Chapter 77#

Urgency: Little Pei in Enzhou (17)#

When Zong Suiyang entered the room, he saw Zong Lu sitting on Pei Xiting’s lap, with Pei Xiting holding Zong Lu’s waist. Their heads were close together, whispering about something, looking especially intimate.

Drawing nearer, Zong Suiyang heard Pei Xiting egging Zong Lu on to add two streaks of blush to the portrait. Zong Lu disagreed, saying it would ruin Fifth Uncle’s dignity, but Pei Xiting argued plausibly, “Your Fifth Uncle’s dignity radiates from within. Even if you add two streaks of blush, or even give him a full makeup set, it won’t affect it at all.”

“Is that so?” Zong Suiyang walked up behind Pei Xiting and looked at his own likeness on the paper—dressed in colorful robes, wearing a garland on his head. He couldn’t imagine how dazzling it would be with two more streaks of blush added.

The subject of their creation appeared like a ghost. Pei Xiting and Zong Lu were too guilty to look up. Zong Lu still held a brush dipped in ink, almost having touched it to Fifth Uncle’s face on the paper. The evidence was irrefutable.

Zong Suiyang saw the two of them, one big and one small, rolling their eyes furtively. He couldn’t help reaching out to pinch the back of Pei Xiting’s neck, though his words were directed at Zong Lu. “You’re so big now, still sitting on someone else’s lap?”

Hearing this, Zong Lu immediately tried to get down, but Pei Xiting held him fast and said, “So what if he’s big? He’s still a generation younger than me. What’s wrong with a child sitting on my lap?”

Seeing that Pei Xiting didn’t find Zong Lu heavy, Zong Suiyang said, “Between teacher and student, this is improper.”

“Look at this old stick-in-the-mud.” Pei Xiting whispered in Zong Lu’s ear, then said to Zong Suiyang, “He’ll naturally stop when he grows up, but the child is still young.”

Zong Suiyang, seeing that reasoning didn’t work, tried another approach. “I told you to rest early. What are you lingering here for?”

Pei Xiting retorted, “What do you mean ’lingering’? You weren’t here just now. I was fulfilling my duties as the painting teacher, and I wasn’t disturbing you.”

“Now that I’m here,” Zong Suiyang dismissed him, “you can leave.”

Pei Xiting looked up at Zong Suiyang and said, “Don’t try to fool me. Aren’t you going out tonight?”

Zong Suiyang didn’t deny it. He pinched the back of Pei Xiting’s neck and withdrew his hand. “I do have to go out.”

“Where are you going?” Pei Xiting asked. “Can I come?”

“The Hundred Beauties Quarter,” Zong Suiyang said.

This was indeed a place inconvenient for Pei Xiting. He pouted and said, “Why are you going to the Hundred Beauties Quarter again? Don’t tell me you went once, found it fun, and got enchanted by it?”

Zong Lu kept his eyes down, nose in line, and said nothing. Hearing this, Zong Suiyang glanced at Pei Xiting and said, “Weren’t you speculating that that Lord Immortal Huo has unusual feelings for me? I’m going to probe him.”

“How will you probe him?” Pei Xiting said. “With a honey trap?”

“The eyes are the window to the heart.” Zong Suiyang reached out and pinched Pei Xiting’s cheek. “You’re always letting your imagination run wild.”

Pei Xiting huffed and said, “Then you have to come back tonight. If you stay overnight at a pleasure house, you won’t be able to explain yourself.”

He looked down at the silent Zong Lu. “Isn’t that right?”

Zong Lu glanced up at Fifth Uncle, then at Secretary Pei. Weighing the situation, he judged that taking Secretary Pei’s side would please Fifth Uncle more, so he nodded in agreement.

Zong Suiyang shook his head without speaking. He neither agreed nor refused, only leaving behind a “Stay put” before turning and leaving the room.

Pei Xiting turned his head and watched Zong Suiyang leave the room together with Zong Lu. Then he withdrew his gaze and continued to freely create artwork on Zong Suiyang’s portrait with Zong Lu.

In the dead of night, You Zong and his group appeared outside the estate.

You Zong looked at the location and said, “This place is sandwiched between the Hundred Beauties Quarter and the Li residence, making travel convenient.”

A member of the Cage Crane Guard approached the wall and reported softly, “There are twelve people on the outer perimeter and eight on the inner.”

“We must try to eliminate them all simultaneously, or else we’ll make noise, and we don’t know what mechanisms are inside,” You Zong said.

He took the map and pointed at it. “The outer twelve: four guarding the gate, the other eight patrolling in pairs. I’ll take care of the four at the gate with one person. Send someone to handle the remaining eight.”

The Cage Crane Guard nodded, turned to assign personnel. Both sides struck at the same time, swiftly eliminating the outer guards and slipped into the inner courtyard.

Meanwhile, Zong Suiyang reappeared at the Hundred Beauties Quarter and chose a private room on the second floor directly opposite the stage to listen to music.

“Why is the Crown Prince here again?” Xianyin stood behind Lord Immortal Huo, frowning. “There’s no news from Li Da. I’ve had a bad feeling about this, like something is about to happen.”

Lord Immortal Huo looked at the latticed window on the second floor and said, “No trouble at the Li residence or the courtyard?”

“The Li residence is quiet, and the bells in the courtyard haven’t rung,” Xianyin speculated. “Could something have been exposed on Pei Xiting’s side? Although he hates the Crown Prince to the bone, the Crown Prince’s methods—even an iron-willed man can’t withstand them, let alone a pampered official’s son like Pei Xiting.”

“But the Crown Prince won’t use prison methods on Pei Xiting. As for those bedside methods…” Lord Immortal Huo didn’t finish his sentence, uncertain himself. After all, the Crown Prince was tall and powerfully built, while Pei Xiting had long been tamed and submissive. It was hard to determine whether he could withstand the Crown Prince’s “interrogation.”

“Miss.” At this moment, a waiter approached softly and reported, “The guest upstairs has ordered from the flower list and wants to hear some music.”

Xianyin was about to speak, but Lord Immortal Huo spoke first. “I’ll go.”

“Don’t be impulsive,” Xianyin advised. “The Crown Prince is incredibly perceptive. If you show even the slightest sign of abnormality, he will notice. Besides, your appearance…”

“He doesn’t know me. Even if he has seen me once, His Highness the Crown Prince regards ordinary people as ants on the ground; he won’t remember.” Lord Immortal Huo turned and went back to Xianyin’s room to prepare. When he came out, he removed the veil of the Hundred Beauties Quarter to cover the lower half of his face and headed to the private room on the second floor.

When he entered, Zong Suiyang was reclining on a lounge chair by the window, quietly watching the water-sleeve dance onstage. Yu Shaoyun looked at him and said, “What’s your name?”

Lord Immortal Huo curtsied and said, “The master ordered a piece. This servant, Huo Yue, is here to attend.”

Yu Shaoyun sized up Huo Yue and allowed him to step forward two paces.

Zong Suiyang didn’t spare Huo Yue a glance and said, “What pieces are you good at?”

“Your servant is best at The Ode of White Hair,” Huo Yue said softly.

“Let’s hear it,” Zong Suiyang said coolly. “If it’s good, there will be a reward.”

Huo Yue acknowledged and began to sing softly. His gaze fell on Zong Suiyang, who was sparing with his glance, not looking at him at all. So unapproachable, so otherworldly, with none of the possessiveness he had shown toward Pei Xiting during the day.

Before Pei Xiting, the Crown Prince was not only a prince but also a man, with desires clamoring to be unleashed.

Huo Yue’s eyes deepened. His melody was mournful and plaintive. Zong Suiyang seemed not to notice; his fingertip tapped the armrest in time with the tune, but before his eyes appeared Pei Xiting’s plaintive gaze—when true, it pierced the heart; when false, it also stung. What kind of being was this, so tormenting?

When the piece ended, the room fell silent. Huo Yue stood still, composed, saying nothing. Only when a drumbeat resounded from downstairs did Zong Suiyang snap back to reality. “Grief is there in abundance, but resoluteness is lacking.”

Huo Yue smiled and said softly, “The master knows his music. Having heard many celestial melodies and wondrous sounds, your servant’s meager skill must be an embarrassment.”

“How do you know I’ve heard many?” Zong Suiyang said.

“The master’s bearing is extraordinary—surely no ordinary patron. Naturally, your standards would be high,” Huo Yue said.

Zong Suiyang said, “My bodyguard loves listening to music the most. As long as it’s a tune, he’ll praise it. That’s not exactly high standards. Let him tell you how you sang.”

Huo Yue turned to look at Yu Shaoyun. Yu Shaoyun stood with arms crossed beside Zong Suiyang. Hearing this, he gave a light chuckle and said, “I think it sounded pretty good. Though it can’t compare to a master’s performance, every piece has its own flavor.”

Huo Yue gratefully curtsied to Yu Shaoyun.

Zong Suiyang said, “I’m glad you liked it. What other pieces do you know?”

“The Song of the Yue Boatman,” Huo Yue said softly, looking at Zong Suiyang.

“No need to sing that one,” Zong Suiyang said.

Yu Shaoyun teased, “You’ve heard the best version already, haven’t you?”

Zong Suiyang had sung it for Pei Xiting himself, and Pei Xiting said it was beautiful, his eyes sparkling like stars. It wasn’t flattery; he genuinely thought it was good.

Pei Xiting also loved to sing, though he only did so occasionally, sometimes making up his own lyrics on the spot. They were casual, but he had a wonderful voice—not as clear as usual when he sang, but lower and huskier, like osmanthus wine, with a subtle sweetness.

Zong Suiyang felt this piece was special. It was fine to hear it by chance, but he didn’t want to order others to sing it on purpose.

Suddenly, a bell in the room chimed once. Huo Yue’s expression changed slightly, but he controlled his features and remained standing, awaiting orders.

“Oh, where did that bell come from?” Yu Shaoyun looked up. The bell was cleverly threaded above the ceiling, tied with a red string. There was no strong wind, so it couldn’t have been blown; it could only have been pulled.

Although Yu Shaoyun had been bantering with His Highness, he had been paying close attention to Huo Yue’s movements. In that instant, the man’s expression had shifted. This bell sound was definitely not ordinary.

Someone had broken into the courtyard. Huo Yue almost instinctively looked at the Crown Prince. The other man’s eyelids were half-closed, his attention fixed on the dance, seemingly serene. The calmer he appeared, the more unsettling it was.

After a moment, Xianyin knocked and entered, bearing fruits. She curtsied to the Crown Prince and said, “Master, are you satisfied with Huo Yue? If not, one of our fairy flowers is free now and can come serve you. She’s the best singer here.”

This was an attempt to swap him out. Yu Shaoyun said, “No need. Keep him.”

Xianyin’s heart sank. She glanced at Yu Shaoyun, then at the Crown Prince, who had not disguised himself today. She feigned surprise but refrained from being nosy, curtsied slightly, and said, “Yes. If the master has any other orders, feel free to call for service.”

She withdrew and turned, brushing past Huo Yue, her expression grim.

The bell was a signal for rapid communication between two locations. You Zong’s group had accidentally triggered a trap, and the bell had sounded the alarm. Zong Suiyang rubbed the thumb ring on his finger. It was green jadeite; Pei Xiting had seen it while shopping, liked it, and bought it to put on his hand.

Zong Suiyang had found the carved pattern too elaborate, but Pei Xiting’s furrowed brows and scrunched nose were so lively and pretty that he had come to accept the ring.

Zong Suiyang lifted his eyes and said, “What’s the best liquor you have here?”

“Lanling wine is famous far and wide. As for local fruit wines, there is Shengchun, made from the Shengchun flower,” Huo Yue said. “If the master wants to buy liquor, I know a few good places.”

“My younger brother at home likes to drink. I’ll bring a few jugs back for him to try when I leave,” Zong Suiyang said.

What younger brother did Zong Suiyang have? Judging by their wording last time, this “younger brother” was most likely Pei Xiting. Huo Yue lowered his eyes and said, “The master thinks of his younger brother even while away. Truly a kind elder brother’s heart.”

Zong Suiyang said, “Between brothers, this is as it should be.”

Huo Yue smiled and said nothing for a moment. If brothers were harmonious, remembering each other was indeed appropriate. But the Crown Prince and Pei Xiting were not brothers. The Crown Prince had come personally to Enzhou to fetch Pei Xiting back, and he remembered what Pei Xiting liked to drink. Was this truly how one treated a sex slave?

Had the Crown Prince developed feelings for Pei Xiting? Huo Yue wasn’t sure, but such a development would be even better. The lofty Crown Prince would also have to taste the bitterness of loving someone unattainable. He understood this rationale, but when he truly mulled it over in his heart, it left a distinctly unpleasant taste.

Why should Pei Xiting deserve this?

The bell chimed again, even more urgently, as if it might break. But with You Zong’s abilities, he wouldn’t fall into the same trap twice. Zong Suiyang knew the deed was done. He tilted his head slightly to look at Huo Yue and met a pair of eyes brimming with emotion—too shallow, unable to hide.

Zong Suiyang said, “What are you looking at?”

Huo Yue clenched his hand in his sleeve, lowered his eyes to evade, and said, “The master is exceedingly handsome. Your servant was momentarily presumptuous.”

Zong Suiyang neither accepted the compliment nor the apology. Instead, he said, “Speaking of appearances, your features seem familiar to me.”

Huo Yue’s heart leaped. He said, “In the vast sea of people, similar faces are not uncommon. After all, your servant is nothing like the master, whom one could not find in ten thousand miles.”

“They just look somewhat familiar, as if I’ve seen them somewhere.” Zong Suiyang withdrew his gaze and said flatly, “Change to another song and continue.”

Huo Yue acknowledged and switched to Song of the Western Isle. Zong Suiyang’s expression was indifferent, sparing no direct glance, truly treating him as a plaything for amusement.

Huo Yue’s eyes darkened, a shadow of gloom flickering through them.

“Why hasn’t your Fifth Uncle come back yet?” Pei Xiting sighed. His eyelid twitched. He reached up and touched it, frowning slightly.

“Secretary Pei, this is the third time you’ve asked that question,” Zong Lu sighed in return. “If you didn’t want Fifth Uncle to go to the Hundred Beauties Quarter, why didn’t you just say so? I don’t think Secretary Pei is the type to stand on ceremony.”

Pei Xiting snapped back to attention and said, “He went to probe that Lord Immortal Huo’s identity and help divert attention for Lord You’s team. Why would I stop him? Besides, your Fifth Uncle isn’t the type to get hungry at any time.”

Zong Lu said, “Then why is Secretary Pei so distracted?”

“I’m thinking about that Lord Immortal Huo. From what I heard, he’s quite young, with a slender build,” Pei Xiting said. “He’s especially concerned about the relationship between your Fifth Uncle and me. Besides being incredulous, there’s also a hint of jealousy and resentment.”

At this, Zong Lu said in surprise, “Does he admire Secretary Pei?”

“Other way around,” Pei Xiting said.

“Then I’m even more confused,” Zong Lu said, puzzled. “They defy the imperial court and deeply hate Fifth Uncle. Why would he harbor such feelings for Fifth Uncle?”

Pei Xiting speculated, “Maybe they knew each other before, or it’s a one-sided acquaintance on Huo’s part, and the hatred only developed later.”

“Fifth Uncle traveled extensively in the past and met countless people. This one is hard to guess,” Zong Lu said. “But it doesn’t matter. Fifth Uncle has no one else in his eyes—only Secretary Pei.”

That was a sweet thing to say. Pei Xiting smiled and touched Zong Lu’s little face. “In terms of sweet talk, your Fifth Uncle should learn from you.”

“I’m not sweet-talking. I’m telling the truth,” Zong Lu said seriously.

“Yes, yes, but the truth sounds so nice.” Pei Xiting feigned a helpless sigh, then said, “Let’s continue painting. We’ll give this painting to your Fifth Uncle as a birthday gift.”

Zong Lu hesitated as he looked at the flower-crowned, rouged version of Fifth Uncle. “Will Fifth Uncle be happy?”

“He didn’t tear up the painting just now, so it shows he can accept it,” Pei Xiting said shamelessly. “This is our masterpiece. If he doesn’t like it, he has no taste.”

Zong Lu figured that, in any case, Secretary Pei would be the one to discuss it with Fifth Uncle, so he said, “All right.”

“Lord You is back,” Yuan Fang announced from the doorway a moment later. Pei Xiting quickly signed the painting, put down his brush, and went out with Zong Lu.

Members of the Cage Crane Guard brought up several children, including three who were unconscious. Soon after, Su Chongyan hurried into the room, followed by a member of the Cage Crane Guard carrying a medical kit.

Pei Xiting walked over to You Zong and said, “Were any of our brothers injured?”

“One brother took an arrow to the back. It was treated on the way back. Nothing serious,” You Zong said, looking behind Pei Xiting. “Is His Highness back yet?”

Pei Xiting shook his head. Seeing You Zong’s expression darken, and him about to turn quickly, Pei Xiting followed and said, “Did something happen?”

“We accidentally triggered a bell wire in the courtyard. I suspect it’s used for communication. I’m not sure if His Highness is safe at the Hundred Beauties Quarter,” You Zong said. He was about to head to the Hundred Beauties Quarter immediately. Pei Xiting, worried, wanted to go too. As they went downstairs, he said to Zong Lu, “Go back and watch over the children. You’re around their age; you’ll reassure them more than the Cage Crane Guards would.”

Zong Lu had originally wanted to go as well, but upon hearing this, he nodded in agreement. “Secretary Pei, be careful.”

Pei Xiting smiled and said, “Why are you telling only me to be careful?”

“Because Secretary Pei is the only one who doesn’t know martial arts,” Zong Lu sighed. “You can’t even beat me.”

Pei Xiting smiled. “Alright then.”

They hurried to the back door. Just as they stepped out, a plainclothes bodyguard rushed over and said, “His Highness is in trouble!”

Pei Xiting and You Zong’s faces changed.

You Zong said, “What happened?”

“His Highness was trapped—drugged,” the bodyguard said rapidly. “Something called Union Fragrance, and a heavy dose. Commander Yu sent me back to ask Doctor Su for an antidote. If there’s no other way…”

He glanced at Pei Xiting, his meaning clear.

“Xiting, get in the carriage first.” You Zong turned to Yuan Fang behind him. “Go upstairs and ask Chongyan. If there’s an antidote, ride a horse and catch up immediately.”

Yuan Fang acknowledged and dashed upstairs.

You Zong drove the carriage, instructing the bodyguard, “Get in the carriage and explain what happened.”

The bodyguard complied, quickly boarded the carriage, and said, “His Highness was about to leave the Hundred Beauties Quarter when that Huo Yue accompanied him to see him off. Unexpectedly, as they reached the door, Huo Yue, standing at the side, suddenly flicked his sleeve. His movements were light, with no killing intent. Though it didn’t wound His Highness, the water sleeve carried drug smoke—truly impossible to guard against.”

The bodyguard’s expression was grim. He hadn’t expected Huo Yue to hide the drug in his own sleeve, and not even fearing the effect on himself!

You Zong frowned slightly and said, “Is His Highness still at the Hundred Beauties Quarter?”

“Yes. His Highness was affected. Commander Yu rushed to support him, but Xianyin brought people out to cause a stir and block us, giving that Huo Yue a chance to escape,” the bodyguard said. “Apart from a few captured rebels, the Hundred Beauties Quarter has been cleared. Commander Yu is guarding His Highness with his men. He sent only me back to the inn to find Doctor Su and Secretary Pei.”

Pei Xiting said, “Was it His Highness’s order to find me?”

The bodyguard paused and said, “Commander Yu quietly instructed me.”

So it wasn’t Zong Suiyang’s intention. Pei Xiting rubbed the back of his hand and said nothing.

Halfway, Yuan Fang caught up. He quickly climbed aboard and said, “Doctor Su said the Union Fragrance can be countered, but by the time the ingredients are gathered and the medicine prepared, it will be too late—especially with such a heavy dose.”

He glanced at Pei Xiting, understanding why Yu Shaoyun had specifically ordered Pei Xiting to be brought along. Everyone here was Zong Suiyang’s man. In any case, they couldn’t stand by and watch Zong Suiyang come to harm. Although Pei Xiting was infatuated with Zong Suiyang, no one knew if he would willingly serve as the antidote. If he was unwilling, Yuan Fang would have to take Pei Xiting and run immediately.

Pei Xiting said nothing, looking somewhat distracted.

You Zong drove swiftly to the Hundred Beauties Quarter. At the back door, Pei Xiting pushed the carriage door open and got down quickly.

The guests had already been driven out. The courtesans and male entertainers were gathered in the back courtyard, guarded by Zong Rui, who had arrived in haste. The second-floor corridor was guarded by Zong Suiyang’s personal guards. The main hall was silent, the atmosphere heavy.

Pei Xiting went up to the second floor. Yu Shaoyun greeted him and said softly, “His Highness asked for a cold bath. Secretary Pei, will you go in?”

Commander Yu’s expression was ghastly. Pei Xiting, having alighted from the carriage, seemed entirely relaxed. “Since you called me here, isn’t it redundant to ask?”

Yu Shaoyun sighed. “In this situation, there’s no time for second thoughts, but His Highness never intended this. He specifically told me earlier not to disturb Secretary Pei. So I’ll ask again: if Secretary Pei is unwilling, you don’t have to help.”

“If I’m unwilling, what will you do?” Pei Xiting said.

“His Highness has extraordinary willpower,” Yu Shaoyun paused. “If there truly is no other way, we’ll have to find someone clean. We can’t let His Highness’s body be harmed.”

This was the worst-case scenario. Zong Suiyang would surely refuse, and letting an outsider approach under these circumstances would also endanger the Crown Prince’s safety. In that case, Yu Shaoyun would have to stand guard at the bed curtain.

“Find someone clean, my ass,” Pei Xiting said. “He’s mine.”

Upon hearing this, Yu Shaoyun stepped aside. Pei Xiting walked to the door and pushed it open without hesitation.

A chill filled the room. Both windows were wide open. Pei Xiting rounded the screen. Zong Suiyang sat in the bathtub, his hair loose, his face flushed but his lips pale, giving off a strangely desolate and alluring air.

Pei Xiting reached into the bathwater. The cold made him shiver. The water rippled, and Zong Suiyang’s eyes snapped open, a murderous intent bearing down on Pei Xiting.

Pei Xiting froze, standing still. He knew the Crown Prince’s consciousness was far from its usual clarity; otherwise, he wouldn’t have only noticed someone’s approach after Pei Xiting had already dipped his hand into the water.

Zong Suiyang at this moment was undoubtedly vulnerable.

Pei Xiting’s pale fingers traced the edge of the bathtub, drawing closer. Zong Suiyang looked up at him and said hoarsely, “Get out.”

“Doctor Su says it’s too late to prepare the antidote. Either you find someone to cure you, or you become a eunuch,” Pei Xiting said, leaning down until his nose was almost touching Zong Suiyang’s, though not quite.

He asked softly, “If you won’t have me, who do you want?”

Did Zong Suiyang not want Pei Xiting?

No, he did.

But not now—not at a time when his mind was clouded and would soon be completely lost. This was their first time doing such a thing. It wouldn’t be smooth even under normal circumstances, let alone when he was drugged and unable to control himself properly. Zong Suiyang couldn’t fathom how he might treat Pei Xiting.

If something went wrong… Zong Suiyang’s expression was grim. “Xiting, get out.”

“Are you afraid?” Pei Xiting was a demon who could read people. He reached up and cupped Zong Suiyang’s face, his fingertips recoiling at the heat. He raised his head slightly, rubbing against Zong Suiyang’s nose, his voice seductive. “I’m not afraid. Leave it to me.”

Zong Suiyang breathed heavily. At that moment, Pei Xiting pulled out his own hair tie. His hair fell loose, gently veiling Zong Suiyang’s face.