Chapter 78#

Pushing the Boat Xiao Pei Goes to Enzhou (19)#

Pei Xiting knew what Zong Suiyang was worried about.

This man felt that without a proper title or status, they shouldn’t engage in marital rites. The usual hugging and kissing was already a loss of control when emotions ran deep; taking it to the final step would simply be improper. Using him as an antidote wasn’t a natural progression of events—he feared Pei Xiting would mind, would misunderstand and feel humiliated. And with his mind clouded, he couldn’t be sure what chaos he might cause; if he lost control for a moment and hurt him, there would be no regret medicine to take back. It was nothing more than these three concerns.

Actually, Pei Xiting had also been thinking about it on the way over, but not about whether to do it or not—that was non-negotiable, since he truly couldn’t watch someone else touch his beloved. He was only hesitating over how to convince Zong Suiyang, and if this old stick-in-the-mud absolutely refused, then what method should he use to make him submit?

Pei Xiting made his plans inwardly. Zong Suiyang was weak in body and confused in mind right now, with his vigilance and fighting prowess greatly diminished. If he tried to force it, he might actually not be a match for him. But once the man woke up, he’d probably be done for.

But the duck meat was already flying to his mouth, and it wasn’t going to escape anytime soon. If he didn’t eat now, was he even human? Besides, at this moment he should eat, he had to eat—otherwise, there was no way to solve the problem.

So what was he hesitating for?

Pei Xiting decided not to overthink it. Just do it.

Wind blew in from all directions, making the room bitterly cold. Pei Xiting complained and coaxed, “Come out, and we’ll close the windows, alright?”

The ends of his hair brushed against Zong Suiyang’s face. Zong Suiyang tilted his head slightly, and the hair slid from his lips across his cheek—itchy, itching all the way into his heart.

“Xiting, stop messing around. Go out quickly.” Zong Suiyang rubbed against Pei Xiting’s nose, his tone almost gentle, coaxing him too. “Be good.”

“You’re still telling me to go out?” Pei Xiting furrowed his brow, looking at Zong Suiyang with displeasure, wanting to curse him out. But the Crown Prince’s face was flushed with a peach-pink, spring scenery alluring—who could have the heart of iron to say harsh words to such a great beauty?

Pei Xiting clearly didn’t have that kind of backbone. He cupped Zong Suiyang’s face and guided him patiently, “If you make me go out, what will you do? Are you really going to just tough it out? Even if you have incredible willpower and manage to get through it, your body will be pretty much ruined.”

The scent on Pei Xiting was like a charm—faint, but once it entered the nose, it scraped at the bones. Zong Suiyang endured miserably, his expression growing even worse. “I don’t care.”

Pei Xiting didn’t think Zong Suiyang was putting up a brave front or being stubborn. “But I do.”

Zong Suiyang was amused by Pei Xiting’s matter-of-fact tone and asked knowingly, “What do you care about?”

“What do you think I care about?” Pei Xiting gave him a sharp, beautiful look, tempting him, pushing him. “If you can’t even get it up, then I don’t want to kiss you anymore anyway. It’s not like we’re going to make flowers bloom, and in the end it just makes me uncomfortable. At least I’m a perfectly functional young man.”

The insects and ants in his bones were running rampant. Zong Suiyang suppressed them with effort, his head splitting with pain. He raised a hand to press his brow. “So you’re saying that kissing me is just a step toward sleeping together?”

“Not exactly,” Pei Xiting said with restraint. “When dry timber meets a raging fire, it’s only natural for it to burn up.”

Zong Suiyang stared at Pei Xiting, silent for a moment, before saying, “Xiting, you’re not very smart about this. Even if we sleep together, if I don’t want to give you a title, there’s nothing you can do about it.”

“Thank you for thinking of me, but that’s not important.” Pei Xiting laughed at the Crown Prince for not only being old-fashioned but also quite chivalrously virtuous—even at this crucial moment, he was still teaching him not to be taken advantage of. He met Zong Suiyang’s disapproving gaze, or rather, stared him down. After a moment, he suddenly leaned in and gave the rosy lips a quick, light peck—like a dragonfly skimming water. “I like you. I like kissing you. I like doing intimate things with you. Just because I like it. To put it bluntly, first and foremost, it’s to satisfy my own desires. If anyone needs to take responsibility, it should be me taking responsibility for you. But Your Highness holds a high position, and marrying beneath you would be an injustice. So…”

His tone lifted at the end, as if he was holding back some mischievous thought. Zong Suiyang squinted slightly. “So what?”

Pei Xiting had failed to persuade, couldn’t coax him, and suspected Zong Suiyang was deliberately stalling, planning to tough it out on his own.

If this kept up, all hope would be lost. So he simply gave a carefree smile and provoked, “So Your Highness really doesn’t need to take tonight’s matter so seriously. Just think of it as a fleeting romance sent by the heavens. You and I share a spring breeze, we enjoy it and then we’re done. No one loses out, no one has to take responsibility.”

“Absurd.” Zong Suiyang stared at Pei Xiting darkly, somewhat angered.

A person with Pei Xiting’s temperament—calling it carefree was one thing, but what if someone tricked and deceived him one day? What then? That was what Zong Suiyang thought, his heart darkening, yet for a moment he forgot that Pei Xiting was the most meticulous, skilled at reading expressions. He knew very well how people treated him and what intentions they harbored—how could he ever be deceived or taken advantage of?

“I’ve never been proper or restrained. You know that very well, don’t you? I thought you liked me being myself, which is why you kept indulging me.” Pei Xiting reached out and grasped Zong Suiyang’s long, slender neck, challenging him. “Now that the opportunity is right in front of me, I’m determined to be reckless just this once.”

He applied a little pressure with his hand, as if he meant to force it. Zong Suiyang raised his hand to grip his wrist. “Xiting.”

“If you really have the heart, just slap me away. I don’t think I’d be able to hold on after spitting up blood just to take a bite out of you. But if you can’t bear to, then stop putting on a fierce front while actually being weak inside.” Pei Xiting showed no fear. Instead of retreating, he pressed closer, rubbing against Zong Suiyang’s tense jaw, smiling. “I like it when you call my name. Xiting, Wenjuan, or my full name—I even like it when you’re fierce. I’m into that about you.”

Zong Suiyang’s whole body tensed from the rubbing. He gritted his teeth. “You, this…”

“This what? Shameless? Or courting death?” Pei Xiting gazed into Zong Suiyang’s eyes. “You always like to scare me like that, but to this day, you’ve never actually struck me hard. You blame me for being bold and persistent, but you never reflect on whether you’ve repeatedly shown me mercy, repeatedly tempted me.”

He sighed, reached out and pulled off his belt. “Since neither of us is innocent, how can you blame me for taking advantage while you’re vulnerable? Today, I’m going to have you, that’s settled. Your Highness, just be quiet and be the boat that goes with the current.”

The crimson robe fell open, revealing pure white underclothing. The wind blew, and his slender form was faintly visible—like a starving beast suddenly spotting fresh meat. How could it not rush in and bite down fiercely? Zong Suiyang’s eyes burned. He reached out and grasped the edge of the bathtub, veins bulging on the back of his hand, somewhat ferocious.

But Pei Xiting found it beautiful. He had always loved Zong Suiyang’s hands—their shape, their color, the veins and sinews, the temperature, even the calluses. Not a single part failed to match his preferences.

A warm kiss landed on the back of that hand. Zong Suiyang trembled all over, lowering his head to meet Pei Xiting’s affectionate eyes. Then those white teeth parted and gently bit down on a bulging vein, grinding against it. Zong Suiyang gritted his teeth and jerked his hand away, and the kiss fell onto his palm.

“Consider it stamped.” Pei Xiting lifted his upper body, looking at Zong Suiyang with a smiling face. “Although it’s a fleeting romance, if Your Highness is willing to let me take responsibility, you can find me with this stamp later. I absolutely won’t welch.”

Zong Suiyang stared at him fiercely, his chest heaving. He said nothing.

Pei Xiting smiled, then turned and walked leisurely to the window, closing each sash one by one. But he paused at the last window, a thought flashing through his mind.

In the end, he didn’t close that window. He only let down the gauze screen.

The room grew dim. The corridor outside was quiet as a mouse. As Pei Xiting walked toward the bathtub, he could even hear his own heartbeat, thumping again and again, restless and ready to leap out of his chest.

Zong Suiyang leaned against the edge of the tub, watching him with a dark gaze, fire burning in his black eyes. Pei Xiting leaned down and blew on it, and those two flames roared violently, as if they would engulf him, burn him to ashes.

But Pei Xiting did not retreat. His gaze became predatory.

Zong Suiyang tilted his head slightly and threatened, “If you act recklessly, I’ll kill you.”

Pei Xiting’s heart quivered—not from fear, but from excitement. He raised an eyebrow, his expression flippant. He even reached out and patted Zong Suiyang’s cold but flushed face, laughing. “Then show me some real skill.”

The moment the words fell, he grabbed Zong Suiyang’s face and kissed him.

…

The sounds from the room lasted half the night. Every person in the corridor stood straight as a rod, one stiffer than the next, not daring to glance sideways. Even the usually calm Yuan Fang felt somewhat unsettled.

Yu Shaoyun stood before the door like a door god, sighing inwardly, worried about how to explain things when the Crown Prince woke up. They had failed to protect His Highness and deserved punishment without complaint, but the matter of Secretary Pei was difficult to explain.

His Highness had specifically instructed not to disturb Secretary Pei, yet he had been summoned, and it had turned out exactly like this. Judging by the commotion, Secretary Pei must have suffered greatly. When His Highness woke up, he would certainly feel heartache and rage.

“Can’t we really stop it?” Yuan Fang frowned. “Pei Xiting is crying. Won’t stop crying, crying miserably.”

“…” Yu Shaoyun was speechless. “How?”

Yuan Fang said, “By now the drug should have worn off quite a bit, right? Why not just knock him out?”

“You’re a grown adult. Can you think a little before you speak?” Yu Shaoyun couldn’t be bothered to say more and warned, “They’re in the middle of something. Don’t interfere.”

Yuan Fang thought it over. If Pei Xiting really couldn’t handle it, he would call for help directly. Since he hadn’t called, it meant he could still persist. If he barged in and knocked out the Crown Prince, Pei Xiting might not even be happy about it. So he had no choice but to stay put.

The room gradually grew quiet. Pei Xiting had been tossed around and worked over thoroughly, aching from head to toe. Exhausted, he simply lay on top of Zong Suiyang, tilting his head up to stare at the face so close to his.

The drug dissipated, and Zong Suiyang fell into a deep sleep. That magnificent, cold face had been steeped in intense desire and gradually softened, no longer holding any chill, only captivating colors.

Pei Xiting watched until he was mesmerized. He couldn’t help but pucker his lips and give Zong Suiyang’s chin a gentle peck, then hugged him tightly, reluctant to let go.

Zong Suiyang’s heartbeat was no longer feverish; it beat steadily. Pei Xiting listened, counting in his head, one beat after another, wishing he could lock it away so no one else could hear.

He used to think that if he liked someone, he would pay attention; if he wanted something, he would pursue and demand it; if there was fate, they would be together; if he didn’t like it anymore, they would part. Free and spontaneous, coming and going like the wind—that was good for everyone. Zong Suiyang had never liked anyone before, and from now on, he wasn’t allowed to like anyone else. But this thought had somehow burst forth, overbearing and unceasing, stirring until Pei Xiting’s eyes turned red.

“You’re mine.” He rubbed against Zong Suiyang’s face, like a child hoarding candy. “No one else is allowed to touch you. Not even a single sniff.”

As if Zong Suiyang had heard him, his brow furrowed slightly. He turned his head and rubbed against Pei Xiting’s face, almost like a response. Pei Xiting touched his face and whispered, “Consider it agreed.”

After a moment, the sound of a pillow hitting the floor came through the door and window. Yuan Fang looked up. “He’s calling me.”

Yu Shaoyun said nothing, gently pushing open half the door and entering with Yuan Fang.

Only one lamp was burning in the room, dim and filled with a scent that made one blush. The two approached the bed and saw a pile of clothes on the floor, wet mixed with dry, and the dry ones were damp too.

The bed curtains hung down. Yuan Fang walked to the bedside and said softly, “What’s wrong?”

A fair, slender hand lifted the curtain, revealing Pei Xiting’s face—flushed red and thoroughly moistened, more beautiful than usual. Clots of blood clung to his chin, dripping from his bitten lips, a miserable sight.

When Pei Xiting saw Yu Shaoyun, he knew what he was worried about. He pushed the curtain open a little more, revealing Zong Suiyang, fast asleep.

Yu Shaoyun leaned over to take his pulse, and only after a moment did he relax. He put Zong Suiyang’s hand back under the covers and tucked the blanket in. He looked up at Pei Xiting, whose expression was weary. Words rose to his throat, then gurgled back down. He felt that no matter what he said, it wouldn’t be appropriate.

“Let His Highness rest for a while.” When he spoke, his voice was hoarse. Pei Xiting pulled his undergarments together and cleared his throat, then looked at Yuan Fang. “I’m hungry. I want chicken congee.”

Pei Xiting didn’t like congee with a salty taste; he found it harsh on the throat. Yuan Fang’s gaze flickered at the words. He exchanged a subtle look with Pei Xiting, then said, “I’ll go buy some for you.”

Once Pei Xiting nodded, Yuan Fang turned and left.

Yu Shaoyun walked to the door and had someone pour a cup of warm plain water. He returned to the bedside and handed it to Pei Xiting. “Drink some water first to moisten your throat.”

Pei Xiting thanked him, took the cup, and sipped it slowly.

Yu Shaoyun’s gaze fell on Pei Xiting’s neck, where there were several red marks and teeth prints. He didn’t dare look further down, but could guess the situation. “How about letting Dr. Su take a look at you later?”

“Nothing to look at,” Pei Xiting said weakly. “Just give me some ointment to rub on.”

“Then I’ll call over the eunuch. He’s used to taking care of the young imperial grandson, the most meticulous and thorough.” Yu Shaoyun said.

“Don’t. I’m not very familiar with Eunuch Lai. I’d be embarrassed to have him see me naked.” Pei Xiting said. “When Yuan Fang gets back, let him take care of me.”

Yu Shaoyun instinctively thought, How can that be? When His Highness wakes up and finds out, he’ll be furious. But then he reconsidered—if he sent someone else, Pei Xiting wouldn’t agree. After a mental struggle, he could only comply for now.

Pei Xiting slowly finished the water, handed the cup back to Yu Shaoyun, and flopped down to sleep, even pulling Zong Suiyang closer to him.

Yu Shaoyun didn’t say anything more. He let down the bed curtains and turned to leave.

“Go find Dr. Su. Have him prescribe some ointment.” The door wasn’t closed, and Yu Shaoyun quietly instructed the nearest guard.

What kind of ointment? The guard didn’t dare ask for details. He acknowledged the order and hurried off, soon returning with Dr. Su himself.

“The situation over there is mostly handled. I came to check on this side.” Su Chongyan informed Yu Shaoyun, then turned and tiptoed into the room.

He was indifferent to the smell in the room. Walking to the bedside, he lifted the curtain. Pei Xiting looked up. “How are those children?”

“They had some external injuries, all treated. But after being trapped all these days, the fear in their hearts has become an illness that needs a long recovery. The young imperial grandson is currently watching over them at the inn. You’d better worry about yourself.” Su Chongyan spoke as he pulled open the corner of the blanket, taking the pulse of Zong Suiyang and then Pei Xiting. Finally, he said softly, “Although the drug has dissipated, it still passed through the body. I’ll decoct a dose of medicine to feed to His Highness when he wakes up, just to be safe. As for you,”

He took a small medicine jar from his sleeve and handed it to Pei Xiting—for external application. Then he took out a pill and fed it to Pei Xiting. “Hold it in your mouth and let it dissolve on its own. Your forehead is a bit warm.”

The pill was terribly bitter. Pei Xiting’s brows and eyes scrunched up together, wishing he could bury himself in the hollow of Zong Suiyang’s neck.

Su Chongyan smiled at the sight, stood up, let down the bed curtains, and left the room.

Yu Shaoyun quietly asked about the situation. Su Chongyan told him truthfully, “Although I only see patients, Secretary Pei is special. I still dare not look too much. Find someone to apply the medicine for him.”

“Secretary Pei has specifically requested Yuan Fang. We’ll wait until he’s back with the congee.” Yu Shaoyun hesitated. “Hey, is Secretary Pei’s body really alright? If something goes wrong, how do I explain to His Highness?”

“It’s nothing. Just a bit rough. He needs a few days of good rest to regain his strength.” Su Chongyan said. “Just in case, I’ll decoct a fever-reducing medicine for him too.”

Yu Shaoyun didn’t know why he would have a fever and was too embarrassed to ask more. He nodded vaguely and then instructed the person beside him, “Go buy some candy. Secretary Pei hates taking medicine.”

The guard acknowledged and went.

Yuan Fang was soon back with a food box. He placed it on the table, opened it, took out the bowl of congee inside, and brought it to the bedside. Yu Shaoyun glanced at it and asked in confusion, “Why is it milk congee?”

“The nearest restaurant didn’t have chicken congee, so I bought milk congee. I’ll bring it back for him to tide him over.” Yuan Fang said.

“It’s fine, this works too. I just took medicine, so having something sweet to wash it down is good to prevent nausea.” Pei Xiting said.

Yu Shaoyun was about to say they could immediately have someone make a bowl from the kitchen, but upon hearing this, he didn’t say anything more. Since Pei Xiting had just taken medicine, eating less meat was also fine. He said, “Secretary Pei, drink the congee and then rest for a while. You’ll drink another bowl of medicine later.”

Pei Xiting made a face like he wanted to die. Yu Shaoyun didn’t meet his gaze, afraid to hear pleas of “I won’t drink it.” He turned to Yuan Fang. “Help Secretary Pei apply the medicine later. I’ll wait behind the screen.”

Unless absolutely necessary, Commander Yu could not leave His Highness’s side for even a moment. Pei Xiting said to Yuan Fang, “Both of you go wait outside. If I really need help, I’ll call you.”

Yuan Fang nodded. “Drink the congee first.”

Pei Xiting leaned over and finished the congee. Yuan Fang took the bowl and went behind the screen with Yu Shaoyun.

Pei Xiting let down the bed curtains, untied his undergarments, and carefully applied the ointment to his wounds. There were many marks on his body, and the jar was barely enough. The area hurt terribly, a fiery pain.

The Crown Prince slept deeply. As he applied the medicine, Pei Xiting couldn’t help but lower his head and bite Zong Suiyang’s face lightly, venting his anger, then continued listlessly applying the ointment.

Later, Su Chongyan brought a bowl of medicine. He coaxed Pei Xiting into drinking it first. As for His Highness’s bowl, it could wait until he woke up.

Pei Xiting downed the medicine in one gulp and quickly stuffed a piece of candy into his mouth. “When will His Highness wake up?”

Dawn would soon break. Su Chongyan withdrew his hand from taking the pulse. “Soon, one or two hours. At most, not more than three. In short, if you both sleep well, His Highness will wake up.”

Pei Xiting uttered an “Oh” and turned to look at Yuan Fang. “Don’t keep watch over me. Go back and clean up, get some sleep, and come back to look after me when you wake up.”

Their eyes met. Yuan Fang hummed in acknowledgment, said nothing more, turned, and left.

Pei Xiting withdrew his gaze, hurriedly shooed Yu Shaoyun and Su Chongyan out, and flopped down to sleep.

The door closed softly. The guards in the corridor changed shifts silently. Youzong came from the backyard corridor, ascended to the second floor, and said to Yu Shaoyun, “You go rest. I’ll guard His Highness.”

“You go rest. I’m not tired.” Yu Shaoyun glanced at Youzong’s dark circles. “How’s the interrogation?”

“Physical and testimonial evidence are all there. Conviction is no problem. But Xianyin doesn’t know Huo Yue’s hiding place either. I couldn’t hold back and went too hard. The person is dead.” Youzong’s gaze was gloomy.

“Xianyin took orders from Huo Yue. Even if the person hadn’t died, they probably wouldn’t have been able to get Huo Yue’s possible hiding place out of them.” Yu Shaoyun offered some comfort, then said, “Since Secretary Pei has reached a cooperation with Huo Yue, he’ll show up again eventually. For now, the important thing is to wait for His Highness to wake up.”

Youzong nodded but didn’t go rest. Unable to feel at ease, he stood in the corridor and waited. Yu Shaoyun knew Lord You’s temperament and didn’t chase him away. He continued standing before the door like a door god.

The Hundred Beauties Pavilion wasn’t in a quiet area. By daybreak, the noise downstairs was unavoidable—hawkers and vendors, a cacophony of calls.

The Crown Prince had never been one for clearing the streets, and his subordinates wouldn’t presume to arrange such things. Yu Shaoyun instructed a guard, “Go to the restaurant. Watch the kitchen and have them simmer a pot of milk congee. Also prepare some light side dishes for His Highness and Secretary Pei to have when they wake up.”

The guard acknowledged and left. When he returned with the food box, the room was still silent.

Yu Shaoyun was getting anxious. “Nothing’s gone wrong, has it?”

“Maybe they’re just not awake yet,” Youzong said. “After all, they were worn out last night.”

Yes, that was true. Yu Shaoyun immediately calmed down.

After a while, Su Chongyan arrived on schedule. Seeing Yu Shaoyun and Youzong still standing at the door, he said, “It’s about time. I’ll go in and check on His Highness.”

Yu Shaoyun nodded. He stepped forward and pushed open the door, letting Su Chongyan enter quietly by himself to avoid disturbing them. Unexpectedly, Su Chongyan came out very quickly, his expression off.

Yu Shaoyun’s eyelid twitched. A sudden unease rose in his heart. He no longer hesitated and entered the room directly. Youzong followed, hurrying to the bedside to look—under the blanket, there was only the Crown Prince.

Pei Xiting was gone.

Yu Shaoyun looked around, quickly walked to the window, lifted the gauze curtain, and saw that one of the windows behind it was open.