The White Moonlight Turns Out to Be a Black-Hearted Lotus - Chapter 5

Pei Xu was kissed awake.

When he opened his eyes in a daze, Ji Yuanhui’s face was still buried against the side of his neck, nuzzling and kissing him like one would a cat.

Pei Xu seemed sleep-addled; he didn’t offer any resistance, simply allowing Ji Yuanhui to do as he pleased, showing not a hint of morning irritability.

Ji Yuanhui waved a hand in front of his eyes. “Awake? Still groggy, I see. What were you dreaming about? You’re so out of it.”

Pei Xu murmured blankly, “Clouds… horses… a small bow…”

Ji Yuanhui watched him with a smile, propping up his chin as he listened.

The sun outside was brilliant, causing Pei Xu to blink slowly. As his senses returned, he suddenly grew tense. “Has Your Highness returned from the morning court?”

“Mm-hmm.”

Pei Xu felt a twinge of chagrin and hurriedly climbed out of bed to tidy his appearance. “Why did no one wake me to attend to Your Highness?”

“I told them not to. You’ve just recovered from an illness; why bother with such things?” Ji Yuanhui remained in his seat, merely turning his body to follow Pei Xu with his gaze. “Besides, it’s not as if I’m missing hands or feet. I don’t need ‘attending’ to.”

As they spoke, there was a soft, rhythmic sound at the window—three distinct knocks.

Ji Yuanhui glanced toward the source and sighed. “What is it?”

The voice of Hidden Guard Twenty-One drifted in: “Master, the Second Young Master Zhou has arrived. He is currently waiting in the study.”

Zhou Shining, the second son of Consort Shu’s eldest brother, was Ji Yuanhui’s childhood friend. By blood, he was Pei Xu’s cousin, but their relationship… was actually quite mediocre.

“Understood. I’ll be there shortly.” Just as Ji Yuanhui was wondering what brought Zhou Shining over, he suddenly heard Pei Xu’s voice again:

[Why must he always pester His Highness?]

[It is truly… irritating.]

It didn’t sound like Pei Xu’s spoken tone, nor was it something he would ever say aloud. But it was exactly the kind of thought his awkward, sensitive personality would harbor.

Ji Yuanhui had been about to leave, but hearing that voice made him pause. He turned and sat at the dressing table. Looking at Pei Xu in the mirror as the youth combed his hair, he asked suspiciously, “Did Rongrong just speak?”

“No. Perhaps Your Highness did not rest well last night, and your spirit is weary, leading you to mishear?” Pei Xu smiled, his expression gentle and dignified. “Cousin is waiting; should Your Highness not head over quickly?”

Things were taking a turn for the worse. Ji Yuanhui didn’t have time to worry about whether he had misheard; hearing Pei Xu’s tone, he felt a chill down his spine. He keenly caught the scent of a metaphorical vinegar jar being overturned.

Explaining would only make it seem forced and likely make matters worse.

Ji Yuanhui felt he should find a way to help Pei Xu get along with the others in his circle. The days ahead were long, and there would always be times they needed to support one another.

He pinched Pei Xu’s cheek and leaned in for another kiss. Spirit weary? And because of whom is my spirit weary? You little ingrate.”

Pei Xu tried to dodge, but the Prince chased him with kisses. Within moments, Pei Xu’s dignified composure was utterly ruined by Ji Yuanhui. He could only push at the Prince’s face, laughing as he pleaded for mercy, “It was my mistake, Your Highness, stop teasing me…”

Seeing that Pei Xu was no longer hiding behind a stiff, fake smile, Ji Yuanhui felt relieved. He caught Pei Xu’s wrist, pulling the hand away from his face, and sniffed it playfully like a rogue. “The household affairs should technically be handed over to you to manage. But since you were ill recently, I didn’t let them bother you with such things. The keys to the accounting room are with Steward Zhang; if you find yourself bored and want to check the ledgers, you can ask him for them.”

Ask Steward Zhang for them. That meant the keys wouldn’t be kept in his own hands.

Pei Xu’s expression dimmed slightly. As expected, the Prince still didn’t fully trust him.

[It makes sense… In a household as grand as a Prince’s manor, it is only right that His Highness does not trust me with it.]

Ji Yuanhui’s brow twitched violently. What is he thinking now?

But Pei Xu couldn’t quite suppress his lingering dissatisfaction. His fingers curled slightly, and he unintentionally blurted out his inner thought: “Why does Your Highness not wish for me to manage the household affairs?”

The moment the words left his mouth, he regretted it. But it was too late to take them back. Had the Prince not been good enough to him? His words had been so tactful, yet here Pei Xu was, being ungrateful—must he ruin everything and make things difficult for everyone?

Pei Xu was somewhat afraid; he feared any negative or belittling judgment from Ji Yuanhui. His face paled slightly, and he shifted his gaze away in a panic, avoiding the Prince’s eyes.

However, in the next moment, Ji Yuanhui’s index finger tapped gently against the space between Pei Xu’s brows, followed by a helpless sigh. “You…”

“Everything has its use, and every person has their strength. The reason I don’t want you managing these things is that I think it would be a waste of your talent. Keeping you locked in the inner quarters to handle such trivialities is far too great a disservice.”

Ji Yuanhui truly couldn’t understand what went on in Pei Xu’s head every day. “I intend to recommend you for a government position in the future. You needn’t waste your heart’s blood on these petty administrative chores.”

Pei Xu’s eyes widened. He was incredulous and somewhat lost. “An official position? Can I… really?”

“Your essays are excellent, and you are brilliant. Why couldn’t you?” Ji Yuanhui arched an eyebrow, not understanding Pei Xu’s extreme shock. “You studied so well; did your family never intend for you to take the imperial examinations?”

Pei Xu opened his mouth, then lowered his eyes, seemingly unable to find the words.

Ji Yuanhui understood. It seemed the Pei family had no such intentions.

He knew the Pei family treated him poorly, but he hadn’t realized they intended to cut off his future entirely.

Ji Yuanhui didn’t want to continue discussing these humiliating past events. Just thinking about it made his chest feel tight; Pei Xu would only feel worse.

So, he changed the subject. “Go have breakfast in a bit. If you’re interested, go check the accounting room. If you have no interest in ledgers, then come to the study. Speaking of which, it’s been a while since you’ve seen Second Zhou, hasn’t it? You are cousins; meet more often and catch up, don’t let the bond fade.”

[What ‘old times’ could I possibly have to catch up on with him? When he sees me, he wishes he could roll his eyes to the heavens.]

“But Your Highness…” Pei Xu looked troubled. “Cousin… he doesn’t seem to like me very much.”

“How could that be?” Ji Yuanhui played dumb. “Is there some misunderstanding? All the more reason to speak clearly face-to-face.”

Since Ji Yuanhui had put it that way, Pei Xu couldn’t refuse further and could only comply.

Actually, the friction between Pei Xu and Zhou Shining wasn’t a recent development; it was a long-standing resentment.

The day after the decree for his marriage to Pei Xu arrived, Zhou Shining had stormed into the manor early in the morning, kicking the door open in a fit of rage.

“Ji Yuanhui!” Zhou Shining roared as he entered.

Ji Yuanhui responded casually, “Ah, what is it?”

“You have the nerve to ask what’s wrong? Are you mad?” Zhou Shining was fuming. “Of all the people to marry, you marry him? I see you’ve let beauty turn your head. Did you not read a single word of the register I sent you recently? His father is part of the Crown Prince’s faction! The Crown Prince’s faction! Didn’t you see how much money his family has funneled to the Crown Prince?”

Ji Yuanhui hissed, “Keep your voice down. Be careful, walls have ears.”

“The things I’m doing with you could cost me my head. If you don’t succeed, my life is over too.” Zhou Shining lowered his voice, his teeth gritted. “Bringing a spy into your home to keep as a decoration… you’ve really outdone yourself.”

“Rongrong is your cousin, regardless; speak properly.” Ji Yuanhui took a sip of tea. “Besides, am I the type of person to let beauty interfere with business?”

Zhou Shining huffed and sat down. “You had better have a good explanation.”

“I returned from Longxi, and out of all the sons of the nobility, why were you and Pei Xu specifically chosen to be my study companions?” Ji Yuanhui asked slowly. “You requested it yourself. What about Pei Xu?”

“The Crown Prince said he values old bonds and sent a child I personally looked after for two years, saying it would be easier to foster a connection.”

Zhou Shining’s brow furrowed. Ji Yuanhui continued, “Everyone knows the Pei family is strict with their household. Yet, back then, I frequently snuck into their home to take Pei Xu out to play, and I was never once caught by the Pei family.”

Ji Yuanhui smiled. “Once or twice is good luck. But ten times? A hundred times? That is far too coincidental. It’s so convenient it seems like someone arranged it on purpose.”

Zhou Shining’s frown deepened. “You mean… the moment you returned to the capital, someone arranged for a ‘childhood sweetheart’ to be by your side, waiting for feelings to develop so the marriage would become a matter of course?”

“They worked hard on this chess match. Even if I hadn’t succumbed to the ‘beauty trap’ or asked for the decree myself, this marriage would have been bestowed regardless. A chess piece used for so many years must be sufficiently obedient and easy to handle. Since he is convenient, why would they be willing to change him?”

Ji Yuanhui propped up his chin, his finger tapping the table rhythmically. “Refusing the marriage would only arouse their suspicion. It’s better to go along with their plan and solidify my reputation as a shallow, lustful fool. More importantly…”

Zhou Shining listened intently, lost in thought. “What is more important?”

“More importantly, I truly do like him. Since he is to be married into my manor, no matter whose house he came from before, he is mine now.” Ji Yuanhui swung his legs nonchalantly. “I raised him for over two years, you know. He was so lively when he was little, like a little colt. He couldn’t have been more adorable.”

Zhou Shining rolled his eyes. “Forget it. I can’t believe a word you say. Thinking about it, you two really are a perfect match—between the both of you, one can’t find half a sentence of truth.”

…

When Ji Yuanhui reached the study, Zhou Shining was stuffing pastries into his mouth. Seeing the Prince enter, he choked, hurriedly grabbing the nearby tea to wash it down. He thumped his chest until he finally managed to swallow.

Ji Yuanhui sat down and picked up the teapot to refill his cup, saying leisurely, “Drink more. Calm your breath.”

Zhou Shining downed two more large gulps and let out a long sigh. “Thank you.”

Ji Yuanhui nodded. “Mm, you’re welcome. Are you calm now? If you really can’t catch your breath, go die somewhere far away. Don’t die in my manor and ruin my reputation. No one has choked to death here yet; I can’t afford the embarrassment.”

“You’re looking for a fight, aren’t you?”

Zhou Shining raised a leg to kick him, but the Prince dodged. Usually, Zhou Shining would definitely retaliate, but today he seemed to lack energy. He simply kept stuffing pastries from the table into his mouth, muttering, “I’m starving to death.”

Ji Yuanhui poured himself some tea and took a sip. “How long have you been starving?”

Hearing this, Zhou Shining became even more agitated. He cried out in indignation, “Counting today, it’s been seven days since I’ve had a proper meal. Two meals a day, each consisting of dry steamed buns and thin congee. Who can endure that?”

Ji Yuanhui raised an eyebrow. “What happened?”

“Wasn’t there a disaster in Yuzhou recently? The old man at home does nothing but shake his head and sigh all day; his white hair has increased. And yet, several idiots from the branch families had to go out drinking and visiting courtesans during this time. They got caught by the Capital Magistrate, and we’ve lost face completely.”

Zhou Shining said resentfully, “The old man was furious. He said we, the younger generations, don’t know the hardships of the common people and ordered the kitchen to only serve thin congee and dry buns. So now, because of those minor families, everyone has to drink congee for a month.”

“So you came to my place today to scrounge a meal?” Ji Yuanhui laughed. “It just so happens that Rongrong is eating late. The table should be set in the front hall right now; why don’t you go eat with him?”

Zhou Shining waved his hand. “No need, I’m full. Oh, right, I came today to ask a favor.”

“What favor?”

“I have an old friend from the ancestral home in Jiangnan. He was planning to come stay with me to prepare for the spring imperial examinations in March. But given my family’s current situation… I can’t exactly have him come eat chaff and vegetables with me.” Zhou Shining sighed. “Anyway, you have so many empty courtyards in this manor. See if you can spare one for someone to study and prepare for the exams.”

Ji Yuanhui thought for a moment. “That’s easy enough. I have many quiet courtyards; let the guest choose one himself when he arrives.”

“Once he moves in, you should interact with him more and get on his good side.” Zhou Shining suddenly brightened up. “I’m telling you, he was the top scholar (Anshou) in the prefectural exam, and then he became the Jieyuan (top scholar) of Huaizhou in the provincial exam. That’s a Jieyuan, man…”

Ji Yuanhui followed his lead. “Sounds like he has the potential to be the Zhuangyuan (top scholar in the palace exam).”

Zhou Shining snorted with pride. “He might even sweep all three exams.”

“Anything else?” Zhou Shining brushed the pastry crumbs off his clothes and stood up. “If not, then I’ll—”

“Wait a moment.” Ji Yuanhui stopped him. “Stay a bit longer. Wait for Rongrong to come over so you brothers can catch up before you leave.”

Hearing this, Zhou Shining reacted like a cat whose tail had been stepped on. He let out a panicked cry: “What? Who’s coming over?”