Chapter 14: Why Won’t the Young Lord Listen?

Chapter 14: Why Won't the Young Marquis Listen?

Pei Yuhuai shook off his hand: "What the hell's wrong with you? Anyway, it's not about you."

"Don't you dare walk away. You love me, I know it. Try leaving and see what happens. You're mine, only mine, got it?"

Ji Huaiyu was nearly losing his mind. He didn't care whether they were in the imperial palace or if someone might be in the imperial garden. He started clawing at Pei Yuhuai's clothes like a maniac.

It scared him so bad his face went pale.

The old Ji Huaiyu had treated him like the plague—wouldn't even hold his hand without a ton of coaxing. Now he's married and he's acting like this? What the hell?

Freak.

"Ji Huaiyu, if you so much as touch me, I swear I'll make you regret it for life!"

"Warning: The target's affection for Pei Yuhuai has decreased. Affection level: Stage 1."

Ji Huaiyu didn't give a damn.

"Who dares to make such a racket?" A voice like pure heaven rang out.

Pei Yuhuai almost cried from relief. He couldn't fight off the crazy Ji Huaiyu, and his clothes were about to be ripped off. The second he saw Lan He, it was like grabbing a lifeline.

Lan He's eyes were ice-cold, locked onto the hand clawing at Pei Yuhuai's clothes, his murderous intent growing: "What the hell do you think you're doing, Imperial Son-in-Law?"

Ji Huaiyu jumped in shock too. He snapped out of it and quickly let go, breathing hard, looking uncomfortable: "Nothing. Just had a spat and came to blows, that's all."

"Oh, really?"

Lan He's stare was way too intense. Even the Imperial Son-in-Law felt guilty and couldn't meet his eyes. He mumbled some excuse and tried to get the hell out of there.

"Stop right there."

Pei Yuhuai called him back and voiced the question in his heart: "I've got a question for the Imperial Son-in-Law—you and the Princess are all lovey-dovey now. But the Princess has changed completely since the wedding. How come?"

He locked eyes with Ji Huaiyu.

Ji Huaiyu's eyes widened in shock. He took a step back without thinking: "A woman changes once she's married. Even a princess is no different."

"But you just said you and the Princess were just using each other. So that shouldn't change anything."

Ji Huaiyu was stunned silent for a second.

That pause was all Pei Yuhuai needed to confirm his suspicion.

Ji Huaiyu bolted in a panic. Pei Yuhuai wanted to leave too, but Lan He wouldn't let him.

He advanced step by step, backing Pei Yuhuai up against the rockery, a sinister smile on his face: "Why won't you listen, Young Marquis? I told you to stay away from him."

Pei Yuhuai laughed nervously: "How was I supposed to know? And anyway, we just fought. Nothing happened—mmph—"

His mouth was covered.

Lan He kissed him fiercely, urgently, with a possessive dominance. One hand held the back of his head, the other gripped his waist, like he was trying to press him into his own body. It was intense.

Pei Yuhuai could barely take it. His body went weak and he started to slide down.

This stupid body—so useless.

Teased so easily, it reacted right away, wanting more.

He felt like he was drowning, his mouth being invaded by water, unable to breathe, his face turning red, both hands desperately pounding on the lake demon.

It just wouldn't let go.

Just as he was about to black out, Lan He finally let him go, giving him just a few seconds to breathe before starting another round of lung training.

As they kept kissing.

A woman's muffled moans drifted over, faint but close.

They looked at each other, fixed their messy clothes, and Lan He told Pei Yuhuai to stay there while he went to check it out.

Pei Yuhuai couldn't help his curiosity and snuck after him.

The closer he got, the clearer the heavy, ragged breaths became.

He recognized it—that was Princess Ruoning.

He could just make out the princess slumped against a big rock. When Lan He showed up, she immediately grabbed his sleeve, her flirty act perfectly timed.

"What the—"

Pei Yuhuai was about to say something but quickly covered his mouth, edging forward a little to find a hidden spot to keep watching.

Ruo Ning's cheeks were red, her eyes glazed over. She tugged Lan He's sleeve, pulling him closer, her voice thick and urgent: "Don't come near me, don't come near me..."

She said "don't come near me," but her hands wouldn't stop—clearly something was off.

Lan He pulled his sleeve free and backed off a few steps: "Princess, are you okay?"

Ruo Ning bit her lip, looking uncomfortable, and said nothing.

Lan He hesitated, then whispered something to her. Princess Ruoning clenched her teeth and ran off.

What the hell?

Pei Yuhuai watched, stunned, clicking his tongue: "Well, well—you dirty monk. Don't tell me you're hooking up with Ruoning too? No wonder you're here in the imperial garden."

Lan He: "..."

He didn't want to talk to an idiot.

"Why aren't you saying anything? Did I hit the nail on the head and you've got nothing to say?"

He never would've thought it—Lan He, all high and mighty on the surface, using his position to mess around everywhere, even daring to touch a princess!

Unbelievable!

Finally got him dead to rights.

Pei Yuhuai kept pushing: "You better listen to me, or if I get pissed, I'll tell everyone how you messed with the princess and make you pay."

Lan He sneered: "I bet no one knows about your little thing with the Imperial Son-in-Law either, right?"

"You bastard—"

“This humble monk is a monk and absolutely won’t break his vows, but His Royal Highness the Hereditary Prince is different—known throughout the capital as a notorious playboy.”

“You sneaky devil, Lan He.”

“You flatter me.”

Lan He smiled: “Want to pick up where we left off?”

Lan He pinched his waist again, and it stung like hell.

What’s this guy’s deal? He’s always grabbing my waist—am I a doll?

“No more. I’m outta here—I gotta go back. If my old man finds out, I’m screwed.”

He didn’t have the nerve to mess around with the National Preceptor in the palace. If they got caught, the preceptor might be fine, but he’d definitely get his leg broken.

As for which leg, that was anyone’s guess.

Lan He grinned at him and casually reminded him: “If Your Highness isn’t feeling well, you should get out of the palace right away. I’ll be waiting outside.”

“??”

What’s wrong with him?

Pei Yuhuai looked totally confused.

-

In the hall.

Ji Huaiyu and Princess Quying sat together, lovingly feeding each other dishes and murmuring, and to outsiders, they looked like a sweet, loving couple.

But in reality, they were gossiping about other people.

Ji Huaiyu’s voice shook: “He seems to have caught on to something weird about you. He just grilled me—I didn’t think he’d be that sharp.”

Qu Ying tensed up and pressed: “What did he say?”

“He didn’t say much, just asked why you’ve changed so much. It seems he’s noticed something. I said it was because we got married.”

“Nothing else?”

“No.”

“Isn’t he supposed to be a playboy? Why is he so clever? If he finds out I’m not Princess Quying’s soul, we’re screwed.”

“It’s fine. There’s no evidence, and plenty of people change drastically. I’ve been by his side for years without him noticing—he’s only sharp for a moment.”

Ji Huaiyu continued: “Right now, his favorability toward me has dropped to the first stage, just to the level of acquaintance. What should I do?”