtesan. His eyes grew icy. “Let him in.”
Xie He waited outside nervously. When he obtained permission to enter, he stepped in cautiously. He saw Xiao Yan inside right away, as well as Qi Qing, who sat next to him. He was shocked. He didn’t think that Qi Qing’s status was high enough to let him sit with His Highness. However, Xie He didn’t dare stare. He promptly retracted his gaze and bowed to Xiao Yan deferentially. He spoke in a soft voice, “Nu thanks His Highness deeply for saving Nu’s life.”
Xiao Yan said in a cold voice, “Raise your head.”
Xie He thus looked up. His lovely eyes were glistening as he looked at Xiao Yan with a grateful but fearful expression. This was an esteemed prince….
Xiao Yan narrowed his eyes slightly, taking in the youth who was kneeling on the ground before him. Indeed, he was gorgeous. You could see that he had just recovered from illness. His body was frail but he was very good at dressing up. He didn’t look vulgar or tacky like those women. He only highlighted his good points a bit, further showing off his delicate beauty. Who knew how many skills he had learned in order to seduce men?
It seems like him knowing his place had only been an illusion. If he were given a chance, he would resort to anything to tempt men. In the past, he had seduced Qi Qing, causing Xiao Yan’s subordinate to forget propriety. Now, he was trying to seduce Xiao Yan.
Xiao Yan sneered inwardly but didn’t show it on his face. He said, “Come here.”
Xie He hesitated for a second. Xiao Yan only told him to come over. He didn’t allow him to stand up. Thus, he crawled over to Xiao Yan, raising his face to send a fawning smile to the other.
Xiao Yan looked at Xie He’s fawning, sweet smile. It felt like a feather was tickling his heart. He didn’t know why, but he suddenly had the impulse to ruthlessly bully the other. Heh…it looked like the other was just itching for Xiao Yan to bestow favour on him.
Since it’s like this, I’ll do as you wish. Don’t regret it later.
Xiao Yan smiled and told Qi Qing, “You go out for now.”
Qi Qing had been watching the whole time. He saw how Xie He didn’t even send a glance in his direction and was focused on looking at Xiao Yan with flattering eyes. There was dependence and worship in his eyes. Qi Qing felt his chest become stuffy…. In Xie He’s eyes, Xiao Yan was the man that could give him a stable life. Qi Qing was nothing.
He did not dare to go against Xiao Yan. Although he was worried for Xie He, he still left, shutting the door behind him.
Xiao Yan pinched Xie He’s chin and chuckled in a low voice that was drenched in suggestion. “You’ve come to thank Benwang?”
Xie He’s voice trembled from nervousness. He said, “Y-yes….”
He was a person of such lowly status but His Highness had still been willing to save him and give him a bit of mercy. He did not have any unreasonable hopes. Just this was enough to make him so grateful….
Xiao Yan rubbed Xie He’s skin with his thumb. The other’s skin was smooth and soft. He couldn’t help but think of that night, this courtesan’s body…. Every inch of his body was just as beautiful and exquisite. It made him want to chew him up and swallow him down.
He was truly a breathtaking beauty. Unfortunately, he was a fickle, base character that would do anything to crawl into his bed.
He shouldn’t have seduced his subordinate.
Xiao Yan glanced down at Xie He, the corners of his lips rising. “Then pleasure Benwang well.”
Xie He’s eyes lit up. Xiao Yan was finally willing to let him please him. As long as he served Xiao Yan well, he wouldn’t have to serve any other men…. This was kindness enough to him.
Xie He looked at Xiao Yan gratefully and respectfully said, “As you command.”
He came from Xunhuan House. He was very familiar with how to please men. Seeing that Xiao Yan did not move, he revealed a faint, charming smile and knelt in front of the other. He lifted the hem of Xiao Yan’s changpao and used his slender fingers to undo Xiao Yan’s clothes. He then dipped his head down.
…………………………
Xiao Yan’s eyes darkened. This was truly an enchanting being. Xiao Yan didn’t move and let Xie He please him with everything he had. A long time later, Xie He lifted his head up. Because he had been choking, his beautiful eyes were glistening. His faintly red cheeks made him even more lovely. He was breathtaking.
Xiao Yan felt his desire rise again. He grabbed Xie He and placed him on the chair in front of him. Xie He knew what Xiao Yan wanted at once and gave him a shallow smile….
Qi Qing didn’t go far. His mind was a mess.
In the beginning, it was quiet. There was only some rustling. After some time, it suddenly got louder…. A charming and gentle voice…followed by Xie He’s suppressed sobs.
This scene was familiar to Qi Qing. He couldn’t help but think of what happened that night at Tingfeng court.
Back then, he had only felt pity. Now, he felt jealous. He had always been worried that Xiao Yan would get angry at his improper conduct, so he hadn’t yet asked him for Xie He. Who would have expected that in such a short time…Xiao Yan would want to do Xie He again.
Was he interested in Xie He? After all, what man wouldn’t like a beautiful, gentle and pitiful person such as this?
Right now, if he were to utter his request, would His Highness become angry and think that Xie He had seduced him? Qi Qing felt pained…. If…His Highness really took a fancy to Xie He and accepted him, Qi Qing could only step back.
Because what Xie He wanted, was His Highness. His Highness could give him safety and dignity. He would never have to serve others sexually again.
How could Qi Qing destroy that?
Qi Qing’s nails dug into the skin of his palm.
……………………………
Xie He felt like he was about to break from the sex. Xiao Yan’s body felt like it was sculpted from iron and his strength was immense. Xie He felt like he was about to be crushed into pieces. He had never felt that pleasing someone could be so hard.
But no matter how hard it was, he had to persevere. This was his master. Whether he was favoured or disgraced, whether he lived or died, all could be decided by one word from this man.
Xiao Yan vented the desire that had accumulated for days on this person without any tenderness. He enjoyed himself to his heart’s content. Although this was just a lowly plaything, he was handy to use and he didn’t have to worry about how he treated him. Moreover, he didn’t come with any of the annoyances women tended to bring.
He also knew that Qi Qing hadn’t gone far. He could dash any thoughts Qi Qing still held. The other should do his work and not think about anything he shouldn’t.
As for Xie He…. Xiao Yan glanced at the person on the ground, corner of his lips curling upwards. He wanted to see what other tricks the other had up his sleeve. It wouldn’t be bad to keep him to play around with.
【Ding, the target Xiao Yan’s Favourability Value +10. The current Favorability Value is 30.】
sere: is cri for MC’s character