After the Pitiful Little One Seduced the Feudal Big Daddy - Chapter 27

On the other side, the Yu Residence.

Located east of the Imperial City, this estate was originally a gift from the late Emperor to his most beloved youngest son, intended for his transition out of the palace. However, the young prince met an untimely end before reaching adulthood, and the mansion remained vacant for years.

It wasn’t until the current Emperor ascended the throne and bestowed the residence upon his maternal uncle, Yu Xiu, that it found its true master. This bestowal was not without controversy; several officials argued that the mansion’s proportions were reserved for princes and that Yu Xiu, though the national uncle, was overstepping his rank. The Emperor dismissed these concerns, and within a month of his coronation, the Yu clan moved in.

Three years later, upon Pei Yanzhi’s return to the capital, the issue was brought before him. With his nod of approval, the matter of the residence was finally settled. It was rumored that upon learning of Pei Yanzhi’s stance, the Emperor smashed several porcelain vases in a rage while Yu Xiu stood by silently.

The Yu Residence was vast, and Yu Xiu delighted in hosting grand banquets for scholars and nobility. Tonight was no exception; the grounds were ablaze with light and the sounds of music. However, this revelry came to a sudden halt when a minor official hurried to Yu Xiu’s side and whispered a few words.

Yu Xiu’s face changed instantly. Though he tried to hide his agitation by taking a drink, his hand began to tremble. Noticing the shift in the atmosphere, the guests fell silent. Realizing he could no longer hide his distress, Yu Xiu excused himself, claiming sudden illness, and hurried to his study.

Yu Chen followed closely behind. In the study, several advisors were waiting. When they saw Yu Xiu, they bowed; however, when they saw Yu Chen, they hesitated—only one bowed fully, while the others gave dismissive nods.

The official revealed the news: “It’s about Yongjia. In February, during the routine audit of the port accounts, a minor official was handed over to the inspector to cover for a discrepancy. But recently, Censor Cui Xuan went to the port himself to re-examine the case. To appease him, the locals were forced to declare the discrepancy was due to shipping losses and release the official.”

The room fell silent. The advisors concluded that Pei Yanzhi must have noticed something and was using this minor case to interfere in Yongjia’s affairs.

Yu Chen gave a disdainful laugh. “I thought it was something serious. You’re all being far too paranoid.”

He stood and faced his father. “My father may not know, but that minor official is the father of a student at the Imperial Academy named Xie Yunqing. And this Xie Yunqing has long since clung to Pei Yanzhi’s brother, Pei Xuan. Clearly, the boy begged Pei Xuan, who then asked the Chancellor, which led to Cui Xuan’s visit.”

Yu Xiu frowned, tapping his fingers on the desk. “No, it wouldn’t be that simple. I know Pei Yanzhi; like his father, he never lets personal feelings dictate state affairs. He wouldn’t send his most trusted man, Cui Xuan, out of the capital just for a brother’s whim.”

He turned to his advisors. “If he has noticed something and is moving against us in Yongjia, what should the Emperor and I do?”

One advisor spoke up: “Chancellor Pei likely knew of our arrangements in Yongjia long ago but is only now choosing to move. Sending the Censor is likely just the first step. It is… a warning.”

Yu Xiu’s face turned grim. “He treats us with such contempt! Does he truly think we are unprepared?!” He stood and ordered his carriage prepared to visit the Emperor, ignoring Yu Chen entirely.

After the advisors left, Yu Chen stood alone in the study, his face dark with resentment.

“Who’s there!” he snapped, noticing a shadow outside. He gave chase and caught a figure in the unlit gallery.

“Ruan Ci!”

Ruan Ci trembled and stopped. Yu Chen gripped his shoulder and forced him to turn around. “Eavesdropping on my father?”

Yu Chen pinched Ruan Ci’s chin, forcing him to look up. “If you don’t speak, I’ll assume you came just to see me.”

“No,” Ruan Ci whispered, his hands clenched.

Yu Chen laughed, his grip tightening until Ruan Ci’s face turned red from lack of oxygen. Only when the youth was about to collapse did Yu Chen pull him into his embrace, his hands roaming shamelessly.

“I don’t care if you eavesdropped,” Yu Chen whispered into his ear. “I only care if you went to see… Xie Yunqing.”

Ruan Ci gasped. “You—”

“Don’t ask how I know,” Yu Chen said, shoving his fingers into Ruan Ci’s mouth as a punishment. “Ask yourself if there is any part of you I don’t know.”

He continued to mock Ruan Ci. “Did you suggest he go to Pei Yanzhi? Are you afraid he’ll end up like you, crawling into my bed?”

Ruan Ci suddenly broke free and doubled over, retching. Yu Chen’s face turned black with rage. He grabbed Ruan Ci by the collar and hissed, “What is the meaning of this?”

Ruan Ci looked at him, laughing and crying at once. “Yes, I am afraid he’ll come to you. But don’t flatter yourself. I only fear he’ll be like me—tortured until he’s better off dead.”

Yu Chen didn’t look angry; he looked as if he were savoring the words. He leaned in and bit Ruan Ci’s earlobe until blood dripped. “Better off dead? And yet, here you are, submissively beneath me. After all… your mother’s life is still in my hands.”

Lately, Pei Xuan had been feeling a mix of relief and frustration. Relief, because Xie Yunqing’s health and spirit had improved significantly. He no longer looked despondent, and his cheeks had regained a healthy color.

Frustration, because since that day, Xie Yunqing had moved out of his dormitory and had become incredibly busy. He no longer studied with Pei Xuan and Cui Ji, and he seemed to disappear the moment lectures ended.

Thinking Xie Yunqing hated him, Pei Xuan complained to Cui Ji until he nearly cried. “If you want to know why, go ask him,” Cui Ji said dismissively.

Pei Xuan cornered Xie Yunqing after a lecture and dragged him to his room. “Xie Yunqing! Why have you been avoiding me lately?”

Xie Yunqing looked dazed, his lips moving like a small rabbit’s. “I… I haven’t been avoiding you…”

Pei Xuan closed his eyes and continued his “interrogation.” “Then what have you been doing?! You don’t even spend time with me and Cui Ji anymore!”

“Could it be… you have a ‘new love’?”