Chapter 47#

A Lesson#

“Teacher.”

Qu Zhuo also found the matter rather unusual and chuckled. “When did that girl ever see Pei Xiting?”

“You’re never home, how would you know your sister’s heart?” Empress Qu shot him a glance. “Zhenzhen saw that Pei kid at the Qixia Banquet, and later admired his paintings. Now she likes both his looks and his talent. A young girl’s heart—it’s impossible to hide.”

Qu Zhen had never been interested in calligraphy and painting. ‘Admire his art,’ his foot—it was more likely she was smitten by his face. Qu Zhuo saw right through it but didn’t expose his sister. “I see. I’ve been remiss as her brother. Pei Xiting isn’t bad. If my sister truly fancies him, I wouldn’t object.”

That said, Qu Zhuo doubted the match would go smoothly. People-reading was second nature to him. With eyes like Pei Xiting’s, there was bound to be something sharp beneath the surface—not someone easily settled.

Empress Qu nodded and was about to suggest letting the two young people meet when the Crown Prince spoke up. “It’s not suitable.”

This block of wood suddenly making a sound startled Empress Qu. She immediately turned to retort. “They’re well-matched in age and appearance. What’s not suitable? Just because you’re content to spend your life alone doesn’t mean your cousin can’t marry a good man!”

The Crown Prince dismissed her accusation. “I never forbade it. I only said they aren’t suited.”

“What grounds do you have for that?” Empress Qu thought for a moment and could only come up with one reason. “Is it because you think the Pei family isn’t noble enough?”

The Crown Prince said nothing, and Empress Qu took his silence as confirmation. “Family status matters, yes, but since Zhenzhen likes him, we can be flexible. Isn’t Pei the Third Son already in the Longhe Department? His future is bright. I’d say he’s more reliable than those idle dandies who live off their ancestors’ merit. Besides, you’ve never let family background dictate your choices—don’t you believe that one’s abilities aren’t determined by birth?”

“That’s not the reason.” The Crown Prince looked at his mother, his voice flat. “You’ve never liked forcing or blaming anyone. Now you want to play matchmaker without even asking Pei Xiting’s opinion?”

“When did I say I was going to force anything?” Empress Qu was momentarily taken aback, then felt deeply wronged. “I’m just discussing it with you! If you both approve, I’ll send someone to ask the Pei boy directly. If he agrees, I’ll grant the marriage. If he doesn’t, I won’t force it—where did I say I was going to decide right now? When did I say that? Which word?”

It seemed she hadn’t, indeed. The Crown Prince: “…”

Empress Qu was now thoroughly incensed. “Were you even listening to me?!”

The Crown Prince said, “I was.”

“You were nothing!” Empress Qu snapped.

Qu Zhuo glanced at the Crown Prince, sensing something odd. The Crown Prince, sharp as ever, gave him a cold look in return.

Qu Zhuo’s heart skipped a beat. He offered a placating smile, then smoothly reached out to pat Empress Qu’s back. “Aunt, His Highness is busy with state affairs. It’s rare for him to let his mind wander. Please don’t be angry.”

“If I got angry at him over every little thing, he’d have killed me long ago. I can’t be bothered.” Empress Qu declared another rift with her son and turned to summon a palace attendant. “Go fetch Pei Xiting.”

Qu Zhuo interjected, “He’s not at the yamen today. You’ll have to send someone to his small courtyard.”

“Why is that?”

“Oh, I stopped by to discuss official business with Minister You before entering the palace. Chief Clerk Lu mentioned that Secretary Pei wasn’t feeling well and took the day off,” Qu Zhuo explained.

Feeling unwell? Yesterday he was full of energy, strolling around with Pei Jintang and Zhao Yi. The Crown Prince’s brow furrowed slightly as he set down his teacup.

“Ah, he’s ill,” Empress Qu said. “Let’s not trouble him then. We can call for him in a few days. It’s not urgent.”

The matter was tabled for now. The Crown Prince didn’t linger. He rose and took his leave with brisk strides, turning a deaf ear to Empress Qu’s not-so-subtle muttering behind his back.

Yu Shaoyun was waiting outside the hall. He followed the Crown Prince out of Fengyi Palace.

Eunuchs from the Eastern Palace stood ready with the palanquin. The Crown Prince waved them off and walked along the palace path instead. On the way, he asked, “Has Yuan Fang shown any signs of unusual behavior lately?”

“No, he’s been diligently playing the role of Secretary Pei’s servant.” The conversation from the hall echoed in Yu Shaoyun’s mind. Seized by sudden insight, he added, “To be cautious, this official will go and question the surveillance personnel again.”

The Crown Prince grunted in acknowledgment.

Later, Yu Shaoyun reported back after getting the information. “Yuan Fang did go out this morning—to the pharmacy for a prescription to clear heat and reduce internal fire. Other than that, everything was normal.”

The Crown Prince closed the document. “A little heat and he takes the day off?”

Yu Shaoyun sensed this wasn’t directed at Pei Xiting in a critical tone, so he answered truthfully. “Yuan Fang did indeed purchase only that single medicinal ingredient.”

The Crown Prince said nothing more. He reached out to stroke Little King, who had been napping beside him, and noticed the creature seemed a bit listless. “It’s been cooped up these past few days. We’ll take it out for a run another day.”

Little King lifted its head, nuzzled the Crown Prince’s hand, then raised a paw to rest gently on his waist, hugging him.

The Crown Prince smiled almost imperceptibly. But soon, another image flashed before his eyes—a figure sprawled on a lounging chair, legs kicking in lazy stretches—and the smile faded.

Three days later, Pei Xiting followed a palace attendant into Fengyi Palace. Apart from the gorgeously robed woman seated on the phoenix divan, the Crown Prince was also present.

This sudden encounter after so many days startled Pei Xiting, but a flicker of joy quickly followed. It might be a bit pathetic to admit, but he wouldn’t berate himself for it. This was his first time nursing a crush—after being gently rejected, how could he be expected to immediately become as calm as still water? There was no need to lock his heart away either. He would let nature take its course. Perhaps one day, the feeling would fade.

Pei Xiting withdrew his gaze and bowed. “This minor official pays respects to Your Highness and Your Imperial Highness.”

Empress Qu studied the young man’s frame—tall and straight, like a green bamboo, truly a pleasing sight. She nodded silently and raised a hand. “No need for formalities. Someone, bring a seat.”

“Thank you, Your Highness. Thank you, Your Imperial Highness.” Pei Xiting inclined his head, lifted the front of his robe, and sat on the rosewood chair placed before him.

The chair was directly in front of the phoenix divan. Empress Qu scrutinized Pei Xiting, becoming more and more absorbed. What a handsome child! Exquisitely crafted, as if carved from jade or dyed with flowers—refined and beautiful. And what’s more, he lacked any trace of effeminacy. He was pure and limpid, indescribable in a single phrase. In two words: attractive!

Empress Qu’s gaze grew fixated. Had the Crown Prince not cleared his throat discreetly, she might have started drooling.

The Crown Prince glanced at his mother. “Serve tea.”

“Ahem!” Empress Qu snapped back to reality, using the cough to hide her embarrassment. She smiled apologetically at Pei Xiting. “Look at me, so caught up in talking that I almost forgot to order tea.”

Empress Qu was being so courteous that Pei Xiting smiled submissively, though he felt uneasy. He couldn’t guess her intentions.

The Crown Prince pushed the teacup toward Pei Xiting. “New Jade Claw. Try it.”

Pei Xiting took a sip. Good tea.

Empress Qu smiled. “I called you here today for a private matter. Let’s just chat casually.”

Pei Xiting nodded.

Empress Qu continued, “You’re eighteen this year, I believe? Has your family arranged any marriage for you yet?”

Marriage? Startled, Pei Xiting’s mind raced. Could it be that the Crown Prince, afraid he might harbor improper thoughts, was planning to arrange a match for him to snuff out those feelings?

He instinctively looked at the Crown Prince, but the Crown Prince was leafing through a book, seemingly paying no attention to their conversation. Pei Xiting withdrew his gaze, his fingers scraping the bottom of the cup.

“Don’t mind the Crown Prince,” Empress Qu said, assuming the intimidating presence of the Crown Prince had frightened the boy. “Relax. Say whatever’s on your mind.”

Snapping back to reality, Pei Xiting replied, “To answer Your Highness, no.”

Empress Qu got straight to the point. “I have a young niece, Zhuo’er’s little sister, Qu Zhen. She has set her sights on you. A few days ago, her mother came to the palace specially to ask me to play matchmaker. That’s why I called you here—to ask your opinion.”

Hearing this, Pei Xiting abandoned his earlier conjecture. If it had been the Crown Prince’s idea, he wouldn’t have pushed his own cousin forward. He didn’t need to hesitate. Setting down his teacup, he rose. “This humble official is unworthy of such regard. My family status is lowly; I dare not presume to climb. The Pei and Qu families are worlds apart. How could I allow Lady Qu to demean herself by marrying beneath her?”

Empress Qu gestured for him to sit. “Family status is important, but it’s not the most important thing—at least not in the Qu family, where we don’t judge solely by status. Zhenzhen has been spoiled at home since childhood. Her parents only want her to be happy every day. They would never arbitrarily arrange a ‘suitable’ match just to marry her off. She has to be willing.”

She looked at Pei Xiting with a smile. “Zhenzhen fancies you because of your talent and appearance. And I can see you’re a good child. Forget about your family background. I’m asking you—are you willing?”

“You flatter me, Your Highness. I am unworthy.” Pei Xiting lowered his eyes. “Lady Qu is a precious jewel of her family. She must be matched with someone who truly loves and respects her. I beg Your Highness to forgive me—I am not that person.”

Empress Qu didn’t give up. “Could you at least meet her? Or spend some time together before deciding?”

“What is decided need not delay Lady Qu further,” Pei Xiting said, his gaze still lowered. “Please forgive me, Your Highness.”

Seeing his resolute refusal, Empress Qu couldn’t help but glance at the Crown Prince. He was engrossed in his book, oblivious to her silent plea for help.

This unfilial son! What use was he here!

Empress Qu shot him a glare inwardly before turning back to Pei Xiting with a resigned laugh. “It’s a matter of mutual consent. There’s no need to ask for forgiveness. Since you’re unwilling, I won’t force the issue.”

Pei Xiting said, “Thank you, Your Highness.”

Empress Qu regarded the boy with some regret. “You’re so decisive and certain. Could it be that you already have someone in your heart?”

The Crown Prince turned a page. The sound was featherlight, but Pei Xiting heard it clearly. After a brief pause, he replied, “No, Your Highness.”

“Then how can you be so sure you wouldn’t like Zhenzhen?” Empress Qu pressed on. “That girl is lively and adorable. She’d win anyone over.”

Pei Xiting thought for a moment. “Because this minor official prefers men.”

The silence in the hall was palpable. Empress Qu’s beautiful eyes widened. “Is… is that so?”

Pei Xiting remained calm, never once feeling that he had dropped a bombshell. “Yes. Therefore, this official and Lady Qu will never share a connection.”

Empress Qu, who had already broadened her horizons considerably, recovered after only a moment’s shock. She even found herself liking Pei Xiting more for his straightforwardness and refusal to exploit the situation.

“Such an honest child.” Empress Qu looked at Pei Xiting, then seemed to have a sudden thought. She turned to the Crown Prince. “Fuchuan, you may leave now.”

The Crown Prince said nothing, lost in thought again. Empress Qu pushed him, and he snapped out of it. “What?”

“You have state affairs to attend to. Go on. I want to keep this young man for a chat.” Empress Qu smiled as she shooed him away.

The Crown Prince had no intention of lingering. “This son takes his leave.”

“Go, go.” Empress Qu shooed him off and gestured for Pei Xiting, who had risen to see the Crown Prince off, to move closer. “Come here, child. Don’t stand on ceremony. I have a question for you, and you must answer me honestly.”

The Crown Prince had already rounded the screen. Pei Xiting withdrew his gaze. “This official will tell all I know.”

“For those who… enjoy the company of men,” Empress Qu said carefully, “are there any distinguishing features? Can one tell at a glance?”

Pei Xiting’s own ‘gaydar’ was probably unreliable—he hadn’t even figured out his own orientation. So he shook his head. “I’m afraid I can’t.”

Empress Qu had been hoping to use Pei Xiting’s experience to identify whether the Crown Prince shared that inclination. She sighed in disappointment. “Ah. The Crown Prince still hasn’t taken a consort, nor does he favor women. When I heard you say that just now, I couldn’t help but let my thoughts wander.”

So she suspected her son was bent. Pei Xiting said, “Don’t worry, Your Highness. His Highness fancies women.”

Empress Qu looked puzzled. “How can you be so sure?”

Because I confessed to your son, and he subtly indicated he likes girls—Pei Xiting certainly couldn’t say that. Instead, he said, “Although His Highness doesn’t pursue women, he doesn’t pursue men either. It’s likely he’s simply too focused on state affairs to spare a thought for romantic matters. It has nothing to do with any particular inclination.”

Empress Qu’s brows furrowed in a tight knot before she let out a resigned sigh. “I don’t necessarily need him to marry and have children. If only he could find a soulmate, I’d be eternally grateful.”

Such an open-minded empress. But His Highness’s heart was like stone. Pei Xiting smiled faintly. “His Highness is born of heavenly nobility, equally versed in letters and martial arts, and unmatched in handsomeness. How could he fail to find a kindred spirit? Rest assured, Your Highness. Your wish will surely come true.”

“Thank you for your kind words!” Empress Qu patted Pei Xiting’s hand with a laugh. “I like you more and more with each passing moment. If you have nothing to do in the future, come often to keep me company. The Crown Prince is a block of wood, and he’s determined to turn Little Yu into a smaller one. I have no one to lift my spirits in this palace.”

She held his hand, complaining and chatting for a while longer before finally having a palace attendant escort him out.

Leaving Fengyi Palace, Pei Xiting followed a path through a garden. He spotted the Crown Prince standing in a triangular pavilion, his hands behind his back. Before him knelt a woman in splendid silk.

The Crown Prince lifted his eyes and looked at him coolly. Pei Xiting paused mid-stride, then turned and approached the pavilion. Stopping at the foot of the steps, he cupped his hands. “Your Highness.”

The attendant behind him bowed. Xiao Lai, standing behind the Crown Prince, glanced at her and said, “No need to see him further. You may return.”

The attendant dared not linger or look up to see who was kneeling in the pavilion. She bowed swiftly and left.

The Crown Prince said nothing, but Pei Xiting understood the great lord’s intention. He stood to the side, waiting. As he waited, he overheard the conversation in the pavilion and couldn’t help but regret taking this path.

The kneeling woman was Noble Consort Chen from the rear palace. She had been carrying on a clandestine affair and had carelessly conceived. Today, she had schemed to enter the emperor’s bedchamber to have the child registered under his name. She hadn’t even made it through the door of Chenle Hall before Xiao Lai, who served the emperor, sensed something amiss. Now, the matter had been reported to the Crown Prince.

Loneliness in the deep palace inevitably led to some unsavory affairs, but when filth was dredged up from the ditch, it couldn’t withstand the sun’s glare.

Pei Xiting knew this woman was doomed. He couldn’t help but suspect that the Crown Prince’s intention to sever his hopes might not involve something as gentle as an arranged marriage, but rather a direct execution to preserve the royal family’s reputation.

At that thought, Pei Xiting glanced at the Crown Prince. Green shadows had appeared in his father’s harem, yet the Crown Prince showed no sign of anger. He had no emotional fluctuation whatsoever, dealing with it as a routine matter.

The Crown Prince demanded the name of her lover. Noble Consort Chen remained silent. From what Pei Xiting could piece together, this wasn’t merely a lonely night’s dalliance, but a true love affair.

Every person entering and leaving the palace was recorded. The stage of her pregnancy could narrow down the possibilities. The Crown Prince directed Xiao Lai, “Draw up a list, summon everyone to the Eastern Palace. Cut open her belly and let the child come out and identify its father itself.”

Pei Xiting’s lashes trembled. He unconsciously looked up at the Crown Prince. The Crown Prince, aware of his gaze, met it. There was no intimidation in those eyes—only the calm surface of still water. But the intent was clear: blood would be spilled.

Noble Consort Chen’s face turned white as ash. She dared to cuckold the emperor, but she feared having her belly split open in front of others. Weeping, she crawled forward to grab the hem of the Crown Prince’s splendid robe. Before she could touch it, Xiao Lai kicked her aside. She tumbled down the steps and collided with Pei Xiting’s leg.

Staggered half a step back, Pei Xiting looked down at the woman’s tear-streaked face. Suddenly, he said, “I hear that Junior Minister Chen’s family is strict in their moral teachings. His children are all proper and well-mannered. If they knew that their daughter had been deceived by a despicable scoundrel into committing a great offense, how heartbroken they would be. I fear a thousand deaths wouldn’t suffice to atone.”

On the surface, his words threatened Noble Consort Chen into revealing her lover to save the Chen family. But the tone was surprisingly gentle—more like a reminder. Moreover, Secretary Pei had a kind heart. He didn’t just characterize the willing adulteress as an unwitting victim; he also put in a good word for the Chen family, trying to distance them from the scandal.

Xiao Lai glanced at Pei Xiting, clearly unaccustomed to seeing someone at His Highness’s side who lacked such discretion.

Noble Consort Chen grabbed Pei Xiting’s robe. He didn’t kick her away, merely looked at her silently. Gradually, through her tears, she understood the implication. She turned and crawled back to the steps, knocking her head on the ground. “It’s Shangguan Ming! It’s him! My father has served as an official for half his life. Even without great achievements, he has been diligent and never remiss. I have betrayed his kindness and upbringing, betrayed the Chen family’s precepts. I beg Your Highness to kill only me, and not implicate my father or the Chen family. I beg Your Highness, I beg…”

Noble Consort Chen wept bitterly, her forehead striking the steps over and over. The Crown Prince remained unmoved. He looked at Pei Xiting twice, a hint of a smile on his lips. “Very good.”

Pei Xiting knew he shouldn’t have interjected. He cupped his hands. “This official knows his fault. I beg Your Highness to punish me.”

“Secretary Pei has a compassionate heart. What fault is that?” The Crown Prince said, “Since you have insights, perhaps you should handle the matter for me. What do you think?”

Any person with a modicum of sense would fall to their knees and beg for mercy, pleading for His Highness to make the decision. Pei Xiting’s palms were slick with sweat. But he met Noble Consort Chen’s face.

Her forehead was a bloody mess, smeared with tears. It was a truly wretched sight, but it couldn’t hide her youthful beauty, like a flower. That flower, at its peak, had been moved to a different pot, its soil loosened. In the end, deprived of sunlight and rain, it withered in a luxurious yet dark corner. Dangling by a thread, it reached out a petal to hook a passing gardener, trembling and foolishly indulging in the only breath of life. And then—snap—it would shatter.

As if stabbed in the eyes, Pei Xiting looked away. He met the Crown Prince’s gaze. There was no anger, no joy that he could discern.

After a moment’s hesitation, Pei Xiting cupped his hands. “This matter should not be made public. This official begs permission to execute Noble Consort Chen on the spot.”

The Crown Prince’s gaze deepened, but a trace of a smile surfaced. Pei Xiting’s heart thumped. That faint smile felt more bone-chilling than outright murderous intent.

The Crown Prince still watched him. “Do as Secretary Pei says.”

Xiao Lai bowed in acknowledgment. The two attendants behind him moved to seize Noble Consort Chen. As her embroidered skirt brushed against Pei Xiting’s robe, he met her eyes. She looked at him with gratitude before she was dragged away.

“Shangguan Ming…” The Crown Prince murmured the name. Xiao Lai immediately responded, “He is the fifth son of Marquis Shangguan. Currently serving in the Right Guard of the Imperial Guard Command. He is off duty today.”

“Then Shangguan Jie, as Deputy Commander of the Left Guard, has no authority over him,” the Crown Prince said. “No need to bring Shangguan Ming to the palace. You go personally. If the matter is as we suspect, we may as well leave some dignity for the Shangguan family.”

He was essentially ordering the marquis to deal with his own son. Pei Xiting’s eyelids twitched. But something pricked at his senses.

Shangguan Ming was dabbling in forbidden romance outside the palace. Why did the Crown Prince bring up Shangguan Jie? It struck him as odd, as if he had missed something, but he couldn’t quite put his finger on it.

Xiao Lai assented softly, bowed, stepped back three paces, turned, and left.

As he passed Pei Xiting, Xiao Lai shot him a quick sideways glance. Pei Xiting caught a sneer in it—directed at him, a man who was asking for trouble.

The Crown Prince looked at the man at the foot of the steps. “Come here.”

Pei Xiting didn’t dare hesitate. He went up and stood at the bottom.

The Crown Prince said, “Come up.”

“…Death by the blade or death by the blade, either way it’s as good as any.” Pei Xiting gritted his teeth and mounted the two steps.

A single step away, the Crown Prince’s immaculate black boot came into view. Pei Xiting’s head dropped lower and lower. Suddenly, his chin was caught between two fingers, tilting his face up.

The Crown Prince stood against the light. Pei Xiting couldn’t make out the expression on his face—only the eyelashes, like white butterflies resting in the sunlight. The two fingers rested lightly on the tip of his chin, yet he felt a weight, forcing his head up.

The Crown Prince studied him for a moment. “Open your mouth.”

Pei Xiting’s phoenix eyes widened slightly. The chin between the fingers tensed, as if he hadn’t understood. Patiently, the Crown Prince pressed his thumb against Pei Xiting’s lower lip, the pressure featherlight. “Open your mouth.”

“…Is Your Highness going to cut out this official’s tongue?” Pei Xiting’s words were cut off as the Crown Prince’s thumb pressed against his tongue. His eyes flew wide. He couldn’t close his mouth, and it felt like he couldn’t even breathe.

“Xiting, I’ve grown used to your private impertinence, but this is the first time I’ve witnessed your reckless and indiscreet words and actions in public.” The Crown Prince’s tone was light, even gentler than usual, like a parent scolding a mischievous child. “Defiling the palace, attempting to blur the imperial bloodline, breaking into Chenle Hall—any one of these is a capital offense. You wanted to grant Noble Consort Chen a quick death, plead for the Chen family. You knew you shouldn’t, and yet you hesitated. You still couldn’t control that tongue of yours. At this rate, I fear you won’t be able to keep my jade pendant.”

Listening to the Crown Prince’s unhurried words, Pei Xiting’s tense mind raced, finally latching onto a key point: Chenle Hall.

Xiao Lai attended the emperor personally, yet he clearly answered to the Crown Prince. He hadn’t just refused Noble Consort Chen entry to Chenle Hall—he refused anyone entry. He was the Crown Prince’s eyes in Chenle Hall. Everyone in Chenle Hall was the Crown Prince’s eyes.

—The Crown Prince had resided in the Eastern Palace for five years. Now, the emperor was a puppet, and the Crown Prince ruled with an iron hand. Pei Xiting recalled this rumor.

Defiling the palace, blurring the imperial bloodline, breaking into Chenle Hall—all capital offenses. But perhaps the Crown Prince didn’t care at all that his father had been cuckolded or that an attempt was being made to quietly add a sibling to the imperial family. What he couldn’t tolerate was Noble Consort Chen’s scheme to enter Chenle Hall.

And her scheme to enter Chenle Hall might not have been just about registering her pregnancy!

When the Crown Prince had mentioned Shangguan Jie earlier, his implication was clear: for the time being, he wasn’t connecting this to Shangguan Jie or the Shangguan family. But Noble Consort Chen’s father, Junior Minister Chen, was a former classmate and old friend of Pei Xiting’s nominal father, Pei Yan.

Pei Xiting’s moment of compassion had unknowingly placed him on the proverbial pyre. He had committed a great folly, violating a major taboo. Whether he could extricate himself was entirely up to the Crown Prince’s discretion.

A brilliant light flared in Pei Xiting’s phoenix eyes. The Crown Prince smiled slightly, with an air of approval. “It seems you’ve figured it out.”

Saliva trickled from the corner of Pei Xiting’s mouth, wetting the Crown Prince’s finger. The Crown Prince didn’t seem to mind, still pressing down on Pei Xiting. Beneath his thumb, the unruly tongue was warm and soft, wanting to beg but unable to, wriggling helplessly against him.

The Crown Prince’s expression remained calm. He watched as Pei Xiting’s face alternated between red and white, his nostrils flaring as if he were about to suffocate. Finally, Pei Xiting reached up and grabbed his sleeve, turning his head away.

The pressure was released. Pei Xiting let out a gasp, then coughed twice in rapid succession. Looking disheveled, he turned his head to the Crown Prince, his eyes full of tears.

He had this peculiarity—sometimes he had an overdeveloped sense of pride. At times like this, if the Crown Prince truly intended to kill him, he knew he couldn’t escape. But he would never beg or make a sound. Yet the Crown Prince had scolded him, taught him in a veiled and ambiguous manner, without real injury. It felt like a parent punishing a child with the whip—bruises and blood, perhaps, but only skin-deep, not reaching the bone.

With this shift in thought, Pei Xiting’s not-so-cost-effective pride no longer needed to hold firm. Meeting the Crown Prince’s deep gaze, he said, “If you wanted to abandon me, why bother to scold me? I made a mistake, and you disciplined me—I accept the punishment. But now you want to abandon me?”

His eyes rimmed red, as if he had suffered a great injustice. His words were firm, as if he held the moral high ground. The Crown Prince was at a loss. But before he could speak, Pei Xiting grabbed his sleeve and put on a pitifully obedient expression.

“I know I was wrong,” Pei Xiting said, pulling out a handkerchief to wipe the Crown Prince’s thumb, looking up at him in supplication. “I’m stupid, and my mouth runs too fast. I said the wrong things, got involved in the wrong business. Please teach me again… Teacher.”

The last two words were said with a tenderness that coaxed out the last shreds of softness from his bones.

The Crown Prince looked at those tear-stained, red-rimmed eyes. His gaze darkened.