The White Moonlight Turns Out to Be a Black-Hearted Lotus - Chapter 25

In the study, Ji Yuanhui listlessly flipped through the reports sent back from various locations.

After he was dismissed from his post, the other people he had planted in the Ministry of Rites were also removed one after another under various pretexts. Currently, the arrangements for presiding over the imperial examinations had fallen entirely into the hands of the Crown Prince’s faction.

The Emperor had settled on the Chief Examiner early on, appointing the Minister of Rites.

On the surface, the Minister of Rites did not take sides, siding neither with the Crown Prince nor the First Prince. However, after standing tall through so many years of bloody storms in court, one could tell just by thinking with their heels that there must be someone behind him.

Since he wasn’t one of those two men, he could only be the Emperor’s man.

It was unclear whether the Emperor had momentarily forgotten or acted intentionally, but a Vice Examiner had not been selected. Now that the Emperor was away and the Crown Prince remained in the capital to oversee the state, the position of Vice Examiner was naturally filled by a trusted confidant dispatched by the Prince.

Thinking of it this way, the Emperor’s devoted fatherly love was truly pitiable to behold. No wonder the Crown Prince was so overbearing; the Emperor prepared everything he needed in advance.

Once this batch of scholars was promoted by the Crown Prince’s hand, they would all become the Crown Prince’s men upon entering the court, barring any accidents.

As if fearing he might siphon off the Crown Prince’s connections, the Emperor not only stripped him of his official position but also wiped his people in the Ministry of Rites clean.

Ji Yuanhui burned the letter, sat down by the low table, and sneered inwardly.

Truly, the Crown Prince’s “good father” is planning everything out for him.

Ji Yuanhui propped his arm on the tabletop, massaging his brow in thought, when a knock suddenly sounded at the door.

Unhurried and rhythmic, he knew from the tempo that it was Pei Xu.

Ji Yuanhui didn’t raise his eyelids, keeping them closed. “Enter.”

The door creaked open and then shut. The visitor made no sound, removed his shoes, stepped onto the carpet, and moved forward on his knees. He seemed to accidentally trip over something, letting out a startled cry: “Ah…”

Then, he very deliberately fell into Ji Yuanhui’s arms.

Ji Yuanhui finally opened his eyes, supporting the man’s waist, and couldn’t help but chuckle. “What a clumsy tactic.”

Pei Xu lay in his arms, clinging to his shoulders and consciously adjusting his position, burying his face in Ji Yuanhui’s chest with a startled look. “I don’t understand what Your Highness is saying…”

[What does it matter if it’s clumsy? As long as it works, it’s enough.]

“Sigh…” Ji Yuanhui let out a long sigh, finding his expression pitiable and lovely. He smoothed Pei Xu’s hair, tucked a stray lock behind his ear, and kissed his forehead, his arm guarding his back to prevent him from bumping into the corner of the table. “Who told me to be so susceptible to this?”

Pei Xu looked up at him. “Your Highness is in a bad mood.”

Ji Yuanhui looked down, pinching Pei Xu’s right wrist. “It’s nothing.”

Pei Xu blinked and didn’t press further. Instead, following Ji Yuanhui’s gaze, he looked at his own right hand. “It doesn’t matter anymore; as long as I don’t carry heavy objects, it’s fine.”

Ji Yuanhui hummed in response, unable to stop himself from advising him on trivial matters. “You go to duty at the Ministry of Justice on the fifteenth of this month. When you first arrive, those old foxes will inevitably find excuses to make things difficult for you. They always like to use these small tricks to show off their authority and set rules before newcomers. When you encounter such things, pay them no mind; just pretend you didn’t hear. You have someone backing you; they won’t dare do anything real to you.”

“Do you still remember the names on the gift list from that night? Just stay close to our people and let them lead you through the affairs. If you encounter rude harassment, don’t be afraid. Use your tongue if you must, and use your hands if you must.”

Pei Xu hesitated. “Being a newcomer, wouldn’t being too high-profile be bad?”

“What’s bad about it?” Ji Yuanhui released his wrist and crooked his index finger to gently stroke Pei Xu’s chin. “Don’t let yourself be mistreated. If you don’t fight back the first time they bully you, they’ll dare to do it a second and third time. The first time is always a test; you must let them know they’ve kicked a steel plate. Make them feel the pain, and they won’t dare provoke you a second time.”

“Those who can do such things are all bullies who fear the strong. At most, they’ll gossip and slander you behind your back afterward. Don’t worry about anything else; that’s all the capability they have.”

Pei Xu listened intently to his words, looking at him and asking, “Will they say very nasty things?”

Ji Yuanhui smiled. “Nasty words are inevitable. Not everyone is afraid of you crying.”

Seeing that Pei Xu seemed very concerned about this, Ji Yuanhui continued, “If you want them not to dare criticize you, then you must teach them a harsh lesson. Make them tremble just thinking of your name, and then surely no one will dare discuss you.”

Pei Xu said, “But I can’t beat them.”

Ji Yuanhui pinched his cheeks, squeezing his lips upward. “I haven’t plugged your mouth to forbid you from complaining. Can’t you just blow some pillow talk my way? It’s that simple.”

Pei Xu pulled his hand away and laughed. “If I blow pillow talk, will Your Highness stand up for me?”

Ji Yuanhui arched an eyebrow. “I’m such a famous ‘Great Buddha’ with a reputation—are you going to leave me at home to gather dust instead of bringing me out to use?”

Though it wasn’t exactly a good reputation.

Pei Xu’s eyes curved into crescents. “Your Highness has the style of a faint-hearted tyrant.”

“How did you end up scolding yourself, too? If I am a tyrant, what are you?” Ji Yuanhui also laughed, pulling Pei Xu’s hand and biting his wrist. “In any case, if I am a tyrant, you are the ‘bewitching consort’; if I am a mediocre ruler, you are the ‘treacherous official.’ We shall enter the history books together, leaving behind an ill name together. Your name will always remain by my side; no matter what, you won’t escape.”

[That would truly be an honor…]

Pei Xu looked away, speaking the principles taught in the books of sages: “Then I shall try my best not to blow pillow talk, and think more about how to fulfill the duty of a subject—promoting the virtuous, exhausting my words, and guiding the lord to the righteous path.”

“Blow it when you should; who cares what they say.” Ji Yuanhui opened his hands and pinched Pei Xu’s cheeks, turning his face back to look at him. “Actually, in your heart, you really want to be a bewitching consort or a treacherous official, don’t you?”

[Which subordinate doesn’t want the favor and trust of their master…]

Pei Xu’s pupils trembled slightly. Ji Yuanhui saw the struggle in those pitch-black eyes, but Pei Xu still said, “Your Highness is joking…”

Ji Yuanhui saw him raise his hand to touch his own wrist, seemingly wanting to pull away the hand restraining him. Ji Yuanhui smiled. “Do you really want me to let go? I’m not using force; one pull is enough.”

Pei Xu’s movements slowed; he merely rested his fingers on Ji Yuanhui’s wrist, with no intention of using force to pull away.

The hand pinching his face didn’t move. Ji Yuanhui lowered his head to kiss the corner of Pei Xu’s eye, asking with a smile, “Why does it look like I’m forcing you? I’m truly wronged; even your resistance is just for show.”

Whether it was mental stimulation or a physical reaction, despite it being only a light kiss, Pei Xu shuddered slightly.

He wanted Ji Yuanhui’s love—lots and lots of it—the kind of love that forced him to accept it.

Ji Yuanhui asked once more, “Do you really not want to be?”

Pei Xu finally moved.

“A favored official is enough, Your Highness, a favored official is enough.” The hand on his wrist moved up, sliding to Ji Yuanhui’s neck. Pei Xu broke free of the restraint easily, clinging to his neck and pressing his face against Ji Yuanhui’s cheek. “I want a good reputation.”

“I don’t believe you. How could that possibly be enough for you?” Ji Yuanhui pressed his hand against Pei Xu’s waist and turned his head to bite his earlobe. “You won’t be satisfied with just that little bit. I must not only give you favor and trust but also status, honors, and unique power…”

“As difficult to raise as a flower, I must guard you daily and watch you constantly. If even the slightest thing isn’t right, you’ll be anxious and start thinking wild thoughts.”

Pei Xu’s eyes were downcast, letting out a soft moan as he was bitten while circling Ji Yuanhui’s neck. Ji Yuanhui pinched his chin to look at him. “If in the future there is a favored treacherous official by my side, I wouldn’t be surprised if you pulled my sword from my waist right in front of me and stabbed him to death.”

Pei Xu’s eyes flickered, glancing at him lightly. “Will Your Highness treat others the way you love me?”

Ji Yuanhui chuckled. “Naturally not.”

“Then there won’t be such a thing.” Pei Xu adjusted his posture, sitting face-to-face in his lap, leaning in close with a seemingly fearful tone. “Your Highness says such scary things. How could I possibly do something like that?”

Ji Yuanhui grabbed the back of his neck, forcing his face up, his voice turning low and husky. “What are you doing…”

[Isn’t it obvious?]

“Probably… competing for favor.” Pei Xu’s expression was very pitiable. “Since that night, it has already been a long time…”

During those few days, Pei Xu hadn’t even walked naturally. After having made him like that, if Ji Yuanhui had continued to bully him, wouldn’t he be a beast?

“You still need to compete for favor?” Ji Yuanhui’s veins throbbed at his temples as he endured. “Who could compete with you?”

“And that night, Your Highness didn’t stay inside…” His tone seemed very regretful. “There won’t be a child.”

Ji Yuanhui was enticed until his mouth was parched and his throat felt like it was on fire. He used his last shred of reason to refuse: “No, there’s nothing here; it will hurt you.”

“Before I came to find Your Highness, I already prepared myself.” Pei Xu’s voice was soft as he gripped three of Ji Yuanhui’s fingers. “Your Highness, try and see. I took in quite a bit before coming; it should be dissolved by now… Mnh… I hope I didn’t get my clothes wet.”

“Ah…”

Pei Xu was lifted by the waist and flipped over by Ji Yuanhui, pressed down onto the low table.

“Kneel properly.” Ji Yuanhui pressed down from behind. “If I don’t f*ck you senseless today, I’m not a man.”

…

After the clouds and rain subsided, Ji Yuanhui realized he had gone a bit too far today.

He leaned down and gave Pei Xu a reassuring kiss on the lips. Pei Xu’s mind hadn’t returned yet; his eyes were unfocused and half-closed. After being kissed, he almost subconsciously and submissively poked out the tip of his tongue.

Ji Yuanhui took the opportunity to share a kiss with him, then prepared to withdraw, only to be held back by Pei Xu, who had come to his senses.

“Don’t go… don’t leave so quickly.” Pei Xu pleaded in a low voice. “Stay a little longer.”

Ji Yuanhui followed his wish and didn’t withdraw immediately, gently stroking his hair. “You want a child that much?”

“Yes.” Pei Xu had no strength left, his voice so faint it was almost inaudible. “I dreamed of him… many times. He cried to me, asking if I didn’t like him, and that’s why I didn’t stay to watch him grow up…”

“Why did he ask me that?” Pei Xu blinked, seemingly confused himself. “How could I not like him? How could I not stay to watch him grow up…”

“He will come when the time is right. When he comes, you can ask him.” Ji Yuanhui picked him up. “You are very tired. Sleep for a while; I’ll carry you to wash up.”

Pei Xu curled up in his arms and closed his eyes. “Okay.”

Ji Yuanhui didn’t tell him that, at least for now, they wouldn’t have a child.

Pei Xu was still young, and Ji Yuanhui couldn’t let him be reckless.

Pei Xu currently didn’t even have the ability to digest his own pain; how could he have the spare energy to care for a child? If they had a child now, it would only be a burden and would constantly drain his life.

Ji Yuanhui lowered his head and touched his forehead.

They would have a child, but not now. The time wasn’t right; they had to wait.

Wait until Pei Xu grew up a bit more, until those past events gradually blurred and faded, until he was no longer so pained by the past.

Ji Yuanhui understood this process; it required time.