Chapter 42 – I am innocent.
Zhao Qi was completely bewildered, but he knew he had to heed the Prime Minister’s brother’s words, or there would be serious consequences.
Zhao Qi obediently parted his lips. Xiao Shiqing smiled in satisfaction, leaning slightly forward to block others’ view, then passionately kissed Zhao Qi on the lips.
“Brother—mm—” Zhao Qi’s lips were bitten painfully, his breath stolen away. Embarrassing sounds escaped through his clenched teeth, faint yet audible to everyone present.
He Changzhou stood frozen, his face terribly pale, glaring hatefully at Xiao Shiqing, wishing he could tear him apart.
Xiao Jinzi was both shocked and fearful, trembling silently. Even Jiang Dehai, who had been in the palace for decades and considered himself knowledgeable, kept his head low, avoiding eye contact with the trio. Only the secret guards of the Tianji Camp remained composed as ever.
As Zhao Qi felt suffocated, Xiao Shiqing finally lifted his head. Zhao Qi went limp from the kiss, any clarity left drowned in Xiao Shiqing’s overwhelming presence. Xiao Shiqing lifted him up, Zhao Qi instinctively reaching out and gripping his shoulders.
Xiao Shiqing glanced at He Changzhou with undisguised disdain. “Learned your lesson?”
He Changzhou’s chest heaved violently, his eyes burning like they might shed blood. Every action and word from Xiao Shiqing felt sharper than enemy blades on the battlefield, piercing his heart mercilessly.
Before He Changzhou could reply, Xiao Shiqing carried Zhao Qi out, followed by the silent guards.
The Yonghua Palace fell into silence. He Changzhou remained unresponsive for a while. Jiang Dehai approached tentatively, softly calling, “General?”
He Changzhou remained silent, his once lively and straightforward demeanor completely gone. He looked at his hands, then abruptly stormed out.
When Xiao Shiqing carried Zhao Qi back to Haiyan Hall, Zhao Qi was already asleep in his arms, his breath faintly smelling of alcohol.
Xiao Shiqing dismissed the eunuchs and palace maids, leaving only the two of them in the hall. “Your Majesty.”
Zhao Qi lay sprawled on the bed, half awake at Xiao Shiqing’s call, opening his eyes just a slit.
“Take off your clothes before sleeping,” Xiao Shiqing instructed.
Zhao Qi seemed not to understand, hesitating for a moment before closing his eyes again.
Xiao Shiqing sat by the bed, methodically undoing the dragon robe on Zhao Qi’s body. Halfway through, Zhao Qi suddenly turned over, the robe slipping off his arm, revealing a fair shoulder.
Xiao Shiqing’s eyes darkened as he traced the bite mark on Zhao Qi’s shoulder, his voice hoarse. “Servant.”
A eunuch entered respectfully. “Prime Minister.”
“Prepare the bath. His Majesty wishes to bathe.”
The next morning, Zhao Qi woke alone in bed, his head pounding from a hangover. He gently tapped his head and muttered, “Lao Jiang, what time is it?”
The room was eerily quiet, no one answered him.
Opening one eye, Zhao Qi saw dim morning light filling the room, devoid of any figures. He called out again, “Lao Jiang? Xiao Jinzi?”
A figure approached against the light. “Awake?”
The man’s face was in shadow, but Zhao Qi recognized the voice instantly, burning it into memory. “Brother?”
“Mm.”
Glancing around, Zhao Qi suddenly felt as though he were under a spell. “This isn’t my bedchamber… Why am I here?”
Xiao Shiqing remained silent for a moment, then coolly replied, “Forgot again?”
Confused, Zhao Qi asked, “‘Again’?”
Xiao Shiqing inquired, “Why did you drink so much last night?”
Slowly recalling some details, Zhao Qi casually fabricated a reason, “I was troubled by state affairs and sought solace in wine.” He watched Xiao Shiqing closely as he spoke.
Xiao Shiqing reached out, and Zhao Qi instinctively flinched back. Xiao Shiqing narrowed his eyes. “Why are you avoiding me now, when you seemed to enjoy it before?”
“Eh?”
“Come here.”
Zhao Qi hesitated before moving closer, feigning nonchalance. “Brother wouldn’t hit me, right? Haha.”
“No.” Xiao Shiqing reached to tuck a loose strand of Zhao Qi’s hair behind his ear, but after several failed attempts, he let it drop.
Unable to watch anymore, Zhao Qi said, “Brother, no need to trouble yourself. I’ll have Xiao Jinzi help me with my hair later.”
Xiao Shiqing suggested, “Or I could help you?”
“Better not,” Zhao Qi replied, “With brother’s skills, I might end up bald.” Between managing household and state affairs, his hair had been thinning.
Xiao Shiqing muttered, “… Fool.”
Zhao Qi smiled outwardly, inwardly cursing, “What a moron.”
Seemingly fixated on Zhao Qi’s hair, Xiao Shiqing gently ruffled it and said, “There’s nothing to worry about. If my guess is right, we’ll soon solve the case of the Prince of Western Xia.”
Zhao Qi seized on the point. “Brother, have you made a breakthrough?”
“If I think it, it will come.”
Zhao Qi didn’t quite understand. Xiao Shiqing explained, “The deadline of seven days is almost upon us. Regardless of the final outcome, we must provide an explanation to Western Xia. The veracity of this explanation is irrelevant; what matters is that it silences Western Xia.”
Zhao Qi hesitated, “So, Prime Minister wants to find a scapegoat. Isn’t that unfair to the scapegoat, who is innocent?”
Xiao Shiqing replied coolly, “Some people are destined to die. In that case, it’s better to make their deaths meaningful.”
Shaking his head, Zhao Qi couldn’t agree. But he knew this wasn’t an era of equality; imperial authority trumped all, and he lacked the ability to lead Great Jing toward a republic. “There are still a few days left,” he said, “I don’t believe with so many intelligent people, we can’t find the real culprit!”
Xiao Shiqing neither affirmed nor denied, saying, “Court awaits.”
“Oh,” Zhao Qi pushed aside the covers, noticing he wore different inner clothes from yesterday’s. Belatedly realizing he felt remarkably refreshed, he exclaimed, “Someone helped me bathe, didn’t they?”
Zhao Qi was completely bewildered, but he knew he had to heed the Prime Minister’s brother’s words, or there would be serious consequences.
Zhao Qi obediently parted his lips. Xiao Shiqing smiled in satisfaction, leaning slightly forward to block others’ view, then passionately kissed Zhao Qi on the lips.
“Brother—mm—” Zhao Qi’s lips were bitten painfully, his breath stolen away. Embarrassing sounds escaped through his clenched teeth, faint yet audible to everyone present.
He Changzhou stood frozen, his face terribly pale, glaring hatefully at Xiao Shiqing, wishing he could tear him apart.
Xiao Jinzi was both shocked and fearful, trembling silently. Even Jiang Dehai, who had been in the palace for decades and considered himself knowledgeable, kept his head low, avoiding eye contact with the trio. Only the secret guards of the Tianji Camp remained composed as ever.
As Zhao Qi felt suffocated, Xiao Shiqing finally lifted his head. Zhao Qi went limp from the kiss, any clarity left drowned in Xiao Shiqing’s overwhelming presence. Xiao Shiqing lifted him up, Zhao Qi instinctively reaching out and gripping his shoulders.
Xiao Shiqing glanced at He Changzhou with undisguised disdain. “Learned your lesson?”
He Changzhou’s chest heaved violently, his eyes burning like they might shed blood. Every action and word from Xiao Shiqing felt sharper than enemy blades on the battlefield, piercing his heart mercilessly.
Before He Changzhou could reply, Xiao Shiqing carried Zhao Qi out, followed by the silent guards.
The Yonghua Palace fell into silence. He Changzhou remained unresponsive for a while. Jiang Dehai approached tentatively, softly calling, “General?”
He Changzhou remained silent, his once lively and straightforward demeanor completely gone. He looked at his hands, then abruptly stormed out.
When Xiao Shiqing carried Zhao Qi back to Haiyan Hall, Zhao Qi was already asleep in his arms, his breath faintly smelling of alcohol.
Xiao Shiqing dismissed the eunuchs and palace maids, leaving only the two of them in the hall. “Your Majesty.”
Zhao Qi lay sprawled on the bed, half awake at Xiao Shiqing’s call, opening his eyes just a slit.
“Take off your clothes before sleeping,” Xiao Shiqing instructed.
Zhao Qi seemed not to understand, hesitating for a moment before closing his eyes again.
Xiao Shiqing sat by the bed, methodically undoing the dragon robe on Zhao Qi’s body. Halfway through, Zhao Qi suddenly turned over, the robe slipping off his arm, revealing a fair shoulder.
Xiao Shiqing’s eyes darkened as he traced the bite mark on Zhao Qi’s shoulder, his voice hoarse. “Servant.”
A eunuch entered respectfully. “Prime Minister.”
“Prepare the bath. His Majesty wishes to bathe.”
The next morning, Zhao Qi woke alone in bed, his head pounding from a hangover. He gently tapped his head and muttered, “Lao Jiang, what time is it?”
The room was eerily quiet, no one answered him.
Opening one eye, Zhao Qi saw dim morning light filling the room, devoid of any figures. He called out again, “Lao Jiang? Xiao Jinzi?”
A figure approached against the light. “Awake?”
The man’s face was in shadow, but Zhao Qi recognized the voice instantly, burning it into memory. “Brother?”
“Mm.”
Glancing around, Zhao Qi suddenly felt as though he were under a spell. “This isn’t my bedchamber… Why am I here?”
Xiao Shiqing remained silent for a moment, then coolly replied, “Forgot again?”
Confused, Zhao Qi asked, “‘Again’?”
Xiao Shiqing inquired, “Why did you drink so much last night?”
Slowly recalling some details, Zhao Qi casually fabricated a reason, “I was troubled by state affairs and sought solace in wine.” He watched Xiao Shiqing closely as he spoke.
Xiao Shiqing reached out, and Zhao Qi instinctively flinched back. Xiao Shiqing narrowed his eyes. “Why are you avoiding me now, when you seemed to enjoy it before?”
“Eh?”
“Come here.”
Zhao Qi hesitated before moving closer, feigning nonchalance. “Brother wouldn’t hit me, right? Haha.”
“No.” Xiao Shiqing reached to tuck a loose strand of Zhao Qi’s hair behind his ear, but after several failed attempts, he let it drop.
Unable to watch anymore, Zhao Qi said, “Brother, no need to trouble yourself. I’ll have Xiao Jinzi help me with my hair later.”
Xiao Shiqing suggested, “Or I could help you?”
“Better not,” Zhao Qi replied, “With brother’s skills, I might end up bald.” Between managing household and state affairs, his hair had been thinning.
Xiao Shiqing muttered, “… Fool.”
Zhao Qi smiled outwardly, inwardly cursing, “What a moron.”
Seemingly fixated on Zhao Qi’s hair, Xiao Shiqing gently ruffled it and said, “There’s nothing to worry about. If my guess is right, we’ll soon solve the case of the Prince of Western Xia.”
Zhao Qi seized on the point. “Brother, have you made a breakthrough?”
“If I think it, it will come.”
Zhao Qi didn’t quite understand. Xiao Shiqing explained, “The deadline of seven days is almost upon us. Regardless of the final outcome, we must provide an explanation to Western Xia. The veracity of this explanation is irrelevant; what matters is that it silences Western Xia.”
Zhao Qi hesitated, “So, Prime Minister wants to find a scapegoat. Isn’t that unfair to the scapegoat, who is innocent?”
Xiao Shiqing replied coolly, “Some people are destined to die. In that case, it’s better to make their deaths meaningful.”
Shaking his head, Zhao Qi couldn’t agree. But he knew this wasn’t an era of equality; imperial authority trumped all, and he lacked the ability to lead Great Jing toward a republic. “There are still a few days left,” he said, “I don’t believe with so many intelligent people, we can’t find the real culprit!”
Xiao Shiqing neither affirmed nor denied, saying, “Court awaits.”
“Oh,” Zhao Qi pushed aside the covers, noticing he wore different inner clothes from yesterday’s. Belatedly realizing he felt remarkably refreshed, he exclaimed, “Someone helped me bathe, didn’t they?”
“Mm.”
”Who is it? Who dares! I’ll gouge out his eyes!” It couldn’t be Jiang Dehai or Xiao Jinzi; those who attended to him knew he never allowed anyone to help him bathe.
Xiao Shiqing raised an eyebrow. “It’s me.”
After a brief moment of astonishment, Zhao Qi silently pulled the blanket back over himself.
”Don’t cover up, I’ve already seen everything,” Xiao Shiqing said nonchalantly, “Your legs are quite straight.”
Zhao Qi stiffened and rolled back onto the bed, burying his head in the pillow—he couldn’t face anyone now.
”I didn’t cover up,” Zhao Qi’s voice was muffled, “Brother and I are both men, if you saw, you saw. It’s no big deal. I’ll just treat it as a trip to the public bathhouse.”
Xiao Shiqing: “…”
Back at Yonghua Palace, Zhao Qi sought out Jiang Dehai and Xiao Jinzi, questioning them about the previous night. “I distinctly remember drinking alone in my own chambers, how did I end up in Haiyan Hall?” Zhao Qi’s tone was displeased, “Didn’t I instruct you to keep everyone out?”
Jiang Dehai sighed. “Your Majesty, these two, one couldn’t stop them, the other didn’t dare to… “
”Wait,” Zhao Qi was shocked, “There was more than one person?”
Jiang Dehai held up two fingers. “Just two—General He and the Prime Minister.”
Zhao Qi widened his eyes. “He Changzhou? That scoundrel is back again?”
”Your Majesty, don’t worry. General He didn’t do anything to Your Majesty. When I followed the Prime Minister into the hall, Your Majesty was still fully clothed…”
Zhao Qi scanned Jiang Dehai coldly, who promptly closed his mouth. Checking his own waist, he felt no soreness like last time, and nothing unusual in a certain embarrassing area.
Zhao Qi snorted. “At least he has some conscience left.”
Xiao Jinzi couldn’t help but ask, “Your Majesty, shouldn’t you ask what the Prime Minister did to you?”
Zhao Qi dismissed it. “What could the Prime Minister do? He has no interest in me.”
Jiang Dehai and Xiao Jinzi exchanged a meaningful look. Jiang Dehai said, “Your Majesty…”
”Oh, Xiao Jinzi, where’s the observation diary you were supposed to write for me?” Zhao Qi asked, “Quick, bring it here for me to see.”
After reading the diary, Zhao Qi felt vindicated and roared to the heavens, “I don’t become amorous when drunk, I am innocent! Lao Jiang, look, you see!”
Jiang Dehai nodded solemnly. “Your Majesty, you were indeed set up by a schemer, resulting in this banquet disaster.”
”Yes, someone must have drugged me!” Zhao Qi fumed, “Since I can’t castrate He Changzhou, I’ll use his… for a ritual offering!”
”Your Majesty, in my opinion, this person may not necessarily be a man.”
”You’re pushing it.” Zhao Qi pressed his temples with two fingers, pondering deeply, “What kind of person would drug me?”
Jiang Dehai lowered his voice. “If it was General He that night, could it be…”
Without hesitation, Zhao Qi dismissed Jiang Dehai’s suggestion, “Changzhou sleeps with me, but he would never drug me.” Based on He Changzhou’s skills, forcing anything upon him would be unnecessary, let alone admitting it afterwards. “Whoever drugged me didn’t want to kill me, just to arouse me…”
Jiang Dehai whispered, “Your Majesty, it’s been a long time since you visited the harem.”
”Then tomorrow I’ll go see.”
”Your Majesty, there’s one more thing,” Jiang Dehai reminded, “Not long ago, two bottles of Changxiangsi went missing. Do you remember?”
Zhao Qi suddenly awakened. Could he also have been affected by Changxiangsi?
The next day, amidst his busy schedule, Zhao Qi took a moment to accompany Jiang Dehai and Xiao Jinzi to the harem.
Ever since the last time Xiao Shiqing dispersed half of the beauties in the harem at once, it had become much quieter. According to a sweeping maid in the harem, recently Jiang Baor had organized everyone to “train”, but lately even Jiang Baor didn’t come out, the harem was quiet as if it was no different from the cold palace.
Zhao Qi hesitated momentarily, unwilling to disturb him. He waited until Rong Tang placed down a white piece before speaking up. “Rong Tang.”
Rong Tang turned his head, catching sight of Zhao Qi. In his eyes, touched by the mundane world, a light smile emerged. “You’re here.”
T/N: There is plenty more where that came from, so stay tuned! And stay healthy! Straighten your posture, so some stretches and drink some water before continuing hehe~
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Also, check out the other series we have on HoH!
If you like cats, check out Revenge of the Garfield
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What about the perfect, most non-toxic male lead ever? Laws of Love
How about MC nursing ML back to health? Forced into the Deep