Don't Raise A Black Lotus Flower; Use The Emperor As A Substitute [Transmigration novel] - Chapter 14

Ji Ruxue looked down at that soft, elegant face. His cold fingertips touched the warm skin of the neck, where a faint, pale-blue vein pulsated weakly.

Warm, delicate, and fragile.

He pressed his lips together and tried to tighten his fingers. No, he could not do it.

In truth, he did not need to try. He had known the answer in his heart for a long time, had he not? Ji Ruxue closed his eyes and finally had to admit that at some point, the icy, bone-deep killing intent he had harbored had gradually dissipated.

When exactly did it happen?

Perhaps it was the moment the eunuch carried him out of the ice cellar into the dazzling sunlight; perhaps it was when the eunuch was blowing on his own scalded fingers while serving tangyuan; perhaps it was when the eunuch leaned against the wheelchair and played that jarring melody on a bamboo leaf; perhaps when the eunuch smiled and told him he could attend school; or perhaps when the eunuch stood in front of Ji Ruyuan, desperately trying to protect him.

There were too many moments. Even as clever as Ji Ruxue was, he could not determine when he had lost the will to kill.

He stared blankly at the sleeping man, his thoughts drifting far away.

This man had lost his parents to war and become an orphan at a young age. To survive, he had been forced to castrate himself, enter the Prince of Ningyuan’s mansion, and eventually drift into the Forbidden City. He was immensely talented, yet he was destined to be nothing more than a eunuch.

He must have been filled with resentment. That must be why he acted so wickedly.

With such talent and such a fate, anyone would inevitably become cynical and act against the world. Yet, Ji Ruxue could feel that in recent days, the eunuch had changed. He was trying his best to make amends, and the disgusting intentions he once harbored were gone.

He had said he dreamt of his late father, the itinerant physician, and had repented, wanting to turn over a new leaf. Ji Ruxue had never believed such a far-fetched excuse, yet the man had indeed changed.

Perhaps it was true.

Ji Ruxue looked down at that face with complex emotions. After a long time, he finally relaxed his fingers. For now, let things continue as they are.

Just then, Lin Ruoxuan’s eyelashes fluttered, and he opened his eyes.

Lin Ruoxuan had been awakened by the system. He was in the middle of a dream about a year-end bonus, happily counting a thick stack of banknotes, when a harsh, grating sound interrupted his thoughts: Beep! Beep! Abnormal behavior detected from the antagonist! Dangerous intent to eliminate the user detected!

Lin Ruoxuan froze for a moment, watching his stack of red bills fly away before reluctantly opening his eyes, still groggy. “What is wrong?”

When he saw the situation before him, his mind went blank for a second before he suddenly snapped to full alertness, cold sweat breaking out across his back.

What is this kid doing? He wants to kill me?

Ji Ruxue was looking down at him from a very close distance. Those dark, icy eyes were like two black crystals soaked in frozen water, reflecting Lin Ruoxuan’s pale face. Ji Ruxue’s ten slender fingers were hovering loosely around Lin Ruoxuan’s throat, exerting no pressure.

Lin Ruoxuan said in a trembling voice, “Your Highness, you…”

Seeing that Lin Ruoxuan had suddenly woken up, Ji Ruxue paused for a fleeting second before pressing his lips together and showing a shy smile. “I just woke up and saw that your blanket was not tucked in properly, so I wanted to adjust it for you.”

Lin Ruoxuan repeated blankly, “The blanket was not tucked in properly?”

“Yes, if you do not tuck it in around your neck, you might catch a cold.” Ji Ruxue naturally adjusted the quilt under Lin Ruoxuan’s neck and gave a small yawn. “Superintendent, it is too late. You should sleep. I am so sleepy.”

As he spoke, he laid back down and turned over to sleep. The entire process was smooth, showing no sign of guilt or unnatural behavior.

Lin Ruoxuan: “…”

Damn, what a black lotus of a villain! If it were not for the system’s frantic warning, I would have actually believed you were tucking me in!

Recalling the feeling of those cold, steady fingers, Lin Ruoxuan touched his neck, feeling a lingering, shameful fear.

After worrying for a while, he calmed down. Upon reflection, he had been deep in sleep; from the system’s warning to his eyes opening, a significant amount of time had passed. The boy had kept his fingers on his throat the entire time without exerting a single ounce of pressure.

What did that mean?

Lin Ruoxuan pondered for a moment, vaguely grasping the situation, and the corners of his mouth curled upward.

The system’s voice suddenly returned: Beep! Due to unexpected circumstances, do you wish to reconsider executing the mission to eliminate the young antagonist?

Lin Ruoxuan rubbed his chin and smiled confidently. “Although this little fellow is indeed a black lotus, I was clearly unconscious, and he had the opportunity to strike but did not. This proves my Antagonist Reformation Plan has already achieved some milestone results. How could I give up halfway?”

The system was silent for a moment before saying: Beep! You are truly optimistic.

“Thank you for the compliment.”

Another half-month passed in peace.

During this period, Lin Ruoxuan would push Ji Ruxue to the Shangshu Pavilion every morning. At noon, they would return to the Cold Palace for lunch and sunbathe together. In the afternoon, if there were official duties, he would go to the Eastern Depot; if not, he would stay in the palace to tutor Ji Ruxue. He was truly devoted and diligent.

Though busy, it was a fulfilling life. Things at the Eastern Depot were getting on track; several unjust cases had been overturned, and those who should have been released had been set free. Lin Ruoxuan’s reputation had improved slightly, though it still stank.

As for the Cold Palace, Ji Ruxue was exceptionally intelligent, his studies were progressing smoothly, and his leg was slowly healing. In another month or so, he would likely be able to walk. Their relationship had become increasingly harmonious.

Everything was perfect, except for the daily requirement of listening to Zhong Huaixiu recite the Four Books and Five Classics.

“The way of great learning lies in illuminating one’s bright virtue, in loving the people…”

Lin Ruoxuan fought to keep his eyelids from drooping and could not help but let out a massive yawn. “Hah!”

Zhong Huaixiu had moved from the Doctrine of the Mean to the Great Learning. He was reading straight from the book, tedious and droning. Lin Ruoxuan was in awe of Ji Ruxue for listening so attentively; the kid was even taking notes!

“Only after knowing the goal can one have purpose; only with purpose can one be composed; only with composure can one be tranquil; only with tranquility can one be at ease; only with ease can one deliberate; only after deliberating can one attain…”

How is this any different from a monk chanting scriptures?

As a science major, Lin Ruoxuan found his head throbbing with pain. He could not help but wonder if Zhong Huaixiu was lecturing so tediously on purpose to get back at him for the Zhou Sixun incident. But wait, he had already released Zhou Sixun last night. Did this Master Zhong know yet?

Because there was archery and horsemanship in the afternoon, the morning session was shorter. After only an hour, Zhong Huaixiu announced, “That will be all for today.”

Lin Ruoxuan sighed in relief. Rubbing his sleepy eyes, he said admiringly, “Your Highness, are you truly not even a little bit tired?”

Ji Ruxue did not answer. Lin Ruoxuan looked down and realized that Zhong Huaixiu had walked right up to him. He was frowning at Lin Ruoxuan as if looking at a piece of rotten wood or a pile of dog excrement.

Zhong Huaixiu spoke coldly. “Does the Great Learning, one of the Four Books and Five Classics, not deserve the respect of the Superintendent?”

Lin Ruoxuan sighed and admitted his mistake directly. “Master Zhong, I am wrong. I am truly wrong. It is not that the Great Learning is bad; it is that I am a piece of rotten wood that cannot be carved.”

“At least you know it,” Zhong Huaixiu snorted through his nose. “But that is not what I wanted to talk to you about today.”

Lin Ruoxuan asked cautiously, “Then what is it?”

Zhong Huaixiu stared at him intensely. “You released Zhou Sixun?”

Lin Ruoxuan blinked. “You know?”

“Sixun’s courtyard is right next to mine. How could I not know?” Zhong Huaixiu took a deep breath. “Why?”

Why? Because that poor guy was innocent! He was just a scapegoat because he had served as a military scribe for Xiao Tunan. It was easy enough to let him go.

Though, I suppose that is not exactly Lin Wa’er’s usual style.

Lin Ruoxuan remained silent for a moment before letting out a long, hollow sigh. “Master Zhong, I have come to realize something. Although I am a physically incomplete person, all my past misfortunes are like passing clouds. Instead of wallowing in self-pity, it is better to turn over a new leaf.”

Zhong Huaixiu stared at him as if a flower had suddenly grown out of Lin Ruoxuan’s nose.

Lin Ruoxuan found it amusing but maintained a sincere expression. “If Master Zhong has time, why not come to my humble abode? We could chat, and you could taste my cooking?”

I might as well help the little black lotus win over this future Chief Grand Secretary.

“No.” Zhong Huaixiu refused decisively and turned to leave.

Tsk, such a young man, yet so stubborn and oblivious to social graces. As a Superintendent of the Eastern Depot, I offered him an olive branch, yet he did not know how to take it. I truly wonder how he managed to become the Chief Grand Secretary in the future.

Ji Ruxue watched Zhong Huaixiu’s retreating figure and said softly, “He is quite arrogant to speak to you like that.”

Of course he is arrogant, Lin Ruoxuan thought. He placed first in the imperial examinations, had a smooth official career, and will become the Chief Grand Secretary. Besides being stubborn, he is perfect.

“The literati do not associate with the eunuch faction,” Lin Ruoxuan shrugged indifferently. He then remembered something and whispered, “Your Highness, you must maintain a good relationship with Zhong Huaixiu and Xue Jin.”

Those are your left and right arms, understand?

“Zhong Huaixiu and Xue Jin?” Ji Ruxue was clearly confused, but he nodded anyway. “Yes, I understand.”

There was archery and horsemanship in the afternoon. The two returned to the Cold Palace for a simple lunch and, after resting for a while, arrived at the practice field on the north side of the Forbidden City.