Strategy to Capture That Scum Gong

Chapter 163 - A Blissful Life in the Wangfu

Translated by Eve

Edited by Serefina

6. A Blissful Life in the Wangfu

Qi Qing knelt on one knee in front of Xiao Yan. His gaze was firm as he spoke in a tone neither servile nor overbearing. “Your Highness, please bestow Yuan Jin to Shuxia.”

Xiao Yan could make out that earnestness in Qi Qing’s eyes. His own only grew all the colder. He had truly underestimated this courtesan. His skills were quite good to be able to repeatedly draw in his subordinate.

Qi Qing had been at his side for many years. He had always been reliable and dutiful. He had never overstepped his boundaries.... But now, although he knew that Xie He had been sent by the Crown Prince, he still continued to obstinately persist in the wrong direction. He was truly confused! Seeing Qi Qing’s attachment to Xie He, if Xiao Yan were to sentence Xie He to death today, dissension and discord would likely befall between his subordinate and him. But Xie He was such a source of calamity...he could not be left alone. Especially not at Qi Qing’s side!

Xiao Yan’s eyes darkened. He had been furious when he found out that Qi Qing had disregarded the overall situation and had gone to fight General Dan in his attempt to steal Xie He back. But now he had calmed down. He knew that he had to take the time to carefully consider this decision. If he didn’t make a good decision, things may end up going along with the Crown Prince’s intentions. Xiao Yan looked at him and said in a cool tone, “You’ve been by Benwang’s side for many years. If you lack someone to warm your bed, you could have told Benwang. There are many choicess from good families for you to choose from. Why choose a courtesan?”

Qi Qing did not get up. He repeated, “Your Highness, please bestow Yuan Jin to Shuxia.”

Xiao Yan paused and gave the other a profound look. “Must it be him?”

His tone was light but was actually full of anger. He had given Qi Qing a way out but the other was insistent on having Xie He. He did not seem to know what was good for him. Although he had always seen Qi Qing as his right hand man and gave him quite a lot of authority and respect, the only thing he would not tolerate was a subordinate going against him. This tread on his bottom line.

Xie He was kneeling on the ground, shaking. His fingers dug into the earth and an intense look of conflict appeared in his eyes.

Actually, when Qi Qing had asked for him, hope had sprung in his heart. If His Highness were to truly give him to Qi Qing, that would be the best possible outcome for himself.... Qi Qing had always treated him kindly. But now, it looked like His Highness would not permit him to go with Qi Qing.... Although he didn’t know what misgivings His Highness had, after residing in a brothel, he had become an expert in reading body language. If Qi Qing were to continue insisting, a good fate would likely not be what awaits him.

Xie He shut his eyes and suddenly kowtowed to Xiao Yan. In a shaky voice, he said, “Please do not be angry, Your Highness. It was Nu that seduced Qi daren. Everything is Nu’s fault.... Your Highness, please punish Nu.”

Qi Qing’s expression changed. He shouted at Xie He, “Don’t spout nonsense!”

Xie He glanced at him, sorrow flickering through his eyes. His life was already so unbearable, what need was there to harm someone else? He gazed at Qi Qing and said in a soft voice, “Qi daren, Nu only has His Highness in Nu’s heart. You cannot give Nu the riches and splendour Nu wants...Nu is sorry.”

Qi Qing paled. He looked at Xie He with incredulity, in disbelief that he would say such things. Had he misjudged him?

No...he didn’t believe it. Xie He was only saying this to protect him!

When Xiao Yan heard this, he finally cast Xie He a thoughtful gaze. He did not believe Xie He’s words at all.... There was no benefit to be gained by saying this. If he was not careful, he might even die.

This courtesan was acting like he had deep affection for Qi Qing. It couldn’t be that he really liked Qi Qing? Had Xiao Yan misunderstood him?

Regardless, he was tactfully withdrawing. Xiao Yan could spare his life for now.

【Ding, the target Xiao Yan’s Favourability Value +5. The current Favourability Value is 45.】

Xiao Yan looked at Xie He with a smile that didn’t reach his eyes. “Since you want to be with Benwang with all your heart, Benwang shall accept you. Don’t worry, you can have splendour and riches to your heart’s content.”

Xie He kowtowed, voice pained. “Thank you, Your Highness.”

Qi Qing felt anxious. He disregarded the differences between their statuses and grabbed Xie He’s wrist. In a deep voice, he said, “Do not act recklessly. I don’t need you to be like this.”

Xie He’s gaze fell on the hand Qi Qing held. His eyes were icy and he acted distant. “Daren, please cease your speech. Nu cannot be with you.... Please let go.”

【Xie He：Ai, no one believes me even though I’m telling the truth for once. Although I quite like Xiao Qing, I only have His Highness and his glory and splendour in my heart. Sigh.JPG】

【444：......】

Qi Qing could see the resolution in Xie He’s eyes. He knew that he could not change the other’s mind. If Xie He was not willing, he had no grounds to ask His Highness to let him go.... It was just that, how could he possibly be at ease letting the other go like this?! Xie He was truly so stupid!

Xiao Yan knew what Qi Qing was concerned about. He slowly said, “Benwang has already sent General Dan a singer as compensation. This time, Benwang will not hold your mistake against you. However, Yuan Jin is now Benwang’s. If you involve yourself with him again, then do not blame Benwang for disregarding our many years of camaraderie.”

The blood drained from Qi Qing’s face. Xiao Yan had already said this much. If he were to persist, it would be considered disobeying his superior. In the end...he slowly let go of Xie He’s hand.

With that, Xiao Yan was satisfied. He gestured towards Xie He with his head. “Come here.”

Xie He went to Xiao Yan’s side, not sparing a single glance for Qi Qing. Xiao Yan chuckled and suddenly wrapped an arm around Xie He. His sharp gaze fell on the other’s face as he said, “Put away the things you’ve learned at the brothel now that you are with Benwang. If Benwang finds that you are seducing men left and right, Benwang will make you wish you had died.”

Xie He met with Xiao Yan’s emotionless eyes and began to shudder. He stiffly nodded and said, “Nu understands.”

Xiao Yan’s goal had been accomplished. He didn’t look at Qi Qing again and directly carried Xie He away. When he returned to his own courtyard, he summoned a eunuch and instructed, “From now on, he lives here. Arrange a room for him.”

That eunuch led Xie He away.

Xiao Yan stared at Xie He’s departing figure, his eyes ice-cold. Before, he had left Xie He in the wangfu alone, not taking him seriously. He didn’t think that in such a short period of time, he would be able to enchant his subordinate. It seems like he would have to keep Xie He under his own supervision.

Since he had entered his courtyard, Xie He would never walk out again.

Xie He was led to a room by the eunuch. It was a room that had just been cleaned out. He was very nervous. He had made such a mistake but Xiao Yan had just accepted him and ignored the mistake. This was not normal.

Unable to sit or stand still, Xie He noticed that his chest had been brought over from Tingfeng Court. Two eunuchs came over to restrain Xie He. Their gazes were cold and their voices were shrill. “If you want to be with His Highness, you must follow the wangfu’s rules. This is not the Xunhuan House. Rescind that licentious behaviour of yours. Learn the rules. If you don’t learn well, we will not give you any mercy.”

Xie He looked at the eunuchs, mystified and afraid. But very soon, he really understood what was going on.

The two eunuchs stripped him down and pushed him roughly into a wooden tub, scrubbing him clean. They also shoved his head into the water. Xie He began to struggle, unable to breathe, but the eunuchs clearly meant to torture him. Only when he thought he was about to drown did they raise his head. This repeated several times. In the end, they only stopped when he fainted. But this was just the beginning.

.................................

After Xie He entered Xiao Yan’s courtyard, he really never took a step out again. He didn’t even have a chance to leave his room. The two eunuchs never left him out of their sight. Although he technically lived in luxury, the days were difficult to bear.

During the day, he would study the rules of the wangfu. The eunuchs had come from the palace and were very strict about the rules. Xie He would kneel for half a day, learning proper kneeling posture, sitting posture, as well as rules about how to serve His Highness, and so on. He also had to endure all sorts of training. At night, he had to clean himself thoroughly and do all sorts of preparations to wait for His Highness to summon him for his enjoyment.

Even if His Highness didn’t want him, these torturous steps had to be repeated every night. He was not free the whole night.

Xie He knew that His Highness was angry. This was another way of dealing with him. However, he didn’t dare complain. He only silently endured it.

He never saw anyone again. Except for the two eunuchs, he didn’t even see another servant girl or imperial guard, let along Qi Qing.... He was completely isolated.

【444：Host dada, you won’t be able to see Xiao Yan if this continues on. ( ⊙o ⊙)】

【Xie He：Don’t worry, he will think of me. Smile.JPG】

【444：(⊙o⊙) I see.】

【Xie He：Now don’t fuss. I’m going to sleep for a bit. When Xiao Yan comes by, call me. 🙂 】

【444：(⊙v⊙) Mn!】He’s really stunned by Host dada being able to sleep despite all of this....

Since Xiao Yan had taken in Xie He, he did not call for him again. He just wanted Xie He under his watch and guard, so that he would not have the opportunity to come in contact with anyone else. It was a preventative measure. He didn’t really plan on accepting him.

Although Qi Qing never mentioned Xie He again, Xiao Yan could see that he still had Xie He in his heart. He mulled over whether he should choose a gentle wife with a good background for Qi Qing. As long as he had a woman he got along with, he would likely be able to set his mind at rest and work. He would not continue clinging onto a courtesan who harboured errant thoughts and slept with just about anyone.

Today, Xiao Yan had entered the palace. His consort mother had told him that the Emperor’s health was not what it once was, and that Xiao Yan should begin preparations early.

Xiao Yan couldn’t help but think of the past. Actually, in the beginning, he had no intentions of fighting with the Crown Prince. Unfortunately, their Emperor Father had always favoured him over the Crown Prince. Moreover, Xiao Yan’s maternal family was strong and influential. There were always people who wanted him to fight for the throne. The Crown Prince was narrow-minded and paranoid. He targeted Xiao Yan over and over again....

Three years ago, Jiangzhou suffered a drought. The court had appropriated a million silver taels in funds as disaster relief. What happened after was layers upon layers of corruption. By the time it arrived in Jiangzhou, there was only a hundred thousand left. The inhabitants of Jiangzhou had no way of getting by and had nearly revolted. It had only been suppressed with much difficulty.

The Emperor had dispatched the imperial envoys to investigate the matter, outraged. Xiao Yan had secretly followed as well upon receiving an imperial order.

But there were cover-ups everywhere. The investigation had not been looking good. Xiao Yan had discovered that the majority of the greedy officials had been tied to the Crown Prince. The Crown Prince had truly been running rampant. Unfortunately, he had no proof. He also hadn’t been able to find the taels that had been pocketed. When he had arrived in Jiangzhou, the situation had been even more complicated. After investigating from all sides, he had been finally able to find some clues after much difficulty.

The Crown Prince had been afraid that what Xiao Yan had discovered would implicate him and be used against him. With a guilty conscience, he had sent someone to assassinate Xiao Yan. Xiao Yan had ended up heavily injured and poisoned. If it weren’t because someone saved him, he would have died then and there.

By the time he had escaped from death, he had found out that Subprefect Cui Shao had already committed suicide to avoid punishment. He had also found evidence in his home—the lost taels. The case was considered closed.

Whether Cui Shao was actually guilty, Xiao Yan didn’t know. What he did know was that he was nothing but the Crown Prince’s scapegoat. He had been pushed out and abandoned by everyone.

Xiao Yan had made a narrow escape on life and came back determined to face the Crown Prince head on. While they acted brotherly on the surface, there was an ongoing power struggle underneath it all. It was not only the Crown Prince that was greedy and lascivious, everyone that followed him was much the same. They were all in cahoots.... They did what they pleased, growing more unruly as time went on. Recently, he had received information from a secret source. He had gotten his hands on evidence that the Crown Prince was colluding with foreigners. The Crown Prince didn’t know how much evidence Xiao Yan had, which was why he was first pretending to express goodwill but was actually sounding him out.

As for Yuan Jin, Xiao Yan always knew of his true identity. The son of a guilty official was nothing in his eyes. Furthermore, how did he know that he wasn’t the Crown Prince’s subordinate? He didn’t know if the other had pledged himself to the Crown Prince before being sent over. If it wasn’t for the fact that the other was useful and because Xiao Yan wanted to keep Qi Qing in his place...he would have killed Xie He or kicked him out a long time ago.

Xiao Yan pressed his hand against his forehead. He had walked into his courtyard without realizing it. It was cold and windy outside. Very quiet. Xiao Yan was about to head back to his room when he suddenly heard a muffled moan of pain.

His steps halted before he walked over to the source of the noise. He peered in through the half-opened window.

He saw Xie He bound by red rope. His long black hair cascaded down. His eyes were shut and his lovely brows were knitted together. He was obviously in pain from having been tied up in this position for a long time. He had only let out a noise because he hadn’t been able to bear it any longer.

Xiao Yan had been furious at the time because the other had seduced his subordinate. He had wanted to punish him. That was why he had two eunuchs use the strictest of methods to train him. He had wanted Xie He to know that as a trifling, lowly prostitute, wanting to be Xiao Yan’s was no easy matter. He had then forgotten about the other because he had become busy.

Right now, when he laid eyes on Xie He again, his desire was piqued upon seeing the other’s gentle, beautiful and pitiful appearance. From a certain point of view, Xie He was indeed capable of being a source of calamity. Even Xiao Yan couldn’t get bored of him.

Xiao Yan returned to his room, thought about it, and then called for Xie He to be brought to him.

Very soon, the two eunuchs carried Xie He to Xiao Yan’s house on a wooden bench. They left after placing him down.

Xie He could not move. He had just been woken up and had been told that Xiao Yan had summoned him. He was even more afraid of Xiao Yan after having spent time learning the rules. Fear filled his lovely eyes and his whisper was nearly inaudible. “Your Highness....”

Xiao Yan gazed at Xie He’s face. He took in how the other was clearly afraid and timid but still forced himself to smile. For once, he felt pity for him. It was truly a pity to let this lovely appearance go to waste....

Xiao Yan smiled. He tore the quilt off of Xie He and threw him onto his own bed.

.................................

Xie He was done until he had felt like he had died and come back to life. Before Xiao Yan had come, Xie He had wished for him to free him from his pain. But after Xiao Yan came, Xie realized that the other had only made his suffering worse. It was like he was stuck in an endlessly looping nightmare.

Xiao Yan was rather pleased. There had been no one else in his courtyard. Now that Xie He was around though, he could use him at any time. Therefore, he summoned Xie He every night.

【444：Host dada, Xiao Yan has slept with you so many times but his Favourability Value hasn’t risen. @[email protected]】This wasn’t possible...did the Heartthrob’s Pedigree lose effect?!

【Xie He：Baby, you have to take into consideration what era we’re in. This is a feudal society. I, as a courtesan, can only squeeze out so many Favourability points from Xiao Yan, this prince. The difference in our classes is not something that can be overcome just because he enjoys sleeping with me. In contrast, letting him sleep with me like this is making him lose respect for me. He is now even less likely to treat me, this courtesan, on equal terms. Right now, I have to play the emotion card. Smile.JPG】

【444：Then aren’t you letting him sleep with you in vain...._(:зゝ∠)_】

【Xie He：That is so far from the truth. Although there are no Favourability points to be earned, I get a sex life. I can first feel good, get familiar with him, and then play the emotion card when the time is right. It’s called “not neglecting work or pleasure”. 🙂 】

【444：......】

【Xie He：An attractive man with money, influence, a large thing, and is also good in bed — I like him. 🙂 】

【444：O(∩_∩)O~】

That night, Xiao Yan summoned Xie He again.

.........................................................

Xiao Yan glanced at Xie He, who was lying on the bed. The other had already fallen asleep. Probably because he had been exhausted lately, Xie He had faint dark circles under his eyes. He curled up in a ball, looking rather heartrending.

Xiao Yan examined Xie He’s body that was so frail it looked like he could snap his bones with one hand. He thought that perhaps he should excuse him from his lessons during the day. Otherwise, the other would not be able to continue bearing him at night.

He was about to call for someone to take Xie He away when he saw Xie He’s lips move slightly. A quiet voice slipped out from between his lips.

Xiao Yan paused, collecting Xie He into his arms. He looked down at him. Xie He seemed to be dreaming. His voice was raspy and pained. “Dad....”

Xiao Yan’s eyes narrowed in thought. He couldn’t help but think of Cui Shao.

Three years ago, he had met Cui Shao once. The Cui Family was not a large clan. Cui Shao was a successful graduate of the palace’s highest imperial service examination. He had always been cautious and conscientious. He had not taken post in Jiangzhou for long before he had been roped into the Crown Prince’s and his struggle....

If Cui Shao had not committed the crime, Xie He would never have fallen to such straits. This child was completely innocent.

But Xiao Yan was not a sympathetic person. He didn’t care about what happened to the son of a corrupt official. There were laws. It was just that, he suddenly recalled Xie He’s obedient appearance.... No matter how he was tormented, he always smiled. He never showed any signs of discontent. It was only in his dreams or in places people could not see that he would show a pained expression.

Xiao Yan sighed. A baffling sense of pity arose in him.

If Xie He could always be obedient and content with his lot, then perhaps Xiao Yan could let him go when the time came.

【Ding, the target Xiao Yan’s Favourability Value +5. The current Favourability Value is 50.】

................................................................................................

Bai Qiuchi had not been able to sleep soundly for a long time now. Every night, she had nightmares.

She had heard that Xiao Yan had taken Xie He into his own courtyard. She could not intervene with Xiao Yan’s courtyard. Forget looking for a way to frame Xie He, she couldn’t even get any information from there. Being left completely in the dark made her increasingly fearful.

Bai Qiuchi knew that Xiao Yan didn’t like her. She hesitated for a few days before finally gritting her teeth and heading to Xiao Yan’s courtyard to see him.

Xiao Yan just so happened to be home. When he was given the message that Bai Qiuchi had come, he let her in.

Bai Qiuchi hadn’t seen Xiao Yan for a long time. When she saw the handsome, robust man again, she couldn’t stop her eyes from reddening. She sobbed, “Gege....”

Xiao Yan didn’t want to see Bai Qiuchi. But right now, seeing her want to cry, he felt that perhaps he was being too much. After all, if it weren’t for her, he wouldn’t have been able to make it out of Jiangzhou.... Although he was cold by nature, he would not forget his gratitude towards one who saved his life easily. That was why he indulged Bai Qiuchi to such an extent.

Xiao Yan smiled and asked, “What’s wrong? Did someone in the wangfu bully you?”

Bai Qiuchi hadn’t seen this kind of happy expression on Xiao Yan’s face for a long time. For a moment, she was stunned. She remembered when Xiao Yan had first found her. He had been so gentle towards her, to the extent that she developed presumptuous thoughts. But very quickly...that gentleness had disappeared. Although Xiao Yan still agreed to her every demand, he no longer tried to get close to her. He had even said that he thought of her like a sister for the sake of destroying any hopes she had.

But after experiencing being the sole recipient of this cold noble man’s gentleness, how could she forget it...? Bai Qiuchi did want splendour and riches, but she also truly liked Xiao Yan.

Bai Qiuchi walked over to Xiao Yan and hesitated. She then said, “Gege, I’m sorry.”

Xiao Yan paused. “Why are you apologizing?”

Bai Qiuchi hugged his arm, burying her face into his shoulder. She was overstepping boundaries a bit with this action. After all, they weren’t biological siblings. However, Xiao Yan endured it and didn’t push her away. He then heard Bai Qiuchi say, “I was wrong regarding that matter. I shouldn’t have resorted to such a method.”

When Xiao Yan thought of that day, he became unhappy. If it wasn’t Bai Qiuchi, anyone who dared to drug him would be sentenced to death without a doubt. But since he had decided not to pursue the matter with Bai Qiuchi, he would naturally not hold a grudge. He said in a flat tone, “There cannot be a next time.”

Bai Qiuchi heard Xiao Yan’s tone turn cold again and could no longer suppress the grievances in her heart. She looked at Xiao Yan with teary eyes, voice bitter. “Gege, I just like you....

“I like you. I don’t need a title...why don’t you want me...?

“Is it wrong for me to like you?”

Xiao Yan was silent. He had actually lost his patience. There were many women who liked him. There were even more who wanted to be his princess-consort or concubine. But there was no one who could move his heart...well, perhaps there had been one. Xiao Yan looked at Bai Qiuchi.

In the beginning, he had thought that he would wed Bai Qiuchi. But the sliver of affection he had very quickly disappeared. She was nothing but a greedy, scheming, commoner girl. She was even more annoying than those Di daughters from reputed houses. Moreover, it was probably because his expectations had been so high that his disappointment had become so great.... It was to the point that Xiao Yan didn’t even want to see her anymore.

Xiao Yan said, “You don’t understand what it will be like for a woman in the harem who isn’t liked by her husband. I don’t want that for you. It’s for your own good.”

Bai Qiuchi could never be his princess-consort. She wasn’t even qualified to be his cefei. He didn’t intend to hurt her and not take responsibility for her. Xiao Yan patiently explained this to her. He was already treating Bai Qiuchi especially well.

However, Bai Qiuchi cried, “But I only like you. I don’t like anyone else....”

Xiao Yan’s expression froze over. He tore Bai Qiuchi off of him and said, “You should go back.”

Bai Qiuchi looked at Xiao Yan’s indifferent and ruthless appearance, and thought of how he had taken Xie He into his own courtyard. She couldn’t suppress the fear and indignation in her heart. She shouted, “You don’t like me, so who do you like? Do you like that courtesan? He’s the one you like, isn’t he?”

Seeing that Bai Qiuchi was starting trouble for no reason, Xiao Yan called for the eunuch outside. Coldly, he said, “Take the young miss back to her courtyard.”

Despair appeared in Bai Qiuchi’s eyes. Just then, she saw Xie He get carried over. Xie He clearly looked like he was about to spend the night with Xiao Yan. Utter fury flashed through her eyes! She could no longer suppress the jealousy inside. She ran over and slapped Xie He! Her sharp nails carved a bloody streak against his cheek!

The author has something to say:

Young Miss Bai is still diligently hurrying down the road of seeking death.... She and XiaoXiao are the Seeking Death Duo. Clap clap.

Eve: Can’t wait for the gong abuse. 🙁 And for Young Miss Bai to get her just desserts.

sere: surprise, bai qiuchi is an idiot and is a terrible person.

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