SEHE Chapter 18

Misunderstanding

 

Pei Yanci hadn’t rested all night, and had just been suspended for nearly an hour. His spirit was somewhat dispirited, his eyes drooping wearily at the corners. He really didn’t want to deal with this person.

 

“How is the Crown Prince’s Mansion?” He wanted to go back. “Can Nine-Thousand-Years help me find some clothing?”

 

The clothing at his shoulder had been torn by Tang Xizhui. His right hand hung weakly over his shoulder, palm loosely covering the whip wounds, fingers gripping the edge of the torn fabric, struggling to pull up the half-hanging left sleeve.

 

The disheveled state of his clothing made him somewhat uncomfortable.

 

Especially under someone’s burning gaze.

 

He was afraid he couldn’t resist the urge to punch someone.

 

Given his current disadvantaged position, he disliked such unwise impulses.

 

“That place has been temporarily sealed.” Tang Xizhui held the black fan from earlier, reclining in the lounge chair beside him, letting his waist-length black hair scatter carelessly over his moon-white brocade robe. He beckoned to the side, and immediately one of the waiting guards left.

 

In the shadows between strands of black hair, one could see that the originally spotless brocade robe now had faint marks on the chest and upper arm sleeve areas.

 

Pei Yanci had spent half the night in prison, so his clothing inevitably got stained with dirt. When Tang Xizhui had held him in his arms earlier, it had rubbed off on him.

 

“What about the Crown Prince?” Pei Yanci hadn’t heard that Gu Jiuqing was arrested last night.

 

“Still in the palace.” Tang Xizhui said in a light tone, “Last night, this lord and he were both summoned into the palace by His Majesty. When we came out at dawn, he was still kneeling outside Ganchen Palace.”

 

“How many sons does His Majesty have now?” Pei Yanci suddenly asked.

 

The guard brought the clothing. As he reached out to take it, a piercing pain immediately shot through his wrist bones.

 

Tang Xizhui was quick to react, supporting his wrist with one hand while catching the falling garment with the other. He sat up straight and shook out the robe, draping it over Pei Yanci’s shoulders.

 

This person now seemed somewhat accustomed to serving others.

 

Pei Yanci’s thoughts stirred slightly.

 

“Counting only adults, only Gu Jiuqing and Gu Wanchong are still alive… What kind of look is that?” Tang Xizhui’s brows pressed down slightly, and he reverted to being the decisive, unpredictable Chief Overseer of the Elu Bureau.

 

Pei Yanci didn’t answer, only asked in confusion, “Gu Wanchong?”

 

“The prince born to the current emperor and Consort Lin, fifth in rank.”

 

Pei Yanci thought of what Yue Ting had said before and felt like laughing.

 

“What are you thinking about now?”

 

He told him about the rumors between himself and Gu Jiuqing with a mocking expression.

 

Tang Xizhui’s mouth twitched. “This lord has never heard such a thing before.”

 

“How would they dare tell you?”

 

“He has no learning, a straightforward and upright character. His mother consort is favored but her family’s influence is weak – he’s even worse off than Gu Jiuqing.” Tang Xizhui looked at him and said, “A brute who only knows how to fight, versus someone who has been steeped in the cold palace’s schemes and conspiracies for years – if you were to choose, whom would you support?”

 

“Does he have military authority?”

 

Having real military power meant that if the throne fell to others in the future, he could raise troops.

 

“He leads different troops each time, and when returning to the capital, he actively surrenders the tiger tally, never giving His Majesty cause for suspicion.”

 

Which was equivalent to having none.

 

“If he’s easily manipulated by you, he’ll naturally listen to others’ slander as well. With his impulsive character, he won’t consider consequences.”

 

To control the emperor and command the nobles, at least this “emperor” couldn’t be brainless or turn against oneself.

 

“You favor supporting the Crown Prince more?” Tang Xizhui said, “Your way of looking at problems is quite unique. But I understand better – someone who could walk out of the cold palace to become Crown Prince would be utterly ruthless. His heart cannot be warmed.”

 

His gaze dropped slightly, becoming distant.

 

The scattered gold foil on his right eye looked like broken tears shed by the gods.

 

“If you don’t want to be devoured, you can only devour others.” Pei Yanci nodded in agreement. “Such a person’s heart is twisted and dark, selfish and self-serving. Supporting an ungrateful wolf that can’t be tamed – I understand your concerns.”

 

So, supporting anyone else wasn’t as satisfying as doing it oneself.

 

“That’s not wrong.” Tang Xizhui laughed once, then immediately stared at him expressionlessly, eerily unsettling. “This lord has discovered that you know very little about court affairs, but you seem quite familiar with the imperial palace.”

 

“Heard it all from the Crown Prince.”

 

“It really doesn’t seem like you’re a Great Xi spy.”

 

“Never was one.” Pei Yanci rubbed his burning, aching wrist, wondering where he could stay now that the Crown Prince’s Mansion was unavailable.

 

Tang Xizhui was quick to catch his wrist.

 

“You…”

 

“Don’t move.” This was a commanding tone.

 

Pei Yanci’s hand couldn’t exert any strength anyway, so he didn’t bother with him. At most he’d just get licked a couple times – it wasn’t as private a part as his shoulder. He could just wash his hands thoroughly later.

 

Tang Xizhui sat beside him and had a guard bring the special wound medicine from the Elu Bureau. He bit off the lid with his mouth and sprinkled the powder onto the swollen area.

 

His soft fingertips gently rubbed, and the powder began melting into transparent thick syrup upon contact with his finger’s warmth. He patiently spread it bit by bit until the entire circle of wounds on the wrist was covered, then used his inner energy to nourish the tendons and bones, slowly reducing the swelling.

 

Throughout the entire process, Pei Yanci felt no pain at all.

 

He began to believe that this person before him might truly have risen step by step from a servant’s position to his current status.

 

As Tang Xizhui massaged the hand bones, seeing that he wasn’t paying attention, he quietly opened his thumb and index finger, secretly encircling Pei Yanci’s wrist with his tiger’s mouth, giving it a squeeze.

 

All bones, no meat.

 

The Crown Prince’s Mansion’s food really was inadequate.

 

Dry and scrawny, thin and ugly.

 

Dugong Daren reached this conclusion in his mind, released his grip and continued massaging, his knuckles unconsciously caressing the delicate skin.

 

“Speaking of which, this lord really should find a companion.” Tang Xizhui’s clear voice rose with several notes of hidden anticipation and excitement.

 

Pei Yanci was momentarily stunned by his sudden remark, then said, “Once the Crown Prince is completely defeated, he can be at your mercy to toy with as you please.”

 

That proud, snow-like person would probably rather die than be toyed with by a eunuch.

 

Tang Xizhui didn’t respond to his words, only saying, “You can’t return to the Crown Prince’s Mansion. You may stay temporarily at this lord’s residence.”

 

Pei Yanci remembered the scene of this person licking his shoulder earlier, glanced at his torn clothing, and still firmly refused.

 

“Thank you for Nine-Thousand-Years’ kind offer, but I still have several companions. I’m afraid we would disturb Nine-Thousand-Years and earn your displeasure.”

 

Tang Xizhui didn’t insist, having his subordinates release Wuli and the others as well, letting them leave.

 

****

 

When Pei Yanci emerged from the great prison, it was nearly noon. Tang Xizhui had even provided him with a carriage to spare them the hardship of walking.

 

Because Anjing was simply too large.

 

For Wushu’s sake, Pei Yanci also had Tang Xizhui release Yue Ting. This person’s eyes no longer held the carefree brilliance they had when first seen – as if caught in a net, his eyes were misty and his emotions unreadable.

 

Wuli, who had volunteered to drive the carriage, cracked his whip and asked Pei Yanci, “Big brother, where are we going now?”

 

Pei Yanci gave the name of an inn – the very place where Xin Hai and his two companions were staying.

 

After saying this, he crossed his arms and sat inside with his eyes closed to rest. Only when the carriage stopped did he open his eyes.

 

“Big brother, be careful.” Wuli jumped down from the carriage first and extended his hand to help him down.

 

“You’re quite diligent today.” Pei Yanci remarked casually.

 

“Hehe.” Wuli laughed twice. “Getting out today was all thanks to big brother.”

 

The four entered the inn and casually ate something in the main hall. Pei Yanci’s hand hurt and he had no strength, so he ate sporadically with a spoon. When he lifted it, his sleeve pulled back, inadvertently revealing the terrible wounds on his wrist.

 

Wuli and Wushu froze for a moment, then lowered their heads to continue eating.

 

“Brother Pei.”

 

A hearty greeting came from behind.

 

The four looked over – it was Cui Nan.

 

“Why are you here?” He approached and asked.

 

“The matter is done.” Pei Yanci said concisely. “Are there still rooms at the inn? We few plan to stay here for a while.”

 

Cui Nan was delighted to hear this, hooking his shoulder and leading him to the innkeeper. Soon three rooms were arranged.

 

“I’ll share with big brother, Wushu and Yue Ting can share – we only need two rooms.” Wuli said. “Save the cost of one room.”

 

Wushu nodded approvingly. “Our monthly wages can’t afford such extravagance.”

 

“You really know how to manage money.” Pei Yanci patted the back of Wushu’s head in exasperation. “And you actually agree with him.”

 

Wushu touched his head, his large eyes looking at him blankly.

 

“I’ll take one room alone, Wuli and Yue Ting can share, Wushu gets one room.” Pei Yanci said.

 

“Eh?” Wuli was stunned. “Why? I always share a room with you.”

 

“Because you snore in your sleep.”

 

Wuli seemed to think of something, nodded knowingly, and led Wushu and Yue Ting upstairs first.

 

Pei Yanci first went to Xin Hai’s trio’s room and briefly explained last night’s events. Finally, he bowed and said, “There are still some matters that require the help of you three brothers.”

 

“What is it? Just say.” Xin Hai’s rough, hoarse voice couldn’t suppress his joy at this moment.

 

“It concerns the academy and Great Scholar Fang.”

 

With the Crown Prince’s downfall, he and Tang Xizhui had already reached an understanding – Cui Ya wouldn’t help rescue anyone.

 

With no path to heaven and no door to earth, only then would the academy and Great Scholar Fang come to him with the silver they had gathered, seeking his help.

 

Xin Hai’s trio didn’t understand Pei Yanci’s plan, but they were extremely willing to help.

 

After arranging some matters, Pei Yanci returned to his own room to find that Wuli and the others had left him the best of the three rooms.

 

Just then, Wuli and Wushu each came up carrying a bowl of food. Pei Yanci smiled at the doorway, “You two being so brotherly all of a sudden – I’m somewhat unaccustomed to it.”

 

“You’ll get used to it after a few more times.” Wuli said obsequiously. “We saw you barely ate anything earlier and were afraid you’d be hungry. Wushu and I had the kitchen prepare two more dishes. Eat quickly, and after you’re done, rest well these few days. Don’t go wandering around.”

 

Pei Yanci looked closely – one bowl of braised turtle with mutton, one bowl of loach in wine lees.

 

“Isn’t this… a bit too nourishing?”

 

“You suffered so much today, it’s proper to nourish yourself.” Wuli set down the bowl guiltily.

 

Pei Yanci felt a rare touch of warmth in his heart. “It’s nothing serious.”

 

In this strange world, he hadn’t expected to receive such warm kindness.

 

This person was worth saving.

 

“How can it be nothing?” Wuli immediately became indignant. “I could see that old eunuch isn’t normal. Taking a perfectly good person and tormenting them like this – he deserves to be struck by heaven and die without descendants.”

 

“You only dare say such things in front of me.”

 

Wushu began to choke up. “Big brother, you endured their humiliation to save us, didn’t you?”

 

“Wait, endured humiliation?” Pei Yanci raised his hand to stop them from continuing. “When did I endure Tang Xizhui’s humiliation?”

 

He didn’t know anything about this.

 

“You came out from his place wearing completely different clothes.” Wushu’s eyes reddened.

 

Wuli was heartbroken. “And you’re pretending nothing happened, when your wrists are swollen, and who knows what other injuries you have on your body – that’s why you won’t let me share a room with you.”

 

“That dog eunuch at least had some conscience, sending you a carriage.”

 

“Those palace eunuchs really aren’t normal – they just like tormenting people in bed.”

 

“Stop talking!” Pei Yanci was mortified.

 

My lifelong reputation is being ruined by you all!